42 Chapter 42

I stare at Alex in shock. What does he think he's doing?

"A new deal? Didn't you learn anything from the first one?"

"You and I in a battle of my choosing, no illusions or magic or whatever. If you win, you get me. I'll do whatever you want and you set her free and erase any memory of this."

"How sweet, sacrificing yourself for her. When did you get a heart?" Alex is unamused and says nothing. I watch the devil think, looking more than intrigued. "And if you win?"

"The original deal is off the table, forgotten. You heal and free Jules. You let us leave, send us home and you can never come after us, our families, or anyone we care about ever again."

The devil is silent as he watches Alex, but he stands his ground and I watch the devil's eyes light up, "Deal. What's your preferred method of battle boy?"

"Swords, French rapiers."

I visibly see the devil get tense. "Interesting choice. So rapiers, I can't use any of my.... Abilities. I win I wipe her memory of these two months, free her, and keep you. You win, I heal her, free you both, send you home free of debt and I can never come for you, you're family, or those you care for ever again. Did I miss anything?"

He shakes his head, "That's it."

The devil glides over to him with his hand out, "Shake on it boy."

As Alex takes his hand I feel a jolt of electricity shoot through me and the room. The gun evaporates and we all just stare at each other.

"It's set. My powers are almost entirely void. If I win, her memory will instantly be erased and she will be sent home. It'll be like it never happened. If you win, everything you asked will be granted instantly. Now are you ready to begin?"

"Can I have a few minutes with her?"

With a bored shrug, the devil leaves us in the large empty room, calling back "Ten minutes... Isn't that right Jules?"

My stomach clenches as he disappears from sight. Alex is quick to get on his knees in front of me. He examines me carefully, I watch his eyes travel to my neck and to the burns that cover me.

"I'm going to kill him," He growls, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I feel numb and stupid.

He goes stiff, "Which part?"

"Any of it! Anything! You told me I had to go with you because I interfered, is that even true?"

He shakes his head, "He knew what you meant to me, he knew if anything happened to you I just.... I'm sorry."

"Why didn't you tell me you felt that way? Two months of sleeping next to each other and not a word! And you're grandparents, I... I just don't understand."

He examines my neck, I think to do anything but look at me. The blood has dried and I look a mess, I'm sure.

"I didn't know bringing them back would undo everything else from the past eight years, I didn't know where I'd end up because things could have been very different with them still around. I couldn't undo it, I've done some good and I couldn't risk losing that and I... I couldn't risk losing a chance with you."

"You never spoke to me."

He shakes his head, "I didn't think you'd be interested in what I had to say. I figured that I was just the trouble maker to you, but I was determined to say something, probably at graduation."

"That's why you brought up me in the paper, because you kept it too." He nods. "What about when you kissed my neck in Joliet?"

He chuckles, "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I did panic and tell the desk clerk you were my girlfriend, wishful thinking I guess, and she would not stop watching us. I didn't really know what else to do, and the idiot guy in me said to take it as an opportunity because I was pretty sure there was no way in hell that you'd want me after all this." He sighs as he reaches for the cut on my neck. "I guess I'm right."

"Alex... I... I don't think— You're wrong. I've..." My mind is a mess and I can't find any coherent sentences.

"It's ok," He smiles, but I can see it's a defeated smile. "Let's just get you out of here."

"What about your grandparents, you didn't say anything about seeing them again."

He stands, his shoulders heavy as he takes a deep breath, "Yeah, I know. I know the cost, and they wouldn't want me to do it if it meant losing something or someone else I care about. Now I just have to hope I can fix this and make them proud of me again."

"Do you know what you're doing?" I ask as he starts looking nervous.

"I had fencing lessons as a kid, and my grandfather had a rapier he taught me to use. I'm no master but I can at least keep myself alive."

That's not very reassuring seeing as I know the devil wants him alive for now.

"I don't like this Alex, I don't like the idea of possibly leaving you here. Who knows what he'll do to you!"

He looks at me and I watch something in him change. It's like he almost... Surrenders.

He's stiff as he marches over to me and gets down on his knees to hold my face. "When this started I promised you I would find a way to get you home, to give you your life back. I was selfish, I didn't want to miss my chance with you and I dragged us both down. Today, I change that, I'm going to fix this. I got my time, my chance with you, so I'm fine with whatever happens. Today I'm going to keep my promise. One way or another, you're going home today."

Looking at him I see it. The way his lips form a tight line and his eyes shine with determination and certainty, this is Alex. This is the Alex I've had a crush on all these years, and I guess this is the Alex that has had a crush on me. The Alex in front of me is the guy who stands up for the underdog and will fight for what he knows is right, even at his own expense.

"Are you two going to make out? Because I still have the camera going and I'm sure Alex would love a memento for when he's basically my errand boy."

I watch my Alex disappear. His eyes become cold and detached as he steps away from me and a sneer forms on his face.

"Taking you down is going to be so satisfying, you pompous prick! I'm going to enjoy watching you crumble as all your worth slips away until you're nothing except forgotten!"

"Remember boy," The devil smiles and snaps his fingers, a long lance appear in both of their hands, "History is written by the winners."

He and Alex stand a few feet apart as I watch them take their stance. They both spread their feet and put one behind them. I notice Alex bends his knees and almost crouches while the devil stands tall. The question is, who's at the advantage because of it?

"You ready, boy?" The devil smirks and glances between us.

Alex rolls his neck as he lifts his arm and elbow, resting his hand behind his ears, "Yes."

I watch the devils eyes glow darker as he lunges forward, barely missing Alex. Watching Alex it's like he's someone else. He doesn't falter in any way, every move is precise and his eyes stay focused. The devil is too cocky, he underestimates Alex, now the only hope is that that is what will be his downfall.

Before I can realize what happening, they're both moving faster than I can keep up with! The sound of their blades colliding is loud and frequent as they almost dance around the building.

Alex's stance is strong and consistent, his feet move in harmony and his sword is always straight. I can see the fear in his eyes but he's trying so hard to seem brave.

As the devil lunges for him again, I see the tip of his blade pierce Alex. His arms drop only for a moment as he cries out and moves away.

"Alex!" I pull against the ropes that keep me trapped and unable to help.

He's quick to recover but is clearly weakened by the blow, I watch a small pool of blood spread over his shirt. The devil doesn't hide his satisfaction as he lunges again, this time missing as Alex steps away. Every movement makes him cringe as they start their dance of clashing metal again.

It feels like an eternity when I see the devil fall, a new hole in his arm. Alex steps away, a small smile teasing at his lips as he prepares to strike again, his blow landing just below the devils shoulder.

His eyes flash red as he rises and swings his blade at Alex. His sword wobble and misses by a mile but it doesn't stop him as he begins a random, aggressive array of stabs and swings. Alex moves carefully to avoid the blows, all while maintaining a perfect stance.

I watch and feel the tears fall as their swords clash and Alex takes a few more blows. He's bleeding, the red that stains his shirt spreads as he gets sweaty and pale.

I feel the ropes around my wrist soften. It's almost over. The deal is taking effect. As soon as one of them wins, my ropes will be gone, looking down I see them fading into nothing as the devil lunges again, narrowly missing Alex's face.

The more the ropes soften and fade, the more I fight. Some part of me thinks if I'm fast enough, I can decide who will win. I know that's crazy but... Something in my gut is telling me this will all go to hell.

I cringe as their swords clash and the loud metallic sounds vibrates through the building. Alex stands strong as the two blades almost wrap around each other and then I see it. He's smiling. His cocky, side grin is showing and his eyes are bright and alert.

"Please don't do anything stupid, please don't do something stupid!" I think to myself as I feel my voice get stuck in my throat.

"Don't get too sure of yourself kid," The devil smiles back at Alex, his sick and twisted grin makes my stomach turn.

I feel the ropes disintegrate as I watch Alex twirl his wrist and sword, pulling the devil's from his hand and throwing it across the room. The devil drops to his knees as the sword is pulled from him and he loses his balance. Alex steps back and presses the tip of his blade to the devil's chest.

"Sorry, I was a bit busy writing history," My heart floods with relief at that snarky tone of his.

I stand up from the chair, my legs weak and shaky as I take a step closer to them. The way Alex's face relaxes as he looks at me makes me hurt. He tosses the sword away and darts over to me, I try and do the same but my legs can't handle it. He catches me just before my legs give out.

"I've got you," He breaths as he holds me and helps me up, "I've got you and this time I'm not letting you go."

My stomach twists and turns as he takes my hand in his. He eyes travel over my face and body carefully, slowly I feel him relax. His eyes start to water as a smile shows.

"What is it?" I mutter.

"You're better. The cut on your neck, the bruise on your cheek, and the burns... They're gone. God... You're alright."

I try to push away. So many thoughts are running through my head. He holds me tighter against him.

"Did you mean everything you said? Hear and back at the motel? I mean.... You don't really know m—"

"Just shut up. Jules I've had my eye on you for over two years, everything about you gets to me, in the best and worst ways. You're beautiful, smart, and talented; you're a stubborn pain in my ass but you keep me honest, and nothing beats that feeling of breaking down your walls and seeing you open up to me. I meant everything I said, and I'll say it again if I need to."

"I... Umm..."

I see some uncertainty creep into his eyes, "Well you know how I feel... What about you?"

My brain shuts off. The next thing I know, I feel his mouth devour mine as he pulls me closer.

Pulling away, I'm in shock that I did that. My shock doubles as Alex starts laughing.

"Thank fucking god," He sighs, "You had me scared there for a second."

He runs the back of his hand down my cheek and over my neck. Leaning into his touch, I see out the devil out of the corner of my eye. He stands there with his hand raised to me and Alex.

He's got a gun.

My life feels like it's in slow motion as I watch him pull the trigger, eyes boiling with anger.

"Alex!" I shove him and feel my heart stop.