As the Halloween night advanced, Devina's home in the forest had quite a handful of people come by and knock for candy, luckily no egg throwers. She waved off another pair closing the door feeling far more comfortable in their costume compared to earlier's little mental crisis.
"Tonight is actually going quite well, don't you think guys?" Devina said with a smile as the bowl was almost empty, not realising that Dan was watching from afar on the living room couch. His eyes taking whatever it could before quickly avoiding to be noticed.
"I'm surprised we hadn't have any tricksters come around yet, but why don't we have some drinks to liven things up, hm?" Jazz took the opportunity to bring out the alcohol knowing the risks, but Devin rarely will drink anything that includes alcohol.
"You want to get drunk? I guess I can have a few drinks" Devina accepted the suggestion for booze, and was handed a share that would most certainly get them drunk if not drank safely.
"Tonight is going to be interesting" Dan thought glancing mainly at Devina who took cautious sips from drinks, easing to the taste before more confidently drinking it down. Even when a droplet dripped down from her lip, to their chin then neck causing him to subconsciously gulp before snapping himself back once realising what he was thinking. "Jazz.. toss me a drink" he looked at his sister who grabbed can and chucked it over as he caught it. Immediately he cracked it open and began to drown it, Devina was speechless on how easy he took it down.
It had been a little over an hour since they had began drinking, some more affected than others before a knock louder and more intense echoed through the lower parts of the home.
"I'll answer it" Devina got up with a slight stumble from the living couch, her bare feet heard on the wooden floor as she walked to the front door. Fumbling with their keys until finally managing to unlock and open it. "Hello-.." she paused as the door opened frozen I place, eyes widen in shock and pure horror when seeing whoever was stood on the other side.
"We meet again.. Devina" prince Solar was there no longer hiding within a human disguise, as his feline companion growled behind him. That smile, the voice and everything about him was enough to send shivers throughout their body, but glanced at her own hands on why they're trembling like this.
"W-why am I shaking like this?.. I don't even know you, yet my body seems to express some sort of familiarity and not in a good way" Devina's confusion was evident as Jazz and Dan realised that she hadn't come back yet, growing a tad worried and wondered who was at the door.
"What's taking her so long?" Jazz asked glancing at the entranceway she saw them leave through a few minutes ago. Glancing over at Dan who too was just as concerned, brows frowned slightly before his ghost sense activated warning them of a possible threat nearby.
He shot up from his seat and walked through the walkway that separated the living room, to the main hallway. That was when he saw a unfamiliar face holding Davina up by throat with just one hand, and didn't look friendly.
"Hm?.. who the hell are you?" Solar asked with a sour tone glancing over at Dan who shot them a silencing death stare. "Silent treatment, huh?" They casually added showing no intimidation towards Dan and his aggressive body language.
"Get your hands off of her! Before I rip it off" Dan growled as he took a step forward, bringing an even bigger smirk to come across Solar's face.
"Oh you want me to put her down, huh. You must really like her to step up to me like this big guy" Solar chuckled having no clue who this guy is or what he can do. So they began to take precautions especially with the brewing up anger that's currently building up within Dan.
"Don't make me repeat myself!" He growled whilst figuring out how to get Devina away from the enemy without putting her in even more danger. Solar saw their bright red eyes glancing between him and Devina, a clear observation and the perfect sign for an upper hand.
"Nah, I'd think I rather hold onto this little thing a bit longer. I have a feeling you're going to be quite a pain in the ass for me" Solar stated remaining cocky as his feline companion growled nearby stepping inside the home to keep Dan far from its master.
"Tsk!.." Dan scoffed along with a deep growl not caring about the big cat that is now in his way.
"H-help.. me.. please" Devina struggled to speak managing to stay something, but Solar tightened his grip forcing her to gasp in response making it even harder to breathe.
Jazz heard what was happening, keeping herself in the living room to prevent further complications. Even hearing Devina's weak plead for help shattered something within her, hoping that Dan would save them from this dangerous individual.
The feline pounced at Dan only to be grabbed and slammed into the ground, shattering the wood beneath as it whined in response. His bright red eyes glowed staring down into its eyes, making it cowardly yelp as he huffed throwing it directly at Solar.
"Oh? Using my pet to get an advantage.. nice" Solar loosened his grip on Devina taking this outside, as the feline crashed into a nearby tree causing it to timber down. Solar remained unfazed by this, as if the creature could either handle the damage or can easily be replaced.
Solar was in the garden's pathway, when Dan stomped outside. Silently making his way towards them that intense flare in those eyes showing that he meant business.
"Damn it!" Solar growled to himself throwing Devina aside as she hit a nearby tree, going unconscious from the force. Landing on the ground below with a thud only triggering Dan's rage even more.
"Grr!" He lowly growled baring his sharp fangs whilst subconsciously puffing up their body to appear bigger and more intimidating. Solar began to see that he hadn't thought through with his plan to hunt down Devina.
"Hm.. this might be a bit harder than I thought" Solar began to regret coming at such a bad timing, but if he had known that a strong male was there he would've waited to strike.
Dan darted at Solar with ferocity and only wants to tear him apart. Limb by limb, slow and agonising until he allows them to die once he has his fill.
"You're going to pay for hurting her!" Dan roared throwing the first punch as Solar caught it with slight struggle, feeling the power behind it. This made the situation bad for himself if he doesn't do something and quick.
"You're actually quite strong for a ghost in the human realm. But why protect this weak flesh bag? Do you even know where she's from?" Solar wondered moving aside vanishing for a second until appearing from behind, intrigued that beings in this realm can actually match his power.
"She's apart of my world now.. and you're interfering with it!" Dan growled not realising his sudden confession about their feelings for Devina, as Solar froze before bursting out in loud laughter.
"YOU love HER! Oh that makes me laugh. Who would like this pathetic excuse of a woman?" Solar mocked them a hand over his face unable to control his laughter sounding almost psychotic.
That was when he used a ghostly wail, sending Solar flying before going after him, but stopped just a few seconds realising Devina was unconscious outside and unprotected. So he flew down and took her back inside, where he allowed Jazz who was shocked to see the state that their friends was in.
"Devina! I'll get the first aid kit" Jazz rushed to the kitchen to grab the kit, that was on one of the lower cupboards. Dan gently laid Devina down on the couch, placing a pillow under her head seeing that they had slight bleeding coming from their head, bruised neck from Solar which made him even more furious seeing her like this.
"That bastard!.. he'll pay for this" he thought looking down at them, fists clenched knuckles paling from the tight grip. Fangs exposed lowly growling as he grew impatient to find Solar.
"I've got it!" Jazz rushed back in kit in hand, and immediately got to tending to Devina. Dan stepped aside and watched his sister work on them. Disinfecting wounds and patching up what can be covered. "Who was that guy?" She stood up and looked up at Dan who remained tense, sticking nearby to prevent a potential confrontation.
"Don't know.. he isn't from here and clearly knows Devina, but she still doesn't seem to remember anything at all" he responded crossing his arms in front of his chest, a bit suspicious and wanted to know more of this other place where the other ghost said she's from. It would make sense for the strange energy fluctuating within her body.
Since what day, he stuck around to ensure that Solar won't return making her home a safe space for him if he needs some time alone. Devina didn't mind the company, yet her body would continue sending that strange electric shock throughout her body, it also sent a wave of energy out for only a few second across the realm. Every spirit can sense it and the power within each wave she emits. What are they? Clearly not a human.
"It happened again.. that strange energy. It's getting more intense" Devina said whilst walking into the living room where Dan was sat, chilling on the couch embracing the silence and space. But hearing her approach perked his attention, sitting up from the couch immediately focusing on hearing their every word.
"What is it like? Does it hurt?" He asked calmly hoping to find a meaning behind it, and the cause of these waves of intense energy. She looked at her hands then up at Dan meeting his eyes, seeing how drawn he was in the conversation.
"It doesn't hurt at all. Only tingles a bit, and it sends a surge of electricity throughout my body whenever it happens. Something isn't wrong with me, is there?" Devina showed some concern for well being and if something bad was going to happen if they don't do anything about it, but Dan wasn't concerned as long as it doesn't hurt them or another it isn't an issue. For now at least.
"If it doesn't hurt then it isn't something to worry about. But I can keep an eye on it if you want? It isn't like I have anything to do with that freak flying about" he said referring the last part to Solar which sent a shiver through her body, one she hopes ends once the threat is dealt with.
"My body seems to remember him, but I can't seem to recall his name at all or my memories. Why are they trying to kill me?" She added sharing some intel on what happened back on Halloween night when she first confronted him. It was a very strange night.
His gaze softened momentarily, noticing her concern of what is happening. He made the move to stand up and walked over to Devina before stopping directly in front of her.
"Let's go for a walk. Some fresh air will do us both some good" he suggested holding a hand out for her, she didn't hesitate and took it pulling her up allowing their hand to softly slip against each other before heading outside. Devina locked the front door and went to catch up with Dan, who stood a little away from the house. "Keep up or you'll lose me" he jokingly said with little chuckle as she managed to catch up and is walking beside him now.
"So where should we walk? Forest? Meadow? The City? Park? Your choice, I don't mind" Devina asked as he took a moment of the many places he went when he goes out flying. She was patient when waiting for his input.
"Today is quite nice, so I'll take us somewhere calming and relaxing. And I know exactly the place" Dan finally picked a place suddenly turning into his ghost for, and scooped Devina up and took off into the sky.
"Eek! Warn me next time" Devina was startled by the fast take off, he laughed at this as she held on close, wrapping both arms around his neck for stability. Feeling his hand hold more tightly around her caught a bit off guard by this, but he didn't complain.
"I won't drop you.. I ensure you on that" he calmly responded reassuring her that she is safe, literally hugging him tighter just to ensure that they don't fall. This made his heart skip a beat feeling their bodies practically pressed against one another, far closer than they've ever been.
He soon landed after a short hour of flying, Devina was finally able to feel the ground again, but over that time in the air she grew use to it. With him.
"This is the place you told me about a few weeks ago.." Devina was stunned by how beautiful the meadow was, full of flowers, light and wildlife leaving a singular tree in the centre.
"I like to come here sometimes. To clear my head and enjoy the.. beautiful landscape" his gaze stopped at her, softening as she was taken by the meadow, not aware of what he's thinking.
"So pretty! I sure hope this world has more beautiful places like this" Devina stepped forward feeling adventurous admiring the flowers, smelling their scent. "Should we make flower crowns?" She asked turning to look at him with that smile making them all mushy. As he sighed sitting down within the flowers.
"Don't tell anyone I've agreed to this, okay?" He responded patting a spot in front of him, as she willingly sat down a bit giddy that he's agreeing to do this.
"I promise. And if I do, you can decide what happens, okay? It's only fair" she added making it a bit more interesting as he raised an eyebrow at this, but quickly focused on the flowers.
Devina made an interesting mixture of flowers for their flower crowns, making sure it was perfect to fit on his head. Once done she chuckled loving their hard earned work.
"Can I see if it fits?" Devina asked lifting it up for him to see, he found the combination interesting, but bowed his head down allowing her to place it on. "It's perfect!" She happily said with a singular clap, as he sat up straight before presenting his own.
"Now yours" Dan held it up as she bowed her head slightly, feeling it perfectly slip on making the situation even more wholesome. "I made it as they reminded me of your eyes" he randomly blurted out immediately catching his slip up, as she did too only smiling back with a slight blush on their cheeks.
"Aw thank you. I made yours as they remind me of how brave your are in battle.. I wouldn't have survived if it wasn't for you stepping in. I really appreciate it, Dan" Devina stated her gaze softening as she nervously scratched the side of their cheeks with their index finger, averting her eyes and the blush became more noticeable.
His heart skipped again, eye widening slightly realising what this meant. And the perfect opportunity to take the step before anyone else can take them away from him.
"Don't go all shy on me now" he said in a soft tone as his hand moved to cup her cheek, moving it to look at him. "I want to see more of those beautiful eyes of yours" getting more confident he gulped not sure why he was acting like this, but it isn't something he's use to doing. Yet he felt.. attracted to this woman and wanted to see what this could potentially lead to.
"Dan.." Devina was left quite speechless as she used a hand to gently go over his, making him jump slightly by the contact causing his heart to race. Using their thumb to gentle caress her cheek as he leaned in a little close.
"Can I.. can I ask you something? I want you to be completely honest with me" Dan asked showing some anxiety with the slight tremble in his voice. Devina saw this patiently waited, nodding to hear what he has to say. "Will you.. be my girlfriend? We can try and see how it'll work out between us, but that's up to you. I don't mind waiting, I have all eternity" he asked feeling relived to have that pressure off his chest, leaving her stunned by this sudden confession. She then softly looked at him a giggle escaped her not in a mocking way, but gentle finding his worry adorable.
"Calm down, silly. Of course I'll be yours. We can even keep it private before we decide to go public about our relationship. Does that sound good?" Devina replied gently moving forward cupping his face with her hands, closer to him as he gently grabbed her waist pulling her on his lap. Even suggesting something that could either complicate things or making it better for them.
However, Dan was surprised that she even agreed to go out with him. He nuzzled into their neck taking in her scent, the soothing smell of lavender relaxed his nerves.
"Yes.. that'll be perfect. I can even come to your place, it'll be like our private meeting space" Dan agreed with the idea not wanting her to be targeted by potential rivals. And not to be seen soft around others he hates, but with her he didn't mind softening up with being judged.
"Hehe, that tickles" she laughed feeling his chin tucking her, as he huffed with a grin before gently kissing it. He pulled back looking at her then at their lips, moving a hand to Devina's chin then to the lower lip. Caressing it as his eyes darkened as he wanted to know what she tasted like.
She rested her arms on his shoulders, only a few inches away from him. Leaning in gently pressing his lips against hers, as she immediately kissed back. "You taste like heaven" he muffled during the kiss before breaking it allowing a single string of saliva to stretch out, until eventually breaking.
"What should we do now?" Devina asked without question on what else he wanted to do, but he didn't want to rush too fast. Even when she had no clue of what he was thinking.
"How about some more flower crowns?" Dan suggested seeing that their own crowns were falling apart, having an excuse to keep this going and not rush to anything too extreme.
How long will it take for them to tell the others of their secret relationship? And can Solar be stopped before he does some serious damage?