It was a peaceful evening. Lucifer was in his mansion, preparing himself to come into Shizuka's place. On his bed, a package was placed neatly. He gazed to the present, and he smirked. He left his room.

Lucifer knocked on her door, with the present he hold hidden behind his back. Shizuka finally saw him."Lucifer, what a surprise."

"Hello, Shizuka. May I come in?"

"Well, my friends and I are watching a movie with my parents at the moment, but I guess they wouldn't mind. Come on."

"Good evening, everyone", he greeted politely at people in the room. Amaimon raised his eyebrows in question, while the Exwires and the twins were gaping. But her parents were seemed to be relaxed. "Hello, Lucifer-san", Simon responded.

Yukio widened his eyes and cleaned his glasses. He knew that his half brother came here often, but it seemed that he had something in his possession. "Hey Lucifer, what is that you're holding in your hand?"

"This is something I want to give Shizuka for our occasion this weekend."

Now Amaimon turned his head in surprise. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. What was he planning now? The same thought was also in Rin and his friends' minds.

"What is this, Lucifer?", Shizuka questioned him curiously.

"This is something I want you to wear for the party. You can try them on later as soon as I get home", Lucifer whispered in her ears playfully and winked. "I'm sorry for disturbing your time. It's time for me to take my leave."

"Wait, Lucifer-san. Why don't you join us for a little longer? Do you have other business to attend to?", Simon asked him in confusion when he saw Lucifer stood near the door.

"I'm sorry, but I need to leave. I only come here to give something to your daughter", he refused politely. "Shizuka, I'll see you this weekend. I couldn't wait to see you soon. I'm sure you will like what I gave you. Good evening, everyone."

After the King of Light left, her friends and both of her parents immediately surrounded her.

"Shizuka, what's inside the package?", Izumo questioned.

"Yeah, open it up. Come on!", Iblis told her quickly.

When she tore open the box, all of them were gaping. It's a silver bluish dress! It looked sophisticated, and there were a mask and a corsage inside with matching colors. Shizuka blushed.

"So this is what you told us, Shizuka? This looks beautiful, dear", Keiko complimented.

"Lucifer-sama does have good taste. Why don't you try it?", Simon encouraged his only daughter.

Seeing her friends' excited gestures, she decided to go to her bathroom and tried wearing the dress. She observed her looks in the mirror. Her body fits perfectly with it. The hem of the dress reached her knees, and there was a long ribbon behind her dress. There's a strap covered her upper arm.

When she came out, all of them fell into awe.

"Wow, Shizuka. We have no idea what to say. You look beautiful!", Shiemi commented, followed by their nods.

"We like it, Shizuka", Simon told her.

"I bet if Lucifer saw you in your dress right now, he would be mesmerized", Amaimon snickered.

Shizuka giggled happily. It seemed that they had no problem with her looks.

Little did they know, but the King of Light observed them all through his phantasma from the lighting of her living room.

Lucifer smirked in satisfaction seeing the event happened in her house. She liked the dress he gave her! Now he was impatient to see her soon. "Time to move forward."

The fateful day was finally at hand. Lucifer prepared himself for the ball. This time, he wore his usual attire, complemented by a long red cape. His long blonde tail was at loose. He wore his golden mask. It looked intricate, featured a beak-like bisection that left only his eyes and mouth visible. Lucifer chose the mask, so he wouldn't be too bothered by people feel overly curious of his current state. "This is it."

"I hope your night will go smoothly", Astaroth wished for his older brother.

Lucifer was in his limousine, on his way to go pick Shizuka to the dance party. Meanwhile, Shizuka sat in the guest room. She stood as soon as he arrived.

Lucifer hold his breath when she came to his direction. He was glad that he wore a mask, otherwise she and her parents would know that he was blushing. She looks stunning!, he praised her silently. "Good evening", he greeted and opened his mask slightly.

Shizuka was blushing red. Oh my god, he looks handsome!, she mused. "Hello, Lucifer. You look good in your attire. I like your mask."

"Thank you, Shizuka. I'm glad you are pleased. Shall we leave?", he gave her his hand.

She placed her hand in his and get into his limousine. On their way, Lucifer gazed his eyes intently at her.

"What is it, Lucifer?", she asked him.

"You look beautiful in your dress. It fits you perfectly."

Soon they were arrived at the hotel. Shizuka could see clearly how lively, how crowded the situation was. Reporters were all over the location, giving their results of observation regarding the event. Blitz from the cameras... She was getting dizzy from the noise of the crowds.

"Just relax, Shizuka. I'm here", Lucifer consoled his partner.

When they came out, many people started taking their pictures. The crowds were getting merrier. Lucifer's fangirls screamed seeing their beloved King of Light was present, and at the same time they were disappointed that a common red hair girl becoming his date.

The King of Light was only waving his hand at people around them. Shizuka knew better that he was only doing this as a formality. In normal circumstances, he didn't quite like to get involved with this many people too often.

There's the Emperor and his prime minister. "Ah, it's so good to see you, Lucifer", the prime minister greeted him.

"I have to thank you for inviting us."

"We are so glad that you are able to fulfill our invitation. You have a gorgeous lady by your side."

"She's a friend of mine", he gestured to introduce her. Shizuka immediately bowed before him.

"Such a beautiful maiden! Are you sure she's not your lover? As far as I know, you never have a woman by your side", the Emperor questioned him in interest.

"She's just a friend. We're close with each other, that's all", Lucifer squeezed her hand, knowing she's fidgeted.

"I understand."

"I hope you don't mind, but we would like to get inside."

"Of course. Take your time, Lucifer-san", the prime minister permitted them.

Shizuka could finally breath in relief. "Thank you for saving me back there, Lucifer. They caught me by surprise."

"Don't worry about it. Just be calm, besides I'm here with you."

Near the entrance, the MC declared their presences. "Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby present you, Lucifer, King of Light, the representative from True Cross Order and his partner Shizuka Lovegood have arrived!"

Inside the ballroom, Shizuka could see how lively the situation was. Politicians were mingling with their partners. Official guests from many countries were present. Some celebrities were even invited.

"So this is the kind of occasions you always get yourself into. With this many people, I can understand how this is tiring for you."

"Yes, Shizuka. I have meet many politicians, not just world leaders. Sometimes they are asking for immediate meetings with me. I have to be honest, but to me, many of them are just a bunch of hypocrites. They are often making false promises of maintaining peace, balance, and prosperity in order to gain trust from the majority of common people. Throughout the ages, I have witnessed many of them are becoming the cause for downfall of the social systems. This is the reason why I didn't trust humans in the past. But since I started working here again, I can see that some of you are better than those I have meet."

"I'm glad to know."

The MC commenced the dance.

"May I have this dance with you, my lady?", he bowed before her, extended his hand. His face was of a playful one, and she could see them, despite hidden behind the mask.

"Of course, my King."

When both of them were dancing, they were caught in each other's charms. Lucifer didn't avert his eyes from hers for a single second.

"You know, I feel like I'm in one of the fairy tales I used to read when I was a little", Shizuka mused.

"Really? Which one?"

"You know, Cinderella", she shrugged slightly. "Just like me, she was used to experiencing many pains throughout her whole life. It was rare of her to have luxuries. When I think about this, being in dance, I feel that the circumstances are so similar but in my case I'm dancing with an incredibly handsome Demon King of Light."

Lucifer smirked playfully while he pulled her closer to him, "Is that so? You always seem to tell me that I'm handsome, even when I'm wearing my mask in this occasion. Tell me, Shizuka, do you have any particular interest in me?"

"Should I answer that?", Shizuka raised her eyebrows mischievously.

"You make me highly curious. I want to know."

Shizuka became reluctant, she didn't aware that she was shivered. Of course, this caught Lucifer surprised. He later noticed that many couples are going outside for having their own personal times. It would be the best to continue their talk outside.

Both of them went to the balcony. Lucifer rubbed her shoulders gently. "Shizuka, what's wrong? You can tell me."

She opened her mask, "Actually, I'm still having many questions about what we have right now. I feel like I don't deserve all of this. Becoming your dance partner, having this luxurious dress, all of them."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Why do you think that way? Shizuka, I have told you that you are different than those women. You are kindhearted, sweet, and you can ask me many more that I like from you. You don't have to keep yourself away from me. Do you... hate me?"

"It's not like that!", Shizuka quickly denied him. She could see the sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry. It's not that I don't like what you have done for me. I'm just thinking that we are so different. You are influential, the most important figure in Gehenna and the peace ambassador of demons. You are the King of Light, and I'm the witch. I'm a weirdo. You can ask for a more beautiful woman than me to be your partner. I feel like I don't deserve to stand by your side. Don't you realize that if you aren't working in your position now, we are supposedly enemies? I'm in training to exorcise your kind. It will come the time when we have to choose sides... if your mission is not going according to your plan."

"I don't think so. Everything that I have planned before during my duties, all of them succeeded. I don't care what they are thinking about us. No matter how different we are, I still like being around you. No matter what kind of person you are, I won't go away. Don't you dare thinking that you are unworthy. Do I need to remind you of my words before? I chose you because I see something different in you. I noticed your pure and beautiful soul. Shizuka, you are beautiful inside out."

"Lucifer..."

She clutched his jacket in shame, but Lucifer hold her hand. Shizuka pulled his mask off of his face, and soon his face revealed to her. His scars from the fight along with the healing wounds on his skin were still visible, but she put all her attention on his eyes. They had never looked this deep before.

Shizuka blushed beneath his gaze, but he cupped her cheeks and smiled tenderly. Lucifer brought her closer to him and tilted his head slightly as his lips getting closer to hers. This girl just had no idea how much he wanted to kiss her. He couldn't hold himself anymore.

Unfortunately, before it happened, the sound of the MC heard. "Now let us hear a couple words from the King of Light himself."

These humans, he thought vexatiously. Couldn't they just give him some time alone with her, even just a brief moment?

"Lucifer, what is it?", Shizuka questioned him in concern.

"I'm sorry Shizuka, but I have to give a speech. Let's get back inside."

Shizuka pitied him while she observed him wearing his mask again. He was clearly disturbed by the continuous intrusion, but it was inevitable. They were here as important guests, and with his position, there was no time for taking personal space. She accompanied him to return to the ballroom.

The King of Light made his way to the stage. "Everyone, I have to thank you, especially to the Emperor and the prime minister for both of your generous offers to invite me and my partner on this beautiful evening. I also observed some familiar faces present in this room from my previous missions, and it's a pleasure to meet you again in this event. I surely hope that our good relations can endure. Shizuka", Lucifer gazed to her, "I also want to thank you for becoming my partner in this ball. You have no idea how happy you make me feel with your presence here. Now let's have a toast. To peace!"

"To peace and equality!"

Shizuka drank her own drink while she noticed how intense the way he stares at her. She was sure that he smirked behind his mask.

They continued interacting with many other fellow guests. Along the way, Lucifer noticed that some men were trying to touch Shizuka in perverted ways. Every once in a while, they would try to touch her butt or hips, to his annoyance. He quickly glared at them to keep those hungry wolves away from her. He won't have it to see them done anything more obscene to the girl he had fallen in love with. Luckily, his efforts succeeded.

"Those men and their lustful behaviors. I can't believe that", Lucifer shook his head in disgust.

"What is it, Lucifer? Did something happen?"

"I don't think telling this is going to be a good idea."

"Just tell me."

The King of Light took a deep breath, "Since a moment ago, I have been keeping those men from touching you. They are rather lecherous, I have to say." She immediately have that horrified look. "But you don't have to be afraid. I will do whatever it takes to make sure you are safe throughout this night. As long as I am here, you will be alright. You have my word."

"Okay, I believe you."

"Lucifer-sama!"

They heard the jolly voice of a man calling out to him. Lucifer noticed that it was a man who is very familiar to him. "Gedouin-kun, you are invited to come here as well. It's good to see you."

"I am deeply honored to meet you as well. I see that you are rather in good condition!"

"Lucifer, who is this?", Shizuka asked in curiosity.

"Allow me to introduce Michael Gedouin. He's an American doctor who was tending to my condition during my healing process."

"Oh, you are flattering me, Sir."

Shizuka observed the man closely. She hated to admit it, and didn't mean to be rude, but Michael looked like a pig. Many people would say the same thing, with his fat posture, big nose, and small pair of glasses. She almost wanted to giggle.

"I see you are coming with a woman. I heard that you recently had just got married."

"Yes, I am. We were arranged for marriage by our families, but I have been in love with her from the first sight. She brought me happiness since we met. This is Maria."

Now she was interested with meeting the young woman. "Hello, I'm Shizuka Lovegood. I'm a friend of Lucifer. Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine as well. So you are the girl that Lucifer-sama mentioned all this time. Such a beautiful young girl you are! You are a student at True Cross Academy, correct?"

"I am. Beside of being a student, I am also in training for being an exorcist. I'm an Exwire."

"Is that true you're a witch?" Shizuka was fidgeting when Maria asked such an unexpected question. "Don't worry! I'm not judging you. I can also see demons since I was very young."

"It's true. I hope you don't find me weird for being one while also preparing myself to be an exorcist."

"Relax! Actually, I found that you're a unique young girl", she replied, and looked at the King of Light. "Lucifer-sama, I like this girl already."

Shizuka was in awe. She had just meet this woman for the first time, but she liked her already too. This woman was the first person to thought of her that way, besides of Lucifer, her friends and family.

"I told you there will be those who like you genuinely."

"I know. Thanks for that."

While Shizuka chatted with Maria, Michael looked at the girl. He continuously eyed on her body. Shizuka who realized it becomes uncomfortable. "Maria-san, I hope you don't mind, but I need to talk with Lucifer."

"Of course, dear. Take the time you need."

She gave him the sign to follow her. They went somewhere a little further from the crowd.

"What is the matter, Shizuka?"

"Lucifer, please help me. I don't feel comfortable here!"

"Wait a moment, calm down! What's wrong?"

"I don't feel comfortable with the way that doctor staring at me. I feel like the same thing with Asmodeus would repeat if I stayed here a moment longer. I would rather talk with Maria-san than him. Please, do something about him."

He was silent while he crossed his arms. His behavior made it seems hard for her to read into his mind.

"You're listening to me, right?", Shizuka asked him, scared that he wouldn't believe her.

"I do. It's just that I was thinking about what I heard of Gedouin-kun from other people in the Order."

"I thought you're not a type to listen to gossips."

"I am, but after you told me about this, I think it's time to be more careful. Besides, I heard rather... unpleasant news about him", he told her grimly. "During my time when he treated my deteriorated physical form, I heard that actually he's an eccentric scientist. As a former formal doctor, he has an unusual interest in us demons and our healing properties. He claimed that he wants to create an elixir which would be highly useful for curing many deadly diseases for both humans and demons. Many medical scholars, doctors, and professors thought of him as a lunatic, so he was expelled from his own community, and he started working alone."

"Creating an elixir? That's impossible!", she exclaimed. "Even if he succeeded, there must be some side effects, especially if he uses it in experimental testings on humans!"

"I know. So far, I heard that he had succeeded in creating a drug powerful enough to cure the deterioration inside the human body that caused from aging and reverted the person back to their previous better condition. I think this drug is the closest to the elixir he wishes to make. But that the drug itself has its side effects, including hallucinations and addiction. What makes it worse, he sold them in high prices when the customers and patients are coming. I also heard from Homare when she investigated his process of making the drug for curing my rotting vessel, apparently he tested the drug on humans which resulted all of them lost their humanities", his tone was raised a few octaves while telling her about Gedouin.

Shizuka understood quickly. They were dealing with a psychopath! "Lucifer, we need to do something about him. It's going to be better if we don't stay here for long, and we can't let him get too close with the guests here. Poor Maria-san, she didn't know anything about what he did."

Lucifer clenched his hands. There was another thing that he is aware of, and he was sure she won't like this. "There's more. I also heard from Lund and Strom that he was interested in people with unusual physical appearances, like twins... or red-hairs. His interest also included to those possessing supernatural or magic powers, especially if they are young and beautiful women."

Now she was panicking beyond belief. "Lucifer, please, I beg of you! Let's get out of here!"

"Unfortunately, we can't do that."

She was stunned. Was he deaf? "Why?"

"Shizuka, I don't know if you notice this or not, but we are the most important guests for tonight. I can't just leave this place."

"Lucifer, I'm frightened! I don't think I could take this anymore!"

"I know! But I need you to calm down!", he reminded her. "I'm sorry, but it's not that I don't want to listen. This is a complicated situation for me too. I'm the one who directly links you humans to father. If I made even just a slightest mistake, my life would be on a pike! Not to mention, your safety would be on a line, and I can't let it happen. I can't bear the thought of seeing you getting killed by other demons."

"Lucifer, I'm ..."

"I know you are afraid, but I promise you will be safe here with me. I swear, I won't let you getting hurt again." I love you too much to see you getting hurt. He pulled her into a tight hug and put his forehead against hers. "Seeing you being this frightened worries me so much. I promise I'll do something about this."

"I don't want to get anywhere near Gedouin. Please, keep him away from me."

"Alright. Then stay with me throughout this party. If you need anything, let me know. I'll tell the prime minister and the Emperor that we'll go home early at 10:00 pm. How is it sounded?"

"Okay. I can take it."

"Everything will be fine, I swear it my lady."

She stunned once again by his affectionate words. She buried her face in his jacket. She was afraid, but every time he enveloped her in his arms, she felt serene. She felt like he wants to say another word, but he kept it to himself. It was fine for her. For now, she was comfortable with him just being like this.

"Let's get back, before those people starting ask questions. I'm sure they are wondering of our whereabouts."

When they got back, Maria seemed to be relieved but it was completely opposite to Michael. He was peevish. Throughout the night, every time he tried to get close to Shizuka, Lucifer whisked her to stay by his side.

Shizuka felt better for the moment. The King of Light did as he promised, and she was more at ease.

"Shizuka, I'm sorry but I need to speak with the other politicians. It won't be long. Meanwhile, just stay on your place where I can still see you."

She sit on one of the vacant seats while waiting for him. To diverted her from the feelings of being lonely, she ate one of the macaroons. Michael could see that it's his chance.

"Hello, Shizuka-chan. Why do you sitting alone? I thought you were with Lucifer-sama."

"I'm waiting for him. He was talking with some politicians at the moment." Lucifer, please be hurry!

"I see. I hope you don't mind if I accompany you for a while", he took a sip of champagne and tried to hold her hand. When he touched it, her hand felt so tender.

"What are you doing?", she questioned in disgust, pulled her hand away from him. This man was not only weird but a pervert as well!

"I'm sorry. My hand was slipped," Michael smiled innocently. "Well, since you are still waiting for Lucifer-sama, why don't you join me for a couple drinks?"

"I don't think that's a good idea. I think from my looks, you can already tell that I'm not of age to drink yet, and I don't want to drink liquor anyway", she politely denied. When she gazed at Lucifer, he was still busy talking with those people. What took him so long?!

"Oh come on! It's just a glass. How is it?", Michael urged her by offering a glass of sherry.

She thought hard. She knew this was wrong. She shouldn't drink. What would Lucifer think about this? But at the same time, she found it hard to reject his offer since he had given her the sherry. "Alright, maybe just a glass."

"Good! I'm glad you are willing to join me", Michael chuckled in somewhat sinister tone. Such an innocent young woman! She had no idea that I have put a high dose of sleeping pills inside her drink. This will be fun!

Lucifer was still talking with the politicians, and some women were trying to get his attention.

"That was a good speech, Lucifer-sama."

"Thank you", he replied curtly.

"Lucifer-sama, you look as good as always. Would you mind if I accompany you for the rest of the night?", one of the women tried to seduce him by running her hands on his jacket up to his neck.

He caught her hand. "I'm very sorry, but I must take my partner home early as soon as this party is over."

"Really? That red haired girl is your partner? I'm sure she's just a teenager. This is so funny", they laughed. He must be joking.

He was silent. These wanton women had no idea that he would not be taken as a joke. "It's true. She is a teenager, but I have known her for the longest of time. She's my friend, so shut your mouth." It succeeded to silenced them all.

In her seat, Shizuka suddenly feel dizzy. My head is spinning. I feel sleepy. What's inside this drink? "Lucifer, help me", she called him by telepathy half consciously. In this point, she would fall asleep.

Michael smirked. The drug worked. Now he just had to get her away from the crowd. "Are you okay, Shizuka-chan?"

"I'm fine, just a little sleepy. Let me get a glass of water to clear up my mind."

"If you want, I can take you outside to get some fresh air, to help the dizziness subsided."

"No, it's fine. I can manage myself just fine."

Shizuka was surprised when he took a hold on her hand firmly. When she turned her head around, his expression was filled with lust. Just the same as Asmodeus. "Unfortunately, I cannot allow it." Then, he pulled her harshly to him, and covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief.

Oh no! This odd scent... chloroform!, she deduced in panic. She couldn't believe how foolish she had been. He dragged her away from the crowd when she tried to break away, but Michael's grip on her tighten. It seems that this pigface was stronger than she thought.

Shizuka fought to get free from him with everything she had, before she completely lost her consciousness. She was terrified of her situation. "Maria-san, anyone, please... help me! Lucifer!"

Lucifer snapped out of the conversation. He was sure that someone was calling out on him. "Shizuka?", he silently muttered.

"What is wrong, Your Majesty?", a German politician asked him.

"I'm sorry, but I will talk to you later. I need to make sure of something."

When he got to her seat, how shocked he was to know that she disappeared. And that doctor wasn't around when he checked on the crowd using his powers.

He had never felt this dumb before. How stupid! What have I done?!, he cursed. Michael must have been taking her away to somewhere else. He must quick. If something bad happened to her again, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

Michael growled when she moved too much in his grasp. They were inside the lift that was taking them to the twelfth floor. "Quiet! Stop squirming around!"

"Let go of me! Where do you take me?"

This was not going according to his plans. She should have been sleeping when she was exposed to the drug. How could this happened?!

When the lift door opened, he quickly dragged her towards one of the rooms. But he was shocked when the flash of light appears. It's the King of Light.

"Where do you think you're taking her?", he interrogated him with emotionless expression.

"Ha-ha, it's nothing, Lucifer-sama. I was just helping her getting some fresh air. She's dizzy."

"Really? If she's dizzy, or drunk from the looks of it, you should have taken her to the balcony. What is in your hand? Is that a room key, hm?", he questioned as he approached the doctor closer.

"Lucifer, help me!", she squirmed in Michael's hold.

"Don't move, Shizuka. I got this."

Now the doctor was furious. "I can't let you take her, Lucifer-sama."

"Gedouin-kun, let her go", Lucifer requested politely. Actually he wanted to punch this poorly mannered man in the face, but he knew he had to be careful, otherwise he might hurt Shizuka.

Instead, Michael took out his gun and directed it at Shizuka. She was shivering in intense fear.

This was a dire situation! One wrong move, her life would be put on the line.

"Gedouin-kun, don't shoot her. I'll give you what you want as long as you directed your gun elsewhere."

"I want a lot of money, a billion dollars to fund my elixir research."

Materialistic human! Not surprising, Lucifer contemplated. "I can arrange it with the officials inside True Cross Order. Now let her go."

"But I think that won't be enough. Actually, I would like to have this girl", Michael stared lecherously, to Shizuka's fear and his shock. "I have been unhappy with my marriage. That woman is just a good for nothing. Not to mention, she's ugly and unable to satisfy me... when it comes to something."

"What the hell? Let me go, you creep! It's your fault for always not satisfied with what you have. Release me this instant, before I do something that you will end up regret for manhandling me!"

"Ha-ha-ha, you are such a feisty young woman! My favorite type! From the time when you stand with your friend, I noticed you are beautiful, and sexy indeed for a girl your age. We are going to have some fun."

Lucifer gritted his teeth. This man would regret what he did. He saw that Shizuka giving him a sign to be prepared, and he quickly understood.

"There's something more. I demand to do some research about your vessel, Lucifer-sama. I have never seen your true face until I started seeing you in your healing body. From the start, I know that your beautiful body is inhuman, and I want to study it further. With both of you are here, I can kill two birds with one stone."

Shizuka became irritated. This fatso has no idea what kind of problem he caused. "You lecherous man! Just face it! You only want to touch his body. I noticed that you were constantly admiring him, especially when he's asleep. I know, because I was there!"

Their surroundings turned dark. Michael turned to see him, and he saw his furious green eyes. "This is the last time I warned you. Let her go, otherwise I will have to give you a proper punishment."

Of course, the maniacal doctor didn't listen, shown from the way he directed his gun at the Demon King. Lucifer only stared, and Michael realized that his gun getting hotter. He quickly dropped the gun, but remained taking his firm grip on Shizuka. What he didn't expect was when he heard Shizuka muttered a spell.

"O Artemis, protector of the virgin women, I ask you to give me your power. Deliver me from the man who will do harm on me!"

Lucifer saw a creature which looks like a blonde young woman stood near Shizuka. Artemis was flooded with magical strength, and she shook her head at the situation, quickly understood her distress. "My, my, my, what a mess you are in, Shizuka. Alright girl, I'll lend you my power. Kick this guy in the gut!"

Receiving some power from Artemis, Shizuka concentrated to break herself free from him, then quickly elbowed him on his stomach and kicked him in the face with her other hand, still positioned her back against him.

The King of Light quickly took her into his arms and hugged her. "That was a magnificent move. Are you alright?"

"I'm okay", she replied, almost fell over him. She started to feel the effects of hangover.

"I can't believe what you're saying. You must have been drinking a liquor."

"I'm fine. I have using my magic to help me recover faster."

Michael gritted his teeth. He quickly ran on his way to the lift. Of course, Lucifer noticed that. "Shizuka, I want you to hold on me as tight as you can."

"What?! What are you talking about?"

"Just trust me!", he shouted as he brought her in his arms and jumped out of the opened window. His eyes were filled with fury. I won't let you get away, you wretched man!

Michael was furious. His plans ruined. He was about to rush to the parking lot and into his car, until he saw Lucifer and Shizuka in his arms floated gently, standing in front of the doctor.

Lucifer walked to his way, his mask was off, and surprisingly showed his fully healed face. But Michael didn't have anything to notice but Lucifer's emotionless expression. He knew underneath his stoic facade, he was beyond mad. "Lucifer-sama, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to challenge nor fighting you. You know a human like me can do something reckless when we don't think straight."

Lucifer's voice was stone-cold. "You should have known better than to manhandling my friend. Your actions are intolerable. I must punish you."

"Please, Lucifer-sama! Spare me! Forgive me!", he bowed to the floor.

"Stand up."

Shizuka was bewildered. What was he doing?

"Even though you have done mistakes, you are still one of my personal doctors. If you make a mistake, then it's mine as well."

"Lucifer-sama, such gracious words! I promise I'll behave better!"

How disgusting!, Shizuka thought of the sight.

"But that doesn't mean I would forgive you", Lucifer cut his apologies.

The doctor was stunned. "Huh?"

"You heard me. Still, after what you have done, I won't let you get away with this. You are foolish, cruel... and shameful human", he spoke and attacked him with his light explosive.

Shizuka immediately closed her mouth. He had gone too far! She knew that he was trying to protect her, but this is too much! "Lucifer, what have you done?! You killed him!"

Lucifer just smiled meaningfully at her. "Oh, I'm not killing him. I just giving him a punishment much worse than death."

"Um, then it means he's still alive?"

"Yes", he gazed at the doctor. Michael was shivered in great fear. "You are coming with us!"

By the time they returned to the ballroom, Shizuka stood beside him while Lucifer thrown the doctor to the floor. The guests screamed in embarrassment seeing Michael. He wasn't hurt, but he's naked, wearing nothing but his underpants and socks. Clearly Lucifer had ruined his outfit by blasting them up earlier.

"Michael, oh God! I have been looking all over for you. What happened to you? Are you alright?", Maria reached for her husband. "Lucifer-sama, what is going on? Did you just do something to him?"

"It's the other way around. You have no idea what a wicked man your husband is", Lucifer answered her. Then he explained the chronological events of what happened that caused Lucifer to be oppressive, including what her husband had done to Shizuka. "And you must know, this man standing before you has done what is considered to be a crime against humanity most importantly in medical sense. You and the president could read the report here."

Maria and the US president was shocked. "This is unforgivable! I can't believe you did this, Gedouin! Guards, take this man to custody! Don't let him out of your sight, and... please give him a proper clothing before we get back. I will surely arrange a trial, and he would be punished for his inhumane actions", the president promised him.

Maria approached the doctor. "I believe I should do this too", she said and slapped him. "I used to think that you're a good man but apparently you're not. You have been controlling me since we got married, you damn lunatic. You even forbid me from doing my duties in the True Cross Order!"

Shizuka widened her eyes considerably. "You're an exorcist?"

"Of course I do. Maria Yoshida, Second Class Exorcist Doctor at your service!", she winked playfully at the girl. "Well, I guess we'll meet often in the Order."

"I believe we'll do", Shizuka laughed. "Meanwhile, what are you going to do with him?"

"I certainly don't need a horrible man like him in my life. That's why, I'm planning on a divorce."

"Just do what you think is necessary", Lucifer advised her. He knew that marriages were complicated if a couple was unprepared. Too many things to consider, the reason for him to delay his timing for finding a mate. "Everyone, I think now things are settled. I need to accompany my partner to get home. Thank you for your invitation. We'll take our leave."

Shizuka then walked beside him to the entrance of the ballroom. But before they managed to get out, Lucifer keeled to the floor in pain and coughed heavily. The closed wounds on his face and neck tore open again. Shizuka was beyond shock and livid. "Lucifer, you big buffoon!"

"Aw! Please be gentle with my face, Shizuka. It's hurt!", he complained while she tended to his deteriorated face. They stopped by at the mansion before he took her home. He had changed to his usual clothing.

"Well, that's your own fault for using your powers too much! Do I have to remind you that you're still on your way to fully healed? You are such a crybaby!", she pulled his ear. He cowered seeing her irritated face.

There was brief silence between them both. "Sorry."

"What did you say, Lucifer?"

"I'm sorry, Shizuka. I was just trying to protect you. After what happened with Asmodeus, I don't want to see you getting hurt again."

"I understand. If only I didn't drink the sherry Gedouin gave me, both of us wouldn't be involved in this mess, twice. I made a mistake again."

"I don't blame you for what happened. He must be forced you to do so. At least you're okay. How is your condition?"

"The hangover has subsided, so I guess I'm fine."

He chuckled. "I'm glad to know. Thank goodness then. If you're still drunk when I accompany you to get home, I don't know what to say to your parents."

"You don't have to say anything. Besides, the possible worst scenario didn't happen", she winked. "And I think I need to give you this."

Lucifer's face reddened when she kissed him on the cheek. He gulped for one second, then smirked. "You know that I would do anything for you."

"Anything?", Shizuka questioned, oblivious.

"Yes, and I wouldn't mind about it", Lucifer gazed intently at her.

They walked to her house, and her parents have been waiting for her.

"Lucifer, thanks for taking me to the party with you. Despite what happened earlier, it's very enjoyable. I hope you will ask me again next time."

"Is that a request, I heard?", he mischievously inquired, and she only laughed.

Few minutes later, Shizuka prepared herself to go to sleep. But what she didn't know, Lucifer didn't return to the mansion immediately.

When she was asleep, Lucifer came to her room by the window. He approached her bed. While he smiled at seeing her face, he didn't want to disturb her sleep. To his surprise, before he left, she stood behind him. "Hey, you came. I thought you have go home."

"I just want to see you again before I leave. I apologize for disturbing you."

They only stared at each other for a while. "I have this feeling that you always want to tell me something, but you always keeping it to yourself. Are you alright?"

Lucifer was caught off guard. Wait a minute! Did she just say what he had always hope for? He really wanted to jump in happiness, but this was too soon. Just a little more time. "It's nothing really. You don't have to worry about me. I will certainly tell you when the time is right."

"Okay then. Are you going to leave now?"

"Not before I give you this", he pulled her closer to him and placed a kiss near the corner of her lips. "Good night, Shizuka."

Lucifer's sudden affection puzzled her, but she smiled nevertheless. She returned to bed.

Lucifer walked away and glanced to the window of her bedroom again. He smiled softly. "I'm the one who should be thanking you for coming with me. I hope you have a beautiful dream, my love."

A/N : Finally, the masquerade! Hehehe, when I wrote this chapter, I was inspired from three manga. The first is from Sailor Moon, where Usagi Tsukino and Mamoru Chiba (under his alias as Tuxedo Mask) having their masquerade dance. The kiss part was also inspired from this manga, but as you see Lucifer didn't kiss Shizuka directly. But don't worry, the tension here would be paid off in future chapters!

The second is from Yu-Gi-Oh!, when Anzu Mazaki was drugged by one of her perverted classmates and saved by Yami Yugi. The last, of course from the manga, when Lucifer punished Gedouin! Lol, I tried my best to keep this scene close to the manga, although less violent. But oh well, I hope you guys like this chapter!