~Running from the Devil~

Conclusion

Lisa Dean carded her fingers through her damp hair, as she thoroughly examined her reflection in the bathroom mirror. It had been almost 7 months since she'd made her deal with the devil, and she was finally back on her feet. Several scars lined her body from the beating that'd almost killed her, and her mind still lapsed into depression or anxiety from time to time. But the worst was over. The woman's physicality was in top shape, and her mind was getting there.

Lisa now stood in her bathroom, towel draped around her frame as she looked at herself in the mirror above the sink. Her light blue eyes glided across her pale scars, before lifting to scrutinize her hair. Where soft blonde locks had once been, now deep purple waves tumbled freely.

Sebastian had helped her dye her hair, and she was just now seeing the final result. The demon hadn't disappointed. He'd even gone as far as mixing shimmering lilac strands in the sea of royal purple. The effect was utterly hypnotizing.

Lisa smiled as she ran her fingers through her new hair again, marveling at how different it made her look. She recalled the conversation that had accompanied the change fondly.

"Is my lady quite sure this is what she would like?" Sebastian asked, eyeing the handful of dyes that sat on the kitchen counter.

"I'm sure." Lisa promised lightly, grinning at the demon. "The blonde has to go."

Lisa's ex had demanded that she have blonde hair when they'd gotten married. And being an obedient wife, she had kept the blonde. . . But that compliant woman was dead, and a new one had taken her place.

"Blonde is flattering to milady's features. But any other color should work just as well." The demon dipped his head, before he skimmed over the titles of the dyes they had purchased earlier that day. "So I see you've narrowed it down to several different shades of purple and blue. Is there a specific one you would like to try first?"

Lisa had considered before smiling at her partner in crime. "Surprise me, Sebby. You pick it."

Sebastian's lips had quirked at the corners, his perfect brow raising high on his forehead. "My lady would trust me with such a decision?"

"I'd trust you with anything, Sebastian," she answered without hesitation, her pale skin flushing as she sat back in her chair. "Make my hair beautiful. Full creative licence."

Sebastian had donned the plastic gloves and opened up the bottles of dye obediently. "As my Mistress commands~"

Now, as she looked at his handy work, Lisa knew she had made the right decision letting him choose. She looked amazing. She had incredibly pale skin, so she'd believed darker shades would look hideous on her. She'd been wrong. The royal purple and light lilac shades Sebastian had picked complimented her features. The dark hue made her eyes pop naturally, and she looked healthy under the glow of the outlandish hair color.

The woman regarded her reflection for a minute more before she turned away. For months she had been transforming, bit by bit, into a new person. She was still 'Lisa', but the weak or frightened parts had slowly been tucked away or discarded. She had become a phoenix; after crashing and burning, she'd risen from the ashes to become better, stronger even. And she was finally ready to face her greatest challenge.

She had visited countless countries and time periods, thanks to Sebastian's demonic powers. She had expanded her mind and her views of the world. She had stopped being the abused woman of woe who ignored the pain and helplessly cried in a corner. She still cried, hell she still felt the pain, but the fear was gone. And in its place, there was only acceptance and the fiery coils of her determination and hope.

For years she had run away from her demons, but now she fully embraced them. She was dark, she was different, she had survived, and she'd never be sorry for it.

Lisa dried off and proceeded to get dressed, before she began to apply her makeup. Sebastian was waiting on the other side of the door, and she wouldn't keep him waiting. There was much to do to prepare for tomorrow. The following evening would be the moment Lisa had longed for, and she needed to be ready.

When she exited the bathroom some fifteen minutes later, Lisa was surprised to find the living room of the loft empty. Though as she called out in question, a shadow crossed her peripheral vision and she squeaked as she was startled. Immediately cursing the one responsible for her jump-scare, Lisa blew out a relieved sigh.

"Sebastian! Shit! You can't just pop up on me like that! Nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"My apologies," Sebastian purred, though his expression was far from repentant. "It wasn't my intention to upset you."

"I'm not upset. Just surprised." Lisa clarified, shaking her head before her expression lightened. "Where'd you disappear to anyway?"

Sebastian gestured to her new colored hair with his gloved forefinger. "Since milady decided to change her hair, I thought it only appropriate to gather some new articles of clothing that would match the shades. I took the liberty of shopping and putting them in Mistress's closet. Please excuse my tardiness. It shan't happen again."

"...You had time to go clothes shopping while I showered and dressed?" When he nodded, Lisa snorted. "I should have known you'd be multitasking like a mad man.. . . You really are something, demon."

He bowed, eyes glowing their natural shade of magenta for the briefest of moments, teasing her as he so often did. "I always strive to do my best for my lady and mistress. Nothing less would be appropriate."

"Your 'best' is above and beyond all expectations," she offered sincerely. "How did I ever get along without you by my side?"

Sebastian cocked his head to the side, and Lisa smirked as she took his hand into hers. The past couple of weeks, she'd been bolder around him. She'd begun taking every possible opportunity to hold his hand. Perhaps it was stupid, but the subtlety of his hand in hers made her feel complete. Sebastian was a safe option. He'd never hurt or betray her. And he'd never push her further than she was willing to go. So she'd been testing herself every chance she got. So far he'd allowed it without protest, though both of them were acutely aware of it.

Sebastian squeezed her hand, as she met his wine gaze, and a wordless understanding passed between them.

When Lisa's cheeks began to grow pink, the demon raised her hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss on her knuckles. He was ever the gentleman.

"You look ravishing, Mistress Mine. The new colors suit you to a tee."

"I think so too. You did an incredible job with the dyes. For the first time in a long time, I feel gorgeous."

"My lady is beautiful beyond words," he agreed without hesitation, making her breath catch in her throat. "She does herself and all around her credit. In all my years, I have never known her equal."

"You don't mean that-" Lisa began, but cut off at the intensity of his expression. In the gentle light of the loft, his eyes were scarlet fire, and Lisa found it hard to breathe.

"Oh really? But what if I was inclined to such beliefs, my dear? What then?" His voice was liquid seduction across her spine, and she shivered as he placed another lingering kiss to her hand.

"Stop that... I know you're just messing with me. . . You have to be," she stuttered, noticing how his expression grew solemn.

"Or perhaps I am giving milady what she wants." The simply stated words were enough to make Lisa take a step back, her eyes going dark.

Was that all this was? An act? Was Sebastian just flirting with her to make her happy and fulfill their contract terms? The thought made her sick, and her heart instantly grew hard.

"I don't want you to act interested because you feel like it's your duty. " She paused as her anger welled up inside her veins, nearly choking her with disgust. As she continued, her voice was as cold as ice. "If you believe I want that, you can go to hell."

His brows shot up in surprise, at her adamant words and rapid change of tone. "Mistress, I did not mean to offend... Hurting you is never my intention."

Lisa was silent for several minutes, letting her anger slowly die down, before she nodded and crossed her arms over her chest. "Then I want you to make me a promise, Sebastian."

She had his full attention, as he stared at her with unblinking wine eyes. "Tell me what you wish."

"...Don't do anything like that again until you actually want to." Lisa held his gaze, unwilling to look away. "I'm not a pity case and I won't be treated like one. If you aren't interested, don't pretend like you are. I need you to be truthful with me. . . I need to be able to depend on you."

Sebastian was quiet before steadily dropping to his knee. He considered her words for quite some time, as he knelt at her feet, before he lifted his gaze to catch hers. "I have never lied to my lady, nor shall I from this day onward. I am her knight- her sword and shield as long as she has use for me. And I shall promise to honor her wishes as they are given. . . . I shan't pity you. Such a thing would be ludicrous for one so strong."

Lisa couldn't meet his eyes in that moment, but her gratitude for his words was genuine. "Thank you, Sebastian."

It was a simple promise, but somehow she knew he'd keep it. In truth, the whole thing made her sad. Deep down she feared he'd never try again, but if that meant he'd be genuine she'd have to live with it.

As if reading her mind he broke the newly fallen silence. "Though my actions have offended, my compliments were sincere. You are beautiful, Lisa Dean, and strong beyond measure. You must never doubt that. . . Please believe that much, for your own sake."

Lisa felt waves of emotion wash over her, as she reached down to take her demon's hand again. Though his reaction had hurt her, she still loved him.

As she thought the word, the woman froze, her fingers digging into his palm. When had she fallen in love with him? How had she been able to connect with a man, after all she had been through? She had never thought it would be possible, and yet she knew it was undeniably true.

She loved Sebastian... And she didn't regret her choice.

The demon watched the varying flickers of emotion cross his human's face before he squeezed her hand, bringing her back to the moment. As Lisa focused again, she offered him a peaceful expression, and helped him stand up. He could have done so on his own, but he allowed her to aid him.

As he straightened to his full height, he fixed his suit coat with expert hands and waited patiently for his orders.

Lisa smiled softly before she shook her head and turned away. "Come on, Sebby. Let's see the new clothes you bought me before we plan the last touches for tomorrow night. I want to look my best for the occasion."

Sebastian flashed a wolfish grin, before he gestured with his gloved hand towards her bedroom. "As my lady commands~"

o~o~o~o~o

It was a beautiful summer night, though not a star could be seen. The heavens were dark with the cycle of the new moon. The smog of the city didn't help matters, but very few ever cared enough to look up.

Once upon a time, Lisa had been afraid of the dark. Now she embraced it fully. The woman perched atop the rooftop adjacent to a dive bar, scouring the world below her. To her left, her demon crouched, eyeing her face for reactions. She gave him none. She'd been building up to this moment for almost a year, and she'd be damned if her overprotective butler ruined it by fussing over her.

"Sebastian, I promise I'm fine. You can stop worrying."

"Is milady sure?"

Lisa's blue eyes slid to meet the wine red gaze. She saw the chance to 'walk away' in his eyes. The chance to be better, whatever that might mean. . . But she brushed it aside. She'd made her choice when she'd agreed to the terms of her contract. She was done running from her past. And it all came down to what would happen tonight. . .

"I'm sure," she said firmly, before resuming her surveillance of the bar. "Are you sure he'll be here?"

"Absolutely." Came the simple reply. It seemed he wouldn't ask her to change her mind; she loved him for it. "As you are well aware, I've been tailing him for several months. His routine is unshakable on the weekends. This is the place of business he frequents the most on his days off."

"What time does he usually arrive?"

"It changes depending on the day, milady."

"But he will come?" Lisa heard the anxiety in her voice, and knew that Sebastian would have heard it too. She hated how her vocal cords betrayed her, but instantly felt comforted as a familiar gloved hand encased hers. She glanced up from the bar below them, to find Sebastian staring at her.

"He will be here, my dear. You have my word. He is a creature of habit, he cannot help but play into our hands."

Lisa was silent for a moment before she nodded. "Alright, Sebastian. I believe you."

The demon squeezed her hand encouragingly, before releasing it. Then he turned his gaze back towards the bar. "You have come farther than I would have believed possible in such a short time. You have earned the right to stand here, and you have nothing to fear from tonight. I swear it."

Lisa felt warmth travel through her body at his high praise. If Sebastian thought she was ready to face this final challenge, then she wouldn't question it. For deep down, she agreed with her butler. It was time to face down the devil and break free. She was ready and the outcome was inevitable.

Lisa closed her eyes as she felt the night-time breeze blow across her cheeks and nose. It was so peaceful, so perfect that her heart ached.

"What are your orders, Mistress Mine?" Sebastian murmured in her ear, making her shiver despite herself. "Command me and it shall be done."

Lisa's eyelids slowly lifted and she looked at her butler. There was no anxiousness written on her face now, and her tone was even as she replied. "Follow the plan we discussed, Sebastian. No deviations. . . . Bring him to me."

"Are you sure you'd like him to be breathing when I do?" The playful remark made Lisa smile.

"I'm sure. I want him alive, Sebastian."

His smirk was impish as he bowed gracefully. "As my lady commands~" and without another word, Sebastian disappeared from the rooftop and into the shadows, leaving Lisa alone.

The woman waited with bated breath, knowing that tonight would put an end to her past once and for all...

o~o~o~o~o

It was twenty minutes after ten when the man pulled up at the bar in his truck. He got out and spat on the ground, before checking his appearance in the side mirror. He was stocky and short, a whopping 5'7, with a typical military haircut. And it was clear from his swagger and expression that he thought he was God's gift to the world.

The demon laughed internally at his good fortune. God's gift, perhaps. But certainly not the Devil's.

After leaving his Mistress on the nearby rooftop, he'd quickly shed his 'human' form. Without a trace, he'd melded into the shadows, until he was completely hidden, and then he prepped for his prey. He had seen the man before, when he'd beaten Lisa within an inch of her life, but at the time he hadn't looked properly. All he'd seen was a male meat sack with a bad case of aggression. But now, he fully viewed the mortal, breathing in his sins and secrets as one might inhale a perfumed fragrance.

Jim Karnes, former soldier of the Marine Corp. A simple enough man, with average intelligence, and an ego that had been given far too much credence. He was abusive and a bully in every aspect; always one to pick on those he deemed weaker or subservient.

Oh, how the tables have turned~ Sebastian thought mirthfully, as Jim walked from his truck towards the bar. When the man passed the patch of shadows where the demon lay in wait, the creature taunted him.

"Jim Karnes…. My, what a naughty boy you've been." The man whirled around, trying to find who had spoken. The demon admonished the now cursing human with a full bellied laugh that echoed and appeared to come from all sides. "You're quite the pathetic one, aren't you? Scrambling to hurt others to justify your petty existence. Constantly trying to hide the truth: that you're just another inadequate human, with a meaningless life and meaningless goals. How very sad for you, Mr Karnes. How very sad indeed…"

"Who's there!?" Jim bellowed into the darkness, clenching his fists in preparation for a fight. "Look me in the eye and say that, ya bastard!"

"Gladly." Sebastian willed himself into his human form once more, seeming to appear straight from the depths of the shadows. He smiled mockingly at his pissed off prey, while he adjusted his gloves. "You know… I often find enjoyment fulfilling my contract goals. But I know that this particular caveat will bring me the utmost pleasure."

Jim Karnes didn't wait to ask any more questions, instead he opted to reply with his fists. As the first haymaker missed the demon, the man's eyes grew momentarily wide before he changed his stance and tried again; this time jabbing twice in quick succession. The first missed the demon by a comical margin, while Sebastian caught the second, encasing the man's fist in his own. He squeezed and Jim moaned in pain, as the demon once more taunted him.

"I would have thought you'd put up more of a fight then this, Mr. Karnes. The big man with his fists of glory, beating all who lay before him into submission. . . It seems your reputation is misleading . I am far from impressed."

"SHUT UP!" Jim yelled, swinging his free hand to meet the demon's jaw. But as the blow landed, it was Jim who cried out. Sebastian's face may as well have been made of stone, for all the damage that Jim's punch gave him.

"One hand sprained and the other broken." Sebastian cooed, allowing his eyes to turn their natural shade of magenta. "However will you fight back now?"

All the color drained from Jim's face, and he struggled against the demon's grip, trying to get away. "What are you?..."

"A concerned party." Sebastian's grin was feral as he tipped his head to the side, allowing his midnight hair to waft about his face. "My Mistress sends her regards."

"Mistress? W-Who?"

"Oh! I thought you'd never ask!" Sebastian crowed, before he brought his knee up to the man's stomach. Jim doubled over as he fought to breathe past the pain of his newly broken ribs, but Sebastian gave him little time to recover. In seconds, he'd picked up the man as if he weighed nothing, and had jumped high into the air.

As he landed on the rooftop adjacent to the bar, he dropped Jim unceremoniously to the ground. Jim didn't rise from where the demon had dropped him, as he fought to recover from the vertigo and nausea he felt. He was so lost to the agony of his broken limbs, that he almost didn't hear the demon address someone on the other side of the roof.

"My lady, I have brought you a pest to deal judgement upon. That is, if you have the time to spare?"

"I have all the time needed to deal with this." The second voice was powerful and distinctly familiar to Jim as he raised his head to look.

Several feet away stood his long lost wife in all her glory, looking every inch the avenging angel with her billowing purple hair and stoic expression. She stared at him expectantly, and her bright eyes showed her disgust and contempt for him. She faced him bravely and never looked away.

"... Lisa? … But you're dead. . . . I-I-"

"You killed me?" Lisa finished for him, shaking her head. "No. But I came damn close, thanks to you."

"But you disappeared," Jim whispered in shock, cradling his broken hand gingerly. "I got rid of you! It was over!"

"It was never over, Jim," Lisa said calmly. "It can never be over until you pay for what you did."

Understanding rose upon the man's ghostly pale face, as he glanced between the demon and Lisa. "You wanted this thing to attack me?"

"I asked him too," Lisa corrected. "And he did."

Sebastian inclined his head gratefully. "I am a simple servant to milady's whims."

Lisa leaned down so that she was at Jim's level, eyeing him purposefully. "I would've had Sebastian kill you and leave your corpse down there for the cops to find, but it wouldn't be enough. Death is too easy. I needed you to see me, to know that I survived your beatings and your abuse. That I'm stronger despite your efforts, and that you will never get to repeat your offenses. There will never be another person who has to go through the hell I did. You will never hurt another living soul."

Lisa Dean straightened back up to her full height, before she brought up the metal baseball bat she'd hidden behind her back. She tossed it to her butler, surprising him.

"Milady? I thought you wished to carry out his sentence?"

"I do." She paused before shaking her head. "But I can't. I want it too much … If I start I won't be able to stop." Lisa took a deep breath before continuing, "He has to live, Sebastian. . . He has to live with the consequences of what he did."

Sebastian's face remained expressionless, before he offered a lucid salute with the baseball bat. "Fear not, Mistress Mine. It shall be done."

During their brief exchange, Jim had tried to crawl away, but now found a polished dress shoe resting at the center of his back, stopping him. Before he could think, the foot had turned him over and rested on his throat, making him choke and sputter piteously.

"No, no, my dear sir. You cannot leave so soon. This party is in your honor, after all. You must stay and partake of your just desserts." The sarcasm and mockery in the demon's tone was blood curdling as he lifted his foot and offered a demented smirk. "Oh, and please feel free to scream to your heart's content. . . We wouldn't want you to hold back on our account."

The butler swung the bat high, and tears leaked from Jim's eyes as he lifted his damaged hands to cover his head. Lisa watched dispassionately, as Sebastian took his first swing. She could hear the crack of Jim's arm being broken, but felt no empathy.

As Sebastian strategically brutalized her ex-husband, the woman watched in unfeeling silence. If it had been anyone else, she would have stepped in, or tried to stop the violence. But she wouldn't stop this.

Once upon a time this man had abused her and nearly killed her. . . And once upon a time, she had almost let him.

It only lasted several minutes, but it was enough. When the now bloody baseball bat rested on the demon's shoulder, Lisa knew it was over. She eyed the broken man at her feet, before she leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"Most of the major bones in your body are broken, Jim. And they were hit in such a way where even if you heal, you'll never have proper movement again. Your outside finally matches your inside. You'll never have the strength to hurt another living soul."

Lisa stared directly into Jim's bloodshot eyes. She saw the past fade, as her abuser was brought low.

It was over.

"Enjoy the rest of your life. I hope you use it wisely."

Then, she stood and turned her back on him. She could hear Jim cry out again, but didn't look back. If she had to hazard a guess, Sebastian was following her orders to the letter. Which meant he was taking Jim's treacherous tongue out of his mouth. The finishing touch. . . Do no evil, see no evil, speak no evil…

Lisa stalked towards the edge of the roof and looked off towards the skyline. Sebastian joined her when he had finished with Jim. He straightened his bloody gloves with a sigh, before he ended up pocketing them in his suit coat. Then, he gave his contract owner his full attention.

"I took the liberty of calling an ambulance for Mr. Karnes before we began. They should arrive soon, given the timetable and traffic standards. Two minutes, by my calculations." The deep wine eyes delved into her very soul then. "Is milady ready to depart?"

Lisa glanced back to the man who had held her down, before she regarded the one who had given her wings. She met his unrelenting gaze openly. "Yes, Sebastian. Let's go home."

The demon acknowledged her command, by picking her up in his arms. They dropped from the rooftop in a flutter of black and purple, leaving Lisa's dark origins behind them forever, as they drifted off into the night…

o~o~o~o~o

It had been three months since Lisa had faced her past… And she couldn't have felt better.

She had settled in a quiet cottage in the British countryside, planning to spend the remainder of her days peacefully. Sebastian had made all the arrangements, and they were more than comfortable. They had an herb and vegetable garden that they tended together, and Lisa worked part time as an assistant at the animal clinic in the village. After working for years as a registered nurse, she was more than capable of doing the job, and she enjoyed the more relaxed pace of her newfound work. And in the evenings, she and Sebastian would either sit and get lost to deep conversations, or he would transport her through his memories for both of their enjoyment.

Though on this particular afternoon, the demon found his mistress doing something new.

Lisa hadn't had work that day, so Sebastian had left her undisturbed, letting her gain some needed rest. Though when he had come back into the cottage from the garden, he'd found her at the kitchen table, pen and paper in hand.

He shrugged his garden gloves and apron off, as he eyed the document she was writing. His brow lifted in interest, as he watched her pen word after word. "If milady wishes to write, I can prepare the study for her? Surely it would be better suited for the task, if not more comfortable?"

"Sure," Lisa breathed with disinterest, lost to her thoughts. "I wasn't picky where I sat. . . The idea was too good, and I didn't want to lose it."

Sebastian smirked and shook his head, but left to prepare the study. When he returned, she had started on her third page and showed no signs of stopping.

The butler watched patiently, before murmuring, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. You did divulge your longing to become a writer when we first met."

"I did." Lisa finally stopped to look up at him, her happy eyes sparkling with contentment. "And now there's nothing holding me back."

Sebastian's features grew softer as he reached out to brush a random strand of purple hair from her face. His bare fingers lingered against her cheek, and a warm light touched his wine eyes. "I am glad you chose to pursue it, Mistress Lisa."

"Me too." Lisa flashed him a wide grin. "Would you be willing to proof read it for me, when I get further?"

Sebastian's lips twitched before he glanced down at the page with interest. "We'll how could I refuse such a lovely offer? Even if the story pertains to someone named 'Thannor' and not myself."

Lisa snorted with laughter at his obvious jab, before she stood from the table and wrapped her arms around her butler as far as they'd go. From the fabric of his shirt, she thanked him, and he rolled his eyes when her voice muffled. Then, as she pulled back from the embrace, he stared at her.

It had been a year since she'd been on death's door. One full year since she'd made her contract with him and taken her fate into her own hands. The woman he saw before him now was nothing like the broken woman he had saved. She was a force of nature, with her royal purple hair and quick wit. And deep down, where there had only been sorrow, she now boasted eagerness and passion. . .

Lisa Dean had become her own woman. She was no longer tied to her past, or the one who had hurt her. She had survived her trials and she'd taken control of her own story. She was free and she was beautiful.

Sebastian regarded her for a long moment, admiring the fortitude of her soul, before he acted on impulse. While she looked up at him curiously, he dipped down and stole a kiss. As her mouth opened in shock, he took the opportunity to explore, biting back a smirk when she deepened it and pulled him closer. He allowed her to angle his head to suit her best, and purred against her tongue when her fingers carded through his hair.

"I thought I told you not to kiss me unless you meant it," Lisa breathed when she finally drew back for air.

"I can assure you, my dear, I wanted to." His tone was pure liquid chocolate, as he ran his nose against her temple and held her close. His wine eyes showed a playful side, but a sincere one as well. "I fear you've become quite the temptation. Enough to make this demon stop and stare."

"Then you'll have to be careful, Sebastian."

"Will I?"

"Umhmm."

"Alright, pet, I'll bite. . . Tell me why?"

She leaned up on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. "Because I'm done running."

Sebastian offered a wolfish smile. "Does this mean you'll be giving chase then?"

"Count on it, Sebby. With everything I've got."

The demon seemed pleased. "As your teacher I must confess I'm bursting with pride."

"And as my partner?"

"Even moreso." He pecked her lips to emphasize, admiring the way she glowed in the afternoon light.

"I love you, Sebastian."

For a breath, the demon butler was silent. Though the way he studied the plains of his lady's face made it clear how much he cared for her. His heart might have been black and unbeating, but it would forever hold Lisa close. Those eyes, sparkling a momentary glowing magenta told Lisa everything she needed to know, and she felt joyous peace.

Originally, Lisa Dean had run from the Devil. But now… she openly pursued him.

~FIN~

A/N: This marks the end of Running from the Devil! I've had such a learning curve with this story. I'll always look on it fondly. I hope you all enjoyed the conclusion! Thanks for reading and leaving such wonderful comments!

~ Lyn