He crouched in the shadows of the forest that lined the edge of the vampire's castle. His sky blue eyes scanning the barren area ahead for guards.
Clear.
He summoned a veil of darkness to shroud him from any wandering eyes and made his way to the walls that lined the eastern tower.
A steady hand pressed against the cool stone. The ground beneath gave way to a sprout of dark vines that began to climb with a growing speed to the window above.
His gaze moved up to look at his intended target, noting the lights turning on.
Oops, probably scared her.
He lifted his free hand. "Sahna" He whispered softly,a small dark bird began to form, within its beak the message intended for Airin; A single blue rose. He let the bird fly out of his hand and into the window, smiling with satisfaction when he heard her laugh with delight.
It took him little time to make his way up unto her open window ceil. He hoisted himself onto it, crouching just at the entrance to dissipate the vines from the wall and erase all signs of an entrance.
"Devlyn!"His name was a mere breath from her lips.
"Hey Ri," He jumped down, dusting off the dust that seemed to have found its way onto his clothes.
When he looked up, he met a shy smile from Airin. She held the blue rose in her hands. He noted with some amusement, that it matched her current outfit; a blue dress that was surely a dress shirt from her mother.
"You should go out, shop for new clothes." She flinched at his words, her eyes darting to the floor.
Oops, that was harsh. . . wasn't it?
He shifted his weight uncomfortably as he searched for something kind to say. It never came naturally to him, but he was learning for Airin. She needed someone patient and caring and Devlyn was determined to be that for her.
"Sorry. . . Umm, hey, Ri. . . how about I take you out today?"
"No!" Her answer was instant and frightened. Of course.
"Ri, you can't stay in here forever. Come on, I'll take you somewhere, you'll be safe," He moved closer to her, taking the hands who held his rose into his, "I promise." He placed a soft kiss into them, closing his eyes briefly to get lost in the moment; if even for a second.
"Come on little vamp, "He opened his eyes to hold her gaze and sent her a fanged grin, "what do you say?"
Oh... oh gosh! The heat rose furiously to Airin's cheeks, the pounding in her chest nearly vibrating her whole body with the speed and intensity. She'd never get used to him and his charming ways, not to mention his god-like beauty that could send her giggling like an idiot. She avoided the sapphire blue of his eyes, unknowingly resting her own on their joined hands. His rich and mellifluous laugh brought her out of her trance.
ReplyDelete"Ri, you make the most interesting faces when you're blushing," he said as he winked, which of course didn't help. She became more flustered than ever.
"Umm, I..." Gods, she had never been so shy before but damn if her body and mind couldn't resist the ever wonderful Devlyn. Perhaps it was natural, for someone who'd endured things as she had, because ever since... that day, Airin had never let anyone touch her, not even her mother. The field was limited to Cyrus alone... until the God of Darkness found his way into her heart once more.
Though, no matter how much she adored the wolf and no matter how much she hated herself for it, there was that small, lingering fear... He's just being nice; he's a wolf... and I a vampire. He couldn't really be THAT interested... He can't be...
A tickle on her cheek near made Airin's heart stop as she realized one of Devlyn's strong and steady hands reached to caress her face. His eyes were so captivating, so hypnotizing...
"... Ri-"
"Yes!" she blurted out, the sound of his voice pushing her over the edge. She blinked when he cocked a disbelieving eyebrow; it took her a moment to remember what they were talking about. "Oh, umm... I mean... S-sure." She let loose a small nervous and airy laugh. This was going to end well.
He smiled, "great! Come on." He took the rose out of her hand and placed it on the dresser behind her. The sharp intake of her breath reminded him of how careful he had to be around her. Any wrong touch, wrong look could remind her of her torture. He wanted her to feel safe around him, help her heal not hinder her more.
ReplyDelete"Sorry. . ." He drew back to give her some space.
"Its. . ok." Her voice was so quiet. He knew she felt great discomfort at his proximity. . . how could she not? When he was a creature based on the same element type as the bastard who tortured her?
No. I'm not like him, I'm not anything like him.
"Come on, Ri, lets go." He held out his hand, this time waiting for her to take it. Her hesitation was understandable. She held her hands closely against her chest, her eyes flashing from him to the floor and back.
"Do you trust me?" The question seemed to blurt out by its own will. Sure, he had been thinking it, but to actually say it was another thing. Yet he found himself holding his breath,his heart beat sky rocketing, waiting for her answer.
"...Yes. . ."It was quiet, almost inaudible but it was still a yes. He couldn't help but feel a lit with happiness. . . which only caused him to frown at the feeling. How was it that she could always make him feel emotions only those who surround themselves with light could feel?
"Lets go then." He forced himself to smile for her, she needed the security. He was asking her a lot by leaving the sanctuary of her room, the least he could do was push his darkness aside for one night and be the person she needs.
He slowly brought her close to him, a cautious hand going around her waist almost waiting for her to shy away from his touch. But she didn't. Her body slightly froze for a moment before only slightly relaxing.
Good. . . progress. He took things as gentle as he could, summoning a blanket of pure shadow beneath them.
"Now, It's going to take us down ok? Don't worry, I won't let you fall."
She nodded, her eyes fully focused on the black mass underneath their feet. She yelped when it moved, gliding over the floor and out the window, easing down to the ground below.
"Breathe, Airin." She responded again with a curt nod and took a deep breath. . . only to hold it again. They reached the ground below and not a moment too soon. Airin jumped off looking almost panicked.
"Ri, calm down, it's ok. See?" He landed swiftly next to her, stomping lightly on the ground. "Safe."
"O-ok. . .ok. . . I can do this. . . where. . .are we going?"
He sent her a wicked grin as he summoned a portal behind him, "I'll show you."
The adrenaline was intoxicating; escaping out her bedroom windowsill and on a journey beyond the castle walls... something she had not done in over ten years. She hardly remembered what it had been like to peruse the streets of her mother's kingdom so there was little to nothing to compare it to. What would she see... What to "shop" for? Clothes? They actually sell those? Everything she owned was her mother's... blatantly too big for her unusual small size but she had managed.
ReplyDelete"Airin," Devlyn called coyly. Right. Spacing again. She had a habit of doing that. She once more took the hand he offered to her as he guided her into the black veil of darkness. She almost froze when Devlyn appeared to disappear into its depths, but a reassuring tug on her hand motioned her forward once more. The cool of darkness enveloped Airin, a minor chill ran down her spine, and in a matter of seconds she emerged into a bright and busy market street full of busy and bustling people. The oddest variety of people with the oddest varieties of items at their disposal to sell.
"Come, let's have a look around," said Devy, walking towards the open crowd which, for some strange reason, made Airin panic.
"Wait!" she called. He stopped and looked back to her with an inquisitive expression. Immediately, she bolted to his side and grabbed hold of his arm in both of hers, turning her face away from him to hide the red that seemed to return to her cheeks. "D-Don't wander too far from..." From me. "... Okay?" Abrupt, yes, but as the only person Airin knew she wouldn't dare trust herself alone in a crowd of strangers.
"Of course, Ri." He made sure to walk slowly, letting her senes become accustomed to the noises and smells around her.
ReplyDeleteHer steps were cautious, almost as if she walked on a bed of nails. Her eyes flickered wildly from one person to the other.
"Ri, don't forget to breathe. Come on,you want me to get you something to eat?"
She shook her head furiously, a few stray strands of hair passing lightly over her face.
". . . ok. . . do you want me to buy you clothes?"
Again, a shake of the head but he noted her eyes momentarily lingering on a candy store. It window displays showing a variety of sweets and chocolates of every kind and color. The store was bright and colorful, the perfect place to let Airin explore and loosen up a bit.
"Come on, I'll but you something."
"But-" Her protest was cut short as he began to lead them towards the candy shop. She would like the chocolates, she always did as a child. In fact, he remembered all the times she had begged him to eat some, to at least try them but he would always bat her away. The memory stung a bit. He remembered all the times he had been cruel to her, pushing her away whenever she tried to approach him, scolding her for ever single mistake she ever made. . . anything to keep her away, but she had always come back with a new chocolate to try or a new way to get him to talk to her.
He never thought that he would be the one urging her to try a variety of chocolates, ordering one of everything to see if she liked any. It took a while, quite sometime in fact before she tried one with a rich caramel filling.
"Mmmmm." She licked her lips as she savored it, closing her eyes with delight.
He smiled, "You like them?" He said almost with great relief.
She nodded her head as she licked her fingers and actually laughed. Finally.
"I'll go get you more."
"Wait!. . . I'm going with you..."
"Of course, Ri." He took her hand and they made their way to the counter where he proceeded to buy her a few boxes of the chocolate and a bag of worm like candy that she wanted.
The absolute joy on her face brought an overwhelming feeling of joy that bloomed within Devlyn's chest. He had made her smile, had made her laugh. It was almost indescribable what he was feeling right now.
"Devlyn, can we go see the parade? I've. . . I've always wanted to go." She beamed up at him, her arms filled with all the candies he bought her. How could he deny her anything?
"Of course, if you're up for it?"
". . . yes. . . yes i think i am." A bit of confidence reflected upon her answer, Devlyn noted. Its working.
"Alright." Within the hour he found them a suitable place to view the show, a bit away from the people so that Airin would be more comfortable. They sat on a building just above the route the parade was supposed to take. Airin's feet dangled over the edge as she popped a gummy worm into her mouth. Everything was perfect, Devlyn was relaxed, finally completely in control. . . when he heard HIS voice. . .
"Well well, Airin! Long time no see!" Of course the bastard ignored Devlyn's presence.
"E... Ezekiel?" She looked panicked again, even more so when he decided to plop right next to her.
Devlyn growled in warning as he placed a possessive arm around Airin.
"You should ask before you sit next to her."
"Sorry. . . but. . . why don't you make me, pretty boy?"
"Gladly, you fucking waste of space." He stood, the other male already up.
"Devlyn. . . Ezekiel. .no!" Airin's cry brought Dev's attention back to her. . . right. . . control. . . Something he was SO well acquainted with.
“See?” bellowed Ezekiel, plopping himself firmly next to Airin who flinched as his shoulder brushed against hers. “She wants me to stay! Isn’t that right, Kori?”
ReplyDeleteKori? Why would he call her by her middle name? “Umm…” Airin scooted closer to Dev, her gaze avoiding either of the boys. “… Actually… Ezekeil-“
“Zeke.”
“Sorry?”
A smug smile crossed the Mangetsu wolf’s face, leaning closer to her. Airin heard a subtle growl emanate from Devlyn at his approach. “Yea! That way we have nicknames for each other!” He clapped a strong, forceful hand on her shoulder in delight and, as her vampiric survival instincts kicked in at the very moment, Airin yelped as she threw a cross punch into Ezekiel’s face.
Her eyes, which had be scrunched shut in fear and anxiety, opened slightly to view the damage. He had been thrown back a good foot from the edge of the roof, apparently knocked unconscious. Oops.
“Oh!” Airin gasped, shocked at what she had done. She climbed to her feet and timidly walked to stand beside his head, noting in the back of her mind Devlyn’s warnings of caution. She was stronger than she realized; though, perhaps that was a given but she never truly minded the vampire nature since she never used it. So, however foolish it may have been, Airin was silently hoping she hadn’t killed the poor boy…
He moaned, to Airin’s relief, and chortled. “You got a mean punch, Kori.”
She opened her mouth to correct his address to her, yet the only sound that leaved her lips was once more a surprised cry as Ezekiel jumped to his feet inches from Airin. She stumbled backwards in retaliation, her failed attempts to regain her balance leading her inevitably to the building’s edge…
Somewhere in the blur of colors she heard Devlyn call out her name, immediately after which she felt herself being pulled in the opposite direction of her fall and landing into a hard yet warm surface. Now stable on her feet, Airin peeked open her eye and, with that familiar spike in her heart rate, quickly realized she was pressed against Devlyn’s chest as his arms encaged her securely. She stood, frozen within his grasp, the heat incinerating her cheeks for this had been the closest she’d ever been to anyone… the closest she’d ever been to Devlyn. And (was her mind playing tricks on her?) Airin heard the beating of his own heart seemingly competing with hers in speed and intensity… … Devy…?
His heart felt as if it would burst free from his chest. His grips tightened slightly around Airin and he closed his eyes with an overwhelming relief that he had caught her.
ReplyDeleteGod, how things had happened so quickly. . . Ezekiel.
Never letting go of Airin, he turned ann angered glare at the clumsy wolf.
"I should skin you alive you fucking idiot." He snarled at him, fully intended on carrying out his threat.
"Hey, It wasn't intentional. I would never hurt Kori."
"Airin! Her name is Airin and you will adress her as such." Oh, Devlyn had to excereise every bit of control that he ever possessed to keep himself from lunging and destroying the male. . . but that would only scare Airin further.
The male shifted uncomfortably from side to side before narrowing his gaze to Devlyn's.
"You... are such an arrogant prick. If you think for a second that I will let Kori go just because of this-"
Within a heartbeat Devlyn had pinned the male down flat on his back. His clawed hand poised to strike at his throat as he closed in to whisper into his ear.
"If you ever, call her Kori again, I will make sure it is the last word you speak. If you ever, EVER," He closed his hand around slightly, his sharp claws drawing thin lines of blood from his neck. "threaten Airin's life like that again I will make sure you suffer for the rest of your miserable existence."
With a sharp growl he sat up and summoned a shroud of darkness to envelope around the Eziekiel. The males eyes reflected great anger and challenge even as he disappeared, far away from them where Airin could enjoy her parade peacefully.
But once he straightened and saw the horrified look in her eyes he knew there would be little chance of that. . . nice control there Devlyn...
"... Devlyn?" squeaked Airin anxiously. "... W-What did you do to-"
ReplyDelete"I sent him somewhere far away... where he won't bother you."
"Oh, umm..." Should she thank him? The gesture had been flattering, but... Ezekiel was not entirely at fault. She overreacted... like she... always did. God, it was humiliating to be so jumpy at the slightest touch. Even after ten years, the event still left prevalent scars... perhaps not as severe as when the course of history actually occurred, but... that concealing veil still fluttered to the ominous wind in her mind. The nightmares never helped, either... Pull yourself together, Airin.
She shook her head back to reality. That was another thing she needed to work on. "It's okay, Devy-"
"No, it's not." His voice was louder, but not quite to shouting. "You could've got hurt, maybe even died-"
"He just forgot," she replied calmly.
"That's no excuse!" His breaths were heavy and angry, the fire in his gaze penetrating Airin. She met his ire with a blank face; she knew how hotheaded Devy could be and often she was the brunt of his hostility when they were younger. Airin never minded his sour attitude when it was directed towards her, it meant he cared to an extent. It was when he was cruel to others that truly troubled her the most.
She watched him pace in a straight line for several minutes as the ire slowly began to dwindle, the intensity and beat of his steps a sign of that. Her gaze never left him the entire time, admiring the gentle locks of his pitch black hair and the smoldering passion of his ocean blue eyes. His beauty truly lived up to his role as a god.
"Devy?" called Airin coyly. He ceased his pacing and met her gaze, concealing any anger he may have left beneath a layer of calm in his eyes. "... Let's enjoy the parade, okay?" She flashed him a small smile as encouragement, offering her hand as an invitation to him.
He nodded and took her hand, letting her lead them back to the edge where they sat together. He was sure she did it subconsiously, but she laid her head against his shoulder with a soft sigh, their hands still intertwined.
ReplyDeleteHe was sure this was how heart attacks began. The heart racing a million miles per hour, a feeling of nausea slowly submersing to the very pit of ones stomach. . . or were they what others called, "butterlfies"? He scoffed at the feeling and decided instead to watch the passing cars displaying massive forms and shapes. Dragons, at mid-flight, spurring fire from their jaws, even a giant replica of a forest with large animatronic wolves dashing through them.
. . . And yet it wasn't enough to distract from how close Airin was. Her small, warm, body so close to his. It sent every growing feeling of possessiveness into overdrive.
This lasted several hours, though the parade finished in a matter of 30 minutes.
They stayed, finding themselves being lost in conversation, finally getting to know their interest, hobbies. . . well Airin's anyways. Devlyn preferred to remain quiet, letting her take rein of the conversation. Not because he wanted to keep his life private, but because it was much more interesting to watch the light return to those steel grey eyes. The enthusiasm she put into describing memories from their past. He was content to just watch her come back to life after so long of being dead inside.
She let out a heavy sigh, "And that is how I ended up in your tree." She laughed airliy. "I was stuck there forever! I thought no one would ever find me. . . but you did." A quiet blush crept to her cheeks as she looked away.
He grinned at her reaction to the story. "I don't want to burst your bubble, Ri, but i knew you were there for quite some time. I just wanted to see if you were brave enough to get down yourself."
A small flicker of shock passed over her face, "R.. really?"
He nodded and smiled warmly at her, reaching up to place a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "It's ok, you were brave enough to not cry."
Ah, yes, it had always been his advice to her. To never cry over the most trivial of things. And Airin had attempted to keep true to those words of encouragement. But bravery was another thing, though she tried accomplishing this as well, and it felt as though she could never be brave as she wanted… as brave as Devlyn.
ReplyDeleteShe smiled, plopping the last of the gummy worms in her mouth. She chewed on it thoughtfully, the pique of her curiosity setting in now that things seemed to become easier than ever before. “Say… Devlyn… What’s it like for you? As a royal God?”
She swallowed the candy, a silence drawing between them. She shifted her gaze from the city below to him and whatever look she was wearing at that moment seemed enough to convince him to answer. “Usual stuff.” She raised an eyebrow, not satisfied with the answer. He cleared his throat, obviously not comfortable being put in the spotlight. “It’s not really… any different as you might think. I have… ‘duties,’ but you know how those are… Help with the war from time to time…” He shrugged as he trailed off and refused to delve further in the matter. “… What about you?”
“I live with my parents; I’m practically in a warzone every day.” The both of them laughed, the echoes of their delight consuming them. It was several minutes before they came down from the high and Airin continued, her sight preoccupied with her fidgeting hands. “There’s not much my siblings and I do… The world doesn’t really take kindly to the ‘tainted’…” Not that it was her mother’s fault she fell in love with a human, but… it did have its downfalls. “… But, that’s life. What are you gonna do, right?”
“You can start by getting your filthy vampire body away from my son.”
Airin’s heart stopped and her body turned still as a statue, the voice of the newcomer sent visible trembles of fear down her spine. His dark aura emanated in incredible waves, the signature nearly identical to Devlyn’s… With great care, Airin turned her head to meet the towering, ominous figure of Sasuke Akuma. And, judging by the murderous expression he wore and the angry, labored breaths that flared out his nose, he was not about to sit down and join them for a good time.
ReplyDeleteDevlyn tensed at his father's voice, and in the moment it took him to react, his father had Airin by the hair, his clawed hand poised to strike at her neck.
From then on, it was all a bur of chaos and screams. Devlyn enveloped his father in a tight coud of darkness, restricting his movements enough to get Airin away from his grasp. His father quickly dissipated the cloud and lunged for him, catching him on his leg. Devlyn snarled as pain erupted from the large gash.
"Airin, run!" His warning came out as a gasp as he fell to his knee, his eyes focusing solely on his father.
"D-Devy! No!" He was vaguely aware of her movement behind him, perhaps she had attempted to take a swing at Sasuke, but none of it registered His body seemed to move of its own accord despite the wound that slowed him down greatly.
He had her in his arms and was suddenly in the air, tumbling down onto the ground below on a roll to prevent himself from landing on Airin.
A groan erupted from him as a searing pain spread through his body.
"Ri. . . run." His hand reached over his head to summon a dark portal for her escape but it was quickly blocked by a massive black wolf.
Shit. . .
His eyes flickered nervously from Ri to his father, desperately trying to analyze what his next move should be.
Cool blue eyes stared back at him, as if waiting for his decision.
"Ri, "His voice was low and cautious, "I'm going to hold him off as best I can. You get to that portal understand? . . . I. . .I'm so sorry I dragged you into this." He nestled his face in her neck as if doing so would somehow give him enough strength to stay in control and defeat his father, all the while getting Ri safely out of the hell he managed to put her in.
Well, son, I'm waiting. Or are you going to hug her all night. His father's voice rang through Devlyn's mind, dragging him back to reality with a jolt.
Within a heart beat he was up once more, ignoring the ache of his leg as he shifted into a large dark wolf. The two circled each other, snarls and growls filling the night air as screams resounded around them from fleeing citizens.
When the wolves clashed the entire ground seemed to shake from the intensity of the fight. Dark creature v.s dark creature, both almost evenly matched, father by experience, son by raw power.
Though each fought for different reasons they had one name that rang through both their minds; Airin.
Her legs caved underneath her as the ground shook more violently as the wolves crashed into the cement floor and brick buildings. The intense ferocity they displayed had pits of darkness flashing in random, sporadic motions around them, caging the father and son within their depths. The eyes of either of their piercing blue eyes would flash in her direction, one of malicious nature and one of fearful imploring to flee the scene. Yet how could she leave Devy, no matter how much of an inconvenience she'd be to the situation? The conflict within immobilized her, reduced to naught but a spectator to the struggle. They appeared on the brink of killing one another, the victor only ascertained by the death of the opposing combatant. Or, perhaps, more likely, more gruesomely, the fight would continue endlessly the longer she stayed; after all, Airin was sole reason this fight ensued... What should I do?
ReplyDeleteThe larger wolf nabbed the other by the scruff of his neck and, with all the force he could muster, threw him into the adjacent building and pursued after him. The three foot building vibrated with every hit, every throw applied to its innards; each glass window having been blown out by an explosion of darkness. Covering her eyes to avoid the storm of flying glass, an adrenaline spiking sound filled Airin's ears as part of the lower floor collapsed with the succeeding floors tipping to the unsupported side.
There was little time to react, to assess her surroundings, all that registered was the imminent need to survive and it was then that the nature of the vampire awoke to allow her escape. Her mind already working furiously, calculating the best available route, Airin bolted to the street and jumped as far as the other side, narrowly escaping the crushing layers of brick and metal.
The echoes of the impact subsided almost immediately and, quite ominously, all was silent. No... Airin made her way back to the wreckage, noting with a slight panic that the debris landed on the portal that was her ticket out of there. She was trapped.
The smallest sound of moving rocks and iron brought Airin's attention back to the fallen building, her eyes searching through one of the blown out windows for the source, hoping against all the bravery she could muster to keep tears from being shed that Devlyn wasn't dead...
Everything was completely pitch black. Devlyn felt nothing. His lungs expanded but no air seemed to enter through their passages, only a thick liquid that leaked in immense quantities out of his massive wolf jaws.
ReplyDelete"Devlyn!" Her gut wrenching scream tore though his haze. His eyes shot wide open, his entire body fueled by an unknown determination. Airin!
With a snarl he broke through the debris and rubble, his eyes searching for her, for any sign of his Airin.
You're fairly slow, son. His head snapped in the direction of his father. He loomed tall and proud just off on the other side of the street. Glass and metal littered the floor around him but Devlyn's eyes were drawn to the figure within his mouth.
Airin... Her eyes were fearful, tears threatened just behind them causing her eyes to shimmer in the moonlit city.
Father. . . put. Her. Down.
His father laughed quietly within Devlyn's mind, a rumble sound came from within the wolf.
Come get her then.
Devlyn's growl was loud and menacing, his lips peeled back in a threatening stance even as blood filled within. Every breath he took produced a wheezing, painful sound that he pushed back without a care. Airin was in trouble, he promised her he would keep her safe, and goddamn it if he didn't keep his word!
He roared with anger as his pushed his body forward, summoning every once of his power to his bidding. It whirled around him, a dust a dark flame-like energy that licked at Devlyn, coaxing him into its depth, submerging him with its tantalizing power.
I ask you one last time, father. Let. Her. Go. I do not want to end your life.
Sasuke scoffed at his sons threat, responding with a tightening of his jaw. Airin cried out softly.. and Devlyn snapped.
The darkness speued forward in blinding speed, completely enveloping the other dark wolf. His father's eyes flashed from side to side, his ears pricking up for the slightest sound of his sons approach. .. . but Devlyn was lost.
It was only when a human-like hand shot out from the shadows and forced the wolves jaw open with such force that a loud snap carried through the air. Devlyn took Airin from his fathers grasp, out of the line of danger before turning back to finnish him. The wolf howled, thrashing violently as the dark power seeped into his very body, every cell rupturing with a strong poison all the while squeezing every vital organ in his body.
"Devlyn, w.. wait!" His gaze flickered. His concentration shot and the energy began to dissipate.
Sasuke slumped to the ground unconscious. . . but alive.
He turned his head to her, the sorrow in his eyes reflecting the shame he felt for having lost himself so easily.
"I..s.. sorry .. Ri." Devlyn stumbled slightly, his hand reaching out to brace himself only to find nothing to support his weight.
"Its ok Devy, I've got you." Her hands were gentle as she caught him. How she managed to support his weight was beyond him, but he pushed those thoughts aside as he lifted his hand to reopen a portal. The opening flickered wildly before becoming solid.
"H.. hurry."
"... Devlyn," said Airin, the incredible strength of both the adrenaline and vampire nature pumping through her veins, holding Devlyn with ease. He dragged heavily and he trembled slightly within her grasp. She clenched him tighter, the unsettling in her stomach perhaps in response to the close proximity he was to her. Biting her lip, she glanced back at the mangled form of Sasuke's wolf. "... We can't leave him behind."
ReplyDeleteDevlyn snapped his head to her so quickly she feared his head would break. His eyes were wide in confusion and shock; it never failed to make her heart go haywire. "... Ri... he tried to kill y-"
"He's you father," she replied adamantly. Though, Airin wasn't sure how to drag Sasuke along with them and leaving Devy was out of the question. Somehow, she had to contact for help... There was always using bats for communication, but Airin had never done it before for she had never needed to and taking the time to learn it would take too long. She could try to heal them... but that faced the same problem as the bat thing. Think, Airin... what can you do?
"Airin," wheezed Devy faintly. "... W-Why should you care?"
She thought on it, realizing she had no business being concerned with Sasuke's welfare besides feeling guilty and responsible for sparking the brutal struggle between father and son. Was she hoping to gain Sasuke's trust by helping? To repair any angst the two may now have between each other? She shook her head; you can't fix everyone's problems if you can't even fix your own, Airin.
"... I owe him," she finally replied, sensing the increase of confusion through Devlyn's gaze. He grew heavier in her grasp with each passing second and, though the pain was minimal and easily dismissible, Airin's own injuries of large but shallow puncture wounds from Sasuke's teeth did not deter her from her anxiety for Devlyn's welfare... or his father's. She smiled encouragingly to her Devy's quizzical expression. "... For not killing me."
He shook his head, his eyes closing at the pain he fought back. Her logic was clearly flawed. The only reason his father hadn't killed her was because he was toying with him. There was no kindness behind it, no valiant reason, his father was pure evil and that was that.
ReplyDelete"N.. no..." The world around him spun out of control leaving him nauseous.
"Devlyn, we are taking him. Don't argue with me." Her confidence was admirable to Devlyn and he'd be damned if he didn't feel a bit proud of her.. but still...
"And what do you expect to do?" He snapped at her. "Are you going to call your family for help? They will never help, Ri. You gonna drag us both through the portal? I cant hold it up much longer and you are wounded! Just get through the fucking thing and leave us here!" His anger left him absolutely spent. He moaned as he felt his body becoming colder, feeling as if it was no longer part of him. No! His mind screamed and fought to stay awake but it was a futile battle...
His battle did not deter fate from causing more grief to the situation...
The faint whisper of a growl sounded behind them, alerting them to Sasuke's awakening....
The portal sealed shut with a silent gust of wind...
"Devlyn!" Her scream seemed distant as a cold grip tugged him further...and all the while at the back of his mind he heard the echoes of an ominous laugh growing louder and louder as he slipped further into unconsciousness.
"Devlyn!!" she shouted, his dead weight reducing Airin to cradling him on the ground. His eyes drooped closed and a great tugging on Airin's heart pulled her into a complete panic. The murmur of a menacing snarl from the giant black wolf grew louder as the wolf morphed in a mass of darkness to the silhouette of a man. Stepping from the shadows in naught but his bare skin, the eyes of Sasuke Akuma churned with an ominous ice blue as the ire pierced Airin to the soul.
ReplyDelete"Get the hell away. Now." She trembled as chills made her blood turn cold with every word he spoke. The dark energy he commanded spread like vapors in his wake, coiling and swirling, waiting for the slightest inclination to strike their victim. Airin clung tighter to Devlyn, the act eliciting a deep and nasty growl from the Akuma even in his human form. Then, quite slowly, quite wickedly, a small grimace crossed his face with the cruelest of intentions reflecting in his eyes.
"Pathetic. You cling to him like a lifeline when really... you thirst for something darker, don't you?" Airin froze, that sinking feeling of something terrible about to surface churning in her stomach. The smile grew all the more malicious. "He's practically made you a spineless bitch and you're still drawn to the very power that put you there!" 'He'...? The veil of sinister intentions fluttered for a moment in her mind, the echo of vicious, sinful yellow eyes cutting through a mass of darkness... Oh God... no... Stop! But, as the rightful bearer of the title "Prince of Darkness," she knew he would not... and he didn't. "What about do you like, hmm? The power?" He proceeded to slowly stroll his way towards her and Devlyn. "The ability? Or are you just like the heinous leeches that is your family... Hoplessly... entranced by it...?"
The abrupt tingling of her skin making Airin catch her breath. The sights, sounds, emotions were as clear in memory as they had been that fateful day. The feeling of strong hands perusing her body, grasping her, tasting her... The truth had never been more painful than, as Airin squirmed away from Devy's body, the words Sasuke had spoken... because deep down, Airin feared and recoiled with great disgust, she had somewhat enjoyed the way the demon made her body feel. And perhaps that, above all else, was why locking away the memories came at such an urgency and necessity. But even as the curtain fell on the stage of that nightmare, Airin continued on in the shadow of the play...
It wasn't until a forceful blow to the temple did Airin realized she'd curled in on herself upon the ground, clutching her head in both hands, her eyes scrunched to fight back the images and memories. The kick knocked her back to reality only to slowly steal it away from her as the impact began progressively pulling her to unconsciousness. Lying there, blood from the site of contact trickling down her brow, as the creature of darkness collected his son.
"Filthy LEECH," He shoved her aside, not even bothering to step over her as he came directly in her field of vision, which grew all the more foggy. "I should kill you... for corrupting my own flesh and blood with your wasteful, pitiful existence!"
There was nothing she could do, the will to go on dwindling with every waking moment. If his words were true, she had been merely using Devlyn for her own selfish desires from the very beginning... lying to herself, saying she could be the light to his darkness... that her love for him was pure and absolute.
I'm so sorry, Devlyn... Her vision finally faltered as her mind uselessly strung together her pleas of forgiveness in her subconscious stupor... I'm sorry.