Lol wtf? This story's alive?
Always has been my friend
It's me again. The dxd front page is mine ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Quick shoutout to FrancoGamerxz just cuz I like the guy
So the reason why I haven't updated this story for so long is because I was contemplating on fully rewriting it from scratch, because truth be told, the me NOW would have written this completely differently to me of 3-4 years ago. BUT. The plot wouldn't have changed drastically save for the cringy interactions. Therefore i'm not gonna be rewriting it
The other reason is because i've been writing other stories that I want to write more than this hot mess- but you know what, let's just say i'm gonna continue writing this for the fun of it. Enough melodramas, we were all initially here for the good times aren't we?
Well. At least i am
So here you go. Enjoy ye shits
Lucifer
Chapter XXIV
||Welcome Back||
"Is… is this true? Heaven agreed to arrange a meeting with us?"
"Gabriel, agreed." Lucifer reminded, a usual tiny smug smirk stretching the corner of his lips as he addressed Hell's current Lucifer. "She'll first need to convince all of the pseudo-pacificists to agree to my terms. A trivial matter to her, if her surprise appearance is any proof."
Sirzechs needed a moment to register it. This was the first great news he had ever received since both Heaven and the Grigori agreed the ceasefire, especially since this would likely help mitigate the unwanted scuffle with the 'illegal' priests, or even getting permission to help Heaven in getting rid of them when they encounter one in the wild. He had received no news or threats from the Grigori to determine what's Kokabiel worth for them, but if he could ensure, and more importantly, gain the promise of any of the Seraphs that Heaven would not interfere between them, then it should mean the Grigori would lose their unlikely ally - and a very powerful one at that.
If worse comes to worst, the Underworld would only have to deal with the Fallen Angels.
"If… I hate uncertainties, but if they are willing to cooperate by maintaining their neutrality… that alone will have a significant impact on our position."
Lucifer eyed the crimson-haired Satan sitting behind his desk, almost letting out a derisive chuckle. He would have if he was a jerkass.
"Let's not settle for neutrality." Lucifer insisted, aware that he held all of the coins once more, and not Death; that pesky Primordial. "The last time you settled for neutrality this is what happened. Kuoh is your territory and yet those ravens and dubious priests loiter the streets at night like petty criminals, murdering your sister's clients. They misphrased your generosity as a weakness, Sirzechs. And now they've lost their prized holy sticks they like to name Excaliburs-so clearly those swords were at best a fake of the original one-and it was Rias who took care of that problem. I helped a wee bit, but let's not dwell on my intervention."
Sirzechs pondered his suggestion for a moment. Certainly the business-like pragmatic professionality of what he would expect from a Lucifer was starting to show.
"I'd rather not squeeze their hand when the deal is yet certain, Lucifer. Much as I wanted to pay them back tenfold for what had happened to her."
Lucifer took a deep breath. "Losing Rias was a critical mistake I'll never allow to happen. I've cast a spell on her. It will alert me whenever she's in a bad place. And so I can always find her. A bit creepy stalker-ish, to be honest, but I got her consent."
"...Very well. I would have lost my mind but… I'll try not to think of what had happened in the past." Sirzechs sighed. He could only handle so much stress. It was relieving to hear that, however. "Either way, it's wiser to assume Kokabiel acted outside of Grigori's interest."
"Wiser? You sound certain for something that's uncertain." For a supposed enemy who 'injured' his dearly beloved sister, Sirzechs seemed oddly favorable towards them. Someone in his position should know better than to be soft without a viable reason, and Lucifer was certain Sirzechs wasn't someone spineless, let alone brainless.
"Their leader, Governor Azazel,"—Lucifer raised an eyebrow at the mention of the name—"is an acquaintance of mine. He's a respectable man wanting to observe the Sacred Gears users in peace and has been actively trying to work out a peace between us behind the scene."
"Ah… Yes… Azazel. He was a general last we met." Which would be a very long time ago. "A Governor, eh? It seems we both have suffered our own losses."
"You remember him?"
"Vaguely." Lucifer said. "Our army fought once. We won, of course, but that was the last I heard of him. Whereas during our brief time in Heaven… well… let's just say I wasn't exactly one to mingle with the Angels. Please do continue."
Sirzechs nodded. "From what he last informed, there's a severe division among those who shared his peace-seeking goals and those who shared Kokabiel's… much more nihilistic ideals. Glory or death."
Lucifer scoffed. "Where's the value in triggering a war, the pillock..."
"There's a schism among the Grigori. And it would have lasted longer if it wasn't for—"
"If it wasn't for Rias and Rosie." The Devil stated. "Rossweisse, I meant. They stalled him long enough so I can swoop in and save the day. I can imagine he was rambling about his villainous monologue."
Sirzechs held his silence for a moment. He clenched his fists before loosening them, then stared straight at Lucifer's eyes. When he first learned Rias was hurt, he was lucky Paimon happened to be next to him. That bastard Bael would exploit any chance to kick him off his Satan seat even temporarily, and acting out of order because a member of his former family was hurt would definitely strip him off his status.
It was the reason why Sirzechs immediately called for Lucifer the moment he discovered Rias could be dead. Several days had passed since the incident, and it seemed Lucifer had been more protective of his sister, which he approved of, and the only reason why Sirzechs didn't mind Lucifer postponed their meeting in his oval office; which was an office in the shape of an oval with one large meeting table in the middle of it.
"Well then… this is great news. We have the edge on them should we ever come to a negotiation or the sort." Lady Paimon finally made her voice heard, having preferred to listen and speak when necessary during discussion such as this. She calmly clasped her hand and allowed a soft smile upon her face. "Can I assume this means you're willing to help us, Lord Lucifer?"
"I will if you drop the Lord. I'm no Lord. Where's my fancy castle?"
"We can build one should you wish."
"A joke, dearie. I despise castles; too big. I prefer something more close and personal. Preferably private." Lucifer said. Paimon looked a little bit embarrassed by his suggestive tone. "And to be clear, I still will not lead another empire or kingdom or whatever it is you lead. That's your job, I believe. I will assist as much as I can, however. And just to be clear, are there any others who are aware of my… return?"
"So far? No one else but us and King Zekram." Paimon replied.
"Wonderful. Let's keep it that way then. I'd rather not make a scene."
"Of course." The secret of Lucifer's return had and would be a great asset for Sirzechs's side. "I'd say there would be… many who will be astonished should they hear the news. An uproar or the sort"
"Aye let's… let's not do that. I hate doing public speeches."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"So then. What just so we're in the same wavelengths; what are your problems and why are they still a problem?"
Sirzechs leaned forward in his chair. "The first and the most concerning is the rogue Grigori - but seeing you've decapitated the head of the snake, I'd assume this has been taken care of and with Kokabiel dead, our negotiation with them should be much smoother."
Lucifer nodded. "Good. And what's included in the negotiation?"
"Peace in exchange of territory and alliance. In Hell, they hold the smallest region compared to us and Hades."
Lucifer visibly recoiled. "Wait, wait… Hades? What's a bloody Olympian doing in our place? Didn't he have his own realm?"
"Well… we were severely weakened due to the Civil War. Hades saw the opportunity to expand and grabbed a piece of land. Regrettable, but it is the best course of action we could do. Another war would have wiped us all. However since then, he has never interfered with us and has been neutral to all sides."
"That's… unfortunate." Lucifer cupped his chin, covering his mouth as he furrowed his brows.
"We have more pressing matters than deal with Hades at the moment, Lucifer." Lorelei Paimon interjected, fearing Lucifer might want to retake that land. "It's best to leave him be for now."
"...Yes, I agree. I'm just… pondering how to negotiate with the old skeleton. But let's move on. I'll deal with him when possible."
Sirzechs exchanged a glance with Paimon, curious to what Lucifer had in mind. He then moved on.
"Second is a threat from within. Many noble houses hold the old values. They cling to traditions like desperate children, and they conspire with High King Bael to dispose of me from my position. Had Rias died, then he would have succeeded in doing so. I would've lost my temper and sanity."
"My eyes are on her." Lucifer assured. His voice lacked its charming tone to show his clarity. "No one can hurt her before passing me."
Sirzechs gave a firm nod. "And I thank you for that."
"This is merely a guess," Paimon continued, not wanting the discussion to strut into Sirzechs' siscon territory. "but considering his hatred towards other kinds and our increasing number of Reincarnated Devils, I believe he wants to… cleanse the people. That no Reincarnated Devils may hold positions higher than Servants and that they cannot marry into nobles in order to preserve our purity. We're doing our hardest to ensure such a thing won't happen."
"Great. We have Devil Hitler, it seems like." Lucifer sighed. "Goodness, and he's Zekram's kid."
"And he holds the highest influence compared to the rest of the Councils, and has them gripped in fear. I was hoping your return may sway those families but… I mean no offense by saying you have been dead for quite a long time."
Lucifer nodded. "Aye. It's but a name now. Not many recall what I've done in the distant past is what I gathered during my stay." He would have said something different if he had his 'old friends' other than Zekram. "What about Zekram? Can't he do something about his troubled kid?"
"He's done what he could." Paimon said apologetically. "You shouldn't concern yourself with Bael, Lucifer. Let us handle it."
"Understandable. Politics, I hate them." Lucifer supposed this wasn't much different to what happened with God and His Seraphs; his old siblings that wished to banish him from Heaven. "What else? How's it going with the Northerners?"
At this, Sirzechs face dimmed. "The Norse… let's say we wish no trouble with them and we agreed to overlook the fact that they've sent spies into our land."
"What weak terms." Lucifer grumbled disapprovingly. "And this has been agreed with them?"
"Not yet. Serafall will leave for Asgard in the coming week. But I need to remind you that we're in no position to ask for better terms."
"Very well." Lucifer nodded, smiling confidently. "Me and Rosie will accompany her as her guards. I'll get you your better terms."
Sirzechs blinked, curious. "What's your plan? And Rossweisse? Won't the presence of a former Valkyrie trigger unnecessary conflict and attention?"
"And that's exactly what I wanted. Rossweisse is on our side now; their guest. Should they antagonize her for her decision to join us, then that'll be one bargaining chip I can use against Odin."
"...I see…" Sirzechs understood now. An underhanded plan, but nonetheless necessary. "I'll inform Serafall about this as soon as I can. You'd want to discuss your plans later on with her, I hope."
"I'll forge one before we leave. I have proficiency in settling a deal with gods." Lucifer smiled auspiciously. Gods would only listen to other Gods. Lucky him; his Uncle is one of the first. That magnificent bastard roped him into this mess. A little help shouldn't hurt Him. "Any other I should know?"
"Last and hopefully least would be remnants of the Old Satan Factions. Their whereabouts is not yet known. I have Tannin scrying for them frequently in Hell, but it appears they have their base somewhere out of our territory. Or even perhaps outside of this Realm."
"Old Satan Factions?" Not the first time he heard of this, Lucifer realized. Rias had mentioned it some time ago.
"Yes. Remnants of the Civil War. Descendants of the original Satans - apart from you, that is."
"I would hope so." Lucifer muttered. "Can't say I remember ever having an offspring..." He'd fucked plenty, yes, but having children was one life-long commitment that never tickled his fancy. Especially considering his status then and now. What kind of monster would wish to throw their son or daughter to a world as wicked as this?
Paimon looked conflicted. Her scarlet brows furrowed as she pondered a question. A question that Sirzechs wasted no time in asking, now that he was certain Lucifer was indeed, the Lucifer.
"Ah yes, that reminds me." Sirzechs said. "Back then you had mentioned you never had a descendant, but yet there's a Devil named Rizevim Livan Lucifer. He resides in Lucifaash; a region I believe once belonged to you, no?"
"All Hell once belonged to me." Lucifer sniggered. He wasn't at all bitter that he had lost it all, however. "Don't worry. I don't intend to retake a part of it. The responsibility of managing a kingdom has not sat right with me, fortunately. And as for this… Rizevim, person… I'm assuming there's a certain Devil named Lilith somewhere in that family tree?"
"Why… yes indeed. She was and still is believed to be your wife, Lucifer."
"Now that isn't entirely true. Lilith was a charming friend indeed, but I wasn't the one she fancied. I was never a Human."
Sirzechs and Lorelei Paimon quickly pieced the puzzle, followed by the breadcrumbs Lucifer had purposely scattered with his words.
"You mean…"
"Yes. She was Adam's second wife. As she was a Demon, however, Earth was off limits." Lucifer leaned back against his comfy chair. The Devils certainly knew how to not spare any expenses and bathe themselves in unapologetic luxuries. An entire room built in a separate dimension just to keep the secrets spread within the room among the occupants alone? How impressively extravagant.
"I see… I didn't know of this."
"As you should be." Lucifer promptly said. "It's supposed to be a secret then. Demons didn't exactly sit right with Devils you see… Hell was made for Demons first and foremost. They have enough reason to loathe a Devil and rightly sto. Took a lot of convincing and honeyed words for them to join my army. But I digress! As Adam was a good friend of mine, Lilith became my 'mistress', so she may raise her children without nosey Devils poking her with sharp pointy sticks. I assume her child was born not much later after the war ended."
"That is… hard to tell. The Almanac is written by Lord Zekram Bael. Unless he knew, then…"
Paimon looked at Lucifer expectantly to complete his guess. Lucifer obliged. "No. It was a secret. Not one I was able to tell my vanguard general on a whim. There are only three other Devils who knew of this — excluding the both of you of course — and those are Levi, Beel, and Asmo. Unless I have severely misplaced my faith in them; they brought this secret to their grave."
For a moment, the meeting room made exclusively for the Satans was filled with silence. Lucifer was the only Devil able to take comfort in it.
"Now then… Here's a question; how did Lilith raise the boy?"
Sirzechs glanced at Paimon, then back at Lucifer. "We don't know. Since the Great War, the Lucifer House has remained dormant. We even theorized Rizevim had met his end decaying in his castle, until our scout reported Lord Bael had visited his domain. For what occasion we're not sure. Either way, to answer your question; a widely believed theory is that Lady Lilith mourns your passing until the day of her death."
"Pff—" Lucifer cackled, confusing the two Devils. "Nonsense. Lilith? Mourning me until she rot away? She'd sooner kiss an Angel's feet. A free-spirited Demon like her would never commit herself to a depressing end."
"W-well… no one has ever met Lady Lilith to know for certain, Lucifer." Sirzechs said. "You know her better than anyone in this Hell."
"Hardly more than Adam." The Devil wagged a finger. "This is just a guess, mind you… but I'd say the Temptress occasionally left her home to meet with her forbidden lover. Forbidden lover… what a nauseatingly romantic term. A sucker for tragic romance, that one. However, at least to my knowledge, Demons are known to only devote themselves to one person, and that does not include their child. Hardly surprising if she abandoned Rizevim completely just to be lovey dovey with Adam."
Lorelei clutched her chin. "...That still is possible… There's never been a report regarding Lady Lilith other than her death. If so… who raised him?"
"The Lucifuge Family, most likely… but yet another mystery surrounding Rizevim's house…" Sirzechs muttered tiredly. "Well. Let's not dwell on uncertainties… And I believe I've kept you here long enough, Lucifer. I thank you for your willingness to attend our meeting as well as your agreement to lend our aid. Your assistance is no doubt a priceless boon to our cause."
"Now, now, let's not hand out premature thanks. I'll accept those once these problems are solved." Lucifer said coolly. "Now. There's something I want to know about the Old Satan Factions… Who are they and do they share Bael's vision?"
"They're affiliated with the Khaos Brigade." Lorelei replied without waiting. "A terrorist organization consisting of Demons and Devils loyalists, survivors after the defeat of the Civil War. Possibly their leaders as well. Their motive is unclear other than sowing minor turmoil here and there… bitter still despite the decades. They may have potential allies outside of Hell thus explaining why we're unable to locate them yet."
"Yes. Ajuka has suspected we're staring at the wrong place. Tannin is starting to get annoyed by my requests to comb the wastes."
"Hmm… Then try to lure them out. You plan to secure a peace treaty with the Angels and the Fallens, no?"
"Yes. That's what I had in mind as well. Use the treaty to lure them out." Sirzechs said. "A rumor of mere peace agreement between our three factions full of previous conflict will spread like wildfire. The last thing to be agreed upon would be the location, and the agreement of the two faction leaders or representatives."
"Heaven will come, that I can secure." He'd be surprised if Gabriel double-crossed her own words. A bit proud too, and perhaps disappointed that he was her victim. "What about the ravens?"
"They likely have no other choice. We are their closest neighbor and the most likely ally they may have, especially since they have suffered a loss by Kokabiel's death. Azazel will definitely wish it to succeed, as for the residues of Kokabiel's force, however… either they plunge themselves into an open rebellion, desert the faction entirely, or submit. Whatever it is, it'll open an opportunity to raise our faction relations."
Lucifer hummed, narrowing his brows. "Good to hear. A plan at least. What about the Chaos Brigade again? Are there any leads? Some sort of loose ends?"
"We had thought the spies sent by the North were one, but they remain loyal to their oaths for us to have any concrete proof. We held them captive, but to torture them would harm our reputation with the Norse." Lorelei Paimon explained. The interrogation had barely made any progress due to that restriction. Especially since the spies caught had no interest in materialistic wealth the Devils could easily provide. "No one has spoken but one, that is, Rossweisse. But I don't believe she's aware of anything beyond her assignment to monitor the Devils in Kuoh Academy, and she is the only Valkyrie among the other spies."
"But why Kuoh? It's hardly a city. It's a Town, no?"
"She doesn't understand why either." Lorelei added. "For all she knew, it was part of her training as a rookie Valkyrie. A short lived career, unfortunately. There was a dark piece of history looming over that town, but hard to see how it would be related to the Kingdom of the North."
"Well… either way Rosie's a lonely gal, in and out. I can probe her with questions further, though I'd rather not."
"You've agreed to help. I won't enforce any demand from you, Lucifer."
"Yes, yes. My shoes are as shiny as can be, Sirzechs. There's no need to further stroke my ego." He grinned, and the titular Lucifer chuckled in embarrassment, muttering a quiet apology. "It's fine, it's fine. Your gratitude is well noted. Well then, all is settled, yes?"
Lucifer stood up from his seat and the rest followed immediately. He buttoned his suit, now that he was no longer seated.
"One last thing, Lucifer… If possible, can you keep all of these beyond Rias' knowledge? You and Rossweisse going with Serafall is unavoidable from her as your absence will surely be noted. However, the rest of our discussions are troubles beyond her sphere of control. As Satan and her brother by blood, I forbid her to interfere with matters beyond her territory."
"Why of course. You're the boss. She won't learn a single thing for me without your permission."
Sirzechs smiled. "Thank you. You've done me a great favor."
Lucifer raised an eyebrow alongside a cheeky grin. "Careful now. Favors mean I may ask one from you."
"But of course." Sirzechs laughed.
"Now then, why don't you lead me to the place you held these… Nordic spies captive? I'd be delighted to have a word with them."
"Are you sure? They're a resolute bunch. We can't allow you to use force against them either, Lucifer."
At that, Lucifer gave Sirzechs a simple smile. Simple, but a confident one nonetheless. The kind of smile that showed he knew exactly what he was doing.
"Force? Since when do I require brute force to bend creatures to do my bidding? My silver tongue capabilities travel beyond getting women to share their bed, as it turns out. Long as I haven't lost my touch… which is nigh impossible."
Words might cut deeper than any sword, but a coercive tongue could prevent the need of any swords to be drawn.
Sirzechs returned the smile. A hopeful one but no less sincere. "Then feel free to be my guest."
Break
Getting the spies to talk wasn't at all difficult. Everyone, from lowborn orphans to Lords lording a massive metropolis, had their own desires. Ranging from mere wealth to seeing a long lost lover once again, just to hear them speak, or even to just see them. If all else failed, then he could resort to threats, though that would leave a bitter aftertaste in his mouth. Tasted like defeat for failing a less harmful negotiation.
Once Lucifer had pinpointed which of the spies were the weakest and prone to his mind trick, all it took was a preview of their desire; in this case, to see her lost child. When she began to plead in desperation, to be thrown inside the dreamland he had shown her where her son was alive and playing with toy boats on a fountain somewhere in Asgard, the question was thrown, and the secrets came flowing like a river undammed.
And to top it all off, instead of a curse, he received a thank you from a hurting mother, and a very impressed Lorelei Paimon. Now he wasn't attempting to charm the scarlet lady, but to gain admiration from a very beautiful woman was not something he'd complain about.
With all the necessary information gained and forwarded to Sirzechs and to be forwarded to the underlings he trusted, Lucifer no longer had a reason to prolong his stay in the Underworld. There were things to be done, once again, and things that required a certain degree of effort to ensure the certainty of its success. He could whine about the inescapable duties later on. Ideally with a woman or two laying by his side.
When it came to planning, keeping it flexible was important, therefore there was no chance of failure, only degrees of success.
But still, preparation was needed.
First, he visited The End. His Uncle's floating bar nestled around the nowhere of the Void. A last rest for the important souls. Empty again, it seemed. Those 'important souls' seemed to have dwindled in numbers lately.
"Lucifer." The bartender greeted, sitting by the bar stools. Clearly on the wrong side of his table. "I've been expecting you."
"You expect everyone." Lucifer dismissively said. Out of every possible creature to outwit him and twist him into playing their game, being beaten by a Primordial wasn't as humiliating. But he let bygones be bygones, since this was his uncle.
He sat on the stool next to the neatly clothed man. "I've come to bargain."
"Do you now."
Lucifer eyed him sceptically. After the whole Rias' fiasco, it was difficult to see his uncle under the same light. Death was well aware of it, but he didn't mind. A focused Lucifer brought him the most entertainment after all.
"Yes. I do." The Devil pressed on.
"You know I refuse to interfere with mortals' squabbles."
"This includes dealing with a god or two. Possibly more."
"Mortals still in my eyes. Asgardians or Olympians alike."
Lucifer rolled his eyes. "We'll be here for eternity at this rate. Just say no and I'll leave you and your dismal place alone. You're not the only God I know." And if there was one thing he knew about the Primordials, was that they disliked being categorized as the gods beneath them.
"I am the only Primordial you know." A smile. An evocative one. A challenge to see if Lucifer could win this contest of words without realizing he had lost a round by biting into the bait. "And who will you go to? The Trickster God Loki? I've reclaimed his soul ages ago."
Lucifer paused. Information gained. Knowing Odin's fatherly attachment to his rascalous kids, he could very well use this to acquire a certain edge should the discussion come. Unfortunately for Death, Lucifer had no interest regarding how gods met their death.
For now, a change of topic. "...You were the one who brought me back. No doubt with a purpose. What is it? To lead the Devils?"
Death shook his head.
That was all Lucifer needed to know. That simple shake of the head meant he had the freedom in helping the Devils without having to take over command. Good. As long as he wasn't tied down to any sort of empire, his available moves remained boundless. The rest of his questions were questions which might help him determine this God's motive for his resurrection.
"Was it my Father?"
No eyes were as blue as Death's piercing ices. They gazed straight into his soul, making many think they were being judged, that their darkest secrets were being unveiled. But Lucifer knew better than to assume. In reality, his uncle really was just staring to make anyone feel uncomfortable. It might work for many other living beings including gods, but not him.
"It is." Death replied with a small smile that looked like a tiny smirk.
"Ah. Then that explains everything." Poor old Father. Always thinking the best for His misguided children. Unfortunately humans became a part of the equation some time in the past, and everything had gone downhill since then.
"Also, I've been meaning to ask… I've felt recurring headaches since that day. And I noticed I am no longer as alert. Can you explain what happened?"
"Am I to be a doctor now?"
"You know everything better than anyone. What better doctor than you?"
Death shrugged. While that might be true, didn't mean he wanted to play one.
"The Dragon was once part of your soul. He's been taken away. Not to mention you've used a huge chunk of your Demonic Energy because of your blind rage. Of course you'll feel weakened."
"Huh. I see. Well then… I should rely less on my power, I assume."
"You wanted to bargain." Death said. He realized Lucifer was thinking of leaving the place. "State your demand and your offer, and I'll consider it."
This was it. First ask, and if vague answers were given, stall them. Redirect the conversation to something else and lead them into thinking you have lost the interest in your previous request. All gods love requests. Especially those who rarely received any and had a lot of time on their sleeves.
"Well… seeing as my dear Father has been immobilized by depression and therefore… crippled, I want you to become my Patron."
Death raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Interesting. What will I get in return?"
"A promise that I will never forfeit my soul to another god."
Death's smile fell from his face. His eyes widened slightly. Souls were valuable to gods as that meant they could pass its capability to anyone of their choosing. A hero more often than not. A Champion. And to them, Lucifer's soul was invaluable. They would drool madly if Lucifer came up to them and offered the same thing.
Agreeing to the deal meant he received nothing in return, as even without the agreement, Lucifer's soul belonged to him; his maker. Disagreeing meant he would have to deal with an upjumped god who unknowingly had the soul of his only creation in their possession. And doing so would very much require years of planning as simply tearing his soul away would throw other gods into a fury. Simply killing a god wouldn't work either, as it was agreed among the Primordials to never lay a hand on the gods unless they threaten the perpetuity of life.
"You would never do such a thing." His pride shouldn't let him. And though he didn't show it, Death was impressed. Not at all angered. If there was anyone that could trick him into an unfavorable deal, it would be his own creation.
"Under the right condition? There are no extreme lengths for me, as long as I get what I wanted." Lucifer finally smiled. A grinning smile. He knew he was too valuable to be given away to a random god. "I don't dwell and harbor hate for the things you've done to me, but consider this a payback for the traumatic experience you gave me, Uncle. But don't worry. I won't abuse your gift unless it's necessary. You know I rarely rely on anyone else other than me."
"Very well." Death said calmly, containing his amazement. "Call unto me and I'll grant you the strength you need if I deem necessary."
"And I'll assume you won't ever let me embarrass you by losing… say… a fight to the death, no?"
"Depends on how hard you try. I'll expect effort from you, lad. Faith without action is meaningless."
"Hah! Effort I can do."
"Why do you think it's necessary to have my blessing? Out of all things, strength isn't the one you lack."
"Well, Uncle, the world I'm about to step in once again appears to put too much value in barbaric brute strength. I get exhausted just by conjuring my armor and my sword. A safety net is always necessary. That, or a very potent drug to enhance my strength."
In this case, Death.
"Well then, I need to be someplace else. Pleasure doing business with you, Uncle."
And Lucifer walked away into his Gate, exiting the place disconnected from reality and off to his next stop.
Leaving Death laughing in amusement.
"Well done…" The Omega began to settle down, shaking his head but not in disapproval. Purely from being thoroughly impressed.
Having been hidden from sight by Death, a kid-sized Red Dragon Emperor emerged from a tear in the air. It ripped apart the same way a wallpaper would, only that it revealed the black Void underneath.
"Was… was that really okay?" Ddraig muttered, confused. He was able to watch the whole thing as Death had permitted and wanted him to. "...I believe your own son has scammed you."
"He did. That he did." Death nodded, laying back his arms onto his countertop. "Ah… what magnificent bastard… I was worried he might have dulled. Evidently not. How long since I laughed that long? Ah… A fine source of entertainment indeed. I'll need a drink. You shall have one too."
Break
Few days later, the news finally reached him. Delivered by the Gremory's head of the housemaid. Lucifer, as per usual, was found lounging by the Occult Research Clubroom, about to tease a hardworking Rias out of boredom. Akeno was the only other Devil present, the rest were away on their Devil contracts aside from Rossweisse. She was bound by her contract as a teacher, unfortunately, and was shackled by its responsibilities. He could humor her later once she came back.
The magic circle located by the corner of the room lit up, and Grayfia Lucifuge came through. A Devil that, surprisingly enough, had been under suspicion for quite a time. She had Sirzechs' trust but not Lorelei's. As for Lucifer's, he refrained from giving his trust or skepticism until she had done something that was either harmful or benefit him.
"Grayfia?" Rias peeked from between the mountains of her paperworks. Ever since the Kokabiel incident, all sides of the Three Major Factions had agreed against escalating the cause. The Holy Swords were returned to the protection of the church, and in exchange, for several months, Rias Gremory would receive aid in exterminating any Stray Devils or Demons found lurking around her territory. And that aid was provided in the form of Griselda Quarta and her two followers, who would be staying at a hotel.
As for the Fallen Angels; there had been no further news from Sirzechs. Both Lucifers suspected some inner unrest being taken care of and decided to focus on other pressing matters; such as handling the misjudgement thrown by the Asgardians due to the Khaos Brigade originating from Hell. From Lucifer's successful interrogation, it was revealed that the spies were sent to determine whether the Underworld Empire had been sheltering wanted magicians that escaped their prison.
Another misconception easily transformed into a bargaining power. Lucifer would have a field day against Odin. He might be old, but Lucifer swore to squeeze his hand as much as possible. For the betterment of the Underworld Empire, of course, and because he liked to annoy gods. Childish, yes, but stunningly enjoyable. And he was all about silly pleasures.
For now, however, he remained focused on the peace deal. One he expected to hear from the cold-eyed Devil.
"Excuse my arrival, Lady Rias." Grayfia bowed, first to Rias and then to Lucifer. "I have important news from Satan Lucifer."
Still felt a bit strange to hear his name being uttered to refer to someone that wasn't him. But Lucifer wouldn't make a fit about it.
Rias, after hours of working, finally took a break and walked out from her desk to the couch where Lucifer was seated. As it was Grayfia who came here, she didn't expect it to be long, but a little rest would be appreciated after seeing letters all day long.
"What's it about, Grayfia?" She let out a sigh, expecting the worse as she took a seat beside The Devil, who put a leg above one knee. "Is it about the arrangement between the Three Factions?"
"Yes." Grayfia sat herself on the opposite sofa out of courtesy. "The Three Major Factions have agreed upon a summit conference to further discuss the possibility of a three-way peace deal directly in person."
Rias broadened her eyes while Lucifer raised his eyebrows, nodding approvingly.
"W-well that is great news." She stammered, realizing the past event might have played a bigger part in this. "When and when will it be held?"
"That is the reason I am here, to request for your permission to set Kuoh Academy as a neutral ground for the faction leaders and their discussion regarding the treaty. We, of course, will assist you in the preparation should you agree."
"O-of course!" Rias could barely contain her eagerness. How adorable. "Tell my brother I would be honored."
"I thank you on behalf of Satan Lucifer." Grayfia dipped her head. "As for the time, Satan Lucifer has hoped to make it possible as soon as possible. Would this evening suffice, Lady Rias?"
"W-well… Yes. Absolutely." As if Rias would dare to stall a meeting of faction leaders.
Lucifer would, however. If it put him in a better place. "Are you sure, Princess? An extra day won't hurt. They can wait."
"N-no! It's fine. Tonight is fine. We'll prepare a room and secure the perimeter."
"Very well." Another bow. "I shall inform Satan Lucifer at once and ready our housemaids to aid you. Would 20 maids suffice, Lady Rias?"
"More than enough, yes. Has Sona been made aware of this?"
"As Co-Overseer of this town, Lady Sona has been informed as well and has given her agreement."
"Good, good. Then we'll begin preparation right now. Thank you for delivering the news, Grayfia."
"Much obliged, Lady Rias. I shall now excuse myself."
And Lucifer quietly watched as the silver-haired maid stepped inside the circle, and teleported away in a beam of silver light. Grayfia Lucifuge… with that stiff robotic mannerism, Lucifer idly wondered if he could ever draw a tone more pleasing to his ears, and how.
That, and also wondered if she knew what had happened inside the other Lucifer's house after the Great War and before the Civil War. Sirzechs mentioned her unwillingness to speak was out of respect to the oaths sworn between House Lucifer and House Lucifuge. He found it fishy to uphold an oath after betraying her family, which had led him to believe she didn't exactly betray them yet.
Another mystery to uncover. And one Sirzechs and Lorelei had personally requested as Lucifer was the only able to interact with her with more freedom than the other two or their underlings.
But that would be something to take his focus another day. For now, to help Rias set up the meeting.
And the bait.
All three faction leaders in one place where one fell swoop could plunge three sides into catastrophe? A chance like this could only appear once in a lifetime. One too good to be true, perhaps, but… these Khaos Brigades wouldn't know that, would they?
Whatever the case, Lucifer was prepared for battle. Be it with his words or his sword.
To be continued...
E:b:ic plot drop because the last time i wrote this story was Feb 2020 omegalul
Would I have changed anything in the old chapters? Why yes, yes of course. But that'll take too much work and because I hate working, I'll just do my thing and try to pick up whatever pieces and make something out of it that isn't as crap
I've reworked teh plots, and so far, I am enjoying it. Probably biased
There's been many mean reviews, but too bad that they're outnumbered by the good ones. Thank you for the support. Might be a year late for thank yous, but better late than never amirite
Are there any of my old readers still alive and kicking? Or have I lost your faith? If so, then understandable. What kind of writer updates once a year and expects the old audience to stay
Well. Me. So you better be back ye shits
Note: not yet betaed cuz all 3 betas are working on Death's Chosen, Academy DxD, and Refugees. All of which you should give a read because i've become objectively better and less impulsive when i first write those stories
