Chapter 11: I'm Not Alone

The bright light of the sun peeked through the curtains. I squeezed my eyes shut trying my best not to open them. I didn't want to open them. I didn't want to wake up. I just wanted to lay in bed and wallow in my pain and misery. I wouldn't eat or drink. All I would do was sleep it off and even then that wasn't enough to ease my pain. Every now and then I'd feel like I'd have to throw up, so I kept a small trash can by my bed. I know starving myself and staying dehydrated all the time wouldn't help me feel any better, but I didn't care. Nothing seemed to matter to me anymore.

I laid on my stomach and hid my face under my pillow from the sun's presence. I was supposed to be attending a party tonight that my father arranged celebrating my return and my rightful place on the throne. I honestly don't want to go. But I know if I don't show up, I'll probably be dragged out of bed against my will. Father had removed the barrier from my double doors to allow servants to come in and out and bring me food or water (which I never consumed) or anything else I needed. However, the doors were guarded by two men on each side making sure I don't leave my room. Sometimes, the servants would beg and plead with me to eat something or take a sip of water at least to keep me from passing out. But I wouldn't listen. I know they were only looking out for me and they hated to see me like this. But nothing in this entire world would get me to eat or drink.

It's been three days and Dante still hasn't returned for me. My hope was slowly beginning to fade away. Was I really going to lose him? Did he really die? I cried softly into my pillow as Dante raced through my mind. I can't believe I was going to lose him. This can't be happening to me. No... not now.

Just then, there was a knock at my double doors. I didn't answer. I just kept my head buried under my pillow weeping quietly to myself. The door opened and Fang walked inside. He was holding what looked like a bowl in his hand. He began walking towards me and the two doors closed behind him. He stood over me watching as I laid still, shielding my face from him and the rest of the world.

"Rinna…" he began.

I wouldn't budge.

"I brought you some soup. I figured it would help with your sickness."

He sat next to me on my bed. I pulled the pillow closer to my face. I didn't want him to see me like this. After what seemed like forever, Fang sighed and placed the soup on a nearby nightstand.

"Look, Rinna. I know you're not feeling well and I know you miss him. But you've got to eat something. Starving yourself isn't going to solve anything."

I began crying even harder. I felt the tears rolling down my cheeks. I gripped harder onto my pillow. I just wanted him to leave me be and just let me wallow in my misery.

"Rinna, please. Eat..." Fang pleaded.

Still, I wouldn't budge.

Fang was getting annoyed with me being uncooperative. He huffed and grabbed a hold of my pillow and proceeded to snatch it off. I held on tightly trying to keep him from revealing my face. We engaged in a tug of war battle for the pillow.

"Damn it, Rinna!" Fang said with a grunt as he tried to pry my fingers off my pillow.

"Nugh!" I made grunting noises like a little kid.

My grip weakened and Fang was able to snatch the pillow away from me. He set it aside and looked at me. I covered my face with both of my hands and I was hunched over, my long curly hair hung in my face. He put a hand on my back and tried to comfort me.

"Rinna, eat. Please, just eat. You're getting weaker by the minute. You need nourishment. And if you don't eat something now you'll..." Fang paused.

Suddenly, he grabbed me and wrapped me around in a comfortable embrace. Even though he couldn't see my face, my eyes were wide. My head was rested up against his chest. He ran his fingers through my curly, messy hair with one hand and gently rubbed my back with his other hand. His wings huddled over both of us, trapping us in a feathery cocoon.

"Rinna…" he began. "I know that you're hurting. And I know that you feel alone. I know your heart is breaking so much that you feel that there's nothing more to live for in this world. But you don't have to hurt anymore. I care for you, Rinna. More than you will ever know. And I know you'll never feel the same for me, and that's okay. I just want you to know that I'm here for you. I just want you to be happy. I know he'll come for you. But you have to believe in him. You have to keep hope alive."

I closed my eyes as Fang wiped a few tears away from my face. I hate to say it, but Fang brought me joy. He made me feel like there was still hope left. That I didn't have to feel sad and alone anymore. He cared for me. I looked up at him for what seemed like the first time in forever.

"Fang…" I began.

He looked down at me.

"Thank you," I said.

Fang gave a small smile and sat me up.

"Now are you gonna eat, or do I have to feed it to you?"

I looked at him with big puppy dog eyes. I opened my mouth and pointed to it.

"Ahhh…" I said playfully. "Fweed me," I said imitating a little child.

Fang chuckled. He reached for the soup and grabbed ahold of the spoon.

"Alright. Open up! Here comes the train! Choo choo!" Fang made random train noises and I giggled. He placed the spoon in my mouth and I sipped on it like a baby. I laughed and Fang's cheeks burned red and he rolled his eyes.

"Here, you big baby," he chuckled and handed me the bowl.

I finished up my soup and set it down back on the nightstand. I had to admit, it did feel good to eat again. It felt good feeling the warm soup dance around in my belly. I know my baby's thankful for it, too. I felt bad. Not only did I neglect my health, I neglected my baby's as well. That wasn't fair.

Fang gave a long stretch and a yawn. Then he turned to me. "Well I guess I'll be on my way; I have to prepare for tonight. Will you be okay?"

I looked down at my hands; they were dry and a bit ashy.

"I guess so," I said.

"Good. Well then, see you tonight."

With that, he hugged me tight and I returned the gesture. He let go of me and smiled, then he got up from my bed and began walking to my double doors. He grabbed a hold of both knobs and before he left, he turned his head and looked at me. I looked up at him.

"I love you, Rinna," he said softly before he exited my room.

I can't deny that his last words made my heart flutter. I closed my eyes and smiled to myself. Seems that I underestimated Fang. He did care for me. I guess his feelings for me were true after all.

I looked over to my window and saw the sun sitting proudly in the sky. I looked at my clock. It read 10:30 a.m. It was still morning. I sighed and gently rubbed my belly. That soup must've eased my sickness because I felt much better. I needed something to pass the time. I decided to catch up on my reading so I picked up the book i was reading and found the last page I had left off on. After an hour of chapters, I had drifted off into a deep sleep.

...

Well... my sleep didn't last very long since Luna came to visit me. She shook me up from my sleep and startled me. I glared at her, though she didn't find my expression intimidating at all. She just stood there giggling.

"Wake up, sleepy head! Wow, you look terrible..." she examined my wild bed-head and my dreary facial expression.

"Ugh, whaaaaat?" I groaned.

"You need to get out of bed. It isn't good for you to lay around all day."

"It doesn't matter, anyway. I'm stuck in here. I can't even crawl out of the window without being zapped by that barrier my father put on it." I ran my fingers through my curly mess of hair.

Luna let out a sigh. "I know what you need. A makeover!"

I sighed, "Luna I'm really not in the mood for..."

"Aww, c'mon! It'll be fun! And you'll feel better. I guarantee it! C'mon, let's get started!"

Luna grabbed my arm and pulled me out of bed. She sat me down at my dresser. I stared at my reflection while she gathered the things she needed. My skin was pale and my eyes were dull. My face became smaller a bit from lack of food and my hair was just a hot mess. I guess she was right. I could use a makeover.

"Okay. First things first... we need to get you washed up. Then we've gotta do your hair and make up. And then we find you something awesome to wear. Isn't this exciting?"

"Y-yeah..."

"Great! I've got some people to help out too. "Come on in!" Luna shouted.

I gave a confused look. Suddenly, three giggling, smiling women flew in with a clothes rack filled with elegant dresses and boxes filled with exotic shoes. Different types of make up and hair supplies. Their feathers left trails on the floor and they jumped up and down excitedly. I gave confused looks at the giddy trio.

Luna looked back at me and smiled. "Rinna, meet May, June, and July. Their triplets, and they are awesome at giving makeovers. Think of it as you being Cinderella and all three of them are your fairy godmother."

I chuckled and nodded.

"Alrighty then. Ready to be dazzled up?" Luna grinned with excitement.

"Dazzle away," I hunched my shoulders.

"Alright, girls. She's all yours!"

The three sisters screeched with joy and surrounded me, smothering me with dresses, make up, shoes, and a whole bunch of other girly stuff that I haven't even heard of. This is gonna take a while.

...

It took hours of work but they were finally finished. I looked… amazing! My curly mess turned into an elegant loose braid that hung off of my shoulder with pearls and glitter aligned on it, and a thin wired headband wrapped around my head with a diamond in the middle of it. Curly strands of loose hair hung around my face. My eye shadow was a smoky gray, silver, and gold with a hint of glitter. My lips were a blood-red. My cheeks were a plush pink. The dress I wore was a cream white color with no sleeves. It had ruffles from the waist to the bottom and they were covered in pearls. The front of the dress was rather short compared to the back, which was outstretched far on the ground, like a wedding dress. My high heel stiletto shoes were a shimmery glitter color. I couldn't help my constant grinning. I thanked the women for their help and they left waving good-bye and good luck to me. I turned and looked at Luna.

"Luna… this… this is…"

"You don't have to say anything. I wanted to do this for you. I heard you were down so I had to come and cheer you up."

I smiled at her. "Luna, you didn't have to do this for me."

She smiled at me and walked up to me with her arms held out. I held my arms out and joined her in a tight hug. Our faces were buried in each other's shoulder.

"You look beautiful," Luna said softly.

"Thanks to you," I told her. "You're the best, you know that?"

"Hmm… yeah…" Luna said in a cocky tone.

We giggled and released each other.

"You feelin'okay? How's the baby?"

I felt my belly.

"Doin' alright if I do say so myself. Fang came by and gave me some soup and boy did it work wonders on my stomach."

"Well I'm glad. You had me worried. You looked like a depressed, pregnant zombie for a sec."

I chuckled and smiled. I looked down at the floor. I couldn't help but let my mind wonder and think about Dante. Luna must've predicted what I was thinking and put a hand on my shoulder to comfort me.

"He'll come for you. Don't worry. He's Dante. Nothing ever gets in his way."

I sighed and looked up at Luna. She had a bright smile on her face. Luna's such an amazing friend. She's always there for me. And no matter how bad things get, she's always here to make me smile.

We exchanged our last hugs and Luna headed for the door.

"I'll see you in a few, alright? Be strong for me."

And with that, Luna waved good-bye and headed out the double doors.

I looked over at my clock. It was 5:50 p.m. Evening already? I walked up to my window and leaned on the window seal. I stared at the horizon. There it sat in the distance beautiful as always. Its colors consisting of orange, pink, baby-blue, and a hint of magenta. It was a beautiful site. It was even more beautiful up close. It's where I first met Dante… well on the other side of it, of course. My thoughts shattered as I heard someone come inside. I rolled my eyes and turned.

"Ugh. No more makeovers, alright? And I've already eaten my..." I paused.

I saw my mother standing in front of my double doors. She was dressed up in a long, fancy, golden evening gown that dragged across the floor as she walked. She gave me a smile and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Mother…" I muttered.

My mother nodded and walked up to me.

"The celebration's about to start."

I sighed and turned my attention back to the horizon. My mother approached me.

"You look beautiful," she said.

I smiled and looked down at the floor. I saw our shadows grow bigger. The sun must be on its way to the other side. My mother placed a hand on my cheek. I looked up at her and smiled as I placed my hand over hers and griped it tightly.

"I'm fine, mother. You didn't have to come check up on me."

My mother chuckled. "I see that you're well. But I wanted to give you something."

My mother reached behind her neck and removed her necklace. It was encrusted with colorful exotic jewels. And it had a big crystal that hung from the center. She began to put it around my neck.

"It's beautiful! But… I can't take this..."

"Yes… you can. I want you to have it."

She began wrapping the necklace around me and tied it. I moved my braid out of the way to make it easier for her to tie.

"It was your grandmother's," she said. "She passed it down to me; so now I'm passing it down to you."

I looked back down at the floor and saw our shadows growing bigger by the minute. My mother finished tying the necklace and she rubbed my head. I closed my eyes as I felt my mother's gentle touch.

"Everything will be alright. I know this is hard on you. But you have to promise me that no matter what... always stay true to yourself. Trust in your heart."

I nodded and my mother wrapped her arms around me. Trust in my heart…? Isn't that what got me into this mess in the first place? My mother released me and looked at me once more.

"You've grown so much. You've grown into a beautiful young lady. And I know that you'll make the right choices. Just remember what I said. I have to leave now, but I'll see you down at the party. I love you, Rinna. Believe in your heart." My mother turned and headed for the door. The door closed behind her as she exited my room.

Trust in my heart, huh? That's all I had to do...? Just trust in my heart?

I looked out the window to see the Sun taking its leave. The night sky left a blue violet glow in my room and reflected on my skin. I sighed and held on to the crystal on my necklace. I closed my eyes. All this time, I thought I was alone. But I'm not alone. I have my friends, I have my family... and I still have Dante.

"Dante... no matter what may happen, I'll never give up on you." I looked up and headed for my door, ready to attend the party.

…

My glittery heels clacked against the checkered, marbled floor as I slowly walked down the corridor. There were cream-white pillars and statues of ancient angels on each side that led down to the end of the hall. In between those pillars were openings revealing the outside and all of its natural beauty. Pretty, golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling lighting the way.

I felt the cool air caress my face. It felt good. It relaxed me. This was something I needed rather than being stuck in my room for hours. It was good for my baby, too. I rubbed my tummy as I made my way down the hall. I was getting close. Up ahead I could see two big double doors with golden insignias on them. There were two guards strapped in golden body armor holding swords in their hands standing in front of the doors. They acknowledged me and quickly grabbed hold of the doors. I nodded to them and they nodded back. They pulled both doors apart revealing a brighter light. I slowly stepped inside taking in the new scenery before me. The guards closed the doors once I was fully inside.

The room was much warmer, considering the massive number of people here. The walls were covered with decorations. Balloons hung from the ceiling and were tied to tables and chairs. Streamers hung from the chandeliers. The large window curtains were tied back with elegant bows. There were tables filled with fancy, exotic foods and drinks. I began to get watery at the mouth as I carefully examined the food table. I took a few more steps deeper into the large room. Everyone's attention was on me in seconds. They smiled. They cheered. They applauded. They welcomed me. It actually felt nice. I was being greeted by so many people. There was so much love in the room. I smiled to myself. This was what I needed... positive vibes.

"Hey, Rinna!" called a familiar voice. I turned to my right and saw Luna dressed in an elegant white down. It had that same luminous glow as the full moon.

I quickly made my way towards her. We exchanged hugs and gazed at each other in amazement.

"I'm so glad you came," Luna said with joy and a bit of relief.

"I'm just glad I'm not trapped in my room anymore," I said sarcastically.

Luna put a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, things'll get better. You'll see."

I looked down briefly at the shiny, marble floor, staring at my reflection.

I let out a big sigh and began to smile. "Yeah…" I said looking back up at Luna.

"Yeah, you're right. Things will get better."

"That's the spirit! And hey, you know what? I even bet Dante's on his way here right now as we speak. Just waiting to bust in and sweep you off your feet."

I chuckled at Luna's fairy tale story.

"Yeah…" I said drifting off into thought.

I was thinking about him again. He'll be okay. He'll come for me. Even if it takes a thousand years, he'll still come for me. And I'll be waiting. We'll be waiting. I placed a hand over my belly. I gave a small smile and shrugged off my thoughts.

"Well, we can't just stand here in one spot all night. Let's go have some fun!" I grabbed Luna's hand and led her into the crowd.

"Now you're talkin'!" she said with excitement.

We mingled with the crowd. We ate and danced til' our feet got sore. Later on, Luna and I gathered in with a group of ancient story tellers. They told tales of fierce journeys through unknown lands and encountering demons along the way; traveling through harsh, dry deserts and bone aching blizzards. These amazing people were lucky to even witness such events and survive. It was very inspiring. I caught sight of an old woman staring at me in the group of story tellers. She was grinning widely from ear to ear and her smoky- gray eyes were a bit dim. She looked as if she had a secret to tell. I began to get a bit nervous and tried to turn my attention somewhere else. But no matter how much I tried, I could still feel her eyes on me.

"Come here, child," the woman spoke with delight in her voice.

I stopped and stared back at her in surprise. My brain went blank a little. My throat became a bit sore and I forced down a silent gulp. The woman sat there waiting for me to respond. Pretty soon the whole group began staring at me like something was wrong with me. Luna nudged my shoulder.

"Go on, Rinna."

I looked at Luna and gave her a slight nod. Then I slowly stood up from my seat and carefully walked over to the mysterious woman. The woman's eyes gazed upon my protruding belly. Her smile grew bigger, which made me feel a bit uneasy.

She spoke in a soft voice, "I can sense a presence within you… They're special."

My eyes grew wide. "Wait, they're? How'd you…? I-I didn't even know that…"

"I can sense two of them. Their aura is strong."

I stared at the woman in disbelief. I was having twins? Well I guess it's better to know now than later. The genes must have come from Dante. He does have a twin brother, after all.

The woman leaned in close to me. "They're not like us, are they?" she whispered.

I gave her a confused look. "What do you mean?"

"There's demon blood within them, isn't there? I sense it. You must merge with it."

Okay, this woman was starting to creep me out. Who was she and why does she know so much?

"W-what are you talking about?" I questioned.

Her voice began to change. "The energy… you must become one with it. Let it consume you. Let it feast off your soul!".

One of the woman's glowed an unusual blue light. She grabbed my hand and squeezed it, making it turn red. Blue veins began to on her skin.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" I tried to free myself from the obviously possessed woman.

"I need your power… GIVE IT TO ME!" her voice was hoarse and demonic with a loud shrieking.

The commotion caused attention from the other crowds. The woman's blue veins began to crawl up my arm and suddenly I felt an agonizing pain shoot through my arm. I winced in pain as I felt the demonic veins poison my skin.

"No! GET AWAY!"I tried to pull away from her.

Suddenly, a bright light came from the necklace my mother had given me earlier. I could feel a huge wave of energy coursing through my body. I couldn't explain it, but it felt as if the necklace was giving me power. Like it was… protecting me? A bright force of light shot from my hand, knocking the old woman away. She screamed in agony. The light seemed to have scorched her. I held onto my necklace, silently thanking it for saving me.

"Rinna!" I heard Luna cry out to me.

I turned around to see Luna dashing towards me.

"Luna..." she hugged me before I could continue.

"Oh my God! Are you alright?! What the hell was that lady doing to you?!"

"I... I don't... know..."

I turned my attention back to the old woman, but she wasn't there. Instead there was a pile of blue sand on the floor. It began to move and it shifted and formed into the shape of a demon. It was a hell vanguard. These demons have a grim reaper-like image, holding a long purple scythe and a long black hooded cape with charred ends was draped around its body. The vanguard made its way towards me. I backed away slowly with Luna sticking behind me. People began to notice the reaper-demon and instantly a huge wave of panic broke out. The crowd went into a frenzy. The guards pulled out their swords and charged after the demon. But with just one swipe if its scythe, the demon cut through the guards. They screamed in agony as blood sprayed from their bodies. I stood there in shock, barely breathing, as I helplessly watched the guards being ripped to shreds by the psychotic-laughing demon. The blood splattered over me but it didn't seem to make me flinch. I just stood there lost in my thoughts.

Why couldn't I sense the demon before? Am I becoming weaker? But wait! What about that beam of light that protected me?

"Rinna! Rinna, what are you doing?"I could hear Luna's muffled voice.

She stood in front of me trying to break me from my trance. I could see her moving frantically, waving her arms and shouting at me. I blinked a little as I began to make out what she was trying to tell me.

"RINNA!" Luna shouted as loud as she could.

I looked rapidly around the room as I became back in tune with reality. My breathing turned back to normal. I looked at Luna.

"What the hell are you doing?! We gotta move!" Luna said.

I gave her a concerned look and nodded in agreement.

"Y-yeah. I was just…"

"Look out!" Luna exclaimed.

The vanguard lifted its scythe and proceeded to slash through us. I hugged Luna close to me, pointlessly protecting her from the fierce blow. Suddenly, I heard a loud clang of metal. I looked up to see Fang with his sword tangled between the vanguard's scythe.

"Fang!" I cried out to him.

Fang looked down at me, his eyes pleading me to get out of here.

"Rinna! Take Luna and get out of here! Find somewhere safe!"

"B-but... but what about..."

"There's no time! Don't worry about me... just go, GO!"

I winced a little at Fang's words. Was he really going to handle that thing all by himself? I grabbed Luna by the hand and ran, searching for a safe place. I saw my mother through the frantic crowd. She was calling out my name. I tried to get her attention. I bobbed and weaved my way through the crowd. I reached out and grabbed her hand.

"Mother!"

She looked at me. Her eyes grew wide.

"Rinna! Thank goodness you two are alright."

"Rinna!" I turned to see my father heading our way.

"Father, you're okay!" I was relieved to see that he was alright. Well... why wouldn't I be? He's my father, of course.

"Rinna," my father placed his hands on both of my shoulders and looked straight in my eyes. I shook myself out of my thoughts and looked at him.

"Listen to me carefully," he continued.

I nodded making sure to fully analyze everything thing he's saying. This was serious. There was no time to zone out and lose my concentration like I normally do.

My father spoke crisp and clear. "You and Luna take your mother and go find somewhere safe. There's too much going on right now and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt."

"You mean... you don't want us to get in the way…" I retorted.

My father gave me an annoyed look.

"No, that's not what I..."

"Father, please. Let us help you. We can fight! Together!"

My father shook his head. "It's too dangerous."

"We can handle it," I assure him.

My father tightened his grip. He gently shook me as if he were trying to wake me up from a deep slumber.

"Can you not see the chaos that is going on? That… thing… it will devour you. It will eat you alive and absorb your power along with it. I cannot allow that."

I know that arguing back and forth with him wasn't going to get us anywhere, but I can't just sit here like a helpless little girl when I know that I can do so much more. I can help them kill that thing. I know I can! But he has to trust me.

"Father… I beg you," I stared deep into his eyes.

I was trying to reach into what little ounce of fidelity my father had left for me.

"I know I can help. You have to trust in me. I'm much more powerful than you think, more than you will ever know. Please… trust me."

My father looked away contemplating on what I asked of him. My mother and Luna were silent. He finally looked at me. He shook his head once more.

"I am sorry… I… I cannot."

My face frowned with disappointment. I inched closer to protest but he stopped me while I was ahead.

"No! I've made my decision. Get to safety immediately."

And with that, my father left to go intervene with the vanguard, who was still laughing maniacally as it cut the limbs off of more guards with its glowing scythe.

My mother and Luna gave me concerned looks as I stood there. I was staring at the empty spot where my father stood. He… didn't have faith in me. He doesn't trust me enough to protect myself. He didn't even give me a chance. Who does he think he is? Why does he have to be so stubborn all the time? How could he?! Tears began to poor down my face as I let my thoughts carry on. My face began to burn. My eyebrows were furrowed down in an angry frown. I clenched my fists so hard that they could bleed. I'm not gonna sit here and let this all happen. I have to do something. Dante would do something…

I turned to Luna and my mother as I wiped away my tears.

"Luna," I said authoritatively.

My sudden change in tone must've caught her attention. She looked at me as if I were a commanding officer.

"Take my mother and get her to safety. I'm going after that thing."

My mother was the first to retaliate. "But…your father..."

"I don't care what he says! I'm not going to sit here and just let all of this happen. That thing was after me, I know it was. It's because of me. I'm the one who needs to end this. I can take care of myself. I'm not your little girl anymore."

My mother stared at me in shock. "Rinna…" she said breathlessly.

I pulled my mother close to me and embraced her before turning to Luna and doing the same to her.

"I'll be okay. Luna, take her somewhere safe."

I turned and began to head off. Before I continued on I gave one last glance at my mother. She was still watching me.

"You told me to trust in my heart. Maybe you should do the same."

My mother held on to her chest as if I struck a big silver knife through her heart.

She tried to call out to me, "Rinna, wait! I…"

I was already gone.

"…I love you," she stood there speechless.

Luna placed her hands on my mother's shoulders.

"She'll be okay, Madam. I know she will. I've seen how strong she is."

My mother hesitated for a second, but then nodded. She and Luna then searched for a safe place.

I walked through the crowd of panic. I didn't let the horrific screams and terrified shrieks of the crowd faze me one bit. I was on a mission to kill… kill that horrible demon who terrorized my people. Fang was still tango-ing with the horrid creature. I slowly approached the vanguard. It caught sight of me before it ripped an angel guard apart. It gave a menacing smile as it stared at me with its glowing blue eye.

Fang looked at me. "What are you doing?! Go back and hide!" he ordered.

"No... I'm not running away like some helpless little girl. I have to stop this thing."

Fang landed back on the ground. "Are you crazy?! you'll get yourself killed!"

I didn't respond. I just kept walking towards the monster.

"So... you've come back to me, have you?" it said in a shrieked voice.

"Not exactly. I've come to put an end to this."

"Oh? How so, my pretty?" the vanguard began to hover close to me.

"By killing you!" I pointed my index finger at it.

The vanguard gave another menacing howl, waving its scythe in the air. I stood there unfazed by the vanguard's mocking behavior.

"You want to kill me? You're nothing but a spoiled little princess. You couldn't even hurt a fly let alone a powerful being like me!"

I smirked."That's exactly what I wanted you to think," I said to myself.

"What's with that look?" the Vanguard suddenly became irritated.

I just stood my ground and kept up my act.

"I'll wipe that arrogant look off of your face!"

The Vanguard launched at me with full speed. I closed my eyes and concentrated my energy. My necklace began to glow. I held my hand out and in time, I struck the oncoming reaper with a powerful blow. It howled in pain as the beam of white light penetrated its skin. I finished the blow, but I somehow began to feel week. My vision became blurry. I felt my whole body giving out. I caught myself and knelt down on one knee. A trickle of blood leaked from the corner of my mouth. I was discombobulated and confused. Why am I... so weak all of the sudden? Is this power… too much for me? My breathing became heavy and I became light-headed.

"Rinna!" I could hear Fang's voice call out to me.

The Vanguard slowly stood up. Its skin was charred and its hooded cloak was destroyed revealing its spiked skeletal head.

It growled at me, "I told you! You're weak! I'll admit, you dealt a powerful blow. Just look at what you did to my cloak! But you weren't able to handle all that power on your own. You let that charm use of too much of your energy and now you're helpless. No one can save you... NOW DIE!"

The Vanguard lunged at me with its scythe ready to rip me to shreds. I tried to stand on my feet but ended up falling over in the process. I laid there still, awaiting my death. I felt blood splatter onto my face. But I didn't feel any pain. I was still breathing. This... this wasn't my blood. I slowly opened my eyes. I gasped and my eyes grew wide. There standing in my place was Fang who had the Vanguard's scythe sticking halfway through his chest.

I tried to lift myself up but the pain was still there. "F-Fang…" I said breathlessly. "No..."

Fang stood there motionless, smiling as if everything was okay.

"It's… a-alright... Rinna..." he struggled to say, blood trickled down his mouth. "I'm… ugh!"

The Vanguard lifted its scythe making the wound cut deeper.

"Stop it! Let him go!" I cried out.

"Oops! Sorry that was supposed to be meant for you, my dear. Guess he got in the way and had to suffer for it. Too baaaad!" the Vanguard fiercely slung Fang off of its scythe and he landed harshly on the ground.

"FANG!" I cried reaching out to him. Tears began to roll down my face. This was all my fault. He... he's dead now... because of me. All he wanted was to protect me. And now he suffered for it. He didn't deserve this... He didn't deserved to die... not like this.

The Vanguard let out a shrieking laugh once more. I laid there watching as my friend slowly died away. Fang... I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve this. It... it should have been me. I'm the one who caused all of this.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash that came from the glass ceiling. I looked up and saw a demon making its way towards the ground. It floated gracefully until its feet made contact with the floor. I stared at the peculiar demon. Somehow it looked familiar. It was armed too the teeth with two guns and a sword. Its skin was a blood red color and something hung from the back of it like it was a trench coat or something. Its hands were a metallic silvery metal and so was part of its head. This demon stood in front of me as if it were shielding me from the Vanguard.

The Vanguard must've known who this demon was because it quickly gave a menacing glare and readied its scythe. "You! You won't escape me. I've got you this time... Urgh!" the Vanguard stopped in its tracks.

In a quick flash of red and silver the Vanguard was cut straight through by that strange demon. The Vanguard made a strange noise of cement bricks grinding against one another, and it quickly burst into black streaks and blue sand. I gazed in amazement at the red demon that stood there, unharmed at all putting, its big sword away. What kind of demon is that?

Suddenly it looked at me and I got chills. It began making its way towards me and I started to back away a bit. The demon reached for me and knelt down to my side. It placed a hand gently on my face. It stared deep into my eyes. Its touch felt so familiar. I blinked a few times as I tried to contemplate on just what or who this demon really is. The red, the silver, the weapons... Why didn't I realize sooner? How could I forget? My eyes filled with tears and a smile spread across my lips.

"Dante…"

He smiled at me. I reached up and hugged him in a tight embrace as I shed my tears on his red, leathery but surprisingly smooth skin.

"I knew you'd come back for me," I said in a muffled voice.

There was a flash of white and he turned back into his original human form.

"I told you I would," he said as his silver hair fell in his face. He ran his fingers through my curls.

I smiled as I took in his warmth. I missed his warmth, his scent of cologne and pizza, his soft silver hair., his icy-blue eyes. He was here finally. We were reunited once more.

I notice that people were giving us strange looks. In fact, the whole room was giving us attention. It was silent. Nothing but the stares of angels filled the room. Dante noticed this too and looked around the room.

"Now what?" Dante said as he looked down at me.

I hid my face in his chest, silently praying that everyone in the room would disappear.