PART X

A New Plan, a Call for Help, and a Shocking Truth

The dark figure sat before his Mirror, this time looking at the Battle between the Pride of the Sorcerer's Guild and his Dark minions. He smiled when he saw his Soldiers of Darkness weakening that Man's protégée. Very soon he would fall, eliminating another obstacle to his Plans. As he watched the Battle, he suddenly stiffened as another obstacle appeared in his Mirror. It was the Demon Prince's Servant. He was still alive as well? His Dark Prince and Servant's failure made him furious, but he calmed down. Now was not the time to lose his temper. Looks like he had to put his current plan on hold for the time being, and make a New Plan, a Plan to destroy the new obstacle along with that Man's protégée. Putting his fingers on the remaining Shadow Rings, he called back his remaining Dark Servants. One by one they reappeared in his presence.

Dark Greed asked, "My Master, why didst thou call us? Hath thy plan for the girl changed?"

"Yes, but only for the time being. She will still become mine, but her capture can come later. Something else has happened. Look to the Mirror my Dark Servants."

As one, they turned to the Mirror and saw the Green-haired one fighting by the Pride of the Sorcerer's Guild. The demon's powers had been amplified. Together the Master and Servant destroyed the Soldiers of Darkness.

Dark Envy looked at the two in the Mirror before turning back to his Master. "So the Master and Servant hath combined their powers. That is not good. What is thy new plan, Master?"

The dark figure smiled and said, "You'll see."

Leaving the dais and walking toward his Dark Pentagram, he summoned the Dark Servant of the Dark Prince.

As the figure reappeared, he asked, "What is your command Ancient One?"

"Go to your Dark Twin then attack him with the Dark spell. The Pride of the Sorcerer's Guild will no doubt protect his Servant. As he is protecting him, eliminate that Man's protégée. You will know what to do. Once he has fallen, return to me."

With a cold smile, the Dark Prince's Servant replied, "As you command Ancient One," before disappearing in a cloud of Dark Mist.

Turning back to his remaining Dark Servant, he said, "I have something for all of you to do as well. Once the Pride of the Sorcerer's Guild falls, the Green-haired one will call for aid from the Demon Prince and the Avatar of Pride. Those three are inseparable. That is their weakness. Once they arrive, go to them with 50 of the Soldiers of Darkness and take the Dark Prince with you. I will send forth another 50 to eliminate the Archangel. He is of no concern to you. Your focus would be on the Demon Prince, his Servant, and the Avatar of Pride. When you arrive with the Dark Prince and his Servant, send out the Soldiers of Darkness to attack the three. Once they are weakened, eliminate all three once and for all."

"As our Master commandest," replied the Five in unison.

Smiling, the dark figure turned toward his Dark Pentagram and summoned his Dark Prince. As the Dark Prince reappeared, he asked, "What is your command Ancient One?"

"I am going to give you one more chance to destroy the Demon Prince. I have already sent your Dark Servant ahead to take care of the Pride of the Sorcerer's Guild. Once that Man's protégée falls, your Dark Servant will return to me. Once he returns, I want you to take my Dark Servants and the Soldiers of Darkness to eliminate your Doubles and the Avatar of Pride. My Mirror will show you when."

"As you command Ancient One," the Dark Prince replied.


As a new plan was put into action in Merlin's Cave, Solomon and Barbatos had combined their powers to destroy the undead wraiths. When Barbatos arrived on site, he saw Solomon thoroughly drained, but still holding on as he fought the undead wraiths. When he saw Solomon collapse to one knee, he had rushed toward Solomon and activated a Shield around him. His Master needed protection fast. Solomon forced himself up and whirled to see who had cast the Shield and saw that it was Barbatos.

Smiling weakly, Solomon said, "Barbatos, I'm glad you're here, but what are you doing here? Weren't you in a meeting with Lord Diavolo?"

"I was, but three Little Ds interrupted the Meeting and reported sightings of undead wraiths here, a group by the House of Lamentation, another group by Purgatory Hall, and a third group including two powerful Enemies at the outskirts of the Castle. The Young Master asked me to help you after the group by the Castle was taken care of."

Solomon's eyes widened, "Are you saying that the Devildom is currently under attack by these things?"

Barbatos nodded grimly, "Yes. I'll explain everything later. For now, we need to take care of the situation here first."

Solomon nodded and asked with a smile, "How long has it been since we last combined our Powers?"

Barbatos smiled in return, "Centuries, it's time to combine our Powers once again."

Solomon nodded and started the chant. As the chant echoed throughout the area, Barbatos' full powers were released and amplified. Solomon's powers then combined with Barbatos' own powers making them a force to be reckoned with. Together, they blasted and destroyed all the undead wraiths. After the undead wraiths were finally destroyed, Downtown Devildom was finally safe and Barbatos returned to his human form. Though they may have won the Battle, the destruction was a whole new story. It was immense. Suddenly, both sensed another buildup of Dark Power, but before Barbatos could flicker into demon form, two bolts of Dark Lightening made from immense Dark Power suddenly targeted him. Barbatos froze as he recognized the Dark Lightning. It was the same Dark Lightning that had killed almost half of the Demon Legions during the Ancient Battle. Solomon had also seen the Dark Lightning and recognized it. He quickly activated a multilayered Barrier around Barbatos protecting him from the Dark Lightning. However, just as Solomon finished erecting the Barrier, he sensed another Dark spell being cast. He recognized that spell as well. This is bad, he thought. If that spell hits, I won't survive it. I need to activate my Barrier now. However, before Solomon could activate his Barrier at full power, the Destructive Spell hit. Though he managed to decrease the potency of the spell by managing to activate part of his Barrier, the spell still managed to damage the partial Barrier before hitting Solomon with deadly accuracy. The next second he fell.

Barbatos eyes widened as he saw Solomon fall, "Solomon!" He shouted.

"The Pride of the Sorcerer's Guild has fallen. The Ancient One will be pleased."

Barbatos went still. He recognized that voice and looked up. Standing before him was his Dark Twin.

In an icy voice that could bring chills down anyone's back, Barbatos said, "You'll pay dearly for what you did to Solomon," then flickered into demon form.

"My duty is to eliminate the Pride of the Sorcerer's Guild not to fight you. However, rest assured, we will meet again." Then in a cloud of Dark Mist, Barbatos' Dark Double disappeared.

After he disappeared, Barbatos flickered back into human form and rushed toward the fallen Sorcerer. Checking for his pulse, Barbatos was relieved to find it, but it was dangerously weak. Solomon was barely holding on. Using his Powers, Barbatos checked on Solomon then stiffened. He was fatally injured. Solomon had fatal external and internal injuries from the Dark spell. What in the Three Realms was that Spell? Thinking back to the form of that Spell, Barbatos thought about it for a minute before he remembered. It was the Dark spell that had killed almost half of their Sorcerer allies during the Ancient Battle. A Spear made from Dark Energy that targets Sorcerers. The attack used on Solomon was a more potent version of the Dark Energy Spear known as Rain of Dark Spears. Barbatos' own Healing powers were not strong enough to heal Solomon's fatal injuries. If nothing is done, Solomon would die from his injuries. Barbatos needed help and he needed it fast. Taking out his D.D.D., he sent an Emergency message to Lord Diavolo.

Meanwhile, in the Underground Tomb, Lord Diavolo and Lucifer couldn't believe what had happened. The Grimoire of the Demons had been stolen from right under their noses. As the puzzle pieces were finally put together, the true purpose of the attack on the Devildom was revealed. The attack's purpose was to create a diversion so that everyone's attention will be on the attack so the Enemy could get their hands on the Grimoire.

Looking at Lucifer, Lord Diavolo said, "We have to let Satan know what had happened. I also want to check up on Kagura."

Lucifer nodded and was about to take out his D.D.D. before he heard Diavolo's D.D.D. buzz. Lord Diavolo took out his D.D.D. and flipped it open. It was an Emergency message from Barbatos that nearly made him drop the phone.

Barbatos: My Lord, I need you and Lord Lucifer's help immediately. Solomon is fatally injured. My Healing Powers are not strong enough to heal him. If nothing is done, he will die from his injuries.

Lord Diavolo: What in the Three Realms happened?! Solomon is fatally injured?! How?!

Barbatos: My Lord, I'll explain everything when you arrive. Solomon's life is on the line. Come quickly!

Lord Diavolo: Lucifer and I are on our way. For now, can you temporarily seal Solomon's injuries?

Barbatos: My Lord, I'm doing it now. It will temporarily keep Solomon alive but he needs a full healing. His pulse is weakening by the minute. Come quickly or it would be too late!

Lord Diavolo: On our way.

Barbatos: Okay, my Lord. Please hurry!

Closing his D.D.D., Lord Diavolo turned to Lucifer and said in a grim voice, "That was Barbatos. It was an Emergency message. Solomon is fatally injured. I do not know what happened, but we have to get to them immediately.

Lucifer went pale, "What did you say?"

"I'm in shock myself, but Barbatos will explain everything when we get there. Let's move. Telling Satan about the Grimoire and what happened to the others will have to wait."

Lucifer nodded and said, "We'll go after I erect a Protective Barrier around my Brothers."

Lord Diavolo nodded. Returning outside, Lucifer erected a Protective Barrier over his unconscious Brothers before he and Diavolo flickered into their demon forms and teleported to Barbatos' location, Downtown.

As they arrived Downtown, the scene before them left them stunned. First, their eyes went to the destruction of the area then turned to Barbatos who was bending over a very pale, still as death Solomon. Rushing to Barbatos, they immediately asked how Solomon was doing.

Barbatos looked up and shook his head wearily, "My Lord, Lord Lucifer, I've used up much of my Power sealing Solomon's injuries, but he is not doing well. Solomon's pulse is getting weaker. If a full healing is not performed, he will die. Can you two do anything? We cannot lose Solomon."

Lord Diavolo bent over Solomon then used his own Powers to see the extent of Solomon's injuries and went pale. It was just as Barbatos said. Solomon's injuries were fatal. He had fatal external and internal injuries.

Lord Diavolo looked at Barbatos then asked grimly, "Barbatos, What happened to Solomon?"

Barbatos looked at Lord Diavolo and said quietly, "I'm sorry My Lord. I should have protected Solomon better. He was hit by the Destructive spell, Rain of Dark Spears. The spell left him with fatal injuries."

Lord Diavolo went pale, "Rain of Dark Spears?! The spell that killed half of our Sorcerer allies during the Ancient Battle?"

Barbatos nodded.

Looking at Lucifer, Diavolo said, "This is bad. It's a repeat of our Ancient Battle. My own healing powers are not strong enough to heal Solomon. What about your powers? Can you heal him? If he dies, I don't know how I will be able to face the Sorcerer's Guild. I had promised them that I'll keep Solomon safe, but I failed."

Lucifer looked at Lord Diavolo and said quietly, "Diavolo, this is not your fault. I am to blame as well. You need not to worry either. Solomon is still alive. I will check his injuries to see what I can do."

Lord Diavolo nodded.

Lucifer drew on his own powers and checked Solomon's injuries. He had never trusted Solomon, but seeing him like this was something he couldn't bear. Despite not trusting him, Lucifer still held great respect for him. It would be a great loss if Solomon died. With that in mind, he activated a spell to check the full extent of Solomon's injuries and to check what could be done. It wasn't long before the answer came to him. There was only one Healing spell that would save Solomon, 'Angel's Halo', one of the Ancient spells of the Angels found in the Grimoire of Heaven. Only Michael and a select few of his Archangels could cast this spell.

Turning back to Lord Diavolo and Barbatos, Lucifer said, "I have not the Power to save Solomon, but there is one spell that can save him. However, the Spell can only be found in the Grimoire of Heaven and can only be cast by Michael and a select few of his Archangels. The spell is Angel's Halo."

Lord Diavolo and Barbatos went still, hope returning to them.

Lord Diavolo said, "Then there is hope. We will need to call on Michael."

Barbatos looked at Lord Diavolo then said, "My Lord, I agree that we could call on Michael. However, there is no way to contact him with the latest situation. Luke is in the Celestial Realm trying to get Michael's permission to bring aid to Archangel Simeon. We have no way of entering the Celestial Realm either."

Before the three demons could say or do anything, they were suddenly engulfed in a Dark Void and heard a cold voice.

"The Green-haired one is right. There is no way to seek help for the Pride of the Sorcerer's Guild. He will die soon."

All three whirled around then positioned themselves around the injured Solomon protecting him.

Lord Diavolo peered into the Darkness and sensed a figure in it. He immediately knew who it was. In an icy voice, he said, "I suggest you come out on your own or I'll force you out, imposter."

"There is no need for threats Demon Prince of the Devildom. We were expecting you and the Avatar of Pride." Appearing from a cloud of Dark Mist was Diavolo's and Barbatos' Dark Double. Behind them were the Dark Doubles of Lucifer's Five Brothers. Following them was 50 of the undead wraiths.

Smiling coldly, Diavolo's Dark Double continued, "The Ancient One has commanded us to eliminate you three. Our Soldiers of Darkness will weaken you first before the rest of us eliminate you. The other half of our Soldiers has already weakened the Archangel. He will fall soon. Once you four are eliminated, the Ancient One's plans can finally go unhindered."

Turning to the undead wraiths, the Dark Prince gave the order, "Soldiers of Darkness, weaken the three for the Ancient One. We will take care of the rest."

In unison, all 50 surrounded Diavolo, Lucifer, and Barbatos. They were outnumbered, but they knew that no matter the odds, they will defeat every one of them so peace, safety and stability would return to the Devildom. With that in mind, all three activated Power Release.


Back at the House of Lamentation, Satan had returned to Kagura's room with the thin human world porridge he had learned to make and a cup of water. Setting the porridge and water on Kagura's bedside desk, he went toward the pan of water he had prepared for Kagura. Taking the towel that hung next to the pan, he dipped it in the water a few minutes before twisting it dry. With the wet towel in his hands, Satan returned to the comatose Kagura and washed her face gently. He then unbuttoned the first four buttons of Kagura's blouse then washed part of her chest before he leaned forward and gently kissed her collarbone and the crevice of her breasts, a sense of longing coming over him, but he knew that now was not the time. Buttoning her blouse again, he turned his attention to her fragile hands and washed them next before he returned the towel to the pan. After washing the towel in the pan and twisting it dry again, he hung the towel over the pan of water.

Returning to Kagura's bedside, he sat in his chair and took some of Kagura's water into his mouth before he touched his lips to hers, feeding her some water. At the same time, Satan spooned out a tiny amount of thin porridge and fed it to Kagura. He was ever so careful as he kept Kagura hydrated and nourished. When the water was gone as well as the porridge, Satan held Kagura's hand and started talking to her, hoping she would wake up soon and return to him. He first talked about random things like how he had learned to make human world porridge. Satan told the comatose Kagura that it was hard. He had never thought that something so simple could be so hard to make. Satan told Kagura that he went through more than three tries before he got it figured out.

"When you wake up Kagura, I want to make the porridge for you and eat it with you. We can learn how to cook human world food together and share the food we made with everyone."

The one-way conversation soon took a serious tone.

"Kagura, do you remember the conversation we had during my birthday? When we were on a cruise in the human world? We talked about our future together. Before I met you, I used to think that all I needed in life were books and cats, but not anymore. I need you in my life now. You're the person I need and the person my heart yearns for. I can't imagine a life without you and want to spend my life with you. I want to be together with you forever. I love you Kagura truly and deeply and want to devote my life to you and you alone, forever. As Satan pledged his love to Kagura, he took hold of her hand and placed his lips against it then closed his eyes in pain. A few minutes later, in a voice choked with emotion, he continued.

"I never knew love like this before I met you nor did I know how painful it was to love someone. When I first met you, we were virtually strangers but we were on speaking terms. When you told me that you loved books as much as I did, I felt happy and started to respect you a little. I had found someone who I could share my passions with. However, during my fight with Lucifer, my hatred for him overcame my rational judgment and I lost to my anger which I lashed out at both you and Lucifer. That was the reason I decided to forge a pact with you, to rebel against Lucifer. When you arrived at my room as I was packing, I had first thought that you had come to agree to a pact with me, but when you told me you would not forge a pact based on hatred and anger, my anger overcame my rational judgment again and I lashed out at you, very nearly killing you. I had sensed your fear, but I could not stop my own anger. What I did to you haunts me still and I regret it. Now, thinking back to that time, I'm glad that Lucifer had interfered because if he hadn't, you would not be here with me. I would also have never known what love was, would have never known what joy was, nor would I have known what it means to protect someone dear and beloved as you. You taught me all of that and more. You also taught me how to open my heart."

Pausing again, Satan used his other hand to gently brush away a lock of Kagura's dark hair from her beautiful face. Looking at Kagura, his heart overflowed with love for her. Leaning forward he kissed Kagura's lips and continued the one-way conversation.

"Not only did you teach me to love and to care, you've also taught me what it means to respect and admire someone. You have helped me mend my relationship with Lucifer as well. Now, I no longer hate him, but rather respect and admire him. Do you remember the time when he collapsed and lost his memories? In truth, during that time, I was really worried about him. You helped me mend my relationship with Lucifer during the time when we switched bodies. While we were in each other's bodies, I slowly came to understand Lucifer because of you. The first time you helped us understand each other was when we were in Leviathan's Dating Simulation game and the second time was when we were in the human world. I am grateful to you. What you did made me start to fall in love with you and made me value you. After all that you have done for me, I decided to form a pact with you, but this time with pure intentions."

After pausing for another few minutes, Satan continued, "It wasn't long before I completely fell for you. At first, I didn't know or completely understood what this new feeling was until you finished your year at RAD. After reading a book, I finally understood what it meant to love someone and understood what the feeling in my heart was after meeting you and spending time with you. It was love. I had fallen in love with you. When you came to say goodbye, I couldn't bear the pain of saying goodbye to you. I felt as if my heart was pierced with a thousand daggers. I didn't want you to leave. I wanted you to stay by my side, forever. I wanted to love you and hold you in my arms. That was when I learned the pain of loving someone."

Closing his eyes, Satan still remembered the pain he had felt when Kagura had came to say her goodbye during that year. It was one of the most painful times he had ever had to face. After Kagura returned to the Devildom, he experienced love and pain once again. An unconditional love when Kagura was with him, and infinite pain as he lost Kagura over and over again, leaving a permanent scar in his heart. Returning from his painful memories, Satan looked at Kagura again before he continued his one-way conversation.

"After your return to the Devildom, you don't know how happy I was. My beloved had returned to me. We soon became lovers. As we made more great memories together, my love for you grew and knew no bounds. The more time we spent together the more intimate we had become. You soon became a part of me and had become my heart. I cannot bear a life without you. So, please, Kagura, return to me my beloved. You are my heart and my other half. Without you, I can never become whole again."

As if his pleading was heard, Satan felt Kagura gently squeeze his hands. Looking up, not daring to hope, he saw Kagura stir, but she did not wake. Satan felt his heart break, but his hope was not diminished. She had responded, that meant she had heard everything he had said. All he could do was wait and continue to talk to her until she responded again.