.

Alright, people!

I'm back!

This will be another combo chapter around 6K words in total. You all deserve it because I never update on time. :')

No, let's get real. I really love you guys. I hope we can become friends! xD

I'm being creepy right now, I know. It's around 3AM where I am, and it's one of those late-night thoughts.

That aside, I have two awesome news.

ONE: We still have thirty chapters in stock (2K words each). I prepared them a while ago, and after that, the story gets um... yeah, NO SPOILERS. Anyway, what I wanted to say is: assuming I publish once a week, we still have thirty weeks! That's pretty cool.

TWO: Ah... I forgot number two while typing number one.

I also got this badass editor and spent most of my savings to buy it, but who cares, right? *silent tears*

Anyway. I'll try to create some Instagram account where we can all have a cup of coffee and discuss life and death.

YES! I remembered number TWO: We almost reached 30K views! This is all thanks to you. I'm so grateful, everyone! This really makes my life better. Thank you infinitely.

That's pretty much it.

As usual, thanks to all those who supported this story and those who recently joined the crew. I hope your summer is going great. Me not so much, but yeah!

I love you, everyone!

Okay, I'll stop.

Here's the new chapter! :DD

Chapter 54

Last Days In Heaven (Part II / Last)

From Heaven to Void

...

Ignis gasped, placing his arms on his face. It's too bright! His eyes slowly widened, seeing blood drifting in the light. S... Satan...

Seconds later, the light slowly faded. Ignis stared in front of him, eyes round. "Sa... tan?"

Satan's body leaned forward, on the chains' squeeze. Blood splattered the ground and the walls. It covered the demon's white skin. An eight-cornered star was shining white on his chest, his clothes torn apart.

"What have you..." Ignis sat near the fire demon. He stared at his chest. "Ange?" he glanced behind. His eyes flashed wide, as Ange collapsed to the ground, unconscious. "ANGE!" He jumped beside him. He wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Ange, hold on, Ange!" Ange's body relaxed in his hold.

He moved his gaze to Satan. I can't feel him at all... He's still alive, right? He smiled weakly. Ange would never kill him! They're really good friends!

"No, he's dead..." Aries appeared in the middle of the room. He emotionlessly stared at Satan. "He suffered a lot of blood losses. His heart stopped in the middle of that light attack. Also, his powers were absorbed by that light. There's no way he can survive that..."

Ignis' smile slowly faded. "Why?"

Aries glanced at him. "As for Ange, he's only sleeping. Don't worry about him. Satan cast a spell on him earlier. He won't remember Satan at all when he wakes up."

Ignis bit his lips, lowering his head. "His heart... stopped? Because a demon dies when his heart stops?"

"He's got a human body, Ignis..." Aries crossed his arms. "His physical strength is limited. His resistance is below the average. An attack from that level will kill him in less than a second."

He knelt in front of Satan and tried to remove the chains. He smiled weakly. "As I thought, these chains can't be removed." He glared at the ceiling as it broke. Satan's body fell forward. Aries caught him. He stared at the blood running from the back of his head.

"He was killed by his closest friend. I guess like he won't trust us at all, now. He might even refuse our help. Satan has always kept his pride in mind."

"But..." Ignis clenched his fists.

Aries narrowed his eyes, staring at the mark on Satan's chest. "If even we're able to bring him back."

Ignis' eyes flashed wide. "What do you... mean?"

"There's a high chance he won't be able to go back, like Ethan..."

Ignis lowered his head. He stood up. "I'll take Ange to the Libra Temple. You take Satan to Tharros. Only he can do something. Is that fine, Solvas?"

Aries, whose name is Solvas, nodded. He carefully lifted the fire demon and stood up. The gold chains were heavy, probably weighing twice or more Satan's weight. Solvas closed his eyes, looking away. "It was savage," he whispered.

Ignis darkly stared at the blood on the floor. He gazed at the red substance, slowly moving toward Satan's fingertips...

Solvas flew away toward the citadel. He gazed down at Satan, he couldn't see his face, thanks to the messy black hair. He could see the blood on his chin, though... He gazed up, keeping his cold gaze.

Ignis stood in front of the temple. Erini and Varitita walked out. Their eyes widened, glancing at Ange. "What happened?"

"He exhausted his powers. He needs sleep." Ignis quickly explained, handing them the light angel. "Also, if he wakes up, don't tell him about Satan. Satan made him lose all his memories about him."

"WHAT?!"

Varitita gritted his teeth. "Who the hell he think he is? Where is he? I'll beat the hell out of him!"

"He's dead..." Ignis coldly announced.

Varitita's eyes flashed wide. "D... Dead?! Who?"

"Ange killed him. That's why he exhausted his powers."

Erini gasped. "No! Ange would never-"

"I said, Ange killed him," Ignis rolled his eyes and started walking away. "Just don't talk to him about Satan."

Varitita slowly nodded. Ignis flew toward the castle.

"Ha, I've been looking for you!" Ilios flew beside him. "Come and put some order in that temple! I screwed up, and I'm on the wanted list!"

"I'm in no mood, Ilios." Ignis' voice was cold. Ilios frowned. "What happened?"

"Satan was killed..."

"By who?"

"More importantly..." They walked into the castle and headed toward the lounge. "I'm worried about something."

Ignis walked in. Tharros and Solvas glanced at him.

Ignis emotionlessly stared at them. "Will he survive?"

Tharros lowered his head. "I don't know yet."

"What's the meaning of that?" Ignis raised an eyebrow.

Tharros held Satan's hand. He stared at the chains on it. "He's been extremely weakened by the chains. Apparently, they're not draining away his life, but his lifespan."

"Lifespan?"

Tharros stared at the dagger planted into Satan's heart. "Yes... If his lifespan is utterly devoured, then there's no hope in bringing him back to life..."

Ignis' eyes widened.

"Look," Tharros pointed at Satan's hand. Solvas narrowed his eyes. "It's... cracking..."

"His body is completely devastated. He won't live... Even if we resurrect him, he won't survive for long. Ange really wanted to kill him."

Tharros glanced at Ignis. "What happened over there?"

"I don't know! I only saw the part where Ange was trying to convince Satan of becoming an angel. But, Satan kept on refusing. Then, Satan tried to erase Ange's memories of him, but Ange stopped him. Then, I appeared, and Satan started provoking Ange, claiming that he hated him. I could tell Satan was lying, but I don't know his reasons. Then, Ange cast a spell and..."

"I see," Tharros lowered his head. He emotionlessly stared at Satan. "I'll try to revive him."

He slowly took the dagger out of Satan's chest. He stared at the blood on it. This blood... He frowned. Could he have... He placed a hand on Satan's chest. A red light surrounded them. Solvas stared at Satan. "What is it, Lord Tharros?"

"There's a high chance that this spell on Satan's chest is giving him a special treat."

"Treat?"

"You'll find out if Satan wakes up..."

Ignis' eyes widened, hearing a faint noise coming from the fire demon. He's... alive? Satan slowly opened his eyes. He gazed in front of him, eyes almost-closed.

Tharros placed a hand on his face. "Can you hear me, Satan?"

Silence greeted his call.

"Satan?"

Satan's eyes started closing slowly, its light fading. Tharros's eyes widened. "He's... dying?"

Everyone glanced at each other in confusion.

Tharros glanced at Ignis and Ilios. "Go bring all the healers of the temples, fast! Bring the magicians from the citadel as well! Quick!"

They both nodded and disappeared.

Tharros glanced down at Satan. "Hold on, Satan! Stay awake! Don't die yet!"

"S... a... a... a... y," breathed Satan. He gasped, breaking into a wave of blood coughing. Tharros shook his head. "Don't speak! You'll exhaust yourself!"

Satan opened his mouth to speak but gasped instead. The chains around his neck went tighter as he gasped harder. Solvas closed his eyes. "Please, this is torture for him! Can't we just make his agonised soul rest?!"

Tharros glared. "Idiot! As long as he can live, he should live! Giving up won't bring anything good!"

Satan's eyes widened, as the spell on his chest spread along his body. He whined, tears running down his face.

"That's it, Satan. Stay awake. Fight that illness. You're strong enough to do it!" Tharros smiled weakly.

"What illness, Lord Tharros?" Solvas asked.

"That mark is giving his all the illnesses of the universe..."

Solvas' eyes widened. "All... the... illnesses..."

Satan cried out in pain, as the mark started shining brighter. Tears of blood rolled down his cheeks.

Solvas' hands started shaking. "This is... cruel!"

Tharros lowered his head. "If our attempts fail... If we can't rescue him in time, Satan will..."

Satan whined, closing his eyes. His body relaxed on the couch.

Tharros' eyes widened. "Satan..."

He gritted his teeth. "He died..."

"Please, let him die!" Solvas smiled weakly. "It's... He was in pain! He was screaming! Should we make him go through all that again? It's cruel!" he protested.

"Not yet... He still can live..."

Ignis and Ilios ran into the castle, all the healers and the magicians behind him. His eyes widened, hearing screams. He ran into the lounges. He blinked. "What are you... doing?"

Satan's hand reached out for help. Yet, Tharros continued healing him. Solvas bit his lips, lowering his head.

Ignis walked into the room. "I brought everyone..."

"Great, now, help me with healing him. Everyone, lend me your strength!" Tharros ordered. "Live, you should live!" Ignis gazed at the pain in Satan's eyes, shocked. "Stop it... It's... no use," he whispered. Tears ran down his face as he fell to his knees. "He'll... die..."

Ilios sadly stared at him. He loved his gaze to Satan. He couldn't see anything, since everyone jumped on the demon, trying to heal him. He saw many lights. He heard screams...

Ignis smiled, lowering his head. "The Middlemist... looked beautiful on you," he muttered.

Satan stared in front of him, feeling every part of his body shredding slowly. Tears ran down his face. He gasped, as the chains sunk deeper into his skin.

I have to... see him... I wa... w... want... to...

"WHERE IS HE?" Ange broke into the room, wearing an enraged expression. "SATAN! I'M KILLING YOU!"

Satan started panting.

Rin...

Yukio...

Yuri!

He felt someone holding him. He heard yells.

Pl... lease...

His world slowly turned black.

Save... me!

-o-

Rin gasped and sat on the bed. He stared in front of him, eyed wide.

Save me? Who wants to be saved?

He grabbed the crystal in his pocket, but it broke. Rin gazed at it, confused.

What the hell is going on?

-o-

One month later

Ignis was sitting beside Satan's bed. He held his hand. He hadn't woken up, since... He lowered his head. Will he sleep like this forever?

A blush was on Satan's face as he panted heavily. Blood was on his chin. Ignis leaned forward and wiped it.

He's dying... Tharros said he should have died long ago, but for some reason, he forced himself to remain alive.

He glared. Why would he go this far? What are his reasons?

Satan started muttering words Ignis couldn't understand. Blood ran from his mouth as he panted harder. Ignis bit his lips. He should be experiencing great suffering. All the illnesses of the universe... Why is he holding on so much?

Satan slowly opened his eyes. He looked like a ghost, drained from everything. Ignis smiled weakly, glancing at him.

Satan's hand reached for something. His eyes glittered. "Yu... Yu..."

Tears ran down his face. "Yu... ri," he whispered. He smiled weakly, hand falling to the side. Ignis' eyes widened in fear. The light started fading from Satan's eyes.

"A... Ah, Satan," Ignis stood up. "Satan!" He placed his hands on Satan's cheeks. "Look at me, Satan! DON'T DIE! HEY! SATAN!"

Satan slowly blinked. A crack under his eyes appeared. His body started growing cold. Ignis shook his head. "Don't die... Please! DON'T DIE!"

"R... R... R... in," Satan breathed. "Yu... k..."

Ignis nodded. "Yes... Yes! You'll see them! Just live! Live, Satan! You can do it!"

He held Satan tightly and opened a portal toward Assiah.

He appeared outside of the dorm. Ignis hid their presence. He smiled at Satan. "See, see? We're in Assiah! You'll see them!"

Satan smiled weakly. His body relaxed into Ignis' hold.

Ignis flew toward Rin and Yukio's room, holding Satan closely. He flew through the wall and sat on the floor. He glanced at the sleeping brothers. "Look! They're over there, your children!"

Satan slowly walked toward Yukio. He fell to his knees beside his bed. He smiled, running a hand into his hair. He kissed his forehead, crying silently.

He crawled toward Rin's bed and smiled, staring at him. He held his hand and kissed it. "For... gi... ve, me," he breathed, his world going black. Tears ran down his face, whispering his children's names. Ignis' eyes widened, seeing him falling to the side. He caught him. "Satan!" Satan stared at Ignis, eyes closing. He smiled weakly, blood running from the corner of his lips.

Ignis' eyes watered. "Don't die... Live for them! They're your children, right? THEY NEED YOU!"

Satan's head tilted backwards. "Yu... ri..."

Ignis gasped. "No..."

"L... L... Loo... k..." Satan's hand reached up again. An innocent smile was on his lips. "O... Our... ch... chi... l... d... ren... a... a... a... re," he slowly closed his eyes, hand falling to the side. His body leaned on Ignis' hold.

Ignis' eyes slowly widened. "S... SATAN!"

Ignis stared at Satan, shocked. "You didn't die, right?" he whispered, running a hand into Satan's hair, "You're still breathing, right?" his eyes watered, "Your heart is beating, right?"

He had no answer.

He slowly rolled his head toward Rin and Yukio. "What will happen to these children? Now, they have no parents!" he bit his lips, holding Satan and crying. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I couldn't do anything to save you back then! I'M SORRY! FORGIVE ME! IT'S MY FAULT! PLEASE, FORGIVE ME!"

He gasped. "I just looked at you without doing anything! In the end, I was just scared. I'm just a coward!"

Ignis gritted his teeth. "Please, open your eyes, Satan! Don't leave like that!"

His eyes watered. "In the end, we just killed both of you. What's the difference between us and demons?"

He stood up, carrying Satan in his arms. He flew back toward heaven and jumped into the room. He found Tharros.

Tharros glanced at Satan. Ignis smiled, falling to his knees. "It's over," he whispered.

Tharros lowered his head, closing his eyes.

"He loved his children," Ignis gritted his teeth. "They were the only thing he thought of, even at the doors of death!"

Tharros clenched his fists. "I'm... sorry..." he stared at Satan. "I'm really sorry for being this useless."

His gaze saddened. Ignis stared at him. "Were you planning on killing him later, Tharros?"

Tharros lowered his head.

Ignis smiled. "He knew about it..."

"Ignis," Tharros thoughtfully stared at the fire angel. "If you're willing to fall, then go ahead and hold the hand of that demon. Say that you're his ally."

"I'm not saying anything, and I'm not allying to anybody!" Ignis stood up. "But, what Ange did was wrong! I don't care if he's your favourite or whatsoever! He was wrong! Satan did nothing! Yes, he provoked him, but verbal violence can be returned with verbal violence! There's no need for killing! And then, Satan said that only to protect him! Yet, Ange just went and killed him!"

"You know very well, Ignis, that an angel's judgement is never wrong..."

"WHAT IF IT'S WRONG, THIS TIME?"

Tharros' eyes widened. Ignis clenched his fists. "Why I didn't feel the same way Ange did? Why I didn't use any judgement on him. Why did I try to stop him? Because he was wrong, isn't it obvious?! DO YOU EVEN KNOW THE PENALTY OF KILLING THE DEMON LORD?! DO YOU KNOW THE PENALTY OF KILLING AN INNOCENT PERSON?"

"But Satan..."

"HE DID NOTHING! HE WAS TALKING! CAN WE CALL THAT A SIN?" Ignis lowered his head. Tears ran down his face. "Are we really angels, Tharros? ANSWER ME!"

Tharros blinked, not knowing what to say. He glanced at Satan. He stared at the chains squeezing his body.

He smiled weakly. "Ignis..."

Ignis clenched his fists, angrily staring at Tharros.

Tharros grinned, tears running down his face.

Ignis' eyes widened. "L... Lord... Tharros?"

Tharros walked toward the fire angel. "What you said is right, Ignis..."

Ignis took a step back. "W... What... do you..."

"The reason why I asked Leo to take care of Satan's case was this..."

Tharros stood in front of Ignis. He held his staff with trembling hands. "I wanted to test you, my beloved Ignis."

Ignis blinked, confused. "Test..."

"My time is coming to an end," Tharros' gaze softened. "Soon enough, I'll be no more..."

Ignis shook his head. "What are you saying all of a sudden?"

"Ignis, did you know that each one of us has limited time?" Tharros lowered his head. "Even if we're immortal. Our souls can never wander around endlessly. Our titles aren't eternal either. Eventually, we leave the spot for someone else and shrink back into the shadows. Because even if we die, unlike mortals, we have no place to belong to. We have nowhere to return to." Tharros placed a hand on his face. "That's the bitter truth of being immortal. That's the truth that only me and Satan know, as lords!"

He eyed the fire demon. "One week from now, I will vanish. My body will disappear too. I will watch over you, from far away. Yet, you won't be able to see me. You'll forget about me. I'll leave as if I never existed."

Ignis gasped, falling to his knees. He gazed up at the angels' lord, eyes filled with tears. "I've had enough!" he whispered. "I've had enough of those that shouldn't be sacrificed! I don't want you to die, Tharros! WHY DO YOU HAVE TO GO?"

Tharros smiled, sitting in front of him. "Do you even know how old I am?"

Ignis looked away. "Ah... Thirty..."

Tharros blinked. He smiled, then started laughing uproariously before slapping Ignis' back. Ignis gritted his teeth. "What's so funny, old man? DAMN YOU! That hurts!"

"Ignis, my real age is," Tharros grinned, "One million years..."

Ignis' eyes slowly widened. "Oh, HEAVEN! WHAT THE HELL?"

Tharros laughed. "You see, our physical bodies don't reflect our true age. It's the same for Satan." He pointed at the fire demon, "His body is the one of a twenty-year-old, but the truth is that Satan's age is undetermined..."

"Un... determined?"

"Yes..." Tharros' gaze softened. "He lived through the infinite past. He's the true definition of immortality. His age is one million, ten million, a hundred million years and probably more. His wisdom is marvellous. He's seen things that even you and I had never seen. He experienced all sorts of things. He's irreplaceable."

Ignis' eyes slowly widened. "What are you... saying?"

Tharros glanced at Satan. "Satan... can never become an angel because his sin was just unforgivable. He can never be forgiven. Satan lived long before humans ever existed. He encountered all sorts of creatures and lived through many hardships. He's more or less the adventurer. I bet he's got many stories in his sleeve if you ask him..."

Ignis smiled weakly. "An adventurer?!"

Tharros nodded. "You know, Assiah was never the place you know right now. Back then, millions of years ago, it was nothing but sea and lands, animals and plants. It was a wild, a huge forest filled with wonder and danger. It was mysterious, scary, yet thrilling. Satan witnessed all that, from the beyond. He knows a lot. The memories he holds are probably the most interesting ones you'll ever find."

Ignis's smile widened. Tharros held his hand. "Though, he was a lone wolf. He lived alone through all these years with only his fire with him. He lived and survived, tasting grief and regret. He felt the pain that neither you nor I know about. His heart eventually transformed. He became a heartless creature, seeking only revenge. He cursed his fate. He hated everything, humans, demons, angels and also himself. He hated God. He cursed his fate and literally everything..."

Ignis' gaze saddened. "That's..."

"And finally, ten thousand years ago, when Assiah started being populated by humans. He wasn't lonely anymore. He had a small hope of finding somewhere to belong. He started trying to fuse with every single human body he finds. He tried that for years, yet, finally found out that it was useless. No human body could sustain his presence. The humans chased him from Assiah by joining forces. He ran away and seeked shelter in the moutains. He cried and cursed himself. He cursed the gods that exiled him in such a cruel dimension. In the end, he decided to explore Gehenna..."

Tharros smiled sadly. "He opened a portal and teleported down there. Yet, he found nothing but flames around him. It was like Gehenna was a mass of lava and volcanoes. It was an unpleasant sight. He found other demons. At first, they underestimated him and looked down on him. But, he proved he was the best. And eventually, had the respect and the honour he long waited for. And so, he remained in Gehenna, as the ruthless demon lord, Satan..."

Ignis whistled.

Tharros' smile softened. "Before me, used to be other angels that ruled over this heaven. They probably know more than I do. But, Ignis, I'm telling you this, because I have a favour to ask you..."

Ignis swallowed hard. "Wh... What?"

Tharros bit his lips. He ran a hand into Ignis' hair. "Would you mind... standing by Satan's side?"

Ignis' eyes flashed wide.

"Ah... Of, course, I'd understand if you do! After all, being his ally means falling from heaven..."

Ignis lowered head. He smiled weakly. "Why... would you ask me?"

"Do you know who will be appointed to the title next?" Tharros clenched his fists.

Ignis glared at him. "Could it be..."

Tharros nodded.

Ignis' eyes widened. "Impossible! How comes?"

"He's the only one who can do it..." Tharros closed his eyes. "Ange... Only Ange can become the next lord!"

"Don't go around spouting that nonsense!" Ignis gritted his teeth. "Did he just commit a mistake by killing Satan?! What kind of logic are these stupid gods using?!"

Tharros held his hand. "Don't say such things, Ignis..."

Ignis' gaze saddened. "But, if Ange will become lord, Gehenna will..."

"No, Ange only hates Satan. He has no interest in Gehenna." Tharros glanced back at Satan. "Satan made Ange hate him because he knew he'll become king soon. He didn't want Ange's future to be sacrificed like that... So, he made him hate him, even putting his life on the line."

Ignis bit his lips. "That's..."

"That's why, Ignis, I'm asking you this..." Tharros smiled. "Right now, I wanted to come in contact with Satan and Lisian. I wanted to see them so badly before I go. My wish was realised. Ange isn't evil. If anything, he's righteous. And there's nothing such as being too righteous. It's absurd. He's a perfect example. He's the strongest."

"He's not stronger than you," Ignis whispered. "You're... After all..."

Tharros patted his hair. "You're a good angel, Ignis. Your heart is warm. Your fire is warm. Your presence is warm. You're kind-hearted..."

Ignis glanced at Satan. He lowered his head. "He's not dead, right?"

Tharros' smile widened. "Ange..."

Ange appeared behind Tharros. "Yes, my lord..."

"Look at him..."

Ange's eyes widened, glancing at Satan. "My... lord?"

"You know it too, right?" Tharros lowered his head, smirking weakly. "Satan won't be killed by an attack from that level."

"But Tharros!" Ignis' chin dropped. "Is this some sort of joke?"

"I told you, Ignis." Tharros stood up, leaning on his staff. "He lived for millions of years. He saw all sorts of abnormalities. He was alone. He had the wisdom of ages..."

Ange stared at the blue fire burning on Satan's body, eyes wide. "What's... going on?"

Satan slowly stood up, cracking his bones, one by one. He smirked weakly. "You figured out, Tharros?"

Tharros's smiled. "Easy, Demon Lord. It's not anyone that can pull through all these years and keep a cool face. After all, you're immortality itself."

Satan cracked his neck lastly, then the fire faded from his body. "I thought I'd die..."

His smirk slowly disappeared. "But sleeping is good for health, right?"

He laughed as Ange pointed a blade at his neck. Ange gritted his teeth. "Why are you still alive?"

"Because you know," Satan rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "I had someone I still want to pay a visit."

"DON'T SCREW WITH ME!"

"Pierce..."

Ange blinked.

Satan coldly stared at him. "Pierce my neck, if it will make you feel better!"

He smirked, as the blade went through his neck. Ignis gasped in shock. "S... Satan!"

Blue flames enveloped Satan's body. Ange's eyes widened as it swallowed the blade. He jumped backwards. The flames healed Satan's wound and disappeared. He darkly stared at Ange.

"Congratulations, new angels' lord..."

Ange gritted his teeth. "That has nothing to do with you!"

Satan smiled. "Right..."

He stared down at the chains. "I'll keep them as a memorial."

"Asshole..."

Satan laughed as a portal opened behind him.

"I don't need your help in anything, Ange! But, I'll give you a hint, from one lord to another," he started walking toward the portal, "The more you scream, the more you're respected..."

Ange emotionlessly stared at him.

Satan's gaze softened. "Farewell..."

Ignis stared at Satan. He gritted his teeth and stood up. "Wait! Where are you going? You'll die if you open the portal alone!"

Satan closed his eyes, disappearing with the portal. Ignis glanced at Tharros, who nodded. Ignis disappeared.

Ange glanced at Tharros. "Scorpio is working really hard with Taurus. The damages we suffered were great. Even the fortress wasn't safe."

"Scorpio..." Tharros slowly walked toward his glass window. He closed his eyes, clenching his fists.

"What will you do, once you hold this staff in my hands, Ange?"

Ange lowered his head. "I'll kill Satan..."

"It would be a grave sin, Ange," Tharros smiled.

"I don't care..."

"And he's the only demon even you can't kill..."

"Then, who can?" Ange clenched his fists.

"Ange..." Tharros turned to the light angel.

Ange swallowed hard, seeing the dark expression on Tharros' face. "Wh... What?"

"You should just be grateful that Satan didn't kill you, back in Gehenna," Tharros lowered his head. "You don't know how terrifying Satan is... You don't know how terrifying the creature who had enough boldness to defy God! You shouldn't speak so lightly of him."

"Are you scared of him, Tharros?" Ange spoke arrogantly. "We're angels! No matter who our opponent is, we'll kill him!"

"You can't go and decide about killing on your own! Taking a life isn't a game! Even if it's a fly or a single little root, you have no right to end anything!" Tharros shouted, wind exploding from his body. He gritted his teeth. "I'm frustrated... I'm frustrated! How did I allow such things to occur while I was holding this position? How did I allow Lisian to disappear? How did I allow Satan to get killed? How did I allow you to commit such an unforgivable crime? This is the only proof," clouds appeared in the sky, "OF MY INCOMPETENCE AS A KING!"

Ange's eyes widened, hearing the blasting thunder. "My... Lord..."

Tharros lowered his head, panting. "I shall not forgive myself. I humiliated my whole nation in front of the demon lord! I'm really worthless of this position!"

"IT'S WRONG!" Ange gritted his teeth, "If anything, I'm the one to blame!"

"Ange..." Tharros smiled, turning back to the glass. He rested his forehead on it, closing his eyes. "It's enough. Let me alone for a while."

Ange bit his lips, lowering his head. "Yes, my lord..."

Tharros slowly opened his eyes as the light angel took his leave. He emotionlessly stared at the citadel below him.

"Tharros," Behemoth appeared behind him. He smirked widely. "Don't blame yourself so much!"

"Behemoth..." Tharros turned to him. His black hair fell on his face as he stared at the shadow demon with a frigid expression. "You brought nothing but corruption. I will never forgive you for that."

"Don't be so serious, dear lord!" Behemoth started laughing. "You're really an admirable angel, calamity angel, Tharros!"

Tharros' gaze grew colder. "I will kill you, even if I have to put my life on the line!"

"Weren't you scolding your angel for it, Tharros?" Behemoth leaned forward, "Killing... can never be an angel's option!"

"Didn't you say it yourself?" Tharros muttered. "I'm a mere calamity. I was born unwanted."

Behemoth lowered his head.

"But," Tharros grabbed Behemoth by his collar. "I won't forgive you," his eyes widened in rage. "I will not forgive you for what you've done to this beautiful heaven, BEHEMOTH!"

A hurricane started into the room. Tharros fell to his knees, coughing blood. He rested his head on the staff, panting.

Behemoth smiled weakly, sitting in front of him. He grabbed his chin. "Your name means courage, right?"

Tharros gritted his teeth. "Don't touch me, disgrace!"

"That's a beautiful name, Tharros, "Behemoth stood up, "We'll meet again, calamity," he smirked and vanished in the shadows.

Tharros bit his lips, staring at the spell on his arm. He slowly stood up and walked into his room. He lay on his bed, closing his eyes.

-o-

"Satan!"

Satan stopped walking, hearing someone calling his name. He stood up, back facing the fire angel. Ignis smiled, glancing at him. "Satan, let's go back? Tharros still has plenty of things to tell you..."

Satan turned to him. He lowered his head. "Return?" he whispered. He smiled. "I have nowhere to return to..."

"Satan..."

"LOOK AROUND YOU!"

Ignis's eyes widened.

Satan gritted his teeth, clenching his fists. "It's the void, Ignis..."

"The... void?" Ignis glanced around. He gasped, seeing nothing but darkness around him. Satan smiled. "Am I cursed that badly?" he laughed weakly.

Ignis glanced back at him. He stared at the blue fire illuminating the black space. "What is this place, Satan?"

"This is the place where heaven, hell, and the mortal world collide; the void." Satan eyed Ignis with frigid eyes. "Don't follow me, Ignis..."

Ignis smirked, the red fire flaring on his body. "I am... It was my lord's order! Don't you dare stop me!"

"I will never allow another tragedy to occur," tears ran down Satan's face. "Go away..."

"I'm not!" Ignis flew toward Satan. He stood in front of him. "The void, you say?"

He smiled. "Perfect... We can do anything, without anyone watching. Let's fight to our heart's content, Satan!"

The fire disappeared from around Satan. He slowly closed his eyes, falling forward. Ignis caught him. "S... Satan!"

"Hey, Ignis..." Satan smiled. "Why are you... following someone like me?"

Ignis lowered his head. "Because I like you."

Satan started laughing, harder and harder. He fell to the ground, laughing. "Don't joke with me! I'm the most hated by God! I'm your enemy! Why the hell would an angel say that?!"

"I like you. I'll say that no matter how many times it'll take!" Ignis sternly stared at him. "Stop lying to yourself and accept me! From now on, Satan, I want to be your servant!"

Satan's eyes widened. "Don't say it..."

"I'll serve you as if you were Tharros..."

"S... top it..."

"I won't stop!" Ignis grabbed Satan by his shirt. "I don't care about what you think!"

Satan placed a hand on his face, crying silently. "Please..."

Ignis blinked. Satan's eyes slowly widened. "Move..."

"What?!" Ignis gasped, as Satan pushed him to the side. He sat down, glaring at him. "What the hell?!"

His eyes widened, seeing a darkness blade piercing Satan's belly. Satan fell to his knees, panting. He glared in front of him. "So... you didn't die either..."

"I'd never!" he heard a laugh.

Satan gritted his teeth, hearing slow footsteps.

Ignis' gasped in shock. "E... E... E..."

Ethan smirked. "I'd never leave my dear little brother struggling alone!"

"I don't need your help with anything!" Satan clenched his fists. "Go away, Ethan..."

Ethan's gaze saddened. "You're cold, Satan!"

Satan whined, collapsing to the ground, as the darkness spread along his body. He started coughing blood.

Ethan smiled. "Long time no see. I've been waiting for you."

He pointed a hand at Satan. "To torment you a little."

Ignis smiled and stood up. "Don't screw around, Ethan! Satan is impossible to kill!"

"Don't say that!" Ethan laughed, hearing Satan's screams. "He can be killed, if," he smirked, "His powers are sealed."

Ignis glanced at Satan, who slowly stood up. "Wh... at... have they... done to you?" he whispered.

Ethan coldly stared at him. The mark on Satan's chest started growing dark. He stared at his brother, panting. "Why are you... like this?"

"It doesn't have a single thing with you..." Ethan lowered his head, clenching his fists.

Satan gasped, as darkness crashed on him. He gritted his teeth, walking ahead. "Come back to me, Lisian!"

"DON'T CALL ME LIKE THAT!" Satan's eyes slowly widened, as a blade pierced his chest. He gasped, falling forward. He felt someone holding him. Ethan smiled, whispering in his ear. "Fine, I'll allow you to live, Satan. But, this won't be the last time I see you. I'll find you and come for you, because..."

Satan gasped weakly as Ethan pushed his fangs into his neck. Blood ran from the corner of his lips. His crest went dark blue. He slowly closed his eyes, relaxing into his brother's hold. Ethan smirked. "Good boy, Satan, don't resist me..."

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!"

He jumped backward wrapping an arm around Satan's belly. He stared at Ignis. "That was rude! I was having a conversation with my brother!"

Ignis gritted his teeth. "You seal his powers, you feed on his blood, you make him lose consciousness, and then you dare talk with such boldness?!"

"Yeah..."

Ignis clenched his fists. "How lowly!"

Ethan smiled. He threw Satan to the ground. "Fine, you can have him..."

Ignis sat near Satan, obsecing his injuries. His eyes widened, as a portal opened below them.

He glanced up at Ethan. "What are you..."

Ethan grinned. "See you! It's too early for blood to be shed in this void!"

Everything slowly went black...

To be continued…

After struggling against Ange's spell, Satan wished to see his children one last time. Moved by his story, Ignis granted him that wish. But, that's when Satan lost his life. A long chat happened between Tharros and Ignis, where Ignis was informed about Tharros's end of term and about his will. He discovered a part of Satan's past and witnessed his overwhelming powers. Ange was to be the new angels' lord, and Satan refused the angels' help to conquer Gehenna. He escaped to an alternate dimension he called "The Void" where he was joined by Ignis. However, they were ambushed by Ethan, who gave them a hard time.

BY THE WAY: Despite not having much time, I managed to watch two animes this summer: Nanatsu no Taizai and Tate no Yuusha. I watched Tate no Yuusha last night and it was so good that I finished all 25 episodes in one sitting. Been so long since I saw such a good anime. I was starting to give up! Isekais are awesome, heheh. That's all.

SEE YOU NEXT UPDATE!

I'll make sure I update next Thursday. That's a week from now. Stay tuned, and don't forget to review! :DD