A/N:I'm finally able to add my notes... Work keeps me busy... ack!
Many thanks to the following:
TF-chan:I'll be adding more pics when I have the time. Hope you liked the last one.
Pinkmartini: I like boo too despite him being too pink for the role... ahaha
satomika-chan: have you graduated already? Congrats anyway... and goodluck on the upcoming board.
malora-chan: thanks for the support.
eirist-chan: Tokiya with wings... I've got more in store... hehe
suryasree-chan: hope you like what I have hear about lilith...
Standard Disclaimers still apply. FoR belongs to Anzai Nobuyuki. Descriptions of Hell from Dante Alighieri.
Other God by Anne Raven
Chapter 13: Lies in the Conspiracy
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
-Luke 8:17
What you don't know won't hurt you. Many people bank their faith on that one cliché so it's probably true. But sometimes, what you don't know hurts more than what you do.
-Rivalry-
Fuuko Kirisawa… the name rolls off from my tongue easy enough. And even though my eyes roam the vast school grounds through the huge classroom windows, it is she who occupies my every thought. Everything reminds me of her anyway.
Every now and then, cheering or laughter would erupt from the campus, audible from this quiet classroom. It doesn't bother me, that noise. It doesn't mean a thing. She's not there anyway. She's not laughing at the moment.
I like hearing her laugh. Hanabishi and Ishijima make her laugh easily; they seem to be her favorite clowns. Yanagi-san makes s\her smile like the events of yesterday didn't happen. I have seen her dote on Ganko-chan. When she tells stories about the antics she and Koganei cook up, it's always with a smile.
She seems very happy.
I have never seen her like this before; so light, so cheerful... so alive. I want her to be happy. If being in their company gives her the semblance of normalcy she so craves despite being troubled by her memories, so be it. I will never lift a finger to separate her from them.
But everything changes when he comes around.
She suddenly turns quiet. She looks away. And only I truly understand her.
"What on earth are you still doing here?"
I turned towards the owner of the voice. Coming in trough the classroom door was the man who asked me gruffly. Losing my temper is out of the question despite the fact that I wanted to strangle him. Regardless of what I felt, I made an effort to show courtesy and smiled.
His answering scowl was just as I expected. I have to commend him though. Samael is still the sensible man I have known him to be, as much as enemies can know each other. He knows that between the two of us, a fight can reduce this school into rubble. He refrains from raising a hand against me as I do.
Settle for a truce. That was what logic and practicality told us to do and we were willing to oblige.
"She's still in detention." I'm quite sure he knows to whom 'she' referred to. I checked my watch to see how much time was left before she was free to go; just enough time for me and Samael to have a short conversation. "She hit a guy who tried to grope her during Gym class. I can't blame him though. Fuuko in those gym shorts would be hard to resist." I lifted my hand to cover the smile I can't stop from forming; although, the sudden arch of his eyebrow tells me that he caught my expression.
"Only perverted men will entertain such thoughts." He said as he took his seat on the opposite corner of the room farthest away from but facing me.
I let out a low chuckle as I looked away. "Only cowards would not admit that they desire her, Samael. She is highly irresistible."
Samael is purposely ignoring. I feel him extending his senses, probing for her presence. I followed him in this mental probe. Two floors below in the last classroom to the right of the main hall, her aura burns brightly.
"They shouldn't have put the guy in the same room." I heard the smirk in his voice.
"I disagree, Mikagami-san. Let him feel threatened." It's more fun to hunt down an anxious prey. I just hope Samael does not get to him before I do.
"You'll be walking her home?"
I shot him an incredulous look. I never thought he would change topics so abruptly and not be so forward when talking about her. His tone was more statement though. It was no secret that Fuuko and I spend our afternoons together since I arrived at Nashikiri. So I was sure his question was a prelude to something else.
"Will you be watching?" I know. It's rhetoric. Of course he would.
"To make sure she gets home safe." With an accompanying glare, Samael tried threatening me.
I turned to look straight at him and smiled. "Consider it done."
Silence ensued.
For a moment, it seems that Samael and I had nothing to talk about anymore. But that was not the case. WE had lots to settle; only, the topic was too sensitive. Tempers could flare at the slightest provocation.
The comedy of it all, you ask?
We were like children – possessive. We were like young men – competitive. We were like old men – conceited. And the mutual object of our dispute was her.
It had always been her.
I let out a deep sigh. "Mikagami-san, if there is anything you wish to tell Fuuko, I would be willing to pass it on."
Hs eyes narrowed. He is resolved that there is nothing about me could trust.
"Whatever I have to tell her could wait until Saturday. But I do want you to advice her to have her hair cut. You may not have noticed but people are already talking about how her hair grew long overnight." He growled.
I smirked at the thought that her hair was causing him this anxiety. But then again… Fuuko looks exactly like the Lilith she was in the Beginning. He may not like it but I do.
"She handles the gossip well. No one would bother her with it anyway. In a few days' time, people will forget that her hair, indeed, grew long overnight. Besides, isn't it wonderful to see her like that again? She makes many fond memories real."
Lilith had always been my queen. She was everything to me. She still is.
"That's Fuuko when I first fell in love with her." I contemplated while tapping a finger on my chin, trying to remember the exact words.
A fleeting flash of recognition shone across his eyes. Surely he knew what I was talking about. He was the Ishijima-san was talking to this morning. I was merely eavesdropping.
"Isn't that what Ishijima-san said this morning? It seems that he's not the only one." I allowed my mind to drift backwards. With my eyes closed, I whispered, "She's the type of girl who is easy to fall in love with."
"Shut up, Asmodeus!" He hissed.
"You can't deny the fact that you fell in love with her once long ago. If you wish not to remember it, stay away from her."
"So you could benefit from it? I would never do anything for you."
"Then do it for her! Stop hurting her by staying away."
We were nearly shouting at each other. I wanted to laugh at the foolishness of it all. I was fighting for a lost cause. He was giving up an easy win.
He is very much convinced of Lilith's faithlessness. It's all too common for him to be like this. Tokiya Mikagami is known to be on the search for the truth as much as on the path of vengeance. But sometimes, he couldn't see past his emotions to examine the ulterior motives of other people. And he realizes this only when it's too late.
This is no small joke. No wonder, in some languages, Samael translates to 'Blind God'. I have no doubts that while I study him in this quiet classroom which is otherwise filled with riotous thoughts, he has taken the opportunity to study me in much the same way.
I smirked at another funny idea. Samael and I are similar in many ways.
As our stare-off proceeded, the very air itself was charged with the one thing we both refused to admit – fear. We were both afraid in varying degrees for absolutely differing reasons.
He was afraid I might turn Fuuko against them. I'm afraid he would convince her otherwise. He was afraid that I would take her away. I'm afraid it's not possible.
But there was one fear we shared.
He was afraid he would fall in love with her again. I'm afraid of that too, scared to death that he might already be. And if he realizes this anytime soon, what then would become of me?
I rose trying to free myself from the ominous ghosts of silent introspection. Making a show of complete self-control, I picked up my school satchel and padded towards the door.
"Leaving so soon?" He asked with a questioning glance.
"She's free. I still have to walk her home." I reminded him. "Rest assured, you will see her on Saturday. But…" I turned to him to throw my most menacing glare. "If you so much as upset her, Samael, I will personally drag you to hell and torture you."
He smirked smugly. "Don't try to threaten me, Asmodeus. The only reason why your head is still enjoying the use of your body is her." He said coolly.
I laughed. I finally laughed. And the elegant arch of his eyebrow tells me he was not amused. Like I cared. I didn't laugh for his pleasure. I laughed because I found the situation hilarious.
"It seems that we are both under her mercy." I said by way of explanation for my sudden outburst. How true though, I thought reflectively. "I will see you tomorrow in class Mikagami-san." I bowed respectfully then left but the moment I closed the door behind me, I heard a distinct chuckle surprisingly similar to the one I had a while ago.
-Pretense-
It could be said that Fuuko Kirisawa is a woman who knew how to put on a show. And I can proudly say that I never disappointed an audience in my entire life. Even if it hurts me.
I tried knocking on his front door three times already. And I don't think I'd be able to do it on the fourth attempt either. What happened?
There was once a time I didn't have to worry about things like this. I used to open this door, cross the threshold and sit comfortably on the couch like I owned the place. I never thought it would change. Again I ask, what happened?
Could I do it? Pretend like nothing had gone amiss? Would I dare act like everything was back to the way it was before?
I could try and so I fisted my hand one more time and tried to knock, more determined than I was a while ago.
Damn it!
I grabbed the doorknob and turned, surprised to find it was unlocked. He really was expecting me.
"Tokiya, I'm here." I shouted for his benefit.
But it seems it was unnecessary. There he was some three feet away from the door, gazing at me with stoic indifference while I flash him one of my trademark grins out of reflex.
"I was wondering how long you'd keep standing there and if I should open the door for you in case you forgot how to do it, monkey."
I breathed deeply. For the first time in many days, I was nearly breathing easy. Knowing that at least an hour or two, things were back to what they used to be. For the time being, the dam around my emotions was whole again and the past was just that – the past.
His slanderous greetings didn't bother me. I know the code. I could decipher the meaning. He was waiting for me. And for the first time in our human lives, he was indirectly telling me that he wanted me to stay.
"I was hesitating because I forgot my jacket at home and I don't want to freeze here, iceblock."
Tugging the cuff of his long-sleeved V-neck shirt, I led him to the living room like I would have done if there was no problem between us.
Remembering the reason why I was too early ahead of the time we agreed on, I whipped my head towards him.
"You…" I pointed an accusing finger at him. "Do you know what my mom did in your behalf?"
"Enlighten me." He said crossing his arms.
"'Kaasan was practically throwing me out of the house because you so thoughtfully reminded her to drop off Ganko later. Apparently I agreed to come early… without me knowing it!"
"Remind me to thank your mother." He said smugly.
As I stared at him, I felt everything lock into place. My body moved on its own volition and I found my arms wrapped around him, my head comfortably nestled in the junction of his neck and shoulder.
"I missed you." If I wasn't so close to him, he might not have heard me.
He didn't answer but when I felt his arms move I immediately spoke.
"The Tokiya I know does not hug anyone back."
"I was going to pry your hands off me." He retorted.
I snickered against his skin. But when I felt his hand brush my hair, I let go of him instantly.
"You look very girly today, Kirisawa." He remarked teasingly.
I punched him forcefully on the arm contradicting any claims of silly girlishness. As expected, he glared at me but his eyes were glistening in a funny way.
"If that leaves a bruise, I swear, monkey…"
I rolled my eyes. "Lighten up. You know you deserved it, Mi-chan." I cut him.
The sudden lift of his eyebrows and the smirk that followed made me conscious.
It was then that I realized I called him that nickname he detested. I had called him that after the UBS once and never did after up until now. I smiled. What else could I do?
"If you must know, this is the only thing I could wear that won't get ruined in case I needed to grow my wings if they demand proof." I said pointing at the puffy sleeves of the green cotton blouse I wore.
It was way too girly. The sleeves were, indeed, puffy but it sat low exposing the slope of my shoulders. It was airy and light, loose and billowing at the hem. The only thing that recommended it to me was that it was low in the back, perfect for growing wings. I have to remind myself to thank Yanagi for healing me after my fight with Gashakura else I would never be able to wear this.
I heard his couch springs squeak when I dropped heavily on it. He usually did not terrorize his own furniture but it seems he acted on a whim today. Tokiya pushed the stack of newspapers on the coffee table and sat in place of the discarded material.
Holy crap!
Tokiya sat…
… on the coffee table.
… directly in front of me.
He stared into my eyes and held them at the time he captured my hands in his and we sat like that for a long while. He was running circles on my skin with his thumbs soothing me in a way, trying to make me feel comfortable in his presence once more.
And then…
There was a knock on the door.
Just when I was ready to finally talk to him.
- Collision-
"Yo, Mi-bou!" Recca Hanabishi hollered when he entered the front door followed by a procession of Hokage Team members. "Fuu… I wasn't expecting you'd be here already. No wonder your mother asked us to bring Ganko along."
"Stop shouting, sea-monkey. We can hear you. Sit down" Tokiya said pointedly to Recca. To the rest he said, "Everyone, please take a seat. We're waiting for another guest. He'll be here soon."
Right on cue, Raphael materialized out of thin air. "Right on cue, Sam. Hi, sis!" He greeted as he waved cheerfully at Fuuko.
Domon was at that time seating himself on the couch but he ended up falling to the floor, shocked that someone suddenly appeared out of thin air. "Someone tell me I'm dreaming."
"You're not. Hokage, meet Raphael, the Archangel Raphael. He's a good friend of mine and Fuuko's younger brother in a past life." Tokiya explained briefly. "He's going to tell you a story; listen well, kids." To Raphael, he said, "Take over. Don't tell them unnecessary things." To Fuuko, he said, "You're coming with me."
He wrapped his hand on Fuuko's slender wrist and started dragging her up the rooftop amidst her protests.
"What was that for?"
"We're not done talking." He replied. "You're going to tell me your secrets or I'm going to force them out of you."
"So that's what this is about? No I'm not telling you." Fuuko was downright determined to keep her secrets secret.
"Fight me then." Tokiya challenged. "I'd be using Ensui on you and nothing more."
Fuuko looked shocked but then acquiesced.
They stood facing each other. Fuuko moved cautiously. She knew Tokiya was a formidable opponent and even with her demon gifts, she would be hard pressed with his level of swordsmanship.
With a sudden blur of motion, Tokiya jumped at her, slashing at her hip. Fuuko evaded him but not before he grabbed her arm and pulled her close.
"Surrender your secrets, Fuuko."
"No!"
He let go and tried striking at her other side. This time, Fuuko blocked with a gust of wind that sent Tokiya backwards. Fuuko began a complicated series of attacks modifying various forms of wind in any way she thought possible. However, her inventiveness was effectively countered by Tokiya's mastery. There were times that they were so close to each other that they nearly touched but then would be flung away from each other.
On a miscalculated attack, the momentum whirl them until Fuuko was pushed towards the wall beside the door to the stairwell. Tokiya hovered above her pressing closer until he had her trapped in between his arms.
She refused to look at him, biting her bottom lip to remind her not to spill her secrets.
"Look at me." He commanded.
When she did not obey, he tilted her chin towards him with one hand and glared at her threateningly.
"Will it kill you to tell me what really happened in the Beginning?"
"Yes."
"Stop answering in monosyllables, Fuuko. That's my signature not yours." He looked at her still and Fuuko could not turn away like a deer caught in headlights.
And after a few short moments, she felt him lower his head until his lips pressed on hers.
Fuuko's eyes grew wide but then closed them. The memory of his lips on hers was there at the back of her mind despite wanting to forget it. She knew she couldn't. It was... as it had ever been, even better, even sweeter. It had been so long...
Then, she felt something sharp graze her skin. Tokiya had cut her with Ensui.
Then he backed away looking at her tenderly. "Ask Raphael or Yanagi to heal you." Then he flew away.
-Comprehension-
The familiar blinding light gave way to utter darkness as the chasm of earth opened to reveal the most desolate of places. Tokiya opened his eyes and immediately felt heavy. It worked. He got Fuuko's blood from their battle and used it to fuel Kuro Kagami. And now, he was near Hell, in the junction between life and death where spirits abound pressed closer and closer to him, wandering, earthbound.
Unintelligible whispers and laments of every kind never ceased. The countenance of the souls themselves was a telltale sign of suffering. Yet there were distinctive faces, a malicious smile every other corner. The fallen were there; the heretic kind who refuse to side with heaven or hell ruled this place. From one to the other passed words of a terrible secret.
She comes.
A lone voice said, the clearest sound amidst the moans of many others. And like a pool of water, it travelled like a ripple. Then, there was silence.
In reverence to the title she held, the assembly of lost souls parted to let her pass. And there she was, walking in quick strides with her head held high in a gait befitting her title. In that brief instance, Tokiya understood why they called her queen.
But…
A more thorough inspection of her, especially by one who knows what and how to look, would tell you that she was everything but fine. She was lost in thought. Somehow, Tokiya knew that the events of the day were vividly replaying themselves in her mind's eye. Fuuko, the most cheerful girl he knew, turned into a killing machine.
She was the one who chose this, Tokiya reminded himself. Why? Did she know this was what she would face?" And is she did, why choose is still when it was clearly breaking her apart?
Like an automaton, he followed her afraid that if she moved out of his line of vision, she would disappear like ether.
The thick clouds overhead had plunged the place into near darkness; the continuous wailing was interrupted by the crash of heavy thunder; hellfire shot out from nowhere.
Lilith was unperturbed. Tokiya honestly doubted she saw all these horrors he was seeing. But she stopped right in front of the main entry to Hell and looked above.
All hope abandon ye who enter here.
Though the characters were in bleak dark colors and etched far above the portal's lofty arch, it remained to be an ominous portent.
Tokiya was watching Lilith intently and did not miss the ephemeral trace of pain in her features.
"His Sable Majesty waits for you in the 9th, Lilith." A stern voice broke her study of the epigraph and his study of her.
Amon was standing by the portal as though he had been there for a long time when in fact he just appeared along with a flare of hellfire. Lilith faced him and nodded curtly.
"Walk with me, Amon." She requested.
He smiled deviously and offered her his arm. Lilith and Amon walked side by side with all the authority their titles afforded them. And the lesser demons stood aside, half in awe and half in contempt of the triumphs and failures of her, who is among them, queen.
"Limbo will have new residents tonight, I assume." Amon opened as they walked through the somber first circle of Hell.
"Of course." Lilith briefly replied as she panned the area.
This was the place of the non-sufferers; where most of Lilith's daily victims would end up in; where the innocent dead would be suspended forever. This is the closest to paradise in Hell and the only circle where Lilith would never wish to be in.
Unlike the other circles in Hell, this one was not filled with a deafening chorus of woe. Only silent whispering which altogether stopped when she passed. The souls here did not suffer yet they were in pain. They were the blameless; their only sin was that they were not baptized before death took them. Blameless they were because they placed the blame on someone else. And they would pinpoint the woman with purple hair.
So despite the lively verdure and the magnificence of the palace situated in the first circle, Lilith would rather face the violent winds, hail, fire and blood and the unending torture which characterized the other circles of Hell.
These aforementioned circles, she passed with Amon walking beside her. The various supplications of suffering souls no longer bothered her. Tokiya who is usually undaunted, tried to drown the screams he heard. Once or twice, he flinched. The horrors of Hell were not something one gets accustomed to in one visit. Even the most unfeeling person would never come out of this unscathed. And so he wondered again, why did she choose this life?
At the gate to the ninth circle, Amon bowed politely telling her he could no longer proceed without Lucifer's permission. She had thanked him for escorting him this far nonetheless. And with one last breath, Lilith entered the Devil's Lair.
"Lilith, my little screech owl, my night flower, report." Although Lucifer greeted her with a bright smile, the gravity of his command was felt.
"Of the one hundred, twenty-five were human males, twenty-six were human females, forty-six were demons and three were angels." She answered.
Lucifer immediately turned severe. "Forty-six demons? Why are there more demons than humans?"
"Boss I had no choice… Besides the total tally for the humans were fifty-one surely…"
"Enough of your excuses, Lilith." He cut her short. "I have given you what I can of the little control I have over the Demiurge. Don't tell me you aspire for more."
Lucifer was rambling. Thanks to Gabriel and Michael, Tokiya understood this.
Lucifer could not control the Demiurge like Gabriel and Michael can. He could guide it and use it but he can not tap into the power at will. There were seals and locks that prevented the easy summoning of such power.
That, Tokiya remembered Michael say, was the purpose of the Holy Swords, to act as keys to channel the forces of the Demiurge. Although Lucifer could make use of the Demiurge without a key, the barriers dilute the power to a form that was less potent.
It was also the reason why Lucifer's demons were so obviously different from the angels, why Tokiya in his reinstated angel form was pure unlike Fuuko even with her wings and elemental power would ever be. She was a perverted version of what he currently is now.
Tokiya started noting these differences the moment they faced the demons on Nashikiri High's rooftop. The most obvious difference was the color of their wings.
The demons had black wings with striking undertones in unique colors, like Fuuko's purple. The angels' wings were white with subtle hints and highlights visible only in flashes of light.
It struck him too that not all demons had wings, Asmodeus for one. Beelzebub flew but he didn't have wings. Wings were not just for flying anyway or for aesthetic purposes. They were the status symbol of their kind. The more you have, the higher up in the hierarchy you are.
Six pairs meant you were in perfect form. And despite that he could not summon them at will, Tokiya knew he had six. All the members of the Angelic Council had six pairs. Lucifer had six too but lost them when he fell. He had managed to grow three pairs the last time Gabriel checked but that had been ages ago.
Tokiya had to admit that the demons, in their own right, were respectable fighters. They held a force inherent only to their kind. They were unimpeachable thinkers, practicing wit and cunning the likes of which the angels never can. Though their powers were mundane and earthbound, the mastery with which they were used was to perfection.
This is why the knowledgeable Uriel, tech savvy Oriphiel and Zarzchiel could not compare to against, say, Asmodeus or Amon or Leviathan.
This is why Tokiya took nearly seven years to master Ensui while Fuuko only took months with Fuujin. Angels were naturally accustomed to power and the graces of God. The demons worked to have them.
Asmodeus with his vast knowledge of deadly and unnatural plants; Amon and his precise manipulation of death; Leviathan and his unyielding gift of obedience; Mammon and his iron control of spirits, Beelzebub with his superhuman strength; Belphegor and his powers of seduction; Lucifer and his use of the Demiurge without a key… All of these the demons had, they achieved through intense training and study. This is why their powers were highly specific. Unlike the angels who shared many common powers except for their elemental affinities.
Tokiya thought of these comparisons while Lucifer ranted and snapped out only when Lilith's hands were cuffed to the surface of a low column and her feet were shackled to its plinth.
"Like the usual, Lilith. Five lashes for every demon you killed today." Lucifer explained in a tone that a person accustomed to repeating operating procedures used.
Tokiya watched mortified. It was like that day he saw his sister stabbed at the back without any protection of any kind. Only this was worse because it happened over and over. Yet Fuuko bore it with fortitude and dignity; even her gasps were inaudible.
"Enough…" Tokiya whispered. He agreed with everyone else in Fuuko's fight with Gashakura. It was unfair. This was more so.
Kuro Kagami must have heard him because he was suddenly transported outside the gate of the 9th circle.
The gates creaked open and out came Lilith. Tokiya was shocked. This was not the Lilith being whipped earlier. How often did this happen?
When the gates closed, Lilith wobbled slightly and when she stepped forward she fell. Tokiya tried catching her but she simply passed through him like his previous encounters with Kuro Kagami. He spun around and saw her in Asmodeus' arms.
"How was it?" He asked brushing away strands of hair from her damp forehead.
She simply smiled.
Asmodeus rolled his eyes. "Let's get you cleaned before this blood dries making my job of healing you harder."
He carried her piggyback. And she nestled herself amidst the silver hair on his back.
She was lying prostrate on top of the sheets. Her porcelain skin in great contrast to the blood red color of the sheets, exposed as she was. And even though Asmodeus was with her, she didn't seem ashamed of being completely naked.
"Thank you." She breathed when Asmodeus applied a cream extracted from healing herbs on her back.
"Unnecessary. You're his favorite. He commands me to heal you."
"That's not it." She said. "The first time you healed me, you enjoyed making me flinch by poking hard on the wounds. Now, you're very gentle. Thank you for warming up to me." She said as she looked at him and smiled.
"He's not worth this, Lilith. Stop suffering for him." He whispered.
"You know?"
"I was curious."
"Damn, kitsune!"
He snickered. "I won't tell anyone but please Lilith, be very careful. This is a very dangerous game you're playing."
"It's not for me why I'm doing this." She defended.
"I know… That's why I disapprove of it. You shouldn't accept what he's supposed to be suffering from. You were not the one who fell; he did." Asmodeus bellowed scathingly.
"I can't let him fall! He's a member of the Council. He's meant there. If I returned to Eden, they would've cast him out. I had to take the blame so he could stay where he belongs."
Lilith had taken what was supposed to be his to shoulder. This was Lilith's secret.
"Love doesn't have to hurt like this." Asmodeus was making sense. Tokiya completely agreed with him.
"What do you know about love?" Lilith seethed.
"I don't know what Lucifer would do to you if he found out you're saving human infants under the protection of the name and image of the Council. What would the others do if they found out you chose to be a demon so you could pretend you seduced Samael to sin? That your actions are devoted to grant him favors in Heaven?" He ranted seemingly changing topics. "Do you know why I'm telling you this?"
Not waiting for her answer he said, "I can't bear seeing you hurt like this. I kept my silence seeing you love the wrong person. You are strong and it makes you more beautiful. You deserve something better. And I can't help but love you. You may think I'm saying this because I'm the Demon of Lust. I know love and lust are two entirely different emotions but sometimes… they exist together."
Tokiya could no longer find it in himself to resent Fuuko's closeness to Ash. He understood why she clung to him so much.
Still, Tokiya felt a sharp stab of pain where his heart was beating while Ash lowered his lips to hers and kissed her wantonly. Neither could he look away.
"It doesn't change anything, does it?" Asmodeus asked when their lips parted.
"I'm sorry. I'm still in love with him."
Kuro Kagami transported him back to the present. He already knew her secret. There was no need to repeatedly hurt himself by watching more. When Tokiya looked away from Kuro Kagami, he saw Gabriel patiently waiting for him.
"Now you know." Gabriel simply said.
Tokiya nodded.
When he found out about the past he shared with Fuuko, he never really knew what he should feel about it. And so he wanted to forget it. He was convinced it had nothing to do with who he was now.
He was wrong.
He had to apologize. That he knew. She suffered so much in his behalf and all of it because she loved him not like what he was led on to believe.
Moreover, he was sure of one more thing.
"Gabriel…"
The hazel-eyed tenshi looked at him intently.
"I want her back."
-TBC-
A/N:Now you guys know... Hope you liked Lilith's story. About Tokiya's sudden change of heart... It's not complete yet but it will soon be.
About the demons... If you guys noticed, I had chosen the anime characters who are by nature more intellectual and those who are in their own right called 'geniuses' from the series that they came from... I have Kurama there; I have Light Yagami; I have Lelouch Lamperouge... They're geniuses beyond the level of those from the Council... I have also explained the various differences between my angels and demons. It's crazy I know but oh so appropriate. Hope you liked it too guys...
Next chapter will take some time... But I'm working on it.
See you next chapter...
-Anne Raven.