Chapter 18

Written By Illuminet

Disclaimer: Refer to chapter 1 for it.

"..."-Indicate Speech

'...'-Indicate Thought

:TWF:

Netherworld, Overlord's Castle, Balcony

"Your up rather early."

Laharl turned his head slightly to look back at the one who spoke to him.

"The same could be said about yourself, Etna."

Laharl said, before turning his head back to its original position.

"What are you doing up here, Laharl?"

She asked as she went to the railing and stood beside him.

"Watching the sunrise. It's been awhile since I've seen one."

Laharl answered, though he did not turn to speak to her directly.

"Looks like it'll be a clear enough day to witness a sunrise without too many clouds obstructing your view...to be honest, though, I've never seen an actual sunrise."

Etna admitted as she stared at the golden beams continuing to rise over the horizon steadily.

"It's rare for many Demons to watch the sun ascend its course since they feel the most comfortable in the darkness of night. Regardless of all that, it's actually quite intriguing to watch as the darkness fades and disperses as the light shines on the world. The same could be said about the sunset when darkness chases the light and covers the world black."

Laharl began explaining, sounding somewhat mystified about the change from day to night and vice versa.

"It kind of reminds me about how all we Demons used to be with the Angels. It always seemed to be a chase back and forth between the two of our kind. Light and darkness...good and evil..."

Etna pondered to herself in a hushed tone. Laharl sighed.

"Back then, very few of us could discern good from evil, and even fewer understood that the world was not so black and white as it appeared on the outside."

Laharl stated.

"That's true."

Etna agreed.

"Maybe the coming of peace also means everything is starting to fall back in place. It was written in ancient texts that all the races once coexisted with one another, as we are all beginning to do now..."

Laharl stated. Etna turned towards him.

"I heard you speaking with Mid-Boss, Laharl."

Etna told him. Laharl's form stiffened.

"You heard everything?"

He asked somewhat shakily.

"Yeah."

She affirmed.

"And...?"

It was hard for him to speak when he was embarrassed.

"Can you at least give me a chance, Laharl? It's true that I'm no substitute for Flonne and that I probably will never be able to fully comfort you as she has...but all I'm asking is for one chance. Even if it means being hurt at the end."

Etna said to him. Laharl lowered his head.

"One chance..."

He whispered softly. He pondered if it was such a good idea. He knew he harbored some deep feeling for Etna, but was still ultimately enamored with Flonne and didn't want to act on his lesser desires and end up hurting Etna in the process, yet Etna was allowing herself to take a big risk.

'Would things really be able to go back to normal if I find out that I can't love her the same way I loved Flonne...? Is she really going to chance having a relationship with someone who can't get over his first love...'

Thoughts such as these ones swirled within Laharl head. He turned towards Etna, looking her straight in the eyes. He had to be truly certain she was willing to do this.

"Are you really sure, Etna? The odds won't be in your favor, you know? You wouldn't rather just live content with us being friends rather than taking things further?"

Laharl asked her seriously. Etna clasped his hands.

"Don't worry. I'm sure. As corny as what I'm about to say may sound, I'd rather act on my feelings now rather than always keeping them bottled up. At first I never thought I would fall for you, but now that I look back on it, when does anyone ever know who they will fall in love with? Can you honestly tell me that you were expecting to fall for an Angel when you were still a child? That's the reason I want this chance. To let me act on my feelings."

Etna explained to him. Laharl had to agree. She was right, because back then, he never in his wildest dreams thought that he would fall for Flonne. Heck, he never thought he was ever going to meet an Angel ever for anything besides conquering someday when he was going to become Overlord back then either. Much of his young life did not go smoothly as had believed it would.

"Alright, Etna...let's try and work hard for this. I don't know how far we'll get, but if you want this so badly, I'll comply."

Laharl said firmly, grasping her hands as well. Her eyes shone with happiness, like a great burden had been uplifted from her shoulders, and she embraced him tightly.

"I'm so happy, Laharl. Thank you."

She murmured to him as her head rested against his chest. Laharl felt warmth flow through him from her touch.

'Her emotions are radiating off like waves. It must have been very difficult to realize she had been in love after I had already been too taken in by Flonne to really notice her much anymore. Throughout all these many years she has continued to bottle those feelings within as best she could. I should know from experience how hard it is to contain.'

Laharl pondered to himself as he stared down at her head as he, too, embraced her in return.

"The new day has truly begun."

Laharl said softly. Etna looked up at him, staring into his eyes which gave off a gentle glow. The two turned to face the horizon where the sun half peeked up from, shining it's light upon the lands.

"Your right...there is something intriguing about watching the sun rise and take it's course."

Etna commented.

"Yeah."

Laharl said softly.

"Laharl?"

Etna asked looking towards him. He turned to acknowledge her.

"Hm? Yeah?"

He asked. Before he knew it, his lips were sealed with her own. She kissed him deeply, like she had wanted to do ages ago but never got the chance. Soon Laharl felt himself kiss her back.

'Despite what Demons may have initially believed...no one can live without having the comfort of love in some way or form. This is what both mom and Flonne wanted me to realize and I finally have after so much turmoil...and now it's time for me to move on with my life...a life I had hoped Flonne and I could have shared. Even if that can't happen anymore, I can share this love with another...Etna, we'll give each other both a chance!'

The two Demons soon released from their kiss soon after. Etna looked up at him, her cheeks flushed, but with a smile on her face.

"Laharl, I love you."

:TBC: