The Potion 8

I do not own anything and if you're not a Keel x Lavi fan then don't read it. It is definitely OOC.

Also Esmeralda and Sangre are drawn from Mokona from xxxHolic and Puella Magi Madoka Magica so I don't own any rights to them either.

Part two of the double update :)

[Esmeralda's POV]

I was raked with guilt. It's all my fault, it's all my fault – was the mantra I couldn't help but repeat as night coiled over in this illusionary forest. I waited in the midst of the steam of the hot spring Sangre had conjured. I was waiting for Miki's signal: an aural blast. It was to signal that she'd try and purify Lavi of Sangre's spell then I'd come, explain everything, rally up a fight and hope to subdue Sangre, then we would leave.

I kept repeating my mantra but in the corners of my mind, Miki's explanation of the plan was also repeating. A whirl in my stomach predicted the blast in the air. An aurora was pushed through the fake alpine and I rushed forward, going as fast as my stubby legs and useless wings could take me.

I dash and dash until I finally find the clearing. I'm a mess already, it was only a 100 meter sprint to get to them and I was already tired. I look around, trying to assess the situation. Miki had armed herself with a paintbrush and some paint. Blue had his watery sword at her throat. Something didn't look right about his eyes; they were just like Sangre's. The Pig Devil was roped down. Lavi and Keel didn't appear right either. All their eyes had been tainted red. I wished to God it wasn't true but those crimson eyes were a tell-tale sign of Sangre's spells. 'We were too late.' Miki said and the water's surprisingly sharp edge tucked further into her throat. A little bit blood dribbled into evil-Blue's fluid weaponry. He didn't seem to care, he seemed psychotically delighted by it.

Miki knew the plan would more likely than not fail, because it was too simplistic but that simplicity was just the base. Miki had calculated many things and this was just one of her many scenarios. The scenario counters were her true plan. I just wish she hadn't left it too late. If she had contacted me sooner...this evil probably wouldn't have happened... I can't blame myself now! I have to do something!

'Keel,' Lavi began and the redhead stirred. I could easily tell Lavi's voice was laced with Sangre. The bloodlust and pitch gave it away. A chill went down my spine. 'Kill that creature, for me.' The two gave each a peck on the lips and then Keel turned to me.

I'm not strong... I'm too forgiving... I give too much leeway to everyone – especially Sangre. The "It's all my fault" mantra returns to me. Blue backs away and Keel lumbers towards me. I'm so scared! Keel's fists open. They grab my neck and they grab Miki's. She splutters but I try to stay strong for her sake. I'm waiting for a signal, anything. Miki had a plan for this... I'm certain she did. Her intricately woven plans are unravelling and Keel's grip on us is tightening. 'Execute them.' Lavi commands and she leans over and gives blue a peck on the lips. Keel drops us but the blonde doesn't notice. Something had clearly snapped in Keel. 'Wait, what?' he growled. I could sense his humanity coming back. It was vague since Miki was negating my powers just as I was negating hers. 'This is bad. I didn't plan for this.' Miki said.

Oh no. I have a horrible feeling about this. 'Why Laaaaaavvvvvviiii? Why?' Keel howls.

'This could work to our advantage.' Miki said as though she had a great epiphany. She had a plan! I could see it in her sparkling eyes; such a lovely green. Keel drops to his knees. 'Lavi? Why?' he howled again. His fists smash into the ground and he's crying. He's throwing a rather restrained tantrum.

'The spell broke on him, didn't it?' Miki hissed to me.

Yeah, I nod. My ears only move in small motions since I'm trying to be quiet. Miki gave me a series of eyebrow quirks and lip movements. I try to understand but can't. What I do understand is that Miki's got a real plan now, not a series of intertwined scenarios but an actual plan. I just hope I can participate to her liking...

MerryFairy :)

Until the next chapter.