『 I Won't Run Anymore』

Part 30 - Judgement

I stood in the main hall of the Vatican; it was far more elegant than I had first anticipated. Alabaster stone and beautifully decorated stain glass windows circled me; I wish I was more dressed to the occasion rather than my usual little black dress and converse. If I had dressed up then maybe I would've felt a little bit more in place regardless of the circumstances. But still, why exactly was I here? I remember that they had tried to kill me... sending Daiki to do so... I also recall Mephisto stating that he was going to speak with them over the matter to gain me under his protection. But still, why want a meeting? They clearly knew about me and what I was, so why am I here?

"Alice Renshaw; Step up to the platform."

I broke from my thoughts at the hearing of my full name as I raced up to the small wooden platform I was to be presented in. I felt so small here. It wasn't a large area, nor was there many people; yet I still felt like a criminal on trial. I swallowed down the lump in my throat only for it to return with a vicious vigour as it was now encased in my saliva, maws clenching to an almost jaw breaking point, my eyes staring down the white pattern below me. Was this a... it must be... it looked so much like a demon barrier Yukio had shown me a few times. Did they... think I was hostile?

"Alice Renshaw, you are here upon request for your life. Such was to be ended at the earlier date of April 28th 2016 by order of the Vatican, but Sir Pheles has pleaded to your aid. How do you reply?"

"I know I was to die..."

"So you've been informed? Very good. Miss Renshaw you are in violation to the act of section 3 verse-"

"Why did you send him after me?"

"Miss Renshaw! The Vatican is speaking so I suggest you hold yo-"

"I understand! And I will listen to what you say! But first I need to know why you sent Daiki specifically to end my life!"

"Very well, Sir Nakara was close to you to begin with thus he was the best candidate for such a mission."

I gripped my palms together across my chest as the sweat squelched upon the pressure, my eyes wavering along the intricate patterns of the seal below me.

"So our... hearts mean swill..."

"Now if you are finished we-"

"No, no I'm not finished..."

I shot my eyes up to stare upon the hooded figures held high above my form, my hands released themselves from their tangled state to clench by my sides as I straightened my posture to try and rise up to these people.

"Daiki was my best friend... No... no he was my brother! We laughed together, played together, worked together and cried together... That man was my everything!"

"As we said he was necessary for the mission since he was so close to you. That was the purpose."

"So our feelings don't matter to you? All my life I have lived as a human until recently and you Vatican folk never cared... but just because I began to remember... Just because I remembered my past life and the fact that I am now a demon I'm evil? And you sacrifice Da-"

A warm hand fell on my shoulder, snapping my gaze from the hooded superiors to the violet haired male behind who held a small smile on his face, eyes cast up to the people who had just insulted me.

'Don't speak; Listen.'

"Please forgive the lady, she has been through many trifles as well as work and is currently upset. Sir Daiki Nakara was a close person to her heart, and being dormant in her human state it is affecting her so. So please try to understand her vulgar behaviour. I am here on her behalf so please; continue."