War of Existence : - The Beginning of Saga

The Hanging City

A jolt of pain coursed through out her body, Rose suppressed the pained scream threatening to escape her mouth and glared at the angel interrogator. Stripped off her armour and strapped on to a strange device designed to inflict pain to Immortals, She was helpless.

“That’s quite enough...” spoke a voice and the interrogator stopped, giving Rose some time to gather her senses. Major Victor walked inside the dimly lit interrogation chamber. Drained of Maya form the constant torture, Rose was exhausted. Yet she still had some strength to spare, which she used to glare at the Major in defiance.

Circulating her slowly, the Major stated, “We both know that this will only get worst. Tell us what we want and I promise we will let you go.”

Even a child could see that the Major’s promise was hollow. So her glared intensified, showing her unwillingness to cooperate. If it weren’t for the fact that she still had her mask on, she would’ve spit on him.

Victor narrowed his eyes. This demon was very stubborn. He signalled the interrogator to continue. The Interrogator nodded and pulled a small lever, bursts of maya charges coursed through her body, causing her to let out a silent scream.

After what felt like eternity, the pain stopped. Rose’s head now hung down her shoulders as her body was slowly giving away. She was too tired now. Victor came over and spoke again, “It doesn’t have to be this way. So tell us what we want to know.”

  Yet her will was far from broken. She looked up with fire in her eyes. They would not break her, not so easily. This amazed Victor, a part of him even respected her for it. But he knew what must be done. He stood up and turned to the Interrogator, “Carry on…” the interrogator gave a salute. Victor walked out of the interrogation chamber, which was soon filled with pained screams.

He could only hope that the demon had at least some information to work with. The first demon they caught in centuries and this one had to be stubborn as hell. But they will end up breaking her, eventually.

The Major walked through the corridors of the facility they had taken refuge in and oddly, it was the Central jail of the city of Vorkania. Immortals had a very bad tendency to blend amongst the mortals and influencing control over a governmental section was very helpful…. For them at least. Access to mortal resources meant conservation of their own far valuable and important resources. But having to answer to some Mortal authority to cover their tracks is not something that all Immortals could stomach, but Victor got used to it so he was okay.

Some of the Mortal guards saluted him as he walked by, to which he simply waved off. Finally he reached his destination, the conference room. The room was big enough to hold forty people. At the other side of the room was a raised platform with several chairs and a semi circular table, meant for Authoritative figures to sit. Behind that was a huge window, which gave a stunning view of the Hanging City of Vorkania. The room was mostly used by Mortals to discuss all the politics and security related matter regarding the city. Right now it served a far important purpose.

The Major walked inside the room as was greeted with the sight of the four occupants of the room, Gabriel along with other two remaining members of his team and of course Azazel. The two angels seemed very nervous while Gabriel was glaring daggers at Azazel, not bothering to hide his dislike of the dark haired angel. Even Victor’s arrival only served to tone down the hostility to an extent but not totally extinguish it.

Clearing his throat, Victor spoke. “Let this conference begin.”

In a flash of bright light, two new personalities appeared in the room. The older one had dark hair, while the other had blond locks of hair; both wore white robes and had golden wings. Another aspect common about them was the set of halo upon each of their foreheads and the overwhelming aura of power the two had. These were Archangel Dominus* and Archangel Michael*. Two of the seven Archangels of the Celestial Council, the Ruling body of Celestia, or at least their projection. This was but their mere projection as they were physically unable to manifest themselves into the cosmos for the time being and this method was faster and safer.

Archangel Dominus, clearly annoyed of this conference spoke begrudgingly, “You better have a good reason to bother the members of the Council, Major Victor.”

Victor replied, or would’ve replied had Gabriel not burst out, “Damn right there is! This man here is a Traitor!” the Young angel pointed at the awfully calm Azazel.

While Archangel Michael was confused, his fellow Archangel did not seem amused at all, he seemed rather offended, “Do you know who you’re talking to boy? I can have you killed for even looking at your superior like that.” He hissed.

Not willing to let things get out of hands, Victor came over and prevented Gabriel from saying something which would have him executed and apologised on his behalf.

Being the more patient one, Archangel Michael spoke, “On what accords are you claiming captain Azazel as a traitor, Private Gabriel?”

The young angel explained all the miss-deeds Azazel had done. The part where Azazel tried to kill Gabriel was when Archangel Michael nearly lost it. Yet still, Azazel was calm and had a carefree look, making Gabriel even more pissed.

“The accusations you impose are truly grave……..Do you have any evidence to support your claim?” spoke Archangel Dominus. Gabriel paused at this for he had none. This infuriated the older Archangel.

“SO WE ARE TO BELIEVE ALL YOUR ACCUSATIONS ALL BECAUSE YOU CLAIM TO HAVE SEEN IT?”

Clearly at the losing side now, Gabriel yelled back, “No it’s true! He killed a fellow squad member! The other squad members had seen it too!” The Young angel looked at his fellow squad for help, to his horror; they looked away and didn’t utter a word. It shocked Gabriel to no end at how scared they were to speak up against the dark haired Psychopath. It was disgusting.     

Archangel Michael looked solemn as he announced, “Since you have no evidence to support your claim, I’m afraid we have no choice but to assume that Captain Azazel is not guilty.”

Azazel had to resist the urge to smile at look of disbelief on Gabriel’s face. Giving a bow, he made his way out of the room.

The young angel glared the dark haired angel all the way; alas it could only do so much. Gabriel had no option but to sigh and accept his defeat.

The rest were dismissed by the council. Gabriel and his comrades walked out of the room and proceeded elsewhere, but the meeting was far from over.

Back inside, a new topic was being discussed. It was Victor who spoke out, “We spotted a demon here in this world.”

As soon as he said this, five more figures appeared inside the room. Just like how the two Archangels entered the room. Victor was genuinely surprised that the entire council would take so much interest in the recent development. 

The one with a hard expression barked out heatedly, “Nonsense! The demons were locked away in inferno eons ago. The gates are still intact, there is no way they can come to Cosmos!” this was Archangel Raphael*, also the current General of the Celestial army.

“But it’s been so long Archangel Raphael…” a sly voice spoke. It was a tall and slender figure, Archangel Remiel*, “The Demons had always been crafty, and What if what Major Victor says is true?”

“Not ‘if’ my lords, we have already caught one in our custody and are extracting information as we speak.” Spoke Victor.

“So it’s true than, the second war is at hand?” The sole female member of the council, Archangel Sarakeil* added.

“But how can we be certain that it is war that the Demons seek?” questioned Michael, and it seemed to have outrage quite a few council members.

“Are you serious Archangel Michael? Demons and peace? Hah!” mocked Dominus, earning a glare from Michael.

“I agree with Archangel Michael. The enmity has carried on for far too long. Perhaps peace could be achieved…” said the short one. This was Archangel Leonardo*, “Tell us Major Victor, was the Demon you captured hostile when encountered?” he asked further.

Victor rubbed his palms nervously at this, “Well… Technically she wasn’t, but…Um…” 

During the entire time the last Archangel Jopheil* had still not spoken, He seemed very old with grey hair and long beard. Finally he spoke with a booming voice,  “You are hiding something Major Victor …..” the Major felt a chill down him his back as the old Archangel continued, “Care to explain what it is?”

Victor gulped nervously and slowly muttered, “We crossed path…..with the Late General.”

This few words had different but drastic change in everyone’s expression ranging from shock to disgust and from joy to rage.

“Lucifer? Here on this world?” asked Raphael eagerly.

“Interesting.” Muttered Leonardo.

“Did you kill the Bastard?” roared Dominus.

“You honestly think they could take him? They are lucky they survived.” smirked Sarakeil to Dominus.

“To think that you actually survived the onslaught. Admirable.” Remarked Remiel.

“Where is he now? And how is he?” asked Michael with his voice filled with concern.

Jophiel, who had silently absorbed the information, asked his question, “What did you do, Major Victor?”

Victor took a deep breath, knowing what he was going say could potentially get him into trouble and there was no point in lying, the Archangels would smell it a mile away anyways.

“I asked him to come back and join the army again….”  

“And you did this without the council’s consent?” hissed Dominus, his eyes narrowed dangerously.

Victor stood his ground, “I know it was uncalled for and I take the full responsibility. But right now, we need the late general’s wisdom more than ever.”

Raphael too joined in the favour of Victor, “I’m in mind with, Major Victor. We need Lucifer back where he belongs.”

Sarakeil suddenly asked out of the blue, “Major Victor, you never told us what the Late General did about the offer. Hmm?”

Victor hung his head in defeat in defeat, “You’re right, Milady. Forgive me, but he refused our offer and is very firm about his choice.” This shattered hopes of many of the council members.

“Should have expected this from that traitorous coward.” Grumbled Dominus, who clearly had a grudge against Lucifer.

This pissed off the Current General as he roared back heatedly, “Lucifer was many things but not a coward!”

“That may be true but he is a traitor, Archangel Raphael and that we cannot forget.” Spoke Remile as well.

“And what of all the deeds he had done for the sake of Celestia? We just spit on it?” questioned Michael aggressively.

“Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgement Archangel Michael, Lucifer may’ve been yours and Raphael’s mentor, but that shouldn’t make you sympathise the enemy.” Suggested Sarakiel.

“He is not our enemy!” defended Victor.

“Are you sure Major? Demons are arriving in Cosmos and The Late General has made his presence known. Doesn’t it seem odd?” asked Remiel. Leaving everyone stunned at what he was implying.

Raphael was the first to recover and defend Lucifer, “HE WOULD NEVER...” but Remiel added, “Don’t forget how the Late General was dishonoured in the first place Archangel Raphael…. I would not be surprised if Lucifer favours the Demons over his own kin.”

That was perhaps the last string of Raphael’s patients as he lashed out. The council members where soon engaged in a verbal battle. Archangels were the oldest and the strongest the Celestia had and were beings of immeasurable power. To see them almost ready to tear each other is a very rare but horrifying sight, even if this was but a projection of their thoughts. But Leonardo decided to be the voice of reason and proposed.

“Enough now! I call for a vote. Those in favour of the Late General raise their palm and those against him raise their fist.”

As expected, Sarakiel, Remiel and Dominus raise a fist. While Leonardo, Raphael and Micheal raised their palm.

It was always like this, one group always supported one decision while the other didn’t, as now all that remained was the deciding factor, Archangel Jophiel. He was unpredictable one for he never favoured any particular party and so it was he who truly decided.

With seven pair of eyes upon him, Jophiel sighed and spoke, “True Lucifer is a traitor, his service to Celestia was invaluable. We cannot forget that.  But now he is an enigma, an Unknown. And that is dangerous…” Jophiel raised a fist, which shocked everyone. “Major Victor, you are to pursue Lucifer and silence him at all cost. Reinforcements from Celestia shall arrive to aid your quest….Do not fail us. You have your orders.” Conclude Jophiel.

They were all speechless. Many wanted to protest but ultimately stood silent. Jophiel was right; Lucifer could be a threat to Celestia and its interests. Even if he was neutral faction wise, they couldn’t take chances and had to be removed. Victor was an angel of Celestia, he was bound by duty and he had his orders. Putting on a stoic face, he saluted. With that he took his leave. Victor walked along the hallway with a grim face, while only one thought played in his head

‘Can I really do this?’

The council members departed one by one until only Michael was left. He stared outside the window into the city. Finally he called, “You can come out now….Son.”

A groan was heard throughout the room then an air vent on the ceiling gave away and down fell none other than Gabriel, “Greetings father.” He said sorely as he dusted himself.

“So you knew?” the young angel asked

“We all did.” Gabriel sulked at this, for he had positively made a fool out of himself.

Michael came over and inspected him, “Are you hurt?”

But the young angel backed away and growled, “What’s the point? The bastard got away and I couldn’t a thing.”    

Michael sighed and spoke “We should’ve expected that my son. Azazel is an asset to the Celestial Army. Trained by Archangel Dominus himself…Sorrow breaker is not   an average sword. Not everyone can wield or even lift it because of its sheer weight. Till now, only ones who could wield it are Lucifer and Azazel.” This new piece of information surprised Gabriel. And it made him even more helpless because his father basically told him that Azazel was immune to the Laws of Celestia.

“Well ain’t that convenient.” He growled, causing Michael to chuckle, “Just like your mother.”

Gabriel gave Michael a peculiar look, “The old man said that a lot as well.”

“So you met him as well. The Late General.”

“He’s a big jerk. The bloody old man sold me and Rose to save his own ass.” Grumbled Gabriel.

Michael frowned at this. What he heard was unexpected. Never had he thought Lucifer would do something like that. But he too had never thought that Lucifer would be exiled.

Still he kept his calm and held Gabriel’s shoulder, “I know you’re angry, my son. But don’t let your anger get the best of you. The man had lost more than we can imagine in a sweep. So do be a little lenient.”

Gabriel watched his father let go of him and looked away, “You will do great things my son. Hard times are coming, be ready for It.” were his parting words as Michael vanished as well, leaving the boy confused.

                                                                                         ---X---

Being an immortal, Lucifer cannot get drunk. As entity of pure Maya energy capable of physical manifestation, Alcohol couldn’t alter their inner biology. (For they had no inner-biology) But that didn’t stop Lucifer from finishing ten bottle worth of beer, effectively spending away all his money he had earned in the mines.

Some people were even glancing him with worried eyes, others with amazed looks at how he was even straight. But he didn’t give a crap about it.

He just sat with the last cigar he had and asked for a lighter. The bartender, now a bit friendlier since Lucifer had been such a good customer, gave him to use his old lighter. Lighting the cigar real quick, Lucifer puffed a cloud of smoke after a deep drag and returned the lighter.

What’s done was done; this was what Lucifer had been telling him. He couldn’t change the past so, now he was planning ahead. It would be most likely that the angel reinforcements had come from this city, meaning that the Angels had some extent of control over the city. Which again meant they had to get the hell out of the city as soon as they knew where they should be going.

Some guards entered the pub and sat in an unoccupied booth at the corner, having quite conversation.

“I know you lots can feel it too, don’t you lads?” one of them said.

“Aye, Know what you’re talking about, He seems fishy.” The other agreed.

“The new City Watch Captain? Sure. The sod came outta nowhere and is now ordering us around like he bloody owns the damned city.” Another exclaims.

“What was his name again? Vicor or Victor or something?” this got Lucifer’s attention.

“Aye, and now he even has supposed guests and a new prisoner now. Don’t know what she did but they seem pretty persistent about it. Doesn’t seem quite right, Mate.”

“With a body like that, no wonder the lads are going all out.” One joked darkly, causing the rest to laugh.

So it seemed that the angels had a hold on the main security of the city, further making it trivial to leave the city. But to his misfortune, Luna had been listening to the conservation as well.

Grunting with each step, a huge man with a pissed expression stomped up to the bar, his attire screamed thug in all direction and worst was that he had over five more men behind him. The thug sat heavily on the stool and grunted, “Beer...”

The bar tender nodded and readied a flagon for the thug and his boys.

Luna eyes the big Vorken, than Lucifer. She looked around the pub. All was calm, all minding their own business and even the guards seemed relaxed, enjoying their night in peace. A mischievous smile graced her face, sending a chill down Lucifer’s face.

“Luna, no...” he whispered but it was too late. Luna smashed a bottle of rum on the huge Thug’s bald head and handed the now broken bottle to Lucifer.

Everyone was too shocked to say or do anything as the Thug, though unharmed was visibly shaking with anger. He roared, “WHO DID IT!”

Nonchalantly, Luna pointed Lucifer, who involuntarily had still been holding on to the broken bottle. Till he realized his blunder, the Thug was already over him. Hoping to solve this peacefully, Lucifer spoke, “There has been a mistake Gentlman, I….” he couldn’t finish as the blond was punched in the face and in his surprise, he was sent away flying and smashed into a table, breaking it and ruining the drinks of who ever that were sitting there, resulting in them getting angry.

“Get off!” they yelled, carrying Lucifer and throwing him away, much to his annoyance.

He landed gloriously on his face and groaned. He tilted his head slightly up, he saw Luna with an innocent smile. Glaring at her, he hissed, “I hate you.”

She gave him a wide grin as the thug again took a hold of Lucifer once again. He hoisted the fallen angel up to his feet and roared, “I’ll make you pay!” and pulled back a fist.

Having enough of this, Lucifer head butted the man. Not as hard as he would when hitting an immortal but hard enough to send most of the man’s teeth flying away. The Mortal couldn’t handle the raw force of the Immortal and fell down like a pile of rocks. Lucifer dusted himself and spoke to the speechless audience. “Anyone else?”

Turns out he shouldn’t have told this as all of the people gave him a death glare and took out what ever weapon they had. Broken bottles, knives, brass knuckles….hell some even had forks and spoons!

Lucifer groaned, “I’m getting old for this shit.”

Chaos followed.

Fuelled by anger, frustration and of course liquor, the entirety of the pub broke into an all out brawl. People were hitting and punching each other in drunken haze as they directed all their personal frustration and anger at each other. The once peaceful atmosphere was replaced by chaotic yet comical one. Even the bards were playing a catchy music that went exactly with the battle and hyped the people even more.

In the middle was Lucifer, who was the prime target of most of the men, avoiding attacks thrown at him from every direction possible while holding back his strength, not willing to accidentally kill the fragile mortals, “Damn you, Kid!”

The said girl was still on the bar laughing her ass off along with the Bartender, who seemed horrified. “MY PUB!” he cried in agony, “STOP YOU FOOLS!” he screamed in panic pulling out his gun, stopping everyone for a while. Until Luna smashed another rum bottle on his head, which somehow knocked the man out cold. Turning over towards the crowd she yelled, “What? Carry on folks!”

They didn’t need to be told twice. The chaos intensified.

Luna caught a rum bottle and opened it. Taking a sniff she immediately backed away in repulse, “EW, How can they even bear this thing?” but seeing some people chug it down like it was nothing spiked her curiosity, “Well I will not know till I try.” And with that, she downed the contents of the bottle, not knowing the full consequences of her actions.

All the while, the Guards stood silent and watched. One of them asked, “Um…Shouldn’t we stop them?”

“Nah… Let’s enjoy the show a bit.” The other remarked with a grin. Others were quick to agree, making the first shake his head and go over to the exit, “I’m getting help.”

“Kill joy.”

To say that this wasn’t amusing would be a lie. Lucifer was in fact having quite a time. This small brawl helped him to ease his mind off of what happened back then and was rather refreshing.

He knew he will get into trouble for this but right now he was busy. And Luna, who had a deep red blush on her face, possibly drunk (even if it contradicts the very nature of Immortals), had somehow found her place on his shoulder and was laughing like a lunatic. All was well and Chaotic, until a gunshot echoed throughout the pub, stopping everyone.

 Everyone turned to see that several armed City Guards had arrived in the pub and they looked un-amused. “Okay, which halfwit started this mess!” a guard barked.

 All of the tenants stepped or crawled away from Lucifer and pointed at him. Leaving the Blond shocked at how fast it happened. Even Luna, who was on top of him, was pointing down at him, to which he pointed up towards her as well. It was her fault anyways.

“Okay you two are coming with us.” The guard growled.

Lucifer shook his head at this, “Great..”………………………….