The Frozen Melody

27.Inescapable.

Early that morning, Pye woke up in a hospital bed to the most unpleasant sight: Daeken stood by the window eating a bag of dill flavoured chips and peered out toward the school's courtyard. The new born sun shining on the man's white hair was like a halo around the God.

"Long time no see Joker." Daeken greeted lightly without turning around.

"Yes, I believe it has been at least four millenniums." Joker replied nonchalantly and sat up slowly to inspect the bandages wrapped around his chest. He had assumed that since this was a magical world, the school would have healers who could instantly fix him completely. It was disheartening to find out now that such did not seem to be the case.

The Diábolos finally turned and looked over the Commander with a cocky smile. Then he came closer to the bed and sat down on it. "Chips?" He offered and held out the bag.

Joker couldn't help but turn his nose up in distaste, "No thank you." Processed food like chips were disgusting and he cannot comprehend why anyone would want to eat them when they could afford something better.

Daeken laughed, "You haven't changed."

Joker frowned as he felt his hair with a hand; they were no longer spiked up and his bangs were getting into his eyes. "Neither have you. Despite how long we have existed for, we do not change much."

"So." The Devil started with an excited grin on his face, "To what do I owe the honour of your presence in my world? Did something happen to Neine and now you're here to join my ranks?"

"No. As I have told you before, my loyalty to her is absolute."

"Come on Joker, I know you're not under Oath to serve her. Why stay with that half breed?" Smirking, Daeken added, "I know your taste.  Considering her holy blood, there's no way she gives you complete freedom."

The blond held his silence for a second, "I have apprehended Zitrinna, thus we know you have tried to persuade Xing to destroy Neine. I would imagine that did not go very well."

A devious smile spread on Daeken's lips, "That's such a bluff. I bet you're frustrated about not finding Xing. Our talk actually went very well."

When the blond didn't answer, Daeken continued, "In any case, I've closed off this world so you won't be leaving any time soon. Why don't we have a little fun while you're here...?" He trailed off seductively and trailed his gaze down Joker's chest.

Pye predicted this would happen the moment he realized who controlled this world. As a result, he already came up with a plan that will essentially allow him to kill two birds with one stone; though it will require a little sacrifice on his part. The Commander kept his voice neutral, almost bored, "You cannot force me into anything unless you are seeking war."

"Unless I know Xing will take care of Neine; then you'd have no master to retaliate for you." Daeken pointed out.

Pye laughed at the absurdity of that idea, "Come now, we both know how unreliable those two siblings are. Their moods and decisions are as easily changeable as the wind."

"Hmm... True."

"I propose a deal."

That immediately caught the Diábolos' interest, and he grinned in excitement like a child on Christmas morning, "Ooh! I love making deals with you Joker. You already seem to offer exactly what I want. Go on, what is it?"

In fact, Daeken was so excited that the grown man was almost bouncing on the hospital bed. But before Joker could open his mouth to talk, he stopped the blond with a hand. "Wait; let's talk over an early breakfast. My treat!"