Chapter Text
It wasn’t like they distrusted Norman’s strategy. On the contrary, even if they had no idea of what it was, they were convinced that, if it came from his mind, it would be successful. And because of that, Emma was dead worried. She had lived through the kindness of some demons, like Sunk-Joo and Mujika, and when they were in that demons’ town, the demons could have been mistaken as humans due to the way they lived. She saw in them what no one else did: their human trait.
What right do we have to finish off an entire race that has the same feelings as us? she questioned herself. They feel love for their dear ones, they feel pain, grief, joy; they have wishes and goals, habits and different ways of thinking, and above all, they want to keep living. Why would we have the right to eliminate them? It’s true that they don’t have the right to eat us either. Still, why can’t we just coexist?
She always wished for another way. Ray reasoned with her and convinced her that the most she could do was speak her mind to Norman about the possibility that demons who didn’t need to eat human meat could exist. She agreed that, maybe if they talked to him, Norman would combine his plan with their idea, and peace could be achieved!
- That’s irrelevant. - he said in a sharp tone once he came back from his meeting.
The three of them were in Norman’s office. He was sitting in his desk, and they were on the sofa. In front of the children was Vincent, having a cup of tea. Ray and Emma were surprised by their brother’s answer, yet Vincent didn’t even blink.
- My plan wouldn’t be affected by something so trivial like that. The demons will exterminate themselves. In this battle, the fact that some of them won’t lose their physical form won’t have any repercussions. They will annihilate each other before the ones that can’t maintain it would decompose. However, it is true that it is quite an interesting phenomenon. It never crossed my mind that there could be demons like that, I suppose they’re special cases; although I only know your point of view, it’s more likely that they were lying, you know? - he said, referring to Sunk-Joo and Mujika. - But certainly, at this time, none of that really matters. The plan is already in motion. Your friends, because they’re demons, will get involved, and they’ll lose their lives sooner or later. I’m sorry. -
- Can’t we make an exception just for them? - Ray asked, trying to convince him
- But, Ray… what if there are more demons like them? - Emma asked. They don’t need human meat either, so they shouldn’t have to suffer because of the war. It shouldn’t have to do with them either. It’s unfair to exclude them… -
- Do you know how to distinguish them? One that eats human flesh from one that does not? Do you, Emma? - questioned Norman getting up from his chair, getting close to the other two.
The orange-haired girl observed him. He bent down a little so he was at her eye level. He took her cheek with his left hand and gave her a smile. A smile that, whoever didn’t know him well enough, would have thought to be an encouraging smile. However, when it was combined with those deep ocean eyes, full of mystery, you can decipher a confident smile, confident of knowing the answer to everything, confident of knowing he was right.
- No… I don’t know… - she finally answered, wishing she could say the opposite
- Then, we’ve arrived to a conclusion. - the white-haired boy said, walking away from her as he made his way back to his seat. He looked attentively at his brother and then his loyal guard before speaking again. - All demons, without exceptions, must perish. -
- But still! - Emma said, raising her voice as she stood up from the sofa, catching everyone’s attention, even Vincent’s. - I haven’t agreed to this, and I won’t agree to it! - Ray smiled at how stubborn and determined his partner was as she continued to speak. - I’m conscious of the situation, and you’re right when you say that this is the only way. But it is the only way for now, because I’ll never surrender, and I promise that I’ll find something that will give us a future where all of us can be happy, both humans and demons. -
- I would also want a life that comes out of a fairy tale, but that’s not the life we’re living,. - Minerva said. - This is a cruel world, and in order to obtain happiness in it, we have to be as cruel as it is. It’s sad, but this is our reality. I would love to think as you do, though at this time, I can’t help you with your idea. It’s just a pipe dream. -
- Then I’ll support her. - Ray said, standing up from the sofa and hit softly Emma’s head. - Someone will have to keep an eye on her, am I right? She’s capable of doing crazy stuff that would interfere with the plan. -
- You’re not my babysitter… - the girl pouts while looking at her friend.
- Sounds good to me. It is most likely that you won’t find anything, however, it’s always good having hope. I’ll only accept it on the condition that you’ll help me with the plan when I ask you to. You two look for your new way on the war’s course. - the leader said, smiling as he did.
- You seem pretty convinced that we gonna fail. - the black-haired said, slightly upset with his brother’s underestimation.
- What would you do if we managed to find it? - the girl asked.
- If the miracle happens, then, of course, I would lend you my hand. I would cancel my plan immediately and I would give yours the priority, but only if it is a good plan, obviously.
- You’re underestimating us again… - said Ray, annoyed once more at the albino’s response - …I don’t blame you, though. It really sounds crazy. -
- Now I’m feeling calmer about it, - she said, smiling in relief as she pressed her hand against her chest, looking at Norman. -Thanks for cooperating in your own way! I swear that I’ll show you that you were wrong by obtaining what I was searching for! You’ll see! -
If only… it had been like that.