||Where Heaven and Hell Meets||

Chapter XIII

"What they don't understand is that he doesn't listen to reply. He listens, so he can understand. Something you fickle Humans have a lot of trouble with.

Devils' magic's weaker than Norse's.

There's only one proper order of those five words for Lucifer, and that sentence wasn't it. You're telling him, Lucifer, the "Father" of All Devils, that his personally perfected mumbo-jumbos granted by God Himself was weaker than those who had theirs granted by 'gods'?

Get out of here. That's like telling him two plus two is four. Some people might believe it but he did not, and he saw those people as poor misled idiots.

Hence it was only right for him to conclude Rias was simply lacking experience than Rossweisse, or, because Rossweisse had that Bishop-power-up-thing. What a convenient.

So convenient, in fact, that Lucifer's starting to wonder how they work. What's the limit? Whose magic power did it use or store? Where did that surge came from? These weren't the kind of questions Lucifer often think about, but that didn't mean he never gave these things a thought. Just, not as often.

As he blankly spectated Kiba's spar with the cheery winey haired girl – he never was interested in swords or blades or the like –, Lucifer let out his small enquiry from the imprisonment of his mind.

"Princess," Rias glanced at him, humming softly. "what were those things made of?"

"Things? What're you talking about?"

Lucifer pocketed his hands, leaning back on one leg. "Those chess pieces of yours."

"You mean Evil Pieces?"

"Aye. Those."

A rather random question if it was asked at any other day. But considering what just happened not long ago and his vanished happy-go-lucky attitude, Rias chose to not bother him.

"They're made from the crystals in Agreas Island." She began, "They're called the Soulstones."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow out of interest. "I was expecting something along 'Evil Crystals'. Why were those things called Evil Pieces again?"

Rias giggled briefly, glad that his unserious side hadn't completely gone away. It's funny how she once hoped he would be more serious, but once he did, she wished for the other way around.

"Satan Beelzebub formed his own formula and extracted the essences of magic trapped in those crystals and infused them to what we have now, the Evil Pieces."

"I see." The Devil had a little flashback there. Hearing his old friend's name, despite it was not his old friend's that was referred to, still brought back his days of young.

"As for their name… I'm not really sure. I heard it was supposed to be said in Latin, 'lantrunculus malum' if I'm not mistaken… Maybe because it's easier to remember?"

"If that's the reason then I'm perfectly fine with that. Bloody Latins…" Lucifer grumbled. "I'm guessing the bloke's a genius?"

"Satan Beelzebub? Yes." Rias replied, still keeping watch of her Knight as he effortlessly dodged yet another slash from Tomoe's katana. Fighting her seemed to be a breeze for him- if you consider dodging and parrying and leaping around a way of fighting back. "I think he's the smartest Devil that I know of."

"Does he experiment often?"

Rias thought for a moment. "…I would think so… yes. I don't want to speak for him, but I do think he always look for a way to help the Devils in any way. Why's the question?"

"Ah. Yet another McGeek. Beelze was like that too." Lucifer laughed, but there was something odd in his odd, or his smile. It seemed to lose… something. Rias just couldn't quite put it.

"Except, he's more interested in creating new creepy-crawlies and new diseases. Like mosquitoes and… the black plague. He was buddy-buddy with Pesty I tell you. I hate it when those two illness-maniac hung around… flies and darned maggots everywhere."

Not the most pleasing image to enter her mind, but Rias had her concern somewhere else. "Pesty?"

"Yes. Pesty. Pestilence's his full name. Though I called him Pest most of the times. I find it rather fitting." He chuckled to himself.

"W-wait…" Too many to register. Her brain might actually crash. "Y-you mean Pestilence?! One of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?!"

"Well actually Famine's a woman." Lucifer told her, coolly. "We called her Faminine sometimes and dear oh dear, did she loathe it." And there it was again, his usual spark in his smile. "There's this one time where Beelze went too far and pushed the wrong buttons, so she made him feel he hadn't eaten for a whole year. It was hilarious seeing him stuffing cakes in his face."

Rias had a twinge of doubt at hearing his story, but was there ever any need to doubt him anymore? She had doubted him more often than he did lie, if he ever did.

"Lucifer, that's amazing."

Lucifer scrunched his brows. "Stuffing cake in your face is amazing?"

"No, not that. You met and even know the Horsemen."

"Darling, I go around often. I know a lot of people." Lucifer said smugly, but the smug expression waned rather quick for Rias' taste. "Well. Knew, I suppose."

That's right. Rias realized. He might not lose his wife, but he still lost his friends. People he knew. Too many of them to be even counted.

And Rias couldn't bear thinking of losing anyone she held dear. She couldn't image what she'd do, or what should she do if she lost someone important to her.

"Oh Lucifer…" She said mournfully as she held his arm. It's not the right time, as she was supposed to observe her Knight's training, but there's no helping it.

"No no, I'm okay Princess. I'm fine, I'm fine. The grief and sorrow has passed me. Though, I'd rather if he's alive." But then again, maybe it's best if his old buddy stayed dead. No wars. No more wars, thank you very much.

"I'm sorry, Lucifer… You must've lost so much…"

"Darling, I'm used to it." Lucifer laughed in the irony of it all, or maybe just because of the phrase itself.

Lost so much? He had lost his Angelic status. He had lost his Father's trust. He had lost his home. He had lost all Angel's adorations. He had lost his dignity to humans. He had lost before the Great War even happened. He had even lost folks that fought for him.

Lucifer didn't just 'lost so much'. That's putting it lightly.

"I'm so sorry Lucifer…"

"Please, Princess. I appreciate your concern." Lucifer patted her head, getting his fingers deep in her crimson silk. "You want me to feel better and that's sweet of you, but I'll end up pitying myself if you go on like this. I don't enjoy this kind of conversation. My past – at least the majority of them - is quite the disheartening topic."

Rias went quiet and nodded. She then felt his hand moving down to her cheek, caressing her with his knuckles as he said, "Let's chat some other time Princess."

Even The Devil needed some time alone. "Alright…" Rias muttered, feeling the warmth of his hand fading away. "Where will you be going?"

"Somewhere where there's not a lot of clanking steels and rapid movements." Lucifer replied with dry sarcasm as he strode back to the lodge. He first went to the kitchen, where he found peals of potatoes all scattered over the tiles.

Something's telling him that their meals would be based on the starchy crop.

Glancing around, trying to find the fridge, he spotted the faithful girl behind the counter, and as you've guessed, she's peeling potatoes in an arguably unorthodox method. Next to her was the tall girl from Sona's group, whose name he had forgotten since.

"Mind if I ask what you girls are doing?"

His inquiry tore Asia's focus away from the potato in her hands. "A-ah, Lucifer-san. W-we're um… Tsubaki-senpai is teaching me how to use basic magic."

Ah, right. Tsubaki.

He never heard of her before.

"And flaking those odd-looking spud is one of those basic magic, I assume." Lucifer chuckled. "What, are you going to peel your enemy to their death? That's… that's rather morbid actually."

Asia was flat-out horrified. The look in her face told Tsubaki she was starting to have doubts.

"No, she won't. This training is so she'll get used to handling the flow of her power. Then, I can teach her other spells." Another distasteful glance yet again. Must these children show their detestation in him so obviously? "I'd rather if I have her whole attention."

"Alright then. I'll bounce." After he checked the fridge that is. But he found exactly zero alcoholic drinks. In the end, Lucifer headed upstairs emptyhanded, and decided to continue his nap instead.

Break

Lucifer was not one to dawdle on his misery or his frustration, hence why he had let it all go by the next day. Albeit it was a dull afternoon. The Devils only practiced and practiced and he had very little chat with the lovelies.

There was always a certain time, however, when they're finished their spell-conjuring and sword-clashing activity. It's when the purple tint in the sky was replaced with one of midnight blue, the same color to Earth's night skies. He first wondered how the hell did that happen, as he didn't recall ever having a nighttime in Hell.

But he was not one to dawdle on tiny mysteries either. The world's changing, and so was Hell. For better or worse, he didn't know.

All he knew was, he's sick of potatoes.

Currently, Lucifer's alone again. Why? Because all the other Devils were all bathing in the hot spring at the back of the lodge including the other boys. Who ever thought Hell would offer such luxury instead of a scorching pit of lava? That said, Lucifer's not a fan of hot water. Anything hotter than lukewarm was boiling for him. Lucifer would very much rather not be boiled alive.

So here he was. At the lounge. Alone. Rightly bored. Without some form of attraction to keep him amused. Nobody to mess with. And without a drink.

That's when he decided to deal with his problem. One of them, at least. After all, he's The Devil. He required alcohol to keep his mind sober.

"Meguri Tomoe, this is a hot spring, not a swimming pool. Enough with your charade this instant."

With much reluctance and a petulant pout, Tomoe obeyed. She's bitter about it, though. "Buugh…. But this hot spring is huuuge. It's even bigger than my bedroom." She muttered, submerging half of her face for a moment. "Oh! Do you have some place like this too Kaichou? Like Rias-senpai does?"

"My family does. I do not." Sona replied primly. As per usual.

"So you do huh? Eeeh, I'm jealous. Don't you Momo-tan?"

"Don't drag me into this…"

"Ugh… you're no fun. Like Kaichou and Tsubaki-senpai, ufufufu~"

She thought she's sly to mutter the words under her breath, but Sona proved her otherwise. "Tsubaki, remind me to put more attention on Meguri tomorrow. I'm positive there's a training routine better suited for her vibrant energy."

"Yes, Kaichou. I'll make a reminder."

Tomoe eyes widened in horror. "What?! Oh come on! I'm just joking!"

On the 'quieter' side of the lavish hot spring, Akeno giggled as she watched Sona and her peers. "They're surprisingly lively, no?"

No response. Akeno glanced to find her crimson-haired King spacing out.

Odd.

"Rias?"

That seemed to break whatever was binding her. "Y-yes? Sorry, I wasn't listening."

"Hmm? You seem to space out more lately. Or were you just wondering what you'll be doing in bed with Lucifer-sama?"

"A-Akeno! Of course not!" Rias fumed, her face getting equally flushed like her body. "D-Don't be ridiculous… We're not alone in here…"

"Ara? So, you'd do it if we're not here?"

"That's not what I said! You're putting words in my mouth."

Akeno had a self-satisfied look written on her face. Which was possibly the bane of her existence because the teases weren't stopping anytime soon.

"You haven't told me, Rias."

Rias hesitated. She was considering leaving, but the hot water was nice and she still wanted to relax, but that also meant she had to respond to Akeno. She couldn't bring herself to give her friend a silent treatment.

She gave up to her earthly desires. After all, how bad could it be? "…Told you what?"

The water rippled as Akeno edged closer. "What it was like, being with a man."

"I don't like it when you're being vague…"

"Oh? Should I be straightforward then? I was curious on what exactly you did. You are, Rias, more experienced than me. Won't you share your knowledge?"

Akeno. Always had a way with words regardless of who she's speaking to. She formed a deadly pair with Lucifer. The main reason why Rias was more… cautious with her compared to Rossweisse. And Rossweisse already admitted her love to him. That's how dangerous this Queen of hers.

That said, Rias refused to go down without a fight – or went down without gaining anything. "Why do you want to know? It's not like you're interested in boys."

"I don't. Not the boys from our school, at least, ufufufu~"

Somewhere in Kuoh, a mass heartbreak occurred.

"…You just broke hundreds of hearts, do you know that?"

"And why should I care? Aren't I a Devil?" Akeno replied in her light tune, giving away not a sliver of care for those poor heartbroken students.

Rias stared at Akeno for a few seconds, her face donning an expression of mild shock and worry. Even Akeno's starting to follow his pattern of speech.

But maybe, she's just being paranoid. She just had too much to think about and it's making her worry needlessly. Deciding to lay it down, Rias skimmed into the water, letting it drown out the chatters and soaking her crimson hair.

It's an amusing sight watching her friend's hair spreading through the surface of water. It's like a water ghost in a horror movie. That as it may, Akeno was quite disappointed of Rias' retreat. Luckily for her, Rias was not the only possible victim this time.

A grave chill crept up on Rossweisse's neck as she cautiously glanced around, specifically at the wall separating the boy's hot spring and theirs. They might be Devils but they're still boys.

"Ara, Sensei, what nice skin you have…"

Rossweisse almost jumped out of the bath and rendered her attempt to hid her body useless as Akeno's fingertips touched the skin of her shoulders.

"A-Akeno?!" Instinctively, Rossweisse weaved out of the playful Devil's reach, still cupping both of her breasts protectively – and indirectly riling the rest of Rias' peerage, which, didn't hold as much bounties.

"Why are you so jumpy Sensei? It's not like the boys will try to do something, ufufu~" Akeno was hoping for them to do, in all honesty. As that would give her a reason to cast a mild shock treatment or two. "And Kiba-kun is on the other side. You don't have anything to worry about."

Not convinced the slightest, Rossweisse submerged most of her body, keeping her hair untouched with a messy bun. "…It's not him I'm concerned about…"

"Saji-kun?" Akeno giggled, letting a finger slid down from her neck to her chest in a way that would undoubtedly delight Lucifer. "But they're boys. Isn't it natural for them to be curious of a female's anatomy?"

"S-shameless!" Rossweisse went beet red.

"Ah, but I'm a Devil…" Akeno whispered, slyly eyeing her Civic teacher's soaked body like a hawk to a lamb. "And so are you, Rose-sensei. It's fine if you are more… daring."

Her predatory gaze reduced Rossweisse into a German blubbering mess, further fueling Akeno's desire to tease the living out of her. Even Koneko thought it was amusing – Asia wasn't as keen, however, and was more concerned.

Akeno wouldn't stop there. "Mfufu~ has Lucifer-sama seen your body, Sensei?"

"N-no!" Rossweisse strongly denied. Her voice must had reached the other side by now. "O-of course he hasn't!"

Akeno played a pitying expression. "Oh? Mmn, so I suppose, Rias has more knowledge about this matter. Okay then~ nice talking with you Sensei."

She swiveled around, causing a ripple in the water as well as one in Rossweisse's interest. The moment Rossweisse grabbed her shoulder, a shrewd smile found its way to her lips.

"W-wait… what do you mean by 'more knowledgeable'…?"

"Hmm~? What do you think I meant?"

Rossweisse glanced at Rias, who was about to exit the hot spring. Seeing her lustrous crimson hair caused a little envy to burn in her stomach, but it faded away as a stronger feeling arose.

Jealousy.

"…D-d-did she… Have they k…kiss…?"

Akeno noticed Rias was stalling her exit to hear more of their talk. An opportunity. Akeno would never miss this. "A kiss? Ara, but I've did that with Lucifer-sama."

"WHAT?!" As she had planned, the two Lucifer lovers both gasped and had their eyes aimed at her with glaring intent.

"Mhmm~" Akeno smiled coyly, unfazed by their green eyes of jealousy. "I've kissed him… his stubble is a funny feeling~" And she ended with a light titter.

She stole a glance to see Rias' reaction – she's very upset. She was biting her lower lip and her eyebrows were frowning as she cast a small gust to dry her hair. Very cute. Then Akeno glanced back to her teacher – who was even more upset and displeased to the point she couldn't say a word but pout. She looked about to cry too.

Akeno didn't want to put a bad rumor on Lucifer, however. That was not to her taste. "I think I'll give him another kiss on the cheek just to feel it again, ufufu~"

"O-Oh… Oh. Goodness…" Rossweisse sighed.

She resisted an urge to titter as she saw the relief on their faces. Perhaps she played it too safe… No matter. She fixed it right away. "Hmm~? Did you think I kiss him on the lips? Mmn…. Perhaps I did?"

"V-vat?! I-I haven't even kissed him!"

"Oh my, then you'll have to be quick Sensei." Akeno stood up, and all turned to see the droplets dripping off her flushing comely figure – except Koneko, who blatantly turned away in spite. "You're already two steps behind from Buchou. You wouldn't want to be one step behind from me, do you, Sensei?"

As the lounge was next to the hot springs, it was Lucifer's preferred place of waiting compared to the rest of this lodge. There were no other places that was as viable. The bar was barren at time and he had ran out of topic to chat with the bartender. A bedroom with none of the girls was no fun. Not to mention lonely and boring. And slightly eerie.

The jaded Lucifer was on the middle of pouring a bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon – courtesy of the kind bartender - unto a lonely glass of what used to be a classic Old Fashioned, when the girls finished their 'being cooked alive together' activity.

One by one, they came out from the door leading to that secular area. Lucifer's smile grew a little wider with each girl. He might loathe hot springs or other hot water or areas, but he certainly relished in seeing their pleasant expressions and their reddish skin from the heat.

A shame he couldn't enjoy it as much as them, but he supposed, he could still enjoy their enjoyment.

Although, his smile dulled when it was Saji who exited.

While Sona's servants – expectedly – wasted no time mingling him, save Tomoe, who chirpily said 'hi' and 'bye', Rias and Rossweisse headed towards him. Those two had conflicted borderline livid look while Akeno, who was behind them and was –to Lucifer's gloom- walking to the stairs, was all smile and seemingly satisfied.

He didn't need to ask to know what she had done to the other two. 'Akeno you little Devil…'

"You girls sure took your time." He said with a grin, nonetheless pleased to see them again. "I was about to head there myself. See if you've turned into meat buns from all the steams."

Rias postponed her earlier intent. "Meat buns?"

"Do I really have to say it out loud?" None of the girls had any idea on what he meant. Not even Akeno. However, she was the first to pick up the hint the moment he eyed a certain part of their body.

Rossweisse reenacted her handbra maneuver. "L-lewd!"

"Ah, Süsse!" Lucifer exclaimed, lifting a leg over another and leaning fully against the armchair. "Must we all refrain ourselves from dirty humor? What harm can a sprinkle of immature jest causes?"

How he managed to be persuading despite the unimportance of the matter they did not know how. But Rias suspected it's because of his accent.

"That said," he lifted the clear bottle containing the amber liquid. "bourbon?"

As Rossweisse shook her head and distanced herself from the alcohol, Rias frowned. "Where'd you get that?"

"Jesus taught me the water-to-wine 'miracle'." Lucifer grinned amusingly, but the girls didn't crack. "I'm joking. I wish I wasn't, though. I got it from a bar."

Now Rias was confused. "A bar?"

"Aye. Rosie's been there." He nudged at the Valkyrie. Rias instantly stared at her with wide eyes. Her surprised look was almost insulting.

"Wh-what?! I don't remember going to any bar!"

"Well that's just sad." Laughed Lucifer as he sipped his drink, "But you have, Rosie. I was with you. And were you a delight to watch." Fond memory it had become. "The Bartender asked how you're faring since your last… excursion. You should pay him another visit sometime."

"N-no thanks…"

Rias didn't like the conversation. She felt excluded. "Anyway… Lucifer," she began, changing the subject as she awkwardly held her elbows. "Akeno said she… kissed… you." With her head tilted down and her beryl-tinted eyes looking up at him, she appeared like a small animal. Lucifer loved small animals. Even if they seemed as if they're trying to pierce his heart. "Is that… is that true…?"

"Why yes. She did indeed." Lucifer said proudly and happily. "Although, it was on my cheek."

The two understandably frowned. "…Were you hoping for more?"

Ah, jealousy. A touching feeling to be received, as toxic as it was for the heart of the beholder. "Do you happen to be covetous of her, my dear? Are you worried I'll prefer her?"

Was she that obvious? It's scary how he could read her like a book. Or maybe it was love itself that flipped her open instead. "W-well… I mean, of course…"

"Princess, I'd rather have no one." His face softened with blues. All of the sudden, Rias felt the weight of the guilt on her shoulders. "Having nothing is much, much easier than losing."

They saw pain in his eyes, and it cracked their heart.

Something's wrong with him. Lucifer realized. He was supposed to be fine, not became a sentimental bloke. He couldn't say he enjoyed this quick change of mood.

"Hmm. That was quite saddening." Lucifer muttered, eyeing the plain bourbon container with distrust. "That bastard must've put something in my drink… His patrons always did become suspiciously honest." Was he using some sort of a flawless truth serum?

"Anyway," Lucifer restarted with his good ol' grin of his, trying to regain his cheerful attitude as he didn't like the 'doom n' gloom' version of him that much. "how was the bath? Quite empty without me I reckon?"

But none of the girls bought it – or went along with him. Both looked as if they were about to cry, and it was all because of that damned sentence. Another reason why he hated being mournful was because of this exact thing; it affected others. He didn't want them to be sad nor he wanted their pity. He enjoyed drama, just not when he's included in it.

"Come now. What's with the long faces? If either of you are feeling guilty or sorry for me then don't. While I do appreciate it, rather than sympathy, I prefer your smiles." Or your lips. That helps the same."

It gained a giggle from the two, but that wasn't enough for him. "Why don't you two sit down. Tell me something in your mind."

They spent only a short moment that evening afterwards. The girls were spent. Rias still had her mild fever and Rossweisse slurred more frequently. He was thinking on giving them a full-body massage at first, but the girls settled on sleeping earlier for tomorrow.

Not the ending he fancied, but hey, he couldn't always choose.

Back at the steamy hot springs, Kiba was all alone on his side. Saji had gone out as he had given up trying to have a peek, and as it was pointless to stay when his admired Student Council President was no longer in there.

The girly chatters had died as well, meaning whoever that was on the other side would be either a lost ghost, or someone who was alone. An intruder perhaps.

The rough bamboo wall grazed his back as he laid against it. "The others left already. When are you going to get out?"

And from the other side, came a small voice. "I can ask you the same, Senpai."

Kiba smiled and laughed quietly as he continued drying his hair with a towel. "But I asked first, Koneko-chan."

"Lame excuse."

"It's still an excuse."

A brief moment of silence ensued, until Koneko's quiet voice severed it. "…You first."

He chuckled. "Alright…" Kiba watched the white mist slowly rose to the night sky above, where the luminescent lights danced across the dark night sky. Each color blending to one another, swaying and glowing.

Lumina Highlands… also known as the point 'Where Heaven and Hell meets'. He had an inkling thought of why Lucifer hadn't taken out his master on a walk. But that's none of his business.

Although he's not mesmerized by the sight, Kiba concluded that was good reason like any other. "I'm… watching the lights. What about you, Koneko-chan?"

Another few seconds of silence went by.

"…Same."

"That's not fair." Kiba laughed again, enjoying himself. "You just copied my answer."

And there was another silence. Silence reigned until Kiba had finished drying himself and wore his clothing.

Oddly enough, he still felt his junior's presence. Perhaps she's more enticed to those lightshows than he did.

"I'm leaving now Koneko-chan." He said, "Goodnight."

He waited for her reply before continuing his way to his own bedroom. He waited long enough, as Koneko's reply did come after a few moments later.

"…Goodnight, Kiba-senpai."

And so, there was one.

One girl, whose sole wish was simply for him to stay a little longer.

Sadly, not all wishes came true.

But it's fine. She had low expectations, and she was happy enough.

Koneko stayed for a little while longer, watching the lights splaying and dancing in wonder, before she left to her room.

Break

Days passed, and their weeklong stay in the Gremory villa soon would come to an end. And a timely end it was for Lucifer. The Devils might had felt as if they arrived just yesterday, but he felt as if he had spent a year in prison. And he's been to prisons before, and it wasn't as tedious.

There's gangs and their leaders, illegal drugs, sneaky stuffs. Break-ins and break-outs. The excitement had varieties. Here? The most excitement he had was when they paid a nearby waterfall a visit, but he was the only one to enjoy a swim as the water was apparently 'too cold'.

Whelps.

Then came one afternoon where Sona challenged him to a spar against her and her peerage, to which Lucifer wholeheartedly rejected, much to their disappointment. Good thing they're polite enough not to force him, though he'd just left for the bar if they did.

The nights were even duller. The girls were nearly always too spent to have an hour-long chat with him, and him being a considerate lover, let Rias had her rests. But if Akeno wasn't there to keep his bantering needs satisfied and had the bar banned him from entering every night, he might had lost his sanity.

It's been an awfully disappointing week for The Devil. Thankfully enough, they would be going home tomorrow morning. And more to that, there was absolutely no training for today, and therefore, for the lack of exercises, Lucifer said "Good riddance.".

Problem was, the girls were now too nervous. And for that, Lucifer cursed unstintingly.

"For the love of— girls, please, you'll do fine." Lucifer assured the two women ahead of him, currently sitting on Rias' bed as Rossweisse barged in just recently. "You're on a break! Enjoy it while it last and stop being such a worrywart."

"…I know… I trust you Lucifer. I believe you'll help me no matter what. But still… it is my first Rating Game. And like you said, I'm not supposed to show my nervousness."

"Everyone will be watching, right…? How can I not be nervous…?" Rossweisse suddenly hugged herself. "Even just thinking about it make me shiver."

As he had expected, his attempt didn't budge them an inch. Those pretty faces weren't as cute with a frown splaying., but he supposed, there would be times when he had done everything and still it wasn't enough.

How hilarious. Facing the same old problem even after his revival.

He sighed his surrender. "Alright, I understand." Their eyes followed him as he scuttled of the mattress. "Just—try not to over-worry, okay? It saddens me to see the both of you in this state."

The two were given a brief headpat. They couldn't say they didn't like it… Rather, they were left yearning for more as Lucifer left the room.

"Where are you going?"

"I need some fresh air." Lucifer then mumbled, "And some succor in the form of a liquor."

Rias' eyes lingered at the door, staring as if the young Devil was still there with them. "…He's such a sweet man. I feel awful for making him worry…"

"…" Rossweisse sulked as she gripped the sheets. "Must be sleeping together with such a sweet guy."

"Ugh… Are you still going on about that? I told you, the room setting is the most viable one. There's no room for him at Kiba's room since Saji's there, and there's no one else he could be paired with aside from me."

"What about me?!" The Valkyrie fumed, visibly upset. "You're not the only one who wants to be with him, you know…."

"You screamed when he saw your barely naked body, Rossweisse." Rias told her. "Will you be able to sleep when he's right next to you?"

Rossweisse tightened her lips. "I-it's because you have m-more experience with him than I do! That's not fair at all… I want him to… to h…" she hesitated. "hug me…"

"Then you should be more affront with him. You can't expect him to know what's on your mind. More so when you always went to your room."

"Aarrghh—fine… I'll try…" Rossweisse pouted. Truth hurts. Bluntly said truth hurts even more. "…So why did you ask me to come anyway…"

She noticed the change in Rias' expression. From concerned to bitter. She appeared to be hesitating as if she was having second thoughts. But then, she looked straight to her eyes, and began solemnly, "It's about Lucifer…"

"He's dangerous is all I can say and that is all that we know."

"And what do you suggest on doing, Raguel?" Seethed another Archangel. "Descend to Hell and apprehend him? Risk another war? Is that what you wanted?!"

"Do you propose to allow him roam freely, brother Raphael? There is no justice in that." The Archangel countered the one at the other side of the round table, his chilly blue eyes glowing – a sign that he was losing his patience.

"Let us not be injudicious with our decisions." Uriel, the Archangel of Wisdom, intervened before anything could escalate. "Several weeks have passed, and still there is no evidence of an uprising."

Sariel, the newest Archangel, was less than pleased with the stale debate. "That is due to the fact that he is weakened. If we allow him to garner followers, rebuild their strength, it will be more difficult and taxing for the Kingdom of Heaven."

"As rash as it is, I agree." Ariel's mighty voice echoing throughout the room. His giant golden armor clanking as he shifted on his seat. "If we take no action, the consequences are graver than we do. He has left Earth for Hell. We had already missed an opportunity."

"That is, if he's the one." Uriel reasoned. "He was not the only one to be buried and encased in the Sepulcher. It might had been another of his fellow Satans."

"Then we must eradicate whoever it is. The Sepulcher's failure in containing their soul, whoever it is, is a testament of our weakening System." Sariel stated, "If they come to realize, they won't be so keen on holding the ceasefire."

"Breaking the ceasefire is a catalyst for another war. It is irrational to do so without unblemished evidence that residents of Hell are fully supportive towards the Old Satans."

"You and your rationality, Uriel." Raguel griped, "Then do you suggest us to wait their very arrival in the doorstep of Heaven? Perhaps we should send them an invitation instead?"

"Be mindful of your tone, Raguel." Raphael reminded as he knew Uriel wouldn't. "We are not gathered here to quarrel with one another."

Raguel was about to counter, until their leader finally set his foot down.

"That is enough." Michael demanded with finality. There was a rare frown etching his graceful features, and it uneased all who were present. "We will not strike, nor we will take no action. My suggestion is for us to send a Watcher."

There were murmurs around the room, and Raziel, the Keeper of Secrets, the sole representative of the Seraphs, also the stenographer of their 'Holy Meetings' - the person who kept track of all that had been said in a laptop made of gold - typed every single word without fail.

After a short discussion, Ariel asked the same question in the Archangels' head. "And who will bear such a dangerous task, brother? Hell will take notice the presence of an Angel the moment they step upon their land."

"That has already been taken care of. It's not Angel we will send."

"Ah, a human?" Hearing this, the Archangels nodded altogether. Hell wouldn't be alarmed to a human visitor.

"It's been long since we asked for their help." Raphael added with a mild chuckle. "The Devils often overlook them and oftentimes hold them with unjustly low regard. I believe they are the fitting choice."

"Do you have a candidate ready?" Sariel smiled, pleased with the plan.

"Yes. I do have one in my mind." Michael vaguely nodded.

"Won't you tell us their name, at the least?" Uriel urged. Inquisitive as ever.

"Of course." Michael smiled serenely. "I'm sure we've all have heard of her name. She's Griselda Quarta."

Ariel hummed pleasantly. "Ah, the exorcist. A pleasant woman she is but an even excellent exorcist."

The topic intrigued Sariel. "You've met?"

"Aye." Ariel's booming laughter erupted. "Sister Gabriel introduced her to me when I was escorting her. She's a fond friend of our dear sister – speaking of which, why is she not here gathered with us?"

That particular question dragged a sigh out of Michael's chest. "…She's… in her quarter. Asleep."

The Archangels glanced at one another in confusion, then all fixed their gaze at their 'de facto' leader.

"You're being too soft on her brother." Raguel said. And this time, he had the full support of Raphael and even Uriel.

"I understand." Michael sighed again. "I am to blame, but I ask you this; if you stood in my place, would you?"

The clickety-clack of Raziel's heavenly computer ceased to a halt as the whole room entered a state of silence.

"…We apologize." Uriel politely said, "Not even our Father would – may He rest at ease."

Because Gabriel's face was so blissful and so at peace. Anyone would feel as if they had committed a great sin if they interrupt her dream.

"Forgive me for intruding, as it is not my right," Raziel muttered, "but shall I exclude this peculiar part from the record?"

The Archangels all nodded 'yes'.

"Thank you Raziel."

Raziel nodded and continued on his job in silence.

"Now then," Michael began, bringing back the more important topic at hand and also the sound of Raziel's laptop. "whether or not we commit this idea relies not only on her agreement but also ours. Therefore, all who disagrees, state your disagreement now or never be heard."

The Archangels chuckles at the obligatory statement. Like that last part in a human's wedding. So rarely someone had an issue with the ongoing ceremony. But when it did, what a surprise it was.

Hence why they were all surprised when Raphael raised his hand.

"Yes, Raphael?"

"I mean not to doubt your candidate, brother, but is it wise to send only one person against a possible Satan? And a human, nonetheless?"

"I understand your concern. I have asked Dulio for his willingness, but he's rather…"

"Decidedly lazy." Raphael completed.

"Unfortunately so." Michael chuckled softly. Blunt, but it was how it was. "At the time, she is the most suited for this task."

"Regarding the nature of the task, the lesser, the better." Uriel added as he fiddled with his golden curly hair. An old habit of his. "I agree."

Michael waited until all other four stated their decision.

"Then it is decided. Thank you, brothers, this meeting has been fruitful." Said the Archangel, politely, "Raziel, you may stop recording. I have a favor to ask of you."

"Yes, anything, Archangel Michael." And so, he did. His laptop screen was still on, however.

"Find Jehoel and bring him to me. Do not allow any others to hear."

Raziel nodded. Heaven would go into a state of disarray had they knew a Satan had returned. He stood up from his silver chair, and disappeared in an instant. No flashy lightshow since Uriel disliked flashy lightshow.

As the Archangels left the designated meeting room after saying their greeting, entrusting Michael as they returned to their duties of watching all of the Heavens, Michael took a stroll around the round table. His hand clasped behind his back, and there was heaviness in his heart.

All he wished for, was for his deduction to be wrong. That it wasn't his brother. That it was another Satan.

He prayed, begged, for he wouldn't had to face his brother for the second time.

It was then, a ray of soft golden light beamed behind him. Michael turned around, and as the light fluttered, he saw his drowsy little sister with a face bearing guilt.

"B-brother! I'm sorry I fell asleep!" She mournfully said, "H-has the meeting started already?"

Michael smiled softly. Her presence never failed to lift the burden in his heart. "Regrettably, sister, it has ended just moments ago."

"It has?" Gabriel gasped. Then she glanced down at the polished marble floor and the fleecy clouds surrounding it. Her six pair of white wings drooped as well. "Oh…"

"It's alright, sister." Michael assured. "Now then, would you like to accompany me to the Garden of Eden?"

She immediately beamed up with excitement. "Can we pet the deer there?"

"Of course." The Archangel smiled, "Isn't that what you always do?"

To be continued...