PART IX
Fallen Demons, the Stolen Grimoire, and a Battle to the Death
The dark figure smiled as he looked in his Mirror. His Five Dark Servants had defeated the Five Lords. As he saw them fall, he thought, you've done well my Five Dark Servants. I shall reward you once you return with the girl. Moving his hands over the Mirror's surface he watched the other Battle taking place. He smiled when he saw the Fallen One trapped in the demon binding circle. Wrath, you've done well. Let's see how you do against the Morning Star. Looking at the Battle through his Mirror, he suddenly went still. Two figures had approached the Forest. One was the girl. The other was the Demon Prince. How is he still alive? Fury came over him. His Prince of Darkness and Servant failed? Just as he was thinking about their failure, the Prince of Darkness and his Servant reappeared in front of the Ancient One.
"Ancient One, we have returned. We failed because of interference from that girl. She is powerful. Her power is equal to the Archmage of the Sorcerers Guild, maybe even more powerful. How is that possible? She is but a mere mortal. No mortals have ever held so much Power except the Archmage. But he is no longer alive and has no descendants."
"That is why I want her. Her Power is unimaginable. I will use her to aid in my Resurrection. Once she is in my hands, I will put her under my control and unravel the truth about her. For now, the Second and Third Key take top priority. Return to your slumber my Dark Prince and so shall you Dark Servant of the Prince until I call on you again. I will give you another chance to eliminate the Demon Prince when the time comes."
"As you command Ancient One," the Dark Prince said as he and his Servant flickered and disappeared.
Returning to the Battle in the Forest, he saw that Wrath and the Morning Star were evenly matched. The Morning Star would soon fall and when he falls, his plan could finally go unhindered. Moving his hands across the surface of the Mirror, he returned to the spy that lay hidden in the Place where the Second Key lay. Time to take the Second Key. He chanted a Dark spell in front of his Mirror and it started to glow a dull red. Finishing the chant, the Mirror suddenly went transparent and a pathway appeared within the Mirror. Stepping on the path, the dark figure walked through the Mirror to reappear on the other side. Walking toward his spy, a creature made of stone, he chanted, "Arise my Minion of Darkness and do as I command. Shed thy false form and reveal thy true self. Become my Dark Servant and destroy all that stands in my way. Awake and Destroy Cerberus of Darkness!" As the chant finished, the stone creature shed his stone skin and reappeared in his true form, a massive dog with three heads, Dark Flames spewed from his three massive jaws and surrounded his body, red eyes glowing with anticipation. The figure smiled and said, "Welcome my Pet, I have a Task for you. Go to the Forest where Wrath and the Morning Star are and aid my Dark Servant, Wrath in his Battle, but do not reveal yourself until the time comes. You will know when. Now go my Pet and bring me victory."
The Dark Cerberus raised its three heads and gave a bone-chilling howl before flickering and disappearing. Once his Dark Cerberus left, he made his way to the Second Key. Burning the vines that held the Grimoire in place, he took it and returned to Merlin's Cave through his Mirror. Now he had the Second Key. All that was left was the Third and Final Key in the Celestial Realm. His plan to get the Third Key was currently in process. He knew that Michael would send reinforcements to the Devildom leaving him with only a few guards from his Celestial Army. That was when His vessel would play a key role in taking the Last Key. He won't kill Michael as of yet, but he will weaken him with a Special spell just for him. Once weakened, He could easily take the Third Key from right under Michael's nose. Smiling with anticipation, He made his way to the Room with the Lost Key and set the Second Key on another stand. As the Second Key settled on the stand, another part of the Summoning Circle filled with an unearthly red. After placing the Second Key, He returned to his dais and continued to watch the Battle between Wrath and the Morning Star.
While Lucifer was fighting Satan's Dark Twin, Diavolo and Kagura arrived at the House of Lamentation and found it empty. Before they could figure out where the Brothers were, both felt an intense magical pressure coming from the Forest. Diavolo froze as he recognized this pressure. It was Lucifer's. He had finally released all his demon powers which he had kept in check for centuries. Lucifer would not willingly release all that power unless something had happened to make him do it.
Turning to Kagura, Diavolo said, "Kagura, we need to go to the Forest immediately. The intense magical pressure coming from there is Lucifer's. He has released all his demon powers. Something must have forced him to do it. He normally keeps that Power in check because if not controlled, it could destroy all Three Realms."
Kagura stared at Diavolo in shock before saying, "Then we must go immediately."
With a nod, Diavolo said, "Let's go."
As Diavolo and the MC rushed toward the Forest, the intense magical pressure put a strain on Kagura's body and she gasped. Noticing it, Diavolo cast a Protective Barrier around Kagura and said, "This will block the magical pressure. I'm sorry for bringing you here, Kagura. I should have let you stay behind. Humans cannot handle so much magical pressure. It would put a strain on their bodies."
Kagura shook her head, "There is no need to apologize. I cannot explain it, but I feel as if I need to be here. If you had left me behind, I would have followed."
Diavolo looked at Kagura for a moment then said, "Very well, but stay close to me."
Kagura nodded.
Entering the Forest, Diavolo's and Kagura's eyes widened in shock at the scene before them. Satan was unconscious and trapped in a demon binding circle, a wall of Dark Lightning surrounding him. Satan! Kagura thought with horror. She and Diavolo rushed toward the unconscious Satan, avoiding the Dark Lightning. Looking up from the unconscious Satan, they saw Lucifer, pure fury in his eyes, fighting a figure. As Kagura looked at the figure, a feeling of familiarity came over her. Looking at the figure's silhouette since his face was hidden from view, Kagura froze in shock. She knew who it was. It was the same figure who had hijacked her train killing everyone on board while she was in the human world and the one who had kidnapped her. Turning to Diavolo, Kagura noticed the shock on his face when he saw Lucifer's opponent.
Turning to Kagura, Diavolo said, "Do you know who he is? Why does he look like Satan?"
Kagura said grimly, "I know who he is but I don't know why he looks like Satan."
Diavolo gave Kagura a long look before saying, "What do you know? Tell me."
Kagura nodded, "Satan told you that when I was in the human world, my train got hijacked and the passengers and staff on the train were all killed leaving me as the sole survivor. However, there's more to it. It has to do with how I came to have amnesia. It all started on the train. While I was going to our family's summer retreat by the oceans of Cornwall, my train was forced to a stop midway. As my train stopped, I heard screaming coming from outside my compartment. When I looked out, I saw several shadowy figures materialize outside my compartment. All of them were holding human weapons called rifles that kill instantly. The figures killed everyone in that car while four more figures materialized and watched from the Darkness. After everyone was killed, I overheard a plan the four figures had for me. According to them, their Master had ordered my capture so that I could be used as some sort of sacrifice. Overhearing their plan, I knew I needed to escape before they found me. So, while they were busy talking, I opened my compartment's window and jumped off. As I rolled from the train, I hit my head on a rock and lost all my memories. After I got most of my memories back and got my memories of Satan back, Satan and I fell into a trap that was set up by him leading to a confrontation. As I confronted him, my memories of what happened to me on the train came back. However, before I could find out his true purpose for trapping us, he forced me to come to him by threatening Satan's life and I was captured. After he took me away, I knew nothing more until I felt Satan die."
Diavolo's face went grim as he heard Kagura's story. "So, he was the one that cast the Soul Shatter spell on Satan killing him?"
"Yes."
Diavolo went still when he heard Kagura's reply, "You know of the Spell too? How do you know of it? The Spell is only known by us demons."
"It is because when I opened the Lost Grimoire, that knowledge was also transferred to me."
Diavolo narrowed his eyes when he heard Kagura's response. There was something in her voice that told him that Kagura knew something else. "The way you said that, that is not the only knowledge you gained from the Lost Grimoire."
"Yes, you're right. There's something else. It has to do with Satan getting resurrected."
Diavolo stared at Kagura in stunned disbelief as the truth of Satan's resurrection came to light. Staring at her he asked, "You were the one who resurrected Satan?!"
"Yes. The other knowledge I gained from the Lost Grimoire was the Resurrection ritual for Demons. The Spell is known as The Empty Resurrection Spell."
As Kagura revealed the truth, Diavolo could not believe it. The Lost Ancient Spell had returned along with the Lost Grimoire. Lucifer's suspicions were correct. The Lost Grimoire is the catalyst to all that has happened including how Kagura came to gain immense powers that were developing and evolving at an incredible pace. In all of History, no one had ever held as much power as Kagura except the original owner of the Lost Grimoire, the Archmage. What was Kagura's Destiny? Diavolo did not know but he knew he had to find out and find out fast.
Returning to the Battle between Lucifer and Satan's Dark Twin, Lucifer had long noticed Diavolo and Kagura entering the Forest and had saw Diavolo casting the Protective Barrier around Kagura. Thanking Diavolo silently for protecting Kagura from his intense magical pressure, he returned to his Battle only to notice that Satan's Dark Twin had also seen Kagura. With a cruel smile, he had discretely blasted a Web of Dark Energy right at Kagura. No, Kagura! Lucifer thought in horror. Seconds later, he teleported and landed in front of Kagura. Kagura whirled around just in time to see a Web of Dark Energy hit Lucifer as he shielded her. As the Web hit him, a million volts of Dark Electricity pierced his body electrocuting him before he collapsed.
"Lord Lucifer!" shouted Kagura, catching him as he collapsed.
As Kagura caught Lucifer, a shadowed memory and a fragmented conversation suddenly came to her mind. She closed her eyes and the memory returned. She was in what looked to be a Study or Office. In front of her stood a figure encased in shadow exuding a great sense of Pride mixed with barely concealed love. A voice came from the shadowy figure as it spoke. A voice filled with gentleness, warmth, and an infinite love, "…there's a fire raging inside me. When I look at you, my chest tightens, and I feel as though I can barely breathe…The longer I'm around you, the harder it's become to fight back these feelings. I've finally reached the point where I don't think I can contain them anymore..."
"…Ever since you left the Devildom…not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you. I even considered going to the human world…to find you, and to bring you back here. But never once did I imagine…that you'd come back to me on your own…Kagura, I love you, truly and deeply."
As the conversation ended, the shadowy figure was finally revealed. It was Lucifer, kissing her passionately as he confessed his love to her. Kagura's own love reciprocating his as they shared an intimate time in each others arms. Kagura's eyes slowly opened and she gently pulled Lucifer into her arms. "I finally remembered you beloved Lucifer. I'm sorry for not remembering you sooner. It is time for you to awaken, Lucifer, Avatar of Pride."
Leaning forward, Kagura kissed Lucifer's lips and said "Area Heal!" A circle of golden light appeared around Kagura once more before surrounding Lucifer healing him, returning power and strength to him. As strength and power returned to Lucifer, he stood up as did Kagura. Seconds later, a brilliant blue gem appeared next to Satan's green one, glowing with a brilliant blue flame. Touching her finger to Lucifer's blue gem, Kagura started the chant, "Hear me, denizens of the darkness, thou who art born of shadow and thou who give birth to it. Hear me and do as I command! Awaken and lend thy powers to the one contracted to me. Lucifer, Avatar of Pride!
The power Kagura was giving off began to swirl again just like the time when she amplified Satan's power. This time the immense power surrounded a stunned Lucifer. He shuddered at the mass of power flowing within him mixed with his own immense power. Seconds later, Lucifer was surrounded by a brilliant mass of blue flame. Drawing on the massive power, Lucifer blasted a huge mass of blue flame right at Satan's Dark Twin. The flames overpowered the Dark Double and soon engulfed him, consuming him. When the flames died down, all that was left of Satan's Dark Twin was his black unicorn pendant which had turned to ash.
With the defeat of Satan's Dark Twin, the demon binding circle that bound Satan deactivated. The Wall of Dark Lightning had also disappeared. Satan was saved but still unconscious. The next thing was to heal the injured Satan. Before Lucifer or Kagura could go to Satan, both sensed a new threat that suddenly materialized before them. It was Cerberus, a Dark Cerberus created from Dark Power. It raised its three heads and gave a bone-chilling howl before looking at his prey, his red eyes glowing with anticipation. Dark Flames were pouring from all three of the massive dog's mouths before he showed his fangs from all three heads. Acidic saliva dripped from his jaws burning anything and everything it touched. The next instance, the Dark Cerberus pounced, targeting Lucifer. Lucifer quickly pushed Kagura out of the way before he dodged the Dark Cerberus.
Lucifer tried his first strategy first. "Cerberus, sit!" Lucifer demanded but the three-headed dog didn't even listen and pounced again. Lucifer had to dodge it once more.
Next he tried his second strategy, "CERBERUS!" Lucifer bellowed. "I believe I told you to sit. Or didn't you hear your Master's command?"
The Dark Cerberus still did not listen and growled pouncing on Lucifer again. The pounce was so fast that Lucifer barely dodged it, getting slightly burned by Dark Cerberus's saliva. Ignoring the pain, Lucifer tried his third strategy, "Sit, Cerberus. NOW!" He demanded. "You dare attack your Master?" Lucifer's eyes became dangerous, flickering with so much righteous fury that Kagura felt a chill go down her spine.
The Dark Cerberus didn't as so much as blink before he blasted a mass of Dark Flames from his mouth right at Lucifer.
With a gasp, Kagura acted immediately and chanted another spell that had come to her mind, "I call upon the spirits of fire, water, wind and earth to give protection unto the one contracted to me, Lucifer, Avatar of Pride! Shield of Elements Activate! As the chant finished, A Shield made from the four elements encircled Lucifer creating a Shield of multi-colored hues. As the Dark Flames hit, the Shield absorbed it before reflecting the Flames right back at the Dark Cerberus. Flames made from orange, blue, white, and green colors that represented the Four Elements. As the reflected Flames made contact, the Dark Cerberus was blasted backwards.
Stunned, Lucifer stared in amazement, The Elemental Shield that Kagura had cast was one of the most advanced and complicated Elemental Magic Protection Spells that had ever existed. There has never been anyone skilled enough to cast it except the original owner of the Lost Grimoire. Kagura, how? His thoughts were interrupted when the Dark Cerberus forced itself up. It was furious. Fury shown in every part of the creature's body, the Dark Cerberus changed his attack to Kagura and pounced. Lucifer watched in horror as the creature pounced. He had no time to get to Kagura. Will he have to watch in helplessness again as someone else he loves die in front of his eyes?
Just as he was thinking that, he saw the Dark Cerberus suddenly freeze in mid-pounce before he crashed to the ground. What…Before Lucifer could finish his thoughts, he felt a mass of power being released. He recognized that Power and sighed with relief. It was Diavolo's. Diavolo had released part of his power and managed to save Kagura. Rushing to Kagura, he grabbed her and hugged her tight, trembling with relief.
"I'm all right Lucifer," Kagura said hugging him back. "Lord Diavolo managed to save me but that was too close."
Lucifer held his beloved close and whispered, "That was too close. I thought I was going to lose you. If I lost you, I wouldn't have been able to borne it." They stood like that for a few minutes before Lucifer pulled Kagura gently away.
Looking into his beloved's eyes, Lucifer continued, "Thank you Kagura for shielding me earlier, but I do not want you involved in this fight. It is too dangerous. Please return to Satan's side and stay there with Lord Diavolo. You'll be safe with him."
Looking at the Dark Cerberus with barely contained fury, Lucifer said, "I will take care of the Dark Cerberus. He will pay for attacking you."
Turning back to Kagura, he said, "Now go to Satan and Lord Diavolo and wait for me. Once the Dark Cerberus is destroyed, we will help Satan."
Kagura nodded and said, "Please be careful Lucifer and return to me soon." Then she kissed him. Pulling Kagura into his arms, Lucifer kissed her back. As the kiss ended, he said, "I promise." Lucifer flickered into his demon form once more and with another flicker, he was gone.
After Lucifer left, Kagura returned to Lord Diavolo and the unconscious Satan. Bending over Satan, she checked his pulse. It was there but faint. Satan was still alive. Oh, thank goodness. Satan you reckless idiot, why did you have to go off on your own?
"Lord Diavolo, Satan is still alive, but I don't know the extent of his injuries. How could he be out cold? I didn't think demons could be put into this state unless he wasn't able to defend himself during the fight with his Dark Twin."
Lord Diavolo was grim. "You're right, Kagura. A one on one magical battle has never put demons into this state before unless the demon somehow was not able to defend against the magical attacks used. We're not immune to magical attacks so we protect ourselves with our powers."
Kagura thought a moment before something she had read before about demons in the human world came to her. Ever since she was little, not only did mysteries attract her but also the world of the supernatural. She remembered that there was a book on demons that had attracted her. The book had mentioned several weaknesses of demons and one of them was magical attacks that targets demons. One of the magical attacks was the Dark Demonbane spell that could severely injure demons or kill them depending on the potency of the spell. The spell draws on the Power of Darkness and appears in the form of Dark Lightning.
"I don't know if this information is accurate for all demons but when I was living in the human world, I read a book on demons. The book talked about the strengths and weaknesses of demons. While reading about the weaknesses of demons, one of their weaknesses is magical attacks which you confirmed when you said that demons were not immune to magical attacks. When I read about the different magical attacks that can weaken or kill demons, I came upon information on the Dark Demonbane spell. According to the book, the spell could severely injure demons or kill them depending on the potency of the spell. The spell draws on the Powers of Darkness and can be cast by any practitioner of Dark Magic. The form of it is Dark Lightning."
Diavolo looked at Kagura sharply and said, "Did you say Dark Lightning?"
Kagura blinked in surprise. "You know something." It was more of a statement than a question.
Diavolo nodded, "I never thought this would happen again. During our Ancient Battle with the Ancient Evil, the allies of our Enemy attacked our Demon Legions with Dark Lightning, killing almost half of us despite the Protective Barriers we put up. If the form of the Dark Demonbane spell is the Dark Lightning used during the Battle, then we are in trouble. Not only are we facing a repeat of that Battle, we're also being severely weakened. We are running out of time. The Resurrection is going to happen soon and possibly another catastrophic battle, but I cannot think about that when the Devildom is currently under threat. The safety and stabilization of the Devildom comes first before I can do or think about anything else."
"I may not remember much of the Devildom after my amnesia, but after coming here, I can understand your determination to bring peace, safety and stabilization to the Devildom. Solomon once told me that just like he would do anything for the peace and stabilization of the Human Realm, you would do anything for the peace and stabilization of the Devildom. I now see what drives you both. Despite being really dark and creepy down here, there is also a certain charm. I also sense your deep love for your Kingdom. It is no wonder your people love you so. I want to also help in whatever way I can."
Diavolo's eyes widened at what Kagura said. "You don't know how happy I am to hear that. I am also grateful to you. Ever since I picked you as the other human exchange student, I had felt I had taken a step closer to my dreams and hopes. Thank you Kagura."
Kagura blinked in surprise. Grateful...a step closer to my dreams and hopes...Suddenly another memory surfaced. Closing her eyes, the rest of the memory surfaced along with fragments of a conversation that was full of emotion. She was in a gigantic Hallway with beautiful Grecian-like columns. Two spiral staircases led to the upper floors. Before her stood a tall shadowy figure with bat-like wings and massive horizontal horns curled inward. He exuded an air of old formality and gave off a sense of immense power and wisdom. "...I'm truly grateful to you...my dream is to strengthen the bonds that unite the three worlds...watching you give me courage…
"Kagura...My goal is to create a state of peace and harmony between the three worlds...regardless of what difficulties lie in store…"
I look to you as my guiding light...showing me the way forward."
The figure encased in shadow suddenly cleared before her eyes. The wise and majestic looking demon with a kind smile and piercing golden eyes was Lord Diavolo, Demon Prince of the Devildom. He was someone Kagura had admired and respected before she lost her memories.
Kagura opened her eyes and looked at Lord Diavolo, "I remember. I finally remembered who you are. You are Lord Diavolo, Demon Prince of the Devildom. At a party, we had danced together. You told me of your dreams and your goals and how you felt about me. I'm sorry to not have remembered you sooner Lord Diavolo."
Then she hugged him. Diavolo's eyes widened as Kagura hugged him. Recovering quickly he hugged her back, holding her tight. He had wanted to hold her for a very long time. When she had returned to the Devildom amnesiac, she had avoided his eyes and had backed away from him causing his heart to break. He loved and adored Kagura. The years that Kagura spent in the Devildom were the happiest time of his life. He was happy whenever he saw her. Her presence near him gave him so much strength and courage. The times they've spent together were unforgettable. Everything Kagura did for the Devildom and for him had made him fall for her little by little. It wasn't long before he completely fell for her, but keeping a respectful distance and loving her from afar. That was enough for Diavolo.
Returning from his thoughts, Diavolo gently pulled Kagura away and said, "I'm glad that you finally remembered me. I also have feelings for you but it is enough to just have you by my side. I know that you love both Satan and Lucifer and I'm fine with that. Satan and Lucifer are important to me as well as the other Brothers. I will entrust them to your care."
Kagura smiled at Diavolo in thanks and said, "Thank you Diavolo for entrusting them to me. I promise you that I will protect them no matter what. I will also protect everyone else you hold dear. I will also protect you. You are important to the Devildom and your people. We will all be sad if anything happens to you. I have a feeling that may be my new purpose here after losing my memories, to protect everyone with the powers I have gained. If that is the case, then I shall make a vow to you."
Kagura stood up then went down on one knee as she bowed her head gracefully, "I, Kagura, make this vow to protect and aid you, Demon Prince of the Devildom to bring peace, safety and stability back to the Devildom and protect all that you hold dear. That is my promise to you."
As Kagura made her vow, time suddenly seemed to stop. Seconds later, a pale light surrounded Kagura. Within the light a figure slowly materialized. As the figure materialized, Diavolo stared in stunned disbelief at who it was, "Archmage?! Is that really you?"
The Archmage shook his head and said, "I am no longer alive. What you see is only an essence of my spirit. The girl's vow called me here because when I was alive I had shared the same beliefs and wishes as her."
After gently touching the girl's head, the Archmage turned back to Diavolo and said, "My time here is short so I must be brief. The time has now come for me to reveal the truth about the girl. Hopefully, it would also answer your many questions. The Grimoire I created has chosen its new owner and that owner is this girl. It chose her not only because her power is compatible with it, but also because her Destiny is linked to it. During the Ancient Battle, I used up all my powers to Seal the Ancient Evil knowing full well that the Seal I placed on Him was only temporary. I knew that He was going to return one day creating Chaos and Darkness once more. As I lay dying, a vision came to me. I saw the Destruction of the Ancient Evil at the hands of a female figure encased in shadow, the Three Grimoires creating a Triangle of Light around the figure before the vision faded. I believe that the female figure in my vision is this girl. She is the One who is destined to defeat the Ancient Evil once and for all. You, the Seven Lords, and Solomon must protect her from Him before His Awakening or all will be lost. However, you must keep the truth from her because she is not ready. Her powers have not fully awakened, but once it does she will know her Destiny."
With that said, the Archmage disappeared and time seemed to return once more. Looking at Kagura in stunned disbelief, Lord Diavolo thought. Kagura, I never thought that you would have such a great burden when you returned to us. If this is your True Destiny and your True Purpose, then we will accept it and do everything in our power to protect you. You are the Hope for all Three Realms. Diavolo now knew the truth. He must let everyone else know of Kagura's Destiny so that they could better protect Kagura.
Returning from his thoughts, Diavolo said, "Rise Kagura. I, the Demon Prince of the Devildom and the Future King, shall accept your vow. Together, we will bring peace, safety and stability back to the Devildom."
Kagura nodded then stood up.
Just as she stood up, both Diavolo and Kagura heard a huge explosion coming from nearby. Standing up quickly, they looked toward where the explosion had come from and saw Lucifer getting blasted back by Dark Cerberus's Flames. Lucifer had managed to avoid the brunt of the blast but he still got injured. The next instant, Lucifer blasted blue lightning back at Dark Cerberus, wounding its left shoulder. However, the massive dog did not falter and continued its attacks. The attacks grew in speed and strength the more it fought. Diavolo and Kagura saw that Lucifer barely had time to avoid each attack getting seriously hurt every time. As they watched the Battle tensely, Kagura saw that Lucifer was slowly tiring. If she didn't do something fast, the Dark Cerberus would win.
As she was thinking about what she could do to help Lucifer without getting involved in the fight, the Chimera's words suddenly came back to her. If you ever need our aid, we will come to you. All you have to do is summon us. I am a Creature of Darkness and was created from Darkness. You will know how to summon us when the time comes. Kagura suddenly knew what she had to do. Before Diavolo could stop her, Kagura ran toward the fight. Standing a safe distance from the fight, Kagura closed her eyes and tapped into her powers. Drawing on her powers, the chant to summon the Chimera soon came to her mind. Opening her eyes, Kagura started to chant, "Hear me, denizens of the darkness, thou who art born of shadow and thou who give birth to it. Hear me and do as I command! I call upon thee to send forth one of thy number from the Shadows of the Darkest Abyss! I, Kagura, command it! I summon thee, Creature of Darkness born from Darkness. Hear my call and heed my command! Awaken from thy slumber and come forth! I, Kagura, command thee!"
As the chant echoed throughout the Forest, Diavolo, Lucifer, and the Dark Cerberus froze in stunned amazement. Diavolo and Lucifer recognized the spell. It was the Dark Creature Summoning Spell. An Ancient Spell that was only known by a select few. It summons any creature born from Darkness. As the creature is summoned, a temporary pact is formed between the spell caster and the creature. The pact would then unseal all the powers of the creature summoned. As Kagura's chant finished, the Chimera that guards the Archives appeared from a massive Dark Hole before a stunned Dark Cerberus and a stunned Lucifer. Seconds later, the Chimera attacked the Dark Cerberus and knocked him away with so much force that the ground shook as the Dark Cerberus landed. Before the Dark Cerberus could get up, the Chimera had its three heads in a choke hold. The next second, the Chimera's lion's tail turned into a fanged snake and bit the Dark Cerberus, poisoning and paralyzing it. After paralyzing the Dark Cerberus, the Chimera released its hold on it than blasted a huge mass of its own Flames from its two mouths and its serpent's mouth right at the paralyzed Dark Cerberus destroying it in seconds. After the Dark Cerberus was destroyed, the Chimera morphed its serpent's head back to a lion's tail before it teleported in front of Kagura, the two heads nuzzling her once again shocking Diavolo and Lucifer.
Hugging the Chimera, Kagura spoke mind-to-mind with the Chimera, "Guardian of the Archives, I want to give you my thanks."
The Chimera looked at the human gently and replied, "There is no need for thanks. We had promised to come to your aid whenever you needed us. All you had to do was summon us. Now we must return to our post. Goodbye for now until we meet again." Then with a flicker, it disappeared.
After the Chimera left, Kagura rushed to Lucifer, worried about his injuries.
"Lucifer, are you all right?"
Before Lucifer could respond, he collapsed to his knees, his wounds taking a toll on him.
"Lucifer!" shouted Kagura.
Lucifer gave Kagura a small smile and said, "I'll be fine. These injuries are nothing."
Kagura gave him a look that spoke volumes, "Stop being so stubborn. These injuries are serious. I'll heal you."
Kagura quickly cast Area Heal on Lucifer, healing his wounds and returning power and strength back to him.
"There, you look better now."
"Thank you Kagura, but how in the Three Realms did you learn the Dark Creature Summoning Spell? The Spell is only known to a select few among Arcane Stage magic users."
"I don't know Lucifer. Even I was surprised. The Chimera I summoned is the Guardian of the Devildom Archives. It told me that it would come to my aid whenever I need it and also told me that I would know how to summon it when the time comes. The Chimera was being very cryptic. I don't know how it knew that there will be a time when I would summon it. I'm not even sure why the Chimera would help me in the first place."
Lucifer stared, "You talked to it. How in the Three Realms did you manage that?"
Kagura said, "I wish I knew. When the Chimera spoke mind-to-mind with me at the Archives, I was surprised. Deciding to try it myself, I tested it and found that I could do it too. That's the best explanation I can come up with."
Lucifer was stunned. Kagura now had the ability to speak mind-to-mind? When did this happen? First Latin, now mind-to-mind? Kagura's powers and abilities are developing at an unbelievable pace. He needed to figure out how and why this is happening and figure it out fast. He'll talk to Diavolo about it later. But for now, Satan's injuries take priority.
"As much as I want to continue with this, we have other things that take priority like Satan's injuries. Come, let's return to Lord Diavolo."
Kagura nodded. "Let's go."
The dark figure stared in disbelief as his Dark Cerberus was destroyed by that Nightmarish Creature. That girl, how did she know the Dark Creature Summoning Spell? Not to mention how could she create a temporary Pact with that Creature of Darkness born from Darkness? Never before had a Creature of that prowess had ever been summoned in the History of Dark Magic or even Demonic Magic. The Creature was impossible to tame or control. It would kill and destroy anything and anyone on site including Demons and those cursed Angels. He himself would not dare summon that Creature. Its Powers are too great. Only the cursed Gods could handle that Creature. The girl was a Pandora's Box. Now he was more than determined to have that girl under his control. With a cold smile he started the next stage of his plan.
Returning with Lucifer, Kagura looked at Lord Diavolo and said, "Lord Diavolo, the Dark Cerberus has been defeated thanks to the Chimera I summoned. I know you must have many questions, but I have no answers. For now we need to focus on healing Satan."
Diavolo nodded, "I do have many questions but they can wait. Satan's injuries take top priority now. Can you heal him using Area Heal?"
"I don't think my Area Heal will be strong enough to heal him if Dark Demonbane was cast on him. If it was cast, then his injuries are more severe than we had first thought."
Lucifer looked sharply at Kagura, "Dark Demonbane? What spell is that? I have never heard of it before."
Lord Diavolo looked at Lucifer then said, "Lucifer, do you remember the attack that killed nearly half of our Legions during the Ancient Battle?"
Lucifer's eyes widened, "Do you mean the Dark Lightning?"
Diavolo nodded, "That attack was the Dark Demonbane spell. Kagura told me about the spell earlier while you were battling Dark Cerberus. She told me that she read about it in a human world book on demons and told me that the form of that spell is Dark Lightning."
Looking at Kagura, Lucifer asked, "Then is there no way to heal Satan?"
Hearing Lucifer's worry in his voice, Kagura comforted him, "I will find a way. Let me think a bit."
Closing her eyes, Kagura thought hard. What healing spells would work for severe injuries? As she was thinking that, she suddenly remembered the healing spells she read about from the "Holy Magic" book. The book had mentioned a list of very potent healing spells. Because there were so many, she just glanced through most of them before coming to one that draws on Light Magic…Suddenly, another Ancient magical knowledge that was passed down to her from the Lost Grimoire came to her. There was indeed a potent healing spell that could heal Satan's severe injuries but it would exhaust her because it draws powers from Light Magic and her own magical energy. Kagura didn't care. It was a risk she was willing to take if it meant saving Satan.
Opening her eyes, she looked at Lucifer and said, "Don't worry, Lucifer. There is a way."
Kagura closed her eyes once more and tapped into her powers and her own magical energy before the chant came to her mind, "Flumina influunt, quae est in sanguine, no ut, Tenetur in sanguinem: et sit cruor sanguinis. Rivers must flow that blood may not. Blood be bound, and blood be clot." As she chanted, silvery white light surrounded her and grew brighter and brighter before it reached blinding heights just as the chant finished. Bending over Satan, she touched her lips against his, transferring the light to him. As the blinding light surrounded Satan, all his injuries including his internal ones healed instantaneously. Both Diavolo and Lucifer stared at Kagura in shock, but before they could say anything, Satan stirred. Opening his eyes, he awoke and gingerly sat up.
Kagura smiled weakly and whispered, "Thank goodness," before she collapsed.
As Kagura collapsed, Satan caught her, shouting her name, "Kagura!"
Seconds later, Lord Diavolo and Lucifer rushed toward the unconscious Kagura in Satan's arms. Diavolo immediately acted. Feeling for a pulse, Diavolo found it but it was very weak. He needed to check something else but Satan was holding her tightly. Looking at Satan's face, Diavolo's heart wrenched. Intense pain was etched in every part of his face.
In a calm, quiet voice, he said, "Satan, please calm down. Kagura is alive but I need to check something. She used a very potent healing spell on you. I need to know what affect the spell has on her."
Nodding, Satan loosened his hold on Kagura, "I'm sorry Lord Diavolo."
"It's all right. I understand. I also need you to lay Kagura on the ground."
Satan hesitated a moment before nodding. He gently put Kagura on the ground and stepped back.
Turning to Lucifer, he said quietly to prevent Satan from overhearing, "Lucifer, please keep an eye on your Brother. I'm going to use my powers on Kagura to check on her magical energy. The potency of that healing spell may have affected Kagura's magical energy. That may be the reason why she collapsed."
Lucifer's face went grim. "I understand."
Nodding his thanks, Diavolo returned his attention to Kagura. He flickered into his demon form and knelt next to Kagura. Touching her forehead gently, the Demon Prince started to chant a spell in the demon tongue. As he chanted, a blue circle with a Pentagram appeared around Kagura allowing him to see Kagura's power and magical energy flowing through her body. What he saw made him stiffen in shock. Kagura's power was more than normal for a human. It flowed through her in unlimited quantities tightly controlled, but her magical energy, the very essence of her life and the key element to casting spells was dangerously depleted. Diavolo was horrified. The potent healing spell she had cast on Satan depleted most of her magical energy. Despite the risks, she still cast the spell. How was he going to explain this to Satan and Lucifer? Both loved her deeply that was why they soul linked to Kagura when they made their pacts. If they knew the truth, it would affect them greatly. Returning from his thoughts, Diavolo knew he had no choice. He had to tell them the truth.
Depleted magical energy can be recovered as long as Kagura rests and not do anything strenuous. She must avoid using magic as well, which meant that she would be vulnerable throughout the recovery process. Kagura must also be protected at all costs. With that thought in his mind, Diavolo deactivated his spell then told Satan and Lucifer the truth. Just as Diavolo predicted, the news had hit both Brothers hard. The Brothers' faces went pale. There was also intense pain in their eyes.
Diavolo said quietly, "I'm sorry for breaking the news to you like this. At first, I wanted to keep Kagura's situation a secret because I knew it would affect both of you. However, keeping it a secret would not have done you two any good. Magical energy depletion is a risk to all magic users, but it is not permanent. As long as Kagura rests and recovers, not do anything strenuous or use magic, she will recover the magical energy she lost. However, during her recovery process, she would be vulnerable. I want both of you and your Brothers to protect her well until she fully recovers."
Lucifer forced his pain away and nodded, "You can count on me. I will protect her."
Satan forced his own pain away and also nodded, "As will I."
Lord Diavolo nodded and said, "Okay, then let us return to the House of Lamentation and get Kagura situated. After she is situated, we must find your other Brothers and let them know too."
Lucifer nodded but Satan said, "Lord Diavolo, I have a request. I want to stay with Kagura and watch over her at the House. Please allow me to do that."
Lord Diavolo looked at Satan and went still. The expression in his eyes told him everything. The trauma of losing Kagura too many times had left a deep scar in Satan's heart. Diavolo knew that if something else were to happen to Kagura, Satan would break into pieces. Lucifer was stronger because his Pride was his strength. He wouldn't break as easily, but if Kagura died, he would break. Just like when Lilith died. With a silent sigh, Diavolo thought, Satan, Lucifer, what have you gotten yourselves into? Loving Kagura so deeply would one day be your downfall.
Returning from his thoughts, Diavolo said, "Very well, Satan. You can stay with Kagura, but make sure to protect her well. Lucifer and I will search for the others."
"Thank you Lord Diavolo. I will. Good luck you two. When you find them let me know."
Diavolo nodded and said, "We will, Satan. Shall we go?"
Satan nodded then bent and picked up Kagura. Holding her gently in his arms, he, Lucifer, and Lord Diavolo made their way back to the House of Lamentation.
Returning to the House of Lamentation, Satan immediately went to Kagura's room and set her gently on her bed then took off her shoes. He then pulled her blankets over her. Leaning forward, he kissed Kagura's lips, feeling tears flow down his cheeks. After Satan kissed her, he gently put a hand on Kagura's cheek and whispered, "Kagura, please wake up and return to me. I cannot lose you again. My heart would not be able to bear it."
Stepping back, Satan wiped away his tears and closed his eyes in pain, his heart torn, before remembering that he had disobeyed Lord Diavolo by leaving the House. Forcing his pain deep inside his heart, he left Kagura's room to return to Lord Diavolo. Whatever punishment Lord Diavolo had for him he will take.
Returning to the Common Room where he had left Lord Diavolo and Lucifer, Satan saw them deep in conversation. They were discussing where their Brothers could be. When they had returned, the others were nowhere to be found.
"I'm sorry for interrupting Lord Diavolo, but I wanted to apologize to you."
Lord Diavolo turned from Lucifer then looked at Satan sternly, "Apologize for disobeying my orders? I have not forgotten. I specifically placed you under House Arrest, but you went and deactivated the Magical Barrier Barbatos put up and left the House. Any other time, I would have been furious and have you put in chains. You deliberately went against my orders and took action without my explicit permission."
Lucifer's eyes widened and was about to say something before Diavolo cut him off, "Lucifer, stay out of this. I know you're very protective of your Brothers, but Satan not only disobeyed my orders, he had also taken action without my explicit permission."
Returning to Satan, "As I was saying, at any other time I would have you put in chains. However, with the current situation, I cannot do that. That doesn't mean you won't go unpunished. As punishment for going against my orders and taking action on your own, I strip you of your place in the Student Council and demote your rank to a Lesser Lord until I decide otherwise. Is the punishment acceptable?"
Satan's eyes widened when he heard Lord Diavolo's decision. He didn't care about being demoted, but stripped from his Secretary position was something he had never imagined would happen to him. He had been serving as the Student Council Secretary for centuries. Serving as Secretary was like his second skin that marked him as someone unique, special, and different from Lucifer. Now he was stripped of this position. What was he going to do? Will he never step out of Lucifer's shadow?
Lucifer couldn't believe his ears. Lord Diavolo's punishment was too severe. Satan loved his Secretary position. It was like a second skin to him, marking him as someone who is unique and different, special. Satan was good at his job and he knew it. He had always come out on top, and as Secretary, Satan had done great things for the Student Council. Looking at Satan, Lucifer saw the shock on Satan's face. The punishment had hit him hard.
Lucifer turned to Lord Diavolo and said, "Lord Diavolo…"
Looking at Lucifer he said, "Lucifer, stay out of it." His tone booked no arguments.
Returning to Satan, "The punishment is not permanent but you need to reflect on your disobedience and actions. If you think about it from a different perspective, when you disobeyed me and left the House to take action yourself, you not only got yourself injured but Kagura got hurt too."
Satan went still, Lord Diavolo was right. When he left the House, he wasn't thinking about Kagura or how she would feel nor was he thinking about how it would affect her. He was only thinking about himself."
Lucifer had gone still as well. Now he understood the true purpose of why Lord Diavolo made the decision.
Satan looked at Lord Diavolo and said quietly, "Thank you Lord Diavolo for showing me the truth. I now understand the true purpose of why you made that decision. I shall accept the punishment and reflect on the consequences of my disobedience and actions."
Diavolo nodded, "I'm glad you understand. Now return to Kagura. She needs you. Lucifer and I are going to search for the others. We'll report back with news as soon as possible."
Satan nodded, "Good luck Lord Diavolo, Lucifer. I shall await your news."
Lord Diavolo and Lucifer nodded then left to search for the others.
After Lord Diavolo and Lucifer left, Satan returned to Kagura's room and pulled up a chair and sat next to her. Reaching over, he took her hands and froze in horror. They were cold, too cold. Frantically, Satan searched for her pulse and sighed in relief. It was there but still weak. That meant she was still alive. But something was wrong. Satan leaned close and froze. Kagura was not breathing. She had fallen into a coma. No! Please, no. He couldn't lose her! He couldn't! With extreme difficulty, Satan forced himself to calm down and to think rationally. Going into a panic will not help Kagura. He needed to find a way to help her out of her coma. Taking several deep breaths, he managed to calm himself. After thinking for a few minutes on what he could do, a memory came to him.
There was a time when he went to the human world to visit Scotland Yard. As he left Scotland Yard, he had decided to go to the human world library to do some reading. While browsing through the books, he had come upon a medical book that talked about coma patients. Satan remembered that one of the things he read about was how human doctors provide treatment for coma patients and how coma patients wake up from their coma. Closing his eyes, he sifted through all the information in his mind. Information he got from all the books he had read before coming across the information he was looking for. One of the things to do for a coma patient is to check their airways and provide any help to maintain breathing and circulation. That was easy to do. Using his powers, Satan checked Kagura's airway to see if there was anything blocking her breathing. There was none. Everything was normal. Satan sighed in relief.
Next, he needed to keep Kagura's muscles active. One of the ways is to keep circulation running by rubbing her down. Satan went red at the thought then shook his head. He shouldn't be embarrassed. They've been lovers for a long time and knew each other intimately. There's nothing embarrassing about it. Third, he had to keep Kagura hydrated and nourished. She could not eat or drink by herself so he will need to feed her and help her stay hydrated. Feeding her water was easy to do, but the food would be difficult. The food needed to be easily digested like the human world porridge. According to the book, doctors keep their coma patients nourished through the use of a vein tube or feeding tube. He had seen what the tubes looked like. The Devildom had no such item. Doctors would also give electrolytes or medication salts to the coma patient via the same tubes. The Devildom also did not have that. The best Satan could do was feed Kagura human world porridge in tiny amounts, but first he needed to learn how to make it. His books can help him with that.
The final thing was the most agonizing, waiting for Kagura to wake up. According to what he had read, coma patients may stay in their coma for 4 weeks. Kagura staying like this for 4 weeks was something Satan would never be able to bear. To humans it may not be long, but for him it would feel like centuries. He knew that there was no other choice, but that didn't mean he would give up. Satan would talk to her and keep talking to her until she woke up, because if she doesn't wake up, he would break into a million pieces.
Leaving Satan with Kagura, Lord Diavolo and Lucifer went in search for the other Brothers. As they walked through the premises, there was no sign of them until they reached the Underground Tomb. As they arrived, Lord Diavolo and Lucifer froze in horrified shock at the scene before them. All five Brothers were lying unconscious near the entrance of the Underground Tomb. Rushing toward them, Lord Diavolo and Lucifer checked their pulses and sighed with relief. They were alive, but their injuries were just as severe as Satan's had been. What shocked them further was they found that they carried the same injuries as Satan had. Both knew what had happened. The Five Brothers were also attacked by the Dark Demonbane spell.
Looking at Diavolo, Lucifer was grim, "Lord Diavolo, this is a repeat to what had happened to our Demon Legions during our Ancient Battle. What in the Three Realms is going on? I feel as if our Enemy is trying to deliberately weaken us. First Satan, now my other Brothers. This speaks strongly of someone taking preemptive action for something though I do not know what."
Lord Diavolo was grim as well, "You may be right. I have similar suspicions. What do you think it might be?"
Thinking about all that had happened, Kagura's abduction suddenly came to their minds. Could it be related to her abduction? Suddenly both knew. The Lost Grimoire had appeared before Kagura first before she got abducted. If she had the Grimoire, it would be in her possession, but the Grimoire never made another appearance after Kagura escaped.
Lucifer's eyes widened in shock when he finally figured it out, it couldn't be!
"Lord Diavolo, we must go inside the Underground Tomb now!"
Lord Diavolo nodded and said in a grim voice, "I figured it out too. Let's go!"
Lord Diavolo and Lucifer rushed inside the Underground Tomb and ran directly toward Lilith's resting place. Their suspicions were correct. The Grimoire of the Demons, the Grimorium Infernum was no longer there.
