A Demon's Fate

Chapter 11: Damage and Reparations

The rest of the day, I stayed home, but Soma never returned. Cole stayed behind to keep me company, but I was on high alert.

Now that Cole knows exactly what Soma is, what is he going to do? I wouldn't imagine the two would fight still. After all, Cole knows about Akuretsu now.

"It's still very likely," Kiryuin was telling me as I lay down on the couch, "that Cole will try to fight Soma, either before or after we defeat Akuretsu. He's a demon hunter, and he will try to fulfill that duty."

But Cole knows he'll need Soma, I argued. He can't kill him yet!

"Well, hunters are usually fiercely independent, and very prideful. He will try to do this alone."

Well that's a problem...

"Yeah, no shit. That, and now your friend is getting involved. We have to be extra careful."

That's right, now Akuretsu knows about Tamina-san, and he'll definitely try to exploit her. I can't believe she was checking him out earlier!

Kiryuin chuckles, "Well, you can't really blame her..."

W-what does that mean?!

"Oh nothing..." Suddenly, Cole walked into the room. "Hey, speaking of hot guys..."

"Are you doing anything right now?" he asked.

I glance at the clock. It reads 12:06 AM. "No, I'm free," I reply, ignoring the dreamy demon in my head.

"Ah, good... Well I'm going on a hunt, but I don't want to leave you here by yourself." He was already dressed and ready to go, so it seemed he was going to leave no matter what. It was odd that he would go on a hunt now of all times. Not only that, but with what Wraithe said, it's possible that we might run into Soma on this hunt.

"Keep him in line, Miyouko," Kiryuin whispered, "I don't want to know what will happen if we do find Soma right now." I kept that thought in my mind as I gathered my things and left the house.

Cole was clearly headed towards the woods, which I dreaded. All sorts of things could go wrong, and I shivered silently, pulling up my scarf for comfort.

Cole slowed down slightly, and looked back at me. "Are you all right? You don't seem to be enjoying yourself."

"It's a little cold, that's all."

"I rather like it," he mused. "It's quiet, and peaceful. The air is nice and cool, but not cold. We should be thankful it isn't raining or anything. A very lovely night." Suddenly, as we passed by a street lamp, he swung around and shouted into the night, finally drawing a smile from me. "Honestly, I kind of wish we didn't have to deal with all this hell nonsense. I really enjoy your company."

"Yeah, if it wasn't for the king of hell, we could just hang out, you, and me, and Tamina-san, and Soma..." I let the last word trail off. Cole was silent for a moment.

"...I want to leave. Just get out of here." A sudden melancholy struck him, and I found him gazing off into the distance. "Would you come with me?"

The silence continued, and the harsh streetlight poured over us. I never thought of just leaving. Sure, I could hide behind Cole and Soma, but eventually, I would have to do something. But I could run away with him, and no one would be in danger, and we could hide somewhere Akuretsu would never find us...

"Trust me," my demon broke in suddenly, "he always finds you."

Kiryuin, you're always so negative. I'm really thinking of going with him.

"And then what? This isn't just about you. While you're off somewhere, Akuretsu will continue searching, and he will still be in control. We have to stop him here, and you know it. Besides, what about Soma, and everything else you'll be leaving behind?"