I do not own MODR.


Forever and Ever

Chapter Twelve:

Of Angels and Debts


"Dancing?" Cyrus stared, bewildered as a pair of demons spun past her, laughing gleefully as Solomon smiled before her, his emerald eyes shining. "I love the arts as much as any, I suppose. But is it really..."

"I figured we could all use some fun once in awhile," Solomon beamed, eyes shining as he extended a hand to her, and Cyrus blinked, surprised as he smiled warmly. "Shall we?"

The young servant hesitated, torn between trying to build up the gentle wall between them and giving way to his nature, but before she could decide, Eligos slipped past and clutched Solomon's extended hand, twirling off with a laugh. Solomon glanced back, and Cyrus smiled, eyes warm as she took a step back from the moving bodies before her.

Firm arms clasped her on either side, and Cyrus blinked, looking upwards in surprise as Camio smiled warmly down at her, his golden jade eyes brilliant as his locks tumbled down his shoulder, gracing her cheeks. "Shall we?"

"Oh, well, I—" Before she could protest Camio twirled her around, his hands slipping through hers as he smoothly tugged her along. Cyrus smiled, eyes exasperated as she glanced downwards, watching her feet. "I can't dance—I'll step on you."

"Then follow my lead." Eyes so enchanting she could never deny them, Camio smiled, twirling her about as he swept her off her feet, and Cyrus could only stare in amazement as he gazed down at her.

His hand clasped hers and he pulled her forward, Cyrus smiling despite herself, and those golden jade irises shone. "I would never let you fall."

"I suppose," Slender hands slipped through theirs and Cyrus blinked as she was spun around, meeting eyes of every shade of blue as Sitri blinked over her head and at a slightly bemused, if not faintly annoyed Camio. "But I would never give her the option."

"Can't I just go back to my duties?" Cyrus wondered aloud, smiling as Sitri huffed, twirling her elegantly and bringing her to him as they swayed, a soft lull of music streaming through the air. "Or must I fight my way past you all?"

"Wouldn't you rather dance?" Sitri dipped her and Cyrus blinked in surprise, laughing breezily as he brought her up, meeting her gaze. "Besides, what better place than here..."

His hands tugged her closer and he gazed down at her, fondness and mischievous glints in those silvery blues. "In my arms?"

A demon bumped into the two and Cyrus stumbled, Sitri whirling around in annoyance as Cyrus laughed, shaking her head lightly as she took a step back. Red and blue eyes shining brightly as she turned, only to pause at the silent figure standing a few feet away. Ebony locks framed his sharp features, and Dantalion was silent, quietly observing the movement and laughter before him, surprisingly thoughtful as he gazed outwards.

Cyrus bit the inside of her cheek, brows furrowing as she contemplated her choices before she sighed, shrugging her shoulders as she stepped forward. Her small fingers slipped through Dantalion's hand and he blinked, turning to look down in surprise until one firm tug brought him forward, catching him off guard.

The Nephilim stumbled before regaining his step, looking up in annoyance before his eyes widened at Cyrus' impish grin, her eyes shining brighter than any fire he could imagine. A moment, brief, before his mind clicked and he arched a brow, gazing down at her in mild bemusement. "She dares to touch the hand of a dirty demon?"

"Oh, shut it." Cyrus rolled her eyes, moving her feet soundlessly across the floor, Dantalion following her every step as she awkwardly maneuvered them around. "Or would you rather rot away in a corner? Because that would be a big help to me, really."

"Some lady you are." Dantalion rolled his eyes, but his ruby irises never left the smiling face. "You call this dancing?"

"In the few minutes I've experienced it, yes." Cyrus grinned brightly, for once not flashing him those disgusted glares or scowls. "Think you can do any better?"

Ruby eyes flashed and Dantalion stepped forward, Cyrus blinking in surprise as he smirked down at her, his hands clasping firmly over hers as he brought her around, moving them to his own tempo. Cyrus stumbled, suddenly realizing she had to watch her feet as Dantalion smirked, twirling them about.

"What the—why would you be good at this?" Cyrus questioned incredulously, trying to keep up as Dantalion smirked, looking haughty.

"I've had to master an etiquette you don't quite understand." Cyrus flashed him a dull look and his lips curled upwards. "Impressed?"

Her foot slammed onto his and he winced in pain, a bright smile adorning her lips as she swung them around, changing the beat of the dance as he flashed her an annoyed look. "You'll have to do better than that, Lion."

"Lion?" He gazed at her in confusion, brows furrowing as Cyrus grinned.

"Your name is such a mouthful." She shrugged, blinking in surprise when Dantalion once more took control of their pace. "I like it better."

"Are you so uneducated you can't even say my real name?"

"I'm not above stepping on you again, you know."

Dantalion scoffed, but as his hands curled around hers—so small. His eyes lowered and he gazed down at the girl before him, a silent look crossing over his features as she moved, dark brown locks swaying with her. And he suddenly realized how easily she could break, how easy it would be to wipe her from this earth.

The fleeting truth of human life.

A foot smacked into his shin and Dantalion hissed, jerking as he shot an annoyed glare down at her while Cyrus blinked, amused. "What was that for?"

"Perhaps I'm not as educated as you," she leaned forward, on the tip of her toes as she grinned, eyes flashing, and Dantalion paused, mesmerized. "But it's rude to frown when someone's trying to have fun."

Dantalion opened his mouth to snap back at her, but someone bumped into him from behind and he stumbled. Cyrus laughed, bright, breezy, and he glanced up, lost for a moment in the happiness on her face.

He wanted to see her smile more often, he realized. The demon's eyes widened slightly, and for once, he was at a lost for words until he realized her attention had shifted. Ruby red irises followed her gaze to the lone figure standing amongst the swirling bodies.

Jade eyes were soft, warm, as Solomon simply smiled, a gentle look on his features. Cyrus paused, seeming to hesitate a moment until Dantalion stepped backwards, letting his hands slip from hers as he rolled his eyes and forced a look a of annoyance on his face. "Don't keep him waiting."

Cyrus rolled her eyes in return, but flashed him something of a smile as she turned on her heel and made her way to Solomon, trying to ignore the way jade eyes glimmered a little brighter as he held his hand out to her and she slipped her fingers through his with ease, without a single word, and the two turned.

And Dantalion stared for a moment, wondering when Solomon's happiness had slowly changed into making sure the annoying servant girl was happy as well.


"I wonder what Heaven's like."

"What on earth would make you ponder such an idea?" William inquired, looking up over his book as he narrowed his eyes at me, and I shrugged, unable to deny the growing curiosity gnawing at the back of my mind. "Heaven is simply a falsehood of—"

"We've seen Hell," I glanced upwards, as if the ceiling to the common room could possibly offer any answers. "So I wonder what Heaven's like. Is it filled with clouds? Angels and harps? A massive gate where—"

"It's not the kind of place that you should be dwelling over." William said finally, closing his book and flashing me a look of faint annoyance as I grinned impishly. "Since it doesn't exist."

"Yes, yes..." I used his side to prop myself up, and the blonde stiffened, glancing away as I grinned. "But it doesn't hurt to be curious now, does it?"

"Curiosity killed the cat."

"But satisfaction brought it back."

"Shouldn't you be studying?" William quickly intervened, and I paused, freezing at the mention of the subject. "Considering your status as a part-time student, you will be required to at least pass the tests with average scores if you don't want to be stuck in the bottom level like this one over here for the rest of the year—"

"I won't flunk if you help me!" Isaac wailed, clutching his books to his chests as he dropped down onto his knees.

"Do I care? Just flunk already." William scoffed; bring a cup of tea to his lips as I laughed nervously.

"Don't say that!" Isaac sniffled, tears in his eyes. "I don't want to have to repeat the lower fifth year! I'll be the oldest person in the class!"

"Then you'd better get back to your desk right now." William chided calmly. "Cramming right before the exams is a recipe for failure. You need to put in the work every day."

A rather depressed aura hung in the air and William blinked, glancing over to where I sat, laughing nervously as I rubbed the back of my head. William's eyes narrowed, clearly judging my response as I simply smiled, clasping my hands together. "Well, while studying is important, it all really comes down to luck when you think about it—"

"Believing in any illogical superstitions is even worse." William muttered darkly, and I simply laughed nervously, idly pawing at William's shoulder with a sheepish smile.

"Although you might not make number one on this exam." Isaac commented, pointing a finger towards a student sitting across the room.

William paused, a wary look crossing his features. "Who is he?"

"Elliot Eden. He's in the same class as you." Isaac explained. I glanced over, following their gazes and let it settle on a silver haired boy sitting a few feet away; a rather intent look on his face as he concentrated on whatever book he was reading, eyes a startling rosy shade of red. William let out a small hum, seemingly just as lost as I was to the student's identity as Isaac blinked. "You really don't remember him? He just returned to school, but on the last Latin test he was only three points behind you."

"Was...he?" William wondered aloud, and a strange tightness began to coil in my chest as I paused, eyes darting to Elliot's figure as he smiled, taking a few steps and standing before us. A curious feeling fluttered through me as I stared, wondering if I had seen him before, somewhere around school perhaps until a sharp jab slipped through my head like a quick knife to the gut.

"Monster."

"Are you William Twining?" Elliot inquired, and I could only stare, eyes growing wide as his form seemed to grow hazy for a moment.

William's eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't you recognize your own prefect?"

"You monster."

"My apologies," Elliot offered a small smile, tilting his head to the side. "We've never actually spoken in person."

There was a flicker through my eyes, a dull throb in the back of my head as I winced, the dull pounding a constant echo. Elliot's eyes traveled over and he seemed to pause for a moment, his eyes widening as a look of fury over took his features, disgust and contempt in his rosy hues, and I suddenly felt myself bristle, feeling it was somehow directed towards me when William shifted.

"Well, what can I offer to you?" William continued, his fingers curled gently around his cup as Elliot's smile widened.

"I just wanted to give you a message." There was a flicker through his rosy eyes and Elliot smiled, bright and irresistible. "I'm aiming for the top score on our next test. Don't try to coast through; it won't be any fun if you make excuses after the fact."

A fierce surge of anger and dislike suddenly surged through me, surprising even myself for a moment at the large bundle of it that seemed to erupt from my bones at what had just been said. The sudden flare teetered a little more than overprotection as I frowned, touching my head as Elliot flashed us a smirk and turned on his heel. Isaac blinked beside us, a slightly awed look on his face. "A declaration of war?"

A sour frown settled on my lips and I snorted, crossing my arms over my chest as I settled back into the couch, William trembling slightly beside me. "He seems like the kind of guy that just likes to rile people up... Nothing to worry about."

"Isaac! Milo!" The two of us flinched, glancing to a suddenly fiery eyed William as he scowled, clenching his hand into a fist as we blinked. "Go study!"

"B-But I'm not involved in this!" Isaac wailed while I blanched, blinking in disbelief as William grabbed onto Isaac's collar.

"I won't be satisfied with just the top; I want you and Milo in the top ten! Second place!" Isaac let out a pitiful cry and William turned, glowering darkly. "He'll rue the day he challenged my genius intellect even more than he'll rue the day of his death."

"I thought you said to ignore bullies and let them run their mouths..." I muttered, flinching when William whirled around and narrowed his eyes.

"This is much more than a simple playground spat; this is a battle of brains not brawns." William's hand suddenly grasped mine, and I blinked in surprise as he suddenly tugged me forward, nearly stomping out of the room. "And for you to play a valuable part in this game, you need to study as well!"

"But I don't wanna~"

William paused, thoughtful for the briefest moments as I perked up, hoping he'd let me slide by without much to worry and let me simply score my average scores as I did every year when he turned, emerald eyes glittering somewhat deviously.

"For every question you answer right, I'll give you one of those vanilla biscuits Kevin always gives you."

"H-How about the library then? I think it should be free a little after Latin class!"

Isaac blinked, watching as I shot after William, trotting behind him like a well trained pet, and the red headed boy smiled sheepishly.

Food always was a good incentive.


"You seem to be studying rather hard."

A sudden chill ran down my spine, leaving a trail of cold fingers dancing along the nape of my neck as I paused, glancing up from the Latin notebook William had made me, marks and notes written neatly in the margins. Rosy red eyes gazed into red and blue, a bright, illuminating smile adorning Elliot Eden's lips as his silvery locks framed his face, almost cherub like.

I felt myself waver for a moment, crossed between simply gathering my things and leaving him behind with a glare. But years of politeness and etiquette William had tried so desperately to drill into me battled fiercely against the more primal urges and I inhaled, setting the book in my lap as I met Elliot's stare evenly. "Some of us actually have to try to get good grades, not everyone can be as gifted as William."

"I heard that you worked as a maid for the school." Elliot commented innocently, a curious look on his face as I remained silent, waiting to see where he was trying to shift this conversation towards. "I didn't realize you participated in the studies as well."

"I'm also a part time student here." I answered calmly. The growing distrust and dislike was beginning to fester in my chest, and I found myself struggling to remain civil with the boy before me. True enough, he did come off as a tad bit condescending, but I didn't even know him—it wasn't fair to be bitter or rude just because. But I get such bad vibes around him...

"They never could understand why we would turn our eyes from the light, and open our arms to the darkness."

I blinked, frowning at the sudden nausea that flared through me. Elliot's gaze flickered and he hummed, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You seem rather close to Twining—or should I say William?"

"Twining." I answered breezily, flashing the silver haired student a tight lipped smile. "I think as a prefect, he would prefer you to speak to him in a more respectful manner."

"Does that mean you get some form of special treatment?" Elliot mused, a sly sort of smile playing on his lips. "That seems rather irresponsible for a prefect to favor another student—"

"William's actually very hard with me." I said calmly, a blank expression on my face. "If anything, whenever I get in trouble he always makes sure that I learn my lesson. He's a very fair person you know, it's all about working hard and earning things in his book."

A look of displeasure flickered through Elliot's eyes as he hummed. "I see."

Is he trying to get me to talk shit about William? I felt my eyes narrow slightly as I drummed my fingers along the worn pages. What would he even want with me anyways?

"How fitting that you should appear again now of all times." Elliot murmured. I glanced up to him in confusion and a bright smile appeared on his lips. "Someone to help cheer William on, I mean. You two must be very close friends."

He means everything to me. "Can I help you with something, Eden?" I inquired finally, not one to play around with words and elaborate verbal dances. If there was something he wanted, he was going to find that there was nothing here for him. "I'm not the best at studies, so I can't help you academically very much..."

"I just wanted a chance to talk to you." Elliot smiled, clasping his hands behind his back as he leaned forward slightly, silvery locks shifting with the movement. "I wanted to say hello, but William was there and it seemed rude to interrupt."

"Well then," I offered him a bright, feral sort of smile as my eyes glinted in the sunlight, the trees swaying and bowing to the wind as leaves flickered, casting shadows over our faces as the sun shone down on him, and the trees faintly veiled my face, halfway in the shadows. "Hello."

The air suddenly grew tight, bathing in tension thick enough to cut as Elliot's red eyes gazed calmly into my pair of red and blue, emotions swirling in them that I couldn't identify. But the air of contempt and faint bemusement fluttered past, the sudden feeling to be beside William flickering through me as slowly, Elliot's lips turned upwards into a dark little smile.

"I don't know you." I began suddenly, setting my hands down onto the book before me so they wouldn't be tempted to stray anywhere else. "So I can't judge, and I can't make assumptions." But I trust my gut. "But it should be fair enough to give you a warning I would give to anyone else."

Elliot blinked, looking curious as he tipped his head to the side, red eyes glittering more like blood than roses and I narrowed my eyes. "William is the kind of guy who works hard to get where he is, and when it comes to competitions, its brains over brawn for him."

I tipped my chin upwards and Elliot's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "But I'm the kind of person that works better with a more physical demonstration of skill." A small smile curled over my lips. So don't mess with him.

"I will never let you have him."

"Michelangelo!" Elliot stiffened, looking faintly surprised for a moment as I turned, eyes widening in pleasant surprise as Kevin appeared, a firm, narrowed look on his face as his robes fluttered around him, lavender eyes rather hard. "May I see you for a moment?"

"Of course!" I instantly perked up, gathering the books around me and sparing Elliot one final glance. "Bye, Eden."

"Farewell, Michelangelo." Elliot's eyes glittered, lips curling upwards in a bright, shining smile and I quickly turned on my heel making my way to a silent Kevin.

"Is there something you need Kevin?" Lavender irises paused, flickering to me in surprise as if he hadn't just called me over. But the simple pleasure of just being able to talk to Kevin overruled anything else as I beamed. "What's up?"

"Forgive me, Milo." Kevin sighed, running a hand through his wavy chocolate locks as he smiled sheepishly. "You almost looked ready to start a fight and I was worried you were going to harm that student."

"Oh, come on—I'm better than that." I whined, pouting as Kevin laughed, gentle and warm as my eyes flickered to the side. But I was ready to if brought anything else about William up. A sudden thought struck me, the rosary-like necklace resting safely beneath my pillow where I had left it, somewhat afraid that it might suddenly activate and hurt someone without meaning too. "Say, Kevin—"

"Are you studying?" I blinked, glancing to the books in my hands and back to Kevin as his eyes went wide. "Milo, that's fantastic! Perhaps you can finally start really educating yourself and aim for something beyond—"

"I'll worry about my future after you quit gambling." I mused, Kevin flinching as he laughed, rubbing the back of his head and my eyes grew warm, wanting nothing more than to sit down and talk to him for the rest of the day. "I can when I want to you know, I'm not that bad..."

"You always just seemed so focused on other things." Kevin admitted. Lavender irises turned and he offered me a warm smile, ruffling my head with an air of fondness that I eagerly returned. "See to it that you don't overwork yourself now, alright?"

"Of course!" I instantly brightened, smiling warmly when the heavy feeling in my stomach grew. My smile faltered and I paused, idly tugging at a strand of hair. "Kevin, that necklace you gave me..." Kevin paused, glancing downwards as I bit my lip before continuing. "Was there something...special about it?"

Like forming protective barriers and incinerating demons? I waited, Kevin silent before me. My shoulders tensed, waiting, and I found myself fearing what might leave his lips, praying for even a bit of normalcy couldn't be that bad, could it?

"I know that it has charms on it," Kevin explained finally, and I glanced up, keeping my hope at bay as I took in Kevin's thoughtful expression, a slightly curious look on his face. "The man I got it from said it was blessed from the Vatican—it wouldn't surprise me if it was a little spiritually rich, why? Is something wrong?"

"It just has this kind of air to it," I answered quickly, relief pouring through me in waves as I slumped, smiling brightly. "I was just curious, thank you, Kevin."

"Anytime, Milo." Kevin smiled warmly, gentle fingers running through my hair before he stepped aside. "Good luck with your studies!"

"Don't gamble too much!" I quipped, turning around and stepping away, unable to stop the bright, relieved smile that touched my lips at hearing his answer. Everything's fine, it's okay. Kevin didn't know... There are blessed charms and things out there, its no surprise.

Then why do I feel so...

Uneasy?


Forgive me, Milo. Kevin's hand slowly lowered, his eyes watching as the head of messy brown made her way around the corner of the cathedral and disappeared, slipping out of sight. For now, just let me protect you and William.

Kevin's eyes flickered and he glanced to the side through narrowed eyes where he knew rosy hues were watching his every move, the high heavens above them watching, waiting, and he felt a dull ache in his back.

Kevin turned, his gaze focused on the school where he knew a certain angel would be playing his own part in this game soon enough, and he would not allow himself to stand by and let him do as he pleased. Not this time.

Red and blue irises flickered through his mind and he clenched his fist, eyes narrowing at the memory of hateful glares and bitter smiles, those soft hands cradling the head of gold to her chest as a single mortal stood before an angel, her small, slender body the only thing standing between him and his duty to bring but another soul to heaven. His skin pricked at the familiar feel of those eyes, intent, unwavering, ice and flame.

"I will gladly fight anyone who stands in the way of his happiness."

With an air of determination, Kevin stepped forward, the sunlight glittering off his white robe, flickering and fluttering like the beat of wings.

"Even God himself."


"Stay away from him."

I nearly let out a screech of surprise, the books in my hands tumbling from where they'd been clutched tightly and clattering to the floor. My chest rose and fell rapidly, my eyes wide as I glanced back and forth before slowly turning, a feeling of dread settling in my stomach as ruby red irises met my gaze, firm and intense as Dantalion crossed his arms over his chest.

I blinked, feeling my eye twitch. Despite the fact that I had no intention of seeing Elliot anytime soon, the very fact that Dantalion himself had to approach me and order it so made the situation all the more obvious that something was amiss.

Plus, hearing it from him just irked me a bit.

"I'm guessing you mean Eden. Since when did I ever have to listen to you?" I muttered, bending down and gathering the books together as I frowned. "I can do and see whoever I want—"

A firm hand gripped mine, a hand so much larger than my own easily encircling my wrist. I paused, blinking before my brows furrowed and I glanced upwards, Dantalion's even, intense gaze meeting my stare calmly. His eyes flickered to the side and his grip on my hand loosened as he pulled back, glancing downwards to the books below us, his eyes landing onto the cover of the theology textbook, an angel perched, sword raised to the heavens.

"I don't trust him." Dantalion explained calmly, his voice surprisingly level for once as I frowned, gazing at him as ruby red irises flickered. "He's not a demon... But there's something else to him. I've already warned William—"

"I don't need you to tell me who I should stay away from." I answered quietly, narrowing my eyes slightly, but not pulling away. "I'm not dumb you know. I can—"

"Handle myself." Dantalion cut in and I paused, looking up at him sharply as his fingers began to rub slow circles into my hand, his gaze somewhere far off for a moment before ruby reds grew brighter and he glanced upwards. "I understand. All I'm asking is that you stay away from him."

"Why?" I murmured, oddly surprised with how calm he seemed to be this time. Dantalion was normally so...forward. Seeing him rather calm and quiet was a strange change of pace, and I couldn't help the slight worry it shook through my bones as he frowned, gazing hard at the cover of the book. "You always tell me things but you never give an explanation—"

"He's dangerous." Dantalion answered simply, rubies sharpening as his eyes narrowed. "And you're weak."

A surge of anger flooded through me and I moved to jerk my hand free, annoyance flickering through when I found it was stuck in his iron grip. "I'm not—"

The world suddenly shifted, the ground rushing to meet me and I blinked, staring wide eyed up at Dantalion as he gazed downwards, his hands pinning my arms to either side of my head, his body towering over my own. Surprise flittered through, but there was a strange sense of quietness that settled over the anger as he simply stared, red eyes intense, meaningful. "You are."

His grip around my wrists tightened. "With a flick I could break your bones." His eyes shifted downwards before they rose, meeting wide red and blue. "On a whim I could take your soul here and now, and what would you be able to do?"

"I would put up one hell of a fight." I snapped, eyes narrowing suddenly as Dantalion shut his eyes and inhaled before exhaling, gazing at me quietly. "Besides—"

Spiky bangs suddenly brushed against my forehead and I paused, mesmerized for a moment by the startling red before me, deep, intense—sad. But the moment I saw the emotion it was gone, and Dantalion's face was dangerously close as he leaned over me, leaving me no room to move as his eyes bore downwards into my own, unrelenting.

"I could kill you right now," Dantalion mused quietly. "And what would you be able to do?"

Dantalion's face shifted, hazy for the briefest moments as I blinked, the lines of his face seeming almost a bit younger, his slicked back hair taking on its former spiky tone in his regular demon form, but his eyes didn't change, still the same intense, unwavering red.

"I wouldn't be able to do anything."

"I wouldn't be able to do anything." The words suddenly left my lips, spoken as if I'd known them my whole life, and Dantalion's face grew strangely blurred, but his eyes seemed to widen as I continued. "But neither would you."

"Because..."

"You would never hurt me."

Would you?

Slowly Dantalion let his grip slip from my wrists, backing away and giving me room to breath. I quickly shook my head, shoving aside the strange pounding and bringing myself upwards as I grabbed the final book, setting it in my lap as Dantalion kept his gaze elsewhere, a thoughtful, faraway expression in his gaze.

...

...

...

"You're an idiot."

"Excuse me?" I snapped, shooting up in disbelief as I narrowed my eyes at Dantalion. But his gaze refused to meet mine as he settled for gazing silently outwards, and I frowned at the odd pang in my chest.

"...You're weird you know that."

Because you're my friend.


"I'm gone for less than half an hour—half an hour!" I breathed heavily, legs pumping as I shot down the halls, barreling past gossiping students and frowning professors.

I felt my heart shooting downwards to my stomach as I grimaced, panting as I shot down another hallway and ducked beneath a group of students crowding the hall, fear and discomfort flickering through me, followed by a growing sense of unease as I barreled down the hallways. I should have never left his side.

Word had spread like wildfire, and it was within minutes as I waited through one of my other courses to take a test that I'd gotten wind of William Twining cheating on an exam. I'd quickly confronted the students for even saying such a nasty rumor, but it'd proven true as they stated William had been taken to the Discipline room to await some sort of a trial.

A sudden figure appeared before me and my eyes went wide as I braked, skidding across the floor and slamming into the figure. My eyes went wide and I toppled over, arms flailing to catch my balance when firm arms suddenly slipped around my waist, propping upwards from falling to the floor.

"Ca—Nathan!" Jade gold eyes blinked once, surprise flittering through as I blinked, surprised as well to find the head boy here.

"Milo!" I titled my head to the side and blinked one more.

"Isaac! What are you two—" William suddenly flickered through my mind and I stood, dusting myself off and flashing Camio a grateful glance as I took a step back. "I'm sorry, I've got to go see—"

"William isn't allowed visitors at the moment." Camio explained quietly, obviously guessing where I was headed due to my haste and I froze, looking up sharply as Isaac frowned, nodding his head. "You would be sent back before you got the chance."

"I can be pretty sneaky!" I answered quickly, moving to step around Camio as he blinked, somewhat fondly and perhaps a bit exasperatedly as I glanced this way and that, trying to map my way to the room where William would be held. "They won't have any idea—"

"But Milo, you'll just get in trouble too!" Isaac started, a worried look on his face as he quickly shook his head, flipping through a book he'd brought along with him. "I'm trying to think of something to help William out of this—a prayer or chant but—"

I sidestepped Camio once more, moving to dart past him when a calm hand landed on my shoulder, gentle but firm. I hesitated, glancing upwards as Camio met my gaze evenly. "Isaac is right, if you simply charge in now, it'll only cause more trouble."

Disappointment flashed across my face, but a flicker of rebelliousness came through and I bit my cheek, glancing away when Camio spoke up again.

"But with the Head Boy's presence," a small smile turned upwards on his lips, golden jade irises glittering as my eyes brightened. "Perhaps something can be arranged."


A flash of blonde appeared on the other side of the glass window and I perked up, instantly picking up speed as William appeared, emerald eyes wide with surprise. "Milo! Isaac! What are you doing here?" His gaze flickered to where Camio hovered over my shoulder and he blinked. "Head boy!"

"Don't worry William, Milo and I will get you out of there!" Isaac began eagerly, and William blinked, a look of disbelief on his features for the briefest moment as Isaac held up a golden pendant. "I'll pray to the archangel Michael for strength in the battle to come!"

"Forget that!" I stepped backwards, rolling up my sleeves as I squared my shoulders and narrowed my eyes. "Back away from the door William, I'm going to bust this thing down—"

"Are you insane?" William snapped, pounding his fist against the door as Isaac fluttered about me, trying to stop my intent to slam the door down. "You're going to get yourself hurt."

"Indeed, Milo." Camio began softly, and I snorted, cracking my knuckles and smirking.

"I don't care how long it takes, this door can't hold on forever—"

"Don't worry! I'm on it!" Isaac cried excitedly, shooting down the hall and out of sight. William blinked, shaking his head as he sighed and I frowned, making my way to the window and pressing my forehead against the thin glass.

"Are you alright?" I inquired softly. William blinked, glancing upwards and running a hand through blonde locks as he sighed, nodding.

Camio was silent beside me, a thoughtful expression on his features as he followed where Isaac had gone. His gaze flickered back to William. "So, any idea who was behind this?"

William glanced upwards, surprised, and I follow suit, looking at Camio with wide eyes as he continued calmly. "You weren't the one who did this."

"You believe me?" William began eagerly, eyes shining as Camio inclined his head.

"Your grades are your only claim to fame. You would never risk soiling that."

William's eyes brightened before a suddenly dull look over came his features. I hummed appreciatively, idly tapping my fingers against the glass as I frowned, gazing downwards at my scuffed up shoes and wondering who would be able to frame William for something like this...

The obvious choice would be Elliot. My frown deepened and I felt my brows furrow. But that would seem strange to accuse him just because he's a rival academically...and there's no proof as well. There's probably a few people who'd jump at the chance to say something against William.

There was a tap against the glass and I glanced upwards, blinking as William frowned at me. "If you keep making faces like that you'll get wrinkles."

"I didn't realize you cared." I murmured, grinning widely as William blinked, cheeks flushing as he stuttered, fixing his collar.

"Don't be an idiot! Making faces like that isn't going to help me out of this room. Instead of brooding you should go study or—"

"I'm staying right here until we get this sorted out." I said simply, leaving no room for argument as William's mouth opened in protest and I simply grinned, tilting my head to the side. "I'd never leave you."

Camio's gazed remained on us for a moment, something flickering through those jaded irises as he remained silent, glancing elsewhere as he spoke up. "Talk to me, we'll sort this out."

"R-Right, well..."


"I want to give him the right to choose."

Soft locks tumbling down slender, slim shoulders, the body before her standing so tall and proud, but so easily could it be broken, shattered, lost.

"There should only ever be one choice in the matter."

A small smile turned upwards on curved lips, bitter and somewhat sad, but the smile was strong, unwavering.

"Then I'll make it so that there are more."

Because you are my everything.

Slowly, I felt my eyes flutter as I blinked, gazing dazedly into the thin light of the moon streaming through the windows, illuminating the hallway before me. Sluggishly I turned, my head having been resting against the sleek wooden frame of the door where William sat on the other side, most likely asleep.

I blinked once more, shifting my arms when I paused, glancing down at the silky feeling around me, a look of surprise and dazed confusion flickering across my face at the silk blue blanket that had been placed over me. The smell of something sweet and a cool, wispy sort of breeze wafted my way and ever blue eyes flickered through my mind, a small smile touching my lips as I brought the blanket closer to myself. Thank you, Sitri.

"Milo?" I perked up, blinking groggily at the tired voice as I pressed my ear to the door, hearing someone shift on the other side. "Why on earth are you awake at this hour?"

"I just woke up." A small smile touched my lips and I shut my eyes, pressing my head against the smooth wood. "And I could say the same for you."

"I woke up when I heard you moving around out there. Really—you should be in bed, idiot." William muttered, but it sounded halfhearted and I smiled, pressing closer to the door, as if pressing closer to William.

"And leave you all alone? I could never do that."

William was silent for a moment and I paused, waiting, always waiting, when he spoke up again, softer this time. "I don't always need you to protect me you know."

"But I want to." I answered gently, and for a moment, everything felt so far away. "I owe you everything."

"Yes, yes, I get it." William sighed, and I could imagine him running a hand through is hair. "But you don't owe me anything, Milo. To me you're..."

I shut my eyes, listening, and it almost felt as if William were leaning against the door as well, using it to prop himself up as his eyes flickered and he pressed his head against the door.

"You're my friend."

You're everything to me.

"Aw, you do care."

"Shut up and go to sleep you idiot, I need to be prepared for tomorrow's trial."

And like that, there was no wooden door. There was William and there was me, and were there, here, right now, wrapped up in something far beyond what I could ever understand.


"William Twining," the air in the room grew heavy, hushed whispers filling the room and bouncing off the glass walls as light streamed through, casting a shadow over the prosecutor as William stood tall before the trial. "Do you admit to your crimes?"

"People are saying he cheated on a test, not a murder." I shot students whispering behind our backs a dirty look and they paused, glancing away. Beside me Isaac mumbled quick prayers, clutching tightly onto his golden medallion as William tipped his head forward, ignoring the stares and the whispers, and staying true to his own testimony.

"No, sir."

"Then William Twining," something shifted, deeper, tighter, the feeling making me pause and suddenly feel tense as the judge gazed down at William, face neutral and firm, a strange contrast to the words leaving his lips, "who do you love best: God or the demons?"

My eyes snapped upwards, confusion coloring my features as William blinked, looking equally as startled as the judge stepped forward, a dark shadow becoming cast over his face. "Answer the question, barer of Solomon's soul."

Isaac suddenly let out a startled cry and I glanced over, eyes widening as the golden pendant in his hand began to shine brightly. "M-Milo, what's—"

Snap.

"Isaac—" The world around us suddenly flashed, blinding white shrouding over everything and I shut my eyes, grimacing at the sudden onslaught of light when it all flickered, dying away and shifting. My eyes flickered open and I paused, William suddenly beside me and Isaac on the floor beside us. "...where are we?"

Checkered floors and ceilings box us in on either sides, traveling endlessly onwards into unknown horizons. I shakily took a step forward, glancing about in confusion as to what had just happened to the court room minutes before and William whirled around, eyes narrowed. "Isaac! What have you done?"

"I-I just asked the archangel Michael for the power to defend you!" Isaac exclaimed, holding up the pendant in response.

A slender hand suddenly grasped onto the pendant, plucking it from Isaac's grasp as we whirled around, eyes widening as Elliot blinked, a somewhat disappointed look on his face. "And I thought I'd finally get a straight answer from you. Too bad."

The pendant shattered beneath his fingers and I felt my eyes narrow as Isaac let out a cry, a disappointed look on his face while William stepped forward. "Eden! Don't tell me you..."

"You really need to learn to be quicker on the uptake." Elliot sighed, and William frowned, taking another step forward when I suddenly found myself stepping before him, a silent wall between the two.

"What's that supposed to mean—"

There was a flash of electric blue and William suddenly tugged me backwards as Elliot frowned, raising his hands upwards to block to storm of blue energy shot at him. My eyes widened at the familiar color, eyes flickering to the side where Sitri landed nimbly on the checkered floor beneath him. "Sitri!"

"Here's a troublemaker." Elliot sighed, and my gaze flickered, eyes growing wide as the sound of fluttering wings beat once into the air, and the downy white feathers adorning a pair of wings curled inwards from Elliot's back.

Wings... I gazed in disbelief, trying to register the appearance of wings before me as Sitri's eyes narrowed, silvery blue locks tumbling past his shoulders. "I thought so. You're an angel."

"Angel?" William echoed, a look of disbelief on his face while Isaac perked up, eyes wide with excitement.

"If we've been dealing with demons then I guess..." I slumped, bringing a hand to my head in disbelief. "But angels too..."

Elliot smirked, a golden light beginning to flicker in his palm as he raised his hand. The stream of light grew brighter, taking form of something much slender when a golden sword appeared in his hands, intricately designed and without a flaw as Isaac drew in a breath beside us. "'There stood a man with his sword drawn in his hand...'" Isaac's eyes grew round. "Then you're really the leader of the angels, the 'one who is like God', the archangel Michael!"

There was a flutter of wings and flash, and my eyes widened as William was suddenly dangling off the ground, Michael smirking as he clutched William by the throat. "Don't you remember? I cleaned up after that kingdom you created, Solomon."

Again with that name. I felt my eyes narrow as I stepped forward. "Let him go!"

"What... what are you talking about?" William ground out, and Michael blinked, a slightly put off look on his face.

"Honestly, you humans are so impudent it's unbelievable. You turn your backs on us, even as God bestows his blessings upon you." Michael's eyes narrowed and he sighed. "I shall grant thee 'ecstasy', William Twining. Or should I say Solomon, son of David?"

"Let him go!" I snapped, eyes burning as Michael paused, glancing over towards where I stood, hands clenched tightly into fists. "Let William, go!"

"You know, you shouldn't be speaking, slave." A murderous look suddenly appeared on Sitri's elegant features, a look of fury erupting in those ever blue eyes as Michael smirked, pointing his sword towards me. "Your soul was quite the pain you know, disappearing and hiding away from us like that... Stay still now and await your turn, it must be God's mercy to allow the two of you to pass on together like this."

"Leave..." William ground out, struggling with the grip on his neck as Michael smirked, drawing his sword as my eyes went wide.

"You should be honored." Michael pulled his arm back, the golden sword glinting in the light of the checkered world around us as he smirked. "I will deal with you personally."

"Stop!" Sitri growled, lunging forward only to be blocked off a Michael frowned, turning his gaze toward the demon.

"Shall I take you along as well, Sitri?"

Sitri's eyes narrowed before they went wide. "You can't..."

"But I can." Michael smiled, eyes glittering darkly as he clutched William to himself. "I am, after all, permitted to judge all sinners in the name of God. I annihilate man and demon alike!"

Michael's eyes narrowed and he beat his wings, turning his head to the side as a broken piece of metal soared past. I narrowed my eyes, lips pulled back into a snarl as I slipped my hand into my pocket and flicked my knife outwards, raising it upwards. "Leave them alone."

A laugh escaped Michael's lips; a look of bemusement coloring his features as he idly tightened his hold on William. "You think you can stop me? A demon is one thing, Solomon another but you?" His eyes narrowed into one of disgust. "A slave?"

"Don't call her that!" Sitri snarled, a furious look in his ever blues as Michael frowned, unamused.

"And here I thought we were all equal under the eyes of God." I mused, Michael's eyes narrowing as I spun the knife once around my fingers, gripping it tightly. "Why don't you set him down and see what a slave can do?"

A sudden explosion rocked the air around us, shattering a whole through the dimension as Michael darted away. I sprinted forward, Sitri's hand suddenly catching my arm and halting me from going any further as the smoke cleared and William appeared, looking up in surprise as Dantalion smirked, holding onto the blonde boy. "I'm sorry I'm late. I had some trouble breaking through his damn barrier."

Feathers fluttered to the ground and Dantalion's eyes narrowed as he set William down, Sitri and I running to meet him. Michael blinked, raising himself upwards to Dantalion. "You are Lucifer's favorite disciple... the Grand Duke, Dantalion."

"Don't you dare speak Lucifer's name when it was you who cast him down, you traitor!" Dantalion snapped, ruby red irises narrowed as Michael's eyes glittered darkly, a dangerous aura flickering around him as spheres of energy appeared in his palms.

"I was stronger than Lucifer, that's all there was to it." Michael smirked. "The foundations of this world are so beautiful in their simplicity, as will be your destruction here!"

Dantalion lunged, meeting the attack head on as flames rippled around him. The force of their constant attacks sent gusts of wind barreling our way and I stood closer to William, bringing an arm up to block the debris flying this way and that as William spoke up. "What does he mean by cast down?"

"His Highness is Michael's older brother." Sitri explained, and the old bible story from before suddenly flickered through my mind, an air of sadness following the memory as Isaac spoke up.

"Lucifer rebelled against the angels, fought Michael and lost."

If someone like Lucifer lost to him... My eyes snapped to Michael as he smirked, sending spheres of energy slamming into Dantalion as the ebony haired demon slammed into the floor. Then against someone like Dantalion...

"I know all about your life as a man, Dantalion," Michael spoke up, eyes glittering with a dark mirth as he smiled. "Before you sold your soul to the devil, you were the cruelest, coldest, and most brutal—"

"Shut up—"

"Leave him alone!"

The air stilled for a moment, eyes flickering to my form as I heaved, shoulders rising and falling. My own eyes were wide, not quite believing that the angry outburst had left my lips as Dantalion gazed at me with wide eyes, ruby reds flickering as I paused, bringing a hand up to my head as I blinked.

"...then if you know, how can you stand here beside me?"

"Because I told you before, idiot."

I don't care.

A small smirk overtook Dantalion's lips, and Michael's eyes widened as he rose upwards, flames igniting in his palms. "If the lady requests it..."

"I-I didn't say anything!" I snapped, clutching my head in my hands in horror as I stuttered. "G-Go get beaten up for all I care—"

"But Milo, you did say it—"

"I didn't hear anything!"

The ground shook and Dantalion surged forward, letting out a vicious cry as the flames around him erupted, slamming hard into a wide eyed Michael and sending the angel tumbling to the floor. A look of disbelief briefly crossed his features when his eyes narrowed as Dantalion planted a foot against the downy feathers, raising his hand upwards as crimson flames flickered in his palm. "You don't even deserve purgatory."

Michael's eyes narrowed and Dantalion smirked. "Die."

But before a move could be made a figure appeared, shooting in between Michael and Dantalion, cross raised in defense. William stiffened beside me and I felt my eyes grow wide as Dantalion halted, the flame in his palm dying away.

"Kevin..."

"As a pastor of the Church of England, I will not allow a demon to harm one of our students." Kevin's eyes hardened and he stood firm, disbelief flickering across my face as I took a small step forward.

Dantalion's eyes narrowed. "Stand down. I have no desire to fight you."

William stepped forward, a look of alarm on his face as Kevin remained still, eyes narrowed hard in determination. "Dantalion, stop—"

"Do you want to die?" Dantalion inquired, gripping Kevin's chin between his fingers as he smirked, eyes glittering darkly as he tipped his head forward. "Or would you rather reveal your true identity right here?"

There was a shift and the sound of footsteps pounding against the ground as Dantalion paused, an air of annoyance swirling around him as I stood before Kevin, arms braced outwards in defense as I narrowed my eyes. Dantalion's gaze flickered downwards to me, Kevin stiffening behind me as the ebony haired demon lowered his gaze. "Move, Milo."

"No."

Dantalion's eyes narrowed, annoyance clear in those bright red eyes as his lips pulled backwards. I stayed firm, refusing to budge if the only thing standing between Kevin and him was myself. "This doesn't concern you."

"Kevin is someone precious to me." I answered calmly, Dantalion stiffening at my words as his eyes narrowed, lips pulling down into a scowl as I stood tall. "I will not let you hurt him."

"Dantalion." William warned, and the ebony haired demon scowled, letting out a low growl as he stepped forward.

"To say someone like him is precious in front of me..." Dantalion started, and I paused, glancing upwards as Dantalion's hand shot out, clutching my chin tightly between his thumb and forefinger and I blinked, my head being titled upwards as Dantalion's eyes narrowed. "That deserves a punishment."

"If you harm him, Heaven will respond with all its might." A hand landed on my shoulder and Dantalion's eyes narrowed as Kevin remained firm, unwavering. "Do you want to put the Young Master in even more danger?"

"Do you?" Dantalion inquired quietly. I felt my brows furrow in confusion as he leaned over, hand above me as he jutted a finger into Kevin's chest. "Are you any different?"

What is he talking about?

"I'm sick of this." Michael spoke up, feathers fluttering this way and that as he raised his wings.

A strange sense of familiarity flickered through me as rosy eyes narrowed, a whirling storm of sadness and bitterness battling within me, and with a single stroke of powerful wings, the air shifted around him.

"Until next time."

And everything vanished.


"Can you believe it? William look!" I eagerly shoved the papers, littered with only a few red marks this time as the blonde blinked before me. "I made the top fifty!"

Emerald eyes flickered, clearly not as ecstatic as I was about the score, but nonetheless I beamed, brandishing the paper proudly as my lips pulled upwards into a bright grin. "Thanks to those notes you gave me I actually scored this time! Not bad right?"

"For you." William relented, taking a calm sip of his tea. I eagerly lapped up the praise, smiling from ear to ear when slender figures slipped beneath my chin and titled my head to the side. I blinked at Sitri's coy expression as he dragged a finger below my chin.

"Shall I reward you then, for all your hard work?" Sitri mused breezily, tipping his head forward as I blinked.

"I'm fine with just William saying—"

"Back off, doll." Sitri scowled as a firm arm slipped around my neck, tugging me backwards into a firm chest as Dantalion smirked, gazing down at me with glittering rubies. "I have to punish her first."

I frowned, a look of disgust coloring my features. "Are you looking for a fight?"

Dantalion blinked, disbelief coloring his features. "That's not—"

"Milo." I snapped my head around, attention focused solely on William as he calmly leafed through a book, not sparing me a glance.

"Good job."

My eyes went wide and my cheeks flushed as an embarrassed laugh left my lips, hand reaching upwards to rub the back of my head sheepishly as I idly took a seat beside William, unable to suppress the wide smile. "I-It was thanks to you..."

Sitri and Dantalion scowled, turning their heads aside as I beamed, content to be here beside William, the warmth of the common room casting a warm glow around everyone and everything, shoving aside the lingering question that had begun to fester in the back of my mind, a whisper. The aching suspicion and curiosity that had begun to grow, refusing to be ignored within the far corners of my mind. One name attached to the constant barrage of questions, moments, the images flashing through my head, the pounding head aches, the nostalgia, everything.

"You slave."

"Why don't you remember?"

"You're too cruel."

"I know you."

"I'd never let you fall."

"Always."

"You always did..."

"Remember."

"I'll never leave you."

Who was Cyrus?


HOORAY FOR UPDATES. :D

I'm beginning to grow very fond of the little flashbacks at the top of each chapter, and I am eternally glad that you all seem to like them as well, because they're very fun to right, and I can promise you all a few chapters that really dwell into what happened all those years ago.

But not for awhile of course. ;)

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