Chapter 28: A Maddening Presence (2)
- Death and Lucifer -
Lucifer finished talking with the vessel. He thanked him for the information and flew back to Death.
Death was standing by the camp holding his scythe to his side. Lucifer landed near him.
"You can put your weapon away. It's not a threat. The effect on Elijah was accidental."
Death returned his scythe and made a deep sigh.
"I wish the eldritch had a more tolerable ability."
Death had dealt with many cases of humans being affected by frenzy in the past. Most of them were accidental.
'I hope Elijah is okay. The first time someone experiences frenzy can determine how well they deal with it later on.'
Lucifer called Mira over.
"I have a rough idea of where Cytus is. He's in Vázoluna."
Mira gritted her teeth.
"Those dogs dare to lie to us?!" Mira yelled.
Lucifer wasn't surprised by Mira's anger and continued speaking.
"I know he's in Vázoluna, but I can't say where. I don't think Fensyr knows. I think Cytus is being hidden, possibly by lycans, and that we need to be cautious with our next move."
Mira turned to Death.
"You have the most experience dealing with them, so how do you suggest we do this?"
Death placed his hand on his chin.
"I believe we should contact Fensyr first. We need to know for certain whether or not he is aware of Cytus's presence. If he is, that complicates things greatly. I know Vázoluna well, you two can fly, but even that doesn't guarantee we'd find Cytus if we all searched."
"We can't all go and search. You or I need to stay with the group just in case something happens. I trust the vessel's information, but it was still vague enough to make this difficult. On top of that, apparently, Cytus can hide his presence from Cthulhu once his strength is back." Lucifer said to Death.
Mira clicked her tongue.
"Regardless. We need to find Cytus while we have this chance."
Lucifer hadn't spoken much to Mira on this journey. He noticed something was off.
'Why do I have this feeling in the back of my head?'
Lucifer pushed the thought away and responded.
"The problem with that is you're not strong enough to take on Cytus and whatever number of lycans are helping him," Lucifer responded.
"I just need to find him. I can fly and use my illusion magic to quickly leave after spotting him, then I relay the information to you two."
'There it is again. She's probably planning something reckless.' Lucifer thought.
"Second problem is that only Death or I can go with you. If you want to search anyways I'm fine with that."
Mira was getting frustrated
"You need to trust that these humans and the halfie can protect themselves."
Lucifer opened his mouth to insult Mira, but stopped himself.
'She didn't say anything against them. If anything she just complimented them.'
"I don't think that's a safe choice. With our current intel, it should be easy enough finding and killing Cytus with just two of us." Lucifer said.
Death pulled out his echo.
"Regardless of which of us goes, we need to confirm Fensyr's knowledge of this. It's least suspicious if I call, so I'll try to discern what he does and doesn't know."
Death made the call to Fensyr, and made the shush expression to Lucifer and Mira.
"Death? What's going on for you ta call so soon?" Fensyr answered.
"A vessel of Cthulhu's just asked me for information on Cytus. I told him you haven't seen Cytus, but he doesn't believe me. He seemed highly frustrated with the situation. I talked him out of going to Vázoluna, but only for now."
The sound of a fist hitting wood could be heard on the other end of the call.
"That thing knows iss not allowed here! Fensyr grunted. "Last thing I want is a war with ta eldritch. Can you come back here ta search for the angel corpse? If iss here I want it gone, and if it isn't I want your word to Cth that you couldn't find him here."
Death sighed.
"Truth of the matter is it would be faster if Mira, the angel you met, and Lucifer went to check. My uništi isn't suited for your woods."
Fensyr could be heard cursing on the other side.
"Fine fine. Whatever it takes to keep ta eldritch out of my home."
"Thank you. This shouldn't take long, hopefully. I'll tell the vessel so he doesn't do anything."
Fensyr thanked Death and ended the call.
Death put the echo away.
"Given his reaction, I can trust he knows nothing about Cytus being in Vázoluna."
"We still have to worry about Cytus being moved, but other than that we should be good to start searching."
Death was unsure of this plan, so he decided to add to it.
"I think it would be best if I stayed with the vessel. Cthulhu can feel the general direction of Cytus, so he should be able to feel if he's moving. I'll stay with him in Sol, close enough to still be able to respond to any potential threats made against the group."
Lucifer was hesitant to agree.
"I guess it'll be okay. Peter can fire off a warning if anything happens."
Mira pulled out her echo.
"I'm calling Michael now. I'll tell him what you know along with some other things I need to report."
'The less I have to speak to Michael the better.' Death thought.
Mira flew away, going far from everyone else until she was isolated.
- Mira -
"What do you have to report Mira?" Azriel said
"They know you're in Vázoluna. Cthulhu can track Cytus while he's weak. I'll be going there with Lucifer soon. I'll check where you are and lie about what I find.
"Thanks for the help. I assume you prevented Death from telling Michael this information?"
"Of course, sir. The sooner Lucifer and Cytus are dead the better."
"Careful. I trust no one is near you, but don't say such things out loud until everything is in place."
"Sorry, sir."
"Cytus is still in no position to fight. If Lucifer comes here now there's a good chance he'd win."
"Even with all of us?" Mira asked.
"Yes, unfortunately. His fire magic is better suited for this area. As much as I would like to rush the plan, I don't want to risk our lives for something that isn't more likely."
Mira wanted to argue, but she trusted Azriel.
"What should we do about Ezekiel?"
"Nothing for now. They can't know we're in Vázoluna. I trust you to handle it."
"Of course, sir."
Azriel ended the call.
Mira called Michael next.
"What do you have to report?"
"Lucifer and I'll be searching through Vázoluna sir. We haven't obtained any new information, but we decided it would be best if we made one last search before going to Heliopolis."
"Will you be okay working with Lucifer?"
Mira clenched her fist.
"I should be fine. We'll be splitting up. I'm only doing recon, so I won't be in any danger."
"If you say so. I'd prefer you wait for Ezekiel, but I trust your strength. Make sure to report how this search goes right after."
"Of course, sir."
Michael ended the call.
Mira started thinking about her interaction with Michael back in Heaven before she left.
(Back before Mira left Heaven)
"Please allow me to go with Death sir."
Michael was curious as to why Mira would volunteer.
'I know Uriel's body is out there sister, but please don't risk your safety.'
"Why do you want to go so badly? I trust your strength, but I want you to understand that this mission is to observe Death and make sure this angel-killing matter is handled properly."
"I don't want any angels' death being mishandled. I would have left on my own if not for this opportunity."
Michael frowned.
"Well, you're aware that Lucifer is a part of Death's mission?"
Mira's face scrunched.
"Be that as it may sir, I'll make do. I can avoid speaking with him. This mission is more important than my personal problems."
"If you say so." Michael didn't sound wholly convinced. "You can leave to meet Death when you're ready."
Mira bowed to Michael and left.
Michael watched Mira fly off. He had a worried look.
'Lucifer...I know how you can be with our brothers and sisters, but please be tolerable with Mira. She's been through enough.'
- Death -
"I'll go find the vessel. Tell Peter about the warning shot." Death left to check Sol for the vessel.
Lucifer walked over to Peter to tell him the plan.
Death was searching around Sol, asking the vendors if they saw a vessel. It didn't take long for him to find it.
Now that it's in the light the vessel's full outfit was revealed. It was wearing a thick green robe that covered most of its body. The vessel was holding up a large red fruit that had dotted skin.
"Fascinating. The underworld grows such amazing things." The vessel looked over at Death and placed the fruit down.
"I swear I haven't done anything. I already apologized for the new recruit. Please, I'll leave right away, just allow me to purchase this fruit first."
The vessel scrambled to pull coins out of its pockets, shoving a handful to the merchant.
"Relax, I'm not here to kill you. I need you to follow me."
The vessel picked up the fruit and followed Death back towards camp.
"Are you sure about this?" The vessel stared at the fruit as it spoke. "I can't promise the mental safety of your friend."
"We're not going to the camp. I just want to be closer while we do this."
"Do what?"
"I want to put your tracking powers to use. I'm having Lucifer and another angel searching Vázoluna for Cytus, and if he moves I want you to tell me."
The vessel's face went blank.
"Cytus..."
Death looked over at the vessel as it made a blank stare.
"Are you okay?"
The vessel's non-covered eye blinked a few times before it shook its head.
"Yes, I'm fine. I'll help you."
'I thought your magic was about to slip out.'
"As far as I can tell Cytus is still in Vázoluna. It's actually surprising how little he's moved. He must be getting healed."
- Lucifer -
"Anything out of the ordinary happens, you shoot into the sky immediately," Lucifer ordered Peter.
"Trust me, I won't be takin' any chances, Luce."
Lucifer went to check on Elijah before leaving with Mira.
"How's your head?"
Elijah was still in a bit of a daze.
"Huh? Fine, yeah, that medicine works really well." Elijah said while rubbing his forehead.
"I'm leaving to go find Cytus." Lucifer was reading Elijah's face. "Death is still nearby, and Peter will shoot a fireball into the sky if anything happens. If you see the fireball, just hide."
Lucifer's warnings might have annoyed Elijah under normal circumstances, but Elijah's recovery from the frenzy made his answers agreeable.
"Will do. If I see a fireball I'll just lie down in the cart."
Lucifer was still concerned with Elijah's mental state.
'He'll be fine eventually. First-time frenzies are almost like a right of passage. Still...he shouldn't have experienced one so soon. I need to find Cytus and remember to apologize to Elijah when he's in a better state of mind.'
Lucifer left Elijah and waited for Mira to get back.
"Let's go," Mira said as she flew above Lucifer.
Lucifer spawned his wings and flew up to Mira.
"Why did you need to fly so far away to make that call? If you're insulting me to Michael, feel free to say that when I'm around."
Mira flew towards Vázoluna and Lucifer swiftly followed.
"Believe it or not I don't talk about you with Michael. We have more important things to discuss."
Lucifer rolled his eyes.
"I don't want you thinking all lycans are responsible for this."
"Why wouldn't I?" Mira stopped in midair. "Why wouldn't you? I know we don't talk much, but even I can tell you're not fond of the dogs."
"I know you're upset about Uriel, but that's no excuse to slur a lesser race.." Lucifer's eyes narrowed.
Mira was irritated but didn't show it.
"I think Death has affected you greater than you realize." She went back to flying. "Maybe I just misread that fight you and the leader were having."
Lucifer felt the small doubt creeping into his mind again.
'Why do your words sound like you're hiding something? You don't normally bother trying to talk to me.'
Lucifer's doubt felt like a word on the tip of his tongue. He could almost place what it was.
"Angel, ancient, humans and lessers, should be measured by their character, not the preconceived notion you have of them."
'Why I am even bothering with this? She won't listen.'
Mira stopped in midair again and glared at Lucifer.
"You. Are. A. Fallen. You have no right to criticize me." Mira almost spat as she said "Fallen"
Lucifer felt unaffected by the comment.
'Do you have any idea how many times our kind has called me that? You need a better insult.'
The nagging feeling in the back of Lucifer's mind grew greater.
'It's not like I expected great trust between us, but you clearly still hate me. Why are you on this mission? Unless you volunteered.'
Lucifer's eyes widened and he hovered in the air as Mira kept flying.
'Wait.' He clenched his fists 'You would have had to volunteer. Michael's tone-deaf around every race, except for angels. He would know you hate me. Why would you volunteer?'
"Are you coming?" Mira shouted over to Lucifer.
'Why would you ever volunteer, Mira?' He looked at her, gritted his teeth, and wiped the emotion from his face and voice before answering.
"I'm coming. Don't forget I can fly faster than you."
Lucifer's calm tone hid the growing anger he felt.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Gama_Ser
Gama_Ser Retroactive chapter fact #28
Angels have three types of flying. Recreational, combat, speed.
"Flying is easy. Most of my kind know how to do it right away. Flying and using magic, however, has lead to a lot of angels crashing into the ground."
- Lucifer speaking with Sabu about angelic flight training
Weekly Power Status
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