||The Last Pillar||

Chapter XX

The lounge of the old school building was chilly due to the downpour, yet the chill creeping on her skin was not because of the coldness of the air. Listening to the conversation between the two of the greatest Devils Hell had ever known did have that effect on common people to princesses and lords, that Lady Paimon was not an exception.

Great King Bael, her grandfather, was known to be a formidable man with the apt size to back it. The same trait that was inherited by his son and his son's grandson like the Bael's purple eyes. So many times she had read his name on various history books, telling his tales of valor and wisdom as he led the remaining Devils to a prosperity that neither Satans were capable of. She still found it hard to believe such Devil was her own grandfather.

But even so, Lucifer's slim yet strong features and his occasional sudden cold stare made her grandfather stop in the middle of his sentences to reconsider his words. She could only imagine what Devil Lucifer once was that his eyes could silence a Great King.

"No." He'd said firmly, "I am not leading twice. You've said it yourself; the one who holds the most influence after you is your son and the councils - not the Satans. What they hold is merely glamorized position. This is why I hate bloody politics. It was much simpler when Hell was a crapsack of a world."

Rias and Lady Paimon could see the disappointment in Zekram Bael's eyes. That was the very word of his own King. The Godfather of all Devils. Or who he used to be.

"The Devils are faithful to their tradition, I fear. Purity in their blood and power are what they value most, Your Grace. Blood, especially. My son is an offspring of the late Lady Leraje and I; a Devil born between two Devils and not Demons."

Lucifer nearly laughed at this notion. "We weren't always Devils. Did everyone forget that?"

"It's what we are. We've shed it the day we shed our wings and changed our name. I suspect that you'd remember it."

"I've died many times, Zekram. Lived too many lives. Too many bleary memories. I must've dropped some somewhere because I can't seem to recall everything." Lucifer said dismissively. "Well no matter. A no's a no."

"My King, you've led us before. You were a great leader, better than anyone who had tried-"

"I'd rather not get too far ahead of myself. A great commander? Yes. Undoubtedly." Lucifer's voice swelled with pride. "Few faced me and my army in battle and lived to tell the tale of their slaughter. But a great leader?" Lucifer scoffed. His stare was hard and bitter. No longer was he the fun-loving Devil. Just a Devil remorseful of his bitter failures.

"I led, yes. To a war. Millions died; that much I can remember. I brought short-lived glories and yet defeat in the end. It was a single decision that caused the death of your kings and queens - their sons and daughters. Alone I have endangered those who followed me as a leader. Are you asking me to finish the job?"

Although it was not said without King Lucifer's well-known sarcastic flavor, that struck him like no other blow. All his life he saw The Devil as a figure deserving nothing less than respect, yet the Devil seemed to no longer respect himself.

"You've united the Devils and Demons, my—Lucifer." Lorelei Paimon interjected, speaking in a composed manner. "Tales of your victory at every battle you participated are not unheard nor it was unwritten. Be it against the Kingdom of Heaven or the Fallen Angels. There never was a single deserter where even the Angels turned their wings for you. Is that not a noteworthy achievement?"

"But does it matter? Battles were won, true, but the war was lost. It's all that counts." That'd shut her up.

"I've had enough of wars." Gently, Lucifer grasped the hand of the woman next to him who had been listening earnestly, surprising her. "I've found myself a nice lady. Caring for her is much less tedious than ruling an entire Realm, I've found. And much more pleasant. Every moment spent with her is a moment well-spent."

Even when he was downtrodden he still managed to make her smile. Bashfully. All the pretty little butterflies were gathering in her stomach.

And at that, Zekram Bael found his own resolve faltering. Rias was the daughter of a daughter he loved dearly; he wanted her happiness. He could make do without that jape at the end, however. Lucifer had always been clever with words. One thing Zekram and 71 other lords weren't sure how to feel when it was being used against him.

"I'm... thankful you find her appeasing."

"Come now, don't talk to her as if she's a piece of jewelry."

That was a warning. And Zekram was grateful at that. He was gladdened to know Rias wasn't seen as some sort of trophy.

"Of course. I am most sorry. And to you too as well, Rias."

Rias smiled. "It's really alright grandfather. I know you meant well."

Be that as it may, his resolve had not died. Sending a knowing glance to the scarlet lady, Zekram prepared his last resort.

"...But, if you please, may I ask you to come with me? It won't take much of your time. That, I promise."

Lucifer had that exasperated look in his face and eyes. "It won't change my decision, Bael."

Zekram Bael wished for strength. It was a common knowledge among the Devils that they should mind themselves when the laidback Lucifer addressed them with their family name.

"Please, my Lord. Humor me."

Lucifer's fingers tapped against the armrest of the couch. For a moment, he said nothing. His eyes told everything needed to be said. The Devil was displeased. The persistence of the Bael and Paimon was unappreciated, and their prim and proper formality was no help.

As the silence went on, Lucifer took a glance at the Gremory beside him. "What say you, Princess?"

Rias didn't expect he'd ask for her opinion. As the person with the least authority, she was rather touched. A tad nervous too, being stared by the Great King himself as well as the famed Scarlet Lady of House Paimon. Not to mention the former King of Hell who happened to be her lover.

"...I... I think you should give it a chance... You haven't seen or meet anyone you have known like grandfather."

"Using reunion as a pretext. Smart." Lucifer chuckled. He could tell the Bael and the Paimon were impressed with the Gremory's cunning. "Very well then, Lord Bael. On behalf of Lady Rias here, I'll humour you."

After brief goodbyes with her grandfather and Lady Paimon, Rias was finally alone in the old building since a long while.

On weekdays, during the day she would spend it with her peerage. When dusk visited, she would spend it together with the charming Devil. Never once bothered by his status, or former status. For all she cared, he's just a Devil she loved.

Hopefully, it won't have to change.

She returned to her room and instantly sprawled on her bed. She was in a more presentable set of clothing now, but she didn't feel like getting off it and re-wear her gown. She shifted to his side of the bed; the right side as it was closest to the wall. It no longer held his warmth, but still his scent lingered.

Gingerly, Rias clutched his pillow, taking a whiff of the virile scent that reminded her of autumn. Maybe because of the accents of vanilla and jasmine?

Her heart beat faster for whatever reason. She felt as if she was doing something outlandish. Something perverted. 'It's not perverted, right?' Rias found herself questioning.

But as she recalled something, she edged to the side of the bed to grab her phone, and check it for any new messages regarding her Knight or Sona's response regarding the recent events.

There was one. Sona's reply was everything she had suspected; long and thorough. The Sitri Heiress didn't seem to grasp the concept of 'short message services' yet. She wasn't able to complete reading it, however, as the name of her civics teacher popped up.

"Yes? How is it? Have you found him yet?"

She listened to the sound of the rain and the faint rumble of thunder at the other side, followed with Rossweisse's brief shriek, before her panicked words reached her.

"Koneko found him. They're at the abandoned church!"

Rias didn't need much more. She contacted Akeno and demanded her and Asia. Lucifer was not by her side this time, but so it was before she met him. She would miss hearing his silly quips, but this shouldn't be much different.

Break

The raindrops stung her face as they kept pouring, but Rossweisse couldn't care less. Kiba and Koneko were in danger and that was all she needed to know. She did mind the thunders, however.

With haste, she had texted her King and informed Asia before she stormed off their apartment, and she had been flying ever since. Flying was still risky despite the downpour; someone might see her and start rumors, but she was more concerned about the flashing thunders.

Among all the other Valkyries, she was always the red-nosed one. She was the only one without the family's inherited magic, the one without a sense of fashion, the one who was scared of thunder, the only one without boyfriends, and the list went on and on. But she was a Devil now. She failed to pride herself as a Valkyrie, but as both teacher and Devil? There might still a chance.

She hovered at the place where Koneko had relayed to her; at the fields near the old abandoned church. She spared the details and Rossweisse worried it might be due to the circumstances, and it was. Down below, she saw her white hair whipping as she darted here and there, chasing after a man with a damp white cloak.

Despite the strange aura, Koneko's movements were sluggish as was her opponent. They must have been fighting for a while now.

And not far from them, laid on the ground, was the blonde Knight.

Rossweisse didn't waste any time. Shifting into her Valkyrie armor, she dived down sharply.

"Huh? OH VAFFANCU—GAH!" Freed looked up too late as her gauntleted fist was inch away from kissing his cheek.

Her sudden interference brought surprise to both party, and an unexpected punch that propelled the crazed Exorcist head-first to the grass. The sword he held bounced away, cutting few wet grass. And just then Rossweisse realized it was an Excalibur. That explained the sudden chills in her spine. Devils and holy things did not bond well apparently.

Striking someone felt oddly good, she noted. She didn't get much chance during her first Rating Game as she was given a support role, and the past days after that had been kind for the Devils; no pesky Strays to be taught a lesson or two.

She was brought back to reality as she heard Koneko's meek cry. For a moment, Rossweisse stood there, in shock, trying to register the fact the Rook had grown an extra pair of ears that were triangular shaped, and covered in sodden white fur. And a tail. A sleek white tail extending from her rear.

She was suddenly reminded that the grey-haired man could still be alive. As her head darted to where he had crash-landed, she found nothing but a flattened patch of grass.

That increased her alertness. She carefully moved towards Koneko.

"Koneko? Are you alright?" As she approached her, she saw the damp redness of her side. When she looked at her eyes, Rossweisse noticed the pupils were much slimmer. She gulped then. "Are you badly hurt? We should leave now before they know we're here."

"I'm fine. I'll be okay." Koneko spoke quietly. Tiredness dripping in her voice. "Senpai... he's hurt. Help him..."

The Valkyrie looked to where K0neko pointed, and gasped at the sight of her wounded student. Blood had pooled under his belly, and an unhealthy paranoia started to gnaw on her mind. With Koneko, she walked towards him, keeping wary for the swordsman lest he returned with more people.

Rossweisse stayed on guard as Koneko gently turned him over. Her ears caught a quiet gasp amidst the thumping rain, and soon found out why. His white shirt had turned red, and despite he was alive, his breathing was shallow, and his face had paled.

"Senpai..." Koneko cried, tearing his wet shirt with her hands and had it crumpled to be pressed against his stab-wound. "...S-sensei... Sensei, what do we do?"

Her frightened plea didn't fail to yank Rossweisse from her pause. "Y-yes... Uhm... Right... We have to get him out of here first. I-I can only heal minor cuts." she rued, "Asia. We need Asia. I've told Rias we're here. We might meet them on our way."

Koneko nodded, but her whole attention was at her wounded senior. As the rain continued to uncaringly pour on them, Rossweisse made a makeshift bandage with Kiba's torn shirt and tied it around him. She conjured a magic circle that glowed blue under him, and as it clasped on his hands, he was lifted up to the air.

She took off as well, her bat-like wings carrying her. But she once again caught Koneko's quiet whine.

"You've been tough Koneko. Just hold on a bit longer-" she told the girl who was flying by her side, until her eyes grasped something—someone on the cobbled path in front of the eerie church. "Who is that?"

Koneko didn't need to look to know. "The church girl..." she whispered, not knowing if Rossweisse could hear it as another thunder flashed by, causing the Valkyrie to squeal a little.

"We have to help her."

She flew several more feet before she realized her teacher had pulled to a full stop. "It's too dangerous!" It was the exact reason why Koneko chose to abandon the girl.

"Well I can't just let her die!" Rossweisse insisted, and it was obvious she had made her mind. "You go on ahead Koneko. The spell can last half an hour. Keep him safe! And yourself too! I'll catch up!"

"But Sensei!" No use. Rossweisse had hurried to the girl. Her feet felt as if they were chained to a weight as she hovered to Kiba's side, and started to push him and the magic circle holding him in place. She didn't know if she should feel worried or ashamed that her teacher went down to help without thinking.

Down below, she was relieved to find that Koneko had went on. But as she arrived, Rossweisse held down her gasp upon seeing the mangled state of the girl's back. The rain continued to wash away her blood, revealing the shallow cuts and the blue-black bruises scattered upon her skin and she couldn't and didn't want to imagine what else was hidden by her suit.

"What sort of twisted mind would do this to a girl?" She cursed, disgusted at the savagery.

Regardless, she wasn't here to contemplate.

She didn't cast the spell from earlier; too close to the church. A magic-sensitive being might catch the splurge of her Norse magic. Kneeling down, she prepared to take Irina into her arms, but she was forced to clap her palms upon a falling odd-shaped blade before it could slash her in between her eyes.

"Dammit! How the hell did you see me?!" The mad priest fumed, now holding his sword with both his hands, adding more pressure. His cheek had an ugly blue-black color on it.

Rossweisse grunted. If not for the Devil's reaction towards holy things, Excalibur Rapidly would be lodged in her skull. But she could feel the heat of the sword piercing through her gauntlets, and her palms were starting to burn as if the sword was made of fire. Letting go meant the girl would be in danger.

"Oh... Ohhh! You want to save her." And Freed realized that, and it amused him greatly. "HAH! A Devil and a choir-girl! You Devils are one absurd people. Can we even call you that? You're more of monsters aren't you?"

Conjuring a spell required focus. Rossweisse found it was disturbingly hard to focus when her hands were melting and the crazy man kept spouting his biased nonsense.

Rossweisse let out a cry as Freed pushed down the Excalibur, causing her to tighten her grip and hence more pain. Her hands trembled, and the torrent did little in helping her hands cool off.

"Why don't you just... scram?" Freed grinned, staring down her eyes as he suddenly regained his lost stamina. Nothing in this world brought him more enjoyment than bringing agony to these heathens.

"You let go. I'll kill her obviously-she doesn't mean shit to you anyway-and then we can continue our play. I'll even give you a fifteen seconds head start. Hm? How's that sound. Am I generous or am I generous?"

She didn't budge. As her cold sweat mixed with the rain, Rossweisse stared him down. "Were you trained to use swords, or to spew empty words?"

"Well you're one feisty maggot, I'll give you that."

The rasp of the blade sliding through her clasp and searing her palms was muffled by her cry. As Freed brought down his sword again, Rossweisse fired a wave of magical blast that knocked him away a few feet.

"Bastardo—Hey. Hey, hey! OI! YOU CHEATING SLUT! COME BACK DOWN HERE! I CAN'T FLY!" Freed almost throw his sword at her like a tantrum.

She ignored his uncouth curses filling the air. She bit down the pain ebbing on her hands as she cradled Irina, and took off with a jump and a beat of her wings. But even in the sky, she wasn't safe. She was caught. A pale, long-fingered hand had gripped one of her wing, and Rossweisse nearly dropped Irina as she was tugged back brutishly.

"Fleeing so soon after reaching here?" A wicked laugher delivered chills down to her spine, as the same hand grabbed her throat. The grip wasn't bone-crushing, but was tight enough that only a little air was allowed.

Despite the suffocation, Rossweisse kept hold of Irina. Even as the man strangling her turned her to face him.

"So this is the face of a Valkyrie... The Chooser of the Slain."

His face was thin and pale, with two long elf-like ears, and his slender eyes were sickening red containing a tiny black dot fixated at her. She didn't know how many, but black feathered wings were bent open behind his dark cloth. The rain didn't seem able to touch him, as if there was a thin barrier coating him.

"I've been watching you, miss Valkyrie... Yet your wings are those filthy bat's? A surprising turn. How does it feel to become one of the pitiful cretin?" Kokabiel's chuckle was uncomfortably sinister. It was a question indeed, but not one he cared to be answered. If it was, he'd loosen his grip instead of tightening it.

His tiny black pupils danced in the red as he studied the wounded girl intently. "What value does this girl possess for you Hellspawns that you would expend three of your kind? A Gear? A potential? You Devils have always been one for dirty schemes."

The lack of air was getting to her. Irina slipped from her, but was caught by Kokabiel with a hand.

"I can imagine the story... 'A faithful girl, slain by a Valkyrie-turned-Devil.' A news that may cause enough spark to alight Heaven and Hell." The Fallen Angel cackled, much to Rossweisse's horror.

He then glanced down at his grounded underling. "Freed. Make yourself useful. And lay down your sword. We need her corpse to be convincing; not mangled."

Irina fell like a lifeless husk, onto the hands of a grumbling crazed priest.

"As for you... Miss Valkyrie. I demand you to show me if you Northerners have any worth."

Kokabiel unhanded her. Both her neck and wing. Rossweisse staggered in the air, trying to regain her breath and stability. As she did, she realized at least twenty Fallen Angels had surrounded her and the large Fallen Angel, circling them as if they were a spectacle.

This felt eerily similar to her final task in becoming a Valkyrie. Other Valkyries would watch as she and another candidate fight and trade spells until either of them yield, or deemed unfit to continue the battle. The winner was obviously declared as a new fighter among the Valkyries, while the loser would need to retake everything from the start, and bear the embarrassment.

Luckily for her, she didn't have to bear that embarrassment. She already had plenty enough to bother her every night.

Despite the embarrassment, the loser wouldn't end up dead, however. They'd have another chance instead of being tortured. She supposed this was one of the major differences.

Eyeing her opponent, Rossweisse knew she had no chance. Rias had lectured on how Fallen Angels boasted their power with the amount of wings they had. This Fallen Angel had ten black wings.

However else it might be, she had little alternatives.

She looked at her hands; most of her fingers were unharmed due to the steel protecting them, but her palms were marred with burnt skin and flesh. Rossweisse winced. Her stomach churned. But she calmed herself. She had seen worse, and there will be time where she could weep and wince for all she wanted. Preferably in his arms.

She just has to make it out alive first.

"Casting self-enchanting spells? Good, good. Make it so that you can at least keep me entertained for five minutes."

Ignoring his taunt, she kept incanting silent spells that increased her resilience, another magic she developed on her own, Rossweisse braced herself while the pale man kept grinning at her. It seemed he was giving her the first strike.

"Never strike first," She recalled her grandmother's advice that won her that final task before she was a Valkyrie. "you will open yourself to a counterattack. Your talent lies in magic. Use it. Keep your foes at a distance. Far but in range of your spells, yet allows you time to avoid theirs."

Due to that and Norse Magic's powerful yet slow-moving spells, coupled with her inability to learn them anyway, Rossweisse had to start from scratch.

But that was years ago. Back when she was 14. When she was even more fragile than before she met Lucifer. Before she had no one but herself to guard.

By the time Kokabiel became annoyed at the timewasting, she had coated herself with a transparent barrier and buffed her combat prowess. Will they be enough; this was the time to find the answer.

The Fallen Angel moved brusquely. He was a man who valued strength above all else, and he had that in him. He cared little for grace, as shown by his ear-to-ear boding-evil and insatiable-thirst-for-battle grin.

Whilst keeping her distance, Rossweisse fired thundering spells. A mix between Norse's brute ferocity and the Devil's velocity, but Kokabiel backhanded it away. The small explosions that came after didn't make him flinch. He was unharmed, and Rossweisse felt her hope in beating him diminishing like the aftermath smokes of her so far strongest magic attack that should had put holes in him.

Kokabiel bulled towards her, madly laughing, charging through her arrays of spells like a train piercing through the rain. His men shouted for him to do many unpleasant things to her, rowdily shouting for her to stand her ground and not be a coward.

"No wonder Valkyries rarely dies in battle; they scamper faster than they can swing their fists!" One man bellowed, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Easy for them to say. They weren't the one who was facing a Cadre of Fallen Angels.

Rossweisse gritted her teeth, just barely dodging a fist to her face as she weaved past him, firing a beam that left no mark on the back of his head. A slip-up was all it need for her to lose and potentially lose her life as well.

No matter how many spells she threw at him or the amount of times she had dodged his punches, making him dart all over the space made by the spectating Fallen Angels, there wasn't any change in his movements. They were still brusque and ominously powerful, while she could feel her magic reserve waning and her wings tiring.

She couldn't beat him. A fact she had accepted. Her spells weren't powerful enough. She doubted even Rias and Akeno could stand a chance. Odin could, she thought as she moved away from Kokabiel's attempt of gripping her neck. Odin or his sons. Riser Phenex perhaps could as well.

And Lucifer...

Lucifer might be strong enough. Stronger, perhaps. She didn't get the opportunity of seeing him in a battle, only knowing that he beat Rias and the others without moving a hand, as well as defeating Riser through his own peerage in some mysterious ways.

All she could do now was evade his attacks, and hope for Lucifer.

Break

"Wake him."

"But he's-"

"I don't care." Rias seethed. "Wake him."

Akeno frowned sadly. Words couldn't calm her friend when she's this furious. Reluctantly, she waved her hand in the air above their Knight's face, forming a blob of water that exploded on his face.

Gasping, Kiba's eyes shot wide open.

Rias allowed him to collect his thought and himself. She let him glance around in apparent confusion, figuring out where he was or how he got in the public gazebo near the town's park. His facial expression changed the moment he saw Koneko lying some space away from him, sleeping as Asia treated her.

He hadn't seen her in her Nekomata form since the first few days they met. He had thought she was a liability. Afraid of everything, wary of everything, distrusting like an agitated cat.

"Care to explain why you've done what you did?"

Sluggishly, Kiba pushed himself off the floor. His shirt was soaked with rain and his blood. He was stabbed; he recalled. It was an avoidable mistake. He should've suspected that insane priest wouldn't fight fair – even with Excalibur.

Excalibur.

That cursed sword.

As his face contorted to one of hatred, Rias slapped him.

His head kept ringing afterwards. Funnily enough, he didn't feel any pain despite his reddening cheek. Disappointment did numb you, he thought.

"What were you thinking?! Leaving with a lie, blindly charging into their nest on your own accord?! Koneko could've died because of your recklessness! If she and Rossweisse didn't look for you, you could've died Yuuto!"

"I didn't ask for their help." He said, unflinching under Rias' glower. "I went there by myself. It's my own problem. This shouldn't concern any of you-"

Akeno winced as Rias slapped him again. This time with more fervor that he staggered a step.

"I won't stop until you regain your senses." Rias warned. Pleadingly.

He returned her glower. Only Akeno saw the hurt in Rias' eyes.

"Why can't any of you just leave me be?"

"I did!" She yelled, "I did just that and look what it caused?! Koneko has never been this drained – she cried when she thought you were beyond Asia's help! And now Rossweisse is missing because of her principles... None of this would have happened if the churches minded their accursed holy swords."

His expression darkened once more. "None of this would've happened if my friends are alive."

"Then what are we to you?!" Rias didn't slap him, but it felt as though she had. "Those monsters killed your friends, people you grew up with. You're furious; I can understand, but what good will it bring if you died by their hands?"

"At least I died trying."

"And what for?!" Rias was fuming at this point. Her tears dripping to her clothes that were already soaked wet by the heavy shower. "Nothing. Your friends' deaths will be for nothing. Koneko and Rossweisse's help will be all for nothing – everything they've done for you won't mean anything!"

"I didn't ask for-"

"Yes! I know! But what else can we do? We care for you, Kiba. You're our friend, regardless if you don't see us as such. I care for you - my cute servant – I've spent sleepless nights wanting to help you. All of you. Every single one of you I see as my own brother and sister. My father raised me to care for my family and help them in their time of need... yet I don't know how."

"I have loving parents, a kind brother and an adorable sister. My friends are alive. I have never been exiled or treated harshly by my own kind. Perhaps if I don't have any of these, I would know. I could've done something more. Meanwhile all of you have stood by my side and helped me in dealing with my issues and suffered a loss in your first game because of my incompetency."

"I just... I just wish I'm a better master for all of you... How can I if I let you die?"

Kiba took a moment to rethink everything and realized he was a fool. Glancing around, he wiped his eyes. It was raining, even under their small shelter.

Break

She couldn't take much more. She suffered a single hit to the middle of her chest, just under her breastplate, and she already had difficulty breathing. This man was a monster in comparison to her strength.

Kokabiel came close to her once again, reeling back his right hand for a violent hook. Rossweisse prepared to maneuver to his left, but Kokabiel smirked. It was a feint.

"-!"

Rossweisse raised her arms but Kokabiel had struck her gut, tearing air from her lungs as her body lurched forward. The Fallen Angels roared loud with laughter as their leader seized her arm and then grabbed her shoulders as he kneed her.

She didn't know how many times she had gasped, bellowing as he savagely beat her, punching through her barrier through brute force only. Pieces of her Valkyrie armor chipped away, her hip guards had shattered; exposing her black-and-blue skin. She almost fell unconscious, but Kokabiel prevented her by throwing more punches. If not for her protective spell, the bones in her body would have been broken.

The only part of her that wasn't hurting was her face. But she suspected it wasn't because Kokabiel valued chivalry and refrained from hitting a woman's face, but because she'd lost consciousness faster that way.

"Still standing?! I am impressed!" He laughed, and then he brought his leg to her sides, sending her away.

An over-excited Fallen Angel decided it was wise to join his leader's mirth. "Northerner whelp!" He shouted, raising his knee as her back flew into him. The woman cried in pain, and he and his friends boomed with laughter.

Rossweisse staggered, managing to catch her footing in the air and then clutching her stomach and chest. Rain washed away the blood staining her lips, chin, and some that fell on her chest.

'I'm going to die.' She thought. Fear had trembled her limbs and was starting to decay her strength and resolve. Her body constricted by the aching.

'I don't want to die.'

"YOU DAFT FOOL!" Kokabiel roared in anger, his amusement gone.

She forced herself out of his way, but realized he wasn't heading for her this time, but instead the Fallen Angel who had struck her earlier, strangled him with a hand, and ripped his head apart from his shoulders with an effortless yank.

Rossweisse felt her knees weakening and her stomach lurching with disgust.

Kokabiel unceremoniously tossed the head and the body of his follower to the dirt below. The laughter died, as did that Fallen Angel.

"Gee boss! I'm not cleaning that mess!" Down below, watching from inside the church, Freed Sellzen announced that he had been watching as well.

"My own men murdered my mood." He grumbled, loud enough that it served as a warning that stiffened his followers. "Prove to me you're not a fool like him. Seize the woman. Bring her inside. Ram a spear through her if she struggles."

"Yes sir!

"A-at once sir! You two, you heard him!"

With a grimace, Kokabiel left for the abandoned church as his men scoured inside. None wished to risk their leader's rage.

Thunder rolled in the clouds and its roar was heard not long then. Two Fallen Angels headed her way.

The beating was over. A rest at last. She held long enough. Rescue will come for her soon, surely.

Her silver hair flowed against the rain, as Rossweisse finally succumbed to her fatigue.

Break

Hell was beautiful.

A statement he never expected to say thousands of years ago as it would take a man with a weird taste for scenery to say as such, and Lucifer was no such man. Yet indeed, Hell was beautiful. Lustrous purple skies streamed over the rolling green hills, and actual birds were flying and singing instead of decrepit, screeching Demon fowls that were a sore sight for his eyes.

From Marax - the Underworld's Western tip bordering the unclaimed wastelands, named after yet another extinct House - to the Orobas province, the Eastern tip of Underworld with their stunning beach resort, also named after an extinct House. Every piece of it reminded him of Eden. Reminded him that his war efforts were not for nothing.

"Had it always been this way, a great deal of pages would've been chipped away from the history books." Lucifer spoke softly as he admired the land owned by Zekram Bael through the window of his tower. "That war could've been avoided. Look at this; every nook and cranny of this place can now compete for the SGD awards."

Zekram understood his Lord's regret, but Lorelei beat him in comforting The Devil.

"You couldn't have known, my Lord Lucifer." She said, calmly. At this point, Lucifer had given up with the whole formality. He had better luck stripping down her lady-ness and get her to shed her gorgeous scarlet gown. "The land prospered because the blood of the Angels. Without it, everything you've seen would be nothing more than a decayed wasteland."

"No. That's what I meant" Lucifer said, turning around, taking another glance at the modest room. "I'm not entirely convinced if a holy blood makes the best fertilizer - if so, I wouldn't have to tiptoe with the bloody apes."

Stuffing a bite of an apple pie, Zekram Bael was so intrigued that he forgot he was sick of his place's trademark apple pies.

"You were a human." He recalled, "How did that come to happen?"

"It's... a part of a deal I made. Worst bargain on my end." As he sat on a chair in front of Lord Bael and his apple pies, Lucifer groaned. "You know we've lost enough."

Zekram fell into silence - the face of the late Queen Leviathan and his late wife stirring his memory.

"That we have." He nodded solemnly. "Despite so, we would've won with you on our side."

"See? That's the problem." Unexpectedly, Lucifer groaned even louder. "That blind faith. Blinded the obvious defeat. We didn't win many battles without casualties, if at all. Our numbers were great but Demons made that number. Demons who wilts at the sight of an Archangel in their shiny armor and the sheen of their hair. They were only useful against the Fallens; they're less holy. Less uptight too."

"Heaven, however, had Dad and Michael. Father isn't that much of a trouble but Michael? Oh. That bloke is one annoying coward. Never there if I'm there. Always at the other side of the war, winning battles that didn't have me in it."

"I apologize if I'm mistaken, but you weren't fond of the Creator if I recall correctly."

"I didn't." Lucifer replied with a casual tone, relaxing his hands on the armchair. "He didn't do anything when I was banished. Could've done something. Anything. He even didn't punish those crows as harsh."

It appeared his Lord's contempt to the Fallen Angels had yet to diminish. As for his Father, however... "Do you despise him still?"

"He apologized." Lucifer waved a hand dismissively. "He owes me another one, I believe. Having me put through those homicidal monkeys. They even burned their own. Witches, they claimed, while all I see was a distraught damsel, misjudged because of their beauty. Can you believe that?"

Both Zekram and Lorelei made their curiosity clear by their expression. Not, it should be noted, about the burning of "witches", but more about God's apology. Lucifer supposed he could entertain them with the truth only he and God knew thus far.

"See... the reason of the war is our horrid home. Who would want to live in Hell after living in Heaven?" Lucifer chuckled. Once he settled down, he continued. "The folk asked for Heaven. Earth was an option but nothing's prettier than Heaven. I agreed. We agreed. Reluctantly. Except Asmodeus, I suppose. Always the impulsive one, that man."

"Unfortunately, the damned vultures had the same idea. Except they came in the middle of a battle to finish whoever was left like the bloody vultures they are. Skip over dozens of battles and the shouting, Leviathan was struggling against dear Mikey, Beelzebub's insects failed to spot an ambush – he lived, but was wounded. Asmodeus... well... him and his men were still the same brutes. Except fewer."

"And you, Lord Lucifer?"

"Why, I was executing the Angels, Lady Paimon. Basking the hellscape with their fertilizing blood." He grinned. Lady Paimon's cheek turned red from that black humor. "Sincerely speaking, I was gathering the army. We were supposed to aid Leviathan in the... West... I believe? Can't tell. Every battlefield looks as ugly."

"We're losing." Lucifer concluded. "But apparently not to the people we led. Every Devil clung to that fickle hope like an Angel would; old habits die hard I suppose. By that time, us four realized we'd perish before we reach the pearly gates. So before that final battle took place, I asked for Father."

Zekram widened his violet eyes. "Is it when you left the camp alone?"

"My, aren't you blessed with good memory." The Devil japed. "And yes. I suppose? As you might've guessed, that's when He apologized and when that deal was made. Being the wise and peace-loving God He is, He'd grant the ceasefire and give Hell His blessings. It's why you turned all of that inhospitable surroundings into hills and such."

Lady Paimon muttered, "And the price you have to pay is..."

"The Satans." Lucifer answered. "The rebellion won't die as long as either of us is alive. Not because we wanted to overthrow His rule, mind you, but because those we led wouldn't stop nagging and wouldn't start farming."

Zekram appeared conflicted. "So it was us..." he dourly said, "...We... we're the cause of our Kings' death?"

"Of course not." Lucifer said sternly that Zekram won't be able to refute. "None of you drove us into suicide. We gave our life so there would still be enough Devils to cultivate and enjoy the new and blessed Hell. It's our decision. There's a notable difference there."

"So there you have it." He smiled, "I appreciate the tour. I really do. Our home is an actual home now. You didn't want it to recede to its dead state; I understand. But you should understand why I've had enough with leading or kingship. Too many responsibilities. And for once, there are... certain lovely individuals I care more than I do myself."

"I..." Zekram paused. Dozens of thoughts racing in his head. Love, he supposed, was indeed many things at once. Liability was one of them. "...Yes... I understand, my Lord."

"Oh don't look so glum." The Morning Star chuckled warmly, rising off his seat to give a slap on Zekram's robed shoulder. "You've worked your buttocks. Every single one of you have done your part well. Let the young do their share. Have faith in them. Enjoy your days. I'm certainly enjoying mine."

Zekram gave a simple nod.

"If there's no more attempt at coercing me, I'll excuse myself. It had been a fun tour. It's gladdening to know I'm not the only one left, Zekram." Lucifer smiled, genuinely. Warmly.

His smile changed as he then laid his warm brown gaze at the Scarlet Lady, currently sat at a bed due to her dress.

"You should take me out on tours more often, Lady Lorelei of House Paimon. Certainly there must be places I've yet to see."

Lorelei curtsied gracefully. "It would be my pleasure, Lord Lucifer."

"It's mutual then." The Devil grinned as he tore a doorway from the thin air, connecting Zekram Bael's bedchamber with Rias Gremory's bedroom, catching them both by surprise. "Until next time."

And so gone the jolly Devil, letting sour silence reign the room.

Zekram didn't touch his half-eaten apple pie. He simply stared at it, brooding, only moving as he heard Lorelei's dress scuffing the bedcover.

"King Bael?" She asked softly. Years of her visit had made him acute in telling her disposition. Right now, she was distraught. She didn't show it. Her expression was collected, but her soft tone was a dead giveaway.

He sighed deeply. There was no one to blame but his own expectation he set too high. Yet even so, the disappointment remained irremovable.

"Too much has been forced on him." He broke his silence, "Lord Lucifer has done enough."

Paimon had no say to that but "As have you, King Bael. The Realm has always been your first concern, never yourself. Your rest is more than deserved."

"Not an easy rest I'm afraid." Zekram said, "My son's stubborn thirst for power, an unknown group shifting in the shadows, the late Satans' descendants getting antsy... and the Norse spies just recently."

"The Satans have handled the spies, and they've won against those impertinent fools with less power. They can do it again."

"Fools..." Zekram repeated. "I can hear the late Beelzebub weeping in his graves." He partly said it as a joke. "Yes, the spies have been taken care of and are under custody indeed... But not the Asgardians. Not even Heaven has the gall to send a single spy to Hell."

"You're worrying again my King." Lorelei reminded. "I believe Lord Lucifer is right. We may not have your strength nor your wisdom, but there are those who will devote to the Realm. The Satans never wavered despite their limitations in power. There are Houses that supports them wholly, one of them being House Phenex. Of course, the Houses includes the House of the Satans."

"Your heir might seek something else and has set his mind on that. But your legacy doesn't stop in him. I apologize in advance for saying such thing, but Lady Venelana and Sairaorg don't have the immense pride or arrogance your son holds profoundly."

"Sairaorg..." The Exiled Bael. Recalling that spiteful title pained him. More so as it was given by his own son, to his own son. Just how far could the apple fall from the tree? "Venelana has her family. She's happy. Don't drag the only Bael content with her life."

"Without her, we'll lack resources."

Zekram frowned again.

"She has given us her support. It is her decision. As am I, she wished for you to rest at ease. We may not have Lord Lucifer with us, but we aren't without confidence or the authority to support it. Let us carry your duty, my King. We'll serve this Realm well, and hopefully, erase your doubts."

He met her eyes after staring at his pie at last. The determination was evident, flaring in those scarlet orbs. A woman with strong sense of duty that not even her own family could vanquish.

"Ever since you felled your own kin for siding with them, every sliver of my doubt in you have been cleansed."

"I didn't slay them because they sided with them. I slew them because they've became a threat to the Realm."

"Your dutifulness frightens me as it has impressed me."

"My King." A smile graced her lips.

"I suppose you're right." He ran his hand on his silvering black beard, a habit he developed ever since it had reached his neck. "I am indeed old. It won't be long before you'll need to greet me by my bed."

Her smile waned. "...I'm sure you will open the door for me as you did before."

"Hah! Then you best show up with a pudding in your hands if I do."

To be continued...