"The angel that flew too close to the sun and got burnt, losing her wings, she fell, and she kept falling until she reached the depths where she continued to burn."

She opens her sapphire eyes, just another day. Her name is Judgement, and she's an archangel.
She took a deep breath and got up, to stretch her legs and her wings. Normally she was content with her life in Heaven but in recent years she started to feel that something was off about it. As if she was meant to be doing something else.

Her mind had been plagued with thoughts, with questions, but today she was going to get answers.
But who had the answers, surely the one in charge did, although they rarely spoke to the angels directly. Judgement felt that her question was important enough to warrant asking them.
The archangel held her head up high, what was she thinking? Asking questions was nothing to be ashamed about. How else did people learn anything? Before she knew it the angel at the reception
desk broke Judgement out of her thoughts, "Archangel Judgement, what brings you here?"
Suddenly her confidence was drained, as if the receptionist had cast some demonic spell on her.
"Well um, I.. uh.." was all she managed to get out, the receptionist, bless her heart, was pateint though and allowed Judgement to recollect her thoughts. Judgement cleared her throat. "I wish to speak to.. God." The receptionist gave her a baffled expression.
"Whatever for? It must be very serious." The angel sounded panicked, which was a contrast to how she usually sounded. Judgement brought her hands up defensively.
"It's not too serious, I just figured I could use their wisdom on a subject. I need to ask them a question, it's been plaguing me for a while now." The angel's tone returned to it's calm state.
"Oh that's it? A question?" The receptionist paused for a moment as she looked over a clipboard on her desk, "Well, they're usually quite busy but I think we can squeeze you in, assuming it's just the one." Judgement's spirits were lifted.
"That's nice, when am I expected?" The receptionist traced a finger down the clipboard.
"Abouuuttt.. Now." Judgement barely had a chance to respond as a blinding light suddenly appeared next to the desk, a booming myriad of voices echoed to greet the archangel.
"You had a question for me, archangel?" Judgement, like the other angels averted her gaze from the light as she responded.

"I..uh, yes. I have a question. You know how Heaven offers paradise to the pure souls and Hell damns the sinners..?" Even with this start alone she felt eyes on her, she didn't like it.
"And?" the tone wasn't readable, Judgement wasn't sure if she should continue or not, but she ultimately made the split-second decision to do so.
"If Hell is doing half the work for us wouldn't that make them our equals?" Once the words left her mouth she instantly regretted it. All eyes were on her, she didn't make any eye contact but she knew they were less than pleased with what she said. Before she could say anything else, God spoke once more. Their tone very readable this time, it was laced with suspicion.
"You respect them?" Judgement felt her heart drop and quickly spoke up in defense.
"N-no, I never said that.." But her words fell on deaf ears. It shocked her how quickly her own people turned on her for simply asking a question.
"Silence heathen, if you respect them so much. Perhaps you should tell them yourself."
Judgement was filled to the brim with dread, she hoped with all her soul that they didn't mean what she thought that meant. She ended up pushing her luck with another question.
"W-what are you saying..?" She could hear movement behind her, and turned around warily, only to see that she had been surrounded by other archangels, her former allies.
"Surely you know the answer to that, I cast you out, your wings won't be any use to you where you're going." Judgement began to panick, her sapphire eyes began to sting with tears as she started to break down.
"W-wait, you can't do this.. I've dedicated my life to this kingdom.. I was just asking a question.. Nothing more.. Please.." Her begging wasn't winning any over, which almost broke her.
God said nothing else to her, going silent and the light dim as Judgement suddenly felt herself falling through the floor. Judgement whipped her head down to see that she was very much so, falling through the floor. The reality of it hit her like a truck, she was being cast out of Heaven. "N-no! Please!"
The angels turned, refusing to even look at her. Suddenly she jolted down, the air rushing past her as she fell from the sky. She tried to slow her fall with her wings but they wouldn't respond to her.
Judgement was falling so fast that she barely noticed the tears still running down her cheeks.
The cold, hard ground of Earth getting closer, and closer by the second. Judgement clenched her eyes shut, bracing for impact, suddenly she felt nothing and then it got hotter, much hotter than before. She opened her eyes and immediately wished that she didn't.

She was now falling through Hell, she once again tried to use her wings, but they still didn't respond, instead they started to sting, she twisted her head trying to get a look at her wings and gasped in shock at what she saw. They were on fire. They were burning. Burning away.
Judgement averted her gaze from her wings and towards the ground, which was getting closer. She knew she wasn't going to phase through the floor this time. This was her stop. She once again clenched her eyes shut, bringing her hands out in front of her, hoping that she could brace for the impact. She hit the ground hard, her entire body stung, her vision was blurred when she opened her eyes, when she looked down at her hands she was suddenly struck with immense pain, she tried her hardest to choke back a pained sob, but the longer she looked at her scorched hands, the more it hurt. She clenched her eyes shut in near silent agony, the only sound escaping her lips being quiet sobs, until.. "WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?!" She screamed into the air, no one would hear her, at least no one other than the demons. Her wings continued to burn, half of the wings were already ash on the ground. "WHAT JUSTIFIES MY SUFFERING!?" In her current state she no longer cared if anyone could hear her. Her head dropped in defeat, returning her gaze to her hands, those seared hands. The pain was unbearable, she wanted it to end, but no matter how much she hoped, no matter how much she silently prayed, it didn't end. Praying wasn't working, they really had abandoned her. A tear drop hit her hand, and then another, a mere second and she was crying.

She didn't try to hold it back, she openly sobbed. She couldn't even bring herself to cry into her hands, her wings were now gone, ash on the ground behind her. She was struck with more pain, even with the wings gone, the flames still burned, she let out a guttural scream in a mix of pain and anger. A sound that seemed to echo throughout The Nine Circles, and perhaps it did, as she ended up catching the attention of not an angel, but a demon. The Queen of Hell, Lucifer.
Lucifer slowly approached the figure, and it only took one look for her to understand what Judgement was going through. As a Fallen Angel herself, Lucifer took pity on Judgement.
Lucifer continued to approach, with caution however, making note of Judgement's body language and obvious sobs escaping her lips. Suddenly that body language made a dramatic change as the hysterical fallen angel tensed. "Stay away from me, demon!" Despite her threatening tone, Lucifer could easily see the sorrow in Judgement's sapphire eyes. Lucifer resumed her approach silently and calmly. Judgement sneered, "Not another step, deceiver!" Lucifer knelt down, now within arms reach, Judgement looked like she was about to lunge at her. Then Lucifer spoke, shifting her gaze to Judgement's hands.
"You're hurt. Let me help you." Judgement locked eyes, as Lucifer made eye contact once more.
"I don't need anything from you.." Lucifer was undaunted, which Judgement didn't expect.
"I'm not letting you suffer, I know what you're going through. I'm a Fallen too." Judgement didn't respond, Lucifer noticed that her body language was no longer aggressive, she took this and her silence as acceptance for her offer. Seemingly out of nowhere a skeletal demon walked up towards them and dropped a small bag next to Lucifer before promptly turning and walking away before Judgement could fully register what just happened. Lucifer opened the bag up and Judgement could make out medical supplies as it's contents. Lucifer took out a small bottle and dipped the liquid into a cloth before making eye contact. "This may sting a little, but I assure you it won't be as bad as what you experienced earlier." Judgement said nothing, only a slow nod as a response. Lucifer broke eye contact as she began to dab the cloth over the blistered flesh on her back, Judgement bit her lip, Lucifer didn't lie, it stung but certainly not as badly as the fire did.
Once Lucifer had dabbed the cloth over the entire wound, she placed the cloth down and took a roll of bandages out of the bag, "Lift your arms up for me please." She stated, Judgement complied and raised her arms, allowing Lucifer to wrap a bandage around her torso, enough to cover the cauterized wound on her back. Lucifer took out the bottle once more and dipped more of the liquid into the cloth, "Hand please." Lucifer spoke again, Judgement gave her a look, which wasn't unnoticed by Lucifer, "Either one." Judgement's expression didn't change but she once again complied and outstretched her hand towards Lucifer who dabbed the cloth over the burns. Judgement grit her teeth at the stinging sensation. Soon Lucifer placed the cloth down and wrapped Judgement's hand and arm with a bandage up to the elbow and repeated the process with the other hand. Judgement kept her eyes on her bandaged hands, not speaking a word.

Lucifer attempted to make conversation, "You're welcome by the way, what's your name?"
Judgement glanced up at her, "Why do you care?" Her tone wasn't hostile but it was clear Judgement wasn't in a talkative mood. Lucifer tried to lighten the mood.
"Well, Why-Do-You-Care. I believe I should introduce you to our High Prosecutor."
Judgement ignored the retort, instead being focused on something else, with a hint of worry in her tone. "The what?" Lucifer noticed the tone.
She waved her hand dismissively, "Oh don't worry, you're not in trouble. The High Prosecutor is actually quite approachable." Judgement raised an eyebrow at the description. "Come on, let's go meet her." Judgement hesitantly climbed to her feet, never breaking her gaze from the demon in front of her. Lucifer began walking, "Try to keep up." Judgement furrowed her eyebrows but hurried along to follow Lucifer.

Judgement caught up with the Queen of Hell who seemed to be waiting for her, along with someone else, this demon dressed far more casually than Lucifer, even sporting sunglasses, she had an aura of awe to her, Judgement stood next to Lucifer, never breaking her eye contact with whoever this other demon was. After a moment of silence Lucifer decided to break said silence.
"This is Justice, she's our High Prosecutor." Judgement didn't say anything, she simply stared at Justice. Who tilted her head in response, "She talks right, Lucy?" Lucifer let out a sigh and crossed her arms.
"She does, just not very much. She was screaming her lungs out earlier." Judgement gave her look in a side glance, Lucifer made eye contact, "You still haven't told us what your name is."
Judgement spoke, barely audible, "Judgement." Justice grinned.
"Hey, another J. Nice." Judgement eyed Justice, both awestruck and wary about this demon's friendly demeanor. The angels always told her that the demons were evil and twisted beings.
Justice lifted up her sunglasses, showing her crimson eyes, much like Lucifer's. She glanced over Judgement for a second, "Your eyes are blue, you must be a Fallen, and a pretty recent one too."
Judgement frowned but didn't say anything, Justice continued, "Don't worry about it kid, it's their loss." Lucifer cleared her throat, grabbing attention from both of them.
"I believe the injured Fallen requires some rest for now, don't you think?" Justice lowered her glasses back down with a small smirk.
"Yeah, I imagine she's had quite a day." Judgement glanced between Lucifer and Justice before Lucifer spoke again.
"Come along Judgement, Pandemonica will show you to your room."
Judgement glanced back to Justice who gave a friendly salute, "See ya around kid."
Judgement returned her gaze to Lucifer and followed her to another section of the infernal realm.
Judgement looked around and saw buildings, some taller than others, and then another finely dressed demon, she was beginning to notice a pattern of some kind. This demon looked exhausted, and wore what Judgement assumed to be reading glasses. Lucifer spoke up grabbing the tired demon's attention. "Pandemonica, haven't had your morning coffee yet?"
The now named Pandemonica spoke in a quiet tone.
"What gave it away?" She noticed Judgement next to Lucifer's side, "New girl? Well you're in luck, a room just opened up, first door on the right." Lucifer nodded while Judgement remained silent.
"I'll bring you a cup in a moment." Lucifer stated as Pandemonica slid a room key across the desk.
Pandemonica let out a somewhat content sigh, "Please do."
Judgement followed Lucifer to a door marked with two Xs and she unlocked the door.
There wasn't much inside the room, just a desk, a single bed and a window. Lucifer spoke again, "I'm not sure if it's up to your standards but..-" Judgement interrupted her this time, which surprised Lucifer.
"It's satisfactory, thank you." Lucifer nodded silently and placed the room key in Judgement's hand.
Lucifer stopped at the doorway before speaking, "While I'm out grabbing Pandemonica her coffee I'll look into getting you some new clothing too. Rest well." With that Lucifer closed the door, leaving Judgement alone with her thoughts. She sat on the edge of the bed, returning her forlorn gaze to her damaged, bandaged hands, she grimaced at the scarring left behind by the burns.
She sighed and tore off the remains of her shredded archangel uniform, it's not like she needed the uniform anymore. She crawled into her bed and tried to sleep, hoping she would at least have that liberty.

Pandemonica struggled to keep her eyes open, she felt like she was about to pass out at any moment, and suddenly a mug of coffee was placed on the desk. Pandemonica directed her full attention to the mug and then glanced up to see Lucifer, her savior of sorts.
"Looks like you need it." Pandemonica flashed a small smile, and reached for the mug.
"Thank you Lucifer." The demon returned the smile and noticed Justice entering the room.
"High Prosecutor." Lucifer addressed Justice who responded, flashing a grin.
"Hey Lucy, got a minute? I want to talk to you about something." Lucifer glanced at Pandemonica, the demon seemed far less tired now, making note that her horns had suddenly grown, Lucifer figured it would be a good time to leave Pandemonica to her work. She returned her gaze to Justice and nodded, following her out of the room.

"So what's on your mind High Prosecutor?" Lucifer asked. Justice locked eyes with her, even with the sunglasses hiding her eyes, Lucifer knew they were making eye contact, they've just known each other that long.
"So you know that new girl, Judgement?" Lucifer silently nodded so Justice continued, "What role are we going to give her around here?" Lucifer hadn't really thought about it, she figured it was best for her to settle in before they start a talk like that.
"Honestly, I'm not sure yet." Lucifer pauses, "Why do you ask?" Justice cleared her throat.
"Why don't we make her my successor?" Lucifer gave her a look, Justice crossed her arms, "No really, I'm serious. She's got potential, a little training and she could be just as tough as me."
Lucifer's expression didn't change, "Justice, she's not even a full demon yet.." Justice scoffed.
"Yeah, so what?" Lucifer admired her friend's optimism, she really did, but from what she had seen, she wasn't exactly convinced that Judgement had the drive or the passing interest in becoming the successor to the High Prosecutor. This was an angel who fell from Heaven mere hours ago and was in a hysterical state when she found her.
"So what if she has no interest in it? How can you be so sure that she'll accept that offer?" Justice only smirked, as if she were about to win an argument.
"Some training and encouragement is all she needs, you worry too much Lucy." Lucifer rubbed her temples with her thumbs. Clearly Justice wasn't going to be taking no for an answer.
"Okay fine, but the moment she says she's not interested, we find a different role for her, deal?"
Justice extended her hand almost immediately, "Deal." That infectious smirk still on her face.

Meanwhile, the recently fallen angel, Judgement was stirring in her sleep. An eerie vision before her eyes, was she dreaming? She had to be, she didn't remember waking up. She saw three figures in the distance, and nothing else, whatever room she found herself in, it almost seemed to be devoid of any light. She tried focusing her vision to figure out who the figures were, she could make out sunglasses on one of them, meaning it had to be Justice, a second figure seemed familiar, possibly Lucifer since Justice was accounted for, but she didn't recognize the third figure. Justice and Lucifer seemed to be confronting them over something as their muffled but inaudible voices sounded as if they were raising, perhaps through anger? Judgement didn't get much time to ponder further as the third mystery figure suddenly turned their attention to her, crimson glowing eyes narrowed in her direction almost immediately, filling her with unease, but what completely startled her is when the figure inexplicably grew several more eyes causing Judgement to jolt from her sleep, suddenly awake in what could be considered the real world. Whoever that figure was, she hoped she would never find out.

Judgement was almost thankful that her thoughts on the dream were interrupted by a knock on the door, she expected Lucifer but was surprised that Justice opened the door. Unsurprised by the demon's usual smile, she expected it to be on her face at this point. "Hey kid, how'd you sleep?"
Judgement tried to keep a stoic expression, in truth she was uneased by her dream, but she didn't feel the need to bring it up. "I slept fine, what are you doing here?" Judgement replied, getting straight to the point. Justice's smile once again, never wavered, Judgement was almost impressed by this apparent skill.
"Checkin' up on ya, among other things." Judgement raised an eyebrow in question before Justice elaborated, "Lucy's busy with a Boss Lady stuff so I'm dropping off your new clothes, and there's something else." Justice continued as she placed a pile of folded clothing onto the foot of the bed.
Judgement's attention was still on Justice, her curiosity was peaking. "What are you talking about?"
Justice grinned, "Let's just say there's a reason you've got training gear in that pile of clothes." Judgement shifted her gaze to the clothing and then back up to Justice, still confused, "What are you implying?" Justice rubbed her nose, and responded, sounding almost excited.
"You've been chosen as my successor kid. We'll be training tomorrow, and you'll be High Prosecutor material in no time." While Justice was excited, the same couldn't be said for Judgement, who furrowed her eyebrows in response.
"I'm not a demon.." Justice wavered her hands in a playful manner.
"Demon or not, I know you've got what it takes." Judgement frowned, she didn't exactly share the optimism that Justice had, not even half of it. She broke her gaze from her and glanced off to the side in thought. Which wasn't unnoticed by Justice, as if reading the fallen angel's thoughts, "Hey, I'll be with ya every step of the way, nothing's impossible." Judgement returned her gaze to Justice, and locked eyes for a moment, the demon's optimism was infectious. Although Judgement's optimism was barely a fraction of what Justice possessed, it was a start. Judgement exhaled and spoke up.
"Alright, we'll try it." Justice beamed at this reply, and Judgement couldn't hide a weak smile when she saw this. "If I'm going to be stuck here, I might as well get used to it and do something productive." Justice chuckled, flashing a thumbs up.
"That's the spirit girl!"

Judgement didn't have another nightmare that night, she didn't know whether to be worried about that or not, but regardless she was thankful that she at least got a good night sleep, she had her first day of training with Justice after all. She wasn't exactly sure what the training regime from a laid back demon implied. Justice noticed Judgement approach awkwardly and in her training gear, which consisted of shorts and a tank top. The demon flashed a smile and spoke up, getting Judgement's attention, "Yo you didn't sleep in, I thought you would have."
Judgement tilted her head. "Was I supposed to?"
Justice chuckled, "I totally would have, but it's a bad habit according to Lucy. Anyway, before we start, how are your hands feeling today?" Judgement glanced down at her still bandaged hands, and clenched her fists a few times, as if testing to see if they still worked.
"They're feeling better, why do you ask?" Judgement glanced back up at Justice who straightened her sunglasses before responding.
"Well firstly, we should test how hard you can hit. I'm going to hold up my palm, and I want you to hit my palm as hard as you can. Think you can do that?" Judgement slowly nodded and Justice smirked as she raised up her palm, Judgement eyed the demon's palm and clenched one of her hands into a tight fist before taking a swing and hitting the palm with all her strength. Justice didn't even seem to flinch, which worried Judgement until the demon spoke, "Not bad for your first strike actually, there's definitely some power behind it, but you need to be a little quicker, think you can swing quicker?" Judgement nodded again, causing Justice's smile to grow, "Then show me."

After a couple of hours of training, Justice invited Judgement to a lunch with Lucifer. As the two joined the Queen of Hell at the table, she eyed Judgement for a moment which confused the fallen angel, "What?" Lucifer seemingly ignored her question and glanced at Justice.
"She's only been here for two days and her hair is already greying." Judgement blinked in shock and Justice gazed at her, lifting her sunglasses and squinting slightly, as if she were studying her closely.
"Oh damn, you're right Lucy. They grow up so fast." Judgement placed a hand on her head and ran her fingers through her hair, as if the act would prove to her what color her hair was. She had heard about the greying of angel hair, usually a sign of a fallen angel transitioning into a demon. She didn't believe it was a thing, until now.
"So it's really happening then isn't it? I'm turning into a demon." Judgement sounded somewhat somber, but Justice attempted to lighten the mood.
"Being a demon's not so bad, you get horns and a tail which are way less cumbersome than wings." Judgement gave her an odd look.
"A tail?" She sounded almost intrigued by the concept.

Two more days had passed and Judgement was showing signs of improvement, not only in training but also in her transition to a demon, her greying hair was now fully white. It was a start.
Judgement jumped out of bed the moment she woke up, oddly eager for morning training with Justice, she started to think about her mentor, did she consider her a friend? She had been nothing but kind towards her since they met, growing up in Heaven she was always taught that demons were the complete opposite. Even Lucifer was nice to her, something didn't add up. Either Heaven was wrong, or the demons were playing 4D chess. But why go through all that trouble for her? Maybe it really was genuine kindness, from demons no less, more kindness than Heaven ever gave her. She still didn't understand Heaven's reasoning for casting her out, it didn't seem justified, not to her at least. She sighed, attempting to bring the deep thoughts to a conclusion. At the end of the day, she was cast out and in the process of becoming a demon, she was less of an angel now as the day she fell. Maybe a day of training with Justice would clear her head?

Hours later, it would turn out that training did clear her head somewhat. But she suddenly felt.. Strange. Luckily for her Justice noticed why, "Looks like your tail's in now." Judgement shot her a puzzled look and tried looking, was Justice being serious? Sure enough she was, as Judgement glanced down and to her side to see a black arrow-tipped tail.
Judgement furrowed her eyebrows as she watched it sway slightly, "It feels weird.."
Justice chuckled a little before replying, "You'll get used to it." Judgement kept her eyes glued to her swaying tail, as if suspicious about her new limb.
"I hope so." Justice chuckled again, both girls noticed Lucifer's approach, and Justice spoke up.
"Lucy, she's got her tail now." Lucifer glanced at Justice and then shifted the gaze to Judgement with an almost incredulous expression.
"She's transitioning far more quickly than I expected." Judgement raised an eyebrow, Lucifer could guess she was confused and explained, "Fallen Angels usually take longer than this to transition into demons, your transition seems to be faster for some reason." Judgement's gaze went to the floor, this explanation just left her with more questions, and by the sounds of it, not even Lucifer had the answers.

Judgement was eventually able to recollect her thoughts, and despite her doubt that neither Justice or Lucifer had answers, she felt that she needed to ask the questions anyway, the questions would haunt her if she didn't but when she returned to speak with them again, what she saw froze her on the spot, as if reliving her nightmare once more, she walked in on a familiar sight.
Justice and Lucifer seemingly confronting a third unknown demon, and just like her nightmare, the third turned and glared at her, Judgement's blood ran cold. What happened next, she didn't expect, the demon approached her, she couldn't move no matter how much she wanted to, unwillingly maintaining eye contact, she felt if she broke eye contact the demon would do something terrible.
Instead the demon simply stared her down with an endless burning glare, without warning the demon suddenly spoke, but not to her, "Who's this?" Lucifer and Justice watched her carefully before Lucifer broke the silence.
"Her name is Judgement, and she's the chosen successor of Justice the High Prosecutor." Lucifer sounded far less friendly when answering this third demon, it was fairly clear to Judgement that whoever this third demon was, she and Lucifer were not on good terms. It would also seem that they weren't satisfied by Lucifer's answer as their glare on Judgement darkened.
"You're not serious, this is the successor? She hasn't even grown her horns yet." Lucifer shot the demon her own glare.
"It's not really your business, Beel." Judgement tried to hide her confusion, 'Beel', it would seem that Lucifer knew this demon well, but Judgement had yet to figure out what this nickname was implying, 'Beel' scoffed at Lucifer's response, Judgement was somewhat thankful that the demon broke eye contact from her to address Lucifer fully.
"Of course Lucy, it's not my business how you run this kingdom into the ground." Lucifer's glare darkened but Beelzebub wasn't finished talking, she returned her gaze to Judgement, much to the fallen angel's dismay, she attempted to remain stoic as Beelzebub locked eyes with her, "You know what I see in those blue angel eyes? I see fear. I see a small, scared, lost caterpillar who has yet to break out of their cocoon." Before Lucifer could retort, Justice spoke up first.
"Leave her alone Fly Girl, she's doing fine." Beelzebub continued to stare down Judgement, judging her harshly, and Judgement tried ever harder to maintain her composure, she wasn't letting this demonic bully get to her.
"Compassion is weakness, and she's still full of it." With that Beelzebub broke eye contact once more addressing Lucifer, "A fallen angel like you can't rule Hell, what makes you think this one can defend it?" Judgement wished she had the composure Lucifer and Justice possessed, the Queen of Hell scoffed in response to Beelzebub's jab while Justice retorted.
"Because Judgement's being taught by the best." With that it was Beelzebub's turn to scoff, but instead of retorting, she started to walk away, supposedly losing interest, much to Judgement's relief. Justice approached her, "Don't mind her, she's just salty that she lost the election." Lucifer shot her a deadpanned look.
"There was no election, Justice." The demon shrugged in response.
"Eh, figure of speech." Justice returned her attention to a wary Judgement, "Hey, don't let Beel get to you alright? You're doing fine, really." Judgement somewhat relaxed at this and slowly nodded in response, she really hoped that she wouldn't see Beelzebub again.

A week had passed and Judgement seemed to get her wish, as she never saw Beelzebub since. She didn't know whether to be thankful or worried. She was broken off from her thoughts when Justice snapped her fingers in front of her face, grabbing her attention, "Yo new girl, you've got your horns now, you're super close to being a full demon." Justice smiled and wiped away an imaginary tear from her cheek, "They grow up so fast." Judgement rolled her eyes but had a playful smirk on her face. The High Prosecutor and her successor noticed Lucifer enter the room.
"You're making a lot of progress Judgement, and in such a short amount of time." Lucifer paused and smiled, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed." Judgement smiled at this, although she still had some self-esteem issues, even she had to acknowledge that she was getting better. But glancing at her scarred hands, she remembered why she had this self-esteem issue to begin with, her smile dropped almost immediately, this was not unnoticed by the other two demons however. "Judgement, do you remember what Justice said?" Judgement didn't answer, thankfully Lucifer did that for her, "It's their loss. That's what she said, and she's correct. They didn't see the potential that we do, and from what I've seen, you have a lot of it." Judgement hadn't taken her gaze off her hands.
"I still don't understand why they abandoned me, I asked a question, I don't see how it's justified."
Lucifer's expression contorted to that of confusion, "What did you even ask them?"
Judgement closed her eyes, casting her mind back to that day, the day Heaven turned on her, "I asked if Angels and Demons were equals, since Angels reward saints and Demons punish sinners, whether it means there was co-operation of some kind." Lucifer pondered the question herself, as well as how that would get her cast out for simply asking. She thought long and hard about what she was going to say, for Judgement's sake if nothing else.
"Honestly, that's actually a good question.." Judgement broke her gaze from her hands and looked at Lucifer, bewildered by the response, "I don't think the supposed co-operation is direct per se, it might be a coincidence but it is interesting to think about." They made eye contact, "Judgement, if you want my opinion, I don't think they cast you out for simply asking a question." Lucifer paused as Judgement looked even more puzzled, "I think they cast you out because you asked a question that they didn't have an answer to." Judgement furrowed her eyebrows and returned her gaze to her hands.
"It still doesn't sound justified."
"That's because it isn't." Judgement snapped back to Lucifer who continued, "They probably cast you out in fear that you would end up like me, leaving on your own accord." Judgement frowned.
"I'm not like you." Lucifer's expression went stoic.
"No, because you're you. They couldn't accept who you are, but we will." Judgement raised an eyebrow at this. She wasn't completely convinced.
"Who I am? So I'm a demon-in-training?" Lucifer knew Judgement intended to lace her tone with venom but chose to avoid a heated argument.
"No, you're the High Prosecutor's successor. It's like you said, Angels reward saints, down here, we punish the sinners. We want you to be a part of that, to serve a purpose after Heaven stripped you of one." Judgement slowly nodded, she glanced at Justice who hadn't spoken a word, Lucifer followed the gaze, Justice simply smirked and Lucifer gave her an odd look, "What?"
"Nothing, just watching Mama Lucy give Judgement a pep talk." Lucifer rolled her eyes with a smile, and Judgement giggled to herself softly.

A few minutes later Lucifer and Justice left for a moment to grab lunch while Judgement continued training, she barely noticed another figure approach her and it was the last person she wanted to see. Despite the situation, Judgement tried her very hardest to remain stoic, "What do you want Beelzebub?" The older demon circled her, silent for a moment, likely judging her like she always did. Beelzebub continued to circle Judgement as she responded, her tone laced with venom,
"You may look like a demon, but you still have those weak angel eyes. You have a long way to go."
Judgement frowned, she knew Beelzebub was just trying to get a rise out of her, to hammer down on her self-confidence, she wasn't going to let it work this time. "I haven't got time for this, come back later." Beelzebub stopped in front of her, they locked eyes, neither willing to back off.
"And what if I refuse?" Beelzebub's tone while still laced with venom, now showed a hint of mockery, Judgement knew that Beelzebub had far more experience than her, but if push came to shove she wouldn't back down, this is what Justice was training her for right? To be stronger, so that she can achieve at her role of High Prosecutor when the time came. Beelzebub realized Judgement wasn't going to back down, the Great Fly seemed somewhat amused, but this expression dropped as quickly as it arrived, without warning Beelzebub had covered the distance between them for a fast strike which Judgement barely managed to block with her forearm, Beelzebub was much faster than Judgement thought she would be, and it would seem that this feeling was mutual, although Beelzebub would never admit it. "Justice taught you well, Angel Eyes." Judgement frowned and Beelzebub continued, "But not well enough." Before Judgement could respond, Beelzebub had kicked her backwards, her back hitting a large rock, but Judgement wasn't going down yet. She grit her teeth in a blend of pain and anger, she spotted Beelzebub in the distance, with her glowing red eyes, which narrowed before she closed the distance in a flash, Judgement narrowly avoided the blow, Beelzebub's fist tearing through the stone space where Judgement's head once was. Judgement seeing her chance, retaliated, to her surprise her fist connected, however Beelzebub seemed unfazed and simply glanced at Judgement from the corner of her eye, judging her again. "Try again." Her tone mockingly unimpressed. Judgement glared and took another swing, Beelzebub caught it, continuing to openly mock her, "Again." Judgement threw her remaining hand, but Beelzebub caught that too, "The hellfire scarred your hands, give me a reason not to crush them." Judgement headbutted Beelzebub, something the Great Fly wasn't expecting, she however dropped her dazed state quickly and took a swing at Judgement, still somewhat dazed from the headbutt, Judgement brought up her arm to block rather than attempting to avoid the blow completely, the power behind the blow was clearly felt as Judgement clenched her teeth in pain. Judgement fainted a punch in an attempt to catch Beelzebub off guard with a kick, she was successful as Beelzebub was knocked backwards, however the Great Fly suddenly grew wings to slow her fall, Judgement knew an ancient such as Beelzebub possessed some form of shapeshifting capabilities but not wings, now she understood the 'Great Fly' title.
Without warning Beelzebub flew towards Judgement, in response the demon-in-training went on defense, but as Beelzebub was within inches from her, she suddenly evaporated into a swarm of flies, Judgement was completely taken off guard by this. Giving Beelzebub the opportunity to reform directly behind her, when the buzzing became quieter and quieter, Judgement attempted to turn around only to be knocked to the ground, every attempt she made to get to her feet, Beelzebub stomped her to the ground with hers. "You can't protect Hell if you can't protect yourself." The Great Fly mocked darkly, Judgement made another attempt to get up, only for Beelzebub to stomp on her back once more, Judgement couldn't handle the pain much longer as her blue eyes welled up with silent tears, it was not unnoticed by Beelzebub, "You're still too weak, Angel Eyes." Beelzebub's crimson eyes were filled with malice as she glanced at the scarring on Judgement's back peaking out from behind the torn clothing, "Ah yes, you lost your wings, how much did it hurt?" Judgement bit her tongue, she wasn't giving her anymore satisfaction with an answer. A shiver ran up her spine when Beelzebub continued, "I assure you, this will hurt more." The Great Fly dug her thumbs into the scarring, tearing into the already damaged flesh, Judgement couldn't retain her composure and screamed in pain, what felt like hours of torture was cut short at a few minutes when Beelzebub was knocked off Judgement by another demon.

Justice glanced over the fallen Judgement, fresh blood still oozing from her back, she barely managed to speak through quiet sobs, "I'm sorry High Prosecutor.." Her tone tore Justice's heart in two, "I was too weak.." Justice turned her attention to Beelzebub who was casually dusting herself off like nothing happened. Justice didn't usually frown, but this time she had a very good reason to as she glared down Beelzebub who simply stared back unapologetically.
"You've gone too far this time." The usually joyous and laidback tone that Justice was known for was nowhere to be heard, she was dead serious.
"I've proven a point, she's unfit for the role." Beelzebub countered, although Justice was by no means convinced by this excuse. Beelzebub scoffed, "What, are you going to fight me too?"
Justice frowned, "You've given me a fairly good reason to." The two demons began to circle the other, "You attacked my successor, not just mentally, not just emotionally, but also physically."
The Great Fly rolled her eyes, "Angel Eyes was weak before I got to her, she wasn't ready for any of this." Justice remained stoic.
"That's because she hadn't finished training yet, you knew that." Beelzebub laughed, she had the audacity, the nerve, to laugh. But Justice wouldn't show how much that annoyed her.
"She would need tens of thousands of years before she's ready, and we don't have that time to waste away on someone like her." Justice rose an eyebrow.
"Someone like her? What are you on about now?" Beelzebub gave her an odd look.
"What do you mean what am I on about? Just look at her!" Beelzebub outstretched her hands towards Judgement in emphasis, "Angels are weak, they don't belong here in Hell."
Justice shook her head, "Judgement is more than just another angel, her progress has been rapid to the point where it impresses even Lucy." Beelzebub scoffs at the mention of Lucifer.
"Of course she would be, last I heard she was an angel once too, had to rely heavily on your help to get where she is now. Tell me I'm wrong." Justice and Beelzebub suddenly stopped circling the other before Justice spoke.
"Okay." She paused, "You're wrong." As the two demons clashed, Lucifer made her way to Judgement's side and helped her get to her feet, arms over shoulders for support and walked her out of the battle zone. "I failed.." Lucifer shook her head.
"You did your best, that's more than anyone could ask for."
Lucifer walked Judgement a fair distance away from the fight, and they were approached by a small group of worried looking demons, Judgement recognized Pandemonica but not the triplets.
"We heard about an attack, what's going on?" Judgement had never heard a concerned tone in the Tired Demon's voice before, but considering the situation she figured this change was justified.
"It's Beelzebub, she attacked Judgement and Justice stepped in." Lucifer replied, "I need you to provide medical aid to Judgement, I feel like Justice can't end this fight without the banishment portal, so I'll be joining her, understood?" Pandemonica nodded before Lucifer carefully set Judgement down in a chair and then hurried off without another word.

Justice evaded another crushing blow from Beelzebub before retaliating, but again, the Great Fly blocked the attack. Justice was getting irritated by the lack of progress, but knew she had to keep a level head against the Lady of Flies. No matter how much she tested Justice's composure.
"Angel Eyes was probably caught off guard by my wings, remembered how she lost hers, how her own people turned on her, and cast her down here along with the sinners and demons." Justice weaved to avoid Beelzebub's attack and threw out a quick jab, unfortunately Beelzebub was just as quick enough to do her own weaving, uninterrupted from her monologue. "Everyone in the Nine Circles heard her cry out like a child when she got burnt." Justice ignored her and took another swing, blocked again. "She screamed, and she did it again when I tore open the scars on her back." Justice grit her teeth and fainted a left hook before switching to a right, this hit. Beelzebub however was not dazed by the blow and simply smirked in response, "Almost felt that one." Justice growled under her breath, to which Beelzebub shot her an amused look, "My my Justice, you're usually much more cool-headed than this. Whatever is the matter?" Before any of them could say another word to each other, something caught Justice's attention, causing Beelzebub to whirl around to see a one-way banishment portal behind her, it was her turn to grit her teeth, "Lucy.."
Justice spoke up, reminding Beelzebub of the situation, "As High Prosecutor, I decide your punishment to be banishment." Beelzebub scoffed, unimpressed and undaunted.
"Make my day you miserable wretch. You and I both know you have no power over my own."
Justice roze an eyebrow before frowning, "Let's test that shall we?"

Judgement flinched as Pandemonica applied the alcohol to the open wound, "Hopefully Malina doesn't mind us borrowing that." The Tired Demon remarked before turning to the triplets, "Cerberus, grab some fresh bandages please." The three demons shot her a look before glancing at each other, "At least one of you do it." Pandemonica deadpanned. Cerberus seemed to catch the hint as they hurried off. Judgement tried to stand up but Pandemonica stopped her, Judgement wasn't sure if Pandemonica was really that strong or if she was just weakened from her fight with Beelzebub. Either way she protested.
"I need to help them, they're going to get hurt.." Pandemonica understood where Judgement was coming from but shook her head. Much to Judgement's dismay.
"You're in no condition to return to the battle, you're lucky Beelzebub didn't kill you."
Judgement wanted to retort, but she knew Pandemonica was right, she was wounded, both physically, mentally and even emotionally. Between the taunting and torn flesh, courtesy of Beelzebub, Judgement was a mess right now. Judgement chose not to retort, and Cerberus returned with a roll of bandages, surprisingly it was intact. Pandemonica thanked them and began wrapping it around Judgement's torso, enough to cover up the re-opened wound on her back.

Justice hit the ground and tumbled before climbing back to her feet, wiping blood from her mouth.
Beelzebub leisurely walked towards her, her arms behind her back, she sighed, "How many times do I have to say it? You and Lucy could never stop me, not back then, not now, and not ever." She paused as Justice stood her ground. "Save yourselves a few broken bones and just give up already."
Justice smirked, something Beelzebub wasn't expecting, "Eh? What do you have to smile about?"
Lucifer gave Justice a look, she wasn't expecting this either, then Justice spoke, "Oh I still have a few tricks left, remember the Sin Machine?" Beelzebub narrowed her eyes.
"So what? It won't be enough." Justice ignored Lucifer's disapproving look and Beelzebub's taunt, she drew upon the power of the Sin Machine, countless damned souls and the essence of sin itself.

The flashing lights were seen all over the Nine Circles, Judgement gazed upon them in a mix of awe and worry, "What's going on?" Pandemonica looked up and followed Judgement's gaze.
"They must be desperate, Justice is drawing upon the power of the Sin Machine." Judgement broke her gaze from the fading lights and towards Pandemonica, expecting her to elaborate further. When the Tired Demon went silent, Judgement asked the question nagging her.
"Is that dangerous?"

Beelzebub had an unreadable expression on her face, Lucifer's in contrast was fairly readable, utter concern in her expression and tone, "I don't recommend this Justice." The High Prosecutor cracked her knuckles, as if warming up.
"Got a better idea? I'm all ears Lucy." Truth be told, Lucifer didn't have any ideas for taking down Beelzebub, so she remained silent, satisfied, Justice grinned, "Thought so, now onto fly-swatting."
Beelzebub scoffed at this comment, "Even with all that power you're still not going to..-" She was cut off mid-sentence when Justice dashed forward and knocked her to the ground, Beelzebub while dazed, managed to recover before Justice made a follow-up attack. The Great Fly glared daggers at Justice, "Rude. I wasn't done talking." Justice smirked, in return, Beelzebub scowled, she knew a retort was coming.
"Oh you are." Justice remarked before dashing towards her again, Beelzebub brought her arms up in defense, but Justice was far stronger than she thought, as there was enough force to push Beelzebub backwards, she struggled to find leverage as her feet suddenly had no traction on the ground, the demon could feel the faint and chilling aura of the banishment portal behind her, growing closer and closer, Justice was pushing her towards it. Overpowering her, and she hated it.
As her hatred grew, her form shifted; growing in size, arms multiplied, jagged and sharp, The Great Fly taking form. Trying to push back, refusing defeat, refusing exile.

Judgement was getting very anxious, and tried to stand up, Pandemonica turned to her.
"I need to help them.." Pandemonica shook her head in response.
"You're in no condition to fight." Judgement frowned, she didn't care about her injuries, she hated feeling useless, ignoring the Tired Demon's protest and the lingering pain, she shakily stood to her feet. She took a step forward, and then another, and another, soon she was jogging, then running, and then she broke into a sprint, fueled by determination.

Justice found that Beelzebub was beginning to turn the tables once more, it was frustrating, she tried so hard and she was going to fail anyway. No, not going to happen. She still had another trick left. She drew upon what remained of the power granted by the Sin Machine. Her eyes began to glow, the brightness progressively growing by the second. This was her last chance to take Beelzebub down. Super Laser Vision. She'd come up with a better name later.
Justice unleashed a beam, striking Beelzebub dead on, the demon struggled against it, she hated that she was struggling and tried to push on. In response, Justice intensified the power of the beam causing Beelzebub to stumble backwards again. Each time Beelzebub tried to push on, Justice would intensify the beam, ignoring the faint pain in her eyes, a pain that slowly intensified alongside the power of the beam. Justice grit her teeth, attempting to fight back both Beelzebub and the growing pain in her eyes. Lucifer took notice of the High Prosecutor's discomfort and grew worried. "Justice, you're pushing yourself too hard. Stop!" Her protest was dismissed by Justice.
"Not yet, I've almost got her!" Beelzebub let out a guttural yell, she refused the reality of being beaten, this couldn't happen, it can't happen. But it was happening. She could feel the icy and unwelcoming aura of the banishment portal growing progressively closer again, much closer than before, almost as if she could touch it. It dawned on her, and with every fibre of her being, she hated it, the fact that she was losing. But she also hated them, in her mind, she knew she was right and that they couldn't accept it, and in response, they were banishing her, subjecting her to an eternity of darkness and loneliness, she clenched her eyes shut, she clenched her jaw shut, she had lost. With one final push, Justice intensified the beam one last time, and Beelzebub was enveloped by the portal. She was gone, it was finally over. But when Justice dropped the beam, she saw only darkness, she fluttered her eyelids, it made no difference, there was still an endless void. It hit her like a ton of bricks, she was blind.

Judgement followed a bright light, which soon faded. Something had happened. Assuming the worst, she ignored the pain in her beaten body and continued running. What she saw relieved her, Lucifer and Justice were still alive, and Beelzebub was no where to be seen. The feeling of relief however was replaced with an anxious feeling upon seeing Lucifer's somber expression, it seemed that the victory had a price. Judgement got the big question out of the way first, "Beelzebub?"
Lucifer responded after a brief pause, "Banished to the Abyss." Justice perked up when Judgement spoke. She turned her head in what she assumed to be in Judgement's direction.
"Yo, is that Judgement? Did you see that fight? It was awesome!" Judgement tilted her head and approached her mentor, she made eye contact but Justice didn't seem to be looking at her. Her eyes were no longer crimson, but a dull grey. Lucifer seemed to know Judgement's question before she even asked it, "She's blind." Judgement turned to Lucifer in shock, "Justice pushed herself too hard, and this is the result." Judgement turned back to a silent Justice as Lucifer continued talking, "We're left with no choice, you're High Prosecutor now." Judgement didn't respond right away, she had a lot to process right now. Her mentor was blinded and she was expected to take a role she clearly wasn't ready for. If Lucifer didn't already know, Judgement was going to tell her anyway.
"I can't Lucifer, I'm not as strong as her." Lucifer wanted to tell her she was wrong, but in her current state, they both knew she was right. Judgement still needed more training, she still needed to take the mantle of High Prosecutor in order to reach her full potential, to be marked by the Sin Machine. But they never planned that it would have to be now.
"We have no alternative, Judgement." Lucifer took notice that Judgement tensed at this response, nevertheless she continued, "But Justice's actions have taken Beelzebub out of the picture, so it may make things easier at least." These words didn't sit well with Judgement however, suddenly in a rage she spun around to glare at Lucifer.
"This is your fault!" She screamed as she pointed an accusing finger in the Hell Queen's direction, Lucifer narrowed her eyes but remained calm.
"My fault?" Justice remained silent as the two began their heated argument.
"You clearly had history with that monster Beelzebub." Judgement began, "Why does she hate us? Why did she attack us?" Lucifer didn't answer, so Judgement tried again, "Answer me!"
Lucifer sighed, they, at least in her mind, didn't have time to discuss this subject.
"Frankly, it's none of your business." Not the best response she could have given, evident by Judgement intensifying her glare. While her tone wasn't as enraged as before, she was still far from pleased with Lucifer's answer.
"The angels were right about you, you're just a liar and a trickster." Lucifer raised an eyebrow at Judgement's insult, but she tossed her own retort.
"The same angels that cast you out?" Judgement's demeanor seemed to drop at this but Lucifer didn't stop there, "They tossed you down here into the hellfire, and you screamed for them, questioning why they abandoned you. Do you remember who came to your aid?" Judgement didn't answer, she didn't have to, they both knew what the answer was. Lucifer's demeanor seemed to soften as well, although it wasn't exactly clear why. What she said next would stick with Judgement for the rest of her life, "You're not an angel anymore. You're a demon, it's time to start acting like one." With that Lucifer walked away, walking past Pandemonica and Cerberus whom had just managed to catch up to Judgement, although somewhat alarmed by the argument that had just occurred. Judgement's gaze returned to Justice, who hadn't spoken a word since the argument started, "High Prosecutor.." Judgement began, but Justice raised her hand, a sad smile on her face.
"Boss Lady has spoken, you're High Prosecutor now, kid." Judgement's eyebrows furrowed before she gave a response, it really was happening now.
"I'll try my hardest to make you proud." Justice's smile, no longer a sad one. Reminded why she chose Judgement as her successor, the everlasting need to prove herself, even when she already had. Something she should have told her a while ago, but will now.
"You already have." Judgement made eye contact, despite Justice's eyes being replaced with the dull grey, Judgement knew there was still a spark in them, the same spark that made Justice who she is, The Awesome Demon, and now the Flybreaker. Judgement didn't say anything, so Pandemonica chose to break the silence.
"Me and Cerberus will take care of Justice, you do what you have to do." Judgement simply nodded before she turned and walked towards the Sin Machine's direction without another word.

When Judgement stepped foot onto the ancient metal contraption, she immediately felt a rush, she came to the assumption that the power of High Prosecutor was being passed onto her. During the process she clenched her fists, when she did so she heard a metallic sound behind her, she dared to turn and blinked in surprise, seeing large chains encased in hellfire, did she do that? She repeated her action and sure enough more chains materialized seemingly out of thin air. She glanced down at her hands and was instantly reminded of her failures, the burnt and bandaged hands, a constant reminder of who she truly is. She didn't want to look at them anymore. If she was to ever move on, she would have to forget her weakness. Lucifer's words echoed in her mind, and Judgement repeated them to herself, "You're not an angel anymore." She encased her damaged hands in chains, and clenched her eyes shut. "You're a demon." The chains wrapped around her hands seemingly melted, and the metallic liquid hardened into a pair of threatening gauntlets. "It's time to start acting like one." Judgement opened her eyes, no longer Angel Eyes, no longer the angelic blue, they were now otherworldly glowing orbs, Judgement began raising her voice, "I am Judgement, the High Prosecutor of Hell!" Her voice raised to a scream, echoing throughout the Nine Circles once more, but this time, it was not in pain or despair. Although she would continue to be fairly familiar with these words.

"Ignite the Sin Machine! Suffering must be made!"