Hi hi!

This chapter became too long, so I decided to split it into two separate chapters.

Also, a quick and rather important update:

My laptop isn't working too well, so I'll be getting a new one. The problem is that I have to turn in this old thing soon, and I don't think I'll be able to get a new laptop till the school year begins since this is a school laptop first. I might just go back to writing fan fiction on my tablet, but that remains to be unseen.

With that said, it might take a while before I'm able to get a chapter out after this, that includes the part two unless I work quickly.

but, with that happily out of the way, ONWARDS!

Shax did what he could to ignore the irritating screams and shouts from outside as he cleaned the bar top. While closed, it still housed three other demons, each doing their own little thing within the room.

Vale stood over the tiny weapons stash Shax allowed in the bar. As of late Shax would only allow so much, since it was against the law, as a means of self-defense.

Zagan took to another part of the bar, keeping a watchful eye through the closed blinds of the window on any small fight from the riot that could get too close.

Meanwhile, out of all of them, Abraxas sat at the bar, drink in hand, as he shook his head, "You know, I never did think that I'd miss the screams of hell." He cackled almost maniacally, the hood of his jacket threatening to fall off when he threw his head back, laughing.

"Do keep quiet, would you?" Vale sighed, writing a few things down on the clipboard he held, as he took stock of anything else that could be used in a fight, "I'd hate to draw attention to this place; we're lucky enough as is that they won't touch us."

"For now." Zagan scowled.

To this, Abraxas shook his head, grinning up to his older brother, "So this is what became of your legendary secret hitman team? Now I know for sure that Kuro was a great addition."

"And the only one we decided to accept." Vale muttered, shaking his head, "The others you so graciously volunteered couldn't live up to what we needed."

"Deep down, you're just happy that I had a chick replace me." Abraxas grinned.

"Being that 'replaced' is a much more potent term then you mean it to be." Shax mumbled, "The only reason that I did not disown you when you left was because I knew we'd need you again."

"And it's 'cause I'm your loveable little bro!" Abraxas jeered.

"Just be happy that Kuro thinks highly of you." Vale shot at him.

"And that finding a sharpshooter in hell is hard enough." Zagan agreed.

"You guys fucking suck." Abraxas grumbled into his drink, taking another sip, before squeezing his eyes shut, "Damn, this is some strong shit!"
Nothing could stop the light smile from gracing Shax's face, as he gave Abraxas a knowing look, "It's coffee you imbecile."

The bar was then filled with the quiet chuckles of Vale and Zagan's near gut busting laughter, to which Abraxas scowled, "Fine laugh it off, try keep it up when I find my old scope." He muttered bitterly into the cup.

Right before anyone could shoot the younger demon a snarky remark, Zagan backed away from the window, eyes wide, "I'd recommend that we get into defense mode."

"We don't have a defense mode." Vale shot right back, "Besides, it can't be that bad for us to go into full lockdown."

"If that's the case, do you want me to go outside and greet the guards instead?" Zagan shot back.

Vale placed his clipboard onto the countertop, making his way for the windows that Zagan had backed away from. Shax followed right after, ignoring how Abraxas was still fuming over his alcohol-not-alcohol coffee.

The two could only watch in slight horror when the royal guards began to march their way down into Rift, quickly cleaning up the fights with even more blood.

Vale had to take a moment to reel back from that all, when Shax snapped into ordering mode, "Abraxas, I want you stationed on the roof. Keep close eyes on where the guards decide to go. If they get too close and show malicious intent, just like any other included in the riot, dispose of them."

"Sure thing, boss man." Abraxas said in an almost snarky way, quickly getting off of his chair, "By the way, you still have Candi?"

"Under the grill." Shax sighed, walking back over to the bar counter back, "Why do you insist on calling your gun a human name?"

"Maybe it's because I treat my guns and human women the same." Abraxas smirked, "Treat them well so they do their best, maybe give'em an award later on~."

"If you're trying to sound like a cool player, it's not working." Vale called after him as he disappeared into the kitchen, before turning to Shax, "It feels odd to prefer Kuro's presence."

"You're not to only one." Shax admitted, before shaking his head, "If I could, I'd like the both of you to be watching the windows. I'll take over on counting stock."

Vale nodded, going to join Zagan where he stood, said giant sighing as he pulled at his jacket, "It's not looking to good, the crowd is fighting back hard."

It wasn't hard for Shax to hear what the rather loud demon would say, as he picked up Vale's clipboard, looking over what the information broker what might have missed. So far, he held five knives, Kuro's unused sniper, and about two other shards of the metal. Shax sighed, if he was caught he'd make sure to drag Vale down with him by the ear.

"Crap, they're starting to drag people away."

To this, even Shax stood still for a bit, shuddering just a bit. It wasn't a secret, there was little to no chance of getting out alive when the guards took you in, especially when it took place during a riot. At least, that's what Shax would assume since, last he checked, the Barons and Duchess of hell didn't fight.

No, they hired demons like them to take care of that.

Vale mumbled a curse, "They're taking away Dajjal."

"How can you tell?"

"Can you see him from here? He has enough gold on him to light up hell, I swear."

While Shax had never had to chance to meet the demon, he'd heard snippets from here and there about a particular demon that enjoyed golden piercings a bit too much.

Vale sighed, a bit angrier then he'd normally liked to let on, "Dammit, he was one of my main clients; not to mention that there's no one to watch out for his sister now."

"I don't think that that's going to be an issue." Zagan muttered.

As Shax finished counting, he heard Vale murmur, "No, no, Sarlea, what are you doing?"

Shax walked over just in time to watch as a little girl, armed with nothing but what seemed to be a busted bottle, assaulted the guards holding Dajjal hostage. They seemed taken aback for only a moment, before one of the guards grabbed the little girl's wrist, throwing her back before passing Dajjal down a sort of "guard assembly line" to where ever.

Shax watched as Vale backed away from the window, holding his face as he shook his head, "Damn idiot, he should have known better then to get caught out there."

"He was a good friend of yours?" Zagan asked.

To which, Vale scowled, giving Zagan a look, "No, of course not. I prefer a professional relationship with a client, it's simply the fact that I've...done many jobs for him and his sister."

"So, you do care." Zagan summed up with a blank look.

"For the last time, I do not care." Vale murmured, watching as Serlea tried once again to break her brother out of the line, only to be thrown back once again, "It'll just be a lot harder to find work; he was a good connection when it came to finding people, not to mention that a lot of my business came from Dajjal."

"Well, I'd suggest that you find a new connection." Shax shrugged from where he stood, before shaking his head, "I still don't get it."

"What is there to get?" Zagan sighed, "We had a riot and they sent in guards."

"You know as well as I do that they don't care for what happens in Rift." Shax sighed, "At this point, we're our own separate community; if you can call us that."

"But maybe, just maybe, Vale's boyfriend decided to fuck us over." Zagan pushed.

To which, the Tiger demon scowled, "Marax wouldn't have. It has to be someone else, a higher up."

"And why would that be?" Zagan asked, ready to drag the oh so high up down to his level, "You like to go on and on about how your guard friend likes to keep loyalty and justice and shit."

"He also knows that he still owes me for something big." Vale pressed, "Just trust me when I say that he wasn't the one to order this."

"I'd hope so." Shax murmured, shaking his head.

All of this would be a lot lighter on them if they had the apathetic cat demon.

"…Love how you didn't bother to disprove the whole boyfriend thing," Abraxas muttered from his corner, taking another sip of coffee, only to make another face.

The two of them walked down the halls in silence, heading back up to their room. Kuro would allow a stifled giggle here and there, "Boil the hell out of it, I need to remember that." Kuro grinned to herself, more than a bit giddy from the joke.

Meanwhile, Corvus would sneak a look here and there, as they began to climb up the staircase, watching as she shook her head, still laughing lightly to herself. Call him selfish, but he couldn't help but want a bit more.

"Good evening to you, Kuro."

Of course, it wouldn't last.

Kuro looked up with a small smile on her face, before grinning towards the newcomer, "Arc! What's good!?"

The only thing that Corvus liked about the moment was how uncomfortable his brother looked when Kuro walked over, slapping his back all in good fun. He'd never understand how and why common demons would greet each other in such a way, unless maybe this was something that only she did.

"I see that you're done wasting time with Cresil." Corvus injected, giving Arc a knowing look.

Scowling, Arc shook his head, "I see you're finally done wasting Kuro's time." Shot right back, "Besides, she's not the reason I'm here."

The statement peaked Corvus' curiosity, "Oh?"

"Cresil asked me to invite you to Legion's meeting." Arc said rather formally, before nodding to Kuro, "They would like you to come as well."

"And why can't I just chill somewhere else?" Kuro asked, making a face.

"The guard just came back from that riot." Arc said, pushing his glasses up, "We've apprehended a rather...perilous character. Since you are from Rift, general Legion has requested your audience."

"And if I don't agree?" Kuro shot right back. And yet, Corvus could see that small peek of curiosity in her eyes, shining rather brightly as if she was almost dying to know why they'd want her around.

"Then they'll most likely have him executed on the spot." Arc sighed, shrugging. However, under his calm and collected facade, Corvus swore that he could see something else lurking underneath, as if there was a sort of hidden question or statement.

Kuro then mimicked his shrug, a teasing smile on her face, "Well, I guess I'll go. I've got nothing better to do, and if I have to, I'll just snooze in the meeting."

The three walked together, Kuro stuck right in the middle of Corvus and Arc's shared tension. Corvus couldn't help but shoot Arc a sly grin, before stretching an arm out, over Kuro's shoulder. But, before Arc could do anything, Kuro made a face, swatting Corvus' arm off, "I don't want your armpit on my shoulder, thank you very much." Kuro hissed, seeming half irritated and half teasing, before walking on, dashing when a window came into view.

Right when she left, Corvus glared at Arc, who was silently smirking, "And, pray tell, what do you find so amusing?"

"She seems to despise you more than most women, would you not agree?" Arc put forth rather eloquently, "I wouldn't put it out of reach to believe that she'll come around to me before ever putting you to thought."

"That is where you are wrong, dear brother." Corvus insisted, his calm demeanor only betrayed by the way he had hissed the two words, "And yes, she isn't like most. Which will only make winning her over so much sweeter."

Arc kept to silence, much to Corvus' liking. Even with all the smarts in the world, his brother had seemed to forget one fairly game-changing factor in all of this.

Corvus shook his head, slowly drawing closer to Kuro, who leaned on the window absentmindedly, staring outwards. Corvus took a peek outside, only to raise an eyebrow, "What are you looking at?"

"The outside world." Kuro muttered, almost dazed to the point, "It looks nice from up here."

Corvus made a face, before shrugging, "I guess it would to someone of your stature."

To this, her almost dazed expression turned sour, as she once again moved away from the Crow. This only seemed to make his brother all the more happy, "I see that winning her over won't be like all the other hearts you've charmed."

"Do be quiet." Corvus scowled, Arc walking back up to lead them, "Not like you've ever captivated a woman."

Catching up to the two, he listened into the one-sided conversation Arc was having with Kuro. Said cat demon was going on and on about how boring this would be, all while Arc listened, nodding to agree with something she said from time to time.

Corvus couldn't help but scoff a bit at this, he would have tried to offer something to the conversation rather than standing there like a wall. He would have thrown in a compliment here and there, maybe a physical show of affection as well.

That's when the unimaginable happened.

For what seemed to be no reason at all, Kuro had launched up at him, hugging him. Corvus wasn't sure if he should have been angry or jealousy or...No, he couldn't quite name this new last feeling he had.

Scowling, he picked up the pace, walking right behind Kuro. For all he cared, he could be feeling death breathing down his neck. What he didn't get was why Arc didn't follow up on the action. He could have hugged her back, maybe even a kiss on the cheek, but no, he simply walked on, Kuro right next to him.

They were oddly quiet, but it was hard to ignore the small smile on Kuro's face. It never failed to intrigue him on how she could be happy for what seemed to be no apparent reason. But, of course, the downside of that would be she could also get mad for no apparent reason.

Finally, they came to the huge double doors, the dark wood lined with what seemed to be pure gold, the middle of each door holding the red inverted star.

Corvus walked in front of the two, pushing one door open, only to have Arc do the same. Paying the both of them no real attention, Kuro walked right through, leaving the brothers to glare at each other.

"It must burn to know she doesn't like having you around." Arc smirked.

"If I were you, I wouldn't worry too much about it." Corvus said snidely back, before walking in, Arc not too far behind.

The room was a bit too dark for Kuro at first, the only light coming from the burning torches in each corner of the room. In the middle was a long table, that of which held many other demons, most of which clad in armor of the guard. At the head of the table, a being in a black shroud stood, hands open, "I do believe that you are Princess Lilium, yes?"He, or she, spoke with many overlapping voices.

Kuro couldn't help but bow, trying her best to look like the Narcissist that stood behind her, "I'd prefer Kuro, if you don't mind, Fire Lord Ozai."

"...I'm sorry?"

"You know? The last Airbender?" She asked, looking around the room, only to have them all avert their eyes, "Aang? Bald dude with a blue arrow going down his head? Staff-flying thingy?"

She gestured to the room, "It even looks like the fire lord's throne room in here!"

"..."

"Fuck it, you guys suck." Kuro grumbled.

Finally, the figure at the top of the table cleared his throat, "Now then, if I may call this meeting to order."

"Oh, thank Satan." Kuro muttered, walking over to where Arc and Corvus had already been seated, sitting right in between them.

Ignoring her, the being went on, "We've recently caught a rally of Tempters, all of which either the core of or taking part in the recent riot. Marax, bring them in."

"What's a Tempter?" Kuro asked.

"It's a term we used for those who live in the Rift." Arc answered, unphased.

"So…That's what you call poor people?"

"Precisely."

Off to the side, a familiar set of armor stood next to the door, nodding obediently before pulling the door open.

On the other side, five demons walked in, each of them shackled by their wrists and ankles, all in one continuous chain. They marched in, eyes staring into the ground, when one of them caught her eye.

She couldn't place a name, Satan knows that her memory of any line of words would be lost in the mess known as her mind, but she never did forget a face. Especially one that had gold pierced through his nose, four on each ear, and two in his right eyebrow. Those deep purple eyes held many untold secrets, like any information broker would, not to mention his dark hair that spiked up in the oddest places.

"Now then, if you wouldn't mind telling us what happened in the Rift, Zimbar?"

Another nameless suit of armor stood, much less grand then the one that Marax supported, "While on our way to detain the riot, we were able to capture these five Tempters were caught attacking the guard, M'lord Legion."

At the name, Kuro studied the demon standing in the front of all of them. Legion, the official right-hand man of Satan. The one who was many.

Legion nodded, before turning his two red orbs to Kuro, "And what do you have to say to this, Princess Lilium?"

"You understand what 'I'd prefer Kuro' means, right?" Kuro mumbled, keeping her eyes on the familiar face. She swore his name was on the tip of her tongue, what was it?

At her voice, the demon looked up, dark purple eyes pleading, only to be lit with hatred, "Kuro?"

To this, Kuro snapped her fingers, "Oh, now I remember! What's good, Dajjal!?"

To this, Legion sighed, "If you are done with this whole social event; what do we say to this?"

"We cannot allow such acts to go unpunished." One murmured.

"They should all die, sent to the gallows for a public execution." Another agreed.

"Whoa now, hold it, time out!" Kuro exclaimed, standing up.

"Sit back down!" One demanded, only to be silenced by Legion.

Said demon conducted his two red orbs to Kuro, as if looking right through her, "No, let her speak. What does our new princess have to say about these barbarians?"

"Why are you guys so quick to kill them?" Kuro pressed, ignoring the looks she'd get from them all, "I mean, come on, I'm sure that I would fight back too if guards decided to show up and break up a riot."

"And why is that?"Legion countered, "I'm sure a pretty little thing like you is not meant for a fight, much less a riot."

"You'd be surprised." Kuro shot back, before gesturing to them, "If they're so tiny and insignificant, surely you wouldn't mind to just let them back into the Rift; let us low life commoners deal with it, yes?"

Kuro couldn't help but grin to herself, when they began to murmur amongst each other, unsure what to agree with.

Silence was brought back when Legion stepped up, "So tell me, Kuro,"He said, spitting out the name, "You want them released; but we want them punished. Maybe we can come to a halfway point?"

While not as loud, Kuro could hear faint whispers from around the room.

"What's going on?"

"Who does she think she is?"

"He's never met with someone halfway."

"SILENCE!"Legion demanded, before clearing his throat, "So, I am willing to let one of these...fine Rift-walkers go. The only terms I want is that, if we catch them again, they will be executed, no matter the charges. Not even you will be able to save them."

Kuro gave him a look, before pointing to Dajjal, "Then let him go."

"You can't be fucking serious!" One shouted, glaring at Kuro, "You're just going to let the rest of us go get beheaded!?"

"Now now, there's no need to act rude. Besides, it's not like we're giving her much of a choice."Legion shrugged, before walking up to Zimbar, "You were the one I put in charge when we obtained these five; what would you have done?"
"No one would be saved, M'lord Legion." He said stiffly, "They don't deserve another chance."

"The right answer for the right captain."Legion stated, shooting Marax a look, who only stood diligently at his post right before the door, "But, it would appear as if our new friend Kuro here has a bit more authority then you do."

Legion then walked in front of the prisoner that spoke, a hand coming up to hold the demon's face, making him look him in the eye, "And, pray tell, what do you have to say for yourself, Tempter?"

The demon spat in his face, eyes aglow with hate, "May God himself cleanse me before I ever bow to the likes of you." He spat.

Legion wiped the spit off, before turning to the table, "Behold, these are the kinds of demons that our new princess is trying to defend."

"Oh, behold, Legion's all bitter cause he got spit in his eyes." Kuro shot right back, "I'd hate to see how you were in Elementary; probably that kid that had his lunch money stolen while all you did was run and tell big-bad-Satan. Isn't that right, Ozai?"

Before Legion could bite back, the chains rattled. Then, as if to do the unthinkable, the angered demon behind the two broke his chains. He growled, feral eyes landing on Kuro, before he flicked his wrist, a knife falling into place, "So you think that just because you have power now means that you're not one of us?" He growled, before throwing it.

Had it landed, it would have without a doubt went right through Kuro's skull. All she saw before instinctively snapping her eyes shut was a white glove flashing out before her face.

Counting down, it took her some time to realize that she still had both eyes still in the right places of her skull, before taking a peek.

The white glove had gripped the blade so hard, dark red blood seeped into the white cotton. But it wasn't that that got to her, nor was it the fact that someone actually had to skill to pull such a thing off. No, it was the fact that the white gloved hand belonged to none other than Corvus.

"Are you alright?" He asked, grasping her chin to get a better look at her face. She had been so startled she'd actually allowed him to check her over, but only for a moment before batting away his hand, "I'm fine."

Meanwhile, the guards raced to apprehend the demon, quickly pushing him down, hands behind his back, held tightly. All the while, Legion scowled, looking to those at the table, "Is this the kind of demon you want running rampant in our kingdom!? Zimbar, take them to the gallows. ALL of them."

The guard nodded, visibly shaking in his boots, before bowing, "Of course, M'lord Legion." He said obediently, before grabbing the chain, hauling off the other four demons, including Dajjal.

"Hey, you said you'd let him free!" Kuro snapped.

"But they've made themselves known as a threat."Legion shot right back, "By one of them being a threat, they are all put to blame. ALL of them."

He then addressed the demons at the table, "With that, I conclude this session; you're all dismissed."

And just like that, Kuro found herself outside, the doors closing in her face, nearly hitting her in the nose.

She grinded her teeth together, before curling her fingers into a fist, "That red-eyed son of an angel, two-faced, jerk-wad, dick shit faggot!" Kuro shouted, punching the door so hard she'd left a crack not only in the wood, but also through her skin, "And fuck this huge ass fucking door! I mean, come on, who needs a door the fucking size of Appa!?"

She whipped around to Arc and Corvus, both of whom stood right behind her, "Lemme guess, you both don't get it."

When she got no answer from the both of them, she growled, "I don't know why I bother anymore, I really don't!"

She huffed, holding her forehead, before walking off, "I need a fucking nap. Later." She didn't wait for a response, before walking off, irritation etched over her face.