Chapter 4.2: Suspicious and Malicious

Jophiel continued, her words filled with a touch of vulnerability, "Um, about the other day and yesterday... My deepest apologies for ignoring you the whole time." She paused briefly, searching for the right words. "I'm just processing this sensation after I saw you again in your demon appearance. It's just... weird."

Lucifer's eyes held a gentle understanding as he regarded her. He knew that seeing his demonic form had left a profound impact on her, and he appreciated her honesty.

He took a step closer to her and offered a reassuring smile. "Jophiel, there's no need to apologize. I understand that it can be quite an adjustment. Demonic appearances can be... unsettling for angels, I suppose." His tone was lighthearted, attempting to ease any tension.

He reached out to gently place a hand on her shoulder, a gesture of comfort and support. "Just remember, beneath this devilish exterior, I'm still the same Lucifer you've known for ages. And I'm here for you, no matter what form I take."

Lucifer regarded Jophiel with a thoughtful expression as he listened to her concerns. Her words weighed on him, and he understood the complexity of their situation. He took a moment before responding.

He said, "You're an Archangel, and you're not used to seeing me like this," as he shifted his appearance to his demon form once more. Jophiel instinctively closed her eyes and turned her head away, a reaction he expected.

Lucifer asked softly, "Are you afraid of me?"

Jophiel hesitated before responding, "It's not like that." She continued, "Since you gained back your devilish power, I'm afraid that our friendship would be in vain. I've been starting to feel cozy around you, despite you being a devil."

Lucifer couldn't help but smile at her honesty. He gently reached out and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Look at me," he said, and Jophiel slowly opened her eyes.

With a warm and sincere tone, he continued, "Let me tell you one thing. Since my plan failed and I've lived here among humans, I've realized that not all humans are as filthy as I once described them. I've learned new things during my time in a human state."

Jophiel appeared intrigued by his words. She asked, "Then why did you take half of Lilith's arch demon strength? Do you know something that I don't know?"

Lucifer sighed softly, his expression more serious. "Jophiel, I did it not just for power. I did it to protect us, to ensure that Lilith couldn't harm us or manipulate me anymore. She's a dangerous adversary, and I needed to level the playing field."

He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "But I promise you, my friendship with you is not in vain. It means a great deal to me, and I won't let anything change that. And also…" 

Lucifer's revelation about Lilith hunting Jophiel left her puzzled and concerned. She asked in disbelief, "What?"

He repeated, "Lilith is hunting you. That's why I took half of Lilith's arch demon strength, so I could return to Hell and stop whatever motives she had regarding you."

Jophiel looked at Lucifer, uncertainty in her eyes as she weighed his words. She asked cautiously, "Can I trust you on that?"

Lucifer responded confidently, "Try me."

A smile of trust and understanding formed on Jophiel's face as she replied, "Fair enough."

Lucifer couldn't help but chuckle, his previous concern about his demonic appearance now forgotten. "So, you're not afraid of my demonic appearance anymore?"

Jophiel observed him closely and remarked, "Actually, your demonic appearance is gone, and your wings are different too."

Lucifer's eyes widened as he examined his transformed wings. He couldn't quite comprehend what had just happened. Frustrated, he exclaimed, "What just happened?!"

Jophiel shook her head, equally perplexed. "That's the thing. I can't answer it."

Lucifer let out an exasperated sigh, muttering, "Bloody Hell."

Meanwhile, in another corner of the room, Leviathan, Asmodeus, Lyam, and Ennemond were having a raucous time, consuming copious amounts of beer. Beelzebub and Amenadiel opted for juice, and the contrasting scenes caught Lucifer's attention.

He approached the two, his expression more serious, causing Beelzebub and Amenadiel to go silent. Beelzebub offered a beer to Amenadiel with a playful grin, saying, "Take a shot, Beelzebub!"

Asmodeus chimed in, "And you too, Amenangel!"

Beelzebub and Amenadiel exchanged a displeased look, but their mirth quickly faded when Lucifer interjected himself in front of them, casting a stern gaze. Concerned, Beelzebub inquired, "What's the matter, my lord?"

Lucifer unfurled his wings dramatically, causing a collective gasp and astonishment from those present. Asmodeus was the first to voice his curiosity, asking, "What happened, your highness?"

Ennemond, completely intoxicated, chimed in with a slurred voice, "Wooks layk yow wav wiiingggsss, wucifer."

Jophiel couldn't help but stifle a laugh at Ennemond's amusing comment.

Amenadiel, always the inquisitive one, inquired, "So technically, you're an ordinary devil now?"

Lucifer's frustration showed as he responded, "How do I bloody know?! If this is really my situation now, how can I confront Lilith in this state..."

He slammed himself down forcefully on a nearby chair, his thoughts racing. His grand plan of "Domination" seemed to be irrevocably ruined. Beelzebub, however, offered a glimmer of hope, saying, "Rest assured, your highness. We'll come up with a plan to bring you back to Hell."

Lyam, still inebriated, tried to lighten the mood by offering a large mug of beer to Lucifer. With a resigned sigh, Lucifer raised his mug and toasted, "Road to Hell!"

As the night continued, laughter and cheers filled the air, accompanied by the clinking of beer mugs. Jophiel, still in her cooking attire, carried on preparing food while Diane gracefully served the beers. Both of them had transformed into makeshift waitresses, donning maid outfits for the occasion. The atmosphere was merry, and they all reveled in the joys of their drunken camaraderie.

Eventually, the night took its toll on them, and one by one, they succumbed to slumber in their respective spots, except for Amenadiel. He had abstained from drinking, and as he observed the revelry, he couldn't help but chuckle at Beelzebub's unexpected indulgence.

Jophiel, after ensuring everyone's comfort, noticed Lucifer lying sprawled on the floor. She gently lifted him and settled him on the sofa, draping a warm blanket over him. Amenadiel observed this tender moment, a soft smile forming on his lips.

Once the cleaning was done, Jophiel ventured outside, where a hammock swayed gently under the radiant moonlight. As she took a seat and gazed at the full moon, she heard footsteps approaching.

"Archangel," Amenadiel greeted her.

"Amenadiel," Jophiel responded warmly.

Amenadiel joined her and turned his gaze to the moon. "Seems like the weather tonight is good."

"Indeed," Jophiel agreed. Then, curiosity got the better of her. "By the way, why did you descend here on Earth?"

Amenadiel sighed and began, "Actually, Archangel Michael ordered me to tell you about the flower on Siddartha that hypnotizes people."

Jophiel listened attentively, her curiosity piqued. "Did they seal it?"

Amenadiel nodded firmly, his eyes reflecting the moon's glow. "Positively!"

"Archangel Michael wants you to investigate it," he continued, "because of your obsession with flowers."

Jophiel sighed, her gaze still fixed on the luminous orb in the night sky. "It would be better to stay away from people there. Once this matter is done, I'll immediately go there and see it."

Amenadiel couldn't help but chuckle at Jophiel's dedication to her love for flora. "You truly have an affinity for them, Archangel."

Jophiel turned her attention back to Amenadiel, her eyes inquisitive. "Oh, did you know what kind of flower that was?"

Amenadiel nodded, confirming the identity of the flower. "Based on Raguel's report, it's called 'Brugmansia arborea,' known as 'Angel's Trumpet.'"

Diane chimed in as she approached the conversation. "Or Devil's Breath."

Jophiel was surprised by Diane's knowledge and couldn't help but ask, "How do you know?"

Diane laughed hysterically, taking a playful jab at Jophiel. "Well, it's because of the thickness of your face, it makes my rage outrace!"

Jophiel, a bit bewildered, responded, "Okay... I don't know what you were talking about."

Diane, with her daggers drawn, slowly advanced towards Jophiel, her tone dripping with menace. "Don't play dumb," she warned. "I saw you a while ago, clinging on to Lucifer in the dining room. Perhaps you're hitting on him!" Her words carried a clear threat.

Jophiel, though a bit taken aback, defended herself. "I felt sorry for him lying on the floor, so I just picked him up on the sofa, that's it."

Diane laughed, a sardonic tone in her voice. "What a lousy reason you have. But anyway, maybe Lilith was right..."

Suddenly, Diane lunged at Jophiel with surprising speed. Jophiel's instincts kicked in, and she managed to evade Diane's surprise attack.

"Impressive, Archangel!" Diane taunted, her laughter still echoing through the room. "Things are just getting started!"

Jophiel held her ground, drawing her arrow. "Time for target practice," she declared, her focus squarelyon her unpredictable adversary.

As the fierce battle between Jophiel and Diane raged on, their movements became increasingly intense and calculated. Jophiel, with her arrows in hand, continued to shoot at Diane, who deftly dodged and weaved through the onslaught of projectiles.

Suddenly, Jophiel executed a graceful backflip, launching a torrent of fiery arrows toward her adversary. Diane, with her swift reflexes, managed to slash most of the arrows in mid-air, but one managed to graze her shoulder, drawing a small amount of blood.

This injury seemed to stoke the fires of Diane's anger further, her eyes glowing with a menacing red hue as she drew her deadly scythe. Jophiel, undaunted, unsheathed her sword, her own eyes now blazing with a fierce yellow light.

Diane taunted her opponent, her voice laced with malice. "Don't be so full, Archangel Jophiel."

Jophiel retorted, "Same to you, Lilith's clone."

Their clash continued, a dazzling display of skill and power as they circled each other, each waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

In the midst of their intense clash, both Jophiel and Diane dashed forward simultaneously, their weapons raised high as they closed in on each other. The impact of their collision sent shockwaves through the surroundings, causing the very ground beneath them to tremble.

With a powerful swing of her scythe, Diane unleashed a torrent of demonic energy, a manifestation of her furious wrath. The energy cleaved through the air, slashing indiscriminately and cutting even the mighty trees of the forest in half.

Jophiel, with her divine beauty and grace, countered with a resolute strike of her sword, imbued with the holy power of charm. The clash of their respective energies resulted in a brilliant explosion, sending shockwaves rippling through the woods, and igniting a blazing inferno that rapidly consumed the surrounding trees.

As the flames roared and the forest became a raging inferno, both combatants stood their ground, their fierce determination unbroken. Their spar had inadvertently set the world around them ablaze, a testament to the immense power they possessed. 

Amidst the fiery chaos and smoky haze, Jophiel and Diane locked eyes, their expressions a mix of defiance and determination. They exchanged words, each blaming the other for the turmoil that surrounded them, and their verbal confrontation only fueled the intensity of their clash.

As they prepared to engage once more, their weapons poised to strike, Lucifer intervened with a commanding presence. With a swift manipulation of his devilish powers, he pulled the archangel and the devil toward the magnetic ground beneath them, rendering them both immobile.

Caught in the unyielding grasp of the magnetic force, Jophiel and Diane found themselves unable to move even a fraction of an inch. Their struggle was in vain, and they could only cast resentful glares at each other.

Lucifer's voice, firm and authoritative, cut through the tension that hung in the air. He demanded an explanation for their senseless battle, forcing the two combatants to confront the irrationality of their actions.

Amidst the cooling embers and fading smoke of the once-fiery battleground, Lucifer, Jophiel, and Diane found themselves in an awkward standoff. Their conversation had taken an unexpected turn, and Lucifer was eager to unravel the truth behind their conflict.

Jophiel, with a mixture of indignation and disbelief, responded to Lucifer's inquiry with a pointed jab at Diane. "Just ask the demon who is crazy about you," she retorted, casting a meaningful glance toward Diane, who wore a sly grin.

Lucifer, standing closer to Diane now, his curiosity piqued, demanded clarity. "Care to explain everything?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration.

Diane wasted no time in implicating Jophiel. "That archangel is trying to hit on you," she declared, her eyes locked onto Jophiel with a challenging expression.

Jophiel's disbelief was palpable as she exclaimed, "Excuse me?!"

Lucifer, caught in the middle of their accusations, sighed heavily. "Hit on me?" he repeated incredulously. "There's no way in Hell the Archangel would hit on me."

Diane couldn't contain her laughter, and it echoed through the clearing. "You really don't know because you're asleep," she teased.

Lucifer swiftly turned his attention to Amenadiel, his brows furrowing. "Amenadiel..." he prompted, seeking clarification.

Jophiel added, "See?" while casting an accusing glance at Diane.

Amenadiel, with a raised eyebrow, observed the unfolding drama. The tension in the air was undeniable.

Lucifer, baffled by the revelation and struggling to comprehend the situation, posed a final question to his quarreling companions. "But why fight?" he implored, his gaze shifting between Jophiel and Diane. "Look at what you two did in the forest."

Diane, finally recognizing the gravity of their actions, exhaled a sigh of remorse. "I apologize for that," she conceded, her gaze shifting to the scorched woodland. "Everything is alright now. The fire is out," confirmed Leviathan, drawing Lucifer's attention to the improved state of their surroundings. 

Lucifer, his concerns still lingering, was encouraged by Amenadiel's reassuring words. "Ease up, Lucifer," Amenadiel advised. "There's no one around during the fight."

Lucifer sighed, recognizing the truth in Amenadiel's words. "It would be a big trouble if people saw it," he acknowledged, relieved that their skirmish had been hidden from prying eyes.

Leviathan chimed in, drawing their collective attention to the visible aftermath of their battle. "But the forest's damage is really seen by the naked eye," he pointed out.

Jophiel, driven by a sense of responsibility for the destruction, offered a solution. "Then I'm gonna fix it," she declared, her wings unfolding majestically. She raised her hands and began to emit a warm, yellow glow.

"Beauty of God: Restoration of Mutilation," Jophiel invoked. As she worked her celestial magic, the trees and leaves within the affected area responded to her touch. Slowly but surely, the forest began to mend itself, its vibrant green hues returning as if the damage had never occurred. 

Jophiel acknowledged Diane's unspoken gratitude with a subtle nod. "You're welcome," she replied warmly.

Lucifer, always practical, suggested, "Why don't we just go back to sleep? We have a long trip tomorrow."

Leviathan, reverting to his human form, added a touch of humor to the moment. "The king is right," he conceded with a sigh. "It's really hard to be stunning," he mused, casting an admiring glance at Lucifer.

Amenadiel chimed in with a chuckle, "I bet that." The group shared a collective laugh as they prepared to retire for the night, leaving behind the remnants of their forest battle and embracing the prospect of a new day.

As the morning sun painted the sky with shades of orange and pink, the group began their preparations for the journey. Ennemond diligently packed his belongings, eager to return home after the recent ordeal. Jophiel and Amenadiel ventured into town to procure essential supplies for the trip, leaving the others to assist Lyam and Ennemond.

Diane, on the other hand, chose to relax in the tranquil backyard of Lyam's house. With a cup of coffee in hand and a newspaper spread out before her, she couldn't help but notice a headline that caught her attention. As she read the article, her curiosity deepened. "A mysterious flower had grown more," the headline proclaimed, hinting at something unusual happening in the nearby area.

Intrigued by the news, Diane sipped her coffee and contemplated the implications of this newfound discovery, wondering if it might somehow be connected to the recent events that had unfolded. 

As Diane read the peculiar news article, her thoughts turned towards Lilith, the queen of demons, and the mysterious events unfolding. Just as she was pondering the potential implications, her mind suddenly went blank, replaced by an excruciating headache that left her unable to focus. She clutched her chair, grappling with the pain surging through her.

In the midst of her anguish, a sinister presence approached, its eyes radiating a malevolent red glow. A serpent-like figure emerged, its voice dripping with malevolence as it addressed Diane's suffering.

"The demon queen is truly ungracious for severing your connection," the serpent hissed, observing Diane's futile struggle. "She commands Astaroth and Bael to retrieve you and return you to Hell."

Amenadiel's voice broke through the torment, calling out to Diane in concern.

Diane slowly regained consciousness to find Amenadiel beside her, his concerned expression a reassuring sight. Attempting to sit up, she faltered and fell back, prompting Amenadiel to call her name repeatedly until her eyes fluttered open.

"Where are we?" Diane inquired as she observed her surroundings, taking note of the unfamiliar scenery beyond the vehicle's windows.

Amenadiel responded, "We're heading back to Bethlehem."

Diane noticed the broken bridge on their route and expressed her concern, to which Amenadiel reassured her that Lyam knew an alternative path to their destination. They continued their journey in Lyam's delivery truck, with Diane idly fiddling with the radio that still refused to work properly.

Diane's attention shifted to Lyam, and she admitted, "I'm just observing his actions; perhaps the devil is still on him..."

Amenadiel raised an eyebrow, asking if she was certain, to which Diane playfully responded that she was only kidding.

Lyam interrupted their banter with a comment, and Diane retorted that hitting on her would be a deadly endeavor. Their playful exchange prompted laughter from all three.

Diane inquired about the whereabouts of the others, and Amenadiel explained that they were on another carriage. She noted the absence of anyone else in their vehicle, prompting Amenadiel to jest about prioritizing her care due to her earlier condition. Diane fell silent, her thoughts momentarily distant.

Jophiel meticulously inspected each sack, carefully identifying the various seeds contained within.

"Daisy... Tulip... Lily... Carnation... Rose... Oh yes, my favorite," Jophiel mused, taking a moment to savor the scent of the sunflower seeds. She chuckled softly to herself, seemingly lost in the aroma.

Ennemond, standing nearby, affectionately inquired, "Are those enough, my dear?"

Jophiel's response was resolute and enthusiastic. "Absolutely, granpabi!"

Beelzebub, always curious, questioned her obsession with flowers. "Why are you so obsessed with flowers, Archangel?"

Jophiel, her love for botanical beauty evident, replied, "They're beautiful, eye-catching, and they enhance the natural world's allure and vitality."

Asmodeus couldn't resist a mischievous remark. "Even Lilith's flowers?"

Jophiel paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Brugmansia arborea is indeed a magnificent creation. It was once considered one of the finest flowers in the Garden of Eden. However, due to your king's manipulation," she added with a pointed look at Lucifer, "which led to Adam and Eve's exile from the garden, some plants were corrupted, while others developed thorns to protect the sanctity of the garden."

Her words hung in the air, carrying a weight of history and regret.

Ennemond's curiosity led him to inquire, "Speaking of gardens, where is it now?"

The sudden shift in the atmosphere drew the attention of the arch demons, who focused their gazes on Jophiel and Lucifer, eager to hear their responses.

Jophiel's voice carried a touch of melancholy as she replied, "I'm afraid that's the one thing I've never known, ever since Adam and Eve were exiled."

Leviathan, however, suddenly rose from his seat, his unease palpable. "Wait... I feel something... unsettled."

He turned his attention to Jophiel, his gaze sharp. "Are you the angel who exiled them?"

A heavy silence fell over the group as they awaited Jophiel's response, tension hanging in the air.

Then, an abrupt disturbance jolted the truck. It rocked violently, causing Jophiel to stumble and collide with Lucifer's chest, an unexpected encounter that left her cheeks flushed.

"What in the world just happened?" Beelzebub exclaimed.

Lyam's voice rang out in frustration. "The radio is broken, and now we have a flat tire!"

Ennemond approached the agitated Lyam, his concern evident. "What happened, Lyam?"

Lyam sighed in exasperation as he explained, "The tire is flat."

Leviathan quickly took charge. "Do you have a spare wheel?"

Lyam nodded in affirmation. "Of course, I do."

Leviathan barked orders. "Asmodeus, help me with this."

While the two demons attended to the tire, Lyam turned to Jophiel, his voice filled with remorse. "I'm terribly sorry, my dear. This was unexpected."

Jophiel reassured him, her tone kind and understanding. "No need to worry, Mr. Lyam. I'm sure we'll be able to get back to Bethlehem in no time."

Meanwhile, Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Diane huddled together behind the truck.

"Diane, do you think Lilith is aware of your movements up until now?" Lucifer inquired.

Diane shook her head. "Apparently not."

Beelzebub posed a question. "What's troubling you, your highness?"

Lucifer sighed, his worry evident. "I'm still concerned that Lilith may have somehow escaped from her prison."

Diane's sharp eyes spotted an inconspicuous nail embedded in the truck's left tire. She bent down and examined it closely, a furrow of suspicion forming on her brow. "This is not just an ordinary nail."

Beelzebub joined her, his gaze fixed on the peculiar object. He nodded in agreement. "It's as if it's been forged in Hell..."

Diane's thoughts raced as she recalled the recent encounter with the devil and the names it had whispered to her. "This is from Astaroth's, as well as Bael's..."

Their conclusion was unanimous and filled with a foreboding certainty. "No doubt!"

The moonlight bathed the landscape in a silvery glow as Diane took flight, her wings carrying her gracefully through the night sky. Thoughts swirled in her mind as she contemplated Lilith's motives and the mysteries that surrounded her. Lost in her musings, she found herself gazing at the celestial beauty of the moon.

A sudden voice startled her from her reverie. "Fancy meeting you here, Lilith's clone," Amenadiel's calm voice reached her ears.

Diane turned to see Amenadiel, and her eyebrows furrowed with suspicion. "Are you tailing me?"

Amenadiel shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "Probably a coincidence. I was merely admiring the allure of the moon tonight."

Diane shifted her attention back to the night sky, her mind still clouded with thoughts of Lilith. She inquired about the others, and Amenadiel informed her that they were likely asleep.

But as Diane noticed Amenadiel's lingering gaze on her wings, she suddenly took flight, soaring into the night sky at an incredible speed. Amenadiel watched in surprise as she disappeared from his sight.

In a secluded cave hidden behind a mountain, Diane finally slowed down, her breaths heavy from the rapid flight. "Gladly I lost him..." she muttered to herself, taking a moment to regain her composure.

Her thoughts turned to Amenadiel's curious stares, and she couldn't help but wonder about their meaning. "What's with those stares?" 

The serene night surrounded Diane as she contemplated her encounter with Amenadiel. Her face flushed with an unexpected warmth that left her flustered and bewildered.

"Is he trying to get rid of me?" Diane pondered aloud before erupting into laughter. She found herself standing beside a clear, moonlit pool of water, and she couldn't resist taking a peek at her reflection.

Her reflection revealed her beet-red face, and Diane couldn't help but recoil in disgust. "Gross! Why is my face a beet red?" she muttered, touching her flushed cheeks.

Amenadiel's voice interrupted her inner monologue. "You are truly an enamored devil, aren't you?" he asked with a teasing tone.

Diane's reaction was immediate. Without hesitation, she drew her dagger and launched an attack on Amenadiel, her strikes swift and precise. Amenadiel, however, skillfully dodged each of her blows, moving with grace and agility.

"Whoa! Take it easy!" he chuckled, evading her relentless assault. Between her strikes, Diane vented her frustration, expressing her irritation at Amenadiel's persistent stares.

With each swing of her dagger, she vocalized her feelings. "Those... stares... of yours... are nerve-wracking!" Diane shouted, her frustration boiling over.

Amenadiel, still gracefully avoiding her attacks, replied calmly, "You left me with no choice."

Then, he unleashed a divine ability, invoking the "Will of God: Single Time Pause." A force field enveloped Diane, causing time to slow to a crawl for her. As she watched in frustration, her dagger was plucked from her hand and floated into Amenadiel's control.

In the slowed time, Diane realized her disadvantage. She attempted to dash toward Amenadiel, but he had already ascended into the air, out of her reach.

Amenadiel's laughter filled the cave as he watched Diane's rapid ascent. The moon's gentle light bathed her in an otherworldly glow, accentuating her captivating beauty.

"You're being a war-freak lately," Amenadiel commented, his mirth still evident.

Diane couldn't help but respond, her voice softer now, "Then why are you staring at me recently?"

Amenadiel chuckled warmly, dispelling any tension between them. "Okay, I get it! For the record, I'm not threatening you."

He continued, his gaze lingering on her. "Those stares of mine ago were just me admiring your beauty, the way you gaze at the moon. I also didn't think that the devil was also appealing; especially if you're Lilith's clone."

Diane's cheeks flushed again as she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. The moonlight continued to play upon her features, casting her in an ethereal radiance that only heightened her appeal.

Suddenly, Diane launched herself upwards, finding a way out of the cave. Amenadiel watched her ascent with a smile, appreciating the breathtaking sight before him. "Great! She just left me," he mused, "but good heavens, what a sight!"

Uriel and Camael continued to soar through the dazzling expanse of the Silver City, where ethereal beauty seemed to stretch to infinity. The celestial beings that passed by them greeted the two archangels with reverence, and in return, Uriel and Camael offered humble nods of acknowledgment.

With their graceful wings gently beating the air, they navigated the celestial thoroughfares, their radiant presence evoking awe and admiration among the denizens of this heavenly realm.