pika318: In this AU, Lucifer did not want to help Olba and kept rebelling against him, so he created a collar which electrocutes her every time she disobeys and conditioned her until she was forced to fight against Maou and Emi in Volume 1. After that fight, Olba had hurt her so much that she never regained her voice. Lots of guilty Maou and angst.

One shot: Unwilling Cooperation

When the heat ray pierced his chest, Maou saw it clearly.

The distraught expression her face, like she never wanted this to happen.

So when the demonic magic gathered and healed him, causing him to transform into his demon form, he flew slowly up to her, like he was approaching a wary animal.

Lucifer, his Demon General, seemed to be in shock, staring at him approaching.

"Lucifer… you don't want to do this."

It was not a question, but a statement.

When he was level with her and further closed the distance between them, she held up her arm in front of her, hand glowing.

But anyone who watched the battle could see it.

She was shaking like a leaf.

"Don't…"

Don't make me do this.

Even if Maou could not read minds, he was certain this was what Lucifer was thinking right now.

Ever since he was young, he had always seen Lucifer as his constant companion after Camio. The one who taught him how to fly. His protector. Strong.

But the small figure in front of him right now was so fragile, it was as if a strong gust of wind would just blow her over.

Eventually, the fallen angel spoke again.

"Why won't you stay down, Satan…"

"Because you don't want to do this. That collar on your neck, your injuries, how you look at Olba, it's obvious."

"If you understand, then don't get up!" Lucifer shouted, desperation in her voice.

"No, I can't do that." Maou replied, his expression filled with kindness and understanding. "Because you're suffering."

When his Demon General did not reply, Maou continued,

"I can help you."

At that moment, his Demon General looked at him straight in the eyes. And he saw it,

Desperation, weariness…. and hope.

"Trust me." He added, trying this best to sound reassuring.

Slowly, she lowered her arm.

"Then… make sure you catch me."

It was so soft that Maou almost missed it. But before he could process what it meant, Lucifer had shot a heat ray in Olba's direction.

The archbishop seemed to have anticipated it and avoided it easily. Then his hand glowed.

At the same instant, there was static so strong that Maou's hair stood on end. And suddenly, Lucifer was screaming, electricity pouring out from the collar on her neck.

Her wings disappeared, and then, she was falling from the air.

Make sure you catch me.

Suddenly, her words made complete sense, and Maou rushed to catch her as she fell from the sky, ignoring the pain coursing through his body as the electricity continued for a few seconds longer before stopping.

She was already unconscious, and by the time he passed her limp body to Ashiya, he spied Olba in the distance, attempting to run away.

Emi could not leave Chiho behind and Ashiya had Lucifer in his arms.

The task fell to him then.

He would not have it any other way.

You'll pay for this Olba.

END

pika318: I have a few more chapters related to this AU.