Chapter 9

Sun slowly rise in the sky, pushing away the night's darkness. Sunrays fell on the face of a certain black-haired man, making him frown from annoyance. He grunted and slowly get up from the bed, searching for the source of thing that interrupted his sleep. His half-closed eyes opened suddenly when he saw through window that it's dawn already. He was surprised because when he was in Underworld last time, there wasn't day-night cycle, so he was little startled when he saw sun going beyond the horizon.

Razjeel stood up from his bed and first time since he came here, looked around his surroundings. Room was really big, around two hundred square meters. His king-sized bed was near the wall, opposite to the balcony entrance. Walls were dark orange in color, with few paintings on them. Near bed was desk with some papers on it, and what seems like spare cloths. In the almost middle of the room was dinner table that judging by the number of chairs, could accommodate twelve people. He saw a bookshelf near the corner of the same wall where balcony entrance was. On his right were a doors, probably the same he entered yesterday, and on the left side of the bed he saw opened doors. He could saw light brown tiles on the walls and part of the big bath, this of course was a bathroom.

Razjeel: I guess a bath after seven thousand years would be nice.

Razjeel shrugged and walked toward the bathroom.

[×]¤[×]¤[×]¤[×]

Door from the bathroom opened revealing half-naked Razjeel. He wore black pants he found on the desk. He was barefooted, with wet hairs and droplets of water sliding down his upperbody, which was perfectly shaped. Neither bulky, nor slim, but perfectly balanced muscles. Most eye catching weren't his eight-pack or chest muscles, but scars that he had over his body. There weren't a lot of them, but quite a few. Most noticeable were slash mark on his chest, puncture scar on his shoulder and X shaped cut on his back.

He touched scar on his chest and clanched his fist in sudden anger, but then he sighed helplessly and put on white shirt he had in his free hand. He tried to wear that but he catch a move in the corner of his eyes. He saw posture making movement with his body in his direction, then he instinctively rushed towards its and throw on the bed.

???: Huh- KYAA!!!

He hold her arms over her head and pressed his knee on her solar plexus. He took closer and saw that he was on top of a woman. She has black, long hair. Her face was really pretty but her violent eyes stood out the most. What he found strange is that that her face was pale and she was wearing maid-like outfit, with skirt only to half of her thighs and black stockings . 'She doesn't look like assassin... I mean her heart is beating too fast, and assassin in this kind of situation would remain calm, but rather than calm she seems... afraid of me?'

He tried to take a closer look on her but when he bring his head closer to her, her eyes widen momentarily but then closed tightly. She tilted her to the side and Razjeel could swear that he heard her gritting teeth. He was surprised a little but when he saw that she clenched her thighs tightly, a realization struck him. He sighed and take his head little further from her, but still didn't let go of her.

Razjeel: *Haaah*... Who are you? Why are you here?... Hey!

Girl felt that he made some distance between them but still didn't look at him, nor answered him. Only when he shouted he opened her eyes in fear and slowly looked at him.

Razjeel: Once again, who are you and why are you here? Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything to you, just answer before someone walks in and see us in this awkward position. *Haah* Hey! Look into my eyes!

She gulped and shook a little thinking that he was annoyed but still did as she was told to. She looked and became dazed in the next moment. His emerald eyes shined brightly through his jet-black hairs. '... wow... Beautiful...' her body loosen up and she forgot about the fear she felt second ago.

Razjeel felt she relaxed a bit and let go of her. 'Always work, I wonder why?' he thought while leaning on the wall with his arms crossed, still keeping eyes on her.

Razjeel: Sit please and answer the questions, I don't want to repeat myself thrice.

She woke up from her daze and realized that he wasn't holding her anymore. She sat quickly fearing that he would pounce on her again. Her gaze was showing that she still had her guard up, but after deep breath she slowly opened her mouth.

Raynare: My... My name is Raynare. I'm a maid and was told to keep care of you-

She tried to stand up and bow but Razjeel shot her a glare, making her stop halfway in the air, in awkward position between siting and standing. Raynare realized how she looked like, so she sat abruptly with red face from embarrassment and anger. Light chuckle travel throughout the room, it was Razjeel obviously. 'Grrr... How embarrassing... If it wasn't because of that fucking Devils I wouldn't have to do this!' she screamed inside her head.

Razjeel: A maid? Who told you to do that? Wait, Azazel right?

She nodded in affirmation.

Razjeel: So why, are you here?

She then pointed at the table. There he saw tray with soup, some rice and meet. Steam was floating above the dishes showing that they were fresh or at least warmed not long a go. He nodded his head and started walking towards the table. Raynare was tracking him all the time. She saw him stopped in front of table and putting on his white shirt, only then she realized that she was starring to much. He was standing with his back facing her when he suddenly spoked.

Razjeel: Sorry for earlier, I didn't expect anyone. If it's all you can leave.

He then sat down and started eating. Raynare was sitting there for few moments until she stood abruptly and asked with doubtful voice.

Raynare: Y-you really not going to do to me?

Razjeel finished his meal in the same moment she spoke. Well, could you blame him? He didn't eat anything in veery, very long time, even rice that he devoured like vacuum taste to him like best aphrodisiac he ever taste, not that he tasted any before... He turned his head towards her.

Razjeel: Hmm? You want me to do? If I have to be honest, I wouldn't mind in the slightest.

He winked at her and made a small smile. Raynare was startled and took step back while shaking her head furiously. 'Why I even ask that?! Uhh! Well, it did surprised me... He didn't force himself on me like others, not that this is bad thing!!' next moment she heard him chuckling. He stood up and walked toward her. She tried to step back but when theirs eyes locked she found herself unable to move. She could only stare at him helplessly.

Razjeel: Hahaha, calm down girl. I just tried to crack a joke to make you relax a bit. You seem to be too nervous.

He then leaned forward and whispered to her ear.

Razjeel: And by the way, I'm not the type that like to force himself on a girl, no matter how good she looks. I prefer when things are mutual.

She shuddered feeling his hot breath tickling her ear. Faint blush covered her face. She didn't know what to say.

Raynare: I-I-I-I., um, I-

Razjeel: Hahah, you are funny girl!

He straightened up and said what he thought. 'She is afraid, angry... And surprisingly relieved and happy? Haha, she is really a funny girl'

Razjeel stretched his arm forward.

Razjeel: My name is Razjeel.

She was surprised, she didn't expect that he would introduce to her. To be honest she didn't even expect to have a proper conversation with him, if you could call it a proper though. For almost a month, people kept harrasing her, badmouthing, constantly trying to r*** her only to beat and throw her out because she was too resistant, she started developing fear towards men. That's why it took her a few moments to take his hand. She started talking in meek voice.

Raynare: My.. My name is Raynare. Nice to meet you.

Razjeel's lips curled up slightly seeing that she accepted a handshake.

Razjeel: Nice to meet you to, Raynare. Also thank you for the food.

He then walked past her and walked towards the doors. Raynare was standing in her place doubting what she heard. It was long time since she heard those two words. 'years ago..? In Heaven maybe? Also Razjeel? I know I heard this name somewhere... '

Razjeel: Hmm? Are you going to stand there? Let's go, I don't know the place so you have to guide me. I'm in your care remember?

Raynare: Oh! Right, I'm sorry!

He just waved his hand.

Razjeel: Don't have to, let's go.

Raynare: Okay. Umm... But where do you want to go?

Razjeel shrugged his shoulders.

Razjeel: Just lead to Azazel, I should have a word with him.

She was surprised that he was speaking about Governor so casually, but it wasn't her matter to think about it. Both leave the room with Raynare leading the way.

°×°×°×°×°×°×

On their way towards Azazel office Razjeel noticed few things. First, overall attitude of Fallens was... bad, nicely saying. All they met on they way had haught and mighty attitude. Even Low-class Fallen he met were looking at him like somekind of shit. He didn't liked it. He also noticed that they had no respect for anything, he was a witness to a scene in the hall where two Low-class Fallen were walking down the hallway with boots dirty in mud. In the same hallway a servant was cleaning the floor and looked like he just finished but both Fallens walked there messing the floor and pushed servant away making him fell in the dirt they brought.

Second, Raynare seem to has not a best reputation around. Every Fallen they pass by gave her not pleasing look. They also started badmouthing her between each other or openly insulting her or saying things like "If you are done with him I'm next in line!! Only make sure to clean after him!". Unfortunately for a man who said that, Razjeel was really annoyed by then. He tried to talk with Raynare but every time he tried to start a conversation or they were in the middle of one, some shithead had to make a center of attention of himself and interrupted them. This made her gritt her teeth and lower her head, she also starting walking faster trying to walk away and keep silent for some time. So when that someone interrupted them again, Razjeel stopped and slowly walked toward him with smile on his face.

???: The fuck do you want? Already tired of her? Hehe-

*SMACK*

*thud*

Loud noise travel through the hall, making Raynare turn around and look at him wide eyed. The Fallen in front Razjeel was lying on his in his side with eyes rolled backwards and opened mouth. His ear was red and half of his cheek was already swollen. Next moment blood started flowing from his ear on his face and floor.

Razjeel: Tsk! Ill-mannered brat! No respect when someone is talking, nor towards lady. It was second time since someone interrupted me while talking. Aah, shit! Thinking about that stupid Devil kid spoiled my mood. I really need to talk about this with Azazel, it's not how proper faction should look like... It's worse than a laughingstock...

Razjeel walked past Raynare and kept mumbling to himself, but she didn't heard him. She was too satisfied while looking at unconscious man. She stealthy looked around and when she saw that he wasn't watching, she spit on the Fallen's face and run to catch up to Razjeel.

Only then everyone around reacted but we're still shocked inside. 'Raynare found herself a body guard?? And he one-shoted High-class?! Just what the fuck? Who is that guy??'

°×°×°×°×°×°×°

Raynare: We are here.

Both of them spotted in front of familiar doors. Raynare tried to knock on the door but before she could even rise her hand, Razjeel opened them like he was walking into his own house.

Razjeel: Thank you for guidance. If you want you can leave now. It was pleasure to meet you.

Raynare was staring at him while biting her lower lips. She closed her eyes and opened them to look into his eyes.

Raynare: I... I would like to wait for you, I mean, you are in my care and that would be unprofessional as a maid to leave-

Razjeel: Okaay, just wait here and if something happened knock on the door or something.

He just shrugged his shoulders in "whatever" manner and walked inside. She raised her eyebrows slightly but bowed and did as she was told to. Raynare didn't expect him to agree, thinking that he would be annoyed by her but she still gave it a try.

Inside the office Azazel was signing a documents without reading them, he only looked for place where he had to sign and put the signed documents on a pile. Somehow you couldn't really blame him, comparing documents that he signed with those that he didn't was like comparing stone with a mountain.

Razjeel walked closer and barely stopped his laugh. He saw that Azazel had red, puffed eyes and was mumbling to himself like upset child.

Azazel: Fucking paperwork! For what reason I have a secretary if I still have to do this?! Fuck bureaucracy!! Oh, hi Razjeel!

He noticed that Razjeel was approaching him and stopped his sulking. He happily showed all the documents away from his desk on the floor. Razjeel couldn't help but chuckle a little.

Razjeel: Haha, don't you have some work? Maybe I should come when you finish?

He asked jokingly but Azazel strongly shook his head in disapproval. Razjeel was looking at him and thought 'Haha, many things changed but some are stil the same. I remember when he was asked to sort Origin Archive. No one could find him for two weeks until Joniel had to sorted it all by himself, hahaha.' He smiled faintly at this memory and Azazel's deep hate for paperwork.

Azazel noticed that Razjeel's lips curved up slightly and was reviled inside. He thought that he would become one of those people that would sulk all the time and spread depression atmosphere everywhere.

Azazel: You good? I mean, you don't plan on sitting in the corner with bucket of ice-creams watching "Titanic" with flock of cats?

He asked it pretty bluntly, but it's just like Azazel was sometimes. Razjeel tilted his head and send him a gaze "What are talking about?"

Razjeel: First, what the hell is "Titanic"? Second, you think so lowly of me, brat? Sulking around wouldn't bring me any good and would only waste my time. If I have a second chance to live freely, I should used this to the fullest, shouldn't I? Also... I think she would be disappointed in me if I would just shut-in and isolated myself from world.

He smiled bitterly when he mentioned about Eve, but his eyes were burned with desire to live. The hollow shell Azazel saw last time was nowhere to be found, now he was seeing a man he was looking up to most of his live. Azazel smiled brightly hearing that.

Azazel: I'm happy about that. Whew! Hahaha! I was worrying about nothing then! By the way, you should know how to rest. Four days without moving, maid I assigned to you came here few times complaining that she wouldn't look after the corpse hahaha!!

'Four days? Well, it's slightly longer than I expected.'

Razjeel: Never enough of beauty sleep. So it was your idea with Raynare, huh?

Azazel raised eyebrow and looked at him.

Azazel: Hooh? So you introduced to each other?

Razjeel: Well, things turned awkward so situation need it.

He related what happened and Azazel was laughing so much that tears gathered in the corners of his eyes.

Azazel: I can't underestimate my older brother. Only met today and yet landing in the bed? You sure work fast hahaha! She is staying with you all the time you want anyway, soo take your time!

He made goofy smile and raised his both thumbs up. Razjeel shook his head helplessly and sighed but asked something that keep bothering him a little.

Razjeel: Shut up you snot. By the way, she did something? On our way here she received a nasty looks and multiple not too kind comments.

In respond Azazel shook his shoulder and put his chin on his palm. He related what happened till the moment when she escaped from the church.

Azazel: I had to punished her and Devils demanded death sentence and compensation for some shitty reason. I of course disagreed with both, her only crime was acting by her own which is our internal affair, it's Devils that meddled in their business and started fighting, so you could say that they are the one to blame. But it's turned out that one of the Devils was heiress of Gremory and the sister of one of current Satan, and user of Boosted Gear, one of most powerful Sacred Gears, so you can see which side had more value. So I degraded her to simple servant and she spend a week in first layer of Hell. Earlier she was full of herself and not that weak for a Low-class but after she starting working as servant that all go away. You saw yourself, she is attractive woman so many tries take advantage of her on many ways, especially when she lost her rights in army and no one is backing her. Point is that she resist every attempt of that, so she sometimes gets and rumors spread out naturally.

Razjeel pondered about what he heard a little. Whole situation with Devils was a pure joke. They obviously tried to extort money from Grigori and show that they stand higher than them. If he had to voice out his opinion of Raynare the he would simply said "You gather what you sown".

Razjeel: If we are on that topic I have a question for you.

He suddenly become dead serious, his warm smile disappeared from his face. Azazel gulped.

Azazel: What it is?

Razjeel: Is the Grigori somekind of joke?

Azazel furrowed his brows.

Azazel: What do you mean?

Razjeel snorted in response and started talking like whole thing was amusing him.

Razjeel: What I mean? I'm surprised you even ask. Have you even looked like your subordinates behaved? They are weak as a toddler but are walking like kings of the world. It's good to have a pride and be self-confident, but only when you have a power to back it. Next thing is what I saw when ran into your outpost in the city. It's looked like a trash yard. No guards, lazy-ass personnel, drunked soldiers. Instead of maintaining the surrounding they were playing fucking cards. You know how long it took them to realize that they were attacked? Almost a minute. You should know what a proper assault squad could do in this single minute, they would be wiped out, a simple massacre and lost of fifty lives. To be honest, for a world, you look like a fucking joke. You can't even control your own people. What was the purpose of creating the faction if they do what they want? You had the lowest losses after war, so tell me, how did you become the weakest of three faction? You should be the dominating force! Also overall level of power. You don't train your soldiers? To think that Mid-class Fallen would be viewed as someone strong and High-class to be something rare and special?! In past Mid-class was a standard level for everyone, averages of average.

He stopped and looked outside the window.

Razjeel: I know you are trying and I know you took the seat of the leader because you felt responsible for those who followed you. But your attitude towards the whole thing was wrong. I guess you wanted a faction where freedom is most important, after all that's why Angels falls.

Azazel was looking at him and tried to somehow refute him, but no matter how hard he thought, he knew Razjeel was right. He would be angry if someone else would talk to him like that, but man in front of him wasn't speaking unfounded nonsense. He was a man who saw rise and fall of countless faction throughout the thousands of years. If someone could reprimanded Azazel in management of faction, then that someone was Razjeel.

Azazel sighed helplessly and shook his head.

Azazel: I know that all, I know. As you know I'm not the leader type of person, to be honest, I barely making this all functional. Many Fallens start to going astray, that's one of the reason of our bad reputation. But how I could stop them? It's their lives and theirs decisions.

Razjeel: *Haah* I'm not telling you to keep them locked in. I agree that you shouldn't interfere with theirs lives, but don't make theirs decisions affect people that want to fallow you. You think they are going to the country side to make a family and live sweet life? No, they are killing, stealing, torturing and r***** who, where and when they want to. You are responsible for those who are suffer because of that.

Heavy silence ascended in the room. Azazel was thinking about what he heard, Razjeel was still looking through the window. He saw Fallens walking down the streets. They were chatting between themselves and smiling. He even noticed kids running around playing some games. This brought faint smile to his face.

Azazel: Then, what now?

He broke the silence after some time.

Razjeel: Isn't it obvious? I'm 'The First That Fell', it's all started from me. I will make Grigori a force that even Gods will have to pay respect to.

°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°

Few hours later few unknown people were sitting around big, round table. They were in meeting hall were they always gather when something important needed to be discussed. There were four of them, three males and one female. The woman had long purple hairs and wore buisnes suit with black skirt. Penemue was told by Azazel to gather others because he had something urgent to discuss.

Baraqiel: Hey, you know what's going on? Usually he doesn't call a meeting until month end to get the reports.

Penemue: I don't know either, it's surprised me too. Maybe it has something to do with his older brother? Any way, you have to wait till he show up, Baraqiel.

Man who spoke with Penemue has the appearance of a middle-aged, gruff-looking man with black hair, matching beard and a muscular body. He was one of Azazel's closest friend and Commander of Grigori's forces.

Shemhazai: Older brother? What are you talking about?

The one who spoke was a man that seated next to Baraqiel. He has the appearance of a handsome man in his twenties, with silver-white hair and purple eyes. His outfit consists of a purple beret hat, purple trench coat over a black vest, white pants and black boots. His name was Shemhazai, a vice Governor of Grigori. He, Baraqiel and Azazel were best friends so it was strange he didn't hear anything about it.

Tamiel: Hmm? It's the same person that rumors said that almost kill High-class in one slap and single handedly destroyed our outpost in Kuoh City?

Penemue: Hah, you sure know what's on everyone's tongues, don't you Tamiel?

Blond haired man, wearing robe with many ornaments and circlet, bowed slightly and said with smile.

Tamiel: One of traits being chief of buisnes department, you have to know what's going around.

Penemue snorted in response but in the same moment doors to the hall opened and they saw Azazel walking inside along with unknown, black-haired man. They stood up as a greeting and waited till Azazel took his spot at the table. They were surprised seeing that black-haired man sat next to Azazel.

Azazel: Sorry to keep you waiting, now let's get started. I gathered you all here because things turned out for the worst recently. Let's be honest, we're not in the best situation. That's why, we agreed that's its time for changes.

Everyone were dumbfounded. What changes? If they remembered correctly Azazel was the one who didn't saw a problem with how things were.

Tamiel: Wow, wow, wow. What changes? "We"? What "we"? And who is he? Is it okay to discuss important matters with him around?

He voiced what everyone had on mind and was startled to discuss Grigori's internal matters with someone unknown around. They were curious about who he was, except Penemue who had her suspicion. Azazel smirked.

Azazel: I don't think if there is anyone more okay than him.

Azazel looked at Razjeel and latter stood up and nodded in theirs direction.

Razjeel: My name is Razjeel, I'm older brother of Azazel, nice to meet you all. Miss Penemue, it's pleasure to see you again.

Baraqiel and Tamiel were surprised hearing his calm and collected introduction, but were more surprised at his claims to be Azazel older brother.

Things were different for Shemhazai. 'Black hairs, emerald eyes, Razjeel... Don't tell me!!'

Tamiel: Okay, okay, I get you try another with your jokes but can you please throw this man outside and stoop fooling around? It's not place for him to be.

Shemhazai: Tamiel, I thinks you should stop.

Tamiel looked at him with frown.

Tamiel: Listen I don't have time to-

Razjeel: Then take your things and get out. Or shut up and stop delaying this meaningless talk.

Everyone, even Penemue, raised their eyebrows. They were startled hearing his cold voice and seeing his emotionless face. Tamiel was enraged, he felt insulted and humiliated. He raised his magic power without holding back and directed it all at Razjeel, trying to crush him and throw him out afterward. No one stooped him. Baraqiel didn't want to interfere, Penemue and Shemhazai were trying to confirm something, while Azazel was watching whole thing amused.

Tamiel was expecting to hear painful scream or plead for mercy, but not that what happened next. Razjeel was under pressure of his all magic power which wasn't a joke. Floor cracked slightly under him but he was still standing like before. They saw he sighed tiredly and witnessed his eyes turned crimson red.

Room shook violently because of the pressure Razjeel started releasing. If Tamiles magic power was huge, then Razjeels was monstrous. Everyone except Azazel saw that whole world starter loosing it's colors and they couldn't breathe properly. Tamiel had this the worst since whole pressure was directed at him. He started bleeding from ears and nose, also he kneeled on the ground which was full of spider web-like cracks. They started using their own magic power to support themselves but that made things worse because next moment they felt like pressure on them intensified.

Tamiel glared at him and muster all his magic to create light spear to attack. Razjeel was impressed seeing that he could still attack him under such a pressure and not fainting, but it wasn't even half of what he could muster. Seeing that Tamiel put all his magic in spear Azazel tried to stop him but Razjeel signaled him to not interfere.

Soon, powerful Light spear traveled across the room aiming for Razjeel chest, but he only flicked his fingers. In the next moment, four Fallens couldn't believe what they saw. Light spear created by Cadre-class Fallen using almost all of his magic, was covered in green flames and devoured in less than few seconds. Pressure suddenly disappeared like it never wasn't there. They were shocked to their cores. Even Baraqiel, strongest Fallen after Azazel would have to use more than half of his magic to safely took that Spear, but man in front of them destroyed it just by flicking his fingers. They were terrified.

Shemhazai and Penemue were even more shocked when they realized who that man was. 'Black hairs, crimson eyes, name Razjeel and green flames... There is no mistake!'. Both of them suddenly shot up from theirs seats and made ninety degree bow.

Tamiel who was breathing hardly on the ground was startled seeing what they were doing. He wanted to ask what is the meaning of this but Azazel spoke before him with amused smile.

Azazel: As you two propably guessed, he isn't someone who's fooling around. Let me introduce you to a former Angel of love and secrets, the strongest Seraph in Heaven, the first one created by God and the first one to rebel against him. Angel who first fell in disgrace of God, the First Fallen Angel, Razjeel.