Ink Stains

by ColourOfNight

Summary:

Or, "I was kidnapped by hot demons who broke my legs then made me attend their school because they can't send me back for some reason, FML."

** **

The men in the room were understandably surprised when instead of just appearing in the council chamber, the person they summoned dropped from the ceiling with a torrent of water and debris.

As she landed, there was a crunch, despite her apparent efforts to roll into it. Nobody moved, even as she laid on the floor.

A single expletive rang out from someone. Followed by coughing. Slowly, she sat up, wincing a little as she moved her legs and started to take in her surroundings.

"Welcome to the-" Her eyes widened as she realised a little more of the situation.

"Fuuuuuuck…" She passed out, slumping sideways.

A bloom of red began to reveal itself against the white of her dress, spilling out onto the floor. And that was when the panic started.

Notes:

I'm dossing off my main fanfic with... another fanfic. From a completely different fandom!

There is a reason I started writing an Obey Me fic, and it'll be a lot clearer after this fic gets underway, honest.

Chapter 1

"Ok, that should do it for this shoot! Time to get you out of there." The mass of fabric and flowers in the water sighed.

"Yeah, but the cold water feels great after that trek here, Lexie." The man behind the camera laughed, despite her mild frown. "I'll probably need another cold soak when I get back, and probably still be laid up for a couple of days. If I don't get a-"

"Just like a kid and baths. Don't want to get in, and then don't want to get out." He sighed. "I really do appreciate you doing this for me, Fifi." He aimed the camera again at her, and she scowled.

"Hey, I thought you said-"

"You, in a wet white dress and getting out of the river will make for the best extra footage."

"...pervert." He just grinned.

As she moved to get out the water, he started to record. As she stood up in the shallow stream, he moved closer, hoping to catch some saucy details.

Instead, he caught the sight of the stream bottom dropping down, taking her with it.

"Alex!" The horror on her face would be etched into his mind for a long time.

"Ophelia!" He lunged for her hand, barely brushing her fingers as it slipped into the water. The stream returned to being shallow once more.

** **

The men in the room were understandably surprised when instead of just appearing in the council chamber, the person they summoned dropped from the ceiling with a torrent of water and debris.

As she landed, there was a crunch, despite her apparent efforts to roll into it. Nobody moved, even as she laid on the floor.

A single expletive rang out from someone. Followed by coughing. Slowly, she sat up, wincing a little as she moved her legs and started to take in her surroundings.

"Welcome to the-" Her eyes widened as she realised a little more of the situation.

"Fuuuuuuck…" She passed out, slumping sideways.

A bloom of red began to reveal itself against the white of her dress, spilling out onto the floor. And that was when the panic started.

** **

Slowly, she opened her eyes. The room was pale, bright, and… there was a mild smell of disinfectant in the air. As she fully came to, she noticed that she was in a bed that was surrounded by a curtain. She had been propped up in the bed to a sitting up position, thankfully.

Two oddly shaped figures were standing outside the curtain, obviously between the curtain and a light source.

"My Lord," a feminine voice said, "despite the injuries from the accident, she will otherwise be fine. That isn't blood on her dress." A masculine voice sighed.

"Is there much you can do?" His voice was smooth, but it sounded tired.

"It's easily healed, but she is human, and will need to take it easy for a few days. I think I need to get a better medical history from her, though." One of the figures seemed to shake their head. "I think she'll need crutches. But it looks like she's used to using them on a daily basis, if her hands are anything to go by."

"And what do you make of the pills found?"

"Oh, I haven't had time to examine them yet. It might be quicker to just ask her, my Lord." There was a tense silence.

Ophelia decided to break it, shutting her eyes and groaning slightly. When she heard the curtain being drawn back, she opened her eyes slightly and looked at both of the people who had just entered the curtained area.

One seemed like an ordinary guy, handsome to a painful degree… the other was not. More lizard-like than human, with colourful neck fins that seemed to shift colours. In the corner of her eye, the supposedly normal looking guy looked like he had black wings. Ophelia couldn't keep her eyes on either one for more than half a second, flicking between the two. She decided to stare down at her legs before she felt dizzy.

Her ankles started throbbing.

"Sweetie," the lizard-person said with a feminine voice, "Do you know where you are?" Ophelia shook her head.

"...where… Alex? Alex!" The two people looked at each other. Ophelia went to swing her legs out of the bed. "Where is he? I've got to let him-" The lizard-person gently put a claw-like hand on her legs, but the little pressure made her wince with the shot of pain.

"You've broken both ankles, I'm afraid, and your shins don't look much better." The lizard-person smiled. "My name is Gaap, and I am the acting doctor here at RAD. But please don’t call me Doctor, I haven’t-" Ophelia must have made a strange expression because Gaap furrowed their brows. They turned to the man. "My Lord, did you not-"

"...we had yet to explain." He was clearly appraising Ophelia, who frowned. He sighed. "My name is Lucifer. You have been summoned…"

Ten minutes in, Gaap excused themselves. A half-hour later, Lucifer was still going, and Ophelia held up a hand to stop him.

"Please… This is all very hard to believe."

"Do not-"

"Excuse my humanity in this situation when I very openly say - What. The. Fuck." There was a quiet, repressed snicker from the other side of the curtain. Before he could recover from his shock, she continued. "Seriously. The only thing that lends any credibility to this whole story is that my ankles are swollen as fuck and it hurts to even try and twitch my toes. So all this-" Lucifer suddenly turned purple, and let himself slip into his demon form. She couldn't finish her sentence.

"Seeing is believing, I suppose." Ophelia frowned.

"Seeing is not always believing." She reached down for her belt pouch and paled when she couldn't find it. As a distraction, Lucifer batted her foot with his wing. Her eyes went wide.

"Then is feeling it-" She grabbed one of his other wings, much to his dismay.

"I hope I'm not allergic to your wing dander," she murmured, reaching into the feathery depths. He grabbed her wrist just as a finger touched the base of a feather. Looking down at her with a dark smile, she couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable. "S-sorry, but I had to know-"

"Now do you believe me?" His grip on her wrist tightened slightly, but he returned to the more human form. She sighed.

"About you not being human? Sure. But the rest of it is still bonkers." Lucifer's lips tightened into a thin line, and Ophelia shook her head. "So, after being kidnapped, I have to go to demon school-"

"RAD."

"-whilst making my soul shiny and keeping said soul from being eaten." She looked him in the eyes. "You probably should have picked another human. Not a crippled one."

"But we didn't. We selected you."

"Then you are either idiots or assholes. Probably both." She huffed. "Seriously. If you had information about me, then you should have known that I am-"

"-perfectly capable of surviving down here," Gaap explained as they drew the curtain aside. "I assure you that there are ways and means around your… disabilities." Gaap glared at Lucifer briefly before continuing. He let go of her wrist. "Perhaps we should go through what you can remember of your medical history. Privately."

"Very well. I shall inform Lord Diavolo that she is awake." Lucifer walked out without a backwards glance. A few moments passed before Gaap spoke.

"Don't mind that old bird. He's just upset that they messed up and made Prince Diavolo look bad. Now, about your disabilities…"

** **

Lucifer exited the medical room quickly. He strode down the corridors, lesser demons leaping out of his way. Although he could have texted Diavolo on his DDD, Lucifer decided that it was better to just walk. If only for a chance to cool off. She'd touched a very sensitive spot and stirred inappropriate feelings up. He hoped she hadn't noticed.

Sticking his head into the Student Council room, he found it was empty, save for a few discarded flowers from her hair and a small patch of red on the floor. No doubt Barbatos had assessed the stain and was gathering materials to clean it properly. Either that or he was needed by Diavolo for something and had decided it could wait.

It was as he turned around that Lucifer noticed a fuss down the hallway, and went to investigate.

"Oi oi! No crowding! You can all see what The Great Mammon has in his hands…" There were lesser demons around Mammon, who was inevitably up to no good. From where he stood, with his height advantage, he could see Mammon was holding a dun leather pouch that clearly had red stains on it.

"MAAAAAAMMMOOOOOOOOOOONNN!"

"Eep!" The lesser demons scattered. "Y-yo…"

"Why do you have a blood-stained pouch?"

"I- Er- Well, I found it, and-"

"And…?"

"I had ta try and work out whose-"

"Did you forget that you were meant to be at the Council Chambers an hour ago…?"

"That's why I was here!" Mammon looked flustered at Lucifer's bad mood.

"Late."

"...so where's the human?"

Mammon found himself strung up before he could process anything.

"The human is currently in the medical room. It will be up to you to make sure she remains safe for the year." Shaking his head, Lucifer continued. "For the next three days, you are to help her with anything and everything she may need. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal clear! ...So where is she now?"

"...the Medical Room."

"The fuck happened already?" Lucifer sighed.

"Bring Ophelia to The House of Lamentation and make sure she meets everyone. I will speak to her when I finish up here. Gaap will explain more."

Lucifer walked away. Mammon was just about to protest when the bindings gave way, and he landed awkwardly. The pouch was gone.

Dusting himself off, he sauntered to the Medical Room, cursing quietly under his breath. Why did he have to look after the human? He got there before he knew it.

"None. Until tomorrow at least." Doctor Gaap.

"...at all?" An unfamiliar female voice, with hints of worry.

"That potion only accelerates the healing process. You still have to treat it as an ordinary injury until it heals, Ophelia."

"Ah." A small, nervous chuckle. "I guess that's alright, then. But-"

"Oh, I'm sure Lord Lucifer will send one of his brothers to look after you."

Mammon took this as his cue, striding in with a grin. Two pairs of eyes looked his way. The human was appraising him like he would a fine gemstone, in his opinion. He was certainly doing the same.

"The Great Mammon is here! You should be honoured, that I have given my time to-" Gaap rolled their eyes. It wasn't lost on Ophelia, who chuckled.

"Oh Great and Merciful, Magnanimous and Generous Mammon," she started, noting his pleased reaction, "I am honoured to be in your capable hands?" She looked at Gaap questioningly. The doctor smiled a little.

"Gimme all your valuables for safekeeping, and-"

"Don't listen to that part, sweetie. He's the Avatar of Greed. He'll take it all and not give it back."

"Ah."

"Oi!"

"I am afraid, oh great and mighty Mammon, that the only things of value on me are my new crutches and my clothing … and you are not getting those unless you buy me lunch and replacements first." He went red.

"I'm gonna eat you, starting from the head and working down-"

"Lay off, Mammon. It's obvious that Lucifer sent you to look after the exchange student."

"I ain't afraid of-"

"No," Gaap said, before pulling a silver syringe from their coat pocket, "I think you're more afraid of getting your jabs." Mammon went pale, spluttering out some vague syllables. Gaap smiled widely. "You're behind on about a decade's worth of them…?"

That shut him up.

** **

“...fucken human. Why'd I gotta do the carryin'?” The mass he was carrying under his arm sighed and looked at him.

“Well how else are you going to transport,” and she raised her hands specifically to make air quotes, “the human you were given.” With a huff, he carried on walking down the road.

She noted, with curiosity, that the buildings were a mish-mash of styles and shapes. The same was easily said of the people. They kept a wary distance from Mammon, but there was little respect in their gazes. In fact, a few were actively licking their lips.

Mammon looked down at her.

“How'd you break both legs, anyway?”

“You know the ceiling in that courtroom - The Council Chambers? I fell from that.”

“What?”

“Apparently a nice safe landing wasn't an option for my kidnapping.” She huffed and crossed her arms. “Fucking hell. Was it all part of the plan to hobble me so I can't escape?”

“Nah, if it were Lucifer, he'd just chain yo up.”

“I get the feeling he wants to lock me in the attic as soon as I misbehave.” That got a small laugh from Mammon.

“More like string ya from the chandelier or handcuff you to the bed! He's a fucken sadist.”

Her hopes of surviving fell through the floor.

Chapter 2

Notes:

I'm actually blown away by the support that people have shown for this story. So, if I do forget to thank you - THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Ophelia had been sitting on the stairs for what she guessed was about half an hour before she finally let out a few tears.

Leviathan, after having put her down in a flustered panic after she was thrown at him, had scurried away. Mammon, who had thrown her at Leviathan as a distraction, had also long since vanished into thin air.

She'd crawled on her hands and knees, the pain intensifying as she went. But, she'd made it to the bottom of the stairs again. That was progress.

And that was where she'd waited patiently. Or at least emotionally. Here she was, in a new and strange land, with injuries that outright made her unable to walk. Not to mention the circumstances in which she'd arrived, the new things she'd discovered, and – Alex. Eventually, she couldn't hold it in any more and just started crying.

Which is when Asmodeus entered the scene, with Solomon in tow.

“...sounds interesting.” As they entered the entrance hall ready to go out again, Asmo having changed into more comfortable clothing, noticed the unusual addition. He and Solomon rushed over to find a sobbing Ophelia.

“Oh, Ophelia, darling! What has that scumbag brother of mine done now?” That made her look up, startled. Ophelia was trembling as the two men approached. Asmo put on his best smile. “Darling, where is Mammon?” There was a glint of recognition in her eyes as she realised that she had seen him before, if only briefly, from that room.

She explained what had happened. Asmo was almost writhing in irritation before Solomon stopped him.

“Mammon was the one to be chosen, to protect her? Well? Are you going to introduce us?”

“And what a poor job it was-” Ophelia shivered at Asmo's near screech, shrinking back a bit. Solomon patted Asmo's arm, and he finally saw why Solomon was trying to stop him.

Asmo could tell at a glance that her injuries were severe, and she was probably in a traumatised state. She looked ready to either pass out or bolt despite her legs.

“Oh. Where are my manners?” As he calmly took one of her hands, both to try and ground her and to kiss the back of it softly, he bowed. “I am Asmodeus or Asmo, but please, just call me.” He winked, making a phone gesture with his free hand. Ophelia blinked slowly a few times.

“Ah... I think Gaap may have... told me about you?” Asmo's eyes lit up.

“What did-”

“Gaap told me to hit you with my crutches if you get too handsy.” Asmo deflated slightly, much to Solomon's amusement. Ophelia hummed with thought. “Would I hit such a cutie, though?” That perked Asmo right back up. “But... who's this?”

“I am Solomon. I'm the other human exchange student.” He extended a hand to her, and she took it, giving it a gentle shake. She eyed him wearily.

“That makes it sound like there's more than just humans and demons in this exchange program.”

“Correct. There are Celestial exchange students, too.” Solomon paused, taking in her expression. “You don't seem surprised.” Ophelia sighed.

“It's been that kind of day. I still can't decide if this is all a pain-induced hallucination or if I really did fall into a courtroom of demons in hell.” Asmo laughed.

“Perhaps some groping will-” Ophelia shuddered slightly.

“Please don't. I already groped Lucifer.” Both Asmo and Solomon paused, seemingly shocked. Ophelia held up her hands in surrender. “Only his wing! I only-” Asmo gasped.

“How scandalous! Darling, I need to hear how that came about and why you still live!”

Oh I really fucked up, she thought.

** **

Gaap's medical report on Ophelia made Lucifer frown. Diavolo shook his head. Along with the obvious physical problems, the neurological issues in the report were a cause for concern.

"And you say that on top of these... discrepancies, she called it a kidnapping?" Lucifer nodded.

"She did. All her disabilities were not on the application, either."

"...this needs more investigation." Diavolo looked at the medical report again. "...Epilepsy? And Migraines?"

"Indeed. The Sacred Disease." Diavolo paused in thought.

"But no magical ability?"

"None according to Gaap." Nodding, Diavolo put the report down on his desk.

“Gaap said she refused the standard treatments for it. I wonder-”

“Apparently, eating the preserved remains of humans – mummies – is almost taboo in modern times. The same with the fresh blood of executed criminals.”

“Despite the ease in which we can get them?”

“Even so. Gaap suggested Devildom Hemp, which bears similarity to Human Realm Cannabis. This, Ophelia, did agree to try, having knowledge of it.” Diavolo nodded again, and Lucifer continued. “Gaap will arrange for delivery of either the dry herb or the infused oil to the house.”

“Gaap seems to be a good fit for the role.”

“Indeed.” Looking again at the report and the copy of the application form, Diavolo shook his head.

“From what you and Gaap have said, it seems that Ophelia may yet prove to be a better fit than anticipated.” Lucifer sighed again.

“We can't actually send her back regardless - until we find out what caused the summoning problem.”

“It would invalidate the treaty if we knowingly put her in further danger.” Diavolo sighed. “I would like to properly greet her and talk this whole situation out with her. Besides, I believe I owe her a massive apology for all of this. Should we...?”

“I told Mammon to take her back to the House of Lamentation, so she should be there.” Diavolo laughed.

“Hopefully. But if she can't walk at the moment, someone may have other plans.”

Much to Lucifer's disappointment, Diavolo was right.

It was as they walked through the town that they heard a fuss around a clothing store. Apparently, Asmodeus was on a shopping spree, with a human as his model. Demons of all varieties were crowding around the window hoping to get a look at the human – and see how the fashionista would dress her. Diavolo couldn't help but laugh, but Lucifer sighed again.

They peered into the window, catching a glimpse of one slightly disgruntled human on a plush stool as an upbeat strawberry blonde demon kept buzzing around her. Behind both of them was a tanned angel laughing, with a small blonde angel looking just as unhappy as the human. Lucifer scowled.

“I assigned Mammon to look after her, so where is he?”

“Now now,” Diavolo said, “Mammon may have had to rush off.” Clapping Lucifer on the shoulder cheerfully, he added. “Let's join them!”

When they finally managed to get in through the crowds, Lucifer could see that as well as the people they'd seen through the window, the other human was there as well.

At least, Lucifer thought, I know she has met everyone at Purgatory Hall.

Asmo was pouting, holding up what looked like string. Ophelia was scowling.

“That is not underwear! That's string with delusions of grandeur. If I wanted a pain in the ass, I'd goose myself with my crutches.” Simeon and Solomon couldn't help but laugh.

"Opheeeeeeeeeelliaaaaaaaa..." Asmo attempted to look into her eyes and persuade her. Lucifer noticed from his angle but knew the others might not be able to see what Asmo was up to.

"Definitely not. Let me have bloomers if you must be dramatic about my underwear being more than glorified string." Despite getting a definite lock onto her eyes, Asmo's attempt to mesmerise her had failed.

"Asmodeus!"

** **

The silence between the three was intense. Lucifer, after having politely telling Asmodeus to get Ophelia some more human-comfortable clothing, Diavolo had picked her up like one would a cat and walked out of the store. The size difference was vaguely amusing, if it wasn't the Crown Prince of the Devildom with a small human woman cradled in his arms.

It was Diavolo who broke the silence, either not noticing or caring about the awkwardness.

“Ophelia, you'll have to excuse Asmodeus' zeal. He does love his shopping.”

“And cute food apparently, your highness. Apparently, the macarons at the cafe were so cute he had to post about them...” she said, tentatively. This brought Lucifer to his most worrying thought.

“Where is Mammon? Where could he have run off to?” Ophelia huffed.

“No idea.”

“Surely he-”

“He scarpered pretty quickly after throwing me at Leviathan,” she hummed, “I then got picked up by Asmodeus and Solomon, and we bumped into Simeon and Luke at the cafe.”

“Oh! It sounds like you've had an exciting afternoon.” Diavolo was grinning, but Lucifer was cursing hard internally.

“...yeah.” At her pensive tone, Diavolo stopped. Apparently, he'd just realised or remembered the situation.

“I apologise, Ophelia. I didn't mean-” She shook her head.

“It's fine, your majesty. In most other cases it really would be.” She looked pained but kept her cheerful facade. They remained silent until they reached Lucifer's study, and Diavolo gently placed her on a sofa. Diavolo's gaze turned serious, with Lucifer's following shortly afterwards.

“Now, let's get to business. We have a lot to discuss.”

** **

“He just picked her up like, like a-” Simeon chuckled softly.

“I'm sure Ophelia will be fine, Luke.”

“A human, alone, with Diavolo and Lucifer? They'll eat her alive! Solomon-”

Solomon was distracted by a glowing, transparent moth that had landed on his shoulder. Luke and Simeon could tell that it was a magical messenger. A few moments later, it faded away. Solomon stood up briskly, an unusually serious expression on his face.

“A coven has reported something urgent and disturbing. I've got to go.” Simeon nodded.

“We'll leave your dinner in the fridge. Good luck.” Luke grinned.

“Bring back some pastries, please!” Solomon left briskly, leaving Simeon and Luke on their own.

“Luke...” Simeon gently chastised, “Solomon might not have time to go shopping. Whatever he's been called away for seems serious.”

Notes:

It is a well-known fact that Egyptian mummies wouldn't be so rare if people hadn't eaten them (or ground them into paint). Along with fresh human blood (as Diavolo mentions - from criminals), these are legitimate old-timey cures for epilepsy. They don't work - unless you count the placebo effect or just the desire to never try it again.

Chapter 3

It was the first time that both Crown Prince Diavolo and the Avatar of Pride Lucifer were flustered and unsure of what to do at exactly the same time.

The cause of this infinitely rare happening was currently sobbing into her knees, having curled up into a tiny ball on the sofa in Lucifer's study.

In hindsight, they might have seen this coming. There are no easy ways of telling someone that despite all the goodwill in the realm, you've accidentally ripped them from their previous life and thrown them into a dangerous place with no foreseeable hope of return. You can reassure someone that you'll do what you can to keep them safe, but it might be hard for them to believe you.

Diavolo eventually caved and started texting Barbatos frantically. Lucifer was having his own internal crisis, being torn in multiple directions because of his sin – not being able to solve this easily, partially being the cause, looking bad in front of Diavolo, and finally; his own inability to do something. He hated seeing her in distress but seemed unable to move.

It felt like an age before either of the men moved from their spots, Diavolo having received counsel from Barbatos. He rushed to Ophelia, and knelt – knelt! - before her. Gently but determinedly, he prised her arms from their grip around her legs, taking her hands into his before speaking.

“Ophelia...” He edged closer. Her weary eyes were watching him, but the tears had stopped, at least. “You're scared, hurt, and it's overwhelming. I understand.” Diavolo paused to gauge her reaction before continuing. “I promise that we will do everything we can to investigate and solve the matter. I personally promise to make sure you're looked after-”

“Lord Diavolo!” Lucifer, snapped from his thoughts, looked angry. Diavolo sighed, shaking his head.

“It's the right thing to do, Lucifer.” Diavolo turned back to Ophelia. She'd loosened up by the tiniest of amounts. Progress. “And I promise, by fire and brimstone,” he said, solemnly, “that I will do everything in my power to make things right by you.” The words felt heavy in the air. Diavolo saw her eyes focus intently on him.

“...what was that?” she whispered.

“A magical promise,” Diavolo said, gently. “I also promise not to lie to you, and only hope you reciprocate.” She raised her head a bit.

“You can tell when anyone lies to you, can't you? So you don't like to lie, yourself.” His small chuckle confirmed it. She smiled a little. “Someone else I know is like that.”

** **

“You are going to wear a hole in the tiles.” The woman, tired and exasperated, was watching her son pace back and forth across the kitchen tiles. His tea had long since gone cold, sitting next to her refilled mug.

He dug his fingers into the tangled mess of hair on his head, messing it up further.

“...are you sure that-” His mother just huffed tiredly.

“I sent an urgent message to Solomon,” she explained, “I think... no, I know that this is something he'd need to deal with. There's too much at stake.” A glittering in the air announced someone's arrival.

“I'll get it, Mum.” The man dashed off, only to return quickly with another, pale-haired man.

“Wise King Solomon,” the woman said, respectfully, “Shit's gone down.” Solomon nodded sagely.

“Aliss, please, start from the beginning.” Aliss frowned.

“I think I'd better let my boy explain. He was there.” Solomon turned to the man, who sat down. Solomon shook his head.

"What happened, exactly?"

“So, I'd taken her for a short trek...”

Solomon listened intently.

A male witch with a non-magical soulmate. It was a rare enough phenomenon between magical beings, to have a soulmate - let alone a witch with an ordinary human. In fact, this was the first known case for over three hundred years. The belief amongst witches that someone with a soulmate was inherently more powerful had led to wars, in the past. Not to mention the sorcerers and wizards who wanted to intently study them and their bond. The only protection Aliss and her son had from the relentless chase and coven squabbling was the unspoken rule about not revealing magic to ordinary humans.

And now, that key to the peace had been stolen away – how and why, that's what Solomon needed to investigate. Urgently. Was someone stirring trouble in the human realm? At least he knew she was still alive. But for now, Solomon had one question.

“Where's the video you took?”

“...I dropped the camera in the water when I-” He shook his head frantically. “I'm trying to recover the video, but... ah, she's so much better with that kind of thing than I am.” Solomon nodded.

“Keep working on it, and let me know when you're done.” And then, he paused. “You'll both have to keep a low profile and up your defences, but... Aliss, you both may have to go into seclusion again.”

“No.” The son shook his head. “I'm currently running her business in her stead – and it's-”

“Alex,” Aliss said, softly, “We can deal with her Father if need be, and I'm sure she's savvy enough to rebuild it if she needs to. You need to be alive when she's found.”

** **

Ophelia watched, horrified, at the squabbling demons in front of her. Logically she knew that inhuman beings would have scary arguments, but this was… not what she expected.

Here she was, a stranger in a new land, kidnapped and injured, watching her captors and supposed guardians almost tearing at each other. Mammon was swinging by a rope from the chandelier, whilst the blond demon called Satan was trying to read and letting loose a magical bolt at him whenever he started getting noisy. Asmo was making a fuss over a figure that Leviathan was building and painting in the corner. Lucifer was still talking to Diavolo, and no doubt that when he came back to this scene, there would be more chaos.

A lollipop appeared in her peripheral vision. She slowly turned her head to the source. The red-headed one - Beelzebub - was holding it out to her.

"It's human safe," he said meekly.

"Th-thank you," she said, timidly taking it. He gave her a warm smile.

"You seemed frightened." Beel looked at his brothers, and then at her. "Even lesser demons are scared of our household squabbling." Nodding, she unwrapped the lollipop and tentatively put it in her mouth. A sweet taste, not unlike strawberries flooded her mouth, followed by a floral note. She looked at the wrapper to try and work out the flavour, but couldn't read it. The red cubes were the only hint she had.

"What… what flavour is it?"

"Oh, it's Cuberry." She hummed.

"It tastes great." His smile grew.

“Good. ...are your legs...?”

“My legs?” She looked down at them. “Ah, my legs seem to be a bit better than earlier. Thank you.” He flushed a little.

“I... I noticed when I was carrying you... your thighs...” he started, but then stopped. He'd seen that her expression had paled, and her hand had subconsciously moved to her thigh. But, she knew immediately what he meant.

“Old injuries. Gaap said they won't heal with potions.” She chuckled. “It's why I have crutches. But... they don't hurt - if that's what you're worried about.” Beelzebub nodded happily, opening another pack of crisps.

“That's good, that it's not painful.” Ophelia couldn't help but smile. And then, a very important question popped into her head.

“So, what should I be looking out for that's human-safe? What should I definitely avoid?”

Beelzebub's face lit up at the chance to talk about one of his favourite subjects.

** **

“...and you still didn't find anything that may have interfered with the summoning?”

“No.” Lucifer held Ophelia's belt pouches in one hand. He made a note to ask her about the ink. It had held up very well to Barbatos' cleaning attempts. “Whatever charms are on the pen only seem to affect the pen and its holder, nothing else.” Lucifer was already planning to crack the secret of the pen before he handed it back to Ophelia – for some reason, it tickled at him like a scratchy clothing label. Diavolo hummed in thought.

“Then we can't discount... outside interference.” With a sigh, Diavolo pulled out his DDD again. “Which is disconcerting when you consider Solomon reports a serious incident with some covens in the Human Realm. He has suggested that we consider starting the process of having a third human – a witch – as another student.”

“Why?”

“Solomon may be busy with his responsibilities, and apparently this witch may need to be sheltered from other witches.” Lucifer could already feel a headache coming on.

“And Ophelia?” Diavolo laughed.

“Well, she seems to be content enough.” Lucifer sighed angrily.

“I still don't completely agree with the promise you made-”

“At the moment,” Diavolo said pensively, “Ophelia is the least and easiest of our concerns. She's agreed to attend RAD despite what's happened. Double her weekly allowance of Grimm, and add a few thousand more to what's already there. With Solomon going to the Human Realm frequently, anything she sends up should be easy enough for him to forward. Ophelia seems to be fairly easy to placate, and I'm glad.”

“Will it really be that easy?”

“We can but hope.” Diavolo paused. “Besides, she isn't just the responsibility of Mammon. I'm sure between you, me, Purgatory Hall and your brothers, she'll be as safe as she can be.”

“I had to magically tether him to her for the next few days. I'm sure we can cover his duties for that time.” Diavolo laughed.

"That'll be fun to watch!" Lucifer's headache started to grow.

** **

Ungracefully, she slowly crawled along the corridor to the kitchen. She had been told not to walk, but Mammon was asleep on the tiny sofa in her room, and she wanted some water. Despite the fact he was a bit of an ass, she still didn't want to wake him just for some water. At least it didn't hurt to crawl now. Walking probably wasn't that far off.

A scared yell was the only notice she had before a blunt appendage came flying her way. By chance and instinct, she was able to latch onto it. They tried shaking her off, but in her effort to stay on, she kicked her leg out, and-

"GAHHH!"

Well that got 'em, she thought.

The person whose leg she was still holding onto started rolling around on the floor. Apparently, she'd made contact with something precious and delicate.

"What the fuck, human! I thought ya weren't meant ta be walkin'?" She grinned smugly and crawled away.

"That's why I was crawling, silly." She huffed. "Well, before someone tried to kick me. I didn't want to wake you."

"Ya looked like a crawlin' dremora- And then you kicked-"

"I'm sorry. I'd offer to kiss it better but… you need to buy me a really, really fancy dinner first." Mammon muttered something unintelligible, going a bright crimson.

Ophelia started crawling towards the kitchen again, and was nearly there when Mammon finally composed himself.

“I should've just eaten ya when I had the chance...” Mammon said, as he scooped her up off the floor and carried her into the kitchen properly.

“You'd have choked on my crutches.” He set her down on the counter near the sink and went to get a glass. Mammon was surprised that Beel wasn't in the fridge, but it was probably empty already.

“Why didn't ya wake me?” he asked, as he handed her a glass of water.

“It's only a glass of water. Not worth waking you.” She took a sip. It was slightly warm, but she didn't mind. “I'll have to get a water jug or something for my room,” she mused. “What is the time, anyway?” Mammon pulled his DDD out to check.

“Just after 4. Too early for breakfast, an' too late ta sleep again.”

“Speak for yourself,” she quipped.

“Ya won't be sayin' that when RAD starts.” That got her interest. “Breakfast's at seven, classes start at eight. Usually.” She frowned, taking another sip of water.

“How far to RAD from here?”

“About a human mile. Why'd ya-” Setting her water down, she started counting on her fingers.

“It's a long walk for me, and then the lessons themselves, and the walk back... then homework, probably, and chores...” Shaking her head, she continued. “I am... pretty certain I wouldn't be able to do a full day without some serious tweaks to my schedule.” With a sigh, she picked up her glass again.

“Wha- are you defective or somethin'?” She winced. Mammon backpedalled. “No, I- I didn't-”

“Something like that.” She shrugged, trying to play it off. “I suffer from Migraines and Epilepsy, and whatever the fuck gives me fatigue. Not to mention my legs,” she briefly gestured, “which aren't particularly strong and will only add to the fatigue if I'm not careful.”

“I- Didn't know-” He couldn't look at her, but she shuffled nearer to him and patted his head gently.

“Well, then aren't I lucky to have the Great Mammon assigned to look after disabled old me.”

“Y-yeah.” He perked up again. “Yeah! Only the Great Mammon could be good enough to look after a crippled human.” She decided to let that slide for now.

"I guess you take turns making breakfast in this house, right? What's usually on the menu?"

Notes:

Ophelia's pen is... not quite lost. And we get to see what's starting to happen back in the human realm... while Ophelia suddenly finds Mammon's weak spots. And Beel, ever the observant sweetheart, knows something his brothers don't.

And she still hasn't gotten her DDD yet.

This is actually the last of the chapters I have that are in order and written out, so it could be time yet before the next update.

Chapter 4

Notes:

My SO has decided to read one of my other works (the Meat for Master Attendant series), so I got a little time to write something else whilst I'm temporarily banned from writing Extended Protection Warranty.

Lucifer walked into the kitchen to find a range of breakfast foods already made. A clattering in the pantry told him that the culprit was probably still here. He was suspicious – with all the fuss yesterday, they'd yet to settle the new cooking rota. That and he was fairly certain it would have been Beel's turn to cook.

Soft snoring from under the kitchen table drew his attention. Mammon. Sleeping.

Which meant that if the clattering wasn't a human, Mammon was in deep trouble.

Ophelia, with a satisfied sigh, walked out of the pantry. Her clothing - probably her nightwear - consisted of an oversized shirt and some leggings, and he was glad that Asmo had chosen sensibly. Or at least, there was something to Ophelia's liking in the piles of clothing Asmo had brought back.

She was holding a bag of ground coffee and was apparently too intent on reading to notice Lucifer until he spoke.

“I thought,” he said with a sigh, “I had told you to leave everything to Mammon.” She looked at where the sleeping Mammon was.

“At the moment, he seems to be getting the sleep that I couldn't.” Lucifer stepped towards her, taking the coffee bag from her hands.

“Even more reason for you to be resting, then.”

“Me resting won't get the coffee done for breakfast,” she said, grabbing the coffee bag back again. “Apparently there aren't any filters left, so it's time for an old trick.”

“Ophelia...” She continued, seemingly ignoring him.

“Are these eggs safe for humans to use? Eat?”

“Yes, but-”

“And the coffee?”

“Highly caffeinated.”

“Good,” she hummed, “I could do with some caffeine.” She made her way over to the nearest cauldron, which had been partially filled.

Opening the bag, she dumped half the contents into the small bowl on the side, and cracked two grey-shelled eggs into the grounds. After mashing them and the shells together into a dark, messy pulp, they were thrown into the simmering water. She stirred until a large coagulated mass formed on the surface. The coagulated mass was promptly put back into the bowl, leaving the coffee clear and ground-free.

At least that trick still works down here, she thought to herself, although I still don't know if it's reasonably safe for me to drink.

She found a ladle, scooped some into a waiting mug, and passed it to Lucifer. He eyed her with curiosity. She, meanwhile, was waiting for his reaction. He took a sip, and remained blank-faced, so she shrugged and ladled another mugful, setting it down next to the sleeping Mammon. It was when she ladled a third mug that Lucifer stopped her.

“Water it down, first. Too strong for humans, I suspect.” Nodding, she tipped half of it back into the cauldron and walked to the sink.

“...how high is the caffeine level per hundred mill?” she asked, with amusement spreading across her face. When he said nothing, only raising an eyebrow, she grinned. “Well then, only one way to find out,” she said cheerfully, as she took a sip of the undiluted coffee. Lucifer's eyes widened.

And that was how Mammon awoke to Lucifer trying to force water down Ophelia's throat.

** **

Mammon waited outside the door to Lucifer's study nervously. The pull on the tether was nearly at its limits, and to top it off... His human was currently caffeinated to the point of being jittery. She'd pretty much laughed when Lucifer continued his efforts to make her drink water, estimating that the coffee was only twice as strong as an espresso shot.

Just get me some human-friendly milk-substitute, and some non-hallucinogenic sugar, and... a bigger mug. Yeah, that'll do it.

Mammon hoped that she wasn't going to be doing anything else to irritate Lucifer today. He'd get the stick anyway. Or maybe that's what she was doing.

Inside, Lucifer was watching as Ophelia bounced her legs up and down, her feet barely skimming the floor as she sat on the sofa. Nerves, or caffeine? Both, perhaps?

"Ophelia," Lucifer said, "I am curious as to why you claim to have had no information about RAD. And why you claim it's a kidnapping. Your application-"

"I didn't apply." He removed some papers from his drawer and laid them out before selecting a page to take over to her. She furrowed her brows as she looked at the paperwork. “I definitely didn't apply. This isn't my handwriting, nor anyone I trust.”

“But you know something.” Not a question.

“My Father,” she spat, “is the asshole behind this. Whose old fashioned idea was it to allow fucking parents to apply in place of grown adults? What syncopated sycophant-"

"And if I said it was mine?" She paused and looked at him. He expected her to shrink and cower, but the sweary, curse-riddled tirade she gave him was another surprise.

Eventually, he sighed.

“Ophelia.” She took a deep breath, and stopped her ranting with an equally deep sigh of her own.

“Yeah, I know. Humour me in my frustration.” Lucifer sighed softly as she calmed herself. Satan must have had a feast from her anger, and possibly Asmo from the bloodlust.

“Well, we can certainly arrange for some revenge against him at some point, but for today – we have other business to talk about.” She nodded. Her legs were still bouncing, if slightly slower. He pulled a rectangular box from his breast pocket and handed it to her.

“What is-”

“Open it.”

She dutifully did as she was told. The plain black box opened to reveal a smaller, shiny rectangle inside with little devil horns.

“This is your D.D.D. It acts as your phone, bank card, and so forth whilst you're in the Devildom.” Turning it over in her hands, she was amused to find that other than the horns on the case, it was just like any other smartphone.

“It looks almost like a smartphone,” she murmured. “How do I-”

“You'll need to attune it to yourself with some blood.” Lucifer paused. “I see that Gaap has already given you crutches,” he said, “so I assume that you're familiar with the process.”

“...vaguely. Where do I bleed?” Flinching as she felt a sharp pricking in her hand, she looked bemused as the D.D.D. turned itself on. “Fuck!” Lucifer frowned at the swearing but smiled inside at her bashfully spoken reaction afterwards. “Nevermind. Found it.”

Lucifer was glad that the changes they needed to make to her accounts meant they couldn't give her a DDD until today. If only so Diavolo wasn't exposed to any more swearing from her, and he didn't catch her jittery energy. He didn't think he could stand an overexcited Diavolo for long.

He took his time explaining all the different features the DDD could have, including the ones pre-installed so that she had easy access to her school timetable and digital records of homework. She looked at her timetable and frowned.

“I'm not sure I am... capable of doing such a full timetable.” Lucifer nodded.

“I suspected as much. Your lack of magical ability will also hamper your class choices.” She nodded. “There are a few base courses that you must take, and some can be attended virtually.”

“...is there a guide somewhere?”

“I will have someone drop one off later. What are you planning on doing today?” Other than doing things you weren't meant to, he added internally.

“Resting, mostly.” She looked at her DDD, gears turning in her head. “There's a few days yet to the start of classes, so if I say tomorrow is for a school supply run, then another rest day... and see from there.” She paused. “Oh! You've added some contacts already. Thank you.”

“Is there anything else you need for now?”

“Well, if you see a very iridescent red and black pen about yay long,” she said, gesturing its size, “Please let me know. Going by the ink on the dress yesterday, I hope it's in the Devildom. It's very important to me.”

“...of course.”

** **

He watched the human as she settled into the back seat of his car contentedly fiddling with her DDD. When he'd explained about the magical tether and the fact he had some business to attend, she'd shrugged. Then she'd suggested that if he could drive, then maybe she could hide in the backseat.

It was now, as he climbed into the driver's seat, that he wondered if it was really a good idea. She peeked at him.

“Oh, don't worry about me, I've just found a good mobile game,” she said. “I'll hide better when we get nearer to where you're doing your shady deal, if you want.”

“Who said I was up ta shady business!?”

“...do you want a list, or...?” She shook her head. “No, no. Just... Keep me the fuck out of it. Or you'll have to rent my silence.”

“R-rent? Why can't I just-” She just smiled at him sweetly.

“My silence cannot be bought.”

A few hours later, they were back in his room, the business in question going down relatively smoothly. Well, as far as Mammon's usual business went, anyway. He'd gotten into a fight of some description. She didn't ask.

“Hold still,” she hissed as she dabbed at a large cut on his chest. "It needs cleaning."

“Ya gotta be gentle with it!” he snapped back. In reality, he was happy she was trying to tend to his wounds. He didn't know why he felt that way.

“I am being gentle,” she said, “but that cut is pretty deep.” She paused, looking over the rest of his bare chest. “Huh.”

“Whaaaat?”

“You heal really fast.” He couldn't help but puff his chest out.

“Of course! I am, afterall, The Great Mammon.” She tactfully ignored his flinch as he slightly reopened the cut with his posturing. Leaning over him, and smiling sweetly, she replied.

“You're still going to have to rent my silence, though.”

** **

The crackling of the fireplace in the library was comforting as she leafed through the course guide she'd been given. She could feel both Mammon and Satan's eyes on her as she appraised the courses. Satan was happily reading, but Mammon was restless. She stopped reading, and decidedly plopped herself into Mammon's lap.

“C'mon, what was that for?”

“This is the one seat in the room where I can't see you getting fidgety.” She couldn't see the tiny smile Satan flashed. “Besides, I need your opinion on the courses...” That piqued Satan's interest, and he couldn't help but weigh in.

“Courses? For RAD?”

“...yeah. I need to trim the list down to make it manageable for me.” Satan nodded. He'd overheard her explaining to Mammon why she needed to rest today.

“I see.”

“Come to think of it,” Ophelia hummed, “Gaap said you were the scholar of the brothers. You'd be the best to ask, right? Will you please help me?”

“And why should I help you?” She looked at Mammon, and then at Satan.

“Oh, you don't have to. I mean, the only thing I could possibly offer that might interest you, is my knowledge of human-world ink making.” She paused. “Either that or I can use the new user discount codes on Akuzon to order a book for you.” Satan considered the offers, ignoring Mammon's squealing about not having heard of this before.

“The sooner you arrange your courses, the sooner before Mammon can clear off.” She nodded. “If you know how Iron Gall ink is made, then-”

“You're interested in Iron Gall ink? Alright, I'll see if I can get the ingredients tomorrow.” Satan smiled.

“Let's take a look at the guide, then.”

“Thanks, Satan!”

** **

Gaap sat in a shady corner of the restaurant, nursing a glass of red Demonus, when someone slid into the seat opposite them. Gaap looked at them, and smiled. They smiled back.

“Gaap,” they said. “How is the human exchange student?”

“Oh, she's fun,” Gaap purred. “No active magical ability, but...”

“But?”Shaking their head, Gaap took a sip of their drink.

“Anyway, I think you'd like her. She might be a good fit for your job vacancy, Hanzaki.”

“What makes you say that?”

“She's an ink maker.” Hanzaki hummed in approval. “She might be able to bring human insight to your work. Would you like me to ask her once she's settled in a bit more?”

“Please. It feels like my inspiration pond is stagnant.” Gaap smiled a little.

“I'm sure she'll get things flowing again.”

Notes:

Ah, egg coffee. My favourite trick for if there are no filters left, just because the process also makes the coffee smoother. It works because the egg proteins grab onto the grounds and the things that can make coffee cloudy (like the minerals in hard water).

Chapter 5

Notes:

Typing a chapter out on phone is a weird and wonderful experience. Simultaneously the most annoying and most convenient thing to do.

The clicking of her crutches on the cobblestones made for a soothing sound amongst the hustle and bustle of the town. On one side, Mammon was chattering away on his phone about a deal and new premises. On the other, Asmo was cooing to any and all who threw kisses (and underwear) his way - well, when he wasn't trying to figure out what human-friendly skincare was available and what her usual routine was.

"I mean, surely you had more to it than that," he asked curiously, "I really thought you'd at least do more than just…"

"Warm oil cleaning doesn't irritate my skin like soap does." Ophelia sighed. "Soap and water is fine for my body, but it makes my face itch too much. So, I'll need to pick up a small oil warmer for my face oil…"

"There's a shop near the Uniformers that might have one, darling."

"And the rest of my list?"

"Books, Akuzon. Magic and alchemical stuff, Hocus Pocus. Fountain pens, though…"

"I'll check Akuzon, but I'd rather buy in person." Mammon huffed, apparently his call had ended.

"There's a fancy stationery place ya can check not far from Majolish."

"Ah, that's good." Asmo sighed, shaking his head.

"Should I ask why you, of all people, Mammon-"

"Hey! They have some super exclusive pens, ya know? Like, diamond studded gold ones." Ophelia nodded.

"Ok, so they have the good stuff, then." She grinned. "Maybe I'll find a similar one to mine, but with Devildom materials."

** **

The gentle wooded side path that Solomon walked down was calming. He knew though, that if he had been unaware, it wouldn't have been long before he was kicked off the path and back onto the main footpath.

It wasn't long before he reached a clearing, a small overgrown cottage sitting neatly in the middle, with a serene river behind it. The heat of the day seemed to lessen by arriving here.

A woman with blue skin and algae covered hair ran out, expression fierce until she saw who had arrived.

"Jenny!" Solomon called out cheerfully.

"Solomon, you tripe," she said, grinning, "If you'd have let me know you were coming, I'd have found my kettle!"

"Unfortunately, I'm in on mostly business…"

"Oh, that coven to the East? About time you asked for-"

"Worse, Jenny." She looked worried.

"Oh no… don't tell me-"

"Aliss' son. His soulmate has been kidnapped." Although relieved a little, Jenny still wasn't happy.

"...poor lad." She shook her head. "I'll see what I can find out."

"Apparently she was taken from a stream, too-"

"Oh. South from here, right?" Solomon looked surprised. "There was unusual magical activity in a shallow stream, but I got there a bit late to investigate properly. Hints of Demonic magic, and some witchy stuff."

"No, that's useful to know. Thank you." Solomon smirked. "Although while I'm here…"

"Yes, yes. Come in, I'm sure my kettle isn't far away. And that coven to the East really, really needs something done…"

Solomon followed Jenny into her cottage. Apparently a lot was happening if Jenny needed to speak to him, too.

The inside of the cottage was cool and damp compared to outside. The small pond in the centre of the main space was large enough for several people to bathe in at once, and its humidity probably helped the plants inside thrive.

"That coven to the East, are they the ones growing aggressively?" Jenny sighed as she stirred the cauldron hanging under the chimney, kicking some wood into the fire beneath it.

"Indeed. Ever since the Matriarch married that asshole… they've been insatiable."

"Hmm…"

"I think the ass of a man in question has a demonic pact and he's being corrupted. "

"It's possible that he's being corrupted by the pact, if he was a weak magic user. Who..."

"Greed, probably," she huffed, "It would explain it." Solomon hummed in thought. Jenny shook her head. "If it's going through him this quickly, there's going to be a power war of mad proportions."

"...mad enough to arrange a certain kidnapping?" Jenny scowled, before pulling a bowl from a nearby shelf.

"Sup here, sorcerer, we need to mull."

"Why, Madam Greenteeth, I thought you'd never ask."

** **

The feeling in his stomach was writhing. His tail was nearly thrashing.

How had he missed the counter on the forums going up?

The rarest Innate Skill combination in Yokai Hit - someone now had it. The official counter said so. Some normie out there had got the rarest combination of Innate Skills, and would probably be gunning for 1st place in the ranks once they fully unlocked their aspects.

Leviathan was fuming.

The devs had promised IRL loot for anyone who got the exceedingly rare skill combination.

That on top of an OP ability combination? Players like Leviathan had been deleting and remaking characters for nearly a year to try and get it. The player would probably be bragging on the forums soon.

His tail was definitely thrashing now.

"Henry, it isn't fair! Not fair, not fair, not fair!" Growling, Leviathan leapt into the tank, the water calming him down slightly, as well as the full shift into demon form.

Henry, the goldfish, came over to him and started nibbling affectionately. Leviathan stroked his sides gently.

"Although, I can't wait to see what special goods the devs had for the Sight combo." Leviathan tail started thrashing around again. "But it should have been me!"

** **

The migraine aura came quick and practically out of nowhere. Out of habit, she reached into her pockets before remembering with a sinking feeling that she had no abortive medication on her. Asmo saw her go pale.

"Darling…?" Luckily, they had stopped at a cafe for a break.

"I'm…. I think I'm… migraine starting…" Asmo looked around with a hint of nervousness dancing across his expression.

"Hang on, I'll call-" Mammon, probably, who had darted off the second he felt the tether snap. Business, he said.

"Ophelia! You look pale!" Gaap came dashing over. Asmo gave them a wry smile.

"Gaap. What timing."

"Asmodeus. I have her medicine here." Gaap pulled a pouch from their coat and handed it to Ophelia. She opened it to find small vials of green liquid. "Careful, Ophelia, each vial is concentrated oil."

Nodding, she took a vial and poured a little under her tongue. Gaap chuckled at her expressions as they revealed what she thought.

"I'm afraid it's hard to cover that flavour up."

"Darling, is it-" She stopped Asmo with a placating gesture despite wincing.

"For the medicine to work as quickly as possible, she has to hold it under her tongue for a while," Gaap explained. Asmo frowned slightly at Gaap. "It has mint oil in, but there's only so much that can be done."

Eventually, Ophelia swallowed, making a disgusted sound.

"It's a... very hard taste to get used to, for sure." Gaap hummed.

"How is it working so far?"

"We'll find out in about half an hour." Ophelia turned to Asmo. "I'm afraid, we should probably head back to the House, just in case."

"Aww, the first chance I have you alone, and-" Gaap shook their head before looking coldly at Asmo.

"I'd better continue monitoring my patient for the duration of their first treatment."

Ophelia had the feeling that Gaap really, really didn't like Asmo. Probably something to do with Asmo's tendency to flirt and more.

"Asmo, we can always go shopping again another time. Maybe when we're not shopping for essentials," she said, "I might even feel like flirting back. Maybe."

** **

Exasperated, Lucifer saw the pile of boxes outside the front door growing with each delivery, and decided to move them inside.

It made a change that these were mostly for Ophelia instead of Leviathan. She was clearly taking advantage of the Home Delivery option most stores had.

One parcel stood out, though. It was in a large pale box, and labelled with some sort of game logo - something he vaguely recognised from Levi's incensed talking. He decided to take it directly to her room, in case Levi opened it carelessly in excitement. The rest, Mammon could deal with. If the tether hadn't broken already, that is.

Lucifer had just exited her room when Satan appeared.

"Mammon reports extra activity from the smugglers," he said bluntly. "Some lesser demons from the south east have been used for off-book trade summons by witches."

"I'll ask Asmo to gather more information. Where is Mammon?"

"The tether broke, if that's what you mean. He left Ophelia with Asmo to finish her shopping."

"Watch out for the boxes. Some of their shopping has already arrived." Satan left quietly. Lucifer sighed to himself, and went to continue paperwork.

It wasn't long before Ophelia, being carried by Gaap and followed by Asmo, returned. She looked at the pile of boxes.

"...and it even arrived on the same day."

"Darling, is this not common where you live?"

"Nope. The best is usually Next Day delivery, at a cost." Gaap sighed.

"I thought that when the automotive was invented, they'd catch up."

"I guess when teleporting is an option, it's easier." Asmo laughed.

"Forget that, let's get these into your room and start the pampering!" Asmo paused, for the barest of moments. "Perhaps you can join in too, Gaap."

Notes:

Ophelia's going to be as bad for shopping online as Levi is. Or she will be, with notable exceptions.

Also, Jenny Greenteeth makes an appearance. Interesting bit of British folklore, but I've put a little twist on it. She'll appear again, probably.

Chapter 6

Lucifer found Ophelia in the kitchen in the morning, baking again.

"Trouble sleeping again?" She nodded, ignoring his slightly angry tone.

"Yeah. Since I can't mull pigments," she hummed, "I bake." Lucifer watched her mix the dough.

"It seems repetitive." Her laugh was light and cheerful.

"Yes, I suppose that's what makes it effective." She hummed. "Probably better appreciated than some hand mulled paint. Unless there's an artist in the house?" Lucifer smiled wryly. 

"My brothers take art classes. Perhaps they'll need some at some point." She nodded, and started pinching off balls of dough to put on a baking tray. Lucifer, as if sensing her thoughts, continued. "Although, I would imagine most would not appreciate the charm of handmade paint."

"Alas, the hardest work tends to go unappreciated." Lucifer sighed. Had she meant to make such a profound statement? It was something that was soothing for him.

"I assume this is a bad time to tell you that there is a perfectly good mixer with a dough hook in the cupboards next to the counter?" Ophelia couldn't help but laugh nervously. 

"...it's too heavy for me to lift!"

** **

Alex tossed and turned under his blanket. He had nightmares of his beloved being held by demons. The only consolation he had was that he could tell she was alive and mostly unharmed. 

In the other room, Aliss and Solomon were scheming quietly. Solomon had told her what he knew, and Aliss sighed. 

"Sounds like the fucker."

"You know him?" Aliss shook her head.

"Wish I didn't. He… well, he's trying to get the strong witches to join their coven. They've tried to capture Fifi a few times. Nearly killed her twice." Solomon nodded.

"Given what we know, I've asked my pact demons to keep an eye out for any demon with new captive humans." Aliss laughed.

"Well, you've certainly got enough eyes on the ground there for that." Aliss huffed, sobering up. "How did my other suggestions go down with the Crown Prince?"

"He agreed to it, but suggested getting some textbooks and waiting until the next term for Alex to officially join RAD."

"Yes, I think we both need to have practice to get back to where we were on the magic front."

"I suppose," Solomon chuckled, "I'd also need to go over the basics again if I'd completely stopped using magic for two decades."

** **

Ophelia double checked the room number a couple of times before peering in. There were only a few people in there, and they all seemed humanoid for the most part. Horns, tails, scaly patches, and fur. If she could see under the desks, she had no doubt that someone would have talons or cloven feet.

She vaguely remembered someone (probably Satan) mentioning that only the most powerful demons were able to keep a fully human form. And even then, it was uncomfortable for them to hold it fully. Most demons preferred to hold an only vaguely humanoid form.

"You can go in, you know." Ophelia spun round to look at the source of the vaguely amused voice. It was a demon, with pastel blue skin and tiny forehead horns. He smirked. She chuckled nervously.

"I'm just- well, this is nerve-wracking." His eyebrows shot up.

"You're not scared of demons, but you are afraid of people." He grinned, and then stuck a hand out. "Benaz." She smiled, and shook his hand. 

"Ophelia." She chuckled. "Shall we go in?" They walked in together, and everyone turned to them.

"Oh, we did wonder if we'd have a new member." A small, bright pink girl clapped excitedly.

"I hoped so! Ben, Ben-" Their voice sounded neither here nor there.

"Chill, Gloka." Ophelia chuckled. Gloka had apparently been excited, their pink skin turning a little less vibrant.

"So, er, I'm the human exchange student, Ophelia." She hoped it didn't sound too robotic. A demon with furry hands and neck chuckled darkly. 

"Welcome to the Outcasts, Ophelia." The person next to them jabbed them with their scaly tail.

"Cut it out, Qurnar." Qurnar huffed.

"I'm being honest, Heme." Heme, with their scaly tail and clawed hands, fiddled with a braid in their hair.

The only one who hadn't spoken was a larger built person with impressive antlers for horns. Their long, heart-tipped tail was stock still against their back. They just smiled slightly.

Ophelia was going to ask something when a tall, lanky humanoid entered the classroom. 

"Good, everyone is here." Everyone rushed to a seat, taking out or opening notebooks. The tall man strode to the front of the class, and sat on the teacher's desk. "I'm Jack Springheel, and I'll be your teacher for Sigil Writing this term." He looked over the students, and then grinned. "All I have planned for us today is to chat and get to know each other better."

It was an interesting two hours for Ophelia, who was effectively the subject of the lesson.

Her notebook page at the end of the lesson was filled, roughly, with notes about her classmates and their teacher.

** **

Gloka hummed contentedly as she loaded Yokai Hit. Her companions were mostly still eating their lunches, except for the person she was about to add to her friends list in-game.

"Ophelia, have you seen the fuss on the forums?"

"Ah, no, I haven't."

"Apparently, someone's got the rarest combination of innate skills."

"Oh, really?" Ophelia hummed. "Lucky sod. What was the odds?"

"Something crazy like one in ten trillion."

"Bloody hell…"

"I know, right? The Admins put a counter on the forums about it. There's an NPC with the combination, and now one player." Gloka chuckled. "Didn't Lord Leviathan talk about it to you? He plays Yokai Hit, too." Ophelia frowned.

"Lord Leviathan somehow doesn't believe that I play games." Gloka sighed.

"He's the gatekeeping type, alright."

"Aye. He didn't believe that I played games or watched anime." Ophelia laughed. "I think his brain would melt if he saw some of the things I got when shopping." Qurnar looked over.

"At Anidaemon?"

"Yup. Some cute themed stationery, some manga, and a few box sets. And some Yokai Hit merch." Ophelia's game finally loaded up. "Hey Gloka, what's your username…?" Qurnar grinned, having finished his lunch.

"Hey, fancy adding me on Yokai Hit, too?" Ophelia gave him a thumbs up.

"Sure! I can solo some raids, but I think the one that drops material for the weapon I'm after has a three person minimum…"

"Oh, we can do them as a Guild. Here, Ophelia, join ours. Our Base is small but not shared with anyone." Ophelia chuckled darkly.

"Won't be small for long," she said, as she deposited her excess materials into the Guild Treasury, "I got lots of Base upgrades whilst piddling around."

** **

Ophelia was so distracted by her thoughts and her efforts not to trip over her own crutches  that she nearly bumped into someone. Simeon smiled warmly at her as she apologised profusely. 

"Ophelia…" She couldn't help but smile back.

"Ehe. Good afternoon, Simeon." They started walking down the corridor. 

"Are you alright? You seemed distracted." She sighed.

"I'm fine, just… well, the teacher started at the beginning…" Simeon could see where this was going. "...which was a lot further back than my mortal, non-magical brain could process easily." Simeon nodded sympathetically. 

"It's a lot to take in, I understand." He turned to her, pausing in his walking. "Are you on a break now?" She shook her head. 

"That was my last lesson of the day."

"Then, would you like to accompany me to the Common Room? I have one more lesson after this free period, but it's a bit much to return to Purgatory Hall."

"Sure. I've got to wait for an escort back to the House, anyway."

The Common Room was empty save for the furniture, but seemed cozy enough. There was a counter with a kettle and a sink in the distant corner, with a vending machine next to it. To Ophelia's surprise, it had a wide range of goods in, but mostly related to the kettle. 

Simeon chuckled. 

"I was told there were tea making facilities here. Would you like something?" She hummed.

"Something human-friendly," she said, "I do like trying new tea." This piqued Simeon's interest. 

"Have you met Barbatos yet?" Ophelia shook her head, muttering a negative. "He is Lord Diavolo's Butler, and a tea connoisseur-"

"Oh no, I would argue that my Lord is a much greater tea connoisseur than I." Both Simeon's and Ophelia's heads snapped to the direction of the new voice at the door. Ophelia blinked a few times as Simeon greeted him.

"Good afternoon, Barbatos." Simeon's chuckle was infectious. "I suppose this is an apt usage of the saying Speak of the Devil...?" The turquoise haired demon smiled as he approached Ophelia. Something tiny in his expression made Ophelia think something was wrong, but it passed before she could be sure.

"Good afternoon," she beamed. "It's good to meet you properly at last." She looked at him and half-pleaded with her eyes. "Do you have any recommendations for vending machine teabags? I'm pretty curious about teas down here..." Barbatos smiled in a pleased way.

"Of course," he said, "I was asked to stock it with only human-friendly teas." Her eyes lighting up did not escape either of the men.

** **

Lucifer looked at Barbatos, who had just paused in his tea selection.

"What's wrong?"

"It is of little importance. Forgive me." Barbatos measured out the selected tea, making sure to get a balanced scoop of components, despite the gaze burning into his back.

"Then it will do no harm to speak, then."

"I was thinking about Ophelia's choice of tea today." Lucifer nodded.

"She is only human, most are not as selective as we are."

"I was unable to see her preferences." This made Lucifer pause, his eyebrows rising.

"How unusual."

** **

Satan was baffled. Ophelia seemed like a perfectly capable woman, but somehow, she kept getting lost at RAD.

"Fifth door along that corridor," he'd say. And watched her blatantly walk into the fourth. But it didn't happen all the time. Sometimes she'd vanish somewhere, only to reappear near their destination. 

Eventually, he pulled her aside during a free period he knew they both had.

"Show me," he said, "Why can you not count to five along the west corridor." He stopped her when she counted the third door. "That is a wall, silly." She frowned.

"No, that's quite clearly a door," she said.

The next thing Satan knew, she had just walked into a wall and vanished into it.

"Ophelia?" She reached out and pulled him in.

The space was small, clearly more of a broom cupboard than a room. The shelves were a little dusty, with books and other boxes.

"Believe me now?" She challenged. He looked at her.

"Now," he hummed, "I have other questions. What else have you seen?" She shrugged. 

"Lots." Grinning, she pulled a notebook from the shelves. "My notes." He flicked through them.

"So this is where you and the low-magic demons have been lately."

Notes:

Ah, a flurry of new characters. The low-magic demons... I'll be going into them over the course of the fic.
So far: Benaz, Gloka, Qurnar, Heme. The other demon in their class hasn't been introduced yet.

And we get another bit of Brit folklore popping up! Springheel Jack was said to be a demon, but... well, I'm putting my own spin on him.

Chapter 7

Asmo was the first to notice it. When Ophelia thought she was alone, her face dropped to a pensive sadness. He'd meant to sneak up and hug her, but the expression made him stop.

Next time, he thought, I'll ask. The opportunity arose the next day, when she was sitting in the music room with a thick book.

And such, this was how he'd come to learn that she was worried about someone left behind. After she'd confided, he grabbed her hands, and grinned with his trademark smile.

"Ne, ne! Tell me about your lover, then."

"Ah-"

"Oh no, you can't deny it." Sighing with fake dramatic gestures, he flopped onto her lap. Were she not already accustomed with his touchy-feely nature, it may have been a shock. "No wonder I can't mesmerise you - your heart's already been stolen by someone!" She smirked as he fiddled to get comfortable in her lap.

"Were I to believe in soulmates, I would think it was him." Asmo chuckled.

"Darling, soulmates are a thing. But usually only magical beings like witches, sorcerers, and such." She barked out a small laugh.

"That's me out, then." Asmo's pout made her reconsider.

"Hmm, it's rare, but I think Solomon said there's a witch with a non-magical soulmate." Sighing, she started to fiddle with Asmo's hair. He almost purred as she gently rubbed his scalp.

"Somehow," she said, "I don't think I'm special enough to be that lucky. I'm already lucky to have met him."

"Waah. That was so sweet." Then he sighed. "Darling, if you need any physical affection while you're here-"

"Unlimited hugs?"

"And more if you want!" He wriggled up to hug her. She decided to ignore the fact he was trying to bury his face in her cleavage. It was who he was, and he'd stop if she asked.

"Oi, ya pervert! Stop it!" Mammon came stomping over. Forcing an entirely innocent look onto her face, she smiled brightly.

"Why? You want hugs too?"

"Why'd ya think I want hugs from a 'uman?" He said, despite going bright red and almost vibrating.

"Ah well, then I'd better not bother you, Great and Momentous Mammon."

Asmo laughed at Mammon's changing expressions, but ultimately did his best to make sure Mammon remained bright red by draping himself over Ophelia.

** **

Leviathan, in his irritation, had howled at the screen.

He'd just been defeated in PvP combat on Yokai Hit, breaking his 600 day streak of being undefeated. And by a player who'd been playing for less than a month!

"Agh! Rematch. REMATCH!"

The player, DrownedLady, accepted his challenge.

Sure, they'd said, I'm having trouble sleeping. Maybe a few friendly matches will help.

They defeated him again. And the 3rd, 4th, and 5th times.

Leviathan's tail smashed his computer monitor, sending it flying into the glass of his tank. It was followed by the yanking out of the power cables to the computer, and another anguished cry.

Lucifer burst into the room, then.

"Leviathan!" Lucifer strode over. "It is 3am and this is unbefitting." Eying the damage, he sighed. "No WiFi for a week."

Leviathan's anguished cry echoed through the house.

** **

Beel frowned. None of these boxes were for him, but they were clearly full of food. Why had Ophelia ordered so many snacks?

He took them to her room in time to overhear part of the conversation between her and Mammon.

"Whaddya mean ya can't-"

"Mams, the Hemp oil really helps, but I get so hungry. I thought I'd get some snacks." There was a pause. "Of course I ordered some extra for you."

"Atta human." Beel used his foot to knock.

"Delivery, Ophelia."

"Hey, come in, Beel." Her face lit up as she saw he'd brought all the boxes in one go. "Wow, you're so strong, Beel!"

"Snacks?" Mammon muttered something about his strength, but it was mostly ignored.

"Yeah." She grinned. "Hey, shall we open a box while you're here? As thanks."

"Sounds good." She opened a box unceremoniously, and Mammon frowned.

"Oi, some of those snacks ain't human safe." She looked at the box. Some of the bags inside had scorpion-like insects on, the others seemed more like fruits. Beel frowned.

"And everything but the Sinful Salt flavour would hurt you..." Ophelia sighed.

"Well, at least they won't go to waste, right?" She winked at Beel.

Six boxes of safely sorted snacks and a movie later, Beel peeled himself away from the sleeping Ophelia and Mammon who was clinging onto her. He couldn't help but smile, before deciding to rejoin them. If only to grab more snacks from her sleeping hands.

** **

Ophelia took a deep breath. She'd been summoned to the Council Office by Lord Diavolo. But why? It was eating at her.

Nervously, she knocked on the door to the room.

"Come in!" She entered slowly, with a small bow.

"You called for me, your highness?"

"Ah, you came. Good, I've had some desserts prepared, and some tea." He gestured to the round table in the centre of the room - something that wasn't there before. It was full of pastries and cakes, and only had one other chair. "Come, sit."

So Ophelia did. Any thought of formality left her mind when she looked a little more closely at the spread.

"These… wow, are those Caneles? They're all perfect!" The caneles in question were uniformly caramelised on the outside. Diavolo's laugh made her freeze in place.

"Barbatos is one of the finest chefs in the Devildom, truly." He looked at her, and smiled. "Please, do not worry about formality when it is just the two of us."

"A-Are you sure?" His laugh then sounded like sunshine to her.

"Certainly! Now," he said cheerfully, "I wanted to see how your first month at RAD has been! Help yourself to anything. Today's tea is a cold brewed Wuyi Da Hong Pao…"

"The Big Red Robe?" Diavolo's eyes lit up at her recognition of the tea. "I- I've never seen it before, let alone tasted it." She missed his quickly devious smirk, but not his next quip.

"Ah, I guess it's another new experience for you, then!"

**

Dear Diary,

Of all the places to come across Caneles and Wuyi Da Hong Pao… never would I have thought it would be in the Devildom.

If I ever get back to the Human Realm, I should really make an effort to get some so we can all try it. It is amazing done cold brewed.

Hopefully I can try some more traditional Devildom style pastries and tea next time.

Oh! And a reminder for myself. Dia said he'd pull the puppy dog eyes again if I don't call him Dia when we're on our own. (He really has that look down to a t.)

** **

"If I wanted a pain in the ass, I'd go sit on Mammon's bony lap again."

The demon in front of her, Lok, started scribbling on the paper again before holding it up for Ophelia to read. Ophelia hummed.

"How about a compromise, Lok? I'll drop your letter into the House of Lamentation's postbox, and give it more of a fighting chance of it getting read."

Lok nodded, before clapping their hands together happily. It was the first time their tail had moved from being straight up their back, too. Ophelia sighed.

"No guarantees other than that, though. Satan… well, I've seen him doing his wrath thing. Please be careful."

** **

The tree trunk she had hidden behind exploded into shards less than a meter over her head. Aliss hissed as she counted the strides of her attacker, and prepared another counter spell before-

"Fuuuuuuck!" Making a complex gesture, Aliss grinned and rolled away to look at her handiwork.

Alex had been caught, like a butterfly in a web, but upside-down and at a weird angle. Aliss chuckled.

"That Freezing Aura is good, but it can't disarm fuck all after you throw an ice shard from it." He groaned.

"I thought you were out of those traps…"

"It's easy to burn them onto leaves if you're stuck." Aliss shook her head in amusement. "Time for a food break, methinks," she said, as she walked away.

"Muuuuuumm!" She waved cheerfully.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll have figured how to escape by the time lunch is done!"

** **

Ophelia sat bolt upright in her bed.

The images from her nightmare were still vivid in her mind. Giant grabbing hands, brambles tightening around her body, and the feeling of drowning.

The mess of white hair in the bed next to her was too tempting to resist, and she started to fiddle with Mammon's hair. She briefly wondered if she'd had a nightmare because it wasn't Alex sleeping next to her, but dismissed it because she'd napped with Heme during a free period before.

Ophelia sighed, and tucked herself back in. She'd get angry with Mammon sneaking into her bed - yet again! - in the morning. Maybe.

Notes:

Ah, Diavolo's card with the puppy dog eyes really did a number on me, haha. So, Ophelia, for the kicks and giggles is as well.

But really, Mammon's showing his clingy nature in this chapter! Ophelia and Asmo have their bonding moments. And... she still hasn't really spoken to Leviathan much yet. Heh.

Also, Aliss is a BAMF. Her age will get mentioned at some point, but - she's another nod to a bit of British folklore.

Chapter 8

Notes:

The two new Obey Me songs are great. So good, I even wrote a slightly longer chapter!

The hidden sanctuary was, unusually, loud. Despite the efforts to work quietly on homework.

Gloka was cackling at Qurnar's reaction to the news. He was pale, but otherwise composed.

"Lord Leviathan lost to someone on Yokai Hit?" Gloka, looking smug, grinned widely.

"5 times. But, that's not the juicy bit. Ophelia's win count shot up by 5, and she got a load of new items."

"That doesn't mean anything."

"No, but there's a new achievement on her profile - Reign Breaker." Qurnar huffed, and began to comb through the fur on his hands.

"Oh, now that does mean something. Did she know?"

Benaz, who was idly doodling, sighed.

"Where is Ophelia, anyway?" Lok tapped the pad she was holding, and held it up.

"Ophelia's at a checkup with Lord Gaap." Underneath that, some appointment times. Benaz nodded.

"And Heme?" Gloka raised her hand.

"Ooh, I know! Heme had to sort their younger sister out again." Qurnar shook his head.

"Poor Heme. That brat is nothing but trouble." Gloka hummed.

"Nothing Heme's venom can't sort out." Everyone nodded in agreement. Then Qurnar huffed.

"Hey, has anyone figured out a good combo of runes for sigils? I can't get these to work together…"

** **

"...that’s it?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

Getting the ingredients for iron gall ink was harder than either Satan or Ophelia thought. However, with a little research, it was possible to find Devildom equivalents.

And as such, Satan showed Ophelia the household lab for them to make some ink with.

Satan let out a small huff at the process.

"So, the process is simple, but the results… how?"

"The iron sulphate reacts with the tannins in the galls and the paper, oxidising into the waterproof pigmentation with exposure to oxygen."

"But the batch with the rusty nails?"

"It happens with most iron salts, rust included. That batch will need a bit longer over the heat." Satan paused in thought.

"...which is why it remained popular as an ink. Does the acidity not cause issues?"

"Yes. It's why it fell out of favour eventually. It corrodes metal, including fountain pen nibs, unless you're careful… and can damage delicate papers." Ophelia hummed. "It's still popular amongst ink enthusiasts. I used to get a few orders per year." Satan nodded.

"Does it… stain wood?" Ophelia nodded.

"Yes, especially if the wood has a high tannin content…" She shuddered. "I will make sure I have a solid alibi for whatever you're planning to do with it."

** **

Beel happily munched on the biscuits that Ophelia had made. Movie night with her and Mammon had become a semi-regular thing, often encouraging spurts of homework to be done. Beel often joined in, because Ophelia often made snacks.

Tonight, they were watching The Tale of the Seven Lords, and they were on Season 3 of the TV series.

It was at the end of the first disk that Ophelia hummed and said what she was thinking.

"Is it just me, or does the Lord of Corruption really remind you of Lucifer?" Mammon laughed.

"Nah, Lucifer's much worse!"

"Yeah, but he would lock someone in a tower if they displeased him." Beel furrowed his brow in thought.

"Surely he wouldn't…" Ophelia looked at Beel, and saw his expression. He looked so sad.

"Ah." She wrapped her arms around him. She ignored Mammon's background squeaking. "Sorry, I bet you miss your twin. Do you hear from him?" His face dropped further, and Ophelia held him tighter. "Oh no. I'm sorry. I bet he's so busy he's-" He wrapped his arms around her and drew her much closer.

"I can't even feel him well through our bond…"

"Oh Beel…" Everything was quiet for a bit, before Beel spoke again.

"...you're right, Belphie's probably just sleeping lots and getting used to things up in the Human Realm." Playfully, Ophelia ruffled his hair where she could reach.

"Exactly. Maybe his DDD isn't getting a good signal or something, either." She chuckled. "Shall we move onto the next disc? Or should we do some homework…?"

** **

Lucifer's headache was growing, along with the ringing in his ears. He'd gotten nowhere with the pen, the stubborn thing refusing to open. Each time he'd tried, it only added to the background pealing. It was getting intolerable, and he found himself unable to break its effect on him.

A knocking on his door was almost a welcome distraction after his latest try.

"Enter."

Ophelia shyly entered his office, and approached the desk.

"Is something wrong, Ophelia?"

"Ah, no, not wrong but…" Her eyes locked onto something of interest on his desk. "Oh! You found my pen?"

Inwardly, Lucifer cursed to himself. In his distraction, he hadn't put it away. Maybe she knew something.

"...yes." She reached for it, and as soon as her fingers touched the barrel, the ringing stopped. "It is a very fine pen," he mused, "I assume it's very important to you." She looked at the pen with a soft expression.

"It is." Quickly unscrewing the lid and checking the fine crystal nib, she smiled. "Oh good, no damage. "

"The patina on the metal is wonderfully aged."

"It was my Great-Grandfather's pen. It's been handed down to me." She chuckled. "That and I seem to be the only one that has the knack for opening it."

"Is there a trick to it?" She shook her head.

"I don't think so… I just unscrew it. " She hummed, looking over and over at the iridescent patterns. "I should make a new carry case for it from special Devildom materials."

"Do you know where your Great-grandfather got it from?" She shook her head. He gave her a wry smile. "It's a unique pen." She nodded.

"It's a bit of a mystery where it came from. Glass nib fountain pens are rare enough in modern times, let alone back then." With a grin, she tucked it into her bra. "We often joked that he probably made a deal with a devil to get such a durable and beautiful pen, but..." She paused, smiling in thought. "Are there glass nib makers down here?"

"Perhaps." She hummed.

"If so, then I'm surprised that you don't use a fountain pen, Lucifer, instead of that..." she said, gesturing at the dip pen on his desk.

"I've just never found the right one," he said.

"Yeah, I can't see you settling for one like I've been using for my work so far," she agreed sagely. Lucifer sighed.

"Now, what did you come and see me about?"

"Oh! Yeah. I was wondering if I could get a copy of the key to the alchemy lab. I'd like to do some ink making again…"

** **

The migraine, despite her having three vials of medical oil, was threatening to spill over and ruin her day. Ophelia tried her best to use biofeedback methods to at least try and hold it off.

It decided to make itself known rather dramatically in Arithmetic.

Her vision started to spin, and the classroom was replaced by a blurry woodland scene. Gaap was standing, speaking to two hooded figures. She got the distinct feeling that she knew the hooded figures, but couldn't make out their faces clearly enough to be absolutely certain. Gaap shook their head again, and shrugged, their neck fins muting themselves in colour. Then, the three of them headed further into the woods.

Ophelia started to come around to a scene of chaos. She was on the floor, in something vaguely like the recovery position. Mammon was yelling, there was blood, and Beel… well, Beel was holding back half the class alone. A purple aura started to seep in from the corridor, and she got the feeling that she didn't want to be awake for whatever was to come. She closed her eyes again.

**

Simeon gently brushed her loosened hair away from her face, and decided to check again. His hand glowed golden, and he was able to tell that Ophelia was definitely out for the count.

A gentle knocking at the door of the Medical Room drew his attention away from his patient. Lord Diavolo peered inside.

"Simeon, how is she?"

"Physically fine, but…"

"But?"

"I've read Gaap's notes, but there's something off."

"How so?"

"Instead of saying that she's a totally non-magical human, it would probably be more accurate to say something is stopping her magic from accumulating." This piqued Diavolo's curiosity.

"And today's incident?"

"It seems more like she had a vision and it's taken a toll." Nodding, Diavolo explained.

"She was sitting next to Mammon in Arithmetic. He said she muttered something before fainting." Both men looked at her.

"...do you think she really...? She said something about migraines and seizures, but if she has magic..." Simeon chuckled nervously.

"It's possible. I will ask above, see if it's recorded somewhere."

"Agreed. This stays between us for now, Simeon. We must investigate it subtly." Nodding, Simeon brushed her brow again.

"By the way, Diavolo… where is Mammon?"

"Oh, Lucifer has hung him up just down the hall," he said, laughing, "Beelzebub has suffered a similar fate for licking her face." Simeon looked confused. "She had a nosebleed," Diavolo explained.

Simeon nodded.

"Ah, that's it. She had a nosebleed as well." Simeon sighed. "Were Gaap here, I bet they would have noticed right away."

"No, I'm very thankful for your help, Simeon."

** **

"Opheeeeeeeeeeeliaaaaaaaa…"

"Yes, Asmo?"

"I need your help with a Livestream…"

And that was how she found herself topless on Asmo's bed, with him straddling her thighs. She was nestled face down in pillows supporting her and checking her DDD for messages.

"Darling," he said quietly, stroking her back, "What caused these?" The scars crisscrossing her back were large. They looked painful to have gotten.

"Oh, I got into a fight with a cactus patch when I was younger." Asmo chuckled.

"Did you win?" She laughed.

"The cactuses came out the worst, definitely," she said solemnly. "I bet there's plenty of blackheads and pimples for you to squeeze for the audience because of them, though."

"Afterwards, I'll apply some treatments for it. I can't wait to see how sexy your back would be." Asmo leaned down. "Bringing your sexy back… back."

"Oh Asmo, my back would still only be about as sexy as your big toe." He sighed.

"That's still fairly sexy."

"Careful, or this pimple popping stream will end up on Diwa Hub instead." He gasped.

"Why would my innocent human know about Diwa Hub?"

"I figured I'd better look at demonic porn if I wanted to learn about culture down here." Asmo paused and decided to drop down onto her back.

"And did you see any familiar… faces?" He sighed and hugged her.

"Oh trust me Asmo, I wasn't looking at faces." With a hum, she stopped his hands from reaching her chest. "Although I do now wonder if a human-run dildo maker knows some demons, because-"

"Oh, yes. Some of my best incubi frequently give inspiration to human manufacturers." Ophelia paused in thought.

"If I look through your toy collection, would I be able to tell which companies?" With a laugh, Asmo lifted himself off her back.

"That's the one we should stream on Diwa Hub. But today," he hummed, "Pimple Popping Porn!"

** **

"Hmm? Hey, Mammon!"

"Ooh, he's watching the Livestream?"

"Yup. Any excuse to see me topless, eh?" A few lewd comments came through before the Auto-moderator blocked them.

"Now now, darling, that's usually my thing."

"No Asmo, usually you want me completely nude."

"Owaaah. Can't argue with that." There were several comments agreeing that they wanted to see her naked, too.

"Oh. Mammon stopped watching." She laughed. "Hey, I give it 30 seconds before he's bursting in here." Several pings sending condolences and mourning the stream before it finished came through. Asmo hummed.

"Darling, you should set up an OnlyFiends account at this rate."

"...nah. Not going to compete with yours or Mammon's."

"Then you must be a guest on mine!"

"That's where we should do the dildo stream, Asmo. Fund me some good skincare and a special fountain pen or inks."

That was when Mammon burst in.

"Ya'd better not be naked in here, 'uman!" The Auto-moderator cut the stream after the sheer barrage of lewd comments.

** **

Asmo handed Ophelia a large box.

"Your fans have obliged," he cooed.

Indeed, the box was full of fountain pens, skincare, and ink. She looked at Asmo with horror and awe.

"We haven't even done an OnlyFiends stream yet!" Asmo laughed.

"I think they want to see it, darling."

Notes:

Oh, hello actual plot line.

Yeaaaaah, Ophelia and Asmo bonding. And a little more on the Devildom's version of Gamergate. Lucifer gets a little break from tinnitus, and we see Satan get some more knowledge about inks.

Iron Gall ink is... old as balls. Lots of historical manuscripts are written with it. I don't use it, but when I do... I am lazy and buy a modern version that's friendlier on my fountain pens.

Chapter 9

Notes:

A slightly shorter chapter, this time... just to see if I can get the image formatting right.

Mid homework session, Ophelia voiced a thought to the person sitting next to her at the desk.

"Is it just me, or has Beel been avoiding me this last week…?" Mammon looked up from his phone.

"Why'd ya ask?"

"Since I passed out in Arithmetic..."

"Ya don't remember?" Shaking her head, Ophelia looked at Mammon for an answer. "Beel, he… he…" Mammon went bright red. Ophelia scrambled to try and remember.

"Mammon-" When she didn't get an answer, she decided to play slightly dirty. She leaned in front of him and attempted to make puppy eyes.

"He- He licked tha blood off yer face, alright? He wanted ta taste-" Mammon looked even more flustered, and then grabbed her shoulders. "Look, ya probably forgot, but- Beel's thing is Gluttony. He nearly- He had ta be held back by half the class." Her eyes widened.

"Oh no… poor Beel."

"POOR BEEL? 'uman of mine, ya gotta worry about yerself!" He was looking into her eyes, trying to get a good read on her. He was getting redder and redder. "We're demons who wanna eat you and yer soul."

"...I guess it's because of The Great and Mighty Mammon that it didn't become a bigger shit show?"

"That's right!" She looked at him expectantly. That wasn't quite the full answer, and she knew it. "The other demons won't get between a fight between us Avatars. An' they know they'd be the big losers." She smiled warmly at him.

"Thank you, Mams. Really." He went bright red yet again.

"Shaddap, I gotta keep ya safe - you're my human, afterall…"

"I should probably stick a label on myself. I've got an idea." Reaching over into the drawers near the desk, she pulled out a pair of keyrings.

"Hey, where'd ya get those from?" Mammon's eyes lit up. "Those are rare!" She handed one to him, and shrugged.

"I got them after I started playing Yokai Hit," she said, "as well as some other merch." Attaching hers to her keys, she grinned at Mammon. "Well, if they're that rare, then-" He scrambled to put it on his keys.

"No take-backs!"

** **

The League of Misfits

Ophelia: Lord Beel's avoiding me. I need your help getting him to talk to me.
Heme: Didn't he try to eat you?
Benaz: Not sure what we can do…
Qurnar: My brother's in his team. I'll see what I can do.
Ophelia:

Two Days Later

The League of Misfits

Qurnar: Lord Beel can't take hints. Go direct.
Benaz: Didn't think he would.
Benaz:
Lok:
Lok: I know why he's avoiding you, Ophelia.
Gloka:
Lok: He's just scared he'll try and eat you.
Ophelia:
Ophelia: Thought so.
Heme: Now what will you do…?
Ophelia: …
Ophelia: Lord Diavolo's invited me to tea again. I'll speak to him about it.
Lok:
Gloka:
Benaz:
Qurnar:
Lok: That sounds more casual than I'd expect.

** **

The three hooded figures looked over the large, marked map on the table with different expressions on their faces. One was frowning, one was nodding in resignation, and the other was smiling.

"Why are you smiling?"

"I'm just glad to see how much you've both grown over the years, Aliss."

"Gaap-"

"To be able to sense the workings of a trap spell without triggering it is really good."

"Unfortunately, it's looking like a pain to infiltrate." She paused. "Alex, was there anything through your bond…?"

"No. Nothing." Gaap nodded, looking at Alex.

"I expected so. From what you said, it's certain that your soulmate was taken to the Devildom. I haven't heard of any demons having new humans, and other than the exchange student…"

"Thanks for looking, Gaap." Gaap's pocket vibrated, and they took out their phone to check the message.

"Speak of the being. She nearly got eaten by Lord Beelzebub. One of the Celestial exchange students took my place in the Med room to treat her."

"...oh." Gaap shrugged.

"Don't worry about it. His Highness knew this may happen, I am a demon with contracts, afterall."

** **

"A retreat?"

"Yes," Lucifer said, "we have all been invited to the Royal Castle for three days-"

"A party?"

"...to ensure unity between all the Exchange Students." Lucifer sighed. "Not a party, Asmo."

"Aww…" Ophelia chuckled.

"Three days of partying might be a bit much for me, anyway…"

** **

"You know," Ophelia said, as she clung onto Lucifer's hand, "I take back what I said. I'd have preferred three days of party to this!"

This, referring to being sucked towards an angry portrait. It had already taken Asmo, Solomon, Mammon, and Leviathan, and Ophelia was very close to being sucked in as well. If she had been any closer, she wouldn't have been able to grab Lucifer's hand.

"Ugh." Lucifer turned his head to Diavolo. "If you'd please-"

There was a flash of light and a slimy explosion, and Ophelia suddenly found herself against Lucifer. She blinked a few times in disbelief. There was fluorescent pink slime everywhere. Diavolo laughed.

"Oh, this is a rare sight-"

"Don't you dare-"

"-you covered in slime and holding Ophelia gently. I should take a picture." Lucifer was distracted by Ophelia gently headbutting him and passing out long enough for Diavolo to take a quick picture.

"Diavolo!"

"What? This definitely deserves a place in the photo albums." Then, Diavolo sighed, shaking his head. "I'll have to get Hanzaki to replace the portrait. Although, I did hear that he wished to meet Ophelia, so it may be fate."

Barbatos entered the room with a grim look.

"My Lord..." he started. Then he stopped as he assessed the situation.

"Barbatos, I'm afraid that we'll all need to wash. And Hanzaki will need to be called to replace the portrait that I had to… suddenly disenchant."

"Very well, My Lord. I wished to inform you that there are intruders in the underground maze, but it would appear that you may already know who they are." Lucifer sighed.

"Yes, they should be fine down there."

** **

"Come ta think of it," Mammon said, "I ain't had time to get or give reports to ya." Asmo hummed.

"Only because you've been hogging Ophelia." Leviathan scoffed.

"Good. Saves me from dealing with another normie."

"I dunno, she has a lot of yer kind of stuff in 'er room. And she got a big box of game merch the day she arrived."

"Bullshit, Mammon."

"Nah, check this out." He pulled his keys from his pocket and showed the keyring to Leviathan.

"Wwooooaaaaahh! Th-that is-" Mammon saw the glint in Leviathan's eyes and immediately hid his keys. He felt the rise of greed before it was replaced with a deep envy.

"Nope! It was a tribute from my 'uman, go ask 'er if she's got more." Solomon sighed.

"Anyway, you were saying about reports…? Mammon, I have to ask if you know a certain coven..."

** **

Ophelia was cursing quietly to herself. She was sandwiched between two very attractive men by enchanted rope, and was not enjoying it at all. She was worried.

"They still haven't made it out?" Straining to look at Beel or Simeon made Ophelia's neck ache.

"No." Beel frowned sadly, and grabbed his wrist. This pulled Ophelia closer to him, and he blushed. Simeon shifted closer to Ophelia to try and give a bit more leeway.

"They should be fine, Ophelia. They're some of the strongest beings in the Devildom." Simeon nodded. "Barbatos said they'll be out by morning."

"And us?" Beel asked anxiously.

"I think Barbatos said the rope will let us go when we're all calm and free of most anxiety," Simeon mused, "So perhaps the same."

"So, I guess this is Group therapy?" Ophelia paused. "Should we all take turns talking about things?" Simeon hummed.

"I think it would help." Ophelia sighed, and then remembered why Lord Diavolo had arranged this retreat in the first place.

"...I'll go first." She shook her head. "Beel, I've been worried about you this past couple of weeks. You haven't been… as sociable as usual. " Even Simeon noticed Beel getting tense. Ophelia continued. "Did I… did I do something to annoy you?"

"It's not-" Beel couldn't look at her. "It wasn't you," He said, quietly. "I'm afraid that I'll eat you."

"Oh, Beel…"

"After that taste, I… it was so good I didn't want to stop and-" Ophelia softly patted his shoulder.

"I'll say the same thing to you as I do to all of Mammon's threats to eat me," she said, looking deliberately into his eyes. "You try and eat me, and you will choke on my crutches."

She could feel Simeon suppressing a chuckle, but said nothing. She continued.

"Heme said they'd extract some venom for me to use for self-defence, too. Oh, and Satan's trying to whip up a self-defence potion for me." Ophelia chuckled. "And if all that fails, I'm sure Mammon would hit you so hard you'd spit me out-"

"You're not afraid of me…?" Beel's shock was clear.

"Yes, but no more than any other demon I've encountered so far. I'm only a human in a world where everyone and everything is dangerous." Beel and Ophelia looked at each other for a few seconds. Beel looked like he had a revelation.

The rope loosened significantly, but not quite enough to be free.

Ophelia leaned back a little to look at Simeon.

"Is there anything worrying you, Simeon?"

** **

Mammon was grandstanding as he finished his side of the story around the dinner table.

"...an' there was a giant snake down there an' all! If the Great Mammon wasn't there, we'd 'ave been toast!" Luke shivered.

"I'm glad I didn't get sucked down there, too! It sounds… horrible! Just what you'd expect under a demonic castle!" Ophelia - who was still sandwiched between Beel and Simeon - laughed.

"I was expecting torture chambers, if I'm honest. Just like The Tower of London." Lord Diavolo perked up.

"There are human castles with torture chambers?"

"Most of them do," she said. "Well, all the older ones do. Nowadays, there's not quite so much torture…" Lucifer chuckled

"Yes, I hear that your modern prisons are well-suited to psychological torture instead," Lucifer mused, "and very effective - some even want to return to it." Ophelia tried to find a reason against what he'd said, but couldn't.

"The difference is," she finally said, "most human world countries are trying to make it comfortable." The demons shuddered. Lord Diavolo looked shocked.

"Truly, much more terrifying."

Notes:

The castle retreat and the under-castle maze, plus the aftermath of the vision.

Also, I thought it would be funny to have demons in awe of the prison system.

Chapter 10

Ophelia was, simply, confused.

She'd woken up warm, comfortably sandwiched between gorgeous people. They were both much taller than her, and one was built of sheer muscle.

And then it came back to her, and she looked around. Both Simeon and Beel had arms around her, and they were all still in their day clothes. Simeon's cloak was acting as a blanket.

The rope had long since come fully loose. The only thing keeping them bundled together now was the tangling of limbs. She could now see that Beel also had an arm around Simeon.

Speaking of which…

"Good morning," Simeon murmured quietly. "Sleep well?" Ophelia smiled, humming an agreement.

"Mornin' Simeon." She looked at him, and grinned. "How could I not sleep well being cuddled by you two?" With a gentle smile, Simeon chuckled.

"I'm glad."

Simeon decided not to mention how she'd slept through the fuss of Mammon and Asmo trying to join the tangle. It was probably better that way.

"I have to say, I rather enjoyed this closeness with you and Beelzebub."

"Well," Ophelia replied, "I'm up for more cuddles anytime." And then she added: "Even without the rope." Beel rumbled an answer.

"Good, I like hugging." He tightened his grip slightly. Ophelia chuckled quietly.

"I could get used to this."

** **

"We should all bake together sometime," Luke concluded. Ophelia nodded enthusiastically.

"Please. I think everyone at the House of Lamentation is sick of the three or four types of pastries I can do. I'd like to learn some new ones."

"Nah," Beel said, eating another waffle, "I wouldn't be." Mammon scoffed.

"You could open a bakery with a few more-"

"Mammon."

"What? I won't take more than 30 percent of the-" Ophelia laughed and waved him off dismissively.

"Look, I've tried the macarons from Madam Scream's place. No way I can compete with that." Barbatos chuckled.

"Perhaps not, but you and Solomon are in charge of cooking Human Realm cuisine today. I am sure your skills are adequate enough for that, Ophelia."

** **

With a small flourish, the giant salamander demon presented a jar to his audience that was filled with a moving, ever-shifting fluid. Ophelia looked at it, mesmerised by the changing colours.

"Sir- um, Hanzaki, what is that? It's… pretty." The thing in the jar seemed to have heard her, taking on a pinkish tone. Hazaki chuckled.

"This is an Inkling. It's a special variety of Slime that is specifically bred for its ability to shift colours and absorb pigments." She furrowed her brows. Satan, next to her, mused aloud.

"So, the portraits are made of Inklings that have cursed souls bound inside them." Satan nodded. "And then they're trapped in the frames."

"Yes. It takes certain grades of Inkling to hold a soul in a portrait. This is a Greater Chromatic Inkling." Ophelia nodded, head tilting in thought.

"What do you normally use Inklings for?"

"Hmm?" Hanzaki said, preparing the frame. "Oh, normally we use lesser grade Inklings to copy information from books or reproduce images." She nodded along, thinking.

"Does the type of pigment or ink they absorb have an effect on their printing?" Hanzaki couldn't help but smile a little.

"It does." Satan chuckled.

"Ophelia, you're an ink maker. Perhaps you and Hanzaki should work together." She looked at Satan, and then at Hanzaki. Hanzaki smiled widely.

"I think it would benefit both of us." Ophelia blushed, and then nodded.

"If you think I can be of help-"

"I'd love to see how ink from the human realm has changed since I was last up there," Hanzaki said, "I think it'll be interesting."

** **

Barbatos shuddered.

He'd left Solomon unsupervised in the kitchen for just long enough that he'd fiddled - adjusted, he said - a few dishes.

Ophelia had been too busy making dishes to notice Solomon's work until she'd seen the briefest look of horror pass over Barbatos' face. Looking between Barbatos and Solomon's cooking, she sighed.

"Oh, did I miss some seasoning, Solomon?"

"I just thought I'd add my touch to some dishes." This was the bit that worried Barbatos - Ophelia then, calmly, tried some.

A few moments passed. For the first time in a while, Barbatos felt a thin bead of sweat form and run down his back. What was he going to do if she-

"I'm pretty sure Adobo doesn't usually contain horseradish," she gently chastised, "I don't think it grows well in hot climates."

"That's not horseradish, it's a human safe variety of Hell Man Mustard." Ophelia nodded.

"Fair enough," she said. "Not sure it quite works with it, but it might be more to other people's tastes."

"Indeed." There was a pause as she looked at some of the other dishes. Her eyes locked on a bowl filled with a writhing purple vortex instead of what she'd made.

"What the fuck did you do to my fried rice, Solomon?"

** **

All the dishes laid out on the table looked amazing. Not a vortex in sight.

However...

It was the first time that Ophelia had seen Beel hesitate when it came to food. She thought it was kind of cute, but slightly worrying.

Then she remembered that Solomon had turned a bowl of rice into a magical vortex trying to spice it up. And then, she could suddenly understand the hesitation.

"Well, I don't know about you lot, but," she said, knowing full well the danger, "I could really do with eating something." She reached for a plate she knew had not been touched by Solomon. And that's when her sense of mischief kicked in, because then she chose a dish Solomon had adjusted, but was still relatively safe to eat.

She watched, amused, as the brothers chose after watching her first. They'd seen her choices and tried to go for dishes with the same plating and presentation style.

The anguished cries could be heard from across the castle as demons succumbed to the food. If only they'd known she'd done the dishing up for some of Solomon's cooking, too.

** **

Diavolo, Lucifer, and Ophelia sat on a balcony overlooking the castle's extensive gardens. Once again, she found herself sandwiched between two men, but this time it was on a bench and the only thing holding her there was social obligation.

"Will they be alright?"

"I have no doubt my brothers will be fine by evening," Lucifer said stiffly, "I can assure you they've survived worse." Diavolo murmured an agreement.

"It was certainly an exciting addition to the day, wouldn't you agree?" Ophelia laughed uneasily.

"True, but I still feel bad for everyone, your Highness. At least Luke wasn't affected."

"I think they have a much better sense of what may be more harmful." She nodded, murmuring an agreement. A silence fell over the trio.

"Oh, I've been meaning to ask, Ophelia," Diavolo said, "What is OnlyFiends?" Lucifer sputtered, and Ophelia sighed. "I overheard some students talking about your video on OnlyFiends with Asmodeus-"

"Ophelia-" At Lucifer's angry tone, she nearly jumped into Diavolo's lap. "Explain."

"Now now, Lucifer. I don't even know what OnlyFiends is…" Diavolo didn't seem to have minded that Ophelia had basically tucked herself under his arm. In fact, he rather liked it.

"Your Highness, OnlyFiends is a site like Devilgram or DevilTube… but with a direct way to pay the people making content." Diavolo hummed.

"What was the video about?"

"Ah… Devildom influence on human designs." She nodded. "It came up in conversation that some demons influenced certain product designs."

"I'm glad there is some cultural exchange going on." Diavolo grinned. "There's probably a lot of human influences on demonic designs as well."

"Oh yes," she said cheerfully, "I think Asmo wanted to do another collaboration video on that front. I mentioned it in one of mine."

Lucifer was not quite as convinced. That, and how she'd casually interacted with Diavolo...

**

When the Crown Prince and Avatar of Pride were alone, one of them laughed.

"Oh, Lucifer," Diavolo said teasingly, "I've already watched all her videos on OnlyFiends."

If Lucifer had been sipping a drink, he'd have spat it out in shock.

"Diavolo!"

"Other than her collaboration with Asmodeus, she's very popular for calligraphy, ink, and pen reviews."

"Wait-"

"I'm glad to see she's taking the initiative to learn about culture here in the Devildom, and," he said, "I think she's doing a splendid job." Lucifer, sensing that it was better to lead the conversation away, asked a question.

"And of her working with Hanzaki?"

"Even better. Perhaps, when she graduates RAD, she'll have meaningful employment straight away." Lucifer sighed.

"Well, she has certainly taught Satan how to make permanent wood stain…"

** **

"No." Ophelia was serious.

Asmo was holding up yet another dress for her to look at. He was also serious.

"But-" Helping Ophelia choose a dress for the ball was tough, but they were both secretly enjoying it.

"Just because I'm against backless dresses, doesn't mean you can give me frontless ones, either." She gestured to the surprising lack of fabric on the front of the dress, and sighed. "Whilst I do love your style, there is no amount of magic that can get an embellished mesh dress like this to cover the fun bits or look its best when I'm using crutches."

"Oh! The posture change and movement. I see." She nodded, looking at some of the other dresses.

"I mean, if you're going to insist on something sexy…" She gestured to one of the dresses. "How about putting a fancy corset over a thinner dress like this?" Asmo's eyes lit up.

"Now that, darling, is an idea." She winked at him.

"Nothing like a good quality corset for raising hell," she hummed. Asmo couldn't help making a quip back.

"Hopefully that's not all your corset will raise."

Ophelia's sniggering laugh made him happy.

** **

Barbatos placed the teacup in front of Diavolo, who appraised the tea with curiosity.

"I suppose," he said to the butler, "this means that they'll make an attempt at tomorrow's ball?"

"Unfortunately so." Diavolo shook his head.

"I will give them a modicum of credit for trying when we are down one Avatar and have a vulnerable human, but-" A distant screaming could be heard from one of the guest bedrooms.

"A pillow fight, my Lord."

"Is that Ophelia cackling?"

"...I believe so, yes." Diavolo chuckled.

"Never a dull moment with her and the brothers," he said. He downed his still hot tea without flinching, and was at the door in a flash. "Well, I don't want to miss out on this fun!"

Notes:

Gratuitous cuddles!
Hanzaki finally meets Ophelia, Solomon's cooking claims more victims, and something else is stirring.

Ophelia totally knows Diavolo has subscribed to her OnlyFiends.

Chapter 11

"I had a dream that there were flying marshmallows in the room last night," Beel said, cheerfully. The person he was using as a push-up weight laughed.

"Not surprised, given the pillow fight. They really did look like marshmallows." Ophelia quickly took a brief video of the current situation, grinning, while Beel thought.

"I also dreamt that I ate one."

"Thankfully you didn't, Beel. It might have given you a tummy ache."

Satan, who had been reading quietly, decided to speak.

"You'd think he'd have a stomach ache from eating the plates at Breakfast…"

"Depends on how well you can chew, I guess. Too much fibre can cause lots of gas." Beel murmured an agreement.

"Porcelain helps digestion just like stones do." Ophelia and Satan looked at each other, both thinking something similar. Probably.

That explains a lot, she thought.

** **

Leviathan watched from a distance as she was fiddling with her DDD. Or was she? It looked like Ophelia was playing a game. Surely not.

Satan sidled up to him, and smirked.

"Any luck finding out about your mystery Yokai Hit player?"

"No. All I have is their username and roughly when they started playing… they don't even go on the forums! Their profile is locked."

"What is their username?"

"DrownedLady." Satan hummed. He had an idea.

"Well, perhaps I can provide a hint." Leviathan's head whipped around to look at Satan, who definitely looked smug. "There are a few famous drownings in literature, but the most famous is from a human author called Shakespeare, in his play called Hamlet."

"That's it?"

"It wouldn't be a hint if I gave you all the answers, would it?"

Leviathan seethed to himself. Satan could feel his brother's anger growing. He patted Leviathan's shoulder gently, and left him to his own devices.

** **

Mammon writhed in his bounds. At least Lucifer had let him be watched over by Ophelia rather than be tied to a chandelier. However…

"Asmo, yer gonna kill her like that!"

"Mams has… a point, Asmo," she gasped. "This corset doesn't need to be done that tightly…" Asmo obliged, letting the lacing out to be looser. Her relief was clear.

"I'm sorry, darling. Your figure just looks so delectable that I couldn't resist." She snorted.

"Sure, and you weren't just in the habit of tightlacing because of fetish shoots."

"Why'd ya know about those?" Mammon gasped out. "It's- I- It was my first time wearin' one for that Majolish shoot- what's with that look?" Ophelia looked at Mammon blankly.

"...I was talking about Asmo's type of shoot for OnlyFiends, but I didn't-" She looked at Asmo in feigned horror. "Asmo, did you know?"

"That Mammon is a mainstream model? Yeah. A fetish shoot, though…"

"Shaddap." Ophelia chuckled.

"Yeah, sure. I'd pay to see Mammon in a good latex corset. Majolish shoot, you said…?"

**

Asmo positioned Mammon just right so that Ophelia could gently rest her feet on the ropes around his body.

Then he took the shot from several angles, with Ophelia doing several poses.

It was when Asmo went to move the older brother that Mammon hissed quietly.

"You leave me here until it eases, I swear to Diavolo-" Ophelia was distracted by her DDD. Asmo grinned.

"Thank me later-"

** **

The ballroom was lit with floating lights. The buffet was immaculate. Demons of all shapes and sizes mingled with the exchange students and each other. There were a few witches sprinkled in between.

Ophelia had to admit that it was both exactly what she expected yet nothing like she expected.

Maybe it was the fact that most of the demons were in their natural form. Except for the Avatars, Barbatos, and Crown Prince Diavolo. Sure, they were in their more demonic forms, but she had the distinct feeling not to catch any of them in her peripheral vision. Especially Diavolo.

But at the moment…

"Did I hear that right, Oozala?" The gaggle of demons near Ophelia were appendage-deep in gossip.

"Yessss…" Oozala dripped a little with excitement, the purple hued liquid of her body getting slightly deeper. "I am fairly certain. My anonymousss text penpal mussssst be one of the Avatarsss." Ophelia couldn't help but ask.

"There are text penpal services?" The succubus next to Oozala grinned. Devi, perhaps?

"It's starting to get popular. SpookyBottle is the biggest app." Devi grinned.

"That's so cool." Ophelia nodded. "But Oozala, if it's anonymous, what makes you think your pen pal is one of the Avatars?"

"Between RAD knowledge and speaking of eventsss at The Fall… and then they gripe about their younger brother eating platesss…"

"Yeah, plate eating - that sounds like Lord Beelzebub, doesn't it?" Devi grinned.

"Ophelia, who do you think it is?"

**

The succubus Devi had pushed Ophelia out of the way of the pollen cloud, and into Oozala.

"Oozala, get her out of here!"

"Right!" Hearing Oozala's voice from inside her was a surreal experience. As Oozala slithered away from the chaos, she hummed in thought.

"Are you alright?"

"I think," she said, "I might be ssssuffering from that pollen."

"Shit. What's it do-"

"Makes demons fall prone to their ssssin. You need to get out of me-" Ophelia's skin started to tingle, and she was unceremoniously dumped out of Oozala.

"Gluttony?" Oh.

"Gluttony. Get to one of the Avatarssss, or better, Lord Diavolo. I'm sssssso hungry..."

"Got it. Good luck," Ophelia said, throwing some snacks from her pocket into Oozala, before rushing off.

A problem presented itself soon after - Ophelia had no clue exactly where she was or how to find someone.

Trouble comes in threes, so the saying goes.

This time, it came in the form of angry, hungry demons. They saw her, and started to hunt. And Ophelia had to run. Fold up her crutches and run properly. And hope that she could find someone before the inevitable.

Between the demons hungry for human, and the greedy demons that wanted her for themselves, and the wrathful demons they'd angered… they weren't as fast as they could have been. Thankfully.

The burning in her legs felt like it was spilling upwards again. She knew that if it got to her back, she'd lose control of her legs. Again. It was already reaching her ankles, and it felt like her calf muscles had started to burn away from the inside.

If she could get back to the ballroom, perhaps…?

The burning reached her spine with a crescendo. Her legs gave way, and she crashed onto the floor. Despite being winded, she tried to crawl with her elbows.

"Fucking legs…"

And then someone grabbed her, lifting her off the floor, and clumsily tearing fabric with their claws. She spun to face them, locking eyes with their crazed ones before she extended her crutches quick to push away from their opened stomach maw. It made the demon drop her. She started to crawl again.

She wished the burning would let up. It really felt like she was physically burnt. Having to crawl without her legs was so much more effort.

It was as another one went to grab her that there was a whistling sound of something flying over her head, and the crunch of something soft being hit by something hard.

"OPHELIA!"

She kept crawling, and soon she was being picked up, by the corset, by a slightly friendlier demon.

"Lucifer…" He pulled her to him, and wrapped her with his wings, blocking things from her sight. The arm he had around her waist was oddly soothing. It helped that he had lifted her completely off the ground and was holding her up without effort.

"Cover your ears," he said.

She did as she was told. Resting her forehead on his chest helped.

It was only with the cooler air hitting her, the opening of his wings back up, that she dared to take her hands off her ears. She looked up at his face. He flashed her a small smile before scowling again.

"Your legs…" She shook her head.

"They'll be fine after I rest." He seemed doubtful, but didn't press it. She looked at the hallway behind her. It looked empty, if a lot messier than before. "The poor staff that'll have to clean this…" She mused.

"You nearly got eaten, your legs are paralysed… and you're worried about the staff?" His laugh was dry and brimming with disbelief.

"I'd rather not think about the other two," she said, quietly. Then, a bit louder. "What… what did you do to them?" With an amused huff, Lucifer shifted her so that she could rest more comfortably against him.

Although he was tempted to fully lift her into his arms, Lucifer remembered Beelzebub's comment about how self-conscious she was about her thighs. Drawing attention to her legs right now may not be a good idea.

"They have been transported to holding cells while they recover and are investigated." Ophelia nodded. She resigned herself to resting more on him. "Two of the perpetrators have been caught, but the other two are still at large."

"Why did they…?"

"I do not know, but we will find out." He looked at her and how she rested against him. "I'm afraid that you will have to keep an eye on Mammon again," he said, "I had to tie him up, and the chandelier was ruined in the chaos."

Ophelia snorted as she laughed. Her quip was half lost in her drowsiness. Lucifer smiled wryly.

"I wouldn't handcuff Mammon to my bed, no."

** **

The packing was going well. And then Alex suddenly dropped, groaning. He tried to grip and grab at parts of himself. Gaap rushed over to the writhing man.

"Burning…" He rasped out. Aliss hissed, and immediately ran to the sink to get some water. Gaap sighed.

"I'll have to examine you, Alex." He nodded, allowing them to lift his clothes. Gaap examined the areas that seemed to be paining him, but he shook his head.

"I don't think- it's not my-"

"Your soulmate?" He nodded again. "Probably. If we soothe you, will it soothe them?"

Aliss came in with a wash basin filled with icy water, and some cloths over her shoulder.

"We can try." Gaap noted Aliss' attitude.

"This has happened before."

"If they are separated…" Aliss dunked a cloth in the water, wringing it out before handing it to Alex.

"If we're separated, I can feel it when she's in pain." He grimaced. "She suffers from this when she overexerts herself. Usually in emergencies." Gaap nodded.

"Makes sense. Then, the redness on your skin is just from your hands, probably." Out of habit, Gaap reached into a pocket and pulled out a small vial of oil. "Devildom Hemp Oil. Careful, it's strong." Aliss snorted in amusement.

"Cannabis?"

"It is a good, human safe painkiller." Alex chuckled.

"Do you think we could grow Cannabis in the Devildom?" Gaap grinned, their neck fins rippling.

"How fast can you get the seeds?"

Apparently so.

** **

Lucifer stepped out of the room, leaving the prisoner inside to ruminate for a bit. Lord Diavolo was waiting at the table with some tea.

"It's all very strange. They're telling the truth, but it's too much of a coincidence."

"Whoever is behind this, they are very clever. Only the barest hints of a compulsion remained." Diavolo nodded.

"I would wager that we find something similar with the smugglers and suppliers of the flowers." Lucifer sighed. He had the urge to drink Demonus.

"In the meantime-"

"Oh, Ophelia's being seen by Simeon."

"Yes. Speaking of Ophelia," Lucifer said, "I witnessed a magical bolt bounce off of her." Diavolo's brows came together as he thought.

"That is strange." Diavolo sighed. "Is it possible that it bounced off a barrier?"

"Potentially. We'd need to find another eyewitness to verify, and those under the pollen may not remember it clearly."

"This is related to the increase in smugglers," Diavolo announced, "I can feel it."

** **

Ophelia looked out the window. The weather had turned, and there were big storm clouds.

She decided to ignore the things moving in the clouds. That was something to research later.

Simeon came back then, with a tray of things.

"That storm… it's like there's an angry mob fueling it."

"Something like that," Simeon murmured. There was a moment of quiet.

"They're on the hunt, aren't they? Satan's leading the angry mob." With a sigh, Simeon put the tray - with snacks and drinks - on the bedside table next to her.

"Yes. Although they did try and shield you from it." He chuckled. "Apparently you saw right through it." She grinned.

"I have a knack for it," she sang. Simeon sighed. He decided to just ask.

"Ophelia," he said, tone suddenly serious, "You foresaw your arrival here, didn't you?"

Notes:

(Can't believe I forgot to put in the author notes at the end. I also corrected a typo I saw.)

What a change of pace, huh? ;)
Actually moved multiple plot lines forward!

So, Simeon knows something. Lucifer is suspicious. Diavolo. Well, he's not wrong per se, but not quite there.

And don't worry, Devi and Oozala pop up again later in the story. They're fine.

Chapter 12

Ophelia froze in place. Almost like her expression was melting, she sighed deeply. She looked out the window again, grabbing at the blankets that were over her legs.

 

"It was a nightmare I'd been having for weeks." She shook her head. "And then for something so improbable, so vivid to actually happen…"

 

"It can't have been easy." Simeon sat down on the bed next to her. She looked at him tiredly. 

 

"I don't think anything about me coming down to the Devildom has been easy," she said, somewhat dryly. "But I guess it made it slightly less shocking." Ophelia laughed. "Alex and I were joking about the fact I was dreaming of attractive men, but…" She sighed and shook her head again.

 

"Have you had anything similar since?" Her expression gave away her answer, but it seemed like she had to think. "Is it to do with your migraines? Or the time you passed out in class?" She nodded. 

 

"Only glimpses. Mostly. It's… it's only really since coming to the Devildom that..." She shook her head again. "I have had more, but also more migraines. Thankfully, Gaap's medication helps a lot. But this… This was..." She gestured to her still weak legs. "Well, actually, my legs haven't been quite as bad since arriving." Simeon put a hand on her shoulder in reassurance, and smiled.

 

"It's okay, my lamb." He sighed. "Have you heard of The Sacred Disease?" She shook her head. He did his best to explain it to her. She fiddled with the blanket in her lap.

 

"There's no way of separating the Migraines from the… visions, is there?" She didn't need to hear an answer.

 

"I think you may have some capacity for magic, but not enough to use your ability to its fullest. That's why you have migraines." Ophelia nodded glumly. Simeon patted her shoulder. "I'm sorry. If you were able to accumulate and store magical energy, your migraines may improve." She hummed in thought. 

 

"So what is stopping me from being able to keep magic?" Simeon shook his head. 

 

"Something is draining it away." Simeon blushed, looking a bit sheepish. "I tried transferring some to you when you were unconscious, but-" He waited for her to react, but she just nodded.

 

"But it didn't have much effect. I see."

 

"Are you not upset that I…"

 

"That you tried to help?" Ophelia shrugged. "It's in your nature to help, isn't it? And you have." She smiled. "Thanks, Simeon. It's good to know, even if all I want to do is experiment on it now." With a nervous laugh, Simeon smiled.

 

"Although perhaps not until you've recovered from this?" He gestured towards the tray he'd brought in with him. "Have some food and drink. I think the storm will be going on for a while yet."

 

** **

 

The nymph hummed as she played with the hair of the man in front of her. Ultimately, she finished combing it out, and plaited its length. He chuckled. 

 

"Thank you, Lady." 

 

"Your soulmate must love doing your hair, too."

 

"She does, yes," he said, wistfully. "I am worried, Lady. I may need new weapons."

 

"I will do what I can." The nymph, Lady, sighed. "It is disturbing, that she was taken. And with the news from the Devildom…"

 

"The attack managed to wipe out several independent witches, and a couple of smaller covens."

 

"A hard blow, indeed." Lady hummed. Jenny, Gaap, and Aliss were still out, so Lady had full opportunity to hug Alex without being told off. She took full advantage, draping herself over him. "I will seek some more bog iron when those three get back." He returned the hug, holding her close.

 

"Ah." Alex laughed. "You just want the hugs, that's the problem."

 

"No." Yes. "I've also been told not to leave you alone in the meantime. And talk weaponry. What would you like me to make?" She shifted, almost flowing, out of his arms. He followed her to another table, where writing equipment was laid out.

 

"I prefer daggers, but I think Fifi might need something for longer range."

 

"Hmm." Lady thought, and made notes. "I have some daggers already made," she hummed, "I'll bring them next time. But for your soulmate… maybe a sword?"

 

"Well don't give her Caladbolg, or Excalibur. Watery tarts in lakes giving out weaponry is no valid basis for government in these times." Lady giggled.

 

"Given what I've seen of her, perhaps I should ask Juru Pakal if it would aid her."

 

"I think she needs something more precious than a legendary kris…" Lady nudged him.

 

"She has a soulmate who practically gave up his magic for her, and barter with a legendary watery tart for weapons." Alex barked out a laugh, and then sighed. 

 

"But-"Lady, sensing where it was going, flicked his forehead. 

 

"Whoever took her was powerful and clearly influential enough to have hidden her for this long. Even if you had been in peak form, you probably wouldn't have been able to help."

 

"Yeah, fine."

 

"Of course you'll feel sorry for yourself," Lady sighed, "I would. But the fact is that she needs you, and you're doing everything possible to get her back." She frowned. "Now. Weapons…? Oh! Maybe a buckler?"

 

** **

 

Aliss stepped through the portal with Gaap. They emerged into a small shop on a side street, and, once their papers were checked, stepped out into the fresh air.

 

"Welcome to the Devildom, Aliss." Aliss took a deep breath.

 

"The air is… fresh. Too fresh. Some sort of aftermath?"

 

"Likely. I heard that two Avatars headed the hunting storm." Aliss shuddered. 

 

"I hope it didn't scare the exchange students too much."

 

"Oh, those angels have probably seen worse," Gaap explained, "One of them was there for the War. The younger one only saw the aftermath."

 

"And the human exchange student?"

 

"She's pretty resilient. I have no doubt she'll take it in her stride." Gaap chuckled. "I should give her some of these seeds and see how she reacts." Aliss couldn't help laughing. 

 

"What a souvenir to get from the Human Realm." Playfully, Aliss tried to imitate Gaap. "Here's some seeds to grow your own drugs."  Gaap just shook their head.

 

"You'll all get on, I know it." Then Gaap sighed. "But first, we need to get you to the estate agents."

 

** **

 

To an outsider, this would have seemed like four men meeting for a light discussion. On the other hand… 

 

Solomon put his cup down a little too firmly as he saw Lucifer's expression sour.

 

"I still cannot fathom why you think that I could use Celestial magic anymore."

 

"Only you even could, Lucifer. That is exactly why I need to ask." Frowning, Diavolo shook his head.

 

"But that hypothesis is nullified by the fact that I have a Sealed Promise with her." Solomon hummed in thought. 

 

"I see." Simeon sighed.

 

"It might be possible that there are multiple factors at play," he said, sipping his tea. "What if the issue with her legs is separate from her visions, and also separate from her magic resistance…?" The question hung in the air.

 

Diavolo laughed, breaking the silence. 

 

"Wonderful! A real mystery." Lucifer sighed again.

 

"Should you even be happy about this?"

 

"If it is true that Ophelia is, indeed, a Seer of some description-"

 

"She-"

 

"-then it is prudent that we find a way to help her nurture that talent." Simeon nodded. 

 

"She wants to experiment. Apparently she's getting the hang of Sigils, and she does quite well in Arrays, and Potions."

 

"She is an expert ink maker. All she'd need to do is learn how to light paper, and she could do very well with talismans." Diavolo, nodding, picked his cup up again.

 

"But first," he said cheerfully, "Tea."

 

** **

 

It unnerved the junior witches, to see a semi-legendary figure at their door.

 

"Ma'am, may we ask the purpose of y-your visit?" Jenny Greenteeth smiled.

 

"I seek an audience with your Matriarch and or your Patriarch." She sighed. "Important but not overly urgent news. It's about the incident in the Devildom."

 

To the poor juniors' credit, they sent a message into the mansion which was returned in rapid time.

 

"We've been told to escort you to the courtyard, Ma'am," the witch to the right said, as she opened the door.

 

As they made their way to the courtyard, Jenny made polite conversation. If she happened to have sharp eyes and notice little details and peeping eyes from doorways, that was her business.

 

The courtyard was green and lush, with little water features here and there. A large table was laid with a tea set, conveniently situated near a fountain. There, Jenny was instructed to wait, and chose the spot nearest the water.

 

It wasn't long before a cheerful lady joined her. Although the lady looked young, Jenny knew that she was at least two centuries old.

 

"Esmere," Jenny chuckled, "You haven't changed a bit! Or maybe you're looking younger."

 

"It's what having a toy boy does to you," Esmere teased. Then, she sobered up a bit. "Jenny, it must be serious if you've come in person." She sat down and checked the teapot. "My husband may join us, if he finishes the lesson before we're done." Jenny nodded.

 

"Of course. Teaching the youngsters must be hard work." Jenny pulled out a canister of tea from her bag. "I brought some tea that came highly recommended to me. Mocha Chai, from a small tea company on the South Coast."

 

"That sounds delightful." It was put in the teapot and rapidly boiled with a spell.

 

The two chattered for a while, making small talk and getting friendly. Eventually, Jenny sighed.

 

"Although I do enjoy chewing the cud, I do bring some disturbing news."

 

"The incident in the Devildom?" Jenny nodded.

 

"The attack used some variety of Devil's Trumpet flower, sourced from the Human Realm." Esmere gasped.

 

"No wonder- How badly…?"

 

"None of the exchange students were hurt, but as you may have heard, many witches and demons were killed." Jenny shook her head. "Crown Prince Diavolo has tightened inter-plane travel right down."

 

"And summoning?"

 

"None except those who can do it by their own power." Jenny sighed. "So, practically nobody."

 

"Ooh, hubby won't be pleased…"

 

"Oh?"

 

"He often calls upon his patron demon." Esmere leaned in to whisper conspiratorially. "To be fair, it seems to be doing good for our coven so far." Then, she sighed forlornly. "I've seen glimpses of his patron. If only my patron demon was as handsome." Jenny snorted.

 

"Handsome demons mean more trouble, Esmere. Ottoia may not be the prettiest, but they haven't let anyone down yet." Esmere chuckled. 

 

"You've got a point, Jenny. Ottoia is a laid back demon to work with. Giant deep-sea worms are by nature, apparently."

 

"Despite their envious nature, yes." Jenny smiled. "Should I even ask whose court your husband's patron is from? Greed, maybe?" Esmere frowned.

 

"He won't tell me. But probably." Jenny shrugged, despite the juicy gossip.

 

"Well, that's probably a part of their pact," she said. It wasn't much of a reassurance, but Jenny tried. "Still, it would mean that you might have a-"

 

"Madam Greenteeth. Good afternoon." A middle aged man approached the table where the two ladies sat. Esmere grinned. 

 

"Jenny, this is my husband, Felipe." Felipe looked tired, but there was something about him that seemed familiar. There was a glint in his eyes that spoke of trouble. 

 

He bowed slightly before sitting down. Esmere poured him a cup of tea.

 

"Something wrong, dearest?" He shrugged. 

 

"Nothing important. My patron is late, is all." Jenny nodded. 

 

"Yes, I came to break the news about that. It may be that way until they investigate the incident properly. Embargo on nearly all inter-realm travel." He hissed.

 

"Understandable," he said. He wasn't happy. 

 

** **

 

Gingerly, as if fearing discovery, Beel edged closer to the bed. Impossible, because Ophelia was awake, reading, and had glanced at him a few times.

 

No, he didn't want to startle her. He'd heard from Oozala what had happened. 

 

Ophelia sighed.

 

"Beel, are you alright?" She put down her book, and focused on him. "Do you need a hug?" 

 

Yes, actually.

 

He found himself nodding, and she opened her arms wide. He almost dove in, wrapping her up in a hug. She put her arms around him. 

 

"It's alright, Beel. Talk to me. What's wrong?"

 

"Your legs," he said. "How long…?"

 

"I'd say another couple of days, yet, before I can walk." She hummed. "Perhaps you can show me some Devildom recovery foods in the meantime. Get my strength up, boost my magic and whatnot." His chuckle was a rumble.

 

"That, I can do. Also, you have some visitors." Beel loosened his grip to look down at her, and smiled bashfully. "I think one of them is the brother of my Fangol teammate." Ophelia couldn't keep the smile off her face.

 

"Qurnar and the gang came to see me?"

 

"I can either bring them up or take you to them."

 

"Take me to them, please." Beel bundled her up in the blanket and lifted her over his shoulder effortlessly, and she laughed.

 

** **

 

"DAMMIT!" Mammon paced up and down.

 

"Mammon."

 

"I was gonna give some more guidance to one of me pact holders today."

 

"The one doing a magazine for witches?" Lucifer frowned. "I'm sure you can put it in a message sprite."

 

"He can't send images over sprite!"

 

"No. But you can tell him about the embargo. Perhaps send a minor charm." Lucifer looked at Mammon. "You do know how to send a charm in a message sprite, don't you?" He paused. "Don't you?"

 

Mammon's expression told Lucifer a lot. Before he knew it, he was strung up on a chandelier again.

 

"Lucifeeeeeerr!"

Notes:

Ottoia is a genus of deep sea worms, but it was also the name of a giant monster worm in a movie, too.

Yes, the nymph in this chapter is supposed to be The Lady of The Lake. Theories on where that legend has its origins involve bog iron and blacksmiths that gathered it. Because bog iron naturally replenishes over time, it must have seemed magical.

...I couldn't help the Monty Python reference. Sorry.

Caladbolg and Excalibur are legendary UK swords from folklore. Juru Pakal is a Filipino legendary sword known as a kris - it has a wavy blade and is said to be sentient.

Chapter 13

The League of Misfits

Lok: Ophelia, will you be in today?
Ophelia: No. My legs still aren't cooperating.
Ophelia:
Benaz: WTF? It's been 4 days.
Ophelia: I can wiggle my toes! So I'll probably be able to go in tomorrow. With any luck.
Gloka: Yay!
Gloka: Literature is so boring on my own.

** **

The whole class looked at her. A bead of cold sweat started to run down her back.

And she'd expected it the moment the teacher had said they were going to be studying Hamlet. Of course the drowning would be an important part of it.

She sighed to herself. Hopefully her human world studies would help make this segment a little less awkward.

Gloka's expectant stare wasn't helping.

** **

"...an' we're doin' some 'uman world play in Literature, too." Mammon wasn't as good with Literature as he was with Arithmetic. Turns out if you couldn't put currency signs in front of it, he wasn't good at it.

"What one?"

"Hamlet." Ophelia nearly spat out her drink. "What?"

"Is everyone doing the same one?"

"Yeah…?" She groaned.

"Mams, I'm named after one of the characters in it!" She groaned again. "And shit, people might figure out my gaming username!"

"So? Everyone knows Levi's username?" He saw the expression on her face. "He's Leviachan on most'a the games he-"

"Fuuuuuuck…"

"Whaddya panicking for?"

"Mams," she half-wailed, "I kicked his ass last month so hard in Yokai Hit that he smashed his computer…"

That was not what Mammon was expecting to hear.

"Fuuuuuuck…" He scratched his head nervously. "No wonder he's been chasing me 'arder for the money I owe…"

Ophelia shuddered. She hoped she had a while before Leviathan figured it out, at least.

"Shall we just… can we just prepare for the Potions practical tomorrow? This recipe calls for Moth Wings and I can't figure out why…"

** **

The split second before disaster, Ophelia was holding her potion out of Beel's way. Unfortunately, it put her in the way of someone else's potion being spilled.

The next thing Ophelia knew, she was covered in fabric, and there was an awful fuss. Wriggling her way from under the cloth, a foot nearly stepped on her. Mammon's foot. She looked up and around at the same time, confused. How and why-

"That moth looks tasty." Beel's hand loomed over her, and although she wanted to scream…

"Eeeeeeee!" A small screech. She crawled out of Beel's reach.

"Don't eat the moth- Where's it now?" Mammon was doing his best not to freak out. "That might be our stupid human!"

Unfortunately, the multiple hands suddenly grabbing for Moth-Ophelia made her panic, and she finally started flying.

"EeeEEEEEeeeeEeee…" And straight out of the window, away from the multiple grabbing hands.

"Shit! We gotta catch her!"

Flying, Moth-elia decided, was great. She fluttered around in the slight breeze, sticking close to the buildings by instinct whilst slowly getting closer and closer to the planted borders of the RAD gardens.

Instinct drew her to the flowers. The things-like-roses had such a tasty scent to them that she found herself happily diving towards them. Something akin to a bee got to one first, and she startled as the flower ate it. So maybe not the tasty smelling things-like-roses. Other flowers, perhaps?

She landed on a proper rose. Its petals were all manner of colours, and other bugs were landing on them and emerging again just fine. So she dove in and - after extending her proboscis - started sipping the sweet nectar.

There was a flash of light, and an electronic clicking sound. Someone had pulled out their DDD and had taken a photo. Multiple someones.

"I thought these moths were extinct!"

"And these Miracle Flowers are endangered in the wild, Lord Diavolo might wanna see it."

Mophelia fluttered to the next flower and sipped the nectar. She repeated this process, with more people noticing. A ruckus nearby made her nervous - and off she flew again, away from the grabbing hands.

"Mammon, you oaf! You scared it off!"

She flew, this time deciding to seek somewhere quieter to hide. An open window to a dimly lit room seemed to be it, and she fluttered inside. There was a man at a desk, working on a pile of paperwork, and so as not to disturb him, she landed not far from the window. That thought popped into her brain, and it was a little flood of memories.

So she'd just flown into Diavolo's office. She was glad to see that his office was plush, but not extravagant. And that there were a few plants, albeit not the tasty flowering varieties.

His DDD pinged several times in a row, and he almost couldn't wait to check it. After a few minutes, he laughed loudly before ringing the small press bell on his desk.

Barbatos stepped into the room, and bowed.

"My Lord, how can I help?" Diavolo turned the screen towards his butler.

"There's an extinct moth on the Miracle Flowers, Barbatos, and given the video of Mammon trying to catch it-"

"I understand, my Lord. I will prepare to catch it for safekeeping."

"Yes. It is important to find out why one has suddenly appeared." Barbatos nodded, and left silently. Diavolo sighed quietly. "It looks so fluffy…" He turned back to his paperwork, seeming slightly dejected. His DDD was placed next to his paperwork, unlocked and ready for use.

Time to strike, she thought.

Leaping into the air, and gliding somewhat to his desk, she landed next to his DDD and immediately started tapping. Thankfully, her moth feet worked on the screen and had pulled up her text screen before Diavolo noticed.

"Moth…? The moth!"

"EeeeeeEEEEEeeeeeEEeeeEE…" Frantically, she started tapping on the screen, at her profile picture.

"Moth… Ophelia…?" As he went to touch her, she flapped a few times, moving away from his fingers to tap on the phone keyboard.

"EEEEEee!"

Help me Dia

He read the message.

"Ophelia? What happened to you…?" Before she could reply, his DDD started ringing. Lucifer. She patted his finger as he went to answer.

"Eeee." She wandered off across the desk.

"Lucifer, what's wrong, you sound… Mhm… ...oh, I see. Well, if I could trouble you to bring her clothes- where are you going, don't- Ah, no, I was talking to the thing on my desk. Bring her clothes and belongings to my office, I… Yes, Barbatos is also looking for her… The video of her on those flowers was- oh, don't be like that, Lucifer, I'm sure she's fine!" The she in question had flown to a plant. Diavolo was simultaneously trying to reassure Lucifer and also not giving away her location just yet. Eventually, Lucifer hung up, citing a need to sort his brothers out.

Diavolo went over to the plant that she'd fluttered to. Mophelia was hanging under a leaf, seemingly clinging on. She made a distressed squeak, and Diavolo had the urge to look away all of a sudden.

"I'll be at my desk. Squeak if you need anything." He grinned to himself. She was so cute as a moth.

It wasn't long before she fluttered back to his desk, landing next to his DDD. He put it back to their text messages for her to use. She looked at him, and he sighed. Then she started tapping out a message.

If you want to take pics nows the chance

His delighted face told her all she needed to know.

It wasn't long before he'd filled his camera roll with cute moth pictures and videos. He definitely took advantage of having an intelligent moth to pose with, even getting a video of him tickling her fuzzy thorax. Her noises almost sounded like laughter.

He wanted to try and capture her fluttering around his head, but about two seconds into recording, she transformed back into a human. She landed with a loud thump.

"...why's the ground so high…?" He couldn't bear to look. But when Diavolo did peek, she was definitely skyclad. He saw the shapes of her thighs, and made note of the very, very distinctive injuries and scarring.

How could she ever have been burned by Alchemical Hellfire? Who did it? Those questions would have to wait.

Without further hesitation, he removed his coat and threw it over her. Then, he bundled her up in it, making sure she was covered completely. Her face, as red as his coat, peeked out from the roll.

"Ophelia, are you hurt? How are you-"

"I think I'm fine apart from the, uh, experience, Dia." He sat her on his lap sideways, and gently pulled her head to rest on his chest. Internally, he was squealing with the adorable situation.

"Are you sure?" She yawned.

"Yeah." She hummed. "Those Miracle Flowers have really tasty nectar, you know."

"Oh. Were you checking for flowers on the plant over there?" She shook her head, and leaned into his hold a bit more before mumbling something. Diavolo smiled. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch all of that. Eggs, did you say?" He felt her face heat up again.

"...I think I laid eggs on it…" His laugh was loud.

"I'm sorry I disturbed you then. We should check them-" Groaning, she headbutted his shoulder gently.

"Not yet… Let me rest for a bit, please…" She yawned again.

"I understand." He smiled warmly down at her, and she returned the smile. "Rest, Ophelia. We can talk once you've recovered." He sat back in his chair and made sure she was comfortable again.

"Thank you…" It wasn't long before she was asleep, having nuzzled into his coat further. Diavolo didn't know what made him do it, but he softly kissed the top of her head before settling down properly with his phone in one hand, the other holding her close.

Then he took a selfie with himself and her adorable sleeping face and position, saving it into a hidden folder of his best pictures.

Only after he was absolutely certain she was asleep did he start texting.

The Fantastic Three

Diavolo: I've got her.
Diavolo: [picture of moth on face]
Barbatos: Excellent news, my Lord.
Lucifer: Good. I've had to hang Mammon from a chandelier again.
Diavolo: It's good to know he was worried about her.
Lucifer:
Barbatos: I hope you didn't leave the paperwork to look for her.
Diavolo: No, she fluttered in the window.
Diavolo: [sends video of the fluttering and the transformation, ending after she speaks]
Diavolo: She's so cute when she's sleeping.
Lucifer: !!!

** **

Gaap frowned at Ophelia. The human was swaddled in a red jacket multiple sizes too big for her.

"I get summoned to the human realm, and not only do you nearly get eaten twice, you managed to get turned into a moth on my first day back!" Ophelia was bright red and looking bashful.

"I-" Gaap sighed, and patted her head.

"None of it was your fault." Gaap looked at Ophelia expectantly. "Is it alright if I check your thighs, now I have the chance?"

There was a pause. Gingerly, Ophelia nodded, peeling back the coat covering her legs. Gaap suppressed her gasp well, but couldn't help reaching out to touch them.

The discolouration caused by the scarring was slightly iridescent in the light, but Gaap wasn't certain if that was visible to human eyes. It probably appeared pale and burn-like. It was, in a way. It had eaten away at the muscles in Ophelia's legs, leaving hollows in the skin that showed this. Only Alchemical Hellfire could have done this. Only Alchemical Hellfire could have been spelled to burn away someone's muscles.

"How did this happen, Ophelia?" Gaap's voice was soft. Ophelia trembled. "It's okay, you don't need to tell me." Gaap shook their head. Ophelia was struggling to get the words out.

"It was… it… over a decade ago-" Gaap sighed, and grabbed Ophelia's face. "I was walking when someone threw something at my legs… I felt the burning… and the next thing I knew, I was in Hospital. Some sort of chemical attack." Gaap hummed in thought, pressing their scaly forehead to Ophelia's.

"I might be able to do something to ease it, let me do a bit of research."

**

Dear Diary,

Today has been... interesting.

Got turned into an extinct variety of Devildom moth when a classmate spilt a potion on me. Nearly got eaten by multiple things, including Beel, pretty flowers, and Cerberus (Lucifer was pissed off again).

Saw the light in regards to Oviposition. May also have become the accidental Mother of Moths. Fuck.

Note: must find out what cologne Prince Diavolo uses. Wish I could have kept his coat, because that smell! So good!

I also showed Gaap my… scarring. Apparently, it might be possible to ease it, but more research needs to be done first. I don't hold much hope at this point. It's been over a decade.

They also gave me some Cannabis seeds to grow? Well, if a tree can grow in my room, why not some other plants?

** **

"Uh…"

"I must know what it was like." Simeon, Solomon, and Satan had gathered around the human on bedrest.

"Being a moth?" Ophelia hummed. The men waited expectantly.

"Ophelia, did you notice anything… different?" She had to stop and think.

"I didn't have any body pain," she said eventually.

"And…?"

"Miracle Flowers have really tasty nectar."

There were a lot more questions.

Notes:

Not one day of her being back at RAD, and something else happened. 🤣

I think how the Moth Ophelia to Mophelia is probably a dead giveaway of my accent, haha. Mophelia is pronounced just like Ophelia, but with an M on the front.

And, a plot point has been exposed with Ophelia's legs. Alchemical Hellfire. We'll get Diavolo's thoughts later.

Chapter 14

Notes:

Seasons Greetings to everyone!

I dossed off on Boxing Day, and actually sat down to finish off this chapter.

"Alchemical Hellfire, you say?" Gaap nodded. Satan was still, clearly thinking.

"And it happened in the Human Realm over a decade ago." Satan frowned.

"Curious. I'll have to check the archives on trades, but I suspect it was something a demon procured for a pact holder." Gaap chuckled nervously.

"Sorry to have to add to your research load. But if anyone would be capable..." Satan smiled, putting Gaap at ease.

"Don't be. I get to spend more time in the library and away from RAD."

** **

"Milord, are you quite alright?" Barbatos had found Diavolo gazing off for the third time today.

"Hm? Oh, yes." Barbatos smiled patiently and waited for the actual answer. "...no, you're right, I have been distracted today."

"Is it perhaps, related to ereyesterday?" Diavolo sighed.

"Ophelia was definitely a Royal Visionary Moth. The eggs she laid have a chance of hatching." He shook his head. "I want to hide her away and keep her safely to myself, despite how selfish that might be." To hide his smile, Barbatos raised a gloved hand to his mouth.

"Would you wish for more of her? From her?"

That question set the slowly turning gears in Diavolo's mind into overdrive.

** **

"Mum. That's not a shortlist. That's half a city."

Aliss sighed, leafing through one of the catalogue sized books in front of the pair.

"There are a lot of properties that fit our needs. And since the Crown Prince has promised to fund whichever house we choose… oh, this one looks good." Alex sighed, and looked at the listing his mother showed him.

"That looks like a place you'd set a cheesy horror game."

"It's modeled after the house that The Seven Avatars live in. Although instead of being The House of Lamentation, this one is called..." She pointed to the name.

"Ottipot?" Alex couldn't help but laugh. "Ophelia would love that name."

"She'd probably love the underground swimming pool more." Aliss snorted. "Apparently 30 Celsius is considered a cold pool."

"...there's a chill pond, too, that's at 20 Celsius. She really would love it." He sighed. Before he could say anything though, Aliss patted the top of his head.

"We'll be able to see her reaction when she walks through the doors for the first time, I tell you."

** **

"Your report, Gaap?"

"My Lord, I've advised Ophelia to take another couple of days away from RAD." The Crown Prince sighed deeply. "Lord Hanzaki has agreed to tutor her tomorrow, and I would estimate that she would need to rest the day after…"

"I see."

"Given her resilience, that should be more than enough." Diavolo nodded.

"Agreed. And what of your wards?"

"I have given them a list of suitable properties to browse. Otherwise, they don't appear to have suffered for not using magic."

"Truly? That must be investigated, too." Gaap nodded.

"How they've siphoned off the excess magic is beyond me. I have ideas, but no confirmation." Diavolo nodded.

"And, what of Belphegor?" Gaap grimaced. That told Diavolo enough, but he still waited for an answer.

"...I couldn't contact him."

** **

His tail twitched as he watched the human finish bottling the green liquid up and cork the bottle. Hanzaki was enraptured by its properties.

"And you say that this is much like a popular human fountain pen ink?"

"Without the sparkle, yes."

"Fascinating." He stood. "We should test it with some prints. After you," Hanzaki said, gesturing towards a small doorway. She hopped off the chair, using a crutch for balance, and took the bottle with her.

Ophelia had the uncanny feeling that she was being watched very, very closely. Much more closely than a human walking into a cupboard with rows of jars should be.

Unless, she reminded herself, you're carrying potential food for the things inside.

Hanzaki turned the lights on as he entered the cupboard behind her. The writhing blobs in the jars stilled for the briefest of moments before moving again. He hummed in approval.

"There's a small area a bit further through that we can use," he said. "It's where I normally do batch printing."

The batch printing area was bigger than she expected. Reams of paper and stacks of books were on the shelves of this section, as well as bottles of ink. Hanzaki noticed her curiosity.

"There are various types of paper, blank books, and book binding materials here," he explained. "Although, I rarely have the time to make my own books."

"Do you do other types of printing?" He shook his head as he selected some different paper types.

"Only the occasional woodblock prints I saved from my time in the Human Realm. Those cannot be done with Inklings." He picked a sheet with patterns and lines already on. The template. He grinned at Ophelia. "Ready?" She nodded eagerly.

What she assumed was a natural protective coating over his skin started to move. He opened the bottle of ink, and some of it stretched away from him to get to work. It covered the already printed page for a split second before dipping itself into the ink, absorbing it, and throwing blobs of itself onto the blank sheets. Each splat covered an entire sheet, and left a perfect copy of the original sheet where it landed and retracted.

Thirty copies in under 10 seconds.

Ophelia was enthralled by the whole thing.

"Although my familiar is not an Inkling," Hanzaki explained, "it can be considered an ancestor to them. It can do small test prints."

"That's incredible." Chuckling, Hanzaki started to inspect the pages.

"A well-trained Inkling can copy an entire book in that time." He paused in his inspection. "Is this normal?" Ophelia looked at the page he was pointing at.

The normally green ink was a shiny red under the light on a few areas.

"Yes, and that is why the ink is popular." She gestured to some other sheets. "This is what's called Sheen in inks. It only happens in the right conditions."

"The right papers?" Ophelia continued to look at the prints from different angles and heights.

"And certain ink formulas." She continued. "Usually it's found when the pigments and dyes get chance to crystallize on the paper. So… slow drying." Hanzaki nodded.

"But Inklings can make it dry instantly and… slightly more predictably."

"...yeah. If these are anything to go by." A much broader grin spread across Hanzaki's face.

"Ophelia, shall we do some more experiments?"

**

"Lucifer, I intend to give Ophelia an Inkling as a Familiar." Lucifer sighed.

"Is that wise, Hanzaki?" He shrugged.

"She has a comprehensive understanding of ink, a sharp mind, and needs some way to cast magic." Hanzaki laughed. "That, and the Inklings seem fond of her." Lucifer thought for a moment.

"I see."

"I've made her copies of my notes for training Inklings, and also books on Familiars. Lord Diavolo has already agreed, but I wanted to get your approval as well."

"Very well. It would certainly ease minds if she had better ways of defending herself."

** **

All Ophelia knew of the situation at The House of Lamentation was that something had happened.

And then the weird anonymous texts and social media messages saying: "IT WAS YOU!"

Lucifer, at the start of lunch, had strode over to and mentioned that alternative accommodation may be needed for a couple of nights for her.

She swallowed dryly. It hadn't been long since they'd started covering The Drowning of Ophelia in Literature.

"What happened-"

"Trouble at the House," he said tiredly, before walking off.

It was a relief when some familiar gloved arms wrapped around her and a chin rested on her head. She sighed.

"Hey, Simeon."

"Hi Ophelia." Simeon smiled. "Did I hear Lucifer say trouble?"

"...apparently I need to find alternative accommodation for a few days." She couldn't see his eyes light up.

"I'm sure we can arrange something at Purgatory Hall."

**

Simeon and Solomon looked out the window with unease as some angry demons paced outside Purgatory Hall.

"What happened for all these demons to want Ophelia?" Simeon shook his head.

"I don't know. But it had something to do with trouble at the House of Lamentation." Solomon hummed and pulled out his DDD.

Horny Jail

Solomon: Asmo, what's going on?
Asmo: Levi's got his pants in a twist. Wrecked Ophelia's room.
Solomon: And the other angry demons?
Asmo: What.
Solomon: [picture of demons outside Purgatory Hall]
Asmo: Oh no.
Asmo: Where is the woman of the hour, anyway?
Solomon: With Diavolo, at the castle.
Asmo: Thank fuck for that.

Meanwhile…

Ophelia looked bashfully down at her hands as she was explaining. They were shaking, even as she tried to steady them by holding the cup. Diavolo, on the other side of the table, sighed.

"...I see." She trembled, seemingly feeling the pressure of his staring. "Alas, this is not unheard of for the Avatar of Envy. But to this extent - it is very unlike Leviathan." She nodded. It was then that Barbatos returned, with a tray of pastries and Luke in tow.

"Today's pastry selection contains some traditional Devildom ingredients," Barbatos said before adding, "some of which are reputed to aid relaxation." Ophelia smiled a little.

"So thoughtful," she murmured. "Thank you."

"Of course." Barbatos turned to Diavolo. "Milord, I'm afraid you've got to cover Lucifer's paperwork for the moment."

With a deep sigh, and a promise to return soon, the two demons left the room.

** **

"I can't begin to understand how this even came about…"

"Oh, come now, Lucifer. Leviathan's envy isn't something new," Diavolo said with a small chuckle, "however, what has happened is."

"It's disgraceful-"

"The bigger concern is that it's too similar to the incident at the party to ignore."

"Hints of compulsion?"

"Exactly. Mostly the other demons, but also on Leviathan, too."

The two sat in silence for a bit.

"And of Ophelia?"

"They may be targeting her." Diavolo shook his head. "Barbatos may be very good at finding the truth in the sands of time, but even he needs an idea of where to look. I fear that whoever is behind this is aware of that. And if they are powerful enough to even influence one of the Avatars..."

"...that is-" Lucifer shook his head. "There are few who could do so. And to hide easily…"

"It will not be easy to find the culprit." Diavolo sighed. "There are no clean answers to this, but an infinite amount of ruinous ones."

** **

"Hmm. No, I only really know the basics. But I think it could be interesting to play a match."

And that was how Ophelia found herself playing chess with The Crown Prince. They were a few turns in before conversation picked up.

He hummed, making his move.

"...and are you sure of that?" Ophelia tilted her head to one side, before moving her piece.

"I'm not sure there is anyone I can ask," she said. "Hanzaki isn't aware of any humans having an Inkling as a Familiar." Diavolo nodded.

"I see." He made his move after some quiet contemplation. "And the binding?"

"Oh, that part should be easy," she said, "I plan on tattooing myself with it." She moved her piece. His eyes widened. She grinned. "The hardest part will be deciding on the shape of it and making a Sigil."

The idea of her physically and magically binding her familiar to her with a tattoo. That wasn't the source of Diavolo's surprise, though. It was the fact she'd made her move without looking at the chessboard.

He waited, watching, as they played their game. As the pieces dwindled down, he noticed one important thing - she was doing it more often as the game went on. And she was playing well.

...or at least until she yawned deeply for a second time. It was only after that did her moves get sloppy. Rather than continuing, Diavolo gently laughed.

"Ophelia, you must be exhausted. We can continue this game another day." She sighed.

"Yeah. Or maybe play Hnefatafl." Diavolo chuckled as he put the board away with a wave of magic and a gesture."

"I prefer Ard Rí, but they have similar rules, do they not?" He gently offered a hand to her as she stood, noting her mild confusion. "Ah, of course. It isn't a popular game like Hnefatafl."

"...does that mean you know the original rules?" She suddenly looked hopeful, maybe slightly smug. "You could settle a tiny running debate I have with my Alex…" Diavolo's expression lit up, and discussions ramped up again.

Barbatos had to politely tell the pair to go to bed.

**

Alex, halfway through packing a box of games, suddenly felt a chill run up his spine.

Notes:

ereyesterday - the day before yesterday. Well, why exactly was Diavolo overly distracted? Hmm. That'll be in the outtakes.

Hnefatafl is otherwise known as Viking Chess, and Ard Rí is related but the least documented!
I learnt to play when I visited York, UK. It's a good game to play, easier in rules than chess but harder strategy.

...of course the vaguely anti-social household of Ophelia, Alex, and Aliss are board gamers. Ophelia is the only video gamer.

Funny story behind the name of the other house... there's a house in my home village called Ottipot. Made me giggle every single time I walked past. So I couldn't help adding it!

And the ink. Yes, sheening fountain pen ink is a thing. The ink I'm referring to in this chapter is... Emerald of Chivor. It's infamous for its sheening. And for clogging pens with its shimmer! I'll go into all the different properties of fountain pen inks over the course of the fic, don't worry.

Chapter 15

Leviathan paced in his cell. At least it was a damp cell, and he wasn't physically shackled… but there was something annoying him.

No DDD. So no login bonuses. No anime.

** **

"Your Highness, they're still angry online." Ophelia showed her messages on Devilgram to both Diavolo and Barbatos in the morning.

"Oh my." Ophelia shook her head.

"What exactly did Lucifer do to Leviathan? What happened?" She frowned. "It seems that if I ask everyone what's happened outside the castle, they stop replying." Barbatos looked at Diavolo, and wordlessly slipped away.

"I think I know, but…"

"What did Lucifer do?" Diavolo smiled uneasily. "Dia, it's like everyone's physically unable to tell me via DDD."

"...possibly so." Ophelia sighed.

"Well, I'd better get ready for RAD, then." She paused to look at Diavolo's expression, and then explained. "If they can't tell me by DDD, I'll speak to them in person." She grinned. "And I'll challenge the gamers on Yokai Hit if they really have a problem."

** **

Gloka was draped over Benaz, and Heme was doing their best impression of a blanket over Ophelia's legs. Lok and Qurnar were helping Mammon take down the scoreboard.

Mammon was grinning.

"Man, we should do betting for the next round!"

"Fuck no," Qurnar mumbled. Lok just shrugged.

"Sorry, Mammon," Ophelia said. "I think that'll be the last of them. Word is spreading already."

"Aw man…"

** **

Lucifer and Diavolo sat at the desk in the council chamber. Lucifer was stiffer than usual, and Diavolo couldn't see how to broach the gap - despite knowing why it was there.

Eventually, Diavolo gave in, and texted someone that could help. Or he hoped could help.

In due time, there was a soft knocking on the door.

Lucifer was surprised to see a tired looking Ophelia poke her head in when called.

"Your Highness… and Lucifer. Good afternoon." She smiled, albeit uneasily, and pushed the door wide to allow the cart she had brought into the room. She seemed well practiced at being able to push and steer it whilst using a single crutch to walk.

Lucifer sighed.

"Ophelia, please don’t tell me-"

"Oh, I'm here on higher orders," she said, winking. "Barbatos asked me to bring tea and snacks."

"Isn't that good news, Lucifer!" Diavolo visibly perked up at the prospect of tea. "So, Ophelia, what tea have you brought?"

Lucifer frowned, ignoring their conversation. He was not in the mood for such trivialities as she set up the refreshments messily. Eventually, Ophelia pushed an empty cup his way.

"I also brought along some cold-brewed coffee from my personal stash for you, Lucifer," she said, pulling a flask from the cart.

"Thank you." In his haste to get some extra caffeine, Lucifer missed the looks between Diavolo and Ophelia. Diavolo chuckled.

"Ophelia, did everything go to plan this morning?"

"My plans went perfectly well this morning, your highness." She laughed darkly. "I've defeated over twenty of the demons who threatened me, through matches on Yokai Hit. The rest seem to have quieted down when they realised I was just getting started." Lucifer almost choked on his drink. Diavolo continued his thinking out loud.

"And Leviathan?"

"I've checked, but he hasn't been seen online in any form since yesterday." She sighed, almost mournfully. "I hope he's alright. Even the other gamers were worried. That was half of their anger."

"That's-" Ophelia shrugged, and pointedly looked at Lucifer.

"I said I'd get back to them with an update once I've found out what's gone on." She looked slightly smug with herself. "Since apparently I'm the only source in The House of Lamentation that isn't on some sort of media restriction or locked up." Diavolo looked at Lucifer before looking at Ophelia.

"Oh? Ophelia, were you even aware of what happened?" Lucifer sighed.

**

"What. The ever-loving fuck."

Diavolo laughed merrily.

"Oh yes, I'm afraid the damage done to the house was very extensive." He was showing her the photos. "Even our best builders could take a week to finish."

"Thankfully the upper floors were mostly unaffected," Lucifer said, "or we'd have nowhere to sleep."

"...and this was all Leviathan's doing?"

"Oh no, there's definitely scorch marks from Satan's fire. And only Asmodeus could be behind those claw marks." Ophelia nodded in what looked like understanding.

"Usual brotherly spat, then. Just more… physical. What made it so bad?"

"The bigger question should be - what to do about Leviathan?" Diavolo leaned towards Ophelia. "What would you, Ophelia, like to do about Leviathan?" She hummed, and took a sip of her drink. Lucifer seemed ever so slightly agitated.

"Not much, to be honest." Diavolo laughed.

"You'll have to explain what you mean." She shrugged.

"Well, release him from whatever dungeon he's in… and work with him so it never happens again." Lucifer seemed shaken.

"What could possibly make you think he's in a dungeon?"

"Oh, he's a hard-core gamer. Not much could keep him from daily logins except complete imprisonment."

** **

The League of Misfits

Benaz: WTF did you get called to the Council Chambers for, Ophelia?
Ophelia: To annoy Lucifer, apparently.
Ophelia: But at least this whole angry Yokai Hit demon malarkey should be over soon, what with Leviathan being freed in the morning.
Gloka: Good!
Gloka: Did you get some snacks?
Lok: That's your priority?
Heme: Did you grab some coffee?
Ophelia: Yes… and yes. I thought you'd ask, so I asked Barbatos to make extra.
Qurnar:

** **

"Dia? What's wrong?" Diavolo had seemed distracted at dinner. And Barbatos was unusually absent.

"Oh, nothing much…" He chuckled almost nervously. "...Barbatos has been called away by his pact holder."

"Ah. I see." She laughed. "Does that mean you have the night off, or just a looser leash?" To that, Diavolo couldn't help but laugh heartily.

"It means," he said, "I can drink while I work. Care to join me?"

It was after they'd settled in his castle office that he pulled out a couple of bottles from a cabinet, and what looked like whisky glasses.

"Have you tried Demonus yet, Ophelia?" She smiled.

"I've tried a couple of varieties with Mammon and Asmo," she said. "It reminds me of whisky, but without the burn." He gestured towards a purple bottle.

"I have some Demonus here that has been infused with Borage, Hibiscus, and Violets. Would you like to try some?"

"Oh, that sounds interesting. Yes please."

The purple Demonus didn't disappoint her. Diavolo poured for himself from a red bottle.

"Although I do appreciate the green and floral notes in your one, I much prefer the woodiness and heat of this one," he said.

"Heat?"

"This one has been brewed with Firebloom."

"Ah." The memory of her accidentally eating a Firebloom Fancy made her internally cringe. She'd legitimately started breathing fire, and she did not want to repeat that experience. "I'd best avoid that, then."

They settled into a comfortable quiet, Diavolo working, and Ophelia doing homework. They both sipped at their respective Demonus.

Diavolo sighed deeply.

"Is something wrong, Dia?"

"Not wrong, per se… paperwork is just tedious."

"...is there anything I can help with? Or is it all Top Secret Devildom stuff?" That earned her a laugh.

"It's numbers, mostly," he said. "Why don't you come and see?" She got up, walking over. When she was close enough, he grabbed her and sat her on his lap.

"Oh? If you wanted a hug for a distraction, you should have just said."

"Hmm. And what else could I have asked for to distract me, I wonder?" For the briefest of moments his look was smouldering, and he knew it. But, he also didn't want to pressure her. He opened his mouth to speak. Ophelia beat him to the punch with a remark, though.

"I draw the line at anything that would make Barbatos mad." She said, laughing. He couldn't help but laugh along.

"Then. I have an idea." He stood up, carrying her effortlessly.

** **

"Solomon, I am sure that you are more than capable of-"

"Possibly, but to hold a portal and be crossing multiple times carrying objects?" Barbatos chuckled. Solomon shook his head. "Besides, this is Aliss we're talking about. Black Aliss. And her son."

"I see." Barbatos' eyes glowed briefly. "It really wouldn't be good timing to let him search yet."

"That bad?"

"It would just be wiser to arrange it so that we devote more time and resources to the search."

** **

Fire. Breathing. Caterpillars.

Demonic, fire breathing caterpillars. Just the thing to be keeping in the castle's extensive greenhouse. Apparently.

Nearly fifty of them were content to just be in the vicinity of their parental figures, some asked for belly rubs and scratches...

But four of them were practically kidnapping the human and were carrying her away.

...well, it was only happening over a three foot range, and Diavolo laughed.

"They're really trying to take you!" Ophelia grinned.

"Kids, if you try and kidnap me, won't your Father be sad?" There was some thoughtful clicking before Diavolo leaned over and lifted her into his arms again. The caterpillars regrouped, looking expectantly at their parental figures. Diavolo smiled warmly.

"Yes, I would be sad without your Mother."

**

Ophelia was bright red as they walked out of the greenhouse.

"I… I can't believe it… I should have asked before I-" With an amused laugh, Diavolo scooped her up into his arms again.

"Our children are as cute as their Mother." His warm rumble of laughter as she squeaked with surprise was genuine. "I don't mind being called their Father. Not by you."

"Diaaaaaa…" She buried her face in his shoulder, mostly out of embarrassment.

"And it's also true, any day without you is a dull one." He pressed her closer to him. "I mean it. Truly." Ophelia hummed.

"I can't deny that coming to the Devildom has been exciting…"

"You miss your family, though?" She nodded.

"I miss my fiancée and his mother, yes. They were my family." She sighed. "Although not having to worry about my birth Father trying to ruin my life was very welcome." He made a mental note to find out more.

"And your Mother?"

"...gone." Diavolo heard the tone in her voice and turned somber for a moment.

"I am sorry for your loss."

"Don't be." Ophelia chuckled, darkly. "Feel sorry for my Father if I ever get hold of him." Diavolo laughed. Now he was determined to find out more of her past.

"My, such grit. By the sounds of it, we will see him down here eventually." He felt her tense up, and patted her gently. "If he's as bad as you say, when he dies, he'll arrive down here and we can use his soul to fertilise a plant." Ophelia laughed then, with a little snort.

"That would be good. Let him do something peaceful." Diavolo smiled at her comment. He already knew that although she was clearly upset with her Father, ultimately she wasn't devoted to revenge.

Then, she noticed she'd been carried to an unfamiliar part of the castle.

"Dia…?"

"Oh, I gave up the pretense of work ages ago. My private quarters would probably be a comfortable place to chat." He smiled. "And I have better Demonus there."

There was much better Demonus. And, to Ophelia's amusement, human world Mead. There was much sampling done.

** **

Barbatos returned in the early hours of the morning to find a smug looking Diavolo sitting up in his quarters nursing a glass of mead.

"Barbatos."

"Yes, Milord?"

"We need to make preparations to appoint Ophelia as a Royal Seer. The caterpillars are very defensive of her." The rustle of the blankets as something moved in the bed was quiet but distinctive. They both glanced to where the bed was, behind the screen and curtains.

Silently but determinedly, Barbatos stormed around to find a sleeping Ophelia in Diavolo's bed.

"What." She looked pale, dark circles under her eyes. Barbatos was ready to reach out and check her...

...but stopped when Ophelia moaned softly in her sleep, slightly frowning, and rolling over like she was seeking warmth. She might have been. There was a part that looked like someone much larger had been sleeping on top of the covers.

"Oh no, we got a bit drunk and had a minor debate about who slept on the bed. We both did, in the end." Diavolo's eyes had a glint in them, suddenly. "If I hadn't, I would have missed her mumbling about Belphegor, and the chance to pry more information out of her sleeping mind."

"Was there anything else she said?"

"Ottipot." Diavolo couldn't help but laugh at the confused expression on Barbatos' face before realisation dawned. "I understand that's the name of the house that Gaap's wards have chosen, yes?"

Barbatos' eyes glowed briefly.

"Indeed."

Notes:

Poor Mams. Should have thought of setting up the bets the first time!

Ultimately, Diavolo is planning things. Being a Father was not one of the things on the list, and now he has nearly fifty adopted kids.

It'll pop up again, the whole moth debacle. They're surprisingly plot revelant.

Borage, Hibiscus, and Violets. All said to enhance magical ability. And they taste nice.

Chapter 16

Notes:

Mammon is not on his best behaviour in this chapter, no. Even if Ophelia doesn't resist, its still a little on the dub-con side.

"...what's with Lord Lucifer this morning?"

"I don't know, but I bet it was something to do with Lord Diavolo."

"...or Lord Leviathan."

The demons turned as they noticed Lord Diavolo slowly walking past with a very tired looking human next to him.

"Or Ophelia."

** **

Ophelia was concerned. Lucifer, on the House of Lamentation group chat, asking everyone to attend a meeting in the Council Chambers after RAD? Leviathan had only been released this morning...

She was on her way when she saw a familiar white haired demon coming her way.

"Oh. Hey Mam-" He'd clamped his hand - gently! - over her mouth and pulled her into an empty classroom. If her crutches hadn't been attached to her arms, they'd have been left behind in the corridor. 

He plonked her on a desk so it was easier to speak eye to eye.

"Yer not having Levi as your first pact, ya understand?" Her furrowed brows of confusion made him pause. She licked his hand, and he pulled it away fast, like it had been burnt. "What-"

"The fuck you on about?" They were both still for a moment.

"...what? Ain't it obvious? Diavolo's gonna make Levi pact with you so he can't hurt'cha no more-"

"Whoa. Time out, Mams."

"No time fer Time Outs! I wanna-" It was her turn to clamp his mouth.

"Oh no. No, no, no no. Not without a better fucking explanation. Pact? Why?"

He shifted into his more demonic form, growing taller and out of the reach of her hands. She blinked, and in that time, her hands had been pinned to the desk on either side of her head, back against the desk. Her breath caught.

"Normally a pact with me or me court involves money or luck," he said, "that old 'uman story about dealin' with the devil…?" Ophelia's eyes widened. 

"...oh." Mammon smiled deviously.

"Yeah."

"That doesn't- so why would it mean Leviathan couldn't hurt me?"

"Demons can't deliberately do shit to their pact 'olders. Not 'til after the contract ends."

"Ah." She furrowed her brows in thought. "But I don't want anything from him. Or you. Not enough to put my soul against." Mammon blushed.

"We- we don't have ta- Gah!" Mammon looked away. "We are allowed to just give lifelong pacts for other, smaller things, y'know…" He muttered, quietly.

"...like what?"

"Dunno…"

In the corner of her vision, something started glowing, a golden yellow. But it fizzled out. It started again, and fizzled out… again.

Mammon furrowed his brows. It looked like he was thinking, but somehow, she could tell something was bugging him.

"Mams…" She murmured. "Mammon, what-"

"DAMMIT! It ain't- Why…?" Ophelia spotted an ominous mist from the corridor.

"Er…" But Mammon was thinking so hard he didn't sense the apparent danger.

"MAAAAAAMMMOOOOOOOOOOONNN!"

** **

Ophelia had been escorted to The Council Chambers by Lucifer, who was dragging a tied up Mammon behind him. Once she had been shooed in, Lucifer had wasted no time in tying Mammon to a chandelier to get answers.

"Big Bro! It wasn't- I weren't-"

"Oh? And what exactly were you doing to Ophelia, then?" Mammon went quiet. Lucifer scowled. "Why were you-"

"I couldn't initiate a pact with her, Lucifer." His suddenly serious and proper tone stopped Lucifer dead in his tracks.

"Explain."

"I- Now 'ang on, ya gotta promise not to get too pissed…"

"Mammon."

"Alright, alright! I was gonna- I wanted to be her first pact, alright? But I couldn't- Lucifer, the magic wouldn't latch on." Mammon shook his head. "Dat weird circlet of light around her head was stoppin' it, like." Lucifer sighed. 

"We'll talk about why you were pinning her down whilst in your demon form lat-"

"She licked me!"

"What."

**

"...I refuse. Outright."

Three demons looked shocked. One simply nodded. Another laughed heartily. It was at this point that Lucifer and Mammon entered the chamber.

"The normie doesn't even want my pact-"

"The fucking normie doesn't want to forcefully subjugate you, dumbass." Ophelia, from her seat near Diavolo, stood up. "If you want to be stepped on that badly, we can talk BDSM, but oh, that doesn't come cheap-"

Asmo's riotous laugh stopped her in her tracks. She could see that Mammon was bright red, Leviathan looked like he was going to have a nosebleed, and Lucifer…. Lucifer looked like he was getting ideas. Beel looked innocent. Satan had a dusting of pink across his face but had otherwise buried his face in a book. 

She almost wanted to do the same, and could feel the heat rising up her face at the realisation of what she'd said.

"St-still," she forced out, "I mostly just want you to replace what was destroyed. And get me extras. Like… ink making materials and tools." A small cough from behind her reminded her of something else to add. "...and maybe promise not to pull that kind of bullshit again?"

** **

Solomon was nearly doubled over with laughter.

"It's true! Honestly, she made everyone in there light up with lust after she said that."

"But she still didn't take the pact?"

"Oh no, no…" Asmo hummed. "Clearly because it wasn't a pact with yours truly. Although maybe I should talk to her about The Sexuary…"

"Perhaps me, as well." Asmo playfully batted Solomon's arm.

"Never change, Sol." Solomon sighed, and leaned in conspiratorially. 

"But, what happened after that?" Asmo leaned in, nearly close enough to be in kissing range.

"Ophelia's going to see what can be salvaged before making a full list for Levi. She was excused to start doing room plans."

"That doesn't sound-"

"After she left, Lord Diavolo announced that the process of appointing a Royal Seer was due to start."

"Who…?"

"He didn't say. But," Asmo said, teasingly, "they have had a confirmed vision and are favoured by the moth caterpillars." Solomon nodded, hiding his smile with his hand.

"Oh, I think I know who it might be."

"Well don't tell them! Apparently Lord Diavolo wants it to be a surprise." Solomon smirked. 

"...wouldn't a Seer be able to-" Asmo grinned.

"Yup!" They both grinned.

** **

"You guys really did a number on my room, huh." Satan sighed.

"Shouldn't you be more… terrified?"

"Probably." She stepped through what was left of the doorway onto a solid piece of flooring. She prodded the next part she'd planned to step onto with her crutch before hesitantly stepping. Satan shook his head. 

"You're an unusual human, that's for certain."

"...Satan, at the end of a photoshoot I fell through a stream into a courtroom full of handsome demons in hell." She sighed, and managed to find a backpack under some stones. "In the what… nearly four months since I've arrived, the only thing from my previous life that I have is my heirloom fountain pen and some scraps of fabric." She paused. "Well, and even the fabric scraps are probably ruined in all this," she lamented.

"But-" She shook her head.

"My point is," she said, prodding another possible place to step to, "I don't think there's much that can really surprise me anymore. I can't have regular PTSD if the trauma is ongoing, Satan."

Satan made an internal note to himself that Ophelia knew more about PTSD than most. And that perhaps, a lot of how she was might just be a coping strategy of sorts. Or the Hemp is making her too relaxed, he thought.

"I bet you can grab the house by the foundations and flip it like a table if you wanted." Satan chuckled. 

"You think so?" Smiling, she shook her head.

"Only once you'd made sure your books were safe, I'd imagine." Something caught her attention from further down in the rubble. "...what is-" In her attempt to see what it was, she lost her balance, and she tumbled down through what would have been her bathroom floor. She spewed unclear, probable expletives all the way.

"Ophelia!"

There was a splash, before a trembling voice echoed up.

"I'm alright… I think."

"Stay there, I'll get help."

"Thank you!" Satan sighed. She was surprisingly chipper, and he worried that she'd concussed herself on the way down.

He scurried off to find assistance.

**

The water suddenly tasted so good! Beel greedily drank.

Wait- Familiar new flavour. Ophelia? Why?

He drank. And drank.

**

The water she was sitting in was warm, and comfortably so. Good. Satan had probably gone to get a demon that could fly. Or a rope.

Diffuse light from far above meant she wasn't in complete darkness. Also good. She could just about make out the edges of large bits of rubble and other rocks.

Remembering that her DDD was apparently waterproof, she attempted to get it out and turn the torch on.

It slipped out of her hands. It remained lit up though, so that was a good sign. It even worked under her now wet fingers. Even better.

Now she could see she was in a cave, and it was filled with water. It seemed natural enough, and like caves she had seen before. She was reminded of Peak Cavern, for some unknown reason.

Yeah, the rope we made in there could really have been useful now, she thought.

And then she started to worry about if Devildom Cave Shrimps existed. 

"Probably already nibbling away at me," she muttered. 

She stood up, and peered further into the cave. It appeared to be one section of cavern. Probably extended far further underground. Something about a water table bounced through her mind.

That's when she noticed something odd.

The water level had dropped.

A bubble appeared with a mighty blub. She saw that it had come from the side of the cave, and she could make out an underwater tunnel that probably led to more cave.

She shrugged. It wasn't any use to her. But the mysterious something glinting in the sediment near it, was.

After poking it with her crutches, she decided to pick it up.

It was a stone. Something like an opal, iridescent, with shifting colours unlike ordinary opals. And it was the right size and shape to fit in her hand. A proper palmstone. 

She pocketed it. Mammon would probably find it interesting and tell her how much, if anything, it was worth.

Sighing, she sat down again, opting to soak in the warm water. She could happily play games while she waited for rescue. 

It was only a few minutes before she got curious and started looking for anything else in the sediment. 

** **

Diavolo and Simeon waited patiently for Barbatos to serve the tea and pastries.

"Thank you for coming, Simeon. I confess that this matter is confusing, but ultimately might be of importance to all three realms."

"Of course, Diavolo. If it's anything that might affect the balance, then it's vital."

With a flourish, Diavolo pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, and set it down on the table. On the paper was a sketch of a circlet, with a central bright gem and vine-like structure. Simeon's eyes widened. 

"This-"

"It's something Mammon encountered." Simeon sighed. 

"Ophelia, right?" Diavolo nodded. "I can't tell you the details." 

"Can't, or Won't?"

"I cannot." Simeon sipped his drink. "I wish I could." Diavolo sighed.

"Then, what can you tell me?"

"It's… hmm. Some humans have guardian angels, right?" Nodding, Diavolo was trying to see where this was going. "Well, to make up for the thinning angel population, sometimes humans are given those instead. Mostly they're assigned at birth, but on occasion… they're granted after a significant life event or by a heartfelt wish." Simeon took a bite from a cupcake, and murmured in appreciation. Diavolo was thinking, and sipped his tea before speaking.

"Is it obvious by sight which one it is?" Simeon shrugged. 

"I'd actually have to see it to be certain." Nodding, Diavolo ate some cake.

The two enjoyed their tea and cakes for a while in peaceful quiet.

** **

Satan sighed.

Asmo was out with Solomon. Lucifer was... not an option. And Beel?

"But the water tastes so good right now!"

Beel had managed to drink so much water that he was too heavy to fly.

Satan decided to have a glass of water. Beel was right, it did taste good.

"Oh. Ophelia must be in the household water source."

Notes:

Yeah. Ophelia and Satan bonding time.

Oh, Ophelia. Why did you think of a cave called The Devil's Arsehole?
Actually, everything I've mentioned about Peak Cavern is true - they hold rope making demonstrations, there's the very real possibility that you'll see Cave Shrimps if you visit... and it's known as The Devil's Arse or Asshole or Arsehole because... sometimes the cave makes a farting sound that can be heard for miles. Miles! It also has a stunning cave entrance, very picturesque.

Chapter 17

EMERGENCY!!
Satan: Who do we know who can fly and carry a human?
Levi: Amongst us, or…?
Levi: Pretty sure Beel could.
Beel: …I drank too much water.
Levi: LOL
Levi: But really-
Asmo: Ugh. I could ask Gaap, but…
Asmo: Why?
Ophelia: [sends cave selfie with finds in shot]
Ophelia: IN UR CAVES, STEALIN' UR SHINIES
Levi: ROFL Vintage meme.
Satan: Oh no.
Satan: She's losing it.
Ophelia: Can't lose what I didn't have in the first place.
Ophelia:

She'd discovered plenty of interesting things in the sediment, so she could be patient. The iridescent stone was pretty, but the coins and other bits were curious.

Prime Menacer
Lucifer: Ophelia, have you finished yet?
Lucifer: If so, meet me in my study, and we can discuss matters.
Ophelia: I could be a while yet, please don’t delay anything urgent on my behalf.
Lucifer: Very well.

Ophelia grimaced. So Lucifer either didn't know, or… he was letting her steep in the water. Either way, it looked like it could be a while. She frowned at how pruney she was already, and resigned herself to it.

One Hell of a Butler

Ophelia: I must apologise, I do believe that I'll be late for dinner tonight.
Barbatos: Oh? Did something happen?
Ophelia: Nothing too drastic, I'm hoping I can be rescued before Lucifer finds out and murders someone.
Ophelia: …do you know any demons who can fly and carry someone?
Barbatos: May I ask why?
Ophelia: [sends cave selfie showing exit]
Ophelia: I think I fell into the HoL water supply cave from a hole in my room.
Barbatos: Oh.
Barbatos: To answer your question - I do, yes.
Ophelia: Gaap, perchance?
Barbatos: Either that or Typhon. Do you have a preference?
Ophelia: Not at all. I guess whoever I'm inconveniencing less?
Barbatos:
Barbatos: I believe Typhon has fewer duties today.
Barbatos: I shall ask him.
Ophelia:
Ophelia: Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Typhon… one of the castle guards? Ophelia had a vague memory of a huge figure and snakes, but nothing else came immediately to mind. She shrugged, and decided to lay in the water for a bit.

She shut her eyes and tried to relax.

** **

The House was quiet. Too quiet, if Lucifer was being honest. It was suspicious, knowing his brothers. Especially because Ophelia was in the house, and her laugh was loud and cheerful.

He decided to stop by her room, and check in on her progress. Hushed whispered expletives were not what he expected to hear from the kitchen as he walked past, but that could wait.

The knock on her door was unanswered, and he decided to just walk in.

She wasn't there. Or was she? He could hear a faint singing. It worked with the echoes of wherever the singer was, and he followed the voice to a deep hole. He was fairly certain that it went down to the caves underground where the house got its water. Lucifer sighed.

Was there a siren in the water source?

He shifted into his winged form to fly down and check it out.

…but a siren wouldn't sing a song exalting someone quite like that. Who was Felurian?

As he reached the bottom, the singer changed songs to something different, having reached the end of the song. A song in another language that echoed well.

He was astonished to see it was Ophelia singing. She was laying in the water pretty contentedly. Nearby was a pile of items that appeared wet, like they had been fished out the water. Or perhaps sand.

"...a loluca, en dragu- ah. Agh!" Ophelia startled herself out of the water when she saw Lucifer, screaming slightly.

"Don't stop on my behalf," Lucifer said, approaching her. He smiled, just a little. "I thought your singing was enchanting."

Ophelia was bright red, embarrassed to have been caught singing. And to have been caught down here. Lucifer sighed as he cornered her against the wall with his arms.

"But, why are you down here? Hmm?" She couldn't meet his stare, even when he softly put a finger under her chin to lift her face.

He decided to carry her, and her found treasure, back to his room.

** **

Crown Prince Diavolo was surprised to see a taller figure than himself waiting at the castle door. They had darker skin than Diavolo, and long brown dreadlocks. Diavolo smiled at him.

"Oh? Typhon, you're coming with me?" Typhon smiled a little sheepishly.

"Yes, my Prince. I heard that Ophelia needs rescue." Diavolo frowned. Typhon chuckled. "Without tipping off Lucifer, I should mention."

"Is she-" With a hum, Typhon opened the door for Diavolo.

"She's unharmed, my Prince. It is just that she needs retrieving, and if I cannot fly down - I can extend my serpents."

"I see."

"I will speak to the brothers when I arrive, and rescue her safely." Diavolo nodded.

"I will distract Lucifer, then," he said with a grin.

**

"Lucifer-" There was a small cracking noise as a pole extended, growing from the corner of Lucifer's bed. "Oh, that's how you- oh…"

"You can't say that I don't live up to my promises," he said, magically making handcuffs appear in his hand. Before she knew it, she'd been placed on the bed and her hands handcuffed together around the pole.

I could spin around this pole using the handcuff chain, she thought amusedly.

"Nothing to say?"

"I mean, you kabedon'd me before carrying me to your bedroom and cuffing me to your bed. I need a moment…"

"Is there a reason you didn't tell me what happened?" Ophelia sighed. She attempted to get her DDD from her pocket, but gave up.

"...because I didn't want anyone punished because of a pure accident." Lucifer frowned, but she continued. "A bit of flooring gave way even after careful prodding with my crutches. They tried to help, they really did-"

"Ophelia." Lucifer towered over her again even though she was sitting on the bed. Or maybe she was slouching and shrinking down nervously. He noticed her mild trembling, sighed, and changed strategy. "Please tell me you at least have a mental list of what needs replacing?" She nodded.

"Pretty much everything, I'd imagine. The piles seemed pretty damaged. Textbooks, comics, other books, inks, pens… clothing, paper. Oh, and the makeup and toiletries." After Lucifer backed off a little, she sighed. "I'm sure Asmo will enjoy restocking my cosmetics and that. Let him. Satan could probably do the same for my books."

"And the rest?"

"Is there a Devildom version of IKEA? If not, I can look up ideas on Sinterest…" Lucifer smiled wryly.

"I do believe there is something similar to IKEA in the Devildom, yes. But I would prefer not to shop there."

"Is the furniture no good?"

"In store shopping only." Ophelia nodded in understanding.

"I can only imagine what extras we'd walk out with apart from furniture." She sighed. "I'll check Akuzon for furniture deals when the time comes, then." The silence was amicable.

Lucifer sat down at the coffee table and put down the bundle of found items ready for examination. It was an intriguing mix, including stones, scales, and a few fossils. She'd even found a fossilised slime. They all had their uses, especially the slime. (He'd hide the coins around the house for Mammon to find, but would never openly admit this.)

He heard the sound of a DDD clattering to the floor.

In the briefest moments that he'd looked away, Ophelia had managed to do a few things - drop her DDD, fall off the end of the bed, and twist herself around in the handcuffs so that she faced away from the post. Her arms were now over her head and she was kneeling.

She blushed as she realised Lucifer was now looking at her again. He just sighed.

"If you wanted your DDD, you should have just asked," he said, walking back over to her. "What exactly were you planning on doing?"

"Oh. I was just going to text Barbatos and let him know I was alright." She grinned. As Lucifer put her phone on the bed, she chuckled. "Hey Karasu? Text EMERGENCY!! group chat with the message He got me." There was a beep as her DDD sent the message.

"Message sent to EMERGENCY!! chat."

Lucifer, standing over her still, saw the resulting replies - and their senders - through the resulting replies.

"I hope," Lucifer said, smiling darkly, "that I will still find you here after I deal with my brothers." And then he strode off and out of the room. Ophelia huffed.

"...git. I don't have the muscles in my thighs to get up from this position without help."

** **

"Really, Lucifer. That bad?"

Five demons, swinging from the light fixtures in the hallway, with gags. Mammon was upside-down, and Beel was taking the opportunity to do leg exercises. Everyone else was just quietly seething.

"They all knew." Lucifer paused. "Except Mammon, he's been up there this whole time."

"And Ophelia?"

"In my room." Typhon bowed slightly.

"I will retrieve her, my Prince." He strode off. Lucifer looked exasperated. Diavolo laughed.

"Typhon was curious to meet Ophelia. One of his children is in her classes."

"I think I know who."

"Yes, I believe they like to take advantage of her warm-bloodedness." Diavolo smiled. "It's nice to know they're all so amicable."

Typhon came back not long after, carrying Ophelia in his arms.

** **

Diavolo sighed as he signed another form. A soft knocking at his office door was a welcome distraction.

"Who is it?"

"Lord Diavolo, it's me."

"Ophelia? Come in." Ophelia entered, looking a little nervous. "Is something wrong?" She plopped herself onto the chair near his desk.

"...I think the Avatar of Sloth is in trouble."

Notes:

Lucifer is a demon of his promises, for sure. Also a git.

Did anyone guess what songs Ophelia was singing?
Felurian's song, from The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss... and Sora's Song from The Vision of Escaflowne.

There are more chat names yet to be mentioned, but she very nearly texted Diavolo to say she would be late. Lucifer would have killed her if he saw that one.

Also Typhon pops up. Bodyguard, loving father, faithful husband. Even wraps his head snakes up to keep them warm.

Chapter 18

"Ophelia, explain." Crown Prince Diavolo's voice was firm but level. But Ophelia still couldn't help but squeak before she spoke.

"Eeep! I- Well…" Diavolo shook his head.

"You aren't the first to raise concerns about him." That made her relax slightly. "But, how did you find out?"

And she explained. Floating in warm water let her meditate - then she had a vision of Belphegor, reaching out of the attic. And apparently in her meditation, it drew his attention.

Save me, he'd said, I've been locked away for so long…

In her shock, she'd lost the connection, and was trying to focus by singing when Lucifer arrived.

Diavolo listened intently, nodding. She was completely truthful.

"How did you know it was Belphegor?"

"Oh, there's plenty of pictures of him in the hallways. I know I'm not as smart as you lot, but if I didn't know what he looked like by now, I'd really feel like an idiot." She sighed. "I know Lucifer hates us talking about Belphegor, but, still. Something is off."

"Yes. Belphegor went suddenly, without saying goodbye?" Ophelia nodded.

"That is what Beel said. And Beel hasn't had any contact with his twin, text or bond wise. He's worried." Diavolo hummed in thought.

"Ophelia," he said, "I would ask a favour and that you find out what you can, but not until you receive a familiar." Ophelia nodded, and Diavolo smiled gently. "How is your preparation going?" She laughed.

"Oh, Hanzaki is still trying to decide what kind of Inkling would suit me best. He's definitely settled on a Greater or higher Inkling, but can't decide on much else." Ophelia leaned in conspiratorially, and lowered her voice. "I think he's waiting for a special type to be born, but don't let him know that I know."

Diavolo chuckled. She was an interesting human. Sees lots, doesn't say much.

"But did I hear correctly? Singing? I would love to hear you sing."

The fact she went bright red made him laugh.

** **

"This is not going to help."

The letter that Alex had received threw a wrench in their plans to move.

"Ophelia's automatic system for the picture upload… still works. The gallery have approved some images for work…"

Aliss shook her head, and sighed.

"Doing an exhibition might be a nice way for you to say goodbye to your Human Realm life, though. Perhaps some artistry will help."

"...yeah." Alex shook his head. "I'd rather have had the subject of the photos be there for the exhibition, though."

"I'll let Solomon know of the situation." Aliss pulled out her DDD. She saw Alex look over with curiosity. "You'll get one when you go to the Devildom. Demonic Smartphone, basically."

"Huh."

"Good luck getting normal electronics, though. They don't even have ice cream makers." Alex looked glum before perking up again.

"Wait - I can use my ice magic, it's fine."

** **

Typhon huffed and gently nuzzled further into the lap he was on. His wife, Echidna, gently petted his hair-snakes, smiling.

"You met the exchange student?"

"Oh, she's so cute! I can see why Heme likes her. Can we…?" Echidna laughed.

"You're not adopting her until our youngest is out of her biting phase."

** **

Barbatos and Ophelia sat in a small room, having the spare baked goods with tea. Then Barbatos had started to explain the next big Devildom event.

"Oh? The whole Devildom celebrates Lord Diavolo's birthday on Halloween… by saying Happy Halloween?"

"Indeed." Ophelia hummed.

"I guess it makes sense, in a weird way." She sighed. "But isn't it lonely for His Highness? People not wishing him a happy birthday, I mean?"

"I suppose." She shrugged.

"I'll wish him a Happy Birthday privately. But, alright, what do I need to know?"

"About the celebrations all over the Devildom, mostly, with a giant ball held here at the castle. And the appropriate security concerns. Lord Diavolo is planning on making a big announcement this year." Ophelia nodded.

"Security concerns? Like about what happened at the last ball, but more." Barbatos murmured an agreement.

"With that in mind, I have asked Hanzaki to speed up his selection of familiar for you," Barbatos said, "because it will be possible to have your Inkling trained in time if you can meditate with it often and teach it the right sigils." Barbatos saw how quickly the gears in her head were turning.

"And if you feed it with good ink?" Barbatos nodded. She grinned. "Two birds, one stone. Is there a small alchemy lab I can use on the sly?"

"I believe your remodeled room in the House of Lamentation will have one."

** **

Ophelia leaned over towards Benaz as they worked on their history homework.

"Please tell me this Old Gods and New God thing is as much of a mind fuck to you as it is to me." He leaned towards her. He could rest a horn on her head, so he did.

"Afraid not. It's common Devildom knowledge."

"...fuck." Gloka hummed.

"I guess because it happened before most human species were united." Ophelia huffed, apparently thinking.

"I guess." Heme returned, carrying snacks.

"I think my Dad said that the stories of the Old Gods are still fairly well known in the Human Realm. He has stories from his time battling Zeus and the other gods." Ophelia had gone still, a look of confused thought on her face. Benaz looked at Heme, then at Ophelia, and then back to Heme.

"Heme," Benaz said, "you're going to blow Ophelia's mind right out."

Qurnar shook with restrained laughter before standing up and getting a glass of water for their shocked human. Lok nodded, and scribbled a comment.

"What the fuck have the humans been telling each other?"

** **

First it was the looming shadow, and then it was the sound of chewing and swallowing. And then she turned in time to see a happy giant lift her into his arms.

"Beel," Ophelia said, laughing, "I don't think Lucifer meant you to be this literal when he said pick me up, but-" More footsteps, running.

"Oi! Beel! Where are ya taking my human?" Mammon.

"Her room. I want to eat some food with her." Mammon looked stunned, and she tactfully glossed over it.

"We should get more snacks on the way. I heard there's Fried Chicken crisps out?" She reached over to Mammon and patted his head before fluffing up his white hair. "We'd better pick up some instant ramen for The Great and… Monumental Mammon, too."

"Atta human! That's what I like ta hear!"

"Oh, that's a point. Should we do something to celebrate my room repair? Where are the others?" Beel hummed.

"We'd better get extra drinks, too."

**

The front door opened, and Beel stepped in, a huge bundle of food piled up in his arms. It sounded like he was already eating something. Lucifer sighed.

"Beel! Where is Ophelia?"

"Here, why?" An observant person might have noticed that the munching noise didn't stop as Beel answered. A hand shot out of the pile, and gave a thumbs up gesture.

"Golden Chicken at Max's Place don't compare to this fried chicken flavour!" Beel smiled.

"I'm glad." The hand from the pile brushed against someone's hair, and mindlessly began patting the head it belonged to. Lucifer grabbed the hand that was in his hair.

"Shit. Sorry, Lucifer." He frowned.

"...I'll let you get away with it just this once."

** **

Ophelia lay in her new bed in her remodeled room. The tree was still there. The biggest changes, she surmised, was the addition of an alchemy station, more shelving, and a bath.

We were advised that perhaps bathing may ease your bodily aches, Lucifer had said.

Asmo had even gotten some swimwear for her. Some of it she'd even consider wearing in front of other people. Maybe.

Speaking of which, Asmo rolled back over and his hand landed on her chest. She sighed softly and redirected it to Mammon's face.

If the pair ended up hugging each other in the morning, that was their business. And made a fun photo for the house chat.

Notes:

Ophelia gets her room back at the HoL! And we get a little bit of a timeline about major events. I headcanon that the brothers will only make more of a fuss of their birthdays when they get closer to MC and want to celebrate with them.

Max's Place is a Filipino restaurant chain. I remember them best for their Golden Chicken!

Chapter 19

Lucifer would never admit it, but he wasn't actually upset about Ophelia's accident today. The way she kept her hands clamped over her mouth, and her adorable expression - oh wasn't it a great day.

The fact he also had yet another excuse to hang Mammon from a light fixture was great. And punish Asmo in a way he hadn't quite thought of yet.

But then-

"Y'know, hanging Mams from the ceiling is really highlighting how much you care-" She clamped her hands over her mouth again. But then she removed her hands to wave at someone. "Hey, Dia!"

"Did you just call Lord Diavolo… dear?"

"Oh? Hello Fi!"

"Hmm? He is the father of my moth babies. The baby daddy, if you will." Much to Lucifer's horror, Lord Diavolo actually laughed at that.

"Yes, and we'll have to arrange regular visits with our children. They miss you already."

"Aww, our poor babies." Lucifer sighed. 

"Asmodeus spiked her drink with a potion. Now she says exactly what she's thinking, without thinking."

"Yeah, well shit happens. Can we spike Mammon's drink with it? I wanna know what the Tsundere git really thinks."

"Oi!"

"It'll be nice not to have to translate Mammon-ese for a while…"

"Ya stinkin' human! Imma eat you-"

"Love you too, Mams." Mammon spluttered some form of retort, but it was lost to the background noise. 

Yes, Lucifer was secretly enjoying this.

**

 

Lucifer decided that Ophelia, whilst under the effect of the potion, needed to be supervised. And it fell to him.

"You are not patting my head again."

"Aww, but it's so soft!" Lucifer sighed, and shifted slightly away from her reach. She was in control of her actions, so she wouldn't, but…

"Would you like to be tied to the light fixtures?"

"...what, so you can look up my skirt?" Ophelia hummed. "You would be disappointed to know I wear shorts and thick tights. Because the uniform skirt designer clearly had a fetish-"

"Ophelia."

"-and someone unnamed doesn't like me wearing leggings under it." Lucifer sighed again. It was him. He changed subjects. Thankfully, her filterless mind made it easier to do so.

"How is your homework getting on?" Ophelia huffed. 

"Finished Sigils and Arrays. Potions needs some reference material. History is…" Ophelia sighed. "...a right mind fuck." 

Understandably so, Lucifer thought.

"And Arithmetic?"

"Oh, that's easy. And Mammon's pretty good at anything numbers based as long as you put currency signs in front of it. So he helps me if I have problems." Lucifer couldn't help but chuckle.

"I see." Putting down his own paperwork for a minute, Lucifer looked at her work. "And what are you working on at the moment, then?"

"Oh." She blushed. "Ink ideas for Lord Diavolo's birthday present. Hey, what kind of pens does he use…?"

 

** **

Inky Finger Club

 

Hanzaki: Ophelia… ♡

Hanzaki: [opalescent living slime in a jar]

Hanzaki: I think you should meet this Inkling. It's very friendly. 

Ophelia: Oh, it looks cute!

Hanzaki: Good. It's an ideal candidate for you.

Hanzaki: So, don't forget to bring some ink this weekend. :)

Ophelia: OK!

Lucifer Morningstar

 

Hanzaki: I wish to borrow Ophelia this Friday night and weekend for the ceremony, Lord Lucifer.

Lucifer: Very well, Lord Hanzaki. I shall let everyone know. 

Hanzaki: Lord Gaap is already prepared. Ophelia seems excited.

Lucifer: Good. Lord Diavolo is eager for results.

** **

"We've got a slight change in schedule." Aliss shook her head. "Alex wasn't able to get out of his art exhibition afterall." Solomon frowned on the other end of the phone.

"That's- Is it a public showing?"

"Yes. At least our witchy stalkers can't make any big moves there without lots of trouble."

"But it could still be risky."

"I was debating whether to summon Gaap for some guardian duty, but their glamour…" With a sigh, Solomon resigned himself to his fate.

"And the only demons on my roster with better glamours are Asmodeus and Barbatos." Aliss frowned. 

"Perhaps Lord Asmodeus would like to help? It might be useful for his information gathering."

There was a crash in the background, followed by an angry cry and a deep sigh.

"What was-"

"Oh, Alex needs to finish a few pieces for the exhibition, and… it's not going too well. His soulmate was his muse and subject for this series."

"I see." Solomon sighed. "Once you arrive, we can arrange an audience and hope the Lords will make the case urgent." Solomon chuckled. "Between us, the exchange student might be able to help as well. Lord Hanzaki has agreed to give her a familiar."

"Lord Hanzaki? Gaap's relative?" Solomon hummed in confirmation. "An Inkling as a Familiar… interesting."

** **

Asmo received a text. And then something came over him.

"Why is Asmo- Why is he-?" She leaned towards Mammon. "Mams, why is Asmo vibrating?" Mammon looked at Asmo. True to Ophelia's question, the Avatar of Lust was almost buzzing in his seat.

"Dunno." Ophelia sighed. 

"Asmo, dear, you'd better dial that thing down, you're vibrating off the seat." She chuckled. "What's got you going?"

"I'm-going-on-a-date-with-Sol-to-the-Human-Realm-soon!" Asmo squealed. "I'm just so happy!" And then he leapt on Ophelia and hugged her. At least that stopped the almost-vibrating.

"Anywhere fun?"

"It's an art exhibition! Apparently the soon to join student is an artist!"

"Oh! That's cool."

"Oi! Get off 'er!" Ophelia ruffled Mammon's hair.

"Well, it's common for artists to have an Autumn show. I think my Alex would have been having one around this time of year." She sighed before shaking it off, and grinned. "Don't tell me you're hoping they'll do an art piece of you?"

"He will, if he has any appreciation for beauty."

"He definitely would. But didn't you say he was trying to find his kidnapped soulmate? He might be obsessed with that first."

** **

Barbatos sighed as he meditated on the next few days. Things were blurry surrounding the weekend, before suddenly clearing up significantly.

Two very clearly diverging paths stemming from the unclear patch, and those paths splitting into two distinct branches each.

How interesting. It needed investigation.

** **

A man and his scrying mirror in a darkened room, and a conversation with the man's demonic patron.

"And still, there is no sign that his soulmate is dead."

"No?"

"He is still alive, and still on high alert. I also suspect they have been working with Solomon and Madam Greenteeth to investigate our coven."

"And yet, no sign of other humans arriving other than the exchange student. Time, perhaps, to take a different route and work on him."

"...is it not risky, Milord?"

"Yes, but what other options are there?" The man nodded. "If you are so determined to end her, then you need to act fast before the chance slips away. You know you can draw on my magic if need be." 

The human knew the risks of drawing on his Patron's power, but also knew it was inevitable. 

"Of course, Milord. An opportunity is coming up, but it could be very public and very-"

"If they reunite, everything will be for naught, and you'd have bigger issues than disrupting the realms. Now go. I imagine you have much to do."

He was dismissed. 

The man sighed. His patron was right, there was a lot to worry about. There was a knocking on the door of the room.

"Felipe? Darling, it's time for dinner."

** **

"Ophelia, there's a slight change…" Hanzaki frowned. 

"Oh?"

"Gaap needs to be on call this weekend, so we'll be doing your ceremony in The Royal Castle so they can be available nearby. "

"...ah, OK."

"It's a little break from Tradition, but I suppose you won't mind?"

"I have no idea what the traditions are, if I'm honest." Hanzaki chuckled. 

"Then don't fret about them. We're doing the most important ones."

** **

Ophelia took a deep breath as she began painting the giant spell array on the floor. Even though she'd had it checked over multiple times by Hanzaki and her teacher Jack Springheel, she was still nervous. 

She'd only met the Greater Opalescent Inkling yesterday. She'd only finished the tattoo ink this morning, after making a slight adjustment to suit her familiar-to-be a bit more.

Gaap watched as Hanzaki prepared the sterile needles as they lined up the healing potions. Hanzaki was keeping an eye on Ophelia. Jack was making sure the tattoo templates were complete and accurate. 

And nobody realised that Diavolo was watching them all with a bit of a giddy smile.

Notes:

Ophelia loses her filter briefly, but hey, it's good fun.

Oh, and she's about to go through the trials and tribulations of her Familiar. Hmm. Surely not much can go wrong?!

...and the art show. And Felipe.

Not dead yet!
Oh, but things have been chaotic this end. Where I volunteer is undergoing some changes, and I'm having to do more.

Chapter 20

Notes:

Gosh, it's hot here at the moment. Nothing to do but lay down and read and write under a fan! 🤣

Trigger warning: strangling. It's a certain little asshole making an appearance.

Dinner was quiet. Mammon, Leviathan, and Satan seemed to be tired - probably from having to deal with pact holders.

Lucifer smiled slightly. 

"Whilst we are all still here, and Ophelia isn't… I would like to get ahead on all your reports." There was a collective groan, but no objections. Asmodeus sighed.

"Well. No word about demons getting new humans. But... As you can imagine, there's a lot of buzz about what Lord Diavolo is planning to announce at the party…" Satan nodded. 

"I hear a few covens are going to group together to send representatives for the event. The travel embargo isn't stopping the determined ones."

"I'll add extra security," Beel said, before munching on another snack, "and make sure to get extra wards put up around the Castle." Lucifer nodded, glancing at Mammon.

"Mammon?" Mammon shrugged. 

"It's all been the same ol' shit. Just less trades an' higher prices because of the scarcity. The embargo ain't helpin'." He shook his head. "An' of course, the embargo is making my pact 'olders grumpy." Lucifer nodded. His brothers held different types of pacts, with different terms. Mammon's often involved wealth.

"Mine too! Of course they'll suffer for not seeing me properly for so long." Asmo sighed. Leviathan shrugged. 

"Now you know why I work through the Navy."

"And there we thought it was so you could play more games," Satan teased. 

"Yeah, well unfortunately the embargo is also slowing the games industry. But has meant the Navy can do more drills." Lucifer shook his head and redirected the conversation.

"Asmo. About your mission and the new exchange student-"

"Oh! Yes."

Asmo then explained the plans. Get in, guard, help with with last few bits and then finalise their move. He sighed.

"His Mother, apparently, is the infamous Black Aliss."

"Her?"

"Eh? You know 'er, Lucifer?"

"She was responsible, in part, for saving villages during the Black Death." Satan nodded.

"...and for spreading some blight amongst crops in other villages." Lucifer chuckled. 

"Yes, but I understand they deserved it."

** **

Diavolo examined the other people sat at the Breakfast table. Today was the day. He couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.

Hanzaki and Gaap were discussing something excitedly. Ophelia was looking a little pale - she probably didn't sleep so well.

Barbatos, too, seemed a little lost in thought before leaning towards Diavolo.

"She was determined to finish what she could of the protective array before she rested, my Lord."

"I see." Diavolo hummed. "Should I-"

Everyone was interrupted by Ophelia sliding off her chair with a huff. 

"Sweetie!"

"Not again."

"Ophelia!" Gaap cradled Ophelia in their lap. She was muttering things.

"...Lexie, he-" Diavolo went pale for a split second, then moved closer.

"Gaap! What's happening?"

"Milord, she's having another vision." They looked remorseful, their neck fins dulling in colour. "...because of the Familiar ceremony, she hasn't been able to take her medicine, and-"

"Has she…?"

"Second this morning," Hanzaki said. "We agreed she needed breakfast first."

"...would it help if I passed her some energy?" 

Everyone paused. Barbatos in horror, everyone else in shock. Then Gaap shook their head.

"Probably not. She needs to be clear of intoxicants, and I'm sure demonic energy would count." Diavolo deflated slightly. 

"Ah." Hanzaki nodded. 

"I'm sure she'd appreciate the gesture."

**

A shiver ran up his spine as he packed the pieces and prints for the exhibition. Aliss came back from the car and saw his expression. 

"Is something wrong?"

"I've got a weird unsettled feeling."

"Nervous?"

"Yes, but-" Alex shook his head. "It's more than that. I think… something is happening to Ophelia."

"We'll have to let Solomon know when he arrives." Aliss smiled. "They'll be coming to help us set up and guard."

"Oh?"

"Either Lord Asmodeus or Lord Barbatos, because they have better glamours. Gaap will be on standby. Something about the other exchange student getting a Familiar this weekend?"

"Ah, so Gaap's on double duty."

"Yeah." Aliss sighed. "I wonder if Ophelia knows you've got your exhibition, and she's worrying about you."

"...maybe." Alex chuckled darkly. "Well, I guess I'm glad she doesn't know about the rest of our problems yet." Aliss snorted. 

"I think it'll be safe to let her know we're witches after we rescue her, though."

** **

“Deep breaths, Ophelia.”

If he was being honest, Hanzaki was glad that she was currently laying face down. She couldn’t see how badly his hands were shaking. 

He was glad that the lights in the room were focused on the centre and left the rest of the room dim, so that he could focus. 

“It’s alright. Breathe yourself, sensei.” He held her wrist, the one he was about to tattoo the (very patient) Inkling on and into, and took a deep breath himself.

He activated the array, and began the tattooing.

It took three hours of meticulous hand-poking to finish the tattoos. A shiver ran down his spine and to the end of his tail as he could feel the process starting up.

And that was when things started to get very, very weird.

**

“Alex!” Aliss barely caught her son as his knees suddenly gave way under him.

“Op- Ophelia…” He tensed up before curling into as much of a ball as he could. “Whatever it is,” he panted, “it’s painful. Under- it's under the skin."

** **

Hanzaki had backed himself up to the edge of the protective array. This was strange, and he did not want to get in the way.

In the centre, where Ophelia probably still was, had turned into a writhing iridescent black blob of slime. On occasion, a curled up human shape could be made out by the shape of the highlights.

It was then that something moved in the shadows on the outside of the array circle. Waiting. Or at least that was the sense he got from it.

Oh no, Hanzaki thought, that thing is waiting to attack Ophelia.

** **

 

There's ink under my skin.

Ink in my veins, 

Moving.

We should work together. 

 

Ā̵̬̤̘͖̆n̴̥͕̗̮̥̰̩͓͍̍̿̒d̵̜̬̺̳̼̻̖̥̪̭̱̪͈̣̍͆̿̿̈̄̉ͅ ̶̨͓͇͓̌́̽̚͠m̷̭͇̮̝͇̤̽͋͗̃̓̎ͅe̶̖̩̻̖͐̍́,̴̡̰̼̻̫̬̹̟͒̂̋̍͂̽̎͒̊̿͐ ̸̢̠̱͙̺̺͕̩͚̟̳͈̥̓͒̕ͅţ̷̞͔͇̩̟͉́̏͜͝ò̴͚̈́͗͌́̈́͑̆̊͌̕ơ̷͖̣̤̦̩̼̖͋͆̾̔̍͑͑̕͜

 

What-

 

Í̴̧̨̳͖̻̰͓̣̥̯̽̇̏͑͌͋͛͌̊͘'̵̻̮̦̱̹̤̖̯̥͕̹͎͛͐̐͐̒̽̃́̓̋͊̈́̑̀͜͝v̸̰̗̪͓̯͈̥͚͇̥̆̀̈́͂͐̀̉͋̓̕͠͝e̶̢̧̧̛̲͙̳̞̯̲̙͇̞͖̳̓̾̆͛̽͋̄̏͛̂͠ ̷̟̻̻͓̠̙̮̮̭͊͐̉̿̇͆̂͐̈͜b̴̧͚̲͎̖̭̜̗̻̮͚̫̮̙̀͑̍̇́́̇́̔̚ȩ̶̢͔͈͓̙͇͉̗͇̋́́̋́͜e̵͚̼̠͈̹̜͍̩͍̝͔̖̟͛̓̂́̈́̋͆̌̑͊̌̊̂̓͐͂͝ņ̴̜̻̰̠͕̰̘͍͖̲̤̙͛̽̑̄̀̾̇́̐̽̈́̊͜ ̵̖͐̊͐̄͂͂̒̅̈͘͠͝h̴̨̡̛̜̣̲͔̥̰͔̙̑̌̌͒̒͌ͅȩ̷̲͍̝͇̺̫̣͓̳͍͕̦͉̜͚̾̉̑̔r̸̢̧͕͍̤͖̫̻̫͔͌̓̐̎̃̚̚e̵̡̪̠̹̗̩̒,̷̛̼̦̩̗͇̂͊̃́̿̿̈́͛͘̚͜͝ͅ,̵̷̬̘̗̯̠̬̰̎̽̈́̔̓̄̿̎́̑͊̉̔̚͘͘̕͜a̶̛̲͙̰̗̘̤̺͇͓̣̜̫̫̐̽̈́ļ̶̪̺̠̩̺͉͍̬̘͕̮̦͂͐̈̔̃̿̏̕l̵̡̧̰̞͖̮̰̯̦̍̅̎̀͝͝ͅ ̷̺͍͔̓̏̾̽͌̽̂̈́̋͘a̶̙̪͙̬͖͋̆͌͊̎͝͝͠ͅl̶̨̫̹̱͔̹͍̻̭͙̮̦͍̺̩̭̀̃̈́̈̈̌̌̑͌̌̒̾͘̕̚͝͝ǒ̶̞̰̖̟̣̳̙̮̫̭̹͉̈́͐̋͗͜͝ͅņ̵̢̡̝͚̟̜̮̤̣͉̣͍͑̊̈͋̓͗̓̀̈́̒̓͒̋͘͠g̴̨̛̗̣̼̤̲̣̜̅̈́̆̐̔̿͆͆́̅̋͊̃̓͝.̵̦̆̏͑̍̊̐͝

 

**

Ophelia watched herself wake up in a hospital bed. But it seemed weird, in a way she couldn't quite understand. Maybe it was just because she was looking at herself from the outside. 

Oh.

This was the day her Mother died. A week after the attack. But also…

A boy about her age padded past the open door. A few minutes later, he passed by again. The third time…

"Mate, just ask a nurse if you're lost. You'll wear the tiles out." She huffed, and the boy stopped and looked at her. 

Alex looked so young and bewildered in this memory. He was trying to find his Mum, who had come to see an old friend. 

Looking back at it now, Ophelia realised that he was probably wanting to find a nurse but then found a patient just waking up, and a nurse would probably come to the patient.

Ṭ̸̤̱̔̋̏͌h̴̢̳̗̺͝ḯ̶̧̥̞̊ş̸̨͊͜ ̴͔̫͖͓̔w̸̟̒̏͐a̴̟͙͛̾̿s̵̞͠ ̵̙́̃ͅa̵̘̹̿̓̊l̶̢̪͚̜͆s̶̬̰̦̺̉̉͝͠ö̸̢̧̪̲͑̌̄ ̵̡̬̘̫͋̍̿̈́t̵̻͓͔́̚h̸̢̫̲̻̽̅͐͝ẹ̷̱̾̅̀̍ ̴̠͘̚͝d̷̥̞̉a̸͇͍̼͊̾͜͝͝y̸̢͕͘ ̸̢̰̜̌̿̽̚m̷͉̃y̸̨͕̤̰͗̀̄͐ ̶̺̫͔̇̐̿͆e̴̗̔͠y̸̞̲̥͇̎̓̓̂e̶͎̯̻͗s̴̖̪̀͛̽͘ ̸̡̮̫̓͆̃f̷̢̳͙͠l̶̯͝͝ǐ̶̱̯̐̽͘c̸̤̼̐k̸͈̞̤̀e̶͚̞̥̥͊r̵̨̞̙̼̉ė̷̼̠̕͜d̸͕͚͒ ̷̙̤͊ȯ̶̠̺̗̿p̷͎͉̜̖͌e̷̥̬̾̓͝n̴̨̦̈́͊̄͘,̶̟́̾̿͜ ̴̼̊̉͝t̵̻͉̞͗̑̊o̴̳̤̬̭̿̍͝͝o̸̖͎̽.̶͈̖̲͈͊͝

 

** **

It slowly, after several hours, started to calm down.

Hanzaki watched as the black slime mass retreated into the centre, forming around a more clearly visible Ophelia. She was definitely making progress, and was wrestling control.

And he was watching as the thing stalking the outside of the array started to breach it.

Hanzaki whipped around, ready to add to the array. He was barely through the first layer of reinforcement when it overpowered him with a laugh.

** **

Ophelia suddenly had a much more acute sense of self.

The tug of the ink under her skin she named, Blot.

The pull of someone far away. Who? They seemed… known. And a cozy feeling.

The feel of a hand on her head and a shoulder. Felt like a motherly, matronly touch.

But that horrible laughter that suddenly permeated the space-

"Die!"

It felt like barbed wire around her neck, slowly tightening. 

** **

Hanzaki opened his eyes a little. 

That shadowy form. Clearly strangling Ophelia with its tail rather than hands, holding her body up by the neck off the floor.

His limbs felt like lead, and all he wanted to do was. Just. Sleep.

"No- Ophelia..."

** **

The thorns were one thing, but the strength in his tail was another. It was squeezing tighter.

"Belph-" His grip tightened on her neck, cutting off her breath with a small gasp.

"Just die." 

 

Ĭ̶͕̼̬̞͌͋ ̴̐͜c̴̪̀̀ä̴̞̜́̌̀̕n̶̮̰̙͋́̀͠n̸̨̦̙̒ǒ̶̢͒̈̆t̷̛̙̄ ̸̲̪͍̮̎͆̎l̶̙͍͐e̸̱͐t̶͓̓ ̴̨͓̞͖͗t̶̘̔̅̔͝ḩ̷̦̱̔a̷̲͔͛̂̇̕t̵̲̟̥̖͊̔͒͝ ̴̪͈̪͉͌̿ḧ̶͉̭͈́̄̈́a̶͖̞͚̓͗͛͘ṕ̶͇͍͛̅̚p̷̢̛̯̙̠̀̈́͐ẻ̵͎̬͔͎̓̀n̷̮̔.̸̼̊́

 

"Huh?"

** **

It was then that hundreds of eyes just opened in the slime body of the Inkling surrounding Ophelia, and focused on the shadowy attacker. The slime poked the shadow. There was a brief flash, and the shadow let go. Ophelia fell, but was cradled by the Inkling. Her inkling.

A shiver trickled down Hanzaki's spine as a few of the eyes flicked between him and the shady form. One of them remained focused on him as the rest of the eyes flicked to something he couldn't see.

And then - a huge, black, draconian claw burst through the array, instantly dispersing the shadowy attacker and the array. A single toe on the claw dwarfed the human. Hanzaki knew it could crush him easily, too.

Hanzaki shook the sleepiness off with a shiver, and raced to Ophelia. The claw tried to stroke her with a single nail, but was batted away by the inkling. Most of the eyes shut and vanished, but a couple remained open.

They wordlessly sassed the claw before they shut. That was the impression Hanzaki got.

The owner of the claw huffed with apparent amusement. And despite Hanzaki trying to see the rest of the dragon, he couldn't. The claw withdrew, and a more familiar form walked from out of the dim light.

"Hanzaki," Lord Diavolo said, "I will take Ophelia to be checked over."

"O-of course, your highness."

Lord Diavolo gently picked Ophelia up, grumpy inkling and all, before carrying her away.

Hanzaki slumped, not quite sure how to process the day without getting drunk.

** **

Aliss gently stroked Alex's forehead as he laid peacefully on the sofa. Whatever was happening seemed to have passed.

Until he shot upright.

"Alex?" He grasped at his chest frantically. 

"I can't- something's happened! The bond-"

"The bond?" Aliss went pale. If it was gone, then...

"...it's still there, but-" She let out a relieved sigh. "-But it's not… there's not a pull, anymore." Alex looked lost and bewildered.

They both furrowed their brows in thought. What did that mean?

Notes:

Ophelia has watched Hellsing, yes. Why'd you ask? 😆

Chapter 21

Notes:

And you all get an extra long chapter because I really wanted to get it all in.
Still failed to. But have a long chapter anyway!

Gaap sighed.

"She's passed the most dangerous phase of acquiring such a familiar." Gaap patted Ophelia on the head. "Right now, the biggest danger is the fact she's not in the protective array." Diavolo looked slightly guilty.

"What can I do to-"

"The easiest thing would just be for either yourself or Barbatos to keep her within arms reach." Gaap shook their head. "I don't think I'd quite be enough of a deterrent."

"I know." The way Diavolo said that made Gaap just nod in understanding. Well, it was a difficult situation.

"Just bring her back later today so I can check on her," Gaap suggested, "especially if she wakes up."

** **

If Asmodeus had an expectation about what he thought Black Aliss was like, the scene he walked into might have shocked him.

A brightly dressed, middle aged woman with her blonde hair being held back by a crocheted kerchief. She also had muted rainbow streaks in her hair, tastefully done.

She was proudly holding a small chicken, but vaguely brandishing it like a weapon. The target, a young man laying on a sofa.

"...snuggle with Gertrude, then." The young man sighed and took the chicken, and gently hugged it. Gertrude the chicken snuggled up to the young man contentedly. He saw Solomon and Asmodeus first, and blushed.

"Er… Hi." Aliss spun round, and chuckled.

"Ah, good morning." She looked at the pair. "Solomon I know, but this beautiful one must be Lord Asmodeus." The fact Asmo's eyes lit up wasn't lost on Aliss. "Shall we head into the lounge proper? Alex needs to rest."

It was true, he was already sleeping. Gertrude was almost purring contentedly.

Only when they sat down in the other lounge did the real discussions begin. The electric kettle and the drinks options were just a bonus. But Aliss opened the mini fridge and pulled out a can.

"Something to consider, Lord Asmodeus." It was a can of strawberry boba tea. Asmo grinned.

"Why thank you!" Aliss shrugged.

"It's something like I saw you drink on Devilgram. And we still have plenty of cans," she said, smiling. "Our Ophelia likes them."

"Oh, so does ours." Aliss cocked her head.

"Don't tell me the exchange student is also an Ophelia?" Aliss shook her head. "That could be confusing… unless-" She narrowed her eyes in thought for a moment.

"Unless?" Aliss held her hands up placatingly.

"No, no. Forgive me. It can't be that." She sighed. "Anyway. There has been a slight… change." Solomon sighed.

"Oh?"

"There was an… incident. Something has happened to our Ophelia. And now Alex isn't feeling the pull quite so much." It was Solomon's turn to think deeply.

"That's…" Solomon hummed. "I wonder if she's…"

"She's still alive, but whatever happened yesterday changed something." Solomon nodded.

"Well, let's ask him when he's more rested. For now, we can help with other things."

** **

Diavolo sat doing paperwork, Ophelia laying on the sofa nearby. She twitched occasionally, but was otherwise still.

He found that the movement of her inkling was vaguely amusing, whether it was moving above her skin or playing with the pigments underneath. Occasionally an eye would appear, opening up and looking around before closing and vanishing again.

Diavolo thought it was like that vampire anime Leviathan once showed him. He'd found it interesting how the humans had picked up pieces of information on vampires and misinterpreted it.

But he suspected that it was something completely different going on with Ophelia. Perhaps Satan could shed some light on it.

** **

It took a while before Asmodeus could catch the young witch alone to chat.

"Tell me," Asmodeus asked sweetly, "what is it like to have a non-magical soulmate?" Alex hummed as he sorted out the card machine. A must, apparently.

"That's a subjective answer, Lord Asmodeus."

"But surely you can feel them on the other end of the bond?" Pausing his movement, Alex nodded.

"I can, still, but I don't think she feels the bond like I do." Asmodeus looked at him expectantly. He continued. "I can feel her pain, but she can't feel mine." He smiled to himself. "Good in a way, but I don't think she feels the pull either."

Asmodeus drew himself up to his full height and looked at the young witch. Alex felt a cold sweat building under the intense gaze of The Avatar of Lust.

"I think I'd like to check the bond."

He looked directly into Alex's eyes.

"Kiss me."

For a moment, Alex looked like he was going to do as Asmodeus suggested. But then he shook it off. Asmodeus hummed.

"It seems the bond is there, and pretty strong. But…" Asmodeus focused again.

"Kneel."

The effect was much more pronounced. Alex found himself kneeling with barely a thought.

Asmodeus hummed and released Alex from his hold. Alex made no move to get back up, though.

"Do- Lord Asmodeus, do you think it would work the same for my Ophelia?" Asmodeus hummed again.

"It's probably how she's still alive. A rarity. That definitely rules out a few things. If only I had a better idea of what she looked like…"

"Oh! I can show you photos, no problem. But most of our photos are either packed away or… well, you'll be able to look at the photos during the exhibition…"

And that, that, was how Asmodeus found out Solomon had forgotten to find out something really important.

** **

It was very hard for Lucifer to keep a neutral face as The Crown Prince of The Devildom explained what had happened and why he was guarding a human. Even more so because she was so close to him, with her head nearly resting on his lap.

The fact Satan was there as well, prodding Ophelia, was not helping. Satan also looked like he wanted to put her head on his lap.

"...the fact there are ligature marks suggests that the demon was very powerful. And you say it activated your promise?"

"It did, yes." Diavolo shook his head. "Whoever this demon is, they attacked my Seer candidate. They managed to overpower Hanzaki, too." Satan nodded.

"I'll make a list of possible demons as well as a deeper look into what you said happened."

After Satan left to research, Diavolo turned to Lucifer.

"Lucifer."

"Yes, Diavolo?"

"Is Belphegor capable of manifesting across different realms?" There was an uncomfortable pause.

"...not that I am aware of." Diavolo hummed.

"You may need to recall him, then. We will probably need his help."

Diavolo almost felt guilty for putting Lucifer under this much pressure. Almost.

** **

"Boxes are packed, prints are tubed…" Alex ticked off the items on his checklist. "I think one of the print display racks has a loose screw."

"But it'll hold?"

"Yeah. I think we've still got spare screws and stuff in the emergency kit."

Solomon and Asmodeus watched in fascination as Alex and Aliss finished the prep. It was clear that they were used to a knowledgeable third person, though. But the chicken seemed content to make sure they weren't going to interfere, and she clucked at Solomon to tell them so. Asmodeus questioned why they'd let a chicken boss them around.

"Aliss' familiar," Solomon said, "comes from an extinct breed of chicken linked to the Celestial Realm."

"Oh?"

"The eggs are imbued with a little magic related to healing." Aliss overheard the conversation and chipped in.

"Yes. Very nutritious, too. More so than regular chicken eggs." Aliss chuckled, and picked the fussing chicken up. "And Gertrude knows it." Gertrude seemed proud. Solomon chuckled.

"She also said she can use Fireblast."

**

The exhibition had mostly been set up by the gallery by the time they arrived, with the few boxes Alex and Aliss had packed to be added to one corner.

Solomon and Asmodeus agreed to do the perimeter checks and set up talismans before joining the other two.

Alex patiently waited for them to finish before escorting them inside, explaining a bit about his art process.

Asmodeus and Solomon both froze as they saw the art on display. Without doubt, the woman in the art was a very familiar face. Aliss raised one eyebrow questioningly at their reaction, but said nothing.

"...and it was using her inks and paints that I did the overlays and painted versions." Alex stopped in front of the largest piece, and sighed. "After she was taken, I couldn't bear to really work on them as much. Thankfully I had plenty of works to fall back on."

Solomon recovered first.

"That's… understandable." He sighed. "We probably should have gotten pictures sooner of your Ophelia. And I am so sorry we forgot..." Aliss chuckled quietly, so only Asmodeus and Solomon could hear.

"Hopefully, knowing what she looks like will speed up the process." Asmodeus, who was still mildly shell-shocked, idly replied.

"I will… forward the pictures to my brothers and Lord Diavolo…"

If anyone could hear the internal thought process for Asmodeus, it might have sounded like this: Oooh, look at that body! Wait. Ophelia!?! She's the- oh. Ohh. Oh no. Oh no no no. How is this going to work? Fuck. Fuckity Fuck. Oh no…

Aliss sighed loudly.

"Remember that she has a soulmate, Lord Asmodeus…"

** **

Ophelia stirred as Mammon went to poke her. She frowned, but settled back down again.

"Mammon."

"What? I'm not gonna- ow!" Lucifer grabbed Mammon and dragged him away from Ophelia. Diavolo internally chuckled, but kept a serious face.

"Satan is currently investigating what I've asked him to. Asmodeus is with Solomon and Gaap's charges." Diavolo let himself crack a smile. "But the reason that I've asked you to meet here in the greenhouse is twofold. One, to tell you about the incident, and secondly…"

The stampeding of green caterpillars shocked everyone but Diavolo. There was a lot of clicking noises. The green, arm-length caterpillars mostly gathered around the unconscious human, but a few crawled up Diavolo. He laughed and began stroking them.

"...secondly, I must introduce you to the children."

Mammon barely dodged a torrent of flames. Diavolo couldn't help but laugh loudly.

"They're very protective of their Mother, aren't they?"

Mammon went bright red. That was clearly not what he expected to hear.

"M-m-Mother?!"

** **

Normally, Asmo would have been enjoying himself at an event like this. Schmoozing, chatting to artists and appreciators of art - normally his thing. But no. Not only was there no chance to catch Solomon alone to talk about this, they had to be on high alert.

Even Barbatos had been concerned before they left.

Asmo sidled up to Aliss where she stood at the buffet table. She shot him a smile.

"Lord Asmo-"

"Oh no, that is too formal. Please, call me Asmo." He smiled. She was about to protest. "If my brother speaks so highly of you, I insist." Aliss chuckled, shaking her head knowingly.

"Well, I can't turn that compliment down. Not from him." They laughed together before settling into a more relaxed style of observation. She offered him a salmon canapé.

"Ah, thank you." Asmo smiled. "So, what do you think your Alex would do if we could find your Ophelia before we all got back, hmm?" Aliss looked at him wryly and dropped her voice.

"Going by the expression on both Solomon and your lovely visages," she murmured, "I would guess that you two already know where she is."

The look on Asmo's face was more than enough confirmation. Thankfully for Asmo, the sound of a wall being blown inwards provided the perfect distraction.

**

A big snuggly heap of children around their mother. A cozy, heartwarming sight.

The expression on Ophelia's face was suddenly pained. That immediately made Diavolo call for Gaap.

When they arrived, Gaap reached out towards her, but the caterpillars were getting restless.

"I'm trying to help your Mother. I need to make sure she's alright." The kids clicked amongst themselves before letting Gaap through.

"What's-"

"She's having a vision. Nothing too serious." This made the caterpillars gather more tightly, with thoughtful clicking.

** **

In the chaos of the wall collapsing, people were panicking. Understandable.

None of the wards were triggered, but that wall… Solomon mused to himself.

And then the Arrays and wards were set off. Solomon could sense the witches, but they were playing it cautious.

The four magic users gathered in one area as the civilians escaped.

"The gallery owner is married to a Merrow, so I was able to tell her everything," Aliss said. "They'll guide civilians out."

"Good."

"Then let's stay here," Alex said, before sighing. "I hope you don't mind ice."

"What do you- oh."

Alex activated his ice aura. Floor tiles a few meters away from them cracked with the sudden cold, but the ones under their feet remained whole. They felt warm, if anything. Alex hissed.

"They're outside my range."

"How many?"

"At least three." Aliss hummed. Little motes of bright dust appeared around her briefly before scattering. There was a glint in her eyes.

"Two nearer, two much further away." She sighed, then gently cleared her throat. "They're concealing their identities with magic. But they seem to be talking."

"How long can you hold your ice for, Alex?"

"Oh, a while yet." He smiled. "And if you'd like to attack, I do have another trick to ext-"

"No time! Shield up!" Solomon and Aliss had barely raised magical shields when the other wall was blown inwards with more force, surrounding them with rubble.

"Are they trying to make me dirty?" Asmo immediately switched into his demon form and flew up.

"Blast it?"

"Blast it."

The rubble was blown away by a blast of oven-like heat. There was some screaming. And another scream. They split up, Solomon sticking with Alex, and Aliss headed towards Asmo.

Alex huffed.

"Fuck's sake." They nimbly hopped around debris. "There goes a decent exhibition space."

A tall humanoid figure leapt in front of them and blocked their path, wielding green balls of fire in their claw-like hands. Otherwise, the figure looked like a badly photoshopped fake cryptid - flat black.

They sized each other up before it realised that its feet had been frozen to the ground. With a roar, it let loose the fire all around.

Alex did the same with his fire.

When it all cleared, the humanoid was left standing on its own. It roared in anger.

"I will get you!"

Notes:

Leviathan and Diavolo have seen Hellsing, too. 😆

So. Aliss knows the score. She was right first time! Solomon doesn't know she knows.

Lucifer knows that Diavolo is onto him. 😉

Chapter 22

Notes:

Ha! Finally broke the writer's block.

Aliss caught up to Asmo.

He was standing over two very besotted looking human witches. One male, one female.

"Oh no, no. This was supposed to be a training exercise."

"Nuh-uh. We were meant to act as decoy."

Asmo thought carefully.

"Both?" The humans looked at each other. The woman sighed.

"That could make sense."

You've probably both been told different things deliberately,Aliss thought.

"Although I did hear," the man chipped in, "that some of the art going on display here today really offended our head-"

"Oh, that's what he was pissed abo-"

Something akin to static in the air made the hairs on everyone's skin raise. Then, the two witches vanished in an acrid blue puff of smoke. Asmo hissed.

"Remote Summoning Talismans?" Aliss hummed. Risky things to use on humans, that was for sure. High risk of killing or maiming.

"Well, whoever activated them must have left a huge magical footprint. We should at least determine a direction before meeting up with the other two."

** **

Diavolo knew, even without Barbatos telling him or Gaap getting fidgety, that Ophelia was getting close to waking up.

The children had started getting more restless, and some had discovered that they were capable of producing silk.

It had been a struggle to wrestle her away from them, but eventually they conceded on the grounds that everyone was hungry and they should probably show their new skills off to their Mother when she was fully awake.

And speaking of Ophelia…

She nuzzled further into Diavolo's hold as he carried her. Gaap chuckled.

"She's so cute, sometimes. Have you told her about your plans, yet?"

"...no." Gaap sighed, their neck fins rippling.

"You probably should. She wrote off any ideas about her potential importance because… well, she doesn't realise it." Gaap shook their head. "When she wakes up, please, summon me right away. I'll need to examine her. But for now, I will check in with my charges."

"Of course."

** **

Alex and Solomon sat under a tree, quietly. They'd done a double teleport, and Solomon felt a little tired. They decided to take a quick break.

"I should learn how to do that." Solomon nodded.

"It might be possible, if you can handle energy transfer. That ice and fire trick was very devious." Alex smiled.

"Thank you. It's just Thermodynamics, essentially."

"Oh, using the heat leeched to make the fire."

"That's it. Learning science in ordinary human school was actually very helpful."

"Of course." Solomon hummed with thought. "You attended with your Ophelia, right?" Alex nodded.

"All the way to University. Having a personal ink and paint maker definitely gives you an edge when you're doing art."

"I'm sure the different materials in the Devildom will be a new experience for her." Alex let out a dry laugh.

"She'd get right to trying to make some ink for that pen of hers." He sighed. "I didn't find it in the stream, so hopefully it's still with her."

"Oh?"

"It's one of the few family heirlooms she has, so… I hope she still has it. Gives me headaches." He sighed, and shook his head. "That's a point. That humanoid figure-"

Solomon was surprised by the jump in the conversation, but it was also gnawing at him.

"A hellfire welding demonoid."

"Corrupted human?"

"...wielding hellfire, yes." Solomon frowned. "We'd better meet with the other two."

**

After a brief scuffle with a weird demonic humanoid, Asmo and Aliss had lost the trail they were following. However…

"The only large coven in this area is… hmm." She scowled. "...makes vexing sense. Not going to jump to conclusions, though."

"Unless smaller covens worked together?"

"Not likely, but not impossible." Aliss frowned. "I should check in with Gaap soon. Ask them to ask about Ophelia." Asmo squeaked. Aliss guessed why.

"No, please-" Aliss put on her best intimidating face.

"Then you tell me the truth, Asmodeus Morningstar, or I will call Lord Dia-" Apparently her impression of Lucifer worked.

"No! Please!" Asmo screeched. Then, he knelt down in front of her. "Look. Aliss. The reason we- we know exactly where Alex's soulmate is… Oh, we are so dead! Aliss, you wouldn't let this out…?"

"Get on with it, Lord Asmodeus. Why did both you and Solomon look like you were in the shit when you saw a picture of our Ophelia?" Asmo scrunched up on himself.

The trees around them seemed to rustle ominously.

"Because she's- your Ophelia and our Ophelia are one and the same!"

"What." Aliss went deathly pale. "Oh no…"

Fortunately, Aliss fainted in Asmo's direction, and he caught her with ease.

"This. Is. Going to be. A cluster fuck." Asmo sighed. "And not in a fun way."

** **

Ophelia bolted straight upright, before feeling dizzy and falling down again. Gaap caught her.

"Easy, sweetie." They were in a small room that felt opulent but plain. The bed that she was on was very high quality. And she appeared to be in a luxurious robe over her underwear.

"Gaap…?" Gaap grinned.

"OK, that's a good start. How do you feel?"

"Always with the difficult questions…" Ophelia paused for a moment and thought about it. "Weird," she finally settled on, "like I'm on the edge of something."

She nodded to herself, but then her hand crept up to her neck. Gaap's eyes widened, and Ophelia eyed their reaction cautiously.

"...it actually happened, didn't it?" Her voice was little more than a whisper and was trembling as much as she was. Gaap nodded solemnly and their neck fins drooped.

"...yes." Ophelia's eyes grew wet with tears.
Before Ophelia let out a sob, Gaap had already pulled her to them in a tight hug. "Let it out, Ophelia, you're safe now."

There was a thundering, stampeding sound before the door was flung open.

"Ophelia!"

"Who da fuck made my human cry?"

"Who dares-"

There was a moment of silence before Barbatos sighed.

"I will bring the tea set and snacks," he said before excusing himself. Mammon and Hanzaki looked at each other, and Diavolo frowned. Gaap glanced at them and huffed, before focusing back on Ophelia. They leaned down to murmur into her ear, before letting her go.

"Don't forget, sweetie-"

Ophelia swung her legs out of the bed, went to take a step, and- thud! Ophelia fell to the floor, having taken a misstep.

"Pak!"

"-you took your crutches off." Gaap was holding back her grin with sheer concern. Ophelia soon picked herself up with a certain fluidity, and sat down on the bed.

She now saw that she was in a guest room in the castle, but not one of the ones used before. It felt more… homely, and the three other demons sat in a cozy seating area. It felt more like a small apartment.

"Er… Hi?" Diavolo and Hanzaki were smiling, Mammon still looked a bit surprised. Hanzaki grinned first.

"Congratulations, Ophelia."

The next hour or so was a flurry.

Barbatos with a cake and teas, Mammon fussing in his own way over her (by asking why she had to have a dangerous familiar), and a smiling Diavolo asking gentle questions.

It ended with Diavolo getting texts, and Gaap shooing them all out to do more evaluation.

"Unless," Gaap quipped, "you want to be at risk of Ophelia hitting you with her crutches because you hung around to watch her undress." Ophelia nodded in agreement.

"That usually takes a fancy date to see me in my underwea-" Mammon went bright red and zipped out of the room. She chuckled. "I'm not telling him that everyone has technically already seen me naked."

Ophelia could almost see some gears turning in Diavolo's head.

"When she was a moth, my Lord," Barbatos clarified. Ophelia grinned.

"Exactly." Diavolo laughed heartily, and then stood up and left, Barbatos in tow. Hanzaki looked at them leaving, and frowned.

"Is it alright if I examine the tattoos? And check on your Inkling?" Ophelia nodded, and shrugged the robe off without hesitation.

"Of course you don't count in that threat. It was mostly for Mammon." Hanzaki couldn't help laughing.

Notes:

So.
Aliss knows. Now, why would she know how to imitate Lucifer's stern face? That's the bigger question.

Ophelia is awake, and full of sass. So no different from usual. Or is it?

Solomon is definitely going to be sweating bullets when he realises that Aliss knows. 🤣

...and on a totally different note. A transition between Aliss fainting and Ophelia waking up would be so great on a screen. Just... Aliss falling forward to Ophelia jolting up in bed.
(But I didn't think it would be as fun as what I wrote.)

Chapter 23

The League of Misfits

Ophelia: [sends bed selfie]
Ophelia: I survived, bitches.
Lok:
Gloka: Time for a PAAAARRTAAAAAY!
Benaz: Heme? Time to ask your Father for another favour!
Heme: Already on it.
Heme:
Qurnar: I'll grab some snacks, then.
Benaz: But Barbatos cooks… no, you're right. We'd better take some.
Gloka: Yes, there are some snacks I spotted that I think you'd like, Ophelia. Came out yesterday.
Ophelia:
Ophelia: Extra to bribe various people might help.

**

"Oh, are they coming? That's good. Celebrate your achievement." Ophelia nodded. "But. That bruise…"

"Hmm… Gaap, how do bruises work?"

"Why?"

"Blot's prodding at it from the inside." Gaap's neck fins straightened in curious attention.

"The blood leaked from broken capillaries. Your familiar- Blot? It could be able to absorb it. Maybe."

And then Gaap watched as the bruising began to fade.

"Huh."

Ophelia chuckled, and then drew lines from the corner of her eyes like eyeliner. Dark, blurry lines like a bruise but in eyeliner form appeared.

"We were chatting about it, and Blot likes pigments and whatnot. So…"

"Does that mean you can put sigils on your skin?"

"Hopefully. It needs finesse." And then Ophelia sighed. "...we couldn't figure out what the slight tugging feeling in my chest is, though."

Gaap was shocked.

"Ah. Maybe it's not physical, but… magic?" Ophelia sighed.

"It feels… like someone's pulling on it, but far away. And that it'll feel better once I find who's on the other end… Gaap?" Gaap looked a bit shocked.

"That might be- Ophelia, what do you know about Soulmates?" And then, Gaap pulled out their DDD and began looking for something.

"Not too much. Magical beings can have them, and there's a few… pros and cons? The dying soon after the other one just sounds like a cheesy romance-"

"Do you know this woman?" Gaap had all but shoved the DDD in Ophelia's face, looking like they were ready to bolt and faint at the same time.

Ophelia looked at the photo of a familiar blonde woman with rainbow streaks and- Gaap was getting frantic now. Ophelia was shaking. She couldn't see just how pale she'd gone.

"Ophelia…?"

"Tha- That's Aliss, my- my boyfriend's mother."

"...she's my other pact holder."

Gaap and Ophelia stared at each other, wide eyed, afraid to move.

** **

"OK," Solomon said, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Aliss knows, and is currently still unconscious, and there's possibly two demonoids on the loose."

"...yes." Alex came running into the room looking panicked, and carrying his mother and her familiar on his back.

"There's three demonoids breaching the perimeter. Solomon-"

Solomon was muttering something, and the room seemed to fill with the feeling of rising sand. A door opened in what was previously just a wall. Alex didn't recognise the very powerful demon that stepped through it.

Barbatos frowned. Solomon shook his head.

"We need to move, Barbatos. Three demonoids." Solomon turned to Alex. "Barbatos can take you into The Devildom whilst we deal with them."

And the next thing Alex knew, he was being pushed into the mysterious doorway and into the room beyond.

Or not a room. Impossible perspectives, stairs and corridors on any and all surfaces

"This place is like an Escher artwork…"

"Yes, I am afraid he accidentally passed through on his travels once." Alex bristled at the sudden appearance of Barbatos next to him, but was also curious.

"That… explains a lot." Barbatos smiled.

"Please, follow me. I have prepared quarters for you."

Barbatos led Alex through the castle to a guest suite, all the while explaining a few things as they went.

Like why the gaggle of snack bearing demons were giggling and following a giant demon - visiting a friend. Or why there was a white haired demon hung on a light fixture - punishment for trying to steal something. The fact a caterpillar was trying to torch the hanging demon was not explained, however, as Barbatos scooped it up.

Once in the room, Alex laid his mother on the bed, and Gertrude hopped next to her.

"Wait here, I will summon Gaap and return with refreshments."

"Thank you." Barbatos left quietly. Alex looked at his mother, and sighed.

His soulmate was definitely in the Devildom, definitely alive, and… not far away at all.

**

Barbatos found Gaap practically vibrating as they paced up and down the corridor near Ophelia's suite.

And it seemed that they were nervous.

"Gaap-"

"Eep!" They stopped vibrating a little when they realised it was Barbatos. "Oh, hello, Barbatos."

"Gaap, you seem perturbed-"

"I need urgent counsel with Lord Diavolo."

"Has something happened?" Gaap's eyes were wide and they just nodded. Barbatos immediately understood how bad it was. He hadn't seen what exactly was going on, but he had known the severity.

"...please." Barbatos nodded.

"Follow me."

** **

"Oh no, this is the witch from earlier," Asmo lamented, "I recognise what's left of the body."

Solomon frowned, and dropped the claw he was holding.

"Same coven. The magic is the same."

"Poor things. Corrupted by demonic power."

"And in this quantity, it has to be… well. One of your brothers or higher."

"Either way, we need to speak with Lord Diavolo urgently." Solomon winced, but ultimately agreed.

"And the other issue, too…"

** **

"...that is so cool."

The bottle in Ophelia's hand now contained a colourless liquid, her familiar having absorbed the colour from the drink. Qurnar took it, and drank it.

"That is… it tastes almost the same, but it's clear!" Gloka hummed.

"And then that eyeliner thing… durable eyeshadow! Perfect lipstick! …sigils on your skin?"

"Eventually. I don't have the magic myself to activate them, though." Heme hissed excitedly with thought.

"Some of them, like an energy transfer one, wouldn't need your input to work." Then she swallowed the chicken wing whole.

"Either way, I need to practice and get it precise enough to work." Benaz laughed.

"And then you'll just be able to print sigils with your Inkling anyway."

"And copy books." Gloka beamed at Ophelia.

"Does that mean you'll be able to copy your notes for us easily?"

"Nah," Ophelia said, "I'll be able to steal everyone's notes right off the page. Make everyone fail but me!" And then she did her best impression of an evil laugh, making everyone laugh.

** **

Gaap remained as still as possible in their kneeling bowed position after delivering the news to Lord Diavolo.

Who was flickering between his demon forms, unsure as to who he needed to be angry with.

"Arise, Gaap." His voice had strange harmonics to it. Gaap slowly raised their head to look at Lord Diavolo.

Yes, he was definitely looking more demonic than usual, but apparently had settled for his first demon form, but with a tail and much more defined claws.

Barbatos next to him had apparently, out of instinct, also switched to his demon form. Gaap was certain that a human would due to fright seeing this combination.

Gaap stood up, bearing in mind Lord Diavolo's order, but also not wanting to move fast and activate any instinctive reactions from anyone. Including themselves, because they just wanted to run away and hide.

"How do you think it should be handled?"

"I… I'd like to confirm it with my pact holder, first. Without him there."

"I shall take him on a tour of the castle, Milord." Gaap nodded, murmuring in agreement. Lord Diavolo seemed a little lost in thought.

"I should visit Ophelia when her guests have left."

** **

"Oh for- Take the tour, Alex. Take Gertrude with you if you must." Aliss leaned in and fake whispered. "And if you get some information on where she is, all the better." Barbatos smiled knowingly. Gaap sighed.

"And you'll have a good appreciation of the castle. There are some interesting bits of art, some of which are considered lost in the human realm." That got his attention. Gaap grinned. "Besides, I doubt you'll want to stick around for any physical examination of your Mother."

Well, that definitely made his mind up. Alex went with Barbatos without any more fuss.

After they had gone, Aliss chuckled at Gaap.

"You and I both know I fainted, and that's all." Rolling their eyes, Gaap nodded.

"Well, yes. Fainting for witches can be longer than for normal humans. Should I ask what made you faint?"

"Oh Gaap, there's been a colossal fuck up and a misunderstanding."

"...Ophelia." Aliss gave Gaap a disparaging look.

"How long have you known?"

"About an hour." Gaap looked at Aliss, and bowed. "And that is the truth."

"...and how did she react?" Gaap looked concerned, but Aliss continued. "I know this wouldn't have come out unless you'd had some cause or confirmation."

"So, did you hear that she has a familiar, now?" Aliss nodded. "We were talking, and she asked about a tugging in her chest." And then Aliss' eyes widened.

"She can feel the pull now…?"

"...yes." Aliss frowned, and then took a deep breath.

"She's had visions whilst in The Devildom, hasn't she." Not a question. "And that's why you gave her Devildom Hemp."

"...for the migraines."

"How have her legs been? The fatigue?"

"You knew about the Alchemical Hellfire." Aliss shook her head.

"Only suspected it was that foul stuff." Aliss sighed. "I never had chance to examine her legs, and Alex… he won't know what it is." Gaap nodded, and then sighed. There was more to this.

"Aliss. You know more about Ophelia's past than she thinks, don't you?"

Aliss didn't need to answer, she just smiled sadly and wistfully.

Notes:

Oho. Aliss is a dark horse, and she wears rainbows to hide it.

I'm also having issues deciding quite how to handle the reunion. Do I go soppy? Funny? Dramatic? Hmm.

Chapter 24

If he was honest, Solomon had very little idea how he'd ever gotten the moniker "the Wise". Perhaps it was just his age and magic, because he sure as hell felt stupid now.

He and Asmo were kneeling in front of a slightly more demonic form of The Crown Prince than they were used to. His tip of his tail - tail?! - was flicking back and forth, possibly out of irritation.

"HOW exactly did this happen? HOW did nobody figure this out sooner?" Diavolo's voice boomed throughout the room, making Solomon flinch.

"That- that is what I'd like to figure out." Asmodeus politely cleared his throat.

"Lord Diavolo, if I may," he said, "we should also ask Gaap's charges… especially Aliss." Diavolo let out a deep, tired sigh.

"Yes. Although now I am thinking of how we go forward. It is… diplomatically awkward, and I do not wish to shock Ophelia…" Diavolo paused. "Your punishments… I will ask Ophelia and her soulmate about that." He stood up, and dismissed them with a gesture. "For now, let me think."

** **

Ophelia sighed.

She was finally alone, and if she was honest with herself, she needed time to process everything.

She sprawled across the sofa, trying to let the weight of realization go. Then she reached for a bag of snacks left on the table, and opened them. Chicken Waffle flavour. Surprisingly accurate, and enough distraction to let her think.

She was on the edge of something, and not just the sofa.

And that's when it hit.

If her Father was behind both the Alchemical Hellfire when she was younger, and her RAD application, then he must be-

The door to the suite opened and shut quickly and quietly, with a whispered expletive. Obviously the person hadn't noticed her from where she was on the sofa.

I should have checked the door was locked, she thought.

Blot cautiously extended an appendage to look, and relayed the information to Ophelia, and she smiled a little to herself. The person in question was apparently hiding from someone.

After a few seconds of deliberation, she just decided to speak up.

"...please tell me," she drawled, "that you haven't pissed off Barbatos somehow." She slowly sat up and looked at the intruder.

Alex was standing there, wide eyed and frozen in place. His eyes were full of tears, and he reached towards her. She smiled at him softly.

"Lexie… long time no see."

If anyone was in the corridor outside, they would have heard a loud sob and a wailing as he bolted to her. His flying tackle of a hug knocked them both sprawling over the sofa, and he held her so tightly that she almost found it hard to breathe.

Or was it her breath catching as his face buried itself in the junction between her neck and her shoulder?

He was sobbing without words, and she held him as tightly as he was holding her. She knew to let him cry it out first. Understandable, really.

Eventually, he started murmuring things into the crook of her neck, unintelligible but with feeling. And she murmured sweet nothings in return until he was ready for full conversation.

** **

Gaap and Aliss exited the room after a flustered alert from Gertrude. They found her with a mildly vexed Barbatos.

"Honestly, that son of yours-" Aliss chuckled.

"I bet he found Ophelia." Gaap looked at Aliss.

"Should we check on them?" Aliss sighed deeply, shaking her head.

"They're either fighting or fucking. I'd suggest texting Ophelia, since he hasn't got a DDD yet."

** **

"So you have a familiar now, huh?"

"Yes. It's an Inkling." Alex traced the words tattooed on the inside of her forearm, and read them.

"I have an inkling." His eyes went wide."A pun and a warning… it's not under your skin, is it?" And then she grabbed his shoulders and held him as far as she could.

"Oh shit, with the soulmate thing and the ceremony, and the link, of course-" He went crimson.

"Ah- No, I wasn't-" He continued to get redder. "Ok, yes, I did feel it…"

"Alex, I am so sorry!" He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close again.

"I'm sorry for not telling you that-" She clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Oh no, we could get in an apology loop again." She huffed. "Should have known something was off about Gertrude." He kissed her hand and removed it from his face with another kiss.

"The intelligence?"

"And, the lifespan." Alex nodded.

"Gertrude is my Mum's familiar. Their lifespan is linked, and well…" He looked a little sheepish. "My Mum is a few hundred years old…"

"Huh." Ophelia paused in thought. "Yeah, Gaap mentioned something about working together during the Black Death."

"...you don't seem surprised at the age thing."

"I think living with demons tends to do that. Mammon has debts to Leviathan older than we are." Alex frowned, and then sighed contentedly, opting to push her back down onto the sofa and rest his head on his favourite pillows.

**

One Hell of a Butler

Barbatos: Perchance, have you seen a wayward witch?
Ophelia: Hmm. Perhaps?
Ophelia: [selfie with Alex snuggled to chest]
Barbatos: I see.
Barbatos:
Ophelia: Yeah, please assure Alice, Gaap, and Gertrude that he's fine. And to settle their probable bet, NEITHER.
Barbatos: ...
Barbatos: Understood. I will bring refreshments.
Barbatos: Also, Lord Diavolo wishes to speak to both of you later, so I hope you will be ready and presentable.
Ophelia: Thank you so much, and thanks for the heads up!

Barbatos dutifully showed the picture to Aliss and Gaap. Gaap groaned as they saw the replies.

"I can't tell if she knows us too well or knows because of other reasons."

** **

The House of Lamentation

Ophelia: The competition for snuggling time with me has now got one more competitor.
Ophelia: [selfie with Alex snuggled to chest]
Mammon:
Mammon: The fuck?
Mammon: I'm not sharing my human!
Beel: I'm sure we can all hug you at the same time.
Beel:
Lucifer: That had better not be the new exchange student.
Ophelia: Why not?
Lucifer: You know full well he has a soulmate.
Ophelia: Yeah, about that.
Ophelia: Ask Asmo for an update.
Lucifer: I suppose this means that you have met his mother?
Ophelia: And Gertrude!
Lucifer: I expect your best behaviour, she is a very well respected witch.
Ophelia: …
Ophelia: Bit late for that, but I do appreciate the warning.
Lucifer:
Ophelia: I've had enough chance over the past decade or so to make a distinct impression.
Lucifer: Ah. So you know his soulmate?
Ophelia: Yup.
Ophelia: I'm leaving any further explanation to Asmo, because I get the feeling he should be the one to do it. Or Solomon.

"Snuggling competition, huh?"

"Well. Mams, Asmo, and Beel are physically affectionate people." Alex looked at her like he was doing some form of calculation, and then smiled.

"Beel's right." A pause. "Wait, you don't mean 3 of the Seven Avatars-"

"Yeah."

"Seven of the rulers of the Devildom, and-"

"And two of them like slipping into my bed on occasion."

"For sex?"

"For sleep." Alex hummed.

"Mammon looked like he was enjoying being hung up on the chandelier, so I think…" By this time, Ophelia had already pulled up her OnlyFiends and showed him a few pictures.

"Well… he does get tied up a lot." Alex looked stunned. And then…

"Wait, your OnlyFiends is mostly calligraphy?" He seemed disappointed, and she laughed.

"Pervert."

** **

Crown Prince Diavolo's gaze fixed firmly on the human in front of him. Said human squirmed, but ultimately locked eyes with him.

Oblivious to the tension, Ophelia poured the tea to go with the snacks Barbatos had left.

"I do have to ask," Diavolo said, "what kind of tea are you serving?" Ophelia hummed.

"Oh, this is just some of what Barbatos kindly left in here. I'd say it's a white tea, but not silver needle."

"And you just happened to put a big batch in for cold brewing earlier?" She laughed.

"Apparently so." Alex smiled warmly. Diavolo noticed this.

"Has she always been like this?" His quiet question caught Alex off guard.

"I-er, yes, your highness." Diavolo nodded.

Once the tea was all poured out, Diavolo pulled himself into a slightly more formal mood. Both humans snapped to attention, one stiffer than the other. They were easily within half an arm's reach of each other, and Alex looked ready to grab her hand.

"We must discuss what has happened," Crown Prince Diavolo said, "and negotiate the next steps." Ophelia let out a soft sigh. Alex glanced at her in concern before looking back at Diavolo, and nodding.

"I am mostly thankful that you've kept Ophelia safe despite the… surprise enrollment." Diavolo laughed nervously, dropping his regal stance somewhat.

"No need to try and soften the happenstance," Diavolo said, solemnly. Glancing between Alex and Diavolo, Ophelia decided to just sip her tea. Diavolo looked at her with the hint of a question. She smirked.

"Expecting more swearing?" she asked quietly, before looking at Alex. He was building up to it. She turned back to Diavolo. "Give it a minute."

About thirty seconds later, Alex erupted into a sweary tirade about kidnapping, checking applications, and the importance of interviewing potential candidates. Diavolo had to admit he agreed with all the major points, but decided to derail the witch and his rant.

"-of course you are absolutely correct, but it doesn't tell me how I can help you now," he said. Alex sputtered to a halt, clearly not having thought quite that far.

"Perhaps while he thinks," Ophelia said, "we should worry about who was trying to kill us. With me cast to Hell, and shitty-ass looking cryptids trying to kill Alex-"

"Wait." Alex held his hands up to stop her. "How did you know about that?" Diavolo laughed.

"One of your visions?" She nodded.

"I realised that most of my visions and snippets of insight have been linked to what's going on with Alex or towards people close to me." She looked down at her hands, and took a deep breath. "I think I have the basics down, but I still can't control it. Yet." Diavolo sighed, somewhat contentedly, and smiled.

"Well, that's definitely a good start. So I'd like to formally appoint you as my Royal Seer." She flinched before looking up at Diavolo slowly. Alex grabbed her hands, directing her gaze towards him.

"That's great news!" She sighed, and looked at Diavolo. He was looking at her, expectantly. And she huffed.

"...that's what you were going to announce at the party?"

"Not at all." Diavolo smiled. "I was actually planning on announcing that I had a candidate for a Royal Seer, but now there's just too much evidence and much need of the added protection for the both of you." Ophelia went bright red, mouth agape, and opted to bury her head in Alex's shoulder.

Diavolo looked at Alex questioningly.

"Overwhelmed," Alex mouthed silently, before softly putting his arms around her. Diavolo nodded, before inching around to them. He stopped when he was just to the side of Alex, and knelt down.

"I am sorry, Ophelia," he said tenderly, "a lot has happened this weekend, hasn't it?" She sighed deeply, and looked at Diavolo from her snuggled position.

"Hasn't it just." She huffed. "Not least that I realised that my Father must be… magically inclined and be in a pact with a highly capable demon." This surprised Diavolo. Alex shook his head.

"...I think there needs to be a big meeting about all this," he said, "but not just yet."

"Yes, I think you're right." Diavolo chuckled. "Perhaps after dinner, when we can gather all the people involved. For now though, I think I should let you both rest."

**

Asmo perked up suddenly from his task.

"Ooh, that's a big spike of lust!" Barbatos frowned.

"Focus, please. I would very much like this floor to be scrubbed thoroughly."

Notes:

This chapter fought me the whole time.

So we have the reunion at last! Yes. Went for both fluff and humour!

We also get a bit more idea of what Ophelia and Blot can do together,

Chapter 25

Ophelia knew when Aliss had arrived in the dining hall because she'd found herself pulled into another bone-crushing hug.

"Oh, Fifi…"

"Aliss…"

"You're a little shite for not writing or anything, I tell you that." And then Aliss sighed. "Although I get why you didn't, and it probably was better." Aliss kissed the top of Ophelia's head before loosening her hug. "Where is my wayward son?"

"Oh, I made him apologize to Barbatos, so Barbatos drafted him in for kitchen assistance." Aliss chuckled.

"Good." Noting where her name card was and also how empty the rest of the table currently was, Aliss decided that pinching Lucifer's seat for a short while was an acceptable risk. She sat down next to Ophelia. "I do need to ask about how your legs have been-" Ophelia leaned in conspiratorially.

"How much do you know about Alchemical Hellfire?" Aliss was only mildly surprised.

"Ah, so you know." Ophelia nodded.

"They've been a little better. I think the extra ambient magic in the air has been helping, as well as… "

"Visions." Ophelia nodded. Aliss chuckled. "Well, Gaap and I do have a theory about how to completely get rid of the Hellfire, but it will be painful."

"Flush it out with a metric fuck-ton of magic power?" Aliss seemed surprised, if only briefly. Ophelia sighed. "Well, that's what I thought. But first, to gather it." Aliss was about to reply when a looming shadow appeared behind her.

"Aliss," Lucifer purred, "is your eyesight failing you in your old age? I do not believe that is your assigned seat."

"Certainly not, Lucifer. I just needed a quick word with my beloved daughter-in-law before you arrived." Aliss shifted from the seat and chuckled. "Remember, Fifi. Outwards in." Aliss shifted over to her seat as Ophelia saluted. Lucifer looked exasperated.

"Good evening, Lucifer." Lucifer sat down gracefully, and looked at Ophelia expectantly. She grinned, before focusing on pouring herself a drink from the nearest jug of juice.

"Daughter-in-Law?"

"I know her son pretty well, yes." Lucifer pinched the bridge of his nose. Aliss probably had an amused look on her face, but had turned away. Ophelia continued prattling on. "And we ended up getting married after some romantic shenanigans…"

"Youare the soulmate."

"Yeah." Ophelia chuckled nervously. "Lord Diavolo was thinking about having a meeting after dinner-" Lucifer sighed deeply.

"So that is why I was called for dinner at short notice." Ophelia shrugged.

"And why there's a surprisingly small oval table here. Are you sure you don't want to let Mammon down off the lights for dinner?"

"He is on cooking duty tonight, and so, is back at the house already." She nodded in understanding, kind of glad she didn't have to suffer Mammon's cooking tonight.

** **

Barbatos was not a demon that regretted things easily.

However, this was definitely a situation that could be described as regrettable.

The young witch was an excellent cook, and Asmodeus brilliant at food presentation, but… Solomon seemed very, very determined to help in the kitchen with the food. And definitely was not being fobbed off this time.

Regrettable.

Barbatos made Asmodeus taste anything Solomon had touched, but also decided to call for backup. Lord Diavolo had then said that Ophelia had just given him an idea.

Gaap came bursting into the kitchen minutes later. They dragged Solomon away, claiming an urgent need for assistance. It was true, but maybe not as urgent as the need to get Solomon out from the kitchen. Alex looked up from his task, raised an eyebrow, and then continued. Asmodeus hummed.

"Oh good, now we don't have to be so vigilant." Alex sighed, and added the last of the vegetables to the pot.

"I just hope my Mum's cooking never gets that bad."

"Is that why Ophelia is so good at baking?"

"...nah. My Mother is a decent cook. Ophelia learnt from her Mother. Finds the kneading relaxing." Asmo hummed thoughtfully.

"The first morning after she arrived, she baked pastries." Alex paused in his work.

"She told me about the broken legs, please tell me you lot didn't force-"

"No! Oh no, no. Apparently she woke up and couldn't sleep again, so made pastry." Alex chuckled, nodding in understanding.

"...ah. She didn't have any paint to mull or calligraphy to do."

** **

Gaap pulled Solomon into a small side room, where he immediately came face to face with Crown Prince Diavolo in his regular demon form. Solomon went pale.

"Solomon," he said, "Ophelia has decided your punishment already." Solomon looked like he was ready to run, but knew that he'd never get far and it would only make it worse.

"I- She did, your highness?"

"Oh, yes. Apparently she hasn't quite forgotten about what you did to her fried rice."

Oh shit.

Solomon felt like his life was about to get more chaotic as he felt the wave of magic wash over him and then settle, bone deep and then further.

"Solomon the Wise, you are hereby banned from any and all kitchens in The Devildom for 500 years."

Solomon fainted.

** **

Ophelia didn't need any sort of seeing power to tell that Lucifer was actually quite fond of Aliss.

They'd taken turns telling mildly embarrassing tales about each other during their brief meetings in The Human Realm. And Lucifer was laughing.

Ophelia felt comfortable enough to check her DDD again.

Baby Daddy

Diavolo: Your idea for Solomon was so good that I did it right away.
Ophelia:
Ophelia: Does that mean Alex is safe from his cooking?
Diavolo:
Diavolo: I have no doubt he'll find a loophole, but it should buy us time.
Ophelia: But still-
Ophelia:
Diavolo:

Ophelia's grin caught Lucifer's attention.

"Now what could be so good that you're on your-"

"Solomon has been banned from any kitchens in The Devildom for at least 200 years." Aliss laughed. Lucifer smiled broadly.

"My, how… unfortunate for him."

**

Dinner was delicious, if slightly awkward.

Solomon looked betrayed, Alex seemed disappointed that he wasn't next to or directly opposite Ophelia, and Simeon had shown up bearing cake. Asmo kept wiggling his eyebrows at Ophelia, and she leered back.

Simeon seemed mildly weary of Aliss, and so was happy to be sitting next to Ophelia. Ophelia had the feeling that Diavolo was mildly pleased to be further away from Simeon, but couldn't quite place why.

And then the meeting began, after the delicious cake.

"Lord Diavolo, why did you call this meeting so… abruptly?" Lucifer said, sighing again. Lord Diavolo smiled.

"Well, I'm thankful that everyone necessary has made it despite the short notice," he said, "it really is important. I do believe, with those gathered, we need to discuss recent events and how to proceed." Asmo and Solomon both tried to make themselves as small as possible whilst trying to keep a shred of dignity. This did not go unnoticed by Lucifer.

"Perhaps Asmodeus and Solomon should start by summarising their latest assignment," Lucifer said. Without looking, Ophelia could tell that Lucifer had his sadistic face on. Aliss hummed.

"Let me." Lucifer nodded curtly, and when Diavolo had motioned for her to go ahead, Aliss grinned. "The shortest summary is: Solomon has successfully found my son's soulmate after lengthy investigation, and we have successfully finished our move to the Devildom. " Lucifer frowned.

"Honestly-" Lord Diavolo laughed.

"A wonderful summary." He soon sobered up. "However, it still doesn't explain a few things. And while there were mistakes on all sides-" He ignored how bristly Lucifer looked. "-it was clearly orchestrated." Everyone nodded. Lord Diavolo smiled again. "Although I cannot honestly say I am displeased with the outcome so far."

Many people were concerned and confused. Ophelia, on the other hand, was going red. Simeon patted her head reassuringly, but hesitated when he caught Alex looking at him. It was only when he realised Alex was smiling a little that he continued. Lord Diavolo sighed.

"As it stands, it is obvious that the threat to my Seer candidate is a serious concern. We must find and neutralise the problem."

** **

Barbatos walked silently along the hallway in the House of Lamentation. The brothers were arguing in the Dining Room, so he could check here uninterrupted.

The stairs to the attic - Lucifer's storage room - were strangely still.

Barbatos laid a gloved hand towards the bannister, checking for spells and careful not to trigger any.

And he found one.

Complex, woven intricately, and designed to keep any and all demons out except for its caster. Lucifer's doing.

Whilst not incriminating as such - Mammon would compulsively steal anything of value given a chance - the other tendrils of magic seeping from the attic were.

Subtle, heavy, and pouring itself out through the gaps in the enchantments. Clearly intended not to arouse suspicion, and not enough to influence the demons in the house unless it wormed in over time.

The distinctive, slow, creeping magic of the Avatar of Sloth.

Notes:

Outwards in - Aliss is referring to the cutlery order.

But oho! Ophelia gets malicious. Banning Solomon from kitchens? 😆

And Barbatos... well. Look what he's found.

Chapter 26

"Oi."

Barbatos froze in place. Mammon had appeared in front of him as he'd turned.

It was too easy to forget - despite Mammon's personality and nature - he was the second strongest of the Avatars, in nearly all ways.

"It's the attic, ain't it?" Mammon scratched his head. "Man, Ophelia's been making jokes about Lucifer lockin' someone up there, but I didn't believe it for a while-"

"You know who it is?"

"Nah. But she mutters good betting tips in 'er sleep. So if she's doing her Seer shit… she might."

"...I see." Mammon sighed.

"Just… take it easy on 'im, alright? There's gotta be an explanation."

** **

"That's not going to be easy - a demon so highly ranked would have clauses to remain hidden." Solomon was resolute. "We cannot just ask the demons we suspect."

"What makes you so sure it is a high ranking demon?" Lucifer asked, dryly.

"Multiple corrupted humans in one day by the same source, brother dear," Asmo hummed, "and far too much finesse. The pact holder definitely vented power into the poor witches to corrupt them and possibly control them." Diavolo nodded.

"That is," he said, "very much a tactical move used by nobility." He folded his arms and hummed with thought. "This is a conundrum." Ophelia sipped her drink.

"Well. We know that whoever the demon is, they don't know that it's me," she said. "I say we leave it that way and keep it a secret between those here." Alex nodded in agreement, but Lucifer frowned.

"Do you really think it would be that easy?" Aliss laughed.

"Oh no. But it would definitely slow it down and narrow the source of leaks." She smirked knowingly and leered at her son. "So that means you two need to cut the PDA and not interact so much." Alex groaned. But Ophelia chuckled.

"Although technically hugs would still be alright after a some public interactions." With a grin, she explained. "As I think a few people around the table can vouch, I often get demons trying to share body heat." Diavolo smiled.

"Yes, I believe Typhon mentioned one of his daughters does." Ophelia nodded.

"Heme, yeah. Although Benaz and Gloka are just touchy-feeley people… but Lok needs hands free to write, so-"

"Focus, Fifi." Ophelia grumbled a little, but did stop rambling. Lucifer grumbled louder.

"Of course, it does mean that you will need personal security, especially outside the house." Diavolo nodded.

"I plan on announcing at my party that Ophelia will be my Royal Seer. It will be a priority." Asmo gasped. The news apparently didn't surprise anyone, but Asmo was excited.

"Darling, this means we need to take you dress shopping again!"

If she looked mildly terrified, everyone politely ignored it.

** **

"Milord, I have confirmed it."

"...truly?"

"Indeed. Lucifer's spellwork, and the distinctive magic of the Avatar of Sloth."

"I see."

"However… the room itself is very well warded, even to me. It may not be Belphegor himself, but something made by him."

"We need confirmation." Diavolo hummed. "I'll ask Ophelia to investigate. Her magic resistance and truth-seeing…"

"I understand." Barbatos nodded. "By the way, we have received missive from some of the old gods that they wish to attend your birthday party this year."

"Oh! Wonderful news."

** **

"MAAAAAAMMMOOOOOOOOOOONNN…"

Well, that was fast. Less than an hour after they were back at the House of Lamentation…

Ophelia poked her head out of her bedroom door to see if she could hear any juicy details.

She didn't. But got the impression that it might have had something to do with cooking duty. Or perhaps the washing up.

But Ophelia was waiting for something much more interesting to happen. And it did, just not in quite the way she was expecting.

Aliss' ID flashed as ringing her DDD.

"Aliss? Is-"

"Fi, are you alone?" Alex's voice. Ophelia sat down on her bed and got Blot to lock the door before she could get visitors.

"I am, and my bedroom is locked." He took a deep breath.

"We've had a break-in where our storage boxes were being kept."

Well shit.

"Was there anything taken?"

"Nothing important. They didn't even get to any of the boxes with artwork in them. But I just thought I'd ask…" Alex sighed deeply. "...we might have to burn the art." Ophelia sighed. She knew how important the art was to him.

"That's pretty wise. We'll need to scrub the computers before connecting them to the Devildom Internet, too." He almost growled in irritation.

"I hate this."

"...I know." No amount of words would soothe him, not really. "How about warding it against demons for now?"

"Not sure it would work." He huffed in irritation. "We'd need more power, for a start…"

"Lord Diavolo might be able to help if you let him know. Barbatos… will do something."

"You're right. Thanks, Fifi. You usually have the right ideas." Ophelia laughed.

"Lexie, go get some damn rest and give your Mum's DDD back to her so she can ring Barbatos. I'll let Lucifer know about what's happened."

"Love you, Fi."

"Love you too, Lex."

** **

Dear Diary,

What a fucking weekend.

Got my familiar, found (re-found?) my family, and am due to become the Royal Seer.

Also, it appears The Devildom has finally discovered Dalandan. Not sure it should be on salty crisps, but it was a welcome flavour.

Oh, and there's been a security scare already. Lucifer seems stressed as fuck.

** **

Benaz licked his lips as he watched the new exchange student from a distance. Qurnar huffed.

"That guy seems… too calm." Benaz chuckled.

"I'm told he's the son of a famous witch." Qurnar jabbed Benaz lightly with his elbow.

"And he has a soulmate."

"Nothing wrong with hoping for some fun."

Gloka bounced over to them.

"Hey, have you- ooh, is that the new guy?"

They watched as he caught up to Ophelia and patted her on the head, and her swing at him with one of her crutches. Qurnar laughed.

"I bet she met him last night at the castle."

"Oh! And there goes Mammon, glaring at him."

**

Heme, Gloka, and Lok cornered Ophelia in their little study room.

"Ophelia, spill the beans on the new guy," Gloka demanded. Heme grinned.

"You met him last night, right?"

Ophelia sighed.

"He has a Soulmate…" Gloka laughed.

"You like him?"

"Gloka," Ophelia said, "I currently live with some of the most beautiful and handsome beings in existence." Heme frowned.

"That doesn't answer the question." Lok seemed smug, and wrote something down.

"He is cute for a human." Ophelia nodded.

"And a gentleman, for the most part." Ophelia smiled wryly. "We went to the same University, at the same time but different departments. We've been drunk in the same bars at the same time."

Heme chuckled.

"And his name?"

"Oh! He's called Alex. And his Mother is called Aliss."

"Black Aliss?" Ophelia nodded.

"Spelt with a double s? Yeah, that's her. Worked with Gaap during the Black Death." Lok looked exasperated at Ophelia before answering.

"Black Aliss of Lancashire was responsible for one of the Black Death waves." Heme shook her head.

"No, she was responsible for ending the waves whilst lowering the death toll." She added - "We'll be learning about things like this in Witchcraft and Sorcery studies." Lok grimaced and scribbled languidly.

"Next term?"

"Next term."

"...I could always pry information out of Gaap, too?"

** **

Alex hesitated outside the intimidating doors leading to the Council Chambers. He'd been called to a meeting here with Lord Diavolo, but… he was nervous.

There was suddenly a mildly ominous presence behind him, and a gloved hand reached and touched the door above his head. Alex looked up, and saw red eyes.

"Knocking might help," Lucifer said, before knocking on the door. When he heard someone inside tell him to enter, Lucifer ushered the human inside as well.

"Oh, wonderful! I was thinking that you should have been here by now," Lord Diavolo said.

And then Alex noticed how casually the room was set up. A table, three chairs, and a wheeled trolley with food and drink. Barbatos was standing behind the trolley, and Alex had only just noticed him there.

"Please sit, both of you," Lord Diavolo said, "I believe we have a few things to discuss."

**

Alex tuned the horned rectangle over in his hands.

"Attune myself to it how… I- shit!" It pricked his finger before powering on.

Lucifer was amused to see Alex's reaction was similar to Ophelia's.

**

After Lucifer left, Lord Diavolo leveled his gaze to Alex.

"We must talk," he said. "There is a lot to discuss."

Notes:

Yeah, it's easy to forget Mammon is the 2nd strongest brother.

And Alex gets his DDD in very similar circumstances.

Chapter 27

Devi was on the prowl. There was an unfamiliar witch in the area. On her own. A witch who seemed to be looking up directions on her DDD intently. The witch paused, and tilted her head slightly.

"You could come and speak, if you like."

Well now. Definitely not an easy target.

Devi slipped ahead of Aliss gracefully.

"Forgive me," Devi said, "I was just curious because you're new to the area." Aliss smirked.

"Something like that." Aliss nodded her head. "I'm Aliss." A light bulb flicked on in Devi's mind.

"Good to meet you, Aliss. I'm Devi." Devi smirked in return. "Tell me, are you the mother of that handsome new witch at RAD?" Aliss laughed.

"Oh, he's already getting around, is he?"

"He certainly made an impression on my younger siblings and other demons." Aliss looked Devi up and down, briefly. Devi appeared to be a Concubus. Interesting.

"Hopefully not too bad of an impression." Aliss chuckled. "I hope he doesn't get in too much trouble." Devi grinned. She knew that Aliss was a far too formidable witch to consider angering, if the rumours were true.

"Surely not as bad as my little brother and sister. Did you need any help?"

"Not particularly, but a dash of local knowledge would be welcome if you do have a bit of free time and fancy a chat."

** **

Alex was tensed up, wondering exactly what Lord Diavolo wanted to discuss.

"So, I'm told you're an artist, Alex."

Part of him wanted to run and hide. There were hardly any good reasons people started with that sentence-

"Truthfully, the arts here in The Devildom aren't as well developed as in the Human Realm. I'm always curious to learn more. And the talk of having to seal your art away reminded me to ask about it."

Oh. Well, that isn't so bad, he thought.

"It's true, I do quite a bit of art, but mostly I like to take photos and paint with and over them."

"And I bet Ophelia provides ink, right?"

"That's it. She makes my custom paint, but is often part of the photos themselves, too. It's why we have to seal my art away for now." Alex didn't see the expression on Lord Diavolo's face because he was looking down at his cup, but Lord Diavolo was having a moment of realization.

"...both your muse and fellow artist, in a way." Alex was flushed pink.

"Y-yes." Lord Diavolo sighed.

"I'm a little jealous of your bond," he said. "To be two halves of a whole." Alex found himself shaking his head, and speaking without thinking.

"No, we're more like two whole things that fit together tightest." Alex saw Lord Diavolo's thinking face, and blurted out - "I mean- We kind of- We- We don't complete each other, we are complete and we make each other better-"

"Ah."

"And then- And then the pull is just- extra on top." Lord Diavolo saw Alex's expression soften as he continued to talk. "I think because she couldn't feel the actual pull before, it was a bit one sided at first." Alex sighed. And then went bright red as he remembered who he was speaking to. "I'm sorry, I-" Lord Diavolo laughed.

"No, no, no. That's the kind of honesty I appreciate most. It's refreshing to see someone speak unguarded truth to me, and I encourage it."

"I think the fact my Mum is very, unnaturally, capable of telling when someone is lying helps." Lord Diavolo grinned.

"Ophelia did mention she knew someone who could do that, too. If only we'd known she meant your Mother!" Alex couldn't help but chuckle at that.

"Would have been a lot less fuss, definitely."

And then Lord Diavolo sighed deeply.

"Speaking of fuss, I do have one other topic that I need to speak with you about."

** **

Significant Bother

Alex: Did you know Lord Diavolo's currently in serious talks with the old gentry about if you have to be a concubine as well as Seer?
Alex: But the whole Soulmate thing means we've both got to be concubines if so.
Alex: And that means… wedding traditions.
Ophelia: WTF?
Ophelia: I mean, we've got to worry about the whole "people trying to kill us" first.
Ophelia: And the fact I can't reliably See.
Ophelia: But what do *you* think about it?
Alex: I'd climb him like the proverbial tree if I had the chance?
Alex: But you have a point - there's someone trying to kill us, we need to sort that out first.
Ophelia: Especially if it's openly known that we're soulmates.
Ophelia: Other thoughts?
Alex: …
Alex: I'd love to see him use you like a toy, with the size difference and all.
Alex: While I watch and then maybe join in.
Ophelia: ...thought that might be the case, pervert.
Ophelia: Most of the noble demons *are* very attractive in their human forms and even humanoid forms.
Ophelia: Side note, whatever cologne Lord Diavolo uses is absolutely delightful.
Alex: Huh.
Alex: Hang on…
Alex: He doesn't use any.
Ophelia: EPSKFBTISKWPWJFEJSJESHPG
Ophelia: NOW LISTEN HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT!
Ophelia: I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE GOING TO JUST-
Ophelia: FOR FUCK'S SAKE, LEXIE!
Alex: Heh.
Alex: …
Alex: I'll tell him you're amenable to the idea of us being concubines once the death threats are out of the way.
Alex: And I'll explain Demisexuality to him?
Ophelia: …please.
Ophelia: ...you wry git.

Diavolo was waiting eagerly for the response. Although confused about the cologne question, he was still very hopeful.

More than hopeful, if he was being honest with himself.

Alex sighed.

"Well. At the moment, the threats of death is her biggest concern. She's not against it at all..."

There is a big 'but' coming, Diavolo thought, with disappointment.

"But?" Alex sighed.

"My Lord, are you aware of something called Demisexuality? The concept of only being attracted to people only rarely?" Diavolo nodded, smiling a little.

"Yes. One could argue that the majority of demons are closer to being demisexual or asexual." And then Diavolo laughed, seeing Alex react. "I had worried that we'd traumatised Ophelia when Asmodeus said she barely experienced lust towards anyone, but I'm glad to know it's normal for her."

"She's been traumatised since long before I met her, to be fair."

** **

Satan hummed as he read the book. Somehow, whoever got him this knew exactly what he wanted.

He'd also be willing to bet it was Ophelia. The brothers had long since stopped making a fuss over any of their birthdays.

Who else could do such neat, custom cat lettering on a bookmark?

** **

The sound of the screaming made Ophelia pause as she exited the House of Lamentation. Sounded like-

"Mammon?"

"Get ta fuck back inside!" And a streak of white hair darting across her vision was all the warning she had.

The next thing she knew, she was face to faces with a very angry looking dog. Who had three heads.

"Doggo?" All three heads looked almost incredulously at the human. They stood on the ground, but Ophelia was on the top step. She looked at the height, and then at the three heads in turn. "Three doggos?"

They huffed at her. Apparently they were mildly curious. So was she.

"Do you all want scritches? Pets?" Ah, now that got their attention. Ophelia found herself trying to alternate between all three heads evenly with her petting and scratches. Blot had to get involved, apparently enjoying the new experience.

And it definitely was fun for all involved, until Mammon arrived back at the front door again. Which meant the doggo went back into hunting mode - when Ophelia was giving one of the heads a hug.

She found herself being flung onto its back and having to hang on. Thankfully, Blot was more than happy to help… by making tendrils to wrap around its body.

Well. At least her hands were free.

She decided to film Mammon being chased for social media later.

And then she got to texting.

Prime Menacer

Ophelia: Lucifer, being nearly omniscient about HoL matters…
Ophelia: …why is there a three headed dog chasing Mammon around the garden?
Lucifer: What?
Lucifer: Cerberus is loose?
Ophelia: Oh! That's the doggo's name?
Ophelia: Does Hades know you have Spot, or is it a namesake?
Lucifer: Honestly…
Lucifer: Where exactly are you in all of this?
Ophelia: [selfie from Cerberus' back]
Ophelia: I was hugging the left neck when he caught the scent of something to chase.
Ophelia: Holy shit, Cerberus breathes fire?

It was a matter of minutes before Lucifer descended from the air and put a stop to it.

Ophelia gave Cerberus a few more scratches before Lucifer led the good doggo away. Mammon, tied up at her feet, grumbled.

"Man, how come that thing didn't want ta maul ya?"

"Probably the crutches. A lot of dogs in the Human Realm were the same." She looked at Mammon in disbelief. "How comes you didn't fly off? I know you've got wings in your demon form?"

Mammon looked at her, and then looked away, muttering something. Ophelia nodded to herself and then decided to change the subject.

"Hey Mams, have you met the new student yet?" If she didn't know better, she'd have said Mammon was glowering.

"I asked the fucker for some cold hard Grimm, and ya know what he did? Flung a frozen coin at me!" Ophelia struggled to hold back her laughter, and sat down next to Mammon.

"So you did get a coin from him?"

"Yeah, but some human realm coin, not Grimm!" She looked at Mammon with amused patience.

"I would have thought you of all people would know where to sell coins."

A few moments of silence passed before Mammon started cursing quietly.

"It's tha' principle of it." She ruffled Mammon's hair fondly, and he didn't even protest in his usual way.

"Oh Great and Mirthful Mammon," she said, "given what I know of the new guy, I'm surprised you even got money from him."

Notes:

Devi comes into view again! Told you she'd be back. And we find out she's a Concubus.
(More about that and how it relates to Succubi and Incubi later.)

Alex's train of thought has terrible brakes.
But we find out that he's been thinking of threesomes, and has more sexual fantasies than his soulmate. Bit of an oversimplification of Demisexuality, but it works for this case.

Satan gets a birthday gift, Cerberus gets some exercise...
Yeah. Cerberus is derived from the Greek for 'spotted'. I do love that joke about Hades possibly naming his dog Spot.

And Mammon falls victim to wordplay. You could say Alex POUNDed him. 🤣

Chapter 28

As if he could read her mind, Asmo sauntered between her and the exit, drawing closer before nearly pinning her to the wall.

"We will find you a suitable dress today," he drawled, "and it needs to be spectacular."

"Are you sure it's not too late to suggest a pajama party theme to Lord Diavolo?"

He gave her a dirty look.

"Hon, I cannot let you be pronounced as Royal Seer in just any dress!" He took a deep breath. "And before you ask, yes, I know it's your normal day of rest, and that is why I'm letting you sit down while I show you options. Unless you'd rather be handcuffed to a seat?"

**

Barbatos was amused to get almost simultaneously texted by Ophelia and Asmodeus.

Both calling for backup, but for wildly different reasons.

Either way, he decided to pop along.

** **

There is a small yappy angel, Alex thought,and he so cute!

Alex had decided to go shopping. He'd decided to go shopping, and he'd been given a hefty allowance of Grimm. He'd decided to go shopping, but had accidentally bumped into Simeon and (the adorable) Luke.

And now they were eating pastries and chatting.

"So. What are your favourite classes so far?"

"So far, Advanced Patisserie Charms, and Art classes." Alex smiled.

"Ah, that sounds fun. I did hear that there was a master Baker amongst the other exchange students."

"Oh no, Simeon is better!" Alex hummed.

"I guess there's more than one master baker, then." He sipped his tea thoughtfully. "I wonder if the caster's affinity affects it?"

"Yes, that's one part!" Luke smiled. "But it's also about traditional techniques and skills with spells and charms." And then Luke hummed. "Ophelia's really good at pastry, but she doesn't have the ability to add magic…" Simeon nodded.

"Although I did hear that they got an industrial sized dough machine in the House of Lamentation just for her." Simeon was looking between Alex and Luke, and thankfully Alex took the hint.

"Oh, really? Hmm." Alex sighed. "It sounds like most of the exchange students are good at baking. But did I hear about Solomon being banned from kitchens?" Luke shuddered.

"Thank goodness."

"At least 200 years without his cooking, apparently."

"Yay! I-I mean-" Simeon chuckled.

"It does guarantee safety on that front, but does mean we've got to cover for his turn on the rota."

"Oh. If you ever want help, I'm sure either my Mum or I can help. I think she misses batch cooking."

** **

Whatever Asmo and Barbatos were arguing over, it was going over Ophelia's head. Occasionally she'd catch the odd word or phrase she recognised, but it may as well have been another language. Scye? Why does her scye shape matter? What is a scye?

Or maybe it actually was a different language.

While the intense debate continued, she decided to look at accessories. The price in Grimm made her eyes water a bit, but apparently there were special enchantments on them.

"That'ssss a good eye you have." The shop assistant sauntered over to Ophelia, a translucent, feminine humanoid in uniform. They seemed… familiar. And seemed to think the same. "Ophelia?"

"Oozala!" Ophelia beamed. "Any closer to figuring out your mystery penpal?"

"Maybe. But first - shopping for the party?"

"Oh yes." Ophelia gestured towards Asmo and Barbatos. "Perhaps if I find an accessory I love, that can help their decision." Oozala nodded.

"Good idea. It'sss bad when higher class demons resort to Infernal for debate."

"Ohhhh. That's why I can't understand them much."

** **

When Luke had left with Barbatos after a chance encounter in town, Alex turned to Simeon.

"Simeon, if you have some more free time, I'd like to ask for some help…"

"I don't have anything planned this afternoon, so I'll help if I can."

'...I'd like to get something for Ophelia to help with her… practice."

"Well, I have a few ideas, but they mostly involve storage for magical energy..."

"That's a brilliant idea."

…and that was how they bumped into Asmo and Ophelia in the shops.

A few hours later, Alex carried a tired Ophelia into the door of the House of Lamentation, as well as bags of shopping. Followed closely by Asmo, with his own shopping.

**

Ophelia was almost purring as she lay between the two men in a close hug. Asmo's hand rested gently on her waist, while Alex's hand was a little more firmly on her hip.

They were all thinking mildly dirty thoughts, but wanted to keep the nice relaxed atmosphere.

Alex hummed, and snuggled closer to Ophelia. Asmo subtly followed suit, shifting his hand to rest on Alex's waist.

And then they probably would have remained that way for a few hours, were it not for Mammon with Lucifer hot on his heels.

** **

"...and then Alex got to experience being hung from the light fixtures." Diavolo was cracking up with laughter.

A normal tea session in the Council Chambers, with refreshments, and a lot more chaotic chatting.

"But he's alright?" Ophelia laughed, taking a sip from her tea.

"Oh yeah, Lucifer let him down after an hour. Told him that his time would be better spent looking for his soulmate."

"I see, he had to add that for Mammon's sake. What about you?" Ophelia nodded.

"Yeah, I basically had to prepare dinner in Lucifer's stead." She grinned. "Well, I actually ended up ordering in. I had plenty of grimm on my tab, ready to be used." At Diavolo's confused look, she explained. "All the grimm from Mammon's pictures on my OnlyFiends goes towards the House of Lamentation tab at Hell's Kitchen."

Now that surprised Diavolo. He popped a mini sandwich in his mouth to disguise his shock.

"Honestly, it's starting to feel like your role as Royal Seer was almost predestined." He sighed. "I wanted to talk to you about what would be expected of you as Royal Seer… but it seems that you're already doing some of the duties." She seemed skeptical.

"Keeping the brothers out of trouble?"

"Helping to maintain the peace in the Devildom." Diavolo laughed again. "So basically, yes." Ophelia sighed.

"But, Alex mentioned something about-" Diavolo blushed.

"Tradition dictates that… Royal Seers are also Royal Concubines. Some of The Elders are insisting on it. And because of Alex-" Ophelia leaned towards Diavolo. "-I, er, I don't know what you know about the ceremonies and traditional reasons behind it-" Ophelia went bright red.

"Oh gawd, it's like marriages in Xianxia novels, isn't it? Pomp, Circumstance, and Consummation silks…"

"...yes."

"...fuuuuuuuck." She buried her face in her hands.

Diavolo was worried that she was about to freak out. And maybe she was, just not over what he thought. She was shaking, and her inkling was flashing colours over her skin.

"L-look, the sex- threesomes are fun, you're kind as fuck, and Alex wants to see you use me like a fuck doll, but I- I thought Asmo was bad enough yesterday for dress shopping- but surely the ceremonies would tip my enemies into action-"

Diavolo took a moment to consider what she'd said before walking around to her side of the table and kneeling in front of her. He was hopeful, and currently flushed pink.

"Not until after the current threats are neutralised." He gently held her hands, which had already relaxed from her face, and cupped them in his. "That is what Alex said you said, yes?" Ophelia went bright red again, and couldn't meet his optimistic gaze.

"...he really was with you-"

"Oh yes," Diavolo said, teasingly. "He did ask about my cologne, too." Diavolo brought her hands to his mouth and kissed them gently. "I don't wear any. But to know that you enjoy my scent, it makes me feel happy." Slowly, she removed her hands and cupped his face.

If her blush had started to fade, it came right back with a vengeance as Diavolo smiled warmly. She could have sworn that he licked his lips briefly.

"Ophelia…" Her name was spoken in a reverent whisper. She hadn't realised that she had been drawing closer to him - maybe they'd both been inching closer? "Ophelia," he sighed, "you captivate me so. It gets harder to resist, the closer you are to me. But for you, I'll-"

"When there's just us, you don't need to hold back."

"That is a dangerous thing to say…" Their noses were nearly touching, their breath mingling.

"And yet…"

It wasn't certain who closed the gap first, but as soon as their lips touched, the kiss soon deepened. It was slow, tender, and exploratory.

Ophelia, with her arms around Diavolo's shoulders, and his arms holding her close - Diavolo lifted her as he stood to go sit back in his chair.

He wanted to sweep everything off the table and just take her right there, but it would be unseemly.

He opted to softly kiss along her jaw and up to her ear, before nuzzling into her neck and inhaling deeply.

"Your scent, underneath everything, I adore as well," he murmured. She was pliant in his hands, softly flushed, and- she had inadvertently taken some magical energy from him, it would seem.

"Dia…" She murmured. They looked at each other, and he could definitely tell she was a little intoxicated on the energy.

He was sure she could feel his current opinion of her state under her. But… this was the prime opportunity, and not the time for what he really wanted.

"If I was to ask you right now to See, would you?" She smiled a little mischievously, but with a hint of knowing.

"What would you like to know?"

"Belphegor's location. And how he got there."

Notes:

Barbatos has Opinions on what Ophelia needs in clothing.
Scye - arms eye. Old fashioned term for arm hole!
Barbatos basically has more of a tailoring bent, probably from getting Diavolo's clothing to fit perfectly.

Alex meets Luke, has an opinion. Practically wants to adopt the yappy angel. 🤣

What did they get from shopping? Ha! That'll come up later. But Asmo has been a little shit and slipped some things into her bags, I will say that.

Asmo and Alex cuddles. An AA Ophelia sandwich, haha.

...and then she goes and kisses Diavolo. 😉
Spoiler: she will be a concubine eventually.
"Pomp, Circumstance and Consummation silks" should be a chapter title somewhere! (What Xianxia novels has she read? Hmm...)

Chapter 29

Ophelia took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, and then another. Her eyes glazed over, slightly glowing with a subtlety in their depths.

"You know where he is and who put him there," she said, flatly. "Barbatos was investigating when- Oh, but the other part…" Ophelia shook her head. "Please go easy on them both."

Diavolo sighed, and shook his head.

"I… cannot promise anything. Especially not if it's a danger to the realm." She looked pained.

"Lucifer really loves his siblings, doesn't he." Ophelia let out a deep, shaky breath, shutting her eyes. "Love and loyalty. I- I don't know why- Eight. It's to do with the eighth. Love turned to hatred, and love versus loyalty. What a mess from one thing…" Her brows furrowed, and she said nothing more. Her eyes were wet, threatening tears.

Diavolo saw how she paled, before she went slack. He caught her, holding her to him. If any tears escaped her eyes, he would only find out later.

"You've done well, Ophelia. Rest." She grumbled quietly. "No, what you've said was helpful, even if you don't know the meaning." With a little bit more grumbling, she settled a little more into his hold.

He kissed the top of her head, deliberately passing energy to her. Ophelia looked up at him questioningly with a confused mrrp. There was a bit more colour in her cheeks again.

"I think I like how you just passed energy to me." Softly, he lifted her chin and planted a kiss on her lips. She blinked twice. "I take it back, that was better."

"I think," he said with amusement, "we will enjoy further methods more. But, not today." Ophelia whined jokingly, making Diavolo laugh.

"Probably for the best if I'd like to walk anywhere," she sighed. Diavolo laughed again.

"Especially if I really did have my way." Ophelia went crimson.

**

Horny Sod

Asmo: What *are* you two up to during school hours?
Asmo: And why wasn't I invited?
Alex: …it isn't you with Ophelia?
Asmo: No?
Alex: Oh.
Alex: I'm sure I'll find out later.
Asmo: And you'll tell me, right?
Alex: Maybe.
Asmo: I need answers!
Alex:

Unlimited Hugs

Asmo: Ophelia…
Asmo: Darling…
Asmo: Hun, I am owed an explanation!
Ophelia:
Ophelia: It wasn't that obvious, was it?
Asmo:
Asmo: No use playing dumb with me, darling.
Asmo: Who were you so horny about at RAD and why?
Ophelia: Oh, it wasn't about my underwear…?
Ophelia: I would have questioned how you knew I put those ones on this morning…
Asmo:
Asmo: Not that ratty pair again?!?
Asmo:
Ophelia:

** **

"Hey, Beel… is it just me or is the town a lot busier this week?"

The town looked like it was gearing up for a festival. Lights, decorations, and new products.

"Oh. Did nobody say?" Beel looked slightly embarrassed. "It's always like this the week before Lord Diavolo's birthday."

"Huh."

"The whole Devildom celebrates Lord Diavolo's birthday."

"Including special edition snacks and goodies?" Beel chuckled.

"Yes. And if we go together, we can get more."

"Nice. Sounds like a good plan."

Ophelia and Beel wandered around, with Beel's pile of food growing. Vendors allowed them to get extra because… well. Beel's appetite and the opportunity to see how much he could carry. Probably to curry favour, too.

Ophelia had also noticed how Beel seemed to be… assessing. Not just looking, but thinking about various things. Like he was scoping for more than food.

Well, she mused, I'd wager that all the brothers have roles in keeping the Devildom running - Beel is probably the muscle.

** **

Hanzaki appraised the work of his apprentice carefully.

Ophelia had not only copied the Sigil perfectly onto paper and a rough piece of leather, but also got it to be useable in the pigments under her skin.

He cooed softly at the Inkling before praising Ophelia.

"I'm impressed. You both must have put so many hours of work into it." He nodded, pleased. "You're very good at putting the multifaceted nature of your inkling to use. While Blot may not be the strongest type, it should be easy to augment by that ingenious use of its voids."

"Hopefully I can get the hang of storing excess energy in objects." Ophelia sighed. "I don't want to practice on anything I've been given so far because they're all too pretty." Hanzaki laughed.

"You'll just have to learn to make storage items first. And I'm sure you know how to make ink to go on every surface." She hummed in thought.

"Modern permanent markers are usually alcohol based or oil based. And acrylic pigment for durability of colour..." Ophelia chuckled. "Although for magic, I would assume a ground up crystal might be better." Hanzaki nodded.

"Ochre and vermillion could also work, and cost less. It's a shame sumi ink wouldn't work…"

"If it was collected traditionally, from a burning candle, then it might." Hanzaki frowned.

"That's- is there something about that method?"

"Ultra fine soot can contain tiny diamonds. You wouldn't get that with ground charcoal." Hanzaki eyed the candle he had in the corner.

"Let's find out."

A while later, they had their answer.

"...so in short, it would do in a pinch." Hanzaki sighed. There was soot everywhere. Ophelia hummed, and in the blink of an eye, the soot had vanished.

"I think," she said, "I'd better keep some on hand." Her voice sounded dry. Hanzaki handed her a bottle of water.

"Don't absorb powdered pigments like that without having something to drink around."

** **

"I'm telling ya, it was like some Eldritch bullshit in the kitchen this morning! Fleshy black tentacles making coffee."

Satan was giving Mammon a strange look.

"I didn't know you read Lovecraft." Satan smirked. "Didn't think you could read."

"Shaddap."

Ophelia trudged into the dining room, holding a cup of coffee, but not in the usual way.

"Ophelia, are you using your hair like an extra limb?" Satan and Mammon looked surprised. Mammon was on the verge of bolting.

Despite the rest of her hair being up, she'd apparently left a lock free to carry her morning coffee with.

She yawned, and looked at the coffee in front of her face, and then at both her (empty) hands. She hummed.

"I guess I am."

** **

"Mum! Aren't you coming with us?"

Esmere sighed, and patted her daughter's head.

"Not this time, Maria. Your Dad wanted you and your brother to experience The Devildom, so I need to stay here."

"Aww."

"Someone has to focus the energy into your travel array and keep the coven in order." Esmere smirked. "You and Joseph had better get me some nice souvenirs."

**

Felipe sighed. Esmere, who was massaging his shoulder, paused.

"Love, what's wrong?"

"I was hoping that my patron would meet us at the arrival, that's all. But they'd like to keep their distance." Esmere continued with the massage.

"Your patron does like to keep themselves shrouded. But they will provide support, yes?"

"Yes, yes. Apparently there is a hotel complex being used for all the tourists."

"Still. I wonder what the big announcement will be?" Felipe groaned as Esmere kneaded a good spot.

"Hard to say. Might be something to do with the second exchange student. Apparently even an old God or two is attending the celebrations this year." Esmere whistled.

"That is something." Felipe shifted, and then pounced on Esmere, peppering her with kisses.

"I'll have to get some good gifts for everyone."

** **

Lucifer was taking his extra guard duty carefully. Ophelia seemed oblivious to it, as far as he knew. But with the influx of witches… they had to be careful.

As they walked past a few shops, Ophelia gently tugged on his sleeve towards a window display. It was a fine display of jewelry, but he didn't think it was quite Ophelia's taste.

And then, there was a sharp spike of anger and bloodlust from behind them.

Lucifer looked in the window's reflection in time to see a man and two children walking away. He looked at Ophelia. She was shaking slightly and still holding onto the sleeve.

"You know who it was." Ophelia nodded. He could see her expression was pained, and she was a little pale.

"...more complicated." Lucifer sighed, and moved to gently guide her.

"Let's grab some coffee and talk."

They ended up in a private booth in Madam Screams.

"Ophelia." She put her head on the table, and groaned. Lucifer ordered for the pair of them. Coffee, and sweets that he thought she'd enjoy.

"I could do with something stronger than coffee and chocolate," she muttered, "but it's a good start, so thank you."

It was after everything arrived, and the server had left, that Ophelia spoke again.

"...it really was my Father," she lamented. Lucifer frowned.

"He was with two young people, are you sure-"

"I heard he remarried days after my Mum passed away…" Ophelia looked up at Lucifer from the table. "...it was obvious that he had another woman already lined up. Possibly even knocked up." Lucifer scoffed.

"How callous." Ophelia sat up, and shrugged.

"This is the same man who pushed me off a walkway into a cactus thicket, mind. And the last time he said anything to me was to tell me I should die." Ophelia laughed darkly. "If he tries something again, I'm not alone." Lucifer smiled in agreement.

"Indeed." Ophelia took a sip of her coffee.

"Black Milk Coffee?"

"I was told it pairs well with the Blacjak Macarons." She looked at the macarons. They had the red hooded mascot on them from the chat stickers. She smiled.

"I have no doubt they're tasty," she said, popping one into her mouth. Lucifer laughed as she savoured the flavours. Apparently they did, indeed, go well together. She looked so delighted, it was adorable.

"What were you planning on doing?"

"Wrapping myself up and giving myself to Lord Diavolo as an early birthday present at this rate," she said. Lucifer scowled. And then she was at the wit again. Cute.

"That is not funny." It was, perhaps a little.

"Neither is the fact that my Father is probably in a pact with one of your brothers." Ophelia frowned. "Well, that's what the evidence is pointing to. So to be safe… I should either go to the castle or plead for Aliss' mercy to stay with them."

"...the castle it is."

Lucifer sighed internally. It meant that Aliss and Alex needed more guarding, too.

"Well instead of wrapping myself up, perhaps some goodies from here will sweeten the situation."

** **

Simeon and Luke chuckled at Solomon's attempts to get into the kitchen. It was like someone had stretched clingfilm over the open doorway.

Solomon gave himself a little running start at the door, which resulted in his bouncing off and falling over.

"Perhaps," Simeon said, "it might be a better idea to focus elsewhere?"

Notes:

You know that one ratty but comfortable pair of underwear we all have? Of course Asmo has Opinions on that.

Black Milk Coffee... milk that is black. For aesthetic purposes. I think it would taste a bit like molasses.
Friendly reminder that the chat sticker mascots have names, haha. Red Devil, Blacjak, and Nancy. Don't know if Nancy's sprite has a name.

Solomon and the kitchen ban. Boing. And no, Asmodeus hasn't had his punishment delivered yet. He's hoping they've forgotten, and they haven't.

Chapter 30

Alex hummed contentedly as he perfected the trap Sigil. Jack Springheel and Aliss stood and watched him.

"You know, he's not too far off the other human exchange student in sigil precision." Aliss laughed.

"I'm not surprised. The two know each other from the Human Realm. I believe she taught him calligraphy." Jack huffed.

"Small world." And then he sighed. "Well. I'm not surprised your son has talent. Any luck with the search?"

"Yes and no. Our arrival has caused a fuss, and what with Lord Diavolo's birthday…" Jack nodded.

"Any other gossip from topside?"

"Oh. Lady was forging again. And Madame Greenteeth was debating the merits of searching for another child to be a hag."

"Really? I thought she'd sworn off making any more haglings." Aliss shrugged.

"She was worried about the threat of that one coven."

"Ugh. Them? I don't know what Esmere saw in that man. Or Cassie, bless her. He's obsessed with power, that one." Jack sighed. "He's brought his sprogs with him to this year's celebrations."

Aliss bristled. Jack continued, seemingly unaware of what information he'd just dropped.

"From what I've seen of them, they've got some power to them." Jack huffed. "Nowhere near your Alex, mind, but what's Twins to Soulmates?"

And then, there was a knocking at the front door. Alex broke off from his work and went to answer it, preparing a spell just in case.

"Lord Lucifer? Good afternoon. Come in, my Mother has a guest, but… … …oh, sure."

Alex brought Lucifer into the hallway where he'd been working, and where Aliss and Jack still were.

"Aliss… Jack." Lucifer gave them a small smile, and then turned to Alex with a serious expression. "You had better pack some things and prepare to stay in the castle." He turned back to the others. "A security precaution." Aliss sighed.

"Must be something dire if you're getting straight to business." Jack nodded in agreement.

"I can tell you're in need of speaking to Aliss, so I'll leave you to it. Have a good week, everyone!" He left, with Alex escorting him out and excusing himself.

Lucifer sighed. Aliss shook her head.

"There's trouble, Lucifer. Jack just-"

"Ophelia was spotted by her Father, in town, today." Aliss shuddered.

"Shit. Worse than I knew." Lucifer frowned.

"I took her straight to the castle, so I hope you can help me pack some clothes for her." Aliss nodded.

"Glad to help."

** **

"Ottoia, can you help me check up on Felipe?"

The scrying mirror in front of her began to act like a viewing portal.

Esmere watched as Felipe and their children walked down a busy street in The Devildom. It was when he looked irreversibly angry that she was surprised.

She looked at where he was looking.

There was a young woman next to Lord Lucifer, and she had grabbed his coat sleeve and pulled him casually towards a window.

Oh, Felipe was angry. Why? Thankfully the kids weren't aware of his anger, but…

Esmere looked back towards the woman. Why was she familiar?

And then she caught a brief but unmistakable glint in the woman's eyes. A Seer of some variety.

The woman's eyes flickered back and forth between the window and - no, she couldn't possibly be seeing the scrying mote, right?

Right?

** **

Barbatos sighed inwardly at the unexpected arrival, but also welcomed an extra set of hands.

She looked like she needed a distraction, and thankfully, he had an idea.

"If I can leave you in charge of making some simple biscuits and pastries for our guests, that would help me considerably."

Lord Diavolo was busy greeting some new arrivals, as of yet unaware of the update. And Barbatos saw no need to let him know just yet.

Staying in the guest suites and rooms so far was a mixture of old gods, demon nobles, and - surprisingly, a few Human Realm beings.

Barbatos found the living embodiment of Bog Iron to be a fascinating being - a Smith, by trade. Despite having many names over her life, she'd settled on being called Lady for now.

Lady had another creature in tow - an infamous Hag called Jenny Greenteeth - who was visiting to help Alex find his soulmate. Well, at least that would be sorted soon.

And speaking of that young witch… he'd be arriving any minute.

Barbatos thought that he'd better meet said witch and guide him to help in the kitchen with Ophelia.

However, Alex was practically leapt on by Lady as soon as he entered the castle.

"I have… the goods." She hugged him. "A sword for you, and some daggers for your soulmate." Barbatos nodded.

"I see. You are acquainted." Lady chuckled, and patted Alex on the head. Alex hummed.

"She taught Blacksmithing at my college."

"And I saw the resemblance right away to Black Aliss. Although it took a while to actually confirm it." Barbatos smiled and nodded.

"The other human exchange student, Ophelia, is in the kitchen at the moment doing some baking." Alex smiled, taking the hint.

"We should meet her. Perhaps these two can get some freshly baked goods."

Jenny noticed how Barbatos had dropped a hint, and how Alex had responded. Maybe.

And Jenny was right.

The human in the kitchen was warm but wary, until Alex openly introduced Ophelia as his soulmate - whispering to her that they can be trusted. And then she was a lot warmer towards Alex.

Ophelia looked questioningly at Lady whilst still mixing some dough. Alex chuckled.

"If you're thinking that she looks familiar… Ms Lady Nimue was the Blacksmith at my College," he explained. "She is also a water nymph that is the embodiment of Bog Iron." Ophelia looked between Alex and Lady.

"Wait… as in-" Lady winked.

"I made Excalibur." Ophelia's eyes widened in shock. And then she looked at Jenny.

"...and you're familiar, too…" Alex hummed.

"Madam Greenteeth-"

"Wait- as in Jenny Greenteeth, the-"

"Oh no, I'm actually a Hag, but my name has become a euphemism for Pondweed."

Ophelia paused, shook her head, and then continued mixing.

"Next you'll tell me Black Shuck is a Hellhound."

The silence was deafening and very telling. Nobody could quite meet her gaze. Ophelia put her mixing spoon down hard.

"Oh fuck off, no. I was just-"

Alex burst into riotous laughter and hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Is now a bad time to remind you that you have a Soulmate and are currently in Hell?"

Her UGH of disgust was almost drowned out by more riotous laughter.

**

The guilt was gnawing at his insides after he put Ophelia to bed. Especially after finding out exactly why they'd been sent to the castle at such short notice.

It was during his little Pity Party that Lord Diavolo found him sitting in the kitchen looking glum.

"Alex?" Alex looked up from his plate of shortbread with mild shock.

"Your Highness…!"

"Is something the matter?" Alex sighed, and pushed the plate towards Lord Diavolo.

"I'm just having a little Pity Party, that's all." Alex looked at the jug of juice that had been left for him. "Would you like some juice?"

"Is it traditional for a Pity Party?" Alex smirked, and poured a glass for the Prince.

"No, but I didn't want to drink alcohol or demonus. Besides," he said, "I think this Blaeberry juice goes well with the cheese shortbread."

Lord Diavolo tried it, and found he agreed.

"Oh! You're right. The salt in the cheese compliments the sweetness of the Blaeberries." And then Lord Diavolo sighed. "It's about Ophelia, isn't it. Your Pity Party."

"...yeah."

Lord Diavolo said nothing, sipping juice and eating shortbread. He did not want to pry.

OK, he did really want to pry, but knew it was better to be patient. Or perhaps, distract.

"I was told that Ophelia was baking today, not Barbatos." Lord Diavolo held a shortbread up. "This shortbread is very good, but definitely not Barbatos' style of baking."

"Less precise shaping?

"Ah, not exactly. The cheese." Lord Diavolo smiled. "Hopefully she won't mind sharing the recipe with Barbatos, I think he will find it fascinating." Alex smiled wryly.

"I'm not sure she actually measures anything for her baking, though." And then he sighed. "I think letting her bake today was probably helpful, but I think- no, I know it's going to be hard for her."

"When Lucifer gave me the brief report today… I knew it might be." Lord Diavolo's DDD went off, and he checked it. And then he laughed. "It would seem Ophelia went to visit with the children. Would you like to meet them?"

** **

The middle of the greenhouse floor appeared to be a writhing mass of green and purple.

Alex was horrified, especially when he realised that each part was a fleshy tube, and at least a meter long. And worse - some of them appeared to rear up to look at them as they entered.

Caterpillars.

"Those are caterpillars?" He exclaimed, frightened and horrified.

"Sorry, Alex. I know you're not keen on insects, but my babies are caterpillars, yes," a voice said, from the mass. Ophelia stuck her head out from somewhere in the pile. "And they're growing up so fast! Did you know most of them can make silk now?" Diavolo nodded.

"They're doing so well, aren't they!"

A few caterpillars started to make their way towards Alex and Diavolo, but she called them back and started to explain something to them quietly. Alex was visibly relieved.

"Ho-how did this even- what happened?"

"She laid them when she was turned into a Moth," Diavolo explained. "She was a Royal Visionary Moth, and we expect some of the children will be, too. Normally, they appear when a Seer comes into their powers, but this time it was… well." He laughed. "And you can find the Seer by the gathering of the caterpillars and moths."

"...it was fast tracked, huh?"

"Normally the Seer doesn't lay them themselves, no. But then she has also had several confirmed Visions, as well as an aptitude for the role."

They hadn't noticed Ophelia had exited her comfy pile until she was right in front of them. The sound of her crutches had apparently been muted, somehow.

"OK, that was tough to get across. The fact that Uncle Alex isn't keen on hugs, and is very shy with children." Diavolo hummed.

"Is that how you've explained it?"

"Yeah. I thought it was easiest." She pulled something from a pocket, and held it towards Alex. "But they wanted to show some love and care, so we made a bracelet from some of their silk…"

It was a gossamer thin braided cord with a slight purple tint.

"...can you help me put it on?"

Ophelia dutifully wrapped the cord around his wrist a few times, and tied it so it wouldn't slip off. Alex proudly held it up.

"This is so sweet of you!"

The happy clicking and quiet whistles from the children didn't need translation.

Notes:

Sprogs = children. 😊

Yes. Bog Iron is magical. The Lady of The Lake, from Arthurian legend may actually be something representing Bog Iron. And is a jacked Smith, in my head.
And a college teacher! 😆 Yeah, I could swear the silversmith at mine was a witch.

Black Shuck is a legend local to Essex, England. Giant black dog with red glowing eyes, said to protect lone women travellers at night. And curse men. Such a good boy.

Ophelia really does see more than she says. She didn't actually see Esmere, but she saw something.

Cheese shortbread. Yummy! Spoiler: she does tell Barbatos how to make it.

But yes. Alex is actually afraid of bugs. Especially big caterpillars in the Devildom.

Chapter 31

"Barbatos, those Hopia you delivered earlier had a genuine touch to them. Very much reminded us of the concept of Mabuhay." Barbatos bowed.

"I will pass your compliments to the chef, Lord Bathala." Lord Bathala laughed.

"We all suspected as much. As good as your Hopia are, we can still taste the human touch…" Barbatos nodded.

"If you wish, I can ask if she'll make some more for the party."

"Oh, if she can, that would be greatly appreciated."

When Barbatos left, a peacock came out from hiding, fanning its tail out. All the eyes in its open tail moved to focus on Bathala. He hummed.

"Yes, yes. I know your mistress is the one that benefitted the most."

"It's not just that, Milord. Whoever made the Hopia… she makes it similarly to my family."

"Perhaps you'll meet them during the party." The peacock nodded.

"I hope so."

** **

Mothership

Alex: [sends picture of Ophelia amongst caterpillars]
Alex: Congratulations, you're a Grandmother!
Aliss: …those look like Visionary Moth caterpillars?
Aliss: Is that also Lord Diavolo I spot with her?
Alex: Apparently Ophelia laid the eggs that hatched into these?!
Aliss: [sends Devilgram link]
Aliss: She laid a lot, then?
Alex: How the fuck are you so calm about this?
Alex: Am I the only one freaking out about this?
Alex: That Ophelia laid moth eggs!
Alex: And they're actually kids?
Alex: HER kids?
Alex: And they consider Lord Diavolo as the father!?
Aliss: Well, I heard she did it when she was actually a moth.
Aliss: [sends another Devilgram link]
Aliss: Gaap mentioned before that Ophelia had been turned into a moth, yes?
Aliss: Also, I heard from Jenny what you said to Ophelia yesterday.
Aliss: Is now a bad time to remind you that you're in Hell? And that you have a Soulmate?
Aliss:
Alex:
Alex: OH.
Alex: Fuck, I must have sounded like a right ass.
Aliss:
Aliss: And that's probably why she went to go work on pastry early this morning.
Aliss: Barely softened butter and a large rolling pin, too.
Alex: Fuck.

**

"Oh no, she isn't actually angry with him," Aliss said with amusement, "I just thought he was being an ass. Especially because he was freaking out over the babies." Gaap snorted.

"At least he didn't freak out there with them."

"True." Gaap sipped their drink.

"So the pastry…?"

"She made hopia yesterday, and they were very popular. So today, she's making more, but is also trying butter in the casing."

"Ophelia might be a bit annoyed, though."

"Perhaps."

** **

Lucifer begrudgingly followed the human as he went shopping. Although he definitely was finding a little sadistic pleasure in seeing Alex worry.

"Perhaps," Lucifer suggested, "you should get something generic." Alex paled.

"For Lord Diavolo? Certainly not." Alex sighed. "I don't know enough about tea or demonus to get him some. And I know my usual ink maker is occupied today."

"I see."

"And I would guess that buying an indirect present might be an insult." Lucifer did not look impressed at all.

"Of course." Alex sighed again.

"Should I just wrap his Seer-to-be in a ribbon and present her to him?" Lucifer growled.

"You would not-"

"No." Alex laughed nervously. "But I bet she'd be up for it." Lucifer huffed, unimpressed. And then Alex shook his head. "I suppose putting money towards any ceremonies would be problematic, as well?"

"I understand the matter was as of yet undecided." Alex sighed, and then stopped to look Lucifer in the eyes, reading his expression.

Ah, Lucifer was grumpy because he didn't know. Alex decided to deflect.

"I've had a better idea," he said, suddenly. "I think this might just work, and you might benefit as well."

**

Lucifer eyed the materials Alex had gotten from the craft shop.

There was a suspiciously long and wide piece of red velvet ribbon.

Alex saw the look on his face, and smirked.

"Well. Just because I'm not going to wrap her up for Lord Diavolo doesn't mean that I wouldn't like to see her wrapped up at some point."

** **

"Ophelia, what was that-" Barbatos entered the changing room and stopped. "...ah."

Ophelia was standing in the dress, and then she attempted to walk. And fell almost flat on her face.

"This is like that annoying game, ASKL, or something like that. Four buttons to move your legs and no idea how it works."

"Where are your crutches?" She gestured to the dress.

"Can't use them. Not only would the skirt shape be in the way, but-" It looked like she was wiggling her arms. "Something about the dress means they won't extend."

"How did you get here from-"

"I'm using Blot to act as hidden ones." Barbatos sighed. "Trying to coordinate my legs and Blot at the same time is worse than herding cats. Hence the game analogy." He picked her up and deposited her on a stool.

"I must apologise, I did not expect that that material would interfere with your crutches." Ophelia chuckled.

"I understand that these scales have an interesting minor disruptive effect on touch magic." She hummed. "I want to know if I can capture the iridescence of these scales if I powdered them…" Barbatos chuckled.

"I will inquire if you can get them directly from the farm." Ophelia blinked twice, suddenly slightly concerned. "They are Dragonet scales, and they're collected when they shed in the Summer," Barbatos reassured her.

Ophelia hummed, and then glanced down at her legs. Barbatos hummed.

"This may be an impertinent question, but," Barbatos said, "would it not be possible to use your Blot as a hidden walking frame, and leave the movement to your familiar alone." Ophelia smacked her face in a look of bewilderment.

"Fuck. Why didn't I think of that sooner? Thank you, Barbatos!"

** **

Diavolo sighed deeply as he slipped into his bedroom for the evening. Preparing for his birthday had taken his toll on him. He poured a glass of Demonus, sat down, relaxed, and thought.

Would it be selfish of him to ask if-

A gentle knocking on his door interrupted his thoughts.

"Lord Diavolo?" Ophelia. And… not alone, it would seem.

"Come in, Ophelia."

Ophelia, and Alex. The latter seemed embarrassed, but was carrying a bag. She bowed to Diavolo slightly, hesitating.

"I- er- We thought it might be nice… to give you a sneak peek of the snacks I made for tomorrow…" Diavolo perked up.

So he didn't have to ask, it happened.

"Ah, then come and sit down! I have plenty of demonus, so surely we'll find one that goes with the snacks."

They did. One demonus went particularly well with the hopia, whilst a sweet mead went better with the extra savoury shortbread.

"...well, Barbatos suggested cheeses for the shortbread," Ophelia said, "and some of these herbs are Devildom natives." Diavolo nodded.

"Yes, I heard that Barbatos had taken you around the herb garden. Practice, I believe he said?"

"Yeah. My dress tomorrow is made with Dragonet scales, so I can't use my crutches. So I was practicing using Blot instead."

"Was it alright?"

"Oh, we managed to work it out. It's just that it gives the appearance that I'm walking without taking steps, and it unnerves people." Diavolo laughed.

"Well, that should be interesting."

Ophelia's phone beeped. And then she hummed, reaching into the bag that Alex had been carrying. Diavolo looked on, curiously, as Alex nodded and did the same.

Smiling, Ophelia held a wrapped box towards Diavolo. As he took it, she grinned.

"Happy Birthday, Dia." Alex, a little more reservedly, held a thick envelope towards the birthday boy.

"H-Happy Halloween, Lord Diavolo…"

Diavolo couldn't help the wide grin that spread across his face. He took the gifts eagerly, and promptly opened them.

"This is…" He'd opened the envelope first. Inside, numerous vouchers from cafés and restaurants. Alex flushed pink, and pointedly looked at his glass of demonus. "Oh! These are all cafe vouchers. That is very thoughtful of you, Alex. Thank you, I hope to use these."

Diavolo then turned his attention to the box Ophelia had given him. It felt like a bottle of liquid.

And he was right.

He opened the box, and found a small bottle like an inkwell that was filled with a dark liquid. At the bottom, a layer of what looked like sediment. The label tied around the neck indicated that it was, in fact, ink. It was a swatch - a deep black ink with a subtle gold iridescence at the edges, with a smattering of shimmer that appeared to shift between red and purple.

Diavolo was too busy admiring the bottle, awestruck, and reading the note about the ink to notice Ophelia and Alex having an intense discussion via gestures. Both expressing envy over each others' gifts. They agreed to disagree that the other had gotten Diavolo the better gift.

And Diavolo was oblivious, having received two very, very well thought out gifts that filled his heart. He looked up at the pair, with an extra warm smile.

Before the humans could blink, they'd been pulled into a warm, tight hug.

"You've both given me some of the most thoughtful gifts I've received for a while… so I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

**

It was when Ophelia had gone to the toilet that Diavolo, a little tipsy on demonus, smirked at Alex.

"I can tell you're thinking of something." Alex sighed.

"I joked that I should have wrapped Ophelia up for your present, but…"

"Oh?" Diavolo chuckled. "Did Lucifer have something to say about that, I wonder?"

"He just growled menacingly." Diavolo laughed.

"Ah, he thought it was inappropriate." Alex looked a little hopeful. Diavolo sighed. "I think it would have been fun."

Alex wordlessly pulled the ribbon from the pocket of his trousers. He and Diavolo looked at the ribbon, and then at each other, instantly forming a plan.

And that was how Ophelia found herself ambushed and messily tied up after she exited the bathroom.

It was also why Barbatos felt the need to keep the trio under supervision that day. Birthday or not, he wasn't certain it was entirely appropriate for Lord Diavolo to be snuggled up to his future concubines just yet.

Especially when one of them had been tied up with velvet ribbon in a shibari style.

They needed an etiquette lesson, clearly.

** **

Mammon paced backwards and forwards in the hallway of The House of Lamentation. He was grumpy.

"Mammon…"

"I ain't done nothin'." Lucifer frowned.

"You're wearing the carpet down. Honestly… do you miss her that badly?"

"Oi. You gave her to me, so I need ta protect my capital, don't I?"

"...more like he misses the betting tips." Levi had appeared from the hallway.

"Shaddap, Levi!" Lucifer sighed.

"I should have known…"

Satan lurked to the side, quietly. He knew that any of them with pacts were suspects, which is why only Beel and Lucifer were dealing with the security.

Hopefully things would get solved soon. Well. If that was being announced tonight, there was no way the perpetrator would keep still.

Notes:

Hopia are Filipino filled buns. Like mooncakes, but with lovely flaky pastry. Traditionally it's mung bean paste (hopia munggo), but I figured this time she used adzuki bean paste.

Bathala... is the head God of the Visayan deities. And there's a good hint for you, with the cryptid - a peacock with moving eyes in its tail.

Aliss thought Alex was a little shit, and acted Accordingly. 🤣

There'll be a more detailed description of Ophelia's dress when we get to it, honest. But it's iridescent and interferes with her crutches!

Ah, I'm waiting for an ink company to make an ink like I described. They're getting closer, but the shifting glitter isn't a thing just yet.

Ophelia ended up being wrapped up, afterall. She was bound and snuggled... well, mostly. 😆 Shame Barbatos interfered...

Chapter 32

Notes:

This chapter has been fighting tooth and nail to avoid being written , so it's a little longer than usual...

Ophelia was stretched out on a sofa, half asleep. She opened an eye before shutting it again.

When she opened it again, it was to an exasperated Lucifer and an apologetic Barbatos.

"My apologies, Ophelia," Barbatos said, "but Lucifer was-"

"-insisting." She sat up, and sighed. "Yeah, we should go over any plans and whatnot."

"If it's not too much," Lucifer said, with a hint of sarcasm. Ophelia shrugged.

"Well, unlike the able-bodied amongst us," she said wryly, "I need to pre-rest before important things." Ophelia hummed. "But let's get to the serious stuff. Who's my arm candy tonight?"

Lucifer sighed, and just explained the plan. Essentially, she was to remain in arms length of trusted demons, gods, or humans.

"Typhon and his wife will be in attendance. They can also be trusted. And," Barbatos added, "I believe you may have won over a few of the Old Gods with your pastries." She had to think.

"But it was only hopia?" Barbatos nodded.

"Yes. Reminded them of… the concept of Mabuhay. Lord Bathala seemed very pleased."

Ophelia stared at Barbatos with wide, surprised eyes as she slowly turned red.

"There- There are- Diwata here?" Barbatos seemed briefly surprised, but nodded. Lucifer sighed, shaking his head.

"You're not surprised by Typhon, but the mention of other Old Gods sends you into mild panic…"

**

"You need to remember that she is a relatively young human," Barbatos said, gently chastising Lucifer. "I understand that she also showed distress when the concept of Old Gods were mentioned, too."

Barbatos set out the tea set in front of Lucifer, and set out another cup for Lord Diavolo. He didn't set a cup out for himself.

"Surely she has been in The Devildom long enough to have understood by now." Barbatos shook his head.

"I would assume her distress is because she didn't expect some of her ancestral pantheon to be here." Barbatos smiled. "You might deign to ask her when she's absorbed the information." Lucifer huffed.

"Assuming I want to."

Barbatos said nothing, but kept smiling.

** **

It was taking all of his self-control to not pounce on her and- no. That could be later. Maybe.

Ophelia had emerged from the other room in her dress for the evening. Sure, her hair and makeup still needed to be done, but that dress…

The flare of the mermaid skirt was a soft looking tulle, formed like clouds, but the rest of the dress reminded him of scales. Perhaps they were. The scales were iridescent purple, like a night sky. The sparkling tulle was an extension of that, but graduated to a deeper blue like a night sky.

The bodice of the dress could almost have been armor, with the scales and form fitting shapes. The translucent cape that overlaid the corset bodice could have been mistaken for moth wings. They had the eye spots, and-

Ah. That was the point.

Moth wings and the night sky.

Now he could see that the corset bodice was based on moth wings, with eye spots in the right places. He wondered if the colour was close to what Royal Visionary Moths were, but… then again, she wasn't that colour when she was a moth.

"Lexie, you're st-staring." Ophelia had gone bright pink in a fit of self-consciousness.

"Fi. That dress… I need to thank whoever persuaded you into it," he said, leering. "Because I am itching to get you out of it later." Ophelia smiled.

"Pervert."

"I do have to ask, though," Alex said, "where are the pockets in that dress?"

Ophelia looked confused for a second.

"Oh. There aren't any." She hummed. "Doesn't matter, my DDD is secure enough where it is." Alex nodded.

"Well, if it gets uncomfortable wherever you've lodged it, let me know. My suit has plenty of spare pockets."

"Alright, will do."

She didn't have the heart to tell him about Blot's holding capacities.

** **

Lucifer waited, slightly nervous, for Ophelia to emerge from her room.

And then she did so with Alex in tow, and a cheerful Aliss.

For the briefest of moments, he was captivated by Ophelia's appearance. Aliss smiled, but didn't say anything. Lucifer frowned slightly.

"Ophelia, I sincerely hope you are capable of running in that dress." Ophelia chuckled.

"Well I can't walk in the damn thing, so thankfully I have capable protection." Lucifer's eyes widened slightly, and she batted his arm gently. "I'm in dragonet scales, so I couldn't use my crutches. Blot is acting as my wheelchair." Alex was eyeing up Lucifer, who was in turn eying up the human trio.

Lucifer blinked twice and just spoke.

"The plan is that I accompany Ophelia into the ball. From there, she is to remain in the company of trusted demons, humans, and perhaps gods in turn."

** **

Ophelia was hoping for a quieter entrance.

However.

She was accompanying Lucifer, and he made enough of an entrance alone. And then she was basically on his arm.

Heads turned at their entrance.

"The more eyes on you, the harder for him to act," Lucifer murmured.

"Doesn't mean I like the attention, though."

** **

Aliss internally frowned as she listened to the sorcerer next to her prattling on and on about their new spell idea. It was nine-tenths bullshit.

"Of course," Aliss said when they took a breath, "that would involve circumventing at least two rules of thermodynamics, which is impossible for most magic users to maintain for more than a second unless they are very powerful. Better to work with the laws."

"Ah."

** **

Science denying demons. She wasn't surprised, as such, but-

"Alright, so what's the difference between a scientific theory and an ordinary one, then?" Ophelia sighed.

"Not that much," she said. "A scientific theory aims to provide an explanation behind something, instead of just a guess."

"Hmm… I think I need an example."

"Alright. Let's take something ridiculous, like… Lord Lucifer's demonic transformation." This piqued their interest. Ophelia chuckled. "My scientific theory, with my limited human knowledge, is that the mechanism is set off by high blood pressure."

"Explain?"

"Alright, so if you've seen it, it's like his demonic features pop out of him?" They nodded. "What in a body could do that? Pressure. What's good at doing pumping? Liquid. Blood, I'm thinking, because hey, demons have blood, right?" Ophelia hummed. "So, high blood pressure trying to force demonic features out. What keeps them in? Willpower and body structures."

"Okay… but evidence?"

"Lord Lucifer drinks a lot of coffee, and is stressed… and his transformation happens when he's angry. So a base high blood pressure, plus the added emotion means poof, demonic form." Ophelia shrugged. "Now, how would I gather evidence? I'd strap a blood pressure monitor to him and then watch for spikes to link them to observed transformations."

"That is ridiculous." Ophelia paused. That wasn't- she looked at her conversation partner to see that they'd gone pale and was looking above and behind her.

"Ridiculous, yes, but a good explanation of scientific theory and proof… milord," she said, as she glanced behind her.

"Would you strap a blood pressure monitor to me?" She hummed.

"Not without permission or unless I wanted to be hung up somewhere. Although I am curious about it." Lucifer chuckled.

"Noted."

** **

Benaz and Gloka had teamed up. To what end? To wrap themselves around Ophelia.

Gloka whispered in her ear conspiratorially.

"Ophelia, the lust off of the new guy when he looks at you is tasty."

"Yeah, he has a thing for corsets." Benaz hummed.

"No, just yours." Ophelia looked at Benaz and sighed.

"True. He probably associates me more with a lab coat than a corset. It's the novelty factor." She chuckled, and then explained. "We used to go to the same University, and I made ink for him a lot."

Gloka hummed and squeezed Ophelia tighter.

"And now he had a pang of envy."

"I bet there's a few demons wanting to motorboat me, too. Look at Mammon." Benaz laughed.

"Yes, but he's got a streak of Greed to it." Ophelia sighed.

"Gotta protect ma 'uman!" Her impression of Mammon made Gloka snort.

"That's a point, why isn't he all over you?"

"...security issues. They're on duty, basically."

"So it's true that Lord Diavolo is making a big announcement today."

Gloka, in a fit of mischief, just decided to go for it. She shoved her face into Ophelia's exposed cleavage and really go to town with the head shaking.

Benaz nearly fell over with laughter as Mammon had to be dragged away by Lucifer.

** **

Simeon hurried to meet his Celestial visitors at the portal.

Nearby demons were giving them a wide berth, only relaxing when Simeon appeared. Like him, they were dressed in white clothing with blue and gold highlights.

Simeon was a little nervous, but smiled and greeted them.

"Michael, Raphael. Welcome to the Devildom."

** **

It was a tight hug. Ophelia was certainly feeling the pressure from the embrace, and almost to the point of breaking bones.

Echidna, Typhon's beloved wife and mother to Heme, had seized an opportunity to wrap the confused human in her long serpent-like tail.

"Oh, you're just adorable!" Heme sighed.

"Mama, you could hurt her like that." Echidna loosened her tail. Ophelia laughed.

"Luckily, I have the Dragonet scales for protection." Echidna grinned.

"If you've been put in Dragonet scales, it means you must have paid a pretty penny for that dress!" Ophelia blushed.

"Lord Asmodeus and Lord Barbatos insisted on paying for this dress. I did end up splashing out on the accessories, though…" Heme nodded.

"They look good on you." Ophelia preened.

"They have some enchantments, too." Echidna smiled.

"Oh, good. Protective?"

"And one that can hold up to 50 litres of water." Echidna sighed happily.

"Good. Since you're partnered with a slime familiar, you will need it." Ophelia nodded.

"...it's been handy, just because I don't want to empty the punch bowls tonight."

** **

Ophelia was happy to sit on Beel's lap while she pointed out foodstuffs to him. She pointed, he ate, and invariably said it was delicious in some way.

It was while she was munching away that she saw what looked like a tense conversation between Lucifer and someone that almost looked like his complete opposite.

That someone was definitely an angel. His long, almost white hair was plaited loosely down his back, and his eyes were a lovely teal colour. His pale clothing was flowing and wispy in places, highlighting his muscular body.

Ophelia gently prodded Beel.

"Hey, who is that angel giving Lucifer a hard time?" Beel coughed.

"Michael."

Oh.

"Should we give them a minute?" She didn't get an answer, so she looked at Beel. His attention was elsewhere.

"Someone's just spiked the punch fountain."

**

"Luci…"

"Absolutely not."

"No. This is important. I suspect there are demons that keep trying to spike the drinks with something."

"...and it ain't just demonus." Two sets of eyes looked at the low voice. Or, first they looked at Beel, and then down at Ophelia.

She was brandishing an ornamental golden bottle.

"What is Golden Newt Syrup, anyway? Not that it really matters now, but…"

Lucifer looked ready to spring into action, but then heard-

"...I removed it from the drink subtly using Blot." Lucifer smiled.

"Good. This is… a problematic substance." Michael's reaction to Lucifer's smile was mildly adorable. And then Lucifer's smile turned dark. "And do not even think of adding it to anything, yourself."

"...if it affects humans, can I add it to you-know-who's drink?" Lucifer sighed. Michael's subtle reaction was that of a fangirl, and Ophelia was living for it. And then Michael turned to Ophelia.

"Then, I assume that this lovely lady is Ophelia?" She bowed.

"Sir, you must be Michael. Luke speaks highly of you." Michael nodded.

"Thank you for helping to look after both Luke and Simeon."

"Oh no, they've been helping keep me safe."

** **

"There have been multiple attempts to put things in the drinks, Lucifer." Beel frowned. "Golden Newt Syrup, Essence of Dremora, Ambrosial Oil, and Angel Trumpet liquor." Lucifer frowned.

"This is bad. Who's monitoring the situation besides Barbatos?"

"Ophelia. She has tiny tendrils in each fountain." Beel nodded. "Barbatos is assisting with detaining them, as well as refilling it." Lucifer nodded, and glanced over to where Ophelia was sitting with Michael and Simeon. Beel chuckled. "Ophelia's almost like a Legendary Queen Slime."

Lucifer didn't get time to ask what he meant.

The lights dimmed, and Lord Diavolo gathered everyone's attention.

Lucifer was almost zoning out at the very general thank yous, but was suddenly wary as he realised where Lord Diavolo was standing-

"...this year is an especially momentous occasion, that everyone seems to have sensed," Lord Diavolo said, "despite my attempts to keep it quiet. But today, I announce… I now have a Royal Seer."

The spotlight shone on Ophelia, who was standing in front of Lord Diavolo. She knelt down and placed her hands in what looked like a practiced, formal pose.

"I pledge my abilities as a Seer to you, Lord Diavolo, and promise to serve to your benefit."

"Arise, Ophelia. I accept your pledge. May your abilities as Seer serve the Devildom - and myself - well." Lord Diavolo bent down to assist Ophelia, effortlessly picking her up by the shoulders.

The crowd burst into riotous cheers, loud enough to cover one very frustrated yell.

Notes:

Sharp eyed readers might be able to tell from Blotting Paper's updates that I was planning a slightly different direction for some of this.
But I couldn't help but add some fun. And coming up with a dress design for her was so hard.

Michael appears! I think my vision of him as Lucifer's polar opposite - long pale hair with blue-green eyes - was mentioned by someone before. 🤔

Chapter 33

This was the first time that they had ever sensed demonic energy just rolling off of someone. And they were standing in a ballroom of literal demons.

Worse, it was their Father.

"Ria, this is baaaad."

"Seph, let's find out about her."

"...let's contact Mum, first."

** **

Ophelia watched from a distance as Aliss was in an intense conversation with a giant peacock. And as Aliss picked it up and ran off to somewhere quieter.

Barbatos hummed.

"Have there been any more attempts to spike the drinks fountains or bowls?" Ophelia sighed.

"No, they're alright at the moment." She looked at Barbatos. "What about the perpetrators?"

"Detained, for now." She nodded.

"I get the feeling that it's the same as last time." She looked down, blinked slowly, and then looked at Barbatos. "They'll probably say the idea came to them in a dream." He saw the glint in her eyes just before it vanished, and moved to hook her arm in his for support. Ophelia smiled gratefully at him.

"May I suggest that I introduce you to some fans of your pastries?"

** **

Leviathan's tail flicked backwards and forwards as he could sense – and feed off of – the envy in the atmosphere. There was one source in particular that seemed to ooze it out.

From his hidden vantage point, he was able to tell it was just one person. But more worryingly, they were starting to leak demonic energy. They were on the brink of being corrupted by their pact demon…

13

Levi: Lucifer, there's a human leaking demonic energy near one of the balconies.
Lucifer: Got it.

Lucifer scanned the area looking for any signs of a witch in distress.

He instead found three. Three slightly familiar faces.

"That is quite a leakage of energy." The children looked up at him pleadingly, whilst their Father seemed a little shaken.

"Lord Lucifer…" The young girl spoke. Quite clearly a twin to her brother.

"Shall I call a doctor over?" Lucifer was internally curious, but also cautious. "Or would you prefer to move to a private room, first?"

"B-but the cost…?" Lucifer sighed.

"His Highness, Lord Diavolo, is more concerned with the health of his guests than the costs." Lucifer took out his DDD and checked which rooms were free, and also gave Gaap an alert about the situation. "I have set aside a withdrawing room for you."

"Th-thank you."

** **

This Lord Bathala and the Archangel Michael are on good terms, Simeon thought.

Both were tall with pale hair, although Lord Bathala appeared to be dressed in little more than a loincloth and a large tube of fabric. And unlike angels, he had a beard and extensive tattoos in a style he hadn't seen before. Very geometric but flowing across the muscles, and probably laced with meaning.

The patterns seemed familiar to Simeon. And then it clicked - Ophelia's doodles and penmanship drills.

Barbatos knocked on the door with a guest, and they tensed up again. And then they relaxed when they saw it was Ophelia.

Ophelia saw Lord Bathala, and flushed red. He smiled warmly.

"Kumusta sija, anak?" She briefly froze before scurrying over.

"Ah, mabuti ako, Tito…" She got within arms reach before bowing. "M-Mano po?" Lord Bathala chuckled, and moved his hand towards her, and she took it, and briefly placed it to her forehead. "Salamat po, Tito…"

The whole exchange was foreign to Simeon. As they conversed in what would seem to be their native language and interacted, it definitely made a curious sight.

"Ophelia definitely is a curious human," Michael said, quietly. "I do not think she knows of herself."

"No," Simeon said, "she doesn't. Yet."

Barbatos came in with another plate of those curious cakes that Lord Bathala seemed fond of. It drew Ophelia's attention.

"Oh, didn't you put all the plates of Hopia out, Barbatos? Wait…"

"I specifically requested yours, 'nak." Lord Bathala clapped his hand onto her shoulder, with a smile. "I understand Barbatos made the ones at the buffet." Ophelia went bright red. Lord Bathala bent down to whisper something in her ear, which made her relax a little. Not that Simeon heard it over the sound of Michael clearing his throat.

"Ophelia, whilst Lord Bathala is here, I think it might be prudent to discuss a few things."

** **

Typhon and Alex were having an intense staring match, uneasy over how and why the other was considered safe to watch Ophelia.

Well, until Aliss stepped in.

"That's quite enough, you two. Lord Diavolo has already been through and decided on the safety of it." Typhon huffed.

"Lord Diavolo also trusts Lucifer with her safety, and I've had to rescue her from being handcuffed to his bed." Aliss looked shocked.

"What?" Alex was bristling.

"He what?" Typhon shook his head.

"And if leaving Ophelia handcuffed in a painful position she couldn't escape from is considered-" There was a brief flash of cold as Alex hissed.

"That asshole." Aliss chuckled ominously.

"Looks like I need to give him a piece of my mind." She paused, giving a wicked grin. "And snitch on him to a few others." Even the peacock behind Aliss seemed angry.

Well, at least Typhon understood why they were considered safe for Ophelia, now.

** **

Mammon was almost buzzing with orders from his pact holders at the party. Drink orders, good luck charms for bets, and the occasional chance to be shown off. Lots of conflicting orders, and the energy when he had to think about a complicated situation for an order.

Which is precisely why he was getting concerned when he saw the signs in another demon.

Worse, it was one of his brothers.

He had to let Lucifer and Lord Diavolo know. But first…

"There's plenty of The Great Mammon to go around!"

** **

Both Michael and Lord Bathala were concentrating hard.

From an outsider's perspective, it looked like they were just holding one hand each - but Simeon knew they were using intense forms of magic.

Michael let go first, nodding.

Lord Bathala followed shortly afterwards.

Both were thinking: "Oh, so that's what she did." Albeit for wildly different reasons.

Michael spoke first.

"Your protection charm is very impressive, Bathala." Lord Bathala smiled sadly.

"It was not just my doing, it was Cassandra's work, too." Ophelia looked shocked.

"...my Mother?"

The world span as Ophelia tried to process the implications before it whited out.

** **

Esmere was worried. If Felipe was leaking demonic energy… was it to do with that Seer from before? What happened?

"Mum wants us to keep an eye on Dad, and definitely get advice from the Doctor." Maria said, determined. Joseph sighed as they looked at their dozing Father.

"I have a bad feeling, Ria." She nodded.

"...me too. Something is off." There was a knock on the door. The twins looked at each other before gingerly going to the door and opening it a crack.

There was a blond man (probably a demon) with a giant lizard (definitely a demon) behind him. The blond man smiled.

"Hello? I've brought the doctor with me. They're an expert on human health."

**

Gaap's tail flicked as they prepared some medicines. It certainly wasn't easy with three sets of eyes on their back.

Satan peeked around them with curiosity. Gaap resisted the urge to flick him.

"Sedatives, for now. In reality, that witch needs to quit drawing on their demon or he'll turn into a demonoid."

The briefest of flashes in Satan's eyes made Gaap worry - like that was what he wanted. Maybe it was.

"If they're in a contract or a pact, would it be helpful if it were completed?" Gaap nodded.

"Sure. Would probably be fatal, but yes."

The witches were listening intently. Gaap finished preparing the medicine, and wrapped the bundle in paper.

"These need to be boiled in water like tea, and then drunk a small cup at a time. Honey or sugar can be added if needed." Satan was eyeing Gaap suspiciously.

"That seems rather-"

"It won't do miracles, but it should slow it down. It's all very strong sedatives, not a cure." Gaap sighed. "I'd better write down more details for you, or I feel Satan will have a conniption." That made the younger man laugh.

"I can't imagine Lord Satan throwing a fit like that."

** **

Slime Queens

Oozala: My mysterious penpal has sent a spicy image!
Ophelia: Oh?
Oozala: Yeah. In black and white, but it's beautiful.
Ophelia: …I have good news and bad news in that regard…
Oozala: Oh really?
Ophelia: I know exactly who it is, and… I've seen the pic.
Oozala: WHAT?
Ophelia: My name is after yours in his contact list, so I copped an eyeful by accident.
Ophelia: The bad news is that he's sworn me to secrecy so I am honour bound to not reveal who.
Ophelia: But, your guess before about it being one of The Brothers is spot on.
Oozala: I'm not even angry, that's hilarious.
Oozala: But don't forget to make the most of it.
Ophelia: Aye aye, Captain!
Ophelia:

Notes:

Oh, there's a lot of stressed and ill people in this chapter.

...and Lucifer, once Aliss gets hold of him.

...

And then Bathala. Dude in a loincloth, basically, covered in tribal tattoos.

Kumusta sija, anak? - How are you, child?

Ah... Mabuti ako, Tito... - I'm OK, uncle...

And she asks him for a traditional blessing, haha.

...

Oh dear, poor Ophelia. Someone sent her a dick pic meant for Oozala.

Chapter 34

Notes:

Oh, this chapter went in about 800 different directions before I wrangled it into where it is now. Settled on it being longer than usual.

I want her dead by all the most painful ways possible.

So now he knew it was definitely Ophelia, and…

A slow, painful death. With elements of psychological horror. Which was better now he knew it was definitely her.

Luckily, he had the perfect plan to do that and more… but first…

"Perhaps it would be best to let your Father rest, and enjoy the party? His sedation should keep him asleep for a while yet."

Satan felt himself buzzing with devilish anticipation.

** **

"'Nak, there is something important we need to do before we talk about your Mother."

"Yes. We'll explain it as we go, but essentially, we'd like to modify that protective ability your Mother blessed you with to give you more control over it."

"...I didn't know I had one, but alright? …wait, what? WHAT?" Lord Bathala couldn't help but laugh, and then laughed harder as the realisation hit her and she reacted.

** **

"I must ask, Hanzaki, where did you get that Inkling for Ophelia?" Hanzaki sipped his drink smugly.

"Well. Apparently, Barbatos, she found a fossilised slime core on one of her misadventures." Barbatos smiled knowingly.

"Ah. A hybrid, then?"

"Indeed. An Ancient Opalescent Slime crossed with a Legendary Prismatic Inkling." Hanzaki huffed. "A priceless treasure."

"Do you-" Hanzaki looked at Barbatos directly.

"I only wish I could snatch Ophelia away to be my apprentice in full." Hanzaki downed the rest of his drink. "But no, she's a Seer."

The two shared an amicable silence. It was as Barbatos was thinking of walking away that Hanzaki spoke again, but mostly to himself.

"The girl has a fountain pen forged with a divine tear, that is attuned to her, of course she's destined for something..."

** **

Michael, Ophelia, and Bathala, working together at a singular goal. They were holding hands with each other, an exchange of energy between them.

Raphael pondered why they'd do something like this for a human. He hadn't realised that he'd said it out loud until Simeon replied.

"...because it will help. The only way to modify that Guardian Circlet involves all three sources cooperating."

"But why do it?"

"Ah. Well, that is a slightly different matter."

** **

Benaz and Gloka had teamed up again. Their target this time was a young male witch.

Alex was aware of them as they attempted a prong approach, and he let them, before turning to Gloka.

"Well? How did the motorboating feel?" Gloka grinned, gloating, attempting to goad him.

"Amazing. And I enjoyed every second of it." Alex laughed.

"Oh good." Alex looked at Gloka for a second. "Did you get any energy from it?" Benaz huffed, ready to step in, but Alex shook his head. "I guess I'm just curious if a female Incubus can get it from just-" Alex held his hands up to pretend to motorboat, and Gloka just laughed at Alex's gestures.

"Ah, he knows." She sighed. "No, I can't. It's why we're in the same class as Ophelia. I can't gather energy like that." Alex nodded in understanding.

"You need to actually insert something and - yeah, that makes sense." Benaz laughed.

"Well. If you want to test that theory, then-" Alex grinned, teasing.

"Are you offering to bottom for me?" When Benaz went bright red, Alex just laughed and clapped his hand onto Benaz's shoulder cheerfully. Gloka joined in with the laughter.

“Well, I'd like to try something…”

** **

Barbatos looked up at the dangling Mammon. He wasn't going to ask what had happened, but suspected that Lucifer had intervened to make witches rescind orders and give Mammon a break.

And of course, Mammon was acting like he was there against his will.

"Hey, Barbatos… Ya couldn't lemme off of this, could ya?" Barbatos smiled.

"I might consider it if you answer my questions well."

"I ain't done nothin'!" He said, loudly, before continuing quietly. "So, what do ya wanna know?"

"Ophelia's fountain pen." Mammon sighed.

"Which one? She's got at least 10."

"Is there one that she's fond of?" Mammon smirked.

"Gotta be more specific, Barb. She loves 'em all." Barbatos let out the smallest sigh, and Mammon panicked (mostly for show). "Now hold on, I-I can-" Barbatos could sense someone watching them.

"Then answer me," Barbatos said. Mammon went limp, in mock resignation and replied quietly.

"There's one. She wanted summat similar, but we couldn't find one. Has a glass nib, distinctive patterns, yellow gold and platinum findings, and a large ink bladder. Like, magically large." Mammon frowned. "She wouldn't let me touch it."

Barbatos could understand why. Ophelia had griped that Mammon had a habit of borrowing her pens and not giving them back.

"I will tell Lucifer that I got my answers," Barbatos said. "Thank you."

Barbatos later found out that Lucifer had actually hung Mammon up for sending lewd imagery, not for more benevolent reasons.

** **

Lord Diavolo sat on the throne, watching the festivities from afar for a bit.

Demons, witches, and even angels of all types had been coming up to greet and congratulate him, and leave presents with Barbatos. Or in the pile for Barbatos to examine later.

Frankly, he was getting tired of it, but knew he had to endure. Although occasionally, there were some interesting encounters…

…such as Satan with two young witches in tow. Twins, it would seem. The girl gave a curtsey, whilst the boy bowed. Satan bowed, and explained.

"Their Father has taken ill and is in one of the guest rooms," Satan said, "and so, they wished to thank you in person." The girl bowed.

"Happy Halloween, Your Highness. We can't thank you enough for your hospitality, and are very thankful for your generosity."

"Thank you for the well wishes," Lord Diavolo said, "and I hope your Father feels better soon."

Lord Diavolo had a feeling that something was off about the situation, but couldn't feasibly act.

But there was something he definitely could check on.

** **

Never place bets on sexual performance again, Alex sternly reminded himself. Still, that was fun.

Benaz and Gloka giggled as Alex waited to do his forfeit. Maybe them being a little drunk on transferred energy helped, too.

And as the unsuspecting person rounded the corner, Alex struck, trapping the demon against the wall by placing arms either side of them.

Gloka and Benaz screeched in horror before hiding. Alex looked at them before facing the horror of seeing who he'd kabedon'ed.

Lord Diavolo just laughed. Alex went bright red.

"I--I am- I lost a bet a-and…"

"Is this a Kabedon?" With a chuckle, Lord Diavolo leaned over Alex. "Well, I hope you're going to take responsibility for it."

Alex looked back to see that Benaz and Gloka had disappeared. And then he looked back and up at Lord Diavolo.

"Your Highness…?"

"Oh, I just wanted to check in on Ophelia. You'd be the perfect guide."

** **

"Ophelia, focus please."

"Sorry."

It wasn't long before she started getting fidgety again.

Thankfully, Michael put the finishing touches on what he was doing, before gently swatting her hand.

"There. You should have better control of it. You didn't know, at all?"

"If I did, I wouldn't have been so fucking shocked." Lord Bathala hummed.

"That Aliss is a shrewd one, for certain. It had her signature style wards." He patted her on the head. "You can always ask your Nanay, they should both know."

"But my Mum-"

"She did ask to come along tonight. Although she is having trouble getting the courage to talk to you."

There was a moment of silence and stillness before Ophelia cursed loudly, making everyone flinch. And then she sighed.

"The peacock that Aliss was talking to," she said, quietly.

"Mali na. Libong Mata Paboreal siya." Michael didn't understand, but Ophelia nodded.

"Ah. I will… let her come to me in her own time with the explanation. Aliss, too." Ophelia frowned. “Although you bet I'm going to rib them both for it.”

And then, Alex burst through the door. Raphael was ready to unleash his spears, but Ophelia darted towards the intruder and essentially tackled him into a hug.

Lord Diavolo followed, quietly closing the door behind.

As Ophelia and Alex lay in a tangled hug, Lord Diavolo nodded to Lord Bathala and Michael.

"I hope you'll pardon the intrusion." Michael smiled.

"Well, he is her Soulmate. We may have dropped some unexpected information onto her that echoed through the bond." Lord Bathala chuckled.

"And she is your Seer. If her soulmate is anxious, it's a worry."

** **

If Aliss noticed Lucifer approaching, she tactfully said nothing. The peacock at her side remained quiet, too. Jack, though…

"Happy Halloween, Lucifer. Enjoying the festivities?" Lucifer huffed in amusement.

"I am on duty, as usual, Jack."

"Yeah, but I saw you hang Mammon up, so you might be having some fun." The peacock tilted its head, before a third eye in its forehead opened up and looked Lucifer up and down.

"...hmm." Lucifer looked at the peacock, and then at Aliss.

"Did you say something?" Aliss chuckled.

"Just thinking, Lucifer."

"I hope it is about how to punish your son, because he certainly has not been the most respectful to Lord Diavolo." Aliss shook her head.

"On the contrary, I think their shenanigans last night really solidified their bond." Lucifer raised an eyebrow at this. Jack whistled in awe.

"Your Alex really knows how to shake things up. First antagonising Ophelia, and now getting too friendly with Lord Diavolo?"

"And then sneaking off to a bathroom and having intercourse with two of your students, Jack." Jack blinked twice.

"Oh? Did Benaz and Gloka team up or something?" Lucifer looked disgusted, but Jack continued. "Well, the topic of secondary gender came up, so obviously Benaz and Gloka made decent examples of it. Ophelia joked that they should team up on him for fun. What did he do to piss her off?"

Aliss nearly spat out her drink in shock and laughter.

"I think you'll find," she said, "they actually get on rather well. He does like threesomes." Jack sighed. Aliss chuckled. “He'd have frozen them for a century if it wasn't consensual.” Lucifer sighed deeply.

“I suppose that explains it.” Lucifer shook his head and frowned. “He is very… unusual.”

** **

The Angels, and then Lord Bathala, had filtered out of the room to enjoy the party once more, now their tasks were done.

This left Diavolo, Alex, and Ophelia in the room.

Not wanting to miss out on some cuddles, Diavolo had scooped both humans into a hug and onto a sofa. Alex had tensed up, surprised, but Ophelia was only slightly startled. Diavolo hummed.

“Ophelia, how are you feeling?” She headbutted Diavolo's shoulder. It was the nearest.

“...Lord Bathala dropped some heavy information on me. And so did Archangel Michael.” Alex reached out to her, and stroked her shoulder.

“Hey.” His hand went from stroking her shoulder to poking her cheek. She poked him back.

“I'll… explain after I've processed it.” Alex nodded before wriggling out of the snuggle.

“I'll move the biscuits closer to us.” Diavolo sighed.

“Then, I must apologise for adding to your burdens,” he said. “Do you remember when we spoke about formalities?”

“...vaguely, yes.”

“One stage involves a binding, of sorts. Like my promise, but more permanent.”

“Oh! The Marking.” Diavolo smiled.

“That's it.”

Alex dropped the plate he was holding in shock. There was a glow in Diavolo's eyes as the Crown Prince looked at him sharply. Alex bristled.

“Marking? As in-”

“The traditional first way of claiming a Concubine.” Diavolo frowned. “Although slightly barbaric, it does mean that I can find you if needed, even through most blocking spells.”

“That could be an invasion of privacy.”

“More of a safety beacon, but I do understand your concerns.” Diavolo hummed. “It also stops a kidnapper from doing the same by force.” Alex faltered slightly.

“...and with the announcement, and…” Diavolo sighed softly.

"Do you trust me, Ophelia?" She looked at him with a hefty dose of skepticism.

"Despite that ominous question, yes." He spun her round in his grip, pushing her to the sofa, face down. She was pinned by his body weight, and squirmed a little.

"Then I'm sorry, I have to do this."

“Dia?”

Diavolo tenderly brushed the hair aside from the back of her neck. She shivered at his breath moving the hair on her nape before she felt the pressure and her skin tearing.

A bite? And what was that-

She whimpered, and the pressure lifted. Then she felt something wet touch her nape and move. She winced. It was worse than the bite. There was a suction over the area, and a humming.

Then, a burning pain shot through her body, making her writhe. He let her, before bundling her up close in his arms, kissing the bite mark and holding her chin up.

Alex was there in a flash at Ophelia's side, trying to get between her and Diavolo.

“Ophelia!” Alex looked up at Diavolo, the Crown Prince licking his lips in a slightly seductive way.

“I should mark you, too,” he purred.

Ophelia loosely smacked Diavolo's face. Her arm was shaking, and if anyone had looked closely, her arm was slightly less solid than it really should have been.

But then again, Alex had already lowered his trousers, exposing his cheeks.

“Bite me.”

**

Diavolo was almost rolling around with laughter. Ophelia's snickering was slightly wheezy. Alex was laughing to himself through the pain, but half glared at her.

“You didn't have to bite the other side!”

Ophelia looked slightly smug and completely unrepentant.

**

It would be apt to describe Barbatos as stalking his prey.

His prey being his Young Master, who had been gone for a little longer than expected. And perhaps Ophelia, who had also been away for a while.

Barbatos appeared, with a slight sigh, as Lord Diavolo exited a room with two humans. Marked humans.

His eye gave an almost imperceptible twitch, earning a similar twitch from both Lord Diavolo and Ophelia.

“Perhaps,” Barbatos said, “we had better not return all as one group.” Ophelia looked anxiously at Barbatos, and then at Lord Diavolo.

Alex was slightly oblivious to the tension, and smiled at Barbatos, offering a hand to the butler.

“Shall we? I was seen with Lord Diavolo last, it might be better if you, er, escorted me back.”

A cold sweat dripped down Lord Diavolo's back at Barbatos’ (lack of) reaction. Ophelia cocked her head.

“...perhaps, we should play into assumptions.” Humming, Lord Diavolo scooped her up like she was a pet.

“Yes, I agree. Many will assume our absence was due to- oh.” And then he stopped, a little flustered. Ophelia chuckled darkly.

“I think they'll just be relieved to know I wasn't fatally impaled by the royal scepter today.”

Barbatos sighed. Ophelia seemed surprisingly calm about it. Mostly because Barbatos wasn't going to reprimand them today.

Barbatos had fully prepared to give her a knowing, slightly chastising look, to signify that it wasn't over yet. However, he caught the glint in her eyes as it turned into a worried expression and she turned to look behind.

He glanced back, to see a giant demonoid lurch into the hallway from a room.

It locked eyes onto Alex before leaping forwards with a growl.

Notes:

Ha! I made up a cryptid. A Thousand-Eyed Peacock (Libong Mata Paboreal). Fits in with planned lore...

Lucifer is going to shit bricks (internally) when he realises it was the peacock making inquisitive sounds. And more.

Is Marking really a big point? No, but Alex had a revelation about it. Hence the plate drop.

And of course, Alex being completely imprecise leads to... Ophelia being maliciously compliant. Luckily he isn't going to be sitting down for a while!

...and I know we were all having fun at the ball, but advancing the plot was overdue.

Chapter 35

A wall of ice sprung up from the floor, blocking the corridor. Alex had moved into a defensive stance.

From her place in Diavolo's arms, Ophelia reached her hand towards the wall of ice. Water sprayed from her fingers, hitting the ice and freezing solid on contact.

Alex smiled as he glanced back. Diavolo sighed and picked him up by the collar as he dashed towards the ballroom.

Barbatos remained behind.

“We must evacuate the ballroom,” Diavolo explained.

** **

The peacock next to Aliss pecked at her.

“Something's off.” Aliss looked round before sensing it.

“You're right.”

Lord Diavolo burst through the doors to the ballroom. Anyone near the doors could see two humans making ice walls in the corridor.

“My apologies,” he announced, “but there is a rogue Demonoid on the loose. I must ask that everyone evacuate.”

Most of the brothers leapt into action, except for Lucifer, who leapt to Lord Diavolo's side.

“Demonoid?” Barbatos appeared at Lord Diavolo's side.

“Corridor reinforced. Those in the rooms should be safe.”

A distant crashing of ice was heard. Alex swore a little.

“Three walls left!” Aliss grimaced. It was loud enough to be heard by those in the ballroom.

There was a stampede as the lesser demons rushed for the doors all at once in panic. Levi, Beel and Mammon attempted to control the crowd to prevent a crush.

Ophelia dragged a struggling Alex into the ballroom by the collar. Someone dutifully shut the doors behind them, throwing the lock bar into place.

“I need to refill my water storage if I want to reinforce more of your ice.” Alex scoffed.

“I'll freeze the doors, then.” Satan, who was by the doors, swiftly moved away to get out of the freezing zone. Lucifer frowned.

“Diavolo, you need to move-”

“It isn't targeting us. It's focused on Alex and possibly Ophelia.” Seeing Lucifer begin to scowl, Diavolo continued. “...and they need more protection than I do.”

Gaap and Aliss joined them.

“My Lords,” Aliss began, “I must ask that you keep clear of the door.” She gestured to the peacock, who had its tail wide open to show off all the eyes. There was a glowing at the base of the tail feathers, creeping up like it was charging. “She is ready to fire as soon as the demonoid breeches the doorway.”

“I doubt that it will finish the demonoid off,” Gaap said. “I suspect it will only stun it.” Ophelia peeked around Alex to look at Gaap.

“Did you-”

“I examined a witch on the brink of corruption. It is likely them. And if it is, it's definitely a Greater demonoid or higher.” Lord Diavolo laughed.

“Not something either of you two can handle.” Alex looked irritated, but Ophelia nodded. She dragged Alex to stand closer to Lord Diavolo. Lucifer huffed.

“And what, do you think, you're doing?”

“Keeping safe,” Ophelia said. She grinned. “And I feel the safest place is nearest Lord Diavolo at the moment!” Lucifer looked exasperated, but then grasped that Ophelia was trying to gesture with her eyes.

Away from the door, she seemed to say. Or was it?

** **

Solomon, Devi, and Asmodeus were heading back to the ballroom when the shudder of a wall being torn down made them stop.

Devi readied her claws, and cautiously advanced down the corridor towards the sound, stopping at the junction to peer around the corner.

In the distance, a monstrous sized demonoid was shambling towards the ballroom. But closer to them… a ragged looking witch cowering behind some rubble.

He looked sickly pale, and while it could be taken as shock, it looked more like he hadn't slept for a year. Despite this, he could definitely be described as handsome.

Devi couldn't shake the sense of familiarity about him - despite being very confident that she'd never met the man before.

Asmodeus and Solomon felt the same. With a quick and discreet photo, they felt they could check their hunch.

But first…

“Oh, those walls of ice are very well made, if that demonoid can't simply burst through them.”

“...Solomon.”

“Yes, yes. I would quite imagine that they've begun to evacuate the ballroom.” Solomon hummed. “We'd better help out.”

** **

“If you, Ophelia, act as the communication hub between House of Lamentation members and related beings,” Barbatos said, “I will handle the other major factions.”

Ophelia pulled her phone from her cleavage and created a mega chat.

“Easy done.”

Aliss had to gently smack Alex to stop him from drooling.

“I can talk to some of the witches that didn't evacuate,” Aliss said.

Their planning got interrupted as the other doors to the ballroom slammed back open, with a panicked group rushing in. Beel threw Levi in, before shutting the doors and locking them.

“Th-there's a big problem!” Levi said, looking flustered. “It was like the zombie arc in The Tales of the Seven Lords-”

“What happened, Leviathan?”

“Lots of people fell asleep before they- they just started getting up and attacking!”

Ophelia had been texting frantically and missed what Levi had said. She looked up from her DDD and was bemused.

“What the fuck?”

Everyone was still processing the dilemma when Ophelia got another message.

“...Mams sends his worst regards.” Lucifer's dry chuckle broke the silence.

“He can fly, he'll be fine.”

Ophelia frowned at her DDD, next examining the photos Asmo had sent to her.

It was definitely her Father. Injured.

But something wasn't quite right.

She took a deep breath and tried to See. Alex, noticing her attempt, hovered closer to her. Just in case.

Echidna looked on in curiosity, before circling Ophelia with her tail protectively. When Ophelia grimaced, shaking a little, Echidna supported her with the tail.

“See anything of use?”

“...yeah.” She sighed. “My Father is an asshole, and… well, I'd have to see him in person to confirm it.” Alex huffed.

“What are you looking for, exactly?”

“You know how when demons are in their fully human form, you can see hints of their next form up-”

“No, but continue.”

“...well, in the photo, I saw hints of horns.” She showed the photo to Alex, and then to Echidna. Echidna frowned.

“I'm assuming this is your ability seeing that.” Alex nodded in agreement. Echidna hummed. “That was the witch earlier that was leaking demonic energy. If he isn't the demonoid, then- then who is?”

** **

After securing a safe exit for the unaffected people, there remained a few highly capable witches and a few strong demons.

Mephistopheles and a few nobles seemed put out by the inconvenience. The Great Witch Maddi and her aides, not so much.

In fact, Maddi was using this as an opportunity to teach her aides about things they'd encountered to get here.

Solomon finished talking to Asmodeus and approached her. Maddi nodded in acknowledgement.

“Solomon.” They turned away from her aides to talk discreetly. “What is your plan?”

“Oh, I was going to ask you that.” Maddi rolled her eyes.

“If we leave my aides here with some nobles, we should be able to clear a path to the ballroom…” She lowered her voice. “Dump that asshole Felipe somewhere, he's a liability.”

“I'm afraid we need to keep him close.” Maddi scoffed. She raised her voice back to its usual level.

“Fine idea. If we leave my aides and persuade a few esteemed Lords to remain here, then I don't mind helping rescue those in the ballroom.”

** **

“So in short, we've got a Greater Demonoid one side, and rabid demons the other. If we can use group teleportation Arrays, we should be able to evacuate the innocent to safety.” Lord Diavolo had shifted into serious mode. Lucifer nodded.

“My Brothers and I, as well as selected others, will remain to guard and deal with the problems.”

It didn't take long before all the unnecessary people had been teleported safely away.

Which was for the best, because before they could celebrate that, the demonoid finally burst through the door.

A searing beam of golden light blasted it backwards. Although looking worse for wear, fragmenting around the edges, it still advanced forwards.

Aliss frowned.

“Something's off about it.” Echidna slithered over.

“That demonoid… hasn't much corporeal form.” To prove a point, Echidna hissed, and spears shot out to impale it in a circle shape. Only half of them hit the demonoid, the rest passed through.

“Well shit,” Aliss said, “there's half a witch wandering around.”

“...Ophelia did say he was just an asshole…” Lucifer, who had overheard this, simply blasted the demonoid with a bolt of magic.

“We do not have time to waste on speculation.”

The demonoid stood back up after the blast, leaking a few green and purple flames. Lucifer suddenly had a horrible realisation.

** **

Typhon grumbled as he teleported another rabid demon into a prison cell.

“...at least the kids were in bed before this started…”

Ahead of him in an open hall of sorts, there were demons jumping up at something. Someone.

Mammon, perched up on a chandelier, frantically recording voice notes to send because he was holding on with one hand.

“...and yer better tell me stinkin’ brothers to forget gettin’ any presents for the next 500 years!” Typhon couldn't help but laugh before taking mercy on Mammon.

When the rabid demons were all teleported away, Typhon grinned up at the flustered Mammon.

“Better?”

“Thanks, Typhon.”

"So, what's the plan, Mammon?"

"We clear the corridors, head back to the ballroom." Mammon smiled. "I'll let me human know what we're up to."

** **

Aliss and the peacock were in an intense stand off with Lucifer over - of all things - the punch bowl.

“Aliss.”

“Lucifer?”

“Are you certain about giving a peacock some alcohol?”

The peacock in question laughed.

“I can assure you that I am of age.” Lucifer's eyes widened slightly in surprise. “Aliss is being kind enough to help me since, as you might be able to tell, I do not have thumbs.”

“Also I'm the only one who isn't knee deep in coordination or conversation.” Aliss glanced over at Ophelia, who looked like she was being verbally needled by Alex and Barbatos.

“Or, as I suspect,” Lucifer said, “under thrall of an order.”

** **

Satan was being so careful to toe the line between advancing his order and not arousing suspicion. It felt like Ophelia was dancing around his potential actions. Maybe she was. She was definitely keeping herself between the other exchange student and Satan, for sure.

Book Club

Ophelia: Satan, I can almost hear your evil, evil scheming from over here.
Ophelia: If you promise not to target Alex anymore, I might just tell you where Lucifer keeps his dirtiest secret. And maybe how to circumvent the wards.
Satan: Tempting a demon, now?
Ophelia: Was I wrong?
Ophelia: Is Felipe Omipon not your pact holder?
Satan: …
Satan: I would like you to know that I hold no personal pleasure in what I have to do, but the thrill of the hunt is enjoyable.
Ophelia: Well.
Ophelia: I expect a dramatic death, full of symbolism.
Ophelia: But I will not make it any easier for you.
Satan: I expect nothing else.

Notes:

Ophelia has a plan. Is it a good plan? Probably not.
Lucifer also has a plan. It's not great, either.

Diavolo is appeasing the others that remain.

Chapter 36

Notes:

Oh, I almost bumped the rating up because I couldn't resist doing one thing.

Content/Trigger Warning: Violent Gore, Death

To skip it, there are tilde symbols ( ~~ ) before and after the worst part. I'm sorry, I couldn't resist writing it.

“...I don't get what's happened between those two, suddenly they're all- all- UGH! Normie-like.” Beel popped another sandwich in his mouth and chewed on it thoughtfully before replying.

“I heard,” Beel said, “that they're actually rather close, and always have been.”

“Don't tell me it's like My Soulmate was Captured and Now I have to Work With the Kidnappers With Them?” Beel looked blankly at Levi.

“I guess so,” Beel said, eating another sandwich. Levi seemed happy with that response, so Beel continued eating.

Ophelia came and joined him in grabbing some food.

“I'm calling dibs on the meat,” she said, before grabbing some slices off a joint.

Beel noticed she left the burgers alone, pushing the plate towards him gently. She also pushed the rainbow pizza towards Levi, absentmindedly. Beel nodded.

“Good for building muscle.” Ophelia grinned.

“And super filling.” It was like she swallowed the meat slices in one go, and even Beel was a little surprised at that.

** **

Typhon hummed in thought as he assessed the area.

“I do not think the mastermind behind the rabid demons had any intention other than chaos.”

“Any time Lord Diavolo ‘olds a party, his haters like to stir shit up.”

“If I didn't know better, I would think it's to do with your youngest brother.”

“Yeah, this kind of thing is Belphie's style.” Mammon laughed. “I'm almost expectin’ ‘im to pop out an’ try to stab us.”

As Mammon rounded a corner, there was a yelling and someone coming at him with a knife.

“Another one!”

“Oi!”

Mammon easily sidestepped the - frankly pathetic - attempt to attack. The human tripped over his own feet, dropping the knife.

Devi groaned.

“I swear he's bloody useless. Alright, Felipe, that demon is clearly not trying to attack…” Typhon, looming over the dropped knife, frowned.

“And neither am I,” he said, before picking the knife up with some of his snakes. Typhon looked at Felipe and sighed. “I am one of the castle guards. I will keep this for safekeeping.”

Felipe seemed disgruntled but didn't argue.

** **

The ballroom was noisy with chatter as the news spread about the progress of the rescue. Once some more people had decided to be teleported to safety, remaining people gathered closer.

Which was a double-edged sword, for those playing games.

Although, two players were seemingly oblivious to the matter.

Maria and Joseph had somehow managed to get in a conversation with both Ophelia and Aliss.

“...so, why didn't you evacuate?” Maria sighed.

“We need to know if our Father is alright.” Joseph looked embarrassed.

“...he has the keys to the hotel room, too.” Ophelia nodded in understanding. The kids seemed young, and she could see hints of familiarity in them for sure now.

More importantly, they honestly didn't know that they were related to her. The rest of the conversation was less tense.

** **

“The two teams are nearly finished with the corridor clearing, and are on the final corridors,” Ophelia said. Aliss nodded.

“I'll prepare more triage area.” Gaap huffed.

“Do we have estimated numbers?”

“...at least twenty. Lady Maddi's group has taken the most hits, and their healer is running out of energy.”

“And what about the others?”

“Mammon and Typhon are fine, but the group with Solomon and Asmodeus have casualties.” Ophelia frowned. “Friendly fire, apparently.” Barbatos appeared at Ophelia's side.

“It would seem as if some of the affected demons have returned to normal. May I assume you can handle coordination?”

“Yes, it should be fine.” Barbatos vanished again.

It didn't feel like much longer before there was a tentative knocking at the ballroom doors, and Ophelia was happy to announce that it was, indeed, the convergence of all groups.

They filtered in, and the injured were ushered to triage. The rest were left to mingle.

Which was, and would have been, the time to assess and recover before clearing the corridors from the inside out.

Attention was most definitely away from the one witch that needed monitoring.

Ophelia realised just as Felipe Omipon took a deep breath in in preparation, and-

“KILL HER NOW!”

There was a simmering in the air as the words rang out. One heartbeat, two. Silence.

Satan, in a blink of an eye, grabbed Ophelia and held her close to him - using her as a body shield as he leapt closer to Felipe. He had a hand over her mouth, and an arm around her waist. His tail snuck its way towards her neck.

He put his forehead to the back of her head, whispered something to her, and she shut her eyes. She might have replied, but she was calm, perhaps resigned.

His grip on her with his tail made her gasp as the spikes dug in.

~~

It was over in an instant.

Satan's hand burst through her chest, clearly holding something messily torn out and still pulsing.

It was almost comical how much blood there was pouring out. From the jagged hole in her chest, from her mouth, from her eyes like tears…

He pulled his hand back, opting to hold her body close to his, letting her head roll back onto his shoulder. If he worried about the blood and detritus covering him, he didn't show it.

~~

Satan almost looked like he was kissing her cheek as she lay limp against him.

Felipe started laughing. Unhinged laughter, with weird harmonics in his voice. Demonic energy was oozing from him before he erupted with green flames, his body distorting and blackening.

There was screaming from lots of people. But not from the one person that everyone expected to be wailing.

Alex's expression darkened, and the temperature dropped in the room. Breath was becoming visible all around.

Lucifer instinctively stepped in front of Lord Diavolo, with Beel and Levi also taking guard positions. Asmo stood in front of Solomon and Aliss, with Cassandra flaring her tail angrily behind them all.

Lady Maddi reflexively put a barrier up around her group and Gaap, who was treating their injuries.

Two things happened at once after that.

Ice spikes shot up from the floor, stained with blood, impaling Felipe the demonoid.

Multiple magical bolts from different directions hit the newly corrupted demonoid.

It didn't stagger. Nor did its laughter stop. In fact, bolts of green fire started firing from around it.

Mammon had to grab the twins, to stop them from running over to what was their Father. He rushed to the other side of the room in a blink of an eye, despite their resistance.

“Oi, ya little idjits. Stop. Strugglin’!”

Alex frowned, and used the remaining blood on the floor to freeze the demonoid's feet in place.

Another round of magical bolts hit the demonoid as it burnt off the ice.

“Yesssssss… let her buuuuuuuuuuuuurn… you allllllll can buuuuuuurrrrrrrnnn…”

Alex just froze the ice again. Immobilised, the attacks hit the demonoid harder because it couldn't dodge as much.

It was after the third barrage of magical attacks that the demonoid fell down, unmoving.

Everyone finally noticed that Satan had dropped Ophelia and escaped.

Alex ran to her, slumping down to his knees, before cradling her body to him. A moment passed before he wrapped his arms around her, tucking her head into his neck and pulling her closer.

** **

Satan stood, bloodied and frowning, in the space.

“Now what could possibly…?”

A rustling from the bed in front of him told him he wasn't alone. And then Satan saw who it was, and his blood ran cold.

“...Belphie?”

Notes:

Ding dong, the witch is dead!

And yes. Belphegor actually appears.

...

Oh boy, what a chapter. Ophelia's plan kicks in. There will be heartless ribbing later, trust me. 😂

Chapter 37

Notes:

Ophelia needs a sign saying "I Aten't Dead".

The feeling of drowning. No heart to beat, no ribcage to breathe from. And of course, with what happened-

Blot was quietly smug about how well it was going. Rightly so.

Well, it was disconcerting to not breathe, but not a problem. Movement came slowly, like molasses. Better to play dead, as per the plan.

As her head rolled back onto Satan's shoulder, she willed her blood to return.

Satan murmured to her, more for himself than her.

“...will not be in vain.” He said, tenderly, before putting her down carefully and teleporting away in the fuss. There was enough green fire flying around that Satan could escape without being noticed.

With the third spray of magical bolts and attacks, what used to be her father was no more, and he fell, crumbling.

Alex rushed over, knelt, and pulled her close to himself. He was keeping her warm with his increased body heat, and she really appreciated it.

The rush of demons and other beings formed a dense ring. The clamoring of hands made Alex grip Ophelia closer to himself defensively.

In the fuss, nobody had noticed the blood on the floor was slowly being reabsorbed by the person it had spilled from.

“Enough.” Lord Diavolo's voice rang out, firm and authoritative. It lay heavy in the air. Everyone went still.

A path cleared for Lord Diavolo to get to Alex and Ophelia as he walked, but he stopped. Alex was growling at him. Ice crystals began to form as a protective ring, and Lord Diavolo just huffed, scooping Alex and Ophelia into his arms.

“I do not wish to be disturbed,” Lord Diavolo said, solemnly. “Barbatos, I trust you can handle things?”

“...of course, My Lord.”

As Lord Diavolo strode away, whispers broke out. He didn't care. He was somber and quiet.

It was only when Lord Diavolo reached his room and put a silencing charm up, did he break the facade.

“Ophelia,” Diavolo said, “we're in my room now. You can stop playing dead.”

She opened her eyes, and smiled bashfully.

**

The two men peered inside the hole with curiosity. They were monitoring it carefully as they sat.

Ophelia was blushing with a humiliated expression as she was splayed out - almost, but not entirely - helpless on the bed under their gaze. Alex looked at her with a slightly menacing grin.

“Think of this as… payback for making me worry so much,” he said, flatly. Ophelia's gaze drifted to Diavolo, who had a similarly sinister smile.

“And once you've recovered sufficiently, you'll give us a full explanation. Won't you?”

** **

Satan was expecting a better response from Belphegor.

Instead, the moment he'd mentioned Ophelia, it had set Belphegor into a frenzied mess. Belphie was cursing humans, wishing for their destruction like the good soul fodder they were.

And then Belphegor was bragging about how even locked up here, he was able to cause chaos and even use his powers to manipulate a human into two separate demonoids.

“He was on pretty potent sedatives, it was so easy for me to coax the most affected organs into a temporary body with their own magic and then leave the rest as a ticking bomb.” Satan chuckled.

“I will admit, that was clever.”

It was cruel and slightly more unhinged than Satan was expecting. He was actually worried. Belphegor smiled sweetly.

“If we get out of here, we can have more fun like that… I'm sure there are still plenty of humans around.”

Oh, Satan could feel Belphie's urge to destroy rising. And what more fun it would be to let Lucifer's dirty secret loose.

Satan walked to the locked door, and ripped it off its hinges, with barely any resistance from the spells on it. He could feel that whatever was causing this immunity to magic was not going to last much longer.

Hopefully, a little destruction would bring the Belphie he knew back.

** **

Aliss looked to the growing group of demons, sighed, and then got back to who she was tending to wounds with. Gaap sighed, and finished their current suturing.

“Did you want me to continue with the medical side, or…?” Aliss looked over the rest of the injured.

“I think we've got a handle on it here, so you go and find out what that lot are up to.” Gaap lingered for a second before leaving Aliss to it.

Cassandra finished her healing, and then herded Gertrude to Aliss.

“Take a break, Aliss.” Aliss frowned. Cassandra continued. “Don't throw yourself into work just because you don't want to think.”

“Cassie.”

“We've gotten everyone in triage sorted, there's healers and healing aplenty. We should take a break.”

“I cannot, when-”

“Fine.” Cassandra tackled Aliss to the ground and sat on her chest, settling down and using her mass to her advantage. Gertrude also sat on Aliss, in a fit of solidarity.

“Cassie! Gertrude!”

“Aliss.” Cassandra looked down at Aliss before sighing. “I think we both know that if Ophelia had actually died, then we'd have been frozen for a good hundred years and there'd be a pile of ash where our children were.” Aliss glowered at Cassandra, who just continued. “Secondly, Lord Diavolo seems to have marked both of our children-”

“What? When did my-”

“Nevermind that, Aliss. Lord Diavolo deliberately didn't step in. He wanted to, but Barbatos stopped him.” Cassandra huffed. “I think there's something else brewing.”

Aliss kept quiet, and had a good think.

“You might be right, there. We should see what the demonic gaggle are up to.”

“No. Not yet.” Aliss looked at Cassandra, who looked right back. Aliss huffed.

“...fine.”

** **

Oh, he knew that getting caught was going to be a problem, but he didn't care.

Mammon needed to see Ophelia. He needed to.

He'd snuck away from the planning talks in the ballroom - hella boring! - to Lord Diavolo's chambers. A little D was just exiting, and that's when Mammon took the chance to slip in just before the door shut fully.

It then occurred to Mammon that Lord Diavolo and the other human were having a polite and almost cheerful conversation in the bathroom.

Too cheerful.

Mammon ventured further, before stopping at the almost macabre scene.

Ophelia's body was on Lord Diavolo's bed. Like she'd been thrown there and landed. Almost like they'd been doing something to her. Maybe they had.

As Mammon got closer, he could tell that she definitely wasn't breathing, and that injury… when he was within arm's length, her eyes opened, and she looked at him with a tiny head tilt.

Mammon screamed, and leapt backwards.

“Z-zombie!” Mammon went to step backwards, but found himself backing into someone much taller and broader.

“Oh? I thought I said I didn't want to be disturbed.”

“Gah!”

Mammon found himself suddenly tied to the ceiling by soft rope. Or, much softer than what Lucifer normally used, at any rate.

The human next to Lord Diavolo gave a low, appreciative whistle.

“I didn't know you could do that.” Lord Diavolo laughed.

“I learnt it from Lucifer. But I use silk ropes.” Lord Diavolo looked at the other human teasingly. “Are you getting ideas, Alex?” Alex grinned.

“Yes, but-”

“Oi!” Lord Diavolo laughed as he glanced up at Mammon.

“I'm afraid I can't let you go until this whole mess is sorted out,” Lord Diavolo said, “but I will let Barbatos and possibly Lucifer know where you are. And why.” Alex had shrugged, and went to go pick up Ophelia.

“I'll get her washed and changed into the more comfortable clothes, then.”

After Alex had taken Ophelia into the bathroom, with a few soft kisses here and there, Lord Diavolo chuckled. Mammon was slack-jawed.

“Surprised, Mammon?”

“What's the deal with that guy? Clingin’ to me human like that-”

“They're Soulmates, Mammon.”

“I don't care, he can't be touchi-” The realisation hit Mammon. “Wha? Is he- Is that why…?”

Mammon went silent, drooping slightly. Lord Diavolo smiled.

“Oh no, I have no intention of turning her into a demon, Mammon.” Mammon's face dropped in horror, and Lord Diavolo chuckled. “And no, she isn't dying. She just can't move very much on her own right now.”

**

“When I said I wanted to get you out of this dress, I was hoping it would be under more fun circumstances.”

Ophelia simply raised an eyebrow. Alex let out a dark chuckle.

“You're right, I could just have some fun with you now while you're completely at my mercy.”

It was as Alex undid her hair and brushed it out that he sensed that she was waiting to pounce, but couldn't quite figure out how.

**

Lord Diavolo was holding Ophelia on his lap whilst she used her hair to hold a pencil and paper to write.

Mammon and Alex were both tied in rope and kneeling before them. Alex was still trying to process it, Mammon was smug with the knowledge.

“It ain't the first time me human has gone all Eldritch on us.” Lord Diavolo smiled.

“So you were waiting for someone to undo your hair, Ophelia?”

“Pretty much.” She scribbled furiously to continue. “Muscles need more oxygen flow to move than tendrils, and Blot is busy healing at the moment.”

“But why not just… extend one from somewhere?”

“Hair is a good strong base for a tendril. Ate plenty from the roasts at the buffet to use.” Lord Diavolo laughed.

“Yes, I did wonder why you did that. It saved the staff from having to dispose of the remnants, so they are thankful.”

Lord Diavolo's DDD began ringing, and he took it out to answer it with barely a thought. His face darkened.

“Lucifer.” Lord Diavolo had changed the tone of his voice in a split second. “I thought I said- ... …I see. Mammon is right here… No, I will need him here on guard if you want me to leave their side. Aliss and Cassandra should be here, too. … … No, I plan on letting Aliss onto the balcony so she can do reconnaissance.” Lord Diavolo sighed deeply. “Thank you.” And then hung up.

Ophelia stroked Lord Diavolo's cheek. Alex sighed.

“No rest for the wicked, then.” Lord Diavolo was texting on his DDD, and chuckled.

“Indeed.”

Notes:

Technically, Ophelia has an idea how she could speak, but doesn't want to yet.

And poor Mammon. Just found out his human came pre-owned!

Next chapter, probably lots of talking.

Chapter 38

Notes:

There's also a new, smutty, chapter of Blotting Paper up, too.

It was an unusual group, it had to be said, but they gathered outside the room and waited to be let in.

“Two demons, a witch, a peacock, and a chicken are waiting to see a corpse-” Lucifer hissed a little and glared at said witch.

“This is not the time or place for jokes, Aliss.”

Before Aliss could reply that it wasn't her, the door to the room opened, and they were ushered in by a somber looking Lord Diavolo. Barbatos immediately got to work unloading the trolley of food and drinks onto the coffee table.

The mood was low, and nobody spoke. Well, until Cassandra briefly ruffled her feathers.

“For the bedroom intended for your concubines, I was expecting more.” Cassandra had gone straight for the snark. Lord Diavolo chuckled nervously.

“I almost forgot that you're also a Seer, Cassandra Dalisay.” Aliss let out a small laugh.

“Of course you knew who she was.” Lucifer was getting more and more irritated.

“Both of you-” Lord Diavolo shook his head.

“Let them be, Lucifer.” He turned to Cassandra. “I was going to leave the choice of furnishings to them.” Cassandra huffed.

“Good answer.” Cassandra hadn't settled down when everyone had unconsciously sat on the sofas. Instead, she paced back and forth.

“They're beyond that divider,” Lord Diavolo said. Cassandra nodded, and then disappeared in that direction. Lord Diavolo smiled. “Aliss, if you want to-”

“No, that's fine for now.” Alex emerged from behind the room divider, dragging the still tied Mammon with him. Aliss looked at him expectantly. He shrugged, and sat down on a seat.

“I thought she'd like some alone time.” Lucifer scowled. It was directed towards Mammon, but everyone could feel the fallout.

“It is fortunate that you came here, Mammon, and not just slacking off from your duties…” Everyone present knew this was a lie and that Mammon was going to get punishment later.

“Perhaps,” Lord Diavolo said, “we should focus on what the situation is first, and the plans.”

Lucifer had just explained their plans when an urgent update came in. Lord Diavolo frowned.

“Why is there a Hunting Storm? Who-”

“I don't know, but if my brothers have gone off and just-” Aliss rushed to the balcony doors and flung them open.

The swirling, almost sentient clouds were full of resentment and rage.

“It takes at least two of that rank demon to set one off, right?” Aliss asked. “Well, it's not from the castle!” Lord Diavolo nodded.

“...we'd better move.”

** **

Solomon whistled in awe at the Hunting Storm.

“Well, Satan's definitely fired up.” Asmo sighed.

“But who is with him? That needs at least two to set it off…” Asmo looked around. “...but only Lucifer and Mammon aren't here.” Gaap sighed.

“Unless Satan has teamed up with someone else at the same level as your brothers, of course.”

“Most of the major ones are here. We'd better investigate.”

** **

Lucifer and Lord Diavolo decided to leave via the balcony, but first…

Lord Diavolo knelt down next to Ophelia and her ice bed. Ignoring Cassandra's presence, he kissed Ophelia's forehead for a few seconds before leaving briskly with Lucifer.

Once out of earshot, the room let out a collective sigh. Barbatos smiled as Aliss looked at Ophelia and frowned.

“Cassie, if you start the observation and Intel gathering first from the balcony, I can shake some sense into my son and your idiot.”

Alex looked a bit pale, but then couldn't help but sigh. And then Ophelia extended her hair, using it as tendrils again. But this time she extended some slime from her skin, too, and the outer extremities almost seemed to dissolve into the carpet.

“All things bloody well-considered,” Ophelia said, “I think things have gone well.” Aliss and Alex looked a bit startled .

“Are your-”

“No, I'm just using my slime to gather air to force through my vocal cords and power my muscles to move easier.” Ophelia smiled wryly. “I'm also connecting to the Great Slime Network to help with gathering information. The network is subtle and expansive throughout the Devildom and any slime can connect and expand it to use as needed.” Aliss looked shocked, but Alex shook his head.

“That way you're talking without needing to inhale is creepy but very, very cool.” He smiled deviously. Mammon grumbled.

“Oi, if you're going to get like that again while I'm ‘ere, then fuckin’ untie me.” Aliss sighed.

“Again?” She made an exasperated sound. “Nevermind that, Fi. What the hell was all that about?” Barbatos had a scary smile.

“Yes, I would also like to hear a more thorough explanation.” Ophelia frowned but ultimately relented. She slumped back down and put an arm over her head.

“It's been a long while coming. Lord Diavolo asked me to investigate something after I had an encounter with someone's shade. Those investigations led me to one very well warded place where that someone was imprisoned.” Barbatos hummed.

“Yes, I believe I know.” Mammon perked up.

“That's why you were there-” Barbatos looked at Mammon, who shut up.

“Anyway,” Ophelia continued, “given who the, er, jailer was, it wasn't going to be easy to do much more without a jailbreak.” Alex huffed.

“And how the hell does that tie in to Satan's ultraviolence?” Alex was a little angry, and it showed. Ophelia looked down.

“...I noticed Satan stalking us during the ball, and had a horrible feeling. Anyway. After I saw Asmo's photo, and I saw the horns on that husk of my Father… I made a deal with Satan that if he left you alone, I could tell him where Lucifer's dirty secret was. And how to unlock it.” Alex's expression softened, and he just sighed.

“And the-” Alex made a gesture to show what he was meaning. Ophelia barked out a short laugh.

“Oh! I told Satan to have some fun with it and go for something dramatic.” Ophelia laughed. “I was like ‘if you keep hold of it, you can bypass the wards Lucifer set on the Attic at the House of Lamentation’... and so, Satan went.” Cassandra huffed.

“And that's what you whispered to Lord Diavolo just now. The other demon's name and where they started from.” Barbatos sighed, but had a slightly happier smile. But Mammon had a grim expression, now.

“...please tell me it ain't-” Ophelia was up in a flash and had wrapped her arms around Mammon.

“Mams, I am so, so, sorry.” She freed his arms, and he hugged her back. “You know what Lucifer's like, and all I can say is that he really had a good reason for it.” Barbatos nodded.

“It's why you asked if I could keep Beelzebub on duty in the castle, isn't it?”

Mammon squeaked, suddenly squeezing Ophelia tighter, until bones cracked. Alex saw red, and rushed over. She gestured for Alex to stop. Mammon mumbled something, and loosened his grip.

“It's okay, Mams. But I want you to hear it all from your bestest big brother.” Ophelia sighed. “Barbatos, please go as easy on them as you can, if you can.”

Barbatos saw her expression was concerned, but there was that hint of her Seer abilities glinting in her eyes.

“Very well. If you relay what you observe from here, then I can pass it on to the teams downstairs.”

“Thank you. I'm afraid that we can't quite disband the triage centre in the hall just yet. The Hunting Storm… it is making victims up to half a mile from the origin.”

“...understood.” Barbatos nodded before disappearing in a blur.

**

“I believe I last came to the Devildom after the last Hunting Storm.”

“That feels like a while back.”

“I think it was after the last big ball, too. Unusual.” Ophelia looked slightly confused.

“You mean to say that this doesn't happen after every big party for one reason or another?” Aliss laughed.

“No?”

“Fuuuuuuck.”

** **

Purgatory Hall was full of angels. Well, there were four, and they had enough presence between them to fill out the space.

Michael and Simeon went still. Raphael readied his spears, waiting for the explanation. Luke hadn't noticed, and had continued serving his next cake.

A wave of energy pulsed through the land.

Luke shuddered.

“What was that?” Simeon stood up and went to the window. He chuckled.

“Trouble, it would seem.” Simeon gestured for everyone to stay where they were. “Lesser demons have collapsed out there.”

“The same as what happened in the castle just after we left?”

“...possibly.” Luke looked surprised.

“I hope Ophelia's alright.” Simeon glanced at Michael and Raphael, who were keeping quiet about what information Simeon had received from Solomon.

They weren't going to tell Luke just yet.

Of course, Luke noticed.

“What's going on?” Simeon sighed.

“There was some trouble at the castle just after we left, and… Luke?”

“I'm going to call her.” Luke had already pressed dial. And someone picked up the phone. “Ophelia? Are you alright? …Simeon, Raphael and Raphael are here, yes. Oh! Sure.” Luke removed the phone from his ear and pressed a button.

“Thanks, Luke. Hello everyone!” Ophelia's voice came from the young angel's DDD. Michael and Simeon seemed relieved.

“Ophelia…” Simeon sighed. “We heard a little from Solomon about what happened…” She laughed.

“Well, I haven't told many people otherwise. Probably for the best, right now.” Michael nodded.

“I am sorry to hear about what happened. Can we help in any way?” Ophelia hummed.

“We may need some healing hands back at the castle, but I'm worried if you were to head out right now, you'd get hurt.” There was a deep sigh that wasn't Ophelia. Luke sounded startled.

“Who was that?”

“Ah. It was Alex. He's currently working with his Mother to send information out.” Michael chuckled.

“And your Mother?”

“...she's pecking at some snacks and insisting I eat more.” Simeon laughed. There was a fluttering sound followed by a huff.

“That's because you need to eat more if you're planning on doing what I think you're thinking.” Luke smiled.

“I could always bake some things!”

“...that could work. But don't tire yourself out, Luke. I know you're up later than usual because of Michael's visit.” Simeon chuckled softly at Luke's indignant expression.

“We could always make some food and then bring it along when we're done,” Simeon said.

“Sounds perfect- Ah, I'm going to have to go. Barbatos is calling. See you later!” She disconnected with a click.

Luke looked determined.

“Then let's help!”

** **

Lucifer and Lord Diavolo flew towards the center of the storm, occasionally stopping on rooftops to check DDDs or landing to reassure concerned citizens.

On one rooftop…

“Lucifer, is there any insight you can give as to who Satan's teamed up with?”

“...given Satan's extensive networking, it's hard to say.”

A lie. Lucifer knows.

Lord Diavolo sighed inwardly, remembering Ophelia's words.

Love turned to hatred, and love versus loyalty.

“Are you certain that you can be impartial when it comes to your brothers?” Lucifer very subtly winced.

“I'm certain I can handle them,” Lucifer said.

“That is not what I asked.” Lord Diavolo made sure to press the matter.

Lucifer launched from the roof. Lord Diavolo easily intercepted his flight and grabbed Lucifer's shoulders.

“Go back to the castle, Lucifer.”

“Lord Dia-”

“I will call Barbatos. I know it'll be hard for you dealing with Satan and his co-conspirator.”

“I must-”

“I'm not ordering you as your Lord, Lucifer, but as a friend. Return to the castle.” The crackle of magic formed around Lucifer before being squashed out.

From the outside, a small exchange, but one that would be horrifying to lesser demons. Lucifer versus Lord Diavolo…

Lord Diavolo sighed softly.

“I am here, my Lord.” Barbatos hovered in the air behind Lucifer. He put a hand on Lucifer's shoulder, and smiled. “I will take Lucifer back safely before returning.”

“Thank you, Barbatos.”

Chains held Lucifer in Barbatos’ grip. Lucifer's expression twisted between anger and angst.

“When. When did you know-” Lord Diavolo shook his head, sadly.

“...we will talk later, Lucifer.”

Barbatos teleported Lucifer away. Lord Diavolo had to land. He put his head in his hands, softly taking a moment to feel his emotions. He couldn't chance Satan feeding from his anger.

He pulled out his DDD and rang someone.

**

“Dia… are you-”

“...Ophelia.”

“...Barbatos just told me what happened. Are you alright?”

“I… wanted to hear your voice.” She hummed.

“Barbatos is on his way, Dia. …would you like Alex and I to prepare a cosy set of blankets and some movies to snuggle to? Or a bed full of as many concubines as we can muster?”

Diavolo barked out a laugh.

“Both sound good.” He sighed deeply. “Thank you, Ophelia. It's time for- ah, what did you call it before? The Shitshow.” Ophelia laughed.

“Good luck, Dia.”

** **

Demons had fallen asleep before rising up like zombies and zoning in on human witches to attack…

Asmo and Devi were doing their best to contain and restrain affected demons, whilst Solomon and Levi were trying to guide witches to safety.

All the demons shuddered as a wave of energy washed over them.

Suddenly, there was a drastic decrease in the storm, and with it, the affected demons started to snap out of it.

Solomon shuddered.

Just what was that weird energy?

Notes:

Cassandra has her priorities.
"I don't care if he's the next king, he's not doing enough for them!"

And yes, mimicking Aliss' voice is up there.

Poor Mams. What a realisation to have.

Dalisay and Omipon are two pre-spanish Filipino surnames from two different parts of the Philippines. Dalisay - pure. Omipon - to collect, or save.

I couldn't help but put in about Luke just not being told about what happened, and just ringing her up. Simeon and Michael silently sweating until they heard her voice.

...
Oh, and Lucifer is in the shit. In the dungeon he goes...

Chapter 39

The whirling maelstrom around the center of the Hunting Storm was just a bit too strong to fly through.

Or fly through and still have the element of surprise, anyway.

Diavolo wanted to observe, first.

It was as he pondered the best way that he noticed a lone person on a rooftop nearby.

It looked like Ophelia. But it couldn't be? Of course it wasn't. Diavolo had a hunch.

As Diavolo came close, the Ophelia-alike turned to him, and smiled. She extended a hand to him. He remained in the air, and she frowned.

A second later, she huffed, and leapt up to his level. It looked like she was standing on a platform. There was no platform.

Diavolo could now see that this Ophelia clone was almost opaque. Almost. There were a few details that weren't quite right, but it was definitely still almost Ophelia.

“I hope she doesn't mind that you're using her form, Blot?” They rolled their eyes. Diavolo sighed, noting the slight shudder in Blot's form as they were named. “Does she know you're here?”

Blot nodded, smiling. Blot then gestured again to the edge of the storm. Diavolo took their hand this time, and they went through.

Blot had effortlessly made a barrier that protected them from the winds, and it was easy for Diavolo to fly through.

“Impressive,” he said, landing on a rooftop in the eye of the storm. “And you've left the barrier up, I see.” They nodded again, pointing at the two figures not too far away.

It was, indeed, Satan and Belphegor.

Unusually, Satan seemed the calmer of the two.

“Blot,” Diavolo said, “how would you like this to work?” Blot reached for Diavolo's hand, gesturing as if to write. He let them have it.

So Blot can write, Diavolo thought.

“Fast,” they wrote in his palm. “I want their cores.” Diavolo hummed. Of course, Blot would know about magical cores. But did Ophelia?

“Don't kill them. One core from each of them. Not their main core.” Blot smiled broadly. “We wait for Barbatos, though, before we act.” Blot rolled their eyes again.

** **

Ophelia and Aliss were awake, keeping watchful eyes on things. Mostly the three sleeping people in the room.

Both Alex and Mammon were keeping themselves firmly wrapped around Ophelia's waist. Cassandra had decided to give into her base instincts and was sleeping in the light fixtures.

Aliss chuckled. She was watching the storm and how it was easing up.

“I think we can safely say that things are settling down out there.”

“Barbatos is on the way to help Lord Diavolo deal with the storm.”

“And Lucifer?”

“...he's otherwise occupied.” Aliss laughed.

“You can just say if he's been locked up.” Aliss shook her head with amusement before stopping as she realised Ophelia wasn't joking. “He's locked up?”

“...yeah. Involvement.”

“That old coot fucked up, and I can't fathom why.” Ophelia stroked Mammon's hair.

“He was between a rock and a hard place, and then made a choice.”

“...ah. Yes. I bet his Pride kicked in.” Ophelia chuckled.

“Unfortunately so.” There was a quiet moment before Aliss sighed.

“Did you really goad those twins - the Incubus and Succubus - into tag-teaming Alex?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“...just curious. And about the Marking…” Ophelia tensed up. “Alex got marked, too?”

“Right on the ass. After he mooned Diavolo and said ‘Bite me’... I bit the other side, too.”

Aliss looked stunned.

One beat. Two beat.

And then Aliss roared with laughter. Cassandra fell off her perch, and looked at Aliss grumpily.

** **

Like an arrow let loose, Blot shot into action as soon as the plan was agreed upon. They disappeared into a more liquid form, subtle and fast, moving through cracks and holes and along crevices. Barbatos couldn't help but make a surprised sound.

“Oya.” Lord Diavolo laughed.

“Blot is, understandably, very upset right now.”

“Milord, were you aware that… Blot… was made from an ancient fossilised slime core?”

“Then I feel we should reward Hanzaki for making such an excellent familiar for Ophelia.”

“Indeed.”

They watched as Blot laid an array around the demons, waiting for the time to strike. Belphegor and Satan were seemingly in no hurry to go anywhere, letting the storm and resulting influence do the work.

Why was Belphegor targeting humans?

“...we should prepare to engage.”

Lord Diavolo took off from the roof and landed near the brothers in a couple of wingbeats. They spun to greet him. Lord Diavolo was impassive.

“Should I ask why you two have started a Hunting Storm to hunt down humans?” Belphegor sneered, his tail lashing around.

“They have no place here-”

Lord Diavolo's crushing aura bore down on Belphegor, making him stagger.

Satan had the wisdom to look away, and down.

“And that was enough to commit treason?” Lord Diavolo huffed. “I should strike you both down immediately, but I believe someone wants their pound of flesh first.”

Belphegor was clueless, but Satan looked horrified. They barely had time to react as Blot's array completed, swallowing both of the brothers in a probing, sharp slime.

It withdrew a few moments later, both Satan and Belphegor looking pale and distinctly shaken. Instead of disappearing away, the slime coalesced back into a blob beside Lord Diavolo. It seemed smug.

Belphegor hissed.

“Did that thing steal one of my cores?”

The Hunting Storm was already beginning to dissipate.

Lord Diavolo laughed darkly.

“And I might ask it to take more, unless you cooperate.” Satan shook his head.

“...given what's done, I'm just thankful it only took what it did.” Satan looked at Belphegor. “That,” he said, “was Ophelia's familiar.”

“I believe we've met,” Belphegor said, through gritted teeth. Barbatos appeared behind Lord Diavolo.

“Then, if you would be so kind as to dissipate the storm,” Barbatos said, “and come willingly.”

Before Belphegor leapt to strike, Blot had grabbed his feet and stuck them to the floor.

“Tch!” Lord Diavolo frowned.

“Let us get it over and done with.”

“Certainly.” Barbatos bound and transported Satan and Belphegor away. Blot flattened out and vanished.

Lord Diavolo sighed, and flew up into the sky again, getting ready to dissipate the remnants of the storm before heading back.

** **

Lord Diavolo flew back to the balcony he'd left the castle from.

Everyone was asleep in a pile, except for Ophelia, who looked like she'd had to fight her way out of said pile. She grinned.

“Bed full of concubines, milord?” Lord Diavolo had to stifle a laugh, and pulled out his DDD. Ophelia posed for a photo, and Lord Diavolo took a selfie with the full bed in the background.

“...I'd better let my harem sleep, and snatch the awake one.”

With a gentle sweep, he lifted her up and carried her to the seating area. He sat her down on his lap. She hummed.

“How are you feeling?” He huffed.

“That was the easy part, I'm afraid. The next bit will be harder.” Carefully, she digested the situation before speaking.

“...did you want me to talk to Lucifer?”

“No.” He sighed. “But it might be of help.”

They sat there quietly for a bit.

“I would like you to speak to Satan first,” Lord Diavolo said. “I am curious to know what he had planned while under orders.”

“I- I can try and see it…?” Then Ophelia shook her head. “No, I'll ask him directly.” She rested her head on him. “Please be lenient on them.”

“Despite treason?” She froze. He gently moved, and cupped her face in his hands. Ophelia was pale, wide-eyed, and had started trembling a little. She looked away before speaking.

“If I told you the peace of the Devildom rested on having all seven Avatars-”

“-does it?” Looking at her, he could see the interesting glint in her eyes as her focus seemed to be beyond him.

“...yes.” He could feel the tugging, the draw of magic from where he'd marked her. “...but punishment in the meantime, that is another matter. The truth needs to be told, preferably from the deal maker. She's still… ah, lingering...” Then she frowned, the glint gone from her eyes. “The brothers all need therapy, at the fucking least.”

Diavolo laughed quietly.

“I see another benefit of the mark is of use to you.” Ophelia grit her teeth, and almost slumped onto Diavolo. He gently steadied her. “Are you-”

“-it's fine. Just… I still get headaches when I… force it.” Ophelia chuckled. Her hand was twitching, like she wanted to grab something. “At least the magic helps it a bit. Still need the medicine, though.” Diavolo shifted, trying to find a bottle before Ophelia gently swatted him. “I have a supply in my, er, pockets.”

“Still, I shall ensure you keep your medicine stocked.” He kissed her forehead, and she kissed his nose in return.

**

“...I think you being able to lift them with Blot so we can squeeze in like this was clever…”

“But?”

“But Barbatos may have Opinions…”

“...I think Barbatos was already due to give us a talk already, about the Marking.”

“I feel we have thoroughly earned any scolding, though.”

“Oh, absolutely.”

Diavolo took another selfie, in amongst the bed of (temporary) concubines.

** **

Solomon and Devi looked at the area where the centre of the storm was. The strange energy worried them, and they decided to investigate. Devi frowned.

“There's unusual traces here. Definitely.” Solomon looked where she was gesturing. The indents between the cobblestones were slightly darker than the rest.

“That almost feels like an ancient slime was-” He suddenly stopped. “No, it definitely feels like an ancient slime was involved.” Devi frowned.

“I thought they went extinct?”

“They were.”

“Well. This has been interesting. Good luck breaking that news to Lord Diavolo.” Solomon's face contorted with several emotions.

“I thought we were friends, Devi.” She laughed, knowing he wasn't actually feeling as betrayed as he sounded.

“Then make it worth my while to report.” She shook her head. “I would have suggested that we took the news through Ophelia, but…” She suddenly couldn't look Solomon in tbe eyes. Solomon's emotions settled on defeated.

“...fine, I'll do it.”

Notes:

Solomon will be relieved to know that Lord Diavolo will laugh it off with a knowing smile.

The entire next chapter could be just Barbatos and his lecture, but let's not do that. 😂

There is, however, a lesser battle going on that will be covered.

Chapter 40

Notes:

Ophelia talks to Satan and Beel.

It took until the storm had fully developed for Beel to realise that something was amiss. Something more than the ravenous hunger, there was something tugging at his brain…

Anger. Sadness. Rage. Sorrow. Fury.

And it wasn't long before it too started to consume him like the hunger.

He hadn't realised what he was doing until Lotan and Levi were both wrangling him down into submission with Asmo's help. And into a holding cell in the dungeons.

Belphie.

It was Belphie he was feeling.

** **

Barbatos had started out lecturing one person, and by the end of it had six kneeling and being reprimanded.

“...and on that note,” he said, “Ophelia, you will also need to talk to Beelzebub, who is in dungeon wing 6.” Mammon looked surprised.

“What did Beel do ta get locked up?” Ophelia laughed.

“I bet he got carried away with food, Mams, don't worry.”

The group dispersed, and Ophelia was still kneeling. A worried Diavolo and Alex dawdled nearby.

“How are you going to do this, Ophelia?”

“Subtly. Let them talk.” She shook her head. “I'll start with Satan, then Beel, and then Lucifer.”

“And Belphegor?”

“Hopefully I'll get enough information from Lucifer to help with Belphegor.”

“...I see.” Diavolo hummed.

“And who are you taking for an escort?”

“...Blot.” She held her hand up to stop the worried men from speaking. “They think I'm dead, let's play with that. So if you are coming with me, or I go with you - you have to completely ignore my presence.” Alex chuckled.

“You slip in, we come in after a while and talk to them, and you remain to mop up information?” Alex hummed, rolling the thought over in his mind. “That sounds like a cheesy book plot, but I love it.”

** **

“Fuck, now I'm seeing things.”

Satan, curled up in the furthest corner of his cell, finally looked up. Ophelia had waited, patiently, outside the bars of Satan's cell. She tilted her head to one side, questioningly.

“...this must just be a cruel illusion.” Satan shook his head. “Or maybe you're actually the familiar, come tease me now you've stolen a core and can take her form.”

This was news to Ophelia, whose expression must have shown it. Core? Why would that make it so Blot could-

“Ah, or maybe it was used to fix her heart and start the conversion process. That could take months… and the soulmate would also need converting, so the familiar…”

Satan shook his head again, and curled tighter. He put his head on his knees.

“You were the only person in the House of Lamentation that gave me a birthday present this year… and I didn't deserve it.” He glanced up, saw she was still there, and sighed. “After everything, and you didn't know.”

She furrowed her brows. Satan chuckled darkly.

“You were supposed to have dropped into the wilderness, and got killed, not fall into our lives.”

“Who are you talking to, Satan?” Lord Diavolo had arrived, unnoticed. Satan looked at Ophelia before Lord Diavolo. “Is something there?” Satan frowned.

“Whatever magic you're using to create that illusion is very good.”

“There isn't any magic here, though?” Lord Diavolo looked at where Satan was looking, and then back at Satan. “...what illusion?” With a sigh, Satan put his head on his knees again.

“OK, then I am just seeing things.” He huffed. “What can I do for you, Lord Diavolo?”

** **

Beel was sprawled out, face down, on the floor of his cell. There was a fierce growling sound that could definitely be compared to Cerberus. The broken chains were a sign that he'd raged and then collapsed.

Ophelia had peered in, discreetly raised the alarm that this particular prisoner would be violent without food, and that they should feed him often. And to be careful.

The first warden barely escaped without injury - Beel was like that and hunting by lying in ambush. It was only when the second warden had thrown some food into Beel's face that the first warden was safe.

Ophelia watched from the corner away from the bars, and looked at Beel with concern. She was glad she'd raised the alarm, she knew Beel would hate to have actually hurt someone.

He was halfway through the minecart of food before he was aware enough to notice Ophelia in the corner.

“Ophelia?” She repeated what she did with Satan, and she tilted her head questioningly.

Beel put down the food he was eating and came closer to the bars. She'd tried to hide her scent by adding a countering perfume, but didn't know how well it would work.

“I thought you-” He looked sad. “...you don't smell the same. It's not-” Ophelia deliberately took a step towards him, and used Blot to blend in a bit with the wall behind her. Beel reached a hand out towards her, and then stopped himself.

She came closer, and put her hand on the bars. Or protective barrier on the bars, at least. This was one spell she didn't want to break.

“...did you come because you were worried?” Ophelia nodded. Beel looked like a kicked puppy. “I'm sorry, making you worry. It was… Belphie was angry and it- it overwhelmed me.” Beel shook his head sadly. “I don't know why he came back so angry, but he's back. I'm sure we can work it out, so please rest.”

And then Beel was suddenly at the bars, looming over her. Hands fisted against the barrier, he looked grief stricken.

“You don't hate Satan for it, do you?” She shook her head, smiling.

Beel suddenly looked angry.

“I hate that he had to do it, but..." he said. Beel shook his head, expression softening. “If you don't hate him, then I can't.”

“Good, don't hate your brothers,” Ophelia said quietly, smiling, before she faded herself out of visibility and left him to it.

** **

Lord Diavolo pulled Ophelia aside before she turned down the corridor towards Lucifer's cell.

“Satan has… been talkative.”

“Did he say how he interfered with my summoning?” Lord Diavolo chuckled.

“Yes, actually. Very simple simultaneous summon. It probably would have worked were it not that we'd chosen you. Your arrival, and probable death, would have been magically disguised by the energy from the RAD summoning.”

“Huh.” Ophelia nodded. “And the ceiling bit?”

“Ah, that was probably your magic resistance messing with the spacial placement.” Lord Diavolo smiled. “I think that if it had just been my magic, it would have worked, but combined with Satan's… interference…”

“Oh! Because it used to rely on my inherent magic, there was only so much it could do.”

“Yes.” Ophelia nodded.

“So about his-”

“In exchange for his information, I'm not going to punish him, much.” Lord Diavolo decided to try and kabedon her, seeing how close to the wall she was. “I was hoping you'd take a pact with Satan, but I remember what you said before with Leviathan.” She looked up at him, blushing slightly, and nodded.

“Yes. And given the latest shenanigans… well. Offer it to Alex, he might have a different view.” Lord Diavolo grinned.

“Now, about Beelzebub…”

“Oh, he was getting the emotional wave from Belphegor. No wonder even Satan was swept up in it.” Ophelia shook her head. “I knew their bond was strong, but this is… beyond what I expected. We just need to sort out the Belphegor part.”

Lord Diavolo's hands had slid down to her shoulders. In a flash, he'd pulled her to him in a hug.

“You need a break, first.” Lord Diavolo picked her up in a bear hug. “Use the time whilst presumed dead to relax.” He whispered the next bit in her ear. “You will need it for the celebrations for your ascension.”

“Ascension?”

“To Royal Seer.” She couldn't see his wolfish grin, but she could hear it in his voice. “Mostly for the celebrations.” She couldn't help but chuckle.

"...promises, promises."

** **

Alex fiddled nervously with the bit of putty Ophelia had given him. He'd decided to speak to Lucifer, as he was a neutral party.

Lucifer was sat gracefully on the bed, and the briefest look of surprise was on his face before it was schooled back into neutrality.

“Alexander.” Alex smiled wryly.

“Technically, I am named Alexanders, after the plant.” Lucifer blinked. “And, my mother is named after a long extinct wildflower.” Lucifer sighed, briefly.

“You aren't here to talk about names.” Alex sat down on the floor across from Lucifer. “Get on with it.” Alex laughed quietly.

“No, I wanted to be useful. As a neutral party.” He shrugged. “I figured that it may be slightly easier for you to talk to me.”

“You know nothing.”

“Exactly.” That made Lucifer pause. “I don't have much chance for prejudice.”

Lucifer flashed into his demon form, and stood up.

“And why should I talk to you?”

“You don't have to. Explanations would be nice, but… Cassandra might provide insight.”

“Might?”

“We'd ask Ophelia,” Alex said, noting Lucifer's tiny wince, “but that isn't exactly possible right now. And Cassandra is seething, asking her mistress if she can help.” Lucifer huffed.

“...and what exactly do you want me to talk about?”

“Honestly, I'm not sure. How were you involved with the Hunting Storm? It obviously wasn't you on the hunt.”

“Clearly not.”

“Oh. I remember now. Belphegor was the other demon.”

“...I suppose that would make sense.” There was a moment of quiet before Lucifer spoke again. “Is there a… plan in place for Ophelia?” Alex sighed.

“It's not possible to turn Ophelia into a demon, if that's what you mean.”

“...I see.” Lucifer wilted a bit. Well, his wings dropped a fraction, which seemed dramatic for him. “I suppose options are somewhat limited, then.” Alex shrugged casually.

“It is what it is.”

Lucifer seemed to leer.

“Do you not curse your inferior mortality? As a witch, you could have lived for an Eternity.” Alex hummed.

“Eternity without her would be worse. And I'm not risking my cooking becoming like Solomon's.” Lucifer smiled with a little more amusement.

An amenable quiet fell. It was a while before Lucifer spoke.

“...what of my brothers?”

“Satan, Belphegor, and Beel are currently in the dungeons. Mammon was being heckled by Cassandra last I saw, and I'm not sure about Asmo and Leviathan. I can ask for current information,” he said, pulling out his DDD. Lucifer sighed.

“What did Beel do?”

“He went into a Violent Rage and had to be detained,” Alex said, neutrally.

“Should you even be telling me that? Or give me any news?”

“I wasn't told I couldn't.” Alex chuckled. “I'd probably want to know, too.”

**

“Absolutely not.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am certain your Mother will gloat.” Alex laughed.

“No, she'd tell you off.” Alex paused. “Yeah, good point, I wouldn't want to be on the end of the scolding she's brewing.”

“Exactly.”

** **

The cake was, as per usual, beautiful.

Simeon and Michael had decided to deliver the food since Luke had gone to bed. They had been ushered to the Ball Room and then to a side room set aside for the healers to rest in. The cake was the centrepiece, with lots of snacks and pastries around it.

The first to enter was a tired looking Gaap.

Gaap perked up a little upon seeing the cake. And the angels. Simeon chuckled as he'd seen the direction of their gaze in relation to the perking up.

“Gaap, you seem happy to see cake.” They blushed, a rosy colour rippling through their neck fins.

“I'm also happy to see some potential helping hands,” they said, “because there is still a lot of work to do.” Gaap happily, eagerly, accepted a slice of cake.

“The ballroom was used as a triage centre for the storm, yes?”

“Yeah,” Gaap said, between bites, “because we had a lot of the healers already here. I was going to call Aliss back down, but if you're here, I'd like to leave her be.” Michael seemed confused.

“Why?” Gaap went pale.

“Oh no. Haven't you heard-”

“Ah. There you are, Gaap.”

“Lord Diavolo!”

“Hmm? I see the rumours of cake were true.” Michael sighed.

“The cake is more popular than we are.”

“Well. Young Luke learns a lot from Barbatos in the culinary arts, and between his baking and Simeon's, cakes and pastries from Purgatory Hall are highly sought after throughout the Devildom.”

“Is that why you're here?” Lord Diavolo laughed.

“Perhaps.” Then his expression turned serious. “That and I thought to tell Gaap the news, personally.”Gaap nodded, looking gloomy. They poked at the remnant of their cake slice.

“Although I'd rather not, I understand if you need me to record the process of his Withering.”

“Oh. Although I am glad I can leave it in your capable hands, it's not needed yet.”

“Huh?” Simeon and Michael looked at each other and smiled knowingly. Gaap was trying to process it. “H-how?”

“Ophelia is still alive.” Lord Diavolo smiled smugly. “You might understand the processes a little better, but she used her familiar to compensate for the injury. You should ask her more.”

That certainly perked Gaap up more than both the cake and the help. They bolted out of the room, and it was so easy to imagine a dust cloud or an after-image with just how comical it was.

Michael burst out laughing.

Notes:

Of course, Alex is named after a plant. 😂
There isn't any evidence of a plant in the UK named Aliss, but hey, names change a lot.

Yes, Aliss will scold Lucifer. Something about her abilities means she can happily make lasers.

Also, just Diavolo pushing his "No Lying" to its limits.
Yes, Diavolo partially went for cake, not knowing another cake was delivered somewhere else by Barbatos.

Chapter 41

Gaap burst into the room, and made a beeline for one person.

“Sweetie!” Gaap threw their arms around Ophelia, and knocked her to the ground. “You little fuckwad!”

“...yeah, I guess I deserve that.” Gaap looked at the human they'd tackled.

Ophelia looked relatively hale. Gaap's eyes saw that superfine tendrils were linking her to the carpet. No… to something under the carpet. Ophelia saw where Gaap's eyes had drifted.

“I'm linked up to the Great Slime Network at the moment,” she said.

“Hmm.” Gaap studied the tendrils. “Well, I know Hanzaki is usually connected to it when he sleeps. But I guess you're doing something?”

“Just keeping an eye on a couple of things.” Ophelia frowned. “I do wish Alex would stop using that bit of slime as a stress ball, though.”

“Given where you bit him, I'm barely surprised…” Aliss drawled. Gaap sighed.

“At the same time as the Marking, by any chance?”

Both Aliss and Ophelia looked at Gaap with questions in their eyes. Gaap huffed.

“Yes, I can tell Ophelia is Marked by Lord Diavolo. No, I just thought by the timing that it was done together,” Gaap said, pausing to breathe, “and thirdly, I can guess you bit one of his asscheeks.” Aliss frowned.

“Observation?”

“No, their penchant for mischief.” Gaap smiled wryly. “All three of them. Or is it four, with Blot?”

“...maybe five, if you include the-” Ophelia made a distinct squelchy sound. Aliss and Gaap looked confused. Ophelia chuckled nervously. “The host slime for the Great Slime Network, if you will. The Great Slime? What's the gender non-binary term for Matriarch or Patriarch?”

“Primarch?” Gaap suggested.

“That sounds like a clothing store.” Aliss shrugged. “Either way, that is interesting to know.” Gaap huffed.

“Well, either way, I would very much like to give your body the once over.” Ophelia laughed nervously.

“While you're doing that, I'll… do something fun through the network. Want me to needle Lucifer?”

"Oh, well, after you do that, I'd like to hear about your escapades."

** **

“...and that is my report, Your Highness.”

Solomon had given his summary of what he had experienced after Lord Diavolo had left with Alex and Ophelia. Lord Diavolo sighed.

“Thank you for reporting in,” he said, wearily, “it seems that there is much to be done.”

“Lord Diavolo, would you like me to investigate the ancient slime?” Lord Diavolo laughed softly.

“No, that matter is in hand.” At Solomon's confused face, Lord Diavolo explained. “The slime that left those traces was assisting me. One of Hanzaki's experiments with breeding Inklings.”

“Ah, I see.” Solomon nodded. “Is there anything I can help with?” Lord Diavolo thought for a second.

“I will probably be releasing Beelzebub tomorrow. Perhaps Asmodeus and Leviathan would like to come collect him.” Lord Diavolo smiled. “Your task is to make sure they rest before that.”

** **

The Archangel Michael hummed as he worked, preparing poultices infused with healing magic for the injured.

Witches and demons watched as Lucifer's former brother - and almost the complete opposite in appearance and vibe - worked just as intensely as the Morningstar they were used to.

And a tall, handsome, long haired, blonde man was easy on the eyes. A witch had almost swooned when he'd laid his blue eyes on her.

Demons, however… Michael's blue eyes had seemed icy to them, cold and fierce. Perhaps to demons, they actually were.

**

Mammon had absolutely decided to not get near Michael.

So why he'd found himself watching the angel at work, he didn't know.

And then, suddenly, Michael was glaring at him. Mammon froze.

Michael's gaze softened.

“Mammon…” Michael's smile turned pretty sinister. “Why don't you come here and help instead of just watching?”

Thankfully, someone intervened.

“Given how bad I hear his grades are in Potions, I wouldn't risk it.”

Aliss, with a wry expression, clapped her hand on Mammon's shoulder and looked at the Archangel. Michael smiled, wryly, and looked at Aliss.

Mammon felt like he'd walked into a vice with the pressure between the two.

** **

Lucifer looked at the human sat outside the bars to his cell. And sighed again.

“You are dawdling.” Alex let out a shallow laugh.

“Before I came to see you, I'd heard that Ophelia had appeared to Satan.” Lucifer frowned.

“And you're hoping she comes to me?”

“She might.” Alex shrugged. “Or my being here may deter her. What would you rather?”

Lucifer pondered this for a minute.

“I would suppose she had something to say, if she was going to appear to someone. And would do so regardless of your presence.” Lucifer smiled bitterly. “I imagine it would contain profanity.” Alex laughed, agreeing.

What Alex couldn't see from his position was Ophelia appearing to walk through the wall behind him, translucent and blurry. Lucifer frowned.

“And you cannot sense her presence anywhere?”

“I can tell where her body is?” Alex gestured upwards, and frowned. “It's still in the room.” Ophelia looked at Alex, and then at Lucifer. She nodded.

“Interesting.” Alex nodded.

“Don't tell Mammon, I heard he's scared of ghosts.” Ophelia put her hand gently on top of Alex's head. Lucifer saw no reaction from him.

Even when Ophelia knelt down and wrapped her arms around Alex, he showed no reaction.

“Mammon,” Lucifer said, “is also scared of zombies.” If Alex had noticed Lucifer's delay in replying, he was polite enough not to say anything.

“So target him for spooky pranks? Got it.” Alex's DDD went off. He looked at the message. “Well, speak of the Devil…”

“Anything interesting?”

“My Mother is in a tense standoff with the Archangel Michael, and Mammon wants backup.” Lucifer sighed.

“What a mess. Michael begrudges your Mother for her magic affinity.” Alex nodded.

“Yeah, I'd better go and get some popcorn and watch the fireworks.” Ophelia unwrapped herself from Alex, a bit begrudgingly.

She remained even after Alex had excused himself to witness the show down. Lucifer looked at her, and smiled dryly.

“How interesting that you didn't show yourself to your Soulmate.” She shrugged.

“I've already spoken to him. It's your turn.” He looked at her appraisingly.

“You're not a ghost, nor an illusion.”

“I am… an echo within the slime network.”

“Oh?”

“Tell your Brothers the fucking truth about Lillith or you could lose them.”

Lucifer leapt at the bars in anger. Ophelia didn't flinch, despite the rattling of the bars and the wavering of the wards.

“You know nothing,” he hissed.

“Worse,” she said, “it was Seen.” She shook her head. “It will be worse if it comes from my mouth instead of yours. And I will bloody well tell them.”

Lucifer blinked twice, frowning. That was not what he was expecting, somehow.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course. Many somethings, if you like.”

“How was Belphegor freed?”

“My heart.” Ophelia put her hand to her chest over her heart. “Satan used the remnant ability in the flesh to bypass your wards.”

“How did you know he was there in the first place?” She frowned and pointed to her eyes.

“I'm a Seer?”

“...and?”

“Belphegor's tried to kill me…” She counted on her fingers. “...six times that I know of.” Ophelia chuckled. “So of course I needed to know where the fucker was. And you left portraits of him in the halls. And you forgot Beel's bond to his twin.”

Lucifer tutted.

“You sound like you understand.” Ophelia shook her head.

“I know you did it to protect him, hurriedly.” She hummed. “Couldn't see why you kept Lillith secret, and how it came about, but I can guess who it involves.” She chuckled. "It really shows how much you care for them, you know."

Lucifer sank to the floor, face twisted, and started laughing to himself.

“You understand nothing,” he said bitterly.

“Of course not. I only have an Inkling.” Ophelia chuckled. “But don't think you can try and bullshit me either, Lucifer Morningstar.”

“That sounded disgustingly like Black Aliss.”

“...yeah. Sorry. She did say it was the most succinct way to let you know she's ready to needle you.”

“You’re able to pass messages along?”

“Yeah. Although I will have to get permissions from Lord Diavolo.”

"I'm sure a witty retort back to Aliss is fine."

** **

Asmo noticed Beel's low mood right away, but only asked once back at The House of Lamentation and Solomon and Levi were out of earshot.

“Beel, hun, are you alright?”

“Ophelia visited when I was locked u-” He stuffed half a loaf of bread in his mouth.

“What?”

“She was worried.” Another bite. “She doesn't hate Satan for it.” One more bite, finishing the loaf. “She wants us to work through it.” Beel looked at the empty packet. “Whatever it is.”

Beel had missed the hopeful gleam in Asmo's eyes.

“If she's wandering around as a spirit, Solomon might be able to do something!” Beel shook his head.

“Lord Diavolo said that Barbatos was taking care of it because it's a complicated thing.”

“So…”

“We can’t get our hopes up just yet.” Beel popped another snack into his mouth. “Maybe we should watch The Tale of The Seven Lords with Levi and Solomon.”

“Or maaaaaybeeeee, we should all have a spa night!”

** **

The castle shook as the two combatants raged on.

Or maybe it was just the room and the table that both Mammon and Alex had taken shelter under.

“Man, I ain't pissin' off yer Mum ever again.”

The scent of burning wood meant that someone was burning the tabletop. Words that were definitely insults but not in any language they recognised were flying around.

“What's the beef between them, anyway?”

“Yer Ma's a witch and she wields Light. Bad for the angelic image. Same fer me blue eyes. I can pass as an angel still.”

“That's the issue? Public image?” Then Alex looked at Mammon. “...did you try and pass as an Angel after the-”

“Shaddap, it was one time.”

“...still.”

** **

Ophelia found herself trapped against a wall, again, by Lord Diavolo.

“You,” he said, “were supposed to be resting.”

“Technically, my main body is… was getting examined by Gaap.” Diavolo sighed.

“It seems I will have to work with Alex to pin you to a bed.” Diavolo then chuckled. “So, what did Lucifer have to say for himself?”

“...he was upset. I can't imagine how heavy it's been on him.”

“And the wavering of the wards on the bars?”

“Ah. I gave him an ultimatum.” Diavolo laughed.

“...about Lillith. Yes, I imagine that would ruffle some feathers.” He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up off the floor. “Oh. Yes, by the way, I have told Beelzebub that Barbatos is working to bring you back as soon as he can.” She wrapped her arms where she could reach.

“Ah, that makes sense. He's one hell of a butler. I told Lucifer that I was an echo in the slime network, if that helps.”

“I'm sure everyone will bridge the two ideas easily.”

They shared a laugh before Ophelia hummed.

“Is your next stop going to be Lucifer?”

“Yes.” Diavolo gave Ophelia a tight squeeze. “And then Belphegor.” She squeezed him back.

“If I promise to get Alex to keep me occupied in our room tonight, will you please let us help you de-stress? Diavolo laughed before kissing her head.

“Promises, promises.”

“Hey, I filled the bed with temporary concubines before, it's the movies and cosy blankets this time.”

“Like this Hexflix and Chill I've heard about?”

Ophelia internally groaned - who taught Diavolo that? - but grinned.

“Yes.”

Notes:

Hmm. Yes, who did teach Diavolo about that? 😆

What Alex doesn't know is that Mammon impersonating an angel and Aliss getting (stealing) Gertrude are related. And that Grand Theft Chicken is how Aliss and Lucifer met.

Chapter 42

Notes:

Here, have a slightly longer chapter to make up for my diversion. 🤣

The staring match between Belphegor and Ophelia was surprisingly low energy. He scowled, breaking the stare-off.

“The fuck do you want? To gloat?”

“Nah. I'm here to talk.”

“Oh goodie.”

“Bold words from someone who got freed from the attic because of me, but go on.”

“Eh?”

“Anyway, thanks for pushing my Father over the edge.” The sincerity in her voice made Belphegor a little surprised.

“That sack of shit was your Father?” She chuckled.

“Yes, and I'm grateful that you made his death painful and helped your own escape.”

“Satan freed me, not-” Ophelia put a hand over her heart.

“Satan used my flesh to breach the wards.”

“Ugh, so when Lord Diavolo said ‘pound of flesh’, he meant it as a fucking pun.”

“Eh?”

“...tch.” Ophelia rolled her eyes.

“Oh, is that why my familiar is being smug?”

“That blob got to take a magical core from me, so, yeah.” Belphegor sneered. “You're a useless, dead to magic human with a stupidly strong familiar and two fucking demon cores.”

Ophelia's jaw fell in surprise. Then she regained her composure.

“...that’s what they are…” she said, quietly.

“You can't even use magic, so you leant on your familiar and-”

“Actually,” Ophelia said, tapping into her Seer abilities and making it show, “one of the reasons you're in big trouble is for trying to kill The Royal Seer. As well as, you know, Treason.” Apparently that was a surprise to Belphegor.

“You're the Seer.” He sneered. She just rolled her eyes again.

“Duh. And the reason you got imprisoned by Lucifer? He was trying to shield you from Diavolo. Because of said Treason. Yeah. And then what did ya do on getting out? Murder.”

“Humans are scu-”

“Oh fuck off, Lillith loved humans. You loved humans. Your hatred is just unprocessed grief and trauma. No wonder you're known for being summoned using feces, you're a little shit!”

Belphegor had tears in his eyes, and briefly, she'd wondered if she'd gone too far. And then Ophelia remembered the feeling of his thorny tail around her neck, and stopped wondering.

“Lucifer forgot her,” Belphegor said, quietly. “Lucifer's just an ass kisser to Lord Diavolo. He betrayed us-”

“And risked himself to try and protect you regardless.” Ophelia shrugged. “He tells you off for falling for your sins, but forgets he does the same.”

“No.” He seemed surprised.

“No? If he hadn't succumb to Pride, then he'd have told you about that hidden room in the House of Lamentation made to look like the Celestial Realm. If he wasn't falling victim to his own sin, maybe he could have told you that his closeness to Lord Diavolo didn't start off so willingly. And perhaps… perhaps he'd have told you lot about it. Were you all not little shits and he has his big boss pride malarkey.”

Ophelia paused there, stopped Seeing, and sighed. She looked at the trembling Belphegor and waited. He couldn't look at her.

“You're heartless, you know.” She laughed coldly.

“Well now, Satan tore it out to get you free, so I thought that was a given.”

“...I don't get why he was mourning when he killed you. Like he liked you.” Ophelia chuckled, turning away.

“Because I liked books and pissing off Lucifer. And the cat pics.” And quietly, she said - “How exactly would a useless human survive a heart being torn out?”

** **

The end of the fight between Aliss and Michael was heralded by a few quiet clucks and a giant fireball of Celestial Fire.

The clucking intensified.

Mammon peered out from what was left of the table, breaking charred wood with breath…

And saw Michael looking slightly singed, quietly in shock, and getting a scolding. From a ruffled up chicken, mind. When Michael went to protest, the chicken let out a silver burst of flame with its next irritated cluck.

Mammon rejoined Alex.

“That chicken just threatened Michael with Celestial Fire,” he said, meekly. Alex decided to peek at the scene, before rejoining Mammon.

“That's Gertrude, my Mum's familiar.”

“I swear the last of that breed got smuggled to the Devildom by Lucifer a few hundred years back.”

“That… lines up, sure.”

“Oh, that's because I stole some whilst you guys kept the angels busy.”

Mammon nearly hit his head on the remains of the table in shock - if Alex's head hadn't beaten him to it, showering them both in splinters and charcoal dust.

Aliss laughed. Gertrude huffed and went to perch on Aliss’ shoulder.

“So let's say that Michael has greater reasons to dislike me than just the light wielding.”

**

The culprits had long since scarpered, and both Barbatos and Lord Diavolo were assessing the damage.

“It seems we've missed out on some entertainment. Celestial fire?”

“It was fortunate that the damage was contained within a reasonable area.”

“...indeed. Barbatos, where did they go?”

“Ah. I believe Aliss, Alex and Mammon went to check on the children from the party. Michael returned to Purgatory Hall.”

“I see. Well, as long as nobody else was hurt.” Lord Diavolo sighed. “Barbatos, I must ask you to accompany me as I speak to both Lucifer and Belphegor.”

“Very well. It will not be easy on any of you. ”

** **

The hotel-like complex where the human guests had been staying was, unsurprisingly, almost deserted.

The manager was both pleased and worried to see Mammon, and was in a hurry to give updates.

“...currently, we still aren't sure about the final numbers, but estimates are that around 20 percent can be attributed to fatalities. Booking has been frozen, until we can get confirmation on every room.” Aliss frowned.

“That is-” Mammon sighed. The manager went pale, but Mammon smiled at them.

“Given what happened, that's not surprising. Not ta worry, we'll make up any losses soon.”

After getting the information they were after, Aliss sighed.

“I'm glad they checked out alright, but I'm still a little worried about them.”

“We don't know if they're safe,” Alex said, “we can't be sure how much the denizens know and are willing to act.”

They certainly found out how much the denizens cared - three times on the way to the center, they had demons and witches express their condolences to both Alex and Mammon for their loss. Many people had seen the images on Devilgram and in the news, and were waiting to find out the progress.

A few bowed to Aliss respectfully, like a knowing acknowledgement.

“I'm not sure if that means those kids are in danger or not,” Alex said.

“I would like to check in on them regardless.” Aliss hummed. “It was a traumatic event.”

“Yeah, those fecking idjits can't be in a great situation right now.”

“...we'd better hurry to the portal, then.”

Alex was right to have hurried, and his Mother right to be worried.

They got to the portal building and found an argument in progress between the staff, other demons, and the two scared humans in question.

Like a mother bear defending cubs, she put herself between the kids and everybody else, ready to maim.

“Break this up!”

And it was effective.

The crowd looked at the monstrously angry Aliss, shocked, and she let that silence hang heavy before speaking.

“Let's talk about this like the vaguely rational beings we should well be.”

A couple of the more brash demons were going to speak up, but their mouths were left open as Mammon flashed into his demon form and glared.

** **

Gaap was being clingy, and Ophelia let them be. She ignored Gaap's tail wrapping around her body and the little squeezes that happened when they had thoughts.

“...that means you really can't be turned into a demon. At least, not by Lord Diavolo.”

“How else could it happen, then?”

“Oh.” Gaap sighed. “Technically your Mother can be called a demon, but-” Ophelia suddenly understood.

“Oh! Tito or Tita, maybe… so I'd be… a… whatever my Mother is.” Gaap nodded.

“A Herald. But yes, you're bound to them by what your Mother and Aliss did.” Before Ophelia could ask, Gaap stopped her. “I cannot go into details because I was ordered to let those two explain it.”

“...when they're ready, I imagine. Could be a few decades yet.” Gaap laughed.

“I think they'd like to let you recover from your, ah, Sperm Donor's death, first.” Ophelia grinned.

“I love that term.” Then Ophelia hummed. “Oh, that's right. Belphegor said that Blot has stolen one of his cores. What exactly does that mean?”

Gaap took a deep breath, their tail giving some rippling squeezes.

“I know you've read Xianxia novels,” Gaap said, almost rolling their eyes. “Think Golden Core, but demons can form more than one.”

“Then what about humans? Witches?”

“Human magic is complicated. Some witches form cores, some don't. There's a lot that isn't understood, but I theorise that the higher magic concentration in the Devildom means demons needed to store it.”

“That makes sense, I think. Like a battery if you're not plugged in.”

“Exactly. And that analogy continues. If you don't use your magic, then the wires get corroded and doesn't flow.” Gaap sighed. “How Aliss and Alex got away without using their magic for so long is beyond me.”

“...demons feed magic into their muscles for strength, right?”

“Yes… why?”

“Alex used to show off by using me as a bicep curl weight. …and the times he wheeled cars around by lifting up the rear end.” Ophelia smirked. “I bet he was skiving off instead of lifting weights in the gym.” Gaap's neck fins rippled, in apparent amusement.

“Probably.”

** **

“So, it essentially boils down to lack of booking information and lack of Grimm.”

Two embarrassed kids, two mildly shamed portal managers, one mediation witch.

Aliss sighed, and looked at the portal managers.

“Balaam, I know you have the capacity to check with the hotel complex. And Allocer, you're a Devilgram lurker, so I know you've seen all the videos.” Allocer, a rather lion-like demon, frowned.

“But it means little.”

“I would also imagine that you also saw the earlier news that there would be compensation for services affected by the crisis and the encouragement to act lenient with those in grief. And I heard of your predisposition to try and double charge from Gaap.” Allocer huffed. Balaam sighed.

“Will you at least escort them back? They are still minors.” Aliss chuckled.

“Of course. But I'd like to make sure they do a few things first.”

**

“We're sorry we've caused trouble for you.” Aliss patted Joseph on the head.

“No, you've done nothing wrong.” Maria still seemed upset, though.

“But our Father-” With a soft sigh, Aliss patted her head, too.

“That is not yours to worry about. And I'm sure your Mother will explain everything in time.”

“...okay.”

“For now, though,” Aliss said, “I would like to take you on a quick tour and get some things for you to take back to your coven.”

** **

Alex had taken a few detours on his way back to the castle.

Snacks, lingerie, flowers… and then he met Asmodeus in a shop. Asmo wrapped his arms around the human.

“Shopping, Alex?” Alex fiddled with the bouquet, pickingout a flower and handing it to the fretful demon.

“Yes.” Asmo looked confused at the flower. Alex chuckled. “This one would look good in your hair.”

“But-” Asmo sighed. “Are you alright? Why shopping? Why here?” Asmo gestured to the store - a makeup store. Alex smiled wearily.

“Ah. I'd like to pick up some makeup for Ophelia.” Alex grinned. “The lingerie is for me, but mostly for Ophelia and Lord Diavolo.” Asmo laughed, and batted Alex's arm.

“That's not what I mean- but, for Ophelia?”

Alex suddenly clocked on what was meant. Asmo still didn't know. Alex deliberately dropped his expression.

“...just in case.” Asmo nodded in understanding.

“But Lord Diavolo might get a show first?” Alex grinned widely. Asmo batted his arm again. “But first, makeup! What were you after?”

“Eyeliner, mostly. What's good for long lasting with sweat, heat, and possibly rubbing?”

“For sexy time? Then definitely this brand…”

Alex left the store puzzled over makeup but apparently armed with the longest lasting stuff that would need to be removed with magic.

When he returned to the castle, there was a fuss in the entrance hall with a crowd of demons and Typhon. The crowd consisting of the Incubus-succubus pair from the party and their classmates.

So, Ophelia's classmates.

Typhon seemed so torn.

“I-I can't just sneak you lot into there. I cannot even enter that hallway without permission. Even Gaap had to be escorted by Barbatos-”

“But Ophelia was our- we want to see her-”

“Barbatos, Lucifer, and Lord Diavolo are busy, and the only other people that can go are that Alex, and their Mothers…”

“The other student?”

“Yeah, the one Lord Diavolo carried off, too.”

“But why…” Typhon sighed.

“And don't tell me you two,” he said, gesturing to Benaz and Gloka, “forgot about your Sexcapade with Alex. He's been Marked by Lord Diavolo, and-”

And this was where Alex decided to politely interject. He cleared his throat, causing everyone to flinch.

“Ophelia did technically goad both them and me into said Sexcapade. With her blessing.” Alex chuckled. “And the Marking was an entirely separate issue.” Typhon sighed.

“Were you meant to be her personal guard?”

“Follow me. I'll explain when we have privacy.”

** **

The walls had shaken with the intensity of their conversation, and feelings laid bare. Now, in the aftermath, emotionally bruised and tender...

Diavolo and Lucifer stared at each other for a long, long time before someone spoke again.

“...just get it over with. Whatever it is you plan to do to me, but my brothers...”

Diavolo sighed deeply.

He knew, just as deeply, that Lucifer was not going to regret what had been done. Nor would Diavolo really have it any other way. Despite all this, it didn't feel like a betrayal, as Diavolo had expected.

His decision was, startlingly easy.

“Overmorrow, then.”

Diavolo saw a twitch in Lucifer's steadfast gaze.

“My brothers-”

“Will all be there.”

Lucifer bit his lip, and said no more.

** **

“Concubine Rooms.” Typhon hummed.

“Yes. That would explain it.” At the confused looks, Typhon explained. “Tradition dictates that even the royal guards cannot enter without proper permission. And that permissions can be revoked by concubines.”

“Even to the-”

“Yes. If we so desired, we could kick everyone out. Including Lord Diavolo.” Alex laughed. “Technically Ophelia could have kicked us all out while-”

“Not like she can right now,” Heme grumbled. Alex rolled his eyes. Only Typhon noticed.

Alex pulled out his DDD and texted someone. Typhon couldn't help but notice that Alex was asking for permission to visit. And the person replied with a sticker.

“Who's in there?”

“Gaap.” Typhon nodded in understanding.

“They'll let us in?”

When they got there, Gaap stuck their head out of the door, looked the group up and down - then gestured for them to come in. Typhon frowned, going first.

“Why the- oh.”

Pretty much everyone repeated the similar sentiment.

Gaap still had Ophelia wrapped in their tail. Ophelia looked like she was relaxed in their coiling tail grip.

When they were all inside, and the door was firmly shut, Ophelia opened her eyes.

“Gaap's being clingyyyyyyy,” she whined. Benaz groaned.

“You haven't seen clingy yet. Outcasts, assemble!”

Alex watched with amusement as Ophelia got piled upon by multiple demons trying to get hugs at once.

Typhon stepped closer to Alex, and looked down at the human.

“You aren't just a guard for Ophelia, are you?”

“Nope!” Alex smiled cheerily. “I'm also a Concubine.” He wiggled a bag. “Hence the lingerie for me, too.”

Typhon couldn't help but chuckle.

“And the actual answer?” Alex looked up at Typhon.

“Technically, those are the answers.”

“Then, why?”

Alex took a deep breath and stared straight into Typhon's eyes.

“She is my Soulmate.”

Notes:

Ophelia snaps at Belphegor. 🤣

Gertrude's secret gets out. Celestial Fire! Just imagine Aliss holding Gertrude like the effective flamethrower she is.

But yes. Alex gets lingerie and sex-proof makeup while his Mother gets to play Mama Bear with kids.

And Gaap gets clingy. Ophelia plays along.

Spoiler: Diavolo will be very, very sadistic in the Overmorrow. But in his own way.

Chapter 43

Notes:

I don't know how I found time whilst moving house and over the holidays to actually write this chapter, but from the chaos - lo, this has popped out. 😂

“Oh.” Was all Typhon said. He waited, hoping Alex would elaborate - but he didn't.

They watched the pile of demons around Ophelia getting tighter.

Typhon wondered how this - Ophelia, alive, before a demonic conversion - was even possible. What they'd seen… Alex answered, then, Typhon apparently spoken out loud.

“It was planned. Her familiar took over from the missing organs to keep her alive, and she applied healing sigils to herself to regenerate.” Typhon nodded.

“Impressive.” Then Typhon frowned. “Planned?” Alex frowned.

“She knew Satan would be ordered to kill her.” Typhon took a deep breath and sighed.

“Bloody sooth-sayers.”

** **

Esmere was not expecting to have a brush with death when she collected her children, but - Black Aliss had been their escort, and she had a reputation.

“Aliss.”

“Esmere.”

The two appraised each other. The kids, unaware of the tension, blabbered on happily.

It was later, when it was helpfully suggested that the twins distributed the gifts to the rest of the coven, that the two witches were alone.

They sat at opposite ends of a small table.

“It's been a while, Esmere.”

“Not long enough.” Aliss laughed dryly.

“Oh? It's not as if your husband tried to indirectly kill my son or anything.”

“And is that why you're here instead of-”

Aliss just pulled up the video compilation on her DDD and handed it to Esmere.

By the end of it, Esmere was in tears. Aliss sighed.

“No, I'm here because your kids needed the help. They are completely innocent, afterall.”

Esmere took a deep breath. And then another.

“I misjudged you.”

“...well, neither of your husbands ever liked me much.”

“You did burn Harold all over.” Aliss rolled her eyes.

“Stopping him from spreading Yersinia Pestis with those blood whips. Took days to disinfect the village without being caught.”

“Didn't you spread it? What's this about disinfection?”

“Only to that one village that tried to kill me. Generally speaking, I try and prevent killing, Esmere.”

** **

Alex pressed a kiss to the top of Ophelia's head where he could reach.

“Of course, while you're all doing all that,” he said, “I'll prepare some snacks.”

He paused for a second. Then he decided to clarify.

“To both things - you two choosing a movie tonight, and the big event the day after tomorrow.” Diavolo nodded, shifting his position to allow Alex to get up whilst also keeping Ophelia pinned to the mattress.

She had accepted a while back that the men weren't going to let her leave the bed tonight or lift a finger to do anything more strenuous than use the remote. And if that kept Diavolo occupied too, then all the better.

Ophelia sighed.

“By the end of it, we'll need something, definitely.” She hummed. “I think we need Barbatos, Simeon, and Luke to help, too.” Diavolo sighed.

“But we may need Barbatos to help keep the brothers bound.”

“I should be able to do it with Blot. Besides,” she said, “it might help if they think Barbatos is making progress on something big.” Alex laughed.

“He would be, just not quite what they're thinking.” Diavolo grinned.

“Does that mean you'll be my personal maid for the duration?”

“Someone's got to pour the tea and serve sweets and kick their asses.” Alex chuckled.

“So while I get that three of them think that it's an execution, what do the others think?” Ophelia looked intently at Diavolo, who seemed a little lost for words.

“Oh.”

With two humans waiting eagerly for his answer, he turned pink.

“I might not have yet… told them.” Alex looked at Ophelia, catching her attention, and they both looked at Diavolo in sync. But Ophelia spoke, with amusement.

“Then we tell them tomorrow. For now… Let's watch this movie.” Alex glanced at her choice.

“Oh. We can compare how the human world version compares to the Devildom one.” Diavolo beamed.

“Oh! I'd never have thought about that.”

** **

Bathala sat on a sofa, eating some adobo with Cassandra pecking at a bowl of rice next to him.

“I still can't believe your Mistress was feeling up to travelling back alone.”

“...apparently having a new potential Herald was a boost.”

“You do remember we were dying before you reached out, right?” Bathala hummed. “Anyway. Your Mistress needed to return so she can rest. Too much excitement here in the capital. Unlike you, she cannot turn her power off.”

“She's returned to the Salt Cave, then.”

“Yes.”

“Did she leave any ord-” Bathala sighed, and smiled.

“You are to give it at maximum a week before you have that serious talk with your daughter.”

“...pak.”

** **

Barbatos was starting to think that the young master was aiming for one very spoiled concubine, and unfortunately, the other concubine was entirely on board.

It actually made for very good entertainment.

Especially when the two men were having trouble agreeing, and the third was sleeping.

“We could, of course, ask Ophelia…” Barbatos suggested this, knowing full well they did not want to. Diavolo frowned.

“No, no. She needs to sleep some more. This decision can wait.” Alex sighed.

“...we could just have as many colours as we can make, right? Start with what's easiest, and work up?”

…and that was the answer Barbatos was hoping for.

“I believe that would be best.”

The next morning, a sleepy Ophelia was awoken by a disturbingly cheerful Barbatos.

“Ophelia,” he said, calmly, “I understand that you volunteered to act as the young master's maid for tomorrow?”

She blinked twice, slowly, and looked around. Alex and Diavolo were not there.

“Yes.”

“Then today will be your training.” Barbatos nodded. “Those two have already started on their tasks for today.”

“...there's a lot to do, isn't there.”

“If you would be so kind as to make a duplicate of yourself, it might help.” Ophelia raised one eyebrow.

“If you think Blot is a good fit for a task, then… oh. You've already got something in mind.”

** **

Of course this was the day that all of the remaining brothers were playing hooky.

Alex groaned, head in his hands as he sat on a bench in the RAD garden.

“Oh my. Are you OK, Alex?” Simeon laid a hand on his shoulder, and sat down beside him.

“Ugh. I've been asked to pass messages in person to the brothers, but of course they're all dossing off. They're not answering their DDDs, either.” Simeon chuckled.

“Unsurprising. Have you checked their Devilgram accounts?” Alex perked up.

“No. Thanks for the tip, Simeon.” Simeon glanced around before he spoke again.

“Have you seen Lucifer?” Alex looked around, and then at the angel. He lowered his voice and leaned closer.

“I'm afraid, he's currently awaiting some punishment in the castle prison.” Simeon's brows furrowed. Alex continued. “It's bad. That hunting storm? Unauthorised, and Lucifer had a part. There's more, but it's essentially Treason.”

“Oh no.”

“His punishment is tomorrow.” And then Alex withdrew. “That's all I'm allowed to say, but I can tell you that if you and Luke would like to join Barbatos and I for some baking tomorrow, we'll be in the castle kitchens.”

“Eh? Funeral baking?”

“...in a sense? Barbatos also wanted to let his apprentice butler do something important.”

“He has an apprentice?”

** **

The Royal Harem

Alex: The brothers are playing hooky at the moment, but I am tracking them down.
Diavolo: I am in the Council Chambers, doing paperwork, so that is no problem.
Diavolo: I'm about halfway through my teapot, though.
Ophelia: On it.
Ophelia: I will try something.

A few minutes later, there was a gentle knocking on the Council Chambers door.

“Enter.”

Instead of Barbatos, a demon in a female maid outfit entered, pushing a tray filled with snacks and two teapots.

They were a relatively small demon compared to Diavolo, but taller than most humans. Their facial features were hidden underneath a thick lace veil, save for their lips, which were painted a deep, bloody red. Their body was fairly straight, any curves being added to by the maid outfit.

Diavolo saw right through it. Because this was someone he'd personally Marked.

He waited until they were much closer to say anything, though.

“I much prefer your usual form,” he said quietly, with a smile, “but this is a welcome change, too.”

She silently gasped, a shade of red creeping up her face as she seemed embarrassed.

Then she held up what looked like a sign. Words appeared instantly.

“You can tell it's me?”

“Only because I Marked you, Ophelia.” Diavolo sighed. “I'm not so sure anyone else could.”

“I should really have tested this on Alex or Mammon first, but circumstances…” Diavolo laughed, and went to pull her closer, but stopped.

“Ah, if you're being a maid, I shouldn't until later. What is your working name?”

“Phione, milord.” She smiled. “I am a Devildom-made Lich. Despite my muteness, I am Barbatos’ apprentice. I am relatively new to more active duty, and so I will often refer to a notebook for information in unclear situations. I am currently covering for Barbatos, who is on a Top Secret task.”

“Very good.” Diavolo smiled. “I look forward to working with you, Phione.” She smiled in return.

“It would appear that I am to be tested sooner than I thought.” She whipped the board back behind her.

There was a tentative knocking on the door.

“Enter.”

Beelzebub poked his head in before entering. He was carrying Leviathan on his back.

Alex followed, dragging Mammon behind him, and followed by a disturbingly glassy-eyed Asmodeus.

“Oh my.” Asmodeus soon perked up as he entered, though.

“You called for us, Lord Di- kyaa! Who is this lovely lady?” Asmodeus leapt towards Phione, who politely sidestepped the Avatar of Lust.

“This is Phione, Barbatos’ apprentice. She is a Lich.” Asmodeus began swooning in his usual manner, commenting on what he could see about her. Lord Diavolo let him, and so did Phione.

Beelzebub put Leviathan down. Leviathan looked at her.

“Phione? Like, one of the yokai from Pocket Yokai?” Alex, meanwhile, was looking at her and frowning.

“A Lich?” He hummed. “Like, with a Phylactory?” Phione frowned slightly and held her board up.

“Goodness. You can't just go around asking about a Lich's Phylactory, Mr. Eubank.” Her board had a blushing emote on the corners.

“Uwaaaah. That's so cute! Like an in-game character!” Lord Diavolo laughed.

“Don't let that cuteness fool you, she has been well trained by Barbatos.”

That made everyone stop and think.

Mammon, who had just been released from Alex's grip, stood up and dusted himself off.

“Yeah, trust ‘im to have an apprentice an not tell us.” Beelzebub nodded.

“He is always well prepared.” Phione looked at Beelzebub, tilted her head, and went to the cart. She moved plates of snacks to the tables, and made sure the biggest was in front of the gluttonous giant, all whilst smiling.

“I was told to make plenty of food.” She'd put the board on a chain around her neck, to make it hands-free. She placed a plate of strawberry tarts in front of the now seated Asmodeus. “And cute foods.”

Lord Diavolo cleared his throat.

“And now, I'd like to address why I've called you in today.” He paused, waiting for everyone's attention. “Tomorrow is the day we…” Lord Diavolo frowned. “...we pass judgement on your brothers.”

Beelzebub nearly choked on his sandwich, and both Leviathan and Asmodeus froze. Mammon looked at the ground. Lord Diavolo continued.

“I want you to be there.” A few ticks of silence. “I will also bring Ophelia's body.” Alex looked away from the expecting gazes, and frowned.

“It would be only fair. But I am not going.” He shook his head. “Not my business. That's between you lot.” Beelzebub frowned.

“Why?”

“I've got to help Barbatos.” And then, Mammon piped up.

“Alex, y'know, Beel an’ Levi aren't up to date on a few bits.” Beel and Levi looked confused. Alex nodded.

“Oh yeah, I forgot.” Leviathan looked shocked.

“How can we complete the quest without all the information?” Alex just smirked.

“This is more the lore side of it, but…” He smiled broadly, before shaking his head. “I'm sure you know that the reason Mum and I came to the Devildom is to look for my missing Soulmate?” Beelzebub nodded.

“They were kidnapped.” Alex chuckled.

“Yeah, but it turns out she was perfectly safe.” Alex nodded. “Well. As safe as a magic-less human female can be in the House of Lamentation, anyway.” Leviathan's jaw dropped.

“No way! Absolutely no-” Beelzebub nodded.

“Explains a lot.”

“Eh? Ehhhhhh?!?” Leviathan looked at Mammon and Asmodeus. “How are you two not freaking out?!? Beel, how are you not freaking out?”

Asmodeus and Mammon had, of course, already had their freaking out. And Beelzebub was just naturally pretty docile.

“Alex's gluttony gets sated when he's in contact with Ophelia,” was all Beelzebub said. Mammon and Asmodeus couldn't look at Leviathan.

Phione held up her board again.

“I believe that they knew already.”

"Eh? Aaaaaaagh! How come I'm the only one not knowing?" Mammon was grabbed and being shaken by Leviathan as Leviathan ranted.

Phione pulled a notebook from her apron and read it, before taking a pen out and making a note in it. She held up her board.

"I believe Belphegor is also unaware." It mostly went unread.

Both Alex and Lord Diavolo noticed her pen, red and iridescent, and both said nothing - but for wildly different reasons.

Notes:

Typhon has met (and possibly eaten) enough sooth-sayers to be sick of them.

Also just imagine Aliss sneaking around a village and basically spraying vinegar secretly where all the blood was, only to be blamed for spreading the plague.

I also just thought it would be funny when Barbatos was making a maid from a slime clone, that he went - no, no curves. Hide features.

Chapter 44

Diavolo internally laughed at Alex giving Phione the side eye. He clearly wasn't trusting the apprentice one bit.

“Milord,” he said, sidling to Diavolo, “now that we've dealt with the brothers, can we retire to our rooms… alone?”

Diavolo couldn't help but laugh.

“Why Alex, are you trying to seduce me away from my paperwork?” Alex pouted.

“Maybe.” Phione huffed, tapping her board.

“While technically I should advise you against that, I also have to clear up.” Alex smiled deviously. She pouted. “Don't blame me if you both have to spend more time away from Lady Ophelia.” Alex looked offended.

“How comes she gets a Lady, but I only get a Mr?”

Phione gave a cocky grin.

“Heh,” she wheezed out of her voiceless throat.

Diavolo laughed heartily, and pulled Alex to him in a close hug.

Once in the service corridors, Phione nearly bent over in near silent laughter, slapping her thigh.

Significant Bother

Alex: Why do you get a Lady title, and I only get a Mr?
Ophelia: …with Phione?
Ophelia: Did you offend her somehow?
Alex: You've met her before?
Ophelia: She shares a few things in common with Blot.

** **

The House of Lamentation was living up to its name today.

Beel wasn't very hungry. Levi didn't want to play games, and Asmo was quiet. Mammon was splayed out over the sofa, watching his brothers.

“I don't want to watch Lord Diavolo… pass judgement.” Mammon looked up at Asmo.

“We gotta go.” Beel nodded, murmuring his agreement.

“If only to see her.” Levi shook his head.

“He wasn't using that to taunt us into going?” Beel shook his head.

“Incentive.” Mammon sighed.

“No matter what, we gotta be there for them, too.”

“Mammon, Lord Diavolo's going to execute them!”

“Nah.”

“What?”

“He won't. Ophelia won't let him.” Beel looked surprised.

“Did she appear to you, too?” Asmo screeched.

“Why didn't she appear to me?!? Levi, I get-"

“Of course she wouldn't appear to a yucky otaku like me.”

“Levi. Ya destroyed her room and yer weren't close.”

“What did she say to you, Mammon?” Mammon sat up.

“None of yer-” He sighed. “She said they had their reasons for it. And she'd like ‘em to explain it to us themselves.”

“And how are you so calm about all this?” Mammon sighed.

“I ain't. I'm runnin’ numbers to keep from just stealin’ more.”

“More?” Mammon threw Levi's wallet back at him.

“Scumbag!”

“Oi, I gave it back, didn't I?” Mammon smirked. “That's what ya get for shakin’ me like that.”

** **

Barbatos had not expected the hunt for a Soul Lantern to go this roughly. He'd resorted to asking Ophelia if she could try and See where it was.

Thankfully, she'd been successful, and had then provided some funny anecdotes about how Alex was reacting to her temporary role.

The rest was easy. Barbatos was surprised at what he'd found, and hoped it would help.

** **

The more Alex watched, the more things weren't quite adding up. But could he put a finger on it? No.

On returning to their room, Alex immediately tried to bar Phione using the powers of the Concubine Rooms. And failed.

Probably because Ophelia is allowing her, Alex thought, but why is it overriding mine?

Phione's movements with serving were deft and precise. Why so jarring, then?

So he decided to just ask. He was suspicious, but couldn't say it outright.

“Phione, that pen you used earlier…?” She nodded, and handed it to him.

Without a doubt, it was Ophelia's pen. The distinct ringing headache began. Phione smiled.

“Why do you have Ophelia's pen?”

And this is when Diavolo burst into laughter. Phione expectantly held her hand out for its return, but Alex grit his teeth.

“Milord, this isn't-” Phione stepped closer and touched the pen. Alex's headache stopped. “Huh?” Phione huffed, and took the pen back. Then she put her board down and let them read.

“I'll go and switch back.” She bowed, and stepped away. Alex furrowed his brows and crossed his arms in thought.

“That is definitely her pen, though.” Diavolo chuckled.

“Hardly surprising.” And then, Ophelia approached Alex. She grinned.

“That is why you don't ask about a Lich's Phylactory, Mr Eubank.”

Alex let out an undignified screech of horrified realization. She went to sit down next to him and patted his head on the way.

“Barbatos asked if I was able to make a duplicate of myself, and then he sculpted it a little.”

“...why?”

“An experiment, mostly. Blot can use it, too, but it's mostly an anatomy lesson for us.”

And then Diavolo had a wide but unnerving smile.

“Now. I also must ask about that pen. May I?” Ophelia cocked her head, but produced it and handed it to Diavolo.

The moment his finger brushed the surface, Ophelia shuddered. When it was in his grip, she found her mouth was dry, and she was suddenly nervous. He looked at her.

“Ophelia? Are you alright?”

“I- I… I'm not sure.” She looked at him. “Are you ok? That pen managed to give Lucifer a headache and-” Diavolo casually opened the pen to inspect the nib, and then smiled, ignoring her horror filled expression.

“Do you know the significance of this pen, Ophelia?”

“Oh... Only that it was passed down in the Omipon family, and that it's one hell of a pen. Unbreakable glass nib, astonishing ink capacity… and it definitely chooses its owners.” She shifted a little in her seat. ”Another reason my Dad resented me.” Diavolo nodded.

“This pen is made from special materials. Very special ones.” He handed it back to her, watching her relax a little. “It's definitely chosen you, though. What else do you know about it?”

“Only that it was the reason my family went into ink making. It's been in the family for over 200 years.” Diavolo nodded.

“That would align with my theory.” Diavolo held up his hands before she could ask. “I believe you would get the answer if you commune with my Father. You'll have to as part of the initiation as Royal Seer, so…”

“So don't worry about it for now?” Diavolo chuckled.

“Correct.” Alex sighed.

“We've got tomorrow's events to worry about, first.” He laughed. “You two, more so. What you're planning on doing with the Brothers…” Alex turned to Ophelia, and leaned in. “You'll need to be on top form.” Diavolo coughed politely.

“You could preemptively use that pen of yours to draw some Arrays. Its materials should benefit spell work.”

“That kind of special?” Diavolo nodded, smiling.

“Yes. It should be quite potent.” Alex huffed.

“And of course you wouldn't have been using it to do spells to have known before.” Ophelia groaned, and slid a little down the seat. Alex took the opportunity to lean over her. Diavolo laughed.

“Nor would you have been using magically infused ink to know, either.” Ophelia huffed, turning slightly away from them both.

“How frustrating.” Diavolo decided to lean over her, trapping her and Alex in his arms as he leant on the sofa.

“Think of it as a power-up for transforming into a Herald.” He grinned. “Technically we could also do something else to help boost your power for tomorrow, but…” Alex looked hopeful.

“With both of us?” Ophelia burst into laughter.

“Pervert.” Diavolo's arms twitched, ready to move. He licked his lips. "Correction. Perverts."

“That wasn't a no.” She laughed.

“Exactly.”

With that, Alex and Ophelia found themselves rushed to the bed in a blur of demonic speed.

**

It looked like a fierce battle had taken place, leaving its aftermath on the bed. Barbatos just sighed.

At least this time, nobody had been left tied up.

And at least it wouldn't matter if Alex had marks he wasn't able to cover up.

And Ophelia had time to heal up, with all the marks that he could see. Whose hand mark was that?

And, finally - Lord Diavolo had the good grace to look anxious at Barbatos’ expression. Barbatos smiled.

“Young Master, it is time to get up.”

** **

“Your Silencing and Anti-Eavesdropping Arrays are very strong, Phione.” Ophelia as Phione, bowed slightly. Barbatos smiled, and gestured for them to enter.

The inside of the roofed hall made in the arena was cosy but laid out to have separate half-walled rooms, facing towards a central, larger space.

Everyone would be able to see everyone else, and they could all see where Lord Diavolo would be seated. His throne was in front of the door, in the large space. The icy dais, in the middle.

Phione studied the layout, and tested the wards. She also tested the curtains that could be used to block views, and the invisible barriers above the low walls. She nodded at Barbatos.

“If you would be so kind as to go and collect all the brothers, I will start to supply each part with a suitable amount of food and drink.” She nodded and held up her board.

“I will make sure I grab a scented candle from Asmodeus’ stockpile to make it more relaxing.” Barbatos chuckled.

“He does have an extensive selection.” She put smiley faces on her board, and then thinking ones.

“Will Transport Arrays work on demons of Lucifer's caliber?”

“If bound properly, and he allows it. Belphegor and Satan, you should be able to do without as much.” Barbatos paused. “Of course, that Leeching Sigil you have learnt might also bypass that.”

“A power level thing, then.”

“Simply put, yes.” She nodded, pulling out large paper and her pen from her apron. Barbatos eyed the pen. She frowned, and held it up for him to look at. “May I?” She nodded.

As soon as Barbatos held the pen, he had the beginning of what could be a nasty, ringing headache. Phione smiled nervously, and he gave it back. The headache vanished.

“Oya.”

“Lord Diavolo said I'd probably get the answers about the pen when I commune with his Father.” Barbatos nodded.

“As I suspected, then.”

“Just WHAT did my ancestor do to get THIS?”

** **

Walking up the steps to the House of Lamentation like this felt surreal. After ringing the doorbell, it felt like an age before someone answered.

Mammon opened the door, as if fearing the possible visitors. Phione bowed slightly, smiling and holding her board.

“Good Morning, I've come to escort you all to RAD's Coliseum.”

“All of us? An’ what will you do otherwise?” She smiled widely.

“I do have permission to use force, but I'd rather not.” Mammon sighed, and let her in. She thanked him, and then grinned. “Has everyone eaten?”

“Nah, I'll show you why.”

Mammon led Phione to the corridor near the kitchen, and she could hear a potential reason why.

Thudding, a wispy bounce, and a heavy thud.
It repeated, with heavier Thudding.

They rounded the corner.

Beel was munching popcorn from a bag the size of Ophelia. Levi was taking photos. And after every few attempts, Solomon would ask Asmo to remove another item from the kitchen…

And he'd try to enter again, running up and bouncing off an invisible barrier. If he ran fast enough, he'd hit the opposite wall in the rebound.

Mammon and Phione watched a few attempts in amusement.

And then Solomon noticed the two newcomers.

“Mammon! And…?”

“I am Phione.” She bowed respectfully, holding her board. “I am Barbatos’ apprentice.”

“Oh. I had heard of the mysterious apprentice. A lich, yes?” Phione nodded. “And mute.” Phione nodded again.

“I have come today to escort the brothers to the RAD Coliseum.” Solomon looked hopeful.

“Am I allowed-”

“No.” Phione grinned. “Lord Diavolo's orders. The Brothers only.”

“Not even to see her?”

“There will be chances later to see Lady Ophelia. Today is about the Avatars of Sin.”

**

“I will have to let Lord Diavolo know that Solomon is trying to get around his kitchen ban.” Asmo sighed.

“He ordered me to remove the items one at a time so he could try again. Testing the limits.” Phione nodded grimly.

"I have been informed of the risks if he succeeds."

** **

Alex carried Ophelia's body into the space made in the Coliseum, marvelling at the spell work and sheer speed that this was made.

Barbatos chuckled.

“Since it needs to be used for many things, the ability to add structures at will was added. It uses the ground-like material that makes up the floor to build up.”

“And all controlled by magic?”

“Indeed.”

Alex looked at the platform where it was planned to lay Ophelia on. It was already partially iced.

“Lucky this is not her actual body. She'd be too cold to move with the ice.”

“It would add to the illusion.” Alex groaned, made more ice on the dais, and put her down on it. He frowned.

“Cushions. We need cushions.”

“There should be some in the rooms,” Barbatos said, “and I would recommend borrowing those from either 7 or 1, perhaps 4.” Alex nodded, and dashed off to get them.

Internally, Barbatos chuckled. Alex was doting on the cloned body, too. Perhaps reverence was a more appropriate term.

“I'm going to nick them from Satan's room,” Alex announced, “and then go to 7's room, and then Lucifer.”

“I believe Belphegor has attempted to harm Ophelia the most.”

“Oh.” Alex put a few cushions back in Satan's area and casually went to the seventh room.

“Belphegor is also the Avatar of Sloth.”

“So it would spite him most. Good.”

Barbatos wasn't going to correct him. Belphegor could get comfortable anywhere given the chance, but Phione had automatically defaulted to even cushion distribution.

Alex arranged Ophelia on the cushions in a way that befitted the simple white dress but also was slightly seductive. It was deliberately alluring.

“Was this a copy of the dress from the photoshoot?” Alex shook his head.

“This was the dress from the first part of the shoot, so it is simpler.”

“...they may want to touch her. Or more.” Alex snorted.

“Let them. Phione will be keeping an eye on them, won't she?”

One of the rooms suddenly had its curtains drop and the entrance become enspelled. There was a crackling at the edges, but it held firm.

"That would be our cue to leave, right, Barbatos?"

"Indeed."

Notes:

Alex attempts Seductive Speechcraft.

The three get up to mischief together. Barbatos is too professional to note nudity.

Solomon attempts to get around the ban. You'd think he'd know better.

Chapter 45

Lord Diavolo waited as patiently as he could outside of the Coliseum and its setup.

Phione led the brothers to him.

“There is a table and snacks just in there while we finish the preparations inside.”

“Preparations?”

“I have to check if everyone has arrived.” She led them in. The snack table was modest. Bowing, she went to check inside.

The angry cursing from bay 7 told her that Belphegor was in there, at least. But not the cushions. Glancing at the ice dais, she knew why - at least he hadn't destroyed them. Peeking inside the other two bays also showed their occupants were there, too.

So Lucifer had willingly used the transport talisman she'd set up. Gently knocking, she entered Lucifer's setup.

“Phione.” She nodded.

“Would you like to see Ophelia before…?” Lucifer scoffed.

“Her corpse?” Phione nodded. Lucifer took a deep breath.

“It is on the dais just outside.”

“Are you not worried that I could escape?” She tilted her head.

“No.”

“It would be easy.”

“Yes, but could hurt your brothers and any vagrant souls in the vicinity.”

That - that caught Lucifer's attention.

“So there is a purpose for all this.” Phione smiled.

“So, would you like to see her?”

He held out his hands for chains. Phione shook her head, and opened the doorway for him. He understood as soon as he saw the array that had become barely visible as he stepped out.

“A complicated array.” Phione just smiled, and gestured towards the body on the dais. “Is the hope that she'll return why you've called it a dais and not a bier?” She nodded.

“Why do you think Barbatos isn't overseeing this?”

“...so, there is something else happening.” She smiled widely.

“I said nothing. But it involves a Soul Lantern and a lot of running around.”

**

The veil over her eyes made it hard for Lucifer to tell if she was looking at him.

Tentatively, he lowered his lips to Ophelia's forehead, and gave it a lingering kiss.

Phione didn't react.

Lucifer then grabbed Ophelia, and held her close to him. Whatever he murmured to her, Phione dutifully neglected to listen to.

Lucifer eventually stood back up, putting Ophelia down carefully, and returned to Phione.

“You saw nothing.”

“Saw what?” Lucifer smiled briefly.

** **

The kitchen was bustling with activity.

Alex walked back into the fray after taking a breather to find his Mother and Simeon reminiscing about shenanigans whilst idly decorating biscuits.

Luke and Barbatos looked like they were having some quality bonding time over a complex recipe.

Alex decided that overhearing his Mother's escapades was probably safer than interfering with the bond between Barbatos and Luke.

“...although I do appreciate the compliment, Aliss.”

“Pah. I am still inclined to believe it.” Aliss turned to her son. “Apparently Simeon didn't have as much of a hand in helping Ophelia get a hold of her abilities as I thought.”

“She did credit him with helping, though? Something about a book series helping her realise.” Simeon glanced away for a second, thoughtful, and then looked back.

“Still. Ophelia and her familiar put in the hardest work.” Alex hummed.

“Can't argue with that.”

And then, there was a soft but distinctive ‘boing’ from the kitchen entrance.

Everyone looked up to see Solomon waving.

“So this is how you're all coping with the grieving.” Barbatos managed to gently put something in Luke's mouth before the little angel could speak. Alex hummed.

“Why, would you have another solution?” Solomon laughed at that.

“For you, perhaps.” Aliss sighed.

“We'll continue these. Go on.”

Alex led Solomon away from the kitchen and into a small receiving room.

Solomon hummed.

“You seem very comfortable wandering around the castle.” Alex laughed.

“I'm just on friendly terms with the staff,” he said, “although, I have been into this room before.”

Solomon suddenly got serious.

“I will just be blunt. How, exactly, are you resisting Withering so well.” Alex raised an eyebrow.

“Blunt, huh?” He leant forward in his chair. Alex chuckled, pulling down the collar of his shirt to reveal some marks from the night before.“Simple. I was Marked by Lord Diavolo in preparation for the announcement and my future status, so… a lot of sex.”

Solomon was definitely not expecting that answer. Alex sighed, dramatically.

“It's definitely what Ophelia would want.”

“For you to stay alive?”

“To be fucked thoroughly by Lord Diavolo.” Alex paused, before winking. “And that, too, obviously.”

** **

Satan growled at Phione. She looked at him, sighed inside, and held her board up.

She tapped it.

“I am mute. Cannot speak if I wanted to.”

“Ugh.”

“Do you want to see Ophelia's body or not?”

“To say goodbyes?” Phione shrugged.

“That is for you to decide.”

Satan laughed, hollow and deep.

“With the hole I made?”

“It was healed. And things are in motion for her to return, if all goes to plan.”

And with that, Satan's eyes grew wide.

“C-can I really see her?”

“Her body is on the dais outside.”

Much like with Lucifer, Satan commented on the array before going over to Ophelia's body.

Satan touched her dress over her sternum, before gently pulling down the neckline to check.

“It looks like nothing ever happened.” Phione quietly moved to just be out of his line of sight. Satan glanced over, and nodded.

“We do not know if she'll return to this body or have another, but just in case…”

“Can I…?”

“As long as it's not inappropriate, I will conveniently not see anything.”

Satan barked out a short laugh before pulling Ophelia into his arms and hugging her tightly. Phione's dropped (thrown) handkerchief conveniently landed near Satan when he may or may not have cried.

When Satan picked himself up, he returned the handkerchief.

“You dropped this.” Phione smiled.

“Thank you.” Satan paused on the way back to his room.

“Where are you usually on duty, if you are Barbatos’ apprentice?”

“Hotel Corvo, when I have a body.”

Satan nodded, and went into his room. Well, he had his suspicions, but he didn't have enough time to question any further right now.

** **

When Phione finally emerged from the big enclosure in the Coliseum, she found a tense standoff between Lord Diavolo and the brothers.

“I apologise for the wait,” she had on her board, “I had to finish preparations.”

“The fuck kind of preparations are there?” Mammon was scowling.

“The kind where we make sure Ophelia's body is stable.”

“It's OK to go and see her now?” Phione nodded, and gestured towards the entrance.

They went in, and the brothers rushed to Ophelia's body. Lord Diavolo sighed, and sat on the throne nearby. Phione set a warm pot of tea on a little table beside him with a plate of shortbread.

They watched the brothers as they - unusually - took turns holding Ophelia with little squabbling. Phione thought she'd have to step in as Asmo decided to check her chest, but both Beel and Mammon slapped him away.

Phione went to Asmo.

“If you want me to light the candle in your space before you go in, then now would be good.” He handed his chosen candle to her, and she did it. His bay was filled with a soothing scent by the time she returned to the central part.

In that short time, Mammon had started to cling to Ophelia, keeping her away from Asmo.

“Ya pervert! Stop trying to see ‘er panties!”

“I am not letting her be buried in her usual type! And whoever chose this bra needs a lesson in style!” Lord Diavolo laughed.

“That would probably have been young Alex, then. He went for comfort, I would assume.”

“Phione! Back me up on this?”

“I would have loved to have been buried in my comfiest underwear.” Lord Diavolo laughed harder at Asmo's horrified expression.

“Outmoded, the lot of you!” Phione shrugged.

“At least Lady Ophelia's body has clothes on during these trying times. I didn't.”

That stopped the conversation dead. Lord Diavolo sighed.

“I suppose we had better start. Can everyone go to their assigned room, please?” Mammon grinned.

“Oi, can I take Ophelia in with me?”

“NO!” Multiple demons at once yelled. Nobody could see Phione roll her eyes underneath the veil.

“Alright, alright. Geez.” Phione hid her broad smile behind her board.

“You have your assigned rooms…”

** **

“Aren't you worried that it won't work out?”

Alex and Solomon were nearly back at the kitchen when Solomon asked.

“...nah.”

“Why?” Alex leaned in towards Solomon.

“Because it's nearly worked out, already,” Alex murmured.

** **

As the curtains between the rooms lifted, the brothers were all surprised to see each other. Mostly.

Belphegor looked like he'd been in a fight, but was sitting on the chair nonetheless.
Lucifer and Satan had neutral expressions, sitting in their chairs like they would any other day. Maybe a hint of surprise crossed Satan's face.

Most of the surprise was, naturally, at Belphegor's attendance.

Looks of horror crossed nearly everyone's faces, and Lord Diavolo paused to let a few realisations set in.

“We are gathered here today,” Lord Diavolo began, “for the judgement and punishment of three of the Seven Avatars of Sin.”

He paused.

“In summary of recent events, there was an unauthorised Hunting Storm, the mortal harming of my Royal Seer, and Treason, coupled with concealment of Treasonous parties.”

“I plead not guilty.” Belphegor said, languidly. “Humans are not-”

“Belphie,” Mammon hissed. Lucifer sighed. Phione made a shutting mouth gesture with her hand towards Belphegor, and whatever he said next was muted. Although apparently she was reading his words on the back of her board. Lord Diavolo huffed in amusement.

“Phione…” She handed over the board to Lord Diavolo, who read the words, glancing at Belphegor as if to confirm. “Phione. If you're able to put his words up on the walls for everyone's viewing…” She frowned, and words began appearing on the blank wall behind them for everyone to see.

Lord Diavolo watched as the brothers read the words, noting their expressions. It was a lot of anger.

“But first, let us start with Satan.”

Satan sat bolt upright.

“Satan is charged with causing harm to the Royal Seer, and taking part in an unauthorised Hunting Storm,” Lord Diavolo said. “However, it is easily proven that in both of these cases, there were external factors.”

“Eh?”

“Oh, taking pact orders. And being Sin-Drunk.”

“Exactly. And the fact Satan freed Belphegor means that, besides from making a pact with Alex, there is no further punishment.”

Satan looked confused, looking down at his hands.

“But, I…”

“Oh, I'm sure if young Alex feels the need to punish you, he will.” Lord Diavolo smiled. “However, given that Ophelia was quite aware of what was to happen-” Lucifer looked shocked.

“She knew?” Levi held up a hand.

“Wait wait wait. She knew she was going to be killed?” Mammon groaned.

“She left messages for us in the slime network.” Phione nodded.

“That was our best guess. Echoes, if you will.”

“Fucking mouthy Echoes, though,” Belphegor said.

** **

“I don't understand why lots of human world recipes are trending right now, Barbatos,” Luke said, swinging his legs on the stool. “In Remembrance of the Seer. Are they bullying Ophelia?” Simeon and Barbatos had both dropped their tools as soon as Luke had mentioned Remembrance, a little lost for words.

Aliss hummed.

“They might think Ophelia is going to be turned into a Demon or similar.”

“Is she?” Simeon shook his head, smiling.

“As I understand it, she'll become a Herald when she passes.”

“Oh! Like demons, but for the Old Gods.” Barbatos nodded.

“She was injured during the fighting, so some people may have gotten the wrong impression.”

“Ooooohhhhh. And then the internet trend started.” Aliss laughed.

“Exactly. She'll probably find it very sweet and absolutely hilarious.”

**

“Oh thank goodness his Devilgram account and DDD have the Adult Filters on.”

“...exactly.” Aliss chuckled. “Ophelia found some of the memes funny.” Simeon looked puzzled.

“What is a ‘meem’?”

** **

Belphegor had recounted his experience with Ophelia's echo in detail. Many heads turned to Lucifer, expectantly.

He blushed a little.

“She spoke the truth.” Lucifer cradled his head in his hands. “Of course Ophelia spoke the truth, it's what she does.”

“...where is that room?” Lucifer looked at Beel.

“The entrance is next to Levi's room. Hidden in the wallpaper is a riddle.” Phione held up her board.

“I could guess, the answer is - Lillith.” Lucifer laughed dryly.

“Of course it is. It is, afterall, a replica of her room in the Celestial Realm.” Phione nodded again.

“And the password to your secret study is - ‘I love you, Lillith’.”

“Eh?” A few sounds of confusion made Lucifer look up, and he growled when he read Phione's board. Satan chuckled.

“Must be true, then.”

“I am changing that, obviously.” There was a brief sad expression that ran over Lucifer's face - a self-reminder that he may not have the chance.

“So you didn't forget,” Belphegor sneered, his words audible to everyone again. “But that doesn't change the fact you are an ass kissing sycophant-”

Lucifer began laughing.

“I'm afraid that word has lost all seriousness with me after Ophelia using it at the start of a rant. On multiple occasions.”

Belphegor was disgusted. Beel, however, was surprised…

“You locked him up to protect him?” Lord Diavolo sighed, loudly.

“Yes, Lucifer locked up Belphegor to stop me from acting on his Treason. And during that time, he still managed to let his power leak out to affect the Devildom. To kill humans. To hurt my Seer candidate.”

“Eh? How did it…?”

“No way! Is this how all those demons got influenced?” Lord Diavolo smiled.

“Exactly. A slow, creeping influence is hard to notice. Clever, but I wish it were for better purposes.” Phione nodded. She made her board bigger so it was easier to read.

“Did you also consider that there may have been a reason behind why Lucifer works hard for Lord Diavolo?”

“Because Lord Diavolo is his type?” Phione found it hard to keep a straight face. Satan snickered, and Levi rolled his eyes.

“Of course, it's a handsome man like Lord Diavolo or a soft, witty person like Ophelia.”

“Do not presume you know my type.” Asmo grinned.

“But that wasn't a denial!”

“Fuck off, the lot of you.” Lucifer, blushing and looking away, got the impression that Phione was staring at him pointedly. She tapped her board loudly, getting everyone's attention again.

“Did you also consider that there may have been a reason behind why Lucifer works hard for Lord Diavolo?” Beel tilted his head.

“Are you trying to…?” Lord Diavolo glanced at her board.

“Phione is trying to steer the conversation,” he said. “She had instructions from Barbatos and I beforehand.” Phione nodded.

“I have a broad scope of the situation but few details. Lady Ophelia was quite insistent that we let Lucifer explain.”

“Yeah,” Mammon said. “She knew but weren't sayin’ what she knew. Got that Seer shit down pat."

All eyes turned to Lucifer.

Notes:

Oh, Alex. Lovable hornball.

Totally not Phione trying to give spoilers to Lucifer and Satan. Has Satan figured it out? Not quite. Lucifer knows something is up.

Simeon doesn't known what a Meme is.

OF COURSE I had to reference that one chat about Lucifer's type.

Chapter 46

There once was a girl, with six older brothers. She was adored by them and her village.

The girl had to visit a neighbouring village for her job, and grew to love their culture, despite how much they were encouraged not to. She fell in love with a person from the other village.

So much so that when that person fell ill, she used special medicines from her home to cure the person.

This enraged the village head, who threatened to kill her.

This was when her brothers rallied the village against the head, starting a war that resulted in exile and, deaths.

Or so it was believed. An elder of a third village offered to help, taking the exiled in and smuggling the girl into the other village in exchange for servitude from the oldest brother. Despite the risks.

So the deal was kept secret to keep her safe.

And so, the brothers continued in the third village, unaware of the girl and the deal…

**

Mammon was crying.

“That's so sad… Hey, Lucifer, why the sad story…?” Phione sighed, silently. Levi simply facepalmed.

“You idiot! That's about us!”

“Why didn't you tell us, Lucifer?”

“Because I knew the moment I did, you'd have gone to see her.” Lucifer frowned. “I did check on her and her new life a few times. She was happy.”

“Happy?” Belphegor sneered. “And how would you have known that?”

** **

Barbatos grabbed the Soul Lantern with its occupant, and set it down on the trolley with the food.

It was lucky that he'd gotten the text about the progress at a convenient point.

“Now, I must warn you, we do have a way of letting you speak with ease. However, you will be in a body previously occupied. They can help if needed.”

The little flickering blue flame bobbed up and down like it was nodding.

“The process to let you inhabit the body may be a bit violent, but they are prepared for it.”

** **

“I believe,” Barbatos said, “this is where we step in.” Lord Diavolo hummed.

“Ah, so it was successful.”

“Is that-” Barbatos put the trolley aside, and approached Phione, Lantern in hand.

“Phione.” Like a resigned woman, Phione sat on the end of the icy dais.

“Thank you everyone, for the time I've spent here.” Phione leant down and kissed Ophelia's forehead before straightening up before Barbatos. She untied the straps of her apron, letting it drop, and undid a few buttons of the blouse to expose her chest - or, the hollow in her chest where a little green flame bobbed up and down.

“I am sorry for this. I know it hasn't been long since you made this body.” Barbatos put a hand behind her back to support her.

She slumped backwards, going limp. The lights flickered as Barbatos brought the lantern closer to her chest cavity. The green flame dimmed, and the blue flame exited the lantern to take its place.

They playfully wrestled in the hollow. It took a while, but eventually, the green flame snuffed out, leaving the blue flame alone in the cavity.

Barbatos tactfully did the buttons up again as Phione's body twitched.

She sat up with a strangled gasp. Barbatos gently supported her.

“Oh,” the soul inside Phione's body said, voice raspy, “I hope she's alright.”

The brothers stared at the scene in front of them like it was a drama. It was hard to swallow.

Phione had just spoken with Lillith's voice. Tears rolled down her face, visible under the veil.

“There is so, so much I've wanted to say, Brothers.” She took a deep breath. “I missed you all so, so much.”

** **

Ophelia snapped awake, silently cursing as her body creaked when she moved.

Alex, apparently, had some fun with her body while she was playing Phione - dressing her actual body in exquisite but impractical lingerie.

At least he left some stylish matching clothing to go with it.

Or not. Apparently the clothing was Diavolo's choice, going by the note.

She pulled on the closest thing to her usual comfort clothing. It was made of better fabric and had some subtle details that made it clear that he had thought about her movement as a slime.

“Obviously there's clothing brands that cater to slime demons,” she murmured. Her crutches were not around, so had to use Blot as her wheelchair/legs. She'd find her crutches later.

Blot hummed at the prospect of learning more about how non-slime beings moved, and teaching Ophelia how to move as a slime.

She debated the merits of going straight back to the Coliseum, or whether to see how they were doing in the kitchen.

The prospect of some freshly baked goodies won over. She did, however, put the goings on in there as a little bit of background noise that she could tune into should she so desire.

Lillith was, rightly, giving the brothers an earful. Ophelia assumed that it would be better for her to give them some privacy for the family matter. Even Barbatos and Diavolo had tactfully stepped outside.

Still…

Blot wiggled with an idea.

**

Solomon, who ended up lingering outside the kitchen, was surprised as an all-black gorgon slithered down the corridor. Despite being blindfolded, she appeared to look at him.

She tilted her head, and dragged him into the kitchen with her. He could feel the magic pulling him, almost like a rubber band.

“H-hey-”

“Hmm?” The gorgon let go of him, and the magic of the ban flung Solomon backwards hard enough that he was winded on the wall of the corridor opposite the door.

Everyone in the kitchen froze. The gorgon looked surprised, mouth frozen in an ‘o’.

Aliss snapped out of it first, and went to check up on him.

“I'll take him to triage,” she said, simply, picking him up.

And then Alex started laughing, which got Simeon and Luke to unfreeze. Luke looked worried.

“Is Solomon OK? Alex, what if he's hurt?” Simeon smiled.

“I don't think he was hurt that badly.” The gorgon piped up.

“No, it doesn't use lethal force.”

“Eh?” The gorgon spoke with Ophelia's voice. Alex laughed even harder, almost bent over.

The snake hair of the gorgon unfurled into ordinary hair, the cloth blindfold disappeared, and the snake tail withdrew and transformed into human legs. Although, it looked like she stood in a pile of slime.

Ophelia stood there with a cheeky grin.

“You alright?” The dumbfounded expressions on Simeon and Luke's faces made Alex laugh even harder until he choked and had to cough.

Luke smiled widely and hugged Ophelia.

I heard you were injured! But why do that to Solomon…?”

“Because Solomon can snitch to Gaap that I'm not resting.” Ophelia hummed. “That, and I heard he was trying to get around his ban.” Simeon smiled almost menacingly.

“We can also tell Gaap that you're not resting.” Ophelia felt a drop of cold sweat run down her back.

“Yes, but at least I can grab some food before I'm herded back, preferably via the Coliseum.”

** **

Lillith, finally running out of steam, sat down and sighed. She had systematically called all of her brothers out on their bullshit.

“I guess,” she said, “you haven't really changed all that much, at heart.”

“Lil…”

“The most important thing is that you stick together, right? No more division.” Lillith shook her head. “I nearly forgot,” she said, picking up Phione's board, and its pen, “Phione said I should do this before…”

Lillith wrote on the board - I ATE'NT DEAD - in big sloppy capitals. Then, she lay the board so that it rested on Ophelia's body, and on display.

“I'm glad I was able to speak with you all… and say goodbyes better…”

Most of the brothers looked confused, but Lucifer shook his head.

“That body relies on the power of the soul inside.” He furrowed his brows. Her feet looked less solid than before. “You knew this.” Lillith smiled warmly.

“Phione and Barbatos explained it to me very well.” She put her hands over her heart. “They gathered the fragments of my spirit from all over the Devildom, and put them together in a Soul Lantern using a core of some sort.” She hummed. “This body will crumble away soon, but that was expected.”

Everyone except Satan got up and tried to exit their room, but was stopped by the magic. Lillith hummed, and made a gesture. The barriers on the doors lifted, and they all rushed to hug her.

Lord Diavolo and Barbatos had reentered at this point, and were watching with quiet amusement.

They watched respectfully until after Lillith's body crumbled into ash and dissipated, and waited for the brothers to calm themselves again.

** **

Hanzaki huffed as he appraised the sorcerer, and laughed when Aliss explained how it had happened. They left the winded Solomon in the triage bay.

“I will have to let others know of that technique.” Aliss smiled.

“It is definitely a creative way of using the curse.” Hanzaki chuckled.

“That Gorgon must be very good, or very lucky.”

“We might have to be assessing my Alex for petrification at this rate.”

“I had heard he was of the lustward persuasion.” Aliss laughed.

“That is a polite way of saying it. If he hadn't had the snip, I'd be knee deep in grandchildren.”

“And then the moths?”

“...and then the moths happened.” Aliss shrugged. “At least they're cute.” And then she looked at Hanzaki. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

“Helping Gaap with triage.” He leaned down to look Aliss in the eyes. “And to help Ophelia keep Barbatos up to date with the ballroom.”

“So you know.”

“Of course. My sweet apprentice and I chat through the Slime Network.” He grinned. “She sent the images of how she used the curse.”

Aliss stopped in her tracks.

“That was-”

“Hmm? Yes. Your Alex shouldn't be at any risk of petrification unless he really seduces a gorgon.”

** **

Mammon's screaming alerted everyone to the black mass oozing out of the ceiling. He had actually been trying to blink the tears away by looking upwards, but now it just made him look like he was crying in terror.

Seeping out of cracks, and tendrils running along cracks like a slimy fungus, the mass grew. When it had reached the size of a small lorry, thousands of eyes opened up in the inky blackness.

Barbatos stepped in front of the calm Lord Diavolo defensively. Lord Diavolo was simply gripping his knee, a possible sign of any tension.

It dripped, slowly, from the ceiling like a drop of tar. If the brothers hadn't have leapt back to their rooms, they'd have been in the drop zone.

And so would have Ophelia's body, if Mammon hadn't grabbed it with his super speed.

The eyes focused on Mammon. It reached towards him with a tendril, but was hit by a magical bolt by Satan.

The eyes looked towards Satan briefly before turning back to Mammon.

“C'mon, now's tha right time to wake up,” he said to Ophelia.

The blob tried again, but Beel had grabbed the end near him and although not having much success, made some of the eyes look his way. Belphegor even tried to help.

Asmo had already gone into a clawed mode, and was slashing it.

Lucifer threw magical bolts one after another while he closed the space.

“I'll take her.” Mammon nodded, and handed Ophelia to Lucifer. Lucifer unfurled his wings and flew upwards.

And then, it was obvious that the giant blob was after Ophelia. Its eyes curved - grinning or grimacing - as it reached after Lucifer.

By now, the tarry blob had eyes and slimy tendrils across most vertical and horizontal surfaces in the space.

The brothers - even Satan and Belphegor - tried to attack the mass as it kept reaching for and missing Lucifer.

“You will not be taking her,” Lucifer growled. It replied with a few eye rolls. When Lucifer tried to dodge another tendril - he found that his wings were tangled in invisible threads.

The tendril simply took Ophelia from Lucifer's arms, and swallowed her.

Uproar. All seven brothers attacked the blob. Lotan had been summoned. Chunks were being ripped from it, but all coagulating back into the main mass.

Lucifer was, still hanging, tangled, and attacking by magic. A tendril struck Lucifer in the stomach, knocking his breath out of him.

“You fucker!” Belphegor yelled, and hit the blob harder.

The blob made no other moves to attack.

The onslaught from the brothers continued for a while, before the blob simply sighed.

In a flash, all seven brothers were back in their respective stall, restrained by thick tendrils. The blob coagulated into a writhing mass with its majority over the icy dais.

Barbatos was mildly concerned.

But, Lord Diavolo started laughing, delighted.

“Was that sufficient for your judgement?” The blob huffed, and Lord Diavolo just sighed. “I believe, then, we should convene and discuss.”

The main mass of the blob slithered out the door, with Lord Diavolo following.

There was a stretch of silence before someone spoke.

“Da fuck was that about?”

“It's that familiar,” Belphegor drawled. “That's why I knew it.”

“...and possibly why it wanted Ophelia's body.”

A moment of thought.

“No,” Satan said, “when we saw it before, it wasn't like that… no, there's something else…” And then, Satan started laughing like a maniac.

“Oh no, Satan's lost it.”

“Nah, that was Ophelia.” Satan stopped laughing to look at Mammon. Everyone else looked astonished. “What? Can't the great Mammon be right or summat?” Asmo shook his head.

“It's just unlike you.” Mammon growled.

“Grr. She's my human, of course I recognise her.” Satan frowned.

“You mean you somehow knew about the sign.”

“Shaddap. So what if I know about her favourite books too?”

**

Diavolo reached cheerfully into the mass, and upon grasping some flesh, he wrapped his arms around the body it belonged to and pulled it to him.

He hadn't intended to have grabbed her soft chest, but it just worked out that he could still squeeze them gently and have his arms fully around her.

“Are you alright?”

“Tired, mostly.” Diavolo kissed the top of her head. “Belphegor does care for Lucifer,” she said, “but he's still angry. I get it.” Diavolo hummed, and gently bit the side of her neck.

“I would advise that you don't take an approach that uses you being attacked by some of the most powerful demons ever again.” With a slightly harder nip, he added - “I do not want to see you hurt again unless it is by my hand and with your pleasure in mind.” As she was about to quip something, he nipped again. “Understood?” She gasped with surprise, flushing pink.

“Yes, Dia.” She reached up for his face. “I promise not to intentionally-” He kissed where he had nipped, a gentle rumbling coming from his chest. “Hmm. Although don't forget Alex, too…” The rumbling stopped before continuing, louder. His hum, seperate from the rumbling, was a deep bass tone.

“Yes… both of you.”

** **

The weird rumbling was putting everyone on edge.

“That rumbling sound…” Lucifer pondered. He had an idea what the source was...

Then it stopped. Barbatos smiled.

“I would believe that it means they have reached a consensus.”

Lord Diavolo reentered, carrying a bundle of something in his arms. The bundle was dark, indeterminate, with a couple of eyes peering out.

Satan focused on it, and huffed.

“Ophelia.”

Lord Diavolo laughed, and sat down. He murmured something to her, loosening his arms around her.

In a whirl, she was back to a humanoid shape, the previously white dress now black and partially translucent, showing the straps of intricate lingerie.

There were a lot of drooling demons. She blushed.

“If you're all going to stare, I will cover the fuck back up.”

Mammon was bright red.

“It- It's not like we ain't all already seen ya naked before, dumbass.”

If looks could have killed, Mammon would have been skewered by multiple demons.

“Going by everyone's faces, I don't think that counted.” Then, she turned to Lord Diavolo. “Did you want me to deliver the verdict?”

“The basic version, yes.”

There was a tension in the air, and she took a deep breath, clearing her throat before speaking. She pointedly looked at Lucifer and Belphegor.

“You're fucking going to therapy, the lot of yer.”

Notes:

This chapter is a roller coaster of emotions.

Lillith gets her say.

Ophelia has fun with being a slime. Poor Mammon, he doesn't half get the brunt here.

Lord Diavolo rumbles like a crocodile, letting those who know that he is displeased and territorial.

And then, the verdict. 😂

Chapter 47

Notes:

This chapter got caught behind something and refused to come out until that other piece had been written.

The low rumbling sound unnerved anyone within a few hundred feet of the Coliseum. Not least Simeon and Luke, who were dropping off a batch of baked items.

“Wh-what kind of scary beast d-do they have in there?”

Simeon furrowed his brows.

“Dinosaurs, and even big reptilian creatures make this kind of sound when being… Ah, territorial.”

The rumbling stopped as they reached the doors, but then they heard…

“Dia! I can walk!” Ophelia, indignant.

“Mmm, but I do not want to let go just yet.” Lord Diavolo, amused. “Please?”

There was a pause.

“Alright, alright… ah, let me just…”

There was another pause.

“Hmm. Shall we?”

** **

“You're fucking going to therapy, the lot of yer.”

So he was going to be- wait, what? Lucifer was surprised, and couldn't hide it.

Lord Diavolo glanced over, briefly, and hummed with amusement as he saw the reactions.

As Lucifer looked at his brothers, he saw they were just as confused - or didn't understand. Lord Diavolo cleared his throat.

“Belphegor, will, unfortunately have to remain in jail until it is proven that he is of no risk to humans…”

“And the rest of you will need to cover for Lucifer's work duties between your own therapy sessions.” Ophelia laughed. “The therapists in the Devildom have the advanced therapy techniques that were only just becoming popular in the Human Realm.”

Lucifer laughed. Relief, maybe, but it was definitely not expected.

“After all this? No execution?”

“Well I can certainly request an Ego Death gets thrown in, if that's what you want,” Ophelia said, batting her eyelashes at him. “I hear it's easy to get Psilocybin Therapy. But I can't imagine it would help with reports.”

“Worse, then,” Lucifer murmured, “you're going to make me check their work after, too.” She grinned.

Meanwhile, it was just settling in with the rest of them that there was no execution happening.

“Ya mean…”

“...there's no…”

“Man, how come Lucifer gets the drugs?” Satan groaned.

“Last time you had Ketamine, Belphie, Beel also went on a trip and ate… a lot.” The brothers shuddered. Ophelia didn't dare ask.

“Ehhhhhh…” Lord Diavolo whispered something to Ophelia, who grimaced. Lucifer assumed it was a brief summary of the forest and mountain that was eaten.

It was then that he noticed the distinct absence of Barbatos. That meant Barbatos had faith in Ophelia's capacity to hold them. Speaking of which…

“Are you allowed to let us loose, now?” Ophelia glanced at Lucifer before looking at Lord Diavolo, who nodded.

The restraints were loosened, but as Mammon found out by running into it, the doors were still barriers.

“What's the deal?”

“I can get through the barriers, but not you,” she said, grinning. “I just let you lot off the chairs.”

Barbatos appeared at Lord Diavolo's side and murmured something. Lord Diavolo nodded.

“Ophelia,” he said, “since Phione was due to be your Lady-in-Waiting, you should be the one to work the wards.”

“But I can't-” She shook her head. “No, you're right. It's good Seer training.”

He let her get up out of his lap.

“Don't forget to keep a restraint of some type on them ready to activate.”

“Okay!”

Ophelia stood on the icy dais, seemingly looking around for something, before smiling a little. Holding her hands out like she was about to play a giant piano, she took a deep breath.

The arrays on and in the ground began to glow. She studied each part before making motions with her fingers that changed the array she had focused on.

Levi looked stunned.

“Like in the anime Magical Seal Rewriter!” Belphegor scoffed.

“That's… exactly what she's doing?”

Meanwhile, Barbatos was busy moving tables and chairs into the space.

When Ophelia was done, she hummed and turned to Lord Diavolo.

“You and Barbatos should be able to activate the restraints, too,” she said, “but the doors should be open in just a second.”

Mammon darted from his bay towards her, and at the same time, Lord Diavolo did the same. Ophelia, seeing the impending crash, sidestepped, and was caught in Lucifer's arms instead.

He pulled her close to him, ignoring Lord Diavolo's low growl and Mammon's protests.

“I thought you might do that.”

And that gave everyone else a chance to reach Ophelia, too. Asmo managed to sneak in alongside Mammon before Beel bundled them in a giant bear hug - including Lucifer.

Asmo began peppering Ophelia with kisses and apologies while Mammon tried (failed) to bat him away. Levi, at Lucifer's side, awkwardly, and Belphegor squashed to Lucifer's back were a little stuck.

Lord Diavolo sighed before laughing hard and wrapping his arms around the bundle from another angle and trapping Satan.

In the distraction and the bustling of movement, Ophelia took her chance to melt out of the very tightly bundled demons.

Barbatos, who was setting out the plates of food, said nothing as she sidled close to him before turning back into a humanoid form. Notably in different clothes than the dress.

“I had to slide out of the dress to escape,” she explained.

“Those are the clothes the young master left for you, then?” He served her a pastry on a plate. She thanked him, and smiled.

“Yes. I should really get more of this brand, it's well designed.”

** **

Solomon hummed in thought.

“If Ophelia returns as a demon, I wonder how Alex would feel if I made a pact with her?”

He suddenly thought of all the other people that might object to that, and shuddered.

“Better not.”

** **

It took a while before the hugging, arguing, laughing group of demons realised that their almost-human was no longer in the bundle.

Asmo screeched, holding up her dress.

“Where is she? This is her dress! Where-” That made the group finally give each other some decent space.

Ophelia at this point, was sipping tea. She cleared her throat.

“If I hadn't have slipped out, you could've squashed me.” She smiled. “Besides, you all needed to hug it out a bit.”

Belphegor started laughing.

“The closest I've been to killing you, and it was an acci-” A tendril appeared and covered his mouth. Satan stood stock still, before turning his head to Belphegor.

“Don't fucking joke about that,” he said, firmly.

And then Mammon made the worst timed joke.

“Well, it ain't like any of us killed her, anyway.”

If Ophelia hadn't appeared between them, Satan might just have hurt Mammon.

“Knock it off.” She turned to Satan. “Mams speaks the partial truth, but-”

Satan grabbed her face, and put his forehead to hers.

“I want you to accept my Pact.”

“Oi!” A tendril gently pushed Mammon away.

“Satan, you can't make a pact with me.” He was going to protest, but she continued. “I'm not human enough for it to work.”

“...oh.”

“Mhm.” He let go of her and leaned back a bit, still physically close. “Alex is still human, though,” she said, quietly, “so that would go smoothly.” Satan sighed, shaking his head.

“I have no clue how to ask him, or what to offer.”

“Ottipot has a library that needs filling,” she muttered, “and I am sure that if you ask nicely, they may let you have a spare room for occasional use.”

** **

Lord Diavolo and Lucifer sat off to one side of the celebrations, watching the rest of the brothers and Ophelia, and the recently joined Simeon and Alex.

Lucifer frowned.

“This all seems too coincidental to have been a spontaneous feast.”

“It was either a celebration or commiserations.” Lord Diavolo shook his head. “You should be grateful that Ophelia pleaded for your lives.”

“I find that hard to believe.” Lord Diavolo chuckled.

“It worried her so much she haunted her own slime network. She was very verbose about it.” He took a sip of his drink. “I honestly have no idea what she's currently capable of. Fortunately, she is inherently a decent person.”

“All the better to balance out Aliss’ influence,” Lucifer bluntly said.

Meanwhile, they watched as Alex and Ophelia seemed to be squaring up for… something… against each other whilst everyone else watched. Mammon was trying to get people to bet, and failing.

Alex threw icy bolts infused with green flame at Ophelia. While everyone else flinched, Ophelia batted them away, and the green flames lingered on the floor where the bolts shattered. Then the flames rapidly grew to engulf Ophelia.

“Oh no.” Lucifer twitched, ready to leap in, but Lord Diavolo stopped him.

The pillar of flame suddenly was on Alex instead of Ophelia. A glowing array was just visible under the pillar before it was snuffed out, leaving a very naked Alex standing there. Alex laughed hard enough that everyone heard it.

Satan looked confused while everyone else looked horrified at the exchange. And then Satan had a visible epiphany, to which Ophelia started laughing.

And then Alex was suddenly in a tight fitting bodysuit. Asmodeus looked scornfully at Ophelia. It was slime, afterall.

Lord Diavolo sighed contentedly, drawing Lucifer's attention.

“I thought you liked Aliss, though?”

Lucifer muttered something under his breath that sounded like a reluctant denial.

Oh, Lord Diavolo thought, it's just that Lucifer likes Ophelia more.

** **

Lucifer stood in his study, the hidden one, and simply appreciated the temporary reprieve from the celebrations.

Taking his trophy, he folded it down from its distinctive shape, and placed it inside one of many book-shaped keep boxes. Despite how tightly he'd originally held onto it, Asmo wouldn't miss it. Probably not.

Perhaps it was the Demonus talking, but Lucifer had an idea. He probably couldn't bring it up for a while, but he could certainly work towards it.

He grabbed a bottle of demonus from his stash and prepared to rejoin the celebrations before-

“Oiiiiiii…” Oh. Too late.

Mammon slipped in.

“Bro, you think we wouldn't notice you slippin’ out of yer own party?”

“And what, exactly, made you think I wanted one?”

They stared at each other. The silence stretched a little thin before Mammon sighed.

“Ya got one anyways. And you should bring the other bottles, too.”

“Pardon?”

“Ophelia's trying to find out if she can get drunk on demonus now.” Lucifer looked concerned.

“Can she?”

“Nah, but it has distracted Asmo from whatever he was freakin’ out about losin’.”

Oh.

Lucifer decided to overlook the trinket that Mammon had just taken in an effort to get out of there quietly.

“I dread to think what could happen if she could get drunk on demonus.”

** **

Cassandra bowed as she finished her reporting of the situation. Lord Bathala nodded.

“Even if they are not aware that she is turning into a Herald, it has still provided benefit to us.” Cassandra shifted her wings in thought.

“Turning into?” Lord Bathala chucked.

“Her unique relationship with her Familiar meant that I could give them the genetic information and it may be possible for her to gradually transform.” She couldn't keep the awe from her voice.

“A living Herald.” Lord Bathala hummed.

“And without the violence of rebirth. Although I gather the process of her getting her Familiar was, unfortunately, filled with violence.” Cassandra hummed.

And then Lord Bathala spoke again.

“Well. You only have a couple of days to go have that serious chat with her. If it would make it easier, I can request a meeting with Lord Diavolo.”

Cassandra squawked, but ultimately agreed.

“That would be most helpful, Lord Bathala.”

**

“Hmm? A request for diplomatic talks?”

“Indeed, my Lord. Lord Bathala also mentioned that this was mostly to ensure Lady Cassandra and Ophelia were to have serious talks.”

“I see. We should prepare a dowry.” Barbatos nearly dropped the cup. “Technically speaking, Ophelia is their Herald.”

“Ah. Formalities. We should also prepare a dowry for Aliss, too.”

“She will laugh in our faces. But yes.”

** **

Ophelia had never been to the RAD Newspaper Club's office, but here she was on official business. She knocked, half expecting Mephistopheles to be out.

Sadly, he wasn't. She entered, not knowing what to expect.

“Good morning, Mephistopheles.”

“Oh, I thought you were dead.” She laughed dryly and approached him.

“Afraid not.” She presented the stack of papers in her hand to him. “I come bearing official statements from Lord Diavolo about it and a few other things, though.”

“I see. Are there any instructions?”

“Not particularly. Lord Diavolo said he trusts your judgement on the matter, but that the bigger statements will be going to external media this evening.”

“Is that everything?”

Ophelia pulled a small bottle of demonus from her pocket and handed it to him.

“Now it is. Have a good day, Mephistopheles.” She left, noting how his eyes had lit up at the small but exclusive bottle of demonus.

Notes:

Demons on drugs? Worse, therapy. And Beel's anecdote of Ketamine is based on a friend's theraputic experience where they said "everything looked so, so edible". Well. That's one way to stimulate appetite.

Alex and Ophelia have a brief sparring match. Using alchemical hellfire spelled to burn clothes off. Satan figured it out pretty quickly that she has some control over it, too.

Cassandra is on a deadline. Lord Bathala and Lord Diavolo are surprisingly in tune.

And yes, Mephistopheles isn't keen on Ophelia. The bribery helps.

Notes:

Updates... randomly. Tags: updated as I go, for spoiler reasons.

I mean, it would be a bold assumption if you think my dossing off writing is going to be any more regular than the main fanfic that I use to doss off actual work, wouldn't it?

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Devilled Ink