"Alright see that one? That little cluster there?" A soft voice filled his ears.

The great demon's head tilted, and his eyes squinted up to a dazzling night sky.

"Umm, where again?"

"Ugh," her body slumped, and she shook her head of messy feathers humorously. "You're a big hopeless brute, you know that?" she teased.

"Yeah, and yet you still keep me around," he beamed at her with an exaggerated grin. A playful nudge came as a response along with the demoness rolling her eyes and leaning sassily on her hip.

"You're right, if anyone's a fool here it's me," they shared a chuckle. "No, Here follow my finger, that group of stars there is called Draco, it holds the spiritual energy of a mighty dragon!"

"Sounds like my kind of guy!"

"No kidding…" she giggled.

The crisp dry air of the desert whistled across the landscape. Even as far up as they were on a rocky pillar, the sound could be heard slipping through the stones below. It had been quite some time since the two of them had a moment to just relax together. It had been a grueling two months of constant work; tracking the angels above, and planning how they could ever warn the council, and have them be trusted. The majority of their tasks had been mapped out at this point, but it was actually going through with such that would prove a challenge.

Amon glanced back at Nike's chipper features, taking in every aspect of her as she continued.

"Here, now you look up there and point out a constellation and I'll tell you the energy I get from it okay?" she instructed.

"Hmm," Amon's gaze traced the skies searching for any kind of pattern or group that stood out to him. It took a sizable minute that became even more blatant the longer it went on. The demoness watched him with dismissive yet doting eyes.

"Don't hurt yourself now muscles," she joked.

"Oh, hush up woman, I can't tell head nor tails of all these little dots, I don't know how you do. I wish I did though, then I could show you up."

"Ha, you wish! But hey, you're better than every other devil I tried to show this too, so that's something. They all thought it was a waste of time until I started discovering powerful celestial beings, ones they thought they could merge with. As if they had a chance in Hell," she puffed. Amon laughed to himself watching her annoyed little pouts. She was fun to watch, her expressions could convey an ocean of emotion and yet remain remarkably alluring in doing so. She brought the claw of her thumb up to bite thoughtfully as her three eyes frisked the heavens. Her third eye split open with a glow and compelled a nearby stick to float to her hand, as she gracelessly flopped herself down next to Amon on the ground. She messed with the stick using it to doodle what Amon could only assume were runes into the dirt. The outline of a pentagram she had singed into her wings glowed with a dim ember, kindling her otherworldly talents as well. She seemed to be trying to lose herself in the magical mindset.

"Oh, don't let them get to you, the higher-ups don't care about anything unless it makes them more powerful," he bumped her lightly.

"Don't worry, I don't. Hell, I remember when the council approached me for the first time after I discovered you. The day before I was as good as a drop of water in a monsoon to them and the next day, they came up to me with that good old buddy buddy act. Oh, they couldn't act to save their skin, I saw through that dog and pony show in a second!" she snapped her fingers punctuating her point.

"That sounds familiar, I wish I caught on as soon as you. I was a fool," he rested his cheek into his knuckles. She noticed this with a twitch of her tuft-like ears.

"Aww, don't beat yourself up you big lug, you were only just born, kinda," she shrugged.

"Yeah, but look where I ended up now," he looked her in the eyes, but there was a frisky nature to him that drowned out any inkling of sincerity. She lifted a brow at him.

"What, in the middle of this desolate desert assisting a crabby witch with a chip on her shoulder cause ya ain't got nothing better to do?"

"No," Amon leaned back again, closing his eyes. She turned her head curiously.

"Well, I mean ya, you're spot on…" he reiterated, triggering her less than surprised expression.

"Oh, my fluttering heart," her voice was deadpan. A low chuckle rumbled through his chest until he faced her again, this time much calmer.

"But I'm happy," he said, soft and sure. "Despite your relentless efforts, you make me happy."

From the jeweled skies, the dessert ground was dark and desolate. Fortunately for the restless traveler, what it was he searched for did not need to be seen. In such a wide and open space, the sound of two voices stretched across the landscape. Like a beacon the approaching being followed in pursuit, only miles away from the one he sought.

Nike hearing her partner confess so casually to her about his happiness suddenly disarmed her crass guard, as her face melted tenderly. She gulped, however, and appeared conflicted. Her nervousness branched out into her abilities, causing her to lose control over the twig she had been fumbling with. Her fingers fidgeted amongst themselves, and her long thin tail twitched fanning the feathers located at its base and tip.

"Why?"

Amon opened his eyes again and looked at her. He wasn't used to her voice sounding so fragile.

"What do you mean why? I don't know. You're supposed to be the smart one, don't make me think!" he chaffed. He wanted to lighten her mood and he did get an entertained sigh from her, but she wasn't all there.

"Well, it's just… oh never mind, it's stupid," she tried waving it away. The wings on Amon's head popped up as he lifted himself onto his elbow.

"No, what is it? You want a reason for real?"

It was then she came to her taloned feet scraping the dirt with her claws as she did so. Her digitigrade legs were long and pacing as she moved across the clifftop.

"Aw, don't worry about it, I'm an idiot," she laughed quietly shaking her head.

"No more than me now. If you really want a reason though I can think of one, well another, besides how pleasing you are to the eye," he winked.

"Easy there, slick," her voice was flat.

Amon smirked at her until he succumbed to a soft giggle, "But there's a lot to like about you. I just can't explain it. I mean, I like you, and I don't really like anyone much, now that's an accomplishment. I'd be proud of myself if I were you!"

"Oh, get lost Amon," she ribbed flicking her tail his way. It was right in that moment Amon's whole face lit up, hauling himself up to his feet.

"Hey, that's it!"

"What's it?" she turned her head allowing her tufts to quirk in confusion.

"You say that to me all the time, and I love it, you know why?"

"When you fell from the moon, it was on your head?"

"No..." he corrected lifelessly before he pepped up again. "Cause you'll say it, but I know you don't mean it. Just like everything you say to me. You're curt like that to turn everyone away because you can't forget how so many wronged you before, but it didn't turn me away. And deep down you like that."

The demoness came face to face with him, her features were touched and soft. Amon couldn't help but grace her cheek witnessing the beauty that she was, he felt his heart swell when she lastly leaned into his gesture.

He cupped her face, "And deep down, so do I," he whispered. For the first time, Amon had ever witnessed she seemed truly stunned into silence. Her eyes shifted over his features, taking in every detail just to make sure he was honest, that this was real. She looked at him with a sad disbelief, as if she were viewing something that she had never known.

His thumb stroked her cheekbone, and he lowered his head closer to her level. The intensity between them was boiling over, she felt it tickling inside her chest and the desire to meet him was strong, and yet she pulled back. She didn't want to, but she did. Her heart was racing, and she couldn't take anymore. Amon seemed disappointed, but more than that, he appeared concerned for her.

"What's wrong?" his voice was gentle. She folded into herself, wrapping her arms and feathery wings around herself. She paused in musing and didn't eye him before she began again.

"Nothing really…" she clutched her fangs as she took a sharp breath and tried to smile again. "It's just I don't understand this."

"Don't understand what?" he attempted to get close to her once more.

The grin on her face was anxious, "This! Don't you see you lug head?" She opened back up to him and tried to recapture the playfulness in her voice. Overall, her demeanor was exasperated; seeming not to know what she needed to do or how to react, but was desperate to convey what she felt.

"No, I don't," it was clear Amon wasn't following her, regardless of his efforts to do so.

"This energy between us, this feeling. I've sensed it so many times before, in so many places, and every time it is powerful, but never as strong as I'm feeling now. Now with you…" she admitted. All became still as the tension strained between them. When Amon moved again, he slowly took hold of her forearm, she surrendered to his touch allowing herself to be closer to him.

"I know what you mean," his tone was raspy but comforting.

"You feel it too?"

He nodded, watching her brighten just from the affirmation alone.

"You know, I've never told any other demon about this. They already thought I was crazy to speak for the demons they shunned as weak, but this I knew they would never accept. The worst part is, it's not something you can understand alone. When I see it, it comes from bonds, that makes each individual stronger for it. I've witnessed it rarely in demons, amongst our comrades. It's there, it's possible, and here it is as strong as ever between us. And you want to know the worst part?" she sighed practically through a laugh, lending her hand to brush his face.

"What?"

"I think I understand it even less…"

From far within the witch's cavern, a small furry creature dozed. Pleasantly, Tako rolled up into a ball allowing himself to drift into his dreams. Only, something wasn't sitting right. The cat could feel it in his gut, it became so strong that sleeping was no longer possible. His head darted up as his ears flicked around. His eyes were narrow and skeptical as he arose from his spot. His steps were light, but quick, as he snaked his way through the many cavities of the cave, soon coming to an opening. He carefully stuck his head out of the hole and scoped the area.

The scene was desolate, much like how it always was, but still, there wasn't something right. Taking precautions, Tako shifted his form and flew into the air, hoping to see more from high up. His large eyes took in all that he could and the further he went into the sky the more he realized he sensed something. It was in that moment he decided to turn his interest away from the ground, and instead to what was in front of him. His ears stood up and his wide eyes grew that much more. He could see what was approaching, and he knew then there was no time to waste. He had to warn his companions.

"Hmm… I can't say I do either, but you know me, I'm a demon that respects strength no matter what form it comes in. If this power is truly as magnificent as what I'm experiencing with you, then I will stop at nothing to harness it and learn from it myself. I'll share everything I find with you, I'll merge with the being that possesses such a power more than anything else, no matter the cost!" Amon exclaimed.

"You'd do that, just because of some insane vision I had?" she asked earnestly.

"I would do it for you."

She blushed and tried to fight back a grin, "And that's why I chose you to tell this to Amon. You're such a good demon."

He shook his head, "We'll see, Hell maybe this power you're talking about it just the thing I've been searching for. The thing to save all demonkind and rid us of this divine burden?"

"Ha," she scoffed lightly. "If I'm being honest, demonkind needs more saving than just the divine threat. It's just so miserable."

"What do you mean?" he questioned.

"I mean, we exist to survive and devour and think no further, not to think of the one next to us desiring for the same comfort of living. No, we just seek to gratify ourselves and keep finding more gratification. We step on one another to bring ourselves higher, but what does anyone really gain from any of this?" she stopped herself snorting in frustration. Amon rubbed her side, encouraging her to elaborate.

"Never mind, it's ludicrous, I know…"

"No, no!" Amon perked up. "I know what you're talking about. When I lived amongst the council, I didn't know it, but I felt similarly. A point came when the satisfaction they shoveled at me no longer worked, and the acts I was committing left me with no more than an emptiness. Nothing I did was for any point, certainly not any point for myself even. I couldn't stand it anymore, ultimately that's why I left; the little stunt Lucifer pulled with that lie was merely the last straw."

There was a gleam of validation that sparked in her eyes, she was driven further in her feelings. Never had she felt the urge to speak so vulnerably before.

"Amon, do you ever wonder if things could change?"

"How so?"

She exhaled before starting, "When I finally left my elite rank among the harpies, they hated me for throwing away something they put so much value into, but you know I couldn't care less. I felt just like you described, I was empty. I just wanted to run, runaway, and escape that feeling. I was so unhappy there. When I banished myself to the outer lands, it was hard out here but I was content. Much more than I was among any of my fellow demons. I always wondered if other demons felt this way, and apparently, I'm not alone. But then that makes me wonder…" her eyes drooped. "How many demons do feel this way? Certainly, there must be a better way to survive, a better way for us to live. Sometimes I think if I just keep trying to understand, just to keep going even a little bit something will change. I know it's trivial even just a tiny bit, but there has to be a better way than this…"

Fond and adoring arms swaddled her wordlessly. There was no communication necessary; he reacted to her in just the way she desired in just the way she needed. The reverb of his purrs in his chest relaxed her as she nestled into the coarse fur of his neck.

"There is a better way, I'll make sure of it. I'll fight for a world where demons can not only survive, but thrive. A world that you deserve," his solemn eyes locked to hers. Their stares bonded them, and for that moment there was only sincerity, only love.

When she found her voice again, an ornery smile pulled at her cheeks.

"Thank you, Amon, I believe you, and you know why?"

Amon could hear the jest in her tone, allowing a smirk to creep up his face in anticipation.

"Why?"

She giggled, "Because look at you, ya lout, you could survive any world you wanted, make it whatever you wanted!"

"Oh, you really think so?" he replied unphased and doubting.

"Well with practice… lots of practice," she rose a cheeky brow at him, in turn, he tossed his eyes at her. "I'd say there's hope for you yet!" They chortled together before Amon placed his finger sweetly under her chin.

"Listen here, I could, I definitely could, but making any old world my own just wouldn't do. The only world I want is the one where I'm with you, my dearest Nike."

That was the moment they both caved and lastly drew into each other. Their lips met in an adoring embrace beneath the glimmering sky. For once, there and then, their world was perfect.

Even still, perfection was not a promise. Suddenly, Nike's attention was stolen away as her head perked. Amon noticed her reaction as he himself caught on to a nearing disturbance. The two became on guard as Amon placed himself in front of his lover.

Just then, a figure flew up from the edge of the cliff into view. It was a relieving presence, however, coming in the form of Tako. Seeing this allowed them both to breathe, but before the cat could say a word another, much more imposing frame appeared.

Amon's face lit up in shock that almost instantly turned into disgust. Nike had a similar reaction, however, she appeared far more lost.

"Tako," she whispered as the cat came to her side, hissing at the one who followed him.

"I came to warn you, but he followed me, I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough" the familiar explained.

"Worry not, that will not be your mistake," Amon bristled himself stepping forward. "Why have you come here? You are not welcome."

The being's palms rose instantly, showing a meekness in the presence of such raw power.

"Easy now, easy, I come peacefully," his voice was calm and diplomatic.

"I don't believe you," Amon spat back.

All of the sudden the newcomer seemed to grow a slight smirk on his face, "Hmm, I kinda knew you would say that."

The demon didn't budge from his defensive stance. He glowered at the angel as his winged ears folded back and his tail flicked aggressively.

"Why are you here?" Nike questioned firmly.

Satan wore a placid grin as he started, "We need you, Amon. I've come to negotiate with you."

The devil in question scoffed, "What makes you think I'll go back with you? I'm just fine right where I am.

"Well perhaps you are, but all the devils you left behind certainly aren't. They fear for their very lives, the attacks from God rise nearly every day, and more and more demons are losing hope…"

For the first time, the angel's sharp stare drifted to the demoness. She felt her skin crawl. That look was unnerving and yet so unavoidable. It was as if he were reading her like a book. Her feathers ruffled as she tried to step further away.

The beastie grimaced, "I'm aware, I haven't forgotten them. I never could, they can rest easy knowing I will use all the power I possess to protect them."

Satan's head tilted to the side, "That is most comforting, however, even such a noble sentiment will prove futile. Despite your ample strength, you are lacking in your own capabilities. Do you really believe you can fight God alone?"

Amon didn't respond, only knowing it would push him further. The wings adorning the angel's head twitched, noticing the demon's tactics. Without a hitch, however, his sights almost immediately flicked to the demoness.

"What about you? Do you believe he can match God in battle? I sense it in you, the fear of God. You know God's true strength; do you feel confident in your savior's abilities?"

The coolness in his voice was unnerving. Nike didn't want to say anything further, she didn't at all like how this being pried into her. He knew more about her than she was willing to openly discuss.

"I believe in him," there was a slight shakiness in her voice the angel caught onto instantly. He didn't have to magnify it though, the look on his face told her enough. He didn't trust a word she said.

Nike huffed with a scowl.

"Look, I think it's clear you came all this way for nothing. I intend to keep my word, and I don't need you to do so," the devil dismissed. "You may as well turn back where you came from."

He stoutly flipped himself around taking Nike under his arm. Satan watched him start to take off with a cold smile and narrowed brow.

"Amon, we both know that's not true. Deny it you may, but there's no way you can succeed without me. None of you demons can."

His words made little impact, seeing as the devil did not once change course. It was no concern of the light being, however, as he simply started to walk not far behind him. Keeping a safe distance but remaining well in earshot.

"You may resist me all you may, with your background I have come to expect it. Zennon and the rest of the demon council always did treat you miserably, but I do not intend that. You and I, we're from the same world. We being's born in the heavens, I do not look up to you in envy, nor do I look down upon you as God has."

Suddenly, regardless of Amon's distaste, his feet started to slow and the wing's atop his head perked curiously.

Satan didn't wear it outwardly, but there was a tiny smile that grew beneath his surface.

"They need you, Amon, the demons put their faith in you and I for a reason. We are all they have…"

Finally, the warrior stopped, and his frame appeared somewhat sunken. The words and thoughts were weighing him down and it could be seen. Nike's interest was all on Amon, something about seeing him like this disturbed her. She could see his one weakness getting the better of him. The self-doubt that he had confessed to her, she could see it eating through him full force now. In that moment an angered look came upon her as she directed it to the angel. She held her tongue back though, hearing Amon begin to speak.

"Where are they now? The demon tribes, are they huddled together under Zennon?" he asked softly.

"Yes Amon, many of them no longer have any homes to return to. They're scared, ever since you left things have only gotten worse," Satan informed.

Nike's feathered tuffs flattened to her head as her eyes narrowed. Whether what he said was true or not, it was his tone she could not stand. She could hear the manipulation in his voice, as subtle as it was.

Her gaze abandoned the angel as she looked up to the red brute.

"Amon, understand you have a choice. We can help demonkind without you having to return to a life you hate. It is up to you and nobody else!" she solidly iterated.

From afar, going unnoticed by the two lovers a twitch of aggravation yanked at the angel's face. He had worked so hard to find the one they needed, and almost had him back, and now that demoness would dare attempt to convince him otherwise. Satan's icy look targeted her.

"Well, yes Amon. It is your choice, but do not take this lightly. Every choice has its consequences, are you comfortable with the ones this may lead to?" the intruder interrupted.

Nike didn't appreciate his addition, but there was nothing more she wanted to add. She could feel the pressure surrounding her lover already.

A deep sigh escaped from Amon's chest as his eyes slowly closed. It was obvious the dwelling that he endured. When his eyes opened again, he glared at the angel. His hand rose and his mouth opened as he hesitated in consideration before starting once more.

"If I go, understand I do this of my own will. I will help you, for the sake of my kind, but I will not take your orders."

A simple yet delighted expression rose through the angel's features. It was the outcome he had anticipated, and now more than ever did he feel relaxed in his mission.

"Of course, Amon, I would expect nothing less of my equal."

The beastia did not react much aside from a shallow nod. His face remained serious and stayed set to Satan for some time, as if trying to read each little twitch he made. He wanted to assess his real intentions, but for now, he couldn't pick up much else from the heavenly soldier.

"It's been a while; I will catch you up on our armies status' as we go. Come, Amon, we have little time."

The pale being didn't loiter as he turned about and began to hover in the air, awaiting his companion to follow. Amon was slower to react but as he took Nike's hand he looked to her, sending her a reassuring look. She didn't seem as certain, but she went along with him, staying close by his side. The angel didn't seem thrilled by the addition.

"Amon, it is unnecessary to bring along the demoness. Her presence will only hinder our progress," Satan said flatly.

Amon's head snapped around to see him, "If she is not welcome, neither am I."

His reply was so quick and abrupt the demon lord was somewhat put off. His face was mildly soured. He knew he had to bite his tongue as challenging as it was.

"Very well, bring her along. But know it's best to keep your emotions out of war. Now hurry, we have much to discuss."

The light being flew higher into the sky as the couple watched him. Taking a deep breath, Amon worked up the means to take Nike's hand and gently pull her along.

"It'll be alright my dearest, I won't let him get to me, and most certainly won't let him get to you. Once we're done, we'll come back here, and we'll never have to worry about any of them again."

Nike's face didn't beam up at him, but she did grant him a saddened smile. She nodded her head accepting their task and squeezing his hand.

"You better be right, you lug head. But we should go, or else pretty boy's gonna get his feathers all in a ruffle," she chuckled. Amon matched her teasing as he opened his wings and set out with the demoness and cat in tow.