『 I Won't Run Anymore』

Part 34 - Rabbit

I trudged down the halls of the school, classes had finally ended and I don't think I've ever been more grateful for the day to be over. I was teaching the kids to flambé and... let's just say some are not meant to work with fire; ever. I sighed heavily and looked out the window and into the cloudy grey skies, I was planning on going to the book store today but I don't trust the weather to hold up until I get back... I suppose I could see what else Mephisto's library has to offer. I made my decision as I headed up to the roof for Faust mansion just as the rain had begun to mist over the area. I ran inside, taking cover quickly from the fine rain that somehow seems to drench you.

"Hello?"

My voice echoed around the empty halls, no hide nor hair of the demon brothers. Mephisto must still be working and Amaimon must be out somewhere. I smiled at the luck I had and ran up to the library, content with the peace I will be getting. Once in the cold room I browsed my fingers over the books, searching for one to spike my interest and take me away into an imagination land; away from this world of demons and Vatican.

"Alice in wonderland..."

I pulled the thick book from the shelf and smiled nostalgically down at the worn old cover. Mum used to read this to me when I was a child and I always believed one day I would go down that rabbit hole and into a world of wonder and outlandish things. Well, I went down the rabbit hole alright; and into a world of demons, death and pain.

"Belle?"

I turned my head at the sudden voice, annoyed that my peaceful afternoon had just been interrupted.

"I thought you were working."

"I was, but I got finished early. Why are you crying my dear?"

I reached my hand up to brush against my cheek, feeling the moist tear that stained the skin. I hadn't realised it fall from my eye being so lost in thought.

"I don't know."

"I spoke with the Vatican."

I tilted my head at the male, happy that he changed the subject and curious about what had happened. Did they send Mrs. Takanaka after me?

"It seems that your old boss was acting of her own accord. She believes that you should be disposed of and went against Vatican orders. She will be punished and cause you no father trouble."

I fell back against the bookshelf, feeling the old worn leather pressing into my upper back as I lent against it for support. I don't know if it was from shock of his term disposed of, or relief that I will be left alone after this. Probably a mix of both.

"Are you alright belle?"

"Yes, thank you for this Mephisto."

I glanced down at the book in my hands and turned to place it back on the shelf, suddenly no longer in the mood to read. A gloved hand gripped my wrist and pulled it back, lowering it to my side as I turned my eyes up to meet evergreen ones.

"You keep the book Belle."

"Oh, I couldn't do that. It's yours."

Mephisto gestured around the library almost smugly with a tilt of his head.

"I have books galore my dear!~ I'm certain I won't miss one, and you seem to be so taken by it. Please, think of it as a gift.~"

He pressed his previously flailing hand onto my free one and wrapped it around the book before pushing gently onto both of my arms to press the large object close to my chest. I smiled up at the male as he caressed his thumbs over the thin skin of my wrists.

"Thank you."

I stepped back away from the male and drew my eyes downcast to avoid the stare he was giving me. He looked dishearten that I had backed away, but then again did it really matter?

"Mephisto, this human body..."

I clacked my tongue against the roof of my mouth to moisten it, suddenly feeling dry at the sentence I had just said. This human body... I... am a monster now aren't I?

"Yes Belle?"

"I will age and... no, nothing... forget I said anything."

'Don't go.'

I walked around the demon and marched my way out of the library, no longer interested in what I had to say. I was a demon, but I will still age like a human. It seemed kind of unfair... but did I really want an eternity? No, I guess not. An eternity living as I am, running from the Vatican, trapped in this city. I walked out into the front garden, taking in the crisp cold air as the rain pelted down onto the pavement, the canopy protecting me from the icy pins but giving me the joy of watching and hearing it in the open.

'Go back inside...'

"You filthy vermin..."

A harsh push on my back forced me from my feet and onto the cold ground, the book sliding from my hands and out into the rain.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?!"

'Run!'