Mr. X

Chapter 12

Mr. X said nothing and gently pushed Watson away from the doors. He took the handles, threw open the doors, and walked onto the balustrades. The entire front yard lit up with flames from the hands of the demon soldiers. Fireballs flared up as far as the eye could see. The demons had clearly prepared for an all-out war. Mephisto stepped forward from the army.

"Let's make a deal, X," said Mephisto. "You hand over James, and you and your friends can go. We won't bother you anymore." He held up his hand, and a parchment contract materialized in it. "I got the contract right here." X raised an eyebrow. "What? Since when am I not interesting enough for you, Mephisto? Is it something I said?" X asked mockingly. "Oh trust me, X, if I had the chance, I'd take you with me to the Inner Ring of the Seventh Circle of Hell. Unfortunately, I made a deal with James to not do so. Time for him to hold up his end of the bargain," Mephisto said. X walked down the stairs, and walked up to Mephisto. "You can take James... Pry him from my cold, dead hands."

Mephisto looked Mr. X dead in the eyes. "With pleasure," he said. He raised his hand, and the contract started burning. The demons raised their hands, and fire spouted up into the sky, forming a big fireball. "If I can't take James, X... I'll guess I'll have to take you all." Mephisto spoke as his eyes flared up. Amy and Watson dove for cover behind the doors, while X stared up at the giant fireball above him. He balled his fists, feeling something rise up, he couldn't restrain it much longer, just a little more...

Suddenly, a big green beam shot at the ball. It hit it dead center, and the ball started shrinking. Mephisto signaled for the army to stop, and everyone turned to the source of the beam. At the side of the courtyard stood a beautiful woman. Below her amazing body slid the tail of a snake where her legs should be. She stopped sending the beam, and looked back. "Lamia," said Mephisto. Lamia slid towards Mephisto. "Leave the Unborn alone, Meph. This house is under my protection now," she said. Her voice was low-pitched and determined. "This house is none of your business," Mephisto replied. "Lucifer will hear of this." Lamia looked at him. "Lucifer?" She threw her head back, and laughed hard. "I don't give two shits about what Lucifer thinks anymore, Meph. You got another deflector to report to him. Now I suggest you leave and hold up your end of the contract with James." Mephisto got in Lamia's face. "Or else what?" he asked aggressively. "Or else I will blow you straight through your army and humiliate your entire existence in the process. Your choice," she replied. Mephisto looked her in the eyes, then backed up. "Retreat!" he shouted, and the entire army vanished in flames. "Oh great," X said. "Now my garden's on fire."

"Thanks, Lamia," X said to the serpent woman. "Good to see you finally made up your mind." Lamia smiled. "I couldn't exactly let James take care of you in his current state. You're all safe for now." They went back inside, and the doors closed behind X.

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Amy walked into the bar, where X was just finishing his wine. "Still up?" X asked. "Yeah, couldn't sleep after today," Amy said. "I'm kind of scared." X smiled. "No need. Lamia is taking care of us, and you still got me as back-up." Amy smiled back. "Yeah, I guess. It's just kind of scary." X walked behind the bar. "Oh, I understand. I've been there. Try drinking something, that'll help." Amy sighed. "I'll have a wine, please." X poured both her and himself a glass of wine, and handed her the glass. They clinged, and drank. "You know, X," Amy said, "I've been wondering. I've never seen you sleep. Do you even have a bedroom here?" X chuckled. "Oh, I have a bedroom alright. I just never use it. Sleep isn't really my thing," he replied. "This may be a really strange question, but... can I see it?" Amy looked X in the eyes. "Please?" X thought for a while, then smiled. "Sure, why not," he replied. "Finish your wine, and I'll show you."

X opened the door and Amy stepped inside. She couldn't believe her eyes. The room was decorated with statues from all over the world. Mirrors in the most exotic frames were hanging on the walls. The mahogany drawers were decorated with golden patterns and accents. "Oh my God," she mouthed, unable to properly speak. X saw observed her reaction. "It can be quite a lot to take in," he said. "But yeah, this is my bedroom." Amy looked at the bed. It was massive, probably the largest bed she'd ever seen. She pushed her hand against the mattress. It seemed incredibly comfortable. "You know, X, I gotta be honest," Amy said. "I wanted to see your bedroom for a reason." X looked puzzled. "And that reason is...?" Amy walked up to him. "You know that night we met, and how we really hit it off and we were obviously going to hook up?" X looked at her. "Yeah? What about it?" Amy giggled, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She brought her mouth to his ear. "How about we finish what we started there?" she whispered in his ear. X looked at her, and blinked a few times, surprised. He finally realized what she was saying, and put his arms around his waist. "That is an amazing idea," he said. They looked into each other's eyes, and kissed.