Author's note:

Happy New Year! Here's to you!

(This chapter was written before chapter 41, sorry it's taken such a long time to be published)

Hmmm...I hope this chapter comes out right.

Get ready for a terribly written Court scene.


Chapter 42: Order in the Court

"Are you ready?" Damien asked, the lawyer making the final adjustments to his outfit before they would appear in front of the court, adjusting the gleaming diamond cuff links on his wrists and tightening his suit's blazer at the neck. He then proceeded to withdraw his signature silver comb from within his blazer's inner pocket, straightening his black hair, pushing it backwards one last time, the man was already in his human form.

Dagon the demon was wearing his usual attire, except this time he was wearing a light grey suit blazer made of the strange demonic fabric as his black one, it was accompanied by a cream waistcoat and brogue-like shoes, with a bright green tie ontop. It matched his eyes...his emerald human eyes.

"No...but what have we got to lose?" the Helltaker was smirking in return at the demon. The human was wearing an expensive black suit that only came out on special occasions...and court cases. The smart outfit would originally show off his muscular physique and broad shoulders, no longer properly doing so.

He wore a white shirt, under a grey waistcoat, black blazer and the smartest leather shoes he owned, a silk red tie was ontop with two of Justice's tie clips, for good luck of course. On his wrists were small golden cuff links; flags of the USA, they were a gift from Amy.

"Our chances of staying on the surface?" Malina was not exactly brimming with confidence, but neither was he...

The Sour Demon was looking quite beautiful today, she had been forced to dress as smartly as possible by both Lucifer and Dagon. The two of them choosing for her to be squished into a tight fitting outfit, despite her protests. She was currently wearing a red button-up long-sleeve shirt with a large folded collar underneath a black long-sleeved blazer.

It came with a dark black mini skirt that Malina constantly complained was too short. She was dressed in a similar fashion to Pandemonica...bar the glasses...and the sour expression on her face constantly. She was wearing black leather platforms she had borrowed from Modeus, giving her a small increase to her height.

"Maybe, but I've come to terms with the worst case scenario, living in Hell wouldn't be so bad...right? We could visit for a vacation once in a while" he remained optimistic. Worst case scenario was that he and Malina would be locked up for three counts of murder, he didn't think Malina would fancy spending any time in prison...neither would he.

They could always spend a few years in Hell before resurfacing on Earth? Right?

"I prefer living here, where I'm not constantly sweating, having a constant supply of alcohol and video games too. It's not exactly paradise down there, the opposite in fact" Malina smirked at her little joke. The demon then tried to pull her mini skirt further down, "Gah I hate this fucking skirt! How does Pandemonica wear it?". Malina now looked over to Dagon, he saw the look in his eye and sighed deeply.

"Sorry Malina, it's time" the demon looking at his smartwatch, it was ten past eleven, the court was to begin at half past.

"How long will we be in there?" she hesitated before transforming, giving the Helltaker a quick glance before she would conceal her true self, he nodded, now turning back to look at Dagon.

"I'll work as fast as I can, okay? Just under a few hours, that alright?" he smiled warmly, the lawyer had almost become apart of the family over the last two days...almost.

"I guess..." Malina clenched her body temporarily, eventually transforming into her human form, the black tail disappearing into her skirt, the horns disintegrating into her head. Those encapsulating red eyes slowly turning into that light blue hue, just like an angel's. "How do you get used to doing this everyday?".

"Practice, it becomes just as easy as breathing" the grey demon demonstrated by changing back between his different forms rapidly. "Just like that, maintaining it for long periods of time however...now that's a talent. You'll master it one day".

The lawyer looked at both the Helltaker and human Malina now, deciding to go over the plan one last time.

"Malina, any problems demon related, you give me three coughs and we will call for an adjournment. Jason, if there are any problems do the same. You let me do the talking, remember your lines...I'm trusting you to convince them even if you go off script. There shouldn't be any problems...our plan is foolproof", Dagon paused purposefully hearing footsteps approaching the room they were in.

The door opened and a smartly dressed brunette woman took one step into the room, a neutral expression on her dark skin. She was wearing a smart blue blouse and skinny black jeans, a black bow was tying her hair into a bun.

"Mr Stonewall, sir? They are ready for you" she spoke quickly, but it also carried a friendly tone. The Helltaker guessed that they knew each other.

"Thank you Caroline, tell them we will be there shortly" his emerald green eyes shining at her, she received the charismatic smile too. She nodded and exited the room, the door gently closing behind her.

"Will they-will they be out there?" he asked in a shy and almost nervous manner. "Watching us?".

"Of course, you know that they will. Look for them in the Gallery to our right. It may be harsh to say, but don't let them distract you...unwanted emotions could arise".

"I'll try my best...but no promises" he half smirked. The thought of them watching him fail...

Don't think about it now his mind ordered, he mentally slapped himself.

They now all moved towards the exit, they had been in a waiting room of sorts, a space allowing each side to gather their thoughts and evidence before the session began. It had a small but worn brown leather sofa, with four leather chairs of similar make, a coffee table, as well as a water cooler in the corner of the room. The three of them had been alone within it for the past half hour.

Dagon's cronies had come in and out of the room with various items and updates, providing refreshments and anything else they needed. It was quite something...he felt liked asking for a double whiskey and ice. Now their time was nearing an end.

"Last chance to ask any questions..." the grey demon had his hand on the door handle, not opening it until he knew they were ready.

The Helltaker looked at Malina, Malina looked at the Helltaker, both of them shook their head. It was show time...

"Good, then follow me".


The last two days had been a grueling slog, Dagon had tried his best to teach the two most stubborn and sour members of the household how to act, to pretend to be innocent. To act like normal people...convicted of a crime they committed... convincing others that they did not.

The demon was used to his clients being stubborn, but these two were something else, usually he had more time than two days, however he loved a challenge. A challenge he would accomplish, for his life depended on it.

The late nights and early mornings were filled with lessons catered towards their acting, facial expressions, showing emotion...everything...it felt like drama class all over again. They went over the plan day in, day out, constatly rehearsing it until they had convinced themselves they were innocent. At last, on the evening of the last day, Dagon was satisfied, both of their performances were...adequate.

Thankfully, most of the family had shown restraint and did not bother them during most of the day, occasionally visiting them when they needed anything from the kitchen, Dagon eventually kicking them out if they overstayed their welcome. He even kicked out the devil one time when she tried to sit at the table and join the group, he received a death stare but she listened...eventually.

In the spare time the family had away from the Helltaker, they had all finally grown to forgive Beelzebub for her most recent transgression, she wasn't ever going to be a most trustworthy demon, but they forgave her for succumbing to her jealousy...and lust. For that Beelzebub was eternally grateful, her plans of leaving the family were now gone, this was as close to a family as she was ever going to get.


"Hey B! What's buzzing?" he had said to her once while she was washing the dishes after a meal one evening...it felt like years ago. She was in a depressed mood that day, it had been a downward spiral for most of the month. The first few weeks of her cohabitation had caused the rifts she had previously created with the others to show, the others demons justified in treating her as...well as scum...the same way she had treated them in the past...

She was lucky that the Helltaker was there frankly... it would have been a messy reunion otherwise...

The Helltaker had noticed her declining mood and after spending a day with Modeus and Justice in town, all he wanted to do was spend his time with her.

"What?" she had asked.

"What's buzzing? Get it? C-cause you're a fly" he was genuinely embarassed by the quality of this one liner.

"You're adorable" it was now her turn to be flushed with embarassment, the man coming closer to the sink where she was slaving away.

"Let me help you, I taped a laser pointer to one of Cerberus's heads and now everyone will be entertained for hours" he began helping her without a word from the Great Fly.

"Are you sure? I don't want to-" she began.

"Shush, I won't hear it. Let's talk awhile" he smiled, closing his eyes for a moment, but as he did so the man accidentally dropped a glass into the soapy water, suds and dirty water was sent flying everywhere. There was a moment of silence before they both started spluttering with laughter.

"Oh you fool!" she held her hands out of the sink and then noticed she had a small amount of soapy water on the end of her nose.

"Whoops?" he shrugged, wiping the droplet of soapy water off of her nose, booping the fly in the process, that signature smile warming her cold heart.

For the first time in weeks, Beelzebub didn't feel depressed.

She was ever so grateful...

. . . . . . .

She cherished these memories...more than ever.


Lucifer however, wasn't at all happy about this, but she decided she'd keep a close eye on her rival, she was easy to abuse someone's trust at times like this...that she knew all too well.

"Judgement, do not react to my voice" the devil spoke telepathically to her high prosecutor. Lucifer keeping quiet while they were sat around the lounge, most of them were gorging themselves on a batch of chocolate pancakes that she had just recently made. Extra thin and packed to the brim with chocolate.

"What is it?" Judgement replied, both of them speaking to the other without speaking. The High Prosecutor was just about to tuck into her three pancakes, Justice noticed Judgement was hesitating from eating.

"Have you forgiven her?" Lucifer asked, deciding to stem this conversation telepathically to Justice now. The devil was eating her three pancakes, a smile on her face as she watched Azazel expressing visible pleasure to the white chocolate pancakes she was eating. A lone Cerberus came to sit in front of her master and beg for a second helping.

"No, but how has holding a grudge ever benefited me?" Justice spoke back, eating an entire pancake in two bites, deciding to use her hands instead of any utensil. Wiping the chocolate around her mouth off with her gloves.

"I suppose, I'd like to think she has changed but that was never going to be the case, was it?" Judgement finally replied, slowly eating her batch with a fork, using her right hand only, holding the plate with the other.

"My thoughts exactly, I'd like you two to keep an eye on her. I feel she may be up to something" the devil ordered.

"Will do" Justice stood and went to put her plate into the kitchen, she had already devoured her pancakes. "Hey dude, you dead inside yet?" the former prosecutor smiled putting the Helltaker into a gentle headlock with the other arm that wasn't holding the plate.

"Of course, I hope she doesn't try anything, but I have to agree with you. It's not like Beelzebub to not take advantage of vulnerable people...ones that have grown to trust her again" Judgement looked at the devil, Lucifer looking at the prosecutor.

"Exactly, I'll need you to look after the place tomorrow, she does anything...you let me know immediately, you stop her. We have come too far to let her fuck things up now, the last thing we need is any more humans getting suspicious...or worse...dead".

"Why aren't we coming with you to the court again?" Judgement asked, the grey demon turning to face the kitchen. "Justice! Can you take my plate...please?" she spoke, almost forgetting to be polite again.

"Sure J" the blind demon coming back into the lounge, "You done Azazel?".

"Almost, Beelzebub do you want any of mine?" the angel was sat next to the other Queen.

"No, no! I'm stuffed, you can't finish your dessert? Lucy made it especially for you!" she smiled, using her handkerchief to wipe a dab of white chocolate from the corner of Azazel's mouth, causing the angel to giggle with embarrassment.

"Because, I don't trust you, Zdrada, Beelzebub and Modeus to control yourselves if they do get sentenced. We might be able to salvage it if there is no drama from us demons, do you understand?" Lucifer telepathically spoke, again watching Azazel finish her pancakes.

After a short silence, Judgement finally replied.

"I understand, you'll let us know the results as soon as possible?".

"Of course, I just need someone I trust back here, making sure things go smoothly. Oh and you'll be the one to tell Zdrada and Beelzebub they can't come" Lucifer also stood now, moving to the kitchen.

"Fuck" Judgement said aloud, realising everyone had heard, the prosecutor blushing with embarassment before look away, the telepathic exchange was over.


With a deep sigh, Lucifer prepared to control her emotions, a rare occurrence, steeling herself for the coming accusations. In her own domain she could react in any way she wanted: Kill the guilty? Sure. Send Hell Knights to raze a stronghold? Happens most days. Display the disemboweled corpses and eventual skeletons of her fallen enemies on the hallway to her office? Tasteful interior decor. But now...

What she wouldn't give to be tucked up in her giant bed back in Hell...with a certain someone clinging to her.

Her personal heater.

There was a small gathering of humans in the Gallery along with the demons, a smattering of around ten people. The Gallery itself was raised, giving them a higher viewpoint of the entire court. On their right the judges were currently sat, murmuring to each other, opposite the public crowd of twelve jury were now sat, on their left the two sides would be sat at the two three-man desks.

"Hey, it will be alright. You said he was the best lawyer right?" Justice joked, "How could he possibly fail?".

"In many ways, more than you know. At least you don't have to see how this all ends" the devil wasn't exactly optimistic. She was looking like the CEO of Heaven today, her long white flowing hair, the bangs on either side of her face kept in place by a golden headband instead of the traditional black spiked one. Her large white jagged horns had been hidden as soon as they stepped out of the house. Tired, deep blue eyes were staring out from under the ashen white hair. The devil was wearing a range of solid gold jewelry, from her necklace to the small rings on her fingers.

She was wearing the usual black suit but with a white collared shirt underneath instead of her usual red one, the devil was also without her white gloves, black tie or sigil on her lapel. Along with those tight black suit pants, she was wearing black boots reaching just under the knees, those high heels were as sharp as ever.

On her right, The Awesome Demon had also been made to scrub up to look like a professional. Luckily for her this simply involved wearing her black suit jacket properly, instead of it being unbuttoned, loose on her shoulders, she also had to abandon her fingerless red gloves. To the human eye, she was a simple blind women, also wearing a white shirt instead of the red one. However, she was allowed to keep her red bandana that supported her hair.

They wanted to move away from the red and black satanic appearance...or any association with Hell in general...

"I've seen him fail many times my dear, it wouldn't be a surprise if he failed now" Pandemonica had turned around to speak to Justice, the former prosecutor and CEO being sat on the seats behind her and Azazel.

"You always fill me with confidence Monica" Lucifer was now holding her head in her hands. Was this really how it ended?

The former secretary was wearing her usual attire with a slight change; a white button-up long-sleeve shirt instead, the shirt with a large folded collar underneath a black long-sleeved blazer, as well as the black pencil skirt. She had almost worn her ID card around her neck by mistake.

Next to the Tired Demon, the Curious Angel was surprisingly quiet, deciding it would be a valuable experience to listen this time, instead of constantly asking questions. Lucifer told her before-hand that the Gallery weren't allowed to speak. Besides, now was not the time to ask questions.

Azazel had been made to wear one of Malina's outfits; her angelic uniform would be too noticeable, it was replaced by a white working shirt, Azazel initially keeping the long sleeves at full length before becoming too hot and rolling them up to her elbow. Just like Malina would. A buttoned black vest was on top, the Sour Demon hating the fact someone was wearing her clothes.

The angel was wearing skinny black jeans and knee high black boots, she almost looked like a devil. The only aspect of her that wasn't human had been hidden, Azazel being able to disguise herself more easily than a demon. A Halo could be hidden in the blink of an eye, explains how Anna previously hid her true identity in the garage.

The demonic family was looking quite Gothic now...

Azazel turned her head to look behind her, instinctively she had felt a pair of eyes burning into the back of her head. The angel's eyes fell upon a women who was sat behind Lucifer to the right. She had slightly blondish hair, a slim, pale white face, her cheeks were ever so thin, Azazel also noticed that the women was in general very thin, she looked slightly malnourished. The stranger gave her a kind smile before gesturing for Azazel to look forward, feeling confused by this interaction she decided to obey. No one even noticed Azazel's exchange, all of them were too distracted with the imaginary scenario's occupying their minds.


"Why do I have to wear this again?" Azazel had asked while Lucifer and Modeus dressed her earlier this morning.

"If you want to come, you'll have to blend in, you can't be walking around with that holy garb on, I hate the outfits they gave us...too...biblical" Lucifer smirked at the angel, recollection flashing in those deep, troubled, crimson eyes. "We are having to ditch the red too, got to make ourselves look like we aren't from Hell" Lucifer's smirk turned to a warm smile while adjusting Azazel's left leather boot. "That tight enough?".

"Yes, that's perfect, thank you...Ms Lucifer?" she asked, the angel was sat on her bed while the devil was knelt on the floor, now adjusting the Azazel's other boot. She was twiddling her thumbs, those small hands resting on her lap, an obvious sign she was nervous.

"Yes my dear?" she stopped helping the angel with her outfit, looking up from her small feet.

"Are they going to put him in jail?" her words were laced with fear and worry. Modeus was sat on Azazel's bed, on her left. After helping her select the perfect outfit, she was now simply sat crossed legged and keeping quiet, but she too was having similar thoughts.

The whole family knew that Malina would not willingly go to prison, she would rather die than be imprisoned by humans, the solution would simply be that Malina returned to Hell for a time before returning to the surface. However, the Helltaker was a different issue.

He would not want to risk the lives of his fellow man, he would face the music, despite his plans to escape to Hell, the Helltaker would be willingly imprisoned.

An ending that no one wanted...

The family were unsure of what would happen to them...would they be able to keep themselves together?

H̶e̶ ̷w̵a̸s̴ ̴s̵u̸p̵p̸o̸s̶e̴d̴ ̸t̵o̵ ̵k̷e̴e̴p̴ ̶t̸h̴e̶m̷ ̵a̷l̸l̶ ̵t̵o̶g̴e̸t̸h̸e̴r̵.̸.̵.̴

These thoughts were racing through the devil's brain, she had to silence this paranoia. Lucifer simply finished tightening the straps on the thick leather boot before placing a gloved hand on the angel's cheek, a thumb rubbing her delicate skin. The Curious Angel blushed, her Halo now beaming brightly, the radiant golden light reflected her current emotions, also shown in the smile she gave her guardian...her guardian angel...guardian devil more like.

Azazel would always hold a special place in Lucifer's cold and black heart of stone, she reminded the devil of herself...

Before the fall...

One day Malina had somehow found the angel when she was out exploring the far reaches of the Hellscape, the demon finding the fallen angel in an injured, delirious and frightful state, her journey to Hell had not been very successful. Malina decided to take pity, for once, on her, taking the poor, injured Azazel back to where she was living at the time, to her cave...literally.

Amazingly, Malina catered to the bed ridden angel, trying her best to heal her, nursing her back to health. Thankfully the injuries of interdimensional travel were not too severe, Azazel was able to heal on her own within a few weeks. The two then grew close over the few years they spent together, Malina telling her everything she needed to know for her studies, from a sour perspective. Azazel adopted a similar love to video games and turn based strategies, the two gradually becoming...almost like sisters...

Eventually though, her existence was discovered, thanks to Zdrada. Malina was terrified that Judgement would see the angel as an invader and attempt to capture or worse...kill her.

She didn't want to lose the only person, so far in her life, who...who listened to her...that liked to be around her...who was honest and didn't lie to her.

She never let Zdrada forget that one...

Thankfully, Lucifer had shown mercy to this innocent being, granting her special privileges and citizenship, allowing her to stay in Hell as long as she wanted. The devil also became aware of her 'research projects', providing her with all the help and resources she needed...with the highest authority. Eventually, the angel became apart of her demonic brood, assimilating into Hell's society, essentially becoming another one of her surrogate daughters.

Lucifer looked after the young angel just like one of her own, however, not subjecting her to the demon transformation process or arena battles. She knew he would be angry if she converted another one of his angel's. Azazel would visit Malina often, but the two grew distant over time, the angel focusing more and more on her research, pursuing every avenue she could.

The Sour Demon eventually decided to purposefully isolate herself...again, embracing perpetual loneliness...she hated relying on her friends to make her feel...whole.

Lucifer now snapped back to reality, her mind wandered too much.

"Of course he won't, this is simply a big misunderstanding, they will be home tonight and we will have pancakes to celebrate" Lucifer decided for once that a partial lie was the best option, she wanted to keep her hopes up.

"Again?" Azazel joked, receiving a gentle pinch on the cheek from the devil.

"I'm sorry that this has been impacting on your revision, your studies, all of it. He hasn't been available to help in a while has he?" Lucifer now came to sit on the immaculate white bed, right of Azazel, putting her arm around the angel, bringing her closer.

"No he hasn't, but you and Ms Monica have been a great help" she said, the devil surprised when the angel went in for a hug as soon as she had put her arm around Azazel. Awwwh the devil thought, her dark heart melting just a little further...ever so slightly.

"Can you promise me something?" Azazel's voice becoming quiet, soft and delicate now, as if an emotional breakdown was incoming, the light of her Halo was dimming slightly. The devil looked at Modeus, the Lustful Demon was staring in adoration at the exchange, but now the question had peaked her interest, changing her expression to one of confusion and wonder. Her sharp black tail going stiff.

Why had no one ever asked her to promise anything before? Emotions were too complicated sometimes...sex was way...way better...and easier, these thoughts were bouncing through her lewd mind. Speaking of which...when was she going to get some action?!

"Of course..." the devil forgetting that she always kept her promises.

"Will we be together...forever?...All of us?" she could feel tears slowly peculating into her white shirt. Azazel must have been suppressing this worry for quite a while now. For once in her life...the devil hesitated...


"Calm down, just tell me what happened...from the start" the devil sitting up in bed now, her warm hands on the Helltaker's sweaty face. "Another nightmare?".

The two were in Lucifer's room, in the devil's bed. It was early in the morning, the night after Malina's pep talk specifically. Another day of acting lessons was fast approaching...

"I wasn't- I wasn't even asleep..." he trembled. His breathing was erratic, the man hyper-ventilating just a few seconds ago.

"A panic attack? I thought you said-" the devil began, struggling to remember his history of trauma.

"It was Behemoth, I-" the Helltaker now bringing Lucifer into a tight hug, the man breaking down into tears.

"God, I was so scared Lucy, the thought I might never see-" he sobbed, Lucy becoming increasingly confused at her partner's sudden erratic behaviour, he had been under increasing pressure the last week, now the cracks were starting to show...

"Scared of what?! What happened between you and Behemoth anyway? Why were you and Judgement kneeling on the floor when we came outside? Where did Behemoth go by the way?" she blurted out all of the questions swarming her mind.

After a few minutes of sobbing, the Helltaker finally composed himself, he couldn't believe he was literally crying on the devil's shoulder...again. He ended their embrace and looked at Lucifer straight in the eye.

"Remember my first journey into Hell, remember how I didn't stop till I had...everyone" the guilt and possibility of an argument was rising again, he remembered their past argument...the look in her eye.

"I remember... we have laid that to rest...haven't we", an awkward, tense silence followed. "Now what has that got to do with this?" she said sternly, almost crossing her arms in resentment, but deciding to keep her hands tightly gripped to his.

"After my little chat with Dagon...Behemoth tried to- tried to kill me...and succeeded" the Helltaker's brain painfully struggling to recall his past resets and the countless eventualities he saw. Death was no stranger.

"What do you mean succeeded, you're right here!" a heap of desperation was present in her voice, as if the fabric of reality was about to cave in on her. "Wait, you did it again didn't you?!".

He nodded sadly, the man now deciding to lean against the back of the bed. The devil leaning against him, her face turned to look at the man, thank god the darkness was hiding him...and his shame...

"He killed me- I don't know how many times, I saw... I saw Judgement die over and over-" he was beginning to break down again.

"Impossible, she would not let her feelings blind her like that...I know Behemoth and her are close-" she was in denial, shaking her head.

"I saw it Lucy, you gotta believe it" he fought down a sob, the painful memory of Judgement's never ending death making him feel physically sick.

"I believe you...so you-" she moved back slightly from the man, moving to her side of the bed. The devil's hands removed themselves from his. "You went through...all those timelines...all those possibilities, you wanted your perfect ending didn't you?! Just like before" she said almost in a disapproving tone. "All those Lucifers...left in a cold Helltakerless world".

"I wanted to let him die...god he deserved it, he deserves a punishment worse than death... but I knew deep down, he was innocent" the Helltaker trying to justify his actions.

"Why didn't you just let him rot? You naive idiot!" the devil trying her best not to raise her voice.

"I couldn't do that to Judgement! It would destroy her!" he whispered loudly, still trying his best to defend himself.

"She is stronger than that! She has spent countless centuries conditioning herself to not feel emotions and attachment to that extent. You are telling me that condemning her to death over and over again was the lesser evil?" she now crossed her arms, the anger boiling within her.

"Behemoth was innocent, Monica told me how a demon's base reaction is determined by their emotions, more than humans would- he was in love" the words escaping his mouth sounding even stranger than they had been in his head.

"Behemoth will be gutted and crucified for this, he is far from innocent. That is not love...fuck-" she ran her hands through her hair. Her stress levels were building incredibly fast...she always hated being powerless...or not even aware...

"I thought we said no more resets" she whispered into the darkness.

"I can't control it Lucy, I gave up plenty of times. I just wanted it to be over..." he whispered back.

"You can't keep doing this-".

"What choice do I have...".

Silence...the sound of someone walking to the bathroom and back was all they could hear.

"Behemoth will beg me for death" the devil's rage was fiery, her fists were clenched, her eyes were flickering a dark red, the Helltaker was able to see them become illuminated in the darkness.

"Don't harm him, he-" but he was cut off.

"Why do you care?! He tried to kill you...if not for this mysterious ability you somehow have acquired, we would all be-" she stopped, it was her turn to fight down the tears and the sobbing. Rage turning to despair.

"It would never come to that" he tried comforting her.

"NO! You are a mortal...you...you will...die- one way or another" she shouted to begin, whispering towards the end. Why did I have to fall for him?

A man doomed to die...

"But I didn't...I keep coming back...".

"For how long though? How long will this last? We can't keep relying on this- on this power that we know nothing about!".

A man doomed to wither and perish...decomposing flesh.

"We have to...I'm sorry Lucy, once this court shit is handled and out of the way, we will find some answers".

"How...how do you possibly intend to find answers to this?".

A man doomed to leave her...abandoned...again...

"I know a certain omniscient being that can provide an answer, I'll be able to meet him at a certain angel's graduation".

"You can't rely on him for answers...can't rely on him for anything...".

A man doomed to love her...

"It's our only choice...".

The distant roaring ocean could be heard crashing against the coastline as the morning tide advanced. The chilled breeze of Autumn was flowing in from the slightly ajar window.

They could hear someone walking past their doorway, it was mostly likely a lone Cerberus becoming restless or searching for food, Pandemonica would also decide to wake early if she wanted to be productive.

Dagon would soon be here, the noise of his car's wheels crunching the gravel outside was now a sickening sound to both the Helltaker and Malina.

In the distance, seabirds could be heard screeching, calling to one another, it was a brand new day after all. The approaching dawn was now summoning creatures of all different shapes and sizes to wake and bask in what was left of this year's radiant warmth. The world was waking up once again, yet these two simply sank further into unconsciousness.

The devil now reattached her body to the Helltaker again, assuming a position they knew all too well. The trauma and panic had once again melted away as the silence lengthened, they had a plan at least.

"I love you".

"I love you too".


The warm memory was fresh in Lucifer's mind, secretly praying that wasn't going to be the last night they spent together. She didn't get to spend yesterday with him, instead spending the early hours of the morning with Modeus. She never realised how nice a bed the Lustful Demon had.

She was now staring through the back of the angel's haloless head as they waited for Dagon, the Helltaker and Malina to appear. The devil had noticed how silent Azazel was, poor girl...first time someone who cares about her enters her life and he is instantly getting taken away.

"This is no place for a child to be" she overheard a stranger murmur, the man referring to the youthful looks of Azazel, for once the devil was too dispondent to react, instead focussing on suppressing any stray emotions.

She inhaled deeply through her nose.

She exhaled loudly through her mouth.

Waiting was an old nemesis of her's, it had defeaten her time and time again. Not this time.

Out of the corner of her eye the devil spied two men in black suits, both with their hands held over their crotches in a formal pose. Skin coloured wires protruded from their ears. It was the two agents that had detained the Helltaker and Malina. They were stood at the exit of the Gallery, the men coming into view as soon as the doors had closed.

"Stay sharp people, we have some familiar faces behind us" the devil spoke telepathically to the other demons.

"Noted" Pandemonica replied, "Had a feeling they'd show up again".

"Suits?" Justice also chipped in.

"The two of them" Lucifer answered.

"What are we going to do about them?" Azazel sounded worried but remained unphased physically.

"Nothing...we wait...there is no reason for them to suspect us".

"Do you think any angel's have eyes on us right now? This quite a "demonic breach" if you ask me" Justice added.

"Don't start...one problem at a time" Lucifer ended the telepathic conversation.

"Here they come" Pandemonica now spoke aloud, nodding towards the door, sure enough the three smartly dressed humans were entering from their left. They traveled silently into the room, the sound of the heels of their smart shoes on the hard wooden floor being the only noise filling the room. Dagon was first, followed by Malina, the Hellaker at the rear. The group came in front of the gallery, they would then took a left and another left before arriving at their seats. As they walked to their desks the Helltaker gave a sombre nod to his family, Malina not being able to conjure up the courage to look at them.

The opposing side also now entered the court room, there was a team of two smartly dressed men and one woman, Damien sighing intensely when they were seated, his eyes recognising the identity of the woman.

"Fuck" he said under his breath and away from his microphone, just loud enough for the Helltaker and Malina to hear, "That's Michelle Woods...".

"Another one of your rivals?" the Helltaker tucking his tie back into his waistcoat.

"Indeed, nowhere near my equal though" Damien replied in confidence.

"Save the big talk for them" the Helltaker gestured to the two judges.

"Speaking of which, the judge's names: Judge Marshall and Judge Rodriquez", a male and a female judge respectively.

"Got it" Malina and the Helltaker spoke in synchronisation.

"The court is now in session" Judge Marshall spoke banging his gavel.

Well...looks like this was it...


"FUCK YOU!" the Bitch Demon shoved the High Prosecutor backwards, an action she didn't take too kindly. Her grey petite hands were balled into tight fists, she was ready to beat some sense into them...

"Don't test me Zdrada" Judgement hissed, she was tempted to summon her gauntlets. Her white eyes glanced to an angry Beelzebub and Modeus, the three of them were all upset that they weren't allowed at the hearing. Cerberus couldn't care less...

"Why does "Queen Lucifer" get to decide whether we go or not? Surely we have the right to be there!" Beel glared at the grey demon. "She may prowl around, acting like she is the women of the house, but she cannot make decisions for us!".

"I'm simply carrying out her will, like I always do! You can bitch and whine to her when she comes back" Judgement flashing her sharp canine teeth, intimidating Modeus but not Zdrada or Beelzebub.

"Carrying out her will like a good little guard dog, I thought that was Cerberus's job huh?" Zdrada smirked, deciding now was the time to light a cigarette and blow smoke into the grey demon's face.

"We have a right to be there Judgement, fuck you and fuck your orders" Beelzebub was now stood side by side with the older sister, both of them with their arms crossed.

"Should have woken up earlier" Judgement teased, her menacing tone not being dropped.

The remaining family were situated within the downstairs of the house, Judgement physically blocking anyone coming down the hallway and accessing the front door, standing near the foot of the stairs, the two other demons were at the cusp of the kitchen.

"Don't even think about portaling out of here, dampeners are on. You'll be fried before you even take a step." Judgement thought she'd be polite enough to inform them of this deadly countermeasure.

Modeus now retreated back into the kitchen, sitting at the table, deciding it best to keep out of this argument, her book was more interesting to her right now anyway. The Lustful Demon really did want to be there with him, for him...

but...she did what she was told.

However Beelzebub and Zdrada did not stand down.

"Back off you two...I REALLY don't have the patience to deal with you right now. We are all stressed okay, but I know if I was there I'd kill every fucker in the room!" she protested. The two slightly agreeing with her point, Judgement knew this.

They all wanted to see blood, human blood...it had been too long...even though it had been only two days for Judgement.

"I know you'd want to do the exact same...that's why Lucifer didn't trust you...didn't trust me" they grey demon relaxed her body slightly, her own words reinforced the fact the boss didn't even trust the prosecutor to be there.

"Are we supposed to feel sorry for you?" Beelzebub was instantly on the offensive again, receiving support from Zdrada.

"Yeah, gonna cry?" the smokey demon spat, finishing her cigarette and flicking it, still lit at Judgement

"Look, you can stay here willingly, or I'll keep you here against your will, with a few more scars and bruises than normal...your choice" she picked the cigarette up off of the floor, making sure it didn't burn the wood. She stubbed it out in the transparent ashtray on the kitchen table, then threw it in the bin.

"Hmmph" Beelzebub stormed out of the room, deciding she wanted to be alone. Zdrada had half the mind to follow her and see what she was up to, she needed the company of someone like-minded right now, but quickly decided against it. Instead she chose to push Judgement just a little further.

"I wanted to be there for Malina...she wants a friendly face amoungst the crowd, a comfort none of you would be able to provide" she manifested another cigarette.

"I doubt seeing your face would be of any comfort" Judgement countered, deciding to grab herself a plate of fruit, going over to the cupboard above the stove first to retrieve a plate before going to the large fruit bowl in the corner of the kitchen.

"Fuck you, you're a real fucking bitch you know that?" Zdrada took a step towards Judgement, deciding to burn Judgement's shoulder with the end of her lit cigarette, however much to her surprise, the prosecutor did not react in the slightest.

"Look who's talking" in a flash she had knocked the cigarette out of Zdrada's hand into the air, catching it and then burning the top of the white demon's hand with it, holding her wrist tightly, not letting her move away.

"Oh please...burn me some more" The Bitch Demon smirking, trying her best to withstand the pain, but the returning smirk on the grey demon's face made her realise that she was showing a more pained expression than she thought.

Zdrada may be a masochist and a sadist rolled into one...but only in a sexual situation. When it was needless pain, she gritted her teeth but would usually chicken out. Zdrada had really changed since those arena fights...all those years ago...

Someone had softened her up.

Eventually, after an incredibly uncomfortable and short minute, the cigarette was extinguished and Zdrada withdrew her hand. The atmosphere was so fragile, so tense and volatile yet utterly silent, neither of them wanting to back down, Zdrada concealing her pain while Judgement pushed her to see how much she could endure.

Secretly Zdrada had wanted to scream and withdraw from this burning, she had wanted to bludgeon the grey demon to death, they had never been the best of friends...were they even friends? The pain was unnessecary and she didn't have to prove anything to Judgement...but she wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

"Hmmph" the prosecutor threw the cigarette over her shoulder and into the ashtray without even looking. "I'm impressed".

"Fuck you" Zdrada held her hand temporaily, but it was still burning hot so she left it as it was. She glared at the prosecutor with embarrassment. The demon decided to be in the company of the only person who wasn't an asshole in this house: herself.

You win this one Judgement.

"Stay out of my way Zdrada" the grey demon called after her as she went upstairs.

"FUCK YOU!" is the only answer she received back. The door to the sister's bedroom slammed shut.

Judgement sighed deeply, turning her head to notice that Modeus was looking up from behind her book in quite a terrified expression, her lightning speed and numbness to pain had her scared. The Lustful Demon had been invisible to her the entire time.

"Sorry Mo, it was only for show. Whatcha reading?".


"Mr Stonewall" Rodriquez, the female judge, addressed the Helltaker's lawyer, the man in question moving from behind his desk and coming to stand. He walked onto the small open space between where the judges and the defendants were sat. Damien had his hands behind his back, the man always liking to look professional, the opportunity to speak had now come. "Your opening statement please".

Damien cleared his throat before speaking, the man making sure everyone could hear him clearly, he had perfected this approach; his strong, charismatic and loud voice would have them all convinced by the end of the day.

"Your Honor, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, before you are Jason Williams and Malina Anastasia, a lovely, yet innocent man and his step-daughter" the lawyer pausing for dramatic effect. Lucifer was visibly cringing at the words the man was uttering, she just had to bare with it.

"These two stand accused of murder. MURDER!" Damien now spoke much louder in order to shock and stun his audience. "These two? Murderers? Apparently they butchered three scumbags who had just attempted to rob and then murder them!". A quiet gasp from the crowd and Jury was heard, a few whispers and murmurings could be heard throughout the court.

"Now I ask you, do you think these two innocent souls could be able of such a heinous crime? I intend to disprove such a ridiculous notion, my clients sought medical attention, they were incapable of such brutality" but Dagon wasn't finished.

"On top of this, they have had their rights violated by our police force countless times by the detective, Sasha Burn, they have defiled the law" he pointed a finger at the opposition. "They represent those who have defiled the very principles of Justice and democracy in our fair country, they...have...failed!" again he paused.

"Heh, didn't know I was so famous" a certain blind demon sniggered, whispering to Lucifer, the devil glaring in response, Justice taking the silence from her boss as the cue to shut up.

"May I ask where the detective is? Afraid to show her face in court?" he asked, turning to face the opposition and slowly stepping towards their desk.

"Sasha Burn is currently indisposed at the moment, she was unable to attend today" one of the men answered before Michelle could speak. He was as average as a male in his thirties could look: combed brown hair, brown eyes, thin physique, no distinguishing facial features, but he had a crooked smile. The more the demon looked, the stranger looking this person became. There was this odd look in his eye, if you peered closely you'd notice a dark shroud of ecstasy over him. Or was it pain? The other man wasn't any different, stylish black hair, brown eyes, a thin physique as well...Something felt...off.

Both of these average looking men maintained their appearances, both remained professional. Damien gave them both a quick glance as well as a once over of Michelle before turning back around to address the judges.

"I intend to call on both my clients as witnesses to defend themselves, we also have other witnesses ready to testify, relevant video footage, photographs and statements all relevant to the abuse and injustice of my client's case". All while Damien was speaking, he was slowly pacing forward across the small open area, making direct eye contact with the Jury, Judges, the opposing team and then a brief supporting glance to the Helltaker and Malina.

He would often make brief hand gestures, pointing gently at his clients, using both hands, twisting them, lowering them, really convincing you that he knew what he was doing...A façade?

"Thank you Mr Stonewall, Mrs Woods, your counter statement please" Judge Marshall gestured to their opposition's desk. Damien returned to his desk looking pleased with himself. The Helltaker genuinely, but only slightly impressed by this weasel's charm and guile.

"Thank you, Your Honor" this new character came forward, just like Damien, occupying centre stage.

"Let's see what she's got" Damien murmured to his clients, the Helltaker did not reply, Malina simply gave him a bored expression. She wished she had her phone or literally anything to distract her from this mess she couldn't care about in the slightest. The demon was dying of boredom already. Secretly she wanted to annoy the Helltaker right now, jab at him with her sharp fingers, slap him with her tail or throw something at him. She could do none of these...

"My client represents the interest of the 99th Precinct ensuring that Justice be bought to the murderers of Fred Willoughby, Sam Peterson and Dominic Montana" the woman spoke calmly and loudly as so the Judges, the Gallery and the Jury could hear. As she paused she walked over to the front of where the judge's raised seats were.

"The guilty will also be tried for numerous threats to national security and the general public, incidents of an unexplained nature caught on camera, Jason William's history of injuries and miraculous recoveries, the mysterious satanic nature of his lifestyle-"

"Please Ms Woods, keep on track" Judge Marshall spoke with a hostile tone, the man still not quite sure why he was specifically given this court case. "What evidence do you intend to present? We are not to draw conclusions off simple-minded suspscions of someone's lifestyle". The Jury as well as Dagon quietly scoffed, almost laughing at how ridiculous the words coming out of her mouth sounded. Lucifer could almost scream...the angel's definitely knew they were here.

They were not supposed to alert humans of their presence...on his orders.

"We have several witnesses to call, camera footage, photographs, documents and patient records-" the lawyer paused...almost for extra suspense..."As well as certain...items retrieved from the William's household" the female lawyer making direct contact with the Helltaker.

"Wait...what?!" the Helltaker becoming immediately furious. "You stole from my house?! You didn't even present me with a permit, that's illeg-" the human becoming enraged as he began to stand.

"Order! Order!" Judge Rodriquez banged the gavel, the Helltaker's outburst caused the Gallery and Jury to begin murmuring amoungst themselves. "Can we have silence in the court please!"

"Fuck sake, keep it together big guy!" Lucifer spoke to no one, muttering under her voice, teeth gritted, whispering so quietly that those around her could not hear.

Azazel thought her heart was going to leap out of her chest upon hearing the first wave of drama and confrontation. She wanted to speak to him telepathically, but Lucifer had prohibited anyone from doing so as to not distract them. The angel tried to look away...

But she couldn't.

"Keep it together pal, remember...we are professionals. Let me handle this" Dagon whispering through gritted teeth to the Helltaker, gently forcing the human to sit back down. He didn't even realise he was standing.

Malina too was sharing his anger, but thankfully had more self restraint than the Helltaker at the moment. She rested her hand on his balled fist, eventually causing him to unfurl his hand. The two making brief eye contact, their fists would not solve this one. Not this time...

Already tensions were incredibly high and the court hadn't even begun to process the evidence, the first impressions were now setting in, not looking particularly good for either sides. Damien thought this first hurdle would be passed with ease...turns out he was wrong.

"I'm gonna need you both to keep a lid on these little outbursts...alright?" Damien whispered befor they proceeded.

"No promises" Malina was the only one to speak.

"No, I'm telling you. You can't fly off the rails like that...not here" the demonic lawyer stemming the advice to both of them.

Silence.

"Shit".


"With these prelimary statements completed we may proceed, Mrs Woods you have the floor" Judge Marshall already confused by the previous drama now wished to hurry things along, this was going to be an interesting case.

"I call Ryan Sanders to the stands" the female attorney spoke.

Michelle Woods was to present her evidence first, calling on a local security guard who was monitoring CCTV in the area surrounding the parking lot where the two were attacked. While an angry Helltaker sat trying to cooldown, he watched a small, plump and balding man waddle over the stand, closing the half-door behind him. The man seated himself and immediately began to twiddle his thumbs, his nerves running a mile a minute.

"Mr Sanders, is it true that on Monday the twenty first, you saw the murder of the three individuals previously mentioned?" the attorney crossed her arms and leaned against her table.

"Well uhhh.." the man stuttered, scratching his head. "That's technically not what happened".

"Do explain" she spoke through gritted teeth, the woman catching the grin beginning to form on Damien's face.

"I was reviewing the footage as I usually do at the end of every shift-" he began.

"At the end of the shift?" Michelle was silently becoming furious.

"That's right...I didn't see it as it happened...A-and I saw a white screen on one of the cams, rewinded it and saw those two for sure" he gestured to the Helltaker and Malina. "Without a doubt".

"Describe to us what happened before we present the video" she asked, turing around and grabbing a small sheet of paper, not making eye contact with the security guard.

"Well...it's just those two being mugged..." he whispered the first part of this sentence, his microphone making him just about audible. "But if i rewinded it to a specific frame, all of a sudden that girl had seemingly turned into-" he felt ridiculous saying this.

"Please Mr Sanders, take all the time you need" Judge Rodriquez comforted him.

"She turned into some sort of demon, she was on fire I tell you! Horns and all!" he blurted out, the man receiving a laugh from the Gallery and a few concerning looks from the Jury. Lucifer's internal screams were reaching such high levels that if they were aloud, they would kill everyone in the court.

She wouldn't be surprised if he was going to pay them a personal visit.

"Oh please, started out strong on this one haven't you Michelle?" Damien sniggered, facepalming as he made eye contact with the embarassed witness. Mr Stonewall now stood. "Objection, this man is clearly delusional or still drugged up as he was on that night. Which one is it? I mean...Demons? The stuff of myths and folklore? Really?" he asked the witness.

"Overruled! Mr Stonewall are you attempting to obstruct the witness's statement?" Judge Marshall gave him a disapproving glare.

"No, I would never Your Honor." he flashed them both a charismatic smirk. The two Judges frowned temporarily before turning their attention back to Michelle.

"Mrs Woods please continue" Marshall gestured with his right hand.

"Did you see the murder take place?" Michelle continued her interrogation, her gaze now fixated to the witness.

"N-no, once she was lit on fire the screen went white like I said...by the time the feed was back up again those two were gone and the other three were...well..." Mr Sanders trailed off, hating himself for ever agreeing to this. All eyes were on him, he was a fool.

"May we see this video please?" Rodriquez asked Michelle.

"Of course, Danny?" she turned to one of the two men sat at her table, the man in question began slowly taping away at his laptop and setting up the video to be played on a projector to the left of the Judge's seats.

Sure enough, there it was. The entire video described by the security guard; their arrival in the alleyway shown by one camera, their conflict with the three muggers shown by another, the Helltaker receiving blow after blow. Lucifer's gut was doing somersaults. Azazel couldn't watch, Pandemoncia put a hand on the angel's shoulder for reassurance.

And sure enough, Malina was the source of the blinding white light, consuming the camera footage until it abruptly ended, the bodies of three muggers eventually coming into frame. All of them brutalised.

A final clip was played showing Malina shoving the Helltaker into the giant blacl Mercedes before haphazardly driving away. Thankfully though, Malina had maintained her disguise after their confrontation, the evidence was surprisngly in their favour.

"Fuck sake Malina...not again" Lucifer muttered under her voice, Justice was constantly badgering the devil, asking her to describe the video. However, the CEO was ignoring her, soaking in every element of the video. Just wait till I find those three in Hell she thought.

After the video was done playing, Damien scoffed once more. "Solid proof Michelle" he spoke sarcastically.

"Shut it Stonewall" she retaliated this time.

"Need I remind you two this is a court of law, not a law school. I don't want to remind you again" Judge Marshall threatened.

"Very good, Your Honor" Damien knew when to back down, Michelle remained silent.

"Thank you Mr Sanders, you may leave now" Rodriquez ordered, shuffling a piece of papers, the female attorney glared at the security guard, this witness was not helpful at all.

"You're next piece of evidence please" Rodriquez didn't look up from her papers. "A Ms Yolanda?" the judge asked. "A member of the force I assume?".

"Correct" Michelle caught Damien staring at her. "Onsite during William's violent outburst".

"We're in this for the long haul here I think" he muttered to Malina and the Helltaker.


After almost two hours of vague witness statements, traces of the Helltaker's blood found at the scene of the crime, photos of the clawmarks Malina left at the precint's metal interrogation table, blurry footage of the Helltaker assaulting the detective's goons at the precincts holding cells, the investigation was already seemingly to be supporting their innocence and lack of justice.

Suprisingly they had decided to show the full video of Malina's injury at the precinct as well as the police brutality of the men that tried attacking the Helltaker with tazers. At one point he thought that Judge Marshall would pass sentence on them without even hearing the defense...what was this "client" up to?

It was obvious that they were losing support, showing evidence to support their innocence and unfair treatment was one thing, but to continue pursuing leads that they were guilty was another...there was definitely some ulterior motive at play...he was screaming at himself to try solve it...

However, the man was constantly distracted, his mind unable to work on two things at once. The investigation was now beginning to get more personal. Aiming to strike a nerve...hard.

He had to focus...

"We would now like to move this investigation to a series of events that took place at various different times, unexplained appearances and disapperances leading up to the present day" Michelle reading off of a piece of paper temporarily, giving one of her colleagues a confused look.

"Ah, so this is the main meat of the investigation? So far you have provided little to no evidence Mrs Woods. Quite frankly I don't know why you are contuining to pursue this...I'm thinking of closing the case ri-" Judge Marshall was becoming tired.

"Your Honor, this is a matter of national security" the attorney riposted.

With a sigh, the judge rested his hands under his chin. "Then by all means, please proceed" speaking through gritted teeth.

That's how it started.

First they began digging through his service record, highlighting his numerous high risk missions, the odds of survival were never in his favour. The man's torture, his lone-wolf nature, his 'unkillable nature'. It made his skin crawl.

"Objection! What relevance does this hero's past trauma have to do with threatening national security?!" Damien shouted for all the court to hear, the man knew she was simply stalling for time, this was the fowl play he had seen coming. He didn't notice but he received a few nods of approval from the Jury.

What are you doing Michelle? the demon thought to himself as he listened to the judge. The woman was performing terribly, like she was fresh of out of law school and had been hired in defence for tax evasion. I know you're better than this...in fact who hired you? the question gnawing away at his mind.

And then that was when he noticed it...the same look that the two men had was also hidden away within her, much harder to see but it was there. The same shroud of invisible darkness that was hidden just beneath the surface...just itching to be released.

"Sustained" Judge Marshall was in agreement with his colleague. "Mrs Woods please keep on track and get to the point".

"The man is hiding something, my client believes he is...a possible...terrorist threat, possible indoctrunation while he was in active service. Possibly of a...supernatural nature" she regretted reading what they had provided.

She regretted alot of things right about now...the only thing she could do...

"Again? Your Honor, these ridculous ideas, these accusations are not fit for a court of law. They're fit for a mental institute!" Damien again had the Judges and Jury on his side, receiving mutterings of approval.

"Sustained, Michelle 'possibly' doesn't cut it in my court, now I understand the cause for concern, but I simply cannot-"

"My clients would still like to address Mr William's satanic nature; his "family", disappearances and re-appearances in public caught on camera, and the... the massacre at 'The Church of Baphomet'." Michelle was desperately trying to obtain the interest of the Judges.

"I'm sorry, massacre?" the female Judge questioned. The Court going eerily quiet.

Lucifer had forgotten entirely about his and Beelzebub's journey to get back into Hell...

"Twenty eight dead cult members, four critically injured, two survivors" Michelle blurted.

The Helltaker was mentally pained, not reacting physically. Did we really...kill that- t-twenty eight people? There was so much blood, he couldn't remeber if it was their's or his own...

He would not put another human life at risk...but...had he been so blinded back then?

The Helltaker felt the unbearable weight of his sins begin to crawl on his back...the consequences he had simply pushed to the furthest corners of his mind now emerged from a dark, twisted hole that had long been locked tight, it was time to feed off of his pain...

"Do you have any substantial evidence this time?" Rodriquez was becoming impatient.

"We would like to present two items, a golden chalice of sorts with traces of Mr William's blood and an anicent manuscript retrieved from the church itself" the lawyer said with a blank, emotionless, stern face. "An informant of our's claims that the two items were once present within the community before be retrieved from Mr William's house.

But that's a lie he thought, well, half a lie. The Satanic Bible was at the church yes, but the chalice was in some strange ancient shrine an entire state away, it hadn't been at the church...would they believe her?

As the crushing guilt now flooded his mind, he started drowning, the women's words were but a small piece of information keeping him afloat, the words bouncing around his head...

"Ancient manuscript".

Beat.

"Golden chalice".

Beat..

"Informat of our's".

Beat...

The Helltaker looked over at Lucifer after having an epiphany, a shocked expression on his face, eyes wide open. Thankfully the members of the court had heard enough of this nonsense to not care in the slightest to his reaction, this case was expected to end soon.

Lucifer looked straight at him too, the same amount of despair in her eyes . They were both thinking the exact same thought.

They had been tricked...they had been deceived...again

Beelzebub...

"I need some fresh air" Lucifer got to her feet immediately, speaking gently as she attempted to exit in as calm a manner as her emotions would allow.

"Want me to come with?" Justice asked, noticing the concern in her voice albeit hidden.

"No" she spoke sternly, the devil making her way to the exit. The two men in suits had suprisingly vanished, Lucifer thought they would have tried to stop her leaving. They must have been needed elsewhere...She didn't care, she didn't have time, the devil stormed down the corridor as fast as was acceptable while maintaining her disguise.

"Monarch is on the move, My Lord...No, she is alone...but sir- as you wish, My Lord".

The Helltaker had now returned his attention to the drama unfolding right infront of him, fuck...Beelzebub not again...

"Why am I entertaining this?" Judge Marshall thought aloud.

"I'd like to see these items" Rodriquez countered.

"I hate to argue with another judge, but why are you allowing this to continue? This is like listening to a child describing a nightmare" Marshall now challenged Rodriquez.

"Did you not hear of the massacre at the old abandoned Church, Saint Lucas I think it was called originally. Am I correct?" the judge asked Michelle.

"That's the one" she nodded.

"If there is any evidence pertaining to those unsolved killings I want to know" Rodriquez spoke firmly.

There was a tense silence hanging in the air.

"Your Honor, if I may be blunt, is this really wort-" Damien began but this time he would not be able to change their mind.

"No you may not, I'm making an exception here. Proceed Mrs Woods, but this is the last time I'm entertaining such absurd accusations" Marshall's face tightened, he was now impatient and angry. What am I doing? he thought, surely this is an issue for another time, another court.

"With all due respect I fail to see how these incidents have any correlation wit-" Dagon tried to lead them away from this issue but failed again.

"Then be silent and let us learn how" Judge Marshall commanded...Dagon felt like gutting the bastard.

"This is insane! You're listening to the ramblings of paranoid Christians as evidence?! My client demands proper, reasonable Justice in the face of such-"

"Mr Stonewall! Your client will get their time to prove innocence. As far as I'm concerned they are innocent, but I'm giving the defence one more oppurtunity to prove me wrong. This is your last warning" Judge Rodriquez was the one to reply. "Silence in the court!" she banged the gavel, the murmur from the Gallery and Jury was growing in volume.

This is the strangest court I've ever been to the Helltaker thought, only now just realising that this was not how judges usually performed. Not like how they do it on TV anyway...

"This is madness" Dagon took his seat once more. Malina gave the Helltaker a concerning look, trying to get his attention, but he did not respond to it. If they had his blood on it, which they most certainly did, this investigation was about to take a turn for the worse. He watched in horror as the evidence they produced was infact not a lie, it was the same two items he had used to return to Hell the second time.

Two photos were displayed on the projector, both of them side by side one another. There was the exact same Golden Chalice with the razor sharp rim, next to it the Satanic Bible was stained crimson from a splatter of blood. There were two numbers next to each object, a '3' next to the Chalice and a '4' next to the book.

Fuck...

All of a sudden Malina started coughing violently, gentle at first as if it were a dry cough you couldn't shake, until she was unable to control it. The demon struggling to breathe. She gripped the table fiercly, clenching her fists tightly while trying to suppress her affliction. It was no good. The demon was about to lose control of her appearance. Of her powers.

"My client hasn't been feeling at all well after they were attacked. I'd like to call for an adjournment if you would be so kind" Dagon understanding the severity of the situation as Malina was about to start convulsing. The demon trying to her best to suppress it but couldn't hold it any longer, the grey demon now came over to the white one.

"Agreed, I think we all need to gather our thoughts or re-evaluate them entirely" Rodriquez said after nodding in agreement to her colleague, there was slightl concern for Malina in her voice.

"Would you help me?" he asked the Helltaker, the human had frozen when Malina began coughing, her gasps for breath were scaring him.

"Jason?" Dagon asked again.

"Of course, let's get you something to drink" he half smiled, trying to convince himself everything was okay at this moment. He helped Malina stand and hurriedly lead her out of the room. Everything was far from being okay...


"Judgement?! Judgement! Where are you?" Lucifer spoke telepathically as she walked towards the exit of the Courthouse.

"I-I tried-" Judgement must have coughed or winced as she didn't finish her sentence properly. There was a tense pause. "She fucking tricked me, used the dampeners against me" the High Prosecutor almost laughed.

"I'm on my way" the devil decided to head towards the women's toilets instead of the exit, there would be less people to see her portal. "What happened? Are you hurt?" she asked, the devil silent with her voice but almost shouting with her mind.

"I'm fine...she didn't intend to kill" there was a horrible pause before the prosecutor spoke again. "Sh-she has taken Zdrada".

"WHAT?" the devil actually shouted out loud, the public in earshot giving her confused glances as she entered the women's toilet. The door swinging open and banging against the wall due to the force.

"OUT" she demanded of the mortals, the two women speaking together at the mirrors swiftly obeyed. It seemed that she was alone.

"Where has she taken Zdrada?!" the devil asked, checking quickly around the room. No cameras...good.

"I don't know- but she said-" another pause in Judgement's voice. "She said she was going to the place where this began and where it will end".

"Her last stronghold, the one where Justice banished her" the portal was completed, manifested on one of the toilet doors. "Once you're on your feet we are going after her" the devil stepped through the swirling orange gateway.

"It's-GAH! Modeus!...It's more complicated than that Lucy".

"I'm disappointed High Prosecutor"

"Dish out the blame when we get her back alright..."

"If we get her back..."


"Malina, what's wrong?!" the Helltaker was panicking, the demon's convulsions were becoming worse. The man and Dagon had hurried the demon out of the court before anyone called for medical help, trying not to raise any concern. Being in the public eye now would only make matters worse, but Malina was barely able to stand. Pandemonica, and then Azazel leading Justice by the hand came running towards the group.

They were in one of the court's side corridors which was connected to an exit from the courtrooms. Marble pillars reached from the shiny stone floor to the cream coloured ceiling, there was barely anyone around, the court was relatively deserted. The three had exited to the middle of the corridor and were now were moving down the polished stone floor to the end of the corridor. They were moving towards the room that they had used previously before the session had began.

"What's wrong with her?!" Azazel asked, the two men were helplessly watching her get progressively worse.

"We need to get somewhere private...now" Pandemonica ushered them towards their room, the demon noticing Malina's condition was deteriorating rapidly.

"Agreed, I know I'm not going to be of any help here" Damien spoke honestly, the Helltaker almost about to explode in anger at the demon weaseling his way out of this, but it didn't come to that, the man keeping his outburst contained mainly because of what he had to say next.

"I'll do the best I can to stall them and keep prying eyes away" he muttered the last part, the lawyer already walking away at quite a pace. "Caroline, I will inform the Judges that Mr Williams's and his family will be longer than expected. They have received some bad news" he called to the woman approaching him.

"Oh, I hope it's nothing bad" the woman peered at the group huddled at the end of the corridor, seeing Malina crying, reinforcing the lie. But it wasn't out of sadness, it was from the pure electrifying pain that was coursing through her.

"Please don't let them be disturbed I also-" his voice now fading, leaving the family's earshot, the two having walked around a corner.

"Bastard has got his uses, get Malina in that room now!" Pandemonica ordered after she had felt the demon's forehead, she was burning up. The Helltaker now picked up the smaller demon off of her feet and carried her bridal style into the room.

"Monica, what's wrong with her?" Justice asked, moving with Azazel''s assistance into the room.

"A fever, but this is someting much worse..." the former secretary not sugarcoating the severity of the situation. "Lay her on the sofa".

The Helltaker obeyed, but he was struggling to keep her still, the demon now losing full control of her appearance and demonic abilities. Suddenly orange fire ignited parts of her body before immediately being exstinguished, the human receiving a significant burn on his palm before releasing his grip on her.

"Gah, what the fuck?!" he recoiled, waving his hand swiftly to cool it down, blowing on it repeatedly.

"Let me handle this" Pandemonica shoved him to one side, removing her gloves and beginning to conjure some demonic hell energy, channelling it into Malina.

"Wait, where's Lucy?" the man asked, doing a quick headcount as he looked around the room.

"She had to leave a few minutes back, it seemed urgent" Justice replied, the demon no longer requiring to be lead by Azazel. She remained standing, the Awesome Demon crossing her arms. Azazel and Pandemonica were now seeing to Malina.

"Urgent?" he stood to attention now, alert, his mind going through all the possible situations in a matter of seconds, but this concentration was about to be shattered.

"This- I can't-" Pandemonic was struggling behind him, he turned away from the blind demon coming over to the sofa where Malina lay.

"What's going on?" he asked, kneeling next to the demon, the man becoming increasingly distressed.

"Malina's body is refusing the Hell energy, usually-" it was Pandemonica's turn to panic. "She is rejecting it, usually the energy will solve the problem regardless of what it is".

"So what're saying?" the Helltaker understanding only half of what the demon was describing.

"I-..I can't help her...she has to fight this on her own" the two now looked as Malina began seizuring, her head almost vibrating due to how fast she is moving.

"We must be able to do something?!" he was desperate.

"I'm sorry, we-" the two were interrupted as Malina's seizure intensified before stopping abruptly.

"Malina?" he knelt down next to her, worried to touch her incase he was scolded again. Fuck it. A big hand brushed the cheek of the demon, receiving no harmful reaction.

"Malina? Can you hear me?" he asked gently. "You have to fight it Malina". He watched the demon carefully, her blank stare could have tricked them into thinking she was dead.

Although the seizure had ended, Malina now began making strange wet noises, coughing at first, until it turned into desperate gasps for oxygen again. She was choking.

"Move her into the recovery position, I've seen this before" it was Justice who was intervening now.

No one felt like making the blind/sight joke right now.

"What do you mean? What the fuck is this?!" the Helltaker now stood and took a step backward in horror, wiping his hands clean. Pandemonica adjusting Malina's posture.

A thick black viscious liquid was currently dribbling out of Malina's mouth and now it was- it was coming out of her eyes.

"Corruption sickness...I barely survived my bout with it" Justice felt for a pulse on Malina, the demon letting loose a sigh of relief. "Good, she is still beating. Worse case scenario: she flatlined the moment it started back in that courtroom"

"Corruption? From what? The Abyss?" he asked grasping at straws, ignoring how immediate her death could have been.

"Correctarino" Justice tried lightening the mood with her cheerful confirmation.

"We need to get her out of here, we can't stay long..." Pandemonica glanced at the stained glass window that was at the centre of the door they had come through. "Azazel, keep watch darling" the angel stopped looking over Malina and did as instructed.

"Bit fucking hard when we are up to our nuts in humans, police and suits" Justice left Malina and felt her away towards a wall, leaning against it and crossing her arms.

The Helltaker's eyes didn't leave Malina, the man again coming close and kneeling. He was silent, trying his best to process the events currently unfolding...

Malina's condition...

"What do you think? We can't exactly portal out of here can we?!" Pandemonica was turning on Justice now.

Lucifer's 'urgent' exit...

"Hey don't blame me for this shit, I can't predict the fucking future!" the former prosecutor retaliated.

What would happen to their court case now?

"Thought that was your unique selling point?" Pandemonica grinned.

What could he do...

"What you're marvelous and charming boyfriend can't sweet talk his way outta this one?" the blind demon went on the offensive.

Where was Dagon?

"Be silent or else I will render you mute as well as blind".

"Please...I'd love to see you try".

"As you wish".

"Bring it".

"ENOUGH!" the angel cried, Azazel had been pushing the door slightly ajar, peering out between the door and the frame. The argument had distracted and distressed her, the angel no longer keeping a lookout. "STOP. ARGUING!" she shouted, all three of them turning to look at her.

There was an awkward silence hanging in the air, all of them frozen, all clueless...all helpless.

Azazel fought the urge to cry away, snivelling and wiping her nose. The Helltaker eventually deciding to stop kneeling, Pandemonica broke away from her glaring contest with the blind demon and took his place, making sure Malina was still breathing. The human now tried his best to comfort the angel, bringing her into a hug. The man still utterly silent, he didn't know what to do.

He was helpless...again...

Suddenly, the door swung open, the family were caught off-guard...their secret was exposed.

But it was a friendly face, followed by a not so friendly one.

"I've got some good news people, I think you need it right now" Dagon spoke cheerily, peering around the Helltaker and Azazel, seeing the unconscious Malina on her side, resting on the sofa. The black liquid still seeping out of her.

"Who is this?" the Helltaker not letting go of Azazel gestured to the women who now stood next to the lawyer. The angel felt she recognised this woman from somewhere...

"This is- well Lilith would you do the honours?" he took a step back, the grey demon having a smile on his face. The Helltaker already knew what was about to happen.

Lilith clicked her fingers and transformed into a demon, the black jagged horns and tail materialising in an instant. Her eyes going from a dark brown to a magnificent red, her blondish hair bleaching itself white.

"Alright, that novelty has worn off on me now" the Helltaker spoke bluntly. "Literally anyone can be a demon who I thought was a human".

"Charming...this is the human that has a harem of demons including Her Majesty?" Lilith turned to her colleague.

"Apparently so..." Dagon smirked at the Helltaker.

"You said you had good news, care to share it?" the human letting go of Azazel now, the angel no longer snivelling.

"You...I recognise you from the Gallery, you were sat behind Ms Lucifer to the right, at the back..." the angel spoke now, her halo now becoming visible, emitting a bright white light.

"Correct, this must be the fallen angel. I'm Lilith, at your service" the demon spoke in kindness.

"Azazel...at your's?" she replied cautiously. The angel receiving an adoring laugh from the older demon.

"We were able to talk to the judges during the adjournment, they think very little of our opposition's argument. So much so that they have thrown the case entirely out of court" Dagon blurted suddenly, unable to hide his achievement from them. "You've won".

"You- what? How?!" the Helltaker taken aback by this abrupt change in topic.

"While you were seeing to Malina, I went and had a few words with the Judges, turns out Marshall had persuaded Rodriquez to drop any interest with the 'Church of Baphomet' nonsense" the grey demon beamed.

"But that's not how courts work Dagon, you of all people should know that. The entire time we've been here it has been absolute nonsense, you know this isn't how it normally goes down, right?" the Helltaker crossed his arms, then moved his right arm up and resting his chin on the knuckle of his hand. "Judge, Jury and Verdict".

"That's where my friend Lilith comes in, see she is one of the best neural writers I know, her methods are one of a kind" Damien ignored his concern, the grey demon boasting.

"I knew you'd fucking result to trickery, I can't believe Lucifer ever sought your help in the first place!" Pandemonica spoke up from behind the Helltaker, moving to stand at the human's side, fists clenched. The Helltaker thought he might have to restrain her.

"I didn't understand any of that but let me guess, you brainwashed them didn't you? Both the Judges and Jury?" the Helltaker scolded the two colleagues.

"You mortals have such a way with words, no we didn't "brainwash" anyone. We provided them with insight, just enough to push them over to our side" Dagon scoffed, gesturing to the man. "See how grateful he is? After all your hard work".

"With all due respect Dagon...I thought we were doing this properly...by the book. Those last few hours- no these last few days have been pointless!" his tone hostile now.

"We were doing this properly until they started pulling out fucking blood chalices and satanic bibles...you never told me about that!" Dagon protested.

"I didn't know they fucking stole from me!" the human shouted back.

"Why did you have them in the first place?!" the demon shouted in return.

"THEY'RE AREN'T MINE, THEY WERE BEELZEBUB'S!" he boomed.

His shouting resounded the betrayal he was hiding, the man knew she was the root cause to all of this...just like always.

"Why did you give them to her in the first place then?" Justice was the one to raise her voice.

"I didn't-" he sighed admitting defeated, now lowering his voice. "I trusted her...the worst mistake I could have made. I. Always. Make. That. Mistake." The man running a hand through his black hair.

"You never fucking learn do you..." Justice shook her head. He bit his tongue for once, deciding not to retaliate, not to defend himself...for once.

"I guess I take aft-" he began.

"PFFTFFT What the fuck!" a voice spluttered behind them. "What the fuck is this shit?!".

Malina sat up and spat the black liquid out of her mouth onto the floor, wiping the remanants of the corruption from her eyes.

All demons and humans now faced the awakened demon.

"Oh thank god" he quickly rushed over to her, making sure she was okay, giving her his suit's red handkerchief.

"Thanks" she took the piece of fabric, spat in it, then wiped her tongue with it, before throwing it across the room. "Fuck, that tastes like shit".

"You okay Malina?" Justice coming to sit on the worn arm of the sofa.

"No" she grunted, her body twitching slightly as she was still recovering from the side effects of her affliction.

"Why what's wrong?" the Helltaker asked, the man now loosening his tie.

"Zdrada..."

The Helltaker stared at her puzzled, but he was finally starting to understand.

They were being torn apart...yet again.


"Forever Azazel".