The Soul Bounder

chapter five: the fool

chapter five: the fool

Seraph felt weakened from her current state, every drop of divine power she possessed was poured into Serenity's being. The bite was nearly healed, with its appearance resembling to a simple scratch. Gladly, Serenity was still unconscious. Or else, she would've felt the sweltering burn of the toxic venom that had already begun to seep into her bloodstream.

Thirty more seconds passed, and the angel's work was completed. She quickly brought Serenity into her arms, and sent her to the nearest bathroom. She passed the living room, in which Christian noticed. He hurried to his feet, yet was quickly stopped.

"You may not be a mortal, but you are still a male." Seraph spoke with disdain, slamming the bathroom door in his face.

Christian shook his head with annoyance, yet he complied. The guilt riled him up, and he felt the need to somehow mend his relationship with the angel. As of now, she was one of the very few allies he had left in this world. He knew that the demon hierarchy would soon catch up to him, and kill him the first chance they got. Him, along with Serenity.

Christian knew of Serenity's full potential, and how exceedingly dangerous she was. Or, how she was soon to be; whether this was to be foreseen as intentional or not. However, the girl knew naught of any of this. Yet, he and Seraph both knew that the time was upon them to reveal her veracious past and present. Hiding the truth would no longer offer safety to her wellbeing, as it would only worsen the situation for both realms.

It was December 9th, and her internal clock was ticking. Serenity was a ticking time bomb, one that could destroy any and everything that faulted in her path. Which is why Christian sought her out, to use this to his advantage. His intentions were nothing short of selfish, and Seraph discovered this before he was able to continue his plans. But it was never apart of his plan, to place Serenity in the crosshairs of death. 

Seraph opened the bathroom door, and Christian noticed Serenity's body rid of encrusted blood. 

And her clothing. Christian thought.

"Look away!" Seraph hissed.

Christian complied with a snort, and sat on one of the couches displayed. He watched as Seraph carried the girl upstairs. Seraph entered the bedroom belonging to Serenity, and gently set her on the bed. She quickly dressed her, and neatly tucked her into the sheets. Serenity was no longer dying, but she required much rest. It was one of the side effects of being healed for so long, but it couldn't be helped.

All there was to do now, is wait.

Seraph managed to hold enough power within her to create a barrier, surrounding the cottage. Christian constructed a barrier of his own, yet it was not the same as the protective shield the angel produced. His barrier was one of manipulation, a complex illusion that made the cottage disappear, as if the location never existed. It took much of his strength, as the spell was a difficult one to cast. His nose began to bleed, as his power left him. 

"You're a fool to think that you'll ever succeed." 

Christian whipped his head around, and met the hazel eyes of Serenity's guardian. 

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Christian questioned her with a scornful expression.

"You know exactly what I speak of, demon. You are no match for me, nor will you be a match for her. You will never be able to subdue her to perform your dark wishes." Seraph spoke confidently.

Christian rolled his eyes, and wiped the stream of blood that fell from his nostrils. He began walking towards the house, and Seraph followed his footsteps.

"What? You've nothing to say?" Seraph added.

"You know nothing, Seraph. Nothing of what is to come. Nor, what I have dealt with." Christian spat.

"Your troubles mean nothing in comparison to her life. She is the change of both races, and you and I both know this. So, stop the foolishness and cease your pointless plot."

"Or what? You'll pray for me?" Christian retorted snidely. 

Seraph halted, restraining herself from inflicting harm upon him. Her heavenly power would be taken if she were to ever unlawfully break one of the forbidden rules of her kind.

"Fine, Christian. Have your laugh, while you can. You touch her, and I will be sure that I am the one to completely eradicate you from this world." Seraph vocalized, being sure to convey her warning.

Christian retired to his bedroom, and began to undress. There was an in-suite bathroom, which he used graciously. He stepped into the shower, and warming water drenched him. He watched as the bloodied water empty into the drain, and cleansed himself from the scent of Serenity. He cursed himself, still filled with unbridled natural envy of the noble that sullied Serenity's shoulder. It was an uncanny animalistic instinct, to crave her blood. However, this all seemed strange to him. He's never felt the craving to to drink one's blood. He slammed his dampened fist into the shower wall, breaking a tile or two.

How disgustingly vampiristic of me. Christian thought with malice.

He dried himself with a large bath towel, and dressed into a loose-fitted t-shirt and a pair of cotton sweatpants. Laying on the plush mattress, Christian's mind raced with deep thought. Sleeping made him paranoid, and his kind didn't require sleep. He knew if he slept, the possibility of the ones who were after him would reach him in his dreams. Or nightmares, rather. He wasn't the only demon with the ability to dream walk.

Alas, he focused his mind into warding them off and soon drifted to sleep.

Dawn broke out into the sky, the sun's rays touching every landscape in sight. Seraph never slept, mostly because it was difficult for her, given the recent events. She quietly monitored Serenity, who was still immobile. She knew the underlying cause of this, yet Seraph fell tired with worry. Christian was nowhere to be found, who was still asleep within his quarters. 

Seraph accompanied Serenity's bedside once more, and her eyes squinted at her new features. Her hair grew darker by the day, with her adulthood a mere month away. Seraph was ready to face Serenity's wrath once she knew of her secrets. 

I'm so sorry, Serenity...

Seraph was ripped out of her empathetic thoughts, thanks to the noise that sounded from the other side of the door. She rose to her feet, and frowned at who stood on the other side of the four walls.

"You may enter." Seraph finally allowed.

It was revealed to be Christian, who was now dressed in a new attire. He concernedly gazed at the unmoving woman in the bed, who Seraph assertively watched over.

"What do you want, dog?" Seraph said belligerently.

"I mean her no harm, Seraph. I only wish to know of her status." He admitted with a modest look in his eyes.

Seraph studied his expression, yet rolled her eyes in disgust. "She lives, as you can see. She should be waking soon." 

Christian nodded, apparently relieved of the news. He still felt responsible for last night's events, yet he knew there was no reasoning with the angel. Seraph held no mercy in her heart, which seemed unfitting for someone of her kind. Christian faced the door, preparing to leave until he heard the angel clear her throat.

"Make no mistake, demon. I know what you think when you see her. I know you lust after her blood and her power."

He quickly whipped around to properly face Seraph, her scowl burning a hole in him. 

"All it takes is for you to make one ill move, one wrongful intention towards her—and I'll kill you." Seraph spoke in a hushed tone, with the same threatening aura.

Christian gave her smirk, which quickly earned him another frown. "How unholy of you, Seraph. The message is clear."

With those last words, he vacated the room, and trailed downstairs. He continued into the small kitchen, and decided to prepare a generous breakfast for the three of them. 

Seraph took one last glance at Serenity, and sighed. She decided to visit the kitchen in addition, hoping that Serenity will soon awaken in her absence. She was surprised at what she saw next, which caused her to erupt into an uncontrolled fit of laughter.

"You really think that she won't oppose this?" Seraph mockingly asked.

Christian paused, hardly turning to meet Seraph's rude expression. He composed a poker face, and continued mixing together a bowl of dry ingredients. 

"What do you want now, Seraph?" 

Seraph ceased her laughter and brought an annoyed manner to her perfected face. "I don't wish to bother you, dog. I only came in here to find something to eat."

Christian rolled his eyes in disbelief, believing the angel to actually tell a lie. "Well, look around. There's a plentiful amount to last us awhile."

Seraph opted for a granny-smith green apple from the fruit bowl, biting into the crisp fruit. She chewed with care, and gulped down the bite. "And just how long do you mean to trap us here for? You don't really think that your weak illusion will be able to withstand the others? They can already recognize her scent, Christian. We must move soon, and with haste!" 

"I already know this. Believe me, I do. But running around like crazed people will do nothing but get us all killed. I thought you were smarter than that?" 

Seraph slammed the apple down, and her aura glowed furiously. "Do you really wish to feel the wrath of an angel from nobility, dog?" She challenged with a smile.

"Wouldn't that be something to see— an angel losing her temper. And how do you think Serenity would feel about this?"

Seraph nearly swept forward, her anger bubbling to the surface. "I think she couldn't care less if someone of your nature died. If she truly knew of what you were after, she would've killed you herself." 

"And do you actually approve of that? Another first, I see."

"What's going on?"

Both parties froze, and they slowly averted their attention to the figure that hung in the frame of the kitchen. Serenity stood there, eyes wide with curiosity.

"Sera? How did you find us?" Serenity cried, rushing to her best friend.

Christian snorted derisively, being reminded that Serenity's memories are absent of recent events. This earned him another expression of born of hatred, from the angel of light. 

"Serenity, please sit down. There's much to discuss." The woman explained, closely watching Serenity seat herself onto a stool. 

Serenity's eyes trailed between the two, and she worried of what she was soon to hear. 

"You almost died, Serenity. Last night, another demon attacked you." Seraph added.

The girl's brows rose in surprise, astonished with the news she'd been given. Christian made his appearance by stepping forward, while clearing his throat. Seraph and Serenity quickly glanced towards him, awaiting for his part in this. 

"He was a demon of nobility. One who was sent here to kill you, and  me." He added.

"Nobility? L-Like royalty?" Serenity pondered.

"Precisely. However, he wasn't of the highest order. Thankfully." Seraph spoke with relief.

"Wait, wait—how do you fit into all of this?" Serenity questioned, pointing straight at Seraph.

Seraph sighed, and grabbed Serenity's hands, placing them into hers. She peered up, as she was being closely watched  by the girl. 

Too curious, you are. Seraph thought.

"Serenity, I'm... I'm not who you think I am. Sera isn't even my actual name, but more of an abbreviated version of it."

Seraph paused, awaiting any interruption. But for once, Serenity remained quiet. Which is what began to frighten her. 

"I am Seraph. I am a divine being, one who can project cleansing light and restoration. Serenity, I am an angel."

Serenity's arms went limp and fell to her sides, her small hands slipping from Seraph's. All she knew was gone, and her reality was one that seemed fictional.

"An... Angel? So you are like, sworn enemies with him?" Serenity asked, giving an awkward glance in Christian's direction.

This made the fretful angel chuckle, giving her a warm smile. "Yes, that's politically correct. However, we are both in need of each other's assistance in order to protect you." She explained, full of disdain.

"Protect me? From what? I can't seem to get any answers from him, so can't you tell me? Is it from who killed my parents?" 

Seraph nodded. "Yes. It appears they are the one common enemy, of all three of us. They threaten your existence, which is in return threatening me. I am your guardian, after all."

Serenity naturally c****d her head to the side, so many questions popping into her head. "Why, though? None of this makes any sense, so just skip all of the pointless foreshadowing! Just please, Sera. Don't treat me like a child, I know better."

Seraph met eyes with Christian, who silently agreed with her next notions. "Very well, Serenity. I am your appointed guardian, by your maternal mother and father."

Serenity heart briefly stopped, a sharp pain filling her temples. "Maternal? So it's  true..." She began to mutter to herself. 

"I'm afraid so. Serenity, you are not a human. Whatever Christian has told you, isn't exactly all wrong."

"So I am an abomination...?" Serenity frowned.

"Again, you are politically correct. You are what they call, a hybrid race. Your blood mingles between both races, of angelic and demonic traits. Your true parentage is of an angel Princess and a demon Prince." Seraph explained with care.

Serenity was astounded with this news, still so unaware of what this all actually meant. She knew Sera wasn't one to lie, yet she wanted so desperately for this to all be fake. She stared hard into her best friend's eyes, who just so happened to admit to being inhuman. 

This is all too much.

"I know, it's a lot to take in. But I tell no lies, as I can only project the truth. You are a hybrid, the forbidden race that was conceived from a forbidden love." Seraph continued.

Forbidden? So I was an accident?  Serenity thought with a frown spreading across her expression.

"Your parents fell in love, but all in secrecy. They met long ago, before this world was created. However, their secret affairs were discovered, and so were you. Your mother would've died for you, Serenity. To this very day, she suffers from the curse that was placed upon her to prevent her from ever contacting you." 

"What do you mean by cursed? Like witches cast?"

Christian chuckled, yet quickly turned quiet as Seraph sent him a glare of disapproval. Returning her attention to Serenity, she continued.

"Unlike angels, demons possess the ability to relay curses unto others: mortals and immortals alike. Seeing as how your mother is an immortal being, the curse had to be one that would punish her dearly for the rest of her immortal life."

"The curse of contradiction." Christian interrupted, face gloom as he spoke.

"Yes— the vile curse of contradiction. This was the ultimate punishment, and she still suffers from its effects."

"What does it do, exactly?" Serenity asked concernedly. 

"The curse's effects are simple, just as its name: those she cares for will die if ever makes physical contact." Seraph explained.

Serenity grew cold, sadness filling her whole. She never thought that she could feel more terrible, yet she was gravely mistaken. She felt responsible for her mother's suffering, and she wished she had the power to save her.

"So if she doesn't love anyone, then no one will ever die?" 

Christian and Seraph nodded in unison. Serenity peered between the two, her glance focusing on one then the other.

"Serenity, there's another aspect of all of this that you must know." Seraph added.

She paused, and the continued. "Your powers aren't present. As of right now, you are a mortal. Which is why those of the court are trying their best to kill you. But on your eighteenth birthday, you will finally reach immortality."

Immortality? What the hell?

"How does being eighteen have anything to do with this?" Serenity demanded, full of uncertainty.

"It is a sign of maturity in humans, therefore your mother decided to cast away your powers until this day. As I was instructed to be your guardian, I was given the task to give you rebirth. I have the power of restoration, along with other devices. It was not easy, to say the least." 

"Is that how we grew up together? Is that why you've always been by my side?" Serenity asked her tearfully.

Seraph returned with a similar expression, one bearing sorrow and hardship. She was ordered by her Princess to be reborn into the human world, to grow up alongside Serenity. To protect her, at all costs. And she still couldn't find it in her heart to abandon her.

"Yes, Serenity. And I will always be by your side." 

Those last few words finally caused Serenity to spill tears, yet these weren't of unhappiness. She was overjoyed, filled with a heartwarming sense of cherishment. 

"I love you so much, Sera." Serenity exclaimed, rushing into the angel's arms.

Seraph was surprised by the sudden physical contact, but she quickly returned the gesture. She pulled Serenity away, and stroked the falling tears from her youthful face. "And I, you."

This made the girl smile, yet this soon was overcome with a poker face. She met the gaze of Christian, who seemed to continue with his earlier attempt to cook breakfast. 

"How exactly do you play a part in all of this?" says Serenity.

"It's too much to explain." was all he said.

"And I've got plenty of time. I need to know." Serenity pushed, her voice stern.

Christian paused, and wiped his hands clean with a random kitchen towel. And turned and face her, making perfect eye contact.

"The kingdom of your father's court wants me dead." 

"Dead? You can die? I thought you were-" says Serenity, yet Christian interrupted.

"No. Demons and angels both are born; both races are essentially cut from the same cloth." Christian stopped, just as Seraph gave him a harsh glance.

"We do age, it's just decelerated. However, this is only leads to a full life of immortality if a demon or angel finds their mate." he said.

This lead to Serenity full of surprise, a bit taken back by his choice of words. "Mate? Is this the prehistoric era?" She snorted.

Christian shook his head in disapproval, and walked around the center island where she sat. "You know exactly what I speak of. It's what you humans call, 'a soulmate'. Whatever that storybook bullshit preaches of."

A soulmate? 

Serenity has never once thought of the word, yet she knew such held so much meaning. Perhaps this is why should never find someone to call her soulmate. Her life was already planned, however it was projected to end in disaster. Was she ever meant to find such a thing?

"Which is how this fool became acquainted in our company." Seraph added.

Christian's vision snapped to the angel's, both seeming to hold scornful thoughts towards the other. "You do not dare speak of this as if you know."

"I know plenty, dog. Plenty to turn you in myself, if I wanted." Seraph retorted with a devious grin.

"Stop arguing, please. Just— someone, tell me what's happened." said Serenity, becoming impatient. 

The demon and angel exchanged annoyed expressions, yet Seraph knew Christian should've been the one to continue.

"I was a commoner, and I fell in love with a woman of nobility. It was another forbidden love, yet not as cruel as your mother and father's. Her name was Alexandria, and she was betrothed since birth; as this is quite normal for those of royal blood." says Christian, awaiting for Serenity's brooding questions.

Serenity shook her head, and allowed him to continue. She felt sympathetic thoughts wash over her, as the solace in Christian's eyes haunted him.

"I was madly in love with her. We met in secrecy a few times, nothing more than platonic talk. I dreamt of breathing the same air as her, but she was a prize so far from my reach. Her betrothed, discovered our brief meetings, by one of the court's maids. He was furious, and in a wild rage. He soon confronted me, and brought along Alexandria to witness. Of course, I lied; I only wished to conceal our love. Or, so I thought we both would."

Christian paused, and his eyes fell to his lap, studying his hands. "Alexandria was a temptress, who betrayed me all along. She was the one to tell  him of our meetings, and they both cornered me. In the end, I was attacked by him. I couldn't allow myself to die, especially over a woman that never loved me in return. So I fought back, and I fought hard. It wasn't a choice I could make, as I would've rather walking away from them both. But in the end, I had to kill him."

It all makes sense now, Serenity thought.

"How awful." Serenity spoke softly, almost in a whisper. 

Christian fixated his eyes on the girl, detailing her woeful expression. He felt her emotions pour into his own wellbeing, as she continued to stare at him with sadness. He felt no pity, which he was grateful for.

"And so, this is why they want me dead. I killed one of their own in self-defense, yet I have been framed," He continued matter-of-factly.

"You can't take them to court and prove your innocence?" 

Christian chuckled lightly, yet his eyes read his soul was doleful. Serenity wished she could understand his heartache, yet she couldn't. She lacked intimacy, and the only love she's known is of her family.

"Others of my kind are not nearly as lenient and friendly as I." He explained.

Serenity couldn't help but feel so powerless, knowing someone was suffering. She knew that Christian couldn't be lying, either. 

Why else would he seem to sad?

"So, you ran away from home? That's not going to solve anything, you know," says Serenity.

"Again, I grew up in a different sort of time. You may not be from human blood, but you grew up with them. If I would've stayed, they would've killed me as if it was nothing," Christian explains bitterly.

A shiver travelled down Serenity's spine, flinching at how easily his life meant nothing to those he lived around. 

Were things that bad? She thought.

"Enough with the chatter, Christian. Serenity shall not continue to pity you."  

"I-I'm not pitying him!" Serenity stuttered shyly.

Seraph rolled her eyes, and scanned over her features. "I know this is new to you, but I'm literally an angel. I can feel your emotions for him." 

The blush deepened in Serenity's face, with Christian snorting in return. Serenity and Christian's gaze whipped back to Seraph's, who angrily glared at the demon. 

"Did I ask for pity?" Christian asked, exacerbated. 

"You don't need to ask for it; your actions speak for themselves. Do not forget that I still do not trust you."

Christian rolled his eyes, and awarded her a conniving grin. "So natural for someone such as you. But you forget, I don't care."

Christian continued his earlier duties, cooking breakfast. He knew his goals would be easier to reach if Seraph wasn't present. Yet, he wasn't strong enough to get rid of her. However, he knew that Seraph held a special place within Serenity's heart. 

Either way, I'm trapped. Christian thought.

He concocted a scheme to eventually subdue Serenity, and use her unmuddied powers to doom those who plotted to kill him. Those who still plot to kill him.  His plan wasn't completely foolproof, yet he had no other choice but to depend heavily on what he's known. Yet, time was of essence, and they would be found soon. Seraph and Christian inspected their barriers, being sure there were no stray hairline cracks. One slip up, and it could be their lives.

Christian managed to cook several pancakes, each fluffy and delicious. Serenity graciously ate to her heart's content, yet Seraph remained suspicious.

"I wouldn't poison food, you know." says Christian.

Seraph unhappily huffed in response, and decided on the latter. She devoured two of the hotcakes, and retired to the living room. Serenity and Christian still sat in the kitchen, sitting across from the other. They both ate in silence, but Serenity couldn't help but look up. The curiosity ate at her mind, and numerous questions lingered on her lips.

"Cat got your tongue?" 

Serenity coughed, and began to choke on the few bites that she chewed. She quickly forced down the food with a gulp of orange juice, being sure to not also choke on it. Christian noticed her absent-minded stare, and waited until Serenity composed herself.

Wiping her mouth with a paper napkin, she averted her attention to him. "Whatever do you mean?"

"You had a look that read 'I want to ask you something'. So, go on; ask." Christian replied, voice nearly purring with anticipation. 

Serenity gulped, slightly intimidated. 

Maybe if he was ugly, small talk wouldn't be so hard...

"I... Can't." 

Christian frowned, sitting back into his chair. "Why's that?"

"It's too personal. And I don't like personal things." Serenity concluded, standing from the table.

Christian mimicked her actions, and watched her more intently. "A question is a question. If we're going to be hunted down like animals, we may as well know more about each other."

Hunted down like animals. Oh yeah, people want to kill me now; how could I forget.

Serenity shook her head in disbelief, fighting an internal battle with herself. She'd usually clam up in fear, but she knew she couldn't do that anymore. If what was told to her was factual, then why should she be scared? She had to put a brave face on, for the sake of her adopted parents and her real parents.

"What does it feel like? To love?" 

Christian halted in his steps, halfway to the kitchen sink. He nearly dropped his plate, but he reflexes quickly came into effect.

"Love? What do you mean?" says Christian.

Serenity washes her plate, along with the other dirtied dishes that piled on the left side of the sink. Her cheeks flushed with pink, causing her head to hang low in embarrassment.

"Exactly that: love. The intimacy, everything." 

"Everything?"

Serenity nodded, with her back turned. She felt Christian watching her, yet she didn't dare to face him. The uneasiness she felt was too strong, and she quickly regretted her question.

"Before I tell you, can I ask you why? Why do you want to know?" Christian breathed, standing close to her.

Too close.

Serenity's heart pounded, and she slowly inched further away to alleviate the stress of close proximity. Talking about such topics always made her heart race, but this one moment was too much for her to bear.

"If I'm going to die, and if I do— I want to know how it feels. To fall in love."

Christian gaped at her request, yet he knew she was serious. He hadn't known this girl for long, but he felt as if he could resonate with her. Perhaps their personalities weren't too contrasting.

"Explaining isn't enough. You actually have to experience it, to fully understand." says Christian.

"I know, but. I want to know." Was all Serenity managed to say.

Releasing a sigh, Christian begins to towel dry the dishes Serenity already cleaned. "It's beautiful. Being in love is easily one of the best things you could ever feel, whether in this realm or the next. But being loved, is another thing. Which I cannot say I've known."

Serenity felt saddened, flashbacks of the earlier conversations making memoirs within her head. "She never loved you?"

"Alexandria? No." He replied flatly.

Christian made a small stack of plates, as Serenity continued to wash the remaining few dishes. "She deceived me. It was all part of some sick joke to display to the kingdom. I meant nothing to her, and now she means nothing to me."

Serenity winced at his harsh words, but he was right to feel that way. He was played as a common fool, holding his heart on his sleeve for her to have. 

"Do you really mean that?" said Serenity.

"If I want to survive, I need to mean it." says Christian, expression gloom.

"You hold a heavy burden, Christian. And I'm so sorry that I can't understand your pain."

Christian's mood shifted to one of cool and collected, yet he knew why he suddenly felt the change. Serenity's empathetic traits from her angelic mother shone through, and he felt stunned for a moment. He allowed her emotions to transfer to his mindset, and he briefly felt calm. 

Yet, it enraged him.

"But wait, if demons and angels gain immortality by finding their mate, then... You're still aging."

Christian nodded in response, a bit taken back by the girl's intuitive behavior. 

"Then, how old are you?" asked Serenity.

"I'm a couple hundred years old. Actually, I'm 224 years old to be exact."

Serenity's eyes widened in shock, for such an age to be within the triple digits. Christian's features remained youthful, which made it even harder for her to believe.

Perhaps this all really is just some elaborate dream...

"That isn't very old, for my kind." Christian quickly added.

Serenity formed her lips in an O shape, and turned off the faucet. She dried her hands, and surveyed her work. Christian was nearly finished with drying the few pieces of silverware she washed.

Serenity quietly excused herself from the room, and travelled to the bedroom she once slept so heavily in. Seraph watched her from the loveseat, and then watched as Christian entered the room. Serenity closed the bedroom door behind herself, and flopped onto the bed. She stretched, and remained in the awkward spread. She stared up at the roof of the bed's canopy frame, wishing there were answers etched into its material. 

Serenity felt the world collapse onto her shoulders, being as how everything she once thought was normal, wasn't. Fiction and reality crashed into one, the supernatural dissolving the life she always thought she'd have. After speaking with Christian, she was reminded that everyone suffers. Somehow, someway. And she couldn't afford for anyone else she cared about to suffer, especially for her sake.