Don't Play With Fire

Chapter Twelve - Her Knight in Shining Armor

"Sanosuke!" the young woman cried out, overjoyed at the sight of the bold warrior who saved her life once again --- aside from that instance in the past that no longer seemed to exist. She was too delighted, in fact, that she practically ran up and flung her arms around him. "You're okay! Thank God you're okay!"

He returned the embrace, stopping for a moment to savor the moment of bliss that transpired between them. Although the moments they had together were practically non-existent to the others, they knew that those took place, one way or the other. "Yes, I'm okay," he murmured, caressing her hair, before he pulled away and stepped forward, protectively blocking her from their adversary's view.

The Devil seemed rather amused at the arrival of his captive, who was once again acting like the Christian woman's knight in shining armor. "Well, well. What a wonderful reunion of star-crossed lovers. Fancy how fate brought you together in this part of the cosmos?" he sneered, earning another glare from the young man, which was the most powerful one he received yet. "How rude. Is that how you're going to treat the being who listened to your prayer and answered it?"

"I owe you nothing."

"You owe me your soul," the demon stressed, grinning widely as if Sanosuke had forgotten the agreement that took place between them. He then grew serious. "And if you're not going to get out of the way, I will throw you into the boiling pit of fire along with your little beloved."

Those words made Sanosuke smirk considerably. "You may want to try, Mr. Lord of the Underworld," he told him, gazing at the demon intently. "Because I will personally see to it that you will be thrown into the boiling pit of fire, where you rightfully belong."

"Sanosuke---"

It's okay. I'll be all right."

He stepped forward, shoving Sayo behind him carefully and protectively. "It's time to end all of this, you monster. If you don't want me to destroy your face even more than it already is, I suggest you let us go in peace. You don't know how strong I am. You'll be surprised."

Their adversary only laughed in reply. "Look who's being brave. Sanosuke Sagara, the frustrated warrior who wasn't strong enough to save his little beloved from the claws of death. You said it yourself, young man --- and here you are, claiming that I don't know how strong you are. And if indeed you are, can you stand up to the power of darkness? I highly doubt it."

Sanosuke's tone was challenging. "Try me."

"Wrong answer," he told her in response, before he jumped down from his fiery pedestal and lunged at the young man who dared to challenge him. The battle ensued with great intensity, Sanosuke's fists against the Devil's flame, but it was evident that the mortal would not last long, would not last long enough to defeat the entity of evil. Not without help, anyway.

His fist streaked through the other's face, making the demon stumble back. The horrid-looking beast wiped the blood that trickled down his bleeding lip and smiled. "Is that all you are capable of doing? Is that the strength you're bragging about? Dear me, I feel such pity for you. For you, and your little beloved who is incapable of defending herself. You're all going to be burnt to a crisp; isn't that lovely?"

His voice dropped into a low, threatening tone. "I told you once, and I'll say it again. For the last time," he began, walking towards his opponent without a trace of fear or hesitation. "Leave Sayo out of this. Leave her alone, or suffer the consequences."

At that, Sanosuke punched the wall of rock by his side, transforming them into smaller pieces yet big enough to cause damage and making them tumble down on the battlefield. But the Devil wasn't intimidated at all by the young man's show of power. He merely raised his hand, and the boulders disintegrated into dust.

He then lifted his hand towards the young Christian woman who watched the battle at a corner of the area in horror. "It's time to deduct the assets to add up to the liabilities," he announced as a huge ball of fire formed around his hand. "Say goodbye, Sayo Amakusa! Join your fellow Christians in their suffering and anguish!"

The ball of fire skyrocketed to the air, dissipated into a cluster of smaller fireballs, and scooted towards the defenseless young woman. She tried to run, away from the spot where the fireballs would meet and start up a massive explosion, but they followed her --- and were catching up with her fast. She spared a glance back, to check how near they were to her, when she tripped through a piece of rock that sent her tumbling to the ground.

She squeezed her emerald eyes shut, anticipating the impact of one missile of fire after the other on her frail body. But to her surprise, none of them came, despite the fact that she heard those projectiles slam against a human figure. After what seemed to be a very long time, she finally had the courage to open her eyes

and saw Sanosuke lying in front of her, unconscious.

---

Author's Note: Thank you very much for your wonderful comments, everyone. There are actually just four chapters more to go, so you won't be in suspense for very long anymore. I just hope I won't let you down at how this fic will turn out. =P