The Devil's Crown

LXVIII About That Letter…

 “Did you find him?” Elfric mumbled under his breath.

“Brother, are you talking to yourself again?” Joanna raised an eyebrow, holding her back close to her. “Are you sure that you are well enough to go to school again?”

Elfric snapped out of his own realm to reality. His sister was walking on his right side as they walked on the pavement, heading to school again after a long absence. However, it was a much-needed rest. Elfric finally grasped the true lengths of his own powers, he felt a little bit more comfortable with the changes that happened to him in such a short time.

A month has already passed since that night in the club, and still, the sensations were vivid even to the skin on his hands. The blood seeping down the alter from the sacrifice given…he never asked Orathan what has become of that boy and he didn’t feel like handling it either.

“I’ve been away for long,” he finally spoke. “I can’t believe the warmth of the sun on my skin.”

Joanna narrowed her eyes. “Rick, it’s cloudy,” she pointed. “It looks like it will rain. And besides, you are covered from head to toe in cloth!”

Elfric was defeated by his younger sister, he was thankful that their journey to her school met its end, saving him from another embarrassing answer. Joanna pretended not to notice and waved him goodbye before she raced inside, she must be excited after staying away because of him.

Watching her walk away from him and dart into the school, her hair floating behind her as her small legs bounced on the ground. *She has grown up so well* He smiled to himself, digging his hands into his pockets. With the smile came the crashing responsibility of keeping each strand of her hair safe and sound, with the drastic change in his own life he couldn’t help but wonder if his family would handle the change.

He couldn’t help but wonder…if his father was still have made the same decision in the basement of Devil’s Den? Would he perhaps have felt a little less burdened? Maybe his whole life would have been different, he would have been different…

He released a shaky breath as he shuddered. Thinking about the possibilities that were never going to be answered was only eating at his mind, he needed to focus. He has got to admit that he started walking the streets with a little bit more ease. He found himself aware of the position and movement of everyone around him, he could make out the harmless aura emitting from them.

Elfric has finally come to realize that he was never the center of attention on the street. His hood did the trick of keeping him away from the curious eyes of others, it was only his anxiety and insecurities about himself that made him feel the non-existent stared from the people. These people have more important things to do than stare at him, that’s what he concluded after observing.

After all, it has only been his own mind. It has always been his mind holding him back.

*You seem pleased with your newly found passion*

The voice inside him mocked, bringing him from the abyss in his own mind. He was thankful for the distraction…Thankful towards the devil.

*A perfect ironic name to a top 10 series* Elfric mocked his own mind.

“Is there a reason why I shouldn’t be?” He straightened his back.

*You sent Shadow Clones halfway across the country* said Orathan. *Isn’t this called an obsession?*

Elfric laughed out loud, catching freaked-out glances from the passers-by around him. “I need to find West,” said Elfric. “How else am I going to find him when he needs me?”

A bold move, he admits that. Back there in front of the exit of the tunnel, he had no idea how or where he was going to get in contact with West again. Nevertheless, it was more logical to say something fancy – that fits the already fancy appearance Samael performed – at least it was better than exchanging emails or phone numbers.

Moreover, in the walk of events, it was easy to say that he and West have entangled with each other’s fates beyond unfolding. Their reunion was a must at this point, there was no way around it. They have changed each other’s fate’s forever, instead of a labeled fate Elfric figured that an open-ending destiny was much more suited for his character.

*I have not the slightest clue what was running…no, rotting in your brain back there, human* Orathan scoffed. The image of a man folding his arms over his chest smacked Elfric as he pictured Orathan.

After the chuckle subsided, he gave the devil’s word some thought. He had no answer to what was going on with him, all he knows is that he did what had to be done. The desperate hope of change was all he had in his vision. His brain somehow managed to interpret the situation and bring victorious in the end.

Though he would have preferred a clearer view when he is in that same spot again, relying on – beginners luck – is only ought to take him this far. He needed to handle himself better than this. And it starts with getting clear coordination of West’s position, he is ought to be on the move to do something new.

“When am I to get anything?” Elfric breathed out. “You told me as long as he on Earth, he will be found. We’ve been at this since last night.”

*Patience, human,” Orathan said. *Do you have any idea how many shadows are here alone. The clones search for shadows, it takes time. But an answer is inevitable.*

“I hope I don’t regret your help, Demon,” Elfric sighed, finally reaching his own school.

*You should be thankful that you finally aren’t spilling power out of you like a broken vase*

“You should slow down on the dramas you watch with Joanna,” Elfric shook his head, disappointed in the childish ways of the devil who watches dramas.

Elfric noted that Orathan caught on to the mock and felt hurt by his words. He was quiet all the way to class and even after the bell rang. Everyone started to get in time for class, Christopher walked through the door, his eyes brightened up with the view of his friend back at school.

“I thought you will never come back,” Christopher said, taking his seat in front of Elfric.

“I can’t though I want to,” said Rick. “You know how I can’t afford to drop any courses because of my absence. I’ve to graduate.”

Chris patted his shoulder feeling like a proud father. “It’s your motivation that has me going, my friend.”

Elfric allowed himself to laugh from the heart, missing the simple days of school with his friend. Lately, he couldn’t help but wonder the response that Chris – along with Elfric’s own family – had about the truth of him behind their backs. Would they accept him?

*No* he thought. *Even if they are going to accept me. I can’t have them at risk.* that was what he concluded.

So instead, he wanted to enjoy the little moments shared between them all. Treasure the memories while they last and create more whenever he has the chance.

“There is something that you have to know,” Chris hesitated.

Elfric’s brow flinched. “What is it?”

“It’s about Roxana…”

Elfric tilted his head in ignorance. Chris sighed in disbelief. “Roxana Cosmos, Rick! The letter?!” he raised a hand in protest.

Eric's jaw dropped finally catching on while nodding his head. Chris was lost for words at his friend's wits at the matters that weren’t related to anything…he couldn’t even name the things! If it wasn’t something serious then it was probably on the list, Chris thought before sighing.

“Anyway, I had to give out and a reply, and I kind of…”

“Alright, class! All in place!” The teacher never allowed the sentence to end.

Elfric’s attention wasn’t completely impressed into the news about Roxana in the first place so, it was easily snatched away by the teacher’s voice.

“T-There will be a transfer student here today,” said the teacher as she fixed her glasses. “I know it’s late in the semester but please try your best to make her stay easier.”

“A student this late in the semester?” Elfric mumbled under his breath loud enough for Chris to hear. However, Chris remained silent. For a split moment, Elfric thought he saw sweat trail down his temple.

The student’s eyes were fixed to the door as the teacher gestured through the small window on the door for the student to enter. Even before the door opened, Elfric caught a glance of bright red hair. The door slides open with a thud as a female student walked to stand beside the teacher.

Even Elfric was caught off guard for a moment. Her hair was flowing down her back in thick locks a little bit past her waist, its bright crimson color was the complete opposite of his colorless hair. Her features were sharp and delicate with wide golden eyes. For a split second, Elfric thought that their eyes met and it was rewarded with a cheerful smile from her tinted full lips. Something about her screams nobility but that made no sense at all. Why would she be here when it was only a commoner's school?

“Hello everyone!” she said. “My name is Roxana Clifton. Please take care of me!”