After learning that Celestia was behind the incident with the Earth Defense Force, I made up my mind to go back to Celestia to ask the Seraph about it directly.

The Netherworld. Celestia. The human world.

I never imagined that this war, which involved the entire universe, would come to such an unexpected end...

"…Your mind's made up?" Laharl asked.

Across from him stood Flonne, looking more determined than he had ever seen her. All around him he knew the rest of his vassals were watching the conversation from various points in the Overlord's throne room, but he didn't care.

"Yes," Flonne answered, "I must speak with the Seraph and find out what has been happening in Celestia…"

"Do you realize that you may have to face him as an enemy?" Laharl asked, not taking his eyes off of Flonne's.

Flonne's eyes wavered. "Face Master Lamington as my enemy…?"

"He's the head of Celestia, right?" Etna asked from the corner, "We know that someone in Celestia has been helping the EDF. He must have known about it."

Jennifer nodded. "I agree. I think it's very possible that he's even the mastermind."

When Flonne didn't answer, Laharl asked, "Wasn't he the one who ordered you to go to the Netherworld in the first place? …To assassinate my old man?"

"What?!" Gordon cried, "An angel ordering and assassination? That's just wrong! He's guilty, without a doubt!!"

Flonne's stupor broke. "No, he's not!" She yelled.

"Can you say that for sure?" Laharl pressed, not flinching.

Flonne was silent for moment before saying, "…I believe in Master Lamington."

Laharl said nothing. If Flonne went into Celestia with that kind of hopeless attitude, then…

"…I see." He grinned. "Alright, then. Let's get going."

Flonne cocked her head. What did he mean by that?

"It's a good opportunity for me to check out this so-called Seraph," Laharl explained, looking away. "I'm going with ya."

"Laharl…" Flonne smiled.

"Geez, Prince, why don't you just admit it?" Etna asked, before putting on a sickeningly sweet smile and talking in a baby-voice. "'I'm worried about Flonne, so I'm gonna go with her!'" Talking normally, she asked, "What's so hard about that, huh?"

Laharl's head did a magnificent impersonation of a tomato, as he blustered, "F-fool! That's far from the truth…!"

"Now, now," Jennifer intervened, smiling. "We all feel the same way, Harlie."

"Jennifer's right," Gordon said, "As the Defender of Earth, I cannot let my comrade go alone."

BEEP BEEP BLIP BEEP… Thursday put in, WE ARE COMRADES. WE GO TOGETHER. END OF DISCUSSION.

"…Hmph," Laharl muttered, turning around and heading towards the door. "Bunch of fools."

"Everybody…" Flonne said, and the gang looked to her. "…Thank you."

Final Episode

What Lies Beyond the Battle

With their minds made up, the party headed towards the portal room. As they were leaving the throne room, they met with Dratti.

"You've changed a lot," She remarked, "Doing things for the sake of others."

"Sh-shut up!" Laharl snapped, his cheeks reddening. "I only do things for my own sake!" He glared at the rest of the gang, who were grinning. "Got it!?"

"Sure, Prince…" They said, but their tones suggested they had other ideas.

While walking down the corridor to the portal room, they overheard Goleck talking to another demon.

"…The Prinnies were talking about 'multiple endings'…" He was saying.

"Huh?" Laharl muttered, passing by. "Endings to what?"

As Laharl pondered that, they encountered Manty.

"You're going to Celestia, I hear. Bring back some gifts for us!" the Mantacore grinned.

Laharl scowled. "Idiot. It's not a vacation."

Now feeling really annoyed, Laharl began to stomp as he walked, and would have kept on doing so if it weren't for Gargo.

"So, if humans can come here," Gargo mused, "That means we can go there, right?" And by 'There' he meant the human world, Earth.

This drew Laharl's attention away from his annoyance as he thought about it. "Hmm… Now that you mention it…"

His train of thought was interrupted by Etna and Flonne, who picked him from under his arms and carried him off.

"We're dealing with the angels first, remember?" Etna told him cheekily.

"I know that, lemme go!" Laharl groused, struggling to get free. After Etna and Flonne dropped him, Ghoss floated up to him.

"At last, the final battle." The Ghost said solemnly, "I'll give you a worthy present.

Ghoss handed Laharl a sword. It was unique in that there seemed to be two blades coming up out of the hilt. These blades were saw-like, like the jaws of a great beast. But these teeth faced away from each other.

"Have a nice trip." Ghoss said, and floated away.

"Whoa… That's the Diabolic Sword!" Etna cried, her eyes widening.

"Hm? Is that important?" Gordon asked.

"It's one of the most famous swords of the Netherworld," Etna explained, "How did he get it? If I had it, I woulda sold it lived like a queen!"

"Idiot," Laharl said, "The Diabolic Sword isn't a get-rich quick scheme. It's a weapon for only the most eminent of demons. Hmhmh…" He gave the Sword a practice swing. "I can't wait to use it in battle…"

"If you go to Celestia with that kind of attitude, you won't have to wait long." Flonne said, feeling a little uneasy at Laharl's eager look.

Soon the group entered the portal room.

Zommie, standing by the entrance to the hospital, said, "What will happen in the end, Prince? I can't wait to find out!"

Laharl ignored him.

The intrepid band finally reached the portal. Fiona had a bandage on her head, a souvenir from the EDF's invasion.

"A gate that connects Celestia and the Netherworld…" She said softly, hearing the request. After she had tuned the portal to where they needed to be sent, she said, "Prince… be careful…"

But Laharl wasn't worried. He was the Overlord! What could go wrong?

Flonne was worried. Too much intrigue and deceit was coming from Celestia. What could be the reason?

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

The portal placed Laharl's group in front of a large, magnificent stone doorway. It was like a bronze monolith, with strange archaic runes carved into the framework.

"So," Laharl said, looking up at the mammoth structure. "This is the entrance to Celestia…"

Flonne nodded. "It is said that one of the former Seraphs had this gate constructed to cut off the Netherworld from Celestia," She explained, "That's why it can only be opened by the residents of Celestia."

"Hmph!" Etna snorted, feeling slighted. "That's not fair."

Flonne stood in directly in front of the mammoth doors.

"Okay, I'm going to open the gate," She called over her shoulders, "Is everybody ready?"

Flonne placed her hands on two runes, and they began to glow. Then, she slowly brought the glow together. The glow grew into a magnificent light, and the doors parted. Without another word, almost hypnotized by the light, the group marched through…

…And found themselves in a land of sunshine, grassy fields, billowy clouds…and Adonis'

"Bonjour, everyone," Mid-Boss greeted, bowing. "It is a pleasure to see you here."

"Oh, it's you, Mr. Mid-Boss." Flonne said, smiling. For a moment, she thought there was going to be trouble!

Mid-Boss was lying on a checkered blanket, having a picnic of sorts. He held a half-eaten sandwich in his hand.

Laharl stared at Mid-Boss before looking at Flonne. "Weren't you saying earlier that only Celestians can open this gate?"

"Oh… Um…" Flonne tried to find an explanation, but there was none to be had. "That's strange."

Mid-Boss chuckled. "It has been thousands of years since a demon other than moi passed through this gate."

Gordon quickly got it. Pointing a finger of truth, he declared, "Aha! It's all clear to me now! You're an evil henchman who's been hired by the Seraph!" If a demon got through a gate only angels can open, then someone in Celestia must have opened it for him!

Mid-Boss made a short buzzing noise. "Wrong." He said, winking.

Jennifer figured it out. "I know!" She cried, and pointed. "You're an angel in disguise!" That's how he got through the gate, he was only PRETENDING to be a demon!

Mid-Boss buzzed again. "Another wrong answer!" He grinned. "You all have very active imaginations. But I, the Dark Adonis, just happen to be passing by… Nothing more."

Laharl snorted. "Hmph… So, Dark Adonis, why is it that you're in Celestia?"

"I am here to test your resolve." Mid-Boss said calmly, putting his sandwich in the basket.

"What…?"

"From this point on, you will face challenges unlike anything you have experienced before," Mid-Boss explained, packing up his picnic. "Whether or not you can emerge victorious… I would like to see with my own eyes."

Laharl glared. "But, what does that have to do with you?" The Overlord demanded, "Why do you care!? Answer me!"

A smile purple vortex appeared in the air. Mid-Boss casually tossed the basket into it. The vortex vanished.

"Hmhmhm… We have talked long enough," Mid-Boss chuckled, and took a fighting stance. "Show me what you are capable of!"

Laharl didn't even bother to ask. Be now, he was used to Mid-Boss picking fights with him. Taking out the Diabolic Sword, Laharl lunged at Mid-Boss. The Dark Adonis swerved around the demon, and delivered a swift kick to Laharl's jaw. The Overlord didn't back down, and swung a Blazing Knuckle at Mid-Boss. Mid-Boss easily jumped over the charging demon and stepped on his head, squashing him into the ground.

"Thank you for the boost." Mid-Boss laughed.

Leaping away, Mid-Boss then vanished in a flurry of rose petals. Laharl then became the target of a series of blink-and-you'll-miss-it punches and kicks.

"Adonis Blast!" Mid-Boss' voice rang out, and Laharl was ultimately knocked off his feet. Mid-Boss reappeared a few steps away.

"After everything you have been through, those light punches enough to bring you down?" Mid-Boss asked playfully.

"No," Gordon yelled, running at him. "But, this will bring YOU down! Gordon Punch!"

As Gordon moved to deliver his punch, Mid-Boss prepared a punch of his own.

"Adonis Shot!"

The punches connected, and for a moment, seemed to cancel each other out. Then, however, Jennifer leapt over Gordon's head with a flying kick aimed at Mid-Boss. As She and Mid-Boss began to fight, Flonne rushed over to where Laharl was.

"Laharl, are you okay?" She asked.

"I'm fine," Laharl replied irritably, "Now, listen. I want you to…" Laharl quickly whispered something into Flonne's ear. "Got that?"

"Sure. But, what are you going to do?" Flonne asked.

"I'm just gonna go get a gift for Mid-Boss." Laharl chuckled darkly, and leapt into the sky. He soon vanished from sight.

Meanwhile, Mid-Boss separated from Jennifer when he heard the click of Gordon preparing to fire. Leaping away, he parried an attempt to stab him by Etna, kicking her in the jaw.

"You can do better than that," Mid-Boss said, "What are you waiting for?"

Etna pointed past Mid-Boss' shoulder, and fled. Looking, Mid-Boss saw Thursday, with his Robo-Bazooka readied. e. He vanished just as the Bazooka fired, and appeared next to Thursday…or rather, four of him appeared next to Thursday.

"Adonis Fury!"

The four Mid-Boss' unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks onto Thursday, culminating in a blast of purple energy. Afterwards, he jumped up above the group.

"Thursday!" Jennifer cried and rushed to the robot's aid. Floating in the air, Mid-Boss surveyed the party.

"You are not trying hard, I think," He said, "Have my previous defeats led you to believe that moi is simply not someone who is worth the effort? Then, let me show why you are wrong!"

Mid-Boss jumped heavenward, landing on something resembling a crescent moon in space. With all of his power, he forced the crescent-moon-thing towards Celestia.

"Adonic Buster!"

The closer the crescent-moon-thing got to Celestia, the faster it got, and the faster it got, the bigger the explosion would large. And it was.

BOOM!

Mid-Boss, having jumped off at the last minute, looked at the smoke and dust. "Huh? I have won?" He rubbed the back of his head and chuckled sheepishly. "Haha… This is not as I expected, but…"

"But what?"

As the smoke cleared, Mid-Boss saw Flonne standing in the center of the group, the Staff of Sorcery raised and creating a magic shield that covered them all.

"Oh, a forcefield," Mid-Boss noted, surprised. "Very impressive."

"If you thought that was impressive, watch this," Flonne said, before yelling, "Now!"

Gordon fired a shot at Mid-Boss, who could have dodged it, if he wasn't trying to dodge Holy Arrows from Flonne and a Sexy Beam from Etna. And after that barrage, Jennifer ran out from the group and kicked him into the air.

"Star Buster!" She yelled, and punched him in the gut when he landed.

"Oof!" Mid-Boss grunted, feeling the wind being knocked out of him. "Now, that's more like…hmm? Why is it getting so dark all of a sudden?

The reason why it was getting so dark all of a sudden was that Laharl had the same idea Mid-Boss had, only he had it first. The reason why it took so long to pay off was that Laharl was looking for a DECENT piece of space rock, one that was not only big, but capable of surviving a plunge through the atmosphere. Thus, all of Celestia, even little flying creatures in mid-flight, felt the impact.

"Meteor Impact!"

BOOM!!!

After the smoke died down and everyone's ears stopped ringing, Mid-Boss climbed out of the crater. He didn't look too bad, for someone who had a meteor land on him.

"Your teamwork is impressive," Mid-Boss chuckled, "I commend you for having come so far."

"Huh?" Laharl blinked, "Where's the usual pathetic excuse of yours?"

But Mid-Boss seemed to be in a world of his own. "Demons, angels, humans… Rather than learn about each other, they use words such as 'good' and 'evil' to differentiate themselves," He said, "…That is the sad truth."

("Wait… That reminds me of something Master Lamington once said to me…") Flonne thought.

"However, through our battle, you have proved to me…" Mid-Boss continued, "That regardless of our differences, all creatures can become one in spirit. As long as you bare that in mind, I am sure you can overcome any ordeal."

Etna began to fidget. "Uh, Prince… Something is definitely wrong. Mid-Boss is acting all serious!"

Laharl shifted uncomfortably. "Y-yeah! This must be a trap of some sort!" He pointed at Mid-Boss. "Who are you, really!?"

"Hmhmhm…" Mid-Boss chuckled, "As I said, I am the Dark Adonis."

Mid-Boss leapt up, and flew off into the sky. "Farewell! Haaaahahahaha!!"

Laharl stared at Mid-Boss' departing form incredulously. "So… What was that all about?"

Etna shrugged. "Beats me…"

Flonne smiled. "I think Mr. Mid-Boss was trying to encourage us in his own way."

Gordon grinned. "He is a true rival, indeed."

"Oh, the beauty of friendship between rivals…!" Jennifer sighed romatically.

Laharl felt a bead of sweat run down his forehead. "…Were we all listening to the same conversation?"

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

The Sacred Altar. An elegant, church-like chamber.

One might loosely refer to it as the throne room for whoever was the Seraph of Celestia, even though there was no throne. The Seraph would stand erect, perhaps showing how serious his role was.

Lamington was meditating when he heard an all-too-familiar voice drift in.

"Master Lamington! Master Lamington, we have an emergency!"

Lamington opened his eyes to see, yes, Vulcanus, rush in.

"What is the matter?" The Seraph asked.

"That traitor Flonne has begun her invasion of Celestia," Vulcanus cried, "Leading a battalion of demons!!"

Lamington closed his eyes. "…The day has finally come."

"We are prepared to intercept the demons!" Vulcanus said, "I will lead the troops myself. With your permission, of course…" He add quickly, as if he just remembered who was in charge."

Lamington opened his eyes and looked down at Vulcanus. "…Very well. I shall leave the matter to you." He raised a finger. "But, I want them captured unharmed. Do you understand?"

Vulcanus stood up straight. "Yes, sir!"

Vulcanus turned and marched out, and as he did, these thoughts went through his head.

("...Captured? Nonsense! I will kill them amidst the confusion! It is only a matter of time before I become a god! And that is when I, Vulcanus, shall establish absolute peace in the universe!")

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

With Flonne leading the way, the party continued on through the heavenly fields of Celestia. The angel land seemed to be the exact opposite of the Netherworld, replacing the almost omnipresent feeling that someone was around the corner waiting for you with a dagger, with an almost omnipresent feeling of peace and tranquility.

Which is why the sudden appearance of a Celestial Host caught everyone by surprise.

"The Celestial Host…!" Flonne gasped.

"Target confirmed," the Angel Soldier said calmly, "Proceeding as ordered."

"Hmph…" Laharl snorted, and glared at the angels. "Are these your fellow Celestians?"

"Yes, but they are full-fledged angels." Flonne replied.

"I don't think they're here to give you a warm welcome back, though." Etna noted. Though the Celestial Host's faces were unreadable, there was an underlying threat in their postures.

"Angel Trainee Flonne," The Angel Soldier said, "By order of Archangel Vulcanus, you are to be executed for treason."

As the angels moved in, Flonne cried, "Wait, please! I haven't committed treason! It's all a misunderstanding! Master Vulcanus is mistaken!"

"Your objections are meaningless," The Angel Soldier replied, "You are a traitor and must be executed."

"Please let me see the Seraph!" Flonne begged, "I know he will straighten everything out!"

"Request denied. We were given no such orders." The Angel Soldier said, "Our orders are to execute Angel Trainee Flonne and all that assist her."

"I beg you!" Flonne persisted, her eyes tearing. "Listen to me…!"

"Flonne, don't waste your breath." Laharl said.

"Yeah," Etna nodded, "These morons haven't listened to a word you said."

"But, I…" Flonne looked back and forth, torn between her friends and her fellow angels. "I can't fight…"

"What happened to all that determination of yours?" Laharl demanded, "If your just gonna give up, then why did you bother to come?"

"Harlie…" Jennifer said, stepping up. "You're being too hard on her…"

"Jennifer's right!" Gordon said, "As a defender, I cannot tolerate such treatment of a lady…"

"…It's okay," Flonne said, "Laharl is right. I thought I had made up my mind…" She looked at the Host. "But, once I faced the reality of the situation, I… No, I can't be like this!" she wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry. I'm alright now! Thank you, Laharl."

Laharl looked away. "Just don't waste my time with any more talk of giving up, or else I'm outta here."

"I understand." Flonne said, smiling. And this time, she really did.

"Hmph…" Laharl unsheathed the Diabolic Sword and pointed it at the Celestial Host. "Then, let's hurry up and kick some angel butt!"

"Okay!" Flonne said, and pulled out the Staff of Sorcery.

The party got into fighting stances, as the Host looked on, unchanging.

"You have demonstrated resistance," The Angel Soldier said, "The use of deadly force is authorized against all opposition."

"Be my guest," Laharl grinned, "Show me what you've got!"

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

"The battle has begun…"

Lamington looked at his partner. "Our task is nearly complete."

"Yes… We have made them come all this way, without the slightest explanation…"

Lamington allowed himself an ironic smile. "We will surely be punished for our actions."

A chuckle. "I have already received my punishment. But, it is for that reason that the future is now in their hands. I should be thankful."

Lamington was silent for a moment. "…Will they prevail?"

"I don't know… It is all up to them."

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

Laharl's gang pushed their way through Celestia, Host or no Host. Any angels that got in their way were quickly overwhelmed by the groups power and teamwork. However, on Flonne's insistence, no one was killed.

"It's not their fault," She had said, "They're only doing what they believe to be right! And we're better than that!"

"We are?" Laharl and Etna asked, but nonetheless, went along with it. For Laharl, this just meant not bothering to strike at vital spots.

Eventually, they came close enough to the Seraphic Sanctuary, where the Seraph resided, to see it in the distance. It was then that Archangel Vulcanus appeared.

"It's been a while, Flonne." Vulcanus grunted.

"Master Vulcanus…!" Flonne cried. Where did he come from?

Etna stared at Vulcanus' angry eyes, his venomous expression, and his thick mustache. "WHAT!? Don't tell me HE'S an angel!"

"You've got to be kidding!" Jennifer cried, "No matter how you look at it, that's the face of a villain!"

Laharl nodded. "True. You look so evil, it's a pity you're an angel."

"Silence!" Vulcanus snapped, "How dare you look at my glorious face and call me a villain!" Glaring at Flonne, he said, "Angel Trainee Flonne! To conspire with with demons to wage war on Celestia is an unspeakable sin! Not only that, but you've harmed innocent angels! You deserve nothing short of death! I, Archangel Vulcanus, shall carry out your sentence!"

"Please, Master Vulcanus!" Flonne cried, "I'm only here with a question for the Seraph!"

"Quiet, traitor!" Vulcanus cut her off, "It disgusts me to even speak to you!!"

"Master Vulcanus! Why?" Flonne demanded, "Why am I a traitor!?"

"Stop pretending to be innocent!" Vulcanus snapped, "We all know that you are conspiring with demons so that you can take over Celestia!" That image of a Flonne-headed demon biker gang appeared in his mind again. "And on top of that, you tricked that stupid Defender of Earth into fighting for your cause! How despicable! It is our responsibility as angels to destroy demons, the root of all evil, and watch over the helpless human race! To renounce your sublime duty and join forces with these foul demons is simply unforgivable!"

Laharl gritted his teeth. "Hey! Who the hell do you think you are!?" He roared, stepping forward. When he got his hands on that angel…!

"Wait…" Flonne said, stepping in front of Laharl. "Please, let me handle this." To Vulcanus, she said, "Master Vulcanus, I pity you."

Vulcanus blanched. "W-what?" He was being…PITIED?!

"You believe that demons are evil, that humans are helpless…and that you alone are right," Flonne said, "But, I know that demons can show kindness...and humans can be brave…! Without seeking proof, you have allowed your judgment to be colored by prejudice," She pointed. "Isn't the evil which you speak of in your own heart, Master Vulcanus!?"

"W-W-W-WHAT!?" Vulcanus cried, his mind spinning at Flonne's accusation.

"Well said, Flonne." Laharl grinned.

"Yeah! You hit it right on the nose!" Jennifer cheered.

"Right on!" Etna smirked.

BEEP BEEP BLIP BEEP… Thursday beeped, I AM DEEPLY MOVED.

"I see that the defender spirit has awakened in you too!" Gordon declared, "From this day forward, you shall be known as a Defender of Earth!"

By this time, Vulcanus' outrage subsided enough so he could speak again.

"Y-you…!" He sputtered, furious. "Evil in my heart…? Never! I am only doing what is right! And I will prove that to you, here and now! With your death!"

It was at that moment that another Celestial Host appeared.

"Go, soldiers! Kill them all!!" Vulcanus screamed, and vanished in a fizzle of light.

"How like a villain," Gordon growled, "He says he's going to kill us, then leaves it to his henchmen! The coward!"

"Here we go again." Laharl sighed, and pulled out his sword.

"Wait, Harlie," Jennifer said, "Let me try something…"

Jennifer balled her hand into a fist and pulled it back, preparing to punch the air, apparently, as there was nothing within arms reach. She closed her eyes, concentrating, focusing all of her latent energy into a single point.

"Cosmic Arrow!"

Jennifer punched, and a spear of red-ish power burst forth, blasting the Celestial Host.

"Jennifer!" Gordon cried, "When have you been able to do THAT!?"

Jennifer blew on her fist. "Oh, just something I've been working on in my spare time." She winked.

("And that's how we wrote our way out of that one.") Etna thought dryly.

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

The party continued on, encountering more squads of angels. After a while, they were close enough to the Seraphic Sanctuary to see how the building was shaped, if only by looking really, really, hard.

"Something's not right…" Laharl muttered as they walked.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Asked Flonne.

"We've made it this far, but still haven't seen any sign of the Seraph…" Laharl pointed out.

"That's true." Gordon conceded.

"If the Seraph is not involved in any of this," Etna commented, "Then why hasn't he come out and saved Flonne?"

"So," Jennifer began, "you're saying the fact that he hasn't shown up can only mean…" She trailed off as everyone looked at Flonne.

"…I understand your point," Flonne said sadly, "But, I'll believe in Master Lamington until the very end…!"

"…Geez, you're stubborn." Laharl grumbled, giving Flonne a hard look. "Don't tell me it's because of love again..."

"Yes it is, absolutely!" Flonne exclaimed, "To have faith in someone you respect… That's love!"

"What a Love Freak." Laharl sighed.

"Well, I don't trust Seraph myself," Etna remarked, stretching back. "But I guess I can tag along."

"Etna…" Flonne whispered.

"I'll help you Flonne," Jennifer chimed in, "I believe in you."

"Me too!" Gordon declared, "I trust in your love."

BEEP BEEP BLIP BEEP… I WILL ACCOMPANY YOU, TOO. Thursday announced.

"Miss Jennifer… Mr. Gordon… Mr. Thursday…" Flonne smiled at their trust.

"This is ridiculous," Laharl groaned, "You guys are so naïve."

"Hm? Does that mean you're leaving, Prince?" Etna asked coyly.

"F-fool!" LAharl snapped, turning a smidge red. "How can I turn back now, when I haven't seen the Seraph!? I'll go on, even if it's by myself!"

"Laharl…" Flonne murmured, and thought, ("Everybody, thank you so much… I'm glad that I met all of you. I have harmed my own kind… No matter how this journey ends, I will receive severe punishment… But, I have no regrets… I was able to meet such wonderful companions.")

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

Eventually, after banging heads with more Celestial Hosts, the party were soon close enough to the Seraphic Sanctuary to see the entrance into the building. As they were walking through an ornamental garden, with fountains, ivy, and pillars, Vulcanus appeared before them.

"I'm surprised that you made it this far," Vulcanus grunted, "Not bad… Not bad at all."

Gordon's eyebrow twitched. "Everybody, be careful!" He warned, "Whenever a villain appears and talks like this, there's always a trap!"

"Who are you calling a villain!?" Vulcanus scowled, "Hmph, this will keep your filthy mouth shut!" He raised his hand, and a circle of runes appeared beneath him. "Evil born from the darkness and chaos! Abide by the pact and annihilate my foes!"

A strange aura filled the air…it did not feel Celestian, but something that the party had felt before…

"Demon summoning…!?" Laharl wondered, shocked.

"How can this be?" Flonne asked, just as shocked. "Making a pact with demons is strictly forbidden by our law!"

There was a flash of darkness, and soon several particularly terrible-looking demons had appeared. A Dragon, a Mantacore, a Vampire, a Gargoyle, and a demon that looked like a shark that grew legs and spikes, a Serpent, made up the mob. They all growled ominously.

"Watch out!" Gordon yelled, pulling out his gun. "These aren't ordinary demons!"

"Scan them, Thursday!" Jennifer ordered.

Thursday trundled to the head of the group. BEEP BEEP BLIP BEEP… He said, IMMEASURABLE POWER AND ENDURANCE. DANGER DANGER DANGER…!!

"Hmhmhm…!!" Vulcanus sneered, "I have enlisted these greater demons for an occasion such as this! They were eager to sign the contract when I told them that they could have the Netherworld in exchange for your deaths."

"See, Prince?" Etna said, glaring at Laharl. "How many times have I told you to be a better role model for your subjects?"

"Shut up!" Laharl snapped, his eyes turning red. "Now's not the time!!"

"Enjoy fighting your own kind!" Vulcanus grunted gloatingly, "Muhahahaha!"

Vulcanus vanished, leaving the greater demons to glare and smirk at their intended victims.

"Dammit!" Laharl growled, shakily pulling out the Diabolic Sword. "Even I can't take care of this many greater demons…!"

"What's the plan?" Gordon asked, "Should we retreat?"

"You think they'll let us retreat?" Etna asked, noting that the greater demons were now drawing lots to see who would eat who.

"But, what else can we do!?" Jennifer shivered, not liking the way that Vampire was looking at her.

"Come on! I don't recall having friends that lose their cool in front of their adversaries!"

"Who is this!?" Laharl asked, looking around.

Flonne looked behind her and pointed. "Look! Over there!"

Up at the entrance of the garden, under the hedge archway with the words Divine Prison cut into the top, was a green Prinny.

"Hmph…" the Prinny sniffed.

"Your…!!" Laharl made out before his train of thought halted at one curious detail. "…Hey, who the heck is that?"

Etna shrugged. "I dunno."

"I don't think I've seen that Prinny before." Flonne commented.

"Hey! Don't you recognize me!?" The Prinny cried, "These eyes full of hope and resolution!!" He cried, his eyes glinting. "The spirit that burns within me!!" His body gave off a large spark of fire. "And this bold and valiant stature!!" He struck a pose, glowing. "Who else could it be? It is I, Kurtis!"

Gordon stared, flummoxed. "K-Kurtis?" He asked, "…You mean, THAT Kurtis?"

"That's right!" The Prinny declared, "Kurtis, Defender of Earth!"

"But, I thought you were with your family in heaven!" Jennifer cried.

"Heh… That's what I hope for, but I committed too many sins in my lifetime," Kurtis admitted, "I was given a different form to make up for what I did… I have returned to atone for my sins! And to help my precious friends!"

Kurtis leapt from the entrance to the head of the party, putting himself between them and the greater demons.

"Kurtis…" Gordon said, his cheeks twitching.

Jennifer and Etna did their best to restrain their giggles.

Laharl didn't even bother to try. "Haaaahahahaha!!"

"Don't laugh!!" Kurtis wailed, "It's not like I had a choice!!" Of all the ways he could make a comeback, why did it have to be as a PENGUIN!?

"I-I'm sorry," Gordon apologized, wiping away a tear of mirth. "It-it's just that you're so darn cute…"

"I rushed hear, thinking you guys needed me, and this is what I get?" Kurtis asked, insulted. "…Maybe I shouldn't have bothered to come."

"No, Kurtis. I am grateful that you're here," Gordon insisted, "Your words have rekindled the flame in each of our hearts! Right, everyone?"

"Well, he went through all of that just for us," Etna admitted, "We can't give up now, can we?"

"Of course not," Laharl said, nodding. "As King of the Netherworld, I will show these demons who's in charge!"

He nodded at the greater demons, who were wondering why the Overlord's band wasn't so scared of them anymore.

"The power of our friendship is increasing!" Flonne squealed, her eyes burning. "I think we can do it!"

Laharl gave her a weird look. "Uh… Am I supposed to find that reassuring?"

But Flonne was in full Love-Freak mode now. "There is nothing to worry about! Friendship power beats anything!"

"Geez…" Laharl groaned, before glaring at the greater demons. "Anyways, let's do it!"

"Alright!!"

The greater demons could take no more of this. They charged. The Dragon and Serpent's mouths were glowing, indicating bad omens to come.

"Look out!" Kurtis yelled.

The Dragon and Serpent unleashed twin blasts of fire, causing the group the scatter. The battle had begun. As the two mobs mixed it up, both forces appeared to be equally matched. The greater demons, unfortunately, were particularly vicious, and stooped to any means of overcoming victory. The fact that each of them was bigger than Gordon made the battle difficult for the gang.

However, what the gang lacked in size and overwhelming strength, they made up in teamwork. Whenever one party member would be in trouble, another would jump in to help.

"Aaagh!" Jennifer cried as the Vampire got a hold of her.

"Rocket Punch!"

Something fast and shiny blasted into the Vampire's mouth, sending the poor devil flying, causing him to lose his grip on Jennifer. Looking around, Jennifer saw Kurtis, who now had metal gauntlets on his flap-like arms.

"I got to keep my cyborg parts," He explained, "But now I have to install them manually. And that's not all!" Kurtis leapt into the air. "Pringer Beam!"

From Kurtis' mou…er, beak, came a deep red beam of light that carved quite an unseemly scar into the Gargoyle, making it scream in pain.

And so the fight went on. And there's a good chance it might've still gone on to this day were it not for this exchange;

"Dammit!" Laharl grunted, slamming the Diabolic Sword into the Dragon. "If we beat these demons, not only will they kill us, but they'll rule the Netherworld!"

"Who do you think will be the Overlord?" Flonne asked innocently.

The action stopped right then and there. The greater demons had never actually thought about who would actually BE the Overlord when Vulcanus gave it to them, and now the question had been unceremoniously shoved into their brains.

After a moment, the Vampire said, "I'll be the Overlord."

"Why you?" The Serpent asked sharply.

"I look the part, that's why."

"If it was Opera, not Overlord, yeah, sure," The Gargoyle grunted, "I'll be the Overlord."

"You? You could barely lord over a cathedral!" The Dragon snapped, "I'LL be the Overlord!"

"No, I wanna be the Overlord!" the Mantacore protested.

And so it went on. The greater demons bickered. They quarreled. They called each other names and made rude remarks about their mothers, and so forth. All the while, Laharl's group watched on in bewilderment.

"Uhh, Prince?" Etna said, "Shouldn't we, I dunno, attack?"

"Um, right," Laharl said awkwardly, "Let's get them! Overlord's Wrath!"

"Holy Arrows!"

"Sexy Beam!"

"Cosmic Arrow!"

"Bullet Storm!"

ROBO-BAZOOKA!

"Nuclear Fission!"

The attacks struck the greater demons, whose argument by now devolved into a battle royal wrestling match, with such force that they were incinerated instantly.

"Hahahahaha!" Gordon laughed, "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"Yeah, sure," Kurtis said, rolling his eyes. "You were about to run away when I got here."

"I-I only suggested a temporary, strategic retreat!" Gordon protested, "That's totally different from running away!"

"Now, now," Flonne cut in gently, "Let's just say that the power of our friendship brought us victory."

"This conversation's going nowhere," Laharl grumbled, "Let's move on."

"Right. We still have that villain to defeat!" Jennifer agreed.

Etna pointed to the building ahead. "What's up ahead, Flonne?"

"Let's see…" Flonne said, "We're about to enter the Seraphic Sanctuary. Besides Master Lamington, only sentries and high-ranking angels are allowed inside."

"Hm… Sounds interesting." Laharl grinned. Maybe these 'high-ranking angels' would be more fun to fight than the earlier Celestial Hosts.

"Please, stay alert," Flonne told him, "There's no telling what Master Lamington might do at this point."

"There's no need to be concerned," Laharl said, brushing her off. "Who do you think I am? I am Laharl, the Overlord!"

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

The party entered the Sanctuary with no trouble. Inside, they gazed at the elegant surroundings as they moved down the halls.

"Hmph. So, this is where the Seraph lives," Enta mused, "I don't see anything of value… Too bad."

Laharl gave Etna a look. "What was your reason for coming…?"

"Shh!" Flonne hissed, "Quiet!"

Everyone tensed, and three angels appeared before them. For some reason, the air around them rippled…

"This is the Seraphic Sanctuary…" The angel in front said, "Those without permission to be here must leave the premises immediately…"

"Who are they!?" Kurtis asked, shocked at their sudden arrival.

"These are the angelic sentries…" Flonne explained, "They will guard the Seraph at any cost. They are protected by a special force field, which is impervious to all forms of attack."

"That can't be…!" Jennifer cried, "It must have a weakness!" She pointed. "Analyze the force field, Thursday!"

BEEP BEEP BLIP BEEP… Thursday beeped, scanning. ANALYZING FORCE FIELD… 20%... 55%... 90%... There was a ding. ANALYSIS COMPLETED. IT HAS NO WEAKNESS. INVINCEBLE INVINCEBLE INVINCEBLE…

"What!? That's not fair!" Gordon groaned.

"Hmph… It doesn't matter if there's a weakness or not," Laharl scoffed, "All we gotta do is blast them away with our power," He looked to Etna and said, "Etna! We'll show these angels what we think of their force fields!!"

"Okay, Prince!" Etna grinned.

The two demons glowed purple, and fired a giant fireball at the sentries…

…SHING…

…Who did not react in the slightest.

"That had no effect!?" Laharl cried, his jaw dropping. "Impossible!"

"Hahahahahaha!" Gordon laughed, "Seems like it's a bit too much for you! Now, it's our turn!!"

Gordon, Jennifer, and Thursday quickly stepped to the head of the group.

"Jennifer! Thursday! Let's show them how it's done!" Gordon declared.

"Okay, Gordon!" Jennifer cried.

BEEP BEEP BLIP BEEP… ROGER, CAPTAIN. Thursday beeped.

"Ultimate Defender Formation: Space Triangle!"

The three Defenders glowed, and released waves of energy that converged onto a single point…

…SHING…

…That was halted by the force field.

"Our formation attack isn't powerful enough, either…!?" Gordon murmured, flummoxed. But that move ALWAYS works!

"Are they truly invincible!?" Jennifer wondered in alarm.

Kurtis stepped up and said then, "It's time to give up yet! Don't forget that you have ME on your side!"

Kurtis jumped into position with the other Defenders.

"Let's combine our defender spirit together!" The Prinny insisted.

"True ultimate defender formation: Plasma Quartet!!"

The Defenders glowed, and a pulsing beam of light struck…

…SHING…

…And did no damage.

"You've gotta be kidding me…!" Kurtis gaped, "It didn't even make a scratch!"

The group stared at the sentries, at a loss for what they should do… For what they COULD do…

"No!" Flonne cried, "Attack separately won't do any good! We must ALL unite our hearts!!"

Laharl looked at Flonne as if she had grown a second head. "Unite our hearts…?"

"That's right!" Flonne continued, on a roll. "Whether we're angels, demons, or humans, we all share the same feelings!! And if we focus those feelings together, we can accomplish anything!!"

"…How can you say something like that with a straight face?" Laharl asked, incredulous.

"Laharl!"

"Alright, alright," Laharl sighed, "So the point is, we all attack at the same time, right?"

The party joined together, forming a group of two rows of three, with Flonne in front.

"Then, let's do it," Laharl said, "On the count of three… One, two, three!"

Laharl began to glow. "Haaaaaaaaahhh!!"

As did Etna. "Yaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!"

And Gordon. "Nuoooooaaahhhh!!"

And Jennifer. "Aaaaaaaaaahhhh!!"

Thursday. BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP!!

Kurtis. "Woaaaaaaaahhhh!!"

Flonne glowed and cried, "Now, let our love and friendship unite!!"

"GALAXY OMEGA STAR!!!!!"

The power of angels, demons, and humans merged and morphed, becoming a giant colossus that brought its mighty fist down on the sentries…

…SH-KRRRACK!

Shattering it! The sentries fell back, acting as if they were brought out a great dream. The tranquility of the hall suddenly broke…

"Yes!" Gordon cried, pumping his arm. "We've destroyed the force field!"

"We did it!" Jennifer cheered.

But Laharl was giving Flonne a look. "…Hey, Flonne. Did I hear something about love and friendship just now?"

Flonne returned his look with her own. "Yes, you did. So, what about it?"

"Whaddya mean, 'What about it'?" Laharl griped, "I keep telling you that I don't feel stuff like that!"

"Think whatever you want, Laharl." Flonne giggled.

"What did you say!?" Laharl growled.

"Uh, Prince…" Etna cut in awkwardly, "Now that their force field is down, isn't now our chance?"

"Yeah…but…" Laharl looked from the trio of stunned angels to the cute one next to him. "…We'll continue this discussion later!" He snapped at Flonne. "Don't forget!"

"Okay, okay." Flonne sighed, thinking, ("He hasn't gotten any less stubborn, that's for sure… Oh well…")

Meanwhile, the sentries had gotten over their initial shock at the loss of their force field, and had now drawn their weapons. And while sentries were much stronger than normal Celestian angels, there was one thing that Laharl's gang over the angels. Namely, there were only three sentries to the seven members of Laharl's posse.

"Let's go!" Laharl yelled, and he and the party ran down the hall, leaving three pummeled-senseless sentries lying on the ground. The last thing they heard before slipping into dreamland was Laharl saying, "And I don't love!"

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

When the group arrived at the Hall of Justice, a crossroads for the Seraphic Sanctuary's corridors, they once again came face-to-face with the Archangel.

"Master Vulcanus…" Flonne whispered sadly.

"Because you were just a trainee, I underestimated you," Vulcanus said, glaring. "But now that you've defeated greater demons, as well as angelic sentries… I must recognize your strength."

Laharl raised an eyebrow. "What's going on? He got so serious all of a sudden. Did he hit his head or something?"

"Beats me," Etna shrugged, "These angels… You never know what they're thinkin'."

"Um… Were you referring to me too?" Flonne asked, unsure.

"Of course I was!" Etna said, grinning cheekily.

"SILENCE!" Vulcanus snapped, "Where are your manners!? Don't you wish to know my true purpose!?"

"Your purpose…? Hmph!" Kurtis said, "I bet it's just some selfish fantasy!"

"No, if he thought it was necessary to involve the Earth and humankind," Gordon said, "then it must be something really important!"

Vulcanus smiled, though it was an unpleasant one. "You are correct! My goal is noble, indeed! To become the absolute ruler of the entire universe!"

Everyone stared at the beaming unpleasantly Vulcanus.

"Absolute ruler?" Laharl asked.

"Gee, I'm disappointed," Etna sighed, "Like Kurtis said, you're just fulfilling a selfish fantasy."

"No! It is not for my own benefit!" Vulcanus snapped, "Peace can only be established in the universe under the watchful eye of an omnipotent ruler!!"

"Master Vulcanus… That is your goal…?" Flonne asked sadly, "But, peace is not something that can achieved by one individual… It is only possible when everybody joins hands and works together."

"You are too naïve, Flonne!" Vulcanus snarled, "Such a pacifistic approach is doomed to fail because of these deceitful demons and foolish humans!"

"That's not true!" Flonne insisted, "Demons and humans are capable of…"

"Silence!" Vulcanus roared, "What do you know about them!?" Calming down, he said, "…I am all to aware! Their cruelty… Their vileness in their hearts…!!"

"Master Vulcanus…" Flonne said, shaken at the venom in the Archangel's tone.

"He's not gonna listen to you, Flonne." Etna told her.

"Well, maybe he'll be a bit more submissive with a little physical persuasion." Laharl said, pulling at the Diabolic Sword.

"Uh… Prince," Etna commented, raising an eyebrow. "I hope you didn't mean it THAT way…"

"The time has come!" Vulcanus declared, cutting Etna off. "I will eliminate you, and deal with the Seraph next! And then, I will be a god! From this day forth, I will be known as Vulcanus, the Peacebringer!!"

Vulcanus was about to laugh victoriously when he realized two things. 1) He was outnumbered, and 2) they all had weapons, while he didn't. With that in mind, he did what would be considered sensible in those circumstances.

"Guards! I've found them!" He yelled, and soon the Hall was filled with about twenty angels, all armed with swords, axes, and staffs.

"There they are!" Vulcanus cried, pointing at the group, "Get them!" And with that, he made a run for it, making a dash at a nearby stairway.

"You're not getting away that easily!" Laharl yelled, and jumped over the angels, using their heads as stepping stones.

"Wait for me!" Flonne cried, and followed after him.

"Don't let them escape!" The leading angel, the Crusader, ordered, but felt something hot brush his shoulder. Turning around, he saw the rest of Laharl's group glaring at them with weapons drawn.

"WE'RE you're problem, boys." Etna grinned evilly, pointing the Vile Brilliance. Holding up a a free, GLOWING hand, she yelled, "Chaos Impact!" and threw a flurry of purple fireballs, followed by a huge ball of fire.

Meanwhile, Laharl and Flonne cornered Vulcanus at the landing the stairway led to.

"We've got you, Vulcanus!" Laharl crowed, pointing his sword at the Archangel.

"On the contrary," Vulcanus grunted, "I've got you! Let's see how tough you are without your minions backing you up!" Pointing a hand at the pair, he called out, "Divine Anger!" and unleashed a blast of fire. Laharl quickly shoved Flonne out of the way, taking the flames alone.

"Hahaha!" He laughed victoriously, "How do like that!?"

"Laharl!" Flonne cried, alarmed. Glaring at Vulcanus, she cried, "Holy Arrows!"

"Ow!" Vulcanus grunted as the white feathers hit him. "So, you dare strike against me, your Archangel?! I knew you were beyond redemption, but this proves it!"

"Like YOU'RE any better," Laharl's voice drifted out from the smoke.

"What!?" Vulcanus cried, looking. Laharl stood right where he was, with only a few minor burns on him.

"Laharl, are you okay?" Flonne asked worriedly.

"Just fine," Laharl shrugged, "Those flames did sting a little, but nothing I can't handle."

"Y-you…!" Vulcanus shook with rage at Laharl's nonchalance.

"Hey, mustache!" Laharl said, "Don't forget, you're not just fighting a demon and an angel… You're fighting the Overlord and his vassal!" He charged at Vulcanus, swinging the Diabolic Sword. "Blade Rush!"

"Arrgh!" Vulcanus grunted as the Sword cut into him.

Downstairs, the fight between the rest of Laharl's gang and the angel force continued.

"Terminus Omega!" Jennifer cried, and slammed an angel against the wall. Then, forcing him up, she threw him down onto the ground before slamming a fearsome punch down onto his stomach. The angel didn't get up.

ROBO-CRUSH! Thursday slapped one angel with his claws before repeatedly spinning into him.

"Gordon Punch!" Gordon cried, slamming a powerful punch into an angel, causing him to flying into another angel.

"Final Punch!" Kurtis fired gauntlet after gauntlet at the angels.

Etna was busy putting the Vile Brilliance to good use when a very evil idea occurred to her. "Prinny Raid!"

Kurtis then found himself being pulled into the air by some evil power.

"Hey- What's- Oh no- Wait- Don't!" Kurtis wailed as he rocketed toward a pair of angels.

BOOM!

"Hahaha! Direct hit!" Etna crowed.

"You're…so evil…" Kurtis moaned.

Back up the stairs, Vulcanus was having no end of trouble fighting Laharl and Flonne. Neither of them refused to sit still, and every time he managed to get one, the other would attack while he was distracted! And what was worse, Flonne kept healing any wounds she and Laharl received!

("This has to stop…") Vulcanus thought angrily, and began to fly upwards with his great wings. Gathering up a vast amount of energy, his hands began to crackle with blue electricity.

"Holy Lightning!!" he screamed, releasing GIANT bolts of lightning from his hands. When the dust settled, neither Flonne nor Laharl could be seen.

"At last…" Vulcanus sighed, returning to the floor. "Now, to deal with the rest of them!"

"Why? Getting bored with us?" A smarmy voice asked from behind.

Horrified, Vulcanus slowly turned around, and saw Laharl and Flonne glaring at him.

"He's yours." Laharl said to Flonne.

"Thank you." Flonne replied, and began to fly upwards, her wings increasing in size. "Divine Ray!!"

"ARRRRRRGGHH!!" Vulcanus roared in pain when the pure white beam hit him. The Archangel was knocked off his feet, and tumbled down the stairs, where he landed among the prone forms of angels.

"H-how can this be…!?" Vulcanus groaned, trying to get up. "My goal! My duty! My dream! They've all be shattered by these heathens!!"

"Have you still not realized it, Master Vulcanus?" Flonne asked as she and Laharl came down the stairs. "You wanted to bring peace to the universe, regardless of the means… Even if you had succeeded, could you call it true peace?"

Flonne and Laharl rejoined the group.

"Please consider us as an example, Master Vulcanus," She said, "We have worked together to come this far, with our hearts united as one. Can this not be considered the first step towards peace?"

There was a pause as Vulcanus glared at the collection of Celestians, Netherworlders, and Earthlings.

"…Ha! Enough of your idealistic ramblings!" Vulcanus spat, "You thought your misguided words would convince me to repent? My beliefs cannot be shaken so easily! The game's not over yet! I'll just convince the Seraph to finish the job for me! You and he can kill each other!!"

With a "Muhahahahaha!!" Vulcanus vanished in a shimmer of light.

"Drat, we let him escape!" Gordon cursed, "Any normal villain would have been moved to tears by those words and begged for forgiveness."

"He's conviction is strong," Laharl noted, "He won't change his mind so easily."

"He intends to start a fight between us and the Seraph." Kurtis pointed out.

"He'll probably make us look like the bad guys and tell the Seraph some horrible lie." Jennifer realized.

"How does he come up with all these dirty tricks?" Etna lamented, "It's really too bad that he's an angel."

Etna remembered hearing a demon complain on how Celestians had all the 'really good stuff'. Now she knew what that meant. Celestia had a much higher quality of villain. Meanwhile, the Netherworld was stuck with clowns like Hoggmeiser and Maderas.

"Well, it looks like a battle with the Seraph is inevitable." Laharl remarked. He looked aside. "Are you ready for it, Flonne?"

Flonne didn't answer at first. Then she clenched her fist. "…Yes! I don't know exactly what will happen, but I must tell Master Lammington everything that's on my mind," She looked heavenward. "I know he'll understand!"

"…I see," Laharl grinned, "Then, tell him straight to his face!"

Flonne smiled back at Laharl. "I will!"

D-I-S-G-A-E-A

After a long and uneventful walk, the party came upon a large set of doors. These doors looked more like a jeweled mural with hinges than an actual entryway.

"This is the Seraph's personal chamber," Flonne whispered, "We call it the Sacred Altar. Is everybody ready?"

"Ready."

"Anytime."

"I'm all set."

"I can feel my heart pounding."

BEEP BEEP BLIP BEEP…SYSTEM FUNCTIONING AT 100%. THURSDAY IS GOOD TO GO.

"Come on, let's do it."

"Okay," Flonne exhaled, "Here we go…!"

Flonne tapped onto the doors, and they opened with a flash of light…

…And the party was in the room. Across the room was Vulcanus, and…

"Master Lamington!" Flonne cried.

"Flonne…" The Seraph said. It was not so much a greeting as it was an acknowledgement of her being there.

"M-master Lamington!" Vulcanus said quickly, "She is a traitor who has come to take over Celestia with her abominable troop of demons!"

"Stop lying," Laharl said shortly, "You're the one who's planning to take over the entire universe."

"S-silence, demon!!" Vulcanus sputtered, he's face going red.

Lamington paid no notice of the dialogue. Instead, he was looking at Laharl with vague amounts of interest.

"Hmm… So, you are a demon?" He asked.

"Not just an ordinary demon," Laharl said, thrusting out his chest. "I am Laharl, King of the Netherworld!"

"You are the son of Krichevskoy…" Lamington noted, "I see…" He looked to the Angel Trainee. "Flonne."

Flonne stepped forward. "Yes, Master Lamington."

"Is it true that you are here with these demons to take over Celestia?" Lamington asked.

"No, I have come to ask you a question." Flonne answered.

"A question, you say?"

"Yes," Flonne nodded, "A few days ago, the Earth Defense Force led an invasion on the Netherworld. It was fortunate that it failed, but I discovered that angels were involved in the invasion."

Lamington said nothing. He just stood there, waiting.

"Please, answer me!" Flonne cried, "Were you behind this, Master Lamington!?"

Vulcanus quickly jumped between the two.

"M-master Lamington!" He jibbered, "Do not be fooled by her words! All that she has said is a lie! Angels using humans to invade the Netherworld!? That is simply absurd!!"

"It's not a lie!" Flonne shouted, "I saw it with my own eyes! Without a doubt, they were angels!"

"You are mistaken!" Vulcanus shouted back, "The demons must have tricked you!!"

Flonne glanced at Laharl and Etna. "While it is true that demons are aggressive by nature, they do not hurt others without reason! My friends here have convinced me of that!"

Then, Lamington chuckled. "This is quite unusual, Flonne. You, a Celestian, refer to demons as friends and defend their behavior?"

Flonne looked back at the Seraph. "Master Lamington. At your request, I went to the Netherworld and there I met Laharl and my other friends. Demons may not be perceived as good. As a matter of fact, they are rather selfish, rude, and cynical."

"Hey!" Laharl yelled, but was stopped from saying more by Etna.

"But…!" Flonne continued without missing a beat, "But, I have also discovered that they have love and kindness in their hearts. Master Lamington, I remember you telling me…" She took a deep breath. "…That there is no such thing as absolute evil, that even demons have love. As I spent time in the Netherworld, I came to realize that you were right. It also occurred to me that perhaps we Celestians have judged demons too harshly."

Etna nodded. "Yep. Especially this Vulcanus guy."

"H-how dare you!" Vulcanus yelled, his mustache beginning to steam up from anger.

"…Flonne, I see that you have learned many things in the Netherworld," Lamington said, ignoring the side-comments.

"Master Lamington…" Flonne whispered.

"You are not mistaken." Lamington said calmly.

Vulcanus blanched. "Wh-what!?" He cried, his face going white.

"It is true that Celestians have been blinded by predjudice," Lamington said, "Refusing to try and understand our cultural differences, they instead chose to label demons as 'evil'… They convinced themselves that they were the avatars of absolute good, and branded demons as absolute evil. Vulcanus' choices have been the result of such misconceptions, and his concern for the future. I should have been more mindful of these things."

"Master Lamington…!" Vulcanus cried, shivering. What did the Seraph know about 'his choices'?

Lamington gave Vulcanus a cool look. "Did you think I was oblivious to your actions, Vulcanus?" The Seraph asked, "I am well informed of all that has transpired."

"Ugh…!!" Vulcanus gulped, and backed away from the Seraph. Whirling around, he made a dash for the door. He could not teleport with Lamington's power upon him, but if he just got out of the room in time…!

FLASH!

Then, there was a red, drooping flower where Vulcanus once was. Laharl's gang stared.

"Angel Trainee Flonne."

Slowly, the gang turned back to Lamington. Flonne nervously stepped forward.

"Yes." She said. This was it.

"You have helped save the Netherworld from the invasion of the Earth Defense Force, and thwarted the plans of Archangel Vulcanus," Lamington said, "However, the fact remains that you have harmed other angels. You are to be punished for your sin."

"…I understand," Flonne said, bowing her head. "I am prepared to accept any punishment."

"Wait a minute!" Laharl yelled, running up to Flonne. "Why does Flonne have to be punished!?

"It makes no sense whatsoever!" Gordon cried, "She only did what was right!"

"Don't you dare lay a finger on her!" Etna hissed, pointing the Vile Brilliance at Lamington. "You'll be sorry if you do!!"

Flonne turned and smiled at her friends. "It's alright… I knew there would be consequences for my actions."

"Flonne…!" Laharl began, but stopped. Why was his heart twisting so much?

Turning back to the Seraph, Flonne said, "Master Lamington, I have one final request. I beg of you to forgive my companions. It is I who drew them into all of this."

"This is crazy, Flonne!" Laharl cried, grabbing the angel's shoulder. "Why should you be punished!? You've done nothing wrong!!"

"…Very well. I will pardon their sins." Lamington said.

Flonne bowed. "I am grateful for your kindness."

"Flonne…" Laharl said, shocked. She was grateful? She was going to be punished for such a stupid reason, and she was grateful for their safety? They hurt more angels than she did!

Flonne turned and faced Laharl. "Thank you Laharl," She said, "I knew I could trust in you. You've taught me that demons do have love in their hearts."

"This doesn't make any sense to me!" Laharl shouted, now sounding frantic. "We're done here, aren't we!? Let's go back to the Netherworld!"

But Flonne wasn't listening. Instead, she held out a familiar object in her hand.

"Laharl…" She said, "I want you to have this pendant."

Laharl stepped back when he saw it. "S-stop! That's…!!"

"Laharl…!" Flonne could barely contain her glee at seeing the Prince, rushing up to him.

Laharl quickly turned his head away from the angel. "Hurry up and take it," He ordered, "My hand is burning."

Flonne jumped. She had forgotten about that!

"O-okay!" Flonne quickly snatched the pendant, and hung it around her neck.

Laharl, still not facing Flonne, smiled. "The pendant is telling me that my heart is wicked," He remarked, "That's good to know."

"That's the pendant we had to look for!" Laharl cried, backing away. "You want it to burn me again!?"

But Flonne was too quick. She slipped the pendant's chain over Laharl's neck in one fluid motion.

"Aaaaaaaaagh!!" Laharl cried in pain- and then stopped. "…Huh?" He tapped the pendant as it rested against his bare chest. "…Hey, something's wrong. It's not doing anything…"

Flonne giggled. "Just as I thought."

"…Whaddya mean?" Laharl asked suspiciously.

"The wickedness has faded from your heart, Laharl," Flonne explained, "That's why the pendant isn't punishing you anymore."

"What!?" Laharl blanched, "That can't possibly be right! I'm a demon! The Overlord!!"

Flonne stepped back to better look at Laharl.

"I'm so glad…" She said, "I can say good-bye without any worries now."

As Flonne walked up to the Seraph, Etna said, "Good-bye…? Flonne…!"

"Hey… Where do you think you're going?" Laharl demanded with whatever ego he had left.

"Good-bye, Laharl," Flonne said, smiling. "I hope you become a magnificent Overlord." Bowing to the others, she said, "Good-bye, everyone. Thank you so much for everything."

"Wait! Flonne!!" Laharl cried out.

"Good-bye…" Flonne said…

FLASH!

…And then there was a white flower where she stood.

"Flonne…" Etna whispered, "Why…!?"

Laharl stared stonily at the white flower.

"The existence of Angel Trainee Flonne has been erased, along with her sins…" Lamington announced.

Laharl continued to stare at the flower. "Flonne…" He fell to his knees and began to crawl up to the flower. "Hey, Flonne… What are you doing…? I didn't say you could do this…!" His mind reeled back to the what used to be the saddest day of his life. "You're going to abandon me? Like my mother did? I didn't give you permission!" He stood up and clutched his heart angrily. "Is this what you call love!? If it is, then I'll never believe in love! Ever!!"

"Prince…" Etna realized that it was that day all over again. When the Queen died...

The Seraph looked down at Laharl and asked, "King Laharl, do you despise me?"

"Despise you...!?" Laharl asked, his voice filled with venom. Looking up at the Seraph, the Overlord screamed, "Of course I do, you bastard!!" Then, his eyes turned red, and a blood-red aura began to emit from his body. "…Kill you… I'll kill you!!"

With a primal scream, Laharl leapt at Lamington.

("This is my punishment…") Laminton thought in the seconds before impact. "I willingly except it.")

There was a thunderous crash as Laharl smashed Lamington into the floor, and began to punch Lamington repeatedly. The Seraph didn't even flinch.

And that just made Laharl even angrier. He leapt into the air and slammed a Burning Knuckle into the Seraph's chest. When that yielded no response, no satisfying sound of pain and agony, Laharl brought out the Diabolic Sword. One chop and Lamington would be gone forever…just like Flonne.

…Flonne…

In the reflection of the blade, Laharl saw the flower.

"…What's the matter, Prince?" Etna asked, concerned. Was Laharl thinking of an even MORE terrible way of finishing off Lamington?

Laharl threw the Sword away. "…I've had enough of this," He said bitterly, "It's not like this will bring her back…" he looked down at the white flower. "…Besides, if that Love Freak was here, she would've stopped me anyway…"

"Prince…" Etna sighed. Now she knew why Laharl stopped.

As Laharl gazed down at the white flower, he felt something wet run down his cheek. Tasting it, he realized that it was salty.

"What is this…?" He wondered, "A tear…?" He stared at the flower some more. "…Hmph. I never knew I could shed tears…"

Laharl's gaze never left the white flower. Then, he turned to Etna.

"Etna." He commanded, in a tone that had neither hatred nor sadness.

"Yes?" Etna asked, stepping forward. Any other day she would have given him some grief, but she knew that today wasn't it.

"…I leave the rest to you." Laharl said calmly.

"P-prince…?" Etna stared at the Overlord. What was he talking about? What rest?

"What are you planning on doing!?" Gordon asked.

A thought occurred to Etna. "You're not planning on…!?"

"I think I finally understand why my mother sacrificed herself to save me…" Laharl said.

"You want to exchange your life for hers!?" Kurtis asked, amazed. "Is that even possible…?"

"…Who knows," Laharl sighed, looking back at the flower. "But, this is the least I can do for her now…"

"Harlie…!" Jennifer gasped.

"…Farewell." Laharl said.

"Prince!!" Etna cried out, rushing forward.

"Haaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!" Laharl screamed, building up his power. If there was a true god in this world, or any world, than please, let this life bring back hers…!

"Wait!!" Mid-Boss cried, leaping out from the shadows.

"What do you want now?" Laharl demanded, not bothering to ask how Mid-Boss entered the Sanctuary. "As you can see, I'm busy. We'll call this your victory, so don't bother me."

Mid-Boss strode up to Laharl and said, "I am glad that you have come to terms with your mother's decision. You should thank you companions for teaching you the importance of love and friendship."

"…What?" Laharl asked, turning to face the Dark Adonis. Mid-Boss' voice sounded different.

"Do not throw away the life that your mother gave you," Mid-Boss told him. He gestured. "Here… Look."

Laharl and company looked at where Mid-Boss was gesturing. They realized that the white flower was now glowing, and when the glow subsided, it was no longer a flower, but…

"Flonne…!!" Laharl gasped.

The angel looked around, confused. "…Huh? Where am I…?" she asked, "I was supposed to be punished, and…"

"Indeed you were," Mid-Boss said, "You are no longer an Angel Trainee. Now, you are a Fallen Angel."

It was then that everyone noticed that there was something odd about Flonne.

"What the…!?" Laharl gaped at Flonne's appearance.

"Flonne, you're wings…!" Etna cried, pointing.

Flonne looked. Her white wings were now red bat wings! She had a devil's tail! She was wearing a red leotard under her white coat! She felt inside her mouth. There was a fang in there! And her eyes, she realized, were now red! She felt the top of her head, and realized that her ribbon was like a pair of bunny-ears.

"I'm, I'm…!?" Flonne gasped, looking at herself.

"Hmhmhm…" Mid-Boss chuckled, "That is the punishment she received from Seraph Lamington."

"What!?" Cried Laharl, "Then, he wasn't going to kill her in the first place?"

"Of course not," Mid-Boss said, "She is a very important person…not only to Celestia, but to the Netherworld as well."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Laharl asked.

"Celestia and the Netherworld were not always in opposition," Mid-Boss explained, "Seraph Lamingotn and another person of influence dreamed of uniting them. He sent Angel Trainee Flonne to the Netherworld, to begin bridging the gap between the two worlds. Laharl, Flonne… You are the knot that binds the two worlds together."

"We're the knot…?" Laharl murmured, confused. What did that mean?

"Hmhmhm…" Mid-Boss chuckled, turning around. "I am sure that one day you will understand."

Laharl stared at Mid-Boss' back. "Tell me… Who are you really? Why do you know so much?"

"Hmhmhm… Have I not told you before?" Mid-Bos asked, facing Laharl. "I am the Dark Adonis. My presence here is merely a coincidence…"

Then, a ball of light floated down from above. It landed next to Mid-Boss, becoming Laharl's mother. The trio gaped at this.

"Become a magnificent Overlord, Laharl…" Mid-Boss said.

"…Hmph," Laharl snorted, crossing his arms. "You don't have to tell me. I'll build a legacy even greater than my old man's!"

Mid-Boss chuckled. "Farewell!"

Mid-Boss took the Queen's hand, and the two of them floated up into the heavens above. Laharl stared, and waved slowly. He then realized that Flonne was holding his hand. And, as it turned out, he liked it.

On the floor, Lamington smiled a serene smile.

Good-bye… King Krichevskoy.

Final Episode

What Lies Beyond the Battle

-DISGAEA-

Hour of Darkness

End

A/n: And that's it! It's over! We're done! What? You want to know what happened to the big battle between Laharl and Lamington? Well, since the Seraph acknowledge that he deserved something for all the hell he put Laharl and company through, I felt him fighting back would be silly.

I want to thank everyone who wrote their reviews, thus keeping me motivated.

Oh, and I won't be writing Disgaea 2 or 3. I don't have those games, and you can watch the cut scenes online. I won't say where.

What? You want to know where are they now? Fine, here you go!

Epilogue

Where Are They Now?

Overlord Laharl and Seraph Lamington parted on good company. Laharl, upset as he was for the scare, appreciates a good joke as much as the next demon, and warned Lamington to never do it again, or else. Lamington took Laharl's threat lightly, asking him to take good care of Flonne.

In the Netherworld, Flonne set up a school for love, hoping to teach other demons the values of compassion and friendship. She is currently having trouble dealing with problem-students Vulcanus and Carter.

Etna set up a school of her own, teaching young demons how to be more like her. According to the latest press release, she is NOT building an army with which to overthrow Laharl.

Following the return from Celestia, Captain Gordon, Jennifer, and Thursday were allowed to return to Earth, where they hope to find away to save the human race.

Kurtis remained behind in the Netherworld, where he is awaiting the next red moon.

As for Laharl, he is enjoying being the Overlord, and is eagerly looking for more 'posers' to defeat and enslave. But he never gave back that pendant…

…The End