The Soul Bounder

chapter six: for who could ever learn to love a beast

chapter six: for who could ever learn to love a beast

Several days passed, and it felt like years. Seraph and Christian inspected their barriers, being sure there were no stray hairline cracks. One slip up, and it could be their lives. 

Christian's nose bled the darkest of blood, draining himself of energy to regenerate the illusion barrier. He closely observed his spell, carefully casting it so no one other than the three of them to enter the grounds. He wiped his nose, and Seraph appeared before him. She quickly produced a pale blue handkerchief, thanks to her sly powers. Christian quietly accepted the gesture, and cleaned his bloodied hands. 

"Such a weakness to have, you know. Especially to be a demon." says Seraph.

Christian glared at the angel, and stuffed the stained cloth into his pants pocket. "I'm well aware."

Seraph shook her head. "You're not strong enough. You overexert yourself just from creating barriers, so how do you expect to exact revenge upon the court?"

"You already know, Seraph. So why ask again?"

"Because I want you to admit it. I want Serenity to hear it."

Serenity was fast asleep, as she was still human and sleep was still the daily requirement. It was roughly three in the morning, and the Washington air was brisk. Ice developed over the wet grass, only making the scenery seem colder. Every day, for the past six days, the two surveyed the surrounding areas. Surprisingly enough, not a soul was near, except for the typical wildlife. 

"I'm not stupid enough to do something like that." Christian said, his jaw clenched.

"Oh? I beg to differ, dog." Seraph insulted.

Christian's irises shifted from grey to red, a few spots still remaining the lightened color. "I've told you to cease the immature nicknames. Why don't you just tell the girl herself?" He spat.

Seraph chuckled, seeming to be pleased at how agitated she's made her opponent. "Because that is out of my angelic jurisdiction. Besides, she wouldn't... Believe me."

The red vermillion pigmentation of his eyes paled into the typical grey, confusion intertwined with slight anger. Christian wasn't sure if the angel was being guile, or truthful.

"Believe me? How do you mean?"

I shouldn't have mentioned anything, Seraph thought with grief spreading across her face.

"Serenity seems to have a slight... Liking towards you? If that's what'd  you like to call it."

"Liking? What does that mean?" Christian pushed questionably.

Seraph produced a frown on her bright features. The dog is getting cocky, Serenity. 

"The girl doesn't seem to despise you like most, so consider yourself lucky. I will never like you, and if I could, I'd remove you from this realm with my power."

Christian frowned in displeasure, however he returned those same feelings of disdain towards Seraph. He'd been on Earth for a few years, and he'd never become accustomed to human emotions. Emotions of his kind were all the same: lust, hate, greed, etc. All the proper sins that were the norm for his kind. He'd thought he felt something related to love. Oh but lust? He's felt lust, indulging in the sin multiple times. Demons were stereotypically sinful, and that was something that couldn't be helped. It was etched in Christian's veins to act upon his dark desires. He sometimes wished he could relate to other emotions, such as sadness and hope. But he knew that it was a dream that will never come to pass.

"Believe me, I have no liking towards you either." Christian finally said.

"Good. I just hope we remain to have the same understanding." says Seraph.

The two trailed inside the cottage, sealing the door with a combination of spells. Serenity couldn't help but find a quick hatred towards mostly staying indoors. However, she knew of the predicament her life was in. She tried to display how grateful she was towards Seraph and Christian, yet the sadness still lingered in her chest.

Christian retreated into his substantially sized bedroom, and quietly shut the door behind him. Seraph hardly ever slept, but for some reason she felt it was required this morning. Christian removed the dirtied handkerchief from his pocket, and laid in on the bathroom counter. He stretched before his bed, then slowly settled into it. Lately, he seemed to be fond of sleeping. He was able to dreamscape to Serenity, where the ears of a particular angel weren't present. Dream-walking was only a trait of demon-kind, unlike angels. Their powers involved purification, and things alike. 

Christian drifted to sleep, hoping to reach Serenity's inner conscience.

Christian found himself outside, the fresh air coolly pressing against his face. The brush of the shrubbery clawed at his clothing as he walked by, seeming to familiarize himself with his surroundings. He was outside of the quaint cottage he called home, yet the scenery seemed to be safer than the one in reality. He found Serenity sitting on a bench in the fenceless backyard, surrounded by frosted flowers and numerous dead plants. She seemed to be reading, which seemed peculiar to Christian. 

Still reading, even while asleep, He thought quaintly. 

"Do you have something to say?" spoke Serenity, yet her eyes remained on her book.

"Perhaps. Why do you read 24/7?" says Christian.

Serenity soundly closed her book, the pages splaying together as she met the eyes of the person before her. She studied his features, searching for the recognizable sarcasm she'd sadly grown accustomed to.

He isn't actually a person, duh. Serenity thought to herself.

"Reading is knowledge, you know. And it's really all I have, lately. My only escape from realty." Serenity explained, eyes full of sadness.

Meeting Christian in her dreams was one of the few breaks she was allowed from the small home. She felt imprisoned, yet she knew it was all for the sake of her safety. She was exhausted from staying in one place, and she desired to move forward; however dangerous it may have sounded to the others.

"I know. And... I'm sorry." Christian answered regrettably. 

"You're sorry? Wow, that's a shock." Serenity nearly snorted with amusement.

"Don't become too comfortable with me saying that." Christian smiled lightly in return.

This earned a frown from Serenity, and she stood up from the metal bench. She left her book in place of where she sat, knowing that it was nearly impossible for anyone other than Christian to steal it.

"What day even is it? Do you even keep up with human time?" asked Serenity.

Christian nodded. "It's Sunday, the fifteenth of December."

Serenity sighed, full of disbelief at how slow time seemed to progress. Lately, her days became longer, and the nights grow colder. Each day that passed, was a short-lived miracle that she's survived. The guilt occasionally eats at her troubled head, always being reminded how hard Christian and Seraph are pushed to secure her safety. She always offered to help in any way possible, but it all was within limitation.

"I want to explore this place, Christian. The house seems so lonely, and I can't bear another second." 

Christian shook his head in disagreement. He attempted to be responsible, even if his own selfish ploys were sitting in the back of his head. 

"You know you can't." 

"Well, I don't care anymore! Day by day, I sit in my room and wonder what's going on in the world. I miss going to school, I miss my photography... Hell, I even miss doing homework! I just. Can't do this anymore." Serenity replied sadly.

"It doesn't matter what you want, Serenity. We were instructed to protect you, and that is what we must do; at all costs." Christian replied.

Serenity's eyes squinted, skeptical of his response. "Oh? And what you mean 'we'? Seraph told me who ordered her to find me, but what about you? How do you play a role in all of this?"

Serenity's voice shook as she finally spoke the angel's true name, only knowing her by another. Her sanity was being tested, and she no longer wanted a part in the cruel life of confinement that was unfairly promised to her.

"I... It doesn't matter. I owe you no explanation." Christian flatly told her.

Serenity lurched forward, nearly getting into Christian's face. She was no longer fearful of the consequences that faced her, which would soon become an issue.

"You owe me no explanation? Christian, I know nothing about you! For six whole days, no— for eight days, I've sat around. With no answers, and with no progression of where this so called enemy is! And you have the nerve to tell me that you owe me nothing?" 

For once, Christian had nothing to say. He watched the tears threaten to roll down her face, and he decided he didn't want to see her face. He turned his back, but he was welcomed with a harsh twist on his arm. He froze, as he would usually respond with a grimace or rip his arm away. But this time, he didn't. He could feel Serenity's heartbeat through the palm of her hand, in which still tightly gripped his forearm. He knew she was crying, but he couldn't afford to allow himself to be softened by something as simple as human emotions.

It's her powers, even in this dream state. The empathy is nothing short of her doing. All because of her touch...

"Christian, I'm so scared. I'm so f*****g scared, and I don't even know who I am anymore." Serenity breathed, her voice quaking.

"So please. Tell me anything. Because I feel like I'll actually lose it if someone doesn't."

Her touch was loosened, and she finally released him. Christian still had his back to her, which gave Serenity some privacy to alleviate her feelings. Feelings she built up until now, springing into the air like party confetti. 

"I... I want to go home. I miss everything that was so normal. I miss being normal— I want to be normal." She continued.

"You aren't normal. And you'll never be normal." said Christian, his voice low in contrast to Serenity's.

She sniffled, cleaning her face of tears. She knew her face was boisterously red, full of distraught. Her hands shook, and her head pounded with ache. 

"I know."

A few moments passed, and everything was quiet. Serenity was once so afraid of the quiet, and now she was beyond exhausted of it. She wished she could go back into time, and change a few minor aspects of her life. Those few things would further in major points in her life, leading up to this very moment. Christian cleared his throat, and turned to face the upset girl. 

"I can't take you outside of those walls while awake, but here I can."

Serenity perked up, and she managed to crack a crooked smile. "If that's all I have, then sure."

Christian guided Serenity through a pattern of trails, mostly man made. The path was hidden from those who didn't notice at first glance, but Christian knew it well. An array of green skidded across Serenity's eyes in wonderment, the numerous shades catching her attention. A gathering of juniper trees were scattered all over the heavily wooded area, almost bearing the same feel as her childhood getaway. Finally, Christian ended the tour at a hemlock tree, towering several feet over them. The tree was obviously aged, the various knots randomizing over its old bark. Christian leaned into the tree, which took the girl by surprise. In which, he next twisted something that resembled a knob. He lightly pushed forward, and darkness enveloped him, leaving Serenity alone in the dreamt-up forest.

"Hello? Christian?"

A hand popped through the natural doorway, inviting Serenity to grab on. "Take my hand, the steps are quite steep." 

Serenity gasped, and took his hand without question. He pulled her through, and the darkness also encased her, but only briefly. She made haste to develop her eyes with the newly found light, that swallowed her whole from the dark. Christian stood beside her, and a short staircase sat before them.

Christian guided her down the steps, taking her one with care. Finally meeting the bottom, Serenity's eyes brightened with the sight that captured her. 

"Oh, it's simply marvelous!" 

An enormous amount of books were stacked high on shelves, from floor to ceiling. The ceiling was delicately painted with ancient depictions, similar to those of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Ladders stood in archways, a tool to reach the elevated novels. A second story led to another unreal floor of books. Serenity gaped in amazement, simply too stunned to speak. She could only gawk with wonder, and how much she appreciated the sentiment Christian displayed.

"This is...Incredible. What is this place?" Serenity breathed.

"A library of sorts. I know reading is a hobby of yours, so I thought this place would suit you well. However, it's just a place that you can access through your dreams."

Oh, I am asleep, aren't I?  Serenity thought.

"This seems all too real, to be just a dream. It's unbelievably wonderful. Thank you for showing  this to me." Serenity spoke softly towards the end, hoping the man didn't hear her.

For once, Christian grinned and not with devious intent. He watched as Serenity paced across the grand room, her feet gently tapping against the glossed marble tile. Serenity discovered the next floor, and found a section of romance novellas. Romance was one of her favorite genres, and she couldn't get enough. She never grew tired to read about two people falling madly in love.

Serenity scanned across rows of books, each displayed with a diversity of embellished frames. Finally, she found a classic story she'd never read, yet was too familiar with: "The Beauty and the Beast". She picked the book up, sliding the book's spine from its tight placing on the shelf. The extensively crafted library reminded her of the tale as old as time story. 

"Have you ever read this?" Serenity asked Christian.

Christian shook his head in response, which caused Serenity to frown. "Why not? It's a classic!"

"Immortals don't have libraries filled with stories such as that. We only possess books of knowledge."

"Knowledge? That's it? How boring."

Christian nodded in silence. "We don't require the same entertainment as humans. We simply thrive from learning."

"Learning is great and all, but having fun is well... Fun?"

Christian rolled his eyes, but without the same repugnance he'd usually feel. He felt warm, almost... Giddy? 

"Well if that's the case, tell me what it's about." He decided, as they both sat down at a nearby table.

Serenity gave a puzzled look, almost surprised that he cared enough to ask. She quickly replaced the expression with one of excitement. "Well, it's a romance. About two people, that are literal opposites."

Opposites? How convenient. Like you and I. Christian thought.

"Enlighten me, then. How are these two people such opposites?" Christian questioned further.

"Okay, so the two characters: Belle and the Beast, basically fall in love with each. But as the title suggests, he's a beast. A literal beast, in physical form." She explained.

Christian's brows perched at the sound of that. "How does one fall in love with a beast, Serenity?" 

Serenity's breath hitched, hopefully unnoticed. The way he asked her, along with the his watching gaze followed hers. It was all becoming too much, but she couldn't understand why. "In the story, Belle is a quiet bookworm. She cares so deeply for her loved ones to the point of sacrifice, and puts others before herself. And the beast, well. He's an asshole, to put it simply."

"I see. So this asshole, as you've said, gathers the attention of this generous woman. Doesn't she care that he's a beast?" 

The redheaded girl's eyes fell onto the table, her hands smoothing over the cover of the book. Her heart lurched as he spoke, remembering the pained expression on his face as he spoke about his lost love. What was love? Why did people care so much about it to write it into their stories? If it was so important, why hasn't she felt this feeling before? 

Oh yeah, because my fate was already decided for me.

"No, she doesn't. Which makes the story so much more refreshing, because looks aren't everything." Serenity finally explained.

Christian lips flattened into a sullen expression, displeased with her answer. "Such a foolish notion. How is that refreshing, for a pure hearted person to fall in love with such a horrid creature." 

"Because in the end... She realized he wasn't so horrible after all." 

Christian snorted in response, then tapped his fingers on the book. "Well, go on. The book isn't going to read itself."

Serenity's eyes widened, realizing his request. "You can't even bother to read it yourself?"

"You spoke so highly of such a book, that it seemed like you wanted to read it to me." He replied with a smirk.

Serenity straightened her back in the chair, trying her hardest to not give him the same smile he'd given her. 

Such a rare thing, for Christian to smile.

"Well, since you insist. Listen up, and listen close." 

The day progressed into the afternoon, Serenity and Christian both waking at the same time earlier in the day. The three spent the day tidying up the already neatened home, surveying the area, exploring each nook and cranny. Of course, Serenity remained indoors during the surveying portion, leaving a sour taste in her mouth. She kept thinking about her dream, and how wonderful it was to look forward to sleep. Although it was all faux, Serenity felt comforted during the dream walking. Christian paid no mind to her once awake, which confused the girl. Perhaps he wanted to keep his word to Seraph, and leave minimal contact to her. 

Another decision that was made for her, without her permission. 

Christian sat in the study of the cottage, another gracious perk of setting up at that particular property. He researched for the next place to conceal their whereabouts, being sure to not exhaust the resources he had at his disposal. He intended to stay put until it became too unsafe for Serenity to remain there, only to mask her scent from their common enemy. However, his enemies would arise faster than hers, loathing the idea of Christian being alive. He knew the demonic court would continue to relentlessly hunt him down. But he also knew that they'd appoint their advantages upon Serenity once they realized who she was. 

Seraph brushed through unruly red tresses, attempting to correct Serenity's bedhead. The girl never seemed to care much for her hair, but it was nothing short of beautiful to Seraph. It was the symbol of her bloodline, her natural boldness shining through. 

"Sera, can you tell me how I got my name? If you even know that, I mean." Serenity pondered.

Seraph placed the hairbrush to the side, lacing her fingers through her endless locks. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt for you to know." She teased.

"Do you know the true definition of the word, Serenity?" Seraph continued, beginning to divide the girl's hair into three sections. 

"Um... It's being calm, right?" She asked.

Seraph nodded, roping together the three sections of red hair into an elegant French braid. "Precisely, but the exact reason lies deeper than that. It also means peace, which signifies your existence."

Existence?

"Your parentage is proof that the bonding of two completely diverse races, can come to terms of peace. Your birth should've been a prime example of peace, displaying how enemies can unify if they actually tried to."

"But... How? Seems a bit contradicting to me. Everyone is out to get me because of said union." Serenity replied bitterly.

Seraph secured the end of the braid with a hair tie, placing a few stray strands of hair behind the girl's ear. Serenity finally turned to face the angel, awaiting for her explanation.

"Contradicting, yes. But that wasn't how your parents felt about you. Whenever your mother gave birth to you, she was the happiest I'd ever seen her. She shone bright because she was so in love with your father, and shone her brightest the very moment she first held you." 

Serenity bit her lip, sadness creeping upon her. She mourned for the loss of her family, both the adopted parents and her biological ones. She felt appalled with herself, for causing them all to get hurt at her expense.

"Please don't feel despair, Serenity. You are a gift to both sides, and they'll comes to realize it one day."

"And when will that be? Whenever they finally find us, and get rid of me?" Serenity spoke with disdain.

"I won't let them touch you, 'rena. But once your powers awaken, no one will be able to." 

Serenity smiled at the sound of her best friend calling her by the nickname she'd had her whole life, enjoying the smallest hints of normalcy she once felt. But that was quickly overcome with fear. Fear for what was to come, knowing what awaits for her in the near future.