Disclaimer: I don't own Devil May Cry, just the storyline.

Angel With The Scabbed Wings

Interlude

She held her tongue as always. What she wanted to say she wasn't allowed. For fucks sake, she was of a higher order than they were. And yet, she wasn't allowed to speak for the simple fact that she didn't have a stick and two neck stations dangling from between her legs.

It didn't matter. Sooner or later she would get payback, and it would most definitely be sweet.

She was one of the most respected angels in the whole hierarchy. She should be able to boss them around. Especially, the angels and archangels, but she wasn't allowed to do anything. It was annoying. No wonder Lucifer had rebelled against these hypocrites.

They were a bunch of liars. All of them.

Don't dabble in the affairs of man, they said

Don't ask questions, they said.

Don't doubt The Almighty Creator, they'd said.

But of course, it only made her more curious. Man…why were they allowed free will and the angels weren't? And the higher on the hierarchy you were the more arrogant you were, throwing your weight around, and if you were female the worse you had it. The ones of the ninth order had it the worse though. No one told them anything. They were just pawns.

So many rules…it was like they existed to be broken. Well, that's how she felt. Of course, rebelling like Lucifer had would only get her in the same place if not worse. She was a female; it wasn't tolerated among their ranks.

"Nasha?"

She turned coming face to face with Bath Kol. She set her jaw to keep from scowling at her. She kept her face neutral, staring at Bath Kol. "Yes?"

"You seem tense…or angry? What's bothering you?" Bath Kol replied, tilting her head at her. For one of the only female angels ever noted in human history as an important figure, Bath Kol was a waifish girl with mocha chocolate skin and baby soft brown hair. Her eyes were pure black, but all innocence reflected back in them.

Nasha didn't particularly like her nor did she hate her for she was the only real useful female angel. Other than that she was annoying. True she couldn't really hate the girl for she did look up to her.

"Do I look angry? I'm sorry. I'm thinking too much." Nasha replied, turning her attention back to the luminescent light that powered all of heaven.

"I don't think it's wrong to be lost in thought. Just don't do it with such an…angry look. It will make the others suspicious." Bath Kol replied, leaning in to whisper the last part.

Nasha smirked slightly. "You may have a point, Bath Kol."

The others were suspicious indeed. Nasha had left for Purgatario for quite a while and had not come back until just three years ago human time. In fact, they had a right to be suspicious. Of course, she wasn't going to give them anything they could use against her.

So, instead for the time being while she plotted, she did what they told her too.

Nasha looked to Bath Kol. She took in her pristine appearance. Her hair was neatly pulled back and she wore a sleeveless white and gold dress that ended just below her knees.

"What's the occasion?" Nasha asked.

"Michael is receiving a new rank. I had, also, heard that there was a meeting of great importance and that all angels are to be present." Bath Kol replied.

"Humph." Nasha grunted in reply.

It was true that he was the strongest of them all. It was even true that his sword was the one that felled the mighty Lucifer…but even still. Nasha had never met a more arrogant angel in all her life.

Or maybe it was her perspective that perceived all angels as liars that made her think that.

She shouldn't be surprised anyways. Michael was God's favorite indeed. The perfect little soldier.

Nasha herself was wearing only her Angelus golden armor. At events such as that it isn't demanded, but expected to wear something more appropriate at the time. She wasn't going to change just for some stupid ceremony, though.

"When does it start?"

"It should have started, now."

Nasha looked over at Bath Kol and smiled. "My, aren't you being a little deviant today?"

Bath Kol smiled back, shyly. "It isn't like that! I just…well, I didn't want to stay for the whole thing. And I rather show up late then be on time and try to figure a way out."

Nasha laughed softly. "Careful, Bath Kol. You're taking after me." Nasha said, standing. Bath Kol stood as well…and went ridged as a statue. Her eyes turned a pure white and glowed for a few minutes.

"What is it? What are you seeing?" Nasha asked.

Bath Kol relaxed and when she blinked, her eyes changed back to their original black color. She frowned looking at Nasha. "Zachriel will be looking for you at the ceremony." Bath Kol replied.

Nasha nodded, walking away. Bath Kol ran to catch up.

"What's going on between the two of you? You're spending quite some time with each other." Bath Kol asked. Nasha abruptly stopped in her tracks and turned to glare at her.

"Not another word out of you. If you so much as breathe a word to anyone about what you saw, I will make you wish you never existed." Nasha spoke threateningly. Bath Kol nodded, staring at Nasha's angry face.

Nasha straightened, staring down at Bath Kol's cowering form. "Then let's go."

-:-

The ceremony had already gotten underway, by the time Nasha and Bath Kol joined the crowd. It was nearly over with when Zachriel walked right up to Nasha.

"Hello, Nasha. How are you doing?" Nasha turned at the sound of his voice.

"Just fine. Thank you for asking. Yourself?"

"Oh, I'm just dandy. I must say, however, you are looking quite plain today. Didn't anyone tell you that today was a grandiose occasion?" Zachriel said, keeping his eyes on the ceremony at hand. Nasha narrowed her eyes.

"No. What do you mean?" Zachriel chuckled, softly.

"You are going to be tested, my dear. Suffice it to say, you are not trusted."

Nasha sighed, resignation in her tone. "Perfect."

"Isn't it, though?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that it's the perfect opportunity to prove you are worthy and gain their trust. And if things go right, then to get in good with the old man." Zachriel replied, eyes flicking to Nasha only for a second.

For a few moments, she said nothing. "I suppose so."

Nasha didn't even need to look at Zachriel to tell he was smiling. It always seemed like she was the only one doing the dangerous work to throw their enemies off their trial.

What did Zachriel do? Truly, was he of any use to her at all? Did he realize that his usefulness had already run its course and now he was trying to find some way to stay useful to her now? Could that even be possible for him? Could he have thought that far?

Nasha kept her face carefully neutral as Michael's eyes locked with hers. It was only for a split second, but it was long enough for a chill to run along her spine.

"Let me guess? Michael will be the one to judge me." Nasha said, not looking away from the alter.

Zachriel chuckled like she told a good joke. "He'll be one of the people to judge you, yes."

After Nasha had gotten back from Purgatorio, Michael had been the first one to demand that she be taken in for interrogation. Of all the angels, he took his job most seriously, or more accurately his name which meant he who most like God.

No wonder he was so arrogant.

And yet, he was the most powerful and most intelligent of all the angels. Nasha could deal with power, but intelligence…she didn't need one of those sticking its nose where it shouldn't.

It was easy enough to fool the others. They thought that because she was a female, she was interested in man no more than her curiosity could be filled.

How wrong they were.

It wasn't man that she was interested in. Not at all. In fact, what she was interested in wasn't even human.

Nasha shivered.

If anyone found out what she did, she would be executed.

The ceremony ended. And with it everyone parted ways. Nasha was about to leave, when she felt a firm hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Michael behind her.

"Nasha, we haven't had much of a chance to talk since our…dispute." Michael said, staring down at Nasha. Nasha nodded.

"I suppose not." She replied.

"Look, I'll be truthful with you. I'm not sure I trust you. In fact, I don't trust you. I believe that you are cunning and manipulative, and I believe that you are harboring some sort of secret. I believe that you are up to something, and if I'm right…if I'm right I will make you regret having come back home." Michael replied, his bright blue eyes glaring at her.

Nasha shunted her gaze from his. "Michael, I'm sorry that you don't trust me. Truly, I am. But you accuse me of having human characteristics. Further more you accuse me of having some sort of secrecy that I'm keeping from everyone. It isn't true, and I hope that with time you will see that yourself." Nasha replied, looking back up at him.

Michael drew in a breath, and nodded. "We shall see of your innocence. Report to the magistrate chamber in one hour." Michael said, leaving.

The magistrate chamber in one hour. Where her test would be. They were going to look into her mind! Of course, that would explain why Zachriel was laughing!

That sneaky, son-of-bitch! He knew all along!

It seemed like he did think ahead. Nasha gritted her teeth going in search of the sly bastard. She came upon him across one of the bridges, and forced herself to a sedate walk. They were out in the open, and it didn't escape her notice of the significance of that. He knew she'd throttle him given the chance.

"You knew all along, and yet you didn't tell me." It wasn't a question, but a statement of fact.

"Why, whatever do you mean?" Zachriel taunted a smug look on his face.

"Don't play games with me! Just know that if I'm brought down, you will surely follow."

"Oh dear, are you threatening the only person that could possibly help you through this mess, Nasha?"

She eyed him then, her eyes glowing incandescently. "And what exactly would you do?" She asked suspiciously. Zachriel chuckled then.

"Dear, have you forgotten for what I am? I'll take your memories and store them for you, and replace them with temporary memories for your time on earth. And after you may have your own back." Zachriel replied. Nasha gritted her teeth. She was sure of one thing; when all was said and done, she would kill Zachriel.

"And Michael?"

"What of him?"

"Don't you think he'll pose a problem?"

"He doesn't know anything. Not yet, anyway. I suppose your right, though. Of course, I could just take his memories and replace his hatred of you with one that is madly enamored with you instead." Zachriel replied, smiling.

Nasha didn't share in the amusement. In fact, it only solidified her suspicion and resentment of him. She turned to him, studying his countenance with the trained eye of a hawk.

"Speaking of altering memories, how do I know you won't alter mine?" Zachriel turned to her smiling widely, if only restrained.

"My dear…to what purpose do I have of altering your memories? Furthermore, even if I did seek to alter something you don't have a choice if you seek to reach your goal. Don't forget dear, I was specifically chosen for this," he looked her up and down openly showing his contempt for her, "auspicious occasion."

Nasha glowered at him, her eyes shining brightly. One day soon…she was going to kill him.

"Now, I'm sure you've someplace to be in an hour, correct?"

-:-

Nasha made her way over to the magistrate chamber passing through winding passages, and twisting hallways. She gloried in being home. Tall castles shining brightly in the burning luminescence of their very own nebula. It was the exact opposite of the underworld. She felt happy as she always did to be here. Nothing was better than being home.

The only dampener on the evening was the reason why she was being called on the floor. Suffice it to say, Michael did not trust her for some reason or another. However it was not enough to impede her bubbly mood. She was always good to everyone she met, but among other things she was always a soldier first. In that regard, the only indication of her cheerful mood was the light bounce in her step.

She reached the doors to the magistrate chamber rather quickly, standing before the doors as they opened at her presence. She quickly stepped through, the doors closing behind her.

"You're quite early, Nasha." Someone said from farther ahead.

"Yes, sir." Nasha was nothing if not punctual.

"Step forward, child." Another voice, this one older.

She did as she was told. A solider never disobeyed a direct order.

"Kneel."

She did so.

Looking up at the ones that would pass judgment on her, Nasha was shocked to see The Metatron. Never mind that Michael and the seven angels that presided over the providence of paradiso where there, The Metatron was the most powerful and influential angel in all of heaven. He-alone-along with a few others were the only ones allowed to gaze upon the countenance of the Supreme Being.

He smiled down at her, fatherly.

She couldn't have done anything so severe as to deserve the attention of God's right hand.

"You know the penalty for deception, Nasha." One asked unnecessarily. Nasha nodded her head reciting the tenets they as angels were required to follow. The older one that had spoken nodded his head satisfied. "Nasha, you've been gone on earth for quite some time and there are concerns that we must address. You understand, don't you?"

Nasha nodded her head in understanding.

"Then have no fear and trust in the all mighty creator, child. Open your mind to us."

Nasha did as she was told, although a bit apprehensively.

A sudden light engulfed her, and she was sailing forwards. Suddenly, flashes of pictures of people of voices overwhelmed her, and she was forced to endure all the sights and smells she had on earth. Everything that was pleasant and unpleasant…all the inequities and graces of man…she was forced to go through it all again.

When it was all over, she collapsed on her hands and knees mentally spent. As she regained control of her breathing, Nasha raised a hand to wipe sweat from her brow and touched her face. She pulled her hand back as she felt wetness stain her cheek and realized she'd been crying. Wiping her eyes she looked on solemnly.

The angels all looked at her with pity. Everyone except Michael. The Metatron smiled at her sympathetically.

"Based on the evidence at hand…we've determined that you've done nothing more than observed the human's. And as such, you are free to go."

Nasha nodded standing up and leaving the magistrate chamber behind. She missed the narrowed glance of a pair of eyes directed at her back.


Author's Note: Wow, its really been a while! Sorry, I haven't updated in so long.

I promise I haven't given up on this story. I just had a massive case of writers block.

Hopefully, sometime soon I'll be able to get my car so I'll have transportation to post more chapters.

Anyway, R&R, Plz!