Dream Queen

Chapter 18: Sweet Poison

Hi lovely Readers,
I believe this might actually be my longest chapter to date!
Well let us get right to it. Thank you very much Fluffy for taking some time to spell check this for me. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, please remember to vote and Review!
~Ren Kuro~

(Lilith's p.o.v)

The inn the Suguro family run is a rather peaceful place. The garden reminded me of home, the only place right now I can't go.

It's been a week since the whole trial thing. I tried to be helpful and stuff, but I just failed at everything I tried. I guess I'm not cut out for this kinda thing. It's not like I always lived the high life, but trying to help so many people is too much for me.

"I had a feeling I'd find you here". I look up to see Rin walking over. Mephisto left this morning to talk to the order and I had been told Rin was my guard 'till he got back. Amaimon had been sent on some mission by Mephisto, so I haven't seen him in ages. "I heard you fell in the pond trying to help Shiemi gardening" he mumbled that and I bit my lip, hugging my legs.

"I feel so useless and helpless right now. I just wanted to help. I should have told Shiemi I'm not good at gardening. It's Amaimon that keeps the gardens back home. I just cook the food, but here I can't even do that right." I don't look at him as he sat down beside me.

"You'll just have to keep trying then." I smiled as he paused and then moved a little. "Lilith, I feel like I have to tell you. Before he left, Mephisto told me that he's my older brother and that"

"He's really Samael, king of space and time and my religion's god? Yeah, I already knew that." I smiled after seeing Rin relax. "Knowing that, do you feel different about him? At the end of the day, Mephy is who he's always been. He protected you because you're his younger brother and only hides his true powers because he just wants to live here peacefully." I looked up at the cherry blossom tree as it seemed to dance in the warm breeze.

"I just don't like that he hid that fact but you're right. Even if I don't want to accept the fact....Wait, does that make you-" I laughed and nodded. "Damn it. No wonder you keep telling me off" we laughed together. I'm glad he told Rin the truth. It makes it easier for me to be around my younger brother in-law. "It explains why he keeps that ass around too"

"Amaimon is special to Mephisto. Rin, how much do you know about the Baal?" He blinked and hummed trying to think.

"That there are 8 kings that rule different kin and are all children of Satan. I know that Mephisto is king 2 and Amaimon is the earth king so he's king 7 and I've "met" the 8th king Astaroth but that's about it" I rolled my eyes. He really needs to listen. They are his family after all.

"Well, you're right. They are all sons of satan. Satan currently has ten children, however he did have 11. He has ten sons and had one daughter. Mephisto's mother, the great mother of my beliefs once loved satan until he betrayed her."

"So that's why Mephisto gets so upset when you're called a satan worshiper, coz the person who started your religion was betrayed by satan? Why was she involved with him in the first place?"

"He used to be one of god's Angels and fell from heaven to hell. Mephisto's mother was also an angel who had shed her angelic powers to become human. Satan, at first, was a good person. They were at first like any family, but with powers they still retained. First born was the only daughter of satan, though she had no special powers besides being able to resist his flames. Second was the first King Lucifer. they were born about five years apart. Third was Mephisto. He is around 12 years younger than Lucifer if I remember what he said rightly. It was after Mephisto turned 5 that things started to change". Rin looked at me confused so I went on. "Satan wanted power, his wife was basically human and so, in his mind, gave weak children."

"He had the other kings with another woman, I take it?" I nodded. "What a jerk! So why she felt betrayed, but how did Amaimon become special to Mephisto if their only half-brothers?"

"Well Satan had Ibils the third king and Beelzebub the forth king with His own daughter, since he believed she could give him better children."

"That's just wrong."

"She loved the fact in her father's mind she was stronger than her mother, however not long after Beelzebub was born, Mephisto's mother was forced to have Azael the 5th king."

"Didn't he think one woman was enough?"

"It seems not coz around the same time, the daughter had Egyn the sixth king. Mephisto's mother tried to leave but he forced her once again and had his seventh child Amaimon, however she died giving birth to him." Rin looked at me shocked. "Mephisto raised Amaimon just like his mother raised him, unable to run away with his baby brother, he watched as his sister had the 8th king. She met a bad end too. Since all the children of Mephisto's mother were stronger than the others, he killed their sister, no longer having a use for her. That was when Mephisto was able to escape. Amaimon still visited their father from what I understand, but I don't think the Kings know the truth of their power differences. When he had you and Yukio, Mephisto was at first angered by the fact he betrayed his so called wife again but at the same time glad that Satan would never have you."

"So Mephisto was a mummy's boy?" I laughed as he did and nodded.

"He loved his mother. I was named after her, so he finds it kinda ironic I'm his queen. In my religion, she's a kind woman who respects every living thing. Mephisto, though he thinks humans are below him, still has that respect she did. He's just upset that things ended so sadly for her."

"Well she lives on through him. Like my dad lives on through me and Yukio" I smiled weakly.

"Shiro I bet is smiling down at you and is proud. You've improved so much since you first turned up here."

"Did Mephisto tell you about how I used to be then?" I smiled and looked at him kindly.

"In a way he did, but Mephy always seems proud of you when he talks about you." He rolled his eyes but looked up and smiled.

"He was friends with my old man. I bet Dad talked to him about me a lot"

"Hey Rin, I know it might seem like a strange request but I need your help with something. A special day's coming up for me where we leave offerings for our favourite gods and I need you help to make something for him"

"If I can help, I'd be happy to, I just wanna cheer you up" I grinned and explained my plan.

(Outside p.o.v)

Shiemi blinked, seeing Mephisto returning through the garden shed late in the evening.

"Sir?" She questioned softly, noticing how tired he looked and in need of a warm meal.

"I'm alright, just tired. Those meetings go on for ever. What time is it?"

"Around ten at night. Have you eaten? I could see if Rin's awake." Mephisto went to speak but blinked, hearing the soothing sounds of a flute. His eyes drooped hearing the sound. "Sir?"

"She's playing my favourite song" Was all he said as he walked towards the doors, Shiemi blinked and followed him.

In the main room of the inn, Lilith sat playing her flute. Rin and Shima watched stunned having not believed her when she stated she could play and Suguro glared believing she's showing off. The boys looked up seeing Mephisto enter, seemingly as if in a trance. He walked passed them and sat beside Lilith, who kept playing. Shiemi walked in as Mephisto lay down. Rin put a finger to his lips when Shiemi went to speak. None of the students wanted to cause Lilith to stop playing, unsure how it truly effected the demon before them. So they say in silence waiting for her to finish.

When Lilith at last stopped playing, she looked to her right and smiled seeing Mephisto fast asleep beside her. She moved some of his hair aside and smiled at the others.

"He's asleep, he won't be able to hear us." They all blinked as she smiled. "Believe me, once he's out he is out like a light for around an hour, he won't wake up until the hour is over."

"Did you play that coz you knew he was coming back?" She shrugged at Rin and smiled.

"Music helps him relax, I felt his magic outside and you guys gave me the chance. He's been so stressed lately. He might be a demon but even they can have too much to deal with. I didn't think he'd fall asleep in front of all of you though. He has what he calls a bad habit when he's asleep." Before anyone could ask what she meant they all see the fluffy end of his tail.

"Holy shit he does have one!" She smiled at Rin, allowing Mephisto's tail to wrap around her waist and pull her closer, resulting in him cuddling up to her and using her as a pillow.

"Yes, but demons born in Gehenna that take human form are shown how to keep their tails hidden because it's one of two main weakness demons have. They also do it in high class to show they're better than the lower demons." Lilith didn't mind being grabbed by his tail. She was used to it. Shima hummed before seeming to be brave enough to speak.

"Is his fluffy like Rin's or silky?" Lilith laughed and Bon looked at Shiemi stunned.

"I'd say it's a mixture of both. The end is fluffy while the rest is silky. However Mephisto takes better care of it than you, Rin" Rin pouted and snapped that No one's showed him how to.

"I know it might be an odd question but when did you first see his tail?" Lilith blinked as Shiemi asked and had to think.

"During the week before our wedding. I'd gotten upset about something and well when I get sad I tend to curl up on myself so no one sees me cry. Mephisto didn't know what to say to help me but he hugged me and rubbed my cheek with his tail. It was fluffy and made me laugh. He cheered me up like that better than anything he could've said. He told me that he shows me his tail as a sign of trust. Since it's a weakness, he is really trusting me that I won't crush it after all. He asked in return that if I am ever upset I trust him enough to talk to him about it, instead of bottling it up." Lilith didn't meet anyone's eyes as she spoke, her finger tips gently stroking his tail that's still wound around her waist.

"I forget you and Sir Pheles have a deep relationship. You two seem to fight so often" Bon stated this as he looked at Lilith.

"That's not really fighting, for us anyway. we get like that coz we know we'll just make up. We are so different yet at the same time so alike. It's a bit like you and Rin with Shima" Shima glared and Rin growled. They had only been out in the open about their relationship for a week now. Shiemi smiled, but then suddenly remembered something.

"Lilith, I was wondering, could Sir Pheles please put up a better barrier around my grandmothers garden?" Lilith blinked and everyone looked at Shiemi.

"Is it because you feel like you're being watched when you're in the garden?" Lilith said it in a way that made it seem like she already knew Shiemi's problem. Shiemi nodded.

"It's not all the time, but right after cram school and late at night, I can just feel like someone or something's watching me." Lilith hummed and Rin looked at his sister in-law with a worried expression.

"Do you know something, Lilith? If there is a demon stalking Shiemi we have to do something"

"But I can't Rin. It's hard to explain because I'm not sure if it's just a phase he's going through" everyone looked at her.

"He? You know who it is?" Bon's voice was deep as he spoke. Lilith didn't seemed bothered by the tone.

"Yeah, before my esquire he said he felt strange. He called it a haunting feeling. Mephisto and I think it's something but we can't be sure." She looked at them all. Everyone seemed confused and Shiemi seemed scared. "It's nothing to be worried about. He won't harm you in any way. Right now, he's unsure of what's going on, but I think it's kinda like what happened with Mephisto and me and I think you and Shima" she pointed at Rin who blinked. "Did you feel drawn to him?" Rin blushed and nodded.

"Since the first day of class, I kinda also couldn't stop thinking about him" he blushed, even though he already told Shima that it still was embarrassing.

"Just like Mephisto explained happened with us. At any rate, if my idea is correct Shiemi you should be able to summon him as your familiar." everyone looked at her shocked as she added. "And Shima should be able to summon Rin as his too, by the way"

"Wait a sec. You're saying this demon that's stalking her has the same connection with her as Sir Pheles does with you and I have that with Rin?" Shima was white as he spoke and Lilith went to speak but stopped. Her eyes moved from Shima to the door.

"I know you're out there." everyone looked round to the door but it didn't open. "He won't try to kill you. You've been behaving well. Rin even understands now. Get in here." the students froze as the door slid open and Amaimon stood in the door way. "You look tired" Amaimon nodded as he closed the door. Behemoth ran to Lilith bouncing and calling for a cuddle, which she gladly gave. Bon and Shiemi looked at Amaimon fearfully. Rin just glared and Shima looked more confused than anything.

"The mission was tiring. Aniue is asleep, I see." he didn't step into the room any further than he had when he entered, as if he was fearful, which is odd for the demon king. "I shall retire." he went to go, but Lilith now understood.

"Sit, I don't care what he said, I wanna know where you've been. How can I keep an eye on you if he sends you Samael knows where." Amaimon slowly walked over and sat beside the sleeping Mephisto. "I know you've all met him well guys, but this is Amaimon. Mephisto is in charge of keeping him in line. The job stretches to me because I actually enjoy his company. He is more fun to play video games with. Amaimon, this is Suguro, Shiemi, Shima and you already know Rin." Amaimon nodded slowly.

"He's not gonna hurt us, right? I mean, this is the same Amaimon that attacked Rin."

"I was only playing. In Gehenna that's how we play with our siblings. I know that's wrong now and I won't hurt anyone at Aniue's school." Bon looked at me, most likely confused that Amaimon calls Mephisto Aniue.

"Wait a sec, he's the one stalking Shiemi?." Rin blurted out and Amaimon blinked. Shiemi ducked behind Bon and Lilith sighed.

"I was just watching, I'm sorry if I, er..."

"You're sorry if you upset her, right?" Lilith stated, now fussing over Behemoth

"Yeah, that's what I wanted to say." Amaimon bowed his head slightly as he spoke. Shiemi blinked, confused but nodded. "I just enjoy watching you gardening. I don't know too many humans that take care of the earth and are loved by my Kin. You're very special"

"You're okay with his pet, Lilith?" Lilith grinned at Shima who pointed at Behemoth.

"Nee-chan is very calming. Behemoth doesn't like Aniue much but that's because Aniue doesn't like plants. Even if it was Aniue who gave me Behemoth"

"So what did he send you to do?" Amaimon blinked and reached inside his pocket, pulling out a large book. He showed Lilith who blinked. "He sent you to Gehenna?"

"You know Aniue, he won't go there himself. I had to visit brother Azael to get that. It's the original text of your religion."

"Why did you have to go to Gehenna for that? I thought her Religion had nothing to do with demons, besides the gods sharing some of their names." Bon looked confused and Amaimon bit his nail.

"The religion Nee-chan follows was started hundreds of years ago. My older brother Samael helped start the religion. He likes humans and wanted them to live happy lives. He started it with the help of an angel. This was in his room, but there are spells blocking me entering. Brother Azael can become ghost like and was able to get it for me."

They all spoke for the rest of the hour, Amaimon smiling at something Shiemi said and then hiding his face when Rin burst into laughter. Of course, only Lilith knew the true reason he smiled. The group stopped talking when they hear Mephisto groan, his tail at once back under his shirt, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.

"Hey, sleepy head" he waved his hand at Lilith and then did a double take seeing Amaimon trying to play Bon at chess.

"Amaimon!" Lilith touched his shoulder and smiled kindly.

"I said it was okay, he did go to Gehenna. The poor boy must be tired. He is still a child, remember." Shiemi blinked and Rin laughed.

"You're kidding. Amaimon, how old are you" Amaimon blinked at Shima's question.

"I'll be 427 next March" everyone blinked and Mephisto yawned and stood up.

"Demons live longer than humans, he isn't classed as an adult until he's 1000 years old. I'd say he is currently around the development of a human 16 year old." Amaimon pouts as Mephisto slaps him in the head. "And you're still trouble. However, if you can be pleasant with my students I'll be lenient just this once."

"So what did they say?" Mephisto looked at Lilith as she asked and hung his head.

"They won't listen to me. If I don't give them proof by noon tomorrow, you'll have to either forfeit your life or defeat the paladin in battle and earn your right to be an exorcist." the room went silent after he spoke. Rin looked from Lilith to Mephisto and felt sad. Sure, he couldn't say he was fond of the clown but he liked Lilith and finding out that the clown's his demon brother and she's his sister in law was strange, but no matter how much Yukio would say it isn't true, they're family and he might have to watch part of it be ripped from him, So soon after finding the truth.

"Can't someone fight in her place? Lilith, not meaning this badly, isn't ready. Couldn't you fight in her place? You're her husband after all" Mephisto shook his head, refusing to look at Lilith.

"If he got involved in the battle she would be burned at the stake, at least that's what used to happen. Demon wives, even if they're in the right, are considered demon worshipers if their demon husband fights for them. If Sir Pheles got involved, they would say she's his follower and kill her." Bon stated this with a blank face and Rin grit his teeth.

"Aniue, isn't it possible to make one of us look like her for the battle?"

"No, I'll fight my own battle. Thanks for the offer but if it comes down to it then it's my fight. If any of you died because of me, I'd never forgive myself" she looked Mephisto in the eyes and he closed his. "I'm gonna say this now and I don't want to repeat myself. Don't you dare help me. This is my fight" she turned and walked out the room, only pausing to add. "I'll fight it myself. If you got hurt because of me then what right do I have to be your wife?" with that, she slid the door closed and Amaimon looked to his older brother.

"She loves you. That's why she doesn't want your help." Mephisto just left the room without speaking and Rin patted Amaimon's shoulder. "I hope Aniue is okay. She's acted like that before and he was depressed for days. He even forgot to wake me, and that's something he never forgets"

"The clown's just going through a lot. It's hard to think that the order are gonna try and kill her over something so stupid but it'll work out. I mean, I'm still here"

"It'll be fine. She's a good swords men, but I wonder if her holy blade will work against the paladin's." Shima nodded as Bon spoke.

"Holy blade? But she's not-" Bon nodded at Shiemi.

"Yeah, Kai explained it to me that even Sir Pheles was shocked she got that sword. A pagan who later becomes the wife of the demon can control the holy sword that once belonged to an angel. However, Bon's right. The paladin's blade must also be blessed and Lilith said fallen grace won't allow her to damage another holy blade."

Rin looked to Amaimon, who moved his chess piece putting Bon in check. "You've seen Lilith training right?"

"I've taught her hand to hand combat. Aniue wasn't pleased when he found out but she insisted. I did go easy on her. Why do you ask?" Rin hummed and Bon looked puzzled, trying to find a way to beat Amaimon.

"Is fallen grace her only sword?" Amaimon hummed and knocked over Bon's queen putting him in check again.

"I'm not meant to say but demon wife's like Lilith, who are masters to their husbands, have some inhuman abilities, even though she's still classed as fully human. I believe her ability is called Imagine creation. It links into Aniue's own powers. From what I've seen, she can create any item she wants with it. I'm sure she could create a perfectly working demon killing sword with it." Amaimon put Bon in check mate who blinked, confused.

"What the hell! I swear you're just like Okumura when it comes to things like this. How did you beat me?" Amaimon blinked and put a lolly in his mouth.

"My older brother Samael taught me how to play as a bet with brother Beelzebub. I think it was if I could beat brother Beelzebub at chess then brother Beelzebub would stop the bugs getting into his room. I did it coz I was bored and for the reaction of Brother. The only person I know I can't beat is brother Samael. Lilith won't play me at chess, however she beats me at Aniue's video games all the time."

(Lilith's p.o.v)

I shook as I walked towards the large oak doors with Mephisto. He had been unable to get the order to understand.

"We could run to Gehenna, or I could step in and reveal myself. Even they agreed not to attack the King's wife" he whispered this and I shook my head.

"I can't run away, I'll be fine. Don't help me" I see him bite his lip, most likely in fear.

"I wish you wouldn't do this. If I lose you, I don't know what I'll do"

"Have faith in me Mephisto. I know what I'm doing" 

(Outside p.o.v)

"So she actually came. I believed the demon would hide you for as long as he could." Arthur teased. As Lilith walked closer, she did something that shocked everyone and removed Fallen grace from its sheath. She turned to Shura who took the blade from her. "You are kidding, mare. Are you just here to die?" Mephisto gripped his umbrella and felt some relief when Amaimon, in hamster form, rubbed his cheek. "And he let you do this?" but his voice was drowned out by hers. She had moved the now empty sheath to her back and her hand seemed to be gripping an invisible sword hilt. As she spoke, Kai, who had tagged along with Yukio, at once knew what she was doing.

"Reign over the frosted heavens, Hyorinmaru." as she spoke she pulled the now visible sword and jumped. A dragon made of ice raised towards Arthur who barely had time to react. "Come now Arthur you had such big talk going into this." She charged him, slashing inches from him and freezing his sword In place, making him unable to use it. "Lost your nerve?" She kicked him in the stomach before sending another ice dragon charging towards him.

He dodged the attack and tried to pull his sword free but stopped noticing the room was slowly freezing over, his feet slipped as he dodged her next attack.

"Hyorinmaru, an ice type Zanpakuto. From the bleach manga and Anime. One of Lilith's favourite characters uses that sword. I'm amazed she's able to use it." Kai commented this blankly watching Arthur at last pull his sword free and block one of her attacks. Mephisto was stunned. He'd seen her use this ability but never to create a weapon. "It won't be enough. Hyorinmaru is powerful but she doesn't have the stamina to use it like this for long." Yukio blinked at Kai and Rin looked at him stunned. "Lilith, keep going like that and you'll wear yourself out. Remember your basics". As if on cue, Lilith jumped out of Arthur's reach and the blade vanished in a flash of blue light. Again, she reached behind her and pulled another sword out from nowhere, blocking Arthur's attack and actually causing the smallest of cracks on his blade.

She grinned and pushed him backwards with new found strength. The black blade glinting in the candle light. Rin looked at Kai who smirked.

"Another fine choice on her part. Elucidator, Kirito's sword from sword art online. A one handed long sword with no special powers however it is lighter and easier on her body to use." Arthur tried to slam into her but gasped, noticing his own sword cracking. "It's made of the hardest metal known to man and will shatter other blades with the lightest contact." Kai added and Arthur darted aside panting. Lilith stood still, as Arthur glared. She ran to attack him and then he charged and she at last gets knocked to the ground, her blood dripping from the gash to her side as she sat up. "But it leaves her other side open to attack." Lilith spat some blood out and glared as Mephisto went to step towards her. His heart ached as if it was him in the battle. He couldn't stand watching her fight.

"I'll admit you're good but you have no place here." As Arthur went to slice her arm off, the black blade vanished and is quickly replaced with another. However, this blade is a deep purple. Kai blinked, having never seen this blade before, and everyone gasped as it blocked Arthur's. Lilith was thankful as she felt her husband's power pulse through her, from the blade. "What the hell is this? You change swords as if they were never here."

"I'd be careful. This blade has never been used in battle before. I don't know what the poison on this blade does but it must be pretty bad if those demons just run screaming from the sight of it. I'll try not allow it to poison you, Mr Paladin." before he could react she slashed him across the stomach, his body is engulfed in a purple fire before chains form and he's forced to his knees. His neck snaps down and his body is forced to bow to Mephisto who blinked. The light from this faded and Lilith fell in a heap. Yukio ran to help her and Mephisto looked at Arthur who panted shocked.

"What the hell!!!"

"That blade was made of metal I only saw used for Satan's favourite sons. It can only be found in Gehenna. I will only release you once I know she's safe." with that, Mephisto walked to his wife, his powers quickly repairing her side. "Will she be alright? How much blood did she lose?"

"A lot, she will be hospitalised with this amount lost, but thanks to the demonic healing she'll be as right as rain. I know that must have been hard for you, sir."