War of Existence : - The Beginning of Saga

Priorities

The city of Vorkania* was one of the many spectacular wonders built by the hands of the Vokens. Being one of the major cities of the Central State, the most powerful province amongst the Vorken nations, the city was Grand. Still had its Steam-punkish vibes staying true to its Vorkish-origin but one could clearly see the difference as this city was larger and in much more better condition than the previous city Lucifer and Luna had visited. Probably because they were at the higher levels of the city as the ground district still seemed dirty. And the half of the city was hanging below an arch spoke volumes of the daring nature their creators the Vorkens possessed.

Each building and the pillars joining the arch acted as support to the platforms for all different districts that comprised the city. Along with its own port as all Vorkish city did, since the city was huge another new addition to the city had was a system of steam-powered railway line for the use of the city’s civilians. But still there were typical flaws as well, like external pipe lines, pistons and rotating clogs that were running across almost everything and although they seemed clean, but it didn’t rule out the fact that how dangerous such environment can be to people.  The Vorkens really loved hazardous city it seemed.

At the common district, which was at the middle of the city, mostly housing the residential areas and some market area, there laid a small run down pub which looked ancient but affordable. The interior was a lot better tough. Forgoing the Vorkish concrete and metal texture, the pub had wooden floor and walls odd as wood was rarely used by the Vorkens because they were quite scarce in Siraya. The walls were decorated with several old paintings and the booth was filled with many people either eating, talking or just drinking away their sorrows. A slow and steady music was being played in the background which seemed to be just at home with the drowsy environment.

Suddenly the door of the pub was flanged open, making everyone stop and look at the one who did it. Lucifer walked into the pub wordlessly as Luna stomped in after him, anger clearly written on her face.

The other thought nothing of this and went on about their own business but the bar keeper eyed the new comer warily as the strangers weren’t a common happening in their city and this one reeked of trouble. Lucifer made his way to the bar with the smaller woman behind him.

“Your strongest drink and something to eat for her...” Lucifer spoke tiredly pointing at Luna, who took seat beside him.

Wiping the glass beer mug with a handkerchief the bartender spoke with a thick accent.

“Hope you’ve cash to back that up, Mate. No hand outs in my pub.”

Lucifer rolled his eyes at this but his tattered clothes did make him look like a homeless ruffian. He reached inside his coat. The barkeeper nearly reached out for his gun under the bar table when he saw the glimmer of a gun’s barrel under the blonde’s coat, but halted when Lucifer pulled out some bills and put it on the counter. The Barkeeper grunted, seemingly disappointed and took it in a swipe.

“Right away, Mate.”

Lucifer rubbed his temple and waited. Soon their orders were up. He got a mug filled with beer and Luna got a plate if cooked meat. He downed the beverage in a matter of moments and called, “Another...” the barkeeper raised a brow in amusement and nodded.

All the while Luna burned a hole in his head with her stare (not literally), still not touching her food.

Lucifer turned towards her and asked, “What?”

Her stare turned into a full forced glare. She hissed, “How could you be so calm after what happened?”

“We’re through this, Kid, and we’re not talking about it.” Said Lucifer with a tone on finality. Luna sulked at this and took out all her frustration on the poor steak, which she ruthlessly stabbed before eating it, scaring some of the tenants in the pub. Lucifer sighed and took another sip of the newly refilled mug of beer. Thinking about what happened a few hours ago.

                                                                                       (Flashback)

Azazel’s smudge grin annoyed the hell out of Lucifer but he stood his hand. With the number of men backing up the Angel captain, Lucifer doubted that their group would get out of there with just minor scratches.

“I should’ve known better than expecting a hoard of Hounds would finish you off. I’m glad I wasn’t disappointed. After all, you are the Late general.” He spoke in amusement, making the angels exchange hushed whispers amongst themselves as they learned about Lucifer’s true identity.

Ticked off by Azazel’s antics, Gabriel shouted, “BASTARD! You left me to die back there!”

As if finally noticing his presence, “Oh Gabriel my boy, it’s so good to see that you’re alright! I was very worried about you.” He spoke in false mirth, angering the young angel even further.

“What do you want?” Spoke Rose sternly. Azazel narrowed his eyes dangerously, “First I want my sword back…..” he pointed at Sorrow Breaker. Lucifer growled and held his sword tighter. Azazel chuckled at this, finding Lucifer’s expression priceless. Then he finally spoke, “Second….your lives!”

The angels readied their Cleanser turrets and aimed towards them.

Seeing he had no other choice, Lucifer held Gabriel before him and pointed his loaded gun towards his head. “Another smart move and his head blows to oblivion.”

“Luci!” gasped Luna.

Rose was speech less and Gabriel eyes widened in disbelief and since he had now come to respect Lucifer, he felt more betrayed than ever. Azazel was surprised as well. Astonished how far Lucifer had changed. A frown graced his face which disappeared as soon as it came, “Well, we wouldn’t want that now would we? Fire away.” He commanded the Rangers. Even though hesitant, the gunners followed without question.

“Shit.” Lucifer muttered before shoving Gabriel behind him to safety and brought his unfolded wing before him, taking the full barrage of five Cleanser turrets head on.

“Luci no!” yelled Luna rushing to her friend’s aid but was held back by Rose. “We have to help him!” cried Luna. It was clear that Lucifer was having trouble blocking all the hits from the turrets. But still he held his ground. Turning towards Rose, Lucifer ordered, “Get her outta here!” surprising them all.

Even when at such adversity, he still more concerned for Luna’s safety, not even worried about what would happen to himself, Lucifer was willing to protect her at all cost. Such was the bond between the two……a bond unheard of.

The firing stopped and Lucifer dropped to his knee, his breath heavy with fatigue, bringing Luna to tears. The blond man wiped his mouth and spoke aloud, “That all you got?”

It had the desired effect. The angels were provoked, meaning all their attention would be on him, giving enough time for Luna and the others to escape.

The angels fired once again, with double vigour. Lucifer barely raised his wing to block it. Tears ran down Luna’s eyes as Lucifer struggled to hold his ground. The angels slowly gained on him. Already tired, it wouldn’t be long before Lucifer would succumb to the attacks. It filled Luna with sorrow seeing her friend in such pain. All because she was too weak to fend for herself. Sorrow consumed her, and from sorrow came rage. Rage is a very powerful emotion, and emotion can give on the drive to do feats undreamed of. And so this new drive gave Luna the power to defy.

Lucifer was shocked as he felt high Maya energy being built behind him. Imagine his surprise when he realized that it was Luna. Fire surrounded her body, whirling like a tornado. The Maya energy was leaking off her body at an alarming level which made everyone shake to their core. A loud howl escaped her lips; the fire swirled towards her head and out came fiery inferno out of the mark on her forehead. The Phoenix tears were far powerful and intense than the previous one as this one was fuelled by raw emotion. Luna let out another roar and the fire tore through the barrier of the Cleanser turrets, shocking everyone. The turret inside stood no chance as Luna’s fire burned the angelic gun into ashes. The rest of the turrets followed the same fate before the angels even had a chance to retaliate.

Such display of power amazed Rose and Gabriel, Lucifer was proud of her, but frowned deeply as Luna started to weaver. The young girl used up all her energy now, her frail body could no longer carry her, Luna fainted out of exhaustion and Lucifer had to hold her.

“You idiot..” he muttered, cradling the downed girl.

Azazel was angrier than ever. Everything he did to get pay back was getting futile. His rage slowly getting the best of him, he roared at the rest of his men, “INCOMPITENT FOOLS! CAN’T YOU KILL  A SINGLE BASTARD WHO STOLE MY SWORD! ATTACK YOU FOOLS!”

The remaining angels were hesitant at this. Seeing the display of such power was making them nervous and uncertain, which only serve to anger the dark haired angel even further (if that was even possible). Seeing this, the angels got ready for a fight, not wishing to piss off their captain even more.

Lucifer slowly looked up towards them with a dangerous look. Making the angels freeze. His face over shadowed and eyes glowing with wrath, he looked very intimidating and angry and it put everyone on edge. Even Rose and Gabriel because it for the first time they were seeing Lucifer so angry and serious. Which was probably expected because the one person he cared for was down because of the angels and there is no telling how much of his wrath could they handle.

To their surprise more angels soon poured in and surrounded them. Lucifer gritted his teeth in anger as that seemed to only further fuel his wrath.

Lucifer would’ve lunged forward and tore the enemies apart if not for a new voice to suddenly  call out, “HALT!”

On the command, the angels lowered their stance and weapons, standing straight and still robotically. Azazel was irritated by this but when he saw the one who had commanded, he too stood straight like the others.

Lucifer was amused by the cocky dark haired angel’s change in domineer and couldn’t help but look at the one who induced such change.

A new figure emerged from the sky. He was adorned in traditional Angelic golden and white armour, But this one had an additional red hud to it. Which if Lucifer’s knowledge served right was a colour privileged only to High ranking commanders. The angel’s helmet had four wings for decoration instead of two (Again privilege of High commanders), but the most exceptional feature of the new comer, which intrigued as well as put Lucifer on edge was the fact that this angel, in all its glory, had a set of Golden Wings. A High Breed.

“Captain Azazel, What are you doing?” the angel asked in a calm tone.

Gulping audibly, Azazel gave a salute and spoke, “Major Victor*, I was about to eliminate an enemy of our cause sir.”

“Enemy my ass! You left us to die, you freaking coward!” roared Gabriel . Making Major Victor turn to towards him in shock, “Private Gabriel? What is the meaning of this?”

Gabriel pointed heatedly at Azazel and, “That man murdered a team member in front of the whole squad and intentionally left me to die!”

Azazel panicked inwardly and defended himself out of desperation, “Lies! The traitor Lucifer had taken young Gabriel hostage! And now his vile demon benefactors has corrupted him! Major we have to help him!”

At the mention of Lucifer’s name, Victor spoke with a very surprised voice, “Lucifer?” quickly his head turned towards the man in question. The Major inspected Lucifer for a while before speaking with his voice filled with astonishment and wonder, “By the Supreme who made us all, Its really is you, Lucifer the Light bringer.”

Lucifer slowly reached for his sword and retorted, “I go by Lucifer Desmus these days.”

Victor saw the hostility in the blond and spoke, “There is no need of that Late General, you may lower  the sword.” Lucifer smirked at this and pointed at the men behind Victor, all sporting weapons and all aimed at him. Victor understood what he meant and commanded, “Men, lower your weapons.”

Even Lucifer was surprised at this. None more than Azazel, “But Major, he is a traitor…”

Victor turned sharply at Azazel and said,  “ Captain, I will be the one to decide that and also your not off the hook. The charges put against you are severe and we will discuss it later. So stand down and let me handle this.”

The sternness of his voice was absolute and so Azazel thought it wise to comply, abet begrudgingly. Now that Azazel was taken care of, Victor descended down on the ground and stood before Lucifer, who was still had Luna in his arms. The Major, removed his helmet, revealing his middle aged scared face with short grey hair and angelic blue eyes.

“Never though I would ever actually get to see you in person, Late General, and in such circumstances.”

Lucifer chuckled at this, “I didn’t plan it, trust me.”

Slowly Lucifer let Luna down behind him and took a battle stance, “Still I cannot let you take us down.”

Victor was seemingly a little concerned about this. Carefully he spoke, “Might a suggest an alternative?”

Lucifer couldn’t help but be genuinely surprised by this sudden change in tone, “Beg your pardon?”

Victor paced around and explained further, “True that you had been branded as a traitor so long ago…” the blond scoffed at this, “ And you probably had your reasons…..But still, not to remember all the services you had done for Celestia would be unjustiful. And now, Celestia needs you even more, Late General.”

Some how he should’ve seen this coming and Lucifer rolled his eyes at this. “And your Council agrees?”

On the mention of the Infamous ‘Council of Celestia’, the major ruling body of Celestia, Victor visibly froze. Hinting the council had no knowledge of this agreement. However the Golden winged Angel finally spoke with determination. “Leave that to me, Late General.”

The cold wild blew across the area where everyone stood silent, adding more to the density of the atmosphere around them. Lucifer had to give it to the Major; acting against the will of the Council was something Angels rarely do. And what Victor was trying to do was really off the hook, thus Lucifer sort of respected the man’s guts.

After what felt like an eternity Lucifer chuckled drily, confusing Victor. But even if he respected the man’s guts, it didn’t mean he was gonna join him. Or anyone in matter of fact. Lucifer declared boldly, “No.”

Victor stood aghast at Lucifer’s answer. “No?..But Late General…”

“I decline. I am not a pawn of Celestia or Inferno…” Lucifer  growled angrily. Then he sighed, “I’m just a tired old man who wants to be left alone.”

His last words shocked Victor. He remembered Lucifer in his prime from, when he was powerful, when he had the fire in him. But now, that fire was gone, and what was left before him was nothing but a mere shadow of his former glory. Gone was the sheer power his presence held for now he was but tired man. It made Victor sad to see him in such a sorry state. He should have expected Lucifer’s answer. The bad-blood and bitter memories were far too much to let go. But it still frustrated Victor. “I see…. As a soldier of the Celestial Army, My duty demands me and I cannot let you or anyone leave this place.”

Lucifer looked back at Luna (something Victor noticed and was confused at) for a while. Then he looked at Victor straight in the eyes and the Angel Major felt a chill down his spine. Lucifer’s eyes glowed with wrath. Gripping his sword tighter Lucifer mumbled dangerously, “So that’s how its gonna be..”

The look Lucifer had was nothing Victor had ever seen. He was an angel who had fought in the first War and he had witnessed the fury of the Late General with his own eyes, and the fury he saw now was ten times worst. The old hound still had its bite and to have that fury directed towards him, Victor was very brave no to be shaking in his boots.

He stood his ground and spoke, “Or it doesn’t have to be this way.”

“I am not going back to Celestia!”

“I never meant that, Late General.”     

Lucifer narrowed his eyes at this and spat with his sword raised. “What do you want?”

Victor sighed inwardly in relief but he now had to very cautious. He knew why it was wise to fear Lucifer. He had seen what he was capable of in the war. So Victor needs his plan to work, so that he and his men would be able to walk out of there alive. Should the plan back fire...Victor didn’t want to calculate the consequences. Carefully he spoke, hoping against hope that he would succeed, “I really shouldn’t let you walk away…But keeping note of your history of service for Celestia. We will let you and the girl..” Victor pointed Luna, “ Walk away from here. On the condition of surrendering the Demon and Private Gabriel to our custody and never to show yourself again.” He put a great deal of effort to make it look as if he was the one giving Lucifer a chance to walk away, so he didn’t falter under Lucifer’s glare. He had a suspicion that the young red haired girl behind Lucifer meant a lot to him meaning Lucifer had something he didn’t had when he was back in Celestia, a weakness. So using her as leverage, he was basically threatening Lucifer with Luna’s safety. The golden winged angel took a huge gamble and declared seriously, “None compliance will force us to take extreme measures.”

Victor pulled out his weapon, a massive spear and his men trained their weapons at Lucifer, while Victor prayed that his plan would succeed.

By all means the Young angel Gabriel was free to go back with the angels for all he cared. But the idea of young Rose in the custody of Angels pissed Lucifer even more. He would’ve attacked there and then , until Lucifer pondered at Victors words carefully. He said that he would let Lucifer and Luna to walk away, that meant Victor knew Lucifer’s weakness.

It hit him like a mountain, Victor had planned this. Although the numbers of the angels were overwhelming, with Sorrow Breaker at his possession, he could fight his way out. Even though it would blow his cover and all of Celestia will be out for his blood, yet he knew he could take them, even if it was gonna be difficult.

But it all came down to Luna and the dangers she would be in.

He hated the idea of the Angels taking away Rose as well. They would likely torture her to gain vital information, a fate he didn’t want to befall on the silver haired demoness. He owed her one for saving his ass and saving Luna back in the demon’s ship.

A pained groan from Luna broke his train of thoughts. Making him realized how fragile the situation was. With Luna out cold, she was left vulnerable. He looked at the angels and gritted his teeth in frustration, with their number, Lucifer wasn’t sure that he would be able to save Luna from everything the Angels would throw at them. She might be critically wounded or even worst.

He could beat them, he could beat a thousand more of them, but it would not be worth the safety of his only friend. He was afraid now. Afraid to loose the one thing that he held dear. It was just not worth it. Lucifer despaired for the first time in eons as he felt helpless.

Lucifer turned towards Rose, even if her face was masked, her ruby eyes didn’t betray the expression of fear and was pleading him, then his gaze turned towards Luna, her downed formed laid on the ground with her face frowned in silent pain. He shut his eyes and cursed inwardly.

Then he uttered dejectedly, “Very well…..Take them.”

Gabriel had a look of pure disbelief, Rose sported that of pure horror. Victor nodded in satisfaction, while inwardly he was sighing in relief. His plan worked.

“What? You can’t be serious!” Gabriel uttered but Lucifer said nothing, all he offered was a stoic face. This infuriated Gabriel to no end.

The Angels cautiously came over and shackled Rose, who couldn’t offer any resistance. Gabriel was told to follow them, to which he had no choice but to comply.

Seeing Lucifer do nothing and just watch with a cold face snapped Gabriel. “You’re a coward.” He spat. “You are not the Late General, just a coward.”

This made Lucifer a bit angry, but deep down he knew it was true. The blond looked down in shame, unable to look at the boy in the eyes anymore.

Even though Victor didn’t get what he wanted, he wouldn’t be fussy for he now had a demon, which was good because they now could get some information. With all he could get his hands on, Victor was about to order his men to move out, Until Azazel barged in.

“Not so fast, I want the traitor to return the Sorrow Breaker. It belongs to the forces of Celestia, not a traitor!”

Victor cursed inwardly at this. He feared that they were pushing Lucifer’s buttons too far. And turns out they were. The fallen angel was glaring them so hard that they would’ve burned to ashes if he was a Phoenix. Victor half expected Lucifer to attack, then he released a long defeated sigh. Reluctantly, Lucifer stabbed the sword on the ground, making the whole area tremble with its sheer weight.

Azazel came over with a smudge smile on his face and held the sword by its hilt, totally ignoring Lucifer’s murderous glare. With a mighty heave, the Angel captain pulled the sword out of the ground.

“Our business here is done. Move out men.” Commanded Victor. The Angels took to air at this and flew towards the city, leaving Luna and Lucifer to their own devices

                                                                                    (Present)

That’s pretty much what happened. To say Luna was pissed upon hearing Lucifer’s explanation upon asking where were Gabriel and Rose when she woke up would be an understatement.

Salty as hell, the two had no other choice but to head towards the city ahead of them. Which now brings them here in the old pub, where Lucifer downed his tenth mug of beer while Luna, still angry, ate in silence.

Lucifer looked at the glass mug, his reflection held the same tired look he sported, a far cry form what he once was.

He sighed, “Kid?”

No reply, showing that Luna was giving him the silent treatment. Lucifer rolled his eyes at this. “Seriously kid? The Cold shoulder?”

Luna puffed her cheeks and turned the other way, making Lucifer’s eyes twitch at her childish antics. The blond took another swig form his beer and hissed, “What else was I suppose to do?”

Luna stopped eating and glared at Lucifer. Swallowing her mouthful she replied, “ Oh I don’t know, maybe…Try not to sell out your friends!”

“They weren’t our friends.”

“That’s not the point!”

Lucifer scoffed.  Luna, always too stubborn for her own good. But deep down, she was right. What he did was wrong and it did bothered him.

“You were in danger….. I did what I could to protect you.” He spoke softly. His words softened Luna’s eyes, yet still it didn’t killed her anger. She said nothing and looked away.

She was angry and in anguish, so he left her to her own thoughts for the time being. She will eventually cool down and see his reasons.

Luna was his top priority. Nothing else matters. He would protect her at all cost for he was afraid. Afraid that he would loose the only anchor that kept him sane. The only thing he valued……………………………