A/N: Okay… before you guys throw stones at me for taking too long to update, hear me out. I wanted to try something in this chapter and I hope readers of this fic don't get confused or disappointed. In this chapter, we're going to look through the eyes of an infamous character among others. Unexpected POVs abound. Be reminded that, in this fic, Tokiya is Samael and Fuuko is Lilith. I wanted readers to feel the temptation being thrown in this fic and I can't achieve that effectively if I stay in Tokiya or Fuuko's POV. Also, lines in italics are thoughts projected telepathically.

My apologies. I just realized I made a mistake in the previous chapters. I mentioned that Eve was taken from Adam's hip. Kami, she was taken from his rib. My bad. I didn't review that at the time but I kind of need the info soon.

Acknowledgements: Thank you guys so much.

To abubi-chan: here's next chapter. More on religion and I did promise temptation, right. Enjoy.

To satomika: Lucifer in this chapter, as requested. You could download Hush, hush (the e-book) from wattpad. Thanks for the heads up about Lilith and Fuuko. I have a few more scandalous revelations.

To thepinkmartini: ooh.. new reviewer. Glad you were interested reading the story as I am interested in writing it. This fic certainly is my baby.. hehe

Standard Disclaimer still applies

Other God by Anne Raven

Chapter 4: A Call to Temptation

For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;

but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.

Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.

She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.

-Proverbs 5:3-6

-Through the eyes of Lucifer, the Fallen-

Why does Temptation have to sound so good? Because everything that proceeds it is terrible. And the deed is always done before you realize you should've said no. And the next time you come across the bait, you still say yes, a thousand times yes.

I have been watching from the very start. I know how much you want her, desire her, need her. I'll let you in on a secret. She wants you too. She's been waiting for someone like you.

Talk to me, Samael. I know you can hear me. She's fast asleep and can't hear us. And the Almighty, He's not as All-Knowing as you believe.

"Stay away from me, Lucifer." He told me.

"Oh my! I appreciate that. Gabriel, Michael, Uriel, Raphael, the others, they don't call me that anymore." Finally, he acknowledges my presence. And looked at me albeit with narrowed eyes and his infamous glare that could kill, almost.

"Why should I believe you? I clearly remember Gabriel calling you by your first name before I descended." His cold indifference was vainly trying to hide his anger. I liked his anger.

"We met in battle and he never called me my name." With Samael, I knew I had to push the right buttons but which but which buttons were right, I'm not really sure.

"When?" He was contemplating but that does not mean I pushed the right button.

"Not too long ago." I was amused by the way he laughed at my statement, a dark chuckle that could rival my own.

"Did you really? You make it sound as if you waited for me to follow Lilith before you struck war against Gabriel and Heaven's Army."

It was my turn to laugh at his assumptions.

"Sharp, very sharp, Samael. You have always been the most perceptive amongst the Archangels, most skilled, most adept. It's probably why I like you best and why God chose you to become her Guardian."

Fond… I was undeniably fond of this angel. I couldn't hide the admiration as I fingered the pure white wings I once used to have, the silver-gray hair that glimmered in the moonlight, and the pale skin that seemed to radiate with its own internal light. Beautiful he was. Beautiful and cold, such a wondrous combination.

"Stay away from me and don't you dare drag her into this conversation."

"Protective, ne? I don't blame you though. Lilith is beautiful… and fascinating unlike Adam who bored me to death when I was still his Guardian. I'm pretty sure my thoughts would stray if she was my ward." I can feel him flaring.

"Watch your tongue, Lucifer." Even the way he throws threats is wonderful to me.

"Samael, you need not hide from me. I see through you and I can see through her. And my Sight reaches very far. And I see the two of you together." I have been used to telling half-truths and whole lies but the truth can serve my purpose as well.

I wanted him and I wanted her. Who wouldn't covet such beings?

He walked away from me heading towards the cave where she rested. Such an unfitting place in the most barren region of the Sea of Reeds for such magnificent creatures. I was beside him in a blink of an eye.

He was crouched beside the sleeping form of the former angel. With her, he was always tender. He brushed the traces of tears on her face. She fell asleep crying. She fell asleep cradled in his arms. The only weakness in Samael's otherwise infallible shield. I'm excited to think how far I can push to see that crumble.

He will succumb to me.

She will succumb to me.

I will have them both.

"Tell me. Answer my questions, Lucifer." Samael said without looking at me.

"I thought you wanted me to stay away." I wanted so to lure him.

"Spare me your theatrics. I need answers only you could provide. I do not enjoy being clueless." How I want this angel so.

"Why did she leave Eden? Did you tell her to?" There was venom in his voice.

"No, I did not tell her to." To which I was glad as it saved me time but truly I intended to.

It was the only way I could keep them out of war's way. I do not want my Lilith hurt. I have so many plans for her. I knew Samael would follow if she left. I certainly do not want him in battle specially since he's on the other side of the fence. Of course, I'll reconsider when he's on my side.

"Liar!" he hissed.

"I would've bragged about it by now. She decided to do that herself." Yes, for the duration of this conversation, I would be telling truths.

"Why would she do that?" It came out as a whisper but he shouted it to me telepathically.

"Samael, if you were in her position, what would you do?" silence engulfed us.

Samael was the type that was at peace with quiescence but I can tell that internally there was a barrage of emotions wanting to get loose.

"I think you would've done the same." I supplied for him.

He glared at me again. I have been the subject of his displeasure too much. Displacement? Could be.

I looked at him in a way that told him to listen.

"Lilith, she is alone. Even with Adam to keep her company, she remains aloof. She is different from him. That is why they never connected on the same level. It's why he never understood her."

"Lilith's dream soul yearns for something that would understand and accept her completely. Not even the beauty and grandeur of Eden can eclipse that dream. Eden suddenly became her prison, God her gaoler and Adam her personal tormentor. Had she stayed in heaven, she would be a happier woman." Samael was hanging on every word.

"Everyone says that God is good, Samael. But He can be cruel sometimes." The Archangel no longer glared at me.

"Samael, you can try fooling me but you can never fool yourself. You have loved her the moment you laid your eyes on her. Everything that the foolish Adam detested in her, you have grown to cherish: her independence, her fiery spirit, her formidable will. I cannot blame you for falling in love with her. Really, what is not to love?" He resumes his attention to her.

"Enough. Leave."

I have done what I can with Samael. It is time to gamble for Lilith. I cannot afford to gain one yet lose the other. The bait has been laid; now, for the setting of the trap.

I focus my attention to the still sleeping maiden.

Lilith, can you hear me? Lilith, what is it to be like you? What does it feel to be born into this world an angel but live it as human? Are you lonely? Did Adam love you… like he was supposed to? Do you wish there was someone else?

You cannot dream forever because if you do, you'll miss the real thing. I want you to be happy. You deserve to be. Talk to me, dearest.

She does not stir but her consciousness reaches out for me.

I know you. I had been warned against your corruption.

Her mind brushed against mine: sweet and soft, vibrant and alive, strong… melancholic.

Do not be so wary of me, Lilith. Wake up. I give you a chance to be happy.

She considers what I say and sets aside her suspicions. I leave her in his company but I watch.

I always keep watch.

-The Thoughts of Lilith, the First Female-

I opened my eyes remembering the enticing words of the Fallen One. I was told time and again not to listen, not to believe a single thing that the silver-tongued snake says. But upon awakening, the only words etched in fire that ran through my mind were:

I give you the chance to be happy.

Those thoughts rang clearly as I stared at icy blue pools that despite their color, were very warm. I tried to salvage a memory wherein Adam would look at me that way but found none and for goodness' sake he had chocolate brown eyes that were suppose to evince warmth. I shook my head willing the memories away.

"Is there anything wrong, Lilith? Does anything hurt?" I wanted to cry because for the first time, I felt that someone was genuinely concerned for me. To think that a complete stranger is making me feel this way.

"No. Would you mind telling me your name?" I managed to choke out despite the soreness of my throat from all that sobbing.

"My name is Samael. I am your appointed Guardian." He explained briefly.

I didn't miss the way his forehead suddenly creased with the look of worry on his face.

"Is your throat sore?" This said, he reached out and started caressing the side of my neck to soothe the aching I felt.

How gentle, how warm his hand. I closed my eyes savoring the tingling sensations his fingers left as they come in contact with my skin.

But I brushed his hand off afraid that I might get burned by the intensity of such feelings.

"Please, don't do that again." I almost pleaded. I might not be able to handle the situation if it should happen again.

"I'm sorry. I forget that you don't know me whereas I've known you for quite a long time." I could tell he was very apologetic and I wanted to tell him that he didn't offend me. But how would I do that knowing that if I do tell him, I'd eventually end up saying that I liked the way he touched me?

I remained quiet and it was uncharacteristic of me, I know. If it were Adam I was talking to, I would've readily engaged into conversation specially if he was this accommodating. For the moment, I was contented to look at him.

I wonder why it didn't feel awkward or seemed rude that we were staring at each other. I smiled and reached out to touch his wings.

"What are you doing?" He was suddenly annoyed by my advances.

"I have this silly infatuation with wings." I simply explained surprised that I was telling him so much about me.

"Don't you have your own?" It was a statement not a question.

My own wings? I do. But I was forbidden to use them. I didn't want him to see the pain eating at me. I remember seeing my wings molt earlier. I was allowed to keep them but never use them, show them even. I'm even amazed I got this far. I clearly disobeyed the Father. I couldn't smile so I retorted instead.

"What's wrong touching yours? Histrionic."

"I don't like it when others touch my wings. It makes me feel exposed." I never thought I'd see an angel scowling.

"For an angel, you sure are surly." I countered

"I get that a lot." He admitted.

"Why don't you smile to prove they're wrong?" I reached out to pinch his cheeks to try to lift the corners of his mouth into a smile. But he stopped me.

"Has anyone told you you're annoying?" I could tell my Guardian was thoroughly piqued.

"I get that a lot." I giggled using his words.

He looked at me in a way that communicated that he was amused. He lifted my hand, the one he caught, to his lips.

It was my first kiss.

-The Secrets of Samael, the Descended Archangel-

I was finally given the chance to talk to her and the experience was sublime.

"Samael…" It was the first time she said my name and it sounded wonderful from her lips. "I'd like to get my hand back now."

I noticed the faint blush on her cheeks. She smiled.

"Thank you, for staying with me. You don't know how much that means to me." She said.

"I am your Guardian." I said to explain my actions.

"It's not just that. I… I feel that I could trust you. I feel at ease when I'm with you. I like this feeling." She blushes more and I was tempted to run a finger across her cheeks.

"I'll stay with you as long as you want me to." I told her simply.

"Even if I want you forever?" She asked mischievously. The ever so playful Lilith, I can only hope you mean it and that you are not just playing.

My heart was beating erratically. I swear that she would be the death of me. Everything she does makes me love her more.

Love? Do I really love you, Lilith? Was Lucifer right that despite your independence, your annoying nature, your indomitable will… that I really do love you?

Yes…

But no matter how intense those feelings are, there is nothing I can do. The only way I can love you is from afar.

I know these thoughts are wrong. I know I should forget them. You belong to another man yet I cannot ignore these feelings. Maybe if Adam loved you even half the love I have for you, I might let you go. Seeing you across me smiling at me in a way I never saw you smile at him, it only strengthens my beliefs that you would be happier… if you were bound to me.

God forbid me from giving in to my desires. But for now while we are together, let me love her.

Allow me to pretend that she's mine.

TBC

A/N: wow.. another chapter done.. Well, I fervently hope that whenever I mention Samael and Lilith, you see Tokiya and Fuuko's faces. (else this chapter is useless)

Here, Tokiya is the first one to fall in love with Fuuko. I noticed that may fics have Fuuko falling in love with Tokiya first. Here's a counter.

Sorry for any typo or grammatical errors I don't have time to edit.

Lucifer's Line: "I see through you and I can see through her. And my Sight reaches very far. And I see the two of you together." Yes, he means he sees present-day Tokiya and Fuuko.

Samael's line: "I clearly remember Gabriel calling you by your first name before I descended." emphasis on descended. Descended angels are different from fallen angels. Fallen angels are those who sinned. Descended angels are those who came down from heaven willingly for a purpose.

For the scandalous revelations: According to the Gnosis, the second letter of the name Samael is mem meaning 'water'. Also, Samael is known to be the master of the Zodiac Scorpio, a water sign. If you guys remember, Mi-chan is born on November 13 making him a Scorpio.

Freaky right?

Until next installment.. And please do review this one.