Chapter 6 - An Angry Ghost Laughs the Most
The little blonde was slumbering peacefully now. No more ragged breathing, no more pain, and no more tears. Just a calm expression on her face which would have been bathing in the sunlight, had it not been for the long shadow looming over her body. A certain violet-haired demon had, for some inexplicable reason, found his way towards Thea's room in the hospital wing of the True Cross Academy. Something about her presence just seemed to make him feel… relaxed, more at ease. Exactly what the Lord of Time needed to collect his thoughts and arrange them to some resemblance of order. He was standing next to the girl's bed, hands clasped behind his back, his mind occupied with the memories of the lesson he had put the Exwires through. The Exwires and the young lady who, unknowingly yet again, had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. At least from her point of view, as there could have been no better timing for the Lord of the Time, really.
He still remembered the determined look on her face when she had rushed to help his students. Just like she had run to him that night… She truly was a hopeless case. The demon thought back on the latest encounter. He really wanted to see how the girl would fare in such a dangerous situation. What other powers did she have up her sleeve? How strong would she really be? He really wished to see and enjoy an even better show. Well, he did… in a way. The demon quickly went through all the events and found himself quite intrigued with the girl's abilities. Yes, there were many aspects where she was certainly lacking, but nothing that couldn't be fixed by decent training. Oh, he would make sure she was trained, lest she wanted to repeat her journey to the other world… Something really irritated him about the prospect of her demise, not to mention by the hands of Apollyon, in his wicked vortexes. That was out of the question. No, he would never allow losing such an asset.
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"Hmmm...where...oh, my head!" Thea instinctively reached for her head which started pulsating and spinning as soon as she sat up. "Now, now, take it easy, Miss Thea." The chocolate-eyed girl gasped. "S-Sir Pheles! What are you…" she trailed off as the memories of recent events flooded her mind. "So… that really happened?! The Academy. All those people with crazily strong powers. Those blasted vortexes… All of it?!" she exclaimed. "I should think so. After all, I was there too, remember?" he winked. Her expression became thoughtful. "Yes...you were. Oh, Sir Pheles, the guys! What about the group of people with those crazy powers? Are they safe?" she asked, concern written all over her face. "They most certainly are." the demon confirmed. "Thank goodness." she sighed, relieved. "For a while, I really thought I was going to… Gosh, I was so weak! It's so frustrating!" she put a hand over her face in a hopeless try to cover up her building-up tears.
"That would be a terrible underestimation of your skills, Miss Thea." the demon lord started. "Oh, would it?" the blonde started sarcastically. "How would you know?! You weren't even there to see these 'underestimated' skills in action." she rolled her eyes. "Ever so careful, I see..." Mephisto thought. "Let's just say that those guys you helped were impressed enough as to ask me to express their deepest thanks for saving their lives." "I-I see… well then, at least everything ended up well. I am grateful. Actually, uhm… thank you, Sir Pheles." she looked him earnestly in the eyes. Now that sparked a very strange feeling in a certain demon's chest. People did not tend to express any gratitude towards demons, no matter how great the aid offered. Perhaps it had to do something with the prospect of payment for the said service? "The kids… and well, me… we are fine thanks to you, so… yeah. I guess I owe you one, don't I?" she finished, letting out another sigh, which was far from relief this time.
"Ah, so here comes the 'payment talk'." Mephisto thought but decided not to let it go any further. "Why Miss Thea, it looks like you must have suffered a memory loss along with your other injuries, too." The demon lord lamented; a fake concern plastered on his face. However, the blonde's dumbstruck face was enough to make all his theatrical efforts go in vain. She was actually holding her head, as if to help herself remember. A low chuckle escaped his throat. "The first time we met, and you were gracious enough to heal my injuries, I offered you my help in return, should you ever require it. Now, I certainly did not expect that you would find yourself in such a situation so quickly, but it seems that you possess a rare ability to draw in quite dangerous encounters. You called and I responded, as promised." "That is… very honorable of you, Sir Pheles." The demon sighed. "Another diplomatic answer?" The blonde suddenly reached out and pulled at his sleeve. "No! I mean it, I swear! I will remember your help, Sir. I promise." she offered him one of her most earnest, thankful smiles. Shades of pink suddenly appeared on the headmaster's cheeks. What was that little vixen thinking, looking at him like that? She was supposed to be the distrustful one. So open! Nobody dared to lose focus around him, to let down one's guard. She should know better. He covered the slight blush on his face with his hand. His human vessel must have been failing him. He decided to strategically move on with the topic.
"How bizarre." Mephisto started. "To think that you would heal a demon. That you would extend your thanks towards a demon. And that you would fight alongside one to protect him and his friends." "You mean the one with the blue flames, right? You have seen him too… At first, I really thought that he was a demon. His aura felt so… devastating, scorching. Just like those blue flames of his. However, ... I don't think that he really was a demon. Oh, his powers were demonic, no doubt about that. But he seemed kind of... 'human' to me. Maybe just 'a little' demon?" "Very keen observation, Miss Thea. Yes, he was what we call a half-demon. And not just any." he held her gaze, hoping for her to continue. "I knew you would know these things!" the blonde exclaimed, sounding almost happy. "Yes, his demonic powers were...something remarkable. I think that he might be some kind of lord too, despite the deceiving appearances." "Oh?"
Thea started counting out "Well, apart from the crazy burning flames, that tail, pointy ears and fangs, he also wore some kind of a crown made of blue flames." she tried visualising that one with her hands, drawing invisible circles above her head. She was just so… expressive and lively when talking. "I must say that it was kind of scary." she admitted silently. "And yet you decided to help him." It was not a question, but Mephisto knew she would catch up on that statement. "I guess so. As much as I couldn't believe it, he was the good guy! All the others confirmed that, too. He was protecting his friends. Just like the rest of them did. They were helping each-other. I couldn't just leave them to their fate!" Mephisto grinned "I figured as much when I found you trapped in the vortexes." She shot him an annoyed glance. "No need telling me how stupid or reckless that was, I just can't help it, OK? Besides, it is my job to look out for the people in need, for the injured… Gee, forget what I said… I am just babbling now." She shook her head and her expression became the one full of determination.
"I think I should be on my way." the girl looked around and started to get off the bed. "Oh, I don't think so, dear. You did quite a job on yourself, you shouldn't be moving around just yet." Mephisto said, getting a hold of her shoulders. Regardless of how gently he tried to push her back to the bed, the girl flinched at his touch, goosebumps appearing on her skin. He could already feel his gloves steaming. "I am just fine. In case you haven't noticed, my injuries tend to heal a tad faster than usual." she retorted, trying to wiggle her way out of his grip. "I have noticed. However, that does not mean that you are ready to move around. Be a responsible patient and assume a position more befitting your current state." he pushed her back to the pillow. "Oh really? Says who? Look, I appreciate your help, but I really need to get going. I must urgently meet someone, understand?" the chocolate-eyed girl said firmly, throwing her legs over the edge of the bed so she could slip off it.
It was then when she noticed that her feet were bare. Actually, she was not wearing her clothes either. That was understandable, she was in a hospital, after all. However, instead of the standard hospital gown one would usually receive, she was wearing some strange pinkish robe which was obviously too big for her. "Wha… What in the world am I wearing? This is not a hospital gown… what…?" she asked incredulously, looking herself up and down, as she recognized some kind of a yukata with the craziest pattern she had ever seen - anime chibi girls! She looked up, only to see a pleased, smug grin plastered on the demon's stupid face! The face, which was, again, too close for her comfort. That annoying demon was still holding her! She jerked back, pulling the demon with her in the process. She hit the blankets on the bed with her back and Mephisto slumped above her, holding himself up only by his elbows. His hands never left her shoulders. Their eyes met and Thea felt heat rising up in her cheeks. She couldn't even breathe from the strange tension that set over the room. Wait a minute… that was no tension. It was him! The demon's aura was more vibrant… And so close! And so strangely… enticing? Somehow, she started to feel comfortable enveloped in his aura, despite it being something akin to a rainless thunderstorm.
Mephisto found himself in quite a suggestive position, indeed. The girl's frame was as small as he remembered, her lips just as pink and moist. Wait a minute… that was no memory. At least not a memory of a real experience. It was the memory of a dream! The one with the popsicle and… The sweet scent of cinnamon mixed with honey hit his nose. At this proximity, it was even more prominent. His mind became clouded and he found himself lost in the beautiful scent. So soothing and exciting at the same time. He inclined his head closer, slowly closing his eyes, his demon aura intertwining with hers, rather than clashing against it. His grip tightened. He wanted more. More of the intoxicating scent, more of the touches, more of… The demon's eyes snapped open as his mind suddenly cleared. He did not just lose his focus!
The demon's strangely serious expression suddenly changed, and a grin spread on his face. He repositioned himself, so that his lips were mere inches from her left ear and whispered. "Now, now, Miss Thea. When I suggested a more appropriate position, I didn't think you would be so… inventive." She gasped, her cheeks burning her own face. She knew it! Of all the ways she could have died from, she would die from embarrassment! "I… Y-you…" the blonde found herself stuttering. "Yes, dear? You and I?" the demon provoked. "No way! What is wrong with me?! I should be disgusted or maybe terrified, but definitely not flustered!" Thea realized with a shock. Strangely, the only thing she could think about was her crazy dream about the day at the amusement park, where they… No! No, no, no! Was she out of her mind?! Was it because of her current state? Great… so now she was weak both in body and mind!
A low chuckle brought her out of the desperate chain of thoughts. "My apologies, Miss Thea. Seems like you are very successful in bringing out my playful demon nature." he said, standing up. "Now then" the demon lord started as he folded the loose halves of her yukata back to their proper place. "Let me cover up some… less pleasant things." he smirked. Thea's cheeks burned. "What does he mean by that?! Does he mean my cleavage? Oh my god! Was it showing?! No, no, no! Hold on… less pleasant things? So, my chest is not pleasant to look at?! What a jerk to say it out loud! To a patient nonetheless! Wait… why do I even care what that annoying demon thinks?! He shouldn't even be here! Oh man!" Mephisto's voice suddenly interrupted the girl's frantic thoughts. "Those blood-stained clothes of yours were definitely not pleasant to look at. As for the gown, I believe that this is a private Academy hospital, so they can afford something more comfortable and… pleasing for their patients to wear." he explained, looking around. "But no worries, it seems that your clothes have been cleaned properly and brought to your room here." he assured the girl, pointing at the shelves where her garments lay. "Oh my God! I freaked out for nothing! I am such an idiot! Wait… so does that mean that my chest was pleasant to look at? Dammit, I am getting a headache…" Thea's internal turmoil continued, until she settled for simple "I see. Uhm… thanks for that." "Oh, do not mention it." he waved a hand nonchalantly.
"Now, I have my suspicion of whom you might want to see at the moment but be a good patient and rest. In the meantime..." he snapped his fingers and something appeared in his hand. "...why don't you give a call to the charming friend of yours? She might be worried." he finished, handing Thea her phone. "You mean Ayami? Why would she be worried?" she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Well, because you haven't shown up home yet." "Yes, but it's not that late." Thea answered looking out of the window. "I will be back still tonight." "Oh, truly? So, you also possess some time traveling skills?" the demon raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? What time travel?" Mephisto leaned closer to the blonde again. "Miss Thea, you have been sleeping for two days." The demon's sensitive ears were not prepared for the upcoming outburst. "Two days?! I thought you've just brought me here!" Thea exclaimed. "I am afraid that your body was in a desperate need of those two days. And, considering the damage you suffered, I am quite impressed that they actually sufficed." he answered honestly, looking at her as if trying to determine her current state.
"Wait a minute. If you brought me here two days ago, then what are you doing here now?" How did she do that? Catching him off guard like this… Again. "Verdammt, what am I doing here?" He faintly remembered the strange restlessness which had kept him from work. Next thing he knew was him standing in the girl's hospital room, organizing his thoughts. Thoughts which, despite his best efforts, seemed to be even more chaotic than before. Well, he would not share that little detail with her. "Oh dear, that is simple. I had to make sure that you didn't become a 'beautiful angel'. Or an angry ghost who would haunt me instead…" the violet-haired demon winked, a smug smile appearing on his face. "What are you… Hey!" The exclaimed as she recognized her own words. "Humph! As you can see, I am neither an angel, nor a ghost for now, so… so there!" she puffed up her cheeks. "Are you sure about that, dear? You do look quite angelic today." he grinned. "Oh, please. Are there really women out there who would buy it? I just battled a demon, then slept for two days, not to mention I desperately need a shower! So sure, I must look charming…" the girl rolled her eyes. "An angry ghost it is, then." Mephisto chuckled. A soft giggle joined him. In a few seconds, the whole room was filled with the girl's and, surprisingly, his laughter…
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"Thea! Thank Goodness, are you all right?" Ayami's concerned voice sounded from the cell phone. "Calm down, Ayami, I am fine. Listen, I am in a hospital right now. Nothing serious, just a little accident... I am so sorry I couldn't call you any sooner. Apparently, I have been sleeping for two days…" Thea tried to soothe her friend without giving away anything specific. "Yeah, I know! I was so worried when I learned you had to stay there for another day! How are you feeling? Are they treating you well? I swear I wanted to come and check on you, but they said you were still sleeping and..." the raven-haired friend continued to shower Thea with questions. "Whoa, whoa, wait! How did you know I was in a hospital? I am just calling you." the blonde asked, confused. "Well, your boyfriend called, of course!" Ayami explained, smugly emphasizing the word 'boyfriend'.
Thea cried in a tiny, high-pitched voice "My what?!" She could hear giggles on the other side of the line. "OK, OK, he didn't put it exactly like that. How was that… oh right! It was the 'gentleman who you like to spend time with'. You know… the older guy whom we met at the amusement park? You were riding the swing ride together." A wave of embarrassment and disbelief washed over Thea. "What? He called you? Why?! How…" she stuttered while swearing in her head profoundly. "That idiot! Does he have no sense of privacy?! That stalker! Now he's calling my friends too?! I can't believe this!" "Oh, you should be glad he called. A few more hours and I would have called the police!" Ayami berated the blonde. "What? Oh, come on Ayami, I was just…" "But of course! What would you have done, hmm?! You didn't return back to the dorms! I couldn't reach you via phone. I looked everywhere, even in the labs! I was freaked out!"
Thea's eyes widened in shock and a feeling of guilt came crashing down on her. She didn't think of that… Did the demon actually try to help her? Apart from saving her life, checking on her in the hospital… did he also think about her friends and family who would have searched for her? She clutched her hand to her chest, her heart beating fast. What was going on? Could it be that a demon would really hold his word? Help people? That was just… ridiculous! Against their nature! And yet… she couldn't feel any evil intentions from this one… "Thea? Are you there?" a concerned question interrupted Thea's thoughts. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to explode like that. I was just… worried, OK?" Ayami explained. "N-no… you are right. I am the one who should be apologizing. It is... good that he let you know." Thea said more calmly now. "Apology accepted. Now then, what exactly is going on between you and that 'gentleman'?" "Oh man… this is going to be one exhausting call" Thea sighed, covering her face in embarrassment.
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"Abaddon." Mephisto nicked his head towards the redhead demon whose figure was covered by shadows of the hospital wing hallway. Abaddon stepped out into the open. "Sire." he bowed. "I was under the impression that you have been recovering in Gehenna." the Lord of Time stated calmly. "I just came to…" "To make sure that I was not testing you, too?" Mephisto cut him off. "Yes, Sire." Abaddon bit off. "Rest assured, my friend, that it was not my intention to test you. Although I must admit that your skills could use some sharpening, too." he suggested. "Then I shall commit myself to tougher training from now on." "I should hope so. Now, what is it you truly wish to know?" "Sire?" "Oh, spare me the formalities, Abaddon." The demon looked Mephisto in the eyes. "Why did you let her fight? She was a disturbance. She was not in the plan."
"All the more reasons for you to practice your flexibility. Wouldn't you say?" Mephisto mocked, catching the faint sound of Abaddon's gritting teeth. "Never you worry, she fell into that plan perfectly." "Then perhaps you could share such important details with me the next time." the redhead demon retorted. "You will receive all the information you need." "Why do you even want her here at the Academy?" "I want her the same way as any asset I could lay my hands on." Mephisto responded. "Asset? She is a human with some inferior healing powers. I could have annihilated her in mere seconds." "That was not your purpose. And be careful, Abaddon, or that 'human' might very well purify you one day." The chairman's eyebrows narrowed as he fixed the redhead with his gaze. "Surely you wouldn't suggest…" "That was no suggestion. Although I do have this one for you - return immediately and get that shoulder of yours checked properly. Satan's flames are very effective. You are dismissed." Mephisto waved the other demon off and started for his office.
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Abaddon stood in the hallway, anger boiling inside of him. "That bastard! I knew I would not get a shred of useful information out of him. Damn him!" his fists tightened. "How long do I have to serve that poor excuse of a demon?! I am a Duke; I rule the Abyss! Why do I have to play a babysitter for his brats? How can he stand those weak, pitiful creatures?! Tsk… First the Satan's offspring, and now that human wench!" he spat. "He sent me to fight her even though he knew very well that she was able to destroy my vortexes! Arrogant, scheming bastard! I will repay you tenfold for that missing piece of information! If I had known she would be able to do that, I would have prepared! And her... decades of harvesting souls and my own energy to create one vortex! All gone!"
His eyes started gleaming, crimson color filling them completely. "She would purify me, would she now? Oh please, I wouldn't even need to use my orbs." the Lord of the Abyss reached for the door leading to Thea's hospital room. "You are going to pay for this, you filthy bitch! No one destroys my vortex and walks away to tell the story!" an evil grin reached his face as he cast the spell. Suddenly, a great purple clock circle appeared on the surface of the door, and Abaddon's spell fell apart. "Don't tell me... That clown put up a barrier for her?! Screw him! You will pay for denying me this satisfaction, Samael!" the demon raged inside. This was unacceptable! The wench had to pay! Unfortunately, there was no way for him to break through a barrier cast by a demon lord. What now? There must have been something he could do! Something that would work! His mind was racing until it stopped at a certain thought. The demon cut a wicked smile. "All right then… A few nightmares would be enough of a compensation for the vortex. For now…" the demon created a mental image of a particularly nasty nightmare and invaded the girl's mind, planting it in her subconsciousness. He then turned to leave. Everything had it's time. Patience…
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The Lord of Time grinned viciously - his barrier held in place. That fool Abaddon. Did he really think he could just walk in and do as he pleased? This was his playground. His show. Still, he would need to keep a closer eye on the Duke of the Abyss. Abaddon had been growing inpatient of serving him recently. No wonder, it was his punishment, after all. Abaddon, or Apollyon, the name he went by, had been responsible for quite a turmoil in Gehenna when he had tried to claim the territories of other, lesser dukes. Only a few of his rank would be oblivious enough to attempt such foolishness. Even Gehenna, despite the apparent chaos, was bound by some rules.
At first, Leviathan had wanted him punished by keeping him at the brink of drowning in his dark waters for a couple decades. Just darkness and the endless feeling of one's lungs being filled with water, neither able to take a breath, nor finally being allowed the mercy of suffocating… Well, Mephisto argued for a more suitable punishment. Or rather, a punishment more suitable for him. And thus, the great Abaddon had ended up as Mephisto's lackey, and had been training and empowering those lowly, filthy, disgusting creatures he always despised so much. Oh yes, no amount of Leviathan's torture would have reached this level of humiliation Abaddon had been suffering at the Academy more than he would have in Leviathan's hands. Simply brilliant! Still, he'd rather have Abaddon get used to it and do something useful for a change. Well, Mephisto would just have to wait. Everything had it's time. Patience...
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Disclaimer: Blue Exorcists belongs to Kazue Katō. Please, do not re-post or publish my story without my consent.
Author's note: Hi everyone! New chapter is out ^^ My current lame excuse for the slight delay is the fact, that my dear beta-reader, a.k.a husband, had a very busy week and managed to go through my writings only yesterday :D. Still, I am really happy that he did so! As always - this is my first FF-writing attempt, so I would really appreciate your feedback :)