Jet and Jade | Black and White 1

Chapter 29: Jet

I wanted to retort, to say something scalding in return to Banvon's shocking words. But I had no strength left to do so. I had to focus on killing him with what was left of my life force.

Even I could tell how near death I was. I almost wanted to reap my own soul.

I suppose Banvon could see the surprise on my face, because he continued.

"I'm not lying, Jet," he said quietly. "I really am sorry. For everything I've done to you and Jade."

"Why... why would you be?" I croaked. "You seemed happy enough when I... came..."

"It's the demon side of me, Jet. My control has always been terrible." He took a deep breath, and I knew his lungs were burning, burning, burning. But I didn't feel bad for him at all.

"I made a deal with my demon," Banvon said, "so that it wouldn't suddenly possess me."

"What... was... the deal?" I forced out.

"To destroy someone's life. I chose you... because I had a feeling that... that you'd be... able to free me... from this... life..." His voice was growing strained. "I didn't think that I'd be doing... this... to you."

I let out a bitter laugh. It was dry and hurt my throat. "Yeah, well, you should have... thought of that... before... you did."

"I know, Jet... I'm... sorry..." Banvon's voice was barely a whisper.

"I hope you also... know... that I... won't... spare you..." I said.

"Yes... I know..."

We were silent. He had stopped struggling. I had stopped trying to tell myself I would live.

I closed my eyes.

"Jet?" Banvon whispered.

I made some sort of noise, trying to indicate that I was listening. I had no strength left to speak.

"Please don't... die..." His voice was fainter than before, and it was growing fainter still.

I didn't reply, and I hated myself for the rush of bloodlust that filled me as his heartbeat slowed. It came to a sickening halt.

And then I could sense his death.

I let go of my former enemy's body, barely able to hold myself upright.

He was dead.

I looked at Banvon's body, my legs shaking. I laughed. I could hear no emotion in the sound.

My arms and legs were so numb, but even number was my heart. I wasn't sad for his death. I did not care for him, I never had. It pained me.

What a heartless monster I had become.

I sighed as my scythe appeared out of nothing. I raised it, swinging it. It cut through Banvon, in its soul form.

He was gone.

I turned and began to walk away.

He was finally dead.

And I was still alive.

Jade and I could finally be safe. I would not go after the Qwen anymore. They didn't matter. I'd build a barrier around Uranus, one they would never be able to penetrate.

But emptiness blossomed within me, a feeling I knew well.

And then panic. And pain. And anger. And a sense of betrayal.

No, no... Jade?!

Those were her feelings... not mine.

I started going faster. I stumbled and almost fell.

I panted and gasped. No. This wouldn't do.

I walked slower.

And then the feelings turned to resolution and determination. What had happened to my sister?

"Jet?!" a voice said. A familiar one.

I froze.

"Jet!!"

I turned, my eyes wide, to see him.

"Lloyd." I managed to keep my voice steady.

His green eyes wide, the ruler of Hell grinned impishly and rushed towards me. "Jet, you've finally returned!"

"Well... not really," I said guiltily. "I was just leaving."

"I know," he replied, "I know you're leaving, but that doesn't make me sadder to see you."

I sighed. "You should be here to kill me for this demon's murder, no?"

"Does it matter?" Lloyd shrugged. "So, he is dead? Banvon Rydonl, right?"

"Yes, he is dead. And yes, that is him."

"You've finally killed him?"

"Yes."

"Why are you almost dead?" Lloyd asked suddenly.

I flinched.

"Please don't tell me you..." He didn't finish. He didn't have to.

I shook my head in resignation. "I have to get back. Something has happened to Jade."

His smile turned sad. "Wait." His dark fingers wrapped around my arm as he blinked.

I felt my life force returning.

He could do that?

"Thanks," I said. "You've grown more powerful, Lloyd."

He seemed shy. "Yeah..."

Silver-haired and cheerful, I sometimes couldn't believe he was the ruler of Hell.

"Please come back sometime, Jet!" Lloyd pleaded.

I nodded. I probably wouldn't.

"I'll be waiting," he said, his eyes bright as I turned and started to whisper the words to make the portal back to Uranus.

I finished, and the red-orange waves around the darkness stood in front of me. I looked back at him for the last time and began to step into the portal.

"Goodbye, Lloyd."