Thanks all for the reviews! As promised I am updating this chapter faster than usual. Now, who is the man who appears before Lapis? Well...I guess you figured out already! :D If not, happy reading! And please review!

Chapter 11 "Return"

Lapis POV

While looking at him, I realized that I was trembling. My heart started to beat faster and faster. I started to sweat and realized sweat drops running down my cheecks. My eyes widened as I saw that evil smirk. He looked like a cat that just trapped a mouse. What shall I do? Maybe it is best to just return to him, since I don't have anywhere else to go to anywhere... But...staying with them won't make me happy..Didn't I say I wanted to quit being a cold blooded murderer? I learned about love and friendship, I didn't want to go back to my old self. But then again maybe it's just for the best. I don't have confidence whether I would survive even if I started working. It's best for me to return...

"Lapis, I finally found you." The voice of the man said. I stood up and smiled lightly at him.

"Master. I am happy to see you, I am really sor-..." Before finishing the sentence I was cut of by his fist punching me, causing me to fall to the ground.

"He will kill me...he will definetely kill me...he won't forgive me..." I thought as blood started running from the right side of my lip.

"Get up already, I can't waste anymore time." He ordered coldly. I simply followed his orders to avoid getting him any angrier. I got up and looked at him, our eyes met but I noticed something about his eyes for the first time. The eyes of Kazuma, Ayumi, Ren and Ayano showed love when meeting mine, while his showed nothing but anger. I was afraid, I probably wouldn't be able to give the doll to Ayumi. I got under his coat and the two of us teleported away.

We arrived at his mansion. I looked around, everything was still the same way it was before.

"So, I suppose the Kannagi's threw you out?" Bernhardt asked, with a joyful smirk.

"No...that's not it..."

"Then?"

"I had a fight."

"Oh. Who made you angry?"

"It's not like that..."

"Did you make them angry?"

"Yes."

"That was to be expected."

"I guess so..."

"You should take a shower and change clothes. Are you hungry?"

"I am."

"I will have the maid prepare something. When you're done I need to talk to you." He at last said with a strange grin.

I went into the bathroom and took a shower. Things went through my head as the hot water pured down my skin. It felt so good.

Why was Bernhardt not as angry as I expected? Maybe that was still to come. I hope he would forgive me...I decided to live on...no matter how painful life is.

I remembered something, the line "I will live on, no matter how painful life is." wasn't mine. It was Tsui-Ling's. It was a line that flow through my mind so often. I never understood what she meant back then, but I now know what she meant by that. I wanted to live too...

I got out of the shower and wore the clothes the maid prepared for me. I looked into the mirror and went to the dining room. Master Bernhardt was already sitting there.

"There you are, my Lapis. Sit down. Dinner will be ready soon."

I sat down next to him and looked down on the plate before me. I didn't want to meet his cold gaze again. However, as he started talking to me, I was forced to.

"I am really disappointed you know." He started.

"..."

"I just wanted the best for you. You know that it is Kazuma's fault that you died back then, yet why did you let him control your mind? Aren't you still angry at him for what he did? Didn't you say you wanted to work alongside me to make him feel the same pain you felt?"

"But...Kazuma...Kazuma is not..." I was afraid to finish the sentence. One wrong word could mean the end for me.

"Do you still love this man, even after all he did to you?"

"I think I can forgive him. He tried his best. Don't you think I should also blame you and the previous master since it was you two who started the whole thing?" It took me a lot of courage to say this, but I just couldn't keep it inside any longer.

"Shut up. It's what we do, if he really loved you as much as he used to say, he should have been able to save you. We just did our job. We have nothing to do with you and your pain causes no grief for us."

"I see..."

"Don't you want to come back and work with us again? Oh...I think you have no other choice...after all the Kannagi's threw you out. And how could a useless thing like you be able to survive alone?"

"Well..."

"You should be grateful to me. I gave you life."

"I know master...I am sorry for everything. I will never disobey you again."

"Are you really sure about that?"

"I am..." Was I really? I didn't know, but for now I just tried to cooperate with him in order not to make him angry.

"That's good to know. I hope you keep your promise. I will let you get away without any harsh punishments this time. But next time you will surely go through hell, that is if you ever dare to disobey me again. Do you get it?"

"Yes Master."

I couldn't get back. Punishment according to Armagest also included harming those who are dear to you to cause the person pain. In my case it would be Ayumi and the Kannagis. I couldn't let that happen. So I guess...I will just continue to obey Bernhardt. Maybe I will be able to meet up with Ayumi someday...to give her this doll.

Kazuma's POV

Shit! It was already midday and I searched every freaking home here without any luck! I even went to all the hotel's and motel's. But she was nowhere to be found. Fuck this! Why does this always happen to me? Will I loose you again Tsui-Ling? No...no...I won't ever let that happen again. I will find you and protect you. I will never let you go. Even if I have to tie you up, it's just for your own safety. I don't want you to go through anymore pain. I've caused you enough pain already...I don't want to make you suffer anymore. So please...just come back and let me protect you! I was so tired I couldn't walk anymore. I thought about what to do. I didn't want to rest since I still had to find her. But on the other hand, maybe I should calm down a little before continuing the search. But I can't after all...any time I waste could cost her life. But what am I to do if the enemy is awfully strong? I wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight in this condition. Something came to my mind. My old friend from China with whom I trained right after Erwin killed Tsui-Ling. He was overly strong and the only person I ever lost to after becoming a contractor. He was in Japan for some jobs and contacted me a week ago, saying that he likes the place and wants to stay much longer. This was perfect. He would surely do me a favour.

"Hello?" The voice on the other end of the phone said.

"Yo Li Lonyue, it's me Kazuma. How are you doing?"

"Kazuma? Finally you call, I was wondering why you wouldn't get in touch with me! I wanted to spend time with you!"

"Sorry, I was quite busy."

"You are always!"

"Anyways, I have a favour to ask..."

"Spit it out mate."

"You see, I told you about the copy of Tsui-Ling Bernhardt created, right?"

"Hmm."

"Well the truth is she actually still carries a part of Tsui-Ling inside her."

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah. It is certain. Since she always has flashbacks of Tsui-Ling's life."

"Kazuma, then the so called "part" she carries inside her is most likely Tsui-Ling's soul, in other words, Tsui-Ling herself."

"But, she would know, wouldn't she?"

"Not necessarily. It could be that she lost her memories."

"But...but wouldn't the soul die if the body dies?"

"No. Human souls can't die. After death the soul only seperates from the body and goes either to heaven or to hell. Usually none of this is in our hands, but I can imagine that someone like Bernhardt could manipulate something like this."

"That fucking bastard."

"I hear you."

"So she was Tsui-Ling all the time..."

"Most likely yes."

"I see. That is why the two of us fell in love..."

"Kazuma..."

"Anyways, back to the favour. She ran away and I am really worried about her."

"Guess that's only natural..."

"I looked for her all this time, and you see right now I am quite tired. Would you be able to look for her while I take some rest?"

"No problem. I will do it."

"Thanks Li Lonyue. I knew I could always rely on you."

"Do you know where she could most likely be?"

"No, but I am worried that maybe Bernhardt did something to her, since I couldn't find her around here."

"I will investigate. I should be able to get to Bernhardt's mansion using my magic, so I will see what I can do."

"Thank you so much."

"You're most welcome. But please, relax for now."

"Sure. Call me if you find her."

"Of course."

"Bye."

"Night Kazuma."

With that I hung up. Thank god, Li Lonyue, one of the strongest magicans around would help me out. Just watch and wait Bernhardt, if you did anything to Tsui-Ling again I will torture you to death. You fucking bastard.

Lapis POV

"Thanks for the food." I bowed before my master and thanked him.

"Hmph. Lapis, you know what the best way for me to forgive you is, right?"

"Huh?"

I felt his hand running over my lip. So it was indeed that again. I didn't want to, but I guess I had no other choice.

"Master...I..."

"What is it?"

"It's nothing. I will fullfill your desires."

"That's like a good girl."

So that again. I probably had to do it everyday from now on. Just like back then. Why? Maybe this would actually feel good if I did it with Kazu- I mean with the person I loved. I didn't love master...

After I fulfilled my promise, in order to make him completely forgive me, I fell asleep instantly.

Ayano's POV

I was getting ready for school as plenty of things went through my head.

Still no news from Kazuma. That stupid idiot...

I was wondering if Lapis was well. If anything was to happen to her I would never forgive myself...I stepped out of my room only to find Ayumi and Ren waiting for me to go to school together. We said goodbye to my father and went off.

"Ayano-onee-san, when is Lapis coming back?" Ayumi asked innocently.

"Yeah. I was wondering about that too, why did she leave anyway? No one told us so far." Ren added.

"I will tell you two the truth."

"Huh?" both of them seemed surpirsed.

"I had a fight with her and she left. Because she felt guilty. When after all, I was the one who started the fight. It was all my fault. Lapis is not here because of me. I am so sorry. Kazuma is looking for her, if he doesn't find her I won't ever forgive myself."

"She ran away by herself?" Ayumi asked worried.

I simply nodded.

"Nee-sama..."

"I am sorry. I want to tell her how I feel. I want to apologize, so I just want her to be back soon..."

"I think we should look for her too Nee-sama. It is too much for Kazuma alone." Ren suggested fired up.

"Yeah I agree with him." Ayumi added.

I looked at the two. I had thought about that earlier, the problem is that I don't even have a clue of where she could be. Searching for her in a big city like this would be endless.

"I want to look for her. But where shall we start?"

"Hmmm...I think we should just split up!" Ayumi said.

"Maybe we should do that..."

"You could also ask Nanase and Yukari for help!" Ren said.

"Yes! And maybe also Catherine onee-san and Kirika onee-san!" Ayumi added.

"Great idea Ayumi, the more people, the better." Ren praised.

"Right. I think we should ask these four for help."

"What about asking Kanon-chan and Tatsuya?" Ayumi asked, facing Ren.

"Hmm. Maybe we should ask them too."

"Let's do it Ren! So that we can find Lapis onee-san as asoon as possible!" Ayumi cheered.

I looked at the two who were full of hope in finding Lapis. But in reality, something terrible could already have happened. I didn't even want to think about it...

Bernhardt's POV

I looked at Lapis sleeping figure. She truly was a godness. When I saw her for the first time I felt that she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I could never get my eyes off her. That was why I couldn't just let her whole existence disappear from this world. I wanted her to be with me. I wanted her to my personal servant. I wanted her to be someone who would do everything I say. On top of that I also wanted to be able to manipulate her into hating and finally killing her ex-lover Kazuma. Just how nice would it be if the person he loved so much was the one who would kill him? I wanted that to happen, no matter what. To avenge Erwin's death and to make Kazuma pay for everything he did. Lapis was the perfect creation for that purpose. Who would have thought that this bastard would be able to manipulate her? She was meant to follow my orders only! She was meant to be mine! But I think my plan will work out after all. Now that I have Lapis again. She will kill him if I order her to, after all she promised to obey everything I say. Hahahahaha. If you don't I will let you go through hell, Lapis. I went easy on you so far because you are such a beautiful flower. Indeed you are MY beautiful flower. But, if you disobey again, I won't pull my punches. Let's erease Kazuma together.

"I am looking forward to it, Lapis." I said strocking her soft hair.

Li Lonyue's POV

I feel sorry for Kazuma. He went through so much already and he is still confronted with so many hardships. Now that he finally found his love again, whom he thought he would have lost forever, a depressing thing hit him again. Kazuma...you sure aren't very lucky... Anyways I will do my best for you.

Let's see, I suppose Lapis is in Bernhardt's hands, so what I need to do is finding out where he is hiding. From previous experience, spotting his presence was an easy task. Atleast for me. Hah. He didn't know that someone as powerful as myself would come after him. I closed my eyes and concentrated.

After about 1 minute...

"Got you Bernhardt!" I flew off into the direction where Bernhardt was.

Kazuma, rest a little longer, I will solve this for you. You've done enough already...

Ayano's POV

During our break, Nanase, Yukari and I were enjoying the beautiful wheather. We sat outside on a bank and had our lunch.

"The sun feels so good." Yukari said.

"Ayano, did Lapis come back?" Nanase asked with concern. Even she was fond of Lapis already. No surprise...all of us had so much fun at the Hot spring...

"Sadly not. By the way, I need to ask you two a favour."

"Hmm?"

"Today morning, I told Ren and Ayumi the truth, about why Lapis ran off. The two were really depressed and suggested that all of us should look for her, since Kazuma alone would never be able to find her. So if it's not any trouble I wanted to ask if you..."

"If we can help you in the search right?" Yukari asked with a smile.

"Yeah exactly..:" I said somewhat nervous, not knowing what their response would be.

"Allright, shall we skip afternoon classes then?" Nanase asked.

"Idiot! You don't need to go that far!"

"Ahhh Ayano-chan what's so bad about skipping a few classes?" Yukari giggled.

"I think we need to find Lapis as soon as possible." Nanase said with a serious expression.

"You two, don't mind it, right?"

"Of course not, Ayano." Nanase said.

"We told you already that we will help you out anytime right?"

"Well yeah..." I smiled lightly. These two really were great friends...

"So then let's go..." Yukari suggested. But at that time my cell phone rang.

"Weird I don't know this number..." I mumbered, picking up.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Hey. It's Li Lonyue. Kazuma's friend. I met you at the Kannagi resisdence a couple of days ago, can you remember?"

"Oh yeah I do, you are from China, right?"

"Yeah. I need to tell you something important, got a minute?"

"Of course."

"Well it's about Lapis."

"Lapis? You found her?"

"Not yet. But since Kazuma was too tired to continue his search I did it instead. I am convinced that she is at Bernhardt's place, which is why I am heading there now."

"You figured out where his place is?"

"Kannagi maiden, something like that is too easy for me."

"I got it. I got it. So?"

"I just wanted to say, don't do anything on your own. If I need help I will contact you."

"What about that lazy ass? Is he planning on sleeping the whole day while leaving all the work to you?"

"I will contact him once I find out where Lapis is. That is what I promised him anyway. But I want you and also Ren to stay safe, so please only come if I or Kazuma tell you to, ok? Bernhardt is no joke."

"Ok. I got it. Please call me if you find her. I really need to tell her something..."

"Don't worry I will make sure that she is safe...After all I can't see Kazuma facing anymore hardships. He has been through way too much."

"..."

"Okay, seeya then Kannagi maiden."

"Good luck.."

I see. So Kazuma wouldn't come to ask me for help. I was just a burden to him after all. Am I really that unreliable? Why wouldn't he call me to ask for help? What an idiot...

"Ayano what's wrong?" Yukari asked.

"What was the call about?" Nanase asked.

I told the two what just happened and announced that we wouldn't need to search for her. The two seemed slightly disappointed for not being able to help, but I could say for sure that they probably weren't as disappointed as I was.

Li Lonyue's POV

I broke Armagest's barries which would lead me into another dimension. When flying further I found myself infront of a big mansion.

"So that's where he is..."

I looked around and found the entrance, but intruders don't really get in through the entrance do they?

Hmm. Anyways I want them to spot me right away, after all I need to have a word with that bastard. I can't forgive someone who gets joy out of hurting others.

I flew around and just broke into a random window. A maid was shocked when she saw me. She bowed and apologized, hell I wasn't even sure what for.

"It's okay. Just let your master know that a certain someone needs to talk to him."

"I will do it right away!" The maid replied running as fast as she could.

"Hmmm, his taste isn't as bad as I had thought..." I sighed, looking around the room. I went out of the room and saw pictures hanging everywhere in the hall. I noticed most of them were of Erwin. He had an arrogant and vain expression on his face in each of them. Oh yeah that's right. He always acted like the most handsome man in this universe. Which wasn't wrong. Even though he is an asshole from the inside, I had to admit that he was quite handsome. A lot of woman felt attracted to him. Thinking of that I remembered a certain someone...her name was Yuzuki, a tall and beautiful pink haired young girl who was in love with him. But she could never find herself at ease since he was always enjoying himself with diffrent girls instead of sticking to one. Even though she hated him for that she continued loving him, if I remember correctly, the thing she said when I met her for the last time, was that she would surely avenge Erwin's death. I wonder what happened to that. Hell I even wondered if she was still alive or has already been killed by Bernhardt. After all she used to be a nuisance to him, since she was way too good-hearted in his eyes. I wonder what part of being in love with a man who enjoys hurting others is good-hearted? Anyways, none of this was my concern. I was now here to find Lapis. I was sure that she was here...

No one's POV

"Master, a young man is on the second floor. He says he wants to talk to you." The maid announced as she stepped into Bernhardt's personal room.

"What did you say? That guy wouldn't be Kazuma Yagami, would it?"

"No it's not him. It's someone else. I am very sorry, I have never seen him."

"Hmph. Tell him that I will come up after I had some tea."

"Allright:"

Bernhardt turned on the camera which was located on the second floor and finally saw who he was.

"Hmph..." Bernhardt said, with a tone of fear and annoyance. Before going up to meet his enemy, Bernhardt wrapped Lapis up into a sheet and locked her into a room which intruders wouldn't be able to enter, no matter which spells they used.

"Just to be sure..:" He muttered with an evil smirk.

Li Lonyue's POV

That bastard sure takes his time.

"Welcome Li Lonyue."

As I heard his voice, which I despised so much I turned around to face him.

"It's been a long time, Bernhardt Rhodes."

"Indeed, master of Tao Li Lonyue. So, may I ask what brings you here?"

Li Lonyue smirked as he set up one of his spells which would make Bernhardt unable to attack.

"You know, I have had enough of your games..."

"You-you little bastard! Is that your new way of "fighting"? Coward!"

"It's not like that. I would happily fight you if I had more time. But then again, you dead wouldn't help me much. For now atleast I need you to stay alive..."

Bernhardt started to sweat as he realized that he was completely ripped off his powers by Li Lonyue.

Was that good? I hope you liked it! Review! :D