Grey Dawn

by K L Rymer

  “Sexy time’s over now,” she says, putting her hands on her hips. “We’ve waited long enough. It’s time to discuss war.”

  Eli rolls his eyes and sits back up. “There’s the Misaki we know and love. How many cups of coffee did it take for you to finally come to your senses?”

  Misaki scoffs. “Coffee? We’ve been helping ourselves to your scotch, arsehole.”

  “Even Ashley,” Eli growls, his eyes turning bright red, and poor Ashley backs away.

  “N-no... of course not, sir... I... I would never touch your scotch...”

  I pull a face. Sir? Eli was only three years older than him.

  I give Eli a stern look. “Eli, stop. There’s no need to scare him.”

  My demon smirks, his eyes flashing a little redder as they linger on Ashley. “Why not? I like making little girls squeal...”

  Misaki storms inside the room and plops herself right in the middle of us. “Don’t we know... We’ve been listening to you both the last hour. It’s what woke me up, actually. The sound of Crystal’s squeals.”

  I blush. “I did not squeal!”

  Misaki cackles, throwing her arm around my neck. Then she puts another around Eli, and holds us both in a headlock. “It’s good to have you both back.”

  She kisses us both on the cheeks, and Eli pushes her away, having enough. “Get off. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

  He gets up to fix his cravat in the mirror, but before he does, he gives Ashley a sharp look. “What are you looking at, Fawn?”

  Poor Ashley shakes his head, avoiding Eli’s eyes. “N-nothing, Lord Black, sir. I wasn’t looking...”

  “Yeah, well, you better keep it that way. As far as I’m aware, you’re still in my bad books.”

  “Hey!” Misaki snaps, and Eli gives her an irritated scowl. “Ashley saved my life. You should be thanking him, Eli.”

  Eli cocks a brow. “Saved your life, hey?” He turns to Ashley, who cowers in the corner.

  It’s clear he was afraid of Eli. And Eli wasn’t holding back either, and I shake my head, never feeling more disappointed in him. He was such a bully at times.

  “That’s right,” Misaki says, rising to her feet. “White had me cornered at Black HQ. Just after I tried to seduce him... erm, yeah, sorry about that, Crystal,” she stops upon my disgusted expression.

  Eli looks my way, then gives another roll of his eyes. “So, continue...”

  Misaki finishes her story. “After I tried to seduce him, he apprehended me and tried to blast me out the window. But then Ashley came and knocked me out the way, and took the blast for me instead. He saved my life.”

  She peers over at Ashley, batting her eyelashes, and I see the heartthrob hang his head.

  My heart goes out to him. Ashley had revered my father, and even when he finally did the right thing, he almost died. Eli needs to show him more respect. Misaki could be dead now. They both could be.

  “And what happened after that?” I ask, and Misaki and Eli look around at me.

  Misaki chews her lip nervously. “My demon... it burst to the surface the last moment, and carried us both away to safety. That’s how we ended up on the building. It must have happened after I’d passed out.”

  The memory of her terrifying demon returns, and I shiver.

  The room falls silent. Misaki, unlike Eli, always had better control of her demon, and I’ve never felt guiltier. They wouldn’t have been in that state if it wasn’t for my father.

  “Oh, Misaki... I’m so sorry...” I cry.

  Misaki and Eli look at me confused. “It’s not your fault, Crystal,” she says.

  I shake my head. “No, it is. If only I’d managed to spot the signs sooner and stop my father, you and Ashley would never have gotten hurt.”

  Eli sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Crystal... stop blaming yourself. You’re not responsible for your father’s actions.”

  “I know... it’s just... too many innocent people are going to get hurt, and I can’t help but wonder... if only I’d...”

  I can’t continue and cover my face, fighting off tears. Now’s not the time to cry. I need to keep it together.

  Lord knows I’ve done enough crying these past twelve hours. Heck, these past few weeks. My eyes hurt. So I just heal my stinging eyes without their notice, putting on my brave face.

  Eli takes me by surprise next, pulling me up from the bed to hold me to his chest, and I bury my face into his clean white shirt, absorbing his scent.

  So spicy and erotic... I could stay this way forever.

  Misaki brushes a hand through my hair. “It’s really not your fault, Crystal.”

  “No... it’s not.”

  We all look up at Ashley, who’s finally found the courage to speak, and I see the smug teenager he once was once again.

  “Your father’s the one to blame, Crystal,” Ashley says. “He made his choice, and for that we’re going to stop him. For the good of the human race. For... for the good of my fans...”

  “Fuck your fans,” Eli spouts, and Misaki and I give him angry, pointed looks.

  I know he doesn’t mean it, but still. He needs to show a little respect. Half of Ashley’s fans were children after all.

  “No, I won’t, Lord Black. I’ve turned my back on them once before, and I won’t do it again. I appreciate every single one of them, and no self-righteous bastard like White is going to take their lives.”

  Ashley finally looks Eli in the eyes now, and the two men fall silent. Neither one of them backs down, and for a moment I worry for Ashley. He’s just an ordinary human. He wouldn’t survive a fight against Eli.

  Eli smirks and steps towards Ashley, patting his back. “About time you grew some balls, Fawn. Now come. Let’s go downstairs and smoke weed like old times, and discuss our next plan.”

  Ashley grins, positively giddy at the prospect. “I’ll call my guy.”

  Eli puts an arm around Ashley, and leads him downstairs like an old friend.

  I stand there a moment, confused. “Wait... did... did you say weed?”

  Misaki cackles and seizes my wrist. “Come along, Crystal.”

  Wait... no. It’s the end of the world as we know it. We should be discussing battle plans, not getting high!

  She yanks me out the door, and I have no choice but to go along with them.

  Wow... peer pressure much? It’s like high school all over again.

  I will not participate.

  25. Eli

  Crystal didn’t even last an hour.

  In the end, she’d caved to our peer-pressuring, and smoked a joint. Ashley’s guy sold us some good shit.

  And that was when she passed out on the couch where she’s currently curled up, sucking on her thumb like a baby.

  She’s never looked more adorable, and I just want to scoop her up and cradle her on my lap, but I hold back.

  Want to know a secret? I’m going to sneak off before sunrise and go up against White alone (there’s no I in team, but there’s an I in Eli).

  It was the only reason why I got Crystal stoned in the first place. It was a matter of life and death.

  In fact, I don’t want Misaki or Ashley joining me either. They’ve done enough.

  Only one of us will be dying tonight. That way Crystal can go on without me, and live out the rest of her life.

  And I don’t worry about the imbalance that my death will leave behind as there will always be a Black. Misaki can take up the role when I’m gone. Hence why I want her to live too.

  I have less than six hours, and it’s not even midnight yet. Crystal only made it to ten o’clock.

  So fucking sweet.

  We’d discussed our war plans when we sat down and smoked. Our plan was for me and Crystal to sneak up on White before the first ray of sun broke through the sky, the moment White would enact his first blast, and then Misaki and Ashley would arrive as back up when things start to get pear-shaped.

  I won’t have my cousin risking her life for a second t
ime. I’m even prepared to die for Ashley fucking Fawn of all people, the baby-faced cunt. If it weren’t for him though, I wouldn’t have smoked so much good shit tonight. So I owed him.

  I’m too mellowed out to even care about my impending demise. The way I like it best.

  It’s not all so bad. As long as I get to be with my mother in that adorable country garden again, I don’t care, Mister Whisker’s jumping out at us from the bushes like a cat on crack.

  Funny how memories of the afterlife come crashing back to me when I’m stoned out of my mind.

  Misaki had probed me for hours about what it was like on the other side, and I genuinely couldn’t tell her. I couldn’t remember jack shit. But I’m seeing bits of it now.

  There was a dirty city... Crystal chained to a stage... hot women who turned into stars, or was it the other way around?

  Fuck knows, but I’ll be going back there soon enough.

  I’ve been pretty much zoned out myself for an hour, sitting in a chair just across from Crystal as Misaki and Ashley suck face on the other settee.

  Ashley’s pushing his luck, but honestly, the world could end tomorrow. It could be their last night. So I’ll let him fuck my cousin.

  Their wet snogging sounds fill the air, and I grimace, standing at last. The room’s a tip. Discarded tequila bottles all over the floor, and pots of cold noodles.

  I’d ordered Chinese food, and we dined like kings.

  Olga’s going to have a fit when she sees the mess tomorrow. A shame I won’t be alive to witness it.

  I’d sent her and Giles away. They deserved some time off to work on their relationship; I’m still convinced they’re secretly banging, and I’m happy for them.

  My loyal servants deserved to be happy when I’m gone.

  “Well, I’m going to bed.”

  It was a lie. Crystal will be going to bed, but I’ll be out all night stretching my wings, and sobering up before my big battle with White.

  I rarely ever expose my demon in the city. Too many eyeballs after all, but tonight was different. So long as I stayed above the clouds, I should be good.

  Misaki barely acknowledges me. Just keeps playing tonsil tennis with Ashley, and I release a sigh, stepping towards Crystal.

  My shadow consumes her little form. I kneel before her, caressing her cheek.

  I’d meant what I’d said earlier. Crystal really was beautiful. I’ve fucked a lot of so-called beauties, the types many girls would kill to look like. But Crystal needn’t bother. She really was perfect, and ten times more beautiful than any of those vapid women. Even Sophia and Penelope, who were pretty much the same person, but different hair colours. No personality whatsoever.

  I lift her up like a ragdoll, and she fits so snugly in my arms. Then I leave the room and take her upstairs, placing her down in my bed.

  And then I watch her for a while.

  Crystal stretches like a kitten, placing her arms behind her head, then releases a soft sigh.

  I smile, melting at her sight. What I’d do just to be able to lie down and fall asleep next to her, with nothing but the sound of her gentle breathing.

  Her chest rises gently, and I lean across, placing my head to her heart. It beats like a drum, so pure and beautiful, just like her, and then I realise: it beats at the same time as my black rotten one.

  There’s no denying it. Our hearts beat as one, and I close my eyes, swallowing a lump.

  We really were made for each other. It was no coincidence that we’d met; Crystal and I were destined, and my eyes fall on the ring on her finger.

  Just a shame we have to part once again. As was always the way.

  But no matter where I end up tonight, heaven, hell, or in the in-between, I will find my way back to her.

  I always do.

  She’s my angel after all. And I’m her demon.

  I bury my nose into her hair, memorising her sweet candy scent, then whisper in her ear. “I’ll always love you, Crystal.”

  THE WIND RUSHES BENEATH my wings as I soar through the sky, the moon bright and clear.

  It’s my only beacon at that moment, and if I close my eyes hard enough, I can almost imagine it’s Crystal. But it lacks her warmth, and I sigh, gazing down at the city.

  Lights twinkle in a sea of black far, far below, and I know Crystal’s down there dreaming peacefully.

  Maybe she’s dreaming about me again, but I’m too high up to sense her arousal.

  Instead, the only thing I’ve got to keep me company is the cold, whipping wind. And the clothes on my back.

  I got Olga to cut holes in my suit before she left for her romantic getaway with Giles, so that way my wings can grow from my back without ripping the material. I’d meant what I’d told Crystal earlier: if I was going to die tonight, then I was going to die in style.

  I’ve definitely sobered up now. So I shoot up like a bullet, spreading my wings out as I let myself fall.

  That weightless sensation before gravity summons me back is one of the best in the world. That, and making love to Crystal.

  Maybe one day we can soar through the high heavens together, her with her beautiful feathered wings, and me with my bat ones.

  But sadly, that day will never come.

  Because of a merciless bastard named White.

  I snap my demonic eyes open, releasing a snarl.

  He’s going to pay.

  An orange light lingers on the horizon.

  Dawn.

  Time to confront the enemy.

  I somersault back to earth, flying down like a torpedo. I zoom in on the city like a hawk, finding the Black Tower, and I smirk.

  Found my mark.

  I brace myself for the landing, falling down on all fours like a cat, then rise to my feet. A sickly scene greets me when I gaze around.

  Crystal grows from the gravel like glowing trees, and I almost baulk at the sinister sight.

  So those mineral formations at the compound hadn’t been natural after all.

  My enemy could create diamond from concrete.

  The freak...

  These weren’t ordinary crystals either. It was as if they were made by the hand of God himself.

  White’s no fucking god.

  “White! Where are you?”

  My eyes dart around the rooftop until they land on that glowing white figure amidst a cluster of crystals.

  A growl rumbles deep in my throat, and I step forward, creating a spark between my fingers.

  Forget the flames. I’m going to fry this man.

  There was going to be a thunderstorm tonight.

  White appears to be sleeping, his eyes closed in peaceful prayer, but I know he sensed my arrival.

  He’s protected by the crystals, waiting for the moment the sun rises so he can send his blast across the city. The crystals will only amplify that power, sending powerful prisms across the capital. Maybe even beyond.

  I stop before his wall of crystal, glaring at that smug, content face of his. He still has his eyes closed, and I snarl, releasing poison acid from my fangs.

  Another demon power: I can secrete toxins like a snake.

  So fucking sure of himself, the ever so gracious, noble Michael White.

  I spit acid at the crystal, smirking when it burns through the tough mineral.

  “Your crystal prison can’t protect you for long,” I purr, watching in delight as my acid continues to burn.

  Next, his face...

  “So... my blast didn’t kill you after all. Knew I should have vaporised you like I did your vile father.”

  I peer up.

  White still keeps his eyes closed, not a single drop of sweat to be found on his deceptively youthful face. Mine’s dripping like rain, and I reach up, wiping my brow.

  “Come out and fight me, prick!” I snap, positioning my arms to fight.

  Sparks ignite in my fingers again, and my hair rises with static.

  “No swearing. This is sacred ground now, young Black.”

  �
�Get out of there!” I send a fork of lightening his way. The crystals absorb the power, gleaming with light, and I pull back, thinking of my next option.

  The only thing I have is my acidic spit, but like the snake, I still have my limits. A snake never uses all its stores in one go to bring down its prey. That would just be reckless.

  No, I have to save my poison for that precious moment White finally steps out of his crystal pen.

  But it’s almost sunrise. I don’t have much time left. So if I’m going to fight, I must do it now.

  The population of London depends on me. Innocents will die.

  Time to be the hero.

  I create a great globule of disgusting, acidic saliva, and just before I release it all over his wall of crystal, White opens his eyes, and shoots a blast from his palm.

  Next, I’m flying onto my back, the rough asphalt tearing a hole into my wings.

  Now I can’t fly.

  The arsehole.

  I hear a set of footsteps, and when I peer up, White’s smug blue eyes look down on me.

  My chest heaves as I release rapid breaths.

  “Such a shame I have to kill you all over again. Except this time I will leave no trace...”

  Crystal’s face fills my mind, and for a moment I hear her laughing. Then it’s replaced by the sound of her heart-wrenching cries, the exact ones I heard through the wood of my bathroom door when she told her friend goodbye, and I close my eyes.

  Fuck... I’m going to leave her heartbroken for the rest of her life.

  She’d never get over me. What was I thinking?

  The fool.

  For her, I’ll fight.

  I snap my eyes back open, seeing nothing but red, and then I reach my hand up the same moment as White, and our polar energies collide.

  Black and White going at it once again.

  26. Crystal

  “I’ll always love you...”

  I stir at the sound of Eli’s voice, opening my eyes.

  I’m alone in his bed as I prop up on my elbows, massaging my pounding head.

  Last night was a blur, and one of the craziest of my life. I had my first ever shot of tequila, and suddenly I feel the urge to vomit all over Eli’s sheets.