Read The Demons Demise :: Akuma (Part 2)

Lex’s eyes blinked open as he blankly stared at the open space around him and the white ceiling above him. He sat in the bed and rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand and rubbed his nose which had begun to itch. He got out of bed and felt hot and sweaty; his clothes clinging to him like a pet with separation anxiety. “Anouke?” He yawned and covered his mouth with his hand – one of the mannerisms he had learnt with his time spent with Anouke.

His wings suddenly sprouted out from his back and he looked at them, turning his head as far back as it would go. There was only one singular scale of red on the right wing. His left wing was full of fluffy white feathers – a dark shade – and his right wing was filled with darkened white scales, the singular red scale with his demonic subconscious halting the progress of the perfect, white, soft feathers to grow.

He opened the door of Anouke’s room and entered the living room sheepishly. Anouke was resting peacefully on the couch. His eyes enlarged as he realized where he was and let out a little gasp which had Anouke waking straight up, on alert. He span around and saw Lex standing there, tail with a triangular tip swishing around and his wings drooped. They stared awkwardly at each other for a moment and they could almost hear their own heartbeats violently thumping, beginning to race from the anticipation and tension of the situation.

Anouke’s feathers shivered and his golden eyes watched his with pure contentment. Lex’s vivacity flooded back into his body though he didn’t move – he felt alive. He felt happy. Anouke’s shoulders drooped as he began to tear up. “Hey, Lex..!” He whimpered.
“So, you’re awake?” Anouke said and Lex stepped forwards. He rounded the couch but tripped over in his rush and he grunted. Anouke came over to him quickly. Lex began to sit up, but as he did Anouke wrapped his arms around his head and brought him in for a hug. He lay his head on Anouke’s chest, listening to the comforting, gentle beating of his sweet and caring heart.

His eyes widened at the unexpected movement of the hug – realizing what happened with a delayed reaction - and for a few seconds he was immobile. He then brought him in for a hug too and began to whimper in the amenity of his arms as he insufflated the luscious scent he longed for when he was away. He began to absorb his warmth. He felt safe. Like he was at home – at peace. How home was supposed to feel.

“Why… Why’d you fall asleep all of a sudden?” Anouke stuttered. “Never waking up once!” He explained. Lex wouldn’t answer though, just hugging him tighter. “I was worried you were going to die, you know?!” Anouke exclaimed.

They finished hugging in silence, getting up from the floor and backing away from each other.

“Hey, Lex. Your wings are changing drastically. I didn’t even notice with the gradual process, but you can definitely see the change now. From a few white scales to a singular red scale, huh? How times have changed!” He said excitedly, almost teasing.

“I know! I’m excited… but also kind of nervous of what is to come.” Lex said and looked down, rubbing his arm awkwardly as he averted his gaze to look at the floor from the corner of his eye. “Lex, you don’t have to worry for a while. The Angels Antagonism’s hunting month is over!”

“That may be true, but- Anouke… Dayle and Akuma will still be out there. Maybe Kurkoren too. But I have something to ask you. Akuma said that you…” He began to slow down, anxious of what the answer may be. “Akuma said that I… That I what Lex?”

“He said that you killed my mother – his wife.” Anouke froze at Lex’s statement. “Is that true?” He asked. “Please answer me… And truthfully.”

“…Yeah… It’s true.” He said and sat down on the couch like when a person is ready to begin a long, rambling story with passion. Lex… is the son of Akuma? The Devil? No wonder he’s so aggressive and hurtful – or at least was. “Why would you… I can’t even remember my mother’s face and I can hardly even recall what her voice sounded like. And that was all because you…” Lex said and felt himself ready to bawl. This was supposed to be a happy reunion. Why did I bring up that wretched thing the Devil said? I could have left it for a while but my stupid ass had to bring it up. But… Such a kind and caring Angel… killed my mother? How is that possible?

“Lex. Can you hear me?
“Loud and clear.” He replied with a long sigh. “Sorry. What were you going to say..?”
“There is a reason. I can tell you, but please just hear me out. I know that when you’re angry you usually don’t have much patience and start to lose control and… and- and you begin to get physical with your fists and start to want to taste or even just see blood, and-”
“Anouke.” Lex cut him off like a knife. “You’re rambling. Look, I get that you’re nervous, but I can be patient now. I’ll hear you out but you just have to be calm. I won’t hurt you. No matter what the reason is. Or was.”