Esteban found a small cavern at the back of the waterfall. No one could climb there, the rocks were too much sliper to anyone. The cave was dark enough, He sat Cordelia in the blackest corner of the cave and he went back to the entrance. The celestian had not showed up.

It's true that they have been quite injured by the demon infused. Next time they would meet him the three of them could get rid of him. He looked at his fuzzy reflection in the water fall before him. What have been that feeling all along the battle? It's seems like his father had been fueling his rage and gave him his voice.

Esteban washed his dagger in the puddle, dried blood. It stinks to his nose. But in the battle, he was almost happy about it. Why? It's seems his demon personality was invoked by a great emotion such as rage.

The stars the clouds in the sky were getting lighter, day was about to come. He went back to sit in the corner next to Brooks and sighed. Tis have been a long night. He looked at her,she was still not in good shape. "You need more blood, eh?" He took his dagger and was about to press it again againts his wrist.

After being damaged as much as she was, facing one of her worst fears in life was certainly something she didn't want to do. However, since no one except her grandfather knew what it was, she hadn't been able to avoid it just now. Esteban had picked her up and they had gone flying. Being so high above the ground would have made her heart stop if it could actually beat. It wasn't that embarrassing that she could kill without a second thought and yet be so afraid of heights, but instead, that she had been clinging to her half-demon friend for dear life. Her legs had been around his waist, with her arms tied tightly around his neck. She had been scared to rest her head on his shoulder, in case instincts became more powerful than fear.

So, when they had found the crevice, Cordelia was relieved to be on the ground again. She wriggled around in Esteban's arms before jumping out and curling herself into the darkest corner, her hair still standing on the back of her neck from that ride. Hopefully after all that he would see that he was to never, ever do that with her again. Touching she could handle, maybe a few feet above the ground — but all out flying and people on the ground being as small as insects made her want to vomit all over again.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Her head was pounding, both from the fear she had just encountered and hunger. She hugged her legs to herself, resting the side of her head to her knees. Esteban's footsteps neared her again and she opened her eyes barely, afraid that she'd find herself above Imythess again instead of on it.

"You need more blood, eh?"

"Did you put that together yourself, smartie?" the vampire asked. She had tried to sound rude, but she wound up only sounding desperate. Her eyes were fixated upon the blade on his wrist. Half of her was screaming for him to do it, pleading him with her eyes... but the other half of her just wished he wouldn't. She needed to kill to be satisfied, simply because that was how she was. Being fed made her feel like such a helpless child.

Cordelia reached up and grabbed the hand that held the knife, shaking her head. "Don't..." she said. "I'm a big girl... I'll feed myself tomorrow... and the next day... and so on until all these burns heal..." She sighed. "If I take from you I might kill you... and you feeding me would make me feel far more weak than I actually am." She hoped it sounded reasonable.

Did you put that together yourself, smartie?

He did not care about how she was still replying. She was in no shape to make the tough girl Was she knowing that he was trying to help? Would she be stubborn like that forever? She still had a long live to live.

Don't...

Esteban's eyes widened. Did the attacked affected her mind also? It was a genrous acion he was offering to her and refused. He grinned. "Where is the real Brooks? The one i know would have killed me for blood, hehehe." It was easy to see it was a joke. He just wanted to see her smile or laugh.

'm a big girl... I'll feed myself tomorrow... and the next day... and so on until all these burns heal...

Blood was the answer to her recovery. But he could not allow to let her kill innocents. She might no why it was important to him but he says it. "Can you take your blood from someone else then innocent. Maybe taking it from theives and other criminals. The innocents just live their life hoping for a better tomorrow. By appearing in front of them to kill them, you kill their hopes and dream first. Criminals knows that every night can be their last for what they have done..."

f I take from you I might kill you... and you feeding me would make me feel far more weak than I actually am.

No, she had really changed. When? How? Why? It was such an humble act. He was surprised. She was really caring about him. He felt a good shiver. He was feeling so good beside her. "See you are strong, at hearth..." She was undead, she had no heart, or atleast not beating. He blush by shyness. Once more he felt stupid. He quickly stood up. "I mean...euh..I'm such a bad talker...DRAT!" He kicked the wall of rocks. Rocks versus flesh. Bad idea to kick the wall. He sat down next to the vampiress. holding his foot. "Man, just my luck..."

"Where is the real Brooks? The one i know would have killed me for blood, hehehe."

Cordelia glared at him, unsure if she should be angry or not. Truth be told, she was a bit too tired to be angry and start another fight. Sighing, she simply closed her eyes and rested her head against the stone wall. "She's busy at the moment," the vampire said. "I'd be happy to give her a message when she gets her senses back." A small smirk tugged at her lips and she inhaled deeply, wishing she could have been at home instead of some dark cave. This would have to due, though, because there was no way he was going to get her to fly again.

"... By appearing in front of them to kill them, you kill their hopes and dream first. Criminals knows that every night can be their last for what they have done..."

Kill their hopes and their dreams? What about her own aspirations that had been shattered? Cordelia laughed darkly. He still hadn't realized that life wasn't a beautiful thing, and it never could be. As long as there were people in the world like her, like her parents, like her grandparents... like her family and her species, this world could never be safe. "Tell me, then, Esteban — what happens when the criminals disappear? I'm at the top of the food chain and limiting my selection... for what? I'm not going to sacrifice my strength and my life to keep others alive."

She hadn't even done it for her husband. She couldn't give up her pain to be with him, because at the time, she thought mourning was all she had to live for. The half-demon didn't know that, however; and she never planned on letting him find out. "You're too young to understand any of this... but everyone in this world has done something worth dying for..." Cordelia told him. "Stolen something, killed, done something intolerable, sinned — there is no one in our world who is truly innocent."

"See you are strong, at hearth..."

She snorted, rolling her eyes. Cordelia had never doubted she was strong, physically or in any other sense of the word. Everyone had always told her so. As he kicked the wall, she couldn't help but throw her head back and allow a slight cackle to emit from her. "You are a fool, Gaidus," she said through her laughter, watching as he sat beside her. "What's wrong with you, kicking the wall like that? You're a silly child." Apparently, she didn't really understand his feelings for her.

She's busy at the moment

Busy to rest was her only Option. He would not allow her to do anything else. It might tire her up. Besides talking and breathing

I'd be happy to give her a message when she gets her senses back

Esteban could not help but He laugh so hard that he forgot his foot was hurt. This was funny even thouh, she was not lauging of her own joke about that. But after, she made her jokes that way all the times. Why would Esteban bother for such futile things?

Tell me, then, Esteban — what happens when the criminals disappear? I'm at the top of the food chain and limiting my selection... for what? I'm not going to sacrifice my strength and my life to keep others alive.

At the moment, the question of the vampire leved him wordless. It was a hard question indeed. He thougth about it for few seconds, his eyes closed. When he saw his answer, The half-demon opened his eyes sudden;y. "Simple, no body his perfect. Everyone have his flaws. His wicked desire. But in the end. live happily. I'll fight for it!"

That was his reply then he looked at Brooks.You turn to talk about your doings and your will. You know the difference between good and wrongs and even there you still take the wrong path. You could be a good vampire, taking the lives of the criminal but you don't care and rudely satisfy your needs. Why?"

You are a fool, Gaidus

He knows. He was getting fool thanks to her presence. Each moment he passed wit her since he met her, was making him aooear for a fool. Why? Was it love? And why was she using his false last name? Well, seems more like a ncikname anyway. He had a reason on that, this was the name of the demon of banish away his father.

What's wrong with you, kicking the wall like that? You're a silly child.

He closed his eyes and replied on a bored voice while taking care of his foot. "[color=blue] Nothing. The simpliest reason is...That i'm a silly child.[/cclor]" When his feet felt better, Esteban walked to the entrance of the cave. Morning was officially there but the light would never be able to harm the vampire. It was too deep. He was wondering where was the celestian even thouh he only came there to avoid that Brooks saw the disapointment in his face.

"Simple, no bod his perfect. Everyone have his flaws. His wicked desire. But in the end live happily. I'll fight for it!"

Cordelia smirked; she was about to catch him in his flawed logic. He was making this all too easy for her to do. In a way, she felt bad; all her negativity and candor would ruin him. He was still a boy, naïve, innocent, trusting… Cordelia had been too at that age, but she had at least realized the ways of the world were not meant to be incredibly sugar coated. “But according to that, even the criminal deserves to live happily…” she informed him. “The criminal is a person, just like the innocent. If everyone has their own twisted desire, then why shouldn’t they all die, Esteban?” An eyebrow lifted as she addressed him. She was never going to see how he could look at things in black and white, when there were so many shades of gray in between.

“Why?”

She had multiple reasons as to why she was the way she was. There was her upbringing, her past, things that had happened to her… but there were two major things that affected her opinions the most. “Everyone is equal in the eyes of death,” she told Esteban. “No one can escape it, no one can delay it… death should come indiscriminately and make us all realize what is really around the corner.” That was one thing he would never understand. Her second point, however, might be slightly easier to comprehend. “Besides… a member of my family tried that… he ruined his chances of living peacefully because of it.”

Her eyes narrowed as she thought of Savrele. He had ruined his chances of being happy with Elizabeth all because he had to kill a criminal in that alley so near to her home to protect her. He could have easily taken an innocent person and lived a wonderful life with her, vampire by the side of a mortal, and maybe even convince her to become like him had she never seen it. “I resent him for it…” she added softly. Had he and Elizabeth married, she might have had an easier upbringing… or maybe not have been born at all.

“That i'm a silly child.”

Cordelia removed her hat and rested it near her, listening as he spoke near the entrance of the cave. She removed her burned cloak and huddled into the corner at an easier angle so she was in more of a laying position. She draped the cloak over her, wincing slightly at the bending movement of her burned body. “At least you can admit it,” Cordelia told him. An uneasy feeling entered her stomach as she realized the sun was coming up. It wouldn’t bother her so far back in the cave, but she would have loved to be at her own home in her own bed. She would have to try and make it there on her own, since she wasn’t quite sure she trusted either of her new friends with her address. “Don’t worry, you’ll grow up and become jaded like the rest of us adults one day.”

But according to that, even the criminal deserves to live happily…The criminal is a person, just like the innocent. If everyone has their own twisted desire, then why shouldn’t they all die, Esteban?

He realized what he said was not detailed enough but he will explained. " Simple, there is differences between thougths and actions. Some are strong enough to let their desires away for the greater good, others are slaved of it."

Everyone is equal in the eyes of death

Sure, but she was not death herself. How could she think that way? " Are you telling me that you are the reaper itself? If not, stop trying to act like it. Even thouh you act all tough you got emotions and weakness like everyones. You have fears, dream. Memories, and surely people that you love. I know that you were scared in my arms out there."

No one can escape it, no one can delay it… death should come indiscriminately and make us all realize what is really around the corner

He turned to her and saw that she was uncomfortable in the presence of sunlight in the place. He reavealed his wings to the larger thay could be and made even more shadows in the place. " I am delaying your death for a second time today. I could have let you died out there, telling myself that it was your turn. But i did not and now i'm stil delaying it by blocking more sunlight."

Besides… a member of my family tried that… he ruined his chances of living peacefully because of it.I resent him for it…

She resent a man? She had been with someone else? Was she married? Does she have childrens? Was there anything else she was hiding? Who was he? What did he do? What happened?"Esteban felt like it was the few questions he could ask about her past for now. Not too be too invading either.

At least you can admit it

He grinned. " I told you i'm honest. You might think the opposite, but it never hurt. It hurts when you are used to lies. I hate lies in all form."

Don’t worry, you’ll grow up and become jaded like the rest of us adults one day

He shook his head. She was giving a hard look on adulthood. "So adults are evil, closed-minded and stubborn? I'm not eager to be one then.." He whispered. He did not want to insult her but seeing what she was saying. That, was the result.

“Some are strong enough to let their desires away for the greater good, others are slaved of it.”

“But we all have different opinions on what the ‘greater good’ is,” Cordelia reminded him. “For me, the greater good is making sure that the world is never perfect. A perfect place would be so… boring.” The thought disgusted her. So many bad things had happened to her, to friends of hers, to relatives, to perfect strangers – why should other people get off easy? Everyone had to experience pain. Without true sorrow and despair, no one could ever know what it was to feel absolute bliss instead of being plainly content.

“I know that you were scared in my arms out there.”

She would regret that until her dying day. For as long as they knew each other, Cordelia had a feeling Esteban would continuously bring up the fact that she had been afraid. “Yes, I was,” she admitted reluctantly, averting her deep blue eyes. “And I’ve lost people I love to death’s hand. What comes around goes around… did you ever think maybe people die because the people around them need to wake up? That…” She sighed in frustration, not continuing. Talking so deeply with someone who she could barely understand was giving her a headache. She was beginning to sound hypocritical, anyway. Tobias hadn’t died because she deserved to have someone close to her die… he had died because disease had weakened him. That was the only reason!

… Right?

“I am delaying your death for a second time today.”

The woman rolled her eyes. “Am I indebted to you now?” she asked, a hissing quality to her tone of voice. “I wouldn’t have died anyway. I could have gotten out of that mess without your help… I always do.” She had been in countless life threatening situations in the past and had gotten out of them alive. She had been up against other vampires far older than her, demons… granted, she had simply run away, but that was still surviving! It didn’t take any one else’s help to stand up, throw a rock at someone, and sprint because her life depended on it.

“Who was he? What did he do? What happened?”

A look of pain crossed her face. Cordelia shouldn’t have brought it up; her family had always been a sore spot for her. People could talk as horribly as they wanted about her family, but she preferred that they talk that way because they knew each person individually – not because she had spewed her hate for them. “None of it is your business,” she said quietly, a bit too hurt by the thoughts to sound as angry as she truly was inside. “Just forget I said it. There are too many people I hate to give the whole story.”

Her lack of a filter on her word’s had come from Savrele. Cordelia grit her teeth and clenched her fist, half tempted to punch the wall. She had seen how painful it had been for Esteban, however, so she tried to restrain herself.

“So adults are evil, closed-minded and stubborn? I'm not eager to be one then..”

She inhaled deeply. “One day, something will happen to you to make you see…” Cordelia’s tone of voice was maternal. Little hints of her past always came out in the way she talked, who she talked about… she couldn’t help that much. “You won’t have to go through it alone like… other people, at least.”

But we all have different opinions on what the ‘greater good’ is

It was true enough. Everyone was dreaming about the world of their dreams. But no one was sharing the same dream, there was a detail different and that detail made them fight over each other. So was the way of the world.

For me, the greater good is making sure that the world is never perfect. A perfect place would be so… boring

There he had his proof. Esteban's perfect wolrd would be to see everyone smiling, not caring about their differences, beeing pushing each other to the best of themselves for everyt action the ywere doing. But to see his world compared to Brook's, it was sad. He sighed looking at the sunling passing thought the waterfall but never about to touch the vampire.

“And I’ve lost people I love to death’s hand. What comes around goes around… did you ever think maybe people die because the people around them need to wake up? That…”

He looked at her. Thouh, he could not force her to speak more if she did not wanted to, Esteban would have prefered her kept saying what was on her mind. "So now you kill people to wake others up? Humpf, there is enough disease and wars going on that they don't need anyone like that."

Am I indebted to you now?”

He sighed while rolling his eyes. This discussion had no end. She was stubborn and prefered to see only darkness. The half-demon never considered her in debt, but a thanks would have done it. It was so hard to say? He started to think that he could have let her without a bit of blood, that way she would be quiet.

I wouldn’t have died anyway. I could have gotten out of that mess without your help… I always do

This time he burst out. He could no longer kept the anger within him. "YYou were knocked out! How could you even move before i gave you of my blood? Stop beeing so stubborn and accept the damned facts!" He turned back to look outside, his wings falppaing and his fists clenching by anger.

None of it is your business,Just forget I said it. There are too many people I hate to give the whole story.

Still his back turned to the vampiress, he muttered. "If you did not want me to ask about it, you should have thougth about it. Now, either you talk or you stay silent!"

One day, something will happen to you to make you see

The head of the rogue started to ache, understand what? There was nothing to understand beside her stubborness and her closed mind. He kept sighing. This would be a long time to sleep.

You won’t have to go through it alone like… other people, at least

Now, Esteban felt bad. She was only trying to make see things her way. Perhaps the young demon was thick-headed aswell, but he had faith in his belief. "I'm sorry once, i'm tired i get agressive pretty quick. We should rest a bit." He went next to herand layed at her feets. Putting his cloak as blanket on the solid ground. and he wrapped his wings around him. He wondered why the celestian did not showed up yet.

“So now you kill people to wake others up? Humpf, there is enough disease and wars going on that they don't need anyone like that."

Cordelia shrugged. She wasn’t feeling very coherent at the moment and her head hurt. She wasn’t making sense to herself or to him, and the lack of blood was really getting to her. She had lasted without blood in the past and was a grown woman, so she could easily control herself. “Well I and people like me had to have been put in this world for a reason, right?” she said. “It’s not my fault the wars and disease came after me…” Even in her weakened state she was conceited. She didn’t know how far back her kind went, and she doubted anyone knew, really… and she wasn’t about to go back and ask her family. Not after everything that had happened.

"YYou were knocked out! How could you even move before i gave you of my blood? Stop beeing so stubborn and accept the damned facts!"

Oh dear… little demon was angry. Cordelia was surprised by his outburst, since this was the first time she had seen him angry. She sighed and shook her head, grumbling a few choice words about him under her breath. It would probably annoy him, since what she was saying was probably too low to hear. “Yeah, accept the facts that you think so lowly of me that you think I need help. Thanks, Esteban.” She stared at him, her dark blue eyes never losing their intensity, even in her current state. So it was a bit of a guilt trip… every mother knew how to make other people feel guilty. Her own had, and now it was her turn.

"If you did not want me to ask about it, you should have thougth about it. Now, either you talk or you stay silent!"

He was completely out of line. If she was strong enough, she would have slapped him, but there was no point in her getting up and doing that. She would have fallen over the moment she tried to push herself up. “Don’t order me around!” Cordelia screamed. At least she hadn’t lost the power to use her voice. “You aren’t in charge of me! But fine, you really want to know? I was talking about my grandfather and his stupid deal with that stupid woman to have my parents get married against their will and have me!” Her hair seemed to go in all different directions, her pent up rage against her family finally spilling out. She didn’t have a filter when she got angry, so she couldn’t even help herself. “He was a good person and because of that, that stupid woman saw him kill a criminal and then they couldn’t get married and be happy because she was a spineless… ugh!”

She couldn’t go on. She had to stop herself before Nathaniel came up. Cordelia looked at the wall and slapped it before pulling at her hair, unsure how to physically relieve her anger. Why was she even telling him this?! She was so stupid! She couldn’t have hated Savrele Avaro more right now. She had inherited all these terrible traits from him! She knew there had been multiple reasons why she had cut off ties with her family. All the lies, all the things they had instilled in her… she hated it.

"I'm sorry once, i'm tired i get agressive pretty quick. We should rest a bit."

“Whatever…” she said quietly, her voice barely audible. She was spilling all her pain to someone she didn’t even know. How much more weak could she become? She didn’t feel like resting after that, so she merely stared up at the ceiling, her veins still pulsing anger throughout her. She was so conflicted and she hated it. Cordelia was always sure of herself, always sure of where she stood… and then this naïve little boy came along and wrecked everything.

Well I and people like me had to have been put in this world for a reason, right?

The half-demon sighed. It's seem Brooks was looking for reasons to kill others, he was so tired he could not yell and he was no loguer looking at her wrapped in his wings. He wanted to sleep so bad but he could not orfer her to be sleeping and stay silent, for he saw the results few minutes ago. He had no auhority on her and did not care about it. "Stop making excuses, it's simply because you love it, right? Kiling thoses innocents and keep munching that life was not easy for you so you got to make it difficult for the others...To have a fake purpose. What is your goal in life Brooks?Simply kill the innocents? Make life difficult to others? And you will be happy with that?"

It’s not my fault the wars and disease came after me…

It's seems almost as a joke, or did she lied to him? It would not be surprising now, making everything difficult for everyone, every single moment in their life difficult. So that could mean that now she was hard to trust, and even more to believe. "So that appears after you? Then it means you were born not too long after the creation of the worl wich mean you way older then you told me..."

Yeah, accept the facts that you think so lowly of me that you think I need help. Thanks, Esteban.

So now it was his fault? He rolled his eyes and sighed. "So now it's my fault? And by the way asking for help is not weak, neither admitting that we need it. But sure, if it's my fault keep going and try to make me feel guitly. I owe me nothing, i saved 'cuz.... There was a moment of silence, he stopped knowing what he was about to say. He could not admit that he had feelings for her. Not yet atleat, so he try to find an excuses. Not like she was not used to that. " you seemed about to die, even thouh you are undead...."

Don’t order me around!

That was what he was thinking about sooner, the few results of autority on his vampire friend: none. If she prefered things her way that much, Esteban started to thing about letting her recover and goes their seperate way. After all, it was him who had brougth her upthere. But he could not go until he gave her a lesson that she will remember.

You aren’t in charge of me! But fine, you really want to know? I was talking about my grandfather and his stupid deal with that stupid woman to have my parents get married against their will and have me! He was a good person and because of that, that stupid woman saw him kill a criminal and then they couldn’t get married and be happy because she was a spineless… ugh!

So that was all about that. He could see why she was hating people so much, Especially good ones. He had to show her the other side of the medal, making her see what was real happiness in simple moments. But how, she was making her turned to ice, keeping her eyes closed and attacking it it was not the way she was seeing things. But it seemed that she knows that two people together can be happy for a long time, it was a good start atleast. But what did she know about love? For now he kept his mouth shut and did not asked.

Whatever....

He closed his eyes and started to fall asleep. For the movements he made in 'bed' he was not having a comfortable dream. He saw his father in front of his eyes and he stared around. Dark purple clouds, red lightning thunfering, fire unleashed from the ground's crack, miasma everywhere. He was in the netherworld.

The half demon turned back to Xenolectios. "What am i doing here? And you, aren't you supposed to be dead? His father was a pit fiend, so he was really tall compared to his son. He was about eigth feet tall. "Yes, but your are a part of my blood so as long as you as my blood will live on i will live too. And by the way, my new body is recovering here in the netherworld thanks to you, hehehe. Funny that the one who killed me, is also my son and the one to make me reborn."

Esteban grinned. "Also funny that when you will be reborn, you will be as weak as a human, right?" Xenolectios'face became serious and glared and his son. "Like i care, it doesn't take me forever to gain in power, like you since your mother was a pathetic lil'mortal too and sure, you got her blood aswell. So Before you became too strong, i'll be back on Imythess and i'll kill you myself! But for now i'll give you the worst nightmares...."

The full-fledged demon made appear someone who Esteban was caring about: Brooks. The woman seemed recovered. Fear was now working in the stomach of the rogue. What was about to happen to her? The demon was holding her neck in his grasp and laughed. "Don't do anything to her!" He threaten. He father kept smiling even wider. Or What? You will kill me? It's a dream where i'm nearly invicible. Look."

Xenolectios slashed one of his claw in her throat and made the blood flee from her body and into his mouth. The vampiress was in pain, screaming. Esteban dashed to saved her but was whipped by a scaly tail. "Mmmh, vampire blood, exquisite! I bet her flesh is softer then some mortals." He plundged his teeth straigth in her body and ripped off the belly.

Xenelectios blood in Esteban made an illusion spell on Brooks when she would be sleepong. She would see what happen to her in the dream of the half demon. The young rogue was sweating, shooking his head and begging to stop in his sleep.

“…What is your goal in life Brooks?Simply kill the innocents? Make life difficult to others? And you will be happy with that?"

Cordelia swallowed, knowing that he wasn’t going to like her answer. He was so good, despite what race he was. She wondered if he ever had the inward struggles she ever did, but that wasn’t the time right now. “I’d be perfectly happy with that,” she informed him, her voice unwavering. “It’s what I was born to do.” Born to kill, born to end the lives of others – evil was a point of view and nothing more.

"So that appears after you? Then it means you were born not too long after the creation of the worl wich mean you way older then you told me..."

“I meant my kind, not just me,” Cordelia corrected her past words and his statement at the same time. “Goodness, I’d be old if I was born that long ago.” She really hoped she would never reach to be that old. Though she never wanted to die, she really didn’t want to live to be millions of years old. That was a bit of overkill right there.

The vampire made the decision to simply ignore that he said about helping her. In her mind, asking for assistance on anything only showed weakness. Asking for help meant she could see her own flaws, and that was something she had never been able to do. Demeaning herself, even in the simplest ways, had never really appealed to her.

Soon enough, her eyelids became too heavy to keep open, and Cordelia drifted off to sleep. The only thing that could even indicate that she was alive was the constant, rhythmic motion of her chest rising and falling with each breath she took. Any trace of hatred was washed from her face, her features were relaxed, and for perhaps the first time in knowing Esteban, she actually looked peaceful. This was not going to last long, however, since after a while, she found herself in a… bad situation.

Her fists clenched and she groaned softly, a bad feeling in her stomach. Even if it was a dream, it was a bit too realistic, and thus was tricked into thinking it was really happening. It took a few moments, but Cordelia soon realized she was being held by the neck by someone she didn’t know. Like the defiant vampire she was, she began wriggling and trying to escape, but it was no use. She was useless and helpless and at the mercy of whomever this man was, unfortunately. She couldn’t even insult him; the grip on her throat was too tight, almost to the point where it could be considered suffocating. Esteban was threatening the man, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out she was really in danger.

Unlike every other time, Cordelia had a feeling she wasn’t going to get out of this one. She could usually get out of every bad situation that was thrown her way, but this time, she didn’t think she was going to. Her dark blue eyes stared at Esteban with the most pleading look she had ever managed. Had she been able to talk, she might have even asked for his help.

A claw slit her throat and she began choking on her own dark, maroon colored blood, letting out a blood chilling scream when she could finally manage it. By this time, tears of red were spilling out of her eyes in the absolute pain she was feeling. Her blood wasn’t meant for other people to take! Cordelia was feeling extremely violated right now, and she still couldn’t help but stare at Esteban. Why wasn’t he doing anything?! As soon as the demon mentioned her flesh, she began writhing and wriggling like never before. Maybe if she found Savrele or Nicolas, they could help her with the wound on her neck, but if he started eating her, she was doomed. Her tears began to stream more fiercely, and when he ripped at her stomach, Cordelia let out another scream and sat up in the cave.

Finally awake, Cordelia let out another scream, her sobs shaking her shoulders. Blood tears were staining the white skin of her face and she looked around, her burned hands flying to her neck. There was nothing! She lifted her shirt slightly and checked her stomach, holding her belly and just staring at herself for a moment. She didn’t pay any mind to the faded stretch marks, and as soon as she came to the conclusion that she was all right, she looked to Esteban, who didn’t look in the best shape. In a moment of actual compassion, Cordelia flung herself to his side and began shaking his shoulders, still crying. “Esteban! Dammit, demon, wake up!” she yelled, shaking him still. “Wake up, you idiot! You’re scaring me!”

I’d be perfectly happy with that, It’s what I was born to do.”

He was not caring about her comments anymore, he knew that it would make him even more frustrated. She could say whatever she wanted to say that was cruel, mean, disrecpectful. He mumbled something faked to fall asleep with enventually did.

[i]I meant my kind, not just me

Once more, he felt stupid while talking to her. What did he was so clumsy in talk at some moment. How were the vampires? Worst. How old were the demons? Hoe long have they appeared after the celestian? Talking about the celestian, where was the one that helped them? Perhaps, he was uncounscious somewhere or he had took care of himself. Maybe...

During his nightmare he was all sweaty, moving even more since Cordie's life was at sake. He had his hand on the tips of his dagger. When the half demon woke up brutely due to the shaking he received from his friend.

Esteban! Dammit, demon, wake up!

The mind was still in his nightmare, his hand took quickly the dagger and placed it under her neck.When he his light blue eyes met the dark ones of Brooks. He dropped his weapon as quickly as he took it.

Wake up, you idiot! You’re scaring me!

He hold her shoulders too, that way they seemed about to do a hug. He shook her too. After they stopped shaking eachother, he blushed but tried to seem normal. "Brook!?! What's wrong you made a nightmare too?" It was not possible that they get the same one. How could that work?

Cordelia’s eyes went wide when he held the dagger to her neck. Was that nightmare about to come true? She stared at him, scared for a moment that her act of kindness would end up costing her her life. He recoiled, however, taking the cool metal away from the soft flesh of her neck. Oh, that had been the scariest thing she’d seen in years. Heights and fire had been her number one fears until that dream had happened. Now she had death to worry about… oh, God, she never wanted to die! Never! Not if it was going to happen like that! She wanted to go out with a bang, but she didn’t… not like that!

He began shaking her too, for whatever reason. The moment he stopped, Cordelia stopped as well, her body shaking as she continued sobbing. That mental image had completely violated her mind. Seeing her own throat being sliced like that, the pain of being eaten alive… she couldn’t take it. She just wanted to hug herself and rock herself to sleep in a corner. She wanted her grandfather and her father, she wanted to run to them and cry and be soothed by their words of comfort. Right now, she didn’t care about their lies and the pain they had caused her. She just wanted comfort.

"Brook!?! What's wrong you made a nightmare too?"

But she didn’t have her parents and she didn’t have any of her family. Cordelia simple stared at Esteban before shaking her head, trying to form words and failing. She wrapped her long, burned arms around him, her head finding its place on his shoulder. “What was that…?!” she finally forced out of her throat, clinging to him. The blood tears fell down her cheeks and onto his clothes, but it didn’t matter. It was only blood and she would clean it for him if he got upset about it. She didn’t even know where to begin with how terrible that dream had been.

After a moment, she almost wanted to shake him again, feeling restless. She let go of him and tried to stand up, but her legs were far too wobbly and she was far too unstable. She settled for sitting next to her demon friend, trying to calm herself down. Her breathing was shaky and she couldn’t stop the trembling that continued to rock her body. She knew she had to stop herself now; this was ludicrous. She was crying and shaking like something bad had actually happened, which it hadn’t. The last time she had cried like and been shaken to the core was when her son had died…

“My God, what was that?” she asked, burying her head into her hands and pulling at her black hair. “Why was he eating me?!” In a moment of paranoia, Cordelia checked her neck and stomach again. She traced the stretch marks, just to make sure the flesh was really her own and she was really in one piece. The thought of being eaten like that made her start crying all over again. The only person she had seen there was Esteban, and he hadn’t even done anything. “Who was he?!”

She knew Esteban probably had no idea what she was talking about, but she couldn’t help but say all these things. If he had to ask, he could, and she would explain. It was way too much for her to keep inside. “And don’t call me Brooks anymore…” It should have been the least of her worries right now, but it was like nails on a chalkboard and she couldn’t take not being called by her name. “I’m Cordelia, okay? Brooks is my last name.” So, he’d been right. He could have a little party after he helped her through this.

Esteban caught Brooks in his arms when she fell beside him again. It was good to have her in his arms. She was crying, even thouh it was blood, it was still sentimental. He rocked her in his arms. It must had been one terrible nightmare. Even if it could not be what was his own. He passed softly his hand in her hair and whispered softly "Shhh, Don't worry it's over now. Don't think about it anymore."

“What was that…?!”

He stopped rocking for a second and started over. It could not be a vision to her too. Unless it was not only a dream. But how could that be? His father was really recovering in the netherworld? It would mean that he would have to fight him once more but this time, he could not do a surprise attack on him. He would have to fight him pure and simple. He looked at Brooks. Alone or not.

My God, what was that?

At first the idea of a vampire imploring a god was almost funny. But it was comforming his doubts. She had been seeing and even felt the nightmare upon her. He slosed his eyes knowing that he had to explain everything. Everything.

“Why was he eating me?!”

He sighed."He ate you because you are close to me..." He knew that, that sentence would make scare her. "It was for vengeance, he want to see me suffer. Losing the people close to me. He want you to be away from me."

Who was he?!

Esteban sighed, the shame of admitting what blood he was from."Remebered that i killed my father, well that was him. Xenolectios. It's seems he is regenerating himself in the neterworld and once he will have all his abilities back, he will be out to hunt me and try to get Imythess in his claws."

"And don’t call me Brooks anymore…I’m Cordelia, okay? Brooks is my last name.”

He stared at the vampiress. "Cordelia Brooks? Nice to meet you, He smiled at her. So, it seems he gained some of her trust. He was glad to be with her. To have found her. But...nah, that would be to quick yet.

"Shhh, Don't worry it's over now. Don't think about it anymore."

His voice was comforting and his rocking soothed her slightly. Cordelia took a deep breath, easing her sobs. “I can’t not think about it…” she whimpered. Out of all the ways she could die, she didn’t want to be eaten. She would do anything to get out of such a fate. Piece by piece of her being ripped from her body and being chewed and swallowed to make another person stronger… oh, it was gruesome and disgusting!

"It was for vengeance, he want to see me suffer. Losing the people close to me. He want you to be away from me."

The dark blue eyes of the vampire went wide when he said that. No longer did they hold a commanding look that could reach into the depths of ones soul, but instead, a look of absolute fear and shock. She had crumbled completely. This had only happened once before, and Cordelia didn't even know what to do. "I'll kill him..." she squeaked, although it was highly doubtful a young vampire such as herself even stood a chance against a powerful demon. Even she knew that, and she never admitted her weaknesses. "I'll kill him dead! He won't touch me! Or you! Or anyone!"

It was strange that she was saying that. Cordelia did have some good in her, really. Though the words completely went against her character, the woman was simply concerned with saving her own skin. If saving herself meant she had to save other people along with her, then, well, she didn't have any other choice.

"Remebered that i killed my father, well that was him. Xenolectios. It's seems he is regenerating himself in the neterworld and once he will have all his abilities back, he will be out to hunt me and try to get Imythess in his claws."

A look of shock crossed her face. That was his father…? The man who was supposed to care for and love his son was going against him? Cordelia might have been selfish, but if her son was still alive, she would have been looking out for his best interest - not her own. Her parents didn't do that, either; what kind of man could live with himself for wanting to hurt their child?! "He isn't your father," she hissed. "Parents don't do that! Mine didn't, I didn't… he's nothing!" Slowly but surely, she was gaining her confidence back - and still slipping up on her words. "He's nothing like you and doesn't deserve to share your blood…"

She was becoming incredibly angry. She had finally found herself a friend and she wasn't letting go. Maybe he was a bit too good for her in more ways than one, but Cordelia could support him, just like any person would.

"Cordelia Brooks? Nice to meet you."

Cordelia laughed and finally lifted her hands to her eyes, wiping the tears away before wiping off her wet cheeks. "Nice to meet you too," she said, shaking her head. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes to try and get that image out of her head. "God, that was scary…" she confided, taking Esteban's arm and clinging to it.

I'll kill him..."

This time he knew that Cordelia was serious but she had not the strength to defeat a demon like his father. Surely, she knew that, she saw and felt it. And even there, the vamppire did not know about his magic. How cruel and effective it was. Esteban still remember it. He just put his forehead againts hers. It felt good to trust and to be trusted, it seems that strange moment solidified theirs bonds instead of making her flee from here, as expected the pit fiend.

I'll kill him dead! He won't touch me! Or you! Or anyone!

She would not let Xenolectios touch Esteban? Even while knowing his strength. "Be serious, he will come to hunt me when he will be at his full strength. You tasted a part of it. Like i said. He is recovering. We must gets stronger sooner, the better. But...How?"

His question was hitching him now. Stronger? But to become what? No demon beeing will be a god servant. Even thouh they should be quite effective againts their own race, but the gods do not exist, only powerful celestian.

Parents don't do that! Mine didn't, I didn't… he's nothing

He smiled to her. "It his the way of the netherworld, demon can do that to their childeren if they do not do as they are act. And..." He realized what his friend says. She was a mother? "Wait! You got a child? Is there other things that i should know? Where is he now?" He was not mad, only surprised. That mean if she had a child that she had an husband too. The thougth made him uncomfortable. Now, how could she be with the half-demon? He was more sad then surprised, turning his head away. He was not crying but he knew tha face he had, he was not really good to hide his emotion either.

He's nothing like you and doesn't deserve to share your blood…

It was not the demon who did not have the blood of his son, it was the rogue who had the blood of his demonic father. The proof was the regeneration of Xenolectios. "If only it was that simple..."

God, that was scary...

He hold Cordelia tighter againts him. "That's i lived under his reign for a long time. I got used to it...But i'm sorry. I could not save you..."He placed his chin on her head. Esteban did not want to lose, even if she was with someone, she was still his friend.

Cordelia couldn't care less if he rested his forehead against hers. Right now, she didn't care about people touching her. She might not have been a big fan of it, but right now it was all the comfort she could really get. After seeing and feeling her own possible death, she had to have someone nearby.

"Be serious, he will come to hunt me when he will be at his full strength. You tasted a part of it. Like i said. He is recovering. We must gets stronger sooner, the better. But...How?"

"No idea," she said. "And I don't care how strong he is. He's gonna die permanently this time… even if I have to resort to methods I don't want to." Cordelia sighed, biting her lip in thought. If worse came to worse, she could end up buying spells, even if she was clumsy when it came to handling magic. She had tried as a child, though, so maybe now that she was a grown woman she could control it better. She really didn't want to visit home again, but if worse came to worse… she supposed it might just be the only option.

"Wait! You got a child? Is there other things that i should know? Where is he now?"

Curse that wretched, loose tongue of hers! Cordelia was silent before she looked down, twisting her fingers and appearing slightly ashamed. How was she supposed to answer those questions? "I… he…" She took a deep breath. If there was someone that she could trust, she supposed it would be Esteban. He was too good of a person and too innocent to betray her. "He's in the cemetery now under the name Tobias Sawyer." Her voice was quiet and barely audible. Everyone in her family had been so sad when the half-vampire, half-human child had passed on. Even if they hadn't completely approved of her husband, the baby had still been loved. "He's been there for seven years. His father left me four years ago… I'd rather not discuss where he is."

She should have known Nathaniel and Tobias would come up. She should have known…

"That's i lived under his reign for a long time. I got used to it...But i'm sorry. I could not save you..."

Cordelia would have shaken her head had Esteban not rested his chin against her. She smiled softly, enjoying the closeness for the time being. As soon as this was over, she would have to make sure it never happened again. "Hopefully, if it ever does happen, you won't need to save me…" she told him. "I've gotta learn to stand on my own two feet, you know…"

And I don't care how strong he is. He's gonna die permanently this time… even if I have to resort to methods I don't want to

Esteban softly took his head of hers and looked right into Cordelia's eyes. " Can i know what kind of methods? O'm curious what you would do to a demon as strong as him..." He could imagine her unleashing, great techniques, she woud have done so againts the demon infused they fought.

He's in the cemetery now under the name Tobias Sawyer

His eyes widened, to hear that his friend had a son was some surprising news, but to hear that he was already dad was something else. Losing someone was hard enough, losing your son, even tougher. He pulled her tightly againts him by refelxes, to make sure that the half-demon was there for the vampire. "I'm sorry, i did nit know, shouldn't have asked...[/i]"

He's been there for seven years. His father left me four years ago… I'd rather not discuss where he is

How could a man leave his wife alone like that after their son died? It was just playing cruel, plain and simple. He started to undertstand why Cordelia was not trusting easily. "[color=blue]I'll never let you down, i'll alwas be by your side..." This was sounding more then just a sign of friendship but he could not go further in his declaration yet. It could not be possible that she was trusting him at that point.

Hopefully, if it ever does happen, you won't need to save me…

He grinned. " What? You don't like when i come to help you?[/colotr] But Esteban really liked it. If each time time she would pass time in his arm, then he would always go to her rescue.

I've gotta learn to stand on my own two feet, you know...

He nodded. "[color=blue]I'm sure you will." He put his chin on her shoulder and started to fall asleep. This time there ould not be any nightmare.

" Can i know what kind of methods? O'm curious what you would do to a demon as strong as him..."

A smirk was the only reply Esteban received. She made up her mind… she was going to purchase spells, practice at it, and if worse came to worse, briefly return to her parents’ home for assistance. Though she hated admitting she needed help, if there were people that would never judge her, it would be her family. “I can’t tell you…” she told him, her dark blue eyes glinting with malice and mischief. “It’s a family secret.” She lifted her index finger to her slightly parted lips to reveal her fangs, hoping to both quiet him and hopefully make him think she was talking about her vampirism. It was better off that he not know what she was really contemplating at the moment.

"I'm sorry, i did nit know, shouldn't have asked...”

A small yelp emitted from the throat of the vampire when she was pulled so tightly against the half-demon. She chuckled nervously before wriggling slightly to loosen his grip on her. Though it was comforting, she was beginning to feel slightly awkward. “I don’t want sympathy,” she informed him. “I… I just don’t.” He didn’t know what it was like to lose a child. For a parent to out live their own child was unheard of and the most unbearable pain to ever go through. To watch a child experience so much pain and simply stand by helplessly was just agonizing… Cordelia clenched her fists, not wanting to remember.

“I'll never let you down, i'll alwas be by your side..."

That had been what Nathaniel said. Cordelia averted her eyes, not so sure how much she believed him, but deciding he had to be telling the truth. Maybe it was terrible to trust him because of how naïve he was, but even so, she couldn’t help it. It was the only thing that made her believe he was really good at heart. “Thank you…” she muttered. “But perhaps you shouldn’t hand out your loyalty without much thought.” He didn’t even know who she was. He hadn’t yet seen her at her cruelest, at her most merciless, and he was already promising to forever stand by her actions. She didn’t need to be let down again, and he didn’t need to get hurt when he saw her for what she really was.

" What? You don't like when i come to help you?”

At this, the woman couldn’t help but throw her head back and laugh. As soon as the echoing noise subsided, she shook her head and looked at him, trying to wipe the grin off of her face and failing. But, maybe that was for the best. “Not really,” she admitted truthfully. “But maybe if you didn’t fly I wouldn’t mind so much.” She winked and let out a sigh. She hadn’t teased someone else or been… nice in so long that acting like this made her feel odd. It felt strange to not bite his head off for even thinking about helping her and to not throw out mean comments after everything that was said. She really had to get back in shape.

Esteban rested his head on her shoulder and Cordelia patted his back in a bit of a maternal way, knowing he probably just wanted to get back to sleep. Once he was sleeping she would find a way to snake herself out of his grasp.

When he woke up, Esteban noticed that Cordelia was notin his arms anymore. He looked around the cave and saw her stillin the darkness, now bigger since the sun was setting. As he looked at the entrance of the cave, he realized that all the day had past and there was still no sign of the celestian. Where could he be?

The half demon walked to the mouth of the cavern and stretched his muscles. Perhaps that their newly friend died? Got lost? Or maube he was recovering himself somewhere else. The rogue turn to his vampire friend." Rest more, in two hourswe are going. Get some blood that you recover. And, as said criminal, i did not changed my mind." His wings were on the ready, if she started to complain, he would simply fly away until she agree and beg him to put her down.

Once he had fallen asleep, Cordelia had managed to get out of his arms; it actually hadn't been too difficult. She had rested him against the wall and crawled away from him, at least a good few yards, before finally curling into a ball and closing her eyes. She wasn't exactly enthusiastic about sleeping now, should that demon decide to haunt her again, but luckily, it was a dreamless sleep.

The day passed by, and as the sun began to set, the vampire began to come out of her slumber. It had been her routine since she had been born and really, she couldn't have changed it even if she wanted to. Esteban's voice reached her ears and Cordelia simply groaned in response, wriggling in her little spot on the floor. She hadn't really heard the words, only the fact that he was speaking which meant he was awake which meant they were leaving soon. But she wanted to sleep...

And then his words finally hit her. He had mentioned killing a criminal instead of anyone she wanted; this caused Cordelia to sit up immediately and stare at him, almost he had grown a third head. Moving so quickly caused her to be dizzy and for a moment or two she saw spots, but as soon as her vision cleared up she continued to stare at him incredulously. "Have you gone mad?!" she almost screamed, extending her arms and pushing herself off the ground, using the cave wall to support herself. "I'll do whatever I please, you still aren't the boss of me!"

She grumbled a few choice words under her breath. "And I don't want to go in two hours. Why can't we go now?" Sure, the sun hadn't completely set yet, but that was a minor detail that would be taken care of in a few moments. The sun didn't exactly last forever.

Have you gone mad?!

The half demon sighed and mumbled. "There we go again..."It was back to this again. He turned at Cordelia and give her a wide smile. If she wanted him to go mad, she could try: He was energized, so was his patience.

I'll do whatever I please, you still aren't the boss of me!

He glared at her. "Perhaps not, but as long as you are injured it's going to be my way. Don't worry it's only temporary." Who could be sure that her ideas was clear? No one. So he prefered to wait until she was back to full health.

[i]And I don't want to go in two hours. Why can't we go now?[/]

Esteban sighed ad shook his head. "First, the sun is still outside, andsecond you did not sleep much, Third well, go ahead and try to leavethis place without me if you are not happy." Thouh, the half-demon knew about the heigth and the rock at the bottom of the entrance of the cave. She would not make it.

Cordelia looked at him like he was crazy when he smiled at her. Hadn't she just insulted his sanity?! Men were so complicated to understand! Growling in frustration, the vampire simply kicked at a pebble that was on the ground. There was nothing else she could really do without hurting herself. Hitting the wall last night hadn't done anything but hurt her, and she didn't want to repeat that little mistake.

"Perhaps not, but as long as you are injured it's going to be my way. Don't worry it's only temporary."

"How dare you!" the woman exclaimed. "My arms are burned, my brain didn't turn to mush!" Last night had been a complete mistake. She had gotten injured, then had a breakdown after the nightmare… he probably thought because of the weakness she had displayed he could take control of what she did. Cordelia could have screamed she was so angry. By now, it so much more than apparent that she had issues with not getting her way. Having to do something someone else wanted made her feel so insignificant and used… it was a terrible thing to feel, and yet she did it to others all the time.

But as he added on that it was only temporary, she merely rolled her eyes, folding her charred arms over her chest. "Should that be a relief for me?" she asked. She never should have cried. Maybe it was a terrible dream that would have shaken anyone else to the core, but she should have been stronger than that. She was Cordelia Marion Brooks… not some little girl who needed to be comforted by such small things. Cordelia hung her head in shame, sucking on the inside of her lip. Getting close to people had never proved to be very good for her.

"First, the sun is still outside, andsecond you did not sleep much, Third well, go ahead and try to leavethis place without me if you are not happy."

Cordelia lifted a hand, her index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers connected and moving against her thumb as if her hand were a mouth and it were talking. Perhaps it wasn't all too clear what she was doing, but in her head she thought the fact that she was mocking how long that statement had been was obvious. As she turned, she could see that the sun was, in fact, still out. Her arms fell to the ground beside her in her sitting position as she saw the light. "Okay, you've got me on the sun part. But I never sleep much! And I could leave if I felt suicidal… but I don't! So I gotta wait for you!"

The vampire grumbled and kicked at another small rock, trying to push it in his direction. Cordelia sat there with an almost childish angry pout on her face, not too happy about this at all.

How dare you! My arms are burned, my brain didn't turn to mush!

Esteban looked at Cordelia. "Look, i know all that. I'm trying to help you out! s that the way you accept help? I wonder how you treat the others, no surprise that your son's..." It was too late to catch the lasts words up. He had been carried away in his speech.

He did not know what to do make himself forgiven. She might not forgive him, never. He turned around and stared at the sun setting away brougth a piece of pink and dark purple in the sky. The rogue sighed, how could he be so cruel? That's why he was not like his father, he hated so much hurting the others feelings. So even less their body.

"I'll bring you down as sonas you want..." he said with a low and grim voice. That's the least he could do for now. He regretted his words so much, he did not want to lose his only friend because of that. Words can be somuch worst then actual weapon.

The moment he mentioned her son, Cordelia’s eyes went wide. Her breath caught in her throat and she seemed to freeze as the words slashed through her and stabbed at her dead heart. There was a part of her that wanted to give Esteban the benefit of the doubt that he hadn’t just said that, that he hadn’t just accused her behavior of being the reason her baby had died. But there was no mistaking his words and the way he trailed off at the end of his sentence. He had really just said that karma had come back and ripped her life away from her all because she killed people. She killed people, so karma had killed her son; was that how things worked now? Was that how the demon wanted to play?

A part of her almost wanted to believe that load of lies, and there was even tinnier part of her that truly did believe her actions in the past had caused Tobias to die – but a larger percentage of her knew it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Cordelia hadn’t been as cold as she was now when she had been in love with Nathaniel. Back then, she had more of a heart, but losing a child and the person one was supposed to spend their life with was so agonizing that she hadn’t been able to take it. Besides… what was she supposed to do? She was born a vampire, and she couldn’t exactly change that. She couldn’t change the fact that she had to kill to survive. The cat killed the mouse to survive, and the cat wasn’t evil – so why was Cordelia always pinned down as a sinner?

“Don’t you dare blame it on me…” the vampires said through gritted teeth. Her fists clenched before her fingers uncurled to rest flat against the floor, her legs bending beneath her as she pushed herself up with a vicious sort of grace. Her intense, blue eyes stared at him, unsure what to even feel. Was she supposed to be angry, filled with remorse, or depressed? How could he even go there? Cordelia could have smirked at all the things she could say to him to cut him down. He was just a childish demon in a world of cruelty… he knew nothing.

Stepping forward with long strides, Cordelia shook her head. “Saying my actions caused him to die is like me saying your naïveté caused your father to kill your village. Wake up, demon! Things happen and there’s rarely a reason for any of it! Why do you think your father killed all those people?! Did you do anything to deserve your loss? Did I do anything to deserve mine?!” She was screaming by the time she had reached the last sentence.

When he offered to take her down, she sighed angrily. “Take me down now and then leave. And don’t seek me out.”

Seeing her reaction made Esteban fear for the friendship he seems about to lose. Because of words? No, it could not be. He was unable to move at her glare, it was so intinse,what could he do beside listening to her every words, to lookat her every move?

Don’t you dare blame it on me…

"I... i..did not...ot wanted to say this...I'm sorry...." He was really sorry, his eyes were full of honesty. Demon blood washis curse. If he could not behave as one his speechcould be as sharp. It's seems that the father planned this: Cordelia would go away from her. At this particular moment he felt the cold waves of loneliness striking on his soul at this particular moment.

Saying my actions caused him to die is like me saying your naïveté caused your father to kill your village. Wake up, demon! Things happen and there’s rarely a reason for any of it! Why do you think your father killed all those people?! Did you do anything to deserve your loss? Did I do anything to deserve mine?!”

The guilt of the death of thevillagers came at a charge, and painful charge. "It IS my damn fault! They died ecause i was to sure of myself to take down my father that i did not think about any other possibility i was blinded by being too proud. Atleast, i am honest enough to admit it. Yeah, i was too naive, happy now?"

Take me down now and then leave. And don’t seek me out.

This time a freezing sensation strucked down in the soul of the demonic rogue. That's it. The end of a friendship. Thouh, it will be tougher thistime because he would have to hold her in his arms. He lowered his head, closed his eyes and open his arms at the same time as his wings.

"I... i..did not...ot wanted to say this...I'm sorry...."

Whether he was being sincere or not, Cordelia didn't care. She looked up at him, cursing herself for being only a few inches shorter than him. She couldn't intimidate people as well when she was shorter than them, but it seemed that Esteban had been able to see how angry she was with him. There was no excuse for him to say that, even if he was a demon. Demons could watch their mouths just as easily as any other race. "Save your apologies for someone who cares," she said in a low tone of voice. "You had no right, Esteban..."

He explained how it was his fault, and the vampire woman simply snorted mockingly. He was just twisting things around to blame things on himself. Good people always seemed to blame themselves for things that weren't their fault... oh, how they loved their precious guilt! "Keep telling yourself it's your fault, little demon..." she said smoothly. "You'll go crazy from it eventually."

Cordelia walked forward as he opened his arms, her muscles tense as she wrapped her arms around his back. She turned her head away from him, too angry to look at him. It was unfortunate that he had to carry her in order for her to get out; she would have loved something a lot less physical at the moment.

So after all she was not caring about him? He knew that it was betraying her mind to have said something as rude as this but still. Couldn't she see the truth? Or was she that selfish, that everything that could hurts her emotions she had to ran away from it? Was it why she wanted to go away from him? Or she really distrusted the demon.

He let her spoke without a comment, he had done so much wrong. He was scared he would do more damage. Spreading ihs wings and making them flapped, Esteban slowly lift from the ground, his hands around the waist of Cordelia.

As he headed back towards the down, tears fell on the vampire's shoulder. Why was he feeling so sad. The half-demon had never felt so much sorrow. In the end, the vampiress had right all along, life is way much more cruel then we think.

When they landed, Esteban was still floating in the air letting his friend, or former friend, go. He knew there would be no good bye words, it was diffinitive. His head was low, Cordelia would not be able to see his eye or his face.

Cordelia felt the sudden wetness on her shoulder and she looked at her shoulder out of the corner of her eye, scowling. Esteban was crying? It was his own fault she was so angry with him! If he had watched his mouth, there wouldn't have been any problem. The moment they reached the ground, Cordelia threw herself out of his arms, stumbling slightly as she walked due to her injuries but quickly straightening herself. She didn't need his pity...

She didn't need him.

The woman didn't even look back as she continued on her way. She didn't care. It wasn't her fault that he had messed up, and she didn't have to put up with it. She didn't have to stay with him, she didn't have to apologize, she didn't have to say anything to him. She wasn't the one that had messed up. She had trusted him with her information, and he had been the one to lose her trust.

Her pace slowed and she was tempted to look back, just to throw him one more icy look, but she refrained. If she went on without a second glance, he would think the ties had been cut officially - which they were. Once someone made fun of her son, her innocent, deceased son, she wanted nothing more to do with them. She had pushed Nathaniel away for wanting to replace him, so she had no problems pushing Esteban away for saying Tobias had been born to be a victim of karma.

"I hope his father eats him," she hissed under her breath as she started walking faster and faster to get home.

Slowly, Magnus awoke. He was on a riverside near the waterfall. He had fell unconscious while flying...he had fell hard. Slowly, he got up and walked towards the waterfall. It was empty, they had left a while ago.

The man sighed.

Slowly he walked away in an unknown direction, his wound still slightly driping blood.

Esteban let Cordelia go without saying a word. How did it comes to this? Simple words agian, he knew. He knew too well. There was holding so much more impact that it was hard to keep them under control. The glare she gave was stabbing with a sharp cold sword in his heart. She would never talk to him again. Never.

Passing the rest of his life will be long, since he had demon blood and demon live long, if not eternal. He dired his tears away and flew back in the night sky when he saw something flying with great white wings. Wasn't the celestial who fought with them versus the tiefling? He went flying faster. His heart beat by excitment and fear. Excitment to see that the man was still alive. Fear that he was still deeply injured.

"Wait up!" The half-demon placed himself arm over, arm under. He then saw the wounds. The celestial was still bleeding. He got to be taken to a safe place and recover. On the contrary of Esteban and Cordelia, Magnus could be taken into an inn and not be murdered during their sleep. Half-celestials was greatly above half-demons and vampires. "We got to take you too the inn."

Magnus let the young boy help him. When he put his arm around The half demon, he grunted in pain.

So whats the name? might as well get to know each other if we are going the same way...Im Magnus orion

With each step, a sharp wave of stabbing pain peirced throught his sides.

Blasted demon...so what hapened back there? I just rushed in seing you and that lady being attacked. Evil men like that...you can smell em fro a mile.

Magnus turned his head lightly around so that his ears could pick up sounds better. Being daylight he had put back his cloth over his eyes. Without this, his curse would kick in.


we are alone.....where did your friend go? she seemed injured also...

in his voice could be heard his fear that smething bad might have hapened to brooks.

So whats the name? might as well get to know each other if we are going the same way...Im Magnus orion

The half-demon nodded. "Mine's Esteban, Simply Esteban" He prefered not having last name, the demon who had supposed to set his father away from the demonic plane was surely beat by the return of Xenolectious anyway.

Blasted demon...so what hapened back there? I just rushed in seing you and that lady being attacked. Evil men like that...you can smell em fro a mile.

As he was heading for the closest inn, the rogue sighed as the question come."I don't really know the detail myself. But first he was an evil man, second he was assaulting my friend. So i had to protect her and the people around." Only Cordelia knew the details. Still thinking about her was like a dagger in an open wound.

we are alone.....where did your friend go? she seemed injured also...

Esteban legs were shaking, his visions was getting blrurry due to the tears in his eyes. He lowered his head and let his hair hide his face. "She....she was feeling better....I gave her of my blood....She went to rest." Rest from the presence of the half-demon. This thougth was weigthing a ton on Esteban's shoulder.

He kept walking and found the inn. As soon as he entered he called for help. The innkeeper and some of the servants came. They took the injured celestian and made him layed down on a bed, taking care of the wounds. The inn keeper looked at Esteban with a suspicious look. "What happened to him?" Esteban lowered his head. "He got injured but a criminal.." The woman placed her hand on her mouthas her eyes widened in surprise.

Esteban walked to the bed of his injured friend. "You shall be okay?" He was a bit nervous about the state Magnus was in. It had been a dangerous move he did out there. This guy had courage like no other.

Magnus was used to feeling things without his sight, so he instantly noticed the changes in estebans reaction. He could feel throught his shaking body the emotional pain he was in.

once in the bed he grabed the boys hand and spoke to him softly.

Dont worry about me, ill be fine. Your forgetting that my other sense are highly increased du to my general lack of vision...i can feel your pain throught your shaking body. Go now my friend, go find that girl. I know its hard for you. If not towards her, then go and find what your looking for, you cant live like this. Now go!

Magnus then turned to the lady taking care of him and thanked her greatly.

no need to worry, he is a friend...ung!

The celestial twitched in pain as one of the persons there took off his shirt to clean his wound.


MY GOD! SOMEBODY BRING ME BANDAGES, WATER AND SOME HERBS FAST! the lady blurted these words out as she saw the terrible wound.

Magnus smiled once again to esteban.

ive seen worse...now scoot!

he lay down as the inn caretaers attempted to take away the infection and cure his wounds...

Dont worry about me, ill be fine. Your forgetting that my other sense are highly increased du to my general lack of vision...i can feel your pain throught your shaking body. Go now my friend, go find that girl. I know its hard for you. If not towards her, then go and find what your looking for, you cant live like this. Now go!

It was scary to see how the half celestian knew about the half-demon feelings. It makes sense that he can feel it but still, to be that precise? Was Esteban looking to be with Cordelia?Or something else? He could not tell yet. He had to det his own mind, see a bit of the country.

ive seen worse...now scoot!

The celestian did not gave him much of a choice. "Magnus..."He said as he looked at the layed man before leaving the room."Hope to see you again..."

The rogue rushed out of the inn, revealed his wings and starts to ly towards the starry sky. Leaving this town and his only friend behind.