The day before Suzuno's failed seduction, after dropping Emi off at her house, Suzuno was sitting in the back seat of her driver's taxi, thinking hard as she was chauffeured to Sasazuka faster than most people dared to drive. She had her arms folded in front of her, staring out of the window as she pondered her situation.
It was clear to her that she was infatuated with Urushihara, but it was far more than physical… it was almost a need, or an obsession. Unfortunately, Crestia Bell, the Inquisitor of the Church, was not much of a lover. Sure, she'd had missions where it was required she take drastic measures, but she'd always been pardoned afterward, and she never went all the way. She was a killer, and sometimes that meant using her tongue to force poison down her victim's throat.
She gagged a little as the memories floated to the surface.
"Blergh," she said, threatening to vomit upon the floor.
"You alright back there," the driver asked.
"Pull over!"
He did as bidden, slamming on his breaks and swerving across two lanes to get close to the sidewalk. Suzuno threw open the door to the taxi and sprinted for an alleyway, her stomach purging itself of bile as her throat burned and her eyes watered.
When she was finished, she leaned against the wall of the alleyway, crying and panting as she felt her world spin around her.
She was in love with a fallen angel, her sworn enemy, and the most demonized figure in all Ente Isla, including Satan Jacob… but the more she thought about it, the more she came to terms with the fact that he had been right to leave Heaven. He hadn't simply done it because he wanted to, there was far more to it than that.
"Are you alright, Ms. Kamazuki," her driver called.
"Change of plans," Suzuno said, spitting to remove the taste of vomit, "we need to make a stop before I return to the Villa Rosa."
And that was why, half an hour later, Suzuno was striding up the bleach white steps of Tokyo Counseling Services, wherein she marched up to the front desk and inquired about visitation.
"We generally don't allow visitors unless you're a direct relative of the patient, I'm sorry," the lady at the desk said.
"Please, it's very important. I am a close personal friend of Rika's, and I need to speak with her," Suzuno said, fighting the urge to simply use magic and do things the easy way.
"There's just no way I can-"
"Suzuno?"
The Inquisitor whipped around to find Ashiya and Rika standing behind her, looking as though they'd just arrived from somewhere. They both had their coats on, as the nights were getting colder, and their cheeks were pink.
"Rika! Thank goodness, I need your help," Suzuno said, walking up to the demon and the human.
"Rika is in no fit state to be bothered," Ashiya chided, "any concerns will have to go through me."
"This is a personal matter," Suzuno growled, "and I have no problem going through you."
Suzuno reached up and menacingly plucked her hair clip from her head, letting her hair fall about her shoulders as she tossed the clip up and down. Anyone else might've been misled by the scene, but Ashiya knew full well the power of Suzuno's hammer.
"Your threats do you little credit," Ashiya said in an undertone, sweat beading his forehead, "however… if Rika has no objections…"
"It'll be fine," Rika said, picking up on Suzuno's attitude and developing several theories, "could you please carry everything up to my room? Me and Suzuno are gonna go sit in the tea shop."
"As you wish," Ashiya said, bowing to the women before taking Rika's shopping and marching off towards the elevator.
"This place has a tea shop," Suzuno asked.
"This place has an indoor swimming pool, too," Rika said, smiling widely as she lead Suzuno into the small, separate area with a counter and baristas.
They sat in a corner booth where they could be sure no one was listening, and then Suzuno proceeded to cast the same spell as she had earlier with Emi. The pressure caused Rika to shiver and look around uneasily before smiling at Suzuno once more.
"C'mon, out with it," Rika said suddenly, putting her hand on Suzuno's, "what is it? What's the scoop? How have you been?"
Suzuno raised an eyebrow. She was sure Rika would still be bedridden and full of anguish and confusion… she had just found out that another world existed, after all, and that it was filled with demons, angels, and magic. How could she still be so upbeat and outgoing, even after having her reality turned on its head?
"Ms. Suzuki-"
"Rika."
"Fine," Suzuno said, "Rika it is… am I correct in assuming Ashiya has told you about Ente Isla?"
"Yep," Rika said, "and I'll tell you the same thing I told Maou! I want to keep my memories, so if that's why you're here-"
"No, I'm not-that's not why… I was only wondering if you knew who I was, before I came here," Suzuno asked, leaning forward slightly.
"High Inquisitor Crestia Bell, right?"
"Uh, yeah," Suzuno said, put off by how happy Rika was.
A barista came over and took their orders, belaying the conversation until he was out of earshot. Finally, Suzuno asked a more serious question.
"Then you know what I've done? You know what I was tasked with doing while I worked as the Church's butcher?"
"Ashiya told me a bit about it," Rika admitted, smiling apologetically, "but still, I don't think any less of you! I promise, you'll always be sweet, lovable Suzuno to me!"
"And what of Urushihara," Suzuno asked quickly, keeping her eyes fixed upon Rika's face.
Rika took a sip of her coffee before inhaling deeply and fanning her lips. She mumbled, shaking her head as she blinked away tears.
"Sorry, the coffee's really hot… anyway, what about Urushihara?"
"Well, I suppose my first question is what do you know about him?"
"From what Ashiya says, he's a lazy, good for nothing lay-about," Rika shrugged, "is there really more to him?"
"He is Ente Islan," Suzuno murmured, "but he's also so much more. Have you ever heard the name 'Lucifer'?"
"You mean, the Devil? Like… like Maou," Rika whispered.
"No, Lucifer," Suzuno said, shaking her head, "the fallen angel?"
"Yeah, the Devil!"
"No, the Devil is Satan Jacob, or Maou… Urushihara, that lay-about, is the fallen angel, Lucifer."
"Wait, so there are two Devils? I'm confused…"
Suzuno sighed, unsure of where to begin. She could tell Rika was trying her best to remain engaged and focused, but it was obviously difficult for her, as she hadn't quite healed completely.
"No, Lucifer is not the Devil, he his Satan's subordinate."
Suzuno paused, taking a long draught of her green tea. It was rather bland and tasteless, and for how much she'd paid for it, she thought it would've come with some honey in it. With a sigh, she tore open a packet of fake sugar to put in to her tea, stirring it with her straw as Rika absorbed this new information.
"Y'know what, Rika? You're doing much better than I expected, considering all that you know about us," Suzuno remarked with a kind smile.
"I was terrified at first. Ashiya told me about all kinds of terrible things in the Demon World, and he told me about angels and a church, and islands in the shape of a cross," Rika said quietly, "but then I let it sort of sink in, and from what he says, it's extremely difficult to open a gate that'll bring you here to Earth. He also says that you are completely drained of your magic when you arrive, so it helps to protect us normal humans. Then there's the fact that it all just seems so distant and far off… maybe I just don't really feel all that affected by it. I mean, don't get me wrong, I have been affected by it, but you're all so down to Earth and friendly, so I suppose it hasn't really hit me full force yet."
"I'm glad you feel that way, but back to the matter at hand," Suzuno said, "what are your thoughts on Lucifer?"
"From what I know of the bible, he was God's chosen, and the leader of the Archangels," Rika said, thinking hard, "but then he started a revolt, because God wouldn't help the humans, and because he thought that Angels should play a more active role in the upbringing of our young species. In the end, Lucifer and his army of rebels were struck down by the Lord, and they fell from grace, becoming fallen angels. I forget what comes next, but I think Lucifer is cast into hell, and takes the title of the Devil."
"But what about Urushihara? Have you ever met him?"
"I… no, I don't think I have… I may have seen him once or twice, but I don't recall ever actually meeting him."
"Alright, Rika, I'm going to pose a serious question now, and the contents of the conversation must remain between us. Is that understood? No one can know about this, that includes Emi, Maou, Ashiya, and anyone else! It's top secret and highly controversial…"
"I pinky promise I won't tell another living soul," Rika said, holding out her pinky towards Suzuno, who looked at it rather quizzically.
"I guess you don't know what a pinky promise is," Rika sighed, trying not to laugh, "ok, just hold out your pinky like I am… good, and now we just…"
Rika wrapped her pinky around Suzuno's, shaking their hands up and down as they did so. Suzuno was not fond of the sensation, as it felt like Rika could snap her pinky right off at any moment.
"Is this how humans make binding contracts here," Suzuno asked.
"This is how the most loyal people do it," Rika said happily, "if you're going for legally binding, there's a notary in every bank."
"Perhaps we should seek out this notary," Suzuno posed, causing Rika to burst out laughing.
"Sorry, it's just… between us, a pinky promise is better than a notary… trust me, I take these things seriously. Now, tell me, Suzuno, what's your question?"
"Ok, just to reiterate, you know who I am… you also know who Lucifer is, though you seem have a slightly different version of events than those that actually transpired. My question is this: knowing what you do about me and Urushihara, or Lucifer… what is-erm- the best way for me to become closer to this person?"
"You mean… close as in… intimate? Or close as in becoming friends and getting them to open up," Rika asked, trying to clarify for the sake of not making any mistakes in her judgements.
"What's the difference," Suzuno asked with a frown, tilting her head as she looked at Rika.
"Well… anyone can be intimate with another person, it's all physical, there doesn't need to be any connection, more than being attracted to what's on the surface. Being friends requires a lot of work, though sometimes it just happens out of nowhere, but if you want to be friends with someone, I'd suggest you don't try too hard. If you do, you only end up forcing a friendship, whereas it's supposed to be something fun and enjoyable for both parties."
"When you speak of intimacy, are you referring to coitus," Suzuno asked bluntly.
Rika nearly spat out her coffee. Instead, she simply swallowed a little harder than usual and thumped her chest as she coughed, pain welling in her abdomen as she tried to recover.
"Well, yeah, but I'm not recommending that you-I mean-"
"I am much older than I look Rika," Suzuno said quietly, "and I am not above trying such tactics… imagine, for a moment, that you met the Angel, Lucifer, from your bible. He is handsome and reserved, but you know that he cares, and you would do anything to draw out the passion he showed before he fell from grace… what would you do? If you thought he could help you to abolish a Church run by fools, and overthrow an archaic hierarchy of angels long overdue for a dismantling, how would you make it happen?"
"Honestly… I have no idea what I'd do," Rika said, smiling as she pondered the question, "this whole thing sorta goes over my head, but I can give you a couple good, general pieces of advice… first and foremost, be direct about your motives… guys are idiots. Make what you want clear to him! Secondly, it sounds like there's a lot more riding on this than I know, so… I would recommend you do whatever you feel most comfortable with. If you're friends already, then maybe it's time to kick things up a notch."
Suzuno was quiet for a moment as she contemplated everything Rika had said, drawing her own conclusions from the woman's advice as she breathed in the scent of her green tea with her eyes closed. Finally, she opened her eyes and drained her cup before standing.
"You've been most helpful, Rika. Thank you for your advice, I'll make use of it in the tribulations to come, I assure you. For now-"
"Wait," Rika said suddenly, looking rather scandalized, "you can't possibly think about leaving right now! I thought you were going to hang out with me! You could spend the night if you wanted, and we could talk more about-uh-stuff."
"I had hoped to begin preparations as soon as possible," Suzuno said, looking at the clock on her phone," but I suppose it is late… I can't believe we've been talking since twenty-two hundred," Suzuno muttered to herself.
"Is that military time," Rika asked.
"It is the time format most often used by formal organizations, yes," Suzuno agreed, "and if you don't mind, I would indeed take you up on the offer to spend the night."
"Yes," Rika said, pumping her fist into the air, "we are gonna get so much done tomorrow, just wait and see!"
Rika lead Suzuno out of the tea shop by the hand, dragging the short girl along as she made for her patient's suite on the top floor.
"What-what are we going to do tomorrow," Suzuno asked.
"I'm taking us for a girl's day out, my treat," Rika said happily, stars in her eyes as she laid out her plans for the day.
"First I'm thinking we go for a soak in the hot tub, then we can do brunch at this cute little restaurant, and we can get mani-pedis after that. We can hit a clothes store, too, and see about spicing up one of your kimonos, and then I'm thinking we go out and get massages and finish off at the salon for a full makeover!"
Suzuno simply allowed herself to be pulled into the elevator as Rika spoke, her stream of ideas continuing nonstop as the elevator ascended to the top floor of the psychiatric institution.
The next day was filled with quite a few more activities than Rika had originally planned. However, because Ashiya was so protective of Rika, who'd not yet fully recuperated, he'd insisted that he join them whenever they left the building, sitting dutifully in the corner of the salon as Rika and Suzuno got makeovers. Of course, this meant that discussion of Suzuno's plan was off limits, and the kimono that had been 'spiced up' had to go without inspection by Rika, as Ashiya was standing close behind her.
"Well, it's been fun," Rika said, hugging Suzuno as she made to get out of the cab, "be good, stay safe, and visit me again soon! I had a lot of fun."
"Yeah, so did I," Suzuno said with a large smile, feeling better than she had in some time, "I'll try to visit some more this weekend, perhaps we can rally all the Ente Islans… and thank you for your advice!"
Finally, Suzuno removed herself from the taxi and waved as it pulled away from the sidewalk in front of the Villa Rosa, Rika waving back through the rear window as it went.
"Wait, what advice did you give the Inquisitor," Ashiya asked, wondering if it had been the reason Rika hadn't spoken to him all day.
"Just girl stuff," Rika said with a smirk, batting her eyelashes as Ashiya, "what say we go get some MgRonalds from the Hatagaya station? Maou might be working. We could say hi, and try to get him and Emi to visit during the weekend."
"An excellent idea," Ashiya said, trying to push the thought of Rika and Suzuno conspiring together from his mind.
Rika, who didn't receive many visitors, looked quite happy about Suzuno coming to her, and even though Ashiya wasn't sure what they'd been talking about, he was glad it made Rika feel better. Lately, she'd been rather withdrawn, so having another person able to look after her, to some extent, was a huge boon for the Demon General. It wasn't that he didn't care for Rika, it was that she needed human interaction to properly recover, and Ashiya only had so much of that in supply, what with his being a demon and all.
Rika had taken to eating MgRonalds quite frequently as well, as the food was relatively cheap, and it was loaded with calories and carbs, which would help her to regain some of her lost weight. Overall, she'd regained much of what she had lost, though when she thought Ashiya wasn't paying attention, she would become silent and contemplative, looking sad as she thought about everything that had been revealed to her.
"Does Emilia work today as well," Ashiya asked, breaking Rika from her stupor.
"Hmm… I think she does, but she'd have gotten off a little while ago. After MgRonalds, should we go and see her, too? We can invite her over for the weekend! And what about my darling little Chiho," Rika squeaked, looking thrilled at the thought of Chiho coming to visit her.
"Chiho is incredibly busy," Ashiya reminded Rika, "she is an impeccable student, an excellent athlete, and a hardworking young woman… she may not have time to visit."
"I know, but I still wanna invite her! Plus I can just text her and find out," Rika reasoned, pulling out her phone, and tapping away at the screen faster than Ashiya could follow.
'I suppose I should let Maou know that we're coming,' Ashiya thought, closing his eyes as he focused his magical power upon finding the only other demon nearby. Just as planned, Ashiya could sense his lord, hard at work, focused on some task or another as he fluttered across the Hatagaya MgRonalds like a tsunami of fast food supremacy.
'My lord,' Ashiya thought, transmitting the idea link, 'can you hear me?'
'Ashiya? Is that you,' Maou responded, sounding quite surprised.
'It is, sire, Rika Suzuki and I will be stopping by shortly so as to collect a copious amount of food. Please prepare accordingly. Also, she has inquired as to whether or not you will be able to visit her this weekend,' Ashiya said with his mind.
'I'll enter the fray and work the cook line myself so as to provide the best service! And I was planning on visiting you guys this weekend anyway, Emi will likely come along as well, provided Rika is ok with that,' Maou thought quickly, sending three of his team members on break as he prepared to work the food line.
'You can relay that yourself, sire. I will see you in a few minutes. Be prepared.'
The idea link was severed, and Maou was left wondering what sort of appetite Rika Suzuki would come in with. He suddenly regretted sending three of his coworkers on break, but there was little he could do about it now.
"Whatever, Rika's pretty skinny, and Ashiya probably won't even order anything," Maou scoffed to himself, "this'll be a cakewalk."
Within a matter of minutes, Maou had readied the work station for just about any order, combo or otherwise, so that he could operate at maximum efficiency. There was already a fresh serving of french fries waiting by the fryer, and Maou flexed his hands as if he were about to be involved in a gunfight.
"Battle commences," he said as Rika and Ashiya walked into the store, looking at Maou rather pointedly.
Maou approached the register, putting forth his best smile, and his most welcoming tone.
"Hi there, and welcome to MgRonalds! What can I get for you today," Maou asked.
"Give us a moment, please," Rika said kindly, looking over the menu as she and the tall, blonde man with her perused it with interest, muttering between themselves. Finally, Ashiya blanched and looked apologetic as Rika slammed a fistful of cash down upon the counter.
"Right! I'll have four BigMg Combos, to go ,all large, and all with cherry cola," Rika said loudly, looking at Maou with a challenging glare.
"Very well, if that is what you want… that is what you shall have," Maou proclaimed, heading back into the kitchen.
'Four of the same order,' Maou thought to himself, 'this is too easy!'
"I wasn't finished," Rika said sassily, "I'd also like… three large ice-cream cones!"
Maou felt Rika's words pierce through him like a lance as he slowly turned to glower at her. Everyone knew that the Hatagaya MgRonalds ice cream machine was unreliable at the best of times. Maou thought hard for a moment before smiling kindly once more.
"Certainly. Any particular flavor?"
That seemed to rock Rika's confidence. She looked at Ashiya and shook her head before the Demon General spoke.
"Two vanilla, one chocolate," Ashiya ordered.
"It shall be done!"
Maou took to the kitchen with zeal, powering on the ice cream machine and setting a new guy to watch it, showing him all the tips and tricks he used in getting it to work.
"Sometimes you have to kick it.. not too hard, not too soft, and if you still aren't getting anything to come out, call me back over," Maou commanded of the young man.
"Yessir!"
Maou took to the fryer, starting the fresh fries and letting them cook while he made four BigMg Combo sandwiches. The meat patties were thicker, and took longer to cook, but that was alright, it gave him time to watch the fries and double check the ice cream machine as he waited.
"I'm still not getting any chocolate to come out," the new guy spluttered, gently kicking the ice cream machine.
"Step back," Maou said quickly, rolling his sleeves up to his shoulders and taking a karate stance.
"Hiyaa!"
Maou struck the top of the machine with a karate chop, his eyes glowing with a malign scarlet as he used his magic to make the machine work.
"Try it again," Maou said quickly, taking off for the grill as he heard the timer chime, signaling the meat was ready.
Fortunately, he'd prepared everything else beforehand, so assembling the sandwiches was a breeze. They were put into little cardboard boxes emblazoned with large letters, labeling them as the BigMg Combo, and finally, four large cherry colas were filled, along with four large french fry cups.
"Order up," Maou said, smiling at Rika, his eyebrow raised as she smirked at him.
"And the ice cream," she asked.
"Here are those ice cream cones," the new guy said, balancing them as best he could and bringing them to Maou.
"Perfect, thank you. You can go on break," Maou said in an undertone before turning back to Rika, who looked impressed.
"Wow… you're good. Every other time I've ordered ice cream, they said the machine was down! I'll have to let all my friends know that it's working again," Rika said slyly.
"Of course," Maou said cheerily, making a mental note to warn Kisaki about their forthcoming need for a new ice cream machine, "and do feel free to stop by whenever you like!"
"Speaking of stopping by," Rika said, looking quite at home as she sipped her soda, "do you think you will have some time off this weekend? I was gonna have a little get together for everyone."
"I'll be working a half day on Saturday, but I haven't decided which half of the day I'll be working. Let me know when you have a time set and I'll be there. Emi will probably come with me."
"With you," Rika asked suddenly, looking rather interested in pursuing the topic.
"I've been living with her since my apartment was sealed off, so yeah, I'll be coming with her, unless I get a call from Raphael."
"Raphael," Rika asked.
"Long story," Ashiya said quietly, "Archangel and former police officer, but I guess he's the Fire Commissioner for the Sasazuka District now."
"An Archangel? But aren't they-"
"Raphael's cool," Maou said, looking around to make sure no one could hear them. It was already getting dark out, so chances were good that there would only be a few stragglers here and there until closing time.
"So, other than that, how have you been m'lord," Ashiya asked politely.
"Fine, I guess. Kisaki's been really awesome about my attendance, but I guess Emi got suspended from work for missing one day. I can't imagine having to work under her boss," Maou said, shaking his head.
"Wait, what?! You mean that bastard Mitsude suspended Emi," Rika asked suddenly, looking outraged.
"Yeah, that was his name," Maou said, "I guess Emi's been suspended for today and tomorrow. She'll be back to work after the weekend. At least she still has her job, though."
"That's just idiotic," Rika seethed, as if she hadn't even heard Maou, "I'm still out on leave, and then he goes and suspends one of our best customer service reps?! Me taking time off is one thing, but having both of us gone at once is just…ugh."
Rika continued to look sour while Ashiya and Maou talked for a bit, discussing trifles as they caught up, though there wasn't much they could really say to each other in confidence.
"Well, it's good that you are well," the blonde Demon General smiled, "anyway, Rika and I should really get going. We're off to invite Emi over this weekend."
"Alright… I suppose I'll see you guys sometime this weekend."
"Work the first half of the day," Rika said suddenly, "and when you're finished with work, I want you at my suite, clean and dressed in… something better than normal."
"I'm not wearing that thrice damned tuxedo! I swear I'll burn it if you-"
"Not a tux," Rika interrupted, rolling her eyes, "but.. I dunno, maybe a nice pair of jeans with no stains? And a shirt that isn't so faded that it's illegible."
"Why the dress code," Maou asked.
"The Institute where I'm staying is a really nice place… I'm talking millionaire status… Whatever you do, please try not to look like a-"
"Transient bum," Maou suggested, causing Rika to recoil.
"Did you just use your freaky demon magic to read my mind?"
"No, I've just… heard that term used to describe me on more than one occasion," Maou said, smiling to cover up his embarrassment.
"Oh, and before I forget, it's a sleepover, so bring a change of clothes, and anything else you might need," Rika said, turning away from the counter, leaving Ashiya to grab their food and follow her out of the restaurant, "later, Maou!"
"Goodbye, sire!"
"Later guys," Maou said, waving off his two most troublesome customers of the day.
Once his co-workers began to trickle back onto the restaurant floor, however, Maou looked at the time and became frustrated.
"Aw, come on, guys! Where were you, it's been, like, half an hour!"
"You said we could take a long break," they all said, "remember? So long as Kisaki doesn't know, we all take long breaks when things slow down."
"I gotta stop being so damn nice," Maou muttered, pulling his hat from his head and wiping his brow before heading to the break room to take his own long break.
Later that evening, after visiting with Emi for an hour and a half, during which Ashiya heard Rika and Emi both call their boss many nasty names, Rika was lying in bed, and Ashiya was reading in the chair he kept next to her bedside. He'd always been fond of reading, as it gave him a sense of wonderment. It pulled him from his body and allowed him to learn new things, and that was a greater power than any amount of magic, either demonic or celestial, could provide.
"Now what are you reading," Rika asked, looking up from her favorite TV show.
"Secrets of the Human Mind," Ashiya replied, "I was hoping it would offer some insight into your condition… unfortunately, it seems to be some crackpot's manual on telekinesis and other mental powers… as if one could do those things with their minds alone…"
"Some people believe in that kind of thing," Rika said, thinking about how she loved to watch popular magicians of the time perform incredible feats.
"True enough, but the fact remains that without the proper energy, incantation, and willpower, you'll simply give yourself an aneurism trying to levitate during meditation," Ashiya explained seriously.
"What, so you can levitate," Rika asked.
"I am capable of true flight! I do not just levitate… though I can, when necessity dictates…."
"That's awesome… Ashiya?"
"Yes, Rika?"
"Could we… could we go flying sometime?"
Ashiya was silent, and he peered over the top of his book at Rika with a blank expression. Rika suddenly felt childish for asking, and she shook her head quickly.
"We don't-I mean- you don't have to if you don't want to, or if you think it's a bad idea. I just-"
"We can go flying whenever you like," Ashiya interrupted, smiling as he spoke, "say the word and we can go!"
"Wha-you mean-right now?!"
"If you wish it," Ashiya said, setting his book aside and running his fingers through his hair as he tried to consider every variable. He'd have to cloak them from any prying eyes on the ground, and possibly have to cast a spell to alleviate any fear of heights Rika might possess. Then he'd have to make it so that they were both flying, and he wasn't just carrying her all over.
"Yes, I think we can go now," Ashiya said, standing from his chair and going to the window.
He threw open the curtains and found himself looking out at a bright, moonlit night. Opening the window, he found that it was quite chilly, and it would only get worse when shooting around in the sky at high speeds. Perhaps a spell to shield Rika from the cold was in order, as well.
Without warning, Rika was behind Ashiya, and she threw her arms around his chest, hugging him from behind as he surveyed the night. His eyes widened, and glowed with a burning iridescence. Ashiya felt his heart begin working double-time as his entire being trilled with energy.
"Ms. Suzuki," Ashiya asked quietly.
"Geez," Rika purred into Ashiya's back, "I thought we were past all that 'Ms. Suzuki' stuff."
"Er, right. Of course, Rika… I was just wondering why you were hugging me."
"To thank you, I thought that would be obvious," Rika said, still securely fastened to Ashiya, "I've never even flown in an airplane… I always thought they would crash, so I always drove everywhere, or took the train. Still, if it's with you, I'm sure it'll be alright!"
"Of course it will be," Ashiya said, taking extreme pride in being Rika's anchor.
"Alright, I'm ready to start," Rika said, breathlessly, digging her face into Ashiya's back as she waited to take off."
"Look down, Rika."
She did, and she quickly realized that she was hovering several inches off of the floor. The sudden lack of support caused her to flail for a moment before she gripping Ashiya's hand as tightly as she could.
"You didn't tell me we were already-"
"I figured it would be best to get the hard part out of the way," Ashiya said with a shrug, "is there anywhere in particular you wished to go?"
"Uhhh," Rika was at a loss, both because she'd never really considered going sightseeing in Tokyo, and because she was unsure of the extent of Ashiya's abilities. She thought about it for a moment longer before coming to one conclusion.
"I don't care, so long as we go together."
Ashiya turned, looking almost as if he were peering out of the window, but in reality he was trying his best to hide his feelings from Rika. Ashiya had never known companionship such as this, and especially never with a woman, or even a female demon. He had always thought himself above such matters. The Demon General Alciel's mind was his greatest strength, and using it, he'd laid waste to the majority of Ente Isla… so why did it suddenly feel like his great brain had turned into mush?
"I…am grateful for your company, Rika," Ashiya said quietly, "now, let us be off!"
Faster than Rika could comprehend, Ashiya had tossed aside the curtains and they had soared outside, rocketing upward as they sought to clear the oppressive buildings and get a better view. They came to a rest beneath the clouds, but still high enough to see a broad horizon, albeit a few large towers that blocked the view.
"Should we go to Tokyo Tower," Ashiya suggested, thinking that the lights would be spectacular to behold.
"Yeah," Rika said, shaking slightly as she crushed Ashiya's ribs in a death grip.
"Are you alright?"
"F-fine."
Ashiya smiled and wrapped his arms around Rika, smothering her in warmth as he waited for her shaking to cease. It took a couple minutes, but Rika finally settled down and opened her eyes, looking around apprehensively.
"W-well, not dead yet," she murmured, an anxious smirk on her face as she glanced downward, her brow perspiring.
"Trust me, when we start moving, you won't even notice you're flying," Ashiya said softly.
"Just don't let go of me," Rika said.
"At your command," Ashiya muttered, holding Rika a little more tightly.
"Here we go!"
The two of them were off faster than a bullet from a gun, spiraling into the night as they clung to each other. Rika was surprised at how little she felt as they went. The wind, which should've been howling in her ears, was little more than a light breeze that caressed her in a comforting grip. The chilliness that was usually associated with great heights was dampened as well, if not entirely removed, and when Rika looked down, she did not feel her stomach turn as it usually did whenever she was somewhere up high. The streets beneath her were lit up with the headlights of cars and orange street lights as she and Ashiya outstripped even the fastest of trains and vehicles. They passed by a large section of the city was that fraught with skyscrapers so dizzyingly high that they made Ashiya and Rika feel tiny as they shot around them.
They flew through this jungle of glass and steel until they came to a more level area, and towering above it all was a great orange tower striped with white lines, and nestled beneath it was a large center, wherein was housed the elevator. The building housing the elevator, and the tower itself, were both closed that late at night, but the lights were still on as Rika and Ashiya touched down on the topmost observation deck.
"Oh, wow," Rika said quietly, gazing out over the skyline at all the lights. It was surreal to stand on high without a sense of fear, and she walked right up to the edge without feeling any sort of discomfort. With a giggle, she held a foot out over the ledge, savoring the thrill of the adrenaline without any of the fear.
"Rika," Ashiya said quietly, coming up from behind her, "come away from the ledge."
"There's nothing to be scared of though," Rika replied, "I'm with you after all… if I fell, you'd catch me!"
"I'd certainly try," Ashiya said with a smile.
Rika giggled and gently punched Ashiya on the shoulder before taking his arm and wrapping it around her shoulders. Ashiya's face turned a funny color in the orange light of the tower, but the both of them stood there, resolute in their mutual affections as they gazed out over the world.
"You know, Rika… after I've helped m'lord complete his task-"
"Do you have to call him that," Rika interrupted with a pout, "it sounds weird, and I can't really picture him as a King."
"I do, as you very well know," Ashiya sighed before continuing, "now as I was saying, after all is said and done, how would you feel about accompanying me to Ente Isla? Or perhaps you would rather I stay here with you?"
"Wait, are you asking me-"
"You don't have to answer now," Ashiya said, turning Rika around so she could see his smile, "but after my time as a Demon General is done, I will have an awful lot of time on my hands, and I'd like to spend it with you."
Ashiya was unsure of how Rika would react, but he knew in his heart that she was the one he wanted to spend his time with. Ashiya would always care for his King, but Rika, it seemed, had wriggled her way into the Demon General's heart, and supplanted Maou as the most cherished companion.
"I want to see Ente Isla," Rika said quickly, looking amazed at the opportunity, "and once everything is settled over there, I would love to travel the world with you!"
"You understand, of course, that it may take some time," Ashiya asked, as logical as ever, "the situation is delicate, and may not be resolved for some time, if ever."
"I'll wait," Rika said, "however long it takes, I'll wait for you to come back, and whisk me away into a new world!"
Rika swooned in Ashiya's arms, making the Demon General roll his eyes at her theatrics. Rika peeked an eye open at Ashiya before standing on her own once more and smirking.
"I don't suppose I can meet your parents, can I," Rika asked.
"They would love to have you for dinner," Ashiya said darkly.
"You mean, they'd eat me," Rika shrieked indignantly.
"Certainly, they are quite fond of human women…"
"Something tells me you're not joking, either," Rika groaned, covering her mouth as she felt her throat burn.
"I am not," Ashiya smiled, "my parents lived before the unification of Demon Lord Satan… they were powerful, ruling members of their tribes, in fact. Were they not dead, they'd be imprisoned and enslaved by the Demon King for resisting his regime. They quite enjoyed the murder and mayhem."
Rika felt a jolt of fear in her spine as she realized the offspring of two murderous demons had his arms wrapped around her, and she quickly turned to look at Ashiya, who seemed sad and sorrowful, as if reliving every memory of his fallen progenitors. Rika couldn't help but feel stupid for a moment; Ashiya would never hurt her. He was a faithful househusband, and a caring friend!
"Hey, Ashiya?"
"Yes?"
"Let's go home."
Those three words struck a chord within Ashiya's soul, sending a shiver through him as he stared at Rika, who looked at him with a small smirk and a look in her eyes that Ashiya could've fallen into forever.
"As you command, my lady."
"Maou…. Maou, wake up!"
"Hmmm?"
Emi and Maou were lying together, separated by a soft wall of warm pillows. Emi had been lying awake when she'd felt something strange, like an itch in her nose.
"I think something bad is happening."
"What do you mean?"
"I think somethings is wrong with Ashiya and Rika… and maybe with Suzuno and Lucifer," Emi insisted as Maou rubbed his eyes and glared at Emi, still very tired from his shift at work.
"Everything's fine, Emi," Maou grunted, turning over onto his other side and facing away from the Hero, "go back to sleep."
"I think I'm gonna call Rika," Emi said quietly, grabbing her phone from its charger on the nightstand and sliding out of bed.
"M'kay," Maou muttered, already drifting back to sleep as Emi went out into the living room and turned on her phone.
The brightness speared at Emi's eyes for a moment until she turned it down, but by then, the image of her screensaver had burned itself into her retinas. With fumbling thumbs, she keyed in Rika's cell phone number and pressed call. It rang once, twice, three times, and then suddenly cut out, leaving Emi wondering what was going on.
"C'mon, Rika, pick up."
She dialed again. This time, it rang seven times before going to voicemail, leaving Emi growling to herself as she debated whether or not to leave a message.
"Please leave your name and number after the-"
Emi hit the end button before dialing once more. After two rings, Rika finally answered, sounding rather exasperated as she panted.
"H-hello? Emi, is that you," Rika asked, breathing hard into the phone.
"Rika, are you ok? I just got this weird feeling, and I wanted to make sure everything was fine."
It sounded lame to Emi, even before she'd said it, but it was the truth. Rika giggled nervously, still breathing hard as she tried to slow her heartrate.
"No-I mean-yes, everything's fine here. Um, how are you?"
"Well, you know, you were here earlier… not much has changed since then," Emi said, wondering why on earth Rika was breathing so hard… had she just been running?
"Are you ok, Rika? You sound like you just got in from a jog…"
"Um, yes! I was jogging! Y'know, gotta get back in tip-top physical condition," Rika said loudly.
From within the confines of Rika's suite, Ashiya gently whispered into Rika's other ear.
"From what I've seen, you're already in tip-top physical condition."
Rika blushed, pulling her sheets higher to cover her body before elbowing Ashiya, who felt more alive that he had in fifteen hundred years of life… was this the secret to humans and their constantly upbeat attitudes? He'd overlooked how wondrous a woman's company could be… and he wouldn't ever make that mistake again.
"Is that Ashiya? Is he with you," Emi asked suddenly, having heard Ashiya's voice, though she was unable to hear his words.
"Uh, yeah, he's here. He came with me on my run, just in case I get too overwhelmed. We were running together," Rika said, trying to explain the strangeness.
"You were both running at...two in the morning?"
"They weren't running," Maou whispered, poking his head into the living room on his way to the bathroom.
Emi look at Maou, confused for a moment before it finally dawned upon her what she had intervened upon. Maou wiggled his eyebrows and continued on his merry way, leaving Emi to struggle with the reality of the situation.
"Yep, gotta keep in shape… I've been trying to regain weight, and you know what they say, muscle weighs more than fat," Rika said, smirking as Ashiya cracked his back and his neck.
"Ah, ok. Well, I'm gonna go-uh-back to bed. I guess. You two have fun and-um-stay safe on your runs, ok," Emi said, trying to avoid being awkward.
"Hahahaha, yep, will do, Emi! We'll see you this weekend. Say good bye, Ashiya."
"Good evening to you, Hero," Ashiya said, hanging up the phone and tossing it onto his usual chair so that Rika couldn't get distracted anymore from the task at hand.
"Now that your nighttime conversations are finished, perhaps we should-" Ashiya began.
"We're going again," Rika said, rolling on top of Ashiya and straddling him.
Ashiya sighed, resigning himself to the fire burning in Rika's blood.
"At your command, my lady," Ashiya said with a smirk.
"That's the spirit," Rika whispered, bending down and planting a kiss upon Ashiya's lips as the Demon General extended a hand and pulled the cord on the bedside lamp, bathing the both of them in darkness, and the spears of dim light from the full moon.
Back at Emi's apartment, Emi sat in silence, staring at the screen of her phone as she thought about what had happened. How had Maou picked up on that so easily? Why was Emi unable to comprehend the idea of Ashiya and Rika finding comfort in each other? Emi was very nearly tempted to call Urushihara and Suzuno, but the thought of what she might find made her feel sick. Suddenly, the sound of Crestia Bell's voice became all too real in Emi's head.
'Aheheh, no, everything is fine here, really. Luci-I mean-Urushihara and I were just-um-playing a game! No, you don't need to come over, everything is fine, please don't worry yourself about us. We'll see you and Maou, and Rika and Ashiya this weekend!'
And then Emi could hear Lucifer as well.
"Later, Hero. Oh, and would you mind not calling so late? Some of us have things that need doing when it gets dark out."
Emi felt her stomach turn, and she rushed into the bathroom, covering her mouth, only to find Maou relaxing in the tub. She lifted the lid on the toilet and let loose her pent up feelings as she regurgitated her dinner, leaving Maou to yelp and cover himself with a towel.
"Holy shit, Emi are you alright?"
"Do I look alright," she shrieked, her anger flaring as vomit splattered against the porcelain.
Maou removed himself from the bathtub and threw a towel around his waist, pulling at Emi's hair so that she didn't throw up in it. Even after her stomach was empty and she'd let the tears fall from her face, she still gagged and felt her gut tighten as her mind turned to thoughts of Rika and Ashiya.
"What's wrong, Emi?"
"Everything," she whimpered, hiccupping as Maou put her hair in messy ponytail.
"This is because of Rika and Ashiya, isn't it," Maou asked sagely, taking a seat on the edge of the bathtub and crossing his legs so as to conceal his dignity.
"How'd you figure that out, Captain Obvious," Emi seethed, shaking as she leaned back over the toilet again.
"Well, you're not drunk, you haven't eaten anything that would give you food poisoning, and you aren't pregnant, so…"
Even though Maou had been joking, the thought of pregnancy made Emi's eyes widen before she gagged and vomited once more, nothing but clear fluid coming out, as her dinner had already been flushed down the drain.
"What if she is," Emi posed quietly, a sudden fear gripping her as she turned to stare intently at Maou, "what if Rika gets pregnant because of Ashiya? What then, Maou?"
"Well then, I guess I'd be an uncle," Maou said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Emi stood up and pushed Maou into the bathtub, causing him to splutter indignantly as Emi glared at him disbelievingly. Her entire body was shaking as she looked at Maou, but he didn't dare stand up from the tub.
"It's not that simple," Emi said hysterically, "if something like that did happen, it'd be an abomination! Rika could never live a normal life!"
"She wouldn't have to," Maou said, "Ashiya will take care of her! They can live together in Ente Isla!"
"How can you be so dense," Emi asked, "how can you be so sure that everything will be alright? Maou, we don't even know what will happen, because nothing like this has ever happened before! As far as I'm aware, a demon from Ente Isla has never gotten a human from Earth pregnant!"
"Ok, first off, Ashiya isn't stupid, if he and Rika did decide to do anything, it was consensual, and second of all, it was safe," Maou said, gripping the towel and holding it fast as it tried to float away from him.
"But-"
"But what? What is the issue? They're happy, right? They're good together, aren't they? What could be so wrong about wanting to be happy," Maou asked, his words like knives in Emi's chest, "what's so wrong about sharing yourself with someone you love, and who you know loves you back?!"
"Rika is a human, from Earth, in her early twenties! Ashiya is a fifteen hundred year old demon from another world," Emi shouted, stomping her foot.
"Weren't you just telling me that Ashiya is a great demon, and that you didn't mind the two of them together," Maou asked, standing from the tub and crossing his arms.
"I-I don't," Emi stammered, "but once they start getting physical, I draw the line!"
"Who said that you should be the one to draw that line," Maou asked quickly.
"I'm the Hero! It's my duty," Emi yelled, turning to leave the bathroom.
"Hero or not, you can't force other people to feel how you do! Take it from someone with experience," Maou retaliated, gripping Emi's wrist as she turned to sneer at him.
"Let go of me," Emi growled.
"Not until you calm down," Maou said, noting how Emi's fist was shaking.
"I am calm," Emi said.
"Oh yeah? Then what were you planning on doing? Going over to Rika's, kicking down the door, and-"
"Stabbing Ashiya in his stupid face," Emi muttered, extending a hand as the Holy Sword appeared in her fist.
"Emi, put the sword away," Maou said sharply.
"No," Emi snapped, twirling the sword as if it weighed nothing at all.
Maou sighed, tightening his grip on Emi's arm as she tried to pull away, her sword twitching violently as she glared into Maou's deep, scarlet eyes.
"Emi, c'mere."
Maou let go of Emi's wrist, holding out his arms to the Hero, who was no longer locked in place by Maou's hand, but by her own heart.
"You can't let your fear of the unknown ruin your ability to love. You love Rika, right? Well, she loves Ashiya, and I can tell you that he loves her back... Let them be, for now. C'mon, Emi, let's just go back to bed."
Inch by silvery inch, the blade of the sword shrank as Emi's anger subsided, replaced by an overwhelming amount of shame and uncertainty. Finally, the hilt faded from her grasp and she sighed, going up to Maou and hugging him. They stood together, locked in a warm, comforting embrace, until Emi broke the contact, looking sad and lonely as she turned to survey herself in the mirror. Her eyes were red, her face still carried traces of bile, and her tongue tasted strongly of it.
"You know what, Emi, I'm proud of you. You're pretty good at this Hero stuff," Maou said, standing behind her with a small smile on his face.
"Don't make fun of me," Emi sighed, her eyes watering once more, "I still might stab you."
"I'm not… being a Hero isn't about making things fit in your tiny little box of perception. It's about doing what's best for everyone else, at the expense of your own opinions or morals. Anyway, the water is still warm if you wanted to wash up… and you should probably brush your teeth before you come back to bed."
"No shit," Emi said, rolling her eyes.
"Hey, seriously…I think you're making the right choice."
Maou reached around and hugged Emi again as she stared at herself in the mirror. Finally she looked at Maou, who had his arms wrapped about her shoulders, his eyes closed, trying his damndest to convey feelings of warmth and happiness through the contact. The Hero fought back a smile before hardening her voice and clearing her throat.
"You should go back to bed," Emi said quietly, "I'll be in there soon."
"I'll probably be sleeping… that hot bath really loosened up my muscles. See you in the morning Emi."
"Yeah, see you in the morning, Maou."
Maou reached out and squeezed Emi's hand for a moment before vacating the bathroom, leaving Emi alone to stare at herself some more, and wonder whether or not Maou had been right. She felt the hand that Maou had briefly grasped twitch, and she looked away from her reflection, the cheeks of which had become the color of strawberries as she began to undress and prepare for a nice hot soak in the tub.
If you like tons of dialogue, vomiting, and pointless drama, this is the chapter for you. Oh, yeah, Ashiya and Rika bang in this chapter.
In all honesty, I was delaying posting this chapter because I wasn't sure that I liked the pacing of Rika and Ashiya's relationship. I felt, throughout this entire chapter, that by making them a couple, I just lost something in my story. I felt as though I crossed a line that had nothing to do with story ratings, and had more to do with proper story development. I suppose you guys will be the judge of that, however.
I posted this chapter to let you guys know that I'm not dead, I am writing, and I have more to post. Like I said, I was just holding off on this chapter because it felt... wrong. Or maybe it's because I may or may not have screwed up the timelines on this, and I forgot to fix. I completely re-read the fic and I found a few small errors and details that need rehashing, but I'm just gonna keep cranking this out until its done, and then I'll go back through it more carefully.
But you guys don't want to hear about how disappointed with this chapter I am...
So have some music...
Tribulation-Matt Maeson
Weather in Heaven-Blackbear
In My Head-Peter Manos
Worst-QuinnXCII
Demons-Jacob Lee