Chapter 40: Cast Down Your Kings (Part 13)

"Remember, you're the one with the influence and power here, not her. You're the one who has a psychopath as a boss and that makes everyone else nervous, not just you."

Serafall kept up a steady stream of inner monologue and reminders as she evenly met the stony gaze of Eva Leraje, the mother of the boy she had supposedly been meant to court a mere few years back…and had now spent those intervening years making her faction's life a veritable nightmare.

"Not the best of first impressions you can make, I'll admit it."

Eva wasn't some delicate or posh woman that would fall apart at the slightest breeze, either. While not a full blown warrior or frontline combatant she was nonetheless someone who had survived the rigors of assassination and warfare that had raged for centuries and counting, her countenance hard while raven hair was pulled into a tight bun, a simple but finely spun dress of ruby silk leaving a generous chest and slim shoulders exposed.

And resting on a small table between them were the Latifundiums provided by Harris, such simple pieces of paper feeling more like honed and deadly weapons in the tense and uncomfortable silence.

"I find precious little reason to trust so much as a single word you say, especially in light of the previous years where you have consistently and convincingly made carrying out our assigned tasks immeasurably more difficult than they already were."

The Devil resisted the urge to look at her to companions, imagining Sirzechs was just as tense and uncertain as she was but hiding it behind an impassive countenance while Robin was, well…she found it hard to imagine the woman who could turn into a literal Dragon that was the embodiment of what felt like evil incarnate being intimidated by simple words.

"We returned your soldiers to you with little fanfare and astonishingly low casualty rates, especially when compared to the countless years our species has been at war. Is that not enough precedent to at least speak with a measure of respect and trust between our factions?"

"It is that particular facet of this years long battle that has me more doubtful of you than any other, Gremory. How many can say with a straight face that they took such continuous and intensive efforts to save their enemies, when it was against their own interests to do so?"

Eva crossed her arms, a simple and elegant gesture that nonetheless felt akin to someone drawing a sword.

"Dozens - if not hundreds - of mental and spiritual examinations, combing through my soldier's minds and spirits only to find nothing, no sign of subterfuge nor backstabbing, just our kin returned to us after experiencing nothing more harrowing than a trip through unknown wilderness if they were unlucky."

The trio remained silent, their opposition's eye twitching slightly as she more frustratedly announced, "And now this, you waltzing into my territory with these Human scraps of paper, expecting them to somehow stay my hand and eliminate truly aggravating forces that have thus far acted outside of my control and ability to eliminate."

As quickly as her arms crossed they unfolded, hands lacing together as Eva dismissively continued with, "And what is of this talk of peace? Of a truce with Heaven? Even assuming I did find this hypothetical state of affairs one worth pursuing you seem to be under the impression that Lord Leviathan would simply allow such a proposal to pass, as if it was the most palatable thing in existence."

A scoff left the woman.

"I was laboring under the impression that you possessed some measure of intelligence, having fended us off for so long."

Electing to let the insult slide - she knew full well how annoying and frustrating Harris and his myriad of ideas could be - Serafall merely nodded to Robin, the draconic woman calmly stating, "We are under no delusion that Leviathan would view this paradigm shift as anything less than intolerable, the Satans are maddeningly and depressingly predictable that way. Which is why we have something to offer your leader more tangible than what he would no doubt consider to be worthless scraps of parchment, even though you have the presence of mind to recognize their value, false protests and boasts aside."

Eva narrowed her eyes, idly remarking, "That sounds - if you will excuse the phrase - like signing a deal with the Devil. What is this supposedly grand and terrible information or bargaining chip you possess?"

Robin motioned to Serafall, the Devil taking a brief, internal breath before beginning her spiel.

"You are doubtlessly aware of the strife between Lucifer, my family and the Gremorys. After all, we were in talks of a potential alliance between your family and mine, I imagine you spent a great deal of time, money and influence ascertaining whether the offer was genuine."

"You would be correct. The fact that you speak so openly of it and the complications associated suggests that you either don't share your family's desires or that there is a catch."

The dark-haired woman nodded in agreement, more wryly commenting, "This latest deployment has only put a further damping on the viability of such an alliance, I imagine?"

"You would imagine correctly."

"Well that's convenient then because Lucifer never had any intention whatsoever of allowing my family or the Gremory to take proper initiative, to seek out resolutions to the conflict on our own terms even if they were in ultimate service to his design."

Lacing her fingers together Serafall continued with, "Harris Xavier's previous interactions with Beelzebub, the Shinto and the whole debacle with Charlemagne have made him a credible threat. One that the Gremory's attempted to answer by meeting and parlaying with him. Lucifer, upon hearing of this, assumed that it was done with ill intent, a rebellion forming without his knowledge using a third party."

"Far be it from me to imagine what goes through a Satan's head but I imagine your families have been growing in power and influence a bit too quickly for Lucifer's liking. You yourselves have already showcased impressive talents and strength for such a young age."

Serafall merely nodded her head in acknowledgement of the rote and polite words, finishing the first part of her statement with, "To that end, we've elected to take steps in order to not have our legacy be scattered to the winds based off of nothing more than unfounded paranoia."

"Naturally."

Eva's noncommittal response had Serafall taking a deep breath, knowing this was going to be the hardest part of this entire exchange.

"Leviathan is doubtlessly irritated by your continued failure to secure Lombard, nevermind that you have made almost no headway in terms of territory gained."

The slightest flashes of anger let Serafall know she'd hit the nail on the head, continuing with, "We intend to rectify that by giving you - and by extension Leviathan - a rather useful bit of information. In less than a month's time we will be called back to Lucifaad at which point he will openly defy Lucifer - having achieved 'victory' in Lombard through means other than conquest - and bring their feud to a boiling point."

"I imagine you have a way of profiting off the death of Xavier? Perhaps joining with the Leviathan faction?"

"Just the opposite, Xavier will be the one to kill Lucifer."

…It was almost surreal, to be able to so honestly and bluntly say such a ridiculous thing but believe it wholeheartedly. A state of affairs that wasn't shared by Eva, the woman scoffing as she dismissively replied, "He and hundreds of others that have been proclaiming the death of that Satan for just as many years. What possible reason do I have to believe this will be any different?"

"That he managed to infiltrate and kill the Christian King when no one else had, all while orchestrating the death of Beelzebub's descendant? Or perhaps putting an end to the feud between Japan and China as well as causing the demise of Amoghasiddhi, all while being pledged to the Yokai princess in order to secure ties with the Shinto? We can always view more recent events and point out that despite being significantly outnumbered with a far inferior force he managed to orchestrate a campaign where both Heaven and yourself were unable to make much headway against him, if that helps any."

Eva offered a severe frown, commenting, "I have heard nothing of this supposed killing of Amoghasiddhi, let alone a betrothal to any Yokai."

Serafall reflected that she had been surprised to hear that one too, but she had just shrugged and decided it was better not to think too deeply about whatever spider web of various plots and schemes Harris had cooked up, instead focusing on other tasks. Sirzechs took up the thread of the narrative as he remarked, "All that said it doesn't really matter to you if we're right or not, only that you have something tangible and intriguing to offer Leviathan. News of a possible change in leadership, or perhaps a claim of responsibility for a previously mysterious set of circumstances? I imagine that would offset the trouble of failing to take Lombard for a number of years, now wouldn't it?"

Leraje's gaze slowly centered on the innocently resting Latifundiums before landing on the calmly sitting Robin, silence reigning for a solid minute before she spoke up with, "You are being called to return to Lucifaad and it sounds as if Xavier intends to defeat Lucifer directly, in front of all in attendance. Is that a correct assumption?"

"It is."

Eva narrowed her eyes at the Draocnic woman, asking, "My soldiers spoke of a woman with the appearance of a Dragon who served Xavier alongside an apparently returned Merlin. Yet neither of you have made a show of power or strength, letting the Extra Legions do the fighting for you. I will consider this truce if you are willing to assure me that there is any merit whatsoever to Xavier being able to defeat Lucifer, that my warning to Leviathan will not be dismissed after it was proven sensational."

"Hmm, well if a little bit of convincing is all you need…"

Sirzechs and Serafall felt their eyes widen as wisps of purple and black flame began to lick the sides of Robin's body, her tone utterly polite and diplomatic as she remarked, "Just a fair bit of warning, if he were to put his mind to it Harris can be far, far more impressive than what I'm about to show you."

"This wasn't part of the plan."

Not that Serafall was in any hurry to tell Robin otherwise. If Leraje wanted to see proof then she was going to get it.

"I think that went quite well."

"You took out an entire wing of Leraje's mansion."

"And we delivered the Latifundiums, they were accepted and we have an agreement."

"And now we're being looked at like we could explode at any given moment."

"Eva did ask for a demonstration."

Serafall shook her head in exasperation at Robin's chipper words, a nervous glance behind her revealing the collapsed and shattered walls of the Leraje estate as well as a significant gouge cut out of the earth itself, as if some colossal serpent had dragged its body along the area.

"Oh, wait, that's exactly what happened."

Even now a few of the Leraje soldiers were warily eyeing Robin, hands tightly curled around their weapons as they were understandably jumpy after experiencing the full brunt of the swirling malice that was the woman's alternate form.

"No offense meant, Robin, but even as a Devil that Dragon form of yours is…evil, for lack of a better word."

"No offense taken, my previous self was a rather unpleasant soul, to say the least."

Serafall met Sirzech's glance, both of them dearly wanting the woman to clarify the 'previous self' part but not having the courage to press further, especially since Robin continued with, "That said you both did very well in convincing Eva to accept this truce, it will make things much easier for Harris in the coming days if he doesn't have to worry about peace breaking down in Lombard. And after that, well…"

A comforting smile that felt the opposite of comforting graced her lips.

"You won't have much reason to worry about old events as we will be facing a whole slew of new ones that come with their own troubles."

Serafall tried to hide the dryness in her throat with limited success.

"My, how comforting."

"You're nervous."

"Can you blame us?"

"No, but I can advise you to relax. This whole show won't be nearly as entertaining if you sweat through every second of it."

Barka and Cherry - the rest of the Extra Legion in massed ranks behind them - stared at Harris as if he was out of his damn mind, the Succubus protesting, "I'm not nervous, I'm scared shitless."

"Loathe as I am to agree with the walking holes of leprosy this is fucking terrifying beyond belief."

"Eh, you get used to it. Hell, give it enough time and you even start to enjoy the rush of stupidity."

Barka offered Harris an incredulous expression.

"Chief, I've served under all sorts that had me marching towards certain death and it's never going to be a fun time."

"That's just because you were never putting your life on the line for a cause or ideal you gave a damn about. C'mon, take a page from the kids over there."

The pair followed his motion, Sirzechs and Serafall - both looking slightly green in the face - standing at attention in front of their own columns as Barka dubiously stated, "I dunno, they seem more out of it than us."

"Well I guess it's them and their family that gets the axe, we just have to worry about ourselves."

Before their little dialogue could continue - Harris privately amused at the fact that the 'kids' in question had likely been older than both his lives put together - a horn sounded out, signifying the start of their show as the shapeshifter turned his attention back to the assembled ranks, announcing, "Over the last few years you've risen above your lowly station in life, treated as glorified slaves only good for breaking against the enemy's spears. Today? Today you're rewarded for your service, today you serve under a new Lucifer."

The man let a feral smile that perfectly encapsulated his excitement appear.

"Let's put on a show!"

While they were too nervous and apprehensive to roar or cheer or anything like that the assembled Legions nonetheless snapped a sharp salute, metal crashing against metal as Harris nodded in approval, turning around to lead the way. They had started to become accustomed to his insane tactics and strategies, to believe in them. All he had to do was pull off one last miracle and they were his forever.

"Sorry that you two have to sit on the sidelines for the big finale, after all the work you put in."

Merlin smirked from where she and Robin stood at his side, the Magus of Flowers languidly replying, "Oh I'm sure that I'll be entertained just fine by the coming spectacle. There's pleasure aplenty to be had in watching the dominoes you carefully planted fall."

"Letting others take the center of attention was never something I begrudged them, it was often only at Chrom's insistence that I was dragged into the limelight."

Satisfied with their responses his attention next fell on Est, the Elemental Waffe sporting a rare expression of high energy and enthusiasm which made her seem almost spritely.

"You all set to go?"

"Mmm. Wield me well, Harris."

She shifted into a simple longsword attached to his side as the male rolled his neck, beginning his march as the Extra Legions followed in his wake, the temporary barracks they'd been staying in throwing open its doors as a number of trumpets and drums began pounding out an inspiring beat as they began their trek through Lucifaad.

He imagined the thirty minute trek was meant more as a means of intimidation than it was celebration, the numerous residents of the city staring down at them from on high, a few jeering, a few applauding while most were silent in their observation, Harris inwardly amused at the horrifically awkward reception.

It spoke to the fact that Lucifer wasn't taking them seriously, if he had been there wouldn't have been a public dog and pony show to cement his authority and run the risk of being made a fool of in return.

Eventually they made their way past all the nobles and servants, soldiers and slaves - Robin verifying and checking the notes she'd made upon their last visit - before standing at the base of The Tower, Lucifer himself seated upon a large and ornate throne as Grayfia and her brother, Euclid, flanked him.

Merely adding to the sense of standing before a judge the massive plaza around them was ringed with stands and comfortable seating as what Harris imagined was most of Lucifer's most influential supporters were in attendance, the shapeshifter spotting both the Gremory, Phenex and Sitri families sporadically placed and with carefully blank expressions upon their features.

"Perfect."

Bringing the Extra Legion to a halt before Lucifer's throne as the background music cut off with tense finality he motioned for them all to bow, loudly proclaiming, "Harris Xavier and the Extra Legions bring news of victory in Lombard, Lord Lucifer."

"Is that the proper way to announce things? Whoops, kinda overlooked that part in the hustle and bustle of everything else."

"And why do you proclaim that victory has been achieved?"

Lucifer's voice was magically projected to reach every ear even though he hadn't bothered to raise it, a sharp contrast to Harris who'd had to project with no shortage of chest and lung power.

"Peace has been agreed upon by the Leraje and Heaven, fighting has ceased and they now seek to reap the benefits of the land without further bloodshed. There now exists a path forward for all three sides as I was the one who brokered the agreement."

The shapeshifter had to resist the urge to laugh as one could hear a needle drop in the cavernous silence that followed, Lucifer pointlessly raising a hand to call for an already pervasive silence.

"Unless I am mistaken, my directive was that you destroy my enemies yet it sounds as if you have preserved them, their lives still their own and with no shortage of initiative to be found. Why have you returned proclaiming victory when there is an evident lack of such triumph?"

"Because rather than throw away the limited forces you put under my command in an impossible task I decided to interpret them in a way that would allow me to achieve a similarly productive goal. I have done so, as the largely intact force and general lack of warfare in Lombard supports."

"...So you substituted my orders with your own?"

Again resisting the desire to shiver with anticipation Harris simply replied, "I did."

Now an audible mutter spread through the crowd, that he would so bluntly speak to one above his station of disloyalty.

"And in substituting your orders for my own you openly conspired with the Angel Eae as well as Eva Leraje, personally meeting with them and crafting a plan to usurp my directives. I have heard this from my loyal subordinate and find no reason to doubt it given your admittances."

Harris was genuinely impressed at the subdued but nonetheless visceral reaction Eae's name got from the crowd, inwardly cheering the Angel on for gaining such notoriety while simultaneously considering how to one up her reputation.

"Then again, today is going to be a hell of a booster."

"Is this true, Xavier?"

"Completely and utterly true. Allow me to reiterate, my allotted forces were insufficient for the appointed task, thus I decided to interpret them intelligently."

Lucifer's eyes narrowed.

"I afforded you soldiers. I afforded you authority. I afforded you mercy. And yet you spit upon these things. Are you aware of the consequences for defiance?"

"Are you aware of the consequences of tyranny, dumb tyranny at that? You can only rely on fear for so long before someone panics and bites the hand, Lucifer."

Yet again silence fell, Harris trying not smirk as he heard Cherry frantically mumble, "Oh shit we're gonna die we're gonna die oh shit-"

"You dare to-"

"Oh I do more than dare. I'll say directly to your face that you aren't fit to wear the mantle of Satan, Lucifer."

The proverbial gauntlet was thrown, a tangible charge filling the air as he backed up his claim with, "Despite being given a mere handful of forces I brought Heaven's greatest tactician and an opposing Devil force to the negotiating table with no more than twenty deaths combined, making use of forces you ignorantly considered subpar."

Real, genuine anger began to coalesce in Lucifer's features as Harris continued with, "I killed Charlemagne and engineered the death of Shalba Beelzebub in a matter of days, where vast legions of Devils and other forces had failed. I brought an end to the feud between Japan and China in little more than a week, killing Amoghasiddhi and until this very moment no one knew it was me."

Rumbling continued to gather among the Devils, his words reaching throughout the city as he wildly grinned, proclaiming, "In mere years I've accomplished more than you could ever pretend to, conquered forces that you never had the courage to face directly. I have more right to the title of Satan than any other present!"

Now the stadium was in an uproar, Harris fighting back the urge to laugh as it did. He wasn't particularly worried about people knowing that he'd been the one who did Amoghasiddhi in, either. Inbetween his soon to be acquired position and his ties with Yasaka he was more than safe on that front.

"Come on, you arrogant fuck. I called you out in front of everyone and you're trapped."

Slowly but surely, it happened.

Voices abated as a festering power grew, light and shadow coalescing around the Satan as he drew himself upright, energy filling the air until it seemed to thrum with electricity.

"You believe my throne belongs to you? That I am unfit?"

Raw, unfiltered murder danced in the Devil's eyes as twelve wings sprouted from his back.

"THEN COME AND TAKE IT."

From the corner of his eye Harris saw Grayfia caught in a clear crisis of conscience, gaze flickering between the two of them as he smirked in triumph.

"Nicely done, Lucifuge."

"Well alright then, if you insist."

Calling upon his powers Harris felt his body twist and grow, caustic hellfire filling his veins as his flesh bulged and hardened, senses sharpening as he grew in height until he stood towering over the ground, whispers of shock and disbelief reaching his enhanced ears as he raised his cracked and ashen arms up high, one sporting a flickering blade of pure energy while the other contained Est, having smoothly altered her form to compliment his new one.

A Baron of Hell seemed a fitting opener for this battle.

"Let's see which of us has the greater claim to the Demon's Throne!"