Chapter 35

Unknown location.

The ground beneath felt cold and hard, akin to a rock and steal at the same time. As Alex was making step after step, he felt as if the dust was rising up, but it was heavier and had a different feeling. Like… ashes. He leaned down and took some of this grey dust into his hand, not caring about how did his left arm appear, when he remembered correctly that it was cut off by Esdeath. After he examined it all closely, he dropped it off and finally looked around himself, seeing nothing more but a barren wasteland, filled with rocks, ashes and some pools of blood. The sky was pitch black because of the clouds and constantly reshaping and moving at high speed. Air felt completely devoid of any life, but was astonished Alex more was the fact that he wasn`t even breathing at all to begin with. In fact, his entire being felt… wrong, empty and hollow. He was feeling… dead.

And then, it finally came to him…

Kuoh`s Forest.

Two large Light Spears were thrown at Esdeath and Alex, but they separated by moving to opposite directions. Alex and his former XO now looked at grinning Kokabiel, as he was preparing another Light weapon against them. Lucifer visibly scoffed, as he knew that his options were severely limited, with him missing an arm, practically zero magical energy left, tiredness and exhaustion from previous fights, especially with Esdeath. His only available weapon was his Clarent Avenger and nothing more, no magical spell or power in his command, for he exhausted himself to this point. If he were at his fullest, then this would be a completely different talk and Lucifer had reasons to believe that he could match Kokabiel on all levels and battle him. His Demonic and Holy powers could give him a real run for his money, but that bastard decided to send out Alex`s friends and Seryu to weaken him up a bit. A coward`s move, nothing more, nothing less…

In a single instant, Kokabiel moved from sky and reached the ground, standing now behind Esdeath, who paled a little as she realized that her primary threat was right behind her. With one strong punch, Kokabiel sent Esdeath deep into the forest, leaving him with Alex all alone. That was just what Lucifer needed. Once Esdeath was out of the clear view, Kokabiel casted his Light Sword and began walking towards Alex, grinning with feral smile on his face. He spoke up.

"I`ve waited a long time for this." He commented. "The day, when I`ll finally be able to pay back to your damned father for what he has done to me!" With that he launched out of the place right at Alex.

Lucifer evaded, moving to the right, preparing to block the attacks. Kokabiel`s red eyes traced him to where he now stood, with blade coming close to his neck, but Alex blocked the strike, moving golden sword away from his throat and bashing it into the ground. Lucifer flipped back and regained some distance between himself and Cadre. Kokabiel laughed loudly, speaking.

"Looks like you still have some spirit in you after all." He noted, raising his sword. "Good, it will make killing you so much more satisfying and enjoyable."

"Tough talk, coming from a coward and traitor." Alex noted, getting Kokabiel`s attention. "Sending my own team to attack me and my friends, and only after I`ve taken down Esdeath, you decided to show up. Heh, I guess dad and Baraquel were right when they said that you were the weakest of the Cadre."

"Your father and all of his friends, those are the real weaklings." Kokabiel said with venom. "Retreating from the war, making peace with our enemies and now forming petty alliances, not to mention marrying to a Phenex`s whore and producing brats along the way… If only he had listened to me, we would`ve ruled the world right now, not sweet talking our enemies!"

"If they had followed your advice, moron, Fallen Angels would`ve been the first side to annihilated." Alex contradicted. "Losses of Fallen Angels were the highest of all sides in Great War, but you didn`t see it, because all you cared about was killing weak and helpless, like a coward you really are. And as for my mother, say another word about her, crow, and I`ll rip that tongue of yours out of your mouth."

"What a threat, coming from a half-dead brat, who`s mommy divided her legs before me before she died." Alex`s eyes immediately widened, as Kokabiel`s grin grew larger. "Did you really think that idiot Riser was able to find your mommy by a complete accident? Azazel protected her and you with Lucina more than anybody, always staying with you and not letting even a mouse to come close to Lucia. I`ve watched with hatred and rage as he was having such a great time with his little whore, while I was forgotten and forced to cope with that damned peace he was trying to achieve. He took away my only joy in life, while he was on cloud nine with his family. And I`ve decided to teach him and his friend Baraquel, who was also having such a nice time with his whore, a little lesson. A little scheming and handsome compensation were enough for Himejima clan to take care of Shuri Himejima and her daughter. When Azazel and Baraquel heard of that, they`ve rushed there to save them, which was enough for me to strike. I`ve called out Riser, giving him the location of his fugitive whore and how to get there, but in return to for my cooperation I`ve decided to indulge myself in the same pleasure as Azazel. Your mother screamed when I took her, I guess it was the first time she had a true Fallen Angel in her." With that said, Kokabiel began laughing like a maniac he was.

"You… It was you… All those years ago…" Alex growled and was shaking with fury. "Bastard… I`ll incinerate those muddy wings of yours and rip off your testicles for what you`ve done to her and Lucina." Alex growled to Kokabiel.

"That`s some threat, coming from a dead man." Kokabiel casted one more Light Sword in his arm. "Do you really think that I`ll let you live long enough to execute that threat? I`ve learned better than to let a Lucifer slip out of my hand."

Before Alexander could reply to Kokabiel, he suddenly heard a telepathic link activated with him.

"Alex, can you hear me?! It`s me, Le Fey!" Familiar voice of Arturia`s little sister shouted in his head.

'Yes, I hear you, loud and clear.' Alex said in his mind, thankful that thoughts are much faster than words. 'Where are you, Le Fey? Did Kokabiel get to you and Arthur?'

"We were staying at our cousins in London, when he appeared and attacked. Arthur covered my escape, but he himself… Listen, Kokabiel got in his possession Excalibur Ruler and he used it to control the guys." Le Fey explained "And that`s not all. Somebody has been helping him out from the inside, informing of where the agents are. I don`t know who was it, but it`s someone outside of Grigori and with a great deal of power."

'It doesn`t matter right now. My team need to get the hell out of here and regroup, we won`t win here and I myself right now in a tight position as well.'

"They`ve just got away through Scathach`s runic portal." That was brought some relief to Alex. "I am preparing a multi-locational transportation spell to get those that I can out of here, but it`s really hard for me to get your magical signature for your jump. I need a couple of minutes, so please stay alive."

Alex could clearly understand that his position right now was dire and hopeless. His magical resource was at minimal and there was not a single chance that Kokabiel would allow Alex to live long enough to make that jump. No, there was no way for Alex to get out of this mess, no chance was available. He was, for the final time, done for. But there was still something that little blonde wizard could to him.

'Le Fey, focus on Esdeath`s magical signature and pinpoint it.' Alex knew what he was doing. 'Her magical energy is second to none and you should be able to transport her quickly with the others.'

"I`ve got it, but… Alex, don`t do it! Give me a minute and I will…" Le Fey already understood what it really was.

'Get to spell casting and stop worrying over me.' Alex sounded grim. 'I already know that I`m done for. Shit, I can`t believe that this is it for me… Le Fey, please, do me a favor."

"Whatever it is, I`ll do it."

'Tell my family, my team, my friends and my daughters… Tell them that I`m sorry.' And with that Alex cut the link with Le Fey.

He grimly laughed in his mind, realizing the full extent of what is going on and what will happen. Lucifer never feared death and wasn`t one of those to run away from it, but right now, at this moment… He couldn`t believe it, but he was wishing that he could escape from his death right now. Not now, not today, not this time. Not because he was afraid, but because now, for a the first time in his life, despite all the bad that happened… He truly felt alive. He didn`t just functioned, he lived. With his friends, his family and beloved girls and daughters. Even with Rias and her family trying to enslave him, he living the best days of his life. He enjoyed his life and wished not end it. It was selfish of him, for ones in while, Alex was feeling selfish and wasn`t feeling any need to reject this feeling. His life was full of joy and fulfillment, with his friends and family with him. He wanted to spend more time readying classical literature with Arturia or Medea, as they did in their free time. He wished to again walk in woods of Ireland with Scathach. He wished to spend time playing chess or talking with Sona and Tsubaki. He wanted to spend time with Shirone, being simply close to white cat, or with Ravel, who now was a good friend with him and whom Alex began to feel the same attraction as to other girls. Raynare, Medusa and Akeno wished to go to cinema with him on a romantic movie. Archer, Cuhullin and Alex were planning on all guys out night, going in pool or bowling. Azazel called just yesterday and wanted to spend time with Alex and Lucina, like a family. Illya and Sakura barely saw Alex today and he wanted to make up to them for this, thinking about going in zoo or somewhere where they could have fun, thinking about inviting Grayfia and Millicas.

Kuroka… With her, Alex felt the worst with leaving behind, not just because they were in love the longest or because she healed his heart when it was nearly crushed. Not only because of that, not because she was the most trusted person had he in this life. No, it was all because he was leaving Kuroka not alone, but with a child. Their own child, one that they didn`t even think would have so soon, but fate decided to do as it pleased and rewarded former stray cat and a shattered spirit with their child. Alex didn`t even believe it at first that Kuroka was pregnant and wasn`t even sure on how to react to it, but he quickly decided to simply accept it as it was. Kuroka may`ve been young, but she had a strong wish and desire to be a mother, to hold little kittens in her hands and protect from anything. Lucifer didn`t know why she didn`t tell him, for he only found when Illya let it slip from her lips. His black cat may`ve been afraid about telling him or had any other reason, but Alex wasn`t going to judge his chosen, but instead, he wanted to share their happiness. He knew well about Nekoshou and their biology, so they would see their little kitten very soon, in just 2 or 3 weeks. He wanted to talk to her about it today, but because of all this commotion, he had no chance. And to let her go on this mission… He may`ve been a genius, but he really allowed his pragmatic side get the better of him. Idiot, to let her go here and for not telling her. And now… For the first time, in many years, Alex felt how his cheeks were becoming wet, because of tears coming out of his eyes.

'Kuroka, I`m so sorry, my beloved.' He apologized to her. 'You are my greatest treasure and you gave the greatest gifts I couldn`t even dream about. I wish… I wish I would be able to hold our child.'

Kokabiel noticed how Alex was crying and laughed like at this seeming weakness.

"Oh my, is mama boy afraid of big bad Fallen Angel?!" He mocked Alex, who simply laughed it off and spoke up.

"No, I simply can`t believe that the one to kill me will be the most pathetic and weakest of Angels." Alex got Kokabiel`s attention. "I would be fine if it was someone from the high league, like a God or someone like it. Heck, even Sirzechs would do, but you… It`s just my fucking luck." Alex spit it, getting a growl from Kokabiel. "Now, if you are done with jerking off your ego boner, let`s see if you have what it takes to kill a real man."

And with that Alex launched himself at Kokabiel, who growled and swung around his sword. Lucifer knew that this was it and so, he had no need to hold back and could go all out. He used up every single inch of his power to enhance his physical attributes and put it all to use. Alex got right in front of Kokabiel, ducking down to evade the double horizontal slash, sending his Clarent Avenger right in the face of Kokabiel. Arrogant and reckless Fallen Angel didn`t even evade it, so the blade hit Kokabiel right in the face, cutting the flesh and severing a nice portion of his face from the skull. Former Cadre roared from pain and agony, his fury becoming far greater than before. Alex used the chance and attacked one more time, putting all of his remaining strength in one slash in the chest, leaving a deep trail of blood at chest and shoulder. Kokabiel managed to regain some of his composure and at full speed, he slashed Alex`s remaining hand with a sword. With another move, he took Alex in his hand and brought him before he disfigured face.

"YOU BLOODY BASTARD!" He shouted at him. "I AM DONE WITH YOU!"

"I`ll see you in Hell…" Were the last words that Alex said.

"Alex…" Lucifer suddenly clicked in. "I… I`ll await you on the other side, son."

'Sorry, grandpa. I must`ve disappointed you.'

"No kid, you did no such thing. If anything, I`ve made the right choice with you." Lucifer smiled to his grandson. "To see a true Nephilim once more… You`ve brought our kind back, that was more than enough for me, but to also see you live your life as you choose was even more worth it."

'I wish I had more time…'

"As do I." Lucifer admitted.

In the next second, Alex smiled and looked right in the one remaining eye of former Cadre, as he ran a Light Sword right through his heart, ending Alexander Lucifer`s life.

Back in the present.

Alex regained the full memory of everything that happened and now he simply sighed as he looked around himself. He was expecting to witness endless void and darkness, but this was still a little more preferable, despite the grimness of his situation. He was now dead, in the land of dead and surrounded by complete death. However, what actually was interesting Alex at the moment was the fact that he felt like he was in the wrong place of death… Like he was not where he belonged in death. From what he recalled, his soul in death was in hands of Hel, Goddess of Death and ruler of Helheim and he remembered well how Helheim looked like from his previous visit there. This was not Helheim…

"Where in death did I end up?" Alex asked himself aloud, looking around.

"Somewhere you now belong, maggot." Alex heard behind him a familiar, mocking and venomous voice.

Dead Lucifer turned around and now he understood in what hole did he end up. Instead of kingdom of Hel, he was sent into the realm of other Death God, one that Alex had a misfortune of crossing paths with in the past and wronging him in very bad way. Before Alex was none other, but Hades, God of Dead from Greek Mythology and the single God out of all pantheons and Mythologies that hated Alexander Lucifer with the purest and most intense hatred. The feeling wasn`t mutual, but Alex actually despised Hades for what happened back a couple of years ago and how he abused his position and made life for all that he hated and simply didn`t liked miserable. Needless to say, it was obvious why Alex preferred Hel to Hades.

Alex looked at the floating skeleton and spoke in unimpressed voice.

"Hades." Alex greeted the God of Dead. "Come to greet your new citizen, or were passing by?"

"Alexander Lucifer, even in death you keep laughing at fate." Hades irritatingly said. "But at last, fate has turned against you and now you are in my domain, where there is only word that matters. And now, after so many years of escaping your death, you`ve ended up where you truly belong."

"I doubt that one, Skeletor." Alex scoffed, crossing arms. "From what I know, you aren`t really someone to be respected as a God or even as a person. If anything, I know that better than anyone, seeing how you allowed Persephone run rampant with her madness."

At that time, Hades picked Alex`s ethereal body and slammed it against a suddenly appeared rock formation behind Alex`s body. Alex didn`t even feel the impact and was unsurprised when he didn`t even feel pain, seeing how his body was different and he had no need for pain now that he was dead. Looks like Hades has forgotten about it in his rage.

"Don`t you dare to mention the name of my beloved!" Hades roared. "It was your cursed Necromancy that took away my wife! You are the only one in fault, for it was you who killed her!"

"Your wife was insane and mad with power." Alex spoke calmly. "Raising long dead people from their graves and sending them to attack the living just for her amusement is not something that God of Dead must allow, but, instead of stopping her in tracks, you`ve indulged her insanity and allowed her to go rampant on the innocent. Would you like to know the number of dead, Death God?"

"I care nothing about those measly mortals, Lucifer! The single thing that I care about is the same one that you`ve taken away from me, wretched Necromancer!" Hades shouted Alexander. "You`ve had the gale to steal something that was never yours and now I shall have it back! I know that you still have it, son of Azazel. Where is Persephone`s soul?!" Hades demanded from Lucifer.

Alex knew all too well what was Greek God of the Dead speaking about, since he indeed possessed the knowledge of said thing. Around 2 and a half years ago there was a serious crisis that shook practically the entire supernatural world, in which now dead Goddess played the major part, along with Alexander and his group. Persephone, a deranged, psychotic and insane Greek goddess has decided to make the world of mortals her personal playing ground, with rising dead from graves and everywhere else, attacking innocent people. She relished in agony and pain of the mortals, laughing and feeling sick satisfaction at this action. Greek Pantheon and several other mythologies tried to stop her, but as it turned out Hades himself has decided to bend the rules of his kingdom, to which Persephone was tied up to and no matter what, her life couldn`t be taken away by any natural and unnatural means. Grigori`s Special Division also took part in that darned crisis, with Alexander deciding that instead of trying to kill Persephone, he would rid her of physical bond with this world and take her soul instead. For this matter, he had to become a master of one of the most difficult and profound magical arts in this world- Necromancy. Fortunately, Hel, Norse Goddess of Death and Dead, was quite agitated and furious by all these actions, along with the fact that her colleague was bending the rules in such insidious way possible. She was more than happy to teach Alexander the ways of a true Necromancer for this matter and within a year`s time, which he spent in Helheim, where time runs in accord to Hel`s wishes, he mastered this art in best way possible. And once he was back in the real world, where his absence lasted less than 3 days, he and the others have managed to trap Persephone and Alex performed one of the most powerful and greatest rituals in history- Extraction of Goddess` Soul. Alex managed to do it, getting putting an end to Persephone`s insanity and crisis all together, along with putting the dead to rest. That was more than enough to earn Hel`s respect and deep trust, becoming her friend. As for the soul of Persephone, only Alex and Hel had knowledge of its whereabouts.

Alex looked in empty eyelids of Hades and spoke.

"Even if I wanted to tell you, do you really think that I would even consider telling you of its whereabouts?" Alex asked him seriously. "I know better than anyone what will happen if you get your hands on her soul and I`ve swore not let that happen, even in death."

"Be careful with whom you are playing games, Lucifer." Hades warned him. "Thanks to Kokabiel, you are now in my domain and I have full right to do whatever I see fit with your soul."

Now Alexander remembered Le Fey`s words and how someone has been keeping tabs on his men. Seryu had no idea on where his agents could be, at least most of them, but Hades, God of Dead… That bony bastard had more than enough resources to keep tabs on his team and himself as well, along with doing researches, all thanks to his Grim Reapers and immense influence. Alex always knew that this guy was one of the worst case racists and despised every living thing on Earth, but to go as far as to work with Kokabiel on killing him and starting a new Great War… Hades has just hit a new low for Alex`s personal list, because now that son of a bitch made it all more personal than ever. Alex growled and looked at his jailer.

"I always knew that you were sleazy bastard, but to go as far as to cooperate with Kokabiel and orchestrate a new Great War…" Alex would spit on Hades if he had any liquid in his mouth. "You are one insane son of a bitch, Hades. Have you forgotten what will happen if a new Great War starts all over again?"

"Those pesky Three Factions get wiped out, along with most of those mortals, if I am lucky." Hades made a grin. "Just the outcome I would prefer and afterwards the old Mythos once again rise up in power. That idiot Kokabiel doesn't even realize his own lunacy and how easy he is to manipulate, making him perfect to take my sweet revenge on you and the rest of the world for taking away my wife. Now, tell me where is Persephone`s soul until I…"

"You what? Kill me?" Alex asked him half-mockingly. "News flash, bony, I am dead and there is little you can do to hurt me in this state. And, if you think that I would allow even a single possibility of a new Great War breaking out exist, then you clearly didn`t do your homework properly enough."

"What are you talking about, maggot?"

"Before venturing into that death trap Kokabiel set for me, I`ve made a couple of calls." Alex grinned. "Care to take a guess whom I`ve called?"

Hades realized just whom did Lucifer call.

"You didn`t…" Hades released Alex.

"Oh, I did and it is now real." Alex stood up, looking at Hades. "Leaders of Three Factions have already agreed on non-aggression pact and to unite against a common threat in face of Kokabiel, but, if I know my father and my agents well enough, it won`t take too long for them to track down all of his friends, you included of course. So all this scheming you`ve put up was all for nothing."

Hades growled and was about to snap, until he and Alexander suddenly felt unusual cold coming from somewhere. Both of them looked to the direction from where it was coming and saw how the skies were moving apart and cold ice was covering the ashes, as graceful feet of Goddess were moving upon it. Alex`s eyes were now upon a beautiful young looking woman, dressed in dark blue dress and armor, covering her torso and legs, with cloak behind her as well. She possessed white, akin to snow, hair, pale blue skin and blood red eyes, along with pointed ears, adding to her unnatural allure. She move moved with grace and power, making Hades begin to take steps away from her, while Alexander remained in place, for he knew that he had nothing to fear from her. All because she was Hel, rightful Goddess of Death and Dead, and someone who is fully capable of killing the Strongest Devil alive.

Red eyes of Hel were upon Hades, as she spoke.

"Years pass by, yet you learn nothing, Hades." She spoke in calm, yet threatening voice. "Did you truly believe that I would not learn of your schemes and plotting, along with the sudden death of my apprentice? Do you truly believe that I am so foolish as you think?"

"Greetings to you as well, Norse Goddess." Hades greeted her. "My only quarrel here is with this mortal, so get out of my realm now until I decided to send you away forcefully."

"Don`t play with me, I`ve learned not to trust a single word you say now, Hades." Hel was threatening. "Alexander`s time has not yet come and your little scheming with Kokabiel does not change this fact. Not to mention that you have no right over him, for I possess the reign over him in death, not you. And as for what you`ve brought him here, I shall say this only ones: Persephone`s soul shall never find its way in your greedy hands, Greek God. After her insanity and catastrophe she caused, I`ve made sure to deal with her in the most efficient way possible. As of now, Persephone`s soul is long extinguished and dispersed in the vastness of a Dimensional Gap. Not even you or even I have what it takes to put her back together."

"BLOODY BITCH! I SHALL…" As Hades was about to attack Hel, ice completely stripped him of the freedom and only his head remained on the surface. "Why am I…"

"Days of your glory and power have long been forgotten, along with most of your Grim Reapers, whom I`ve taken over as their leader." Hel informed him. "Those few who remain with you will soon be dealt with and so there will be no more scheming and chaos brought by you." With that, she turned to Alex. "Alexander, I honestly did not expect to lay my eyes upon you in this state."

"I didn`t wish to end in this state as well, my mistress." Alex addressed her with full respect, bowing. "My apology for disappointing you with my weakness, my lady."

"Disappointed you have not me." Hel said with kindness, casting a portal in her own realm. "We shall continue this talk in my domain. Follow me."

Alex obeyed, paying no mind or attention to frozen Hades, following Hel in Helheim, leaving the barren wastelands behind.

Helheim. Hel`s Castle.

As the pair stepped out of the portal, Hel went to her throne and sit upon it, looking with curiosity upon her former apprentice. She smile and spoke.

"Such a little time has passed, yet you`ve changed so much." She noted. "I must say, I am quite pleased with the progress you`ve showed so far. I always had confidence that Lucifer`s line is strong with you."

"May I ask you, did you know about it even back then?" Alex asked her plainly.

"Not from the start, but soon enough I`ve learned." Hel admitted. "The level of those seals upon your soul impressed me and I decided not to hurry the future and let it come naturally. And now… I have not seen your kind in millennias and seeing that such a primordial force ones more breaths in the realm of mortals bring some joy to me. Especially with you as their leader, Lucifer."

"Some leader is I, letting Kokabiel kill me." Alex scoffed at himself. "And now I am dead at the hands of that bloody bastard. At least he will get what`s coming to him soon enough, even if it`s not at my own hands."

"But would you like it? To personally bring justice upon Kokabiel and finally avenge your mother, to let her finally know peace, to be there when Kuroka gives birth to your child?" Hel asked him with a small smile, getting Alex`s fullest attention. "I see the same glint in your eyes as those years ago. I`ve missed such look of yours."

"Rules cannot be bent, my mistress." Alex reminded her. "Law of Equivalent Exchange does not permit someone dead to be reborn in the world of living without a price from someone to be paid. It was the first lesson you`ve taught me."

"Glad to see that my words have not vanished in your mind, Lucifer." With a small smile, she summoned in her hand a white small orb with a soul of Persephone in it. "Nephilims are creatures that have the power to kill Gods, but also become ones. Only the life and power of a deity is enough to use with you."

"You`ve tricked Hades into believing that Persephone`s soul is gone?" Alex sounded impressed. "You keep surprising me, my mistress."

"Her return is something I cannot allow, but there is something good that she may do to us both." Hel stood up and came to Alexander. "Now, answer to me with honesty, do you wish to return to the land of living, to be with your family and all those that care for you? Do you wish to soon hold your first child in your arms, or will you submit to scheming and failure?"

It was no big question for Alexander.

"More than anything else, I wish to be alive now, because only now I felt like I truly lived." Alex firmly answered. "My mistress, I beg you…"

"Do not beg me, my chosen." Hel brought up Alex face closer to hers. "Love me."

And with that single move, she pressed her lips against his, granting him her first ever kiss. Out of all the mortals and immortals, only one has interested her like he did and only he saw her as not a death incarnate, but a beautiful and lonely woman. Hel may`ve been a Goddess of Death, but her heart was alive and begged for love and attention. Her fullest passion was in this kiss, which was answered to, much to her satisfaction and joy. IF she were to choose someone as her husband, it was he and no one else. She separated from him, breathing rapidly.

"I`ve imagined it to be magnificent, but this was beyond any of my dreams." She said with a smile, caressing Alex`s cheek. "Thor and Loki are nothing before you, for you understood me and cared, staying a whole year with me here, even when you`ve learned all you needed. I only now, after centuries, feel just like you do, living, and because of this, address me as your equal, my love."

"I simply have no way of turning down someone who needs help the most." Alex admitted, looking in Hel`s now blue eyes. "You needed it and I simply went as I wished. Though, I will admit that I had impure thoughts of you."

"Which is a pure compliment to me." Hel admitted, crushing the orb and releasing the energy, which went all out into her chosen. "And now, I have repaid you for bringing me to life. I only hope that you will cherish this life."

Alex suddenly breathed in and touched himself, for he again felt the life in him. He looked at Hel and smiled to her.

"Hel, I thank you." Alex bowed to her again. "If there is anything…"

"Just go and deal with that nuisance of a Cadre already." She said carefree, returning to her throne. "And true to stay alive this time, my love." She opened a new portal for him.

"I will." But before he went into the portal. "Hel, would it be appropriate if I pay a visit to you after this crisis is dealt with?"

"Why do you ask such a thing?"

"If you`ve chosen me as yours, then I feel obliged to pay attention to you. I may have several wives and ladies close in my heart, but I do not leave them out when they need me." Alex admitted to Hel, who smiled seductively.

"I shall prepare myself for you then." She promised to him. "Now, leave. I have most important business to attend to, thanks to you."

Alex smiled to her and stepped right into the portal, leaving Hel alone.

"I wonder how he will react to the fact that he is no longer alone in his quest anymore…" Hel wondered.

Kuoh`s forest.

Alex stepped right into the same place where Kokabiel has just slayed him and looked around the barren wasteland created by the battles. On the ground he saw a set of ragged cloths, covered in ashes, which was his former body. And amidst of all of that, he saw a single blue orb, which he picked up and cleaned up a little.

He smiled as he looked at it.

"Good thing that you haven`t been taken away." He said.

"It is a good thing, indeed." Alex`s eyes widened as he looked at glowing white orb. "You have many interesting friends, my partner. Hel in particular didn`t allow me to vanquish into abyss and kept me as company to herself, in case you would require help. And since this orb is but last remaining piece of my physical existence in this world, I am back here, though no longer as your weapon.

Alex smiled with laughter, as he heard the voice of his most trusted friend and companion.

"It`s good to have you back, Galeran."