Chapter 30: Cast Down Your Kings (Part 3)

"Is this meant to protect or kill me? Because one overzealous attempt at releasing neck tension later and I could very well develop an abrupt and ultimately tragic hole in my brain."

"You could just say it's impractical."

Smirking at Serafall's dry tone Harris continued to examine the 'armor' in front of him, vaguely resembling the one Sirzechs had sported in canon with the ludicrous shoulder spikes except even more ostentatious, including sharp edges and serrated blades on more than a few bits that were guaranteed to lose him an eye if he tried to scratch.

"Why can't I take one of the ones you were wearing during Charlemagne's campaign? Those were perfectly functional while not committing any aesthetic war crimes."

This time it was Zeoticus who explained, "Times of war and times of social obligations are two very different things-"

"You wouldn't say that if you walked a mile in my shoes."

"-and if you are to make any kind of impression or lasting image upon Lord Lucifer then you will need to both act and look the part. I will not even attempt to dictate your actions for the former but the latter I hope you heed my advice on."

Shaking his head in resignation Harris critically eyed the high-grade fantasy monkey suit before murmuring, "Well, when in Rome…and it's not everyday that an adult man gets to larp and call it business."

"Larp?"

Sirzech's question matched Serafall's perplexed expression, Harris merely smiling at the pair as he turned to his three companions, all of them sequestered away within the Gremory fitting room before their trip to Lucifaad as a collection of servants took measurements or fixed portions of the armor to more accurately fit the shapeshifter's body, which was a fair bit larger than most Devils thanks to his latest upgrade courtesy of Monad.

"Well, Robin? Feel like joining the club?"

The draconic woman offered a smile that was serene and brokered no argument whatsoever.

"I'm keeping the cloak, thank you very much."

All three of the Devils didn't look particularly impressed or enthused at the tactician's brown garment of choice but a pointed thump as her tail smacked against the floor killed any potential protests, Merlin chuckling at the interaction while Est poked at the shimmering white gown she'd been provided with.

While the Magus of Flowers looked plenty resplendent in her usual clothes and hadn't made any changes beyond twining a few Azaleas into her hair Est had been made to forgo her preferred kimono, now garbed in a willowy and finely crafted dress that highlighted her trim physique, hiding everything but her shoulders and arms that had been provided with snowy gloves the same shade as her hair.

"Not a fan of the new clothes, Est?"

"...The kimono was easier to move in…"

"And by that you mean it was the first garment we gave to you and was thus special, hmm~?"

Merlin's comment merely caused the girl to gaze off to the side in confirming silence, Harris smiling at the adorable action as he said, "Well if everything goes according to plan you won't have to deal with it for too long."

Turning his attention back to the lumbering hunk of metal before him Harris wryly stated, "Alright, let's fit me into this bad boy. See how ludicrous I look."

He took no small amount of pleasure in the way the Devil attendants looked annoyed at his comments.

"Then I suppose you have everything you require? No last minute collections or changes of mind?"

"None whatsoever, Lord Gremory."

Obviously not in any great hurry himself to get what was certain to be a shitshow on the road the redheaded Devil released a nearly inaudible sigh, motioning to both Serafall and Sirzechs as the two prepped themselves for the events to come, Venelana pulling aside her son and Serafall for a moment before hugging them both, Harris offering Zeotichus a raised eyebrow as he murmured, "No farewells for you?"

Seemingly grateful for the chance to take his mind off the ensuring meeting Zeotichus responded, "Should you ever have children in life you'll quickly discover that they take over the reasoning behind a great many of your actions. Or at least, that's how it should be. Unfortunately that includes your partner's attention, but we make do with what private time we have."

Stroking his chin in thought Harris mused, "I'll have to take your word for it, never had a child or wife that was unlucky enough to be stuck with me."

The Devil offered a mildly perplexed look to his three companions, slowly asking, "They…are not your lovers?"

Merlin winked, lazily twirling a lock of hair between her fingers as she languidly explained, "Oh, our bond transcends that of mere marriage. Calling it by its more mundane title would merely lessen what we share. And as for children…"

The woman's voice turned into naught but a purr, winking at Zeotichus as she chirped, "Well nothing yet, although certainly not for lack of trying~!"

Robin sighed, rolling her eyes while Est pouted, Harris making a mental note to set some time aside for the Sword Spirit after their current bit of chaos was over and done with. They'd been kept pretty busy trying to find a way to the Underworld and Gremory territory on a relatively tight schedule, meaning she'd never really had the chance to interact with him to the extent Robin or Merlin had.

"Well, we'll have that opportunity real soon."

"We're ready, father."

Nodding at his son's words the man led them to a large teleportation circle, asking, "Have you by any chance been to Lucifaad before?"

"Can't say that we have."

The man didn't look entirely reassured by that admission, stating, "Well…I suppose you'll be in for quite the sight then."

"There's going to be stuff I don't like in there, huh?"

"If your values are as I imagine them to be."

Not exactly expecting the capital of literal Devils to be a place of warm love and fuzzy feel goods - especially not after Gastofield - he merely shrugged, replying, "Forewarned is forearmed. Take us there, tour guide."

Predictably seeming unenthused with the title Zeotichus nonetheless activated their mode of transport, light whisking them all away-

-and Harris couldn't help but release a low whistle as he got his first good look at the city the Devils of the Lucifer faction called home.

A truly eclectic mix of engineering and aesthetics, with materials ranging from stone, wood, marble and even gleaming metals adding to the variety present. Pyramids, yurts, gothic cathedrals, hanging gardens…seemingly nothing was off limits, as if the city was trying to prove to as many cultures as possible they were the one who could more perfectly represent their arts.

"Or they're creatively bankrupt and can only imitate. Flip of the coin, really."

"I hope you don't mind a more sedate means of travel to the city center, teleportation in and out of Lucifaad is very carefully controlled and regulated."

Flagging down a series of carriages drawn by literal flaming horses the group boarded them before being ferried deeper into the city, Harris keenly watching everything with a curious and analytical gaze.

Some of the sights were about what he expected and just as depressing in their predictability. Human slaves dressed in either fetishized outfits or mildly functional rags, carrying out menial tasks while shackled in chains as they shoveled shit from the variety of magical beasts and beings that populated the cobbled streets or simply lugged materials ranging from bricks to impossibly fine crystalline formations in enormous lines of manpower.

Clearly more for the entertainment of their masters than any real attempt at efficiency, since he imagined even moderately powerful members of the race could levitate loads that were several times bulkier than what any singular Human could manage. There were even a fair few other Supernatural species present although they were the definite minority. Probably because they were a damn sight harder to control, he imagined.

But what was truly drawing his interest was the variety of behaviors in relation to the many slaves on display throughout Lucifaad. Because as far as he could tell there was no uniform action, no standard of interaction that had to be upheld. Everything ranging from almost laughable cruelty to what he might even describe as friendly mentorship happening before them.

One Devil was seated atop a gilded throne being carried by a gang of sweating and straining women, all of them garbed only in shimmering silk and jewels as a few accompanying guards beat or whipped them if their pace became too slow. Another looked to be fairly old for the long-lived species, scarred and milky eyes staring at nothing as they sat upon a simple rocking chair, smiling as they blindly chatted with a Kitsune and Nekomata that attended to a large and colorful guardian with genuine interest. Another extravagantly armored and obviously self-aggrandizing one had a pair of young girls on leashes as he dragged them around his estate, their only clothing being the welts and bruises upon their skin. Yet another was teaching a duo of young Fallen Angels sword forms, professionally and calmly moving their legs or arms to the correct angles as they attentively listened.

All the while Robin's quill scratched at a breakneck pace in her journal, writing and recording everything they saw for future reference as Sirzechs and Serafall watched the tactician's actions with bewildered gazes, Est seated on Merlin's lap as they also looked outside the carriage with carefully composed expressions.

"You know the variety of treatments on display here is truly interesting. I would have thought a Satan wouldn't like the idea of the lesser species being treated so fairly by some."

Nodding in comprehension as he also looked at the outside proceedings with an inscrutable air Zeotichus idly responded, "The official stance of Lord Lucifer is that we are to be the domineering, unassailable masters of those beneath us. Warmth, affection and equal treatment breeds and gives rise to the mistaken assumption that they may one day stand on the same ground that we do."

"And the reality?"

Briefly smiling at Harris' knowing tone the redhead responded, "As long as it does not lead to rebellion, strife or step on the toes of those more powerful than you it is up to the Devil in question on how to handle those that fall under their aegis."

"Quite the liberal set of rules there."

"It's more of an issue of practicality. Ensuring the obedience and supplication of the many people we have gathered through conquest, rescue and adoption would be both incredibly time consuming and damaging to morale. Imagine attempting to explain to hundreds upon hundreds of nobles that their servants must be routinely examined for any signs of subversive activity, the numbers needed to ensure such a state of affairs."

"No need, I can imagine that just fine."

The group fell silent, Harris continuing to lazily eyeball Lucifaad as Robin's quill continued its frenetic work, the scratching a constant melody as more and more details were added to the steadily growing picture they had available.

"The cleanup on this operation is going to be a nightmare. After all, rebuilding a society from the ground up after it's burnt to ashes is never an easy process."

A grim smile pulled at the man's lips.

"Especially when there's so much kindling and dry grass to be found."

The Tower was certainly an impressive bit of engineering, that Harris had no issue admitting. And then there was its name, a title he had little compunction agreeing was fitting and appropriate.

An utterly excessive and enormous spire that loomed over even the fair number of floating buildings or estates that slowly circled Lucifaad, black as midnight and reminding him a fair bit of the structure that had kept Sauron's eye afloat. Except this one surpassed even the drifting clouds and eerily blended in with the eternally dark and shifting sky, a symbol of big emo dick energy if he'd ever seen one.

"It seems we've attracted Lord Lucifer's debatably desired attention, if he's having a Lucifuge greet us."

Zeotichus' wary words coincided with Harris glancing out of the carriage windows, raising an eyebrow as a solitary figure awaited their arrival, standing in stark contrast to the helmed and faceless guards that were arrayed behind them to form an intentionally intimidating line.

What did surprise the man was that - after a moment's examination - he found that he recognized this Devil in particular. A few physical years younger like Sirzechs and Serafall, certainly, but by and large resembling the silvery beauty that was Grayfia Lucifuge from the original series.

"Although I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised. Her family did serve the Lucifer line for quite some time, this isn't too far off of what should be expected."

The carriage rolled to a stop, the passengers disembarking as Harris immediately noted an interesting dynamic between Sirzechs, Serafall and Grayfia. Namely, that they glared and were openly distrustful of each other. Something of a large departure from the source material hundreds of years down the road where they were happily married and had a kid.

"Well that's what aforementioned hundreds of years of character development does to a couple. No matter, if everything works out in the end then they'll have opportunity aplenty to reconcile and be like their future selves."

Besides, at this point of the Great War it was probably just second nature for Lucifer's bodyguards and attendants to be wary of any and every person that approached their master.

"Welcome to Lucifaad, honored guests, Lord Gremory. My master will see you now. Please, follow me."

There certainly wasn't anything warm or approachable in the Devil's words or attitude, sharply turning on her heel and striding away as the simple but gleaming silver armor obviously spoke more of practicality than it did aesthetics, Harris immediately jealous of that fact as he subtly rolled his shoulders in an attempt to make the absurd shoulder pauldrons fit more comfortably. Ordinarily this would be the moment in which he did a little bit of shapeshifting to make sure he wasn't walking around with a permanent shoulder ache but he figured it was safer to keep that particular ability as under wraps as possible for the moment. Unless he was extremely far off the mark no one aside from his companions and maybe the fox siblings knew of his power.

"I suppose the concept of wasted space isn't much of a worry around these parts? I mean I would have killed to have this much available floor plan."

While the outside of The Tower was awe-inspiring and gargantuan in scale the interior was something of a let down. Giant arches and watchful guards every now and again but that was largely it, the first floor mostly just regularly spaced torches and nothing else. Almost certainly designed to intimidate and cow visitors by the sheer display of power and wealth, that such a large space was designated purely to act as security and nothing else.

"Is that a genuine question or merely an attempt at making idle conversation?"

Legitimately not expecting Grayfia to have much in the way of an interest in his idle musings it was Merlin who decided to reply, stating, "Can it not be both? Or is this a matter of people simply not being inside the place long enough to bother with decorations."

"Lord Lucifer's tastes are his own, we are merely to implement and carry them out."

The Magus pouted at the dull answer while Harris watched Sirzechs and Serafall, the pair still giving Grayfia suspicious gazes but now shifting those wary stares at the assorted guards and others in attendance, as if the entire arena was just one big ball of danger.

"I wonder if they're just twitchy after their first tour of the war or genuinely uneasy about being in the same general vicinity as Lucifer…if it's the latter that could be an exploitable angle, obedience through fear tends to fall apart when there's a viable alternative in the wings."

Shaking off those thoughts as they approached an ornate and oversized elevator Grayfia operated the mechanism as soon as they were all aboard, a titanic and ancient groan of chains and gears in lieu of magic hauling them upwards into the darkness of The Tower as Harris fought back his amusement at the spectacle.

It actually reminded him of some of the rides during his earlier years in Disneyland. Preferably without the sudden drop, granted.

"Ah. So this is where no expense was spared, isn't it?"

Gesturing to the occasional floor they passed on the upwards ascent Grayfia nodded in confirmation rather than dismissal, responding, "The Tower is Lord Lucifer's nexus of control for all of Lucifaad and the territories beyond. It exemplifies all of his qualities and beliefs in both construction and presentation."

Noting the woman's words were delivered by rote rather than belief - and that Sirzechs and Serafall didn't seem all that impressed - Harris resumed his observation of their upwards journey, Zeotichus keeping his counsel to himself.

While the base of the construct had been barren aside from a show of military force the higher perches were clearly the opposite, each ascending floor displaying some kind of aspect of the Devil's idea on what constituted wealth or an accomplished ruler.

One floor was devoted entirely to artistic sculptures or paintings, statues carved from countless gems or metals into impressively life-like effigies while the paintings were so immaculately rendered that they looked like reality pasted onto a canvas…although the subject matter said art displayed was for the most part fairly dull or uninspired.

Several busts of Angels or holy women being dominated by stylized devils or beasts, armored and triumphant individuals with bat wings standing tall over fallen foes…but there were a few genuinely interesting pieces that caught the shapeshifter's eye, one in particular a titanic wall painting that displayed Lucifaad in startling detail.

"I wouldn't mind keeping that one on hand. Hopefully it survives the coming revolution."

On and on it went. Armors, weapons, caches of jewels or minerals, empty cages that he imagined were meant to hold prisoners or criminals if they had the misfortune to be brought before Lucifer…until at last they arrived at the highest point, Harris huffing out a breath of relief that the ridiculously long ascent was over.

"I see your master has a clear appreciation for showmanship. Quite the bold statement, his throne."

Est quietly commented from where she stuck close to his side, "It's a lot like Solomon…just as ostentatious and overbearing…"

"Which is to say Grima would approve."

Smirking at his companion's back-and-forth Harris followed in the still silent Grayfia's wake, the hallway to Lucifer's throne less a hall and more like a mountain's precipice.

Largely open to the elements and affording an incredible view of Lucifaad far below the top of The Tower was essentially a large hallways where dozens of banners slowly drifted and snapped in the occasional gust of wind, embroidered with the sigils of countless families and houses loyal to the throne located at the end of a stone walkway.

Feeling his lips curl in an anticipatory smile Harris began walking towards the distant throne before Grayfia could begin leading them, his companions following in his wake while the rest of the group hurried to catch up, cold air whipping across his face every time he passed a break in the pillars that held the banners.

A good minute passed in silence before he came to a stop, staring up at an ornate throne while a Devil he distantly recognized as Euclid Lucifuuge quietly stood at the base of the dais, observing the new arrivals with a narrowed gaze as Grayfia took position alongside her brother.

Harris only had eyes for the man seated atop the throne, head tilting curiously as he laid eyes upon the original Lucifer. Noble features with a beard of fine silver, spiked hair that reminded him of flickering flames and glass-like eyes that cut into whatever he saw with imperial certainty. And he would be remiss to not mention the ridiculously overforged armor he wore, a black and white ensemble that made the shapeshifter's own cosplay suit seem positively responsible and restrained.

"Welcome to Lucifaad, wanderer. Has my servant shown you proper hospitality?"

"She's been nothing but a stern tour guide and nothing else."

It was easy to see why Lucifer held such authority with a voice like that. Where Beelzebub had both sounded and felt like a storm brewing in the distance just waiting to be unleashed at the slightest provocation Lucifer brought to mind the sun peeking through stormclouds, offering illumination and reassurance to all who traveled in his wake.

…The man was honestly a little let down at that revelation. Beelzebub at least held the promise of retribution and imminent threat, all Lucifer appeared to be in his eyes was a false promise.

"Oh, where are our manners?"

He and his bowed in a variety of manners - Merlin grandoisely bowing the waist, Est curtsying while Robin and he were almost uninspired in their movements - as Zeoticus, Sirzechs and Serafall looked at them as if they were insane for acting so flippantly, with all the uniformity and gravitas of a theater troupe.

"Judging by all that I've heard of you and yours over the past few years I cannot help but feel as if this showing of 'respect' is a prelude to a knife in the back."

Xavier merely offered the Satan a guileless smile, said Satan scoffing before turning his attention on the elder Gremory.

"Why have you lobbeyed so fervently for the killer of kings and betrayer himself to appear before me? What does he offer aside from strife and unneeded difficulty?"

Keeping his head bowed Zeotichus respectfully responded, "He had professed a desire to meet with you regardless of what our opinion or advice on the matter was. I merely deemed it prudent and to our ultimate benefit if he was brought before you through means that weren't of his own creation and implementation."

The redhead paused as if for dramatic effect.

"I imagine most of us haven't forgotten what occurred at Gastofield."

Lucifer made no further comment, turning his attention away from Zeotichus and focusing upon Harris once more with an inscrutable expression.

"So what do you desire, that you would seek me out? You delivered the glory of Charlemagne's death to myself yet desired no reward, absconding and departing without so much as an errant word…I cannot imagine you have any particular interest in what would typically be offered."

"And you would be right. What I desire is to be welcomed into your faction as one of your own. Someone in the field that commands the ability to lead troops and warriors. Gastofield, Charlemagne…trial runs, if you will. A proof of concept that I'm as capable as I say I am."

A humorless snort escaped the Devil.

"You must think me a fool. You were capable of engineering the demise and destruction of powers far beyond your own with seeming ease…do you honestly think I intend to allow you anywhere near my own war efforts?"

The air took a turn for the tense, the trio of accompanying Devils stiffening as Lucifer rose from his throne, Harris and his companions not flinching in the slightest as they stared up at the Devil in clear challenge, Grayfia and Euclid leaning forward slightly as they sensed the need for potential action.

"Precisely because I don't think you a fool I believe you'll allow me to do so. Would you allow me to such a position if I wasn't dangerous? If I wasn't a threat?"

The shapeshifter let a confident smirk adorn his lips.

"Or need I remind you that when the dust settled it as you and yours that came out smelling like roses, not Beelzebub or Heaven? No, my ambition is here."

"That can easily be interpreted as you desiring the throne I sit upon."

A bark of laughter escaped the male, irreverent smile upon his lips.

"Is that what my actions tell you? That I desire to statically sit upon a throne? Traveling from location to location, freely moving as I please and being personally invested and present for every campaign I undertook? No…my place is and always will be in the field."

"Assuming you are telling the truth."

"Come now, would I lie?"

The entire room braced, fully expecting the Satan to strike down Harris where he stood…and instead blinked as the Devil merely smirked.

"Yes. You would. But I have a solution to this discord between us. My loyal retainer will accompany you to the Human lands of Lombardy, to do away with the remnants of Beelzebub's forces that seek to dominate it as well as the legions of Heaven that would do the same. If you pass her inspection you will have earned the trust you proclaim to seek."

Grayfia stepped forward at her master's motion as Lucifer softly added, "And if you fail…"

His smirk turned openly cruel.

"The the Sitri and gremory heirs - who will accompany you on this task - will share in your failure should it come to pass."

Zeotichus predictably stiffened, no doubt inwardly cursing at the callously cruel means of punishing what Lucifer no doubt thought was an ultimate waste of his time and effort, both younger Devils keeping their expressions perfectly blank as they stared at the floor.

"A nice bit of subterfuge there. On the off chance that I was on good terms with Gremory or Sitri he sure as hell made it so that's the case no longer, not when it's their heirs on the line for my ambitions."

Harris showed a smile that was all teeth.

"Just a shame that's what I was hoping for. Thanks for making this easy, Lucy Goosey."

"Your will be done, Lord Lucifer."

At the end of the day it was clear the Satan had no intention of honoring the proposed arrangement, basically setting the man up for failure as one of his retainers could screw Harris over at the slightest drop of a hat…but still wanting what the shapeshifter offered, his skills and ability to get results.

Just like so many others beforehand.

"At some point you would think someone would get wise and tell me to take a fucking hike."

Not bothering to hide his amusement as Grayfia strode forward - Sirzechs and Serafall now openly disgruntled at her mere existence - Harris additionally thought, "Then again, I know something you don't Lucifer…these Devils have the capacity to become forces for positive change in this rotten little society you lord over, sickened of war and all that you enabled."

Merlin, Robin and Est glanced his way as he briefly chuckled, "Future knowledge isn't at its greatest in knowing the course of historical events, it's knowing how people end up."

Tried my best to proofread this but I'm busy for the next couple days so grammar and sentence structure might have gotten a little fucky in the last half.

I don't know why I insist on uploading right now, Humans really are creatures of habit.