Ducking through the huge and monstrous vegetation the group of cosmic warriors sneaked along the undergrowth. They had left their steeds behind the closer they got in hopes of remaining as discreet as possible. Each of the angels knew to follow Amon's directions diligently. When they were at the mountain's base, they could hear the buzz of activity from the inside.

"This is it," Lucifer verified to the troop through a whisper. He shared a look with Amon that told him he was ready to have them move out and thus the angel obliged. Amon made eye contact with the younger angels each pointing them off in separate directions, they did so, leaving just the two alone.

"How long do you suppose it'll take them to get into position?" Amon questioned keeping his stare glued to the sky.

"They're pretty fast, I'm sure we'll receive the signal here shortly," the arch angel answered, following the knight's gaze. Just as Lucifer had finished his sentence is when he saw the gleam of Michael, the first signal. Not long after he could see the subtle shimmer of Gabriel as well. On instinct the elder angel returned the gesture allowing his light to glow.

Amon knew then too; he pointed his sword up showing Lucifer exactly where he needed to aim. It looked like an opening in the mound, it was a decent sized tunnel but not large enough for any of them to fit through.

Lucifer's gaze narrowed in a boastful manner as he charged up his energy and released a powerful surge of light blasting it straight into the vent. Amon could see the remaining brothers had done the same on their respective angels, and that's when he knew it was time to hurry out. The second the angels had finished their attacks was when they knew they needed to fall back. Amon had already designated them each an escape route, as both him and Lucifer fled on their own.

The mound's explosion had kicked up an enormous amount of dust and debris. The two soldiers found themselves weaving and dodging the rocks as they fell. It was hard to tell anything but if Amon had to guess he could hear the devils' screams amongst the carnage.

The pair had been darting through the jungle environment like acrobats avoiding roots, vines, and the destruction around them. They had been making some pretty good progress, but their luck appeared to run out as a large split began to divide the ground they ran on. The violent blast was catching up to them and seemingly before they would meet back with their steeds. Amon felt his heart jump when the ground fell out from under his feet. A sharp gasp was all he had made out as the earth began to swallow him up whole.

The knight was sure he was as good as dead but then he felt a jerk on his arm that yanked him back up.

"You can't die on me that fast!" Lucifer hollered to him as he flew them out of the newly formed trench. Amon couldn't say he was surprised by the outcome but wholly thankful.

"My sincerest gratitude to you Lucifer," he said, watching the hole below him become smaller and further down.

"Don't thank me yet!" Lucifer spoke with a cocky smirk, witnessing what demons were left over from the assault fly up into the sky. Amon noticed this with wide eyes but soon tapered them seriously.

"Quick, fly down and hide under the tree line again!" Amon ordered. Lucifer did as he was told, taking them under the canopy once more. Even under cover though they weren't completely safe as a few stray demons had caught sight of them in the mists of their escape.

"Lucifer, we can't let them tell any others of our presence here!" Amon said as the angel dropped him back on the ground.

"Don't worry they won't," Lucifer said, drawing his sword. The knight watched him take the lead and followed through after. There were only a handful of demons that had seen them but soon enough that number had rapidly decreased. The warriors made fast work of the less than impressive devils, slashing and hacking through the group like weeds.

The two fought at each other's backs circling around and cutting their opponents to ribbons. Lucifer moved swiftly, striking, and averting all in the same step. Amon could take a hit and shrug it off by the next move coming down with a weighty swing like a blacksmith to an anvil. The demons had a few tricks up their sleeves still, a surprise gush of acid stymied Lucifer's flow. The knight made up for this however, coming in and defending his partner. The offending devil couldn't take both of them at the same time and fell to the dark warrior's sword. As Amon had just finished off that devil another was stalking up behind him. Lucifer noticed this; in one ray of holy light the sneaky creature had become no more than ash. A shocked expression came and went from Amon's face before he looked back to the angel.

For a moment, the two caught their breath, but a shared smile and even a laugh expelled the pair.

"You really are quite the skilled fighter," Lucifer complimented.

"Yes well, I'd still be in a spot if it weren't for you," Amon sighed but something almost immediately took his attention right after. The wings on Lucifer's head sprung up as he observed the change in his companion.

"What is it?" he murmured.

"This isn't over, I can still sense something," the knight had become statue-like, locking his eyes to one target. Lucifer put up his sword now picking up on the same detection. With their weapons up they slowly came closer to a small cavern nestled behind an ivy wall. Amon glanced back to Lucifer before reaching his blade out to cut at the plants. The archangel by all means was ready in case Amon was caught in a vulnerable position, and thus Amon swung his sword out to hash it back down. However, right before he made the chop he halted, and his mouth started to gap as if in awe.

Lucifer didn't even have the opportunity to ask what it was as a loud and clamorous figure rushed out from the tunnel's opening. It was a huge hairy beast that the angel instantly viewed hostility. He tightened his grasp on the hilt of his sword and reared back his arm to attack the creature. Just in the nick of time, Lucifer felt a resistance holding back his blow.

"No, don't hurt him!" Amon's voice cried.

Being completely baffled Lucifer took a closer look at the burly beast and noticed it was very wolf-like in shape with a demonic carcass hanging from its maw. The bright being's head tipped to the side in confusion, whereas the knight stepped towards the creature with slight hesitation.

"Urga?"

The wolf's ears perked, and his eyes seemed to shimmer with some kind of recollection. The demon's limp body flopped out of his jaws as he opened his mouth.

"Amon?" the giant wolf spoke questioningly. A smile grew on the knight's lips and Urga's tail began to wag as at last they came together. The wolf's body shifted slightly to accommodate a more bipedal stance as the two came to hug one another.

"Urga! I can't believe it's you!" Amon shouted in jubilation as he started scratching the canine behind the ears. The wolf's leg started to twitch happily as he came to lick his friend's face.

"What are you doing here!?" Urga asked giddily. Lucifer stood on the side watching their reunion curiously it took Amon a moment, but he soon caught on to his disconnect. Amon put his hand up to the wolf and turned him to present the angelic warrior.

"Oh, yes of course forgive me. Lucifer this is Urga, he's a friend of mine, we came from the same god and trained together. Urga this is Lucifer, the head arch angel of the god that created this planet. I've been assigned to fight with him and aid him in exterminating these demons," Amon formally introduced the two. A good-natured nod came between them both before the wolf scoffed.

"Ha, good luck with that, that's what we werewolves were sent down here to do."

Hearing that Lucifer's brow knit, "Wait, I remember that, you're from the first wave initiative, that was a while back. We didn't even know you guys were still down here."

"That's right, I am the last of us," the werewolf concluded melancholy. Amon was sympathetic to his friend's sadness, placing a hand on his shoulder. Lucifer stared down with a gaze of pity before Urga went on.

"At first we made short work of these creatures. We fight wild, fierce, and aggressively; it aided in our survival and our battle against these demons. However, it soon became our downfall, the demons wanted to use our strength against us. Slowly they merged with my comrades one by one till I was the last one standing."

"That's truly horrible, I'm sorry you've had to go through all this my friend…" Amon's petting became much gentler.

"Yes, and the demons have only become that much stronger. They're banding together and creating a council, one that oversees all their established tribes. At first, we underestimated them, and we have paid the price. The only hope left for this planet is to start all over, as simple as that," the wolf concluded, looking Lucifer right in the eyes. It was clear the dissonance on the angel's face as he shook his head.

"No offense to you or your kind, but I'd say we angels have a better standing against this plague. I still see hope for us yet, and I'll guarantee it," the angel finished returning his sword to its sheath.

"See that devil there," the werewolf pointed his snout to the dead body of the demon he had killed. Lucifer and Amon followed his point before he spoke again, "That was a demon spy. If it wasn't for me, you two might have missed him. These things are simple but clever."

Lucifer's face remained still until a slow blink started him up again, "Well why don't you stay with us then. Sounds like a good tracker would be beneficial to us."

The wolf considered the offer, glancing to Amon he seemed to become more encouraged, but still ever downcast.

"Hmm, it would be nice to fight alongside an old friend again, but know I don't anticipate a valiant success," Urga finished.

"That'll be fine enough, come we must regroup with my brothers," Lucifer said as he summoned his pegasus. Not long after Amon's dragon followed, and they were soon off. Lucifer seemed deep in thought for the duration of the trip and when they found the rest of the angel's again, he was quick to speak up.

"Gabriel, Michael, it's good to have found you both again, and I bring along good news! I have a new plan!" Lucifer declared to his muddled looking party.

"What do you mean?" Gabriel asked in earnest.

"Thank goodness, though I doubt this new plan will be an improvement on the last," Michael added.

Lucifer seemed to ignore that last comment placing on an assured face, "Jest if you wish. I have been enlightened that there is a much simpler solution to our dilemma!"

"What is that?" Amon questioned over the gusts. Lucifer led his steed to fly in a back-and-forth pace allowing him to make eye contact with all of them.

"I have just discovered that there is apparently a head council amongst these demons! Which means if we infiltrate and demolish the largest and most powerful group of demons, we will gain the upper hand against their kind!" Lucifer spoke as if he had already claimed victory.

There was an immediate sense of discomfort radiating from the small collection of warriors. The arch angel caught on to it resulting in his hardening expression.

"Lucifer brother," Michael was the first to speak up but in a surprisingly gentle manner. "I know we have our disagreements, but this is something I just can't let you have us go through with. We are but a handful, even our best skills will be drowned out by their numbers if we target the council now."

The murmur of agreement didn't sit well with Lucifer, but he remained ever so collected and poise.

He took a deep breath, "So you all feel this way?"

"It's nothing of your fault I assure you Lou Lou, it's just the risks are far too great," Gabriel's voice was apologetic.

"I'd have to agree, these creatures are ruthless, and even if that plan were to be a success it wouldn't last. We would be found immediately," Amon finished. Lucifer's face remained clear of any outward emotion, but his stare stayed cold.

"Very well, we'll remain with the current agenda, and we mustn't waste time. We have little to spare," the angel abruptly changed his pegasus's direction, setting out to find the next collection of sizable demons. The other's followed through without further discourse, but silently they all knew the idea had not been expelled from Lucifer's mind completely.

The seasons had come and gone as the troop made their advancements, slowly but surely. There had been some impressive breakthroughs but overall not nearly enough, especially not in Lucifer's mind. In the time they had been inhabiting the planet, the archangel had only become that much more discouraged knowing there were far greater foes. In his time there he had identified the tribe chieftains and the council leaders, and most importantly the demon king himself. With these figures in mind Lucifer couldn't deny he viewed his own current achievements as fruitless.

"Lucifer brother! Amon and Urga should be returning from their patrol soon. Would you like me to sit on watch when they come back for you?" Gabriel asked with a honeyed voice.

The angel didn't move much in response aside from lifting his head wings in interest. He had been staring out into the night's distance blankly thinking of his group's current predicament.

He sighed before turning to see him, "That'll be quite alright, Gabby I can handle it."

Gabriel seemed a tad disappointed to hear that, "Aw Lou, you've been sitting over here for hours. Surely you must be growing tired?"

"I'm quite alright Gab, but thank you. It's the least I could do really…" Lucifer trailed off glaring back out into the dense forest. Gabriel became thoughtful for a second before popping back up in cheerfulness.

"Well, I suppose the least I could do is sit here with you, huh?" he said, giving him a little nudge and plopping down next to him. As out of it as Lucifer was, Gabriel always had a way of bringing him back, leaving a tiny smirk on his face. For a moment they sat together in silence listening to the crickets and bustling of life in the dark wooded area. It had a calming effect even being all twisted up and demonic there was still a sense of home on that Earth.

"So, what's Michael up to?" Lucifer finally spoke, keeping his sights to the tree line.

Gabriel chuckled before starting, "Oh you know Mike, he's keeping himself busted busy. Right now he's at the camp site mapping out our current location. When Amon comes back, he's supposed to give him all the details on where he spotted potential demons."

"Ah, Amon's about to be interrogated for every inch of the way I see," Lucifer joked tiredly. The quip granted a giggle out of Gabriel as his hands flew to cover his mouth.

"Now brother, Michael might be a bit exact-"

Lucifer silently turned his head to him with a look of disbelief.

"Well, alright, very exact at times, but that can be a good thing," Gabriel retorted pleasantly.

"I'm aware. See, I may tease him for it, and don't you ever tell him this but honestly I need him because of that...at times of course," Lucifer laughed. Gabriel went along with his brother before calming himself to start again.

"I know that, and he knows it too. You both need each other, we all do, and that's what'll get us through this demonic mess," Gabriel brightened. However, the glow Lucifer had built up then all seemed to dim as his body slumped thinking back to their mission. Gabriel appeared to take notice as a frown took over his lips.

"What's wrong?"

The brother deflated, "No, I'm afraid not, Gabriel, not this time. I have to get you all out of here. This has taken far longer than I ever anticipated, and father will surely be disappointed in me…"

Gabriel jumped up then, with a look of sympathy, "Lou, that's not true. We've exhausted most all our efforts, father will understand, it'll be alright."

"Yeah, but it won't be for me," he said came back to his feet. "Gabby, I can't leave this planet until I've achieved what I've set out to do, and the last thing I want is to put any of you in any more danger than you've already been in."

Gabriel came to join him. He could see the doubt on his brother's face as his stare bore into the ground.

"Lucifer, this is a mission we were all assigned. We won't abandon each other; our strength lies in each other. There's still hope for us yet, all of us."

"Hmm, even considering the demon council, or their king? The progress we've made is miniscule in comparison to that. They've already started catching on to our activity, small as it is, who's to say they won't come for us soon?" Lucifer's head wings fell back, and his face wrinkled in frustration. "No, we need something more; I need to do more!"

The younger brother watched him with a touch of sadness and a trove of worry. Lucifer's greatest strength and biggest downfall had always been his pride, and Gabriel could see it, especially in times like these. He knew he couldn't say anything to change his mind, but with a deep breath he offered his solace.

"Brother, I know it's not much, but I think you're doing enough, and that's all anyone can really ask for, right?" his voice was soft like down feathers.

Lucifer's face didn't change but his head rose slightly indicating to Gabriel that he had heard him. A short passage of time came as Gabriel's words cemented itself between them. Whether it stuck or not with Lucifer was unlikely but saying it at all had eased Gabriel's conscience. Finally after moments of speechlessness, the head angel flipped around to see his brother wearing a heavy smile.

"Thank you Gab, at least I always know my worth in your eyes," he said, triggering a wide grin on the sibling's lips.

"Same here, brother."

The ambiance of the wilderness was all encompassing as Amon and Urga marched through the overgrowth. Their patrol had gone smoothly, identifying a few small demon groups just off their camp borders. The knight knew they would be an easy threat to extinguish and thus the two casually strolled their way back to base.

The pair was coming around and were nearly back to center when something distracted the armor-clad warrior. He turned around and tilted his head slightly to it. The sound of it was distant but oddly beautiful, like some kind of lullaby. Urga seemed to be aware of Amon's stolen interest as his own ears twitched to the singing.

"Urga? Is that, is that a song?" he narrowed his eyes curiously to his companion.

"I'd say so," the wolf said, coming to his side. "I think I've heard that one before, but only rarely."

Amon listened harder, seeming to be thinking about the song and its meaning. At last he lifted his feet and started off in the direction the melody was coming from. The werewolf became startled as his head shot right up.

"Amon, where are you going? We shouldn't provoke whatever it is!" Urga intervention.

"I'm not going to; I just want to see what that is. It sounds so elegant I haven't experienced such beauty on this planet before," he carried on after it. The canine looked back until hesitantly, he made himself follow after Amon's lead.

"Amon, I really don't think we should go too far," he muttered. Staying close as Amon's steps became gentler ascending up a short incline. He laid on his belly and watched in amazement observing the source of the song. Urga joined him, staying low on the ground as he was.

Just over the hill the two could see what looked like the dim glow of a fire and a single figure standing before it. The thick scent of incense was in the air and the outline of the being below was strangely feminine. Amon had to admit he'd never seen a beautiful demoness before, and she had a voice to match. They watched as she placed her hands together at her chest and walked delicately standing before the clear light of the moon. If Amon weren't mistaken, he would have sworn her song was for the moon itself.

"Alright, Amon we should head back now, we'll report this one along with the others we spotted," Urga said crawling backwards.

"No, wait Urga, what is she doing? I've never seen a demon do this. Who is she singing too?" Amon sounded perplexed.

The wolf groaned and begrudgingly scooted back, "I'm not quite sure, the tongue she sings in is one I'm not as familiar with. From what I can pick up on I think she's singing an offering to the Devil in the Moon."

Amon propped up on his elbow and faced his companion, "The Devil in the Moon?"

Urga's eyes traced upward pointing his nose up to the face of the full Moon, "See that? The shadow that's cast on the Moon?"

"Yeah, I've noticed that before, it's always reminded me of a warrior's profile wearing a helmet, or something similar."

"I don't know about a warrior, but there's a demon legend about it. The story tells of a mighty shadow that was cast by the God of this world. It's said to hold the same power of God himself, because of that God feared this unintentional being and locked it away in the moon, when it was only an infant. Now demons battle each other to be found worthy enough to merge with it and gain it's otherworldly abilities."

Amon was quiet for a moment allowing himself to absorb the information. He replaced his stare to the demoness below, watching her closely.

"Do you think that's what she's trying to do?" he asked after a moment.

"Not likely, it's best to reach the highest point in the land where the Devil's ladder reaches the Earth. At least that's what they say," Urga finished in a gruff voice.

Amon's chin lifted and his head rested to the side. It was clear he was enthralled by the possibility and the demon's unusual behavior.

"Do you recognize anything she's saying at all?"

The werewolf brought his head down and lifted his ear to better decipher her words more accurately. Amon watched him as his eyes flicked and his brow creased listening intently.

"Hmm, that is unexpected…"

"What is?" Amon drifted nearer to the beast.

"Do you recall when you suggested this song sounded like a lullaby?" Urga asked without even making eye contact with him.

"Yes, why?"

"Well, I think that's exactly what it is. It's soft, comforting and tender, she seems to feel, sorry for this myth?" Urga emphasized his point by finally looking right at his partner.

Amon's face morphed into undeniable confusion, mirroring the wolf's own.

"Feels sorry for it? Why, and why would a demon care?"

"I-I don't know, but that's what I hear. For whatever reason she must believe there's something wrong with it," he shrugged.

Amon's expression was firm and fixated. These behaviors were completely unexplainable from everything he'd ever known about demons. He felt as if he was harrowing on the edge of a precipice, only fingertips away from discovering something truly remarkable. Steadily he began to slink in closer.

Urga's body tensed impulsively, coming to place his paw over his friend, "What are you doing?"

"I just want to get a better look at her," Amon waved off quietly.

"Don't get too close, she might see you," the werewolf's voice quivered.

"I won't get too close," Amon reassured in a huff. The warrior allowed his form to slip down the opposite side of the hill and crept upon the unsuspecting demoness. Urga observed with a nervy look and a trembling hide, hoping his friend wasn't making a rash decision.

Amon was now on the same level as the demon but remained veiled by a nest of shrubs. On closer inspection he could see there was an unnatural outline on the back of her feathered wings. It illuminated faintly with the glow of an ember, and from it Amon could recognize it as a symbol of witchcraft. It was a pentagram; this demon must have been some kind of witch, but how skilled and how dangerous the knight was unsure. Regardless of the potential threat she posed Amon just couldn't justify himself to be fearful of her. Something about her was vastly intriguing, unspeakably alluring. Amon wanted to know more about her, perhaps even speak to her. Ever so cautiously, he tiptoed out of the foliage.

Urga felt his heart nearly beat outside of his chest. Amon was going to get himself killed and the werewolf couldn't bear to watch. He could see the tufts atop the demoness's head flicked and her song suddenly stopped. Even Amon had to admit the weight of what he was actually doing dawned on him in full there. The knight was frozen in place as the female slowly started to turn towards him.

It all came in a flurry; a rush of panic compelled the werewolf to step in between them. His abrupt and intimidating presence spooked the demoness as her body hunched into a defensive stance. The last thing Amon saw clearly from the devil was the red glow of her three eyes as she created a blast of flame, forcing the wolf back, and Amon to fall to his side. Quickly the warrior gripped the handle of his sword, his muscles pulsing hysterically. He could see the outline of the demoness shielded by a cover of smoke. Her red glowing eyes were placed squarely on him alone, the intensity they bled was all-encompassing. Amon knew there he could very likely be killed for his foolishness, how vulnerable he had made himself. However, all at once she cut their eye contact, and before he knew it she was gone.

Nothing went through Amon's brain; it was all just a flush of sounds and disjointed movements as the werewolf flung him onto his back, dashing off into the night. Amon's head stayed turned around to see if he could catch any last semblance of her, but there was none to be found. Just like that the demoness had disappeared.

It seemed like no time had passed as Urga finally re-entered the campsite. Amon's mind was still reeling but he could pay enough attention now to know what was going on.

"Oh, you've both returned. Took you a while, did you have any trouble?" Michael asked, glancing up from his map.

"Some trouble? You could say that again. Amon nearly got himself killed, what were you thinking!? You said you wouldn't get too close?" the wolf rebuked through pants.

"I didn't, I think we all just got startled," Amon rubbed the back of his neck.

"My tail, you were only a few more steps away from meeting your end!" Urga contended.

"But…but she didn't kill me…" Amon seemed uncertain in his own words. Upon finishing his statement the sound of clucking metal could be discerned approaching the base. Gabriel and Lucifer had returned and seemed intrigued by the discourse.

"What is it? What's going on here?" Lucifer asked.

"We spotted a few demons surrounding our borders and one of them Amon had a close encounter with," Urga answered.

"Really, how so?" Gabriel queried.

"We happened upon her while she was performing a ritual. I'd never before observed this kind of behavior in demons before," Amon spoke up for himself.

"A ritual, of what sort?" Michael started again.

"Well, she dressed herself in symbols of witchcraft," the beast replied.

"Oh wonderful, they're practicing dark arts now," Lucifer commented dryly.

"It wasn't that though. At least I don't think," Amon cut in. "Urga, you said the song she sang was one of sympathy."

"Sympathy? What would a demon have to feel sympathy for?" Micheal almost laughed at the absurdity of his asking.

"Well that's just it I'm not sure, Urga suggested she was appeasing the Devil in the Moon," Amon gestured to the lunar body.

"The what?" Michael's head tilted to the side.

"The Devil in the Moon, it's just a demon legend," the canine rolled his eyes. "The face on its surface is fabled to have great power and many devils believe it to be true. That's why so often they line up to fight each other for it, and be found worthy enough to merge with it," Urga described quickly and in a dismissive manner. Suddenly the look on Lucifer's features was a lot more receptive than it had been. His eyes widened opposing his ever-knitting brow. The remaining brothers however seemed to be amused by the tale, even chuckling amongst themselves.

"So that's why all those demons we've been observing have been throwing themselves off a cliff," Gabriel giggled.

"Oh please, and we've felt threatened by these gullible creatures," Michael derided. Lucifer shut out his brother's humor and watched Amon, who still seemed to be stuck on the events that had just taken place.

"Well, either way, from what Amon has described it would be best we move. That demon he ran into let him go, but surely, it's only a trick, it'll be back with a vengeance. Don't you concur Lucifer?" Michael turned to acknowledge him. Lucifer didn't seem to hear him; he was far too wrapped up in his own musings.

"Lucifer! Did you hear what I said?" Michael raised his voice. His abrasive tone jarred Lucifer back to responsiveness.

"Yes, I'd say that would be best," he rejoined distractedly. The others could see there was something itching at him but carried on with deconstructing their base, nevertheless. Even Amon, as diverted as his brain was from his task, continued to help take down camp. Lucifer kept him in his eyeline, wearing a blank yet fierce gaze. After some time Lucifer found himself at Amon's side, but his eyes affixed to the pale milky glow of the moon.

"So Amon, in that story Urga told you, where exactly do the demons go to meet this being of legend...?"