book 2 Ch.2 Guests

Ch.2 Guests

Damion’s hold tightened around Sophie, pressing her more to his back as he shielded her, never taking his eyes off the demon in front of him. He silently cursed himself for not hiding a dagger next to the bed. Sweat began to gather on the nap of his neck as he waited for his former teacher to make the first move. He wouldn’t let the bastard hurt Sophie, and he would tear apart hell if they tried to take her away from him, the thought making him bare his fangs at the seasoned demon.

Finally he spoke, “You…have a lot of explaining to do.” The scowl on his face showing he clearly wasn’t pleased.

Damion could feel Sophie’s heart accelerate faster against his back, her fear matching his own. Swallowing dryly, his voice spoke firmly, “Why are you here?”

The scowl depended around the older demon’s cold eyes. “The month is up. I’m here to reclaim the rookie.” Those same cold eyes glanced over Damion’s shoulder to stare down at the golden haired woman that fidgeted under his cold gaze.

Damion had to hold back a snarl as he slipped his stoic mask on, “Your four days early.”

The demon shifted his head to look down his nose at him. “Word has spread that you sent a distress signal before falling in battle,” he lightly shook his head as if he couldn’t comprehend how one of their best had fallen, “…how did you let this happen? And why is there a human here?”  You could hear the venom when he spoke those last words.

Damion didn’t back down, didn’t submit as he took his rightful rank. “Get out.”

This time a growl escaped the older demon, “I demand answers!”

“And you shall have them, but I first require time to compose myself.”

This time the older demon looked over Damion and noted all the wounds and bandages decorating his body. “You have thirty minutes, and I suggest you us that time to wash that human stench off your skin.” With those last words the demon back away and closed the door.

Damion’s mind ran frantic as he slumped against Sophie, who wrapped her arms around his chest; his stoic mask falling to reveal his raw emotions. “Shit,” he said as he clutched his hair, “This is bad.”

Sophie quickly straightened her nightgown and sweater as she moved to sit by his side; rubbing circles on his back. “What’s going to happen?”

“ I don’t know.”

(cliffy ^U^ finally started on this ch. XD lol)

A different kind of pressure began to form in Damion’s groin as he slowly put his feet on the cold floor. His knees shaking as he tried to stand on his full weight.

Sophie was instantly standing next to him, lifting his arm over her shoulders, as she tried to take on some of his weight. “Hold on Damion, you need to take it slow—.”

“—I really need to relieve myself.”

“Oh…Oh!” She cheeks turned a cherry shade, as she helped him get to the bathroom; though Damion was being a stubborn patient as he tried not to lean on her for support; probably because he didn’t want to strain her with his bulky weight.

She left him to do his business, and went to start the tub for him. When the warm water reached waist level she went to retrieve him only to find him standing behind her, cutting off the wrapping around his chest and arms with his claws before slipping out of his boxers and slowly entered the water. She knew he was in pain with every step he took yet never showed it or voiced any complaint, only sighing in relieve when the warm water soothed his battered body. The demon reached for his straight edge with a shaking hand and lathered his stubby jaw with suds, but when he tried to shave his face his damn hand wouldn’t stay steady and ended up nicking his cheek; the blood dripping down his chin to mix in the clean water.

A gently hand ceased his shaking hand and took the razor from his fingers. She gently glided his head to rest on her knees as she pressed a cloth to his blood cheek, while trying to lighten the mood, “Here, let me. I don’t think you need to lose anymore blood as it is.”

His hand stilled hers before she could begin shaving him. He looked up at her, “Join me?”

 She didn’t hesitate in his request as she stood up and pulled her sweater and nightgown off; her arms cradling her breast from her shyness as she slowly entered the tub next to Damion then kneeled between his legs. With a steady hand she took the straight edge and began to carefully remove the three day old beard that grew.

Damion leaned against the rim as he enjoyed the pleasant sensation of her petite body gliding against his own; her breast brushing against his chest as she carefully glided the blade over his stubby jaw, while completely trusting Sophie as he bared his throat to her while she moved to get the underside.  He couldn’t remember ever trusting anyone like this, any human or demon would have taken the golden opportunity to slit his throat, especially in his weaken state.

It wasn’t just sexual attraction he felt for her, the bond they shared went beyond that. He didn’t want to go back to nothing, to not have someone to protect and have complete trust in, and who actually gave a damn about him if he lived or died.

His claws lightly traced her lower back as he placed his forehead against hers.  ‘I won’t let them take you from me.’

(cliffy. Too tired to continue, going to bed -,- zzz)

Sophie filled the bowl with water before poring it on Damion’s head and lathered his hair and body with the soothing scented soap; making his body clean again from the blood, grim, and sweat.

He cupped water in his large hand to wet Sophie’s hair before adding the liquid soap to the tresses, then lightly rubbing his fingers against her scalp, then lightly ordered her to wash her hair. After she washed her hair free of soap she poured more water on Damion’s head. She could feel the tension in his neck and shoulders as his time grew short; they couldn’t hide in here forever.

She tried to reassure him as she worked on his neck and shoulders. “It will be alright.”

“How do you know?” Wasn’t she afraid of what could happen outside these doors?

She smiled up at him, as her fingers worked higher on his neck, just behind his ears. Her smile widened when she felt him rumble in his chest as his eyes closed in bliss. “Because I have never seen you back down or take orders from anyone…except maybe from me.” That earned her the slightest of a chuckle from him.

The small smile left her lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips brushing against his sensitive ear as she spoke, “Thank you for keeping my brother safe.” She felt his hand caress her rib cage then moved down her body with a gentle yet hot touch before he looped his hand beneath her knees and moved them so she laid across his lap; similar to the time before when  he made his promise to her.

“Do not blame yourself for what happened to your brother and I—for I intend to keep any promises I make to you.” ‘Only you,’ he mentally added.

His breath hitched again when he felt her place a chaste kiss against his Adam’s apple again. Memories flashed back to their limbs being entwined while she lay beneath him as he slowly, seductively rubbed against her. The way her soft fingers brushed his hair from his face before rubbing against his sensitive horns; the sound of her voice when she tried to confess something to him, then mentally cursed himself when the old bastard ruined the moment. He looked down at her face as his chest swelled at what he almost heard her say, “What were you trying to tell me, before?”

She fidgeted in his hold, as her face turned to that familiar blush and her heart thudded wildly. “U-um, nothing really.” She had lost her courage, and right now was not the time to tell Damion. Not when he was already being pressured by the other demon in the mansion, who was demanding answers.

‘When things calm down, I’ll tell him,’ she promised herself, not seeing the frown on his face.

He knew what she was going to say, he already knew. Her actions towards him spoke clearly for her, just as his had done towards her.

‘Still, it would be nice to hear her say those words out loud for me,’ he thought as he gazed at those familiar soft pink lips. Then again, where was his courage to say those simple three words to her? He wondered.

He watched at her hand laid against his chest, while her head laid comfortable against his neck. She covered her mouth as a yawn escaped her lips, before lazily rubbed her eyes, trying to resist the urge to sleep.

Her golden hair became a silky curtain on Damion’s arm as it moved to brace her shoulder as he held her more to him. “You should rest.”

She lightly shook her head at him, “We only have a handful of minutes left.”

She could feel his smile against her brow, “It’s like you said, I don’t take orders from anyone else. The old bastard can wait a while longer.”

She stubbornly tried to resist, but her body was too burnt out to not take a moment to ‘rest’ her eyes, and all too soon she was napping in the demon’s cradling arms.

(cliffy Arg the feels!!! but soon they'll have to get out of the tub and face their guest(s) XD)

Damion turned his head when he heard a light knock on the door before it slowly creaked open, and half of Rooks face peeked in. A slight blush colored his ears and cheeks when he saw Damion with his back to him and a head of gold nestled on his shoulder. “Shh—she’s sleeping,” he kept his voice hushed to keep from waking Sophie just yet.

He quickly looked away and whispered, “The old goat didn’t try to hurt her did he?”

“No,” was Damion’s replied before he narrowed his eyes on Rook.

“Hey—don’t give me that look! I tried to stop him.” He leaned against the wall outside the bathroom, “I was trying to give you guys some privacy and went to the kitchen…”

*~*~*~

The young demon reached for a glass before grabbing the milk jug from the ice box and filling the cup to the brim. He took the first gulp; the cold liquid making its way past his throat.

“Where is your mentor, rookie?”

Milk gagged the young demon as he spewed it from his lips, and had a fit of coughs. He spun around to find the old goat had returned. He quickly wiped the milk off his face, “O-old goat,” he drew out but quickly panicked from the tick in the seasoned demons jaw, “I-I mean senior~ what are you doing here, your four days early?” He tried to behave himself. Angering the old goat would only get them all in trouble.

‘I have to act cold, and devoid of emotions.’ Yet he was probably doing a poor job of that as several emotions ran across his face before the older demon. The narrowing of cold yellow eyes made his stomach drop.

“I can see though your act boy,” he sneered down at him, “You haven’t changed one damn bit…Where is your mentor?”

A dry gulp was forced down Rook’s throat as he tried to think on his toes. “He’s resting—”

“So he was heavily injured then?” He snapped.

“We were ambushed and outnumbered,” Rook defended. Damn how did the old goat get word of their SOS signal?

The old goat looked around the kitchen, his brow crinkling as he noticed more changes to the place; making it more warm and homely then it should be for a demon’s quarters. Something was not right. He could feel it.

Determined to get to the bottom of these changes, he headed into the direction of his former pupils room.

“Hey! You can’t go in there!” Before Rook could stop him, the old goat barked out an order.

“Rookies. Keep him here while I get answers!”

A chill ran down Rook’s spin when he felt two dark presences behind him appear from nowhere. Sweat dropped down his brow when he turned to see two very familiar—two very unwanted guests.

‘Shit!...Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!’

*~*~*~*

 “After the old goat came back out of your room I thought the worst had happened.” Rook released a relieved sigh as he leaned his head against the wall. “But our guests are getting impatient out there, waiting for you.

‘Guests…’

Damion’s jaw was clenched from Rook’s information. “Did I really just hear a plural at the end that?”

“Yeeeep.”

His hold grew more protective on the slumbering woman in his arms, “How many of them? Describe them to me.”

“Let’s see…” the rookie scratch the back of his head, “ I recognize both of them from my month in hell. One’s male with blue lighting in his Mohawk, has blue stone daggers for weapons, wears a dog collar, and there’s a small scar marking the side of his left jaw, he also sports very small horn’s at the front of his scalp. The other one’s a female—a very hot, but deadly female with long bent back horns. She has purple streaks in her short to long hair, has a scar just beneath her right eye, and uses a whip with a sharp blue stone for a weapon. Either of them ring a bell to you?”

Damion gritted his teeth together. He knew them alright and he absolutely loathed them.

 ‘Jesus fucking Christ.’ Why the hell did the old goat have to bring them?! Just anyone of them could be a threat to Sophie. Then there was the fact that his former mentor would try and take Rook away.

“I say the sooner you get your ass out of there, the sooner we can send their ass back to hell.”

Damion grunted his agreement to that, “Hold them off a while longer and wait for me in the living room.”

Rook rose off the floor, “Will do boss man.”

After a click of the bedroom door closing, Damion started to stir Sophie from her nap.

“Hey~ Time to wake up.” A tired moan emitted from her mouth as she stretched and curled in Damion’s hold.

“I feel asleep?” She asked in disbelief as she rubbed her eyes; her cheek was squished against his shoulder adorably as she stretched her body back to life.

“Not for very long, but we shouldn’t keep out guests waiting any longer.”

That caught her attention. “Guests?”

He nodded to confirm. “Others have come with my former mentor.” His legs now slowly becoming stronger lifted them both from the bath as he took them to the bedroom to dry and dress.

Sophie had just finished tying her dress in the back before putting her slightly damp hair into a loose brand. “Are you really just going out there in your boxers and baggy shirt?”

Damion had just finished applying salve to one of his still healing wounds on his ribs before nodding at her question. “I’m not fully healed yet, it’s better if I wear my loose clothing.”

She understood at his logic. “Do you want me to be by your side out there, or should I stay in here?”

That question left Damion torn. If she stayed in here she was farther away from them and their judging eyes…but if she was right next to him, he’d be able to guard and protect her better. Hoping it wasn’t a mistake he made a decision, “I want you with me.”

She stood beside him, while looking up at him with a smile. “I guess it’s time to face the music.”

The demon stood a little straighter at her confidence, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to keep her tucked at his side. There was no going back now, as they walked outside their safe haven together.

(cliffy XD)

All eyes were on  the couple that walked side-by-side and sat on the sofa to face their guests. Rook moved to sit on the other side of the couch, completely boxing Sophie, as both demons became her living shields; even the Doberman lied at her feet, facing the intruders with its hackles raised.  The air felt so thick in Sophie’s lungs as she tried not to fidget under the older demons gaze as his sight zeroed on her, while her gaze stayed on her hands in her lap. While the other two demons remained behind and by the older demon’s side, their eyes cold and calculating.

The seasoned demon noted that his former apprentice no longer had the stench of a human…but the little human no longer held such a scent either. His eyes widened when he recognized the sweet scent that he recalled a month ago.

Vanilla and lilacs.

Just how long has she been a secret?

The one horned demon finally spoke, “You don’t belong here human. Return to your home.” His words made her flinch, her hands gripping her dress more tightly, before a muscular arm curled against her side to bring her closer to his formal apprentice’s side.

“This is her home,” Damion spoke between clenched teeth, “And you will pay her respect, for she is under my protection.”

His former apprentice raked with a look of disgust, “You are in no condition to be giving me orders, boy.”

Damion challenged his senior with a stare down, the bruising around his eyes making him look all the more deady. “…Is that what you think teacher?” In a flash he was gone from Sophie’s side, and reappeared behind his former tutor, his hand lightly wrapped around the single, cracked horn. He saw his teacher’s spin visibly stiffen while his current rookies had their blades as his throat, yet dared not make a move. “Oh I don’t know teacher. I think even in this condition I’m still stronger than you.” His grip tightened on the brittle horn, “Or do I need to remind you? I could even out your horns while I’m at it.”An almost visible shutter passed through the older demon’s frame, while his face remained composed.

This time the demon with the bluish Mohawk spoke, his voice thick of a British accent, “Release him, “while pressing the tip of his blade against Damion’s neck. When Damion didn’t obey he pointed his dagger at Sophie. Rook sprung to shield Sophie and drew out his own daggers, before a feral growl, like that of a lion’s, filled the room. Damion’s grip doubled on the horn, earning a wince from his mentor as he shot the blue haired, rookie a murderous, crimson look. It was about to get bloody in here—.

“All of you stop it!” cried Sophie. She moved around her brother to face them, holding her hands to her chest. “Damion please let him go. You’re hurting him.”

The old demon didn’t know what stunned him more. That this human could see he was in pain and actually cared to stop it, or the name she called his former apprentice. He looked over at his rookie who still had the dagger pointed at her. He may dislike humans but he knew better than to harm one. ‘It’s not because she intrigues me.’ “Stand down, rookie’s.”

The female obeyed but not the male, “But sir—“

He bared his fangs and emitted a growl like that of a wolf at his insubordinate, “I said stand down!” When his rookie lowered his weapon, Damion released his horn to walk around him to stand next to the brave little woman before, him. The atmosphere felt thick to breathe again as they stood staring at each other.

A long draw out whistle broke the silence, drawing all attention to a man that leaned against the door frame entrance. “Looks like I just walked on a battle field.” Light reflected off his rattle snake piercings as he gifted Sophie with a kind smile, before shrugging off his dark leather brown jacket  to hang on the coat rake along with his rifle, shotgun, and halter that held his pistols, but kept his hat on that had two holes in them. With each step he took with his spur boots towards the group, his disguise fell to reveal two elegant citrus horns that emerge from the hat and warm, orange eyes, surrounded by blackness. Rook became stunned when he recognized the demon, but didn’t let his guard down with the other demons in the room.

When the cowboy collector walked right up to Sophie, she realized he was just a tad taller than Rook, but both had the similar body build, but it was the kind expressions in his eyes that told Sophie, he, like Damion and Rook were different from the rest.

He gently took her hand to place a feather kiss on her knuckles, making Damion and Rook’s hair hackle from the demon’s straight forwardness with their Sophie. “A pleasure to meet you little miss. Hope you don’t mind the intrusion.”

Too stunned to say anything to the polite demon, Sophie only blushed and nodded her head at him. Damion however didn’t like the other male holding her hand, and tugged her closer to his side, successfully slipping Sophie’s hand out of the cowboys as he gave him a hard stare.  The gaucho only chuckled at the display of protectiveness, “Easy old friend I’m not here to steal her from you.”

The one horned demon seethed out,” Then why are you here, gaucho?” Cleary getting irritated by the multiple surprises that were popping up around here. What next? An Oddity?

Citrus eyes turned towards him, “I was the substitute that took over soul collecting, until one of our own was fully recovered, sir.”

“He had his rookie for that.”

The gaucho countered, “Yes, but the boy wasn’t ready to be on his own yet. I took it upon myself to lend a hand until then.”

The old goats stare glanced back at Rook, “Has your condition affected everyone around you boy?”

Rook scoffed “Tis—condition? Old Goat, you make me sound like a disease, at least I don’t look like I’m constipated all the time. You should really consider pulling that thorny stick out of your ass.”

The cowboy chuckled again, before raising his arm to keep the older demon from throttling the boy, “Now surely we can all be civil around each other until we get this meeting sorted. We aren’t amongst enemies here.” He flashed a kind smile that calmed one half of the group while the other felt more wary.

The old demon stepped away from the cowboys reach as if he were a disease, “I somehow doubt that, gaucho.” But he did back down and sat himself in the leather chair while tucking his wings away, both of his rookies standing on each side as they continued to observe in silence like the trained dogs they were.

When Sophie turned to join Damion and Rook back on the couch she felt a chilling touch across her hand that almost made her jump at the contact…yet nothing was there when she looked around, only the cowboy could of reach her yet he hadn't moved.

‘You’re going crazy from lack of food and sleep, Sophie. Just sit down and get through this.’ She thought as she settled between Damion and Rook again, the cold sensation still lingering on her skin.

The cowboy didn’t sit and instead leaned against the arm of the chair that sat off to the side, his left arm continuing to hang from his side, his hand curled more as if he here holding something. 

The old goat spoke first. “Why have you failed at breaking your rookie from his…behavior.”

Neon eyes glared up at the old goat, “—it’s Rook.”

“What?” He scoffed.

“It’s my name, Old Goat. I’m not some trained monkey like your two zombies over there. And as for breaking me, Damion hasn’t been training me with sadistic methods, like yours you sick fuck,” Sophie nudged Rook in the ribs for his uncalled for behavior.

There was that name again. “Have you forgotten rookie? We aren’t given names. You two are no acceptation.”

This time Damion spoke up, “You’re wrong. We both have been given names.”

You could hear the gaucho hum in thought, “I always thought it a bit strange not having names. It makes it a hell of a lot harder to communicate with each other without an identity to call our own or others.” Sophie noticed the subtlest jerk of his hand as if something pulled away from him. The only sign he showed was the slight widening of his eyes and glancing to his left as if he was worried, yet no one else noticed but her.

“I didn’t ask for your thoughts gaucho,” The seasoned demon shook his head, unable to understand what brought out this change in three of their warriors. “Your emotions have obviously clouded your judgment and dulled your skills; why else would you allow all this to happen. All this behavior, having names, and housing a human…it’s absolutely unacceptable. I may not be able to drag two superiors back to hell with me, but I can take the rookie back to be retrained. ”

A deep growl rumbled through Damion’s chest, “The hell you will! He is my apprentice.”

“Have you forgotten? You were only supposed to train the boy for a month before releasing him back to me.  If you wish to keep your student, you must fight me for the right to claim him.”

(ciffy)

“Now let’s be fair, old timer,” spoke the gaucho. He glanced Damion’s way to evaluate his wounds. “It’s not respectful when challenging one of our own to a claim when they’re not at their full capacity to a fight.”

Damion sent a dirty look his way, “Is that an insult to me, gaucho?” He would not have his strength be made a mockery of. However an elbow to his bruised ribs made him glance down at Sophie. Her eyes were round with worry, not wanting him to fight in his condition.

The cowboy merely gave Damion a smirk, showing a hint of a fang. It still felt alien to Damion seeing another of his kind show expression and emotion. “I would never make that accusation with you, compadre. I just prefer a fair fight.”  

“It’s not about fairness or respect, gaucho. If he refuses to fight, then I have the right to take the rookie.” The seasoned warrior claimed as his irritation began to show; his clawed finger tapping repeatedly on the leather arm rest.

Sophie bit harder on her lip, trying not to speak up, less she get Damion in more trouble then what he was already in...Though, she’d rather tell the elder that this was all ludicrous—that it was pointless to keep fighting and arguing with each other.  

‘They should be working together discussing the soul eater’s increase in numbers and their ability to work together. Don’t they see the risk their in?’

But no…

Instead, the old goat was arguing about taking her brother away, back to hell, and how ‘displeased’ he was that Damion and this new stranger were exhibiting emotions that was apparently unacceptable!

‘Why shouldn’t they have a choice to feel and express? Everyone should have the right to choose how to live their life!’

Then he even dared challenged Damion when he was still recovering! She could see right through Damion’s act. He may say, he could take on his former mentor, but Sophie knew he wouldn’t be able to hold his own for very long.

‘Don’t do it Soph. You’ll only make the old demon madder then what he is.’

But if her guest kept it up, she didn’t know how much longer she could keep quiet. Though she doubt she could just yank the demon’s ear like she’d done to Rook and Damion, somehow she saw that ending poorly for her if she dared treat the demon like a misbehaved child.

 Oh, but it was tempting.

Something moved at the corner of Sophie’s eye as she glanced to her right. She had to double check to make sure she wasn’t seeing things. What she saw was a cookie floating in mid air…

A. Floating. Cookie.

She quickly rationalized it was Rook levitating a cookie to himself, like he’d done many times…that is until an invisible bite bit into the cookie, crumbs clinging to nothing as a subtle chewing noise was heard.

An ‘eep’ was stuck in Sophie’s throat, drawing all attention to her. The seasoned demon followed her line of sight, his eyes widening before he summoned his spear and launched it.

The spear imbedded into the wood floor, missing its target as it revealed itself.  A small pink and white form jumped two feet in the air with a yelp; dropping the cookie while stumbling to the floor. Sophie couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was a little girl!

Everything happened so quickly. The female soul collector drew out her whip, intending to attack the child.

“No!” cried Sophie.

Before the whip landed a blow on the child, and arm shielded her, taking the hit before the gaucho yanked the weapon from the woman’s grasp. Quickly sweeping the child up in his arms, the cowboy’s face changed. No longer did he have a soft and warm face, instead became cold and murderous as the seasoned demon and his rookie’s rose and drew out their weapons.

Looking closer, Sophie could see small pink and white horns at the top of the child’s head. Her skin unlike the others was white as marble, while her hair started pink and faded to pitch black. From her height, she looked to be four to six years old. Her little arms trembling were wrapped around the cowboy’s neck as her wings clung to his shoulders. The cowboy gently cradled the child’s head as he tried to calm her; like a father would do, but never took his eyes off the old demon. She glanced at Damion who seemed too stunned to make a move as he too stared at the white demon.

He made an irritated sound in the back of his throat, “Kid, what have I told you about walking off and stealing food.” The child’s response was muffled against his shirt, so that only he could here.

 “You dare protect an Oddity!?” Growled out, the old demon. He summoned his spear back to him. “You know the order that was given to all of us, gaucho. Kill any Oddity we ever come across.”

The gaucho pulled a hidden pistol from his back holster and aimed it at the demon. “Touch her and I won’t hesitate to put a bullet between your eyes.” He cocked the trigger. “Unless you want lead for brains I suggest you sit down…Now.”

“Sir?” questioned his female rookie; her dagger still poised.

The seasoned warrior wasn’t stupid. He may be immortal but that wouldn’t save him from a bullet to the head. “Stand down, “he seethed out as the demon was forced to sit down, his claws now digging into the leather chair, as he couldn’t believe the chaos that was happening.

(cliffy X3 so much drama!!!)

The cowboy lowered his weapon but neither did he put it away. He glanced over to the left his eyes landed on Sophie, “Sorry for the trouble ma’am but could a request a favor?” He asked as he set the demon child back down who instantly wrapped her arms around his pants leg in a desperate grip.

“Of course. What do you need?” Spoke Sophie, as she stood up and walked closer to the pair. She could feel Damion’s weariness of the white demon, but Sophie refused to fear what they called an “Oddity”.  Oddity or not she was still just a little child to Sophie. It completely baffled and appalled her that the old demon actually tried to kill her!

The cowboy gently patted the child’s head to get her attention, “Would it be too much trouble if you took my ward into the kitchen and give her something to eat?” His eyes shifted to Damion, seeing how the demon was about to object.

The cowboy projected his thoughts to him, ‘Easy partner. You can trust my ward; she won’t harm your little lady. I swear it.’

Damion stilled when he heard the voice in his head. ‘You posses the power of telepathy?’ Being able to read animal’s minds was one thing, but for a Soul Collector to be able to project their thoughts to another being, exhibited tremendous control of their mental capacity.

Giving the slightest of nods, ‘A trick I picked up on my journeys, but that’s not important right now. You and I both know your old teacher is stubborn in the old ways...He looks like he’s about pop a vein from this turn of events. It will be easier to settle the old timer down with your human and my ward out of his sight. We need him to focus on us and away from them.’

Damion had to agree with that logic, but still glanced at the little white demon. ‘Can I trust your Oddity?’

The conviction in the gauchos eyes was undeniable. ‘As much as you trust you’re little lady.’ Seeing the truth in the gaucho’s eyes did Damion decide to put his trust in him.

Completely oblivious to the demons physic conversation Sophie answered the polite demons request, “Oh, not at all.” She chimed, putting on a heartwarming smile when the child glanced her way. Bending so she could be eye leveled with the fair skinned child, she spoke kindly, “Hey sweetie, I bet you’re hungry. Would you like to join me in the kitchen? I make a pretty good omelet or anything else you would like.” The warm, non-judging smile put the child off guard; unused to another’s kindness besides her protector’s. Looking up at her defender, he lightly ruffled her hair saying, “Go on now,” As the okay to go with the lady with the hair of gold and eyes of emeralds. She shyly reached for the mortal woman’s outstretched hand that was soft and gentle to the touch, before reluctantly releasing her hold on the cowboy’s dark, leather chaps.

Once they were out of sight, did the demons change their focus back on the senior demon, his nails now deep in the armchair, a tick working in his jaw.

The cowboys actually had the decency to look sheepish, “Now that we have your full attention, let’s get back to business.”

(cliffy -,- too tired to continue tonight. Sorry >,<)

*~*~*~*

Sophie led the way to the green house, never once taking her hand away from the child’s hold. “First I need to pick some fresh herbs before I begin breakfast.” She smiled at the look of complete awe on the child’s face her round, coral eyes took in the trees and plants around them. The colors of the flowers holding her captivated while her sensitive, button nose took a closer whiff of the sweet scents of honey suckle.

Sophie crouched down next to the white demon, taking in the detail of her western style dress. It had various shades from dark pink to white yet the little demon wore no shoes. For some reason the child’s complexion and style of clothing reminded Sophie of a beautiful china doll.

Curious pearly colored digits reached for a delicate flower before pulling away. There was fear in the child’s eyes when those big, coral orbs glanced her way.

Sophie hesitantly reached out to comb the child’s slight rumpled hair that was silky to the touch. “It’s okay; you can pick them if you want.” Still the white demon remained silent, “Are you mute?” Her answer was a shy shake of the child’s head while looking down at the ground. Her heart ached for the child who obviously had a difficult time opening up; of course if didn’t help when ignorant demons treated her kind as outcasts. What Sophie couldn’t understand was…why? Perhaps the cowboy had the answers to her questions.

“It’s okay if you don’t wanna talk now. You can talk to me whenever you’re ready. Okay sweetie?” She reached out to pluck one of the honey suckle flowers to present to her little guest. “Tell you what. You wanna help me pick some flowers? After breakfast I can show you how to make some flower crowns. Would you like that?” The look on the child’s round face was priceless, her eyes shining as a smile finally graced her albino cheeks becoming a lightly tinted pink.

Reaching for one of her gardening baskets, Sophie took the child hand in hers again. The albino demon would pick a couple of flowers that caught her interest before putting them in the basket with the rest. Sophie would name any flower the child would point at and what they could be used for other then decoration.  The child pointed to another, a knowing smile lifted on Sophie’s face at the irony of the flowers name. “That’s called, devil’s claw. Its root can help reduce inflammation while relieving pain and can cure headaches.”

 Sophie walked to one of the tables where her herbs grew to pluck some parsley for their omelets. Turning around her mouth formed an ‘o’ when she nearly butted heads with the little demon child who was currently upside down in one of her apple trees.  She hung as if she were merely standing upon the branch—as if she were right side up, her cloths staying in place, not even a hair was out of line. With her little white and pink wings curled around her, she reminded Sophie of a bat.

A very adorable bat.

Chuckling, “What are you doing up there, little bat?”  The child smile grew to show a pair of irresistible dimples as she presented Sophie with two ripe red apples in her hands. Sophie joyfully laughed at the child’s eagerness and lifted the basket for the child to drop the fruit in, before flipping from the tree. Her little wings fluttering to keep her airborne before landing softly by Sophie’s side again and taking her hand.

Leading the child back to the entrance that lead to the kitchen, Sophie set her basket aside as she took the herbs to lay by the stove, while she got her cooking tools and ingredients out, then lastly getting the kettle ready for tea and coffee.

 “What do you want in your omelet?” Once again she was disappointed with the child’s silence as the little demon sat in a chair that was behind the island, where she laid out the food to prepare. Instead of pressuring the child she showed her the ingredients. “You can point to what you like and I’ll put it in your omelet.”

A few shy points later, Sophie was cooking an omelet stuffed with chopped up cheese, ham, and mushrooms and topped it with parsley, before placing the dish in front of the child with a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. She sat down next to the little demon with her own omelet and freshly brewed tea; once she took a bite the child followed and enjoyed her breakfast, a blissful moan escaping her lips as the flavors danced on her palate.          
*~*~*~ (back to damion/group)
(cliffy X3)

Damion rubbed at his face with vigor, his stress levels rising as he become more frustrated by the second from the stubborn ass demon sitting across from him. The senior refused to believe what he and Rook witnessed three nights ago, as an up rise from the soul eaters.

The seasoned demon gave a dry, unamused laugh at Damion’s description of the ambush. “Soul eaters are nothing but mindless beasts that are incapable of strategizing. What happened to you and your rookie was a slip up on your part. Clearly, you have gone soft, and I know for a fact it’s because of the human—.” A deep growl interrupted his lecture.

“—so help me if you insult her again I will shove your other horn up your ass!” That thought made Rook chuckle at the graphic image.

The cowboy released a heavy sigh. They had been at each other’s throats for thirty minutes straight now. “Clearly were not getting anywhere with this…However I do have a suggestion.”

“And that would be, guacho?”

The cowboy sat up a little straighter. “Assist them tonight and see for yourself the transformation of the beasts. I admit that they have become more challenging even for me, to kill with their higher intellect.”

Damion nearly have himself wipe lash turning to glare at the gaucho. “I never asked for their help!”

The cowboy tilted his chin downward, his hat creating a shadow over his face that reflected his mood. “And I’m saying you need their support. I can’t be away from my post any longer, your rookies still wet behind the ears,” He turned to see Rook’s peeved stare, “—no offence kid—and you’re still recovering. Not asking for their help is asking for a death wish.” That succeeded in shutting one of the stubborn demons up.

The room grew quiet as the elder of the group absorbed everything he has heard. Glancing back at his rookie’s, he knew that they would have the fire power to take on any challenge—if what two of their best warriors were saying was in fact, the truth. Joining his hands together he rested his chin as he gave his former student a pensive stare, “Very well. I shall assist you this night and see for myself. But on one condition.”

Of course…There’s always a catch. Damion prepared himself as he asked, “And that would be senior?”

“We settle the claim for the boy now, or you will not receive my reinforcements.”

“Done,” his ear flickered at the sound of food frying, its watering aroma heavy in his nose and mouth. “But with a condition of my own. Give me til noon to replenish my strength; a little over an hour. Unlike your current bodies, mine requires nourishment…surely you would prefer a proper fight, teacher.”

Even after all these centuries there was no denying the warrior that ran in the elders veins. In his prime he was a formidable foe to all, until the day he was caught off guard by Damion, who barely survived the combat training. Using his wits alone did he defeat his teacher and gained the rank of a warrior who no longer required a mentor…however it did not mean his former teacher wasn’t still a challenge. He may be slower from his permanent wounds, but Damion wasn’t at full strength either at the moment.

“…very well. I shall wait here until your time is up. You may choose the battle grounds.”

He watched as Damion rose from the sofa, his legs showing slight tremors as he took his steps to the kitchen. Then the cowboy rose, “Where are you going, gaucho?” The demon of the desert land gave him another one of those smirks.

“Well I reckon I could us a cup of Joe before I take my journey back to my home. I would be mighty rude to turn down hospitality; it’s a rare thing given to us demons.”

“We still need to discuss that thing you protect.”

The cowboy’s citrus eyes became frigid as glaciers, “There’s nothing to discuss. If you ever come after her or tell the dark lord…well let’s just say I will move heaven and earth to bring hell down on your ass. Am I clear, compadre?” The slightest sight of the elder’s displeasure was the crinkling of his brow, but he remained rigid in his seat, watching as the arrogant gaucho left the room.  Then it was Rook’s turn, as he stood from his seat to follow, but stopped mid-step. His bold neon eyes glared daggers towards his ex-mentor. “Hey, Old goat…”

(cliffy X3)

The seasoned demon gave the rookie a droll stare, “You’ve got something to say, boy?” It annoyed the senior seeing the look in the boy’s eyes. Eyes full of alien emotions that had no right to be there.

Rook squared his shoulders, fully facing his former mentor with a steely resolve. “I challenge you for Damion’s claim over me.”

His eyes narrowing, “Do you have rocks where your brains suppose to be? If you’re so confident in your abilities why not challenge your mentor while he’s at his weakest, and surpass the rank of a rookie? Instead, you’re fighting for him so that he can still own you—that is— if you actually defeat me in a battle.”

Rook just shook his head at the blind, old fool. “That’s where your wrong old goat. Damion doesn’t own me. He’s risking his life for mine, to keep me from harm, and going back to that shit pit you call hell, that is no master, that is a true leader and a friend. That’s something you’ll never understand.”

“Friend you say? Another sign that your mind has truly weakened to that of a mortals…but I shall humor you, and accept your challenge—“

“And we’ll be raising the stakes. If I win, you can never breathe a word about what you have witness this day to the dark lord or anyone else. That includes the little oddity protected by the gaucho.”

“Hm. How noble of you, rookie…Very well, but if I win you will obviously be going back to hell with me. You won’t resist or disobey me when you are under my command again,” his amber eyes gleamed as he took this opportunity to strike two birds with one stone. “And also…your mentor will cast that human away and never house her under his roof again.”

The senior noticed the tick forming in Rook’s jaw, his fists shacking with pent up rage. A lowly growl bubbled from his chest, a sound similar to that of a bobcats as he spoke, “You bastard! You can punish me all you want but leave Sophie and Damion out of this!”

The senior demon rose from his seat as he strode forward, standing dangerously close to Rook. “Don’t challenge your superiors if you’re not willing to do whatever it takes to win.”

Rook didn’t back down. “Like when Damion stabbed you with the very horn he ripped from your skull. How old was he? Oh yeah! At the age of fifty, winning his rank and freedom after beating your sorry face into the ground. I bet it still burns your ass at the thought to this day.”

Those gold eyes grew dark and hard as obsidian as a hint of red bled through the gold: finally, a shred of real emotion from the demon. “You have less than an hour to meet your demise, rookie. You better pray I don’t rip off your head when were in the heat of battle.”

Raising his chin as a sign of challenge, “Well settle this in the green house. Don’t be late precious.”

Holding his breath, he waited for them to walk off. Instead, the old goat and his rookies disappeared in huffs of smoke to shift instantly to the green house where they took their wait.

Rook choked on the smoke they felt behind, as he coughed out, “Lazy bastards.” He slowly took a deep breath and tried to swallow the thick, dry lump in his throat.

‘Shit! Shit, shit, shit! What the hell did I just do!’

‘You know why you did! Don’t you dare turn chicken shit now! You can do this!’

While Rook tried to mentally cheer himself on, a cough interrupted his deep concentration. Sweat broke out on his neck when he saw the gaucho leaning against the door frame, and by the look on his face, he had heard everything.

“Boy, you are either the bravest demon I’ve ever met of the stupidest.”

(END OF CHAPTER 18! >D muwahahaha! Up next ch. 19 the broken warrior! Who will fight him? Who all will get hurt?! And when they hell are they all going to get along?!?!?!?!)