Chapter 36
The shot glass slammed down onto the table, the sound ringing despite the loud jazz band behind her. There was a faint murmur of conversation inside the establishment, but almost all creatures inside avoided the female slumped by the bar.
"Another?"
The creature behind the bar, tall and broadly built, pushed another glass of liquid forwards. The female flickered her eyes up, taking in the curved horns on his head, the slit pupils in eyes and the sharp fangs in his mouth.
"Yes."
Lilin swiped the alcohol from the demon, with a displeased grumble. She kicked back the shot, embracing the burn and fighting the shiver down her spine. Stupid dragon slayer. She continued to curse the man inside her head. Anger and frustration boiled underneath her skin at the thought of him.
After the…incident earlier that night, she had run off. In her state, she had searched for an escape from reality, from the troubles of her soul and the troubles of her body. Somehow she had managed to stumble upon this demon's bar in the middle of a human's town. It was fascinating. It had drawn her in, and as soon as she had neared the establishment, she sensed the demon signatures inside.
Silas – who's name she had learned a few minutes prior – chuckled. "Much better than that soft human booze, isn't it? Can't get any of this from them. Their weak little bodies can't handle it."
"Aren't you in one of them right now?"
"Modified," he responded, taking a spin in front of her. A thick, pointed tail flickered behind him. "For the better, I say. So, what brings you to our establishment? Young princess."
"None of your business," Lilin quipped, obviously not in the mood for talking. She had appreciated the wide berth the other demons had left her, but for some reason, this one wouldn't leave her alone. "How do you even manage to keep this place-"
"Undetected?" the demon finished. "The proper spells. Been running this bar myself for over a century now. The locals love it." He leaned forward with a slick smile. "Without burning up my body, if I say so myself. Quite proud of my achievement."
Lilin's eyes widened. "How?" she asked, though in hindsight, she realized it came out more like a slur.
The whole place was riddled with demons, but she could sense that they were weak, strong enough to pass to this earth without the need to possess a human body. But her bartender on the other hand, he was definitely stronger. To last in a single human's body for that long was unheard of.
"It's all about reining in the power, princess. Keeps the body from breaking down. I bet it's something you need to work on."
Her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"No offense, princess, but you reek of power," Silas said, gesturing to her. "Why do you think the rest of them are avoiding you? It's unsettling."
She glanced down at her hand, curling it into a weak fist. Hard to do much when you're seeing double. "Then…how do I rein it in?"
"Well, this is a first. Can't say I've had a demon such as yourself ask me for any advice." He placed his open palm onto the bar top. His black-tipped claws flexed and Lilin watched with odd fascination as the slight power she detected from the man multiplied. For a moment she could see it fester, darkness dancing around his hand. "Concentrate, reel it in." The darkness stilled, shivered and receded back into the demon's body.
Lilin attempted the same thing. She closed her eyes, and while her power wasn't physically visible – not at the moment at least – she could sense it flowing around her. The demon was right, her power was all over the place. A product of her incomplete soul perhaps. Concentrating, she slowly pulled it back into her body.
"Better," Silas said, passing her another drink. Lilin was happy to take it. "I don't suppose that was all that you came here for?"
Lilin snorted, shaking her head, though the action made her dizzy. She had almost forgotten the potency of demon liquor. "It's complicated."
"Anything to do with that human over there?" Silas asked, gesturing towards the commotion that was building near the underground entrance to the bar.
Lilin swiveled around, her vision slightly blurry. She made out a head of blonde hair and a cloud of sparks. She cursed to herself when she noticed the other demons flocking to the dragon slayer.
"He yours?" Silas asked, taking a sniff. "Wait, no, he's unclaimed."
A spark of annoyance, coupled with something else, flashed through Lilin's body. Annoyance won over and she spun back around. "Don't know him."
Silas cracked a smile. "If you say so." His eyes lit up. "Ah, you know what, I believe i have something that might interest you." Silas turned and grabbed something from the billboard behind him. It was an old, folded sheet of paper.
Lilin reached for the paper, and snarled when Silas pulled his hand back.
"Ah, you didn't think you'd get this for free, did you, princess?"
"What do you want?" she hissed.
"Payment," he answered, sending her a wolfish grin, "of the finest quality, of course."
Lilin huffed, but held out her wrist in front of her. She stiffened when he grabbed hold of it, lifting it slowly to his lips.
"To think I'd get to sample from such a fine wine," Silas said. His lips pulled back, revealing sharp fangs.
Lilin had always thought the demon's form of currency was archaic. Blood, energy, sacrifice. Was there nothing more efficient?
"Hurry it up," she said. Behind her a small commotion was stirring, but she didn't bother to look. She did, however, wince when she thought she heard a growl.
Silas' eyes darkened and his pupils dilated. He lowered his fangs to her wrist and was about to sink into her flesh when the scent of lightning punched through the air, followed by a loud crackle sounding from behind her. Her wrist was ripped from Silas' grasp and her body was pulled back into a hard chest. An arm snaked around her waist, securing her position.
"Hands off her."
Laxus' eyes were a darkened grey and his snarl was vicious. Lightning crackled around his body.
Silas lifted his hands up, his lips teasing into a smile. "Careful there, human. You don't have many friends here."
"Like I give a damn about that," Laxus replied, tightening his hold around her. "And what is a demon's den doing in the middle of a human town?"
"No particular reason. We bounce around from place to place. Keeps it easier for us to stay hidden from folk like you," Silas responded, his voice hinting at the threat.
Laxus wanted to protest, but Lilin placed a hand against his chest.
"Don't," she said. She turned back to Silas. "He won't do anything."
"I'll trust you," Silas said, "but can you do something about your little pet? He's gaining more attention that I'd like."
"I'm not a damn pet-" Laxus was cut off when he felt hands at his back. He cast an eye over his shoulder to see a swarm of demons around him staring at him as if he was their next meal.
As if he was going to let that happen.
One particular demoness was being quite forward. "I'll take you, human," she said, her voice hissing like a snake. She had long fangs and green slitted pupils. Her skin was made of scales. "I'll take care of you better than that half-blood princess. I'll even overlook the fact that you reek like dragons." Disgust was written all over her face, but it was mixed with bloodlust that was coming off her in waves.
Laxus had no idea what the crazy snake demon was saying. He was prepared to electrocute the demon when he heard a frustrated hiss. There was a sharp pull on his collar before soft lips pressed against his own. His eyes widened when he noticed who it was. Her tongue passed through his lips, entangling with his own. In that moment, he lost concentration on anything but her. All he felt was her fingers threading into his hair and her body pressing against his. He was drowning.
Then he felt it. The slow prodding against his soul, the snake of a chain wrapping around it. Not painfully, but snug enough for him to feel it.
Then her lips were gone. Laxus opened his eyes – unaware he had closed them in the first place – and watched as Lilin pulled back, eyes even blacker than normal. She hissed a word to the other demons that made his heart skip.
"Mine."
The snake demon hissed back, but reluctantly slunk away. The rest of the demons also returned to their seats as if he was no longer up for grabs.
What just happened? Laxus thought. He turned his attention back to Lilin, but noticed she was talking to the bartender again. The one whose hands were a little too friendly with her earlier. He wanted to say something, but the moment he opened his mouth he felt something compel him to stay silent.
He couldn't speak.
He glared at the black-haired demoness once he realized what was happening.
"Sorry," Lilin said to Silas. She barely felt the wave of animosity coming from behind her. Only because her brain was still reeling over her admission just now. Mine…?
'That's because he is ours.'
She silenced the voice in her head, deeming it ridiculous. The emotions that she had regained – the ones that pulsed with happiness and love – begged to differ as well.
Lilin shook her head to clear out her head. Getting back to business before a certain dragon slayer cleared the bar, she held out her wrist again, but Silas shook his head.
"Oh, no thank you, princess." He laughed. "That just now was more than worth it. Much more entertaining than the regular mess I get around here anyways." He held out the folded paper to her between two fingers. "You've earned it."
Lilin looked at him warily, but decided to make a grab for the paper – twice due to the alcohol – prompting a small chuckle from the demon. She gave the parchment a curious glance once it was in her hand.
"Thanks." She stuffed the paper down her chest and gave him a small nod of the head before making Laxus leave with her. She tried not to stumble on the way out; the floor seemed to have duplicated itself. "We should go." Lilin could feel the alcohol taking over now after her small adrenaline rush subsided.
"Good luck with your pet, princess," Silas called out, just as they were leaving the underground demon bar.
Lilin flinched, knowing that would anger the upset dragon slayer even more, but the damage had been done. Once outside, she watched as the bar flickered out of existence, most likely moving to a new location.
The moon was still high in the sky, illuminating their path as they trekked back to their campsite in the early hours of the morning.
Laxus had had a speech prepared. One which involved yelling at the black-haired demon about the insanity of her binding him to her without his consent – even if it was only temporary. One which involved her disappearing out of the blue without letting him know – even though it was partially his fault.
Unfortunately, given his current inability to speak, he was left brooding in his anger. Apparently, his dark glares at her back weren't enough to get her to remove whatever hold she had over his windpipes.
Once they arrived back at their campsite in the middle of the woods, Laxus had enough of the silence. Grasping her wrist, he tugged Lilin around to face him. With a scowl on his face, he pointed to his neck.
She laughed, though it sounded like a drunken giggle. What did they serve her? "I like it better when you're silent. You're less annoying."
He snarled at her and she sighed.
"Fine."
Laxus felt the chains around his soul unravel and soon the tightness around his vocal cords released.
Unfortunately, of all the things he could have said, he blurted out, "Who was that back there?" Damn, his jealously really needed to be reined in.
He didn't even blame her for rolling his eyes. "Does it matter?"
Laxus' teeth clenched. "Of course, it does."
"Don't worry." She waved lazily over her shoulder as she stumbled into their tent. "I won't ruin your precious Sunshine's body."
He flinched, following her inside. "That wasn't what I meant."
"Oh, really?" She sat herself down on their sleeping bags and glanced up at him through hooded eyes. "So, you would've been fine if I gave that demon my blood."
His answer was immediate. "No." His inner dragon bristled in anger at just the thought of it. He stalked over to her. His eyes commanded her attention and to his pleasure she didn't look away. "Why did you offer it to him in the first place?"
"It's payment," Lilin replied, nonchalantly.
"For?" He was unnecessarily close, but he didn't like the scent of those unknown demons all over her body. He wanted to replace it with something more pleasing.
"None of your business," she said, taunting him with a curt smile. She pulled back away from him, Laxus wasn't having any of that. He pounced, caging her underneath him as she fell back.
She snarled up at him, but he answered with his own growl of displeasure. He searched her eyes, but they refused to provide her with an answer. Trailing down, he then noticed something peering out of the valley of her breasts.
"Hey!"
The parchment in his hands before she knew it. He waved the piece of paper between his fingers in front of her as he sat straddling her hips. Raising his brow he said, "So, it doesn't have anything to do with this?"
She reached upwards, but he lifted it away, unfolding it in the process. His eyes skimmed over its contents and his brows furrowed in confusion.
"A job request?"
Lilin sighed, having resigned herself to answering his questions. "Keeping reading." At some point, her alcohol-induced brain decided to keep itself pre-occupied by playing with the waistband of his jeans while he did. A surge of hunger passed through her, a consequence of not having fed for the past week.
Laxus tried his best to ignore what she was doing, but it was proving hard. "It's…for a demon extermination. You do those?"
She made a noise of affirmation. She sat up. He lifted the request farther away from her, but that wasn't what she was going for anymore. Feeding her impulse, she grazed a hand along the strip of flesh that was now revealed to her, trailing her fingers up his chest and underneath his shirt. She grinned when she felt his muscles ripple.
"We demons are not all one and the same," she explained, finding a spot she liked on his neck and pressing her lips to his rapid pulse. By now, the blonde had gone completely stiff. "Occasionally there are rogues, ones that draw too much attention. So, we take care of them," she bit down, drawing a lovely hiss of his breath, "so we aren't exposed."
Laxus tried to remain calm enough to draw more information, but the request in his hand was quivering. "So, this one, is one of them?"
She nodded. "You should be happy, we're doing you mages a favour, taking care of scary demons for you."
"And why you?"
"Why not me?" She sucked against his pulse, and he groaned. "I'm available and I'm nearby."
Laxus knew there was more to that, but was getting too distracted to even care. Somehow, he had already lost his shirt. When did that even happen?
"What are you doing?" he asked, through clenched teeth. He was trying to have a decent conversation with her and she was molesting him.
"I'm starving," she breathed into his ear, trying to hold back the whine that would've made it obvious how desperate she truly was. "I feed off energy." She began to trail sloppy kisses down his neck, delighted at the shivers she elicited. "Life energy is the most potent, most satisfying, but since I've been discouraged from that form of feeding," she deliberately bit at his neck, "I have to go for the next best thing."
She hissed when he grabbed her hands, pinning them together in front of him.
"No," Laxus said, his voice audibly strained. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to will his body not to respond. As much as he wanted her, he wanted to do it right this time. That meant moving in the correct order.
But her low whine had his heart clenching. "Hungry…" By now, her eyes had darkened so much only the smallest sliver of gold remained.
Laxus hadn't realized that she had been this deprived of energy. He knew she would've never acted like this in any other circumstance. Shit. "Is there anything else you can feed off of?"
"Magic…" She squirmed, trying to get closer to him, but his legs had a firm grip of her hips and his hand her wrists.
Magic. I can do magic. Laxus shifted her wrists into one hand and held out the other. Lightning started to spark in his palm.
Her pupils dilated as she leaned forward to feed off his palm. A small swell of contentment settled in his chest as he watched. As a dragon, she had fed him her lightning multiple times, but never was he able to do the same for her. Now that has changed.
He loosened his hold on her wrists and smiled when she moved to grasp his hand. She devoured his lightning and when it was gone, she looked up at him with more hunger. "More… "
"W-Wait-"
Laxus felt the brush of her demonic power against his body and his magic immediately moved to respond. His body lit up in sparks in defense, lighting up the entire tent.
She grinned, her lips latching onto his collar and feeding off his magic. Through the haze of her hunger she could detect hints of his voice, a mix between the sounds of her name and soft groans as she moved across his chest and licked at the electrified skin.
"S-Shit…"
Laxus had his hands fisted in the fabric as he fought the urge to take the demon then and there. Her hands ran up and down his skin, followed by her tongue as she fed. And Mavis was she greedy. He went lightheaded from the loss of his magic, but he stopped caring.
At some point he found himself on his back, adrift in a thin haze of pleasure as she ate from his body. Her lips moved down his torso, tracing his tattoo and their mark before moving onto his abdomen. The tent started to dim again as she ate up the sparks that danced along his skin.
When she stopped, just above the waistband of his jeans, Laxus was panting, high-strung and completely aroused. She glanced up at him, with one lazy eye, satisfaction written across her face. His breath hitched when she ran a finger up along his hard-on in his jeans, picking up the last stray spark of lightning before sucking that finger into her mouth.
Laxus instinctively reached for her when she rolled off of him, but she smacked his hands away.
"You said no…right?" she said, mockingly. She yawned dramatically and rolled to her side, facing away from him. Within seconds, she was fast asleep.
Laxus ran over every single curse in the book inside his head. Willing his problem to go away, with great difficulty, he let out a huge sigh.
Again, this creature was going to kill him.
"We're coming with you."
"No."
"That wasn't a question, Lilin."
"The response is still no."
"Then, I'll just follow you."
"You are well aware that I could just fly."
"Then, you're well aware that I would just track you down."
There was a hiss and a growl before a cough interrupted both of them.
"At this rate, no one will be going anywhere," Freed pointed out.
Lilin glared at the both of them before stomping out of the apartment. Job request in hand, she proceeded down the road, no longer caring whether Laxus or the Raijinshuu followed. They wanted to come? Fine, it was their funeral.
It was a tense trip for the group of five. The silence was so thick they could cut it with a knife.
Thankfully, after two hours they had finally reached their destination.
Bickslow released a loud sigh of relief. "We're here."
They had reached a small town north of Blue Pegasus. A few merchants were entering the town as well on horse-drawn carriages. A few of them gave Lilin a second glance, but thankfully none were brave enough to comment on the black-eyed demon.
Lilin strolled through the street, casually stealing an apple from a market stand on the way. Laxus rolled his eyes and he caught himself comparing the demon to the dragoness. Both were incapable of grasping the concept of money. He hurried up behind her, while Freed apologized to the merchant, paying him the jewels for the stolen good.
Bickslow took a second look at the flyer and pointed out the mansion at the top of the hill on the outskirts of town. "There's our destination. It says the master of the estate will be waiting for us."
Laxus frowned as they neared the estate. Something made him feel uneasy about the place.
"This place seems creepy," Evergreen said, shivering. He had a feeling she wasn't shivering from the cold.
Lilin stopped in front of the main doors. He watched as her eyes scanned the entire mansion. She mumbled words underneath her breath.
"What are you waiting for?" Laxus asked, studying her while she mumbled soft words underneath her breath. He listened a little more carefully. "Wait. Are you planning?"
"What of it?"
Laxus could sense the surprise with the Raijinshuu as well. Leora was known for rushing into things. He never thought he would see the day where she would plan. He was forced to hide a grin as he waited.
She pulled her hair up into a ponytail. When she caught him staring at her, she asked, "What?"
"N-Nothing," Laxus replied, glancing away. That gesture of hers just now…Leora used to tie her hair up like that as well.
Lilin threw open the doors and strolled inside casually. "Is the master of the house here?" Her voice echoed.
The inside of the mansion was surprisingly empty. There was a spiral staircase on one end, a chandelier to the ceiling, and a few tables, but aside from that, it was unfurnished. Odd.
They waited for a few minutes, but they got no response.
"Oi-" Laxus started.
Another voice cut him off. "Do I have guests?"
Laxus spun around, alarmed. A young man was standing by the closed door. He was handsome, with snow white hair and deep red eyes. He was dressed cleanly and carried a smile on his face. When had he gotten there?
Freed gave a small bow. "We're here for the job request."
The smile grew wider. "Oh, how lovely. Please come in." The man gestured towards a side room, taking a long look at Lilin as she passed him by.
They were led to a large dining hall. Like the foyer, it was relatively empty, save for a long table in the middle. They sat down and waited for the man to talk. In the back of his mind, Laxus noticed something strange. There were no servants here, despite the size of the mansion.
"I'm pleased I received such a swift response," the man said. "My name is Lawrence, I'm the master of this house."
"Lawrence," Lilin repeated, rolling the name across her tongue. Her eyes were pinned on the man as if she was studying him.
"And yours?"
She smiled. "You can call me-
"Lilin, her name is Lilin," Laxus interrupted. Leora had once told him the importance of a name and here she was now, so eager to personally gift it? What the hell was that?!
Laxus thought he saw the man wince, but he must've been mistaken. He was startled when the man responded by taking her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles.
"What a unique name."
Irritation rose from his gut, but Laxus pushed it down for the sake of the job. "Let's just get to business. You mentioned a demon?"
"Ah yes. It appears my poor house is haunted by a demon. Apparently, its been present since my ancestors lived here two centuries ago. I obviously didn't believe the stories they told, until my staffers slowly started disappearing one by one. I believe this is the work of the demon." Lawrence frowned. "I sent home the rest of my staffers for their safety until this is resolved."
"Why did you stay?" Evergreen asked.
"I am the master of the house, I cannot simply leave it unattended. Even if there is a demon on the loose."
"Don't worry, sir," Freed said, politely. "We will take care of this. Do you happen to have an idea of where the demon could be hiding?"
Lawrence shook his head. "My staff have reported disappearances from multiple areas of the mansion. I'm afraid I can't pinpoint one location."
"We should split up," Laxus said. "Raijinshuu take the east end of the house. Lilin and I will take the west."
The Raijinshuu nodded and Lilin appeared to have no qualms about the arrangement.
"Oh, if you don't mind," Lawrence added. "I would like to join you on your investigation."
"No," Laxus said, immediately.
"A-Ah, what he means is, Mr. Lawrence," Freed said, trying to salvage the client relationship, "it will be very dangerous. We don't know what can happen."
"But who will protect me while you're gone?"
Lilin responded before either lightning or rune mage could. "I will. You can come with us."
Anger flickered in Laxus' eyes. "No-"
The screech of a chair swallowed up Laxus' protest as Lilin rose to her feet. "Now that's settled, I believe we have a demon to find."
Lawrence smiled, gesturing back towards the foyer. "I will lead you to the west wing."
The Raijinshuu gave Laxus worried looks, but he shook them off. The three mages reluctantly headed off towards the east end of the mansion while Laxus followed begrudgingly behind the man and the demon. His chest puffed while he crossed his arms, clearly displeased. The pair were suddenly acting quite chummy with one another, conversing freely about the house and the town. He hated it.
Their conversation continued as they were heading down the hall on the second floor.
"So, Lawrence," Lilin said. "What do you do here in town?"
"I was a merchant."
"Was?"
"Y-Yes. But business hasn't been great these past fifty years. As you can see by our barren walls, I had to sell a few of our belongings."
Laxus hadn't wanted to pay attention to their conversation, but something perked his interest. "Fifty years?" The man barely looked old enough to pass for thirty let alone fifty.
Lawrence winced. "Sorry, I meant my family. I merely continued their work."
Laxus released a breath through his nose. "How unfortunate." It sounded harsh, but he lacked a proper filter in that moment. Especially since Lilin was looking at the man as if he was good enough to eat.
They all paused when the lights started to flicker.
Laxus growled, his senses on alert. "Something's coming."
The apparition quivered in front of them for just a second. Then, before Laxus could blink, a pale woman appeared in front of him, hair long and dark. Her face was sunken and pale and her eyes were pitch black. Laxus' hands darted towards his ears when the apparition reared back and screeched. She lurched forward, swiping at him with clawed hands and Laxus was forced to leap back. A quick bolt of lightning sent the woman back, screaming. She disappeared just as fast as she came.
"What was that?" Laxus asked, still on high alert.
"A vengeful spirit," Lilin answered. "Similar to what you call ghosts. They are human souls that have been left behind after death, unable to pass to hell or heaven. Over time they fester into whatever we just saw."
"H-How terrifying," Lawrence said. He held a hand to his face in terror.
For some reason, Laxus didn't believe him. "Come on, we should keep moving."
They passed through a few more rooms on their hunt for the demon. More spirits moved to attack, armed with flickering lights and exploding windows, but they were small fry for Laxus. The lightning mage wondered how the Raijinshuu were fairing. They hadn't encountered the demon yet, he hoped it wasn't on the east end with them.
After dealing with another spirit, Laxus growled in frustration. "This is getting us nowhere."
"I agree."
Lilin materialized next to him. Lawrence was still ahead, leading them through the room. Laxus' breath hitched when she trailed her hand down his arm and hissed when one of her claws nicked his skin. It was a thin cut, but blood started welling from the wound.
"Oh my," Lilin said, in mock concern. "That last spirit must have managed to cut you."
Laxus wanted to ask her what the hell that was for, but she silenced him with two fingers to his lips. He followed her gaze towards Lawrence, who was suddenly as stiff as board. His shoulders started to tremble and through a mirror on the other end of the room, Laxus could see a snarl on the man's face.
What the?
The look was gone in a split second. Instead, Lawrence turned with a bright smile, gesturing them towards the next room.
"This is the last one on this floor."
Laxus and Lilin entered the room. It was empty, with only an old chandelier hanging form the ceiling. Laxus turned to ask Lawrence where their next destination was, but was alarmed when the man was nowhere in sight.
"Where did-"
Laxus was cut off when thick, tree roots struck through the floors, aiming straight for him. He leapt backwards, lightning already dancing on his skin.
"What the hell is happening?"
A small chuckle made him turn. There was Lawrence, leaning against the door frame with a slick smile on his face. "Annoying. What are such powerful mages doing taking on such a low paying job?"
Laxus growled. "What were you expecting instead?"
"An easy kill," the man laughed, his voice deepening significantly.
"You used the job as bait?"
"Why not? It's easier than going out hunting. And most of the time, I don't even have to do any work. The spirits take care of it all for me."
"So, you're the demon then."
Lawrence cracked a smile and his eyes flickered lazily to Lilin. "Quite a slow one, you've picked there, Lilin."
"You know him? What the hell is going on?"
"The man's been possessed," Lilin said, looking disappointed. "The demon inside I don't know."
Lawrence laughed. "But of course, everyone knows you. Our little half-blood-"
Lilin's scythe was out and swinging before the demon could finish his sentence. Anger blazed in her eyes. She was obviously not fond of the word 'half-blood'.
"Oops!" Lawrence exclaimed, leaping out of the way. "That's my cue to leave." Several tree roots shot up from the floor and down from the ceiling, blocking their way to him. "I guess I'll take a stab at those three on the second floor. Shall I?"
"Damn it!" Laxus sent a blast of lightning towards the vines, but they wouldn't budge. "He's heading for the Raijinshuu."
Lilin slashed through the roots, but they were getting replaced faster than she could get rid of them. "I think you should worry about yourself first."
Laxus growled in frustration as he dodged another vine. He was prepared to move again when his body froze.
No. Not right now!
Pain shot through his body, paralyzing his limbs. One of his hands gripped at his chest, begging for the pain to stop. It was the magic-barrier particles. Even with the antidote created by Porlyusica, it still wasn't enough to cure him.
Laxus watched with wide eyes as a sharp vine raced towards him. It was only in the last second that he felt a shove to his body.
A piercing cry echoed throughout the room.
Laxus turned. The vine that had been aimed for him was now pierced straight through Lilin's chest. Her eyes were wide, but with determination. Her teeth were gritted. The vine pulled back, ripping a gaping hole just above her breasts. Blood gushed out of the wound and onto the tiled floor.
"Lilin!"
She had saved him. Despite all their arguments, all their misunderstandings, her anger, her frustrations…she still saved him.
Laxus willed his body to move, forcing himself to overcome the pain from the barrier particles. She remained standing, an indifferent expression on her face.
"I'm fine," she said, even as more blood flooded out of the wound.
"No, you're not!" Laxus replied. He panicked when he saw how much blood she was losing. He could tell her flesh was already knitting itself back together, but it wasn't fast enough. Come on…
He exhaled as his episode finally ended, releasing him from pain's grasp. Gaining use of his limbs again, Laxus pulled her to him. She tried to push him away, but he wouldn't have it. He lifted her up into his arms, leaping away just as another vine tried to impale them.
"We can't keep going like this," Laxus said, worry seeping into his voice. "We need to get you somewhere safe." His heart clenched after seeing her in pain, seeing her bleed for him. How many times has it been now, dragon or demon, that she has saved him?
She glanced up at him. "I have a solution."
"No, you shouldn't be-"
"Just…trust me."
Laxus stiffened. "A-Alright."
A smile graced her lips and she closed her eyes. "Don't fight it."
Laxus wanted to ask her what she meant, but then he felt her darkness. The demonic power spread, brushing against his body. His own magic rose in defense, but he fought to keep it down. She had told him to trust her, and this time, he would.
Her power exploded. The vines were completely obliterated, disintegrating into nothingness. Black specks, remnants of the life that was in this room, drifted down to the floor.
Laxus was speechless.
"We should get going," Lilin said. "Don't worry about me. We need to find the demon before he gets to anyone else."
Laxus looked down at her and was alarmed to find her lips growing pale. Gritting his teeth, he promised to himself that he wouldn't let her get into anymore harm.
"No, you need help."
"Please, just listen."
Laxus didn't want to. He wanted to retreat, get help, to do something that would help ease her pain. But he listened. Following Lawrence's scent, he tracked him down the floors. Thankfully they hadn't met any more vines or spirits.
They were on the main floor again when he heard their shouts.
"Laxus!"
Laxus let out a sigh of relief when the Raijinshuu came down the hallway. "You guys okay?"
"A little scratched up, but we're fine," Evergreen said. Her eyes lit up in alarm when she noticed Lilin's state. She gasped. "What happened?"
"No time to explain, we need to find the bastard who did this," he growled. He was going to find him and rip him to pieces.
"The cellar," Lilin said, her voice wispy. She shifted slightly and his heart pained when she winced.
Laxus glanced at her in confusion.
She pointed down the hall. "Follow the scent of blood…"
Laxus nodded and they hurried towards the cellar. She was right. The moment he stood in front of the doors at the end of the basement, the scent of blood hit him like a storm. A weight settled in his gut at thought of what he might find on the other side.
He kicked in the door, sending fragments of wood flying into the cellar. His eyes soaked in the scene inside the room and he went pale.
"Oh my god…" someone said.
All along the walls of the cellar, both men and women were strung up by their hands. Blood ran down their bodies and soaked into the walls. Their heads hung forward; their limbs were limp. Laxus had no doubt that these people were long dead.
"What the hell?!" Bickslow exclaimed.
"He's a blood demon," Lilin said, her breaths still shallow. "He must have been collecting from them for some time. Their souls have been corrupted, it's why they haunt the mansion. They can't find rest." She perked up, eyes narrowing. "They're coming."
Wispy white apparitions lifted themselves from the bodies of the dead. Each were pale with sunken cheeks. It took no time for them to recognize the intruders.
"Raijinshuu!" Laxus commanded.
"Yes!"
The three of them held the ghostly apparitions at bay. Laxus pushed onward, holding Lilin to his chest, protecting her from harm. He paused when he felt her pull at his arm.
"Take me to their bodies."
Laxus didn't stop to ask questions. He carried the demoness over to the first one, a young woman whose neck had been slit. He fought his reflex to gag when the smell of blood grew stronger.
"Put me down."
He did as she asked. She staggered up to the woman's body and placed a hand against her chest. She started to whisper.
A shriek pierced through the room.
"Hold her back for me," Lilin said, as she continued.
Laxus didn't have to ask what she meant. A split second later, the woman's ghost came barreling towards them, claws drawn. He held her back with small jolts of lightning, listening to the light incantations from the demon behind him.
He knew she was finished when the ghost stopped. She let out a gasp and her eyes rolled back into their sockets. Her body lit up, almost blinding him in the room and then she disappeared.
"You calmed her soul," Laxus said, after turning back to Lilin. He steadied her when she started to sway.
"It's not usually part of my job," Lilin responded, moving onto the next. "I normally only ferry those souls who will go to Hell."
She quickly made her way through the other bodies in the room. One by one she purified their souls, sending them on to heaven.
Eventually, there was silence.
Freed let out a sigh, finally allowing himself to breathe after all this mess. He felt his heart twist in sympathy for the people who were caught up in all this mess. He found his eyes drifting towards Lilin, a part of himself starting to change the way he thought about her.
Perhaps she wasn't just a murderer after-all.
Across the room, Laxus was having the same thoughts.
"He's waiting for us," Lilin said, gesturing towards the next room.
"You sure you'll be okay?" Laxus asked.
She nodded.
Laxus turned to the Raijinshuu. "Stay here and take care of the bodies. We'll call in case we need back-up." They nodded.
The two of them ventured down the hall until they found what they were looking for.
The demon was waiting for him in the small wine room connected to the main cellar. He leaned against a small table, in front of a wall of red wine bottles, carrying a glass himself. Judging by the smell, Laxus could tell he wasn't drinking wine.
He snarled. "How long have you been doing this?"
"Me?" Lawrence said. He swirled the liquid in his glass. "Oh, I'd say a good fifty years now. I can't just let a perfect body like this go to waste now, can I?" He pushed himself off the table, a grin dancing on his lips. "You would know wouldn't you, princess?" He looked down then back up at her. "After all, he is yours."
What does he mean? Laxus' eyes snapped over to Lilin, but her face was expressionless.
"Oh? You mean she hasn't told you? This is the body of her former lover after all."
Laxus felt as though he had been punched in the gut. The air had been knocked out of him and he found himself unable to breathe. Former lover? This demon was in the body of her former lover?
It was her laughter that brought him out of his misery.
"For such a low-level demon, you sure speak a lot of nonsense."
"Wha-"
It all happened within the blink of an eye. One moment, Lilin was standing next to him, and the next, she was in front of the demon.
"So, you can shut up now," she said, her voice cold and empty. With no remaining hesitation, she plunged her hand into the demon's chest. The demon gasped and choked back but it wasn't his heart that Lilin managed to grasp. When she pulled back from his chest, there was no wound nor blood. Instead, she was holding a black, swirling orb of energy in her hands.
Was that the demon's soul?
With a lick of her lips, Lilin consumed the demon's soul, sighing in satisfaction. Laxus watched with fascination as the wound in her chest started to heal a little more.
Lawrence's body slumped forward. Lilin managed to catch him before he fell to the ground. Laxus was reminded of her strength when she hauled the man's body back over her shoulder.
"Let's go," she said, looking back. "He should wake within the hour."
Laxus glanced back and forth between her and the man, feeing a surge of jealousy. He couldn't help, but ask. "Was he really…"
Lilin raised a brow. "What my lover?"
He didn't like that coming from her lips when it wasn't geared towards him. His displeasure must have been written plainly across his lips for she laughed almost instantly.
He scowled. "What's so funny?"
"You," she replied. They had made it back to the main room. The Raijinshuu weren't here anymore and neither were the dead bodies. They must have brought them back to the surface for a proper burial. "Teasing you is quickly becoming my favourite pastime."
"Wha-"
"Well, to answer your question," she said, shooting him a sly smile. "This man does belong to me..."
The twist in his heart was painful.
"…as my servant."
Wait. "What?"
She rolled her eyes at him. "Did you really believe that he was my lover?" Her eyes were dark and the slightest sense of gold was shimmering at him with mirth. "Did you not believe in your little Sunshine as well?"
"What do you mean-" Oh. Laxus felt his face heat up in embarrassment. He had forgotten that Leora had never taken a human lover before. That was until him.
Her light laughter echoed inside the chamber. She shifted the man's weight on her should before she made her way upstairs.
"Humans…so simple minded."
Lilin was correct, as always, as the man known as Lawrence did indeed wake within the next hour. They had situated him in a large room on third floor. There was only a bed and a chair left inside as it was barely furnished. The Raijinshuu waited in the corner, having just returned from burying the dead in the back of the estate.
Laxus stood behind Lilin while she said in a chair next to the bed. A part of him was slightly miffed she had been watching over this man for the past hour, but each time he felt any source of displeasure, he remembered.
She had never taken taken a human lover aside from him.
It was such a simple thought and yet it kept him satisfied. A simple human he was indeed.
The man's eyes blinked once, twice before opening fully. His brows furrowed in confusion, and he rose from the bed. The sheets pooled around his waist as he looked around. His eyes settled upon Lilin and they widened in recognition.
"My lady!"
"Lawrence…" Lilin said, getting straight to the point. The threat was already building in her voice. "What happened here?"
Lawrence immediately bowed his head. "My sincere apologies, my lady. It was a slight lapse in control and I let the demon take over. It will not happen again."
Lilin sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I suppose its partially my fault, having disappeared for so long."
Lawrence shook his head. "No, it is my duty to wait for your return." It was then that the man finally turned towards Laxus. "And this time, you brought guests. Do you belong to the mistress as well?"
Laxus' jaw tightened. "N-No, of course not." As if he would be a servant to the demoness.
Lawrence appeared genuinely surprised. "If not a servant, then perhaps, a lover?"
Laxus stuttered at his question and behind him the Raijinshuu laughed amongst themselves.
"No," Lilin answered for him with a mocking smile. "It appears demons aren't quite his taste."
He winced. She couldn't still be mad at his rejection the night before…could she?
Something flashed through Lawrence's eyes. Amusement perhaps?
"Ah, I see." Lawrence swung his legs around and stood from the bed. "You all must be tired from the trip. Perhaps I could prepare dinner and a few rooms for you to rest in."
"Oh, no you should rest," Freed said. The man had, after all, been possessed by a demon for the past fifty years.
"Oh, no there is no need. I am quite well. I draw my energy from my mistress after all."
"A-Alright then," Freed replied. "That would be lovely." He figured it was best for all of them to rest tonight.
"Very well," Lawrence said with a small bow. He turned to Lilin. "My lady, shall I escort you back to your room?"
"No need. I can find it on my own." With that, Lilin left the room, brushing past Laxus along the way.
"Damn boss…" Bickslow commented with a whistle. "That was cold."
"Shut up, Bicks," Laxus grumbled.
After he had washed up, Laxus found himself with the Raijinshuu in the main dining hall. Lilin was not present. It was strange. Just a few hours ago, the entire place was barren, and yet now it was filled with décor. There were bright chandeliers lining the ceiling and expensive looking paintings hanging on the walls. Even the silverware appeared to be quite exquisite.
"I had sold all of this," Lawrence said, breaking Laxus from his thoughts. The man was now dressed like a butler, all in black and white. He gestured around him. "It seems the mistress didn't like that. She must've taken all the pieces back."
"So, she stole it."
Lawrence chuckled. "No need for harsh words here, sir." He walked over and poured water into his glass. "My lady simply doesn't like when someone takes her…belongings."
Laxus snorted. "Where is she anyways?"
"She is resting," Lawrence answered. "It has been quite…taxing for her."
Laxus frowned. Maybe he should check on her. His mind kept replaying the images from earlier that day. He couldn't stop the feelings welling in his heart at the thought of her protecting him. At the thought of her caring.
Dinner was brought out a few minutes later, but Laxus could only pick as his food.
Across the table, Freed was still admiring the paintings on the wall. "This art style…it must be from centuries ago."
"Three hundred years, if I remember correctly. My father had them commissioned back in the day."
"Your father?" Evergreen asked, slightly confused.
Lawrence nodded. "Yes."
"How long have you been alive…"
"It's hard to say. I gave my soul to Lady Lilin two-hundred and fifty years ago. I've been 'alive' since then."
"Why'd you do it?" Laxus asked, shifting a little closer in his seat.
Lawrence glanced at one of the paintings on the wall. It didn't take long for Laxus to notice that it was one of Lawrence himself…and another woman.
"She came to me…when I was on my death bed. I had contracted some sort of sickness and it had taken me by surprise." His hand lifted to brush softly against the painting. "I asked her for one day. One more day with my wife in exchange for anything she wanted." He smiled. "She didn't give me one day. Instead, she gave me another lifetime. I spent another thirty-years with my wife before she passed away. And since that day, I've served my lady whole-heartedly. And I will continue to do so until she no longer has need for me."
"That's…" Evergreen whispered. She was filled with regret after her behaviour a few days before. She had judged her so terribly, and yet she was simply carrying out her duty.
"So, you are human," Freed said.
"Yes."
"Are you comfortable with...what she is?"
Lawrence walked back around, refilling Freed's glass of water. "It does not matter to me who or what my mistress is. I was fully aware of what she was capable of. She does what is needed by the earth. Nothing more and nothing less. It is simply her duty."
Her duty… Laxus thought.
Lawrence then turned to them all, a soft but stern expression to his face. "My lady may not be kind or loving, but she will always be fair."
The rest of the Raijinshuu quieted and Laxus let the conversation stew in his head for the rest of dinner.
After Lawrence had cleaned up, he gave them a slight bow. "I hope you have enjoyed your dinner."
"It was lovely, thank you," Freed answered with a smile.
"Yeah, it was amazing," Bickslow added. His babies repeated the same thing.
"I must return to my lady, she appears to be calling for me."
Laxus furrowed his brow. "I didn't hear anything." And he was the one with the heightened senses.
Lawrence smiled. "Being bound as a servant grants me certain…connections with my master." He placed a hand to his chest. "My soul can hear her calling for me."
Laxus' fists clenched underneath the table. Why the hell was she calling for him of all people?
He didn't want the answer to that, but Lawrence gave it anyways. "It appears she is in need for sustenance."
"Sustenance?" Freed asked.
"Demons feed off of energy, be it life, magic, or other kinds." The suggestion wasn't lost on Laxus. "A part of why demons bind servants like me is so we can collect energy as we live out our lives. They then can feed off our energy as they see fit."
Laxus was suddenly reminded of the image from the night before, when Lilin fed off of him. Her lips pressed to his skin, her tongue lathing across his chest. His brain then switched him for Lawrence and before he knew it, he was abruptly on his feet, his chair scraping against the floor as he stood.
"No."
"No?"
"Do I need to repeat that for you?" Laxus said with a growl. "I can help her."
Lawrence placed a gloved hand to his face. "That won't do. I was supposed to assist my lady with her bath later in the night. I can't neglect my duty."
"No need," Laxus cut him off, his voice having gone rough. His eyes flashed darker. "I'll take care of everything. You. Stay. Here." With that, he stomped off up the stairs, grumbling to himself the entire way.
The Raijinshuu waited until Laxus was out of hearing range before sighing.
"Why do you tease him?" Evergreen asked with a sly grin. Her eyes danced with amusement at her leader's actions. He was clearly jealous of the man, servant or not.
"Whatever do you mean?" Lawrence asked, the corner of his lip lifting. "I simply live to serve my master to the fullest."
"And that means sending a grumpy dragon slayer her way," Bickslow commented with a laugh.
"It's amusing," Lawrence responds, glancing towards the doorway. "Her soul is at its most calm when he is in her vicinity and yet with a single word from his lips, it quivers for him."
"Ah," Bickslow replied, resting his head against his palm. "What a way to describe love."
She was dressed in a thin silk robe, her hair cascading over her shoulders, when he entered. She looked over at him from her seat by her vanity.
"Oh, it's you."
Laxus' eye twitched. "Something wrong with that?"
Amusement danced in her eyes. "No." She stood, heading towards the baths that connected to the room. "If you're here, then come help."
He followed her into the baths. Warm steam lifted from the small pools in the large area, making him start to sweat. His breath hitched when she stopped in front of one of them and proceeded to strip herself of the robe, slowly revealing to him her bare back. She sat down on the stone floor and dipped her legs into the water.
"Come."
His feet moved on their own. Losing an article of his own clothing with each step, he was just as bare as she was by the time he stopped and kneeled behind her. He brushed her long, black hair to the side and winced when he saw the red mark in the center of her back. She hadn't healed fully from her injury. It was his fault. He should've been more careful.
Before she could stop him, he grabbed hold of her waist, dipped down and trailed his tongue along her reddened flesh.
She gasped. "What are you doing?"
"Doing what your servant can't," he mumbled as he made another pass along her flesh. She arched away, but he held her firm. His tongue made a couple more strokes along her skin, drawing light sounds from her lips, until her flesh was no longer a dark pink.
She was breathing heavily. Smiling, Laxus picked up a cloth from a pile nearby and soaped it up. He gently wiped the cloth over her back, watching as her body relaxed into his touch. If he had glanced at her face just then, he would've seen that her eyes were closed.
When he was done with her back, Laxus slipped into the water in front of her. Frowning at the raw flesh just above her breasts, he proceeded to press his tongue along that spot as well.
"Laxus…"
He wasn't quite sure what he was doing. He had told himself he shouldn't get physically intimate with her. Not before he knew where his heart lay, but something compelled him to stay. To soothe her, to heal her.
His hands rested on her thighs as he moved in closer. He could feel her quiver from his touch. Her eyes, now open, watched him intensely, following his every move.
When he was done, Laxus remained where he was. He tilted his head upwards. "Why did you protect me?"
She seemed startled by the question. "Perhaps I was delusional."
"Be serious."
She faced away. "My body moved on its own…"
He smiled. "Thank you."
He couldn't tell if it was the heat of the springs that made her cheeks redden. The flush spread down her neck and Laxus couldn't help but find her mesmerizing, in more ways than one. Before he knew it he was blurting it out.
"Do you…care about me?"
She seemed a little startled. "Would I still be here if I didn't?" There was a strange warmth in her eyes, a wanting, and for once he knew that she wished for something more as well. "It's you who doesn't want me-"
"You're wrong," Laxus interrupted.
Her eyes became a dark pool of uncertainty, something that most definitely mirrored his. She shook her head as if to clear her mind. Instead of responding to him, she tugged on his hand.
"Your turn."
Laxus sat still on the stone floor as she bathed him. It was soothing, the warm heat of the springs mixed with her gentle scent. She knelt behind him, passing the cloth slowly against his back.
When she was done, she placed the cloth down and replaced it with her hands. He twitched at her touch and completely froze when suddenly the magic barrier particles in his veins acted up again. No. Not now.
"Relax…" she whispered softly into his ear. Her hands trailed along his skin and Laxus felt the particles respond to her touch.
"What are you doing?"
She shushed him, instead focusing on his back. He winced when her hand brushed by his heart, feeling the pain, but then the particles seemed to follow her touch. She glided her hands away from his center drawing away his pain as well. It was as though she was spreading the magic barrier particles thinner, throughout his body instead of having them concentrate in his organs. The ache slowly lessened until it became bearable.
Laxus released the breath he didn't know he was holding.
Her arms draped around his shoulder and he felt her body press into his back. "If you were mine…this pain…I can take it from you forever."
Her breath danced against his ear. "Give yourself to me."
He froze. He sat there for a long time, unable to answer her question. Eventually, her arms slithered back. He heard her breath hitch and then the soft padding of her feet as she left the baths. His heart clenched in guilt, but this wasn't how he wanted things to go.
This time, he wanted to do things right.
Lilin was a mixture of disappointment, frustration and anger when she walked back into her room. It was clear that he felt something for her, so why refuse her? Does he not understand what she was offering?
She wasn't asking for him to bond with her as a servant. No, she wanted…something more.
'He needs more time.'
Lilin hissed at the voice inside her head. I don't have time!
Lilin was steps away from her bed when suddenly her legs gave out. She crumbled to the floor, eyes wide in panic. This time there was no pain and no blood. She simply lost the strength in her legs. It was her fault. She was supposed to keep her power reined in, but in her flustered state while hunting that demon, watching him almost get killed, she had let it loose. Now her body was paying the price.
Heart beating rapidly, she willed her legs to move but they didn't budge an inch. She glanced back at the entrance to the baths in a panic. She had to get up. She couldn't let him see her like this.
Gritting her teeth, she dragged herself along the floor, tears welling in her eyes at her pathetic state. Her breaths quickened when she started to hear the sound of splashing water and then footsteps approaching. Her hands clawed at the bed desperately, but in the end, it took help from her wings in order to lift herself up.
She collapsed on to the bed, panting as she laid down, her hair spilling around her in a mess. Second later, Laxus emerged from the baths.
She turned to her side, facing away from him in hopes he couldn't see her flustered state. Taking deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. She listened as he stopped at the side of her bed.
"What's wrong?" he asked, concern flooding into his voice.
She winced, curling up into herself. She still couldn't feel her legs. "N-Nothing." Did he notice? Could he sense her fear?
"A-Are you? Shit." She felt the mattress dip as he shifted onto the bed behind her. She stiffened when he pulled her back into his chest. His breath tickled her neck as he spoke. "I-It wasn't a no. Me not answering you. It's just…not now."
She let out her breath, relief flooding her veins as she realized he was talking about what she had said. He hadn't noticed. It took her a few seconds to register his words again and when she did warmth coloured her cheeks.
Laxus could feel his nerves going haywire. "I want to do things right. I want to start over, for real this time."
He heard the small inhale of breath before she whispered, "How?"
Laxus sat up and shifted so he was leaning against the headboard. He pulled her in towards him, lifting her so she sat in his lap. Her legs dragged along the sheets, causing them to bunch by her ankles. She looked up at him with confusion before he finally asked her. "What's your favourite flower?"
Her brows furrowed.
"Humour me."
"White magnolias."
"Why?"
She paused, her eyes dropping to her hands in her lap. "During the time I was…captured, all those years ago, they used to grow just outside of my cell. You could see them just through the small window near the back. In the spring, their scent carried all the way inside."
Laxus breath stalled. Even after all the time they spent together, Leora never truly delved into the details of her twenty-year capture by humans. He had always deemed it a taboo topic. He was shocked she'd share it with him now. "Tell me more…please."
"I was terrified," Lilin admitted as she curled up against his chest. She didn't know why she was alright with this level of intimacy with the dragon slayer, but telling him just felt…right. "Every once in a while they would come in with something new. A new whip, a new branding stick, just something. And each time, I would refuse their demands. It was...painful. My powers were subdued; I couldn't heal, all I could do was feel the pain."
Laxus heart clenched in sympathy. He pulled her in closer, one of his hands smoothing her hair, hoping he could provide just a moment's worth of comfort for her. "And after?"
"Zeref came for me," she said and for the first time, Laxus could understand the underlying worship in the way she said his name. He was truly her savior. The one who rescued her from that life of fear and pain. "At first I was so angry. I wanted to destroy every human in sight." She unfurled her clenched fist. "But I know I was wrong. Two hundred years in hell is a long time to reflect."
"What's it like there? In hell?"
"Hot," Lilin laughed softly before a frown took over her face. "Lonely…they don't want me there."
That had Laxus confused. "What do you mean?"
"Surely you heard that demon yesterday back in the bar. I'm a half-blood. Not a pure demon. To make things worse, I'm half dragon."
"Something you demons have against dragons?" Laxus asked, just the slightest bit offended.
She laughed lightly. "Demons and dragons have…history. You might not know since its lost knowledge, but before humans and before dragons, demons ruled this earth. They roamed far and wide, consuming everything in their path. As a result, nothing grew. One day, dragons came to this land; they say from a second realm. Demons and dragons fought for dominance for centuries until the dragons won. They banished the demons into hell and ruled the earth in their place. To the earth's benefit, I guess, seeing as you are now here."
Laxus absorbed every word she said and understood how her existence was an odd one. Not that I care. He startled himself with that thought, seeing as it came with such ease. He had gained access to another side of her tonight, insight into the creature she truly was. And despite that, it didn't make him want her any less.
"I know you probably won't believe me," Laxus said, his eyes meeting hers. "But dragon, demon or both, you're wanted here."
Her lips parted. She turned away from his gaze and he swore he could see the beginnings of a blush. So, demons can blush, huh.
"You humans like to talk about strange topics," Lilin murmured.
Laxus chuckled. "Only with you." He looked down further when her hand tugged against his shirt.
"Then, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead. Shoot."
She shifted in his lap until she was face-to-face with him. Without a word, she only spared him the slightest curl of a smile before she kissed him.
Laxus was startled, the rapid beating of his heart drowning out any other thoughts he might have. But once past the initial shock, he found himself responding, closing his eyes and deepening the kiss. This kiss conveyed a million words. Words of apology, words of forgiveness and the first words of understanding. Perhaps they could truly start over.
His hands found themselves on her hips as she straddled his lap. Finding himself nervous, he flickered his tongue gently against her lips, pleased when they parted for him. Their tongues entangled with one another and he felt a burst of pride when he heard her slight moan.
When Laxus felt the first jolt of electricity he tightened his grip, praying she didn't try to run away. Again, he felt the Bond reform on shaky ground, and with it came small trickles of emotion that must be what she was feeling.
Hints of fear and nervousness.
Laxus felt himself reaching through to reassure her, to let her know without words that this doesn't change the new connection they had made. That the reformation of their old bond wouldn't ruin the new, only strengthen it.
He was elated when she accepted.
Lilin didn't know how it was possible, but when she was with him, he healed her. Strength returned to her legs when the Bond reformed, power surging through her body. For a moment she felt more alive than she had since she had reawakened. She pressed into him, asking for more. More of what, she wasn't sure.
They were both slightly out of breath when she pulled back. Laxus watched her through hazy vision until something caught his eye.
"Your hair…"
Lilin looked down, following Laxus' gaze, and to her own shock found just one lock of hair that was different.
It was blonde.
A/N: Slowly getting there! It's taking me a lot longer to write these now, so thanks for sticking with me.
Until the next chapter!