Disclaimer: I do not own CCS
~ Benevolent Malice: The Thin Line Between Love and Hate ~
Chapter 5: A Deal with the Devil
Syaoran lay on the bed, staring imploringly at the black canopy…his thoughts wandered endlessly with questions, trying to get to a single answer…
Should I take the risk? Should I…should I even consider working beside him? Syaoran thought, feeling it was going against all morals of Heaven to be working along side with the very "Essence of Evil".
…well…I'm not really working beside him… Syaoran held out the scroll of parchment paper before him, reading the ancient Latin for the umpteenth time.
He glanced at the quill on the table by his beside with temptation, but quickly looked away…
This just isn't right… Syaoran thought, a troubled look passed his face, …I only want revenge. That's all…but it's wrong! Everything I want seems wrong! …chikusho…
Rolling over on his side, staring at the quill and clutching the scroll, he replayed everything over in his head once again…
~ Flashback ~
"He should be waking up NOW!" Nakuru exclaimed as she plopped down on a chair, twirling a thick tress of hair around her finger impatiently. "It's so boring to wait and he's been sleeping for two whole days anyway. Let's wake him up NOW!"
"NO. We were ordered to watch over him and let him sleep in PEACE. If you were tortured for 4 days non-stop, wouldn't you be a 'little' tired, too?" Spinel asked sardonically.
"…well…maybe a little!" the energetically hyper Guardian remarked, missing the sarcasm in Spinel's tone.
Spinel rolled his eyes and laid his head down on his large paws, "I don't know why I even bother with you—"
"And that reminds me," Nakuru interrupted, "why does Eriol-sama bother with this aitsu in the first place?"
"Apprenticeship." Spinel remarked curtly and irritably, wishing Nakuru would just pay attention more often—if that were even possible.
"But…he's an ANGEL…what good will he be in Eriol-sama's army anyway?" Nakuru asked with a slight frown.
"Well, Eriol-sama is Eriol-sama and we can't question his wishes. Period." Spinel replied simply.
"But I can name, like, 10 demons that can kick this guy's ass in one minute flat—!!" Nakuru remarked, but was rudely interrupted by—
"—then bring them on." Syaoran said gruffly, pushing himself up in a sitting position on the bed.
Nakuru was taken aback and almost fell out of her chair.
Her face faltered completely, but she quickly composed herself, smiling nervously, "Y-Yare! You shocked me there—w-when did you wake up? –and how much did you hear?" she asked quickly.
Syaoran scrubbed his face with his hands, as if trying to rub away the two-day drowsiness, "I heard enough to hold a grudge against you...How long have I been here?"
"About two days," Spinel remarked, standing on all fours, "now since you're awake, let's get you ready…"
"Ready? For what?" Syaoran raised his head from his hands, looking at Spinel and Nakuru cautiously.
"To feed you to the lions...What do you think?" Spinel answered sarcastically. "Before you see Eriol-sama, we have to bathe you, dress you—"
"I can bathe and dress by MYSELF." Syaoran snapped quickly.
"Darn…" Nakuru snapped her fingers.
"Fine, fine, the hot springs is a bit difficult to find, so I'll lead you there. But first, let me get you a robe—" Spinel said, but Syaoran didn't listen…
Syaoran pushed back the covers—finding himself completely naked…he quickly pulled the covers back up, glowing red in the face.
Spinel grumbled, "No one ever listens to me and look what happens…"
Nakuru giggled, cat-like ears popped up from her head and a feline smile played on her face as she stared at Syaoran, "My, my, my…" she said slyly.
Syaoran, completely speechless by embarrassment, blushed a brighter shade of red mutely.
"Let ME show you to the hot springs." Nakuru said, her feline smile widening. She did her ever-so famous wink at the discomfited Syaoran.
"I—I'll find it myself!!" Syaoran bolted out of the room, the blanket wrapped tightly around his waist.
Spinel glared at Nakuru, "…Nakuru-chan…"
She giggled, "I was just joking…I didn't get a good look—unfortunately. He pulled up the covers too quickly—unfortunately…oh, there's always a next time!" Nakuru laughed aloud with her catlike smile.
"… …" Spinel looked at Nakuru, very, very disturbed by her…
Syaoran slowed down his pace and looked back, making sure he was a safe distance away from that Nakuru girl…or boy…or…whatever Nakuru was!
"…phew." Syaoran looked ahead of himself, letting out a relieved sigh…only to gasp in utter shock, his heart skipping beats.
"Why, hello, Li-san." Eriol greeted with his usual smile, coincidentally meeting the brown-haired angel, happy to see him finally awake.
Syaoran had taken a step back from the sudden surprise. Then he immediately, almost automatically, glared at Eriol, "You—!"
"I do have name…"
Syaoran looked at Eriol with cautious suspicion, a frown on his face, "What bad luck—I mean, what a pleasant surprise to run into you...Hiiragizawa." Syaoran said sarcastically, almost growling his name with hatred.
"Heh, I'm glad to see you're in a 'better' mood than when you were down in the prison," Eriol said with light sarcasm, "by the way you're...dressed…" Eriol eyed the blanket draped around Syaoran's waist with an arched eyebrow. "…I suppose you're going to hot springs?"
"I was hoping that wasn't too obvious..." Syaoran said sarcastically.
"Are always so sarcastic to everyone?"
"No, only to those I choose to hate," was the blunt reply, "A lot." he added.
Eriol smiled, gesturing to Syaoran to follow him, "Only to those you hate a lot, hmm? …I'm honored to be one of the chosen," Eriol walked down the hall,
"This way is to the hot springs…I suggest you follow. My mansion is actually a labyrinth of halls and rooms—now, I don't want to lose you for centuries," Eriol said with a chuckle, "actually, I'm being seriously literal."
Syaoran hesitated with a frown…it was him or Nakuru…or getting lost for centuries…
…getting lost for centuries didn't sound too bad in Syaoran's opinion at the moment as he narrowed his eyes at the back of Eriol's head.
Shuddering at the thought of Nakuru, ...as if I have any other better choices… Syaoran thought, feeling defeated. He reluctantly followed the navy-haired male.
Walking in the large, steaming Hot Springs area, it was if Syaoran had stepped into a completely different world…
Polished black stone withheld the steaming water that looked like pure black, almost sacred oil. Old, gnarly, yet beautiful trees of red and golden maple leaves grew along the edges of the springs, their roots in the water.
The whole area had an elegant, oriental look to it. It was simple, yet absolutely exquisite, even compared to some of the most lovely places in Heaven.
"Something the matter?" Eriol asked, noticing Syaoran's expression of silent wonderment.
"No, it's just that…I didn't think Hell would…have these kind of places." Syaoran replied quietly, watching a few leaves drift down and gracefully glide along the smooth, glassy surface and down a little waterfall.
Syaoran looked around, seeing no Eriol…he blinked, searching for an aura…
"Aren't you coming in?"
Syaoran looked toward the water, seeing Eriol lounging against the black stone edge. His clothes and glasses were evidently gone, but the black water concealed everything up to his mid-chest.
He had to admit…he was very tempted to go in the invitingly warm water…but…
"It's all right to join me, you know. I won't bite…" Eriol said as if reading Syaoran's mind. Then a chivalrously evil smile graced his face, "…this time."
Syaoran scowled at him, hesitating…he plucked at the blanket draped around his waist uneasily.
"A little shy, are we?" Eriol mocked lightly.
"Urusai!" Syaoran unfurled the long blanket quickly.
Eriol only saw the whirl of the black blanket and Syaoran had dove into the springs without notice. Syaoran's head emerged from the water.
"Heh, I suppose you won't be warming up to me any time soon?" Eriol asked.
"That's the last thing I'd ever do." Syaoran snapped, across from him, leaning against the comfortably hot stone.
Syaoran felt his taut muscles relax in the steaming hot water, he closed his eyes serenely as droplets of water slid down his face from his soaked hair.
Seeing the cast-away angel so at peace, Eriol almost wanted to just stay silent and watch contentedly…Eriol blinked and slightly shook his head, as if to shoo away the strange feelings that lingered in his chest…
…how..strange…well, anyway…now it's time to make a move before any sarcasm strikes up. He thought decidedly, pushing back whatever fluttery feelings loitered in his chest.
"Now," Eriol began business-like, "as I said before, we must discuss a transaction that will satisfy us both. But overall everything, we will have to work together."
Syaoran opened one eye, a frown evident on his face, "…I don't like the idea of working beside you. Actually, I don't like the very idea of being NEAR you."
"Oh, I'm sure your feelings will change someday," Eriol smiled genially, "after all, you should really consider the idea of being my kohai. There are many benefits, you know."
"Me? Your kohai?" Syaoran scoffed. "First, you break my wrist, dislocate my shoulder, and break my wing. Then you send me to be tortured for God knows how long. And NOW you want me to be your apprentice?!"
"Well, it does seem strange, doesn't it..?" Eriol said thoughtfully, "Well, it's just that you piqued my interest to some extent…"
Syaoran glanced at him.
"You really DO intrigue me, Li-san…" Eriol looked at him with a sincere smile.
For some reason, Syaoran blushed at the compliment as if he never received one before. He slightly glanced away, lowering himself deeper in the water until it reached his neck.
"It would sadden me if you were to refuse my offer." Eriol declared.
…this is probably my only chance to actually escape… Syaoran frowned at the thought of more torture. But do I actually want to work with HIM? Syaoran eyed the navy-haired General.
He was relaxing, lowering himself in the water with his eyes closed contentedly. His azure hair plastered to his porcelain face, his finely sculptured chest—Whoa there! Enough thinking, enough detail, enough daydreaming—w-wait, not DAYDREAMING…just looking...wait, that's not right either!! ..argh!
Syaoran blushed a bright red, Wha—what in the Seven Hells am I thinking?! It..it must be the hot water that's getting to my head, that's all! …yeah…
"Daijoubu desu ka, Li-san?" Eriol asked, looking at Syaoran with a half-concerned, half-curious expression, "your face is quite red—do you need to get out?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Syaoran said with an irritable tone to conceal his embarrassment, "n-now what were you saying about this 'transaction' between us?" he asked, eager to change the subject.
"Ah, yes. Well, it's already known that I need you as an apprentice, mainly because I need someone to take Rajual's place. And you, on the other hand, want to return to Heaven, correct?" Eriol asked.
"Yeah, that's right…but how is this going to work out?" Syaoran looked at Eriol strangely. "So what if I learn what you teach me? It doesn't' matter. I'll still return to Heaven somehow and I won't be able to work for you."
"Ah ha! But that's where out 'deal' comes into play." Eriol said, pointed a finger to the ceiling as if to make a strong point.
"…What kind of deal?" Syaoran asked slowly, almost cautiously.
"You see…well, let me explain first…your powers are much different from mine—you are the one that I want to teach specifically because I want to see the outcome of the Fusion between White and Black magic,"
"In fact, the mixing of white and black magic may even destroy your soul, leaving your body an empty shell."
"… …" Syaoran stared.
"Meaning, you'll never die. Just linger on as an aimless, lost ghost with no feeling, no existence, no—" Eriol went on…
"OKAY. I get the idea…" Syaoran grumbled.
"So you see, you take a risk," Eriol said, almost with a wicked smile, "If you master the Fusion of Black and White magic…I'll willingly let you return to Heaven. I am the only one that can open and close the portal to my Realm and to Heaven, you know. There's no other chance for you to leave here."
Syaoran frowned, "So in other words, I'm screwed here forever without your help."
"Exactly," Eriol smiled yet again, "I'm giving you the chance to take your revenge against Cercese Leirual and return to Heaven, taking your rightful title…on the OTHER hand, you may die and that will leave me without an apprentice or Assistant."
"Matte…you know about my title?" Syaoran asked.
"Of course, Son of the Archangel of Battle Li Yelan," Eriol replied, "I did my homework on you while you were…enjoying…yourself down in the Chambers."
"Yeah. Enjoying," Syaoran scoffed sarcastically, "But…I don't really see how this "Deal" is benefiting you…" he looked at Eriol with much suspicion.
"Eh heh…you see…if YOU are a success with the fusion of black and white magic, then I, myself, can become more powerful…" Eriol said, his eyes gleamed.
"What—what do you mean?" Syaoran asked.
"I have many Fallen angels in my army and at my disposal…they contain some fragments of white magic that I can steal," Eriol replied, "but I can't use myself as an experiment…"
"…so you're saying that I'm your guinea pig?" Syaoran glared.
"Well…I wouldn't say it like THAT…but, yes, precisely." Eriol nodded with a smile.
Syaoran looked away with an uneasy feeling churning in his stomach, reviewing over the information of the "Deal"…
"I'll give you time to decide, my kawaii cast-away." Eriol swam toward him, almost gliding through the water like a predator.
Syaoran pressed himself against the stone as Eriol leaned forward, their faces inches from each other…
Mesmerized by the depthless of his gray eyes, Syaoran felt as if he were cast under a paralysis spell…Eriol only leaned toward Syaoran's ear.
"It's your choice to take the risk…you risk far more than I do and I'm quite in favor of that. You risk your life, for the fusion may destroy you. And the welfare of Heaven, since it is my sole mission to destroy it and you may give me the initiative if you prove my experiment to be successful," Eriol whispered, his lips accidentally brushed against his ear.
Syaoran felt an instinctive shiver race down his spine, he tried to swallow as quietly as possible. Strangely…strangely, it was a warm shiver, not those cold, unpleasant ones…
Eriol pulled back, his eyes locked with Syaoran's, "Remember, Li-san, we will always be immortal enemies. But everyone are merely tools to each other's benefits in someway or another."
With that, Eriol dissipated into black mist, leaving Syaoran utterly alone to brood in troubled thoughts...
~ End of Flashback ~
Syaoran drew in a long breath, his eyes closed, rolling on his back.
One side told him to take the risk of losing his life. Just think...
If he was successful with fusing his white magic with newly acquired Black magic that Eriol would teach him, not only would he be set free to Heaven, he'd also be more than powerful enough to take Leirual's life.
And God knows how much he wanted THAT…
Of course, he could destroy himself if his soul couldn't handle the fusion…but that IS better than torture for eternity.
But on another unpleasant note, he may give Eriol the advantage to become stronger, in which he'll lead an onslaught against Heaven, possibly even winning…
Flashes of the Apocalypse raced through Syaoran's head…
Syaoran clenched his teeth and sat up in bed, grabbing his head with his hands… What to do, what to do? Then automatic words entered his head…
-Then I'll see you again someday, Lord Yue!-
-..Is that a sworn promise or a false hope, Son of the Archangel of Battle Li Yelan?-
I swore to return to Heaven…I swore that I would get my revenge…but… Syaoran thought, still hesitant.
-"…Farewell, my 'dear' friend. You really were a good friend...but only a 'means' to an end." Leirual had said.-
-" Remember, Li-san, we will always be immortal enemies. But everyone are merely tools to each other's benefits in someway or another." Eriol had said.-
Syaoran thought bitterly, …human or immortal—
He grabbed the quill, looking at it intensely, —we're all selfish bastards anyway.
He had nothing to lose. With that reasoning, all thoughts of doubt left Syaoran's mind like a flock of birds flying away from a gunshot.
Syaoran signed his full name on the scroll quickly before he could stop himself any further.
Eriol raised his eyes from the chessboard he and Spinel were playing at, the corners of his lips turning upward as he felt Syaoran's soul entwine with his as his signature graced the scroll.
Their Deal was now confirmed.
"…how..exciting..it will be to get acquainted with you…Li-kun." Eriol murmured to himself, his eyes narrowing with his seemingly wickedly evil smirk.
"It's your move…oh, I'm sorry, what did you say, Eriol-sama?" Spinel asked.
Taking his Knight piece and he moved it, the smirk still on his face. His successful victory over Syaoran was still stimulating.
Placing the Knight down, "Checkmate." Eriol said with subtle triumph, not really for the game against Spinel, but for his cast-away angel.
Author's Note:
I know, I know…a loooot of talking… ^_^; Sorry if it was too monotonous. I just needed to get the basic idea of Syao-kun and Eriol's relationship so far. I'll try to make the chapters more interesting and if they're too long PLEASE TELL ME and I'll see what I can do.
And I know…this story doesn't have or doesn't seem to have much potential, but hopefully, my ideas will be satisfying at the very end. ^_^
Thank you for reading! Please review!
~*~ Glossary ~*~
Chikusho: damn it
Aitsu: that damned guy; rude way of directing someone
Kohai: apprentice