The living survive the undead.

Chapter 7 - A small request

Standing back and admiring his work, Robin smiled. "What's the payback for?" Ryder asked, his voice weak. Robin was snapped out of his thoughts, "Oh... She tied me to a pole for two days and left me for the hoards. It was only two days but I lost a lot of blood because I wouldn't stop pulling at the ropes that held me in place. It was also payback for when we first met her." The scientist's expression became more neutral, "We were hunting around for food and supplies and we found a whole stash. So we took it all. As we were leaving we were slammed down by her and she broke Caleb's ribs." Ryder nodded, not needing to ask about anything. He could tell this was a touchy subject for Robin.

Seeing that they were getting along, Caleb hugged them both. Surprised by the boys actions, Robin and Ryder stood still. "I'm happy you guys are getting along." The two above Caleb smiled and joined the hug. The moment was the first happy moment they've had in a long time, so no words were uttered and they just enjoyed the mutual happiness.

A deep chuckle broke this moment. "I'm sorry to break this touching moment up but Ryder I do believe I have a deal for you to agree to." Marxihr rested his weight on his cane as his tail swayed back and forth. Robin and Caleb looked at the blond in question, feeling a little betrayed. "Look Marxihr I don't want another deal. We. Are. Done." Each word that left Ryder's lips were punctuated with a step towards the demon. "Ah yes. I remember you saying that but this doesn't cost you anything if, and only if, you agree to my terms." Ryder looked back to see the two people...No they are friends! He looked back seeing his two friends observing his movements. He would do whatever it took to get Marxihr to leave them alone.

"So this deal. Tell me." Ryder smiled. The red headed demon advanced towards him, leaning close to his ear, "I want that Bird boy you are 'friends' with." Ryder's smile faded, a little take back at the request.

"Is that all you want?"

"Yes. He peaks my interest. I want to know more about him. So if you will allow me to be in my human form our deal is done." The demon paused and raised his voice. "So Ryder Heap. Do we have a deal?" Marxihr stretched out his hand, a pink flame engulfing it.

"Yes." Ryder shook his hand, pulling the demon to his eye level, "But you don't but a single hair on his head okay?" Marxihr smiled and nodded, the flame vanishing into a vapour. Letting go of the boy's hand, the demon at on the ground waiting. "Well? Hurry up then boy. We haven't got all day." A nail file appeared in the demons hand as Ryder took off his back pack to get the spell book. "Ryder! What did you agree to?" Robin rushed over with Caleb. Ryder looked up at both of them, raising a finger to his nose and tapping it three times. "What does he want?" Caleb spoke, glancing at Marxihr who was still sitting and filing his nails. "To be in human form is all. A simple request." Ryder answered, "My soul isn't a part of this so don't even as-."

"I don't take souls! I wouldn't take Ryder's anyway. It's taste awful. Bleh." Marxihr interrupted.

"It's a simple task so there is nothing to worry about got it?" Ryder turned to the two. They both nodded standing back. Ryder flicked through the pages. Page after page after page until he found the correct spell. "You ready?" Ryder asked the demon.

"About to be re-born ready." Marxihr's smart reply made the group chuckle a little. Standing back up and facing Marxihr, Ryder took his hand and began to read out the spell. The demon's eyes glowed a brilliant white as his grip on Ryder's hand tightened. The blond knew that this was a painful process for him but he knew it would benefit Marxihr. Even though Marxihr could be annoying and demanding he had been there for Ryder for his entire life. Ryder had never had a mother for father but Marxihr raised him as his own. Of course Marxihr never told Ryder the truth about his birth, the kid would have become power thirsty or mentally unstable. Over the years Marxihr had noticed the subtle features of Ryder's human father come through in his face and the feminine features of his mother, Satan, come through as well but they were mainly in attitude and his eyes.

When Ryder had finished the spell, Marxihr's body became limp. Quickly Ryder picked him up and slung him over his shoulder, whispering "You don't half cause me some hassle. They are going to think I've killed you." After seeing Marxihr fall, Caleb dashed over there and falling once in the process. "Is he dead?" was Caleb's first question, he scolded himself for asking. Ryder ruffled Caleb's hair, shaking his head. "Come on. We've got supplies to gather." Ryder said, picking up his back pack and walking along the path, "Who wants Chinese takeout for dinner? It's..." Ryder checked his watch, "4pm so the place I know should be open. Come on." Robin and Caleb stood in shock for a moment before sprinting after Ryder, pushing each other a little as they ran after him.