Chapter 14

Student Council Room. Kuoh Academy.

It took Sona and Serafall an entire day to get the order of power transfer sorted out, but it was worth it, as now Alexander was temporarily posted as governor of Kuoh, with Sona acting as his second in power, and also a de facto overseer, as Alex was still a very fresh High-Rank. The main obstacle was Sirzechs, who saw it as something outrages and opposed the idea all together, getting a backing of his friend Ajuka for this one, rendering Serafall`s order ineffective. Or so would appear…

As it turned out, Zekram Bael, founder and de facto leader of Bael Clan, has been paying a lot of attention to situation in Kuoh and keeping a close eye on the actions of Old Satan Faction as a precaution if they were try something. So, once he received a word about Malaya and Necroa Scepter, along with news that Alex was pushpin his former king from the position of the governor, he immediately backed up Serafall, adding his word to one of the Leviathan and her own clan, who were now basically main supporters of young Lucifer and Head of House of Lucifuge. It turned out; just one word from former Great King was more powerful than two Satans combined, so now Alex was put in the position of governor until the crisis was resolved and until the new one was placed through official system. Along with that, Alexander was given a complete command over Sona`s and Rias` Peerages and their Kings.

And now, Alex was with Sona and Serafall, discussing this whole situation.

"Phew, I thought that Sirzechs wouldn`t give up until the Kingdom Come." Serafall wiped some imagined sweat away. "Good think that old man Zekram keeps an eye out for these things, or we wouldn`t be able to do something like that on Gremory`s own territory. Count yourself lucky to be on his good side, Alex."

"It`s hard to imagine one former Devil King holding more power and influence then all 4 Satans combined." Alex noted. "Sure makes me wonder just what would he gain from supporting me like that. I can understand if he was my mother`s old friend, but I feel like there is more to it than meets the eye."

"Hah, good think that you noticed it, kid." Lucifer spoke up proudly. "Zekram and I were lifelong friends, not in political sense, but as man with man: drinking beer, wrestling, fishing, manly things like that. Heck, Alexandra even was jealous a couple of times at our bromance." Lucifer smiled, recalling the good old times. "That guy sure knew how to hold his liquor. Damn, I sure miss the good old days…"

'So, he decided to help me out just because you and he were bros in the past? Really, just because of that?'

"No, of course. Zekram is a clever guy and he knows more about Devil`s policies then all other clans combined." Lucifer recalled. "He understood and knew just what kind of a power House of Lucifer possessed, along with the necessities of our society to insure its survival and growth. That was the main reason why he allied himself only with me and his house was my strongest supporter, while I indirectly helped Bael Clan and their former retainer Belial Clan rise to the heights of power in Devil`s society. I knew that those two clans and their heads would be able to hold together the Underworld if a war were to break out or me and other Satans were to be assassinated, and you know what happened."

'So, that`s why they didn`t support you during the coup staged by Sirzechs.' Alex guessed it out. 'You ordered them not to partake in order to keep Devil`s society from going into all-out civil war.'

"Exactly. And now, it would seem that Zekram and Diehauser are becoming discontent with current political state in Devil`s society.' Lucifer mused to himself. 'Your sudden appearance they could see as a possibility to finally resolve this damned conflict we had with Fallen Angels and Angels once and for all, along with resolving a lot of other serious trouble, like one we have at our hands."

'I see.' Alex understood and then heard Serafall`s voice.

"You wouldn`t be wrong to think that way." Serafall admitted. "Zekram has lifelong ties with Houses of Lucifer and Lucifuge, along with being the one to appoint the new Satans as heads of our society, but he still holds a lot of power in his hands. I think he might be trying to gain you as his ally through supporting you."

"However, all of his direct actions will have very little effect until you cut off the ties with House of Gremory and current Lucifer." Son added, a bit bitterly. "Still, he does have a few ways he can manipulate things. And right now it sure came in handy."

"We can worry about politics after we`ve dealt with Malaya." Alex decided. "Right now, she and Necroa Scepter are our top priorities at the moment. Everything else is insignificant at the moment."

"You are right here, Alex." Serafall admitted. "Anyway, I`m sorry, but I won`t be able to provide you any of the support beyond wishing good luck, until the threat to the city is confirmed completely. Until then, you are on your own." Serafall activated her personal magical circle. "Alex, Sona, I wish you both good luck and please be safe." And with that, she disappeared from the room, leaving them both alone.

"Now, what`s our plan of actions? I take it, you have something on your mind that might help us find Malaya and stop her on her tracks?" Sona inquired.

"Finding Leviathan is pointless if she was able to elude Medea`s magical sensors and Cuhullin`s runic stones." Alex rubbed his chin. "No, fiding here isn`t something we should focus at the moment. Our main objectives at the moment should be figuring out the place she is going to be performing her necromancy and figuring out her sacrifice. Knowing that will eventually lead us to Malaya."

Sona looked at him puzzled, not completely understanding what Alex was saying. She was a complete moron when it came down to necromancy, and Sona wasn`t afraid to admit it, but there was a very good reason to that, as well why almost nobody in today`s Devil`s Society was unaware of the principals of necromancy. That was because the art of necromancy was forbidden by the ancient laws set by Lucifer himself and if anyone were found practicing, it would mean a death sentence for sure. This was one of the few laws that new Satans didn`t change, as it was a good one. That`s why Sona was unaware of the principals of necromancy, but she had a strong feeling that Alex had far more knowledge then he let others know. Heiress of the Sitri needed to know for sure.

"Alex." Said Lucifer turned his head to Sona. "I get a feeling that there is a lot more than mere basic knowledge you are aware of about Necromancy."

Alex simply sighed to that one, as he saw determination in Sona`s eyes, along stern glare on him. Seems like he had to spill it out, after all.

"Yare yare daze…" Alex sighed again. "Very well, Sona. The truth of the matter is that I did not only study it, but I`ve also performed a Reincarnation through Necromancy once."

Sona stared at Alex with shock as she couldn`t believe what she was hearing. Alexander… performed a Reincarnation?! He used one of them most forsaken arts in history to bring somebody back?! Just what the hell was he thinking?!

"Do you realize just what kind of crime you`ve committed by doing so?!" Sona asked him in shocked voice. "Necromancy was forbidden since the beginnings of Devils by Lucifer himself. If someone were to find out, then you would be considered an immediate threat to us and executed on sight. And don`t you know of the risks involving such art?!"

"Sona." Alex`s voice was strong enough to stop her rant on him. "Believe me, I know more than enough about risks of using Necromancy and I understand all of its principals. As for the dangers of using such magic, I performed the reanimation while being fully aware of the risks and still did it. Now, if you are done with your ranting, we need to figure out Malaya`s plan."

"So, I take it, you`ll have to use your own knowledge to understand her plan, right?" Sona inquired, getting a firm nod from Alex. "Ugh, I know I`m going to regret it, but how exactly Necromancy works? I take it, there is more than just bringing back someone from the dead through usage of magic?"

"You are right on that account." Alex confirmed. "The first thing you must understand about Necromancy is that this magical art is divided in two different separate parts: Reincarnation and Reanimation. I personally studied Reincarnation, also known as the 'art of bringing deceased back to life', while Reanimation is known as an 'art of breathing life into dead body'." Alex explained to Sona.

"And I take that there is a difference between these two magical arts?" Sona was now curious, even though she felt disgust.

"Of course there is." Alex huffed. "Reincarnation is an art of Necromancy that specializing on reviving the dead by bringing back souls of the dead through bringing them back into their bodies. It is a far more difficult and costly art, as tying back the soul of deceased to his body is a very hard process, requiring not only accuracy, but also enough power to perform it, along with an anchor for a soul to return into the body and life energy for the body to live as it used to, along with the time span it used to have before dying. Reincarnation also has a very strict and fundamental requirement: Reincarnation can be performed only on the body, that has died not by natural cause of death, such as murder, because after such death soul`s connection to the body is severed completely, while if it died not naturally, connection still remains and the dead can be reincarnated. I believe that this is also a fundamental principal for Reincarnation into Devils if the situation requires?" Alex inquired, surprising Sona with his deep knowledge of Necromancy.

"Y-yes, that is also the same with us, but still… You`ve mentioned that Reincarnation brings back not just life, but also a soul of the dead, am I correct?" Sona asked curiously. "But I`ve always believed that Necromancy reincarnates dead without souls."

"And that`s, Sona, is the art of Reanimation." Alex pointed out. "Reanimation doesn`t bring back dead to life, but simply breathes life into lifeless vessels, turning the reanimated into literal walking dead. It doesn`t require tying up the soul of dead, doesn't takes as much of life energy for support of body and it also directly ties up the dead to the necromancer. In a way, Reanimation is a much simpler form of reincarnation, but it`s also far more twisted and ugly then reincarnation. And also the main reason why people hate necromancy so much." Alex explained. "I personally practiced Reincarnation, but because Reanimation derives from reincarnation, I`m also capable of performing it, but I have no interest in it, as it really disgusts me and is nothing more but a dead end in Necromancy, not to mention it being absolutely inferior to Reincarnation."

Sona was astonished to learn this much about Necromancy and to understand that there is not one, but two sub-divisions of Necromancy, both very similar, but also different in many ways. From what she managed to understand, Reanimation is the kind of Necromancy that is forbidden from practice, while Reincarnation is the part that Alex studied and even Devils perform to this day, but very different all together. While Devils used Evil Pieces to do it, Alex`s variant must`ve been far different. Now she wasn`t as disgusted and was interested to learn far more of it. And Alex… He was studying not the art to create the undead, but an art to bring dead people back to life when they were killed before they had the chance to finish up all their business in this world, but at what cost? Sona suspected that there was something very serious about Necromancy that she needed to know. And if creation of zombie army was involved in it, more information was better. It would appear that she had no other choice but continue learning about this magical art. There should`ve been something that could help them find Malaya in no time.

"Very well, what are the most important parts of Necromancy? Is there something that we can use to find her?" Sona asked eagerly.

"Glad to see such interest." Alex smiled to her. "Yes, there are a lot of things that are important for performing Necromancy in any form. As for Malaya, we are dealing with someone who is using Reanimation, so it plays a very important part for us. She must be using Necroa Scepter to bypass the rituals and preparations for it, but I`m completely certain that she still follows the law of Equivalent Exchange."

"Law of Equivalent Exchange?" Sona inquired.

"The most fundamental and essential principal of Necromancy and magic as of whole." Alex said seriously. "In order to gain something, you have to sacrifice something equal, in order to even up the scales of life, to what you are trying to get, otherwise you won`t get anything. That`s the most fundamental principal for all forms of magic, Demonic and Holy included." Alex explained to Sona. "Necromancy in this regard requires for a performer to sacrifice not simply his own magic, but also life force in order to breathe life into dead. This is essential for both forms of Necromancy. This law is absolute and not even Gods are capable of bending it to their will. However, it does have some serious aspects that will help us out."

"And what are those?" Sona asked.

"While the part about give and take is unchangeable, there are no strict requirements on using different types of energy to perform the exchange. For an example, if a necromancer has a very large amount of magical powers or an artifact of the same amount magical power, he can use the magical energy instead of life`s energy to bring back dead, but, he would have to apply enormous amount of energy to supplement the lack of life`s energy, as life`s energy is one of them most powerful forms of energy in universe. The toll is very high on magical energy to supplement the life`s energy."

"How high can it be?"

"Depends on the art we are looking in. If it`s Reincarnation, then we are talking about very high prices, as you give the reincarnated not just life, but also years that he lost for living. If I were to perform the Reincarnation through usage of only my own powers, I would be able only to bring back an animal, like cat or dog. As for a human being, I wouldn`t have enough powers to give him even 10 years of life. Difference in powers of species and their potential for growth also plays a very significant part in Reincarnation, as no race is alike and in Reincarnation, you have to restore not only the body, but also all ties of soul and it`s sources. That includes the powers and abilities, which also comes at a high cost. The most simple in terms of Reincarnations are human beings, as they don`t possess any initial affinity with light or darkness, along with other extraordinary traits of other races. Still, if you are working with a user of Sacred Gear, things will be complicated as you`ll have to also recharge the thing. Hybrids are the most complicated. As for Reanimation, conditions are far less requiring and a necromancer can perform it on far larger scale, but still, I think that our target would most probably use not her own energy or life force, but someone as a sacrifice, to save her own powers and life."

"Hm… According to Arturia, in all places that your friends have visited, they`ve found several completely drained of life bodies, along a whole lot of zombies. All of those drained were children." Sona morbidly added. "Does that mean that children make for the most effective source of life force to reanimate corpses?"

"Unfortunately, but yes." Alex confirmed. "Children have the longest possible life span out of humans and if Malaya reanimates corpses, then she only has to give them minimal amount of life force to sustain them for long periods of time. Essentially, if you give a reanimated corpse a year worth of life force, he`ll live a year. .I`ve already looked into the possibility of using children as sacrifices and checked all records of children missing, but I`ve found no records of such through the pass month and even before. I`ve even look up in neighboring towns and cities, but there is nothing that could point us to usage of children in this time."

"Then, it means that she`ll try to use someone else this time." Sona deduced. "She may try to go after one of the Devils in town."

"I`ve thought of that as well and warned everybody about it, but I doubt that it`s a Devil this time around either." Alex rubbed his chin. "It`s clear that she is in the town already and has began to conduct experiments, meaning that she is preparing for a big show here. Kuoh is far bigger and far greatly populated then other places that Malaya has been. No Devil or several Devils would give her the necessary amount of life force if she is planning to turn the entire town into zombies. She would require no less but a hundred Devils, at least." Alex concluded. "Same would go for Angel and Fallen Angels and factions would`ve reacted if even a dozen of their men have been missing. No, she requires someone who has the greatest possible lifespan possible in this world…" Alex trailed off, as he suddenly realized something. "Galeran! Wake up now!" Forsaken Regalia flashed up this instant.

"What?!" Worried Galeran shouted out.

"Galeran, how long are dragons capable of living before dying out of natural causes?" Alex immediately asked his dragon.

"Millions of years, that`s for sure, even for the weakest drakes of my race. As for someone like Dragon Emperor or Heavenly Dragon, then we are talking billions of years." Galeran explained. "Wait… You don`t think that this witch might be using someone of my kin in this?!"

"I`m only speculating, but I don`t have any other options to see into." Alex explained. "Galeran, can you possibly contact anyone of Dragons to confirm my suspicions?"

"No, I`m inside of this thing, after all!" Galeran`s voice boomed. "However… Alex, I`ve just used my senses to locate any member of my kin around the city."

"You are capable of doing it?" Sona inquired.

"Galeran`s second name was Energy Weaver, he can do a lot of things and sense almost any energy in this world." Alex explained. "Let me guess, there is a dragon in the city, right?"

"Yes, but I have a very strange feeling about this dragon." Galeran sounded troubled. "This drake… It`s energy feels like it`s one of a recent hatchling, but at the same time I sense that this drake has lived even longer than my entire kin itself."

Alex and Sona glanced at each other questioningly. Deciding not to ponder more about it, Alex has decided to concentrate on finding this particular dragon ASAP.

"Any points about where to find it?"

"No specific coordinates, but I can feel that this dragon is currently at the point where magical energy resonates the most." Alex immediately widened his eyes and turned to Sona.

"Sona, give me the map about magical torrents of this entire area." Sona nodded and produced a map, displaying detailed layout of magical lines of this entire region.

Alex examined the entire map through and through, trying to find whatever he was looking at. And, after a minute of examining, he finally pointed at the place. It was, surprisingly, Himejima Shrine on top of a big hill.

"The Himejima Shrine… I`ve thought so." Alex exclaimed. "It`s the place where magical lines of this entire region come together and basically form a point of the strongest magical response. This place has a very powerful energetic aura, which simplifies creation of magical circles and rituals as it stabilizes the process and reduces the cost in magic and powers. And in Necromancy, stabilizing everything is essential for success." Alex concluded, map disappearing and a magical calling circle forming around his ear. "This is Alex, I`ve got a possible place of our enemy`s hideout. All hand on deck and move towards Himejima Shrine ASAP. We also have a hostage situation there." Alex turned to Sona. "We better move out too."

"Wait, Alex." Sona stopped him. "You`ve said that you performed a Reincarnation yourself, right? Then that means you`ve had to use your own life force."

"Yeah, a year ago I`ve performed it." Alex confirmed. "I know for a fact just how costly it can be. That Reincarnation took literally 60 years of my life as a price, not to mention that I had to use an S-class magical crystal to do the connection of body and soul, because the soul and body were separated for almost 10 years, but the Reincarnation was a complete success. To be perfectly honest with you, I`m actually the first Necromancer that performed a successful Reincarnation in 50 years. All the others simply focus too much on Reanimation."

"It took 60 years of your life span?!" Sona exclaimed shocked. "Just how many were you left after that ritual?!"

"About 15 or 20 after that ritual to live." Alex said a matter of a fact. "Why are you asking anyway? I`m a Devil now, so I`ve got more than a couple of millennia to live now."

"I mean, were you even concerned with your own life at the moment you did it?! And who was it that you brought back to life? Did it even work without any problems?!"

"Honestly, Sona, I`ve never actually cared for myself as I did for others. My life was a living hell hole, so giving up a couple dozen years for someone who could use those and live happily was more than enough of a reason to do that." Alex answered. "And it did work, quite splendidly I might add. As for who was it, you could say it was my second mother. Or, to be more precise, my god-mother to be exact."

"And just who are your god-parents are? Do I know them?"

"Doubtful, but you do know their daughter, so does Rias…" Alex smirked knowingly, creating a magical circle. "Hm… Strange, it would seem like someone has put up a powerful anti-teleportation and anti-magical barrier around the entire mountain." Alex frowned, closing the circle. "That`s not good. To create a dead space for entire magical use on such large scale… Medea would be actually impressed if she was here."

"Then we will have to approach the shrine from the start up." Sona concluded, starting up her own circle, but then she frowned. "Huh… My circles aren`t even coming close to the mountain? How is this even possible?"

"It`s probably connected with magical lines on top of the mountain. Because of the powerful ritual being performed there, magical lines in the region begin to emit negative energy and disrupt our own magical powers." Alex deduced. "Clever girl… Not only did she disrupted our teleportation circles and put us at the disadvantage, but the entire town now is a dead zone for teleportation from outside into inside. We are completely isolated now from any possible reinforcements. We should consider ourselves lucky that her bounded field hasn`t negated our magic completely."

Sona looked surprised and amazed from it. Just how much did Alex know about energetic properties and magical prowess? Just from the sounds of it, he was nothing short of an expert.

"How the hell do you know so much about it?" Sona directly asked him.

"Photographic memory." Alex simply stated. "Plus, I`ve managed to develop an eidetic memory pretty early in childhood, which is very useful when you have to be practically the best in every subject of your study. But… it does come with a price."

Sona knew what Alex meant, as she heard about the price of eidetic memory. It was a very special state of memory, when a person is capable of memorizing everything just by a single look at things, or being capable of recalling all smells, feelings and everything in between. And… all of pain and suffering that he experienced, not dulled or forgotten at all, always sharp and powerful, just like he experienced it the first time. Sona has read about all of his abuses and just what horrors did he live through. It`s a wonder that he was still sane after all that he experienced and witnessed. Just to think, not being able to forget or even suppress the memories of the past, always to be with them and not able to be free of the past… Sona couldn`t help but feel sorry for him and her head got down at her thoughts.

"Must be very hard to live with this…" Sona muttered, not aware that Alex heard.

"Yeah, it is." Alex suddenly answered to Sona. "Sometimes, I find myself just plunged into the past memories out of nowhere. It`s like reliving worst nightmares over and over, but, unlike your dreams, you are unable to shut down the senses and feelings of it, or even wake up for it."

Sona looked away, but then Alex spoke again.

"But, that also means that I`ve got an opportunity to relive all the good stuff too." Alex added with a smile. "Not to mention all our training sessions. Seriously, I can`t thank you enough for those. If it wasn`t for you, Sona, I would probably still be under Rias` boot and not about to get my own set of Pieces. Thanks a lot for this, Sona, and for some of the best memories too."

Sona`s face became hot and red as tomato. That guy sure knew how to make a girl blush and she was blushing big time. Seriously, her face was now the same color as Rias` damned crimson hair. And Sona couldn`t help it, after all, it`s not every day she gets to hear from the guy she loves saying that spending time with her has given him some of the best memories of his entire life. Seriously, Alex couldn`t be even more romantic then that.

"You know," Sona turned her attention to Alex who was smiling to her. "That shade of red really suits you. Much better and far more beautiful than Rias` crimson. Seems like I`ve found another great thing about you, Sona."

What was she saying back then? Scratch that, now she was at her limit, as he just said that she looked beautiful when blushing like that. Seriously, even more beautiful than Rias! Just how in the world he does that?!

"Anyway, we better get a move on now, or we`ll be in trouble." Alex got back in his serious mode. "I`ve got a feeling that we might have to face a real army there."

Sona also finally got her composure back and nodded to that, moving along with Alexander towards the begging of the mountain. She was agreeing with Alexander on all points, as she sensed that Malaya was planning something really devious and monstrous there. Whatever it was, if she already has gotten a hold over magical lines of the city, she already has gained a considerable advantage. And the fact that she also placed an anti-magical barrier around the mountain…

Sona couldn`t help but wish that Serafall didn`t go back so fast.

Switzerland. Zurich.

Switzerland, an idol and a role model for the entire world, practitioner of complete neutrality and open relations with all countries of the world. No great political power in the world couldn`t dismiss Swiss when talking about Europe or economy, as this place was practically one of the most vital organs of the EUs organism and it`s collapse or any other minor catastrophe would most certainly effect not only Europe, but the entire world and its economy, as Swiss banks were holding billions of money inside their impregnable vaults. Money, much of which didn`t belong to humans.

When Switzerland only began to shift its priorities towards maintaining complete neutrality and abandoning the very basic idea of intervention, Grigori`s top brass have taken a liking in this little country in Europe and have invested heavily into this place, furthering their influence and power, along with creating a safe zone from fighting among Fallen Angels and Angels, as Azazel has been wise enough to establish trading and economic relations, even at minor scale, with the Vatican and Heaven, along with setting up a permanent base for Fallen Angels to operate in relative safety, as Devils were banished from this area after they`ve tried to take actions against Grigori. Fallen Angels held strong for their own haven and driven away the Devils with ease and were ruling this place from shadows, while also slowly and surely furthering their relations with Angels.

And now, it was time to finally end this whole mess between the two Angel Factions once and for all.

Azazel was sitting in the small conference room, waiting for the other participant of this historic moment to arrive in here. It was his initiative to initiate these negotiations between the Grigori and Heaven, as Leader of Fallen Angels had every intention to believe that there could an even more dangerous threat to all Three Factions combined and this cold war was getting old and got nowhere. While Sirzechs was still hesitant to resolve this damned conflict once and for all, Azazel was glad that Michael was and he was on his way.

Another reason why Azazel was now was wishing peace with Michael was the fact that his son, Alexander, has finally awakened his powers as a Devil. Azazel was always aware of Alexander`s immense potential and possible powers he could have, along with the fact that he inherited Power of Annihilation and Azazel`s powers as a Fallen Angel. Truly, that was a very terrifying mix, so for the reasons to keep his son safe and away from the attention of other factions, Azazel and Shemhazai have managed to place on him 4 seals, blocking his powers and making him appear as human being, but even with that, it resulted in him getting through Sacred Gear System his Forsaken Regalia, a Sacred Gear that is rumored to have been created to as a counter measure against Longinus-class Sacred Gears. He was sure that Michael was aware by now about Alex and his powers, as for his heritage… He and Gabriel were aware from the start and helped out a lot to Lucia back in the day, so Azazel couldn`t possibly bring himself to call that blond an enemy now.

As Azazel was contemplating, he felt a surge of light`s energy and from the pillar of pure white light emerged Michael in his full Holy glory. Azazel stood up and greeted him.

"Well, hello there, Michael." Azazel greeted his former colleague. "Glad to see you`ve made it."

Michael smiled to Azazel.

"It has been a long time, Azazel. I thank you for your invitation and this opportunity to finally set things as they should be." Michael extended his hand to Azazel, who gladly accepted it. "Now, I believe there is a very good reason onto why you`ve decided to conduct this negotiations now?"

"Sharp as ever, Seraph." Azazel chuckled, sitting in the chair and offering a seat to Michael, who gladly accepted it. "Yeah, there are a number of reasons, most of which aren`t as important as those that I`m concerned with at the moment."

"I see. Would it be bold of me to assume that one of these reasons is your son?" Michael replied, getting a nod from Azazel.

"Yes, he is one of them." Azazel confirmed, sighing. "I`m sure you are aware by now that Alex has broken several of his seals and unleashed the Power of Lucifer."

"Yes, all of Heavens have felt the repulse from Power of Annihilation, I myself included, along with Gabriel." Michael confirmed. "It was as I`ve feared: Lucifer`s Heir has finally appeared on the scene."

Azazel sighed to that one, knowing well enough what Michael meant. Indeed, Alex was not just Lucifer`s grandson, but a chosen Heir of the First Son of God and First Devil ever to be created. It meant that Alex was basically the revived Lucifer, his chosen continuer of lineage and will. Even when Lucifer was still Right Hand of God, his power already was enormous, as he battled the Horsemen of Apocalypse when they`ve rebelled and defeated them, along with Azrael, who led them. However, the true power came to Lucifer when he finally turned away from the teachings of God and decided to walk his own path, which resulted in the creation Devils and Lucifer discovering the Demonic powers and the absolute opposite to Power of Creation and Light- Power of Annihilation, ultimate destruction and Lucifer`s prime weapon afterwards. And Alex possessed not only that, but also carried in his blood the powers of Azazel and holy powers, even though it was heavily repressed. But, if he were to unblock them… This world would meet something it has never seen before.

"Many of my comrades and friends have advised me to take immediate actions against Alexander, ranging from announcing him a primary enemy of God and Christianity, sending all available exorcists after his head, to trying to find a way to recruit him into our ranks, even if he is a Devil." Michael admitted. "I`ve managed to suppress all talks about it for the moment, but it won`t be long until someone might do something we both wouldn`t want. I and Gabriel personally wish no harm to your son, especially after all the horrors and nightmares he had to endure. And I apologize for not intervening on his behalf, as I was forced to refrain from direct and indirect interactions or activities towards him, or I would be only pointing out at him."

"Yeah, I can understand that." Azazel really did. "If anything, it really is my fault that I`ve lost my son for over 8 years and he went through hell. If only I was looking more carefully and wasn`t as fixated on Lucina, I would`ve found him and then…" Azazel could only dream and say 'if only…'

"Unfortunately, it is not within our powers to change the events of past." Michael somberly admitted. "All that is within our powers is to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again and hope that our children shall not know the horrors we went through."

"On that, I`m absolutely at an agreement with you." Azazel admitted. "Now, about the children. I take it, Heaven didn`t take well the fact that Lucifer`s Heir has appeared on radar now and that he is with Devils?"

"As I`ve stated before, that wasn`t taken lightly." Michael confirmed. "Many of my kin view Lucifer as nothing more but an abomination and a traitor to God`s ways, along with merciless murderer and dictator. But, many do tend to forget that he was God`s First Son and his greatest champion, along with being the one to prevent many catastrophes from happening. His falling, however… Was entirely our fault and I completely admit that it wasn`t his own desires of power that led to him becoming the First Devil, but Heaven`s arrogance and pride, our belief in absolute righteousness in all actions that we took, no matter how hideous and abominable they were. Lucifer simply saw through our own folly and decided to end this with his revolt. If anything, I am grateful to him for opening our eyes on our own sins and I`m sorry that God wasn`t able to find it in himself to admit the folly in his own actions. If only we realized it sooner, there wouldn`t ever be a need for God to begin The Great War in the first place."

"Good that we both understand it." Azazel noted. "And now, we can finally resolve it between us once and for all. This damned cold war has become rather pointless now and serves no good to either of us."

"Agreed, although, I cannot help but be troubled by several actions that you and your organization has taken over the past several years." Michael admitted. "I`m well aware that you`ve been gathering around yourself many Sacred Gear users and descendants of heroes of the past. The number already is looking quite troubling and I have all the reasons to suspect that you are preparing for something."

Azazel only sighed to that one. He knew that this was going to happen, so there was no point in lying to Michael as this guy was literally a Holy truth-seeker.

"If you are so troubled by this, then I`ll tell you why I`ve been gathering them up." Azazel said carefree. "You know that I`m a research freak and can`t help but be fascinated by Sacred Gears and research them through and through. Just recently, I`ve managed I`ve had a major breakthrough in creating the Artificial Sacred Gears." Azazel proudly admitted, summoning a thick black book into his hands and giving it to Michael. "This is the copy of all my researches and my general progress on my little hobby. Keep it."

Michael nodded and decided to take a quick glance at the researches to see if everything that Azazel said was true. It took Michael a couple of minutes to go through all the pages and understand the meaning behind all of Azazel`s notes and his researches. In the end, Michael had no choice but to admit that Azazel was truly a genius and these researches were the proof to it.

"I can clearly see the truth in it." Michael put the book away for now. "However, there is still the matter concerning your decision to gather around yourself these individuals. Soldiers are prepared to battle before the war begins, as you know."

"And these particular are the reason why we aren`t fighting at the moment." Azazel revealed. "I`ve gathered them up to prevent any warmongering idiot from starting the whole cavalcade all over again. And we both know, there are a lot of idiots that would want to have us fight each other. Aside from serving as a deterrent force, I`ve also prevented quite a few of them from falling into the wrong hands because of their bloodlines and special powers. Not to mention that I`ve saved a few of them from being killed."

"Hm… I can see your logic and I honestly approve of such force being put in action." Michael was honest, as always. "And I`m also aware that you`ve saved quite a few of them from a very unfortunate fate. Several of these children have suffered because of my own negligence, like young Arturia, which has resulted in followers of our Father taking her away from home and family and forcing her to create weapons and armors in the name of God. Much to my own shame and dismay, such actions are now something that Catholic Church partakes more and more often, I am afraid. I fear that I might be looking at the same thing that led Lucifer away from us." Michael admitted, but then he decided to bring up something that was troubling him the most. "Azazel, there is also one more matter I would like to settle with you before we can finally put aside our differences. I believe, you are aware that several of your members have been taking rather aggressive actions against the Heaven and Church. I`ve got the report that Eastern Orthodox Church has been robbed of one Excaliburs. I would like to hear your opinion on that matter."

Azazel already saw it coming from a mile away. And he wasn`t turning back.

"The person responsible for this is Kokabiel." Azazel freely admitted. "That dumbass has decided that it was finally the time for him to get some fun and he decided to go Excalibur hunting with several of his supporters. None of their actions are supported by me or anyone else from my organization."

"And how would you be able to prove that?" Michael inquired.

"I`ve sent my Heir after his ass." Azazel simply stated, getting a reaction from Michael. "And knowing her temper, Kokabiel is some serious trouble already. Especially now that I`ve given my girl a brand new toy to play with."

"You`ve sent Lucina after him?" Michael sighed. "I have a distinct impression that you are trying to kill Kokabiel instead of capturing him. Your daughter has no restrains when it comes to battling foes, whoever they may be. Which does remind me of a question I wished to ask you earlier: are you aware that your son and Sirzechs` younger sister are engaged now?"

Azazel blinked to him with a face that was saying: "Really, nigga?"

"Believe me, Michael, I am. And in any other situation I would be more than happy to throw out a party for my boy, but not in this case." Azazel flatly stated. "Because right now, I have to hold myself from calling Lucina back and giving her a permission to transfer into Kuoh. And believe me, she is more them willing to go there and give Rias a peace of her mind about this whole situation."

"Apology, I didn`t mean to aggravate you." Michael apologized. "Now, with all our differences settled and questions answered, there is nothing that stops me from officially declaring our business concluded and negotiations successful." Michael stood up and extended his hand to Azazel.

Azazel simply stood up and shook the hand of Seraph.

"A pleasure doing business with you, Michael. Glad that we`ve finally resolved our problems." Azazel admitted releasing his hand.

"Same with me." Michael admitted. "I shall take my leave now. Oh, I`ve almost forgot to mention something to you that Gabriel asked to say hello to you and asked if you would like to meet any time soon?"

Azazel actually considered that one really hard, but then again… Lucia`s ten times better then Gabriel.

"Nah, I`m cool." Azazel dissed it, Michael looking at Azazel with a 'Really, nigga?' face. "Tell her what, if Gabriel want`s to have a nice romantic time, then she better ask Alex for that. I`m out of the game nowadays."

"You know, I`m still can`t believe that you`ve openly said that Lucia is ten times better for you."

"Hey, we both know that I was honest that time. And I still believe it to be truth." Azazel stated.

"Which is even more unbelievable." Michael admitted to surprised Azazel before saying his piece. "Until next time, Azazel." And after that Michael disappeared in the pillar of light.

Azazel blinked a couple of times and crossed his arms saying to himself.

"Why is it so hard for everyone to simply believe that I actually grew up?" Azazel wondered out loud.

Phenex`s Estate.

Reynard Phenex was running for his life into the vaults, closing all the doors behind him and sealing away all the presence he emitted. But, he couldn`t help but scream in absolute fear and terror as he just witnessed something he simply wouldn`t believe was possible if he hadn`t seen it with his own two eyes. Just several minutes ago, Reynard`s wife, older sons, their entire Peerages, guard, slaves and harem… were slaughtered by a single man. Not killed, not assassinated, but slaughtered. Completely and without any kind of mercy at all. After Riser`s death and Alexander Lucifer`s return, House of Phenex has become practically the main enemy of Devil`s society and an outcast of Underworld, as their actions and history have finally resulted in entire Devil`s community shunning away from them, along with several very powerful individuals now viewing them as enemies. Reynard was expecting that something of that sort would happen, an enemy attack, but he wasn`t prepared to witness such horror as the annihilation of his entire household at the hands of a single man.

That man… No, that monster, looked very much like human or Devil, but he was dressed completely in black body armor, mix of old traditions and modern fashions. His face was covered by a black hood, entire body engulfed in black thick mist, giving away only one thing- death. But, what he couldn`t have noticed was the weapon that person was using. A black like void itself longsword, whose blade was covered up in red lines, emitting powerful unknown energy that was simply killing everyone who was hit by it. Nothing was safe from him, not even Phenex. Just one sword swing and… nothing was safe. The only single person that somehow managed to survive was his useless wench of a daughter Ravel. He simply had no idea just why would that monster spare her instead of him.

As Reynard finally made it to the vaults and closed the gates, he allowed himself a breath.

Until…

"You can`t hide yourself in this little vault, especially when I`m already here." The shadowed warrior appeared right in front of Reynard. "Now, I`ll ask you just one single question and if I hear the answer I need, I`ll spare you of pain and suffering."

"P-please! I-I shall do everything that you want from me, just don`t kill me!"

"Where is the vial?" Warrior asked of him. "I`m aware that you`ve had it all these years and that you`ve suddenly sold it. Who was it?"

"I-I don`t know the name! I swear, please! He never said his name, b-but he said that the vial would ensure our rise to power in the future and…"

And in the next instant, last patriarch of Phenex family was killed through decapitation. His murderer simply walked away, angered.

'Cursed Phoenixes and their stupidity…' He thought to himself. 'No point in cursing now. I have other business to attend to at the moment.'

And with a single swing of a hand, he disappeared like he never existed, leaving the place demolished and destroyed.