Okay, I'm updating!! Finally, huh? Sorry for keeping you waiting…I couldn't get to a computer….so here it is—ch 5!

Chapter 5: Freak

When Raenef appeared at dinner that night, his green eyes were swollen beyond recognition, his hair was messy, and his features set in stone.

Erutis exchanged a long, worried look with Chris, but neither commented. They both did their best to keep the chatter light and cheerful, but Raenef's expression refused to change.

"Raenef?" Erutis asked, once everyone had gone. The only light in the room was the pair of candles on the expensive oak table, and the shadows it cast over the demon lord's face caused him to appear as a gnarled old man.

"I can't stay here, Erutis," he said, his voice hollow.

Erutis took in his sorrowful eyes and the tears threatening to take over. It'll kill him to stay here, she thought.

"You'll keep in touch?" Raenef looked shocked.

"I thought you would oppose this the most."

She gave a sad smile. "It's true. But I'd rather you be far away and happy than with me and miserable."

"Thank you."

She nodded. "Where will you go? Back to the guild?"

Raenef gave a short, almost cruel bark of laughter. "No, I won't be returning to the guild. That part of my life is over."

Erutis nodded again. "I'll pack you some cupcakes."

Raenef brightened at the thought of chocolate. "Would you?"

"Of course."

Just before dawn, Erutis tore a sleeping Chris from his bed to wish Raenef farewell.

Almost unrecognizable in his dark cloak, tunic, pants, and boots, Raenef gave each of them a tearful (on their part) hug and then departed.

As the blazing sun rose to share its light, Raenef caught sight of a figure cloaked similarly to himself.

He shyly walked up to the person and tapped their shoulder.

"Hi. I just want to know if this is the road to—." Raenef began.

Her red hair caught the sunlight and made it glow all the more fiercely, and green eyes twinkled as she unconsciously coiled like a tiger prepared to spring and strike down its prey.

"Hi, Raenef."

The demon lord's jaw dropped and he screamed," HOLY SHIT!! ECLIPSE!! ECLIPSE!!" Panicking when the demon didn't show, he turned and fled for the castle, calling for Eclipse as he ran.

"Where are you going?" she asked, suddenly before him. "Please, Raenef, I want to talk, and…." She trailed off. He was staring at her with so much fear and pain in his eyes that she began to doubt he remembered.

He yelped "go" and reappeared in the castle.

"Back so soon?"

Raenef whirled. "If it wasn't for you, I could've forgotten forever. I hate you. Do you hear me!?! I HATE YOU!!"

So yeah. There's that, and again I apologize for not posting more sooner. You still love me though, right? ::pause:: (longer pause) RIGHT!?!?!