Fanfic sample chapter. Mephisto's relationship with Shiro: It's complicated.
Mephisto's Mansion: True Cross Academy.
Mephisto walked over to the balcony's edge in an utterly foul mood.
Love! What a ridiculous notion!
He took a deep breath to calm himself. Yes, he was painfully attracted to Yuri. And yes, he loved the feeling of Shiro's skin when he possessed the Paladin; both were delightful. Together, it had been a wonderful experience. A bit of a tragic end, of course. But they always were.
But Mephisto's feelings for Yuri were nothing more than a side effect of his demon contract with Shiro. He was sure of it. They had been partners for so long that all the wants, needs and emotions they shared had started to blur. Sometimes, Mephisto was Shiro, and Shiro was Mephisto.
They had made a deal once upon a time. Mephisto would extend Shiro's life if he worked as his own personal bodyguard; he would also gift him with unimaginable power and healing ability. To do that, Mephisto had to possess Shiro in small increments, just like he had with Shura.
Shiro Fujimoto sacrificed himself to Satan at the age of 50. He did so to save Rin and Yukio from imprisonment in Gehenna. Mephisto felt an overwhelming emptiness and loss that he could not easily replace.
Did he feel guilty that Shiro died?
It wasn't his fault, after all!
He had offered the Paladin a chance at immortality, but the stubborn man had spurned his gift. It was of little consequence to Mephisto; demons didn't suffer from hurt feelings. If Shiro wanted to be so stupid, that was on him!
Still, sometimes late at night, Mephisto would play Shiro's old cell phone messages. He hadn't erased a single one, enjoying the sound of Shiro's angry voice threatening him with impending death. It never ceased to bring a wistful grin to his face.
In truth, Shiro wasn't dead in his world; Mephisto's megaverse was full of infinite possibilities. He could always visit the Paladin in other timelines and in the past. However, Mephisto hated arguing with his various incarnations, explaining why he ultimately allowed Shiro the freedom to die. They didn't understand that sometimes even the King of Time had to let go, even if it meant giving up his favourite things. Plus, these Shiros would never be his Shiro. It just wasn't the same.
Mephisto sighed painfully, steeling himself against a wave of despair. No, Shiro hadn't been a mere toy. He had been much more than that.
Silly fool, don't cave into such feelings; he chided inwardly.
Mephisto wasn't a weak human but a king amongst demons. To feel such emotions was far beneath him. Besides, Shiro had a choice and didn't hesitate to leave him. That bastard didn't deserve another moment of his precious time! He abandoned Mephisto to a life of loneliness. His last words still echoed with endless heartache within the labyrinth of his mind.
The day before Shiro's death:
"I know you won't understand, but my death will save Rin," Shiro explained. "When Yuri died, grief opened my heart. I feel the same will happen to my son. It'll make his human side stronger. The boys need to become adults, and I need to step back."
"You don't have to really die, Shiro," Mephisto whispered. "You can stay with me until the end of days. I would grant you that last final wish. Please, reconsider--"
"--I'm not an eternal being like you, Mephisto," Shiro sighed, his strong hand grasping Mephisto's shoulder. He looked deeply into the demon's forest-green eyes and, for the first time, marvelled at their swirling depths, portals into time/space itself. "I've denied my humanity since the very beginning, running away from my heart. I've grown tired. Humans live and die, and my time has come."
"Once you pass into the world of Azazel." Mephisto's voice was tinged with foreboding. "I cannot bring you back. It is beyond the hands of Time....."
"I know, old friend." Shiro smiled, his rough fingers brushing softly against Mephisto's pallid, fragile cheek. He could see the pain crackling beneath the demon's carefully constructed persona, tugging at his exhausted, broken soul. "I know."
"Then how can you do this?" Mephisto shook his head. "I've given you everything you've ever asked for and more. Without me, that silly human heart of yours wouldn't exist."
Shiro didn't answer. He studied the creature he'd been bound to his entire life. It felt like an eternity had passed between them, or was it more like an eternity lost? Shiro knew his death was unforgivable to Mephisto, yet also knew his life was extended because of the demon's contract. Despite Mephisto's power, the pain Shiro felt was constant. He'd always been Mephisto's dog, and he had been soundly whipped in many a battle. In return, the demon had promised and delivered all the pleasures one man could handle, endless nights of sex, debauchery and power. But the reward was bittersweet. Yuri's death made that all too clear.
"It wasn't all bad, was it?" Mephisto murmured. "I felt it with you, y'know."
Shiro attempted a smile. "You saved my soul, and I'll be forever grateful for that."
All of it was true. Shiro's heart had grown; Mephisto had played the game to see what Shiro would choose. He became a good man because of it. But he knew it had nothing left to give. It was time to let go. The end of a human life was a state of peace.
"It's for the best," Shiro whispered. "For all of us, for your plans. You've seen the future, and the boys become great men, and leaders in a new Assiah."
"Ah, yes." The demon sighed. "The Plan."
Mephisto attempted to control his senses, his features contorted into a smug, aloof expression.
Shiro's grip tightened. "I gotta do it, Mephisto. It'll buy Rin more time."
"Fine. If death is what you wish." Mephisto flinched away from his touch, giving the exorcist his stiffened back. "I suppose I can release you from our contract, as a parting gift. You've played your part well, but it will be difficult to replace you."
"Ahhh, so you will miss me," Shiro's mouth twisted into a wry, wolfish grin. "I've always wondered; the real you is such a mystery. I think you've gotten attached to me like a human. Of course, you'd never admit it."
"Tch. You're imagining things." Mephisto blustered, a pink hue colouring his face. "I would never lower myself for the likes of you. You were nothing more than an element in my schemes."
"That's bullshit, we shared a body, lovers, experiences and power. We were a thing, Mephisto, regardless of your denials."
"I've had a thing with hundreds of humans." Mephisto rolled his eyes. "You were not special."
"Ah, well, for what it's worth." Shiro plucked a red rose from a vase on Mephisto's desk. He twirled it in his fingers with a wry smile. "I'm going to miss you too, you rotten, scheming wretch."
Mephisto glanced over his shoulder, and that's when Shiro saw the pain flutter through the demon's facade, and for a split second, Shiro felt remorse.
"Mephisto, I'm sorry for all of this." Shiro's voice was gruff. "I didn't realize you'd hurt..."
"I think you should go," Mephisto announced petulantly. "You've wasted enough of my time. About 50 years, I'd say."
The paladin sighed, his heart heavy.
"Mephisto, I have one more request." Shiro turned to make his leave. "Promise me something. Keep an eye on Shura for me. I wasn't the kindest to her. And I still feel guilty about all of it. She only deserves the very best in this world; see that she gets it."
"Oh, my dear Shiro." Mephisto's mouth curled into a wicked, evil grin. "I'll see to that, personally..."
As Shiro left his office, Mephisto snickered evilly.
"Sorry, Shiro. You won't get away from me that easily."
And Shura will get the best; she will have me instead of you.
