In the inky jeweled heavens, the brightness of a large and mysterious being roamed, living in a constant battle against the darkness and itself. In this vacuum of space the light dwelled and one day it stopped in its wandering. With its immense power, it constructed a new world of its own, a world created in the eye of perfection. When this world came to be it was shone down on with great pride, for the light had born a world free of all darkness, or so it had believed. Creeping to life an unexpected shadow had been cast on the ideal planet. It was the shadow born from the light itself.
Disgusted and frightened, the light acted. The newfound life had no knowledge of its impending fate, and without warning the bright God had cast the shadow into the moon. Its shriek rippled across the universe.
Many years had passed from this encounter and the only trace of its occurrence was the silhouette of a figure imprinted on the moon's surface. Many speculated on its purpose but never for very long, the shadow had been all but forgotten in plain sight. At least to those who dwelled amongst the stars, to those on the Earth its presence had been etched in legends.
"Come on, this all you guys got!" a beast boasted to a troop of opposing devils. The creatures were caught in a stand off a top the tallest mountain Earth had to offer. The larger of the demon's eyed all three of his opponents.
"I am Burg of the Dinozoa, I have beaten all my foes to become one of the greatest warriors of my clan! What could you morsels possibly have to offer the great Devil in the Moon! You are not worthy to merge with such power!" he cackled. His opponents didn't seem swayed by his talk and began their charge.
Burg eyed each of them anticipating their attacks individually. His offenders only managed a few nicks before the monstrous creature made short work of each of them. His bulking mass crushed them all with little effort. He basked in their blood, wearing it boldly as a symbol of his victory.
Peering on Burg could see the mountains submit. With nothing left in his way he set his course to the head of the ridge. The gales could have nearly blown the 8-ton devil off his feet, but he forced himself to stay put. The clouds loomed and rumbled with thunder as the sky lit up with strobes of lightning. Even the mighty warrior couldn't deny the apprehension he felt in that moment. Regardless, at last he stood just before The Devil in the Moon's great ladder. The fabled bridge between Earth and the Moon, where if The Devil found one worthy, they would be merged with its incredible abilities. Only catch was if one were found to be unworthy, they would be cast out and quite likely killed.
No demon had ever been found worthy.
Burg gulped knowing full well the risk he was taking but knew there could be no turning back now. He had trained his whole life for this, defeated each and every foe with no mercy. Taking a deep breath he held his head high and marched forward with confidence.
"Oh, great and fearsome Devil in the Moon, hear my request! Merge with me and with my skill and your strength we will rule this pathetic world. All demons will kneel before us in fear!"
With that he stamped his foot down into the eye of the storm and looked up to see the spectacle of a phantom face staring back at him. Fear choked his heart and froze his body in place as the face of The Devil sneered down at him. The next thing the acclaimed warrior knew the ground beneath him had disappeared to reveal a vast boneyard that now laid before him.
He gasped in horror as gravity yanked him down to hurdle to his demise amongst all the other unworthy warriors.
"No! No please!" he screamed, echoing across the land. A roar of thunder ended the ritual, reviving the clear skies and cool breeze, as The Devil's spirit went back to sleep. Any trace of the demon warrior had been lost forever to The Devil's boneyard where he would ultimately parish. From high above Earth two entities gazed down at the sight with a light shake of their heads.
"And there goes another one," the voice spoke deadpan to its companion.
"It's a shame, such violence exists on father's beautiful creation," the other responded. The two beings born of light sighed to one another as they added yet another tally to an already nearly endless scroll.
"When do you think the elder brothers will finally have to do something about this?" the angel asked his sibling.
"Oh, I don't know. With all their big important tasks they constantly go on and on about, I'm sure it's not even an issue to them," the other scoffed.
"Yeah, certainly nothing as important as Mike and Lou's business, whatever that is?" the angel jested.
"Fighting over whose business is more important!" The other angel added. The sibling laughed at his brother's antics but ashamedly so, trying to hush himself as best he could.
"Come on now, you know where not supposed to say that kind of stuff, even if it is true," they both snickered.
"That is true isn't it, I can admit that, the truth hurts. Which in truth your two's laziness is why you've been scrounging about in the observatory since the first age," a calm voice spoke behind them. The two slacking angels' felt their feather's stand on end turning to see the eldest of their brothers.
"Oh! Lou-Lou brother, we didn't sense you back there," the angels instantly became sheepish.
"I wouldn't have expected you to…" Lucifer said flatly. "Now prepare yourselves, father is summoning us all to the Grand Hall."
The two angels' shuffled to their feet and into the air following their older brother.
"Why are you on summoning duty, brother Lucifer?" one of the angels asked.
With a boastful smile on his lips he answered, "Why I volunteered to, no task is too great or too miniscule for our great father."
"Oh," they responded unanimously. Ducking close to his brother as they flew the smaller angel cupped his mouth, facing his partner.
"We should've known," they giggled quietly as they entered the great palace, constructed of magnificent light. The structure itself glimmered like gems. All around there were angels beaming with halos at their backs and standing uniformly with their hands at their chests. Their figures made up the structure as the final two angels took to their places. Lucifer met the large shapeless glow of his father at the altar of the palace, along with his closest brothers. With all present as if on cue the angels began to sing, each knowing the melody by instinct and evoking the sleeping God.
As God awakened a sweep of unified emotion came over all of them, the feeling of their creator compelled them, communicating to them without words his dismay. All members of this glamorous light could see the same plight, hear the same screams, and feel the same suffering of God's work. It had been all but ransacked by demons, horrendous creatures that tormented the mortal children of God. Instantly all the angels knew the trouble and knew what would be expected of them. God would recruit a handful of warriors to explore and ultimately dispose of these hideous beings, and those warriors already knew who they were.
In a swift flash the ceremony had been concluded allowing the angels to end their song and disperse returning to their chores. All who remained were the few angels selected for God's task. Lucifer stood alongside Michael and Gabriel as they bowed respectfully to their creator. Now God spoke directly to them three, sharing his plan in a gleam. Each heard and heeded the command, knowing that without speech they were to descend upon the Earth and investigate God's diseased planet. The demons needed to be stopped; their torment had gone unattended for far too long. As the message concluded Lucifer knew it was up to him to lead the group, though not alone. God had informed them that another being created in the image of a sister god would accompany them. This being was highly skilled and familiar when it came to handling demonic outbreaks, and Lucifer was instructed to learn from it.
"I accept your request, my lord. I will lead this mission with great care, I will wash away this evil and liberate your people. I promise I will make you proud, father," Lucifer placed his hand across his chest dipping his head. With that the brothers turned away heading out of the palace and to the gates of Heaven.
"So who is this new being do you think? I can't say I've met many outside of father's creations?" Gabriel questioned.
"It is a warrior, specialized in dealing with these demonic plagues. Not that we couldn't have sorted it out ourselves. Father really shouldn't worry so much, I assure you I could have done the job just fine myself," Lucifer casually responded.
"Don't raise your chin so high brother. It's not like exterminating demons is a challenge now," the booming voice of Michael rebutted with a roll of his eyes.
Lucifer smirked, "Don't be so sour Michael. After all, I'm sure father would gladly place you in charge of a chore, given that I ever feel so inclined to dismiss the offer first."
The sound of snickering came from Lucifer and more reluctantly Gabriel, as Michael's appalled face turned to scowl at them.
"Sorry Michael," Gabriel said, still smiling profusely and stifling his laughter.
"You know what Lou, some day if you're not careful that ego of yours is going to come back to bite you," Michael spoke again stoutly.
"Perhaps your right brother, I would never doubt your wisdom. However, in my defense that day is still not today! Now suit up we're nearly there!" Lucifer exclaimed, being engulfed by his own radiance. When his glow faded away, he was now dressed in an intricate golden suit of armor. There was a magnificent sword nestled into a scabbard at his hip, and a striking helmet enclosing his head. The other followed suit, wearing nearly identical gear aside from slightly differing weapons. The trio stood before Heaven's gate as the pearly doors swung open allowing their exit.
When they stepped out the first thing Lucifer had noticed was a large and imposing dragon waiting on the other side. Its stature was great, and its scales were black with a red underbelly. It grunted observing the angels and the angels stated back. Lucifer caught sight that this being wasn't alone; it wore a saddle and perched atop it was the figure of a man in smooth black armor. The man looking being had a scarlet tattered cloak waving behind him and a helmet adorned with wings at its sides.
Lucifer could tell this warrior was definitely not from their God, but if their God trusted him, he would as well.
Lucifer lifted the hood of his helmet, "Greeting's warrior! It is my understanding that you were requested for the task of aiding us in exterminating demons," he spoke formally.
The dark being dismounted his beast coming to stand before the angels.
"That would be correct," his voice was serious and raspy. Lucifer observed his imposing stance and the rigidness of his demeanor.
"Very good, and what is your title?" Lucifer questioned, remaining welcoming but mildly on guard.
"I am the demon knight, Amon," he said, removing his helmet to reveal the stern face of a young-looking man. His hair was a dark mess, and his features were sharp, highlighting a strong jawline and a cleft chin. His eyes were an ashy coal-like color, and his overall mannerisms were steely.
Lucifer smiled being amused by how similar he appeared to their gods' creations, though of course nowhere near the same quality.
He tipped his head acceptedly and announced himself and his trio, "My name is Lucifer, the right hand of God, and these are my brothers, Michael and Gabriel."
"Pleasure," he responded with half his attention. He seemed to keep glancing back to the small planet below them. His features creased further as he at last looked the main angel in the eye.
"Have any of you ever dealt with demons before," he asked stiffly.
Lucifer shared a look between his brothers, stifling a chuckle, "Well, not directly but these are merely pests after all. I'm sure it'll be nothing to fret over, I'm actually sorry you had to be called out here at all for such a matter."
Amon's stance somehow became that much more stern as he watched the angel skeptically.
"Perhaps these creatures are just pests to you, but they can be some nasty ones. Their handling should never be waived carelessly, or else you could find yourself becoming one of them," the knight spoke coldly.
That statement caught Lucifer's attention, the wings on his head perked slightly and his eyes tapered in questioning.
"Become one? Are you speaking of their merging abilities? We are aware they are capable of fusing themselves together to create stronger beings already. Are you saying this is something not just limited to their species?"
"Correct, they can merge with beings like you even, and who knows what a demon with such powers could do," Amon finished somberly.
Lucifer could sense the caution radiating off his brothers. He had to admit the proposition that they themselves could fall to the demon's fate was an unnerving thought. He shook it though, knowing he needed to remain strong for the sake of his group.
"Well, we'll keep our guard up. Even still, I'm sure it's nothing we can't easily handle," with that he signaled through a quick flash to his pegasus. In only seconds a far-off neigh became close as the image of the winged equine came flying over the horizon. Both Michael and Gabriel did the same and right after the first, two more pegasus came soaring down. The large beasts landed with a thud as its hooves contacted the ground. The bright creature met its master nudging his nose close to him. Lucifer greeted it with a pat to the snout as he mounted its golden saddle, the horse's gear matching the design of his armor. The other two followed suit as they climbed atop their steeds, Amon himself seemed to get the memo as he approached his dragon.
"Seems we shall be off then," he said, swinging his leg over the scaly creature. His dragon reared with a roar iterating the beginning of their journeys as they took off after Lucifer's lead.
It had been so long since Lucifer and his brothers had visited the planet. That was back when it was untainted and pure, beauty enveloped the land without a trace of blight. Now as they crossed the space between Heaven and Earth, Lucifer could feel the anxious excitement eat him up.
When they landed, there were glimpses of the world Lucifer recalled but a lot of it had changed. The creatures and plants that inhabited it had grown large and imposing, what was once delicate, and light-filled had become dark and monstrous. He felt his insides turn to the sight.
"It's such a shame, I remember when we used to frolic here," Gabriel commented sadly.
"Truly it is a pity, these creatures have no respect for beauty, they are a lawless bunch," Michael added solemnly.
Lucifer had been uncharacteristically quiet as an angered expression came to him.
"Don't worry, it'll be ours again. I'll make sure of it," Lucifer huffed as he dismounted his pegasus. The others mimicked him as they came to his side, all except Amon who seemed to have his attention fixed to something else.
"Demon knight!" Lucifer retook a portion of his notice. "Where do you suggest we start?"
Amon went back to focusing on what he had before, his features becoming that much more intense. Lucifer's head tilted to the side curiously, but the moment of nothing was grading on his patience.
"Amon, what is it?" Lucifer whispered as he stepped forward.
Suddenly just then, the knight directed his dragon to step in front of the angel, cutting off his path and nearly knocking him to the ground unexpectedly. His brothers came to his side, but Lucifer dismissed their concern as his expression soured.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Lucifer shot up at him, but his answer was immediately answered as a creature disguising itself as a plant came to life violently. Amon reacted as if on instinct, swinging his sword and slashing it right down the middle as it snapped at him. The angel's looked on in shock as the carcass of the demon now laid dead before them.
"Demons are good at hiding; they like to blend in with their environment before they lash out. For this you must remain vigilant at all times," the knight said calmly, wiping the yellow blood from his sword.
Lucifer observed him in understanding. He felt a twinge of regret for his brashness, but he'd never let it show.
Clearing his throat and lifting his head Lucifer began again, "I'll keep that in mind. Do you sense anything else?"
The knight was silent as he glanced upward as if awaiting something. Some still and seemingly endless minutes passed before Amon relaxed his body and stepped down from his dragon.
"There's lots of demons here, but I don't sense any immediate threat at the moment," he at last answered.
"Very good, then in that case we shall sort out our course of action," Michael piped up and addressed the knight. "Amon, we need to construct a plan, what are the demon's weaknesses and how do you suppose is best we handle the hordes of them?"
"Demons are best skilled at survival, so finding their weaknesses will be a task," Amon responded as his eyes traced the horizon. "However, what I do know is that they will eat their own just for the sake of their own perseverance. They are very selfish creatures; it could be very easy to turn them against one another. And the best way to do that is to find a nest of them where that will happen much more frequently," he said, pointing out a large mound far in the distance. Michael followed his finger inspecting the construction to the best he could. Gabriel did the same as he scribbled something out on a piece of parchment he had carried along with him. As for Lucifer, he acknowledged the far-off nest, but his features seemed a tad unimpressed. He heard his brothers go back and forth in conversation with Amon but none of it really caught his interest.
"Brother?" the wings located on Lucifer's head rose hearing the sound of Gabriel's voice.
"Hmm?" he reacted.
"Don't you want to make any suggestions, I'm taking notes for all of us if you want to see," Gabriel said in a friendly tone. Lucifer couldn't deny the calming effects his younger brother's kind innocence left on him.
"That'll be quite alright Gabby, I won't be needing them," he informed.
Michael paid attention to his brother's comment and felt the urge to intervene, "You know Lou, you are supposed to be the head of this mission. Perhaps you'd like to know of the plans yourself, instead of having me and Amon do it all ourselves?" the angel ribbed in a semi-serious manner.
Lucifer's face quirked, "You want my input? I'd say you're overthinking this all Mike. A plan isn't necessary, Amon says that mound in the distance is a nest, very well, that's all we need to know. We'll just destroy that and take out a large sum of them in one go. We'll go around and do that to all of them."
"And alert them of our presence!?" Michael sounded flabbergasted. "Lucifer, do I have to remind you we're a tad outnumbered here? We do that then we'll have all these creatures on us at once!"
"Michael, do I have to remind you we have the divine advantage, if need be, father will eradicate the planet entirely," Lucifer shot back.
"You know why we're not doing that! That's merely a last resort option, father loves this planet, we all do! The point is that he doesn't want to have to see it be destroyed!" Michael spoke back, raising his voice.
"Yes, we don't want to see this planet destroyed! It's already on the brink of disaster as it is, we wait any longer or for them to eat their own our presence here will be for nothing anyway!" Lucifer argued back.
The brother's quarrel continued as Gabriel stood uncomfortably next to the baffled knight. He could feel Amon's perplexed gaze fall on him, all he could do was smile back at him awkwardly with an unconvincing chuckle.
"H-hey guys!" Gabriel as last found the voice to speak. "How about we calm down a little, okay?" he said, stepping between them. The rivalry glare in the brother's eyes lingered even as they eased themselves.
Through a stout huff Lucifer started up, "Very well, we're going to that nest to exterminate these demons in the most discreet way possible." He let his vision roll over each of them before stopping squarely on Amon. Lucifer let a smirk curl its way up his lip, "And we'll use the demon's own cloaking tactics against them, with what you know. You think that could work Amon?"
The dark warrior lifted his body in interest, "Well there's no guarantees with anything, but that could prove to be an effective strategy."
"Right, then we'll use this as our first course of action, any objections?" Lucifer seemed to particularly look at Michael. The group appeared agreeable to the proposal least of all Michael, but begrudgingly even he accepted.
"It is settled!" Lucifer confirmed in a lively voice. "We'll arrive at the first nest and take it!" No more words were spoken as Lucifer remounted his pegasus and directed him to take off. The flock grouped together in the skies, following him as they made their way to the large rock and dirt structure. The trip was mostly silent though Amon regularly kept catching the head angel's interest. It seemed one of these times Lucifer gained enough means to actually speak.
"So, what's your god like?" he asked informally. At first the knight was somewhat unsure he was talking to him, but he figured there could be no one else he'd refer to with such a question.
Amon cleared his throat, "Well my god differs from yours in many ways, but they are a kind and gentle creator nonetheless."
"Right, I see they prefer the darkness and shadow look, hmm?" Lucifer tilted his face to see him better.
"My god works in shadow as much as they work in light. There's a balance between both, a beauty and value to both. When one is favored over the other, it tends to create an unbalance that will grow to resentment and retaliation."
Lucifer's continents became somewhat shriveled and sharp, "Are you implying an imperfection in my own god's design?"
Amon could sense the enmity in his tone, "Not in any offence, I assure you. Though I can't help but notice these creatures of darkness could be an epidemic created in your own efforts to destroy it."
"Are you suggesting it is our own god's doing that this demonic presence is to such an extreme?" the angel asked, addressing him in full attention.
"Not particularly, all I am stating is that from what I have been bred and raised to understand is that the brightest lights often tend to cast the darkest shadows."
"I see, well when light is cast in all area's no shadow could come to existence anyway, wouldn't you say?" Lucifer smiled pridefully.
"I suppose, but that sounds to be a near impossible task," Amon mentioned.
"Nothing's impossible for me, if my father wishes something it is my duty to deliver by all means. It is my great honor."
"You base your honor off the satisfaction of another?" the dark armored man asked in genuine interest.
"I suspect I do. How do you base your honor then?" Lucifer asked.
"Where I come from, we have a strict code of honor, we as knights are bound to it. We train for years honing our skills and learning the ways of bravery, humility, balance, wisdom, and fellowship amongst our brothers in arms. Our shields defend the innocent, and our swords vanquish evil. We believe in fair, just battles to display our strengths, and recognize our weaknesses. Protecting those in need and staying true to my vows is how I base my honor," Amon answered solidly.
The angel nodded his head with a seemingly blank expression until he perked up some again.
"Those are respectable reasons. My god already stands for all of those however, so all I need to do is stand by him. In a way I please him as reparation for the good he advocates," Lucifer grinned at the knight gratified by his own claims.
Amon didn't respond back aside from an acknowledging nod, but it didn't seem the angel was all that invested in his response anymore anyway. Their destination now laid just before them, and the bustle of adrenaline could partially be felt between each of them.
"Here we are men, our first battle is now within our reach!" Lucifer proclaimed with a firm tone and the spark of war in his eyes.
