A Demon's Fate

Chapter 10: Faith

After the previous day's events, I was left with some decisions to make. Luckily, it was Saturday, so I had time to think it over.

I had just accepted an offer of... protection, from Cole, but now I would have to stop fighting Akuretsu and take a back seat. Kiryuin hasn't spoken to me, and I think she has a lot to think about as well.

Also, this Cole character was... Well I don't know what he means right now. Our conversation after school left me wondering if his kindness was just a facade he put on so that I would trust him.

Even if it was, I couldn't deny that it felt good. Cole was becoming something of a friend to me I guess. If he was trying to get to me, he succeeded.

I sighed and laid down on the bed. Kiryuin, are you going to talk me through this or what?

".....There's nothing to talk about."

Of course there is! You're mad about something.

"I'm disappointed."

Okay, but what about?

"I failed my mission, obviously!" Kiryuin suddenly exclaimed, and I pictured her throwing up her hands in exasperation. "Cole won't let us fight, even though we are the only ones who can! Soma and Cole won't stand a chance against him."

And neither will we at this point! We need more time.

"Okay, how many more people should die before you step up?"

I'm not going to throw away everything to prove myself to you!

That last argument shut her up, and the room suddenly seemed painfully silent.

From downstairs, Soma called my name, and I begrudgingly answered, leaving Kiryuin speechless.

When I arrived at the living room, both Soma and Cole were there, eating potato chips and talking about the best kind of potato chips.

"Ruffles have the best texture," Cole was saying, "and they also put more seasoning on it."

"Lays is better, actually," Soma argued. "Ruffles are too thick."

"At least you can dip. Can't say that about those flimsy Lays."

"He has a point," I say. "I agree with Cole." Strangeness aside, I couldn't just start avoiding him or something. "Why is he here though?"

"What, I'm not allowed to hang out?"

"N-no, you're welcome to stay..." Fortunately, Soma didn't protest.

"Well," Cole continued, "I'm actually here in search of a book. I tried to check out The Dragonlance Chronicles from the library, but someone had already checked it out. After some interrogation, I figured out it was your boyfriend here."

B-Boyfriend?! Why the hell was Cole shipping me with everyone? "We're not dating," Soma covers for me, "But if you want to, you can try. Just know that if you hurt her at all, you'll likely end up with a few broken ribs," he added with acid.

Cole glares at him a bit, but keeps quiet and takes a sip of coffee. I decided I needed a cup as well, so I walk over to the machine and begin making some.

When I finished, I saw that Cole was leaving. "See you later," I said, waving to him.

Cole smiled and waved back, shutting the door. Suddenly, Soma approached me. "I don't want you hanging around him," he says immediately.

"Why? He's on our side, and he means well-"

"No, I know he's up to something." His eyes darted around the room, and he was fidgeting. He looked like a nervous drug addict. "He knows about demons, I saw the book in his bag."