Chapter 148: NOW, WHY WOULD I?

Stacy was relieved the angel didn't actually know what she was,

And that he thought she was lying about something else,

or she'd resort to killing him fast.

Despite it, she was much relieved she's not in danger,

She haven't fought an angel, and though low-ranked, could be way stronger.

She smiles and wipes her tears away,

"Yeah, that's...that's true, but we have to go back now," she began to say.

The angel now was self-aware,

And apologized for ever hindering them to go back before evil spirits make their way.

Stacy had the pain killers all along,

She just really wanted to send the message,

In three days, Samael will be here,

And if someone catches her intention, Samael could kill them with ease.

Then when they return to Azazel's place,

Carrying the man they both promised,

Perhaps he'd shower them with praise,

She doesn't care what he does from then on,

So long as she won't have to go through torment.

.

.

.

When she came back,

She quickly went to her room saying she must concentrate,

As Ken smiles in a grateful expression,

'He fell for it, great.'

When she returned, she made him drink the green bitter liquid,

As Ken seemed to not like the taste, but after a while realized it was indeed effective.

She assured him that there was plenty of materials to make another shot,

So he should tell her if he ever felt like the pain won't stop.

The Seer nods his head as Mar stands by his side,

Though thankful for Stacy's help, she felt useless, and her chest felt tight.

It would be nice if she knows a thing or two about medicine,

She really wanted to help, though it may not be as easy as just mixing.

She walked towards Stacy, head low and humble,

But no matter how, she always end up in stutters.

Truly the aura Stacy emits now, wasn't like before,

She stands much confident, eyes painted a fierce glow.

Mar lost her confidence more when she saw that her skin opposes hers,

She had flawless skin, while hers were covered in bruises and feet in blisters.

Having been training for some while, it sure didn't register to her that she may look a pity,

But how can she? When all she could think of was the present calamity.

"You're here because?" Stacy's words were sharp,

Maybe Mar was just thinking it was, but it was really rough.

Like she wasn't seeing her as a friend and all her sweet gestures were just an act.

Does she still see her as a rival?

If so, that would suck.

Stacy before was truly someone to adore,

Always there for you, she's the person most charitable.

But now, Mar stood still, unsure if she's the same person,

What may have happened there? When she was in prison?

Had her softness been taken away as they fight for food?

Although Mar was sure she would have given hers to a hungry child if she could.

She was sweet, so sweet, it makes her feel so warm inside,

But now, why does she stand here, filled with this overwhelming pride?

Mar was afraid, because she used to be like this,

Cold, not breaking a smile, traumatised by the bombs dropped in her city.

She used to be...always frowning, hating the fate she'd been dealt,

And could it be possible? That's what caused Stacy to change?

Was she sexually abused by those demons like the women they rescued?

Was she starved into submission, with no one to tend to?

And about Jacob, she never mentioned him once,

Did they never met there? If so what happened?

No one dared asked, afraid it's a bad memory they're asking to flash.

Mar doesn't know how to feel or make up about her friend that point,

It was just a simple question, but why was her heart so torn?

Her volume, her tone, Mar knew it wasn't the same,

Was it because she's a rival? Or because she went through a lot of pain?

Mar remembered Ken telling her how he and she met in the Devil's palace,

They so happened to be with neutral demons, that just wanted some acquaintance.

Maybe she's angry? Jealous? That they're with kinder holders?

Just what kind of master, did she have to change and become bitter?

No, but she was different when around Ken,

Vibrant, like her former self,

So...what happened?

Why is she so mean, when it's her alone,

Regardless, Mar feels saddened.

Then she did it.

She hugged Stacy in her arms,

As if reminding her she's no longer in reach of harm.

Stacy felt confused at the sudden act,

What a weird girl, hugging her in the blue,

Without her having the slightest clue,

Regardless, she didn't fought back.

But she was stiff, doesn't know what to do,

Should she thank her?

No, she's squeezing her too much she couldn't move!

"What do you want, Mar?"

She asked, voice low and hard.

"What happened to you? Why do you look mad?"

"I-

It doesn't matter, but again, what do you want?"

"To know what happened to you, you're like a different person,

Well only sometimes, but I need to know the reason,

You had always been there for us back then, supporting us like a real sister would,

It would be the least of help, if I at least offer what I could."

Mar's voice changed as well,

It wasn't the delicate humble voice she used before,

It was firm, and it was serious,

Making Stacy, a bit more anxious.

In reality, she doesn't know who Mar is,

If she's really like this.

So she was wary,

After all, Mar could turn the tables,

And Stacy may be victim of a jealous woman's tricks.

"You can't help me, no matter what,

You can't do anything, I would have asked,

You're everything I wanted me to be,

Free, with the love of your life,

Knows how to wield some weapon,

You're as perfect as is."

Perfect.

Huh.

Someone she wanted to be?

No.

She don't know what she's talking about.

How horrified she's been whenever those bombs would sound.

And the screams of those people around.

No.

...

Terror marked Mar's face,

It wasn't her choice to be strong,

To be this.

She had no choice to be strong,

Being able to wield guns, and weapons,

She was told so, taught,

Since she may die any time back then.

It was war...everywhere.

And this woman in front of her taught she had it easy,

Had it perfect.

Without having the slightest clue,

What it was like back then.

War...had been like a shadow of her,

Everywhere she go.

She could see conflicts, danger, and she'd just fight,

Luck did not save her, she was a misfortune,

there's nothing to love.

Stacy told that she's lucky because she's rescued quickly,

But it was the only time..

she had things in her favor,

It was her only time,

She felt her heart pour, as someone saved her.

Looked at her like she's not just another person,

Among many others, much important than her.

She was valued for the first time,

She felt safe, true, but not every time.

Stacy felt like she said something wrong,

"Ah, I think it's you, who need my assistance,"

Her heart ached more.

Mar looked at her, "I am not someone you want to be,

I do not want someone else to go through what I felt and see,"

Stacy was fighting the urge to roll her eyes,

She's too...awfully nice.

Her kindness and hope vivid in her eyes,

Almost make her puke in disgust.

"Sorry." Stacy briefly said,

As Mar nodded, as she wiped her cheeks now red.

Stacy wipes it for her,

And for that period of time,

Mar felt nostalgic,

This is the Stacy she remembers.

"Seriously, what do you want?"

Stacy asked fighting her giggles inside,

"I...okay, I wanted to know how you make medicine,

But...if you don't have time, it's okay,"

"It's just...not as easy as it seem,

However...if you really are determined,

I'd teach you, you just have to follow everything."

(Now why would I deny her request?

When I know I could benefit with her, oh bet..

She could be my little slave, and she'd never suspect a thing,

Seeing me as her mentor, her guide, look how she's so willing.)

Mar's eyes lit up in joy,

Without knowing she's just seen as a toy.

Despite it, however, Mar still had qualms,

As her inner self told her,

To still be cautious,

and not follow blind.

...

Joseph goes to Zeharah, one of the angels belonging to Uriel's group,

She looked quite exhausted, finishing her shift in holding the barrier, what a piece of work.

Suddenly, she hears the cheery voice of Joseph,

"Oi, you won't believe what Stacy said."

"Ah, the human Sir Selaphiel just brought?

Hm, something offensive, I supposed?"

"What? No! She lied to me about not feeling the need to delve into the past,

She even cried, now that just made me sad.

What do you say we play a bit of sparring match?

I could use some exercise-" "Hold on, not so fast."

"Why not?"

"I am drained. A lot."

"Oh. So what should I do then?"

"Well, I mean, I'm not your only friend."

"But they'd deny me with this request,"

"Well, for starters, you talk when you fight,

And that's...not something some angels might like."

"Angel Zeharah surely won't be this heartless,"

"Fine, tell me your frustrations right away,

But let me rest. I'm drained enough for today."

The angel with blue eyes nodded in agreement,

Until Lluming cut off his excitement.

"Angel Joseph, you're not short of energy, are you?"

The angel nodded his head, slowly because he knew.

"Alright. Take your shift and help create the barrier,

Don't worry, I'll accompany you there, and you can talk to me while on it,"

Zeharah looks at Lluming in thanks,

And Lluming only nods once his head.

He knew that Zeharah was very exhausted,

And was quick to act, just to make sure she's well rested.

"Wait...are you just doing this because you want me to not an-"

"Yes. Now keep going, and let her rest."

"You're so cold archangel Lluming,"

"Well, I'm not Uriel,

But I sure am still half understanding.

Get a clue, Joseph,

Maybe later you could talk,

When she's still not weakened."

Joseph looks back at Zeharah,

As if telling her to stop Lluming,

Joseph sure doesn't like the barrier fortification duty,

It takes hours and hours, leaving his arms sore and weary.

"You'll do fine, Joseph,"

Zeharah says.

...

Lluming saw a bit of dirt on Joseph's arms,

And was quick to look at him, "Where was this from?"

"From the soil of course,"

"No, please be serious."

"Hm, human Stacy told me to look for some flower,"

"And did you found one?"

"Not even one."

"How did she get the cure?"

"She found an alternative,

She sure is amazing,"

"Were you far from her when she asked you to find it?"

"A bit but I still feel where she was so no harm be granted.

And I feel no evil spirit trying to hurt her,

If I did, I would rush and-"

"Joseph, how long were you gone from her sight?"

"I can't remember much, but it's all fine,

Like I said, she didn't had any scratch-"

"Listen carefully Joseph, I'm not talking about that."

"Then what?"

Lluming felt something stir in his gut.

It was the first time in a while he hoped he was wrong.

Just this once.