Chapter 4: Suspicious and Malicious

As the battle raged on, the absence of the black-suited man forced the three Arch Demons into a dire situation—they had no choice but to confront the colossal creature. Beelzebub took charge, commanding Asmodeus and Leviathan to assume their sinful forms. Leviathan transformed into a dragon serpent, Asmodeus took the massive wolf, and Beelzebub himself transformed into a Bug Seraphim.

The three-headed snake wasted no time and launched an immediate assault. The Arch Demons split up to encircle their foe. Beelzebub unleashed a spray of poisonous saliva, causing the three-headed snake to recoil as they struggled to maintain their unity.

"So, it's three against three," remarked Asmodeus.

"Interesting," Beelzebub chimed in.

Leviathan couldn't help but comment, "It's rather ironic that I must now fight one of my own kind."

"There's no turning back," Beelzebub declared. "Engage!"

Suddenly, the snakes abruptly retreated from the battle and scurried towards another terrain. They ascended a cliff, gradually shrinking from their colossal forms. Their destination was the train, where Jophiel, Lucifer, and a group of people were. One of the serpents approached them, but before it could strike, Amenadiel intervened. However, the serpent managed to overpower Amenadiel, dragging him away. Meanwhile, the second serpent attacked the train with the intent to destroy it.

In response, Jophiel swiftly drew her weapon and charged at the serpent, landing a powerful blow that wounded it severely. The serpent went into a rampage, causing the train to split in half. Amid the chaos, a young boy woke up and fled. The pursuing serpent closed in on the boy, but just as it was about to strike with its venomous fangs, Diane rushed forward and threw her knife, aiming for the serpent's eye. Although she hit her target, the serpent managed to release a small amount of venom, which struck Diane, causing a slow, burning sensation. Despite her injury, Diane managed to save the boy.

The other serpent, surprised by Jophiel's attack, attempted to drag her away. Lucifer, however, intervened by grabbing the serpent's tail and forcefully striking it against a wooden surface. The serpent released Jophiel and turned its attention to Lucifer. As the serpent slowly approached Lucifer, he hesitated, clutching a small urn, contemplating whether to use it as a weapon. Just as the serpent was about to attack Lucifer, Asmodeus surprised it by charging and plowing into it. Beelzebub pulled Asmodeus to safety, and Leviathan bit the serpent's neck, causing it to die.

Amenadiel returned, his body covered in blood from his encounter with the first serpent.

Lucifer spotted Jophiel lying unconscious and rushed to her side.

"Jophiel?" he called out urgently. "Jophiel?"

Jophiel stirred and let out a soft grunt.

"Oh, thank the heavens, you're alright," Lucifer breathed a sigh of relief. His wings folded down.

Beelzebub approached and inquired, "Are you alright, your highness?"

Lucifer nodded, reassuringly. "Yes, I'm fine. Please, go help Diane."

"Understood," Beelzebub acknowledged and hurried to assist Diane.

Lucifer returned his attention to Jophiel. "You're going to be alright, Archangel."

Suddenly, the serpents burst into flames and vanished instantly.

The police and rescuers arrived, and many confused people had awakened, trying to make sense of the situation. Amid the ongoing operation, Lucifer approached a police officer.

"Sheriff, may I inquire if someone informed you about the incident here?" Lucifer inquired.

The cop nodded, responding, "A man, drenched in blood, came to our station and told us about this awful situation."

The cop added, "You were fortunate; the train crossed the bridge just before it collapsed."

Lucifer replied with a wry smile, "It's the devil's luck, I suppose."

The cop burst into laughter and then continued, "In any case, I have something to investigate."

"The bus will arrive to pick you up here," the cop informed him.

"Thank you," Lucifer acknowledged.

Meanwhile, Amenadiel approached Diane, who was being treated by a nurse.

"That's quite a blister you've got there," Amenadiel observed.

Diane responded, "Well, at least the boy was saved."

The three Arch Demons approached Lucifer, who gestured for them to speak privately in the woods, away from prying eyes.

"Your Highness, I believe this could be a threat from Lilith," Beelzebub suggested.

Lucifer nodded in agreement. "Indeed."

"And I suspect I'm not the one being targeted," Beelzebub continued.

Curious, Beelzebub asked, "Then who?"

Lucifer contemplated for a moment before replying, "Perhaps the Archangel." 

"What does the Archangel have to do with this?" Beelzebub inquired.

Lucifer explained, "When the serpent twisted Jophiel, I initially thought it was going to devour her, but instead, it dragged her away..."

Two hours later, a bus arrived to transport the train passengers to the hospital. Jophiel was admitted to the hospital for a brief period, with Diane taking on the role of her caretaker. Outside Jophiel's room, the three Arch Demons stood guard. The nurses couldn't help but be captivated by the striking appearances of these otherworldly beings. Asmodeus, ever the charmer, was on the verge of making an advance toward one of the nurses, but Beelzebub intervened, redirecting his attention to their duty of protecting Jophiel.

Meanwhile, Ennemond accompanied Lucifer to Lyam's house. They exchanged polite knocks at the door, which Lyam promptly answered with a warm embrace for Ennemond.

"It's reassuring to see that all of you are unharmed after the incident on the bridge," Lyam commented.

Ennemond chuckled, responding, "Yes, we are indeed grateful to have arrived here in one piece."

"Please, come in," Lyam invited them.

Ennemond and Lucifer took their seats while Lyam busied himself preparing tea. Unseen by the visitors, Lyam discreetly concealed a dagger beneath his desk. Lucifer, ever observant, couldn't help but notice Lyam's actions and silently kept an eye on him.

Lyam inquired, "Where is Jophiel?"

Ennemond replied, "She has been temporarily admitted to the hospital due to a minor injury to her left arm."

"That's unfortunate," Lyam expressed his sympathy.

Ennemond reassured him, "The doctor said she should be back to normal by tomorrow."

Lucifer turned the conversation toward a more pressing matter. "How many sacks have you prepared?"

Lyam responded, "I've prepared twenty sacks."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow and directed a question at Ennemond, "Is that enough for the entire town of Bethlehem?"

Ennemond glanced at Lucifer and then replied, "Perhaps we should consult Jophiel about that." 

"Lyam smiled warmly and reassured them, saying, "Oh, but don't worry. If it's not enough, I can provide more. My wife has been stacking and selling it to Jerusalem."

Ennemond expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your generosity, Lyam."

Lyam waved off their thanks with a kind gesture. "No need to thank me. I also owe a debt to your wife. She's the reason why my farm has thrived."

Ennemond nodded appreciatively. "And now, it seems we're even." Lyam's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he added, "I can't wait to see your wife's dream come true!"

Ennemond replied with confidence, "It will most likely happen."

Lucifer stood up and declared, "If you'll excuse me, I'll take a stroll outside."

"Okay, fella," Ennemond replied with a nod.

Lucifer ventured into the woods, and as he wandered, he spotted Amenadiel approaching. He playfully tossed a stick at his brother, and to Lucifer's surprise, Amenadiel didn't dodge it, allowing the stick to hit him.

Amenadiel landed gracefully, his wings folding down. "What was that for?" he asked, rubbing his shoulder.

Lucifer chuckled. "Just a greeting."

Amenadiel joined in the laughter before Lucifer inquired, "So, what brings you here?"

Amenadiel explained, "Archangel Jophiel instructed me to find you here."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Is she all right now?"

Amenadiel shook his head. "Not entirely. I suggested she call on Archangel Raphael for healing, but she declined."

Lucifer smirked. "Even angels can be stubborn."

Amenadiel defended her, saying, "She has her reasons, Lucifer." He added, "I can't help but think you're rather concerned for her."

Lucifer chuckled and replied, "Technically, not."

Lucifer changed the subject, asking, "The main question is why you're here on Earth?"

Amenadiel explained, "Archangel Michael ordered me to descend to Earth to inform Jophiel about the flower on Sonora that hypnotizes people."

Lucifer was intrigued. "So, the people there are still being hypnotized?"

Amenadiel nodded. "Well, not anymore, since the angels arrived and saved them by pressing their foreheads, just as Archangel Jophiel had taught."

Lucifer furrowed his brows, remembering a similar gesture. "Pressing their foreheads?"

Amenadiel sensed Lucifer's curiosity and asked, "What's the matter?"

Lucifer replied casually, "Nothing..."

Amenadiel remained silent, sensing that Lucifer might not want to elaborate further.

Amenadiel then changed the topic, asking, "So, I've also heard that your demonic powers are gone, even the divine?"

Lucifer nodded, confirming, "Yes, I believe they are still within me, but I choose not to use them." He acknowledged the change in their dynamics, saying, "And now, you could easily overpower me." Amenadiel smiles lightly, acknowledging the shift in their power balance. 

The two brothers continued their conversation in the woods, their dynamics altered by Lucifer's choice to abstain from using his formidable powers. 

Amenadiel burst into hearty laughter, his amusement evident. "Did you really think I could beat you in your current state?"

Lucifer responded calmly, "I play fair, Amenadiel."

Amenadiel couldn't resist a teasing remark. "But it would be great if Father ordered me to do so."

Lucifer warned, "You're going to regret it."

Amenadiel remained confident, stating, "Hmm... I don't think so."

Lucifer shifted the conversation, asking, "What virtue are you, Amenadiel?"

Amenadiel replied with unwavering confidence, "The Will of God."

Lucifer acknowledged his response with a simple, "I see."

But then, Amenadiel raised a thought-provoking question, "Is this part of your plan, Helel? Trying to act well, in order to deceive the Archangel and use her as a hostage again?"

Lucifer's demeanor shifted as he faced Amenadiel, a hint of irritation in his voice. "Don't call me by that name!"

Amenadiel pressed further, "Is this some sort of guilt?"

Lucifer looked away, sighing. "No, I'm just disgusted by that name."

Amenadiel took a step closer, his expression concerned. "You haven't answered my question."

Lucifer chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "My plan is out of my mind now. It has changed me a little bit."

Amenadiel approached, his tone more empathetic. "I think that is guilt."

Lucifer laughed hysterically, his laughter tinged with irony. "Oh, brother, even if I tell you what I'm feeling right now... you won't believe me." 

"Then tell me, I'm all ears," Amenadiel encouraged.

Lucifer glanced at Amenadiel and said, "Even if it's a devil."

He continued with a hint of vulnerability, "Ever since I've been with Jophiel, I feel different."

"I got soft and light in my mind and heart," Lucifer admitted.

Amenadiel listened attentively, recognizing the significance of his words. "Yes, you're the King of Hell, the devil, the Arch Demon, the great deceiver."

Lucifer nodded, acknowledging his own identity. "But they were all gone when I'm around her," he confessed.

Amenadiel tried to understand, asking, "Does that mean you're being vulnerable when you're with her?"

Lucifer considered the question and responded, "Last time when I was shot, it didn't penetrate me. But the next time, a thief attacked me, and I got wounded when Jophiel was around."

Lucifer shook his head with determination. "But I don't think that Archangel can make me vulnerable. No way in Hell."

Amenadiel remained contemplative, offering a subtle, "Well, who knows."

Lucifer and Amenadiel returned to Lyam's house, where lunch was being served, and they joined in. Afterward, they ventured into Lyam's garden, which left Ennemond in awe, as well as Amenadiel and Lucifer.

"This is such a lovely place, my friend," Ennemond exclaimed.

Ennemond marveled at the wide field of flowers and remarked, "The field of flowers is so vast from up here at your house."

Lyam humbly responded, "My wife worked hard for this, and so did your wife."

Ennemond realized the significance, saying, "Now I see why she's so determined to make Bethlehem bloom."

As Lucifer observed Beelzebub approaching, he excused himself for a moment and went to talk with Beelzebub.

Beelzebub respectfully bowed and addressed him, "Your Highness."

Lucifer wasted no time and got straight to the point, saying, "Spill the tea."

Beelzebub shared the information, stating, "I've ordered a devil to inform Satan, Mammon, and Belphegor that they should cease their search for you in the Netherus, as you have been found."

Lucifer nodded in agreement, saying, "Very well."

But then the topic turned to the urn that Beelzebub had given to Lucifer. Beelzebub inquired, "Did you use it?"

Lucifer hesitated before responding, "No, I didn't want to consume Lilith's Arch Demon Strength."

Beelzebub sensed something was amiss and asked, "What's the matter, sire?"

Lucifer contemplated for a moment and then shared his concern, "We should give it back to Diane... Perhaps she holds the key to thwart Lilith's intentions regarding the Archangel."

Lucifer's voice carried a note of reluctance as he added, "And I don't want her to disrupt my plans." 

"Command us on how we can help you," Beelzebub offered.

Lucifer accepted the offer, saying, "Very well."

Beelzebub turned to Amenadiel and added, "If it is Amenadiel."

Amenadiel chimed in, "And the former Seraphim of Heaven."

Beelzebub couldn't resist a playful jab, saying, "Stop calling me that."

Amenadiel laughed, not taking the threat too seriously. "You know I can execute you right now if I want to."

Beelzebub, however, brushed it off with a hint of sarcasm, "But I have more important things to do, so perhaps... next time."

Amenadiel replied with a smirk, "Looking forward to that."

Lucifer intervened, scolding them, "Now's not the time for a rematch!"

Amenadiel, changing the topic, asked, "Aren't you going to visit Archangel Jophiel?"

Lucifer explained, "Maybe later. I just need to check on this hectare of flowers."

Amenadiel was curious, asking, "Why?"

Lucifer admitted, "I feel uneasy about this, even with that old hag's friend," as he gazed out the window at Ennemond and Lyam engaged in conversation.

Amenadiel probed further, "Is there something wrong, Lucifer?"

Lucifer didn't provide a direct answer, merely saying, "We'll see," while staring at a floating gold hollow in his palm.

Meanwhile, in another scene, as Diane peeled an apple, Jophiel woke up after her rest. Jophiel greeted Diane with a wide smile as she noticed her still there. The doctor entered to check on her condition.

"How are you feeling now, Jophiel?" asked the doctor.

Jophiel replied with gratitude, "I'm okay now, doc. Just had a little pain in my shoulder."

The doctor reassured her, saying, "You will be fine soon. Let's change your bandage first..."

After the doctor changed her bandage, he left the room, grabbing an apple on his way out. Diane couldn't help but express her disapproval, her expression turning grumpy. Jophiel, on the other hand, found this amusing and burst into laughter.

"Seriously?!" Diane exclaimed. "You even managed to laugh at your situation right now?"

Jophiel, still chuckling, responded, "You were so adorable, Diane. I can't help myself but laugh."

Diane noticed Jophiel's improved condition and stood up. She declared, "It seems you're totally fine now. I'm leaving, and my job here of babysitting you is done!"

However, Jophiel reached out and grabbed Diane's hand. "Don't leave me here," she pleaded modestly.

Diane sighed in resignation and took a seat. "Fine," she agreed. "Let's talk for a while, shall we?"

Jophiel accepted the offer, saying, "Alright." She pondered for a moment and then Jophiel asked, "So... are you two hanging out?"

Diane appeared puzzled, asking, "By whom?"

Jophiel clarified, "Lucifer."

Diane couldn't contain her laughter and said, "Really?!"

Jophiel nodded slowly, confirming it. Diane leaned in closer to Jophiel and whispered something in her ear. Jophiel suddenly appeared stunned and looked away.

Diane inquired with a smirk, "Oh, what's the matter? Did I just say too much?"

Jophiel replied with a smile, "No, it's obvious, by the way. When I saw both of you yesterday... kissing... it's making sense."

Diane looked up, sniffed the air, and Jophiel became confused about what she was doing. Suddenly, Diane burst into hysterical laughter.

"Why does the air smell of jealousy?" Diane teased, locking eyes with Jophiel.

Jophiel was taken aback and responded, "I didn't know what you were talking about."

Diane stood up and picked up the plate. She approached Jophiel, making her intentions clear. "Let me tell you one thing, Archangel. Lucifer is mine... And I'll do anything to keep him safe in my hands."

Jophiel, still curious, asked, "What do you mean, keep him safe?"

Diane, with a hint of defiance, retorted, "It's none of your business. Now, if you'll excuse me, since you're not going to eat these apples, I'll give them to the others."

Jophiel suddenly changed her mind, saying, "Wait... let me get one."

Diane handed the plate over, and Jophiel took a slice. Diane then abruptly left the room, opening and closing the doors as she exited. 

Jophiel gazed out the window, her thoughts wandering, and then she quietly commented, "You're madly in love..."

Beelzebub and Amenadiel surveyed the beautiful field as Lucifer commanded them. Amenadiel took charge of the northern area, while Beelzebub patrolled the south. They scanned the surroundings, as if searching for something special. Ennemond arrived and was curious about what the two were doing.

"Oh, Mr. Ennemond," Lucifer greeted him. "They're just strolling, unable to resist being awestruck by this heavenly sight."

Ennemond agreed, saying, "You're right, indeed! I bet Jophiel will love this! Have you visited her?"

Lucifer nodded, replying, "I will, tonight."

Later, at midnight, Lucifer arrived at the hospital. He carefully located Jophiel's room, and the nurse there looked at him with a mischievous expression. Lucifer smiled at her, and suddenly, the nurse collapsed. Her colleagues rushed to her aid, helping her to her feet, while Lucifer casually walked away.

As Lucifer continued his way through the hospital, he spotted Asmodeus flirting with a nurse. Annoyed by the sight, he changed his direction to avoid the encounter. As he turned, he bumped into someone unexpectedly.

"My deepest apologi-"

"Satan?" Lucifer exclaimed in surprise.

Satan responded casually, "Fancy meeting you here, Lucifer."

Lucifer questioned, "What are you doing here?"

Satan explained, "The devil told us that you were found and said you're here in Nazareth, so I took the time to come find you... And it's quite the coincidence that Leviathan stumbled upon me while I was wandering in Anadem."

Lucifer fell momentarily silent, then said, "Very well..." Satan added, "The hilarious thing here is that you were always with the Archangel."

Lucifer couldn't help but burst into laughter, admitting, "Indeed, I am! For the sake of our grand plans, I must play along."

Satan, with a proud smile, remarked, "As expected of the King. It seems you've paid a visit to the Archangel."

Lucifer nodded, acknowledging it, as the plot thickened and secrets unraveled in their intricate game of power and strategy. 

Satan nods in understand. "Because I thought you were here, and I was about to take my leave."

Lucifer considered the situation and then instructed Satan, "Then tell the devils that our plan will be on hold, as I have to regain my demonic powers." 

"But you have your divine powers," Satan pointed out.

Lucifer sighed with irritation, replying, "You really know how much I disgust this."

Satan couldn't help but laugh, saying, "I forgot, forgive me."

As Satan prepared to take his leave and reveal his wings, Lucifer stopped him abruptly, instructing him to remain hidden, so no one would see their conversation.

"Keep an eye on Lilith; perhaps she's planning something," Lucifer instructed.

Satan nodded in acknowledgment and said, "So that's why Diane is here. As you wish." He then vanished, ready to carry out his orders.

As Lucifer wandered into the hospital, he finally located Jophiel's room. There, he found Jophiel sleeping peacefully, with Diane on the sofa nearby. He quietly pulled up a chair and sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at Jophiel. His hand slowly reached out toward hers, and just as he was about to touch her hand, Jophiel stirred, groaning as she turned to face him.

Lucifer was struck by her beauty and couldn't help but smile as he admired her.

Lucifer whispered to himself modestly, "I can't imagine what I'd feel when I see you."

Jophiel woke up and was surprised to see Lucifer by her side.

"Hey," she greeted him.

Lucifer inquired, "How's your arm?"

Jophiel responded, "Totally better now. Just had a little pain in my shoulder."

Lucifer gently touched Jophiel's arm and healed it. Jophiel was captivated by the display of power.

"I can't believe you can use Omni Heal, just like Raphael," Jophiel marveled.

Lucifer replied, "Of course, as the first angel to be created, everything is within my abilities. So, you still have your divine powers," Jophiel noted.

Lucifer sighed, confessing, "Yes, I do, and I disgust it."

Jophiel was curious, asking, "If you're so disgusted by it, why did you use it?"

Lucifer explained, "To ensure you're totally well and conditioned, so that we can go back early to make Bethlehem bloom. Isn't that right?"

Jophiel giggled and agreed, "Yeah, you're right... Doc!"

Lucifer appeared somewhat displeased as he replied, "If I had known you were going to tease me, I shouldn't have done it, and you should lower your tone! Diane could wake up."

However, Jophiel reached out and held Lucifer's hands, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you, Lucifer," she said modestly. 

"I didn't know that the devil medicates the angel," Jophiel remarked with a smile.

Lucifer responded with a touch of humor, "Well, you're welcome, valetudinarian."

Jophiel smiled widely at his words.

Lucifer stood up and said, "Now, take a rest, and I'll see you tomorrow. My deepest apologies for disturbing your good sleep."

Jophiel reassured him, "It's alright. Also, I'm glad you came."

After Lucifer closed the door to Jophiel's room, Jophiel went back to sleep, and Diane, who had been listening to their entire conversation, quietly opened her eyes. Lucifer made his way to the top of the hospital for some fresh air, and Diane arrived at just the right moment.

"You're awake," Lucifer noted.

Diane commented, "I've heard both of you talking, and it seems like you really get along."

Lucifer inquired, "And then what?"

Diane continued, "By any chance, did you admire her?"

Lucifer admitted, "Yes, because she's respecting me, even though I'm a devil, and she treated me as a friend. It's something I've never experienced before, especially after my rebellion."

Diane nodded in understanding, saying, "I see. But I can treat you better."

Lucifer responded bluntly, "Like what? By helping me get back to Hell?"

Diane sighed and clarified, "That's not it, Lucifer. I've blocked Lilith's mind connection with me, so she couldn't spy on my actions anymore. Or should I say... I have my freedom now."

Lucifer was taken aback and commented, "Then that's a great disaster you've done!"

Diane chuckled, prompting Lucifer to question her, "Really?! Do you think it's hilarious, what I just said?!"

Diane replied, "Don't worry, Morningstar," as she playfully spanked Lucifer's arm. "I'll be the one to stop her."

Lucifer pondered the situation and asked, "Can I trust you on that?" 

Diane stated confidently, "Of course! This was my whole plan from the beginning."