Fan Fiction ❯ The Four Lords ❯ The Poison Within ( Chapter 7 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Soulless Wanderer 
Alex had been cursed will Holly and Shadow be able to save him in time or will he be consumed by the curse?
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.16.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 130 | Status: Completed
Alex had been cursed will Holly and Shadow be able to save him in time or will he be consumed by the curse?
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.16.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 130 | Status: Completed
Holly burst into the castle as she yelled for some medicine and herbs. Without setting Brittany down Holly raced up to Alex's bedroom and threw open the doors. She then set Brittany down as she pulled back the covers on the bed in time for Kiba and Shadow to lay Alex down.
"Quickly lass, he won't have too much time if we don't do something fast." Kiba said frantically.
"I know, but there's not much we can do with his wounds the way they are." Holly replied stiffly.
"Listen, Kiba, go make sure the girl is okay. We'll take care of things on this end." Shadow instructed as he took out a vial of herbs and started grinding them together. Kiba nodded as he walked over to Brittany who was very pale and shaken up as she watched the blood pour from Alex's wound and his body twist and contort in agony from an inner pain.
"Lass, you don't need to see this, why don't we go downstairs. Holly and Shadow are two of the best demons when it comes to medicine. Even clerics are almost no match for them. " Kiba offered kindly seeing how shaken up she was.
"No...I need to be here...but what's happening to him? Why haven't his wounds healed yet?" Brittany asked quietly.
"That is because the Lord of the north's talons...they inflict damage that will not heal, well not quickly at least. It is because of his jewel that his able to do this." Kiba answered, he showed signs of anger as he thought more about it.
"What do you mean?" Brittany asked as she looked back towards Alex, who was still grasping his chest as Shadow tried to pry his arms away so that Holly could place something on his wound.
"The original demon lord had four jewels, one holding an unique power. When he died three of the stones were given to the three most powerful war lords, who later became the demon lords. The jewel of energy went to the Lord of the north, I know this because he flaunts it enough. It allows his demonic energy to seep into the wound he caused and slow down his opponents healing powers, this alone had caused the death of many foes." Kiba replied. "This is only one of the reasons though. That bastard...the Lord of the north, before our Lord was banished to the human realm, he ordered the archmage to seal away our Lord's demonic powers. While the archmage couldn't seal away all of our Lord's power, he could seal away his true demonic form and with that his true power. Along with that seal came a powerful subjugation spell, one which when cast, would subdue our Lord and block out his demonic powers for a slight time. While its not naturally fatal, the curse the Lord of the north placed on him is. It is suppose to be forbidden from use. Demons aren't supposed to even be able to use magic, the fact that he can is no doubt from his jewel also. That curse he placed on our Lord literally makes his body burn from the inside out."
"Poor Alex...no wonder he's like he is. Always afraid to trust people. If you had that fear of someone just saying a stupid word and it could kill you, I'd be paranoid to." Brittany said as she got but a glimpse of how truly cruel the demon realm was towards Alex. "I guess the other demon lords find it funny that Alex can be brought down with a single word, huh?"
"Sadly yes. It was their idea of a cruel joke, but don't worry about the Lord's safety. The subjugation spell can only be activated by the demon lords or the archmage himself. "Still child, I want to ask a favor of you."
"Yes, what is it?" Brittany asked.
"Be strong for the Lord. I know it may seem at times that he doesn't care for you, but he brought you here for a reason. A reason that he will let no one know but himself. The fact that he went through such great lengths to protect you is evident that he does care about you." Kiba said with a weak smile.
"I know...he does care, and I cannot deny that I care about him." Brittany said as she looked back at him. She noticed that he had stopped thrashing about and that his wound was covered in a salve and bandages. Shadow and Holly were picking up supplies and cleaning up as Brittany and Kiba walked over to them.
"So lass, how's he doing?" Kiba asked with a worried glance back at Alex.
"Well we won't know till morning." Holly said quietly. "He's sleeping which is a miracle at that, but still, the wound might not close and there's no telling what damage that damn spell has done to his body internally. So he's not out of the woods yet. We'll just have to wait and see."
"Listen, let's go downstairs and get you something to drink okay. You haven't eaten much or drank much today, we don't need you getting sick to." Shadow suggested as he looked at Brittany.
"No...I want to stay here with him." Brittany replied firmly as she glanced over at Alex. Why...? Why did you do this? You say you don't care, yet you risk your life for me? Either way, I don't want to lose you, and I'm not going to rest until you get better.
"If that is your wish, but please, be careful. The Lord will most likely enter a delirium state, and if so do not get close to him. There is a chance he could attack you, but while he's asleep you should be fine. Also, every now and then take a wet wash cloth to his forehead to keep his temperature down." Shadow replied as he turned to leave.
"My lady...Brittany, I will come up and help you if you need anything. If that is alright with you." Holly said gently.
"Yes, of course." Brittany replied.
"Take care lass. We'll be back up here as soon as we get things squared away and taken care of downstairs. The whole castle is in an up roar over what has happened." Kiba said as he raised his hand to his temples and massaged them gingerly. "The truth is, our Lord may not be the best of men, but compared to the rest he's perfect. The people here are not fond of him, but they are afraid if anything happens to him the Lord of the north will take over. Then it truly will be hell, for he already controls the other realms, just more discretely. The other lords don't know what to do if he doesn't tell them."
"I understand, go do what you must. I will take care of him." Brittany said as she smiled weakly. She then walked over to Alex's bed side and pulled up a chair as she took the already damp bath cloth and gingerly wiped his forehead which was dripping sweat.
"He's in better hands now more than ever." Holly whispered as Brittany sat by Alex's bedside. The others nodded as they left the two alone.
* * * * * * * *
"My Lady, I've brought you some food." a voice called as a wolf demon Brittany didn't know walked in. Brittany looked up to see that the demon looked to be around her age. He had dark brown fur like Holly's. He brought the food over to the table next to Brittany as he hesitated to speak.
"It's okay, he's asleep." Brittany said quietly as she looked back at Alex. His fever hadn't gone down, even though she'd been keeping damp clothes on his forehead for well over three hours now, he still didn't seem to get any better.
"How is he?" the demon asked.
"He's...well, it's hard to tell. He still has a high fever, and I don't dare remove his bandages to see how his wounds are healing." Brittany replied. She then looked back at the demon and blushed slightly. "I'm sorry, we haven't been introduce, I'm Brittany."
"And I am Rylus." he responded with a low bow. "I already know of my lady, although I can hardly believe someone as beautiful as yourself is the human they speak of."
"Well, I'm not sure about the beautiful part. Still, thank you." Brittany said softly.
"It is my pleasure. It grieves me to see the Lord as he is. I cannot believe the cruelty of the council. They didn't need to take such extreme actions against him." Rylus added.
"That's for sure. I can't believe how pale he looks. Has...has this ever happened to him before?" Brittany asked.
"Yes...once. Before the council banished him to the human realm, the Lords of the other realms used the subjugation spell and then assaulted the Lord very badly. But that doesn't compare to what happened today. Still it took me by surprise that the Lord would attack the northern Lord without cause." Rylus mused.
"Well, he attacked him, to protect me." Brittany admitted. "That's the reason he's so badly hurt. If he hadn't tried so hard to protect me then maybe he'd be okay."
"He must care a lot about you, or he must have another reason for wanting to keep you so safe. Either way what happened is not your fault. Our Lord is stubborn, he would've done it anyway." Rylus said softly. There was a moment of silence when neither one of them spoke. Each one was absorbed by their own thoughts. Finally Brittany broke the silence when she wiped a tear that was threating her eyes.
"Maybe...if you don't mind. I'd really like to be alone right now." Brittany said.
"Yes of course. I am sorry for bothering you my lady." Rylus replied sounding hurt.
"No, no...you weren't a bother. There's just some things I really need to think about right now." Brittany continued as she smiled at him. "Thanks for bringing me dinner though."
"I'm glad I could help. I pray that the Lord gets better for you sake, for I can tell you care deeply about him." Rylus said with a weak smile. "Call, and either myself or someone else will help if you need anything."
"Thank you." Brittany said. She turned her attention back towards Alex as Rylus walked off. He must care a lot...or he must have another reason for keeping you safe. What could Rylus have meant by that? Does Alex really have some other reason for wanting me safe? If so why?
* * * * * * * *
As Brittany mused over all the thoughts racing through her head she continued to check on Alex, never once leaving his side. Eventually when night fell, Holly came to check in on Alex, and to see how Brittany was managing.
"Brittany, sorry its taken so long to get back up here. Things were even worse than we first thought. Shadow and Kiba are both still trying to sort things out." Holly announced as she walked in. "Brittany..."
Brittany had fallen asleep next to Alex. Her head was rested partially on his right shoulder and his pillow. "I can't believe it. The poor thing fell asleep taking care of him." Holly said with a small smile. "Oh well, he can kill me later." With that Holly walked over to Brittany and gently took the bath cloth out of her hands as she lifted Brittany up and carried her to the other side of Alex's bed. She laid Brittany beneath the covers as she went back over to Alex to check his temperature.
"What are you doing?" Alex asked in almost a whisper.
"My Lord, you shouldn't be talking. I can't believe you have regained consciousness so soon." Holly said with shock.
"Shut up...why...what’s going on?" Alex asked still slightly dazed.
"My Lord, just go back to sleep okay. Be careful that you don't move around to much, your wound hasn't healed and the spell is still running rampant inside your body. That girl laying next to you has watched over you all day. She hasn't left your side once. Allow her to lay with you once more, I beg of you. She would be heart broken to wake up and not see you." Holly pleaded. Alex didn't even have the strength to argue as he relaxed and laid back down.
"Fine, she can stay, I don't care." Alex replied softly as he closed his eyes. She hasn't left my side.... I'm glad she's still here. I'm glad she's still with me. Before Alex's thoughts could continue Holly giggled slightly as Brittany rolled over and placed her arm over Alex's waist causing Alex to jump with a start.
Alex looked at Brittany then back at Holly. "Leave, I will be fine. Also, just because I'm letting her stay here...that doesn't mean what you think..." Alex said softly, before he could finish his sentence he had already fallen back asleep. Holly stayed for a few moments to watch the two. She now understood what Kiba was talking about when he said he had never seen a happier couple. Even in sleep, both of them smiled just knowing that the other was so close. Holly quietly left and closed the door as she hurried to catch up with Kiba and Shadow.
"Quickly lass, he won't have too much time if we don't do something fast." Kiba said frantically.
"I know, but there's not much we can do with his wounds the way they are." Holly replied stiffly.
"Listen, Kiba, go make sure the girl is okay. We'll take care of things on this end." Shadow instructed as he took out a vial of herbs and started grinding them together. Kiba nodded as he walked over to Brittany who was very pale and shaken up as she watched the blood pour from Alex's wound and his body twist and contort in agony from an inner pain.
"Lass, you don't need to see this, why don't we go downstairs. Holly and Shadow are two of the best demons when it comes to medicine. Even clerics are almost no match for them. " Kiba offered kindly seeing how shaken up she was.
"No...I need to be here...but what's happening to him? Why haven't his wounds healed yet?" Brittany asked quietly.
"That is because the Lord of the north's talons...they inflict damage that will not heal, well not quickly at least. It is because of his jewel that his able to do this." Kiba answered, he showed signs of anger as he thought more about it.
"What do you mean?" Brittany asked as she looked back towards Alex, who was still grasping his chest as Shadow tried to pry his arms away so that Holly could place something on his wound.
"The original demon lord had four jewels, one holding an unique power. When he died three of the stones were given to the three most powerful war lords, who later became the demon lords. The jewel of energy went to the Lord of the north, I know this because he flaunts it enough. It allows his demonic energy to seep into the wound he caused and slow down his opponents healing powers, this alone had caused the death of many foes." Kiba replied. "This is only one of the reasons though. That bastard...the Lord of the north, before our Lord was banished to the human realm, he ordered the archmage to seal away our Lord's demonic powers. While the archmage couldn't seal away all of our Lord's power, he could seal away his true demonic form and with that his true power. Along with that seal came a powerful subjugation spell, one which when cast, would subdue our Lord and block out his demonic powers for a slight time. While its not naturally fatal, the curse the Lord of the north placed on him is. It is suppose to be forbidden from use. Demons aren't supposed to even be able to use magic, the fact that he can is no doubt from his jewel also. That curse he placed on our Lord literally makes his body burn from the inside out."
"Poor Alex...no wonder he's like he is. Always afraid to trust people. If you had that fear of someone just saying a stupid word and it could kill you, I'd be paranoid to." Brittany said as she got but a glimpse of how truly cruel the demon realm was towards Alex. "I guess the other demon lords find it funny that Alex can be brought down with a single word, huh?"
"Sadly yes. It was their idea of a cruel joke, but don't worry about the Lord's safety. The subjugation spell can only be activated by the demon lords or the archmage himself. "Still child, I want to ask a favor of you."
"Yes, what is it?" Brittany asked.
"Be strong for the Lord. I know it may seem at times that he doesn't care for you, but he brought you here for a reason. A reason that he will let no one know but himself. The fact that he went through such great lengths to protect you is evident that he does care about you." Kiba said with a weak smile.
"I know...he does care, and I cannot deny that I care about him." Brittany said as she looked back at him. She noticed that he had stopped thrashing about and that his wound was covered in a salve and bandages. Shadow and Holly were picking up supplies and cleaning up as Brittany and Kiba walked over to them.
"So lass, how's he doing?" Kiba asked with a worried glance back at Alex.
"Well we won't know till morning." Holly said quietly. "He's sleeping which is a miracle at that, but still, the wound might not close and there's no telling what damage that damn spell has done to his body internally. So he's not out of the woods yet. We'll just have to wait and see."
"Listen, let's go downstairs and get you something to drink okay. You haven't eaten much or drank much today, we don't need you getting sick to." Shadow suggested as he looked at Brittany.
"No...I want to stay here with him." Brittany replied firmly as she glanced over at Alex. Why...? Why did you do this? You say you don't care, yet you risk your life for me? Either way, I don't want to lose you, and I'm not going to rest until you get better.
"If that is your wish, but please, be careful. The Lord will most likely enter a delirium state, and if so do not get close to him. There is a chance he could attack you, but while he's asleep you should be fine. Also, every now and then take a wet wash cloth to his forehead to keep his temperature down." Shadow replied as he turned to leave.
"My lady...Brittany, I will come up and help you if you need anything. If that is alright with you." Holly said gently.
"Yes, of course." Brittany replied.
"Take care lass. We'll be back up here as soon as we get things squared away and taken care of downstairs. The whole castle is in an up roar over what has happened." Kiba said as he raised his hand to his temples and massaged them gingerly. "The truth is, our Lord may not be the best of men, but compared to the rest he's perfect. The people here are not fond of him, but they are afraid if anything happens to him the Lord of the north will take over. Then it truly will be hell, for he already controls the other realms, just more discretely. The other lords don't know what to do if he doesn't tell them."
"I understand, go do what you must. I will take care of him." Brittany said as she smiled weakly. She then walked over to Alex's bed side and pulled up a chair as she took the already damp bath cloth and gingerly wiped his forehead which was dripping sweat.
"He's in better hands now more than ever." Holly whispered as Brittany sat by Alex's bedside. The others nodded as they left the two alone.
* * * * * * * *
"My Lady, I've brought you some food." a voice called as a wolf demon Brittany didn't know walked in. Brittany looked up to see that the demon looked to be around her age. He had dark brown fur like Holly's. He brought the food over to the table next to Brittany as he hesitated to speak.
"It's okay, he's asleep." Brittany said quietly as she looked back at Alex. His fever hadn't gone down, even though she'd been keeping damp clothes on his forehead for well over three hours now, he still didn't seem to get any better.
"How is he?" the demon asked.
"He's...well, it's hard to tell. He still has a high fever, and I don't dare remove his bandages to see how his wounds are healing." Brittany replied. She then looked back at the demon and blushed slightly. "I'm sorry, we haven't been introduce, I'm Brittany."
"And I am Rylus." he responded with a low bow. "I already know of my lady, although I can hardly believe someone as beautiful as yourself is the human they speak of."
"Well, I'm not sure about the beautiful part. Still, thank you." Brittany said softly.
"It is my pleasure. It grieves me to see the Lord as he is. I cannot believe the cruelty of the council. They didn't need to take such extreme actions against him." Rylus added.
"That's for sure. I can't believe how pale he looks. Has...has this ever happened to him before?" Brittany asked.
"Yes...once. Before the council banished him to the human realm, the Lords of the other realms used the subjugation spell and then assaulted the Lord very badly. But that doesn't compare to what happened today. Still it took me by surprise that the Lord would attack the northern Lord without cause." Rylus mused.
"Well, he attacked him, to protect me." Brittany admitted. "That's the reason he's so badly hurt. If he hadn't tried so hard to protect me then maybe he'd be okay."
"He must care a lot about you, or he must have another reason for wanting to keep you so safe. Either way what happened is not your fault. Our Lord is stubborn, he would've done it anyway." Rylus said softly. There was a moment of silence when neither one of them spoke. Each one was absorbed by their own thoughts. Finally Brittany broke the silence when she wiped a tear that was threating her eyes.
"Maybe...if you don't mind. I'd really like to be alone right now." Brittany said.
"Yes of course. I am sorry for bothering you my lady." Rylus replied sounding hurt.
"No, no...you weren't a bother. There's just some things I really need to think about right now." Brittany continued as she smiled at him. "Thanks for bringing me dinner though."
"I'm glad I could help. I pray that the Lord gets better for you sake, for I can tell you care deeply about him." Rylus said with a weak smile. "Call, and either myself or someone else will help if you need anything."
"Thank you." Brittany said. She turned her attention back towards Alex as Rylus walked off. He must care a lot...or he must have another reason for keeping you safe. What could Rylus have meant by that? Does Alex really have some other reason for wanting me safe? If so why?
* * * * * * * *
As Brittany mused over all the thoughts racing through her head she continued to check on Alex, never once leaving his side. Eventually when night fell, Holly came to check in on Alex, and to see how Brittany was managing.
"Brittany, sorry its taken so long to get back up here. Things were even worse than we first thought. Shadow and Kiba are both still trying to sort things out." Holly announced as she walked in. "Brittany..."
Brittany had fallen asleep next to Alex. Her head was rested partially on his right shoulder and his pillow. "I can't believe it. The poor thing fell asleep taking care of him." Holly said with a small smile. "Oh well, he can kill me later." With that Holly walked over to Brittany and gently took the bath cloth out of her hands as she lifted Brittany up and carried her to the other side of Alex's bed. She laid Brittany beneath the covers as she went back over to Alex to check his temperature.
"What are you doing?" Alex asked in almost a whisper.
"My Lord, you shouldn't be talking. I can't believe you have regained consciousness so soon." Holly said with shock.
"Shut up...why...what’s going on?" Alex asked still slightly dazed.
"My Lord, just go back to sleep okay. Be careful that you don't move around to much, your wound hasn't healed and the spell is still running rampant inside your body. That girl laying next to you has watched over you all day. She hasn't left your side once. Allow her to lay with you once more, I beg of you. She would be heart broken to wake up and not see you." Holly pleaded. Alex didn't even have the strength to argue as he relaxed and laid back down.
"Fine, she can stay, I don't care." Alex replied softly as he closed his eyes. She hasn't left my side.... I'm glad she's still here. I'm glad she's still with me. Before Alex's thoughts could continue Holly giggled slightly as Brittany rolled over and placed her arm over Alex's waist causing Alex to jump with a start.
Alex looked at Brittany then back at Holly. "Leave, I will be fine. Also, just because I'm letting her stay here...that doesn't mean what you think..." Alex said softly, before he could finish his sentence he had already fallen back asleep. Holly stayed for a few moments to watch the two. She now understood what Kiba was talking about when he said he had never seen a happier couple. Even in sleep, both of them smiled just knowing that the other was so close. Holly quietly left and closed the door as she hurried to catch up with Kiba and Shadow.