"Beelze—I. . . I. . . can't see." Those words span in Beelzebub's head, unable to think of anything else. The Prince Of Darkness had been injured by something Holy and such weapons could leave permanent scars on a demonic being. The sword Michael had used from what the former Lieutenant could tell was one made out of purity. The bright shine it had given off was meant to blind it's victims before making a sweep to attack. It had made a good move; it had struck across the Devil's face crossing over the man's eyes rendering him blind. Hopefully it would only last temporarily. . . hopefully.

And it was all his fault.

The warrior demon couldn't understand it, why hadn't he reacted in time to prevent such a 'message' from God? Which was a strange message coming from a forgiving god such as Himself. It was rare that the Lord even used violence against Hell and when He did it, it was usually done through His own hands, not his messengers. If the Lord really wanted to do something bad, all He had to do is turn Satin's hair pink. Yes, he would so enjoy waking up to that. Though instead, He used an unforeseen tactic. No, something had to be up. The Almighty Lord wasn't behind this—as hard as that was to believe for a demon—He would never treat Lucifer this badly. He would never blind him. But he was blind. Beelzebub could have—should have—thrown himself in front of his friend. Then at least he would sustain the injuries and not risk everything by letting Lucifer earn them.

Everything was at risk now. If news spread of this newly founded injury blessed on an angel's behalf. . . all hell would break loose—literally. The demons serving underneath their Dark Lord would go on a riot, trying to earn the title for themselves. They would raid the manor and attack each other—even try killing off Lucifer when given the chance. The problem was, in Hell, no one could kill the Devil. Just like no one could kill God up in Heaven. There was a belief that immortals were invincible, nothing could harm them and yet it was untrue. Immortals could be killed, but in their own world they were safe from death. Unfortunately they could still be harmed and such was what Lucifer currently suffered. But the demons would try, being as weak as the Prince was, they would be able to take the man up onto Earth and remove him from the world completely. If they could get past Beelzebub and the others, of course.

The tall male sat alone in the dark hall, breathing in deeply to satisfy his ongoing thoughts. Those rough hands rubbed his temples as he tried to work out a positive thought. Lucifer had to be all right. There was no other option in that matter, the Prince would be all right. But as he allowed a finger to trace across the base of his nose, the noticeable thin scar soon made him think otherwise.

No doubt Lucy had gained a scar. Beelzebub all ready felt the bad feeling grow in his gut as a few demons past, with a bowl of bloody water leaving down the hall with stern looks on their faces: 'Poor guy, won't make it' or the 'I'm happy I'm not him' kind of look. Every demon that had entered and left the room he sat next to had it. It was a bad sign and after leaning into the chair he had stolen from someone's room, it was almost becoming unbearable. His friend had lost his eyes and the last thing he had said to him was 'Stop picturing me naked every time you stare.' He groaned loudly, hitting the back of his head on the wall from leaning too far hoping that someone would just come up and scream how much of a dick he was.

"Sir. . . " His eyes rose and quickly turned to the demon who was dressed in robes. She wasn't in good shape, obviously putting all her effort into helping her Prince. But from the saddened look on her face, it was apparent that it hadn't been enough. No. . . please don't say it. Beelzebub rose slowly, feeling his legs try to buckle beneath him afraid of what she had to say. "I'm. . . afraid he won't be able to see. The wound has destroyed his frontal cornea and has even dug further into the pupil blinding him completely. I've tried my best. . . but it's—" No—don't say his condition will remain. "—permanent." She watched the demon before her breathe in sharply, brows furrowing emotionally distressed by all of this. He was in a lot of pain from what she could tell from these facial expressions. Part of her felt sorry for him, but she remained silent.

". . . Isn't there any other way. . . ?" He spoke up after pressing a palm to his forehead, trying to calm down.

"Since the wound was caused by purity. . . only those of pure can fix it. Demonic work will have no other affect except leave it numb." Beelzebub should have guessed. Anything Holy had quite the affect of a demonic creature and healing it would either take a quite deal of time or finding someone Holy would be the only two options.

". . . Alert the other High Demons." He spoke with a sigh, running a hand along his face hardly noticing the nod he received watching her run off. It was only then that his gaze went back to the partially open door, the door to Lucifer's room. It was still cracked open and from what he could hear, no one was there. Well except one. He grunted and walked over to the doorway, fingers brushing across the metallic handle realizing how nervous he really was.

"I can't—he. . . took—" The words were stuttered, fearful that if he continued it would all be true. He couldn't see, he couldn't even see the hand that was waving in front of his face creating a small breeze against his skin. Everything was so dark, the last thing he could really remember was light and then blood. Lots of blood. "Dammit Michael—fucking angels. Fucking, fucking, agh. . . Beelzebub?" He could feel those arms hold him on his feet and was sure that the other demon was staring at him. Even when blind, he could feel that piercing gaze and he had a feeling he knew exactly where they were staring. He must have looked horrible. He didn't even want to imagine what he looked like at that very moment.

"Ye-Yes my Prince?" The other demon stuttered more than Lucifer did and that. . . was just a really bad sign.

"Are you going to let me sit here and bleed to death—or are you actually going to get help?" It was strange how unusually calm the Prince was in a situation like this one. The male had just lost his eyes and all he could really react was through anger. There was no fear, no tears, nothing to show how he felt horrid about his loss. It was Beelzebub that was freaking out for him. Beelzebub immediately turned his head and glared at the guards that were running over.

"Get a medic—NOW." He ordered, causing a few to pale and quickly run for help. His heart was beating so quickly, pounding in his hears as if trying to escape. It only stopped when hearing a snicker from the male in his arms.

"Am I the only one calm here?" The Devil spoke, looking up—well he believed he was—to Beezle. His friend could hardly share the smile, simply pulling the man off the ground.

"This is serious my Prince."

"No, no that freckle on Michael's face was pretty serious, maybe I should be kind enough to remove it for him."

It was really hard to touch that door handle. Just like it had been hard to keep a frown attached to his lips in-between Lucifer's morbid humor. Being that he had no idea what was beyond the door, it sat there cracked with hardly any view into the inside. He knew what was there though it was just. . . trying to be polite and telling what the Prince would face. "My—Prince?" He spoke, opening the door after grabbing all his strength that still held his wobbly legs. He opened the door fully letting his eyes fall upon the bed, which held many obvious spots of blood. But no one laid upon it. "Prince??" His eyes rose, moving to the bed uncovering nothing and soon went around the room in such a rush that he almost tripped over his own two feet. Had someone taken the youth from his own room?

Beezle couldn't believe that, no he pushed through a nearby door glancing around a bathroom for anything that resembled the small figure. But . . . It was empty, just like the previous room. This was impossible; no one could get in or out of the manor without being noticed. "Prince?!" Feeling desperate, he spoke louder, rushing out of the room.

"Yes?" The voice surprised the demon glancing to the side where a figure stood, staring out the open window. He didn't look back, no he faced forward apparently staring at nothing important. Ironically Beezlebub couldn't believe how blind he had been and walked over to the other.

"Why aren't you in bed?" The warrior spoke softly, letting his eyes fall on the large window in front of them. It was wide open, the black curtains swayed with the warm wind blowing gently against the walls of the home.

A sigh was heard next to him, "Stop worrying about my health, I'll be fine." The Devil ordered, still facing the window. Beelzebub couldn't help but look over to the Fallen Prince, wondering why on earth he was in front of a window. There was nothing to see if he could see, only ashy rain hitting the dry and hot earth below them. There was a small 'village' afar, containing demons of all ranks and farther than that was the gates of Hell and then of course the river of spirits and their boat master. Lucifer had seen it a hundred times by now and even blind he knew it well. "I overheard you talking with the doctor. . ." He continued and soon moved a hand against his own face, brushing the tips against what could be his eyes but instead was hidden away by a bandage to protect them. A white blindfold was tied around his head uselessly, marking how blind he really was. "Beelze. . . I want you to take over Hell if something happens to me."

The fellow demon's eyes rose, trying to collect everything he just heard. He was still getting used to knowing what was underneath that cloth! ". . . Lucifer, you're not going to die. You still have a chance."

"No I don't. What angel would help the creator of Hell? And if I do heal, who will stop this attack from happening again?" The silver haired man sighed. "My own followers will take me down. Before that happens I want you in control."

"Pr—"

"Don't argue." Those brows furrowed, strong as ever even without his eyes.

- - - - -

"Okay, let me get this straight. You're blind because Michael galloped into here and sliced them out while princess here just stood there and watched? Does anybody think this as funny or am I the only one?"

"Shut up Mammon."

"Hey, it's not my fault I have a sense of humor."

"Did you not hear Belial? Be quiet."

It soon became silent in the room and Lucifer mutely sighed in relief. It wasn't everyday that the court of High Demons assembled. But it wasn't every day that the Prince was attacked by an angel either. From what the ruler could recall, he currently sat at a long table with five other demons—Beelzebub included—and all of them had been with him during the great battle against Heaven. They were the first falls and probably the oldest of all the demons. On the left side of the table sat Beelzebub—who we all know—and next to him was Leviathan. This man was the only high demon who wandered the ocean freely. In the past the creature terrorized the oceans and gave birth to sea monsters of all kinds. His eyes were completely black; pools of dark oceans filled them as they wandered about the room looking to the demons with an emotionless stare. Curled horns tangled in the bluish black hair, was probably the only demonic thing about him. Tattoos sat on his neck, hiding away slits that dignified gills amongst the very light tinted blue skin. His fingers were finned together and laid about the table, something he probably evolved into after thousands of years being a fallen fish. It made the Prince wonder what he did down in that wide ocean all by himself.

On the right of him sat Belial. Belial was a lustful little demon, being the first Incubus on the face of earth. The only demon that constantly wanted to be in Lucifer's pants and the only one that had enough courage to try to rape him as well. It gave the Prince something to do really, to avoid the demon as much as he could. But really, the man needed to get something better to do than force himself on every pretty thing he found. Those crimson eyes were mostly on Lucifer, lustful as ever while snow white hair was left braided down his back, his clothes a little too revealing for that porcelain skin. He might as well been naked with his shirt see through and open, pants being rather tight. His ears were elongated while small horns sat near them with piercings decorating that fine skin. He was always hanging around Hell or amongst some club finding himself pushed into some young mortal. Lucifer pitied every one of his victims.

Beside Belial sat Mammon. The only demon here that didn't own a pair of horns. Instead the youngest of them all owned a spaded tail and leather wings. His eyes were a mix of yellow and brown, while his ears were as pointed as Belial's. He looked very human, but was probably the most annoying of them all. With that habit of swiping his tongue across his teeth constantly and the annoying humor he took on, at times the others around him pulled his short brown hair to make him shut up. Unfortunately he had some skill to avoid that now and would become even more annoying than usual. His life was all about greed however; he was the devil's advocate promoting the idea of hell in mortal's minds while stealing away their souls for silly little gifts. He was useful in Hell and that was enough to not try killing him. But oh, it was so hard.

Now Lucifer sat at one end of the table and on the other sat the duchess of Hell. Astaroth. The main woman in Hell. Her being was decorated in jewelry while her body looked as if it came from a Victoria's Secret magazine. She was like a siren, calling men to their doom and taking away their lives instantly. She owned two pairs of wings on her back, eyes of blue dripping red poison. She had a nice tan while her dirty blond hair traced across it. Her horns remained hidden beneath her hair looking more human than Mammon did. Her point in Hell was essential. She assigned demons rights to go onto Earth and tasks. She trained demons and made an account of torture for souls. Her role was almost as high as Lucifer's but remained at moot point, never getting any higher than he allowed which of course angered her.

The only one missing at the table was Death, the Grim Reaper. But that hooded skeleton was always out and contact with him was one of the most impossible things even between his death angels.

"Most Unclean, what are we going to do with you?" Belial asked, fingers tracing across the other's hand in want. Beelze from the side could tell the demon was getting aggravated by this touching and without further notice stomped on the demon's foot causing a pained cry. Lucifer could only smile.

". . . Well I assume. . . we have to fix this as Beelze pointed out."

A sigh touched Leviathan's lips but he said nothing, simply stared off as Astaroth furrowed her brow. ". . . Of course. The demons will find out about this. I've all ready silenced the servants and guards of this household, but someone will spread it, I assure you that."

"Well duh." Mammon rolled his eyes, "And then they'll attack. Do we really stand much of a chance between hundreds of demons? Huh? No we don't! We're all going to be SPLATTED and then Prince here will get kidnapped to Earth and killed. It looks rather hopeless all ready."

"I think we told you to shutup Mammon." Beelzebub pointed out, glaring at the demonic teen.

"Well maybe if you'd actually do your job right, then we wouldn't be here!" Mammon returned, offering the same glare.

"Oh, think you could do a better job??" The warrior stood, glaring harder at the other.

All ready Lucy was rubbing his forehead, not believing any of this. Well one couldn't blame him. Here he was sitting amongst the most powerful demons, the original Fallens, the ones everyone respected and they were currently acting like children. Beelzebub somehow managed to move across the table and started strangling the youngest demon while Astaroth pulled at Beelze's hair trying to get the man off. There was a lot of yelling and it was the only way Lucifer could understand what was going on. He muttered profanity as this continued, leaning into the chair tapping his fingers on the table impatiently. If he could see, all these demons would have it. He was sure of it.

A gentle touch paused his angry fingers, pressing that hand down as something rubbed against his neck. A sharp breath left the Prince as that something soon became wet and ran up to his jawline. He tensed, moving his head away but it only gave more access. He could feel fingers press against his shoulders rubbing against them causing the demon to relax from all these touches. No—gawd, pay attention to the council! But he couldn't just like he couldn't arch up his own shoulders to brush these touches away. "You're so tense my Prince. . ." That warm wet tongue ran along his ear lobe, pulling at it gently begging for attention.

His head bent back, knowing now that it was definitely Belial. That damn incubus was using his lusting spells on him and Lucy couldn't believe his own hormones were dancing to this music. What was worse, he suddenly felt more sensitive for he was unable to see where these hands moved. But he had a feeling he knew where they would go soon.

"Belial—" He breathed in sharply, trying to fight back any noises working up his throat.

"Yes my Lord?" Satan heard that whisper tickling his skin.

He grunted, hearing a yell in the background. "Get off me." The demon ordered, glaring through that blindfold.

"Aww. . . But you're so. . . weak and defenseless . . . it's so hard to resist!" A smirk curled on those lips, fingers slipping underneath that buttoned shirt teasing the hidden nub. It took all of Lucifer's strength not to gasp hoping Beelze would pry this perverted man off. What was with today? Did everyone just want to take advantage of the Dark Lord?

Meanwhile as all this commotion worked up, Leviathan sat quietly in his seat, staring off. He had all ready seen similar things happen in previous meetings and was hardly surprised it was occurring in this meeting. Beelzebub and Mammon fighting while Astaroth tried breaking them up. Belial, using his time wisely and trying to rape the Prince of Darkness. While he simply sat there in the same seat, doing nothing. He really didn't see the point of coming here. No fish-boy wanted to be back in his pool, swimming with his sea friends while causing chaos in the Bermuda Triangle. This was just pointless and even though Lucifer was in danger, he really didn't care very much. Everything would work out in the end, somehow it always did.

But he had to speak up to end this quarrel. "My. . . Prince." He spoke quietly and for some reason even when his voice was as quiet as a gentle breeze the whole room went silent once more. Even Belial paused in his actions while Lucifer tried putting his attention on the speaker. "I. . . have an idea." He mumbled, not particularly wanting to be the center of attention. His eyes remained glued to the table while the group standing upon it slowly separated. As they did, Beelzebub sent a glare toward the lustful demon who quickly returned his sent in fear of his own pride. Everything was back to normal and this Lucifer thanked.

"What is it?" He spoke, staring ahead hoping it was toward Leviathan.

". . . Angelic assistance."

"Well we all ready thought of that you numbsku—" Mammon began only to silence himself as two of the demons glared.

"Raziel the Archangel lives on Earth as a neutral. But he lives on the cold part of the planet. In Russia."

Astaroth didn't even take a moment to think about it and soon shook her head, "No, that's suicide. Demons from Hell can't survive cold temperatures like that. I don't care how powerful you are, you first have to adapt to Earth's climate for more than a year and then you can try to adapt to colder climates. We don't have time for that." She argued, hating the idea all ready.

"Plus, even if we did get Raziel, how could we convince a neutral to come to Hell? Leviathan, it's a good idea but there are some flaws." Beelze added, hardly enjoying the idea of turning into a demonpopsicle.

When did Archangel Raziel turn neutral? The news stunned the Prince of Darkness. Becoming neutral was just as suicidal as a demon living in Antarctica. It just didn't happen. Neutrality between two opposing forces meant that no one would defend you. A neutral could become a causality in seconds for not helping a side. Neutrals usually took shelter around other mortal beings. They didn't affect human life, didn't harm them in any way. Just lived as one of them, trying to avoid a war that they didn't want to be in. Unfortunately some in the demon side would take such an act amongst their own kind as traitor unless they hurt another mortal. Vampires had to be the only creatures who got away with neutrality these days when trying to stay away from blood.

But an angel trying to become a neutral? That was curious. The Lord didn't usually allow such actions. But apparently he allowed some exceptions. Something must have really pissed off the archangel to leave his heavenly home of paradise to go to some horrid place like Earth.

There was a chance he would help him then, since the man probably helped both sides on kindness. He could heal his eyes! The idea was very tempting he'd have to promote Leviathan or something for coming up with such a plan.

"Then I'll go." Lucifer spoke stunning everyone at the table. It took a long time for anyone to say anything and it was rather intense for a blind person to go through.

A cough signaled someone was speaking up, "I think I speak for all the demons at this table when I say: You're. Absolutely. NUTS." Mammon stood, pointing a finger at the Prince. He was about to argue with the foolish child, but Lucifer was interrupted.

"I'd hate to agree with Mammon, but for once he's right my Prince. In your state, you wouldn't survive a day in the mortal plane, especially not a Russian winter." Beelzebub sighed and took a hold of his shoulder gently giving it a squeeze, "But I admire your strength." Lucifer stared at his friend, unable to believe him. Of all people, he didn't think his best friend would throw in the towel first. Did he really seem that weak? The Prince looked away and tried glancing to the rest.

"You. . . all don't think I can't do this?"

"I'm sorry Most Unclean." Belial of course, ". . . I don't want you injuring that beautiful body more than you all ready have."

"I'm afraid so." Astaroth too?

". . . Yes." Leviathan, it seemed everyone lost faith in his abilities. He grunted, pushing his chair out to stand. No, he couldn't believe this. There was no way that the whole council would disagree. The Prince bit his lip trying to cool his anger, not too sure how everyone was looking at him now.

"Well. Whether any of you like it or not I'm going. This is my problem. And I'll fix it." He spoke, "All of you will remain in Hell and protect my title. If it takes me more than a year to return. . . Beelzebub will take up the title and Hell will continue to survive. This is an order."

From the stillness of the room, it wasn't hard to tell that they all objected to it. Lucifer rarely went to Earth, the last time he had gone was during World War II convincing Hitler to kill himself before the man's death day, to prepare him. The man had listened and currently lived in Hell because of it. Since then, Lucifer remained in the pits of the world, wondering what was happening above him. He wasn't ready for the modern world. No and all of them knew it.

"Then. . ." Astaroth stood with a sigh, "We should get you ready."