Foolishly smiling, I couldn't help but skip around like a damn fool at my victory over Tia, even if it didn't really count since she's been out of the game for a long time. The fact she begged me to stop was everything I could ever want. It was all I needed.
I can ascend to heaven without regret now. My life is complete. All that's left is to get a vasectomy to ensure I'm not popping out any more damn kids. Screw them, little bastards. My seed is too powerful to exist in this world. Only calamity can be found in my spawns. Iza, Ves, and now Altair. Three goddamn kids. No thanks.
I wonder… If I push Tene down the stairs, will the baby be alright? Naw. That won't work. She can fly. Plus, she is stronger than I am.
"Hey, Tia," I said, glancing back at the awkward way she walked, " You hungry? Because I can eat. I'm feeling steaks and beer."
"Fine…"
"Huh? What's that?" I said, halting my step midway. I turned.
"I… I said fine!" She said louder.
Pulling her into my embrace, the little dragon gave a soft moan as her words echoed:" I can't stop… Cumming. Stop touching me."
"Nope!" I replied, ignoring her cries for help, enjoying her flushed expression.
"You're a damn bastard."
"So… Steaks and Beer, right?"
She glared, but as the great Arsene, It was no matter to pierce the veil of her intent: She was starving.
"I'M NOT HUNGRY!!!!"
"That restaurant looks good! Lets—"
Pausing as the aura of that Ophanim I felt the first time I entered this city locked on to me, a gentle voice resounded through my soul. " Greetings Arsene, And Tiamat. I am Laila, tasked with inviting you to the Temple of Mercy for… Steaks and Beer. Odd choice, by the way. It's mid-day."
I laughed, " Never too early or late to drink with a beautiful woman." Not to mention one I just conquered.
"Wipe away that smug smile, you bastard. Just wait. I'll defeat you one day." Tiamat promised, snorting in my arms, unable to tell how alluring her words came out.
Even some onlookers had red faces as they turned away, unable to stop themselves from feeling a sense of lust.
"Well, we accept," I said to the mysterious voice of the Ophanim.
"Are you really going?" Tia asked, lifting her gaze toward the Temple in the middle of the city. "It could be a trap."
"Your nipples are showing, you know," I whispered beside her fiery ear, and her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red as she jerked her way out of my arms. She folded her arms defiantly over her chest but was betrayed by the trembling of her legs and the arcs of sweat trailing down her forehead down her seductive chin.
"I hate you. Hmph!"
"Sure. Sure. Sure." I mused, not taking her words to heart. She was also like this the last time I won. Tia is a poor loser. Not that I'm any better. I also brood. " Shall we then? For them to recognize us make me curious."
"Well, the snow Family is very well documented. While the average person will not recognize you, the Angels and Fallen have a very long list of your allies, lovers, and enemies." Tiamat said and unfolded her arms as she spoke," According to Zero, your name has been tossed around a lot as of late, as of being the weakness of the Silver Devil."
"Me?" I pointed. "Are they planning on kidnapping this king? They better bring an army, then. Or some sexy bitches. And I mean sexy. I am always looking forward to the honey trap method."
"Of course you are." She muttered and stared at me with an inquiring stare. "Are you really going to fall for the Honey Trap? You know—"
"Fall for? Of course. Because I know Lilith will go batshit crazy. Now that will be a fun sight to see. I can just imagine her summoning all her generals to kill whomever I sleep with."
"..."
"..."
"... does that include me?"
I smiled and nodded brightly. "Yup. Good luck."
…
…
…
Stepping into the Temple, my gaze swayed towards the holy aura of the angel with a bright smile on her face. A hair a river of gold, she carried rich blue eyes and an innocence I'd only seen in children.
"Hello, I'm Laila, an Ophanim of Heaven. I hope you're hungry. Lord Zadkiel said he always wanted to try Korean-style BBQ. You got him quite excited." she said with a smile of interest and exhaustion at the mention of the Archangel.
"So he will be the one joining us?" I mused when I saw Tiamat inch toward Laila with a measured stare.
"... Is there a meditation room I can use? I need to—"
"oh! Sorry, where are my manners." And she pointed to a guard, speaking with haste in her voice. " Show our guess to her room."
'Thanks," Tia said, shooting me a glare before following the guard. Laughter sprang from my lips as I shifted my attention toward the beautiful Ophanim. "We don't want to keep him waiting. Shall we?"
Herding me through the great hall of the Temple of Mercy, lined with various tapestries of angelic origin depicting various historical events, I slowly became curious about who this Angel of Mercy was.
"What's he like?"
"Zad? Oops. I mean Lord Zadkiel." Correcting herself with a cough, Laila forced a laugh. " Well, He's a bit like a kid at times, almost like Gabriel. He is a bit dense and hard of hearing. But he is one of the kindest people you'd ever meet."
I snorted. " I keep hearing good things about him. And I find it hard to believe any of it. Especially after meeting people like—"
"Metatron?" Laila finished, with an icy voice, that slowly slipped away as she continued. "Well, he's nothing like that. Zad defines the Virtues of Heaven. Even though he hasn't mastered them all, he has taken their lessons to heart. And is even willing to dine with a monster like you." Her footsteps paused as she looked back at me. " Tell me. How much mercy, kindness, and hope must one have to dine with a cannibal like you? A murderer who cares not for the feelings of others?"
"Damn…"
Coughing into her palm Laila scratched at her cheek and looked at her feet. " Sorry. That might have been a little uncalled for. Especially since you haven't done anything evil in cycles."
Huh?
"Don't look so surprised. We angels can tell. The Laws of Karma show you've been somewhat Chaotic Neutral." She added, and my eyes went somewhat wide. "It will seem your soul is finally healing."
"What are you… my soul has been healed for cycles."
Laila nodded and shot me a measured stare. " That is true, but the psychological damage clings to someone longer than you can possibly imagine. Ever heard the saying 'people don't change'? Well, that is very much true within a particular boundary. When was the last time you ate someone? Or tortured someone?"
Frowning, I folded my arms: I hadn't noticed this change. I have lived a long time now, but I hadn't had a good hunt in a while. And I don't feel the need to anymore. But did I actually heal, or has my Pride surpassed my desire to devour?
Perhaps my time on Iluthath has begun to affect my perception. I have remained here for a long time, maybe too long.
"Anyway. Lord Zadkiel is behind these doors." Laila said, pushing open the door as rays of blind light glimmered through my iris. By the time the light faded, I had found myself in a restaurant filled with dozens of people, burdon by the savory sound of sizzling meat on the grill.
"Oh! Arsene! This way!" A joy-filled voice resounded as I saw a young man waving his palm. Skin pale as the moon, with golden silver eyes, with a diamond shape tattoo between his brow. The stranger hysterically waved. "Over here!"
"Zad, you idiot!" Laila moaned, clenching her teeth. "Stop embarrassing me."
Unable to help from snickering, I was reminded of Gabriel. We maneuvered through the dense restaurant to Zadkiel, resting with a frothy bear in front of him. Cheeks a flush red, he eyed me over and beckoned me to sit.
"... I strangely thought this was going to be a serious conversation over food," I said, taking a seat. No longer surprised by the eccentric behaviors of the Fallen and Angels.
I should have known better.
"It can be both. But allow me to introduce myself. I am the Archangel, Seraphim of Mercy, Zadkiel. You can just call me Zad. Everyone else does." He joyously claimed, and my gaze slid to Laila, who sat beside him. Snatching his bear away, she sipped on it.
" Hehe, did my Laila give you an ear full?"
"100%"
A cute flush rose over her cheeks as she snorted, looking the other way.
Zad chuckled softly, " Well. Don't feel bad. She does the same to me. And anyone else. This one likes to speak her mind. Anyway, where is Tiamat? I haven't seen her since the birth of Zaid."
"Eh? You know my son?"
A glimmer of surprise filled the Seraphims of Mercys of eyes. "I do… But it's shocking to hear you recognize him as your son."
"Well. He has made a lot of progress in my place. That deserves some recognition."
Not to mention. The only reason Zaid is still in the Nine Hells is to be bait. Recognition is a double edge sword for those with power. Should Zaid become stronger, he will be the perfect tool to eliminate all the cannon fodder in my path.
So I'll let him have the illusion of power within 'my' hell. After its the duty of the Father to ensure their child is trained well. And not taken advantage of. This will be a good lesson for him.
I'm such a good Dad.
Zadkiel smirked. " maybe. But we both know your actions hides a scheme. I am a bit curious, but Hell isn't in my jurisdiction. Shame I'd have loved to investigate you."
"To what end?" I teased as a waiter brought Zad and me large tankards of ale. I lifted the glass, smiling as he shrugged.
"Mild curiosity. We live infinite lives. Teasing and Joking with one another remedy our eternal existences. Don't you think?" and he took a sip, smiling. " Arsene, do you believe anything can last forever?"
"Oh? Tia did say you have an interest in debates. Guess we are starting. "
His gaze narrowed. "Well. You don't have to participate, but I am curious. I'll even give you an example. Your love for Lilith. Do you think it will last forever?"
Lowering the tankard as the restaurant's noise continued to thunder. I firmly nodded. " I do. The best counter-example would be your love for the Father. You have lived longer than I can even imagine. How do you explain your affection for him? We both know the Father doesn't take action. Yet you bend a knee. You worship him with all your heart. Why have you not fallen out of love with him? Even Lucifer will still have dinners with him, apparently. Why is there no true hatred between the two? Even after so many cycles have passed."
"Why?" he asked.
I shrugged. " How am I supposed to know? But it's strange, isn't it? How many couples have remained together after a Hell Cycle of marriage and commitment? It could be due to one's mental fortitude or the madness that complements your other half. But who knows? Relationships aren't really my forte. In case you haven't noticed, aside from the Order of Chaos. I have no friends."
Zad displayed a bit of an annoyed expression, only to sigh. " That is true. " And he glanced at Laila minding her own business with her ale. " What do you think?"
"I think I should have spent my time with Tiamat."
'You… Whatever. Arsene, I am quite satisfied with your answer, or lack thereof. Is there any—"
Taken away by the woman pulling a trace of raw meat between us, I only now notice that grill between the table. And my stomach instantly began to sizzle with zeal.
"I got every meat except fish. Figured you still don't like fish. But I must say you are missing out." Zad mentioned as Laila agreed.
"Spicy Tuna is the best."
"Hmmm. There is also salmon." Zad added, touching his chin; he smiled at me as the waitress plated the table.
"Zadkiel, if I had the authority, I would sentence every living thing that eats fish to the nine hells for all eternity. That's how much I hate fish." I told him, glaring as that accursed memory of when I was forced to eat fish awoke inside me.
Now I want to throw up.
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