The Shrine Keeper And The Demon

Chapter 3. Forgiveness

 Seething with anger, black marks burned down the demon's skin; in an attempt to gain control, he slammed into the wall, which is highly fragile and aged, easily torn through. In a small strained voice, he managed to get out "not a-again.." he mumbled in frustration as he calmed his mind. "I won't let you take me over again," the marks gushed back into the demon's skin. Meanwhile, the blonde's feet carried her to a spring sparkling with life. A waterfall pounding its mighty roar rang throughout the girl's ears. She collapsed, running her dainty doll-like hands through her silky golden hair with a sigh. "That cursed demon tricked me," She hissed as the breeze ran through her. She sighed, barely recollecting her thoughts, recalling her late mother's advice 'Do not focus on your anger, my dear Lucy, for those who do not let go can never move forward in life, and their lives will be those to pity indeed.'

Lucy stood to her feet, lifting her head ever so slightly as she listened to the animals around her, their calls coming together as a sympathy, the breeze carrying a mountain due, and the cherry blossom trees reflecting a beauty to behold. A slight smile tugged on her lips at the memory of her mother feeling at peace once more as she made her way back to the shrine, where she saw the demon standing at the bottom of the stairs, who seemed to be waiting for the maiden. The demon scratched the back of his neck, sighing again, almost seeming to become a habit between the two. "Look Blond-" He started but was cut off by the keeper. "I'm sorry for acting the way I did, and I would be more than happy to let you stay, and I am honored that thou would be so kind to thy.". However, she said this with a smile, and even with each word, her hands tightened as he realized she was pushing away her feelings in return for her shrine. The demon frowned at this form she was in, missing the spark he noticed in the blonde's eyes in their fight. However, he still forced a smile to his face, " Thank You..." as she was about to turn up the stairs, hearing this, the demon's warm hand grabbed her dainty ones. The blonde blushed at this, liking how soft his big hands were in hers. "...Also, please don't force yourself to smile....it doesn't suit you." Lucy blinked at this in shock 'he..noticed' she opened her mouth to speak, nothing coming out as he stepped ahead of her pulling her up the steps with this massive smile on his face, thinking who knows what. Once they arrived inside the shrine, the demon grew quiet, sitting on one of the matts resting in front of the picture of a beautiful lady who had a shocking resemblance to the blonde; standing next to the lady would be a man with a stern yet kind look in his eyes. Around the picture were candles streaming with bits of smoke and ash in the frame, printing 'A Loving Mother And Father Rest In Peace.

"That was the happiest I'd ever seen my mother."

A voice snapped the demon out of his trance, flinching at the sudden sound. She sat down next to the devil handing him some tea as she stared at the picture with sad yet warm eyes glancing at him. "But of course, they're gone now..." The demon was speechless, knowing it was inappropriate but amazed at the human emotions she had shown. "But enough of this, shalt we go for a walk?" Lucy stood up, her eyes finally gaining their spark; the demon smiled hugely at this, standing up while grabbing her hand to run out of the shrine down the stairs as he said, "Please, call me Natsu!"

"Okay"