An entire year had passed since that day. Everything was more or less going as smoothly as can be. No more vengeful overlords or psycho angels. All of that had been put aside and now, it was fairly peaceful in both timelines.

In the process, everyone had more or less adjusted to the newfound changes in their timeline. With the Redemption Plan going full circle both Charlie's had felt accomplished in different ways. One was happy that she was the Queen of Hell and being praised while the other stuck with her original title, still yearning for the day she may rise to the throne.

With Charlie's Project succeeding in both timelines , Heaven and Hell had to contact each other more frequently. Before, any contact between Heaven and Hell between the Royal Family was rare and most of the time they did their best to distance themselves but due to the changing times, something had to give and a closer relationship was more or less a necessity.

As you could expect, certain problems were brought up in the agreements…

"Do you understand why I called you all here?" Charlie asked, still wearing her ball gown from the previous year to fit her more regal appearance.

"Uh...no not really," Blitzo admitted.

Charlie groaned,"You know exactly what this is about! You and your friends have been traveling to the mortal realm and slaughtering not only your 'targets' but also innocent people in the crossfire. This little business of yours has gone out of control and it's inconveniencing the rest of us!"

"What's the big deal again?" Blitzo asked,"Seriously Princes-"

"Queen!" She interjected,"I've stopped being a Princess a while ago. And it does matter! It maters much more than you think because while you may think you're simply killing your targets, you're also fucking with the system. You and your friends have killed countless people while doing your assassinations and a good portion of them either fall down here to contribute to the overpopulation crisis or they go to Heaven in a state of trauma. This has happened so many times that Micheal is DEMANDING that your operation be put to an end!"

"You can't do that, we need the money to survive dammit!"

"Your business shouldn't even exist!" Charlie shot back,"Stolas wasn't even supposed to be giving you that book and this issue has spiraled out of control. There's a reason my Mom had to temporarily confiscate his Grimore until further notice because you and your pals just kept abusing the system to kill as many as possible. We have enough people down here in Hell and you guys need to find different jobs!"

"What other jobs? All the other jobs are terrible and don't pay for shit. What the fuck do you want us to do?"

"Anything but this!" She shouted,"I'm done with this shit and if you keep on testing me...it won't be pretty…"

"Is that a threat?"

"No, a promise…And when I make a promise, they're always kept so choose, go along with my demands or face the consequences. Those are your only options."

"If we do, do you have something for us to do because we need money…."

"I have several well paying jobs available. You see the garden back the Mansion hasn't been tended to in a while. Apparently whoever used to do that isn't there to do it anymore and I'd appreciate some help because the entire place is dying."

"Wait…" Moxie said,"You want us to GARDEN your plants for money!? Really? We're assassins for hire, not gardeners!"

"Well," Millie said,"I used to farm and grow crops so it's not too different."

"But most of us have no experience doing this!" Moxxie growled,"I can't even remember the last time I watered a plant!"

"Oh be quiet,"Blitzo cut in,"I'm pretty sure none of us have any experience with gardening outside of Millie but that doesn't mean we can't do it. It can't be that difficult, it's just plants dammit. Sounds like a piece of cake and we're getting paid loads," He then turned and said,"Alright Queen, you've got a deal. Me and my team will tend to your little garden and in exchange we'll keep out of your hair. Capeesh?"

"Understood. There's a ride waiting for you outside and there will be a list of instructions to abide by. You can go now." Charlie waited for them to leave and pulled out her phone in order to contact Lilith about her new achievement.

Once they were dismissed, Loona finally decided to speak up,"This is so fucking dumb. We're actually going to tend to gardens now? This is definitely a downgrade."

"Hey, at least we're getting paid loads," Blitzo shrugged,"That more than makes up for how lame the profession is. I personally could give two fucks about watering plants but if someone's paying me a shit-ton of money for it I don't see the problem."

"Sir, this is still rather bad. Who knows what type of plants the Magne family have…"

"Oh don't be like that Hun, I'm certain it ain't nothing we can't handle. It's just a bunch of plants, what's the worst that could happen?"

"Millie, you're jinxing us…"

"No such thing as jinxing, that's just a kid's game. Now come on, let's hop in the car and go."

As they were escorted to the Mansion, they saw a list stationed near the garden, specifically telling them how to feed and nurture certain plants. A good portion of the plants inside seemed to be apple related, causing Blitzo to roll his eyes,"Course the King has fucking apple themed shit everywhere. What's his deal? Who has this much apple crap in their house?"

"Apple shit and him being a symbol toward temptation if I had to guess,"Moxxie said,"Don't remember the whole story but that's the best expansion I can come up with."

"Whatever,"Loona said,"Who gives a damn about his obsession? We're supposed to tend to the garden…"

"Well we should be getting to work, let's just follow these instructions and hope for the best and-"

"AAAAAAHHH!" Moxxie screeched,"One of those apples bit me when I tried to grab it!"

"Why would you grab it?"

"It looked dry, I thought I could just remove it like a normal one!"

"I don't think these are normal apples, Moxxie. Lucifer probably made 'special' apples just for him. Figures the moment they get rotten they start showing the bad side of themselves," Blitzo said,"Hey Millie, does that list have anything on how to safely remove ' feisty rotten' apples?"

"It says to use pliers and toss them in a pit since they are actually sentient and dangerous when they get rotten…"

"In that case, let's work!" Blitzo said,"I'll be damned before I get bested by a bunch of spoiled fruit! Let's show these rotten fuckers who the real bosses around here are!"

Meanwhile, back in Heaven, Micheal was tending to the paperwork at his desk when the phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and said,"Hello?"

"Micheal, it's me, Lilith. I've come to tell you that Charlie and I have solved the problem with the Imps. There will be no more illegal travel to Earth anymore."

"Thank the Heavens! About time something was done, now Azrael can finally leave me alone about this. The constant complaints were getting old and I'm glad you two finally put a lid on the situation. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated."

"As if you're. We'd never get this far had you not approved my daughter's idea…."

"Indeed we wouldn't. It's been such a great pleasure talking with you, Lilith. You've made this transition so much easier by communicating with me and I can't thank you enough for it. Now things are starting to improve even up here."

"The feeling is mutual, Micheal. Though I really should get going, duty calls and I don't want to distract you from your work either and-"

"Wait."

"Hm? What for?"

"Lilith...I want to ask you something...It's a bit personal but I really do feel the need to speak with you about this…"

"Yes? What is it?"

"Lilith...are you and Samuel...divorced?"

She blinked, visibly taken off guard by the question,"Not officially. Though we haven't exactly spoken to each other in a while. We're definitely not 'together together' if that's what you're wondering…"

"Are you planning on getting back together?"

"Not this moment if that's what you're asking. I don't know if we actually are going to get back together honestly, the longer I think about it, the less certain I am. I'm not saying it's impossible but it's less likely than I thought it'd be. I just don't think it's possible to rebuild the relationship, at least not the way it used to be. Why?"

"Well Lilith, I was just thinking that perhaps..if the relationship is as irreparable as it seems, perhaps maybe it's time to move on to someone else…"

"What?"

"Lilith, we've been speaking to each other on a near daily basis for over a year. Over this period of time I can recollect you mentioning how lonely you are and that you don't really have anyone to fill in the gap my brother left."

"And who exactly is going to do that? Do you have a single clue how many men have tried to get with me? None of them are my type and I don't think there's a man in Hell that could possibly meet my standards. There's no spark, no love, nothing."

Micheal frowned, Lilith had told him earlier in the year that she had countless men try to propose a marriage to her. All of them were rejected and even those who weren't trying to get with her for the throne simply didn't meet Liliith's high standards.

She said she had tried to put her foot forward and get attached but said that she just couldn't do it and lost interest before the relationship could even start.

"Maybe the ones down in Hell aren't suitable for you, Lilith. Perhaps someone of more...noble tastes could interest you…"

She narrowed her eyes,"What are you getting at exactly, Micheal?"

"Well Lilith, I was just thinking that perhaps you could give love another chance, albeit with someone different. Someone like...me…"

Lilith froze,"You're kidding, right Micheal? This is a joke isn't it?"

"Lilith, you should know by now that I do not joke around like this. It's not in my nature to do so. I'm being 100% genuine here. Whether you take up the offer is up to you but I'm just saying, maybe it's time to let someone new into your life."

"Why me though? I thought I wasn't your type…"

"Because, I've always had my eye on you for a while, for eons even. I didn't know what these feelings were at first but by the time I wanted to confess it was already too late," He said bitterly,"He knew I liked you, which is why he chose to get the drop on me before I could even confess because he liked you too and wanted you for himself. Even after the Fall, I always resented that he had a loving wife and I did not. But now that things have changed, maybe that pipedream isn't so out of the question since you and Samuel aren't exactly together anymore…"

Despite not being able to see Lilith on the phone he could tell she was in deep thought,"Lilith, what do you really have to lose? You and Samuel probably aren't ever getting back together and it's clear nobody down there is interesting enough for you. Why not at least give it a chance?"

"I...I'm not too certain. I prefer those with experience and I know you've never been in a relationship before."

"I may not have been in a relationship before but that doesn't mean I don't know how to treat a lady. What do you say?"

"I suppose I can give it a chance...Though do you have anywhere to go because we're both in entirely different realms at the moment…I'd like a place where we can talk in depth about this and it'd be strange to do it over the phone."

He smiled,"I have just the place in mind. Meet me up here, I know just where to take you…"

When Lilith agreed to meet Micheal, he had told her to close her eyes for the 'surprise' place for their date."Micheal, are we there yet?"

"Almost…" After a brief second of pause he said,"Alright, you can open your eyes now…"

As she opened her eyes her bemusement quickly turned to annoyance the moment she realized where she was. The place was all too familiar to her. It was the Garden of Eden and surprisingly, it looked just as she had remembered it. Nothing seemed to have changed appearance wise, it was just as lush as ever, animals were roaming about without a care in the world.

"Why'd you bring me here, Micheal?"

"I wanted a place away from the hustle and bustle of Heaven and I don't think a cafe would really fit the environment. The only life around here are the non-anthropomorphic animals meaning we can speak without anyone noticing or caring. Come, take a seat…" He motioned her to a nearby tree and they both sat down."Been a while since you've seen this place, hasn't it?"

"Yes, it has," Lilith said as she held her finger out, allowing a bird to crouch down."It seems nothing has really changed in my absence. Everything is just how I remember it being…"

"Do you miss this place?"

"Sometimes, I miss how beautiful the scenery was but I've recreated a place in Hell to suit my comfort so I don't think about it too much. Even then, I do prefer Hell simply because of the freedom it grants me."

"I can tell, you've always cared for your freedom, it was the whole reason you even listened to my brother in the first place because you didn't want to be submissive towards Adam…"

"What? I like being in control. Adam wasn't bad or anything but I really don't like being told to be submissive when sex is involved."

"Not judging, just stating a fact," He admitted.

"So, Micheal, how's he doing?"

"He?"

"You know…"

"Oh. Him...Well he's...adjusting to put it mildly. Things in Heaven have changed drastically since he's been here and me and my other siblings have been trying to get him used to how things work around here. It's an entirely different hierarchy and he's not used to it."

"How different?"

"Well for one, ruling by fear isn't how we do things around here. While we are powerful and there are standards that need to be met, usually we don't resort to throwing our strength around or threatening people. It's not our first option and usually it doesn't come out since everyone up here is less violent. There's that and he's not really used to feedback."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"I mean in terms of others adding feedback that isn't positive reinforcement. Taking criticism was always his weakest point and even now, while we've made progress he's still not quite there yet. The transition from Hell to Heaven is something he's not used to. Mainly because he now has to listen to not only me, but the other angels for feedback. We all have to work together and he's not used to having to listen to advice from multiple people and following through with it."

"Probably because down here before all this started, he didn't really need to listen to anyone. I'm being honest here, I'm the only person he ever actually listened to for advice. Otherwise he makes his own decisions and expects everyone to follow them."

"That's precisely the issue. I think ruling Hell for so long has affected his mindset to the point he has a hard time grasping that his opinion isn't the only one that matters. Then again, I suppose being in a Realm where you're the strongest and everyone fears you might cause that power to mess up your mind. Nobody dared to question him and even if someone did, all he needed to do up until now was give them a look and they'd fall in line. Since these tactics don't work on us he's at a loss for what to do. It's an entirely different playing field and now that he's out of his domain he's realizing that striking fear into his own family doesn't work like it had on his helpless subjects. He can't order us around or force us to do anything so the loss of power must've been jarring to witness."

The demoness made a face,"Sounds exactly like him. How much has he changed?"

"It's a work in progress. Though what we all have noticed is that he's a lot more...quiet nowadays."

"Him? Quiet? Is that a joke? He could never shut up back at home, are you certain we're talking about the same person?"

"It's hard to believe but it's true. He doesn't really talk anymore. He's gotten rather quiet now that he's up in Heaven. He doesn't really speak all too much, just nods or shakes his head to communicate. If he does speak it's for less than a minute, maybe two at most before he reverts back.."

"Did the others notice?"

"Oh they most definitely did. It's hard not to notice when your brother doesn't speak 90% of the time. It's getting to the point where even Leo speaks more than him and his lack of expression is a bit concerning. One time, Cassius told him a joke and he didn't even blink. It unnerved everyone because he used to always find Cassius jokes funny and now he just...zones out."

"Does he at least do the work you put out for him?"

"Well yes, actually. Despite him not really speaking all too much, he actually does do his work. We had to advise him a few times that he couldn't do things like he had in Hell and it took some prodding but eventually, he turned it around."

"Are you happy that he's here?"

"Course I am, he's my brother and I've longed for him to come back for eons and so have the rest of us. The only real downside is his personality. It's like I'm staring into the void and the void is staring back at me when I look into his eyes. He does what he's supposed to do but it feels like something died in him that day when I spoke to him. It doesn't like I'm talking to the same person I was raised with and my other siblings said the same thing."

"It's his pride. I think whatever was left of his pride shattered to pieces," Lilith said,"Being beaten down by a fusion is one thing, but having your family turn on you is another. His pride was the one thing that he held onto and when that broke, all that remains is a shadow of the man he used to be…"

"I thought as much. Honestly, I'm at loss for what to do with him. Leroy tried to talk to him one time and he told me that his mind was damaged beyond repair when he took a peek at his mental state. Leroy has mental problems of his own but even I know that if he says that, he's not exaggerating. It's probably worse than we think, it's just that he's become less emotional so it's hard to tell what he's actually feeling. All I know is that the brother we loved is...not fully there anymore. He's not gone but he's definitely not the person we've grown up with. He was more recognizable when he ruled Hell than he is back with us."

Lilith made a face, the longer she listened to Micheal the smaller her hopes for rekindling the relationship she had with her ex. The person that Micheal was describing sounded nothing like the man she had loved and married. It was like they were talking about a different person entirely and Micheal must've picked up on that judging by his sombre expression.

"I know it's hard to believe, but he really is like this. I don't know how damaged he really is exactly, but I think it's safe to say that he's not going back to the person he used to be. Even if you two got back together, it's likely he'd be like this for the rest of his life. There's no going back for this, the damage is done and it's likely permanent."

Lilith tensed, the idea of reviving their relationship was completely out the window. She knew everyone had problems but that was beyond anything she could handle."Oh by the circles...this is bad…"

"It is. I'm sorry,Lilith, but I don't think you'll get the relationship out of him in his current state. He's already broken and being hurled into a romantic relationship will probably just make it worse. He needs many things but a relationship isn't one of them."

"So what now? Is this it for me and him?"

"I...I think so. There's no real future for you two. Your mind frames are completely different and he's too damaged to start anything that wouldn't become unhealthy in due time. I know it hurts but maybe it's time to let it go. I know he looked like the one for you but now...He's changed and so have you. You two aren't compatible anymore and it's best you find someone who is…"

She frowned as she lowered her head in defeat. She had a feeling it would come down to this but she was hoping it hadn't. It appeared this was the end of the road for their marriage.

It was beyond salvation and she doubted anything could be done anymore. Samuel was damaged goods and it was too late to do anything for him.

She then looked at Micheal before making a decision,"Hey, Micheal…"

"Yes?"

"Do you think maybe we'd be compatible?"

"Well," He chuckled,"I don't mean to brag, but I consider myself better than any of the demons you have in Hell. Assuming you don't want to go after my other siblings, I'm probably your best bet at a decent relationship."

She rolled her eyes,"God you're quite the bragger aren't you, Micheal? Starting to see that my ex isn't the only one with an ego."

"Hey, at least I'm emotionally stable. I at least have that going for me. Besides, no matter how similar my brother is to me, I'm certain my qualities are a lot less...pronounced compared to his. After all, I'm particularly irresistible~" He then brushed his bangs back and smiled at her.

"Don't flatter yourself, being too cocky is a bad thing when you're trying to impress a girl…"

"If you could deal with my brother you can handle me," He assured,"Besides, I'm not that you have to do is give me a chance. And we both know you don't have anything else to lose…"

She made a face,'He's right…' She really didn't have much to lose at this point. Her other options were either to go after the other angels, settle with the demons in hell or be single for the rest of eternity.

When given the choice between those options, Lilith decided to at least give Micheal a chance. He was fairly attractive and if you ignored the ego he was pretty tolerable. That and the fact he looked like her ex without makeup and additional height was probably a key factor as well.

She sighed,"Alright. Fine, Micheal. You convinced me, I'll give you a chance. If you can handle me at the end of the day, I'll consider a full-time relationship, understand?"

"Loud and clear, your highness."

When Lilith continued her date with Micheal, she was genuinely surprised. The man had no dating experience yet he seemed to know what he was doing for the most part, being as kind as he possibly could be with her. During their dinner Micheal helped her order off the menu since things in Heaven weren't exactly the same as they were in Hell.

Appreciating the tip, she ordered the 'close enough' equivalent of what she'd get in a diner at Hell. It didn't quite taste the same but it wasn't as bad as she expected.

By the time the date was done, Lilith was more or less walking Micheal back to the mansion.

"So are you certain you don't want to stay over?"

"I'm more than certain. Maybe another time but I can't stay in Heaven for too long. I have other duties to attend to unfortunately. As sweet as the date was, I can't just abandon my post for too long."

"I understand," He replied,"Managing a kingdom is hard work. I can't really blame you for your reaction. Still, do you wish to continue this little relationship or not because it's your choice at the end of the day."

"I wouldn't mind. I don't have much else to go and my romance life has been pretty dry up until now. I'd take this over the inevitable boredom that awaits back in my own Realm…"

"Fair enough, I can hardly blame you for that one. Though before you go, can I...you know…" He awkwardly rubbed the back of his head, uncertain how to convey his desires,"Do that thing?"

"What thing?"

"You know where people put their lips together and stuff? I don't know the specifics but I've seen mortals do it a few times…"

Lilith snickered,"Are you talking about a kiss, Micheal?"

"Uh...yeah? Is that what it's called?"

"Course it is. Honestly, I'm rather surprised you know how to go on a date but you can't remember what a kiss is…"

"I've never done this before, cut me some slack…"

"Alright, fine. Still, it was sweet of you to ask permission. Though I think I should be the one to lead in that case…"

"Lead? What does that even-Mmph!?" Micheal was taken back when she kissed him, eyes widening before slowly closing them. It was a brief kiss, only lasting no more than five seconds before she moved away. He then noticed the black lipstick on his face and jumped,"Did you put magic on your lips, Lilith? There's stuff on my face!? What have you done to me!?"

"Do you know what lipstick is?"

"What's lipstick?"

Lilith face-palmed,"It's...no. Nevermind. I'll explain it later. Just know it's nothing magical. Though I have to admit, that look on your face is priceless."

"Oh ha, ha. Very funny Lilith…"

"Oh come on, that was funny. Don't be such a prude, Micheal. Lighten up. Maybe later I can teach you that but until then, I really do think I should get going. I have to check and make sure the imps that Charlie let inside the mansion don't burn everything down."

"See you soon…"

Lilith then teleported away, leaving Micheal to rub his face.

"Definitely not what I was expecting…" He shrugged,"Oh well. At least it was something. Maybe things are finally turning around for me…"

He then made his way inside the Mansion, obvious to the presence of another person who had been watching the entire time. Samuel stood near the top window as he witnessed his ex wife and brother briefly lock lips together.

His expression didn't move, remaining stone-faced. The only sign that the events had affected him was the small lone tear that trickled down the left sight of his face, the tiny droplet splattering onto the ground.

He lost her...he lost his wife, the person he had loved the most to his brother. He was hoping that maybe she'd come back to him but all that hope shattered once he saw them kiss. His entire world had collapsed, he had lost everything and the one person he cared for had traded him for his twin brother.

The one thing he had over Micheal had just replaced him as her new boyfriend. The worst part was that...he couldn't get mad at either of them.

He didn't have the energy to be mad and deep down, he had the feeling something like this would happen.

His worst fear was that someone more mentally healthy, someone more positive would swoop in and take Lilith away. He was hoping it wouldn't happen but now that his worst fears came true...all he could do was simply sigh his shoulders in defeat.

'She wouldn't have taken me back anyway…' He thought as he wryly chuckles to himself,'Guess everyone's really moving on without me. Everyone's finding their own happy endings...everyone except me…'

He knew there was no point in trying to get her back. That bridge had been burned long ago and even Lilith still cared for him, she likely thought he wasn't in the condition to provide a stable relationship…

"Maybe that old saying has some truth to it...If you truly love someone...you have to let them go to pursue their own happiness..Even if it's not with you…"

He looked away, Lilith wasn't his anymore. Their relationship was gone, buried in the past and now she had a new boyfriend who would provide everything she could ever want.

She didn't need him anymore and no matter how much it hurt, deep inside, he had a feeling it was better off this way….

And for the first time in eons, the Devil stood to weep, crumbling to his knees, nothing more but a crumpled mess on the floor as the images of his marriage life were torn away. All those eons together only for Micheal, the golden prince, to claim her heart...

He was crying, sobbing as he had wished it was all just a dream...

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Enigmus-288: Still, I imagine Vox prefers waiting it out since he's tired AF and just wants to chill. Micheal means well but when it comes down to it, Vox doesn't want him fucking up his system on accident. And they went back to their original timeline because there was nowhere else they had to go from there.