Over the coming weeks, the peculiar prisoner had gone from the bottom of the ranks to nearly the top. It wasn't unusual to see him traveling through the King's own palace, even attending meetings next to Zennon himself. There was something odd about it, Amon could sense it even in the demon king himself. It wasn't even just toward Lucifer either. The beastia commander took notice of all the attention and whispers Zennon now passed around concerning him. He tried to think nothing of it, but things were most certainly changing, and he didn't know what to think.
"What do you think of that angel?" Amon asked as he leaned up against the wall with his arms crossed and a pensive appearance. His companions, Sirene and Kaim, stood beside him. Sirene had been overseeing Kaim and the maps he was laying out. Hearing Amon talk was enough to quickly take her interests away from the dull matters and respond.
"There's something strange about him. Who is he to come down and declare himself one of us?" Sirene held a scornful expression.
"My thoughts exactly too," Kaim agreed diligently. "But maybe the king has greater plans. After all, that angel could hold the secret to our victory."
Sirene paused thinking on the prospect, "Well in that case if he proves his worth, he could make a worthwhile ally."
Amon had been listening to their back and forth with an uncomfortable expression. He seemed to be deep in thought himself, which was only stolen away from it hearing the harpies' words.
"What do you think of it, Amon?"
"Huh?" he broke from his trance. "Oh, I don't know. Something strange is going on here."
Sirene's attitude shifted from strict business to a soft sultry, "I wouldn't worry about it, Amon." She curled her body against the side of his. "There's nothing we couldn't handle together. When the day comes you propose to be mated with me, we'll be unstoppable," she cooed.
Amon was slightly taken back by her out-of-the-blue suggestion. He had a deep connection with Sirene, but admittedly for whatever reason, whenever she brought up the prospect of eternal bonding it always made him feel nervous. Kaim especially seemed rather perturbed, and did all he could to shake his head and change the subject.
"Well, I don't know what to think of it. But I trust the king only has our best interests in mind," he said, rolling up their maps with the tips of his hooves.
Amon didn't seem so sure about that; however, he wasn't given much more time to consider it. Sirene had been nestling against him and was playing with the fur that lined his shoulders.
"Come Amon, it's getting rather drab here, let's get our minds off all this nonsense. What do you say?"
The beastia could see the kittenish excitement in her eyes, and the idea wasn't half bad but just then the moment was interrupted.
"Greetings Amon," a chilled voice announced. Glancing down, the demon noticed Lucifer was standing at their feet in a formal stance. "Greetings to the rest of you as well, I hope you've all been finding your evening well."
The others murmured in welcoming, but it was clear there was an awkward air after had been gossiping. Regardless, Amon lightly shook his head and began questioningly.
"Yes, I suppose it has been adequate. What brings you here?"
Lucifer appeared pleased he asked as if he was waiting for the opportunity. He smiled some as the wings on his head perked.
"Why, I've come to collect you. There's something you and I need to discuss with the king," the angel explained.
Amon seemed confused as did the others, however, theirs shifted to one of intrigue rather quickly.
"What is it we need to talk with him about?" Amon's head cocked.
The heavenly creature appeared to know more than he was letting on, yet even still his features remained mostly stagnant.
"Well, the sooner we travel to Zennon the sooner you shall find out. Come we have little time left to spare," he gestured his head for the beast to follow as he turned away. Amon was a tad reluctant, his gaze flipped between Lucifer and his comrades a few times before, with a shrug, he pursued the angel.
Kaim and Sirene watched them off in wonder and a bit of disappointment on Sirene's part, but they were already too far gone. All either of them could do was sit and ponder for their return.
As they made their way down the castle corridor, Amon considered anything that might come up and what this could all be about. He could see Zennon's huge doors ahead and knew his explanation was near as the wooden structure slowly began to open.
Inside Amon could already see the king waiting for their arrival. He had the same knowing, suspicious grin he had when Amon first arrived. The look sent a shiver up Amon's spine. Regardless, he entered and sat down next to Lucifer at the king's great table.
"Amon, I'm so glad you could join us today!" Zennon began with an abounding voice. Just as he finished, servants descended upon the table serving the king's fine wine in goblets to the attendees. Amon was a little taken back by the sudden amenities, but he was never one to turn an offering down.
"Thank you, it's my pleasure to be here. But if you don't mind me asking, what is this all about?" he questioned, taking a sip.
"Ah, Amon. Always right to the point. I admire that about you," Zennon spoke. "Well, you'll be happy to know that you no longer need to hide, Lucifer here has explained it all to me, and I couldn't be more joyous. I know we are in good hands now at the threat of the oncoming divine war!"
"Whoa, whoa what are you talking about? Are we under immediate threat?" Amon spoke, placing his cup down.
"No, not immediately. However, our way of life will forever be in place of danger if we do not act. I propose that we take the fight to God himself, with my knowledge, the demon armies, and you, I'd say we have a fair chance," Lucifer informed.
Amon's head wings tilted to one side as his confusion sank in. He understood the concept of the plan, but he didn't quite understand his prominence in it. His gaze returned to Zennon as he started once more.
"That sounds like it could be promising. Were you wanting me to begin training my armies for such a battle?" the beastia asked with a pit forming in his stomach.
The stone walls echoed with a lively laugh as Zennon collected himself.
"Well yes of course, but there's more to it than just that. You're special to us."
Amon felt his tail flick worriedly, as he dreaded to ask again, "How so?"
"Because you're the Great Devil in the Moon," the king stated.
Stunned stiff, Amon watched him with a widened gaze and a fumbling jaw. He wanted to speak and elaborate on this revelation but couldn't bring his mouth to cooperate properly.
"...Or you were. I always did have a feeling, and those feelings were confirmed by Lucifer here," Zennon explained.
The beastia's head flicked to the angel and a look of disturbance grew on his features. He couldn't understand why this was so important all of the sudden, and the look on both their faces wasn't comforting.
"That's very true, I was there at your birth. I'm surprised you have kept it hidden for so long Amon," Lucifer said.
"Oh, nonsense, this was all perfectly timed. Amon knew what he was doing all along!" Zennon proclaimed.
Amon still didn't seem to have much means for speech, but with all his attention he forced himself to contribute.
"Umm, actually I'm afraid I'm still not sure what this is about, or what my birth has to do with any of this!"
A second of silence filled the room before it was promptly escorted out by the king's laughter. Lucifer himself even seemed mildly assumed by Amon's response. This didn't sit well with Amon as he felt his stomach sink further.
"Oh, you were always the humorous one too," Zennon chuckled.
Lucifer seemed to notice Amon's growing discontent and from it he started once more.
"Amon you are The Devil in the Moon, surely you recall?" he prodded.
"Well yes, but that small fact has had little to do with the rest of my existence," Amon argued sourly.
Another round of laughter came from the king before Lucifer went on.
"Amon, that has everything to do with your existence thus far. You are destined to be the deliverer of demonkind using the same might of God himself."
"Says who?" he rebutted.
The king shook his head, he seemed rather amused by the whole discourse. Lucifer didn't seem to have any trouble doubling down on his statement with the same cool and collected manner.
"Amon, it didn't need to be stated by any one being, it just simply is. You were the product of one of God's largest oversights. You were the shadow God had cast from his very own light, and because of that, you mirror his power. We all know it, especially you, you know your power is above all the others. And with such power, we have a chance to fight God and battle for our existence!"
It was then Amon at last shot himself up from where he sat. The petrified look that had been twisting upon his face had finally reached its peak and now evolved into something much fiercer.
"Hold on now, yes, I might have once been The Devil in the Moon, but my memories of that time have quickly faded. I was only but an infant! I may have this power, but I do not fully understand it. There's no telling my power even rivals that of God!"
Amon didn't like the sharp and unflinching stares they were giving him. Zennon crossed his arms and leaned back in an aloof manner. The beastia didn't like his uncaring body language, it only fueled his frustration.
"Amon, I know this might all seem flustering. But we all know you are demonkind's only hope. Your time spent living with us has been most cherished, but now is the time for you to take your proper place and become our savior. You're the only one who can, if not you, then will you instead watch us perish?" Zennon said in an eerily cunning tone.
The crimson devil simply stood there, feeling that knife of guilt gut him deeper. Their sights felt heavier and heavier on him, but he couldn't run away from it. He couldn't run away from his men, his kind that he had sworn to stand beside. His tail flicked nervously, and he kept on a hardened expression as he started once more.
"What are your plans exactly?"
He hated the subtle smug look that wormed up the king's expression.
"I'm glad for your interest. Lucifer, why don't you explain to Amon what you told me?"
The angel bowed his head respectfully as he turned to Amon, "From what I know and understand about God I have constructed a plan of action. On their own demons would never stand a chance against God's armies. However, I possess the knowledge of God's tactics. That, combined with harnessing your power, we can eradicate God and the time for demons will truly reign!"
Amon brought his arm up to comb through the dark fur on the back of his neck as he sighed uneasily. He didn't know what exactly was causing his apprehension. On paper it sounded like a worthy cause, a just cause, and yet something didn't sit well with him. He figured perhaps it was the sudden pressure, the sudden expectation. Either way, he released his breath and spoke.
"I mean that sounds all well and good, but how can we guarantee it's something I'll be able to do?"
Suddenly, the angel's features became more eager. He appeared gratified by Amon's give, even as minute as it was. Nothing Amon had ever seen on Lucifer's expressions was ever overtly emotional, one way or the other, making this particularly striking to the beastia.
"Don't fret on such matters. Now that we are aware of your potential we will train accordingly."
They both were practically on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear Amon's final words. He still was rather uneasy about it all, but his mind was lightening. He talked down the knot in his gut, convincing himself this would be for the good of all demons. He had already committed himself to the demon military as it was, this was simply just the highest honor. He started to nod his head to himself and looked back at the two with a smirk on his face.
"Alright, if it's for the good of all demons, who am I to turn down such a duty?"
Just as Amon had expected, simultaneously both Zennon and Lucifer became joyous, Zennon to a much stronger extent. The enormous devil stood on his hooves as he threw up his hands.
"That's just what we wanted to hear Amon," he said slapping his hand down on the beastia's shoulder. "You are doing a service to your species. I promise with your power and our direction, every demon will rejoice at the utterance of your name, and all demons will prosper to fight another day!"
The smile on Amon's face came naturally now as he envisioned the prospect. He envisioned the world of demons getting to live just as they all wished, fighting and surviving as they pleased. The thought left a glimmer in the great devil's eye.
"Yes, with much thanks to you Amon, the demons will reign supreme, and I assure you, I, just as you, have only the best intentions in mind for demonkind. I have seen just how heinous God can be, and I wish to bring his tyranny to an end."
The tone in the angel's voice was cool and convincing, bringing an eased smile to Amon's lips as well as Zennon's.
"All is going accordingly, we shall make the big announcements tomorrow morning, and begin your practice under Lucifer's command," Zennon said turning to make for the exit. The small and timid sound of Lucifer clearing his throat however, changed the king's mind mid-step. He spun around placing his hand to his forehead.
"Oh, yes of course. How could I have forgotten?" he chuckled. Amon's head tilted to the side as the wing's on his head twitched curiously.
"What is it?" he asked noticing the prideful grin growing on the angel's face.
"As of tomorrow with your announcement, we will also be welcoming a new, better fitting, title for our divine ally here…"
Amon's brow rose, "Oh really? What's that?"
The two shared a look as Zennon opened his mouth once more, "I see no harm in letting Amon know early."
The bright being nodded with him as his eyes met the giant beasita's, "You can from now on refer to me as Lord Satan."