Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The dry, barren land was filled with the echoes of the long-overdue cheers. Rin stared at his hands... He had done it. Satan’s host finally withered away, returning to dust. His voice was no more, and in his hands rested the flaming heart.

He blinked, pressing his eyes shut and opening them. The heart was still there. He shook his head. The heart was still there. The people’s cheers only grew louder, and demons began fleeing the scene. None of the opposing kings had stuck around. 

He closed his hand around it, and it pulsed under his fingers, the fire dripping past his palm. 

For years, he was a disappointment, a monster... That was the past. His legacy was now a story of triumph. He was the best exorcist there ever was. He won the battle no one else could.

Samael sat amongst the singing and praising crowd. Lewin and Arthur stood near him, watching.

"It appears you were wrong to assume so much about him so quickly, Arthur," Lewin grinned, watching the color drain from the injured paladin. The boy he would have put to death now stood as their final key to victory. 

Years of delicate planning and scheming, accompanied by adapting to the circumstances, Samael had crafted the perfect timeline. They had lost two or three brave heroes who would be given a proper funeral. Compared to the blue night, this was far less gruesome. The years of skillfully crafting and manipulating had paid off tenfold; now his only problem was Lucifer. 

His eldest brothers would not take kindly to this new development, but he would handle it with poise as he normally did. Samael had to rely on that truth; if Lucifer were to snap, the only being capable of stopping him would be Rin. At the moment, Rin was far beyond tired, and crushing the heart would take him out of commission for some time.

Samael hadn’t ever seen this far ahead. Time now rested in a dangerous sport of unknowns; he hoped whatever surprise came next would be half as funny as all the others. While trapped in deep thought, Samael was unaware of the being who snuck up on him, startling him out of his train of thought.

Rin had jumped down from the tower of mass, landing near Mephisto. Exorcists bordered the area, all watching but just out of range of the glowing fire. 

"So uh, what am I supposed to do with this?" 

“We should seal it for now. Once you are recovered, you can destroy it,” Mephisto chuckled. "You are still funny."

“What are you laughing about now?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Satan was sealed, kept in the same old sword Rin had grown so accustomed to.

The roar of the joyous crowd died down over time, and it gave way to bountiful chatter amongst the crowd. Drinks, stories, and laughs were exchanged in celebration. At that noise came to a halt when a soft tapping drew their attention to the Grigori.

"Today is a day to be celebrated. Rin Okamura conquered the lord of all Demons, and here he stands. He avenged hundreds of souls, and for that, we are eternally grateful for all the sacrifices you made for us.” Osceola lifted his glass, and the others followed.

The soft words brought a wide smile to Rin as the words of praise slipped through him. Everything was perfect, Rin got the acknowledgment he deserved, Satan was gone, and for once, the world was going right for Rin.

Karma was working in his favor, the evil was gone, and the good guys had won at the end of the day... right?

Yukio walked up to Rin with a smile on his face. His hand was hidden behind his back, and Rin lit up with excitement. Rin's mind snapped to what the gift could be.

The words out of Yukio's mouth were silent as the tone of the entire celebration quickly turned dark, as all light seemed to fade: heat, light, color, it all slipped from the world, it was being harvested, drawn in by a force stronger than human comprehension.

Samael turned his head to the sky only to be met with a sight of overwhelming dread... Lucifer, the demon king of light.

Lucifer's heart floated softly above his chest as the world morphed around him... All light was being harvested by the demon king.

Samael growled at the sight. Rin simply stared, frozen.

"Samael, what is he doing?" 

"Just as I feared," Samael’s voice went quiet. "I wonder, where did I go wrong this time?"

All that wasted time, it all leads up to this... this was a possibility, it always was... But it was either this or die by Satan's hands... the latter seemed worse in a form. Satan was so proud and bold in his actions; it was fun to see him fall from that pedestal.

"No, it can't be the end, I can still fight him," Rin put his hand on his hilt, preparing himself for a fight.

"What is the point?" Samael snarled.

"What?"

"You are still weak from the fight. Even if you manage to control Satan's power can destroy Lucifer and somehow survive, but he has already destroyed the world."

"NO. I can still fix this."

"Rin, it's just us now."

The tanned, seared ground was black, lush green grasses were gone, all color from the sky was torn away, it was so cold, and empty. The abundant crowd had all but withered away into nothing... 

It was all gone.

Years of joy, pride, accomplishments, and memories meant nothing now. It was just the two of them. What was it all for? 

"How?

"Eventually, everything comes to an end," Samael sighed. "I spent years trying to prolong this, oh well, it was fun while it lasted."

"Where do we go now?"

The hopeless words sliced through Mephisto as he felt the fear dripping off those words. The demon king stood still. A soft glow of light fell around Mephisto, and he only offered a small smile as he faded from existence.

"You bastard-” Rin snarled, glaring a beam of fire and fury at the light king. But his growls went unanswered...

This was happening; there was no going back from this. Rin fell to his knees. He cast the sword aside. The world was silent.

‘ I came not to send peace, but a sword’

"What the hell? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?” Tears streamed from his eyes, and his face slammed into the dirt. He grabbed at the loose ground, throwing it where he could. He stood, fire shot from his mouth. It cascaded in a pillar, lighting the endless world ablaze.

He ran to the sword, shattering it under his foot. The sword dissolved under his flames, the hilt crumpled to ash. Satan’s heart appeared once again.

He dug his nails into the glowing substance, his teeth joining the destruction, and he bit and tore until the fire dimmed. Light began to emerge in the absence of the heart. He stepped back, watching the sun-like object pulsate. He waited, breathless. He stepped back.

The Orb expanded, then shrank, with each growing pulse it shrank more and more. Rin watched, catching the air in his throat. Then it burst, and a soft sprinkling of light fell onto the earth. 

Then there was truly nothing.

“One problem with your grand plan. I’m STILL HERE. NOT EVERYONE’S EQUAL NOW ARE THEY? HERE I AM WITH MY PERFECT BODY. YOU KILLED EVERYONE FOR NOTHING.”

“For fucking nothing,” He fell to the ground. “I’m still here!”

“I’m here.”

Rin closed his eyes, allowing the tears to flow from him freely.

He was last to everything, it was only fitting if he was last to go... There was nothing he could do to stop this. This was it. It was the end... 

Was there an afterlife?

Even if he could die, would he go? 

Hell? That was technically Gehenna, so if that existed, then Heaven would exist as well, right?

Would he even get into heaven, Rin Okumura, devil spawn getting into heaven? Mephisto would have loved that joke.

What if there was just nothing? 

He would join them, all of them; he would be nothing, no separate force, just gone. It was more peaceful than he thought before, the soft light fading off of Lucifer’s dying heart. It brought a special light to the world.

Yet that light was slowly fading; it was leaving, too. Who would have thought, killing everything around you would kill you as well? It was all a bit ironic. Still, it was fair, he would be the same as them, nothing. Just a memory in the vast universe. True equality, as he called it. 

With the last wave of energy, the light faded out, being lost to history along with his siblings. Leaving Rin in the dark landscape, he sat hopelessly and lost. 

‘And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep .’

Then he saw them, thousands, millions, billions, even trillions, of human souls, uncorrupted, untouched. Alive.

‘ And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters .’

He sat up, reaching his arms out, and they came to him. 

‘ Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God .’

They came flocking to him for comfort. 

‘ but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper .’

“I’m here,” they crowded him. They appeared as specks of light, although they didn’t glow. 

Rin blinked, looking around, his hand caught his eye. His flames had dissipated; in their place was a pale light humming off his skin. 

‘His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire. And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace. His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.’

It all came to him in a flash: trillions of years of life, death, joy, sadness, greed, compassion. This event had been foretold. This was humanity's new dawn; the vast rambling of revelation was now revealed. 

It was all up to him now. 

Through the growing horde of spirits, he saw something; he crawled over, the crowd following him. Where Satan’s heart had crumpled and fallen onto the land were small dots of green. A thin layer of lichen.

‘ Let the land produce vegetation’

Had Samael known?- Did it even matter if he did?

He only had one path forward. 

He had to remake this world, a world without suffering...

‘Let there be light: and there was light. 

The greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

The beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.’

Chapter Text

The night air was thick and heavy. Inside the temple, people spoke freely and loudly. Anything that existed was bought and sold here. No price was too high, and no life was too valuable. The priests continued, brushing their hands along their new collections of coins. They had been given a warning, and yet their pride blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts.

In the noise and the crowd came a dreadful noise, wood snapping apart. White wings batted at the door until it shattered, ripping the doors off their hinges. They fell to the floor with a deafening clatter.

The people lifted their hoods, shielding their faces; some fled, and others hid.

The building cried and groaned under the obnoxious light that radiated from the being above them.

“Despicable,” Shiro spat. The crowd pushed the priests forward, bowing their heads.

“Holy one, please-”

“I guess the rumors are true, you mutated this church into a den of treachery.” Shiro glanced around, for every seller behind a stall and every buyer in front, he counted.

He sighed, nearly 120 souls were here. With a wave of his hands, their bodies vanished, their souls left hostless. He saved the priests, allowing them to bear witness to it all. They watched the souls fall to the ground, bouncing about like half-deflated balloons. Once they stilled, small bluish-white fires appeared beneath them. Soon, the room was empty.

Shiro landed before the bowing priests.

"We didn't get any notification of your arrival."

"You were warned. The time for mercy has ended.” With a flap of his wings, the room was thrown into disarray; the tables were thrown about, the chests containing the gold shattered, and the gold coins flooded the floor.

‘he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables’

With another flap of his wings, all the wood splintered, the glass and metal melted, and sank into the floor, soon leaving behind the temple in its original state.

"Confess your sins.”

The laws of the New World were simple. Laws around medicine were looser than Shiro appreciated. The memories of his previous life still crept into his mind on occasion. But even still, Rin, or as the humans knew him, Rinka, had been generous, allowing for volunteer-based human testing. This temple was built to be a sanctuary, a place for healing as well as an opportunity for new cures and discoveries. Never was it supposed to be a market, and never a market on human lives.

The priest lifted his head and slowly stood up. He trembled to the small trap door once hidden beneath the carpet.

Shiro grabbed the door, ripping it open. The buyers and sellers were already bound for punishment, and in time, they would get another chance at life. But the priests, Shiro couldn’t stand to even look at them, all were already on their second, if not third or fourth, chance. It was believed that with each chance, the dedication required to enter the holy lands was increased.

Shiro didn’t think it was true; however, he wished for these men that it was the law.

‘Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’

"R-right this way," stuttered the priest.

The man descended, and Shiro followed, emitting light in the vast darkness of the tunnels. It had been at least a million years since the new birth of the world, as Rin had explained it to him, the earth was desolate, just a mass of dark waters and scorched land. He rebuilt light itself and crafted each new plant and animal.

Over those countless years of building, reforming, and studying magic, Rin had become something even beyond the gods of the old world. Yet, these fools still thought they could hide and skirt his laws.

The pair quickly approached a large rusted metal door that had been worn with time and heavily compressed with the magic seals. It was truly a pathetic attempt to try and hide. Rin had built this world, and he felt the heartbeat of every living human; no amount of magic could hide the suffering of his children.

The metal creaked open, and light fell upon dozens of small, skinny figures. Their skin was thin, their bodies barren, and their bones. Shiro felt a hand brush past his shoulder. Yuri stepped in front of him, the white roses braided in a crown around her head. She stepped forward with her hand out to the children.

“I’ve already got the others.” She smiled, looking back at him. “You can return home.”

Shiro glanced behind him; the priests were gone; even the ones within the temple had been vanquished. He could have done the mission himself, but Yuri was always better with children.

But before he could leave, Shiro paused. One child seemed most strange, pale skin shimmered in the light, and it made his soft blonde hair glow; his dull green eyes floated over to Shiro. The aura was intoxicating and overwhelming; it was stronger than anything he had felt before. It made the boy shiver.

"We are here to help,” Yuri bent down in front of him. He watched her with a strange apprehension.

Her silky soft voice brought comfort to the frightened being. He looked so frail and small, eerily similar to the haunting memories of the old world.

The overwhelming scents of blood, excrement, and rot fled from the cell and polluted the fresh air of the building. It would make anyone gag and gasp for clean air. Such putrid scents didn't seem to affect the small boy.

"How long have you been here?"

"Don't know?" The being replied in cracking, broken speech.

"When did you first come here?"

"Never come here... Always be here."

The word slid through Shiro as a sharp pain filled his head, the things he had seen, the memories of the past world... this wasn't supposed to happen again, not to anyone or anything.

"Can I pick you up?" Shiro stepped forward. Yuri lifted her gaze, a small smirk twisted on her lips.

"Hold me?" The words sounded happy, but his eyes were riddled with fear... maybe that is how you look at everyone after you have been hurt enough.

Biting his lip, Shiro brought his mind back to the situation at hand. "Yes. Can I hold you?"

The soft nod gave Shiro the consent he needed to sweep the small figure up and cover him with his midnight cape. He stepped out of the rusted cell, leaving the rest to Yuri.

The world morphed around Shiro as he arrived back at the center temple. He wasted no time as he raced through the tall marble halls, and soon he arrived at his lavish bathroom. The soft rose-scented steam whirled around him as he placed the boy in the bath.

The water covered every inch of his skin below his neck.

"Warm.”

"What?"

"Warm," He repeated, moving his arms around in the water. It brought a smile to Shiro’s face.

"Yes, the water is warm. Do you like it?"

The boy nodded.

"What’s your name?"

"My number?"

"What do others call you?"

"three.”

Shiro stilled. 3? Even the clones were given names. The caretakers called them something, even if it was just to help with experiments. They still had nicknames for each other, that is, when they were still healthy enough to think and talk.

Just how long did this go on?

Shiro’s hands tore through the delicate fabric of his robes, catching a glimpse of the fear written across the boy's face was enough to calm him.

“You need a better name than that… How about Blondi?”

The boy tilted his head. “B-b” His lips pressed together as he tried to find the word.

"What about a proper name... how about Reficul?" Rin said, appearing behind Shiro.

The boy nodded.

"You, my child, are under my care. We will get you in proper health in no time. And maybe if you work hard enough and build skill quickly, you can get into my academy," Rin placed a hand on Shiro’s shoulder, lifting him away from the ground.

Reficul nodded again.

“Good, now I have to speak with Mr. Shiro here, be good and wait until Ms. Yuri comes and gets you.”

He sat bone still as the two slipped out the door. Yuri was in just after with a clean set of clothes and towels.

“I could have finished-”

“That’s not a human soul.”

“What?”

“We need to be careful. If we are lucky, then he’s just a reincarnated nephilim, or maybe one of Lucifer’s kin… Yuri has taming abilities far beyond yours. I understand you relate to him, but we need to be careful.”

“Do you think it could be him?”

“I hope it isn’t. When Usamaro reincarnated, he didn’t feel like Samael; he hardly felt like a demon at all. I’m having the others look into it.”

Later, Rin sat on his throne, his tail flicking from side to side. Almost half sunk in the chair, shuffling through the scrolls he was given. It was just a bit of paperwork, confirming the seals his angels put in place. Yukio fluttered into the room, landing before the throne.

"What’s the good news?"

"The results came back, and Reficul is indeed a demon. His tail has been hidden, but we are getting traces of the light king. We need to see his heart to confirm, he’s been hesitant. Overall, he seems healthy, although severely underweight. We already have a nutrition plan and are arranging a fitness plan."

"We don’t need to rush, so far he’s been patient. He needs to feel safe, content.” Rin sighed. “Tell everyone to stay in their rooms. This isn’t going to end nicely."

Yukio nodded and left the hall, leaving behind the few pages at the foot of the throne. Through the great hall doors, a gust blew through. Particles of light sparkled in the gust fluttering around the pages. A light beamed about the room, a glowing mass pooled into the palm of his hands. The ball pulsated, beating with his pulse. He rolled the mass in his hands.

‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her’

“What am I supposed to do with you?”

"Just because they forgot does not save them from their sins.”

"Who are you to speak to me about what should be forgiven?”

“He was a demon king; he took billions of lives. His selfishness destroyed the Earth. He has no place in the new world.”

"Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out about the others? Arthur, in your many lives, you have gone against me, causing the deaths of hundreds. Worst of all, you have dragged others into your sin. It seems you need more time, another life. This better be the last time I have to do this. Your soul will be wiped clean once more.”

“Your holiness, I beg please don-”

"I put the laws in place so all beings could live freely and peacefully. You have forgotten your places, you are not my equals, you have no claim on this world, nor right to dictate life. You are guests; this is my world, my domain, and territory. You have no authority over my world. Now rest, your new life won’t begin again for some time.”

The glow disappeared, lost in the flames of his hands. Rin sighed and lay across his throne.

"Arthur again?" Shiro laughed, sitting on the arms of Rin's throne, halo bobbling softly as he settled down.

"I told Yukio to put everyone in their rooms?"

"You know I can’t listen to him; he’s my kid."

"So was I.”

Shiro smiled and nodded.

"So the kid is Lucifer?"

"As you are Shiro, he is Lucifer, although he lacks the memories you hold. He bears no weight of his former incarnation's crime. I suppose we should have seen this coming.”

“But not all demons have reincarnated, not all of them had souls.”

“Only demons that were animal-based were reincarnated. The demon kings were ideas-creations of the former humanity's faith. There could be many reasons for their reemergence.”

"Now that it’s all settled, we’re bored. We need something-anything to do," Shura whines, landing softly on Rin’s side.

"Everything is done, no more chores whatsoever?”

"We already have plenty of those; we need something fun.”

"Alright, how about you do some training?"

"Boring,"

"I’m not talking about normal training, I need to get some exercise.”

Shura and Shiro popped up.

"We can start as soon as everyone has arrived," Rin says, walking to the arena.

Rin stood in the middle of the room, eyes covered with a royal blue cloth, and waiting for the angels to arrive. They slowly creep into the room, and Yukio guides Reficul to the sidelines quietly and joins the rest of the angels, all brandishing their forms of weapons.

Shiro approached first, being the oldest of Rin's angels, and attacked first, aiming for his neck. Rin grabbed the silver spear and ripped it from Shiro's hands, and threw it across the arena.

The rest fell upon Rin in a flock. He slid out of the way, causing the angels to only crash into one another.

"You never learn, do you?"

Yukio attacked next. Rin grabbed his feet and slammed him to the floor. His gun slipped from its holster, spinning across the floor. With ease, Rin lept over to it, capturing it beneath his foot. He slipped it to his side, swinging out his arm, he caught Shura in the stomach, her sword toppled to the floor as she fell.

"Better than last time."

Shiemi fired three vines, they flew past him, conjoining behind him, forming a shell. The vines grew, blocking him from all light, and slowly the vines began to condense.

They began to brown, wilting with the slightest touch of his claw. Power radiated from the decay latching back onto Shiemi, tying her to the arena floor.

Reficul watched in awe. Rin danced around them without even breaking a sweat. He seemed to glow in the mediocre lighting of the arena, his sapphire blue eyes and blue-white hair danced across his daring, smug smile as he won once again. Rin was truly stunning to Reficul: strong, powerful, humble, and kind. Rin was perfection.

Once all of the opponents were defeated, Rin took off his blindfold and laughed. "Tired already? A break would be nice."

Chapter Text

Reficul sat at the coffee table, papers scattered about the wooden surface. Each second learning was a successful second; he was working towards his goal, and he could not let a single moment go to waste. He was going to become another one of Rin's angels. He was going to become Rin's second hand. He was going to impress Rin. He had to.

He sped through his papers, taking in each and every word. Rin stood just out of sight from the door, and he watched Reficul as he worked.

He was a very good student; smart, clever, brave, and bold. How much would he be allowed to know? He was on a path to become an angel; knowledge of the past lives of all past lives came with that. If he were to find out that once upon a time, he was Lucifer, suffering endlessly, causing genocide after genocide. The boy was fragile; if he were to discover all the past sins, the failed justification for the abuse he had endured.

History was so easily repeatable.

Yukio was in his lab working alongside Shiemi. Antivenoms and remedies were their current fascination; it was fun for Rin to watch them work. Shiemi’s knowledge of plants, herbal cures, natural remedies, and Yukio’s pure wealth of knowledge in most anything else. They made a perfect team.

"I really can’t tell who is working harder.”

“Shiemi, of course.”

“You know your brother works day and night-”

“I was thinking Reficul. He has gone beyond what our books can teach him."

Yukio paused, turning from his work.

“An assistant?” Shiemi tapped her finger to her lips. “It’s been some time since we had one. I suppose we were overdue.”

"And Yukio? Your thoughts?”

"He seems very dedicated, passionate."

“And?”

“If we help him pursue his goal, and he joins our ranks. What then?”

“Like you, he gains access to his memories.”

“He may already know- deep down, just like Arthur.” Shiemi tucked her hair behind her ears.

“He doesn’t know. If he has realised something, he’s suppressed it. Lucifer was never an actor; he would have slipped if he knew.”

“So you’ll take him in?”

"If you believe it is what is best."

“Would you be willing to tutor the others? If they appear as well?”

“It depends on how busy we are. To many cooks in one kitchen-”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

He left them with a sort of nod, the knowledge lingering in the room. Keep the reincarnations close. Reficul was an important blueprint; shared appearance, base obsessiveness, and sharp intellect.

He had developed more demonic features since his tail grew back in. Reficul was dutiful in his cleaning, as everything else, especially his hair and tail, he seemed to focus on those the most. Oddly enough, he wore his hair more like Rin once did before it cascaded beyond his shoulders. He kept it shorter, still fixable but fluffy and layered.

Nowadays, Rin wore his hair slicked back against his head with two braids folded at the base of his horns, hiding the transition between his skull and horns. His eyes were now a darker blue and and two snow-white feathered wings. The wings had grown in as Rin began to rebuild society. For the first century, they went unnoticed, and slowly they grew bigger and bigger.

Most days, Rin keeps them hidden. He only used them for occasional transport; a broken wing, although easily healed, is still a pain. Rin was still rather clumsy for his age. Certain things that would never change in time...

Shiro appeared with a soft knock on the door.

"The kid is hungry. What can I feed him?"

"We have a diet curated for-”

“Is gyoza part of the diet?”

“It depends on the macronutrient distribution. We can log anything as long as-”

“I don’t know the calories or the grams or all that crap, can the kid have it or not? I already made it, all I need is a yes so he’ll shut up and eat it.”

“We need to know all that ‘crap’ to properly track his dietary needs. He has to consume enough calories to continue to gain weight.”

“I know how to feed a kid.”

“I will go with him, you’ll get your numbers, and he’ll eat your food.” Rin stepped out of the room with a chuckle. "I don't even know why I need anything else when I have you to entertain me,"

"Calories or grams or crap," Yukio shook his head.

“Oh my,” Shiemi giggled.

Rin strode down the hall, gazing out the window as he passed them. The sun hung high in the sky, blazing into the lands below. Clouds faintly covered the horizon, and the light peered through. Yukio loved to call them Crepuscular rays; Shiro called them cracks in heaven's floor.

Chapter Text

The air was cool, heavy, calming. Small droplets of rain were scattered about the ground, clinging to every open surface. The polished stones protected the words that tried to explain something so vast in three words. Two boys stood at the grave of their caretaker, who was a sweet old woman who took them in from the adoption center. She always had a warm smile and smelled like gingerbread.

She loved to bake and even taught Elasma and Maomai how to cook. Her bread was second to none. He would miss it, even though she had only made it once or twice in the few years they were with her; it was an acquired taste, one he would miss. Maomai was only six, her’s was the only bread he ever really knew.

A soft tapping captured the attention of the boys. “She was a blessing in this world."

"An angel." Maomai extended his hand, balled his hand, pointing a finger as he ducked behind Elasma.

Elasma stepped forward; he more than covered Maomai. He was already tall for his age, and his green eyes stared over Shiro with the same exactness of his previous incarnation. If he were any younger, Shiro might have shivered, broken way to chill running across his spine.

"Be not afraid. I am here to bring you to your higher purposes," Shiro smiled, offering out a hand to the boys.

"Higher purpose?"

“The holy academy. He understands your hesitance, have this as your proof," Shiro replies, handing them Rin's feathers. I also have letters for all of you with his seal.

Elasma lifted his shoulders, pushing out his chest, crossing his arms.

“You are one stubborn boy.” He sighed. “Here’s my halo as proof... You can hold it if you want. There is no way you can break it. So try all you can,"

A circle of light formed above his head, floating softly above his hair. Shiro cupped his hands around it and handed it to the boys. Elasma took it and tried to bend it, then he tried to rip it in half. He threw it back, and it clamored against the ground as it landed.

"Why does he want us?"

"You have a higher calling.”

“To do what exactly?”

“I don’t know, but he will.”

"Who?" Maomai asks, poking his head out from behind Elasma.

"His highness, of course."

"We are meeting him?"

“Yes, he is very excited to meet you."

Maomai nodded and hugged Elasma's leg.

"When are we going? We need to change first.”

"You are fine. We are leaving now."

"Now?"

"Yes, now.”

"But-”

"Stay calm and have no fear," Shiro replied with a sigh.

A soft blue glow surrounded them, and the world shifted. The polished marble walls seemed to glow in the presence of Rin, who was seated happily on his throne. His aura washed over the boys who were quivering at the just the sight of him.

‘His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;’

At the beginning of the steps stood a tall blonde boy. He stood proudly, the light swirling around him. His clothes were neat and pressed, his hair was combed back and pinned in place. He had a thick belt around the waistband. The leather itself didn’t seem to be thick, yet the waistband seemed oddly thick on him, as if he had some sort of harness around his hips.

Elasma’s eyes caught the detail as Maomai stepped in front of him, his hands reaching to the light. Elasma’s hand reached down, catching his brother’s and pulling him closer. The boy glanced at them, his gaze sharpening.

Mud stained the carpet where Maomai had stood; the tread of his sneakers left a clean stamp on the gleaming blue carpet. Elasma’s stomach twisted as one of the buttons on his brother’s the thin poly-cotton shirt toppled to the floor. He had just mended the other three.

"So you are Elasma?" Rin cooed.

"Yes, your highness," Elasma said, bowing.

"You have no reason to bow. Stand, my child." Rin chuckled. "Elasma, as the newest addition to the academy, my top student, Reficul, will show you around the senior school."

"My lord, what of his brother?"

"Silbi and Nyge will show Maomai around the junior school,"

Reficul nodded, turning to the pair of unkempt boys.

"Do they have luggage or dorm assignments yet?"

“Their rooms and luggage are being taken care of. By the time your tour is complete, it will be ready.”

Reficul nodded, walking past the pair. He stopped a few steps past Elasma, casting a glance over his shoulder, his attention split between the specks of dirt on the carpet and the boys themselves. Elasma turned, releasing Maomai and following Reficul out of the polished doors.

The pair walked in silence towards the school. Reficul strode down the halls, stopping to point out small details: the restroom, important classrooms, the teacher’s offices, first aid kits, fire stations, drill kits, the counselor's office, and the dining hall. Elasma tripped over his own feet to follow in his footsteps. It was hard, his eyes strayed every second, catching glimpses of each new and shiny thing... Things so unbroken, completed, and polished. No school ever smelled so crisp, not sterile like some hospital or doctor’s office, but pure, fresh, clean air. Even the air was better than the legends of this place.

"Everyone is mesmerized their first time on campus. Within a month, you’ll have the basic layout of the school memorized, within three, you should be able to give directions to just about anywhere," Reficul laughed softly, capturing Elasma's attention again.

"Is it true you don’t have to take math here?"

"It depends, you are a special case. Most disciples arrive around your brother’s age, and we all learn fundamentals of math, science, arts, history, skills in homekeeping, and general trade work. Junior school has math; however, it allows you to discover your passion. Senior school is when you choose your path and your classes follow that path," Reficul replies happily.

"What paths are there?"

Reficul lifted his head, a smile bound to make any girl fall for him, fell upon his lips. Elasma bit at his lip, suppressing his sardonic chuckle.

"I am studying to join the school of top disciples to become one of the angels. Only one student gets into the school each year, and I have prepared for a decade now for the possibility of earning my way into the school."

"What is that path like?"

"It’s six paths: the speaker, artist, volunteer, historian, activist, and negotiator. Most students only go for two or three paths, although four isn’t uncommon. Six is rather taxing, but it is a noble burden," Reficul sighed with a passionate glaze in his eyes.

"That doesn't seem that hard," Elsama scoffed, snapping Reficul out of his daze in an instant.

"What?" Reficul growls.

"It doesn't seem that hard,"

"The stress isn’t for the faint of heart. You should be more focused on yourself, considering your placement tests are this week."

"It’s just another test, standardized or placement, it’s all too easy. Memorization will get you everything you need; you don’t actually need to know anything. Being top of a class isn’t some badge of honor; it’s a numbers game, and the reward is headaches."

"Well then, if you are so assured, my work here is done. You seem so wise to the function of this school. You should be more than capable of completing the rest of the tour yourself."

Reficul left with a smirk, gliding down the halls, he appeared to be walking, but the pinned posters and flyers on the wall all fluttered in the wind of his wake. Elasma froze, gritting his teeth. He moved to try to follow Reficul, but he soon lost the blonde amidst the many hallways.

Soon after the pair had left, Maomai was also escorted away from the throne room. Silbi seemed far friendlier and more attuned to smiling than Reciful had been. Nyge was quieter, but a smile fell on his lips just as often as on the older girl's. They both watched Silbi with a certain awe; she carried herself well, polite and also bold, a good ally.

"So you are going to be in class A3... Man, you had amazing grades at your old school," Silbil purred in awe, flipping through the pages. The cream papers looked bland and basic, but the held all of history.

"Thanks," He murmured.

"You could easily make it into the top-ranked senior classes if you keep at it."

"I’m nothing special, Elasma is smarter, good with others... He doesn't have to study ever."

"He never studies?”

“He says the top of the class is full of losers who waste their time.”

“I bet Reficul is having the time of his life right now," Silbi chuckled.

"Elasma is fun to be around."

"That’s- yeah, I guess that’s one to take it." Silbi shook her head.

As the two spoke, the sound of papers frantically flapping grew louder. Tears began to well in Nyge’s eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

"I can't find the dorm assignments.”

"They aren't posted yet. By the time we are done here, Reficul should meet up with us and have the assignments," Silbi sighs, ruffling the boy’s hair.

"Are you related?" Maomai asks.

"Yes, actually, he is my little brother. Technically, Reciful and Roastar are also our siblings. Since we were adopted by the academy, we are considered children of the holy one, so I guess that means you are also my brother now."

"I come bearing good news: the room assignments have been posted,” Reficul grumbles, appearing in the hallway.

"Rough walk?" Silbi laughs. “Hey, where did Elasma go?”

"I’d rather not talk about it, and he insisted he could find his way here. He may already be at the dorms as we speak.”

"You left him wandering alone?"

“I did no such thing; he had the chance to follow me if he so pleased.”

“Nyge, stay here with Maomai. I’m going to go find Elasma.”

“He’s not your responsibility.”

“He is now,” She snipped back.

Chapter Text

Leading Elasma through the dorm halls, Reciful stayed a few paces ahead. Silbi was between them, holding Maomai and Nyge’s hands as they walked. The irritation was clear on Reciful. This dorm was smaller than the rest, more secluded and comfortable. Now it was being invaded.

Elasma smelled of old smoky wood and cinnamon. The scent was imbalanced and patchy.
Any stress was manageable when he had peace to return to at the end of the day, with terror so close, everything was in disarray. Worst of all, of the scents neither was pleasant. Most anything could be good in moderation, but nothing about him was even tolerable. Maomai’s scent wasn’t worse. He did smell, but more of mud, fresh churned soil, and moss. There was a freshness to the scent, something natural that made it tolerable, much unlike the stale artificial scents orbiting around Elasma.

“Here is your room," Reciful said, leaving as Elasma pushed open the door, it didn't smell of cinnamon, and honey-like the old cottage he once called home. It smelled like freshly ripe apples with a hazy hint of vanilla sprinkled in, but both scents were so faint. Barely noticeable, it was nothing to the encompassing scent he was used to at the cabin.

Sitting on his bed, he thought of his brother.

Was he just as nervous? Was he going to get along with his classmates?

Maomai was hard to get along with and wasn't nice unless he liked you, and even then, he could be stale. He didn’t show emotion often; it scarred people. Elasma admired his brother’s boldness; the staleness was a commonality between them, only Maomai didn’t care to hide it.

Elasma had no memories of his parents... he had parents at one point, but they were long gone now, dead. He didn't know. They just disappeared one day when he was eight, and Maomai was only three years old.

The days spent in the abandoned house were strange, hard at times, but freeing. Finding food for yourself, learning to cook... and on top of that, having to take care of a baby. Maomai was his only adult concern. To him, such things as taxes, money, and education were all adult concerns; with no adults around, they simply didn’t exist.

He can still remember the feeling of starvation. Maomai was silent. He would shake him awake to make sure he was still breathing. The security of childhood was killed in those days, yet adulthood alluded to them. It was some strange in-between; they were neither adult nor child, in a way, they were nothing.

Their last day there was still hazy. Somehow, he had gotten enough strength to climb onto the countertop, get into the cabinet.

All the food left in the house, out of his reach, was all there. He stood on his shaky legs as he reached for what was left. He grabbed a box of something; it was a tan box with colorful shapes on it.

His legs collapsed, and he fell to the floor. He remembers falling, the feel of the air, the drop in his stomach, and the jolts in his blood. A scream and a bright light, accompanied by a pair of bright shiny wings, a soft comforting voice, and light embraced him. He finally felt something, fear, and in a second, it was stripped away, replaced with a strange buzz.

An angel had come.

Elasma woke up in a hospital, and from there on, he was taken to an orphanage with his brother. Each day was like the last; they merged. Then the nice old woman took them in... these days did merge as well. But they were nice. It was all due to that Angel. They made him feel something; he had been chasing it ever since. Nothing could compare.

After hours of useless knowledge day in and day out at a school, a few mishaps, and a few snitches delivered him into the hands of someone truly wise. This school therapist put it into terms he finally heard. What he had experienced in that house was of the old world, all crime, murder, hateful, sinful, dreadful things were pieces of the old world that slipped through due to weakness and ignorance. His parents invited the old world, the hell that it was.

His actions at the school were reflections of that; he had been exposed to the darkness that was not designed for this world, and his mind couldn’t process it. The Angels could see and feel the old world; they had memories of it. It was the Angels that contained all the glory of the old world; they could cure it, make it good again.

In the old world, people were left to die out in the streets, left to freeze in winter, left bleeding. Screams were left unanswered, and fear, pride, arrogance, and selfishness were spread by those in charge. It was a battle of terror between those with might. But in this world, everyone had a bed. The beds were small at times, sometimes just mats on the floor, as someone wished it to be. But no one died in the streets; any screams were heard, and people rushed to others' aid. No one was ignored; all those who asked for help received it.

Opportunities were abundant here. The new world was free of the hate and discrimination of the past. Actions were the only things judged, and even still, it was the Angels who stood supreme, not some faulty one.

If the old world ever seeped through the in blood or pain, it was repaired. Elasma had lived with the cracks; now he had the chance to mend them, to feel the same strange fulfillment as before. He could fix it all... How could one little school try and stop him?

That stuck-up urchin, Reiful, knew nothing of him.

"Glowing little two shoes," Elasma groaned, flipping onto his stomach. "I can't wait to shove my wings in his face,"

The look on his face, oh, that would be priceless; the stuck-up brat would be one-upped by him. Oh, the irony. He was going to eat up every win he got.

Reficul paced around his room.

"I don't know why he bothers you so much. He’s nothing we haven't dealt with before. The kid is just spunky," Silib sighed, lounging on his carpet.

"It’s his ignorance; he thinks everything is going to be beneath him. I answered his question, warned him of the stress, and he scoffed at me. He has no right; his life must have been difficult. I wish I could relate to losing parents, but I never even got to meet mine before I was thrust into that hell. That damn smirk on his face," Reciful snarled.

Silbi sat up. “I don’t mean to pry.”

“Go on.”

“When you told me about your past before you mentioned the doctors… maybe he reminded you of-”

“I don’t even want to think about it. .. You’re probably right. They trained me from birth. Those arrogant sinners loved to-” he shook his head. “No matter what I said or tried to create, it was nothing to them. Every aspect of a personality was a burden on them. I tried to be helpful, and that ignorant boy acted as if I were nothing."

"He’ll change his tune when classes start. His brother seems nice.”

"We can only hope." Reficul continued pacing.

"Ya’know, he’s probably just dealing with his own stuff, you are probably just scary to him. You were standing closer to the holy one than any non-angel has before.”

“I should be more patient and tolerant of him.”

“He couldn’t have it easy; he wouldn’t be with us if he did.”

"His adoptive mother died at age 87, and after years of dutifully caring for them in a quaint orphanage. The only bad thing that happened was the untimely death of their parents, leaving them alone for a while. The house still had food in it when they were taken,"

"Three weeks is more than just a while. I still don’t know why they didn’t go find the kids once the parents died. Did no one think to check on them?"

"They died the day before they were saved. They didn’t have many neighbors; the ones they did have were told the family was going on vacation."

"And no one found it suspicious that there was movement around the house?”

“Again, not many neighbors, and they couldn't go outside with the doors locked. But what does it even matter? They had food and water, they had beds and toys. They called out for help before either of them got hurt, and then found a loving home for years.”

"They were abandoned by those entrusted to protect them. They had lost their caretakers twice. You were born with nothing and now have everything. They were born with something and lost it twice, and now have a chance at everything. Shouldn’t you help them reach greatness like you helped me?"

"I have worked to get where I am, and so have you. You never scoffed at my offers of help.”

"He’s coming from a different world; normal school is much easier than here. Once he understands what’s required to become like us, he has to change his tune.”

"I can only dream."

Chapter Text

Elasma woke with a yawn, pulling his arms to the ceiling, feeling his back pull against his spine. His head was still dragging from the deeper depths of his rest.

The behemoth of a test was unlike anything he had taken before. He wished he could have studied for it, but there really wasn’t a way he could. Nothing could prepare him for so many scenarios and ethical questions. Worst of all, that wasn’t even the only section. On many parts of the test, he was asked questions with words he hadn’t even imagined before. Far too many questions were in different languages. Some questions were paragraphs with dozens of different phrases; if prayed hard enough, when flipping the page, a few of the sentences happened to be comprehensible.

Science questions were the easiest, even if half of them weren’t understandable. If any question was about art or interpretation, he picked a random letter and moved on. What made him appear stupid was that the questions were written clearly, but their meaning evaded him. He should have known the answers, but his mind drew blanks. Even after the lunch break in the middle, his mind was worn and lagging. His last school never prepared him for this. If it had, he would have at least tried to pay attention.

"At least I only have five classes," Elasma grumbled, rolling out of bed. A soft knock caught his attention. “Yeah?”

"Classes start in an hour, you have enough time to shower, but make it quick if you want food."

Elasma cursed at the familiar voice. He obeyed quickly, taking his shower and getting ready for his first day. This was the time to make the perfect impression. He would be a familiar and trustworthy face; all he wanted was a “pure and perfect world, just as the holy one decreed.”

His hair wasn't taming as he wanted it to; he threw a comb inside the gray bag he was provided. He strung it over his shoulder and strode over to the door. He left the flap open, watching as the contents shuffled around as it hit his doorframe.

"You do realise you won’t be getting a new one if you break it?"

"Where is the food?" Elasma asked, yawning softly.

"In the cafeteria, and lower your voice, people are sleeping," Reficul growled.

"Who?"

"The younger students start later. The dorms are not your home; they are your sleeping arrangements. The school is the student's space; treat it as such. Seeing as you placed into the hardest paths, you will be spending a lot of time in the library.”

After an excruciating half hour of a new tour and waiting in line, Elasma was finally able to be gifted food, breakfast seemed to fly by too quickly, as once he was finished, he was dragged to his first class.

It seemed easy; the professor spoke quickly. Students on each of his sides wrote furiously. At the end, a paper was handed out to every student. It had only one question. ‘In your own words, explain what you learned today.’

He could feel his heart begin to pound in his chest. All the other students glanced between their notes and the paper, writing down and crafting sentences with smiles. He stared at the paper and began from memory. Almost all of the students finished before him. Reficul was the worst offender, standing by the door collecting each paper as the students departed. Soon, it was only them and the professor. He inked out the last sentence, and as he stood, collecting his items, the teacher took his paper, scanning it over. Reficul came to the front, handing over the collected papers.

The professor thanked him, still focused on the paper.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“For not taking notes, you gave a decent summary. I hope that in the future you come more prepared and be able to provide more descriptions. Try to make the words you use more meaningful and have fewer of them.”

“Of course, thank you, professor.”

The professor nodded, returning to her desk.

Reficul left without another word. Other classes weren’t as merciful, pop quizzes were common, and bubble answers were a curse in disguise. Questions so simple but so niche were common, but at least some questions had reasonable answers. Some questions carried the burden of debating ethical issues. Writing down in full clarity the most moral thing to do seemed near impossible. The teacher saw it as a kindness not to ask him about different theories of ethics and how they would respond to a certain question. All the other students had the crutch of picking apart the moral ideas with theories; he only had his experiences and guesses.
After dinner, Elasma retreated to the library, studying the syllabus, seeing what materials were covered, what chapters of what books were needed. He began his long night planning out everything he would need to know for the next classes. It seemed impossible to read 30 chapters in one night, so he shifted to understanding enough for tomttor. With a lone lamp as the only company, he got to work on the notes. The orange glow gave him the comfort to fight through thousands of words of work. 1 chapter from each class a night, then two on the weekends. It was his only hope of catching up. Card after card, paper after paper, his mind began to fog up, and his mind became a blur. He had to stand up and shake his exhaustion out; he had to block out the steady clicks of the clock. Time wasn't important at the moment.

His mother had a saying for things like this, but he could never recall it; it went something along the lines of "Make it look effortless, it’s how you show you are above them."

Elasma couldn't seem to remember any clips of a kind mother; he only knew of a cruel smirk and a back turned to him. As for his father, he could only remember the faint scent of whiskey lingering in the house and a door slamming, nothing more. His mind drifted, finding anything to think about other than himself and his work, but what else did he have to think about? What else did he have? His vision fuzzed; he only had three pages left for tonight, two, one...

Shaking his head, his heart thumping against his chest, he gazed at his papers. Ten more couldn't hurt. He tried his best to see through the fading lens of his eyes as he pushed on, lighting the lamp further to make his work station brighter, forcing himself to stay awake.

Word after his word, everything became fuzzy, his eyes cracked as he blinked, trying to give them 10 mins of rest in 3 seconds. It was impossible, but he had to, not just for his sake but for Maomai.

He was going to ensure their safety forever. It was his job as the older brother. Finally, his mind faded from his aware world and into his dreamscape.

A soft tapping awoke him, along with a blank stare. Reficul stood in front of his desk with a strange expression between a smile and a frown.

"I feared you would be here. Your next class is in 30 minutes, try not to miss it."

He lifted his head from the desk, staring at the clock. He had already missed two of the four classes he needed to attend.

“You didn’t think to wake me sooner?”

“I didn’t know where you were. Silbi saw you and summoned me to wake you. A thank you would be more suitable.”

“Over my dead body.”

Reficul glanced down at the scattered notes. “You do realise the teachers expect you to read ahead before you attend class, correct?”

"When I become an Angel, I’ll have an assistant read ahead for me.”

Reficul flipped open one of the books. “Chapter 5, goes over the structural hierarchy of the holy court. Once you read it, you will find there are no assistants and no servants for the angels; after all, they are servants of the greater good and mankind.”

“Whatever.”

"You don’t need to worry, the professors were understanding. One of them was kind enough to arrange your extracurricular activities."

"My what?" Elasma growled, words flying past Reficul, who couldn't seem to be bothered.

"The volunteer path includes outside of class servitude time. The justice and the healer paths also require servitude time, although it is less, and the volunteer path covers the required time. This specific opportunity will aid in your studies and get you extra credit. Meet me after our last class, and try to look presentable, we are going to help Ms. Egin," Reficul wasted no time, scooping up a few books at the table and walking to the front. He returned them and left without a word. Elasma was left to pack everything in a rush, returning the rest of the books and leaving the desk only a little worse than he found it.

The next two classes were much the same as before. His head was reeling by the end, but the cafeteria wouldn’t be open for a few hours. Elasma met with Reficul at the door, walking a step behind him. He was moving more slowly than before, perhaps feeling some part of pity for once.

He didn’t recognize this hallway; soon it began to smell of baby powder and soft peony blooms. They passed a few open doors; the rooms had bright cartoonish pictures on the wall, scattered with bubble letters.

Elasma jumped as Maomai embraced his leg.

"He called me stinky," Maomai said, snuggling to his brother's comfort.

Nyge wailed in response. "No, I didn't,"

Reficul sighed and swopped Nyge into his arms. The crying stopped in an instant.

"Nyge, you know that’s no way to talk to newcomers."

“B Bu-but w-we we e.”

“That’s not a proper word we use to describe others.”

“H-he he,” something close to a growl left his lips as he panted for air, overcome with emotion.

“Breath Nyge, I can’t understand you.”

“He h-hit me.”

"Can’t prove it," Maomai planted his face in his brother’s leg.

"Maomai, this is a new school and you should be making friends, not enemies. You aren’t allowed to have enemies until you're my age or older."

"I didn't do anything," Maomai stomped his foot.

"Go stand in the corner until you are willing to play nice," Elasma growled. Maomai froze, walking into the corner and leaning his head against the wall.

Reficul set Nyge down. “Go apologize when he gets out of the corner. If he ever hits you again, you know who to tell.”

Nyge nodded, walking halfway into the room, watching Maomai as he stayed stock still in the corner.

"Was all of that necessary?"

“He’ll stand there until he’s too tired to care, that’s the only way to get an apology out of him.”

“How long does he stand there?”

“Until he feels like moving or falls asleep.”

“Of course you’d let him fall asleep in the corner.”

“He likes the corner; no one bothers him. He’s comfortable there; when he’s comfortable, he doesn’t hit or break things.”

"He’s a child, he knows very little about the world. One day, he will be forced to learn; now his mistakes are excusable. You can’t let him get complicit in comfort."

"Reficul, Mr. Okumura has requested your presence," Yuri said softly, appearing behind them.

"I will be right there," Reficul said with a swift nod, heading down the hall.

"So you must be Elasma. I have heard quite a lot about you," Yuri said happily.

"I am sure you have," Elasma spoke softly, hanging his head in shame.

"Chin up, little one, it’s only overwhelming at the start. You will be caught up in no time," Yuri explained, waving him to follow after her. "It does get better, and seeing as you worked so hard last night, I am willing to make a deal with you. If you help me out with the kids for six hours a week, I will help you with your work. Do we have a deal?"

"Why are you helping me?” Elasma asked softly about the act of kindness.

"Studying can only teach you so much; experience is better in my opinion. After all, Reficul is only the top student because he’s Mr. Okumura’s pupil," Yuri replied happily.

"Alright, Ms. Egin, I will help you."

"Splendid Silbi is also working today; she can show you the ropes. Don’t be afraid to ask if you have any questions," Yuri smiled as Silbi entered the room.

"Right this way.”

The two or so hours went by smoothly, and the children were far more engaging than he had anticipated. Once the shift ended, the two left with the bagged dinners Yuri forced into their hands and began their trip back to the dorm.

"I have heard a lot about you, Elasma," Silbi said, breaking the icy tension.

"Ms. Egin said the same thing, was is it you are all hearing?" Elasma asked in pure curiosity.

"You seem willing to learn, though you are a bit overwhelmed by your work," Silbi laughed. "Such is the plight of new students,"

"Ms. Egin told me that much," Elasma sighed.

"Getting on her good side was a smart move. Having an Angel on your side is the best play you can make. The professors will expect more from you but will be more willing to help.”

"Thanks. Silbi was it?" Elasma replied happily.

"Yeah, you catch onto names quickly.”.

"How long have you been working with Ms. Egin?"

"Years ago, she was the one who rescued me.”

“How does she balance this and saving others?”

"Time works differently for them, and she gets help from students."

“So much for no assistant.”

“Reciful went over chapter five with you?”

“He gave me an overview.”

“Well, the book is technically right, we aren’t their servants or assistants, we are volunteers serving others by their example. We serve the same ones they serve, and we are helping not employed workers. But I agree the wording is rather silly, the professors and the books love to use so many words to describe such simple things.”

"Could you help me study later? You have a lot of information that I am lacking; in return, I could tell you how to get into Maomai's circle.”

"Using your brother to get info?"

"My brother is difficult. It’s better if he’s not breaking toys or other children. It’s a fair trade and will make both our lives easier.”

"You are one good negotiator, it is a deal then," Silbi chuckled.

Yukio was upright in his chair, and Reficul sat across from him, leaning in to listen.

"I know he has an ego; he faced some hardships in this life. In his previous life, he endured more than most can ever comprehend. It’s important you stay on good terms with him; if he fails, it will reflect poorly on you. You are my pupil. If you are to join our ranks, you need to act with more benevolence; helping him will only help you more. ”

"I understand.”

“What are you talking about? He’s doing a better job than I thought he would. Give the kid a break.” Shiro strode into the room, resting his arm on Yukio’s chair.

“No, Mr. Okumura is right, I’ve let my ego get in the way of my kindness. I should rise above his pettiness. Is there anything you request of me?”

“You have done a good job of watching over him,” Shiro added. “Please continue to guide him; he is pursuing a noble goal, inspire him, and lead him.”

“Of course, I thank you for your time.”

“Stay safe, and go get dinner. I’ll sign off your service hours for today.”

“Thank you, Mr. Okumura,” Reficul left, closing the door softly behind him.

“I can’t tell if the new egos get along better or worse than the originals,” Shiro sighed.

“They do seem to nip at each other more than the others. Silbi and Elasma get along far better than the originals; Reficul is even warming up to Maomai. Maybe we should have brought him sooner.”

“You really want another Reficul running around? I think Rin is right, they needed time to grow and learn about the open world. Elasma needed time to feel smart; he’s driven now, and he has someone to prove his worth to.”

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea for them to be at each other’s throats again.”

“Rin mentioned that, while they were conflicting in the old world, it wasn’t a fight between the two of them that destroyed it. They aren’t fighting a war; they are competing for servanthood."

“They will be fine, Yuki. We are here to watch over them.” Shiemi stepped into the room.

"You got back early," Yukio glanced at his wrist, checking his watch.

"Negations between the northern tribes and the states went over just fine; I was barely even needed. I feel like all I really did was witness the signature," Shiemi blushed.

"Don’t sell yourself short, your very presence puts everyone at ease, they were only their best behavior because you were around,” Shiro pat her on the shoulder as he left the room.

Reficul was walking back from the library, books in hand. His mind was dragging; the junior classes picked the library right after dining to begin their group science projects. It was wonderful, he recalled those days fondly, but the juniors were still learning volume control alongside the properties of water.

The walk back was peaceful until voices began to echo outside. His head lifted to find a rather stomach-churning idea. Silbi was happily walking next to Elasma in the courtyard.

The two were far too dangerous to be put together. Sibli was too connected to him to be laughing next to Elasma. He gripped the edge of his books.

Mr. Okumura had told him to be kinder, more patient with the newcomer. Perhaps Ms. Egin instructed Silbi to do the same; she couldn’t bear to see a student left behind. Still, the closeness the ease that flowed in their interactions- it prickled at his skin.

"Are you Re-rrr-call?" A soft voice asked, tugging at his pants.

“Maomai, what brings you out here?" Reficul knelt, getting eye level with the boy.

"He left without saying goodbye.” Maomai lifted his arm, pointing his finger, which barely reached the ledge of the window.

“He doesn’t need to say goodbye; he will see you again very soon.”

Maomai stomped his foot, crossing his arms. Behind his footprint was a solid dust mark on the carpet.

“I understand you are angry, but stomping your foot only makes you look foolish. If you ask nicely, I can try and get your brother to see you more often.”

Maomai stiffened, retracting his leg. “Nice is bad.”

“Kindness is a wonderful tool. It’s hard to pretend at first, but soon you will get used to it.”

“Brother tells me to pretend… I’m not good.”

“Then please allow me to teach you. The more I see you, the more your brother will, too.”

“Okay,” Maomai nodded.

“Now let’s go back to the room.”

As the sun set on the horizon and the students began pouring back into the dorms, the Angels convened. Another meeting, and Rin was oddly late.

"I am worried about them... If they find out, how would he react?" Shiemi whispered.

"Reficul is rather even-tempered, even if he found out he way be fine. I’m more worried about he others, only Elasma and Silbi are aiming for the same path as him, but I fear the others will soon follow. Only Roastar has shown interest in a different path; even then, he is easily swayed." Yukio reclined in his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Our lord is fine," Shiro announced, entering the room before Rin.

“I hope you don't mind, we began early,"

"Not at all. The points you bring up are fair. As for the other lingering concerns, I find it good that Reficul and Elasma are competing. Neither has dipped into any shortcuts, and they are finding new reasons to push on and achieve their goals. It’s admirable. They are making new connections and exploring life; it’s truly remarkable," Rin added, sitting at the head of the table.

"They bicker more than we did.”

"They are getting used to each other, honestly, it’s preferable to how they were back then. It was bows and pleasantries exchanged across dagger-point. At the very least, they are readable; we do not need to encourage secrecy between them," Rin paused, tracing a claw along the wooden grain of the table. "The time to educate them on Mephisto and Lucifer is coming soon."

The silent reminder made the air go still.

"I want to be part of the process of telling them,” Yuri stood.

“Very well, any other volunteers?”

Shiro and Yukio shared a glance, and Shura looked to Rin. Shiemi stayed silent.

“We can stand guard.”

“We can watch over the school, just in case.” Shura nodded to Shiemi.

"Wonderful, it seems settled then. If anything were to go astray, I and I alone will handle it. I cannot allow any of you to be harmed."

Chapter Text

"There, I helped with your stupid homework, now tell me about your brother," Silbi said happily, pushing the papers out of her face.

"Fine," Elasma sighed. "Maomai loves sweets even though he never shows it. Strawberry is his favorite flavor."

“What type of sweets?”

“Hard candies mostly, he doesn’t like the feeling of gummies.”

"Well, well, well, look who it is," Reficul approached the pair with Maomai relaxed in his arms.

"What are you doing with him?"

“His class let out for the day, and the hall monitors are busy with their science projects tonight. Roastar walked Nyge, so I took Maomai.”

"That is my brother; you are in no position to get between me and my family. Got that? Don't ever touch him again," Elasma jumped up, ripping Maomai from his arms.

“I was just doing my job. He needs more help than you alone can give him.”

"Get out.” His voice dropped, his eyes went cold, and the air hissed through his teeth as he spoke.

Maomai’s face twisted as the grip around him tightened.

"Reficul, why would you say that?" Silbi stood up.

“If he was so uncomfortable with someone else carrying him back then, why wasn’t he there to pick up his brother? He can’t be an island here; he’s barely taking care of himself. He can’t be worrying so much about someone else.”

“He’s still new, you should have told him!”

“You’ve been here with him all afternoon. Why should it fall to me every time to tell him every little thing?”

“I can’t believe you.”

Reficul looked to Elasma, his eyes dark.

“See you tomorrow then. If you can make it to class.” He slammed the door behind him as he left.

Silbi turned to Elasma, who set Maomai down. She moved over, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"He shouldn’t have done that, or said that.”

Elasma quirked a small smile. Her hand was warm, familiar.

“He doesn’t know a damn thing about kids. Especially my brother. Hell, a sorry was deserved. What in his brain made him think doubling down was smart?”

“He’s good at books, not people.”

“Clearly.”

Time ticked by slower; it was nice getting to trust someone again. She reminded him of the old woman in a strange sort of way, the same protective nature. She was growing into a good friend, the closest thing he had to a sister.

"Hey, I need to show you something. I think you are going to like it." Sibli walked to the door.

“Maomai, you know where our room is from here.”

“Yes,”

“Good, I’ll come tuck you in tonight.”

Silbi was first out the door, but she cast a glance over her shoulder at Maomai. Words started to form on her lips, but died in her throat. She cleared her throat, then smiled, walking deeper into the hallway.

Elasma slipped out the door, following Silbi.

As they continued to walk aimless conversation started to spark. Sibli flipped her hair from side. “I gotta say you are nice to be around, you’re cool... To be clear, I mean as a friend."

Elasma chuckled. "Good, I could only see you as a sister."

"Yeah, we are going to get along perfectly," Silbi smiled. "Well, here we are, my secret hideout. My secret place when I don't want to deal with the dorms and all the littles."

The pair had arrived at a door. Silbi twisted the knob and flipped on the lights. "Tada," She opened he door, revealing a fully furnished pink room.

"How did you score this place?"

"Well, this used to be an old storage room. When renovations happened, it couldn't be turned into anything useful, so I asked Ms. Egin, and she let me have it," Silbi explained, plopping down on the closest couch. "Extra circulars and a building class led to this. Most of these are old sets from the theater program or things I made using extra fabric,"

"You did a really good job with this. May I sit down?"

"Make yourself comfortable.”

Elasma nodded and sat down on the pink bean bag.

"I write for the school newspaper from time to time. It’s a good way to make friends, everyone has something to say, even if it’s not their secrets they're sharing. I think you’d like it.”

“It sounds fascinating, but I’m far too behind to even consider it now.”

“Well, it’s here for you whenever you are ready. It helps you meet a lot of people. It really helps you learn about the school.”

“Something I don’t understand in the class separation.”

“It’s done by age group.”

“Yeah, I get that much, but why do the hall monitors walk the kids back to their dorms?”

“It depends, some of the little ones live in the dorms and some live in the Capitol nearby, some will sleep here on weekdays but go home on weekends, some are here all week like you and me, and some go home each night. It’s rather easy to look after the little ones, so the hall monitors are given the task of making sure everyone makes it to their proper place. The little ones struggle with concepts of time, so they need guidance on where to go when. The next few weeks are going to be awkward since most hall monitors will be busy working on their projects.”

“You keep saying hall monitors- what are those?”

“It’s the 11-14-year-olds, they have the responsibility of managing running and traffic in the hallway and leading the little’s to their classes and homes at the end of the day. They only exist in the junior school. I’m technically a hall monitor.”

“Technically?”

“I’m not old enough to be in the senior school yet, but I’m taking a few senior-level classes. So I have split duties.”

“This school is strange.”

“It is, but strange in a good way. I’m glad to call this my home.”

Reficul walked along the hall; he passed his door twice now. His mind was too loud right now; he was too stressed to study.

"Reficul, you seem unwell. Are you feeling alright?" Yuri stopped as he rounded the corner

"I... I fear I made a grave mistake." Reficul said softly, head hanging low.

Yuri wrapped a wing around Reficul, leading him to her office.

"Did something happen after you took Maomai?"

"I don’t know what I did wrong. I took Maomai to his brother after he begged me to, and then Elasma lashed out at me."

"I see."

"He told me to never touch his brother again. All I did was bring him safely back to the dorms; he knew my face. You saw him, he didn’t want to go with anyone else.”

“You were a wonderful help today. Both boys are struggling to adapt, but I will speak with Elasma and make sure he understands he is not his brother’s keeper. Maomai is Lord Rin’s child; we are his guardians. You are safe to be around any child; Maomai is no different. He hears you, even if he doesn’t always listen. Please keep working with him; this afternoon, he showed promising signs. As for his brother… Would it help if I offered an explanation of his actions, for future knowledge?”

“It couldn’t hurt.”

“He cares deeply about his brother, he’s afraid of him being hurt and-” Yuri perked up, pausing as she lifted from her seat. “I will be right back.”

She left the office, not a step out of the door; her words were clear. “Maomai, dear, are you lost?”

“No, I’m going to my room.”

“Your room is on a different floor. Can you come with me real quick? I will have a friend walk you there.”

His soft footsteps shuffled next to hers. Reficul held the door as they came into the room.

Maomai stepped back.

“It’s alright, no one will be getting trouble if he walks you. We all just want to make sure you are safe, okay?”

Maomai nodded.

“I wanted to apologize if I scared you. I lost my composure; it was rude and wrong of me. Can you forgive me?”

Maomai stared for a moment, he slowly nodded.

“Wonderful, we can continue this talk after you return.”

“Of course, thank you, Ms. Egin.”

“Thank you, Reficul. Remember I’m here for all of you.”

Chapter Text

Slowly, the days began to merge; the busy work sucked away Elasma’s time, and days blended into weeks with ease. He saw Silbi more and more; it was easy to learn from her. Her social chains were slowly becoming his. Maomai was growing as well; he seemed to smile more, he spoke with the other children, and he even learned to say please and thank you. It pained him to not spend as much time with his brother, but Maomai seemed to be doing just fine.

It was nice here; clean, comfortable, and safe. He couldn't wish anything more for his brother. Even if Maomai was growing distant, they were still brothers; he still saw him from time to time. He spent years worrying; distance seemed to be good for now. 

He was sorting supplies in the art area when Maomai’s class poured in. He waited for his brother to come rushing to him, but as the moment slipped by, every student took their seat; his leg remained untouched. He found his brother sitting in the front row, staring at the door. The teacher came into the room with Reficul behind her. 

Maomai perked up, lifting his shoulders. The teacher did her normal introduction of the project, and soon it lay on the volunteers to pass out the supplies and assist when needed. Reficul moved silently, grabbing a bin and placing it in the first few tables. Maomai grabbed his sleeve. 

“Can you help us?”

“I’m here to help everyone. Call out for me if you need anything.”

“We need help now.”

Reficul chuckled. “Alright, I will come help you get started once I finish passing out the bins.”

Maomai nodded, folding his hands on top of the table. 

His mind flashed to the months prior when Ms. Egin called Elasma aside. She mentioned she admired how protective he was of his younger brother. 

“You and your brother have endured hardships most can never understand. I have seen thousands of souls suffer, and I know what it takes to heal them. I ask for your faith and understanding to do what is best for your brother.”

“Of course, I could never doubt you.”

“Please, Elasma, focus on your own growth; your brother is safe in our hands.”

Reficul finished before he did, coming to sit across from his brother and the rest of the classmates at the table. He began with simple steps, spelling out the process. The other tables watched quietly, following each step as he laid it out.

His mind started to blur.

Maomai was smiling, laughing, and his feet were still under the table. He was interested, engaged. When did he change so much?

Silbi disrupted the room as he opened the door. Recifucl didn’t even spare a glance, continuing to speak, a few of the children’s gazes lingered on her a second more before returning to Reficul. 

She took the edges of the classroom, worming her way to Elasma. She leaned over, shielding her mouth from the classroom with her hand. 

"His highness is coming to the academy very soon!" Silbi whispered through her smile.

"He is? That’s great, but why?”

"No one is quite sure; there’s a rumor something big is about to happen.”

The next day, Elasma sat in class, his mind slowly fading into nothing. Then the usual announcements began; the voice was different this time, too low-pitched to be any student.

"His royal highness will be visiting the academy today. Everyone is expected to be on their best behavior. Attire for the assembly is your school uniforms. The assembly will be held in the great hall; the doors close at 5 pm, and no one is permitted entry after that deadline."

Then the voice cut out, and the normal announcements began as normal.

The teacher looked up at the speakers, waiting for them to finish before continuing. "Now that we have finished chapter 20, we will be moving on to our next project. Now this topic has received special permission from his highness to be given to this class and this class only. We will be covering the last Gehenna Assiah war of the old world."

The classroom became a buzz, voices lit up all around the room, gasps and comments filled the air. Reficul’s eyes widened, and Elasma leaned in closer.

“Quiet down. Everyone will be assigned their topic. Because the knowledge around the world is so heavily guarded, everyone will be put into pairs, and research must be done together. By the end of this project, you should demonstrate an understanding of the major goals of each side of the war, as well as detail the how, what, when, where, and why of your topic’s involvement and impact on the war. Because of the delicate nature of this topic, we will be dedicating three weeks to it, and research should be conducted in and outside of class. The library has already been informed and will give you the needed primary sources to complete this project."

Chatter spread about the room once more.

The only documents surviving from the old world came directly from His Majesty; all the sources would be from direct interviews or taken from his private collection.

“I will call you up one by one to collect your topics. If you do not hear your name called, wait until the end and come see me.”

Elasma relaxed in his chair. Most lists had him set as last since he had arrived later than all the other students. At times it felt rude, as if he was an afterthought, but it was nice, he knew he wouldn’t have to listen aimlessly while everyone else was called up.

“Reficul and Elasma, you are my first pair.”

Reficul slid to his feet, and Elasma stumbled after.

As they approached the desk, the teacher’s hand hesitated as it passed over the paper. 

“Please find new seats so that you two can work closer together. If either of you has questions about this topic, do not be afraid to ask. Remember, you were chosen for a reason. I have faith that the two of you will complete this to the best of your abilities.”

Reficul gathered his belongings, finding a pair of seats in the back, and the teacher continued calling names. Reficul took a seat as Elasma collected his things, following Reficul to the back. He tossed his stuff down, taking a seat. Reficul was frozen, eyes locked on the paper he held in his hands.

“What’s the matter?”

Reficul set the paper down between them. Elasma leaned over. The black inked words sent ice through his veins. 

The demonic kings of light, space/time: Lucifer and Samael. 

He almost wanted to burn the paper. Such names were nearly forbidden. His highness never directly forbade them, but there was a clear danger in even their names. They were created from the old world; they were the vice and sin that poisoned the world. They were the founders of the war that destroyed the world. In their immortal lives, they killed trillions of souls. That is all that their textbooks covered; it was all they needed to say. 

The demon kings were exactly that, demonic false gods. Some were foolish enough to try and worship them in the new world. It never ended well; either the public or an angel put an end to it. The churches were reaching with very little knowledge, bits and pieces told to a select few over thousands of years. From that spawned bizarre, fatal rituals.

Human sacrifice was always something they too quickly jumped to. It is precisely because of the horrid behavior of these so-called churches that the knowledge became hidden.

“No wonder the teacher was so freaked out.”

“I don’t understand, why would the teacher choose us?” Reficul mumbled. “What did we do to earn this fate?”

“It’s probably because we are both at the top of the class, I guess we are trusted to put work into it.”

“We are both tied to the campus, leaving way for more late nights in the library.”

“Ms. Egin may have recommended us.”

“She wouldn’t do such a thing.”

“Well, she trusts us.”

“Of course, you don’t get it.”

“Don’t get what?”

“These demonic kings only came into existence because of people’s belief in them. By doing this project, we might as well be trying to summon them,” Sweat began to drip down Reficul’s forehead. 

“I’m sure it’s not that big of a deal, so what if they come back? I’m sure his holy highness can take care of them, no problem.”

“You can’t understand. It’s unfair for me to expect you to get it.”

“Well then, let’s go to the library. There are still a few hours before his holiness is supposed to give his speech. We can get started on this.”

“We need an outline before we begin.”

“How about this, we both write a page or so of a speech on the king and their impact, and then join them together at the end?”

“That could work, but we may want to consider a different format. From what I recall, there is a lot to the story of the kings; it is not easily described on paper.”

“We can figure it out.”

The library was silent this time of day, perfect for their work. Elasma went to the front desk, easily handing the paper over to the librarian, whose face grew grim as she nodded softly. Reficul kept glancing over his shoulder, jumping at every little sound. His tall posture seemed to shrink ever since he read those names.

Reficul seemed to relax once they sat down and began to research, though he turned each page with a careful stiffness. 

Elasma threw his head back and groaned. Every few seconds, he would sigh. 

“Is something the matter?”

"This is too hard, the time king has way too many names, is he Loki? Samael? Mephisto? How could someone so powerful be so indecisive?"

Reficul flinched at each of the names. He sighed and straightened in his chair, pushing over the papers he was reading.  "The light king is easier to track through the old history. If you want, I can focus on the king of space and time if you want the light king."

"Sure, I'll take the stronger one, he seems more interesting anyway,” Elasma took the paper with glee.

Reficul seemed to relax with the exchange. "His powers are interesting… Be warned, as you are reading, his most relevant history is rather frightening."

‘for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.’

“Well, yeah, he was a demon king.”

“He- just be warned as you read. He finished some rather cruel work that the time king had begun.”

After hours, Elasma looked down at his writing; his page was filled, and his hand burned from the writing. Yet, his notes seem foreign, more detailed and more complex than the texts he read.

‘Lucifer simply does not understand, his vision of a perfect world is what he dreams, but this life is not a wispy dream. This is reality, life, death, joy, and sorrow. His perfect world is nothing but a false reality he desires, so much he believes it to be plausible. When in fact, It is impossible, no world is "perfect," by his standards. A "perfect" world is in fact the worst world out there, chaos is embedded with the very design of life, if you remove that elemental aspect that you lose everything enjoyable. What’s the point of powers if you can’t use them? His body, mind and soul were corrupted long ago. His endless pursuit of a body has granted him nothing. He has only invited more ire, he signed his will in tampering with the life of Izumo Kamiki. Truly his pursuit of a suitable host is understandable, but at such a high cost one must consider how damaged his mind was. Did he ever consider the lives he destroyed? Is that why in later years he planned to remove all life, to shirk the guilt of all the lives sacrificed for his goals?’

The words were as clear as day, yet they seemed so old and familiar. He remembered writing bullet points, not poetry. 

"I think I’ve written all I can for today.” Reficul’s hand was trembling as he set the paper down.

Silbi had mentioned that Reficul never had parents, but he wasn’t found in an orphanage. Sibli had been vague with the details; she kept saying it wasn’t her place to share before she continued. Whatever happened before he arrived here was unholy in nature and rather cruel by description, from what he read on Lucifer, which seemed to be the motto of his organization. Could it be possible that the two were linked? Corrupted churches were rare but…

He glanced over at the page that lay on the table. It too was filled with paragraphs. He had been too busy with his own research to tell, but from the moment his concentration broke, he too could see Reficul writing brief summaries. Although he spent half an hour making an outline, perhaps this was part of it. 

‘ It all spawned from the same desire, understanding comprehension, knowledge beyond common understanding. Greed was always a driving factor. In the early days it was about sensation, a stronger host meant more time spent alive, more time comprehending, processing, sensing. To exist in a mindless void is to be nothing, but with a body you could become everything. Worshipped by thousands was delightful, with powers to slow any traces of rot, existence could be extended for entirety. This world was fascinating, it had to be preserved even if it meant’

The text stopped abruptly.

From the reading, his mind could begin to fill in the gaps.

‘ Even if it meant creating section 13. It made significant progress but brought about disaster .’

There was still much to read, but they were starting to approach the changes or erased names in the text, only brief mentions of people who had some level of importance in the war and in the ending of the world.

"We should get some food before the assembly," Reficul said, packing his things.

"See you there.” 

The air was still and calm, and the students waited in excitement for the appearance of their god.  Soon, the air grew heavy and full, light poured down from the clouds above, and the birds went silent. A calmness fell over the air, power lingered all encompassing, intoxicating. 

Everyone fell to their knees as Rin climbed the stairs to his platform.

"Rise, students," Rin said softly. "I wanted to congratulate all of you for facing this year’s challenges. I am proud of every one of you, and proud of all the time you have dedicated to your studies."

The students stood, eyes with open hearts. Rin's voice was an unspoken melody, a song no one could sing, but it was carved into every one of their minds. The way he spoke and moved was nothing short of pure elegance.

His soft voice lulled on and on, but it did not bore a single soul in the crowd; every glimpse of their god was heavily and a blessing. "As for those of you seeking a noble goal, I have arranged for entrance tests to be at the end of the semester. This may come as a surprise to many of you, but I have full faith that whoever completes the trials will be suited for their future roles.” 

Murmurs began in the crowd.

There hadn't been a new angel in over two decades!

Currents began to rip around the stage, and confusion spread throughout the crowd.

He stopped talking? But why?

Rin stepped off the platform, he began walking over to the barrier and tapped on it softly, the protective casing around his territory had hidden a group of shadows. The malformed shape conslused in his presence, shrieking as if formed mishapened grotesque mockeries of the human form. 

"We can sense him," The form hissed. “Give him over to us.”

"Yukio, Sheimi, get the students safe inside.” He looked on with a sigh. Behind him, the students began to shuffle, wipers and soft cries escaping the lips of the unlucky few who saw the mass of incomprehensible matter. "Shura, Shiro, you know what to do.”

The angels appeared and went straight to their tasks.

The barrier was lifted, and the battle began. The mass gave way to his flames. Small particles that tried to break away and flee started to pollute the air. Shura and Shiro captured the particles, throwing them into the flame or destroying them in their typical fashion. 

Shura easily cut through the separated mass, her sword shattering the interconnecting forces and separating the impures, leaving behind dust. Shiro summoned fire from his lips, spitting verses that cut through the cursed mound as the fire reduced it to ash. Once the main body was destroyed, the two angels swept the ash into the blue flames, removing any trace of the demon entirely. 

"Kingg’s I must ser-” Its dying words grated on the ears, finally leaving the world with a shriek. 

Rin turned to the angels and nodded. With a snap, they were gone. The students clapped in his absence, and a few rushed out as Yukio and Shiemi reopened the doors. 

Rin strode down the polished halls, his cape flowing behind him, his tail flicking side to side. Arriving at his vault, he felt a rush of peace. He opened the door, stepping inside. To anyone else, even the angels’ opening this door would lead to an abyss, an empty space. But for him and him alone, this was a vault. A place unaffected by time. It held all of his memories of the past. With a token of memories of all the kings, his friends from long ago, and his parents. Most of the things here he had to create. He would never even show them to Yuri and Shiro; they knew the full truth, but even so, some things would be better left unsaid and unknown. 

He sat next to the small pedestal below the portrait of the purple-haired king, with the familiar cunning, toxic green eyes.

“It's becoming more common. I feared this day would come.” He shook his head. “No, I feared you would return, and the rest of your siblings. They are unlike you, unburdened by those endless centuries of suffering. Sealing their demonic nature has done wonders for them, although I fear the time has come to reveal the truth to your new ego and Lucifer's.” 

He stared at the adjacent painting, Lucifer his soft blonde hair, tired eyes. He had been waiting for death for so long, he finally obtained his perfect peace. “They aren't your souls reborn, just new concepts. It's hard to fully accept that you are dead. In a way, I wish it were you, at least then I would get to fight demons I could recognize, not just some strange conglomeration of mass. I guess I could give it a few years.” 

“No, I couldn’t, if they turned against me, I would have to destroy them, and start the whole process over. I don’t think I’ll have to. Yukio, Yuri, they have them eating out of the palms of their hands… You would be disgusted. I guess it’s fitting. You all saw so much change yet could never see the full future; none of you knew how it would end. Ominpentence isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”

Yet the humans kept creating ideas, even from the little he shared; they formed new ideas, new egos, and concepts that slipped back into the world. It was at least delayed, but still, the kings were on the verge of remerging. But they were never gods. Lucifer’s followers were fools. They followed that insane man into a bonfire and thought nothing of it.

“This is going to be hard for them, but it’s the best path forward.” He groaned, his tail cutting through the air as it danced about. “This sucks. Why do I always get stuck with the hard tasks when you get to be up there with everyone else?” 

--- 

The children were taken home for the day, and Elasma and Reficul were once again the in the library. Reficul was pacing, no matter what he did, every time he went to read or write another word, an indescribable sense poured over him. It was almost as if death itself had embedded itself in those pages. 

Even Elasma was finding distractions. He hadn’t noticed it before, but he had earned a few paper cuts from their reading before; now the cuts were occurring more frequently and becoming deeper. He suddenly found an inspiration to go study for all his other courses as the last pages he turned caused blood to cover half the page. 

When Reficul took a seat, all he did was stare at the pages; not a single word seemed to be comprehended behind his glassy eyes.

“This is pointless,” he finally broke, looking over to Elasma. “We aren’t any closer to completing this project.”

“Well, I’m not sure what to do. I don’t think I'll survive turning another page; these documents must be cursed.”

“The library wouldn’t hand us cursed papers without warning; this has to be a sign.”

“Should we switch which king we are reading about again?”

“No, we need to find a different source.” Reficul packed his things, gathering the papers and returning them to the front desk.

Elasma followed after. “A source from where exactly? No one else knows about the kings. Everything that has been said before is right here.” 

“ Mr. Okumura said all the Angels were a family, the angels should know everything his holiness has said about the kings so far. He likely knows even more than the public.”

“How likely is he to meet you?”

“His door is always open to me.”

“Showoff.”

“As his pupil, he will be understanding of our circumstances. He will understand.”

Yukio was sitting comfortably in his desk chair, hair tussled by the chaos of the day. The only lights on in his office were the candles scattered about the room.

“The demon kings of light and time? Did the library not give you the papers you needed?”

“They did, I apologize for wasting your time with this, we have encouraging difficulties… I have been finding it hard to read about the-” He sighed. “The mistreatment of many people.”

Yukio’s face softened, and he nodded. “I would love to save this for another time, but I understand the pressure you are both under.” He straightened in his seat. “It seems you already know some of the story.”

Reficul handed over their papers. Yukio took them, scanning them over.

“These aren’t even drafts; it’s just the notes we have compiled so far.”

Yukio’s brow furrowed. 

“You read directly from the texts while writing these?”

“Your holiness, we were delirious after class. I don’t even remember writing half of mine. I thought it was being organized and making perfect sense, but I clearly wasn’t thinking right.” Elasma spoke with his hands, emphasizing his words as he spoke.

“You don’t need to be so formal, Mr. Okumura will be just fine… Did something go wrong in class today?”

Elasma glanced down at his hands. “Oh no, funny story, I kept getting paper cuts when we were reading. The last one was pretty bad.”

“I see. Well, my knowledge of such a topic is limited, as those documents are. It’s been some years since I even read them. I can give you a verbal summary of what I can recall. Sometimes next week, I can verbalize the rest to help you finish your project.”

“Thank you, Mr. Okumura.”

“Of course, I assume you have your notepad ready?”

They both nodded. 

By the end of three pages of neatly arranged notes lined on their pages, the two boys left the rooms with smiles biting at their lips and heart in their steps. 

Yukio stepped into Rin’s office, standing in front of the desk. “The tests need to be moved up; they already know. It won’t be long until their subconscious reaches out, and it becomes undeniable.”

“It will happen at the end of the year, is that not soon enough?”

Yukio shook his head. “It’s not my place to demand this of you, so I beg. Please push it up as far as you can. They are in denial, but I am unsure of how long that can protect them. They are more connected to the past than even I am; they recall things even I cannot- they just don’t realize yet that they are remembering."

“Of course, thank you for this suggestion.”

It was finally time.

Chapter Text

The teacher stood before the class, her hands grasping the news. “I understand this is sudden. If you plan to take part in the entrance tests, you will be exempt from the project and the final. From here on out, anyone taking the entrance test will be excused from class to prepare. Before you leave, remember your decisions are due to the dean’s office by the end of today. It has been a pleasure teaching you all this semester.”

Elasma left in silence; the room around him was buzzing. As he walked, he got a few winks and giggles. The oldest of the junior classes was getting tours. The young teens refused to believe the most popular girl in their grade had no romantic involvement with the strangely handsome Elasma. They were quite incorrect, however, that hardly stopped the rumors.

He settled into the plush pink cushion, shuffling through his notes aimlessly. "Could you remind me what the entrance tests are exactly? I thought I already took it."

"This is a different kind of test; it’s what they use to determine if you can become an Angel. If you pass, then you begin your training almost instantly and join the holy ranks. It’s been years since one has happened. We are told stories about each glorious ascension, each one full of trials and tribulations.”

"If it takes years for it to open, then I don’t see why they couldn’t have let us know sooner that it was happening."

“Rumor is that is what his highness was going to announce before the assembly was cut short.”

“I could figure that much out. But why then- Never mind. I only have a few days to prepare for this. Do you know what all goes into it?”

“There are a lot of rumors. No one knows the last person who ascended was Mr. Okumura, and he has been very secretive about the process.”

“How many applied last time?”

“The records aren’t clear. It was almost a hundred years ago now, so no one is sure of anything.”

“Are you taking the exam?”

Silbi shook her head.

“I don’t think I can compete against Reficul. Don’t get me wrong, you would make a great angel, but Reficul. I’ve known him for years; he’s been training forever for this chance. ”He’s miles ahead of me in his studies and his knowledge. You’ve seen him, he volunteers more than us, is an assistant to almost every teacher, goes to all the office hours, spends hours studying, and still gets better grades and more sleep than us. He’s on a different level.”

All that came to Elasma’s mind was the tremble in Reficul’s hand as he read deeper into the texts, or the way his eyes would narrow when he scored anything below a 95%. He could almost hear the soft stutters, his unplanned breaks, and imperfections in his speech. He always noticed when Reficul’s hair was ruffled, when the bags under his eyes were too pale and puffy, no amount of pigment could hide his stress. He wasn’t nearly as good as everyone thought he was; he was a plain liar hiding behind a mask of perfection.

“I think you have a fighting chance for sure. You should go for it, you passed your last entrance test with flying colors.”

"Well, that is reassuring.”

"Speaking of which, I can take your Thursday shift so you can get proper rest, if you take mine."

"That should be fine. When is your shift?”

"Now," Silib said, hopping to her feet.

"What?"

"You are going to be worrying in no time. Take a few hours to spend some time with your brother. It won't hurt.”

"I suppose so.”

Something began to crawl in his stomach, slopping down the side of his gut as he walked. Maomai looked so happy sitting next to Reficul; he barely wanted anything to do with him anymore. He smiled at him now, but nowadays he smiled at everyone. He stopped running up to Elasma; he barely did anything other than ask a few questions and then leave. They hardly even felt like brother anymore.

The two walked in tandem. As they arrived, Silbi went to Yuri. "Elasma and I are switching shifts."

"Oh my, why the sudden change? Is everything alright?”

“Yes, he’s just going to need to rest before the entrance test.”

“Oh, wonderful, I hoped you would be applying for it, Elasma.”

“It’s only because of you I feel I have a chance.”

“Well, I know you will do your best no matter what happens.”

“Yes. If I can ask Ms. Egin, what happens during the test?”

She put a finger to her lips. “That’s a secret. It may be a lot, but I know you can overcome it.”

Silbi left with a smirk.

“I am glad the two of you switched, just in time, too. I was about to call for you. I need your help with Maomai. No one has been able to get him out of the corner since naptime. He won’t respond to any of us.”

The stiffened silence, the soft, shallow breaths, and the sounds were all too familiar as they walked into the playroom.

"We believe he had a nightmare. Whenever we have tried to move him, he has reverted to his old behavior. We believe you may be able to help us calm him.”

Elasma nodded and walked to the corner. Maomai’s head was against the wall, his eyes wide, tears slipping out, dampening the floor beneath him. He slid to his knees, his back against the wall. He curled his legs in front of him.

He used to sit with him for hours like this. This was one of the big emotions, one he still couldn’t explain, especially to a mind so simple. He would be there until Maomai was ready.

"I’m here," he said, barely above a whisper. He glanced at the door, and Yuri was gone. No one else was in the room.

"The man hurt you."

"Don't worry about that, no one can touch us here.”

“They touched my dreams.”

“I know, I’m sorry.”

"Please don't leave."

"I am not leaving, don't you worry.”

"Promise?"

"Promise."

The echoes of the past whispered through the siblings. It was so tangible, almost as if it were a memory, but at best it was a dream or their imagination. The fragile memories of their past would remain coated in trauma forever; there was no fixing what had happened. They just had to move on, burying their past with whatever regrets and old minds that followed them.

"They touched my dream," he moved his head, bumping it against the wall.

“Don’t do that, you’ll have to apologize to the wall.”

“The wall is dumb.”

“Walls are dumb, but even they don’t deserve to be headbutted, okay?”

“Where is Reficul?”

The hairs along his spine raised. “He’s busy, just like Silbi is right now. Don’t you worry, I am here to keep you safe.”

Maomai nodded.

The quiet air was soothing to the pair as slowly they calmed and recovered. It was chilling to think what the dream was about. Maomai was mostly just stunned after his dreams. He hadn’t cried over a dream in years.

"Do you want to tell me about the dream?"

"We were in a park. You were standing in front. The man hit you. The woman was angry," Maomai said softly, sniffing as he began.

Elasma frowned. "Is that all?" His voice was gentle.

"A strange man was there. He got mad. It was dark. Then there was a lizard man. You were gone. He was on the grass. A monster was there. It saw me, it tried to eat me. Then it disappeared,"

"Well, that was certainly an interesting dream." Elasma shut his eyes, resting his head against the wall. I promise no monsters will be able to get you as long as I am around," Elasma replied.

"What about the lizard man?"

"I will ask Ms. Egin about the lizard man.”

"Is he safe?"

"I’ll let you know when I find out. But for now, you are safe, as long as I am here."

"Well, I don’t know of any lizard people. But I do have a story about a lizard creature when you are older.”

Maomai lifted his head from the corner, smiling at Yuri.

"I think we are all okay over here," Elasma said with a smile.

Maomai moved to his feet. “Lizard creature,” he muttered as he ran past Yuri and into the next room.

“Thank you for your help. He seems to be in much better spirits.”

“Lizard-man… Did the light king or the space king have any relation to a lizard man?”

“What inspired you to ask such a question?”

“I can’t shake the feeling I read something about a lizardman. He may have been some demon overlord, with big claws and a lizard tail? It may just be my imagination.”

“You need all the rest you can get before the test. Please take the rest of the day for yourself.”

“Ms. Egin, are you sure? I can continue to help.”

“No, we have more than enough people here, and Maomai is in good spirits. You should get all the rest you can.”

“Of course, thank you.”

She watched Elasma leave. Her heart still pounded in her chest. This test couldn’t come soon enough.

Chapter Text

Today was the day; they stood side by side in the courtyard. Streamers lined the halls, hundreds of amateur drawings depicting unclear images of sloppily spelled congratulations and trophies. Everyone was gathered to watch. Among the crowd, Silbi took a comfortable spot with her camera and notepad. Shiemi held Maomai’s and Nyge’s hands. Their arms were both outstretched to the line of participants.

There were just under two dozen, only five were on the angel path, most everyone else was here to get out of finals, but as they stood, the determination started to waver in their stomachs. Reficul gave reassuring glances to the other students he recognised from the Angel path, a few he had even tutored. They looked back at him with a feigned confidence. They all knew the truth; there was no defeating him. Elasma didn’t bother glancing about or looking for the reassurance he would never find. He could hear Reficul’s head turning next to him, but his focus stayed ahead of him. The two of them made a good picture for the front page, but Silbi’s finger flinched over the shutter button. Roastar put a hand on Silbi’s shoulder, giving her a soft nod. She lifted the camera, placing her eye to the window, capturing the image.

Ahead lay a dark void larger than the line, it opened as wide as the tallen amongst them. Facing it, the void seemed endless, but the void only appeared to be an inch in depth from the side. The back was just more darkness, although it appeared closed off.

A clock floated above the void, and the seconds ticked down to noon.

Finally, it went to the last minute.

"Are you nervous?" Reficul asked softly.

"You wish," Elasma scoffed.

Reficul smirked.

The clock ticked down, and as the clock hit noon, it rang out, echoing through the school. Elasma ran to the void, and the others followed after, each one disappearing into the darkness; no one emerged from the other side. Reficul stepped forward, walking into the endless space.

Screams echoed around the abyss. Elasma felt a jolt, his heart fluttering as air began ripping past him. He held his tongue, the stress bubbling in his stomach as his legs danced in the air, treading in no water. Amidst the sound of the rushing air and terror of free-falling, the screams stopped. The surroundings felt empty, dangerous without the noise.

The wind became violent, throwing him around with little regard as his fall morphed into flailing. His heart began to race. Where was he going? He was powerless here. What was this giving him? What sort of twisted game was this? See how quickly he lost hope or lost his mind? Perhaps this was a twisted game of empathy. His heart began to calm, his fall lessened as he extended his arms and legs, and the fall wavered, becoming a steady dive.

Or perhaps it was a game of trust. He stiffened his limbs, allowing the air to glide past him; the air around him grew faster. He had too much to fight for to be dissuaded by some air.

The air froze, he reached out his arm, feeling cold stone beanth his hand. He moved his legs, his feet coming into contact with the ground.

On solid ground once again. He took in a soft exhale as he felt the air calm around him.

It was dark, but he could still see vague outlines of things. He stopped softly listening to the echoes of his shoes. Step after step, confusion blinded him. He had to win, yet he had no idea where he was. He didn't know where he was going either. Was this what happened when he failed? Did he just fail?

No... Their god wasn’t cruel in such a way; he was honest yet sometimes unclear. The test had to be more than falling. He steadied his mind and continued to walk, slowly. The darkness became clear, objects became visible in the lack of light, and it was a maze of sorts. Something in his chest pulled him along the halls until the walls faded out of the darkness and crept into the light. Another pair of shoes joined him in the maze.
He slowed, hesitant to discover who was around the corner. A soft glow of lamp ignited in the room, showing who he was down here with.

"I feared you would be here." Reifucl sighed.

"Nice to see you too," Elasma scoffed. "Where did you get that lamp?"

"Those who have faith are rewarded."

"It's not my fault the floor opened up."

"Perhaps you shouldn’t have assumed there would be a floor.” Reficul shook his head. “Rushing forward isn’t necessarily smart when you aren’t even sure of what you need to do.”

"Alright, oh wise-one, tell me what we are meant to do here?" Elasma asked.

"I’m not sure," he lifted his lamp against the wall, reading the carved words.

“That’s helpful.”

“I am tempted to keep what I have learned to myself, but I have a feeling neither of us will pass if I do.”

“Out with it then.”

“There have been puzzles, each one points to the next direction I need to take, but I am stuck here.”

Elasma stepped forward. The image was a sundial. The design originated from the old world and was brought to the new one in the early days by their god. It was an old clock of sorts; you could read the time by the shadows cast on the surface of the dial. The orientation took time to learn, and without the sun, it was useless.

But a soft buzzing began in his chest, and Elasma stepped back, watching how the light bounced against the surface of the dial.

“Stand here,” Elasma pointed to the 10 o’clock edge of the maze.

Reficul moved over, holding the lamp in front of him. The shadow cast over to XII.

2pm already? It seemed correct, but strangely soon.

He followed the line of the shadow; at the end of the XII line was an arrow point.

The two walked in silence, following the direction of the arrow. Words weren’t needed, nor could they be used. They both knew their intuition couldn’t be described. The light began to eat at the end of his patience; he shut his eyes, following the darkness. His eyelids kept him in complete darkness even as he could feel the heat of the light grow in intensity.

Step after step, Elasma got close to a familiar scent, an odd scent. It smelled of salt and sounded hollow. One step, and he felt himself dip. He fell flat on his back. The ocean was right there, yet he was still inside. The lamp was half as bright as the sun, yet the ocean appeared deep and empty in the darkness. The waves appeared void of life, as if a starless sky was thrashing before them.

A symbol of death, or the beginnings of a new life. Elasma stayed seated, watching the waves. They called to him. He grabbed the sand beneath his hands. The obnoxious light floated over the water, shifting further down the shoreline. It illuminated a boat, one that could be piloted by two; in the foggy distance, he could make out the remnants of an island.

He moved to his feet, following the light to the boat. The two got in, and the boat shifted heavily with each foot that was added.

“Careful,” Reficul hissed, pulling the lantern to his chest, setting the bottom down in his lap. They each grabbed a paddle and began their journey across the dark abyss.

Halfway through, Reficul grew a smirk.

“Sure hope there aren’t any scary demons in the water.”

"Keep joking, you surely won't be laughing when you summon it.”

The water stirred softly, and Elasma froze.

"This is no time to-" Reficul huffed, growing frustrated.

"Shut up and take your paddle out of the water," Elasma whispered sharply.

Slowly, he obeyed, pulling the paddles from the water. He followed Elasma’s gaze to the rocks to the west of the boat. A navy blue slick beat sat on the rocks with glaring yellow eyes. It was mostly covered by the slight fog that had decorated the water.

"The shore doesn’t seem far, if we have enough space between us-”

“I am not getting this lantern wet.”

“Stupid-fine, I’ll swim us to shore. Keep the boat steady and don’t attract that thing’s attention.
Reifcul nodded. Elasma slipped into the cool waters, going unnoticed by the beast that lounged along the rocks. The water itself was strange, almost thick in texture. He pulled the boat along by the small metal tie-off ring in the front. Slowly, they moved through the dark waters, the light steady and undisturbed.

Particles of light drifted away from the lamp as they got closer to shore. Slowly, Elasma’s feet met the sand, and he pushed through the water until a sudden splash caught his attention. He was still a good hundred meters from the shore, and the water was still fairly deep.

The monster was no longer on the rock. 30 meters from the boat in the water, he caught clear glances of the creature. It had slick dark scales, a mouth of fanged teeth, and voidless eyes. It ripped through the water with ease. The light grew brighter as it approached. Elasma started to run, the water softened, moving as air against his legs.

“Keep your eyes forward,” Reficul commanded, standing in the boat.

Elasma fixed his eyes on the shoreline, watching as the island lit up as if it were under the light of the midday sun. Light and heat beat at the parts of his back that lay uncovered by the water.

The claws of the creature never reached him, and soon he reached the shore. Reficul stepped out of the boat; the lamp had dimmed to its original light. The edges of the boat were scorched.

They stepped onto the shore, and before them were two doors. One was yellow, the other purple. Reficul stepped to the yellow door, and Elasma moved to the purple door. They opened their doors at the same time.

The room was heavenly bright, and it held an eternal air of joy and peace. It was bizarre and mystical, it was so calming, everything was vibrant and glowing with exuberance.

"Ah, Elasma, there you are," Yuri said with a smile. "I was just looking for you."

"Ms. Egin. Have I finished the test?" Elasma looked around. “Where are we?"

"You are in his highness's temple," She walked passed him down the glowing aisle. “Your true test is just about to begin.”

"My true test?" He followed her to an altar. She stood behind a covered pillar. She held out her hand, in her palm a strange golden key with red and purple braided into the bow of the key.

With her empty hand, she grabbed at the sheet and pulled it from the pillar.

Elasma took the key from her hand. Below his hand was a bowl of water; he leaned over. In the water was a reflection, a strange colossus of a city, hundreds of buildings buried into the side of a hill, giant roads winding around the hill. A giant bridge extended beyond the small scene before him and connected to the mainland not far from the isolated city.

He blinked, and he was there, the car was slow-moving, inbound to this strange new place, he looked down, he was in some strange new uniform, a tie uncomfortably around his neck. He lifted his head and froze, a pair of sickening green eyes shot through him.

He blinked again, and he was on the roof of one of the buildings, the sun was setting in the distance, and a horned black cat pressed against his leg, purring. Behind him was a trapdoor leading downstairs to the dorms, where Yukio was soundly asleep.

“Hey, Kuro,” his lips moved, but the words weren’t his.

He looked out into the distance. Kuro… The name seemed familiar.

This place, he could remember from his notes. Yes, they mentioned something about an academy, it was the shell of what section 13 had once been, it was the time king’s cover. This was his domain, his strange little playground.

He looked down at his hands, and the skin was rough and calloused. His hair was soft, his ears were pointed, his teeth sharp. Something moved behind him, and he craned over his neck, finding the moving appendage. It was black, leading to a soft tuft at the end.

The light of day began to fade. A cold chuckled chilled the air.

"You," A soft voice hissed, drawing Elasma's attention to those same eyes. “What do you think you are doing here?"

The voice was full of venom, and their words were fueled by hate. The body connected to the word was strange, dressed in a bizarre white outfit, strange puffed pants, and a suit top with a purple undershirt. The man’s eyes were in shadows cast by the comically large white cat atop his head; beneath the hat lay starkly purple hair. For as ridiculous as he looked, it added to the terror he produced. His mouth was framed by fangs, and his eyes demanded a response.

"I...," Elasma stuttered, trying to find the words to reply. But they fell from his mouth, getting caught in his lungs and cutting off his air.

"You don’t belong here." The being growled. "This is not your world, and this is not yours to use.” He sneered, grabbing Elasma's wrist. He still held the key in his palm.

Elasma tried to step back, but his- no, the body he was in froze. His soul screamed out, fleeing from the touch of the strange man.

“Samael,” He spat, his throat closed behind the last syllable.

“Possessing Rin was foolish enough, but you aren’t even trying.”

“R-rin?” He coughed, losing air; he could hardly breathe.

Flames shot from his balled hand, Samael stepped back, tsking as he moved away. He stepped forward, and the flame followed, creating a barrier between the two of them.

He ran to the door, pushing the key into the lock and turning the knob. He appeared in a new room, somewhere blindingly light. This new place reeked of sanitizing solution, and a steady scent of rot lingered in the room.

He felt a hand grab him and drag him into the shadows of a small closet. “Why is it everywhere I go, you show up too?” The familiar voice of Reficul growled through lips that weren’t his own.

He was cloaked in a black robe, lined with red, and a black hood shadowing most of his face, but his pale blue-white hair was undeniably familiar; the eyes were most frightening of all. They were the same pure blue as his highness's, same shape, same size, only the pupils were black and circular. He appeared just like any human, if not for the pointed teeth and ears.

“Reficul, why do you look like-like?”

“Like his highness, known here as Rin Okumura.” Reficul sighed, patting Elasma on the shoulder. “I suppose you didn’t get the chance to look in a mirror yet.”

“Am I?”

“You must have jumped into his memories when he was younger.”

“How could you possibly know that?”

“Shiro told me when I was younger. Now keep your voice down, Lucifer can’t find us.”

“He’s here too?”

“Great, so Samael is on our tail too.”

“Did the flames not protect you?”

Reficul threw his hand over Elasma’s mouth as lights in the hall began to flicker.

“He’s close; we need to work quickly.”

He laid a paper on the floor, and the light from the hall poured over the sheet. "I need your help with solving a puzzle. I can’t figure out the last code.”

Elasma kneeled, finding the words on the paper.

The exchange went back and forth discussing the codes and languages, piece by piece, they decoded, and solved the puzzle. The puzzle was an unfinished riddle...

Light and darkness

Day and night

Life and death

Rot and

Future and

"Rot and Decay maybe?”

Recifcul shook his head. “They have to be opposites.”

“preservation? The last one… it could be the past?”

“Yes, that works.”

Light and darkness

Day and night

Life and death

Rot and preservation

Future and past

Just as the words were filled in the light at the door dimmed, then shut off entirely. Reficul’s head hung low, and sweat dripped from his brow. The door began to open, light poured in around the door, and the shadows of the closet began to reach out, grabbing at Elasma.

Green eyes slowly began to bleed into the room.

“Elasma, dammit, do something! What is your damn poem for anyway?”

“Don’t cuss at me,” he tore the key from Elasma’s hand, opening the side of the lantern he had hidden away. He threw the paper in, and the light turned blue. Flames erupted from the lantern; they passed through the glass, growing in size. The light and shadows alike were devoured in the blaze. They closed their eyes, finding each other and grabbing on for support. The closet walls around them vanished.

The calming feeling from before, the light, the peace returned to him. Slowly, the boys opened their eyes.

They sat before the same throne they were summoned to months ago.

“Congratulations, you made it to the end. I’m proud of you both. I am sure you have a lot of questions.”

“Your highness was- was he right all those years ago. Am I Lucifer?”

Chapter Text

“Your highness was- was he right all those years ago. Am I Lucifer?”

“Yes, and no.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Elasma jumped up. “Respectfully, your highness.”

“You are both beyond that now. Call me Rin.” He stood, his tail shifted under him. It was just as it was in the memories, only now it was the same pale blue as the rest of his hair. “You are not Lucifer; you do not have his soul, so it is not correct to call you a reincarnation. But you share your concept with him. You are blameless for his sins.”

Reficul’s head tapped the floor as he kneeled, tears running down his cheeks.

Elasma stepped back, watching as hi- as Rin walked over to Reficul, kneeling in front of him, embracing him.

“I’m sorry, Reficul.” It’s all he could say in the moment.

“You have both suffered in this life. All of you have. I intended to create a new world, a better one. Where no one would suffer again. Where section 13, the Illuminati, where it was all a dark myth of the past. I failed to see that demons weren’t humanity's only problem.”

“But Samael-”

“Mephisto… well, sure, call him Samael, honestly, he went by too many names even in the short time I knew him.”

“The space king- he was terrifying.”

“Almost as if staring into his eyes was staring into all of time and space? He was terrifying to be on the wrong side of; condescending as hell. He always knew exactly what would happen. He had terrible fashion and always had that stupid smirk, either that or he was too busy laughing at you stating your life goal. He was a different beast.”

Reficul lifted his head. “Lucifer was worse.”

“In some ways, he was tired and in so much pain. His voice was steady, and he was scary as well. He just wanted it to be over, and he got his wish. He wanted a better world, of course, his idea of a better world was destroying everything. I have to be honest, I’ve thought about that myself. People can’t hurt others if there is no one to hurt; it seems like that is the only way to stop pain in this world. But without life, there is no joy, forgiveness, kindness; nothing good can come from a lack of existence.”

“Why are we here?” Rin patted Reficul’s hair as he stood.

“You two have a choice to make: take on your powers and join me and the angels in keeping the world as pure as we can, or go on and live a human life with knowledge of who you once were.”

“Our powers?”

“Just as Samael sealed away my powers when I was born, I sealed away your powers. Recently, they have started to slip out, and you started to recall memories from the old world. You are not the same souls, but your concepts are still the same, your lives are linked to the kings who came before you.” He smiled.

“That’s where my tail went,” Reficul chuckled.

“Once I discovered you, I started looking for the rest of the kings. Most of the others were sealed before they even knew they had powers. When they come of age, I will offer them the same deal.”

“When I first met you, were you wearing a second belt?” Elasma asked Reficul.

“No, why would I?”

“I think I saw the outline of your tail.”

Rin nodded. “I brought you here as soon as your powers began to show.”

“Rin,” Reficul he stated the name still new on his lips. “You keep calling them powers- they are demonic hearts and magic. If we accept them, we are taking on demonic titles.”

“Reficul, my dear child. I am far from being worried about you taking on your powers. Everything you consider holy was scorned as demonic and hellish in the old world. My flames were a sign of satan, the god of demons. I am still a demon myself; there isn’t anything inherently bad in these powers, they are what you make them.”

“I will dedicate my powers to your goal of peace and grace.” Reficul stood. “If you allow me.”

“Joining sounds wonderful, but what exactly are my powers?”

“You have dominion over all space and time. The key I gave you was gifted to me by Samael. It can travel anywhere at any time.”

“So I can make powerful keys?”

“Samael could create barriers, freezing moments in time. He often danced between time lines to keep the old world turning for as long as possible. But his vision was flawed; there were things not even he could see.”

Elasma nodded. “What about my brother? I don’t know if I can allow him to wither with age.”

“You need not worry about him. Silbi, Roastar, Nyge, and your little brother are all new egos. They will be given the same options when their memories return.”

“Well then, I also dedicate my powers and whatever keys I make to you.”

“Perfect. Now, to unlock your powers, you must pass this final trial.” A door appeared on the floor beneath them; it opened, leading to steps that poured into a vault. “In there are the weapons of the previous kings, find them and your powers will be restored.

The pair began descending the steps. Their eyes grew wide as the scene came into view, hundreds of swords and artifacts lined the walls. Some strange items caught their focus: an umbrella, an impossibly long red cape, and garish pink decorations were a few that seemed odd against the background of various weapons. Thousands of pieces of history was buried within the walls that no one had ever set foot in.

The air was swimming with magic and forces neither had experienced before. Elasma scrambled around the vault. Reifucl paused in front of a portrait. Looking into the eyes he felt a sense of familiarity. He knew this face. It was more than a simple dream, it was true. True to who he was, true to his very coil, his very core. His aspect.

‘Don't make the same mistake.’

Reficul felt a sadness radiate from his chest.

“They aren’t here.”

Elasma perked up from the pile he was digging through. “They have to be here.”

“No, everything from the old world was destroyed; everything in here is just a replica. It’s a test.”

“Oh come on,” Shiro groaned from above them. “You couldn’t have taken five more minutes to figure that out?”

“Pay up,” Yukio’s voice echoed into the vault.

The two climbed the stairs, finding the two angels on each side of the door, with Shiro hesitantly handing over his bag of coins.

"Congratulations, Reficul," Yukio said with a small smile. "As well as you, Elasma. I am proud of both of you and your ability to adapt and overcome your differences."

"Yes, Congratulations," Shiro’s frown shifted to a grin. Rin stood in front of his throne, two swords in his hands.

“You passed my last test,” he unseathed the blades, and in seconds they shattered.

Power flew to the two boys, sinking into their skin as it fled from the shattered pieces of metal.

The smile on his face darkened as rumble shook his temple, his attention snapped to the door.

Elasma swayed softly, as his mind began to fade, darkness overtook him and he was plunged into a dark abyss feeling an older state of mind returning to the forefront.

He suddenly lacked all feelings and life. It was horrible, he had no heartbeat, no warmth came to him, he was freezing and without a heart to warm him or provide any comfort. He was lost, buried within his own mind. In his frost prison, he began to panic, as dread spread over him.

This feeling. He was so empty, so cold, so lost, blind, and without a heart. He felt worse than hallow, he felt nothing, nothing at all.

A soft click caught his attention, though his eyes could not see, he felt a presence. The strangely dressed man from before was there within the darkness, and he was smiling.

"Where am I? What is this place?" Elasma asked, desperation weaved in his voice.

"You poor young soul. This is the void of life and death. In the old world, when our bodies failed, this is where our minds fled to. Terrible, isn’t it?”

“Why am I here?”

“You are lucky, this is likely the last time you will ever experience this. Your soul is joining with our concept; you are inheriting my powers. Rin is rebuilding your body so it can contain our abilities. I must say I am rather jealous.”

“I’m sorry, none of your hosts were strong enough.”

“You had very little to do with that. I’m sure Lucifer is rather upset.”

“So this will stop?”

“It will, for now, embrace this. There is little else to do.”

“When I leave, will you be stuck here?”

The man smirked.

“Rin has influenced you far too much.”

“You shouldn’t be left here.”

“I wish I could see what you grow to become. This new world sounds fascinating. My time has passed, I enjoyed it as long as I could.”

“But you’re still alive, you’re here with me, aren’t you?”

“I wouldn’t call this living. Perhaps my memory still lives on in humanity; you knew my name when we first met. But without flesh or blood, existence is meaningless. Humans are lucky they never remember this stage of their life.”

"The texts said you died, that all traces of your existence ceased once the light king finished what the demonic god of evil began."

"So that's what they are calling Satan? How laughable.” He giggled.

“You are still here; you shouldn’t have to stay here in this miserable place.”

"Well, if you insist," Samael said, fading from view.

Demons crowded the halls, messy forms of undefined shape. The scent of their blood lingered and filled the air, it was an unnatural and putrid scent.

The demons were filled with glee as the crystals and vines encompassed Rin trapping him in an unstable prison. Slowly, piece by piece he focused his magic on the cracks, trying to cut through them but they only got replenished further the more progress he made.

Elasma and Reficul lay still, a ring of blue flames encasing them from the danger. The two goddesses of the old world stood before him, but their words fell on deaf ears as their spears clashed against Yukio’s and Shiro’s might. The familiar rumble of the demonic kings called to them.

“You are starting to get on my nerves,” Rin quickly opened his wings, shattering the crystal around him. “I only have myself to blame; I should have known you would have told Arthur of the new kings.”

"What makes you think you deserve a place beside him?" Reficul shifted on his new arms, standing slowly. Elasma wobbled as he stood..

The demon crowd went stiff and soft mutters scattered across, tangible concepts bled out from the body of the boys. It was bizarre, but it was firm. The bodies of the demons began to morph under the new concepts.

The goddess froze.

"Impossible," The first snarled.

“Nothing is impossible," Lucifer said, looking the goddess in the eye.

Reficul’s voice shifted as well as his posture, his eyes grew a soft haze and they emitted a soft light. The stare sent quivers through their very concepts.

"I’ve grown tired of this. This only ends when you give up your powers and live as humans. Your nephilim miss you. Please don’t keep the waiting any longer. " Rin said appearing behind both goddesses and throwing them to the ground. Shiro and Yukio fled the room.

Appearing above each one of them he tore their hearts from their chests. The creation goddess, it was entangled in veins and a multitude of other plants. Then the next. Then the goddess of absence, or nothing, hers was simply darkness, void of all light and life.

Blue flames enveloped them both. Soon the goddess had disappeared, and soon the forming demons faded with them.

A soft clap drew Rin’s attention; the flames around the pair died down.

"Very well done Rin. You have certainly grown up," Mephisto smiled.

“That body isn’t yours.”

“Reficul will live in this body without pain?” Lucifer asked, running his hand along his arm. Strength glowed beneath his fingers.

“Yes. The powers of light will bear no pain on its wielder.”

A tear fell along Reficul’s cheek. His voice and posture sank into the body. “So then why is he still trapped in that place? I have his powers now, shouldn’t he get to live once without pain?”

“He makes a compelling argument.”

“Moments ago, you were afraid to speak his name. What did he say to you?”

“He didn’t need to say a thing. That place,” he shuddered. “He destroyed a world where the only alternative to hell was endless suffering. He wasn’t right to hurt so many, but if he’s going to pay for it, he needs to understand what he took.”

“These new souls need guidance on their abilities; we can be helpful.”

“The longer you stay in that body, the more Elasma will resent you.”

“If you insist,”

His voice changed, and Elasma stumbled, falling onto Reifcul.

“I want to throw up.”

“Well, don’t do it on me,” Reficul pushed him away.

Rin signed, walking up the steps of his throne. “I shall leave the choice to you both. As the new king of light and the king of space and time, would you care to have old live new lives? Their presence may bring more demons into existence. Your kin may become difficult to control.”

“We will manage whatever mess they cause; they don’t deserve to stay there.”

“So be it.”

Yukio entered beside Shiro, pushing two carts. Trillions of blank atoms were buzzed in the carts.
The carts opened up and Rin ignited his flames.

The atoms squirmed around the hearts and the first formation began, the blue flames encircled the atom providing the necessary energy for the merge and begin formation. The room quickly grew warm as the energy provided for the merge was amplified as the ceremony continued. Piece by piece the hosts began to take shape and pulled the egos along with them, making the reincarnated egos forefront, freeing them from the darkness they were once trapped in. Soon the blue flames died down and the room cooled. Elasma and Reficul were left stunned as the demons came into form, ripped from the memories.

"Reficul, Elasma, you are free to return to the academy. Take your time to process your accomplishments. I will handle them until you settle into your new roles," Rin said softly. The boys quickly nodded and left the room.

"Life was peaceful without them,” Shiro grumbled, crossing his arms.

"So this is what you did with their souls. You turned them immortal? How peculiar," Samael said approaching Shiro. “Wonderful to see you again, Shiro, ah, and the lovely Ms Egin.”

Yuri stepped through the doors, passing the boys as they left.

“Samael and Lucifer. I am surprised they were both wanted back.”

“I’m not; they are just as conniving as they were in the last world.” Yukio dragged the charts to the door.

“I was surprised Reficul asked for you, Lucifer. He has been far kinder than I could have ever hoped,” Rin stepped down the stairs. “I hope you are both ready to accept your roles as mentors. If you even try to grab for his power, Samael, I will send you to Azazel myself.”

“Come on, Rin, you could at least pretend to be worried about Lucifer.” Shiro walked to Rin’s side.

“He has a body that isn’t crumbling in on itself. It’s not like he can blow up this world even if he tried.”

Lucifer looked around the room.

“So it seems his plan failed. He refused to account for your immorality.” Samael grinned, moving to tap Rin.

Rin swatted his hand away. “He failed to account for many things, as did you. These new egos are highly active; you should start studying the thousands of years you missed if you want to catch up. You are only here for as long as you are useful.”

“Azazel-How did he manage to survive?”

“His concept never faded, just as the goddess. It’s hard to deny souls when that is all that is left of your existence. It’s hard to deny anything when everything is taken, and impossible to refuse creation when the world is rebuilt right in front of your soul.”

“Speaking of rebuilt, would a tour be in order?" Samael grinned, leaning over Rin.

"Ask me after my nap. Shiro, Yuri, Yuki, do whatever you need to keep them here. I don't trust them alone in my world,"

___

It took fighting through a sea of people to find them. Silbi and Roastar were guarding Nyge and Maomai in the hideout. Roastar was sitting quietly, cleaning up whatever small messes were made by the two toddlers.

Elasma was the first to stumble in, followed by Reficul. The pair hung off the door as they entered, bodies heavy, hair tousled, and clothes ripped and wrinkled.

"How did it go?” Silbi jumped up, her notes spilling off her lap. “Ms. Egin told me you both passed! Is it official? Are you both going to be angels? If so, then you are the first pair in history. What was the test like?”

The pair exchanged a grin.

“That’s for you to find out.”

“Aw, come on, don’t you like me? Don’t be like this, please.”

Elasma fell on her with a hug. Nyge ran to embrace Reficul. Maomai walked by slowly, followed by Roaster.

"It’s complicated. We aren’t sure what we will be doing yet. But we passed. If you want to know more, you’ll have to take the test if it ever comes around again," Elasma said as Silbi peeled him off, leaving him on the floor. Reficul joined him on the floor and Maomai was quick to crawl on Elasma. Nyge was quick to crawl onto Reficul.

“They really did miss you, too,” Roaster said, watching the scene with a smile. “I can’t imagine you both as angels. The test must have been hard.”

“Call it a hunch, but you would do just fine,” Elasma said, lifting his arm before the last of life drained from him, and his arm fell to the ground.

“I’ll grab you a snack; same as always?”

“You know it,” Reficul said, his voice vibrating the floor.

“It’s nice to see you getting along.” Roastar sat beside the near-corpses. “I was starting to get worried.”

“There have been worse fights.”

“Far worse.” Reficul agreed.

Chapter Text

Years had flown by in moments. The new abilities were easily learned, with the former kings beside them. Reficul and Elasma had taken to their new roles rather easily. Soon their own wings began to sprout. Within the decade, Reficul’s had spanned nearly the size of Rin’s. His feathers were slimmer, and the feathers tapered off at the ends. In total, he had six wings. Two of them rested on his back; his largest pair sat between his shoulder blades, and the lesser wings grew below the main pair. His last pair grew at the base of his neck; they mostly stayed folded and hidden during the day. Other times, they would rest across his collarbones. Their main purpose was shown whenever his light was used. The brightness was more than any human eyes could bear; the smaller wings moved to cover his eyes. He knew his powers well enough to still use them even when blinded. He grew two white-gold horns that were rarely seen through the fluff of his blonde hair. His tail was most often hidden in the drapings of his robes.

Elasma’s wings grew slower; his were darker, near black. His feathers ended bluntly in comparison and were far thicker. Though the wings were still smaller, far from maturity. In total, he had six, as well they lined his back from largest to smallest. His wings seemed to produce an iridescent sheen, as if some oily subtence had bled life into the feathers. It was said that when he and Reficul stood together in the light of Rin’s flames, the colors produced would be indescribable. The two had never tried it, but in simple daylight, they never found any colors that appeared too otherworldly. Most strange of all was his tail, while Rin and Lucifer both had fluff or feathers to end their tails, his was far sharper. It was a noticeable trend after him; almost all the others had some point or sharpness to their tails. His horns were larger than Reficul’s; they protruded from his skull and twisted back up and down, and they were ribbed and appeared in the same color as his wings.

They sat with the other egos discussing their new roles and duties. Slowly, they had been receiving guidance from the other angels; little by little, the others stopped appearing at meetings. This was the first time it was them and them alone. Not even their demonic mentors were allowed in, much to their disagreement. Rin sat at the head of the table, guiding discussion and assigning everyone their roles for this new quarter.

Most everyone changed roles to prevent coplicity. But Reficul was always set to continue Yukio’s research, Silbi was always listed as a keeper of the younger children, and Roastar always tended the gardens and farms. Their newest member, Bugsby, received his first assignment as a guardian. He seemed to struggle with staying still as the news was announced. Nyge was the first to jump to comfort him, and as the meeting concluded, he detailed the protocol as they returned to their stations. Only Reficul and Elasma stayed behind after the meeting.

“Is it time already?”

“We can do it some other time,” Reficul stayed seated, his finger tracing the wood grain of the table.

“That is, if you want to go back on your sworn word,” Elasma flicked open a small golden pocket mirror, glancing at something before shutting the device.

“I am as ready as you are. I wouldn’t have picked our 50th meeting if I knew I wouldn’t be ready.” Rin looked at the pair. “Do you have everything you want to bring?”

“The old egos. You forbid them from entering this room, but I would like to bring Lucifer along.”

“Mephisto wouldn’t shut up if I went without him.” Elasma shook his head.

“Very well then.”

It was less flashy than both expected of Rin. In one second, they were in the meeting room, and with a simple blink, they were in an entirely new realm. This was softer, kinder, brighter, and darker than the temple. Peace was the air, pure kindness as the earth beneath them. The observable world was more of a feeling than a pure fact.

Rin appeared different; his holy glow was still present, but seemed to be nothing. The colors that comprised him seemed blurry, as if his entire body was comprised of the wisps of flame. Lucifer and Mephisto appeared faded, with color and mass concentrated around their chest and hearts; their limbs and digits seemed to fade in and out of focus.

“This is Azazel,” Rin’s voice was all-consuming it came from no definable direction and buzzed in their ears. Each word had an after echo that lasted moments longer than it should have. At his side, a silverish mass appeared, it held a more definable human form in its core. The outershell of Azazel was a mass of mist, pooling and twirling around the human form.

“Welcome, cherished guests, I hope this is not too frightening to you, new souls. Please stay here as long as you need. You are welcome to visit any time.” The form seemed to turn to them, even without eyes and a visible face; its attention was clear in its direction. “Lucifer, Samael, walk with me.”

The two moved to his side, and within a blink, they were gone. The wings on Reficul’s neck flipped over his eyes as he started to speak. “Wh-who was that?”

“Azazel. He gave up his old ego in the last world, far before it was destroyed. Yet he was brought back as it all came crashing down. Without him, I wouldn’t have come as far as I have so quickly. He showed me a peace I had never known.” Rin began walking, and Elasma and Reifcul followed.

There were no distinct forms, only the soft glows of souls. The group stepped through a misty blue curtain, and on the other side came colors and clarity beyond reason. Life spanned for eons, humans of every variety sat in harmony. Soft conversation and joy floated through the sea of people. Yet there was enough space for everyone, in the noise, there was silence, there was peace.

Above all, the crowds were the angels, their wings spread out long and large. Atop the hill they lay in was defined form. It was Rin, pulled from their memories, with black fluffy hair, blue eyes, and tanned, lightly scarred skin. He had no tail, no horns, no sharp ears. He smiled with flat teeth.

The Rin standing ahead of them adopted a firmer shape, but the ends of his form still faded out in the licks of flames. The crowd seemed to part without moving. The group stepped forward, coming onto the hill. The names came to their minds.

Bon, Shima, Konkeo, Izumo, Godain, and many more lay in the grass at the bottom of the hill, speaking in simple, pleasant conversation.

“Finally, I was wondering when you were going to come back.” The black haired Rin met the group in the middle of the hill. “It’s nice to finally meet you both.” Rin offered his hands to Elasma and Reficul. “I know you will both be a great help.”

“I don’t see why they can’t still help,” The white haired Rin looked to the lounging angels.

“I earned this retirement,” Shiro groaned, stretching out his arms, before rolling to his side and pulling Yuri into a hug.

“Reficul and Elasma will live up to their fullest potential. They will be more help to you than we ever could be.”

“Nonsense, we could never compare to your humility or kindness, Ms. Egin.” Reficul bowed to her.

“You have outgrown my simple teachings; your power far exceeds mine. You both will go on to do great things. If you ever need my advice, I shall be here.”

“Their souls are tired; they need rest. You have a fresh group of new egos eager to do your bidding. You know you can come see us whenever you want to, right? If the angels managed to visit me, you could to,o Rinka,” Rin gestured to the pair standing beside the newly named Rinka.

“Rinka?” Elasma questioned.

“Of course, all the new egos got new names. As the new incarnation of Satan and my demonic half, it was only fitting I call him something else, otherwise Rin and Rin get too confusing.” Rin chuckled, running a hand through his black hair.

“You will not share this with anyone else. Even my original name is not to be said.”

“Of course, holiness, we can’t have the others skipping ahead.” Elasma grinned.

“Your time for rest will come soon enough. Besides, we both know you hate to stay still… Are the goddess still giving you trouble?”

“It’s nothing we can’t handle."

“Well, do something to make the give up, the Shiemi keep asking for them. Fair warning, Arthur is going to reincarnate soon.”

“I had an idea for him, if I may suggest it.” Reficul stepped forward.

“By all means,” Rin nodded.

“Perhaps it’s best we raise him. His peculiar access to the past has led him astray many times now. Perhaps we should guide him through the memories as they arise. After all, he must have some companions here who miss him. It would be cruel if we allowed him to be misguided once again.”

Rin looked to Rinka, a smirk of triumph on his lips.

“Well, I believe this is all that you need to see of this realm. When a soul has reached its final incarnation and passed, it arrives here. If you find the time, you are permitted to visit as long as it does not impede your work.”

“So dramatic. Time is but our plaything here. When you arrive back in the main realm, only a few seconds will have passed. Come visit any time.”

With a blink, they were back in the meeting room.

They looked around.

“Where are the old kings?”

“It is their time to rest. They will be there if you wish to visit them, but I believe they have a lot to discuss with Azazel.”

‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace