His Emerald Eyes

The Contract

'Thoughts'

"Speech"

Recap

Gathering every last scrap of will power Tom calls out Malchom's name and forces himself to plunge the serum down the tube into Milo's body. Not once breaking eye contact with his best friend.

Soon Milo's eyes slip shut and exhales one final time, his work in this world is completed, he can rest now.

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Ultramarine colored flames spontaneously erupt from Milo's chest, the flames rapidly grow until they have completely engulfed the cat. In a matter of moments, the fire has completely devoured Milo's body, not even a spec of ash remains of Tom's best friend. Still, the fire remains; slowly the flames start moving as if it has a mind of its own. The sapphire flames begin expanding outward in two thin lines on both sides. The path the flames are following curves in on itself so when the two paths connect it will form a large ring of fire. When the ultramarine flames finally meet again to complete the circle the flames roar to life, exploding upward to the ceiling, creating a wall of sapphire fire. Just as quickly as the wall went up it abruptly falls. The aesthetic blue flames disappearing, the only evidence that they were ever there are the maroon scorch marks it left on the floor where it once was. Standing in the center of the large circular scorch mark is Malchom.

Tom had watched all of this happen from his place on the floor feeling numb inside. After the fire has disappeared, he stares up at Malchom. Aside from his clothes the young demon hasn't changed much from the last time Tom saw him. The formal outfit is nowhere in sight, instead the demon is wearing a baggy faded black shirt that has seen better days. His pants are an ugly barf brown that are ripped in some places. He is barefoot and his once slicked back copper hair is now a tangled mess. His grey metallic skin is now a shade darker thanks to the grim that clings to him. Malchom's tail hangs low behind him, the tuft of hair at the end twitches back and forth showcasing his alertness and caution. His amber eyes dart around the room like he expects to be attacked at any moment. Finally, his murky yellow eyes land on Tom's kneeling form. In quick secession, his expression switches from shock to recognition then finally to confusion.

"Tom? Tom is that you?" he asks as he talks a cautious step forward.

Tom gives a shaky nod as his bottom lip trembles, his eyes sting as tears form at the corners. Unable to stop himself Tom hugs his stomach as he slumps over, sobs rack his body as he cries over what he has just done.

'He's gone. Milo is gone forever because of me. All because I needed to summon a demon so I could go back to being a pet. Oh God, what have I done? I lost my best friend forever because I am being selfish.'

Tom continues to cry for a few minutes before he feels a hesitant hand settle on his back. Lifting his head up bloodshot emerald eyes lock onto amber yellow. Malchom has moved out of the circle and is now kneeling next to Tom. He gives Tom what he thinks is a reassuring smile, but it looks more like what someone would do in a mirror to check for something in their teeth.

'Is he trying to comfort me?' Tom wonders as he studies Malchom's uncertain face. Malchom awkwardly pats him on the back as his face screams how uncomfortable he is with the situation he has found himself in.

Wiping away the tear on his face Tom takes a few moments to calm himself down. 'Everything is ok. Milo was getting old; his time was up. It was for the best for everyone. Milo is up in heaven where he belongs and he has given me a chance at reuniting with Master again.'

Turning to the demon next to him Tom gives a small grateful smile as a form of thanks. Malchom removes his hand, the relief he feels of the situation being over with is clear. Gathering himself up is about to speak but Malchom beats him to it.