Chapter 4: A Deadly Encounter

Elias wasted no time as he teleported himself back to his home. Once he had arrived he found a spot in the front yard that looked clear enough and dug up a small hole in the yard. Elias then gently placed Ariel's body in the hole and buried her. To make sure he would remember where he buried Ariel's body, he used his magic to create a small statue of a fee-like creature, and placed it above the spot.

"I am sorry. You deserved a better fate. I just hope Simon doesn't suffer the same fate as you did." Elias said.

Elias then stopped and thought for a moment. Why did he all of a sudden start to care and worry for Simon? Elias knew he never truly thought of Simon as a friend, but then again, Simon was one of the few people to respect and talk to Elias. Elias liked to think that he looked at Simon as an acquaintance and Simon looked at him as a friend. How they kept a stable 'friendship', Elias would never know.

"Perhaps, it is Chise's influence. She does have a good heart. I guess I'm becoming a better person." Elias said as he smiled.

Elias's happy thoughts were suddenly ruined as he remembered his encounter with that hooded figure. Elias then considered telling Chise about what happened but then he remembered what the figure had told him.

FLASHBACK

?: "Also, if you tell Chise about our little meeting or about this tooth fairy thing that I killed... bad shit is going to happen, and I MEAN IT!"

FLASHBACK END

"No. I can't tell her. But, I don't want to hide anything from her again. But, how would that figure know?" Elias asked himself.

"Hey, you want to talk to yourself any louder?" Ruth asked from behind him.

"AH! Ruth, you almost gave me another heart attack." Elias said.

"My apologies. Oh, by the way, do you actually HAVE a heart?" Ruth asked.

"How dare you ask me such a question, dog." Elias said.

"Sorry, but to be fair, you are not exactly human and plus it's not like there aren't any living creatures that don't have a heart. Like jellyfish." Ruth said.

"Are you comparing me to a jellyfish?" Elias asked.

"What? No! I was making an example." Ruth said.

"Whatever, what are you doing out here anyway?" Elias asked.

"Oh, well you see, I saw a cotton-fly outside the window, so I decided to chase it, but it got away by the time I got outside. I tried to look for it but I gave up after like 10 minutes." Ruth said.

"Canine instinct again?" Elias asked.

"Yep. I was actually just about to go inside, when I heard your voice. So, what is it you can't tell Chise?" Ruth asked.

Elias thought about this. Would it be okay for him to tell Ruth about what happened? After all, the mysterious figure said only not to tell Chise. Elias figured it was safe to tell Ruth.

"I will tell you, but you must promise me that you will not tell Chise. It is something she can't know." Elias said.

"I don't like to keep secrets from Chise, but I am trusting you on this." Ruth said.

"Thank you." Elias said.

"If this ends up like the Stella thing, I'm going to lose it." Ruth warned.

"It is not like that." Elias said.

"Okay, I'm all ears." Ruth said.

Elias then proceeded to tell Ruth about the experience he just had with the hooded figure.

"Ariel's dead? Oh my god!" Ruth said.

"I have no idea who this person was, but they have something against Chise. I'm not sure what exactly." Elias said.

"Look, Chise has to know about this." Ruth said.

"Are you crazy? You know what the figure told me." Elias said.

"Yeah, but how would they even know if you told Chise?" Ruth asked.

"I don't know and I'm not willing to put Chise's life in danger." Elias said.

"Okay, I see your point. What if I told her?" Ruth suggested.

"I guess you could do that. But not tonight." Elias said.

"Of course not. I'll tell her about it tomorrow morning after breakfast. How's that?" Ruth asked.

"Very well." Elias said.

"Neat, well I'm off to bed. Oh yeah, I'm going to be temporarily disabling my mental link with until I tell her about what happened." Ruth said.

"You can do that?" Elias asked.

"Yes, I can. I don't like to do it as it makes me feel uncomfortable and worried about Chise, but it is for her safety." Ruth said.

"You don't have to do that if you don't want to." Elias said.

"It's for her safety, Elias." Ruth said again.

"Very well. I will go to bed." Elias said as he headed inside.

"Same here." Ruth said as he followed Elias inside and made his way to Chise's room.

Meanwhile...

Chise was lying quietly in Elias's bed, hoping he would return soon. She also hoped everything was okay with Simon and the church. As far as Chise knew, this was the first time she had seen Elias be called for an emergency like this at this hour of the day. As Chise continued to wonder what could have happened at the church, she heard the sound of foot steps approaching the bedroom door. Chise turned over and saw the door open as Elias walked inside.

"Elias, you're back quicker than I expected." Chise said as Elias had only been gone for about 15-20 minutes.

"Did you need me to come back later?" Elias asked.

"Oh, no of course not. I just didn't think an emergency at the church would take so little time to get taken care of." Chise explained.

"Ah, yes. Well, you see, the emergency... took care of itself." Elias said as he tired to play it off normally.

"What happened?" Chise asked.

"Turns out Simon needed help with getting rid of an evil spirit. However the spirit just left on it's own." Elias said.

"I didn't think those spirits would do that." Chise said.

Elias simply shrugged as he closed the door and walked towards his closet. Elias then used his magic to form a wall-like structure that kept him covered from Chise's sight.

"Um, what are you doing?" Chise asked.

"Oh, I am changing into my sleeping attire and well I figured that you don't need to see me change as you are still not an adult as you humans put it." Elias explained.

"Oh, I see. Thanks for being considerate." Chise said.

"Of course my bride." Elias said.

Chise smiled at this. She always enjoyed being called his bride as it made her feel very special and loved. After a couple of minutes, Elias removed the magical barrier and was dressed in his sleeping clothes.

"Are you sure you are comfortable sleeping in the same bed as me?" Elias asked.

"Don't worry, it's fine. I mean we have slept in the same bed before." Chise said as she was referring to when Elias was in his monster form and they had spent the night together.

"True, but that was when I was going through that phase of mine." Elias said.

"I know, it's fine." Chise said.

"Very well." Elias said as he made his way to the bed.

Chise shyly moved over to the side, allowing Elias to have room to lay down. As Elias laid down next to Chise, he wrapped his arms gently around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"(Eep) W-What are you doing?" Chise asked as she felt Elias pull her closer to him.

"Oh, forgive me," Elias said as he let her go. "I just thought I could hold you close to me. I am sorry I hurt you." Elias said.

"Oh, no, no. It's okay, you didn't hurt me. I just wasn't expecting it, that's all." Chise said as she turned her whole body around to face him.

"Oh okay, I was worried I hurt you." Elias said.

"You didn't. Um, you can hold me, if you want. I-I don't really mind." Chise said as she blushed.

"Very well. Let me hold you then." Elias said as he pulled Chise closer to him again.

Chise immediately felt warm being in Elias's arms. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. It always felt nice to have Elias holding her. Elias wished this moment could never end. Holding Chise close made him feel like nothing could hurt her, that she would be safe.

"I am happy that we can be together forever, Elias." Chise said as she placed her head on his chest.

"As am I. You are safe in my hands. I will do my best to protect you." Elias said as he rubbed Chise's head.

"Same to you, Elias." Chise said.

"Now, don't get me wrong. Yes, you are my bride, but you are still my apprentice." Elias said.

"I understand." Chise said.

"Wonderful. Oh, you are still not allowed to use notes for studying." Elias said.

"(Sigh) Oh, come on. Really, Elias?" Chise asked playfully.

"(Chuckle) Yes, if I see any notes, I will use my magic to burn them to a crisp." Elias said.

"(Giggle) You're such a gentleman." Chise said.

"(Chuckle) I do my best." Elias said.

"I know this sounds weird. But, thank you for buying me that day, Elias." Chise said.

"(Laughs) That DOES sound weird. But, you are absolutely welcome, my puppy." Elias said.

"(Giggle) I never asked, why do you call me that? It doesn't bother me, I am just curious." Chise asked.

"I am glad you asked. You see, 'Puppy' is actually the term that mages use when they refer to their apprentices." Elias explained.

"Oh I see. I never knew that, thank you, Elias." Chise said.

"You welcome, my puppy." Elias said as he patted Chise on the head.

"Yeah, oh, I'm sorry you had to waste 5 million pounds on me." Chise said as she put her head down.

"Chise, don't apologize to me for that." Elias said as he lifted her chin up. "You are worth so much to me. If I had to, I would have used all the money I have to ensure you could be with me. I don't care about money. You were worth every pound I spent, no, you are worth so much to me. I am just glad no one else was able to put up a higher bet for you. But then again, I had over 10 million pounds with me that day." Elias said.

"Ten million? How do you have that kind of money?" Chise asked.

"Well, when you've been alive for centuries, I've had time to save up." Elias said.

"Wow... Well, thank you for your kind words Elias." Chise said.

"You're welcome. Now, it is my turn to thank you for something." Elias said.

"Yes?" Chise asked.

"Thank you for not jumping that day when you almost took your own life." Elias said as he put a hand on her cheek.

"You're welcome. I am so happy I didn't do it. I am so happy we have each other." Chise said.

"So am I, my lovely bride." Elias said as he kissed Chise's head.

Chise smiled and kissed Elias.

"Well, let us sleep. We have a big day tomorrow. Goodnight, my beautiful bride." Elias said.

"Goodnight, my wonderful husband." Chise said as the two shared one final kiss before they let themselves fall asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning...

Chise woke up to the feeling of someone holding her. She looked up and saw Elias, still asleep and holding her close to him. Chise smiled as she watched Elias continue to sleep.

I never would have thought that someone would love me enough to actually want to marry me. Thank you Elias, for everything you've done for me. I'm so glad to be your bride, and your apprentice of course. Chise thought to herself as she rubbed the bottom of Elias's face.

After a few minutes, Chise decided to sleep for a bit longer and she closed her eyes. the next time Chise opened her eyes, she was surprised to see that Elias was gone. Chise was about to call for Elias when she noticed a note on the nightstand. It was from Elias.

I decided to let you have more sleep. You have been through a lot since the whole Cartaphilus thing.

When you are ready to start the day, you may join me, Ruth, and Silky for breakfast.

Don't rush yourself, I want my bride to be healthy and well rested.

I hope you slept well my bride.

-Elias

Chise wasted no time as she got out of bed and headed to her room to get her clothe for the day. Chise settled on a bright orange shirt, blue jeans, and her green jacket. Chise then took a bath and then once she was all dressed for the day she made her way downstairs where Silky was waiting at the table.

"Good morning Silky." Chise said as she happily smiled at the silver lady.

Silky smiled back and simply bowed to Chise.

"Where are Elias and Ruth?" Chise asked as she saw that no one else was at the table. It appeared even Ruth hadn't even dug into his breakfast yet.

Silky pointed to the backyard and rolled her eyes as saw down at the table.

"Thanks. I'll be right back." Chise said as she made her way to the backyard door.

The very moment Chise opened the backyard door, the last thing she expected was to see Elias chasing Ruth.

"COME BACK HERE YOU CANINE!" Elias yelled as he tried to grab Ruth by his tail.

"IT WAS AN ACCIDENT MAN! TAKE A CHILL PILL!" Ruth cried.

"YOU MADE ME SPILL MY DAMN TEA WHEN YOU BARKED AT THE COTTON-FLY OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN WINDOW!" Elias yelled.

"I COULDN'T HELP IT! I'M A DOG! IT WAS INSTINCT!" Ruth cried.

After a few moments of this, Elias and Ruth both saw Chise watching them with a smile on her face.

"I never thought you two were this silly." Chise said.

"It's normally not like this, but SOMEONE decided to chase me for a stupid reason." Ruth said as he gave Elias a dirty look.

"Hmm, yes, because SOMEONE made me spill hot tea on myself and it was painful." Elias said.

"That's cute, guys. But breakfast is ready, how about you guys play chase later?" Chise asked.

"Sounds good to me, I'm STARVING!" Ruth said as he morphed into his human form and quickly ran passed Chise and straight to the kitchen table.

"Forgive me, Chise. You were not supposed to see me acting so childish." Elias said as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Don't apologize. I thought it was adorable." Chise as she smiled.

"Not as adorable as you." Elias said.

"Aww, Elias." Chise said.

"(Chuckle) Come, let us eat." Elias said as he held his hand out to Chise.

Chise happily held Elias's hand even though the table was like right inside. Chise and Elias happily sat down at the table and the four enjoyed their morning meal. Ruth of course finished first and got out of his seat, morphed back to his dog form and sat on the floor next to Chise, looking at her like he wanted something.

"Um, can I help you with something Ruth?" Chise asked.

"As a matter of fact, yes you can." Ruth replied.

"If you want some of my food, the answer is no." Chise said.

"Ha, ha, very funny. Actually I wanted to ask if once you're done eating, can we go for a walk?" Ruth asked.

"Sure thing. I'm surprised you asked me that so quickly without any issues." Chise said as normally Ruth would get embarrassed about asking for things only a dog would want.

"Eh, I'm getting used to it. So, hurry up and finish so we can go for a walk." Ruth said as his tail began to wag.

"Be a good boy an wait." Chise said as she held up her finger.

"(Sigh), Okay." Ruth said as he laid down on his stomach.

"Good boy, Ruth." Chise said as she petted him.

After about 5 minutes, Chise had finished her meal and she got up to put her dish in the sink. Once that was done, she Ruth eagerly get up and head for the front door, his tail wagging.

"I'll be back in like 15 minutes if that's okay, Elias." Chise said.

"Of course, have fun my dear." Elias said.

"I will, come on Ruth, let's go." Chise said as she opened the front door.

"Yes! Walk time!" Ruth said as he ran right out the door.

Chise smiled as she shook her head and then bid a short farewell to Elias and Silky.

"You sure you don't want me to buy a collar for you Ruth?" Chise asked.

"Chise, you know how I feel about collars. They are uncomfortable and they are a possible choking hazard for us dogs." Ruth said.

"Okay, if you ever change your mind, just tell me." Chise said.

"That will never happen." Ruth said as they began walking away from the house.

"So, you don't want a dog house or a collar but you want tennis balls, bones, and squeaky toys?" Chise asked.

"That is correct. I refuse to sleep in a dog house as the bed is much more comfy and you already know how I feel about collars. But toys and stuff, oh yeah, that's the stuff." Ruth said.

"You're a very interesting dog." Chise said.

"Eh, I guess so. Oh yeah, Chise?" Ruth said.

"Yeah, what's up Ruth?" Chise asked.

"I need to tell you something very important. So, you know how Elias told you that his emergency with the church was solved?" Ruth asked.

"Yeah, what about it?" Chise asked.

"Well, that was a scam. It turns out Simon never sent the letter to Ainsworth. Instead it was some hooded person. I have no idea who this person was, but they seem to have some real beef with you." Ruth said.

"Oh my, um go on." Chise said trying to take this all in.

"They said that they wanted you dead more than anything and as a warning this person actually killed-(BANG!) AAAAAUGHH!" Ruth screamed as he was suddenly shot in the chest.

"OH MY GOD! RUTH!" Chise cried as she held Ruth in her arms.

"AAAAAHH! AAARRRGHH!" Ruth yelled in pain as blood spewed from his wound.

"RUTH, STAY WITH ME!" Chise shouted as she removed her jacket to try and stop the bleeding.

Hearing the gunshot and the sound of Chise and Ruth yelling, Elias and Silky ran out of the house and saw Ruth in Chise's arms, blood spilling on the floor.

"OH MY WORD!" Elias yelled as he ran over to them, with Silky behind him. "What happened Chise!?" Elias asked.

"I don't know, someone just shot Ruth." Chise said.

Before Elias anyone could say anything else, Elias heard the sound of a gun being loaded and cocked. Elias looked to where the sound came from; a nearby tree, and saw the same glowing red eyes looking at him with a gun pointed right for Chise's head.

"CHISE! LOOK OUT!" Elias yelled as he quickly shoved Chise and Ruth out of the way. Another gunshot was fired and it almost hit Elias. "Stay behind me!" Elias said as he stood in front of the two, with Silky aiding Chise in controlling Ruth's bleeding.

Then, from the tree, the hooded figure jumped down and landed a few yards away from the group, laughing.

?: "I told you not to tell Chise about our discussion or shit would happen, didn't I? You're so stupid!"

"WHO ARE YOU!?" Elias yelled.

?: "Oh, no. You don't get to know my real name. However, you can call me, (throws off hood and cloak)…. The Spell-Breaker! (Evil Laugh)"