Angelica's POV:

I blinked, once then twice, and sat up in the soft bed. I cracked my stiffened neck and manifested my wings to stretch them out. My eyes already lost their color. The air was already crackling with energy since my mood was at an all-time low. I looked at the bandaged part of my torso and with a snap, I burned the bandages off.

„Now, time to teach someone a lesson," I said coldly, to some degree whenever I clashed with someone here I wasn't that serious about it, but now, I was straight up pissed.

„I'm afraid you can't do that yet miss," a voice unknown to me spoke out, tho his scent gave him away.

I looked in the direction where it came from. Getting a good look at the room in the process. It was luxurious to say at least, definitely something you would see in a mention. Large king-size bed, giant bookcase, a mahogany mirror table, large wooden wardrobe, bedside table, fireplace, armchairs, and a separate bathroom.

I saw a round male dressed in navy blue noble clothes, with round glasses, dark eyes, and dark hair, tho the middle part was bleached. Even tho, the attire didn't say so, this guy was a just mare servant, way weaker than the others.

„I must inform masters of your awakening," he slightly bowed.

„I say, you will deliver them a message from me and then stay out of my way, if you truly know what's best for you," I said strictly, pointing at him with the fully formed sword. Let's say I got all of his attention with that little threat.

„Tell them that if they don't want the blood gem falling into the vampire's hands they will have to meet me at the vampire castle. But don't let them think I will hand it to them without any fight," I coldly told him the message.

I got off the bed, finally standing up, the crackling of air intensified then a flash of white light filled the room. After the light faded I had my trusted silver and gold armor, chest plate, vambraces, gauntlets, greaves, the whole package. I haven't had this thing on me for millennia, feels kinda nostalgic. I put my sword into the scabbard around my waist. I put my hair into a ponytail to avoid getting it in my face and mostly my eyes, then I quickly disappeared. I did make a stop at the school fountain to get the crown.

In the form of lightning, I got there pretty fast. I struck through the hole in the roof, landing and efficiently disposing of a few of them. Once I regained my physical form, I looked around to estimate what am I dealing with and to find Ritsuka. It was definitely a throne room from the looks of it, a very badly lit throne room. At the very back, on the throne sat a man in dark royal robes, pale skin, white hair with pinkish ends, and piercing crimson eyes surrounded by three poor human girls, chained, kept without a doubt as blood bags.

„Angelica!?" Ritsuka called out from the crowd, by the voice surprised but relieved.

„Get her!" a stern voice ordered, coming from the very back of the room, clearly their ruler. That was enough to get everyone active, but I was so ready.

The bloodbath began, cutting down one vampire after another, some blasting with lightning some with fire. I was frighteningly efficient, like in the old days. I still got the ropes but the time that has passed from the warrior once was, was noticeable. I still managed to keep up with the pace of their attacks but it wasn't as easy as it used to be. I'm getting rusty. Better to train some more, after I'm done.

I cut down another part of them, but when I turned to another group, someone managed to put some kind of chains on me, that bound my hands and wings, it felt like snakes. I wouldn't mind it that much if my wings weren't that sensitive and the biding was that tight, it really hurt. I made the wise decision to let my sword disappear before it managed to fully bind me. I tried to melt them off but it appeared they were blocking me from the use of any magic.

„What is this?" I hissed.

„Bold of you to show up alone. You did make quite a show, to be honest. And this, well we had them prepared for the demon king, but since this situation arose we might as well test them on you. They were made to contain the power of the artifact of the grimoire so I wouldn't waste energy trying to escape. We call them the chains of Tartarus. Like them?" the vampire with the burned arm smirked.

„You again? Hasn't one burned arm taught you a lesson?" I scoffed, his presence disgusted me. Ritsuka managed to get to me.

„What did you do to her?!" she was horrified.

„Just prevented her from causing any more damage," Jek shrugged it off.

„Don't believe anything that anyone in this room told you! They are all liers!" I warned her.

„Excuse me?!" Jek got actually offended by that.

That bickering was disrupted by a deep, chilling chuckle.

„My, so the archangel decided to grace us with her presence. Well, that makes things slightly easier and less messy, for both of you," the king's voice echoed throughout the hall.

„What does that mean?" Ritsuka was confused.

„What I mean by that is, if she didn't show up, in order to obtain the blood gem, we would need to kill you, of course, courtesy of her. But now she's here, she can take the gem away without causing you harm and without needing the full moon," the king proclaimed even smiling in the process.

I kept my gaze on the ground hanging my head in shame, but I could feel her shocked gaze on me.

„It was the last line of protection, most beings wouldn't dare to cross that moral line in the fear of reciprocations. But now we are talking about beings that crossed that line so many times before, they don't care. That's why we didn't want anybody to know, not even you, the location of the gem. I'm the only one who can take the gem away safely and with full power anytime I want. Without my presence, for a stranger to obtain the gem in its full power, they have to spill your blood at a specific time that comes only once every 615 years each year representing the original number of vampires, and that falls on tonight," I felt like she really needed an explanation, but it was pretty hard for me to get al the information out, I felt so ashamed.

„So that's why Lindo wanted to explain everything the day before my birthday," Ritsuka gasped.

„To warn you before something like this happened," I filled her in.

„Are you done?" the king cut us off.

„Now, let's make a deal archangel, you will remove the gem and give it to us, and then you will pass on your sword and remove the curse," the vampire king proclaimed, his eyes dangerously glowing red, and that just got me even more pissed.

„Did you really just try that, old trick on me? Let me tell you that won't work," I clenched my jaw. I was pretty serious but then I just laughed.

„You really put these chains on me and then expect me to deliver on those wishes. Ridiculous really," I chuckled but it took me only a few glances to understand, my smile quickly fell.

„Quickly everyone! We must make the preparations, for Lord Nesta. The ritual will happen when the moon is at its highest. Our Lord will take the power of the blood gem. Vampires will rule this world!" Jek got everyone's attention. Two vampires grabbed me, I struggled against them but thanks to my restraints it only hurt me. They did the same thing with Ritsuka.

It appeared for a while that we were going to the same place, but I was sorely mistaken. I was brought to one room, but one of the vampires continued to lead Ritsuka somewhere else. Well, neither of us liked that idea, I tried to get to her but with the combined efforts of the two vampires and the bounds I was basically helpless, Ritsuka tried to free herself, but that was a lost cost from the start.

„Ritsuka!" I called out as they basically shoved me into the room, quickly closing the door behind me. Since I lost my balance and didn't have the means to slow myself I fell hard.

„Ouch!" I yelled since I did land on one of my wings.

„This better not be broken," I hissed. I quickly got on my feet and pounded on the door which was now locked. I tried it a few times then I gave up, knowing that now it's just a waiting game. Alright just focus! I thought for a while.

„Alright, that should work, just have to make sure Ritsuka will be safe," I summarised for myself.

I looked around the room, it looked something like a living room. I walked up to one of the armchairs and sat in it but a bit differently. I had to rest my legs and wings on the armrests, that was the only way for me to sit comfortably at that point. I was just staring at the ceiling, killing time. I wonder if they will show up. A thought just appeared in my mind.

„What am I even thinking?! I don't even need them!" I reprimanded myself for even thinking something like that. I closed my eyes as I waited.

Not a moment later I heard the door unlock, I immediately shot it a gaze. In fell Ritsuka in a luscious dark blue dress. That immediately got me on my feet, I ran up to her and helped her to her feet.

„Angelica!" Ritsuka was glad to see me and she hugged me. I jerked at that a little bit since she did it in a way that wasn't comfortable to my wings.

„I'm glad you're okay. But please move your hands a little bit these restraints are just terrific when it comes to my wings," I smiled a little.

„Oh, I'm so sorry!" she immediately pulled away.

„Where were you? We were worried," she continued.

„Well, I had to take that nap, to heal, well you know what. But I was with you, you know. I looked after you two," I slightly smiled. She was taken aback by that fact, and she looked a bit ashamed.

„You know, in the heat of the moment and under stress we do a lot of things we regret but most of them you can reverse," I told her and pulled out the crown I fetched from the fountain. She was surprised but she took it back holding it close to her chest.

„Thank you," she silently said.

„I will ensure you will get to see him again. I will get us out of this. I will take the responsibility for this mess, you've been caught in," I slightly sighed.

„It's... I get why the blood gem works as it does, I'm not happy about it but I know you probably couldn't do anything else," she admitted, I was pretty touched by that.

„I got a plan, I will need your help tho. I will take away the blood gem and when that happens, you will distract them. I will use that window of time to summon my sword. I doubt these restraints will withstand the power of two artifacts of the grimoire. And since I will be free and have the power I will get us out of here, okay?" I explained to her, and she only happily nodded, there was hope in her eyes.

„Until then we wait," I just smiled and went to sit in the armchair Ritsuka actually chuckled at that, as she took a seat on the couch.

„What? I can't sit normally with the wings. Anyway, what's up with that whole gown thing?" I huffed.

„Actually beats me," she laughed.

„How long did you know?" she suddenly asked.

„You mean about Rem and you? I had my suspicions from the start but the dance. It was undeniable, that something sparked between the two of you. Rem was even smiling, that is something from someone with that attitude, " I laughed a bit. She clearly blushed, perhaps not expecting that it was so obvious. I gave her a slight smirk.

„Well, you seemed to enjoy that night too," she nudged me with a smirk, possibly to get back on me, I took on a dark shade of red.

„Ritsuka, you can't really do this to me," I was blushing hard at that point.

„You shouldn't be shamed, feelings are natural," she said smiling.

„I can't have feelings for him," I silently groaned.

„Well, now that's just pure denial," she huffed.

„Yes-I mean no, uh this is just hard. Yes, I'm denying positive feelings but also no because I don't even know what am I even feeling. But even if it is that, I can't he's a demon and I'm an archangel," I sighed deeply.

„Well, since you're already helping me with Rem. I will help you recognize your feelings," Ritsuka said with a bright smile, that just melted me away.

„You know what? We have a deal!" I nodded.

We were having a small conversation when the door almost burst open.

„Rude! You don't just burst into the room of two ladies!" I barked at Jek who was now at the door.

„Ladies? Maybe you, but your friend, such girlish figure is nowhere close to that," he laughed.

I glared at him, wanting to chuck the armchair I was sitting on into his face, but deciding not to, to preserve the beautiful furniture.

„You know even demons are more comfortable presence than this," I snarled, but as it passed my lips I myself was shocked by it. What did I just say?! But it hit a really big nerve, it was visible he was physically holding back not to do anything, rage all over his face.

„Time's up! You have to go. And you're goddamn luckily, we were instructed not to harm you before you do your duties," he snapped back.

„Do not dare to speak his name with the foul lips of yours," I threatened him in the tone I only used to cast judgment on someone, it really ticked me off having him use the Lord's name in vain.

For the next few minutes, the atmosphere was heavy, we were shooting each other death glares, and if they could kill both of us would be dead twenty times over.

But soon there was a change in his deminer.

„We will see if you can keep that attitude once your duties are fulfilled," Jek's lips curled up into a devilish smirk.

„Swore me one thing, truthfully, you will leave Ritsuka out of this," I hissed, refusing to yield.

„I can grant that she will be useless to us after that," he shrugged, and I believed it, he was so nonchalant about it.

„Now, time to go," he almost sang that as he yanked on my restraints.

I hissed in pain and followed him, Ritsuka followed too. He was leading us through the tangled halls of the castle, on the way so many vampires joined it looked like some kind of parade when we arrived at the designated place. I felt so humiliated as I walked in those chains, but I didn't show that. We ended up before the king himself. I did notice he was talking but I wasn't paying attention, I was praying instead. Please Lord let this work and give me the strength to fend off anything that will happen. I did recognize the gesture for me to begin. I took a deep breath and mouthed to Ritsuka that everything will be okay.

I reached for her pendant and opened it, out into my hand fell the little sachet with Potpourri. That seemed like all that was in it, but unknown to most, the 'back wall' of the pendant was fake. I carefully opened it and behind it glimmered the crimson tear-like gem. Its shine was imminently noticeable. I pulled it slowly out, it just leisurely levitating in my palm. I could feel the power of it coursing through me, it was quite mesmerizing. I quickly looked up, to stare face to face into power-hungry eyes full of anticipation. I looked again at the gem and slowly extended that hand to them, but then I noticed something. It was enough to make me smirk, close my hand with the gem and jump a few feet back to get some distance. They obviously tried to get to me but a black ball of smoke flew between us, also what did not escape me was Ritsuka holding golden scissors ready to strike. She must have snatched them as I was arguing with Jek since I recall they were placed on the table. Really brave move. That's my girl! I did not waste a single second of that newly created opportunity, I called on my sword, which immediately appeared in my hand, just with that the restraints had a hard time. They were obviously trying to stop it but then the second a bit larger ball of smoke came between us.

Just as the gem and the sword met, the chains shattered, from the sheer power of the two artifacts. I was finally free. As that happened thunder and lightning struck across the sky, the winds picked up howling a terrific song, the ground shook and the fire of the torches became wilder. The previously golden blade was now painted partly crimson, having fused with the gem.

„They have really done it. They are officially dumber than imps. Did they think that it was a smart idea to let the only one who knows how the thing works and has a position of the second artifact, handle it?" I recognized that mocking voice. I quickly snatched up Ritsuka and zoomed to the new guests.

„They so foolishly did," I looked with a wide smirk to the newcomers.

Not only did those three appear but they took with them, Rem and Lindo, and every single one of them had a specialized battle outfit if you can call it that in some cases. But I was glad, for the first time I was so glad to see them, but I couldn't help myself from a little teasing.

„My you took your sweet time just to change into new outfits," I spoke in a half-amused half annoyed tone, I was so outraged by the vampires that I was more willing to be friendly towards the demons since we shared the common enemy.

„You're the one here who's wearing armor. And we did not spend the whole time changing, we didn't know where this place was," Mage argued, I wanted to correct him on the first part but the second one caught me so off guard that I could only snicker. Others looked very annoyed with Mage for giving me that answer but also shocked to see me snicker.

I looked them up again, they were a sight to behold. Urie's battle wear bared a resemblance to the traditional Japanese kimono for the most part, with his right sleeve resembling more traditional clothing from Britain during the Victorian Era. Both sides showed an undershirt that was tight around the arms underneath. He was also wearing black boots that ended just below the knees, and a black and pale gold collar, similar to a choker. The entire theme of the ensemble was one of black and white.

Mage's battle appearance had an almost desert theme to it, with pants similar to the army's in color and appearance; and white stripes just above the knees, and across this waist area. His entire upper torso was open and exposed in the front, by his sleeveless, hooded, long coat. He also wore a necklace that bared a resemblance to the Aztecs in design.

Shiki's was something I could only describe as something covering the important parts mixed with random strips of fabric thrown into the mix, creating a bondage illusion, couldn't really expect anything different.

Lindo's battle appearance was similar to his normal attire but changed to reflect his vampire nature. It mainly consisted of a black cloak, pants, undershirt, and choker, all with red borders on the edges. He also wore red half-gloves and black boots. He was fully in the vampire mod but he could clearly control himself, as at that moment he was checking on Ritsuka if she was alright.

And finally, Rem's battle wear was similar to his regular uniform, with the same navy pants, but with a navy blue waistcoat instead of his normal vest, that was connected at the top with a symbol that resembled a crescent moon. It also had an emblem on the right shoulder similar to the Shikō Academy crest. He also wore a white undershirt, a silver belt, and a white and blue choker around his neck with characteristics of fire.

„Protect her for us, will ya? We have a beef to settle with this filth," I patted Rem on the shoulder, smiled quite brightly as I looked back at Ritsuka and Lindo.

„How terribly sentimental, kill them all and take the relics!" the vampire king ordered his minions. And the fun has officially started.

A few vampires leaped at us, which we cut down pretty easily, but there were many more to come.

„You want this? Well, come and see if you can find the right one," I smirked and created many illusions of myself, tho there were a few uncounted for, I could only guess that was Shiki's doing. You sure know me well.

Every time, one of the illusions was cut down a flame ignited in its place, burning the guilty party. That combined with our pushing back was quite a deathly combination.

A large wave of them came, I decided to destroy the illusions creating a lot of fire that is used as an unpenetrable barrier. It took some of them out in the process.

„Time to test their senses," I smirked as I closed my fist transforming the raging fire into a thick fog, covering us fully.

The vampires leaped in at the first opportunity and that was a fatal mistake. They were quickly shot down by a bunch of feathers, thorny vines, and electricity as the three got really active, I let them go at it for a while, but soonly the vampires caught up on that going in wasn't a great idea, I dispelled it, set my sights on one grouper and tried something different from the arsenal.

„How about you chill out," I smirked again and closed my fist, this reflected the water in their bodies, the whole 60% freezing, painful experience at least, worse if you account that now they couldn't move.

Once again the guys took their opportunity and attacked those hopeless fellas. But just as their hits landed it turned them into bloody frozen chucks of mess and then to dust.

„That was brutal, angel," Mage remarked with an amused smile.

„I wasn't the one to deliver the killing blow," I sang playfully.

I felt that something was clearly heading for me but as I turned to stop it those thorny vines entangled the unfortunate fella squeezing and tearing into his skin, he was a bloody mess by the end of it.

„Much appreciated," I simply said smiling, battle was really the only place where I can get along with them. And then the next wave came.

„Let's take this airborne. Better look out this one will be changed," I grinned, they caught the gist pretty fast.

Shiki and I took off in the air, by our collective efforts we rounded up a group of vampires, once we got them like this they were easily bonded by the vines. And then the show started, Mage took my side, and the result of that joining of power was a few fried vampire corpses. Some other group tried to attack us from the balconies, but it soonly proved that was a huge mistake, since they ended up pretty crispy, thanks to Rem attacking from one of the balconies. We were frighteningly officiant both in killing but also in working together. For a slight moment, it scared me, but after that the need to get the job done overtook me.

We continued cutting down a lot of them, watching each other's backs. On one occasion a small group was heading for Urie as he was busy crushing some other group. I simply pulled a part of the floor up to shield him, creating a hole before it, making the vampires fall through to a really ugly landing. After that, I just effortlessly closed the hole once again and focused on the danger approaching me.

„That was a good save dove, you deserve a gift for that later," Urie smiled at me, which made me go red as a tomato in an instant.

I was so flustered that instead of zapping the vampire that charged at me, that I held by his neck in the air, I to everyone and my surprise exploded the bloodsucker, basically turning him into bloody rain.

„Four elements AND blood control... totally forgot about that part," I whispered to myself as I was wiping down the blood from the side of my face and getting it off my wing.

„Now that was brutal!" Shiki was excited about the whole situation.

„You know when you do not use something for millennia you tend to forget details," I sighed.

Meanwhile, while we were cutting down the hordes Lindo had his fair share of battles. He got into a fight with Jek and even tho one of his arms was pretty much useless, he put up a solid fight. They went at it for some while, both getting a few good hits on the other. But Jek obviously forgot one thing Lindo wasn't only dhampir but also an exorcist, a really good one for that matter, once a window of opportunity came, he paralyzed Jek and with one slash threw him off the edge. Then he joined us for a while.

„That was not too shabby," I smiled at Lindo.

„I have nothing on you," he laughed.

„Hey! That one was mine, Shiki!" we heard Mage.

„Not my problem that you're so slow," Shiki laughed at Mage.

„Lord, they can't stop bickering even for a moment," I shook my head in disbelief.

„Kinda getting why is Rem that way, dealing with those three," Lindo nodded as he clawed in two the vampire that was coming for him.

„Add abusive father and pressure of heir and you have the whole package," I said piercing another one.

„Are you two planning to make fools of yourselves any longer? If you haven't noticed we still have a job to do," I spoke out sternly.

That was thankfully enough to resume our 'cleaning of the house' situation.

We were all caught up in the chaos of the battle that we failed to notice the king making his in thought brilliant move. He thought using Lindo, his only son, to help his schemes, was a good idea. It seemed to work for a while, Lindo came straight to him, in trance, that was about the time I caught the wind of the situation thanks to Ritsuka and Rem noticing and trying to dissuade him. I turned to them in panic, but I did notice something different that cooled me down pretty fast. The king had the smuggest smirk, thinking he's won until his chest was pierced by Lindo's hand, his smirk disappeared pretty fast. It wasn't a permanent solution but it still was glorious.

„I would rather die than fight alongside you dad," Lindo drove his arm even deeper before pulling out letting the blood basically create a geyser, now, that finally got the attention of everyone, ally or foe. The king screamed in agony and as more blood spilled from him the older he got until he collapsed dead onto the ground.

„It's done," Lindo solemnly noted. And that instantly scared the rest of his minions, making them flee. Rem and Ritsuka got soonly back down to us and so did Lindo.

„You're okay!" Ritsuka quickly ran to him.

„Ritsuka..." Lindo was relieved to see that she was unharmed. Both of them hugged.

„Well, looks like the exorcist stole our thunder after all," Mage was amused.

„I'll allow it this once," Urie shrugged.

„That standoff sent chills down my spine," Shiki moaned a little bit. Typical.

I was still looking at the corpse lying on the ground and I wasn't alone. Rem was also suspicious, he knew too.

„Hey, what's up?" Mage walked up to us, after noticing both of us were still on edge.

The silence was cut by a deep chilling chuckle. I gripped my sword tighter.

„You couldn't actually believe that dhampir could kill me. Come now I'm the king after all," a deep voice resonated throughout the place, as the corpse unnaturally rose and gained its youth back.

„No way," Lindo slipped in disbelief.

„But the legend said if you pierce the vampire king's heart he'll die riving in agony," Shiki was in disbelief. I had to hold myself not to reprimand him since that was something I also taught him. Obviously, he focused on the pain, not the topic.

„He's hidden it," Rem explained.

„His heart?" Urie asked.

„If they could be killed that easily it would already happen. It's an ability their ancestors possessed," I explained with a sigh.

„Tell us where it is!" Mage got irritated that did achieve a few dumbfounded looks.

„Even if I did you, creatures, aren't smart enough to find a way to stop me," the king spoke out before a dark dangerous crimson aura surrounded him.

I sheathed my sword and put out my hand to create a protective barrier just as strong waves of force and high-pitched sound approached us. The barrier successfully blocked out the force but not the sound, it was truly deafening but even through that and strain to keep such a large barrier I remained concentrated. Until sudden rhythmic almost paralyzing waves started coming from my side combined with the head-splitting sound and the strain finally broke my concentration, causing the barrier to crumble.

Allowing the next wave to hit us full-on, sending us all flying. I instinctively pulled my wings back right before colliding with the wall. That saved me some pain, but mostly broken parts. I wasn't out of the water yet. Once I hit the wall, I quickly found out that the armor wasn't a wise choice, the force was strong enough for the armor to cave in, effectively trying to crush me inside, it really knocked the wind out of me. With a snap of my fingers, I let it disappear leaving me in the plain white robe I would usually wear. I was at least not crushed by my own armor but now I was dealing with the force and the strange vibration. Those two really clashed and I honestly had a hard time not passing out. My vision was getting blurry and everything just got kinda muffled, I could recognize someone speaking but I couldn't understand what was being said, it did sound pretty urgent and worried.

I was just ready to close my eyes until a bright light shined from my sword. Midnight, the power has awakened. It shocked everyone, allowing us to get some rest from the force, I jumped at that opportunity getting myself together showing my wings once again, and putting up the barrier once again. The strange waves now solidified into a sound, rhythmic familiar to every living being.

„Heartbeat.." I recognized it, standing now firmly on the ground, gaining a second wind, withstanding the second wave of the force.

„This whole time- " Rem came to me.

I separated the gem from the sword and now the heartbeat was easy to hear.

„The heart was inside," Urie leaned on me.

„Continue doing that, and I will dispel the barrier and then you can kiss the wall as long as you want," I barked at him, trying to concentrate.

„How can we get it out?" Rem asked.

„Combination of mine and yours magic should do the trick. Mine will stabilize the gem and yours should be able to kill the heart," I explained but their questioning looks gave me know that that wasn't a satisfying explanation.

„Well, of course, my magic wouldn't be necessary... If you want to end like that heart," the second one them quickly convinced.

„Thought so. And if you want to do it firmly on the ground you better hurry, " I told them, hinting at me losing my concentration soon if this drags out.

I had already begun with my part, the only thing they had to do was join in. To add to the stress the force was way stronger at that time, a desperate effort to brute-force the situation for sure. But I held my ground. The shine of the gem got darker and darker as each of them used their magic. I had to close my eyes to concentrate on both of the actions since their magic was also taking a toll on me. Everything just kicked into high gear at one point but it finally ended with a bright light, the force subsided and a terrible shriek of agony sounded from the king I glanced at him as he was gripping his chest and slowly turning to dust just like the others.

That sight made me breathe the biggest sigh of relief yet. And with that relief also ended the adrenalin rush that basically pulled me through the last part. My legs seemed to stop working for a while. I almost fell to my knees hasn't been for someone catching me.

„You did well," Lindo's gentle voice reassured me.

„It finally ended," I just smiled leaning on him for support.

„Angelica!" Ritsuka ran up to us. I tried to get on my feet but she didn't rush me she just hugged me.

„You did it," she was so happy.

„I promised something after all, didn't I? Now your lives will finally return to normal," I smiled at both of them.

„Well, semi-normal," Ritsuka said blushing a bit and glancing at Rem. But Rem was a bit distraught, just like those three.

„It's gone..." I just heard, finally realized something, the blood gem was gone.

„What?" I got tense, but somewhere deep inside I was relieved, when not even I knew where was it now.

„The two sources mixed in a way it must have displaced it," Rem explained it for me. He took it awfully well, I was really surprised.

„It really doesn't matter, we will find a different way," Rem added, almost seeming he was trying to calm me down.

„You proved to be persistent, that's true," I laughed a bit.

„Alright, let's get outta here no need to stay at this castle," Mage announced.

„You wanted to talk with me about something," Ritsuka leaned to tell Rem.

„Some fresh air and nature would truly help. Let's take this outside," I said.

„Let me help you. It really took a toll on you, huh?" Lindo smiled once he noticed that I was struggling and came to support me.

„Yeah, keeping two quite powerful spells for a long time drains a lot then count in the force that barrier had to oppose and the demon magic happening right next to me, and you have this. I do thank you for the support," I smiled.

We finally ended up at the lake outside of the castle.

„Not gonna lie you got pretty scary and in sync with them," Lindo said after a while.

„I'm not the commander of the heavenly host for nothing. And yeah, after all, we are still kin, no matter the millennia, the roots stay the same," I sighed a little. After that came the awkward silence.

„That tree by the lake looks cozy, we could at least wash all this blood," I pointed out to cut the tension.

„Well, that's a good idea. Even tho, I'm not sure how will you get that blood out of your hair," Lindo pointed out.

„Guess, I will have to wash my head. It honestly shouldn't be that difficult," I smiled. So he helped to get me there.

I kneeled at the edge of the lake, pulled down my hair tie, and leaned to wash my hair. I washed the blood out of my hair.

„Well, this should be enough for now," I said and began cleaning the rest, like my hands and face and anything that was not covered by the armor or clothes.

I dried my hair in an instant. After I freshened myself up a bit and looked at Lindo. He was washing his face.

„Here, you missed a spot," I smiled and wiped down the blood. He lightened up and thanked me.

„Oh, got to clean this," I remembered, pulling out the sword.

I dipped it into the water, reciting an incantation. I moved my hand in such a manner that I accidentally cut myself pretty deeply. It did not bother me that much, but I was worried about Lindo. But he seemed fine.

„You're holding out really well," I smiled.

„Guess my senses are just overwhelmed from the battle," Lindo laughed.

He basically carried me to the tree and sat me down on the side of it, so I could lean on it without the wings getting in the way. He sat next to me. Both of us were now watching Rem and Ritsuka have their moment, they seemed to truly bond together. Lindo appeared to be on edge just by looking at them.

„He's a good fit for her, don't you worry. And either way, we couldn't stop them even if we tried, love always finds a way," I told him.

„But in love with a demon..." he started.

„It can be like that sometimes," I shrugged.

„As long as they're happy and it's a healthy relationship I will support them," I added.

„You have a point there," Lindo nodded, realizing it.

„How it will be now?" he asked after a while.

„I'll be honest, I might have to leave, for your and everyone else's safety. With the blood gem gone, the only relic that remains here is my sword, I don't want you to get caught up in anything again. But it won't be like disappearing in a blink without saying goodbye. Let's just enjoy the victory and the moment," I said, I was sorrowful a bit about it, but I knew it was for the best.

„I do understand where are you coming from but that doesn't mean I agree with that. You shouldn't be facing all of that alone," he looked at me with worry in his eyes.

„Most of my life I was dealing with things alone," I sighed.

„That's why I treasured this battle and the past weeks..." I smiled a painful smile.

„Mind leaving me alone for a while? I need to sort some things out in my head," I sighed, taking in the crisp air.

„Of course, just call if you will need anything," Lindo smiled.

„If I fall asleep just leave me here, I will find my way back," I jokingly told him. He nodded and disappeared.

I glanced towards Rem and Ritsuka, embracing each other lovingly. They really fit each other. That relationship blossomed. I smiled lightly and averted my gaze towards the lake. Reflection of the moon and stars glimmered on the water surface. Its pale light illuminated the surrounding nature. A slight breeze played with my hair and feathers, bringing with it the calmness of the glimmering lake. I closed my eyes, listening to nature's lullaby, the wind played with the tree leaves, picked up the small waves on the lake surface, and played with the soft grass. The world felt so alive yet so peaceful. I allowed myself to relax and let go for a while. I felt peaceful and alive, but it still somehow felt like a whole new experience. I felt like I was in a different realm. I had my lips slightly parted, panting softly. I was truly drained from the battle, completely slipping out of reality. The only thing reaffirming me for still being conscious was the feeling of a slight breeze in my hair and feathers.

But with the breeze soonly joined this comforting and warm feeling on my lips. And that feeling sparked almost a raging fire within me, the warmth spread quickly throughout my body, together with a feeling of comfort and something else. I couldn't recognize that feeling but it was something I truly loved. All my senses tensed up and I leaned towards that feeling. That warm feeling clashed with the sudden coldness on my cheek. I felt a lack of air and then something donned on me. Something terrifying enough to fully wake me up.

I pulled away in terror, covering my lips, panting. I was now on high alert, staring wide-eyed at the person. I couldn't talk, nor move, my head was full of racing thoughts. I was staring at Urie smugly smirking, proud of his work. I was red in a face, just a mess.

But things went from bad to worse. A sudden sharp pain came from my chest, it felt like a knife pierced my heart. I grabbed onto that part. I was trembling, my body felt like it burned but at that same time, I felt like I was left at the highest peak of mt. Everest. My head felt like it will split open twice over. My back hurt like my spine broke at several points. The worst feeling was laid on my wings, the feeling was similar to them being mangled ten times over. The pain was excruciating, enough to push me to tears, I tried so hard to not make a sound, but it was too much for me that I yelped in pain. I fell to the ground, weighed by the pain, I could only tramble. All of my senses were occupied, my vision was blurry, the only thing I heard was loud ringing, I smelled and tasted only blood, and felt every possible pain under the sun. But one thing stood up, an unknown voice still repeated one name, Lilith. After a few moments, which felt like a few hours, the pain subsided leaving a dreadful feeling of more like nothing. For the first time in my existence, I haven't felt any kind of connection to heaven.

What happened? That was the first tough that popped into my head. I raised my hand to my face to wipe off my tears. My vision finally got clear again, but I didn't expect to see what I saw. My once pale hands were in the color of ash, nails once short and neat were now dangerously long and sharp. And on my wrist sat a shackle with a chain leading somewhere behind me. This can't be happening! I turned my hand over to see the cut spilling blackish liquid. This isn't real! It cant be! I franticly ran toward the lake, nearly tripping a few times in the process. I bent to see my reflection in the water and I completely froze at what I saw.

Staring back at me was my worst nightmare. Amethyst orbs, skin ash-like, the once snow-white hair turned raven, two black horns with a purple hue to them were sitting on top of the head stretched back forming a slight wave, ears pointy, mouth full of sharp teeth, strange purple mark on the side half-covered by a collar around the neck and wings darker than the night itself, that was what I saw. I couldn't recognize myself, I didn't want to recognize myself but I could no longer deny the truth. I fell. I'm a fallen angel now.

I stood up and clenched my jaw and fists, my breathing was ragged, my heart pumping like crazy, my muscles tensed up, and I felt like everything was muffled. My body shook with anger and a sense of loss. So many thoughts jumped around my brain but one stood and popped up more than the others. Kill. I tried to summon my sword, but nothing came of it. Of course, I'm no longer worthy. I realized after failing.

„Three chains?" I heard a confused voice after my head cleared a bit.

„You didn't expect we would let you have her for yourself?" another cocky voice answered.

I gritted my teeth, and that somewhat of control I had left quickly slipped away. The following few moments were just flashes in my memory.

No one's POV:

An almost animalistic glow sparked in her eyes. Her fists and wings were enveloped in something that seemed like a living shadow at first anyone who got close could easily tell that it was a fire. She turned and dashed towards the three, leaving behind a scorched trail of earth. She enclosed the area by a wall of flames not letting them escape. She lept into the air, showering them with a rain of fiery feathers before leaping on Mage, digging her claws into his flesh. They did shoo her from him but not before she swiped her tail, sharp as razor wire, at Shiki causing a deep gash across his chest. She finally lept on Urie, pinning him to the ground, claws digging deep into his shoulders. And to ensure the other two won't interfere she summoned something that no one was expecting. The night sky lit up in purple light, drawing a circle filled with neatly transcribed symbols and runes, and from it rained phantasmal orchid blades. She gave the chaos but a quick glance before turning to Urie giving him a death glare and a guttural animalistic growl. A look of shock and primal fear crossed his face. He could never imagine that this would be a consequence of his actions. But soonly that was wiped off his face, he realized something.

„Now, that's enough. Stop this," and with that command, her body jerked back basically being pulled off him, the fire slowly died out and the circle in the sky disappeared. Yet the murderous intent still glowed in her eyes.

„I see, so the next time I have to rip out your vocal cords first," the formal archangel spoke out her voice echoing even in an open place, seeding a deep chill in everyone who heard it.

She was preparing for her next move until she heard something.

Angelica's POV:

„Angelica!" a voice called out to me.

It felt like I snapped from a dream state. I looked around seeing the earth in a certain radius scorched and inlaid with phantasmal orchid blades. The place looked like a battlefield. I brought one of my hands to my face from how unreal everything seemed only to notice that my fingertips were dripping dark liquid staining the formally white robe. D-Did I do this?

„Angelica!" I heard Ritsuka's voice and steps coming to me.

„Please don't look!" a shaky yet chilling voice comes out of me, I covered my body with my wings. She can't see me like this! She can't see what I've become! Tears fell down my cheeks.

„You don't have to be scared, Angelica," Ritsuka called out again.

„I'm afraid that's no longer her true name," Urie sounded.

„My true name is M-" my throat suddenly felt like I swallowed some sort of blade, I grabbed onto my neck as I coughed up some amount of blood.

„Now, now why don't you tell us your real name," Urie sang.

„I-It's Lilith," a sentence slipped out of my lips without my permission, I covered my mouth upon realizing it. I dropped my wings, reviling myself for how shocked I was.

„Angel-" another voice called out.

I turned to it only to find very pissed off Lindo. „How dare you!" he imminently turned to the three of them, fully vampirish.

„Oh fuck," escaped my lips, which I slightly twitched at due to its sheer vulgarity of it, but I put that quickly aside. I grappled Lindo just as he pounced to attack, he really struggled.

„Why? Why are you stopping me?" Lindo was puzzled.

„I don't wanna lose you," I simply replied, fully knowing if he got into a fight with them he would be done for.

„And taking revenge by killing them is far too merciful," I added whispering, that murderous spark glimmering in my eyes for a few seconds.

Lindo was genuinely stunned by that. I was literally pulled from that moment by a stern jank on my chains, flying backward until a strong arm caught me.

„Time to go dove," Urie smiled holding the rose to his face. I reached out my hand hoping for any kind of help, that I subconsciously knew wasn't coming.


So, did you really think this would end all fluffy? Sorry to disappoint, this ain't that kind of story. Also from now on expect an increased amount of adult language. But anyway, hope you liked it, in some sort of masochistic way, see you in the next chapter. Bye!