Chapter 44 | Choppy Water

The crimson haired demon walked into the armory and locked the door behind him. Shae could trust the others to defend the outside. His job was to go to action if they managed their way inside. He knew there was no way that could happen.

He gently laid Yuki down on a small bed and draped a blanket over him. The little elf whimpered in his sleep and hugged his lamb stuffed animal closer to his chest. How could anyone was to hurt something so innocent? If anyone dared to touch him, if the enemy even dared to speak his name, Shae was going to kill them. Nothing in this world mattered more than his love.

"I haven't seen him in so long." Emerson commented as he walked over, "How has he been, since coming here?"

Out of curiosity, Kitty glanced over to see who they were talking about. When she saw the tiny blond haired elf, she gasped. "I thought he was dead." She softly said.

"I take it you know who he is?" Shae asked.

"Prince Yoshiko Yasahiro Murakami." She answered, "They say he was given both a female and a male name at birth because even though he was male, his beauty could rival any female in the world. I've had the pleasure of meeting him a few times at royal events, but I was told he'd died along with his family when their mansion burned down."

"No, he survived the fire. He had been under the society's protection for many years. In fact, that was what led us to wed. Jasper made a deal with the emperor that if Yuki could marry one of the society's members, he would be protected for life. It was more of a trick, though. He used me as a way of gaining control of Yuki for the ability he possesses. You see, anyone who crosses him will be cursed and soon after, will meet a painful death.

The reason the family's mansion burned down was because his father wanted to break up our marriage. He never meant to hurt them. He can't control it. Chris told Jasper it would be for the best if we let everyone believe Yuki had died in the fire as well. That way no one would come looking for him. He agreed that was for the best. Please, do not let anyone know about this. He's told me before, he doesn't want to be a prince anymore. He just wants to be my husband, and I can gladly accept that."

"Aww, that's so precious." She cooed, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. My father didn't approve of who I married either. That's why I'm now the run away princess, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Love is more important than a crown."

"It's kind of funny how your parents are fine with Cecil marrying you even though your parents didn't approve, but now they're doing what your parents did to you to Felix." Remington said.

"I guess I never thought of it that way." She replied.

Shae left his baby in the back of the room to sleep. He walked over to the sitting area, speaking as he sat down, "Though by supernatural law in the dark realms, parents can forbid a marriage, the laws no longer apply to the spiritual plane. A convenient bonus of Felix's sacrifice to the society."

"You knew?" Kitty asked.

"Yes. I'm the head of the servants, so I am aware of all their contracts. I don't use my power much though because I figure if they're already having to answer to Jasper, they don't want to have to answer to me too." He explained. Shae leaned forward, watching Annabelle play on the floor. "You know, she doesn't look much like her father. A spitting image of her mother, though. Other than the eyes."

The fairy knelt down, scooping up the girl that was getting tired. She looked into the toddler's eyes, seeing them a shade of green. It was a small thing she hadn't noticed before. Ghost had silver eyes, and Ricky's were notoriously blue. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind for the time being to put Annabelle to sleep.

"Well, that's because-" Emerson started to speak, getting kicked by his brother. "Owe."

"That's supposed to be a secret." He grumbled between gritted teeth.

"Oh, for Heaven's sake," He rolled his eyes, "Don't we have enough damn secrets around this place? It's not like her paternity is going to hurt anyone to know."

"Ghost and Ricky wanted it kept a secret. So, that means, you keep it a secret. Dumbass."

The younger of the two huffed, "You are no fun at all."

Shae sighed, resting his head against his fist. "It's going to be a long night."

Paris softly giggled, "I wouldn't bet on it. They'll take them down easily. I know it."

"Well, with the cards Jasper's pulled tonight, I surely hope so." He replied.

| | |

Though the winds weren't that bad, the water was trashing around as if there was a hurricane coming. They'd run out of time. Ashley could only hope the others were ready for their enemy. She walked down the long twisting staircase that wrapped the mountain below the mansion. Behind her, a cat and three dogs followed.

She stopped beside Lock's post, "Angela, stay here and fight with the hunters. You won't be of much use to me in a fight against a water wizard."

With a veil of magic, the cat turned back into a human. She was no longer in her maid uniform. Now she was able to dawn tight jeans and a torn crop top. For a perv like Lock, it was a little distracting. Ashley smacked him on the back of the head when she caught him staring.

"Sorry." He muttered, laughing it off.

"I want you to focus your energy on fighting their minions. Let them in the manor, so the others can deal with them." She instructed.

"Yes, ma'am." He replied. Lock glanced behind her, raising an eyebrow, "Those are the 'brave' dogs I've heard so much about?"

The black Pomeranian growled, "Are you doubting my ability to protect my master?"

Ashley sighed, "Nikki, setting down. Yes, they are very capable. Wait and see."

She continued to strut down the steps. The Pomeranian, Nikki apparently, followed her along with an Italian Greyhound and Labrador puppy. They might not look like ferocious familiars, but never judge a book by it's cover. As she reached the sharp rocks the water splashed against, she had no fear. The older two dogs didn't budge either, but the little black lab did whimper some.

"Don't be scared, Jeremy. His arrogance will always get the best of him." She took a strong stance, fire igniting in her clenches fists. The red side of her hair was consumed by flames, while the black turned to dark matter. Her familiars took their human form and fanned out around her. "Stop playing chicken, Kiapolo. I know you're there."

Silence passed, in which you could only hear the threat of the wind. The waves calmed down suddenly but she didn't let her guard down. It felt like an entire minute passed. Then, a large swallow of water leaped out for her. She caught it in time, breaking it up with a shield of dark energy.

The water misted down on her pets but they didn't flinch. Small sections of water began to twist up into the air as a demon emerged from the murky depths. His dark blue hair fell along his toned chest. A smile played at the Hawaiian's lips.

"It's good to see you again, Ashley." He mused, "But I continue to ask myself, when will the day come that you realize fire can never beat water?"

The twisting trails of water dancing in the air turned downward. Their sharp ends darted towards her but she managed to break them up with a punch of darkness. "And you seem to forget that I also possess dark magic along with fire magic. You won't win against us, so why even try?"

Kiapolo chuckled, "We don't need to win. We just need to put a massive dent into your rankings. So, princess, let's dance."

"Here's a fucking news flash for you!" Nikki barked, "I'm the only one that gets to call her princess."

"You've done it, now." Frankie joked.

While their antics distracted Kiapolo, Ash used the opportunity to hit him with a fireball. He fell back into the shallow water with a burnt chest. The water rushed over him and healed his fresh wound. As so long as they were fighting in the ocean, she couldn't beat him, but she could keep him from getting inside. The others had enough to handle.

| | |

Finch removed his reading glasses as his brother walked into his office. From here, they couldn't hear the two wizards arguing, but they could hear the waves crashing loudly down below. Combine with the wind shaking the windows, it was rather unsettling. Something that made Finch even more uneasy was the look in his brother's eyes.

"I'm guessing you're here because you discovered the book in the vault was fake." He said.

"You know me too well, brother." Colton responded, "I should've known I couldn't fool you. I don't want to fight my own flesh and blood. We both know you could never defeat your big brother in hand on hand combat either."

"Is that your way of trying to convince me to hand over the book willingly?" He questioned, almost humored by the idea.

Colton drew out his sword, replying, "It would be in your best interest, brother. I wouldn't want any bloodshed between us."

"First, answer me this." Finch opened his desk drawer, pulling out the journal. "What value does this hold for you? I know you could care less about the stones."

"You're right. I don't really care much of Tesla's plan, but I know something that little angel of yours never could see. You have creatures trapped inside that book. Not just any creatures, though. No, no." He laughed bitterly, "The worst evils to have ever breathed in the living world; Fenrir, Jörmungandr, Lady Midday, the list goes on. I wouldn't put it past you to even have Lucifer himself in those pages."

He set the book down on the desk calmly. Finch walked over to one of the bookcases, picking up the sword resting on the top shelf. "And that is exactly why I can't let you have it. I must admit, I'm rather disheartened my own brother would become so evil. I've learned my lesson with Telsa, though. Brother or not, you've betrayed the society." He unsheathed the sharp silver blade, "Colton White, for your crimes against the Society of the Fallen, I must put you to death."

He snickered, "I'd like to see you try, brother."

| | |

The manor seemed too quiet. They'd obviously known of this attack, so their enemies were confused as to why it was as if they were all sleeping. Not a single candle burned. Only moonlight dripping in from the windows lit the foyer.

"Will Lumi be alright on his own?" Alda questioned through her thick Scottish accent.

"He'll be fine." Apollo responded, "Reptiles don't do well in the cold. You and I are to focus on finding Jasper. The others can handle obtaining the stones, can't you?"

"There will come a day I will wipe that smirk off your face." Jarin seethed.

"According to intel, Yoshiko Yasahiro is at the end of that hall." Drake spoke, pointing down the Play Pin ward. He gestured over to Rest Point, "And Emerson Barrett is locked in an armory somewhere in there. I'm guessing they have heavier security for him."

"I trust you can handle the prince's guard dog by yourself?" Jarin questioned his son.

"I'll be fine." He spitefully responded.

"Then why are you still standing here? Kill the prince, once and for all." He instructed, turning towards the forbidden hallway. "I'll take care of that pesky elf."

The father and son pair split off in different directions to leave Apollo and Alda to their task. They weren't going to allow their boss to step foot in the manor until they'd cleared it. After all, just as Jasper's followers put more importance on his life than their own, Tesla's offered the same amount of dedication.

Alda took a step towards the stairs, but Apollo put his arm out in front of her to stop her. He listened to the footsteps that were so subtle as they traveled down the hall upstairs. Beau was as calm as a summer day as he stepped down one of the staircases. He stopped at the landing that met the two sides of the manor. Standing at the top of the grand steps, the window behind him illuminated his beauty with moonlight.

"I'll offer one last chance to retreat." He stated.

The angel scoffed, "Do you seriously think I'd submit to a damn Irishman? Do yourself a favor and get out of the way."

"I'm afraid I can't do that." Beau replied.

He remained steady as he allowed his wings to finally break free. For years now, he'd had them hidden. Not that he was ashamed, but it was for the best that no one knew his true form. It would attract unwanted attention. A few black feathers floated down the steps, dancing around the angel.

"A crow." She stammered in amazement.

"It doesn't matter what he is. He's in the way. Take care of him, now." Apollo demanded.

Beau laughed humorously. He knew there was no way an angel such as this could ever defeat him. She was good, but she wasn't as good as him. He didn't worry when Apollo teleported past him. The others would deal with him. For now, his focus was on eliminating the filth in his foyer.

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