Rade's Demon Elimination Service

Chapter 21: A Shadow Lurks

New York was yelling at Rade. Lyu was hugging Rade while crying, and Kalleid was only smiling at Rade with a warmth that made Rade even guiltier.

I still think that often times I don't belong here, Rade thought as she savor the warmth that she was being enveloped with. She couldn't look at the people inside the room she was brought in by London who has started lounging comfortably and prettily on a chair not too far from them. Lyu, after letting her go from his hug, held both of her hands and only stared at her with something Rade was still too foreign to determine.

"Rade," Kalleid called on to her gently, "we thought you're in a bad state. Why aren't you answering Lyu and London, and even Miss Megumi?" he asked with the utmost of concern.

There was only one bed inside the room, but both Kalleid and New York were on that. Kalleid was only sitting beside New York who was still half sitting and half lying on the comfortable looking bed. Kalleid, as Rade took notice of his appearance, still has the white hair that was one of the result of his transformation of his human self to its demonic form that was also caused by Rade herself.

On his body, there wasn't any visible injuries and Rade thought that actually made sense since Kalleid was known to have the fastest healing ability in the hunters' society. In place of his ferocious snarl since the last time Rade had seen the boy was his usual gentle smile that could calm anyone.

I almost killed you, Rade thought internally.

It was positively breaking through her, the thought of killing yet another person who was the closest to her.

Killed you, her thoughts lingered on those two words, eating her conscience and gnawing at her insides.

Rade's fingers started shivering, her while body started shivering, and suddenly she could see the blood that has been smeared on her hands and every of the injuries she has made on that gentle person's body. Her breath quickened, blinking rapidly and closed her eyes then opened them again.

After opening them, she saw that everything was still normal.

But her lungs still longed for air, and there was a heavy weight on her chest. It was heavy, so heavy that it made it impossible for her longing lungs to be reciprocated. The rising panic within Rade was abruptly stopped by New York who spoke suddenly, both teasing and slightly angry.

"Well, seems like she cannot be bothered with us," New York spat jokingly at her, but there was a small smile on his lips.

"But are you really okay, Rade?" Lyu interevened, asking with the utmost of concern. He looked down at their intertwined hands and gripped hers harder. "You're shivering. You're so cold."

Lyu brought Rade's hands to his lips and breathed warm air on them. When Rade only watched him do that, he only smiled brightly and breathed more warm air.

"There is no need to cry, Rade," he told her, not letting go of her hands but bringing her to a close for another hug. He patted Rade's back repeatedly so comforting it was that if it wasn't for the air blowing cold air on her face, Rade wouldn't notice the tears streaming down her face and the way she trembled.

Her head lolled to Lyu's shoulders. He was smaller than her for only quite a bit but it didn't made it hard for him to reach up to her and comfort her. Rade enveloped in a warm embrace, her head was being held dearly by Lyu. She was still trembling, her fingers were very frozen still she couldn't move them. And she was very scared to look at any of them.

"I almost... they were... I can't..." she whispered incoherently to Lyu's ear and he wasn't telling her to stop crying, letting her as she poured her worries and concerns. She wasn't pushed to face them all. They instead let her cry and let her tremble while Lyu patted her head.

It was the first time she has cried so hard she couldn't breath.

It wasn't the first she had a panic attack though, but what was new to this time was that there was someone who would let her be engulfed to her emotions without letting her go.

And really, that was all she could ever want.

It was a couple of moments still before Rade stopped crying on her own and Lyu let her go. Kalleid was still smiling at her, not bothered of what she did to him and of what Rade put everyone inside the room in.

She was oftem condemned after every mistake or after every blood being spilled by her holy weapon and both of her own hands, feared by all but was also envied by many. But this kind of treatment was such a bizarre one that Rade was weirded out.

New York sighed exaggeratedly that anyone in this room could hear. "You're worried, we all know that that but with what you did, we are all more worried about you! Insolent little child!" he spat again.

Rade bowed her head, standing in front of the two boys and she bowed in an ninety degree angle that London thought she would break by the sudden movement.

"I would like to apologize!" Rade almost shouted. "I did you, all of you," she corrected, "I did all of you wrong. I shouldn't have been stupid and fought with the Fantasm. I should have known that there would be consequences that might not necessarily affect me but the people around me. I have been too mindless, the hope that I could avenge my friend overpowered my mind."

That was when Rade realized that not every body might necessarily know what has transpired. She started explaining but London held both of her shoulders and tapped her very assuringly. They knew what happened, they knew why Rade was hell bent on pursuing and killing the demon manifestation, and they all understand.

"Lady Aldeia called you forth, didn't she?" Lyu asked her and London.

London nodded, already speed firing the details why Rade has been summoned first by the head of their clan. "Yeah, y'all know how Geneva is. I mean she might look like she ain't carin' about any of us dudes, but she really does. If Rade's case has been pass to the HODE—" London turned to the person being mentioned so carelessly "—no offense, Rade, but you will be kicked out of the hunters' society. Like removed!" He even put more emphasis. "Just like that!" She flicked her middle finger to her thumb creating a sharp noise. "But since Geneva seemed to think that you're genuine and such, or maybe because she's just aware about the former Young Lady Lauri Haeven, may her soul rest, she only wants her to pay for damages!"

"You're not Rade, are you, London?" New York asked his older brother mockingky. "So why is it you are the on who's answering for her?"

"New York," London said menacingly. "Stupid git."

He started walking towards his little brother and shoved Kalleid aside who only laughed when New York immediately reached out his hand to the other boy. London patted his younger brother's shoulders. The heavy impact made New York winced and he tried to pry his brother's fingers out of his shoulders but can't due to his injuries.

"If you don't like yourself to be see-through like how Kalleid made you be a week ago," London continued with a glare of threat on his eyes. "Then shut the heck up, my lil' bro."

"You hairless ball," New York cursed at his brother but London wasn't fazed by it and just patted New York's back that Rade thought the boy would spat blood from how heavy London's hand had been on his back.

"What matters the most is Rade is fine and here," Kalleid said gently, the little white strands of his hair on his forehead was falling over his eyes. "Though it will take her a while to pay for all the damages as she was already struggling as it is."

Rade nodded, contented with the smiles and the warmth everybody was showing to her and also worrying how in the world she would be able to pay uo. Meanwhile, the only person who was still struggling but was unable to say so was that very person who just smiled and reassured Rade.

Killing someone, Kalleid thoughtful with remorse, he almost killed someone. What was worse was that the person he almost killed was also the mosy important to him.

How could he lose control?

How could he ever lose control just like that?

Had he been so selfish by wanting to save everyone?

What if New York didn't and wasn't able to wake his human side? Would he really kill him?

Can Kalleid bear the weight of killing New York Aldeia? And it wasn't just his death that Kalleid almost cause but also other hunters and innocent people in the residential areas.

Those were some of the questions he kept on asking himself. He couldn't remember how it was like almost killing everyone. He knew though, he knew the things he did and the way people around the Aldeia clan's manor look at him kept on bothering him.

He kept hearing whispers and words about him around the manor which has been his residence while both him and New York were recuperating.

Monster.

Demon.

Murderer.

Beast.

The most powerful being in the world aside from the head of the Aldeia clan, Geneva Aldeia.

The last one was a stretch, of course, but people have seen his powers. People have seen how he easily fought the two hunters, the best hunters actually, of the current generation. It weren't even about London and New York that he fought that other hunters were in such an awe.

He gave a difficult battle with all of them and, most of all, Megumi.

Even Kalleid was confused and shocked when he heard from London that he indeed fought with Miss Megumi. He has always known that the older lady was powerful and he knew that if she actually wanted to kill him right there and then, she would have and if Kalleid was being honest with himself, Megumi actually could have. That was why she held her punches probably, Kalleid thoughtfully said internally but didn't voice out loud.

When he thought of not remembering anything, Kalleid thought he was cheating everyone by it. It must have been a nightmare for everyone else while the bad things were all erased from his memories while others have to endure.

It was unfair for them and Kalleid felt guilty about it.

He couldn't sulk though. What reason he has to be upset for? London, Miss Megumi, and New York were acting as though it wasn't that big of a deal. But Kalleid could see how difficult it was for New York to move still and how it pained London to see his brother like that. Megumi was still worried over him and that he would lose control all over again, injuring those people around him.

Every single thing they do seem to be genuine and it was only Kalleid that he felt like he was playing pretend. Even Rade was not speaking about the things he did, blaming herself instead.

"You lookin' so down, my friend," London remarked, walking to the spot next to him.

Rade has already left with Lyu who said that they would celebrate Rade's compensation as a punishment rather than remorse over it. London heavily approved and sent them off on one of the Aldeia clan's cars. New York, per the doctors' prescription, was sleeping. He wouldn't be able to move for another two weeks and his speedy recovery was all thanks to the dozens or so healers that helped to revive him.

Now Kalleid was looking at the remote sea, a little distance away from the Aldeia clan's manor. The sun was already setting and the horizon was touched with a sepia shade as though everything was only happening in an old movie. At night, since the Shadow Fantasm was too strong, there were still the cerulean and rose shades tainting the air from its reappearance.

According to Felif, whom Kalleid had been introduced and acquainted with closely over the course of the week that has passed, the last time that the Shadow Fantasm appeared the same phenomenon has also happened. Over the course of a year, the sky of that particular area was tainted with its presence but what was different this time around was that the sky was rapidly getting back to normal.

Very unlike a year ago where the sky was only being slowly going back to its dark royal blue state dotted with stars.

"Felif said that the Shadow Fantasm is probably still around but it's in its weakest form," London uttered despite knowing that Kalleid has probably known of that fact. "Are you okay, Kal?" he asked, not pretending that Kalleid's expression was only just a nonchalantly wool-gathering expression.

"Actually," Kalleid started, there was a crease in between of his brows and it looked like he doesn't know how or where to start.

London looked like Kalleid, but somehow, on his own perspective, he does not looked like himself at all despite only his hair being changed.

"Megumi said that you wouldn't lose control again, Kal," London reassured him. "And New York could outlive us all. You don't have to concern yourself with anything. Overthinking won't do you any good too."

Kalleid looked down. For his eyes, the setting sun's glare was too fierce and he had to look down otherwise it would only make his eyes water.

"It wasn't the first time, London," Kalleid disagreed.

The season was well on its way to spring. The bite that the winter season left in the many months was almost gone now and Kalleid's weak constitution against the cold has gotten better with the warmer season. From afar, some of the cherry blossoms around have already blossomed beautifully. Their pink petals spoke of innocence and peace but Kalleid could feel nothing but guilt and the feeling of being unsettled.

He might not feel cold outside, but he was feeling very blue inside of himself. He couldn't explain it very clearly, even he himself was a little confused how to put his emotions into words. The only thing that Kalleid would do since he couldn't tell anyone about it was grit his teeth and hope that everyone has forgiven him.

"I should go out with him to see the cherry blossoms," Kalleid suddenly said. "I have to make up with what I did to him. Once again, I put everlasting marks all over him. Isn't New York..." Kalleid paused. He swallowed the pain on his throat, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. "Isn't he scared of me?"

"Don't be dramatic Kalleid," London said and soon as those three words left his lips, he knew she uttered the wrong words.

Kalleid sighed heavily. Nodding at what his friend told him, he left the balcony that was overlooking the pretty scenery of the regiom where the Aldeia clan ruled over. London tried to appeal to Kalleid, but the boy only agreed with him. Him being unsettled was only a thought in his mind. He won't lose control and hurt everyone.

"That's not what I mean," London appealed to him. "I meant that you don't have to worry over nothing! We all understand! You said that if you lose your control over your humanity, we should kill you. I'm sure Megumi and even Lyu would like that if they ever lost control too!"

That pierced a hole right through Kalleid's heart.

It was in his certificate that he would be killed once he killed anyone, hunters and mortals alike. And that was his last wish. To be killed before he become an unrecognizable monster in front of the people he loved and cherished dearly.

"What if I did kill someone?" Kalleid asked London.

His eyes were closed and he refused to open them in fear of every single positive and precious moment during those days after the appearance of the Shadow Fantasm were only false memories or a dream.

"Would you bend your morals and forgive me?" he asked.

A heavy emotion hung on the ambiance. There was a pause from London and Kalleid thought he would be disappointed by not hearing any answers from him.

"My answer may not satisfy you," someone else said instead of London.

When Kalleid finally opened his eys to look who was that figure in front of him that has so familiar voice, his tears of frustration finally came down on his cheeks. He has seen how Rade struggled earlier and he thought he would fare better but it seemed like it was wrong. He was wrong as usual.

Behind him, London patted his back and there was a gentle and warm smile on his face despite the darkness caused by the absence of the sun. He didn't saying anything to Kalleid but there was reassurance within his eyes that Kalleid was very much familiar with.

"You will never kill anyone intentionally," New York said, his eyes were still tender because of the slumber he has fallen into earlier but the sincerity of his words couldn't be masked.

New York couldn't still walk properly, but it doesn't hurt any longer when he did so. His lips have gotten back the redness they have before he was confined into a bed to recover from the injuries he got.

"Now get in, you dumbassases," he suddenly said and motioned for both Kalleid and London to get inside of the room. "It's getting colder."

There was still the same heaviness inside Kalleid's chest and maybe he needed some time to get that weight off him, but at least now he was assured that even though he could became a monster, there were still people who have his back. That was enough for him, he was already contented with that.

Meanwhile, there was a shadow that slithered past the nooks and cranny of the city, stealthily hunting and undetected by the hunters going on about. There was a big bow that was hanging from across the person's chest and, in a moment's notice, the person has already got that bow off him and pointed at the nearest demon.

Silent and swift as the wind, the arrow of pure energy shot out from the bow and went flying through the demon. Another shot was made then another until the demon was reduced into ashes and the core was revealed.

A shining and elegant green emerald, the core was picked up by the person.

But before he even moved along from his position, he saw a familiar figure walking on the street and conversing with a very pretty boy. They looked happy and, like everyone else, they also looked rather oblivious of the things around them.

The bow on the person's hand was gripped even tighter with the sight of the girl and the boy, reminding him of a very particular memory. But instead of the boy, there was another girl and him and that girl walking on street that all once held hands together in the past.

The person wanted to move out of the shadow and attack the boy walking with the girl. There was a rage unlike any other that surged through his whole body and it made him tremble.

The anger only made him stronger.

He could feel the sing of the bow to him, urging him to take position and aim at the head of the people the girl was with. Despite the overwhelming sensation of wrath, he didn't do anything though.

This is not the right time, he thought to himself, burying his own image within the shadows of the darkness of the city. I will appear in your life again, the person in the shadow said and promised to the girl, but today is not the day.

"This is for you, Elora Isolde Aldam," the person sneered.

The core on his hand was like a lifeline of his sanity. It made his palm's skin bled from the cut a jagged end made, but the pain was also enough to make him feel anything but wrath and rage. He did not know any longer what made him angry so, if it was his own mind or the bow that was singing bloodlust to him.

Taking another glance at Rade and at the boy she was with, the person lept from one roof to another until not even his shadow could be seen.

He was like a phantom, going in and out of the reality and thriving within the nestle of darkness around.