Day 361

The days have passed, and summer camp is almost here again. I promised Keitaro I would be there. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. I hate lying to him. It's harder and harder to smile each day.

K: Cornelia!

C: Sorry. Did you say something?

K: You were spacing out. Is everything ok?

C: Yes. I'll go take a shower.

K: I will wait for you in my room, reading the mail.

Maybe a cold shower will get this out of my system. I was dressing up when I sensed something. Darkness, but it's not magic, someone was overwhelmed by dark feelings. I rushed out of the shower into Keitaro's room.

C: I'm here. What is it? You look worried.

K: Why?... Why didn't you tell me?

C: Tell you what?

K: Don't play dumb!

Keitaro handed the mail. It was a letter with some pictures. "Sorry to tell you my dear Keitaro, but Cornelia is lying to you. Thanks to my brothers, the fountain is destroyed. I can't wait for the day when you forget her so she can be mine again. Love, Asmodeus"

My hands were shaking. I couldn't say a single word.

K: I want to hear the truth. Take me there. Take me to the cave.

C: ... I-... Ok. Inakamlaw namazla rbae.

We were inside the cave in the blink of an eye. I put my feet inside the water.

K: Now. Tell me everything in detail.

C: It was about a month ago. I found the library, but I was too late. Two of the demon brothers made it before me. Belphagor held me up as long as he could. By the time I reached the fountain, it was already destroyed.

C: After jumping dimensions and the fight with Belphagor, I was exhausted.

C: As a last attempt used my Father's power the kill Leviathan. I was unconscious for a couple of days after that. That is why you couldn't reach me.

K: You should have told me. We could have figured out another way.

C: There is no other way...

Keitaro saw the waters. He knew I was telling the truth.

K: Why didn't you tell me the truth earlier? Why did you lie to me? What is this me forgetting about you?

C: There is a blessing or curse, whatever you want to call it. Every Blood Moon has magic powers that make every non-magical being forget about us, Lunari. It erases every memory, picture, and other proof that we existed with some exceptions. It was created more than a million years ago, but I don't know why. I was planning that I would make you happy in these past few weeks. I wanted to have some good memories of us...

K: When will this happen? When will this Blood Moon come?

C: The first day of camp.

K: Is there no way around it? Can't you just preserve my memories and give them back with magic?

C: I could, the mark you or my magic would prevent it. But I can't do it... I'm sorry.

K: W-what?

C: I can't do it...

K: Why? Don't you love me anymore?

C: I DO! That is why I don't want to do it.

K: That just makes no sense. IF YOU LOVE ME, WHY CAN'T YOU JUST DO IT !?

C: BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO WATCH YOU DIE!

K:...!

C: I'm a danger to you. I have hundreds of enemies who want me dead. If they would find out who are you, I can't imagine what they would do to you.

K: That is not a good enough reason! I know you can protect me.

C: Keitaro. I can't protect you from death. No matter what we do, you will grow old and die eventually, and I can't stop it. I can't watch you die.

K:...

C: We can't have kids. We can't grow old together. I can't give you what you want.

I couldn't hold it anymore. I was crying like a little kid.

K: But I only want you. You are the reason for who I am now. I was just a shy boy. You are the one who opened my eyes.

C: I'm sorry. You will still be who you are now. You just won't remember me... This is the only way. I can't put you in danger. I can't watch you slowly die, I can't give you the things you want. This is the best I can offer. A few more happy days.

Keitaro got up from me, and he started crying as well.

K: No, this can't be it. I won't accept this!

He ran away from my side. Grief, pain, and sorrow filled his heart.

C: Don't go. It's too dangerous alone.

I ran after him barefoot as quickly as I could, but I was too late.

Asmodeus: Well, well, look what caught.

C: DON'T YOU DARE LAY A FINGER ON HIM.

Asmodeus was holding Keitaro. His arm was wrapped around his neck.

Asmodeus: I love good foreplays, but I don't have time. You know what I want. Give me your soul, and I let the boy go.

C: Fine-

K: DON'T! If you love me, don't you dare do it!

Asmodeus: Foolish boy, you just don't know when to shut up.

What should I do...

Asmodeus: As you wish. I will take my leave. I'll make sure your boyfriend won't get lonely. See you later, honey.

C: NO!

Before I could even react, they were gone. Asmodeus took Keitaro with him. I screamed in agony. The ground shook beneath me, and the earth split open before me.

C: Keitaro... I'm sorry. I was too weak.

I will find my love. Even if this is the last thing I do.