A/N: *waves a white flag before poking head out of hiding place* Gomenasai. I know I should've updated sooner but I was caught up in the real world, preparing for the board exams. My ideas were so jumbled up that I had to rewrite this twice simply because the original draft didn't come out to my liking.

Acknowledgements: Thank you guys. Your reviews mean so much to me.

Satomika: I've always preferred the novels rather than movie adaptations. Movies tend to miss out a lot. Oh, NLE stands for Nurses' Licensure Exam, it's the board exam for nurses. It's my first time taking it this December. Yes, I'm familiar with Lauren Kate's Fallen. I like Luce's character. You should try Hush hush if you haven't read it yet. This fic sort of runs along the same themes, fallen angels and all; maybe that's why you're reminded of it. About Lilith and Fuuko, that's one more similarity I wasn't able to look up but I assure you similarities and contrasts had been taken into consideration. I did say I did a lot of research for this fic but new info is always welcome. About the demon thing, I've thought of how to fit it best in the plot but I won't go all out demonic. A sinful Mi-chan and Fuuko, I can tolerate (they look sinful enough... sighs dreamily at thought of Mi-chan) but I can't really see them as devils.

Shirayuki sayura: I'm sorry I got your name wrong in the interlude. I've corrected that days ago. Yes, I'm having a hard time writing not only last chapter but this story in general. Fuuko and Tokiya seem very OOC to me (Needs opinions regarding that). I'm enjoying writing this fic, nonetheless. Lilith as a succubus, I have plans about that but not too much. I hope you like this chapter too.

Abubi-chan: You're right. I can't possibly have the heart to end this in just one more chapter. This story has me wrapped in its little finger. I've also noticed that the FoR fandom is down lately. There are a lot of fics with wonderful plots yet remain unfinished. It makes me sad really. Thank you for thinking I'm good. Sometimes, I doubt if I have enough talent to write fiction and seeing reviews like yours brighten up my day. I'm glad to be of help in your studies (even in some twisted sense)

This chapter is for the reviewers of this fiction. Enjoy!

Standard Disclaimer still applies

Other God by Anne Raven

Chapter 3

Part 1: Disobedience and Desire

The Law and Sin

7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.

-Romans 7:7-13

Caught up in the strong currents of our societal norms today, oftentimes we take for granted the importance of free will. Mankind tends to use it too liberally that sometimes, we forget that free will has a partner called responsibility.

I couldn't believe what I heard, from whom I heard it and to whom it was directed to. Nonetheless, my eyes stayed on the girl, occasionally glancing at my former self. What a shock! I could only be thankful that my brain was incapable of ' not thinking'. Right now, it was busy processing. I had to acknowledge the three conclusions it made.

First, the Fuuko look-a-like was not Eve. Samael expressly called her Lilith.

Second, Samael was stepping beyond the boundaries of his role as Guardian Angel to Lilith.

Third, there was no way on earth, much less in heaven, that that was allowed.

Sometimes, my brain is too smart for its own good. It's trying to scream a fourth conclusion I refuse to concede. But a glimpse of it is enough to unsettle me.

Samael could be falling in love with Lilith. What implications could that have? Is it feasible that I could fall in love with Fuuko, whether it is in the past, present or future?

And so the staring game proceeded. It felt like a contest on who could stare the longest at a certain purple-headed female, a contest between me and Samael, me and myself. I felt every bit like the voyeur enjoying himself at the sight of her.

I couldn't help but note more of the similarities Lilith shared with Fuuko like the way she pouts when she's absorbed by the things she's doing, or the fact that she couldn't sit still for a span of time, even the way she tucks stray strands of hair behind her ear, so reminiscent of Fuuko.

A little voice coming from my inner self was telling me that I'm paying too much attention to the monkey. That just had to stop. As if she'd stop badgering me…

Then, she started humming. I wonder if the present Fuuko still had such a soft sweet voice. I'd like to be able to hear it again because she was so rudely interrupted.

"What are you doing now, Lilith?" Adam, I'm assuming this was Adam since no other man could be in Eden, said.

Lilith turned to look at him. I could plainly see a trace of annoyance in her face. It was either Adam was unaware or he was used to it not to be concerned.

"Is there anything you need, Adam? I could put this down for a while and help you." She replied.

"Why don't you stop that altogether and focus on more important things? Whatever you're doing is completely pointless." He said ruffling his short auburn hair in a way that reminded me of Hanabishi not that Adam looked anything like the flame caster. It's just the act, I assure you.

Lilith scowled. "I don't understand why I always end up disagreeing with you. Maybe it's your attitude." She uttered flatly.

"It's not your place to disagree with me." Adam crossed his arms as a sign of indignation.

"Really, now? Who told you so?" Lilith mimicked his action.

"God." He answered with a pronounced smirk.

"I don't remember being told that I don't have the right to disagree." Lilith retorted.

"You're my wife. You're supposed to agree with me."

"I'm your wife. I'm supposed to put sense into you."

I was amused by what I saw. It was so typical of Fuuko not to back down on anyone, to make sure she was on the same level, to be equal, so to speak. It's one of the traits I admire in her.

I took another look at Samael and even though it was apparent that he found something entertaining in Adam and Lilith's conversation, I did not miss the peculiar glint in his eyes. Maybe because I was so used of seeing them in my own… pain.

He was in pain, that I was sure. I don't want to know why.

"Why don't you try to understand her? That's all she's asking from you. Adam?" the tenshi whispered.

"I'm making this for you so you won't feel cold during the night." Lilith said gesturing to the product of her weaving.

"We're not angels. I don't need that." Adam replied.

"We're not animals either. You're not a bear; you don't have fur." Lilith reasoned. "Why don't you appreciate the things I do? Why don't you understand me? That's all I've ever asked from you." She added desperately.

Wasn't that Samael's exact words? Did he whisper that in her ear?

"You are so," Adam started scratching his head while trying to find an appropriate word, "Weird."

"And you're so insensitive. I don't know why I put up with this or rather put up with you. I am so fed up with arguing with you all the time. Really, I don't mind the arguments it's just that…" Lilith was obviously fuming but was trying to stop the onslaught of words.

"Whatever do you mean, Lilith?"

For some reason, I was starting to hate Adam myself.

"It's your beliefs that I hate so much. Just because I'm female doesn't make me a lesser being. I'm not your slave so don't order me around. We can always work together." She picked up her work and walked away. "But I see that's not how you want things."

I felt Samael move, his wings extended slightly, his face contorted in confusion. "What are you planning to do, Lilith?"

Without warning, Lilith grew wings on her back and unfurled it to its full span. Needles to say, I was surprised. Samael was too. What transpired next happened too fast.

Lilith flew away, leaving Eden and all its glory. The next thing I knew, Samael was no longer beside me. And I spotted him flying towards the direction Lilith took.

I didn't fail to notice the impish grin that adorned Adam's boyish face leaving no doubts whatsoever that Lilith's departure, to him, was like a feast day.

And Samael's reaction was enough to tell me everything I needed to know.

It was in this state that the blinding light that transported me to this place earlier engulfed me once again to be whisked to another place, another time, another memory.

Part 2: Exile from Eden

You are a foreigner and also an exile from your home.You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may theLord showsteadfast love and faithfulness to you."

-2 Samuel 15:19-20

Human Physiology tells us that there are two major responses to stress. It's either you go for Fight or you opt for Flight. And in some cases, escape is the only option available. How bad can exile be if it's of your own choosing?

Fear is one of those words that are foreign to me. Although I have experienced it, those moments were few and span years in between that it did not help accustom me to the feeling. Now, I cannot help but be afraid.

I don't mind being alone but if I am, Tokiya must also be. And I still have Ensui with me tucked safely beside Fuujin inside the backpack I thoughtlessly lugged around before embarking on this journey.

There lies my anxiety. What if something happened to him? He wouldn't be able to protect himself. And I wouldn't be able to live with myself if he got hurt or whatever. Some kind of friend I am leaving him when he's injured, somewhat.

It's a good thing I've successfully staunched the bleeding from my finger using my very bloodied handkerchief. Funny, I couldn't even distinguish my blood from Tokiya's.

Fuuko Kirisawa, get hold of yourself and stop thinking about the silver-headed iceberg. Focus on your predicament.

Okay… Where on earth are you, Lilith? You can't just fly off like that. Although, I'm glad you did. Adam is definitely getting into my nerves with his 'I'm a man and you're a woman so be submissive charade'. I ought to gut him alive for that.

"Fuuko…"

That voice… I wondered when I'd hear it again. I wouldn't even mind if I heard it call me monkey. I was just happy, nay, ecstatic to hear it again.

"Tokiya!" I flung myself at him. I was so glad he wasn't hurt that I didn't care if he'd behead me after. But never did I expect what he did.

He hugged me back wrapping his arms tightly around my waist that I was lifted a few inches off the ground.

Recovering from the initial shock, I allowed a stream of questions and thoughts come out of my mouth. "Where were you? I was so worried and I still have Ensui. What if you needed it? I wouldn't know what to do if something happened to you."

"Shut up. You talk too much, monkey." I ignored the remarks completely. They were meant to be hurtful but I knew he was faking it because he never let go as he said those words. But I pouted and narrowed my eyes just to play along.

His mouth twitched in a semblance of a small smile indicating he knew I was playing along.

"How's your trip down memory lane?" he asked as he set me down.

"Horrible. Adam is insufferable. God must have had heat stroke when He paired me with the guy. You should've seen the arguments we got into." I ranted.

"I've seen some of your fights to believe how much you hate the guy."

Talking about my past life with him seemed natural as if I've always shared it with him. Accepting that I was Lilith was easy. I liked her and she reminded me so much of myself. I just can't see where Tokiya fits into all of these. He said he knew of my fights with Adam. How?

Answers to those questions had to wait because at that moment, a strong gust of wind blew announcing the arrival of Lilith. The moment she landed, her wings molted, the individual feathers carried by the wind. Tokiya and I were watching her intently, waiting what she'd do next. It was then that she slumped and started crying.

I wanted to comfort her but I knew I couldn't. I'd just pass through her like the first time I tried touching her. I hugged myself instead.

For all talks of him being the cruelest member of Hokage, I've got to give him some credit. Tokiya, really, is a nice guy. He's just having trouble showing it. And little gestures like putting a firm but gentle hand on my shoulder was more than enough to console me. I turned to look straight into his eyes and silently communicate my gratitude. Kami, those baby blue pools were unfathomable.

"Lilith, don't cry."

Did I hear right? His voice was so warm and gentle. But I didn't even see his lips move. He tore his gaze away from mine and I followed his line of vision. There, kneeling beside the sobbing Lilith offering her the consolation I couldn't give was a man identical to the one beside me made more ethereal by the wings on his back as if he wasn't perfect enough to start with. He held her close to him muffling the soft cries that racked her frame.

I was too filled with emotions to take my eyes off the scene in front of me that I was unprepared when I felt lips brush against the shell of my ear. I couldn't suppress the shudder running down my spine hearing Tokiya whisper.

"I'm your angel."

At the back of my mind, those words meant more than an explanation to what I was seeing.

My angel… I just had to smile at that.

TBC

A/N: For some reason, I felt giddy writing those last few lines. Sorry for typo and grammatical errors. No time to proof read and no beta-reader. Still too busy.

Next chapter: Temptation abound. I might even put Lucifer in there. Hmm. I think I will….

Please review..

Yours,

Anne Raven