Sacred Sacrifice

Chapter 14

Author Notes: candybrown faved, followed and reviewed! Thank you so much for your very kind praise and support~ thealitaylor thank you for faving! Now be ready for quite the backstory ladies and gents.

Originally i never meant for it to be like this, but I like where it went. There will be changes between flashbacks and current conversations. italics=flashback. no italics= modern day discussion. i do not own My Candy Love.

(Edit) WARNING-THIS CHAPTER HAS DARK THEMES AND CONCEPTS. FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT LIKE THE THOUGHTS/REFERENCES OF MURDER, RAPE, SUICIDE ETC ETC...PLEASE STOP READING. I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE.

3rd P.O.V

Another day, another exhausting mission for Shadow, who could only sigh as she falls onto her bed. It's been many years since she had first fallen into this existence. So long that she's actually considered this realm as her home.

Of course this home of hers isn't complete, it never was, because she could no longer have a life involving her sister. It was a blessing to the guardian when she was busy doing meetings or guiding souls from earth.

Being busy meant not thinking so much of her loneliness, of her isolation. As odd as it sounded, she felt like she was getting up in her years, even though she didn't physically age. Then again, even back when she was human, she was far wiser and mature then most around her age.

Living the life of a warrior had an endless cycle of hardships, seeing things most people would lose their sanity over. However in addition to her broken soul and longing for her kin, there were more things to worry about.

Lately she had noticed how the newer, younger guardians recruited weren't ones of protocol. Shadow saw their eyes, their hearts were blackened with greed and corruption. It was clear to her that they cared not for their purpose.

Simply doing what they did with the intent of continuing with their overpowered, supernatural lives. Outside of their assignments they...relaxed themselves, intermingling with the mortals on earth and acting among them.

Not truly understanding that that lifestyle, the roles of friends, lovers, family...those no longer associated with their like. The selfish desires and intentional disobedience grew as the years passed.

Just today she had brought up her concerns to Priya and Dimitry...however there was nothing that could really be done. In a sense they were creating chaos and bringing balance by causing death and negativity.

Though they told her to keep watch over them and make sure they didn't go too far with their newfound hobby of messing with the human world, it was obvious there was nothing they could do to keep them truly in check.

Yes they could be stripped of their power and simply become imprisoned spirits, but that doesn't fix things. With the power within their possession, those with a lust for death and destruction could cause massive mayhem. Their actions couldn't be erased, any damaged made would stay.

Tired Shadow closed her eyes. Unaware that someone was entering her domain until some fabric was thrown onto her head. Startled she rose from her ominous cloud. Blinking as Priya and another woman lifted and tossed random articles of clothing.

"No no no deary! Someone with Lady Shadow's appearance should not constantly don dark hues so often! Bad enough that this world has a constant aura of doom and gloom." Tilting her head, the immortal analysed the Queen of Hell and this new mysterious woman.

Their interactions were comedic, arguing clothing colors and designs, speaking as if she weren't there, they were informal and rather sarcastic with one another. It felt...nice.

If she was honest what Shadow found herself doing if anything when not on duty in the living world was observing the interactions of the humans. Noting how much times have changed.

Technology, culture, traditions, environment, each time she visited there was always something new to learn and memorize. Often when she and her sister had times to interact or 'hang out' as the latest generation says. She couldn't help but chuckle as Halo took in the newest clothing styles.

Constantly dragging her twin to stores and forcing her to try on the most fashionable of outfits. Without realizing it a painful throb hit her chest. "Oh it seems she's awake. Sorry honey!" There would be time to address her emotional turmoil when she was alone.

For now though...Shadow huffed out a small smile and raise an eyebrow. "I take it there is a reason for my slumber to be disturbed by arguing?" Both women looked sheepish, offering small facial expressions to enforce their sincere apologies.

"After you're latest mission, this soul here saw your outfit and demanded a wardrobe change for you. I decided to hear her out and discuss it with you, but it seemed she refused to wait and just barged in. Shadow...meet Mia Rose." She was a bright bubbly lady.

Despite being dead and in the depths of hell she seemed very optimistic with that genuine smile. "Please call me auntie. Everyone does, both dead and alive!" Sitting up and rubbing her still bleary eyes, she let out an amused noise.

This bright, caring soul was a breath of fresh air for Shadow. She couldn't help but agree with Mia's comments of there being too much darkness and depressing auras. "What do you have in mind for attire?" Squealing Mia went straight to work, practically tackling Shadow. "You're absolutely adorable~"

"So wait, that's how you met Shadow? You were being brought to-to Hell and just happened to see her and demand she get a wardrobe change?" Armin was in disbelief. It sounded so...ridiculous.

And reminded him so much of something his brother would've done. Mia let out a little giggle. "Even back then I was what you called bonkers. I died when I was in my early twenties. Back then I was a poster girl for a traveling circus." He couldn't help it, he was gaping.

Her story moving forward and only getting crazier from there. She knew what he was thinking, he was a very easy teen to read. Young Armin wanted to know her whole backstory, and more importantly what she did to deserve a sentence in the afterlife prison that was hell.

It was a good thing she took the back road, taking even longer to arrive at the hospital. "Shadow and I spoke often, as the first guardian or demon maiden as I liked calling her, she took her duties seriously and never really communicated with her kind unless need be..."

"You're always in my sleeping space when I arrive...why?" Shadow had been curious for awhile now. Mia took to changing Shadows style very seriously, spending in human time full days, picking and choosing fabrics of all kinds.

Even after she accomplished her task of modernizing the demon she still lingered. Ever so happy to be within Shadow's presence, asking of her day. "Because you seem so lonely by yourself, yet you don't go out and try to make friends. I feel like you could use a set of ears." It was confusing, it was...warming.

Both her and Halo's parents passed away when they were young, and they had no relatives, so they only had each other. Not receiving the love and care that the two wished. Maybe it was Mia's keen eyes and sharp mind that pieced together her conclusions.

Or maybe her motherly instincts, it didn't matter, she could just tell. Eras aside, Shadow needed and wanted a family to call her own, but threw it all away for the sake of the greater good.

Mia could only hope she could help her loosen up. Although it was unusual behavior, Mia could tell from the tears glistening in the girls eyes that she was touched. Here a stranger sought her out, finding beyond her mask of obligation feelings she ignored and locked away.

"She told me her heart breaking story. How she and her sister died, how for the sake of her sister living a what she thought to be an easier existence and for the sake of the world they left behind, she forced herself to become a monster. She bared her soul, never asking me to do the same. Never judging me..."

A bitter smile took hold of the drivers lips. "She was truly a pure good soul, who didn't deserve anything that happened to her. I became the family she craved, from what I know her sister asked so many questions about me. Wanting to meet and thank me for brightening up Shadows life." She huffed.

Barely restricting the tightening of her hands on the wheel. "I-I loved her and treated her like a daughter, even though she was older then me. She was happier, but I felt so-so guilty." It was painful revealing her past.

Armin showed no signs of judgment, only intense focus as he listened. "I had a terrible life when I was human. I was abused by my husband who was the ring leader of the circus. He often raped me, caged me up like one of his show pets." She shuddered.

There were times she still felt his rough cold fingers on her skin, it was impossible now she knew, but she still felt them, memories of old resurfacing. "Then one day I found out I was pregnant. I was so happy, I was going to be a mother who would love the baby to bunches." Her mouth curved up slightly.

Lost in her words, her eyes revealed no signs of joy though. "I though...maybe he'd stop hurting me, and be supportive, knowing a beautiful child that was both of ours would come." How wrong she was.

"It was a mistake telling him. He accused me of having an affair. Enraged he beat me to the ground, purposely aiming for my stomach." Armin winced, already knowing why her usually kind orbs were iced with hatred. "He killed them, he killed our poor baby."

Quickly she swerved the wheel. Someone had just cut her off the road. "JERK!" She sighs, talking about her husband always angered her. She loved him up until then, always giving him excuses for him hurting her.

He was stressed, he was having a bad day, we didn't make much money for pay for our circus. Looking back now those excuses were pathetic, abuse was still abuse, he had no right to harm her, his wife, his devoted lover.

If only she had gained the strength to fight him, to do something more then cower and let him take control. Things could've been different. "I despised him afterwards. I became infertile, and I didn't need a doctor to tell me my baby died from the harsh brutal hits."

She tried defying him in retaliation for what she lost, for what he did. It led to very little results, her bruises became larger, deeper. Her rage increasing more as the days went by. "Eventually I couldn't take it anymore...I killed him, I went crazy, torturing him, killing him."

Paying him back for everything he did to her and her unborn child. At first she was happy, hysterically joyous. No longer would he lock her up and hurt her. No more demands, no more pain. It was glorious.

Blood coated her hands as she laughed. But as fast as it came her relief and delight faded as people discovered you and your husbands corpse. The animals there in their own cages raged and acted out from the overwhelming scent of blood.

None of them knew that the lion locks wasn't secured properly. They busted through, and massacred Mia and the rest of the people in the tent. Claws and teeth ripped her body apart, her screams sent nightmare inducing chills.

"My spirit woke up standing beside my dead body. I was stuck there confused until one of the guardians took me to Hell. After we got there though he was distracted and I just saw Shadow and snuck away." She shook her head, it was probably the most amusing thing ever.

Although she sobered soon enough. "It took me so long to muster up the courage to tell her my past. When I did though? She...she understood. Only offering her sadness of how far harsh a life I had."

Nothing other then pure relief consumed her being. A heavy weight was released from her shoulders after confessing her sins, her reasons of being in the eternal realm of atonement.

"It would be a long time since I would be reincarnated, but that didn't matter, I was so much more content and freely able to express myself being with Shadow."

Just in time, her long tale at last comes to a conclusion as she stops in the hospital parking lot. Together they got out and walked in. Mia had very little doubts Armin had any injuries except maybe a little water in his lungs.

She trusted Shadow took away any injuries or ailments that plagued him, however she had to keep up appearances. This was just a precautionary check up. Plus this would give the both of them the chance to take in the story she revealed.

For some odd reason she had this sensation that he was meant to find Shadow's body. That somehow he was connected to her in some way shape or form. Right now she had to wait and see how the fates determines the role he has to play.

To be continued

Author Notes: It's been awhile since I've done such a long chapter and for this story too(if i ever had one as long as this) but that will be it for now~ Hope you guys liked this chapter and if so, please feel free to fav/follow/review to show your support!

Also for any of you confused if you just ignored the author notes above. Italics was virtually a third point of view flashback. Of when Mia and Shadow met, and such. It was used to help tell her story. Tchao for now guys~