Fast update because the recent reviews made me happy and I quit my job cuz the stress aint worth it

Apparently many of ye enjoyed the Death bits. I was worried fer nuthin'

Long chapter ahoy

Lucifer

Chapter XXVI

||The Necessities of Lies||

Rossweisse sat alone in the very grandiose and very long hallway of the Gremory Castle, at a sofa next to her room, thinking many things. Worrying about many things. Today was a day off for her peers. Other than the brief master-servant contract ceremony, they didn't really do much. Everyone's mood wasn't exactly the greatest, and she knew everyone was emotionally drained and needed time to cope.

Problem was, how much time will they need?

Akeno had shut herself in her room. Asia and Koneko never left theirs either. Koneko was blaming herself just as much, telling to herself that if she was stronger, Rossweisse wouldn't need to rescue her and Kiba. Asia felt helpless because she didn't know how to make her friends feel better. It was an awful chain-reaction that made everyone feel bad. But at the very least, it was good to know Koneko had Asia to try and help her get through her sorrow.

Only Kiba who 'handled' it better. Rossweisse thought he'd blame himself and drown in self-hatred just like her, but he didn't. He was stronger. That student of hers accepted his failure, and strived to be better. He had spent hours in the enormous backyard, training his physique and his Sacred Gear. Maybe it was his own method to help him move on… but nonetheless, Kiba was stronger than she was.

Still though, this unbearable time couldn't go any faster. She wished for it to end quickly.

"M'lady." A maid passed her by, continuing to do her daily work.

Rias was gone, and yet… the day kept moving on. The world didn't stop rotating to mourn the loss of the excellent Gremory Heiress. Everything went on.

She wanted to do something; she just didn't know what she could do.

Actually, no. She knew what she could do. She was just so scared of it. The thought alone made her heart race and her mind a mess. She worried over the conclusion before even starting it; anxiety had always been her biggest enemy.

But this time, Rossweisse thought, this time she will brave herself. She will enter that room, and say what is needed to be said and finally rid of this uneasiness in her heart.

Taking a deep breath, Rossweisse gathered all of her courage. It may not be many or large, and other people might make fun of it, but she tried to gather as much as she could. Taking a step towards that room nearly drained most of it, and by the time she was right in front of the white wooden door, her earlier resolve seemed to wilt like a flower.

She took another breath, exhaling it slowly, and forced herself to knock it a few times and push the handle and then the door. The door clicked, and it swung open. It was never locked like she thought.

"Akeno…?" She peeked inside. The bedroom was the exact same as hers, same layout and furniture, only darker since everything was shut close and no lamps were lighted. It was nearly pitch black when Rossweisse closed the door and walked towards the bed.

"Akeno…" Her tone carried sadness this time as she approached her. She noticed Akeno didn't touch her food that was still on the bedside table on the silver platter. "Talk to me…"

"…Yes? What do you want to talk about, Sensei?" She wasn't looking at her. She had her body covered in the blanket except from her neck upwards, and her voice was… off. It had the same jovial tone, but raspy. Crying could do that to your voice. It was obvious to Rossweisse that Akeno was forcing herself to speak.

Rossweisse sat by the bed, working her minds on what to say as she stared at the lump under the blanket. She didn't know what to say, and she might didn't think this through, but everything in her demanded her to come in this room, and face Akeno.

But now she was here, she could only sit in silence as the demons in her head started to claw their way out, forming the thoughts that began with a single question; 'Why am I like this?'

'I will bring her back.'

His voice suddenly echoed in her mind. Lucifer's. He who had taken all of her burdens for him to carry. Nobody knew what the future holds, if he, Sirzechs, and Azazel, would succeed in their search… but as long as there is hope… as long as that Holy Grail could be attained…

Rias is never truly dead.

"Rias…" She whispered. Her heart sank as she saw Akeno started to tremble, but she kept talking. "It's going to be alright… They'll bring her back. I have faith in them. There is hope, Akeno… I know you're sad but please don't give in. I'm here for you. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you. If you want to be mad at me, please be mad at me… You can blame me for everything that happened. It's my fault… but… don't give up on them."

"Sensei…" Akeno croaked.

A ray of hope. "…Yes?"

"…I wish it was you…"

Those words struck like a dagger through her heart. That ray of light died in that instant. "…Me too."

Akeno started to sob. "I'm sorry… Leave me alone… please."

"Okay. I hope you feel better."

Rossweisse left.

Break

She felt her heart wrenched away, and as the Valkyrie shut herself in her room, wishing for a certain someone to be there with her, to keep her company as she felt she had nobody else, desperately trying to stop herself from crying that was refused by her eyes, Rias realized something.

"Guilt…" she muttered as a single tear slithered down her cheek, "is that the worst feeling?"

Death took a deep and long sigh. It felt relieving to know that Death was taking his time to sincerely answer her seemingly out of nowhere question.

"This is only from an outsider's perspective, as I'm only an observer. And there are many things relating to feelings that are too dependent to that person's view. For some, it's anxiety. Fear. Loneliness. And yet for some, it's hope."

Rias looked away from the television to focus more on his words. "Hope?"

"Yes. Anxiety is when you sit and worry about things that you think is beyond your control, your vision becomes a tunnel with no light in sight. No doubt a destructive emotion." Rias agreed on that. "Hope makes you believe there is light at the end of your tunnel, and crush you the moment you arrive at the end and realize there was never such light."

"But isn't hope… good? I mean isn't that what motivates people?"

"Oh certainly. Having hope can grant you the drive you need to better your life. But nothing that is 'too much' is good. Too much hope may set you up for hopelessness when you didn't get what you hoped for. Too much fear might render you frozen instead of taking action; say, running away from an imminent danger, thus saving yourself, instead of simply standing there unable to do anything. But hope is not quite the same- if you trust in yourself…and believe in your dreams…and follow your star…you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.

"But, truly, dear, to bring us back to your question; there is no definite answer. To some, it is the feeling of being betrayed by someone you trust most. Some others, it is the day they lost their loved ones, or being in love with someone who doesn't feel the same. Financial instability. Being forgotten. Having no friends or no one to love.

For you it might be helplessness as you can only sit here, watching her breaking herself. Or guilt, as you still find yourself is the one to be blamed for all of this that resulted in your friend's despair.

"There isn't a clear measurement for the 'worst feeling' for the creations as a whole, such as there isn't a clear measurement for the 'best feeling'. It's relative, is what I wanted to say, but I am fairly certain that sort of vague reply would not satisfy you."

"…Thank you." Rias muttered after the stun had passed. She thought for a moment. "…Then what about you? To you, what is the worst feeling?"

That silenced Death for quite a time. It was fascinating to see that even Death took his time to think before answering; Rias felt that if more people do the same, things would be better.

"I have not dwelled upon it enough to be disturbed by it, child. I've had sad times and I've had good times, but I am yet to have is the time that is to come. I have always found the mysteries scattered between the certainties fascinate me more to dwell about the past. Although," Death paused, looking as if he just learned a new realization. "perhaps it is a diversion over the loneliness in knowing I am the only 'God'."

"You worry about me, I see. I appreciate it, child, but how I feel rarely matters." Death explained calmly. It was not a statement of self-pity, rather a statement of understanding that regardless of how he was feeling, he will do his duties. Rias, somehow, caught this instead of misunderstanding. "Instead of mine, hers should be more worrying."

Death nudged at the television, and Rias turned to see Rossweisse wracking in her sobs. Who could tell the amount of self-doubt she was experiencing right now but herself?

"Right…" Rias muttered sadly. "But you tell me that like I can do something…"

"No, but someone there can."

"Lucifer…?"

Break

There is a certain level of annoyance that equates to insanity; for Azazel, it's when his workers decided that working for Kokabiel had a brighter future compared to him, when somebody 'tinkered' with his research without telling him or his permission, or when someone ate his sandwich from the office's fridge. This time too, he was bound to lose his mind over the two Lucifers.

"She was my sister."

"Oh gods- you're like a broken record. Or is this on repeat?"

"I could have protected her better."

"Well we couldn't tell. Neither of us were there were we."

"You were closer to her."

Rinse and repeat. The only difference being Azazel descending down to his ladder of madness each time a new differently worded rebuke was developed.

"Will the both of you knock it off? I can't believe I'm saying this to two Lucifers, but are you two a child?"

"Am the Son of God, actually."

"You should've stayed at Heaven."

"Oh-ho, let's not go there." Lucifer's tone went grim. That pushed his buttons. "Figuratively speaking and literally speaking."

"Quit it. Grow a pair." Azazel chided, slamming the round table in frustration. "Instead of bickering, why don't you help me to plan a way in to the vampire's territory? Hm? Or you'd rather for her to stay dead longer? I don't know how the Grail works. I don't know if there's a limit on how dead the dead can be revived."

Now, being glared by two Lucifers would be unnerving, but not for Azazel as he knew he was right. And that sentence, no matter how callous or crudely spoken, struck them back to their level-headed way of thinking.

Sirzechs seethed a sigh. "…Right. I'm sorry. Just can't wrap my head around this whole thing yet."

"…You're right anyway. I should've protected her better. Now Rosie won't stop condemning herself."

"Why don't you calm her down then?" Sirzechs sent a glare. Rias recently died and he had gone to charm another woman? What kind of a Devil is he?

"Because she's alive." Lucifer sent back the glare, though he was more of a very snarky smile instead of a glare. "Bringing Rias back will rid her of her guilt, as well as all of ours."

"Guilt that shouldn't have emerged should you have PROTECTED HER BETTER!"

Azazel sent his palm to his face. "Ladies, please. You've been at this for hours. Why don't you both find a hotel and leave me to work on this alone? I'm sure I'll still get the same amount of help regardless." That got them quiet. For now at least. "Jesus- it's like I'm babysitting two babies here. Unpaid. Stop talking like we're going to fail already. Well, we will, if you two keep doing this."

The two Lucifers shifted on their seats uncomfortably.

"Now then, fresh ideas would be very welcomed."

Lucifer leaned back on his chair, crossing his arms, being quiet. Azazel accepted this as this devil likely didn't have much to give; at least the sane ideas.

Sighing, Sirzechs massaged his forehead with his fingers. That small bout actually gave him quite the headache. "What options do we have?"

"Legally? In a way that won't piss either sides? Not much. One does not simply walk into Transylvania. We need to rely on your sister's dhampir—whatshisface?"

"Gasper Vladi." Sirzechs tone was a bit crass. He didn't take kindly to anyone looking down on his servants, or his family's.

Azazel crossed his hands. "Right. That. Tell me why he isn't coming again?"

"He's a coward. What else?" Lucifer answered offhandedly.

"YOU do not KNOW of his story."

"I don't and frankly I don't care of 'his story'. I am, however, well aware he could've helped where he didn't."

"He is helping more than you can."

Lucifer grunted. That was low. Not really much he could say to that when all of his suggestions had been blatantly denied. Granted, most of it included violence and lifting the vampires one by one, hanging them upside down, and shaking them down for the chalice.

Azazel just didn't care at this point. "Run me again about that?"

"He's contacting his close friend; Valerie Tepes. The two were childhood friends before he was exiled."

The mention of the word 'exile' had Lucifer slightly regretted his words. As one himself, he had a soft spot for exiles.

"Tepes?" Azazel raised his eyebrows. "Hmm. What's her relation with the current head?"

"Other than sharing the same family name? No idea."

"Well if that's not some great news." Azazel slumped. "A girl, eh? Do you think they'll go easy on her because she's a Tepes?"

"Your guess is as good as mine." Sirzechs sighed, "There hasn't been any reply either. My father would've contacted us already if there was."

The Governor clicked his tongue. "Must you kill my optimism like that?"

"I don't know how it is in your part of Hell," Oh boy, here it comes, thought Azazel. The 'back in my days' but the devils' version. "but we don't hold optimism in high regards."

"What? Doom and gloom are your color?"

"We can't afford to." Sirzechs let loose of another sigh, this time almost as heavy. He thought for a moment, as though pondering whether or not to say something, but then decided; "I'm no longer a Satan, I suppose it's fine."

He stared at Azazel with a grim look, even Lucifer couldn't help but show interest in hearing.

Sirzechs leaned forward. "The Underworld is being torn apart from the inside. You'd think the Satans hold the highest influence but no. We're just symbols- a glorified figurehead. The true leader of the Underworld is the head of House Bael. Always has, always been."

Lucifer leaned forward; one eyebrow slightly raised. "Zekram?"

"He is the only devil who is part of the 72 Pillars. The first one." Sirzechs muttered, "But he's no longer the same devil who led us. He felt his old age coming for him and he's eyeing his retirements. I managed to get him to stall it a little bit longer, but even so, his son – Bael – who even discarded his first name because he thought as if he's the only rightful Bael there is, has gathered his own supporters. For whatever it is, I doubt it's anything close to peace for Hell."

"The apple fell far off the tree?" Lucifer speculated.

"Too far. Much too far."

"Beyond help? Isn't he your uncle?"

"Beyond help." Sirzechs affirmed. "He sees his own sons as failures, Lucifer. His own sons. He never considered the Gremory to be a part of Bael clan. He treats us as he would treat anyone; with no regards."

"Ah. Balls." Lucifer pursed his lips. Never a good feeling to hear your close friend fathered a problematic child.

Sirzechs continued, "I don't know what he's planning, but he's gotten rid of me from the Satans. I don't know who will replace me. It can't be his sons- he loathes his sons. It'll be someone who will follow him blindly. And with my exile from politics, our influences with the other Houses are severely hampered. Even to the devils in general. There's no one willing to spy against him when he must have eyes everywhere."

"Pardon me," Azazel interjected, "you mentioned 'our influences'?"

"Those that doesn't want him as the next ruler. Until my expulsion, I was meant to be the candidate. A coup, to put simply. Before, I had the support of the people but…" another sigh. "It's hard for the common people to look up to someone who's been dishonorably discharged. I know Bael will use this opportunity to drill that fact to them."

"Weren't you the Hero of War or something?" Azazel pointed out. "A bit harsh of your people to just turn around on you."

"No- you don't understand. That was decades ago, and I'm facing my own allies from that war. The people won't know who to believe."

"Then make them."

"Hard to do when I'm supposedly under house arrest."

As Sirzechs looked down, dejected, Azazel raised an option. "Well, there's this Brit. Why not him?"

Lucifer's thoughts became muddled with complications. This was what Zekram meant when he begged him to lead. That old croon, leaving out the important details when it was already this messy. Why couldn't he just enjoy his life?

Lucifer stood up before anyone could stay a thing, and stepped into the balcony. Outside, he saw the clear sky of Hell, purplish in color. The false sun beaming down the rolling of the lush green hills, at the blue ridged mountains on the distance. A sight he had hoped to see during his 'rule'.

"Did you notice," he began, gripping the barrier of the balcony, "we've had some suggestive looks downstairs. Think about it; three men, booking a single room of a hotel filled with succubi and fallen angels going at it day and night."

Both Azazel and Sirzechs shivered equally at the premise.

"Back in my days- whoa, I can't believe I used that phrase, but there it is." Lucifer chuckled, "Well anyway… back in my days, no one would think that way. It never occurred to them to begin with; too starved, I suppose. Rotten flesh, demon-meat, no crops whatsoever. Not particularly nutritious or balanced diet." Lucifer turned around, facing the two. "We were living, but you wouldn't call that living is it? And I'm sure it's not much different to where you were then."

Azazel shrugged in an agreeing manner. He'd rather not look back at his past struggles.

Lucifer eyed Sirzechs. "So, what I'm asking you is; is this Bael, should he become the ruler, has the potential to ruin all of these? These- these lands that me and my closest friends, died for?"

"This is only my speculation; he knows not everyone supports him, and he's aware that as long as Lord Zekram Bael still holds the rule, he won't raise too much attention. But once Lord Zekram retires… and no one's truly above Bael… he will eliminate his opposers. One by one at first. My guess is from the lowest Houses that no other neutral Houses will raise an eye. And then one after another, and when we're weakened, he'll eliminate the rest."

"Ah great. A dictator in the making." Lucifer groaned, "Not long after he'll grow a mustache and have people give him a weird salute."

"Don't give him the idea." Sirzechs warned, "Once he has the backing of the entire Underworld… who knows what he'll do. Take out a faction leader and plunge them into anarchy, raise the tension among the factions… trigger a massive war. Invade other lands, starting from Hell. Whatever it is, Hell and even the other worlds can never be at peace in the hand of that devil."

Azazel said nothing. He knew well his faction couldn't prepare for another war. Not after what happened with Kokabiel. There were still few more rooting out he needed to take care of.

"Why. Is it just me, or my shoulders just felt heavier?" Lucifer returned to his seat, deflating into the chair as all eyes were on him. "Peer pressuring me hm? Aren't you two a mature leader."

"You brought together the entire Hell. Including the demons." Sirzechs said, "Why can't you do it all again?"

"Because I'm not of this age." Lucifer's stare was hard and cold. Bitter. "Look at me and tell me how many of my people are alive at this moment, aside from Zekram." He waited for the answer that never came. "Right? No one. I have no one. I had 72 of them back then."

Sirzechs pressed on. "They're not here anymore but there are those who can take their place. I am one."

Lucifer smirked and chuckled, "Beacon of confidence aren't you."

"No. I mean it. I am one of the strongest devils. Then there's Serafall, Ajuka, and Falbium. You have the four Satans willing to back you-"

"Technically, three."

Sirzechs rolled his eyes. "Three. Three Satans, and the Hero of the Civil War. Our own peerages; each one capable to take care of three high-class devils at once. House Sitri and House Gremory will certainly support you, and House Phenex, and other great houses. You have Lady Paimon. Not all is lost, Lucifer."

Casually, Azazel raised his hand. "I'd back you up. Just don't get my people killed."

"The 72 Pillars might have crumbled, but we can help you rebuild them."

Lucifer wasn't moved. "An intense speech, well done, but I think you forgot the part where I united the entire Hell to a defeat. My résumé isn't that great, as you should be aware."

"And you led them to many triumphs."

"Did those triumphs mattered in the end? No. It did not. It's the end result that mattered." Lucifer ended that argument. "So no. I can't. I don't want to. I've had enough of 'leading'. How many times have I said that and how many more? You've been doing alright so far. Keep at it."

His blood boiled. "Have you always been this easy to yield? How selfish can you be? This entire world is at stake. You can make the difference. You are the difference."

"Mmmmnope."

Sirzechs raised from his seat abruptly, slamming the table. "How could you be this pathetic?! How are you the same Lucifer who led and ruled Hell?!"

Lucifer wasn't one to raise his voice when others did, he saw no point in it. So he spoke calmly, "It's just a simple guess, but perhaps because he didn't lose his brothers and sisters then?"

At that, Sirzechs quietly pondered his words, and pondered the loses that took place during that time, and how it could affect a leader. As he did, he sat back down, guilt on his face.

The effects were rather harmful, actually. Azazel was quite familiar with it; watching the men you took into battle with you, live their own life, build their family, grow old and then… die.

Outliving his friends felt like a curse for Azazel. No wonder it was enough to engulf the spirit of a Lucifer and kill it; Lucifer outlived almost everyone.

"I couldn't get attached to anyone at that time. Couldn't develop any feelings to anyone if they became an objective for the enemies the very next day, can I? Might as well paint a target on their back and save myself the emotional struggle?"

Not much could be said to that. Sirzechs took a deep breath. Losing felt strange for the Hero of the Great War. He'd forge a path for dead ends, be the beacon for his people in the time of need, but right now, he could do neither.

"I've had enough of losing, thank you very much." Lucifer said, "I've had enough of binding responsibilities. So, no. I won't be your leader. I've said it to Zekram and now you. I'll give you my vote though."

What else could be said against that? With a heavy heart, Sirzechs surrendered. The King of Devils had remained dead all along.

"With that said, let's focus on bringing Rias back, shall we?"

The door flung open, and everyone stopped to see the scarlet hair that nearly made Lucifer's heart stop.

"Lady Paimon?" Sirzechs said in confusion while Lucifer's heart deflated. The resemblance was uncanny and something he found to be a very cruel joke. "How did you- what brings you here?"

"Grim tidings, I'm afraid." Lady Paimon entered the room, shutting the door behind her and enchanting the whole room in magic; so that no voices could leak out. "Good afternoon, gentlemen."

The 'gentlemen' in the room all gave her the 'gentlemen nod'.

"I've heard everything from King Bael." She said, "His heart breaks as much as yours. Through me, he wished to lend you his aid. If it's safe passage to the vampire's territory is what you needed, I will serve as his diplomat. No sane being will refuse to give audience to a High King's envoy."

"Grandfather?" Sirzechs himself appeared just as surprised. "…Why?"

He received a dagger-like glare from the scarlet lady. "His highness loves her just as much as you do. He has faith in you. You especially, Lord Lucifer."

"Ah gee, it's not like I didn't need another expectation to carry."

"My Lord, the realm is under dire threat at this very moment. No telling when they will strike. King Bael is aware of this and knows that you won't turn your attention until this matter is settled. You may yet to change your mind, but at the very least please lend us your aid. This concerns those you love as well."

"Alright, alright. Fine. Suppose we'll just see." Lucifer sighed deeply. He didn't want to start another monologue and he had wasted enough time already. "Let's go to those bloody bloodsuckers already."

"The Carmilla Faction is the one willing to accept us, and as there is still no reply from the Tepes Faction, it's our best option. I've arranged the transports and we'll leave at dusk. I suggest you all to take a rest and prepare yourself for the journey." Lorelei said, "Good day, gentlemen, I will come and guide you later."

The three men stared at each other. They have done nothing but be weepy and this woman here had handled everything for them.

"Dang. She didn't even bat an eye at me. It's like I'm not a fallen angel or anything."

"That's just how she is. She doesn't care if you're a devil or a fallen angel or any other races. Everyone's equal in her eyes and she treats them fairly. Could be a bit idealistic at times, but she's dutiful. We're lucky to have them on our side."

Azazel and Lucifer exchanged glances.

"Someone's swooning." Azazel teased, and Lucifer grinned along.

"…I respect her. There's a difference."

"Sure you do." The governor shrugged. "Well you heard the lady, better get some rest. You lot don't look like you had enough sleep."

True. None of the Lucifers could sleep, each one too distraught over Rias' death.

"I'm taking the couch." Lucifer said, quickly sprawling himself over the sofa, leaving the two other men to share the queen's bed. He wasn't sure if he could sleep, but this was a better option than sharing a bed.

Azazel paused, and glanced at Sirzechs, and grinned ear to ear. "Don't worry. I can be as gentle as a feather."

"I'll have the floor, thanks."

Break

"…" Rias clutched her chest. Who knew being dead didn't make you immune to heartbreak? And that she would have three powerful people looking for a way to bring her back to life? "All of this… they're doing it for me?"

"Who else?"

"But… I'm just… Compared to all of them, I'm just a nobody."

"Is that what you believe?"

"No… but… they're forsaking their daily duties, things I'm sure are more important if what my brother said is true… for me?"

"Is it strange? Lucifer loves you. Your brother adores you. These are the two who are willing to go through anything for you. The rest merely follows them as they believe the sooner those two can focus on other matters, the better."

"Will they succeed?"

Death looked at her gently. "Depends on their action."

"…" Rias took a moment to take it all in. Will her death cause even more problem? Worse, disturb the Underworld? "…What my brother said, was it all true?"

"Yes."

Abruptly, she glanced over to the white-haired man beside her. A pleading look. "Can't you help them?"

"Of course. But I'd rather not."

Her face turned to one of shock, and then contorted to anger. "Why?!"

"Many reasons. I'd rather not meddle with Lucifer's choices or the sake of the world. It is my sibling's creation, should you pay attention. He may be dead but I intend to keep his creations alive."

A light tease was all it took to make this heiress all puffy, sulking like a stubborn mule. "I don't get it." She huffed, pacing back and forth. "What's— what's your duty? What do you exactly do as a 'God'?"

"Idly stand and watch." Death replied with a nonchalant chuckle, "I'll tell you what I do, lass; As God believed in redemption, He had no guts to do what is needed to do to ensure the continuation of the world.

"I make sure there can be no monsters you don't ever want to know or learn about." He crushed the air with one hand, resulting in a tiny splash of blue supernova, "I crush their soul so you can sleep at night, so their parents could weep for them before they become the monsters their world will despise."

"Wait- won't people find it odd?"

"They do. They even gave me another name; Sudden Infant Death Syndrome"

Rias made a face. "You must've missed some. What about Hitler? What about the evil gods? Surely there are those?"

Death looked her straight in her eyes, and his chilling blue eyes felt as though they were capable of freezing her whole.

"Child, those are the minor ones."

Rias went quiet. She shuddered at the thought of those worse monsters.

Rias nearly jumped as mists; grey and white, moving liquidly like ink in a bowl of water, swirling out of thin air and shifting into a woman clad in gray cloth that wrapped around her body like a dress. Slender yet beautiful, with piercing gaze of her icy blue eyes.

A goddess, thought Rias, in a literal meaning. Her skin looked smooth but ashen-colored like a very smooth stone. Her hair was white as snow, and they were slowly dancing in the air, floating like it was underwater in a somewhat soothing manner.

But for some reason, Rias felt uneasy.

"My, my… what have we here?" The goddess sounded exactly as Rias thought she would; coy and flirtatious, a sensuous, breathy, sighing voice that all men desired and all women despised. Temptation positively dripped from her words and expression, a dangerous ability to sound persuasive without ever truly raising her voice. "Strange of you to be keeping hold of a soul, o' Nameless One."

Rias studied Death's change of expression; there wasn't any. Further study was made impossible as the goddess turned her attention to the devil in the room instead.

"Mmn, ah… a devil?" She grinned darkly, narrowing her eyes as Rias held her breath, looking at Death out of instinct to find help. "Ooh… And not just 'a' devil- you're the devil. Mhmhm, how delightful. I was in need of an entertainment myself."

"You'd do well to mind yourself. She's a guest, as you are."

Though the 'warning' was said calmly, Rias saw a glimpse of fear in the goddess' eyes. Another reminder that Death was… well, still seen as Death by other gods.

"I know, I know." The goddess reeled away, floating smoothly towards him. "You're too uptight. Live a little, dear Death." She whirred as she swirled a delicate finger on his chest, drawing circles as she eyed him with an inscrutable expression. "There's much joy in living to be had for you to be uptight… Why don't you let me introduce you to one of them? Hmm? That counter over there looks quite lonesome…"

Rias widened her eyes, unsure what to think but she definitely didn't want to see or hear that. Was that how gods flirt and make their advances? Brazen, straightforward, and off-putting for the innocent bypasser? Or was it just her?

Possibly just her.

"So very few ideas in this entire universe can be as repulsive as the one you've suggested." Death simply said.

Rias would lose face from that blatant rejection. Those words would haunt her whenever she sleeps if she was that goddess, but the goddess only tittered prudently, the haughty 'mhmhmhm' kind of giggle that all coy, women do. Basically a seductress who knew she was one.

"Sharp tongue. It's no wonder you've yet to find a spouse."

"That implies I was ever in the search for one."

"My oh my, you sound like a loner."

"Indeed I am. And yet here you are." Death blew a wind on her and she was 'pushed' away, eyes slightly widened over his treatment. "Many places you've been and yet none you'd visit as often. Many 'gods' you've observed and yet here you are; back to me, a challenge you set your eyes upon to help you rid the hollowness inside you."

Despite her glare, she looked a little flustered. Rias had a feeling what he said was the truth. Something must had happened to the goddess.

She strutted away with a look of disgust. "Hmph. I've long forgotten about him. And gods? Ugh… They're either proudly dimwitted or meek."

"What of the humans? Unable to find the one to replace him?"

"Pesky ants. They live and die all too quickly now…" The goddess purred, "They're getting a tad bit too many there, Death~ that world is dying and you know it. Why don't we make a deal? Hmm? Let me start the third world war… cut down a few billions of life... And let's say I'll… do anything you'd want me to."

She was never in a position to bargain; this Rias was aware off. She supposed not even goddesses could tell what Death really wanted, and maybe it was for the best. If someone like Death could be manipulated, that someone would be a very, very dangerous being.

"Nothing you can do can gratify me." He said, cold-like despite the warmth in his tone. "Now off you go. You're making her uneasy."

The Goddess of Chaos liked getting what she wanted. That was what being a goddess is all about; getting what she wanted… and having the power to get it. As she had been since she was but a mere hateful demon. So when she didn't get what she wanted, she tend to be rather… upset.

She hissed, clicking her tongue. "Always so dull, aren't you? Unlike that little creation of yours…" The goddess tittered, smiling wickedly as she waltzed over to Rias. "Mhmhm~ that one knows how to have fun."

Rias was only a little bit surprised. Of course she knew; she's a goddess. She didn't like the way her blue eyes glinted though.

"What do you want?"

"My, my. So apprehensive~ that's not how you address a Goddess." The goddess chuckled while Death merely kept an eye on her. "Are you afraid I could steal him away?"

Rias narrowed her eyes and stared at her. She decided she didn't need to be afraid of this goddess. She was dead anyway.

"Oooh… feisty. You've the nerve to stare down a Goddess of Chaos… How rebellious. Maybe I will have him for myself."

"You can try. I know him."

That challenging tone irked the goddess. "You don't think I'd be able to do it? I know your man… Lucifer. The Morning Star… The fool who still thinks he's the son of God… A sad lie." Rias felt something burned in her as this deity said his name with a dark smile. "I know how easily he is swayed by anything with a woman's body… how honeyed words can spark interest within him… Oh I know, sweetie, he isn't a man that can be bound for one woman."

Rias didn't falter. She had pretty much accepted that the moment he made Rossweisse fall for him. "And that's exactly why you won't have him for yourself."

"Oh yes I can. And when I do… I will leave him mystified... broken."

"Good luck to that."

The Goddess seethed. For once, someone that wasn't a god stepped up to her. That deserved a little bit of admiration, that much she could agree.

"Should more be like you, things might finally get more interesting down there. It's a pity you're dead."

"What do you want?" Rias asked again. Because she was not going to get riled just because this goddess thought she could.

"What I want? Mhmm. What I want is simple; for this 'time of peace' to end within the mortal realm… Too many are getting compliant. Ignorant for what may yet to come…" She smiled sinisterly, before giggling and acting as though she never said that. "Oh, dearie me. Am I not supposed to say that out loud? My bad."

Finally aware of what she could do and the threat she pose to the Underworld, Rias looked at Death with alarm. "You let her live when she says that?"

"It's necessary." Death replied simply. "A chaotic time will show the true colors of any living being. Had there been no wars, there will be no treaties to prevent it. It will not completely cease the existence of future wars, but it helps slow its rate of birth. Had there been no wars, some nations will not exist. Some lessons will not be learned without chaos. A cure can never be found without disease. Good men died during the war, but so did those who were evil. It's necessary to perpetually remind all beings the value of peace and the horrors of war."

"But! …Ngh…" No use arguing with Death, Rias realized. All the words he said made sense for her to start doubting him.

"Well, what can I say? The mortal world needs their goddess." She giggled gleefully, "Speaking of which… it can't be soon enough, but it looks like it will once again descend into chaos… Oooh sweet, beautiful, chaos…" She grasped the air with both of her hands, 'crushing' it.

That worried Rias more. "The Underworld?"

"Oh no. No, dear, no." The Goddess smiled, "Well… not just the Underworld… but everything. My~ I can't wait for that moment to come..."

"What do you mean… You mean it can't be prevented?" Now Rias was horrified. Her home world wracked by deaths and wars? How many dead devils will it take for her kind to learn?

"Aww… darling… It's been in motion the very day you died." She purred as she cupped Rias' chin, staring at her sweetly with murky intent. "Don't you see? It's the ripple. It's like… a domino. Your death is the first piece that started the fall."

Which meant if she didn't charge Kokabiel blindly, the war could be prevented still. Rias looked at Death with horror as everything dawned on her, and she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders.

"What… What have I done?"

"You did what you thought was right. Nothing more can be said to that. Whether you died or not, it won't matter. The war between worlds will occur. She made it sound as though your dead is the only cause. It isn't."

At Death's explanation, the goddess sighed exasperatedly as once again he thwarted her fun.

"…O... Oh… But… no matter what I did, it wouldn't matter?"

"No. It matters. Had you didn't come to save her, Rossweisse will die. Your choice mattered in that regard. But it will not change the fact that a war is inevitable. Rossweisse's death will send you to a downward spiral and you will lock yourself in your room. You will never stop blaming yourself, and driven by your heartbreak, Lucifer and your brother will take an action that will send the entire Underworld into an uproar, and ultimately, breaks into a war."

"Hmph. Killjoy." The goddess muttered. "But you get it now do you? No matter what you do… what anyone does… the world you adore will sink into chaos. Revel in it, sweetheart, as I certainly will. But in the meantime, I suppose I will pay your darling a visit."

"Wait!"

Too late. Her body contorted into smokes as she vanished from the bar, leaving Rias to her stormy feelings.

"What… what can I do…?"

As she was on the verge of tear, Death placed a hand on her head, and gently stroked her lush crimson hair.

"Nothing, child. That is reality for the dead." He whispered, "But remember that no one is truly dead until the ripples the cause in the world die away. The life of the dead resonates firmly in the memories of the living."

"But what will happen to my home? If war is inevitable, then how many will die? What about-" Rias started to choke, scared by her own imagination. "what about my family...? Will they be safe?"

'Who is ever truly safe in a world where danger lurks every corner?' Was what Death wanted to say, but he knew it was not something she needed. Not another cold, hard and bitter truth she needed to swallow.

So he kept it vague. "Your father is a strong man. So is your brother. And your mother. And your sister. Your head maid. And then there's Lucifer. So very few that they are unable to protect. But I must say, child, you are a selfless person. Not even being dead could stop you from worrying about others."

"…That's… I… I don't know. Was that truly selfless? They're my family… of course I want them to be alright. Same goes to my friends and Lucifer… I don't want them hurt because they're important to me. I don't think I'd say the same if they weren't…"

"Humble too." Death chuckled, "It's fine, lass. How you perceive yourself rarely mirrors how others perceive who you are. I find you to be endearing… loving, selfless, and modest. Respectful. May these things won't change."

Rias blushed lightly. Compliments weren't a new thing for her, but genuine compliments were actually quite a rarity; especially one coming from a supposed primordial being such as Death who was not death.

"…Who was that…? She's a goddess, isn't she? And Goddess of Chaos…" Rias winced. What other 'necessary' gods were there?

"That was Lilith. Formerly a demon, Adam's Wife. Now a Goddess of Chaos and Discord."

"WHAT?! Wh- what?! How?! How could a demon turn into a goddess?!"

"Because she saw the corrupt nature of the creations and that nothing God do could stop it – without taking away their free will, that is. In His despair, she offered Him a way to slow its growth; through chaos and disorder may humans form bonds with each other. Brotherly bonds that would last a generation or two, and fear of war that may last indefinitely.

"But of course. War. Famine. Pestilence. The creations will gradually recover from these. They will find ways to shorten these periods, prevent it, even. Yet they will inevitably give way to their corrupt desires that are born through ignorance, thus repeating the cycle. For as long as 'ignorance' is never truly replaced by 'empathy', there can never be a world of everlasting peace. A world without scarcity or starvation. A world without conflicts or hostilities; the only thing that God desperately wanted for His creations to learn, until the very last moment of His life."

"Unfortunately, narrow are the minds of the creations. They do not think before they act. They believe what they want to believe, care what they want to care, and ignore what they don't. And as long as they cannot defeat 'ignorance', chaos and disorder will remain a necessity. God learned of this. And as she was the wife of His first creation, He felt obliged to trust her. After all, who knew the heart of humans better than she who had spend a lifetime beside them? She who tempted the first man?

"Before He abandoned His creations, He granted her godhood, to bring chaos when needed. Of course, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. It can be quite vexing having to deal with her sudden urges, such as one you just saw."

"...I... see..." Rias replied dejectedly as she held her temples. Her head already ached over her constantly growing worry.

If Death said so, then nothing could be done to avoid it. The Underworld will see another time of turmoil. What will happen to those she care?

Break

Lord Bael despised bad news. Each time a great news came, bad news arrived seemingly out of nowhere simply to tick him off his stride. This one in particular, upset him the most so far that he nearly crushed an expensive bottle of red wine that tripled his maid's monthly salary. But Lord Bael was a man who knew his drinks, and he calmly settled the bottle down, and terrified a disciplined maid enough to make her scurry away.

"Paimon…" He seethed with rage, his blood boiling as the face of his 'sister' appeared in his head, smiling mockingly at him. He didn't forsake the possibility of the Gremory asking for the High King's help, but he didn't expect help would come in the form of a very capable Lady.

"Lorelei Paimon… you two-faced wench..."

"My. Mind your language." Rizevim Lucifer said as he leaned back on his chair. Watching this Bael's expression had became a rather entertaining activity.

"Expected, yet disappointing nonetheless." Bael replied, sitting down on his chair behind his desk. "The marriage is less than four days away. They must not return a single minute before."

Rizevim lifted one leg. "I'll have the fools chase them around while they search for the Grail. They won't stop them, but stall them at the very least. Then you take it off their hands once they return. If they fail to find it, then they've wasted their time. Not too complicated, is it?"

"…Right… yes. That is if those jesters can hold them."

"You know how engrossed they are in proving their mettle to me. Pathetic, really." Rizevim chuckled, "They'll give their life if that can grant them my acknowledgement. They might be rash, but they have quite the followers, surprisingly. At the very least a day or two. The rest relies on their success in dealing with the vampires, which, I find, to be strenuous. They won't simply lend them their Grail."

"That can be easily managed- that's not what upset me, it's Paimon." Bael linked his fingers together, adopting a very villainous look. "She needs to be dealt with. Her and the Gremorys."

"Familial matters, I see."

Few devils dare to send a glare to Rizevim; Bael was one of them. "They never were, and never will be."

"Then what's there to worry? They let their kid do as he pleases, a blatant rejection to your orders- oh I apologize, the council's order. Perhaps not enough to have them executed, but a gentle tap on their wrist."

"…It's fine. They will expect my punishment to be as severe as I can manage. I'll let them off lightly this time… a few crudely written words should lessen their suspicion. But that fool of a hero will be deemed fugitive after the next council meeting."

"And the Paimon?"

"She's the High King's confidant. The risk isn't worth the reward. I'll let him think I let her off out of courtesy for him… but once he's gone from that seat, I'll have her drawn and quartered. She will be the last of her kind."

Rizevim laughed quietly as he shook his head. Dear, dear Bael. So easily riled. If it wasn't for his cunning, Bael wouldn't be sitting here with him.

"Speaking of which, they couldn't pick of a less conspicuous naming for their merry band, could they?" Rizevim pointed out, "'Khaos Brigade'? Are you serious?"

"Is that what you find important, my Lord?"

"No. It's what disturb me. Why not Chaos Brigade? What's the matter with 'C'?"

Lord Bael would very much rather not deal with this pointless conversation. "Fret on how we can get Belial to our side instead of that."

"Give the man a reason to comply." Rizevim casually said like it could be easily done with a snap of a finger.

"I'd rather avoid threatening him nor his family. He isn't a devil to be controlled by threats, and if he sides with the enemy, it'll overcomplicate things."

"Then don't. He's obsessed with his sister's death isn't he—what's her name?"

"Cleria Belial. She's his cousin." Bael corrected. "What of her? She died years ago."

"True. And still he can't accept her death."

Bael eyed Rizevim with doubt and confusion. "What are you suggesting to be done, my Lord? She died because of their silly theatrical play of forbidden love; he knows of this already."

"So? He struggles to accept that closure. Develop another one. Let him think that you know more to it. Give him false promises, such and such. It's not that hard, no? Or need I personally handle him myself?"

"…No… no need." A dark grin had crept upon Bael's face. "You're ingenious, my Lord. I may not require to develop anything, in fact. Other than his cousin, it's the Rating Game he's most passionate with… perhaps something to do with his cousin, but regardless…"

He waved his hand, and soon enough, a black chess piece materialized. The King's piece.

"We still have this certain 'illegal' piece. It's not hard to develop a believable story… say, that Cleria discovered too much and needed to be silenced. More or less." With that, Lord Bael, satisfied, finally rested against his chair, raring for those four days to arrive faster.

To be continued

So. I hope you're not (too) confused with the Point of Views (PoVs).

Normally at every arc, there'd be 4 different PoVs. Mostly it's always been 4, sometimes fewer. Right now there's 3 main PoV that tells different stories and different atmosphere:
Lucifer/Azazel – Aka "Lucifer and the Holy Grail". Like Monthy Python but not as funny. Serious shit but still with humor. Main viewpoint and normally is the main story
Rosie – How they deal with her death, how Mio starts her growing phase. Saddo depresso shit. Not much humor, if any. Toughest to write for many reasons
Rias – Her and Death; deep shit. A bit lighthearted compared to the rest. Her pov currently represents you readers, while Death is me, the writer. I use them to build the background of this story which is convenient yo

Right now, they're all kinda "disconnected"

And then there's the occasional PoV:
Bael – the 'bad guy' side of the story. I feel this is necessary so that villains won't just appear like a damn pimple everytime
Paimon/Grayfia – Underworld's condition or events
Gabriel/Xenovia/Griselda – The "forces of good"'s condition or events aka Heaven. Not as often as the others.

It's easy to get Lucifer back to Rossweisse and have him calm her down again, but I want to establish an actual bond between Rias' peers, something I've noticed to be lacking after reading other fanfics. The MC is always 'there', and he's always the one to fix their problems. Which is fine, but when I think about it, do you think it's always 'that one guy' who fixes shit? We're all our own main character in our life, though oftentimes I feel like I'm just someone's side character. It's aight, never wanted to be self-absorbed

Also I decided to not care about the 'bad' reviews. And I don't mean the critiques – critiques are nice. Helps me improve and shit. I'm talking 'bout the "this sux u need to stop u mong, my nan makes better shit and she's dead fam" kind of reviews. I find it tiring and useless to keep worrying too much about pleasing everyone so imma just do my thing yo

Obviously I'll start worrying if it's the majority who hates it, but that's impossible as long as im not mental

Aight cheers