Traitor (Dance with Devils)

Truth

The funeral was a dreary experience, one that not even Lindo could make bearable. The week that followed was filled with tears and painful memories for Ritsuka and her family. They had to organise the house before locking it up and taking the long ride home. When we got home everyone went to their rooms, leaving me feeling like the odd one out. I wasn't feeling the same sorrow they felt, I didn't know their grandfather.
We had been home for a few days and the mood didn't seem to pick up. The mother had perked up but Ritsuka and Lindo were still acting different. Ritsuka was constantly sulking, and Lindo simply seemed to be stuck in thought. We were sitting in the kitchen, the two of them pushing food around on their plates. This was frustrating, they were depressed and showed no sighs of perking up.
"We're going to the park" I stated firmly. I stood up from my chair, grabbing both their hands as I dragged them to the door. A little persuasion was obviously needed to help them move on, if they were devils they would have been back in action days ago, sadly that wasn't the case.
"Why?" Ritsuka said as we walked through the front gate.
"you need to get out the house. Plus you love going to the park, it's a good solution" I stated firmly. I let go of their hands as they fell into step besides me.
"Lily's right" Lindo sighed. Finally he was speaking again.
The park came into sight, its dark green trees and expansive field a welcome sight.
"We're here" I said happily. I looked at Ritsuka who was looking a little more active, thankfully.

For hours we played in the park, Ritsuka and Lindo finally starting to act like themselves again. The sun was just starting to set as the three of us sat underneath one of the oak trees.
"Today was fun" Ritsuka said, a huge smile spread across her face. I nodded, glad to see her happy again.
"We should start heading back. It's getting dark" Lindo stated. I looked over at him. He was smiling faintly, his clothes ruffled from the hours spent running around like maniacs. We all sat for another moment before rising. I didn't want to go, but it wasn't good to be out after dark. Especially with the number of vampires moving about recently, I had smelt them yesterday in the garden, usually they didn't pass through this part of town. It must have been a clan of loners, roaming around the suburban streets at night for an easy meal. We slowly made our way back home, Ritsuka skipping a few meters ahead of me and Lindo.
"Thanks for today" Lindo said. I glanced at him, wondering what he meant, I didn't do anything important today.
"You really cheered Ritusuka up, it means a lot, especially since grandfather passed away" he clarified. I nodded but I wasn't too concerned about that. My current thoughts were on how breath-taking he looked. The twilight lighting casting faint shadows over his face, and somehow in the process making his eyes shine. I took my eyes off of him to stop my cheeks from blushing. I needed to tell him how I felt. These feelings needed to be put to rest, if he rejects them then so be it. I was a devil, I couldn't be so hesitant.
"Lindo, I need to tell you something, and I want you to be honest with your reply" I said as I grabbed his arm, bringing us to a halt. He was looking at me directly know.
"Uh, sure. What's this about?" Lindo replied. Heavens, he was clueless.
" Lindo, I like you. I've had feelings for you ever since we met and I need to know if you feel the same" I stated firmly, my eyes were trained on his. mixed emotions flashed across his face. I couldn't tell what he was feeling from his facial expression. He seemed stunned; everything seemed frozen, the brick walls around us being the barrier between the rest of the world and our conversation. For a breath I felt a horrible fear he wasn't going to reply. Then he seemed to snap out of the daze.
"Lily.....I feel the same way. I like you, a lot. I didn't say anything before, I'm sorry about that, for making you be the one to put your feelings on the line" he said, a smile and look of affection engulfing his features. My heart seemed to stop, never had I been so happy.
"Lindo, I...." my words were suddenly cut off as a scream rang out from up ahead.
Instantly, I knew it was Ritsuka. The high pitched scream cut through all thought. Lindo realised this as well because without missing a beat he broke into a sprint, heading towards the source of Ritsuka's scream. I followed, running after Lindo, praying Ritsuka was alright. Rounding the corner of the street I realised what the problem was, vampires.
There was ten of them in total, blood red eyes glowing menacingly as they saw us appear. Ritsuka was unconscious on the ground, the vampires loosely scattered around her.
"Lily, you need to run. Get as far away from here as you can" Lindo whispered. Like hell that was happening, I wasn't going to leave him to handle this alone.
I glanced at Lindo, and saw he was holding his cross. He was going to try and handle the vampires himself. Without warning he started chanting. I watched the vampires and realised they were starting to laugh. No wonder, a fledgling exorcist couldn't handle 10 vampires on his own. Before Lindo could even finish the chant, two vampires ran at him. Lindo managed to launch his attack at one of them but the other vampire avoided the attack. The vampire tackled Lindo, knocking Lindo to the ground as the vampire secured his clawed hands on Lindo's throat.
I couldn't stand back anymore.
"Let him go" I shouted. The vampire glanced at me, barely taking a second to acknowledge my existence. Growling, I launched myself at the vampire. I was going to have to use my powers, it was the only way to save Lindo and Ritsuka. Using my magic I summoned, the first thing that came to mind. A sword. Swinging the blade I heard the metal sing as it cut through the air, embedding itself into the vampire's heart with a sickening thud. The vampire was frozen mid scream as it turned to dust. Lindo was free and staring up with wide eyes. I was shocked to see his eyes glowing up at me, how was that possible, was he.... a dhampir. My thoughts were cut off as i heard movement from behind, I just managed to move out the way as a claw raked through the air. Pivoting I used the momentum to hold the sword up, as the vampire leapt forward. The metal cut through it's neck, decapitating its head. The blade was in horrible shape so I threw it to the ground. I needed to kill the other 7 quickly. It was time to use my real magic. Holding out my hand, I felt the magic burn through my veins. Letting it build up, I focus on the vampires. Already they were advancing towards me, they were aware of what I was now. Forcing the magic out I clenched my fist; Suddenly they burst into flames. They burned for a few seconds before turning to dust. The air was filled with purple dust as the wind blew away their remains. Lowering my hand I took a deep breath, that was exhilarating. Looking at Ritsuka I realised she was still unconscious. Running over I checked her for bites or wounds. After checking her neck I knew she was alright.
"Lindo" I shouted. I turned to see him standing up, a few metres away. He was staring at me, eyes wide and upset.
"You're a devil" he stated. I swallowed nervously as I stood up.
"I meant to tell you. I really did but the time was never right" I said. He looked so betrayed.
"You lied to me" he whispered.
"I did it to protect myself, if I had mentioned it all those years ago...you would have tried to eliminate me. I was lost, and scared but you helped me. I care about you Lindo, and I never lied about how I felt. You and Ritsuka, you two are the only people I care about and I would do anything to protect you"  I pleaded. That point seemed to break through to him.
"Why did you come here? Devils don't leave the underworld until their in their teens" he said.
"I wasn't happy there. I didn't like that way of life, so I came here to get my freedom, and I found it. You and Ritsuka gave me a life" I explained. If he was going to know the truth, he might as well know all of it. Lindo was staring at me, his eyes clouded in thought.
"Did you mean what you said earlier?" he asked. My mind flickered back to earlier, the confession we had shared just moments ago.
"I didn't lie about that Lindo." I answered, my voice sounded determined. Hard and to the point, I wouldn't lie about my feelings to Lindo. At that statement Lindo's tension seemed to disappear. He stood straight as he stared at me, his eyes seemed decided.
"Well then, let's get Ritsuka home"