okay, im skipping a few days cuz to be honest with you, nothing new was going to happen. zoe was training, takuya was moping and torturing people yadda yadda yadda. so we're just gonna fastforward to wednesday. if no one likes it...too bad :p nah, just kidding. but you understand why i dont wanna write pointless chapters.

heads up: i might not be able to update again for another day or two cuz i've got a ton of shit to take care of in the meantime. but ill see what i can do. so on that note, i now present chapter 22

Worlds Collide

Chapter 22

After the long torturous days, Takuya was finally relieved to see Wednesday night. He hadn't spoken to his father since their argument and was making no attempt to do so. He half-expected to be demoted from his position as commander for the army of Hell. So far, he hadn't heard anything, but that didn't make him any less suspicious.

"Dude, me and the guys are gonna go drink in a little while," Kouji told him. "You in?"

"No, I'm fucking tired," Takuya lied. "I'm just gonna head straight to bed."

Kouji shrugged. "Whatever. You might have to wake us up in the morning in case we get really shit-faced."

"Don't I always wake you morons up anyway?" Takuya asked, rolling his eyes.

"Yeah, but this time I figured that I would give you a heads up."

Takuya snorted. "Gee, thanks."

Ten minutes later he was ready, dressed to perfection for his lovely angel. In his hand was a red crystal rose, a reminder of the way he had given her the diamond necklace. The thin stem of the rose was made from human bone and colored green, a single leaf off to the side.

She'll love this, he proudly thought to himself. I just gotta make sure that I leave out the fact that part of it's made of bone...

The brunette slipped it into his pocket, then was gone in a burst of flame. He appeared in the dark abandoned ally he was accustomed to showing up at. However, unbeknownst to him, Dante too was lurking in the shadows.

Takuya flew upward, to his desired destination. Dante, more enraged than he had been previously, managed to follow Takuya. He stayed behind far enough to go unnoticed, but close enough to see where the son of Satan was heading.

Fucking asshole, Dante bitterly thought. I'll make sure I get him this time. This is my last chance of redemption. If I fail, then I might as well not return to Hell.....

He pursued Takuya, his eyes pooling with darkness and determination. He stopped in his tracks, however, when he realized where they were headed. Although he had never seen or been to Heaven, something about the giant gold-rimmed cloud gave him the impression that it was indeed Heaven.

Why the fuck would Takuya be coming here? He wondered. It didn't make any sense.....Unless....Dante grinned, letting himself lower back down to earth. I have him. It's all very clear to me now. His little 'love' interest is a damn angel.

Takuya had been so wrapped up in thinking about Zoe, he had not noticed Dante's presence. He continued his way up, entering through the thick billowy cloud. A few moments later, he had arrived at Zoe's window.

The blond was sitting on her bed, her beautiful white wings spread out. Her emerald eyes glimmered as she threw herself into Takuya's arms.

"I missed you so much," she said, quietly sobbing into his chest.

"I missed you, too." Takuya held the angel tighter, taking extra care against her back.

Zoe looked up at him and smiled. "It's okay. My wing is much better now. I can even fly and support my own weight."

"Really? How long have I been gone for?" Takuya asked. "How did you manage to pull that one off so quickly."

"Just my natural healing capabilities," Zoe lied.

Takuya stared down at her, not liking the rushed sound in her voice. "Zoe? Is that what really happened?"

"Yeah, let's go." She pulled him towards the window, not meeting his gaze.

He stopped her however. "Zoe, what did you do? I'm not stupid and I know that there's something wrong. Next time you decide to lie to me about that, wipe off the dry blood."

Zoe cursed. Apparently Jasmine had forgotten a few spots when she cleaned off her friend's blood covered back.

"I didn't want to tell you because you would be mad," Zoe explained. "I know how your temper can be."

"I promise that I won't get mad. Now tell me," Takuya commanded her.

The blond hesitated, then sighed. "I was ordered to train twelve hours a day until my wing was as good as it used to be."

Takuya's eyes darkened. "Twelve hours a day?"

Zoe swallowed, seeing his hands clench into fists. "Yes, it was hard and very painful. But it worked."

"I don't care," he growled, flames appearing on his hands. "Twelve fucking hours?"

"You promised me that you wouldn't get mad. So, please. Stop."

The brunette took a deep breath, letting his rage die down. The fire diminished and eventually burnt out.

"Alright," he finally said. "Let's go."

Zoe gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks."

Takuya stared at her, somewhat disappointed. "I'm going to assume that you're going to want to fly on your own...."

"Hell, no. My wings might be almost normal again, but they're so friggen sore it's not even funny. Besides, I like it when you carry me," she replied, snuggling up to him as she retracted her wings.

"Well, that's good news for me," he happily responded as he picked her up. "Same spot as last time?"

"Yeah, I like it there better than the mountain-top."

"Me too. Though the other place didn't bother me."

Zoe rolled her eyes. "Well, seeing how you can project heat into your body, it's not as bad for you as it is for me."

"I thought you liked it when I wrapped you up in my wings," he whispered into her ear.

Before she could reply, he took off. They whipped through the air, too fast to been with the naked human eye. Within seconds they were already speeding back down to earth. Dante, who had somewhat backed away from the Heavenly cloud, saw them from the distance. With a thin cruel smirk on his lips, he quickly followed them. Although he could only see Takuya for the most part, he was able to make out a long stream of flowing blond hair...

Takuya and Zoe arrived at the meadow, the same spot where he had given her the necklace. He set her down on the blanket he had left there from the other night. Zoe laid down, pulling Takuya with her. The brunette hovered over her, gently stroking her cheek.

"I've been waiting for this moment since I last left you," he said huskily.

"Me too." The blond slid her hand behind his head, running her fingers through his dark hair.

Dante hid amongst the surrounding trees, his heart pounding in anticipation as he waited for the right time to show himself. Finally, he thought to himself. I have the bastard right where I want him.

Takuya lowered his lips to Zoe's, letting his tongue run over hers. They held onto each other in a tight embrace, needing to feel the soothing warmth that they both craved.

"I need you so bad." Zoe kissed his neck. "I don't know if I live in Heaven or if I actually live in Hell right now...."

Takuya looked down at her and frowned. "Why? What happened?"

The angel sighed. "I was given an ultimatum."

"An ultimatum? What do you mean?" He asked.

"There was a reason why I worked so hard to regain my strength. I wanted to just let myself heal the old-fashioned way and take a more subtle approach. But no. I was given two options...."

Takuya swallowed, knowing that she was not about to give him good news. "What were they?"

"Option number one consisted of me training twelve hours a day, no breaks. I was required and still am required to keep it up until Friday," Zoe said. "The second option....."

The brunette waited for her recompose herself. He gave her a soft reassuring kiss on the cheek.

"The second choice," she continued," would've been if I didn't complete the task. If I refused, then I would've been banned from Heaven, Hell, and Earth. I would be stuck wandering around in complete nothingness for all eternity."

"Who made you do this? And also, they don't have the right to ban you from Hell. It's not under their jurisdiction and that right solely belongs to the Devil. Just like the Devil can't ban people from Hell. Whoever said that to you is an asshole and was just trying to scare you," he hissed. "I'll fucking kill them."

"You can't, Takuya." Tears began to roll down Zoe's face. "I just wanted to tell you why I did it, so you wouldn't be mad at me for being wreckless. Trust me, my friend Jasmine is none too happy with it either."

Takuya heaved himself off of her, then pulled her up.

"I can't stand the thought of you being treated this way," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"It was bound to happen," she replied. "I'm sure you have your share of annoyances to deal with."

"That he does."

The startled couple whipped their heads around to see where the voice had come from. Takuya recognized that irritating voice instantly.

"Dante," he growled.

"Wow, congrats fuckface." Dante lowered himself to the ground, a satisfied grin on his face. "I guess you're not as stupid as I thought."

Takuya stood up, shoving Zoe behind him protectively. "What the fuck are you doing here? Did you follow me?"

"Now you get it," Dante replied. "Yes, Takuya. I was sent to spy on you by your own fucking father. Does that shock you?"

"Not really." Takuya's eyes turned an onyx color. "No surprise that he sent out a little weasel like you."

The demon smirked. "Only the best. So, who's your bitch?"

"That's none of your business and don't you dare call her that!" The brunette's breathing became heavier as his rage increased.

Dante tilted his head and looked at Zoe, who was nervously peeking out from behind Takuya's back. "Wow, long time no see."

Takuya froze. "You know each other?"

Zoe squinted, trying to get a better look at Dante. After a long moment, she gasped, her eyes widening.

"I-It's you!" She cried out.

"How do you know him?" Takuya demanded. "How do you know Dante?"

Dante chuckled. "Isn't it obvious? I'm the reason why she is no longer amongst the living."

oh, cliffhanger. yes, dante (the stupid asshole) is the reason why zoe is dead. so on that note, please review and chapter 23 will be out at some point. laterz ^_^

tommy: hey, how come im not in this story?

me: i dunno. i couldn't think of where to put you. i mean, takuya already has enough demon friends and i almost didnt put j.p. in for that matter. and i figured that if i made you angel the guys would rag on you. do you want pretty white wings?

tommy:......i'll pass.....

me: dont worry, maybe you can make a cameo somewhere. ill try to think of something.