Chapter 3 - A Strange Pair at the Fair
Finally! Mepphyland, the gem of all amusement parks had been restored to its former glory! Mephisto had been quite annoyed after Amaimon and Rin had managed to completely destroy the eastern section with his favorite roller coaster - swing ride. Not to mention one of his beautiful statuses. True, the fight had been necessary in order to test Rin's newfound abilities, but things had gotten a little out of hand there. Well, he had made sure that Shura had been there to prevent any more damage. Now it was time to enjoy the rebuilt park to the fullest! The demon lord had already ordered his Exwires to take a break and enjoy this weekend, for he already had some interesting plans in mind to hasten their training.
As Mephisto was striding through the richly decorated streets of his amusement park, he spotted Rin with the rest of the Exwires rushing towards one of his newest and most adrenaline attractions - drop tower. Yes, he guessed that tying yourself to a chair and then having yourself be lifted to the air only to be let down in a dreadful speed passed perfectly as the equivalent of fun to many people. Sometimes he really wondered how humanity still prevailed. He would go for a ride soon enough, after thoroughly checking the quality of local candy shops and ice cream stands. With that sweet idea in mind, the demon lord headed towards the stand with blueberry popsicles he had come to enjoy so much. "Aaah, there is nothing more refreshing than the taste of frozen blueberries and delicious vanilla creme." he mused while savoring the flavor. "Hmm...strange... Have they added cinnamon per any chance? Chocolate too? No, less sweet. Honey?" Mephisto looked puzzled at his popsicle and just as he was about to ask the vendor about the strange flavor, a girl rushed past him to the same stand. She was wearing a white tank top, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. Her chocolate-brown eyes were twinkling happily, and she was trying to put her short golden locks into place. "Oh girl, you must have the devil's own luck." the demon chuckled.
"Hello! May I please have the blueberry popsicle?" she chirped enthusiastically. "I am afraid we are already out of the blueberry flavor, miss." the vendor said apologetically. "Already? B-but it is still just about 2 PM." the girl wondered. "Well, that is true. It seems that this flavor is quite popular. I have just sold the last one to the kind sir over there." he pointed at Mephisto who was standing nearby enjoying his "last of a kind" popsicle. "Would you mind trying the chocolate or strawberry combination? Miss?" However, it seemed that the young lady did not hear the vendor's question. Instead, she was looking at Mephisto who returned her wide-eyed stare with an amused one. "Well hello, my lady Savior." the Lord of Time grinned and bowed flamboyantly, his trademark white cloak flashing brightly. "What a sweet coincidence. I did not expect to meet you so soon after our parting." "H-hello, Sir Dem... uhm… Sir Pheles. I did not expect to... see you at all." she stuttered out, smiling, unknowingly crushing the demon's good spirits in the process. "Well, it looks like they have run out of my favorite flavor, so I will be on my way." Before she could add any more, Mephisto closed the distance between them and put a hand on her shoulder, his head bowing slightly to hers. "And yet another wonderful coincidence. The blueberry flavor happens to be my favorite one too! I wouldn't mind sharing it." he grinned mischievously, bringing up the popsicle in between them. Oh dear, what a face she was making! So much longing for a piece of frozen blueberry. For a moment there he wished he had been that very popsicle. Abruptly, her cheeks flushed beautifully, and he felt his glove charring. And she hasn't even noticed! He must have really thrown her out of control. Good. He smiled inwardly. Suddenly, she responded. "No! I mean...I could never do that! Please, enjoy it before it melts. Goodbye!" the golden-haired girl bowed and ran off. "Pff…" Mephisto chuckled, his eyes already gleaming in anticipation of the pursuit of a certain chocolate-eyed blonde.
OoO
"No way!" Thea cried internally. "Not him again! Aaargh...not only has that stupid demon been robbing me of concentration for the last two weeks, now he stole my precious blueberry popsicle, too! What is he doing here, anyway? Like demons would ride roller coasters! And what was with that crazy offer?! How could that trickster think that I would actually share a popsicle with him? Or...the other way around...no matter! That's what couples do, for God's sake!" she blushed suddenly in the middle of her fit, remembering how casually he touched her. His face was waaay to close for her comfort. So close that she could see little golden orbs in his eyes. "As if I would do it for his beautiful forest-green eyes. Man, this day could not get any worse!" she rumbled grumpily.
"Thea! Over here!" Ayami waved at her, grinning widely. "And look who's just dropped by!" she continued enthusiastically. "Oh crap. I spoke too soon." Thea cringed as she spotted the tall handsome Toshiro, their fellow student of medicine and Ayami's crush. Next to him stood Toshiro's equally tall older brother, Gin with his lovely girlfriend Chihiro. "Hi guys!" Thea tried to sound as happy as possible while her hopes for today's 'fun' were slowly, but surely vanishing. She was supposed to spend her study-free day with her best friend trying every roller coaster possible! Now she would play the third wheel at a double date… Great...Just great. She shot a meaningful look at Ayami who returned an apologetic smile combined with her undeniable puppy-eyes. "Well, I will not let her down. And I will certainly not waste my free day. Who knows when I get another time off? I will simply tag along and enjoy it to the fullest!" she decided and set off. "Well, what are we waiting for then? Let's go! The pirate ship is waiting!" "Yeeey!" sounded a cheerful collective response as they rushed off to the attraction. In the meantime, a certain demon was watching from afar, patiently observing and waiting for his chance to learn something more about his little savior.
OoO
"Well, the pendulum was fun." Thea tried to think positive thoughts as she found herself spinning in a teacup with three total strangers. At least it was less embarrassing than the balloon race attraction with a young family and child. Oh well, amusement rides were still fun, and she was enjoying herself quite a lot. Besides, she would not rob her best friend of the chance to get closer to the man of her dreams. Thea liked Toshiro too. He was kind, smart and polite - a great match for Ayami. Especially when she considered all the other guys Ayami had dated or just flirted with. The ride slowly came to an end and the group departed to the swing ride. It was probably the biggest one Thea had ever seen! She had always wanted to ride one. However, as they approached the stand to pay for the ride, she noticed one important detail. The swing had double-seats! "It's OK, Thea. You will just ride alone, no biggie. Think about all the space you are gaining! "She smiled at the vendor and handed him money for the ticket. "And where is the other one, girl?" the balding man in his middle-ages asked hastily while fastening the belts on Ayami's and Toshiro's swing. "I will take this ride alone, if that is not a problem." "Sorry, but we need to use all capacities. Go find a second one. Neeeext!" he yelled, trying to drown out the excited crowd of people. "Wait, I will pay for that second seat!" Thea cried as the mass of people continued to rush past her. "Mister! Hey! Aaaaw..."
"One ride for the two of us, if you please." A familiar voice sounded next to Thea as a hand landed reassuringly on her right shoulder, pulling her closer, away from the crushing crowd. Thea looked up to the left, only to see the smug face of that stealing and now obviously stalking demon. What was he saying again?! No way in hell would she just casually take a ride with this annoying, pompous… "Aaaall right then, move, move. Over here. Fasten this belt. There you go. Neeeeext!" "W-wait, mister... waiiiiit!" Thea cried out as the swing started moving, rising higher and higher. How did this happen? When? She could have sworn that the time just...flew by. One second, she was being carried off by the crowd and now she was already seated, belted and almost up in the air. She also felt that strange mix of the demon's aura flashing around for a brief second, his violet-black aura flaunting.
OoO
"Now, now, Miss Thea. I suggest that you open your eyes and enjoy the splendid view." And indeed, the girl's eyes flew open. Unfortunately, it was not for the reason Mephisto hoped for. "How do you know my name?" she asked carefully. "Ah, my apologies, but I could not unhear your friends calling you." "So, you were stalking me! Why?!" she burst out, but before he could say anything, the blonde outstretched her palm towards him. "Wait, not now. This is my first time riding the swing ride, so I want to enjoy it properly." The girl nodded to herself. "Splendid!" Mephisto exclaimed, as she left no space for discussion. It seemed that when it came to sweets or fun, this girl somehow lost her careful approach. He took her form in, as she was now quite happily sitting next to him, her chocolate-brown eyes focused on the scenery below them, her golden locks swinging around in the wind, a beautiful sincere smile grazing her pink lips. Her hourglass sporty figure was quite a sight, too! He couldn't believe that he had instinctively sped up the time a little just to catch a ride with her. Now he was quite thankful for his instincts. Suddenly, the girl's aura gently flaunted around her in a beautiful combination of golden and orange hues, enveloping them both, emitting joy and happiness. "You know" she started, trying to speak loud enough so that he could hear her through the rushing wind "This really is the best attraction! I knew it! I knew it would be really good, but it is great!" she giggled. "It most certainly is." Mephisto said and silently thanked himself for having purchased the swing ride as one of the attractions.
When their ride ended and they got off the swing, Thea's friends came to meet them. "Thea, did you get to ride too? I did not see you get on...it was all so sudden." Ayami asked as she approached her friend and Mephisto. "Yes, of course! It was really the best!" "And who is this man you rode with?" Ayami continued, sounding very interested and annoyingly suggestive. "Aaah, this is...uhm...Sir Pheles. He is a...a..." "An acquaintance of Thea's. Pleased to meet you all." the demon lord inclined his head for which he was graced by a thankful smile from the little blonde. What? Did she think that he would reveal his true self in front of these people? "Right! An acquaintance of mine! I haven't seen him for a long time, so if it's OK, I would like to catch up on some things with him." "Oh, really?" Ayami once again managed to voice Mephisto's own question. "Yeah, it's been too long. I am sure we have a lot to talk about. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. We'll meet up later." Thea encouraged her best friend, hoping she could enjoy some more privacy without feeling too guilty.
OoO
"Uffff…thank you." the young lady exhaled after parting with her friends. "What for, my dear?" the demon asked curiously. "Well, for coming up with a normal excuse in front of my friends. For not calling us a couple or lovers or something so idiotic." she blurted, her cheeks taking on a pinkish shade. "Hmm… 'lovers' you say. How intriguing!" Mephisto mused, his right hand stroking his beard. "H-hey! Stop teasing me! This is serious!" Thea said, flustered. "Oh, but I am being serious." he chuckled. "Right you are, trickster. Let's just walk, I need to process this." she mumbled. "With pleasure." he said, offering her a hand. "That won't be necessary. I can walk quite fine, thank you." she countered. "Of course, you can. Just like the last time with the cake." the demon remarked, smirking at the memory. "So, you were around! I knew it! How did you... No matter, I'd rather not know." "Very well, at least it looks like you are not avoiding me anymore. To what do I owe the sudden change?" "To yours truly, of course. I have felt your aura around since we parted. I know you have been somewhere nearby. As I told you the last time - I know you are really strong, so there is no way for me to hide from you. I might as well give you the answers now and get it over with. Look, I only wish to live peacefully. I have already helped you and thanked you for not killing me, too. So, what is it you want from me?" she finally asked. "Oh dear, there are many things I want. For example…" the demon started but was interrupted when something pulled on his white cloak.
Two kindergarten children were standing at his side, continuing to pull at his cloak, giggling. "Mum, take a picture of us! Mum!" the little boy called. "Yeah mum! It's the magic wizard! Yey!" The mum rushed towards the two of them. "Suguro, what did I tell you? Do not bother every magical being you spot." Mephisto and Thea stood speechless for a moment and then looked at each other, her eyes wide in horror, and his twinkling with amusement. "Ah, I am sorry, sir. They simply collect photos of their 'heroes'. As a mascot, surely you understand…" she blinked at him meaningfully. "Oh God, do they have a death wish?! Wake up people, that's a demon! Don't just go calling him stupid names! What if he gets angry…? He certainly doesn't look happy about it. You'd better do something and fast Thea!" the girl's mind was racing. "Ehm, you see, our magic wizard is currently on a noble expedition to bring everybody a big, tasty, blueberry popsicle. S-so I am afraid that…" "But before I do so" the 'magic wizard' cut in and cut a smile that made Thea's skin crawl. "He smiled...an irritated, terrifying smile. Couldn't those people tell? Where were their instincts?" "I can spare some time for my most loyal admirers." the demon winked. The kid was excited. The mother was pleased. The demon was irritated. The blonde was dumbfounded. "I can't believe it! I can't believe he is doing it!" Thea thought. "I can't believe it… I can't believe I am doing this..." Mephisto thought. "A mascot… I have just been degraded from the owner of this marvelous place to a mascot." Mephisto thought irritated but composed himself. He then picked up both children, posing for the camera. "Perfect! Thank you so much!" the mother said. "Wait ma'am. Let me take those pictures. That way, you can have beautiful memories with your children too." Thea offered as soon as she woke up from her stupor.
As soon as they thanked and parted, Thea exhaled. "Oh God, thank you!" "You know, Miss Thea. You keep thanking me for the most unexpected reasons tonight. May I ask what I deserve this 'thanks' for?" the demon asked curiously. "Well, for keeping your… uhm… irritation in check? Yes, that's the word. Irritation…" the girl clasped her hands. Mephisto stopped in his trails. How could she guess his mood so easily? Still, there was no reason to be happy about such a ridiculous thing, or was it? Did she think that he would berate the children for such a small plea? He was not the type to… "Oh boy, she didn't think I would berate them, she thought I would harm them?! Talk about prejudice… His kin certainly took a good care of their reputation..." Well, he couldn't really blame her. He threatened to kill her on their first meeting too. Curse his curiosity and weakness for screwing around with people!
"Miss Thea, I assure you that I am fully capable of keeping my temper in check. Not to mention that I do not make it a habit to kill people over a photo." he stated as calmly and earnestly as he could. Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment and shame. "I didn't mean to offend you… I just… it's not totally unexpectable." "Indeed." was his only response. "A-anyway" the blonde started a little more lightly "Will they even be able to see you in the photo?" "I am a demon, not a vampire, Miss Thea." he replied flatly. The girl just giggled. "So... a mascot, huh? I was wondering why you chose to look like the guy on the statues. That's a pretty cool disguise if you ask me. Cheerful and harmless." "Indeed." he answered, irritation rising. Well, at least she had not called him a clown like his ill-mannered little brother. She obviously did not know that this whole amusement park was his idea and property. Well, he would keep that a secret for now. "You are actually very good at fooling us, mere mortals." She continued. "Oh, but not you, correct?" "Yeah...not me." she looked him straight in the eyes, which he found strangely courageous and endearing at the same time. "Well then, Miss Thea, you promised that you would answer my questions. Tell me, how is it that you felt my presence?" "I already told you. I felt your aura. Maybe you have dropped your barrier for some reason? Anyway, it was quite overwhelming." she replied. "How flattering!" Mephisto chuckled.
"Yeah Thea, well done, just go on and keep boosting that demon's ego. That will surely help." she berated herself internally. She simply couldn't figure this demon out and she was growing frustrated with every second. Since he had revealed that he had actually been a peaceful creature, she had been even more nervous than before, standing face to face with a certain death. The thing was, she could usually tell when people had evil intentions. She could feel none of it from him, which was even more unsettling considering his demon nature. He was acting politely and gentlemanly and it seemed that he really had been stalking her simply out of curiosity. However, the keyword was 'seemed'. Oh no, she would not be fooled. She would not let her guard down! She would answer the demon's questions and hopefully have this whole episode closed.
"If that is the case, I assure you that my barrier was quite intact." Mephisto interrupted her thoughts. "Well, I don't know, I just felt it, OK? Sometimes, even a close proximity or a touch is enough for me to tell. Not that I would go around touching demons, that is." "What a shame." the demon lamented. "Hey! Quit it! I... I mean...could you please stop teasing me?" she tried to moderate her tone. "Yeah Thea, go ahead and be rude to that super-strong demon. Way to get killed! Get your act together or you will not walk out of this alive!" "My apologies, that demon's nature again. So, a touch you say?" the demon repeated, remembering the time at the market where she had caressed him in his animal form. "Yes, a touch. That sometimes tells me more than simply feeling the aura." "Oh?" "Sometimes, I manage to see parts of the demon's true form." Thea said reluctantly. "Like the last time...are you some kind of a demon lord? Or a king perhaps?" she suddenly asked. The Lord of Time was stunned. "Why would you think that?" he inquired cautiously. "Because of that strange crown above your head?" "Ah...so you can see my crown, then." That was unexpected. Usually, only a few signs manifested themselves here in Assiah. It seemed that the girl was able to see what was usually possible to see only in Gehenna. Things had just gotten a lot more interesting.
"Well, yes, but…" she trailed off as she slowly reached out and touched his shoulder carefully, reluctantly "now it is somehow clearer." Thea had to gulp a little, feeling the demon's overwhelming aura. She could not tear her eyes off him, so tantalizing was the sight. Mephisto could hear her heart beating fast, as the one of a hummingbird. He could not resist the urge to calm the little blonde, to make her feel more comfortable around him. If his plan was to work, she had to trust him more. Yes, it was all for the sake of his scheme, he assured himself. The demon reached out, gently clasping her hand. "So, like what you are seeing?" he asked mischievously. "I... it's very… imposing." she blushed. "What a diplomatic answer." Mephisto chuckled. Their eyes locked, chocolate-brown orbs against the forest-green pools. Suddenly, lightning crossed the sky and thunder rumbled above the heads of the visitors of the amusement park.
"Oh my, the April's weather is as unpredictable as always, it seems." Mephisto exhaled as he let go of Thea's hand. The hand he hadn't realized he had been holding the whole time. "Miss Thea, I must admit that I find your talents most interesting. If you wish to explore and master them, I suggest you visit this place" he said as he handed her his business card with the address of the True Cross Academy. Thea took it and asked perplexed. "I don't understand. This is some kind of academy. Do you mean to tell me that I can just walk into some school and learn to use my powers?" As if she hadn't already visited dozens of gurus and mediums in order to understand her powers… "Oh, not just any school. You will have the chance to see for yourself. You will not regret it, that I can promise." the demon blinked mischievously. "Simply ask for the headmaster, they will know what to do."
"Whoa, whoa, wait." Thea weaved her hands defensively in front of her. "Why would you even tell me such a thing? You are a fallen angel… why would you willingly give me a means to boost my powers, to protect myself?" "Why indeed." Mephisto smirked. "Is that really so important considering what you might gain?" "But…" Thea started only to be interrupted by a sudden downpour, accompanied by more intense flashes in the sky. "Oh dear, there you go." the demon said as he threw his white coat over Thea's head. He would have lent her the umbrella, had it not been a magical item. "Wait, no, I don't …" the blonde protested but was silenced as Mephisto put a finger over her lips. "Now then, it would be most ungentlemanly of me if I left you unaided in this kind of weather." She looked up, cheeks pink again, and for a moment there, the Lord of Time found it strangely appealing for her to be wrapped up in his clothing. He bent a little so that their faces were on an even level. "Until next time." he kissed her hand and uttered a silent "Ein, zwei, drei…"
OoO
Before Thea could say anything, the demon was gone. Another thunder rolled above her head and she found herself clutching the cloak she had been given closer. "There will be a next time, won't it?" she exhaled and started walking home. What was the demon's deal anyway? First, he started stalking her, then he casually took a swing ride with her and finally he even suggested that she visited some strange school? Did he even know what the business card meant to her? She had spent so much time trying to find out more about her strange powers. Oh, she did train alone, but any kind of training was usually way better with a teacher. However, despite her efforts to find one, she only managed to stumble across a number of charlatans. Just a bunch of wanna-be mediums and people talking about chakras, performing strange rituals or reciting incantations. In some cases, the spells indeed proved useful and were actually working to some extent. She could tell, because she was able to see the effects of their healing powers for herself. However, incantations, rituals or potions were not the way her powers worked. And now, the strange demon just showed up acting like he knew just the right place for her to master her talents... It was all just...too suspicious. What could he possibly gain by telling her? What if it was a trap? But then, he could have killed her anytime he wished, no need to play around... "Aaargh, so irritating!" Thea gritted her teeth. Still, what if this was her only chance to learn something more? She would be grateful for any scrap of information really… She couldn't continue the way she was now, that was out of the question. "Very well, it is settled then!" the blonde breathed out and quickened her pace to get out of the downpour.
Disclaimer: Blue Exorcists belongs to Kazue Katō. Please, do not re-post or publish my story without my consent.
Author's note: I had a lot of fun writing this chapter :). Enjoy! This is my first FF-writing attempt, so I would really appreciate your feedback :)