||In Hell or Earth||

Chapter XII

The First Devil was a bit bummed out upon hearing Rias was taking the Devils someplace for a train. He was even willing to use her fever against that decision, despite knowing she's more likely to listen to a deathly boring seminar than listen to his very valid reason.

His mood took a complete U-turn, however, at the very first notion that they were heading to the mountains.

The mountains.

Oh joy.

Lucifer loved them.

Not the mountains in Hell, though. Those literal hellpits were no mountains. Those were just ranges of active volcanoes, with craggy hills and protruding spikes, and a temperature that would melt a mere human like butter on a scalding pan.

So no. Definitely not those kind of mountains. Lucifer despised those failed landscaping.

It's Earth's environments that he adored. Nothing could beat the exquisite sculpture that was basically a huge mound of dirt sprinkled with trees and occasionally accented by a streaming river or a quaint pristine lake. Sometimes, a pretty waterfall or two.

The resident might be hairless mindless apes that could and had made forests catches fire on their own, but even so, the mountains were - and hopefully still - will be his little happy place in that wretched wrecked world.

Suffice to say, he's not one to hide his happiness. His jovial hum mingled with the song of the birds as they danced through the fresh spring air.

He was so pleased that he didn't mind carrying an extra luggage, which belonged to Rias anyway. If she wasn't ill, he'd still bring her stuffs, albeit with less willingness. Besides, he's not one of her 'servants'-thing. He didn't have to limit his power. Hell, he didn't even have to carry these things. He could make the packing bags levitate if he felt like it.

But at the moment, he simply didn't mind, and Akeno just couldn't help but giggle at his antics.

"Someone seems happy."

"Oho, brilliant, darling." Lucifer corrected, putting his humming to a pause as he glanced to his side, where Rias and Akeno were walking along. "Aren't you?"

She giggled primly again. "Not as much as you."

"Why… how could you not?" He grinned as he raised his right eyebrow while lowering the other, making an expression that looked silly but appealing at the same time. "The air's nice. It's shady and the breeze is always pleasant. The flowers are blooming, and on top of it all; there's no pesky humans in sight!"

Akeno tittered, and Rias did too for once. She's been quiet during the whole hike. There's nothing childish about the passion of a man, but his eagerness was irresistibly adorable.

"Which, made me realize, where on earth are we again? Are we in the Alps?"

Rias shook her head. "Oh Lucifer… didn't I tell you we're going to my family's cabin?"

"Yes, I heard. But did you tell where it is exactly? It can't be somewhere on Earth. Last I checked, Earth's skies aren't purple."

"I thought you already knew we're in the Underworld?"

"We are?" Lucifer lowered his brows, looking at Akeno for confirmation, who nodded in return.

"Oh." So it's not Earth's mountains. Slightly disappointing, but only slight. It's still peaceful and overall enjoyable anyway. He didn't like to nitpick the small things, and at the time, there's nothing could drag him down.

Except, perhaps, Rias' current condition.

She had taken a full day of rest, which was a day filled with Lucifer's constant nagging because Rias kept trying to be productive by doing her Devil duties when her servants could handle all of it on their own. Even Koneko took part by reinforcing the Occult Research Club's clubroom door with a cupboard.

Yet her fever hadn't disappeared completely. A common fever might not be a serious trouble, but she's still ill, and an ill lovely troubled even a chipper Lucifer. If not, he would've caught up with Rossweisse up ahead since the girl shared the same zeal with him, or simply stormed off to find a valley where he could listen to his own echo.

"How're you faring darling?" He asked, softening his voice as well as his smile.

"I'm fine." Rias said, flatly. She did look fine - just a little flushed. Either from her fever or from his casual use of affectionate form of address. "We're nearly there anyway…"

"Why… know my arms are open and are always willing to carry you, Princess." Of course they would. She's soft and snugly. "You just have to say the word."

"Th-thanks… But I'm doing this. At least, I can do this much. Moving will help dealing with my fever too."

"Mhmm, stubborn as always." Lucifer chuckled as he pressed his forefinger to her reddening cheek, which made Rias to look away in embarrassment. There will come the day where she had grown used to his silly actions, but that day was not today.

"You know we won't mind if you wait there, Rias." Akeno said, keeping her casual tone minus the tease. "I can always look after them and hand the appropriate punishment if they do cheat, ufufufu~"

"That's also a reason why I'm coming." Rias huffed. And we all know what she'll say next. "And it's fine." the Heiress insisted, staying true to her resolve that some might deem unnecessary. "I'm not carrying anything heavy. I'll be fine. Don't worry about me, you two can go on ahead."

Akeno exchanged a knowing look at Lucifer. Nothing good ever came out of it. At least not for her.

Then her surprise, an innocent "Okay~" was their answer.

And did it hurt. It's too late to call them as they paced up, leaving her behind as they chatted. But then again, she couldn't blame either of them after what she said.

…Which, she was starting to regret.

They're only several meters ahead and the distance will only grow and grow, and she could sense the bite of loneliness looming, but yet, still she held onto her pride.

There's no point in regret, Rias told herself. She asked for this and she had to deal with it just like she had always been.

Still, being left behind was not a feeling she wanted to feel. With a dreary sigh, Rias held onto her backpack's straps, and watched the dirt road marching against her with only the sound of her shoes scraping keeping her company.

"Whatcha doin' Princess? Hunting for ants?"

Rias legitimately yelped when she found his face was close to hers.

"Lucifer?!"

It was him, and his sharp coffee brown eyes were scrutinizing the soil as if to find that certain miniscule insect crawling about.

"That's my name, yes." He straightened his posture; which was his standard posture. He's a good postured young man.

"I-I thought you went ahead!" And now that she glanced at where she thought he was, she only spotted Akeno. Rias could still hear her mischievous Queen's giggle as she jogged away to rejoin the rest.

Before she could point accusations at her, Lucifer playfully nudged her shoulder.

"Oh please… did you think I'd let you trot all by yourself? Princess, the only time I'll leave you alone is when you truly want me to."

He allowed a beat to pass before continuing, "So, do you not want me to at the moment?"

Like she could say 'yes'.

"…I don't think there'll be such a time…"

"Mhmm. Exactly." Again with his confidence. Took her the entire courage she mustered in that short five seconds, and that was his response. Then again, that's also why she loved him.

Maybe.

As she was getting comfortable with the silence and her thoughts, and him, Lucifer placed it on hold as he skimmed around the sceneries.

"Goodness me, this place changed. A lot." He muttered, and Rias didn't know if that was sadness in his eyes or delight. She settled on both. "Where in Hell is this place? Specifically?"

"Didn't I tell you yesterday where we're heading to?" Rias told him, slightly exasperated. To which, of course, Lucifer responded with his silly and innocent yet guiltless smile. She instantly forgave him with just several shakes of her head and a sigh. "Well anyway…. We're at Lumina Highlands, Buné Province."

"Buné…" Lucifer whispered. He had heard of that name somewhere. It sounded familiar and had a familiar ring to it. It was in the back of his head, just a bit further away. Stowed in a place where his poor memory couldn't reach.

So he gave up and lived on.

Why he was suddenly interested in Hell's geography she didn't know, but that was before she remembered something that was once an important matter in her mind.

"You said this place has changed…" Rias quietly said, "What do you mean…?"

"I thought I've been here before."

'Thought.' Her mind echoed, 'So you might haven't been here.'

He stroked his prickly chin, seemingly contented at the feeling of those tiny little needles grazing his fingers. Rias didn't enjoy it when he rubbed them against her cheek, but that's because she's too busy laughing. Maybe if her fingers could have a brush at his jaw…

But Lucifer turned to her just before that thought solidified into action. "I certainly won't mind living in Hell if it's like this everywhere. It's much better compared to that rocky place, with all those ugly pointy things jutting off the ground…"

"You mean 'spikes'?"

"Right. Spikes." He blandly nodded. "They were everywhere. And has absolutely no use whatsoever." Except when it was used as a method of impalement. Those things sure could pierce.

It was then her notion grew. "But they're a rare sight now. They're only found perhaps in the faraway lands. All that was here was removed when we - I mean the Devils, changed the landscaping. I haven't even seen any of it except their drawings in books."

"Ah? That's wonderful news then. Those things were infuriating." He still couldn't grasp why Asmodeus of all people would label them as art. Then again, Asmodeus was the kind of person who will enjoy modern 'art'.

Modern art. Yeah right. More like 'garbage'. What the worlds need was another painter with Bob Ross' style, complete with his trademark afro hairstyle. And his charm. That's what mattered the most.

Or Heaven should just send him back. That could work too.

Meanwhile, as his thoughts wandered around, Rias kept her focus on finding out his identity. She didn't think it mattered anymore. It was simply her curiosity alone that fueled this need.

"Lucifer…?"

"Mhmm? Yes hon?"

She let her heart flutter a little bit, before calming down.

"I… I don't want to upset you, but… do you know… Do you know Lilith?"

He rose an eyebrow, idly punting an unfortunate pebble with his hiking shoes – something he would never do if he's wearing his dress shoes.

"Lilith?" he resaid, as if getting a taste of the name as he jogged his memory. "Ah! Lilith! Yes, yes. She's a fun gal to hang with. Always chipper. Always tempting." His smile grew into a luscious grin for a moment there. "Unless I'm thinking of the wrong Lilith?"

"No. I think you got it right." Rias looked saddened. "She's…" she avoided his brown eyes out of the blue. "Isn't she your wife?"

"She's my what?" Now Lucifer was even more surprised. Or horrified.

Rias still didn't lift her eyes. "Well… was. There were many casualties in the Great War. She was one of them, Lucifer. I'm sorry…"

"Wha—hold on." He stopped his hike, and Rias did the same. "You're saying I have—had a wife? As in, a woman I'm married to? As in, a spouse? And it's Lilith to ice it all?"

And now she's confused why he looked so confused. "Yes…? That's what written in the history books."

Lucifer ran his hand through his graceful brown hair. "Goodness gracious! Whoever spread those blatant lies? I know my memory is not the sharpest, but I'm certain I'd recall important events of my own life." He said, quite fervently though his smile was there.

"I made a few… acquaintances, so you may say," Rias narrowed her eyes a little. By 'few' he must have meant 'a lot'. "but darling, from all that they turned out to be, becoming my bride had never been the end result."

As he watched her confusion growing more apparent, Lucifer decided to drop this matter. His past wasn't the greatest of pasts, and he didn't find them as interesting as others'. Such as hers', for example.

"Well, that's up to this point, that is." He laughed, flinging his arm around her gorgeous hair and over her shoulders a bit too smoothly, and pulled her close so he could plant a kiss at the crown of her head. "Perhaps you can end my, wife-less streak, no?"

Caught by surprise, Rias squealed, as her face was enflamed.

"Mmn, still smell like shampoo." Lucifer chortled, letting her go as she was trying to bite her smile from surfacing and attempting to rid her blush. "Why's the question Princess? That was seemingly out of the yonder."

"I-it was nothing…" she said, but then she reconsidered it right after the words came out. "….Actually, I'm… curious."

"Curious?"

"If you're the actual Lucifer or not… I-It's not that I didn't believe you are, or that I care if you really are him. I'm still in love with you even if you aren't."

Lucifer 'aww'ed. "You're so sweet Princess."

"And you are too." A smile crept upon her face. He's so unassuming that Rias felt horribly guilty for all of that. "I'm just… I don't know…. I'm sorry."

"Naww, darling. You're just curious. Curiosity is important. I don't mind."

Why must he be so tolerant? Why did the more she spend with him, the guiltier she felt for assuming all men are the same as that arrogant Phenex?

As that thought rang, the hike would be soon to be over as they went past an old tree stump. Rias knew. That's where she would sit and waited for her brother whenever they're staying at the villa. And after that, a break, and then start the drills. And drills meant little time with Lucifer…

Unless he pestered her, that is.

"You're very kind, Lucifer." She said sincerely, smiling as she leaned on his mocha-tinted ranch jacket. "I'm happy I fell in love with you… I think I just fell in love with you again."

"Oh…. Don't do that. I want to kiss you now." And there was nothing holding him back. He simply said that so she took the initiative.

She took a moment to let the blood in her cheeks flow back down. "…I…" she hesitated, "But I'm sick…"

He expected that answer. "Princess, if catching a day of fever is a price for a second of your lips, you'll need to take me to a hospital for a year every year."

And be his personal nurse, thank you very much. Preferably with Rosie and Akeno. That would be wonderful.

The hot searing blush was rushing back, and her heart bounced up to her throat that she had to swallow it down. Rias could see the landscape was getting flatter, and soon enough, they'll arrive. It was either now, or a few hours later.

Her gaze returned to her feet, and as she struggled to ready herself, subtly touching her lips to make sure they're not dry, he said; "But I suppose you're right."

'What.' She froze. "What?"

"It'll be inconvenient for the two of us if I do get ill."

"Oh." Rias muttered. "…Oh…." And she muttered again, only this time with much gloom.

"But as we're in the moment, I suppose I'll help myself."

So he knew that was the moment. Of course he'd knew. So why did he say that? To confuse her? As a joke? Because that wasn't funny at all.

All of the sudden, the butterflies in her stomach disappeared and, without realizing, she was frowning at him. "Help yourself to what?"

He pulled her.

"You."

Her anger was wiped away the moment her lips met his.

Break

As the Devils organized their belongings, storing them inside their separate rooms –save Lucifer-, the First Devil took a stroll around the wooden architecture.

His first impression of the Gremory villa was he would be enjoying their week-long stay. Why? The air was pleasant; cool, refreshing, and free of pollution. The smell of wood was just right; not too faint, and not too strong that it would sting his nose.

The size wasn't as humongous as he thought for one. It's still huge for the seven of them, but he wouldn't make a fuss at that. Shame the icy maid wasn't here, though. Or any maid for that matter. Teasing just the girls should suffice.

But as he approached the front door to continue his walk at the field, he found he was wrong. It was the bob-haired girl and her gang whose names he already forgotten. Well, part of her gang. Unless she dismissed the rest. And Lucifer hoped she didn't, because that brown-haired girl was nice.

"Oh, hello there." he quipped, mildly surprised to see another set of Devils in Kuoh's high school jersey. He's going to get sick of seeing the stupid jerseys sooner or later. "Good morning nearly afternoon. Fancy seeing you here. I wasn't told you lot are coming."

"Hiya Lucifer-san~!"

"Why, hello." His standard grin returned. Good to know he's not completely disliked. "I don't think I've quite caught your name yet."

The twin-tailed girl replied merrily, complete with a wave. "Meguri Tomoe here, nice to meet you!"

Her cheeriness struck him a smile. "Ah, quirky, aren't you?" Now if he could get that brunette's name and perhaps her number… "Where's your brown-haired friend?"

"Kusaka has other matter to attend. We're here for Rias." Sona said, cutting their conversation. She nearly concealed her annoyance of him, but there's knives in her words and daggers on her unsmiling lips. On the contrary, her servants didn't seem to care for subtleties as their faces stated they were not glad to see him again.

All but Tomoe herself.

"Fair enough." But Lucifer didn't mind. They're fledgling little Devils to him. "She's upstairs. You go right, and go down the hallway—"

"I know." She interjected. "Thank you."

With that, she led her four servants past him, treating him as if he's another wooden pillar in the house. Except Tomoe. She gave him a little head bow and an honest smile, which made him smile in return.

"Well that was rude…" Lucifer muttered. He's amused, however. Others might get ticked off, but he found their petulant acts amusing. Especially the blondie. Oh his name was definitely in the top of that boy's hate list.

But what else could he do other than not think about it and enjoy his day? Be upset? Don't be ridiculous… All the Angels in Heaven could cast him out and he'll still feel alright with it.

As he went for a leisurely walk around the grassy field, amazed by the contrast of the Hell he used to live in and this version of Hell, Lucifer was made to recall he was not alone.

{…You're going to let them treat you like that?}

"Dios mio-!" Lucifer yelped, squirming and even jumping a bit. If anyone saw they'd probably be confused or laugh at him. "Who in the-?!"

"Right." He remembered. There's an ancient being latched in that sacred thing. The freeloader. "Finally switched on eh?"

{Please don't trap me again... It took days for me to break through that barrier….} The exhausted Red Dragon Emperor bleated. Gone was his haughty tone.

Lucifer stopped at the edge of the hill, glancing around the mountain range where green and white mingled, forming a breathtaking scenery.

"…This does look like the Alps. Are we really not in the Alps?"

{I learned my lesson, alright? I understand what you're trying to tell; that you're in control, not me.} Ddraig said, {I'll follow whatever your orders are. I apologize for being insolent. Just don't trap me again… I'm begging you.}

Lucifer's tightlipped smile never waned nor did it widen. "To be completely honest with you, Drake, I only forgot."

{…} For once, Ddraig felt like crying.

"But I remembered your name though. And I'm atrocious at remembering names, so that's something righ?" The Devil in relaxed cut wool black suit sniggered. But Ddraig didn't say a word. "Come on! Cheer up. The sight's gorgeous. Let's not dawdle in old mistakes, yes?"

Not wanting to risk another imprisonment, Ddraig simply agreed instead of saying something smart.

{…...So,} he restarted, {about those Devils… Are you letting them off just like that?}

"Yep. Just like that." Lucifer said. He could reply in his mind, but he felt like exercising his mouth at the moment. "What? Expecting a different response?"

Ddraig thought for a moment. {If I were you, I would have reduced them to cinders.}

"Oh dear, so brutal."

{…You…} Will he ever be taken seriously? {In theory, you did the same to those Fallen Angels you met.}

"Hm? Come again? What Fallen Angels?"

{...Never mind.} Sighed the Dragon. {Regardless, they disrespect you, Lucifer. Twice. And I believe they're doing so because they don't know you're the Lucifer.}

"Mhmm. Supposedly so." Lucifer hummed. "Ooh! Did you see that? Was that a bear I saw? What's a bear doing in Hell?"

{I—garh… Why aren't you bothered by this? I don't understand. I thought you would be a Devil of Pride.}

"Ah, you think so?" Well this 'Devil of Pride' did pride his smile and looks and charming personality, but that's about it. "Well, Drakey, let's put you in my shoes – not like they'll fit, but you know what I meant."

{…Alright.}

"What would you do? Lambast them to eternal damnation of damnations or admire this…" Lucifer browsed for a word. He found none and ended up moving his hands like he's presenting the entire scenery before them. "This. This whole entire beauty."

Ddraig tilted his head. His very big head. {Fair point… But aren't you at least upset?}

"Why, of course!" Lucifer laughed. "But I'm not a Human and neither are you. We have a long life ahead of us. We have plenty of times to be happy and downright pissed off. But don't you suppose in most of those times, it's up to you to choose what time it is?"

The Red Dragon Emperor thought long and hard. It was quite taxing after his jailbreaking.

{That's…. That's very wise, actually. I'm impressed.} Ddraig muttered, {No offense….}

"None taken." Lucifer chuckled, letting the breeze blew through his face. "Ah… if only this place existed back then." His expression changed to one of bitterness and ponder. "Maybe there wouldn't be a war."

{How so?}

"Which sounds nicer… living in the Garden of Eden, or living in Hell where the insects are ten times too big?"

{…I see.}

Ddraig went quiet afterwards. Either he fell asleep, or he's being considerate. Probably the former.

Lucifer smacked his lips. "Welp, no use mulling over that now." With that, the young at heart Devil sparked back up as he stretched his arms to the front, inhaling the wonderful freshness, popping a few joints, before heading back to the lodge. Might as well trying out napping in this rejuvenated Hell.

"KYAAAAAAH!"

If he could find his room first…

"Oh bugger. Not my bedroom. Noted." Though he wouldn't mind if it was. It's Rosie's and Asia's.

As much as his eyes loved seeing Rossweisse in her underwear that se so pathetically covered with her hands, he knew there's still a boundary he shouldn't cross. Not yet at least. Soon, perhaps. He just had to chip away that walls of hers little by little, and—

"Thank you and my sincerest apologies. Do remind me to get you a new set of underwear when we're back to earth."

"NEEEEIN!"

And so, the door was slammed shut by a fuming Valkyrie. The same carved wooden door like every other door in this damned place. He could hear Rossweisse's fluster from the other side, and goodness gracious did he wanted to reopen that door.

Now where was he again?

Ah right… finding his godforsaken bedroom.

Break

"…while I appreciate the help, Sona, you didn't have to." Rias said to her bob-haired friend as she washed her face, at the moment wearing nothing but her bathrobe.

"It's fine, Rias." Sona replied, at the time sitting by the edge of Rias' bed, waiting for the Gremory heiress to step out the bathroom. "It's not as if I come here without any gains. My peerage can certainly learn from yours and/or the other way around."

"Ara? Who else did you bring with you Sona-chan?" Asked Akeno at the other corner of the bed, having just changing her sports bra that Lucifer would love to see, with or without.

"I only took Tsubaki, Genshirou, Meguri, and Hanakai with me. The rest said they already have appointments for the holiday." Sona answered, "Ruruko was oddly insistent about joining, though… And after saying she disliked mountains as well. But I didn't want to bring more than needed."

This lodge was big, but now that there were eleven of them, they'd have to share the rooms now.

"Ooh~?" Sona might be an expert chess player capable of beating the 'Deep Blue', but when it comes to this field, Akeno completely eclipsed this genius. "Did she happen to say it after Saji-kun volunteered?"

Sona stared at Akeno with apparent confusion, and a hint of awe. "Yes… How could you tell?"

"Hmm~ just a lucky guess."

"Even so," Rias stepped out from the already opened bathroom door, drying her gorgeous crimson locks. "you still didn't have to, Sona. Aren't you busy enough already? We don't always get a week-long holiday."

"You're fighting against Riser, Rias." Sona went straight to the point. As always. "I have been in the same circumstances as you are now. I want to help you whenever possible."

That brought Rias' hair-drying to a halt and tickled Akeno's funny bone as the playful Queen then giggled as she scooted towards Sona, "Ufufu~ aren't you such a good friend, So-tan~?"

The 'affectionate' nickname sent shivers down the Student Council's president. "…Please don't refer to me with that."

"Oh~? But it sounds cute though?"

"It… it does not."

"Akeno… Don't bully her."

"Kyaaaaaaah!"

The girls paused what they were doing, and keenly looked at where that scream might come from.

"Who was that?"

"That can't be Tsubaki…" Sona speculated, using the sudden shriek to stand up and scuttle away from Akeno's reach, when the realization hit her. "…Could that be him?"

"Him?" Rias couldn't say she liked how Sona put the suspicion on him in an instant. "What makes you think he's the cause?"

"Nothing." Sona replied calmly. "I'm simply guessing what's the most likely outcome."

Rias said nothing afterwards as she put on her bras and panties. And gone was the friendly atmosphere. Akeno wasn't quite as good at dealing these kind of tension, so she made herself busy by tying her hair to her standard ponytail, topping it with a nice orange bow hair clip.

Then there were three knocks on the door.

"Yes?" Akeno hummed, sauntering to open the door. "Oh~ Lucifer-sama."

Indeed it was the Devil with the black suit.

Lucifer appeared about to make a point, but he seemed to ditched that, and said, "Do you girls always change in the exact same time with one another?"

'…So it was him.' Rias thought, dejected.

"Hmm~? But I'm done changing…" Akeno tittered with a smile that Lucifer always enjoyed to see. Folding her arms under the nook of her sports bra, and as she rested an elbow on one palm, she tucked a lock of her hair between her ear, letting her fingers rest by her neck for a moment. "Well… what do you think Lucifer-sama?"

"Sporty and bedazzling." Lucifer always loved to hand out compliments that he meant. He also loved her flat stomach plains, and he reckoned he would love running a finger through… "Dear me, I might reconsider taking a nap now."

Akeno placed a finger under her softly blushing cheek. "Ara~? That's a shame… I was hoping you're watching us train."

Lucifer crossed his arms and leaned against the door's frame. "I'll watch you anytime sweetheart."

What a shameless man. Sona's look said it all.

"Alright Akeno, that's enough." Rias grumped as she marched towards the two, now back in her jersey. She was going to unzip a little to reveal her brassiere for him… but his flirt with her Queen banished that thought away.

"Aww~"

"Keep being like this and you'll end up falling for him as well." Rias warned, though that wasn't much of a warning for either of them. That's just her worrying she had to compete with her close friend. "Lucifer, are you going to take a nap?"

"Perhaps." He chuckled, still laying against the door frame. "I almost didn't get any wink from last night. Haha- I'm such a child."

The other room guest didn't giggle, but both Akeno and Rias did, and that's enough for him.

"What's the plan for today, Princess? How long will I have to wait before we can get cuddly?"

"…." Rias contemplated if she could extend their break time a little bit. That way, she could spend a little moment with him… and maybe, just maybe, accompany him until he fell asleep. "Well…"

"We're just about to start, Lucifer-sama." Rias winced. Why, Akeno? Why. "At least… that's what Rias told me. Isn't that right, Rias?"

Rias knew her Queen too well to look through that sly seemingly unassuming smile. "…Yeah. We're just about to." But at the time, there's no winning. "Sona, are your servants prepared? Or will you join later on?"

"I've told them to start unpacking and get prepared. They should be ready by now." Sona replied, devoid of emotions, walking to the exit. "Excuse me."

Lucifer stepped aside, and his eyes lingered on her back for a moment. The girl had been avoiding looking at him since he appeared. It was as if he's the surprise guest here, or she thought his spirited chocolate irises could strangle her or something.

"Huh." He hummed lightly, not offed in particular. "I feel like I'm not liked."

Rias felt… dreadfully awful hearing that. "…Give her some time Lucifer…" she muttered as she caressed his arm, laying her head on him. "She just… she doesn't trust you yet. Don't think

A small smile found its way to etch Lucifer's lips. "Fu, well, Princess. Even if she doesn't, at the end of the day, yours is what mattered for me."

Akeno wouldn't lie; that was smooth and sweet of him. She should've gotten used to this kind of scene, but he made them up almost out of nowhere. And it's different to everyday couples she saw in her school. He had no hesitation whatsoever. No awkward laughter to carry out the lines. Some might claim otherwise, but it wasn't tacky or cheesy. His quick-wit had impressed her.

Undoubtedly, it charmed the crimson-haired friend of hers.

"How's that? That's sweet no?" His small smile grew to a challenging grin. "I think that deserves a smooch or two…"

The pink tinge turned red. "…D-Don't be silly… We're not alone you know…"

That's her cue. "Hmm~? Are you shooing me, Rias?"

"Th-that's not what I—Akeno!"

And then Rias called the retreat, rushing down the stairs and using gathering her servants as an excuse. She could deal with the two's tease, but not today.

"She's so cute." Lucifer sniggered, smiling as he watched the heiress going further away. "Can't tell which is easier to tease; her, or Rosie."

"I'd say both." Akeno giggled, looking at his jawline and then his eyes. "I'm sorry I cost you a 'smooch' Lucifer-sama."

"Oh, it's fine. It was funny." The Devil is not one to nitpick something like this. And besides… "You can always vouch in for her..."

"Hm?"

Their eyes met.

Browns and violets. Coffee bean and wine purple. Both equally held the same playful yet sincere tone.

Lucifer slanted his head, smiled, grinned, and raised his eyebrows several times to show he meant it lightly.

But nonetheless, Akeno blushed. Albeit not as intense as Rias' or Rossweisse's, he found hers to be as lovable.

"Okay…"

She tiptoed, and Lucifer lowered his head, and he felt her soft lips pressing against his cheek.

"Mfufu~ you're stubby. It feels weird."

"But it's not bad, no?"

"Can't say it was…" She tittered again, eyes still on his. "See you later, Lucifer-sama. Downstairs, perhaps?"

"I'm not so sure sweetie. I do feel quite dozy."

With that Akeno strutted off, when out of the sudden, her body was enveloped in bright lights. As they faded, her traditional white and red priestess outfit was donned on her attractive body.

But he didn't want her to leave yet, but he wanted to sleep as well. Decisions. Choices. What a bother they are sometimes.

"Too cold for sports bra and tights eh?"

"Ufufufu~ I feel there's no point in wearing them since you're not coming."

His grin grew wider. "Make sure that stubborn mule doesn't overexert herself."

"Of course, Lucifer-sama. I promise I'll try."

With the ghost of her smile etched on her pink lips, Akeno left to join the group.

'Goodness', Lucifer thought, watching her long ponytail swaying side to side. Her personality was absolutely stunning. Stimulating perhaps. Her comely face and lovely curves was a well-appreciated bonus.

Heading out to join the group was tempting. He could then watch the girls. Freshen his eyes in a way.

But there's no temptation greater than the cozy welcoming warmth of a bed. Lucifer felt more drawn to the awaiting sea of comfort and the pleasantly scented duvet rather than being down there, just sitting around doing nothing while watching the Devils exercise.

No need for a debate. The decision was already made.

Ditching his shoes, Lucifer toppled onto the mattress, and pressed his cheek to the cool, velvet pillows. Lucifer sighed contentedly, as warmth and darkness enveloped him.

.

.

.

But alas, his catnap was interrupted halfway through it, as a violent thunder crashed down and burned his dream to crisp.

"Mother of-!"

Lucifer skimmed through the empty bedroom, half-panicked, half-frustrated. His hair amess like his current state of mind.

Remembering why he wasn't in Rias' bedroom, he wiped his face, and muttered with much foreboding,

"Bloody hell… Might as well throw me off the bed…"

Break

As the thick smoke dissipated, the Valkyrie was revealed to be untouched by the thunder. Kept from possible third degree burn by her barriers while the grasses surrounding her had turned to a black pile of ashes.

Although, the barrier didn't seem to protect her from fright.

"Ara~" Akeno purred, feeling satisfied. It's not every day where she could cast down her spells and not having to worry about the surrounding environment. "That's impressive Sensei, fufufu~ would you mind if I call down another one?"

"…L-let's take a break..." Rossweisse swallowed as her Nordic magic barriers fade away. The reason she didn't get along with Odin's son was because she disliked thunders.

"Aw~" and so, Akeno stopped her fingers from crackling with tiny thunders. "Come on… just another one, Sensei?"

"U—urgh…"

On the safer side of the field, some feet away from the lodge, there stood the spectators.

"Damn..." A nervous Saji spoke his honest thought. He was spectating from a safe distance and still he felt unsafe from that thunder shock. "I hope we won't ever have to go against Gremory-senpai..."

"You know that's inevitable, Saji."

"W-well, yeah… but… at least not anytime soon. Give me time to prepare myself, Kaichou."

"Always be prepared."

"…Yes, Kaichou." Saji sighed. He couldn't think of any other things to say. He admired Sona's strictness and straightforwardness, but sometimes, he thought it'd be nice if she could warm up a bit.

"Akeno-senpai can be scary…" Said the girl next to him, his fellow Student Council and Sona's servant. "…And how come she's smiling?"

"Because she doesn't have to hold back as much." Rias said. "She has to be conservative with the intensity of her spells most of the time."

"I… Is that so..."

"Even then, Norse magic isn't one to be taken lightly. It seems more efficient compared to ours." Sona said, folding her arms. "Though it's not her most powerful spell, that's not weak by any means, and one layer of barrier was enough."

Rias smiled. Rather smugly too. "She could be key at the Rating Game."

Then Sona continued, "Satan Beelzebub would be delighted if he can look into the formulae of her magic."

And Rias' smile faltered. "You know that's not mine to decide..."

"Yes, but you should consider it. Our own magic can benefit if from his research."

"…Alright." Rias really wasn't in the mood for this kind of conversation. The whole 'for the greater good of our own' kind of conversation. But that's how her friend was; Devil's first.

Which… wasn't that much different than hers, now that she rethought it again.

"I'll ask her. But only when she's comfortable. It's too soon now."

"Of course." Sona hummed. "Do it in your own pace, Rias."

"I have an assumption in my mind about what you just chatted, but I'm assuming I'm imagining the wrong thing."

His charismatic voice caused the Devils to look around behind them, where the Devil sat on the porch. Not wearing his suit at the moment, and the top buttons of his shirt was unfastened. Coupled with his messy hair and drowsy eyes, and his knuckles supporting his cheek, he looked… exhilarating.

Not to Sona, of course. She's immune to Lucifer's natural charm. And obviously not to Saji either.

But the rest? They're captivated enough that their eyes lingered a bit more than necessary. Momo was no exception.

Rias shook her head to break the charm. "L-Lucifer? I thought you're sleeping?"

"I was, yes." Lucifer said dryly, getting up on his feet. He didn't enjoy being disturbed in his sleep. "Why is it that there's always no drinks wherever you go, Princess? I'm sensing my blood are running low on alcohol."

"Because we're not here to drink, Lucifer." Though she didn't mind it, that's a big minus in Sona's book. Rias knew her friend did not value drinkers in high esteem.

"Oh that's boring. All work and no play make you a dull girl and me a sad lonely boy." Lucifer chuckled without regards.

"At least a whiskey or two. Anything enough to make me feel tipsy even if a bit." That's impossible, though. The Devil is always sober. He wasn't sure if that's a blessing or a curse.

As he made his way towards Rias, he nodded at the other Devils – Sona's peers in particular, acknowledging their presence. Afterwards, he made Saji fumed in jealousy as Lucifer slinked his arms around Rias and laid his chin on her hair.

"…Lucifer… We're not done yet you know…" She said that, but Rias didn't have it in her heart to tell him to leave.

He didn't need to check her face to know the Heiress was starting to lose her cool. "Tut-tut, look at you, trying to act all composed around your friends."

"Wh-who's acting?!"

"Mhmm. I wonder that myself as well."

'This isn't the time, Rias.' She told herself. "Then… can you please let me go…?"

"In a minute. I'm recharging."

"Mmnnn…" She pressed her lips tightly as though that could suppress her smile from forming. It's unfair. He's not fair. How could she ever refuse him if he's being like this? As he rubbed his cheek against her hair, heat quickly filled her cheeks. Rias gave up and buried her burning face in her hands in hope her fellow Devils didn't see.

It's not really of much use, considering the mixed responses they handed out. There was endearment from Momo, jealousy and resentment from Saji, and flat out repugnance from Sona.

Lucifer? Pssh, Lucifer couldn't care less. He'd do as the Romans do (with a bit more negligence) if he's in Rome, but this was Hell, not Rome, or Japan. Public display of his fondness was the least of his worry if there was any.

Actually, there was. "You're still quite warm Princess. How long till it's over?" Before she could reply, Lucifer winced from the sudden flash and the loud crashing noise as Akeno summoned another thunder. "Good gracious—what on earth is she trying to do? Blast Rosie to smithereens?"

Fortunately, that eased her fluster. "We're testing Rossweisse's Norse magic capability. See if it's any different than ours."

"Ooooh~ a research. Exciting." Lucifer beamed. "What's your deduction, detective?"

Will his impulsive nicknaming ever stops? "It's certainly more effective from what I can tell… "

Lucifer made a conflicted face. That's not to his liking. "Really? You think so?"

"Yeah. Well… Either that, or Rossweisse is more capable in magic than me." Which she's fine with. She's happy if her peerage grew stronger than her. "I need to cast three barriers. She only needs one."

Lucifer was in disbelief that he let go of Rias – who wished he didn't. Her back felt lonely now.

"You're telling me… that those bunch hammerbearing, horny-helmeted nobs outclasses our magic?"

His sudden sharp tone garnered all attention and even Sona's. More so as they realized his trademark smirk was replaced by one demeaning and almost callous grin. And his eyes. His brown eyes. They flickered red.

"…Lucifer…?" Worry lined in her tone. That's the same face she saw that night.

"No no. That can't be right." Lucifer muttered, dousing the ire in his eyes as easily as he did that night. His usual playful smile returned, and Lucifer cuddled her again. "Let's say she's more experienced than you, Princess."

"Yeah… That might be it. She does hold the Bishop piece."

As his arms slinked to hug her belly, Rias clasped them, worriedly, as another thunder flashed in front of their eyes.

"Bloody hell, I need a Ray-Ban."

Rias breathed out a sigh. There's something uncanny whenever a person who always smiled and always looking for amusement, suddenly turned sinister. Even if it was only for a split second.

To be continued...