Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

"She… She is our path to salvation. Our future!" The old man hurriedly cried, howling at the top of his lungs to answer. The deep tearing of agony rattled through his throat like a symphony of torment, of a cry of a merciful death. "If you sense anything, it's due to her blessing. It's by her will that her aura remains in my heart.

Mephisto's unmistakable hum of interest resounded as he spoke: "So why are you out here? In this graveyard?"

"Punishment." The Stranger said. "I committed the Crime of Gazing on the Maiden, becoming Maidenless." He paused as if the tearing of ligaments, the pooling river of blood from his eyes, and the shattered bones in his body weren't there. I heard sorrow. Deep sorrow, agonizing sorrow, that no physical pain could match. "I broke her heart, broke the law of the land, sky, and…."

Swallowed by the cries crackling from his mouth, the old man did not continue. And Mephisto did not press.

"I got the…."

Sensing the presence of Zariel and Jin, I turned to see him covering the boy's eyes. His icy snow-white gaze narrowed. He turned, leaving the area with a bag of food in hand.

"Tell me when you're done. I got enough food for everyone." He said, taking his leave.

"Who'd ever believe he was so kind?" Mephisto mused. "I've always wondered the level of depravity he'd fallen to. He always keeps it so well in check, rarely allowing himself to lose control. Well, whatever… let's eat!"

'...'

I really can't understand Zariel and Mephisto's relationship. They are close, but how can someone's tormentor be friends with the tormented? How can Zariel not feel some sort of hate toward this man? God knows it's not charm. I suspect Mephisto's main body appears different, but his current looks are merely handsome compared to his brethren, who seemed… Perfect.

Glancing at the old man for a while as he gargled over his blood through whimpers and tears, I said nothing and went to eat.

I still had an interest in this thing, but its mind was in chaos, its heart a torn place of chaos. We'd not get anything of use. Oh well. Guess we'll just have to find a better target.

…

…

…

"Holy Shit," I moaned loudly, a little teary-eyed, at the ball of fluff I bit into. "What's this shit called again? Holy shit! I want all of it!"

"Xiaolongbao," Little Jin sang loudly. " Here, uncle!"

Teary-eyed at my little nephew as he handed me a Xiao long bao, the size of his hand. I almost melted, smothering the cute little boy with hugs and kisses. When did he learn to show such filial piety?

"Your such a good boy!"

He smiled, and a chill rose over me as he stared at my stomach. " Jin can't wait for Uncle to get fat! Just like a panda. Then Jin will be able to jump on his tummy like a trampoline." ????????????????????????????. ????૦????

I glanced at Zariel, who turned away, his ears trembling to contain the laughter.

"To think these Earthlings could create such a thing. Good on them." Mephisto added, munching away on some noodles. He grinned away.

A few hours later, after the whisky was passed around to everyone, Jin included. I couldn't help but smile at his drunken appearance.

The boy had winced after drinking it but still swallowed it all.

His cute chubby expression was flushed red, while a fog of drowsiness seemingly shrouded his eyes. He stumbled away from me, nesting in Zariels lap as he yawned.

"Think he'll only remember the bad?" I couldn't help but ask. Thinking about how I wished to raise my children.

"Most children his age only recall the worst and the best of life," Mephisto said, a hint of a grin on his amused face. "It's why the parent doesn't become a Master of their children. The roles are too similar but the level of respect conflicts with the other. A Master is like a parent, but being a parent is… a journey that never ends if you let it."

"Just wait till he reaches the mental age of fifteen and tries to move out." I joked, almost curious about Jin's rebellious nature. Although I was more curious about Crowe's. Jin and Crowe. I wonder what their roles will be in the future.

"So when will you be starting on number three?" I asked my little brother.

"The second hasn't even popped out yet." He replied, but I could see he was interested. "Although I hope the next one is a girl."

Marveling, my brother could carry such an innocent look. I smiled for a bit before we got back to business. "This Maiden? Any idea's what her role is?"

"I might," Mephisto said. "I think she is acting as Gods of sorts."

"He was a God through," I replied.

"Not what he meant," Zariel said. "The concept of being a god is quite a curious subject. Were we not Gods to you when you lived in the Fourth Heaven?"

I nodded: He wasn't wrong. That was indeed true.

"But you didn't worship us," Mephisto said softly, swirling his drink in his hand. The sweet cheery scent lingered over our noses as he continued. " You were terrible as a God. Honestly, you could have granted your people boons, equipment, or anything you wanted but didn't."

"Would've taken too long to help them grow… I have too much shit to deal with."

"Forget it, Mephisto,"Zariel said. "He's good at business but not the best of leaders or gods."

"Aren't you the same? One is bloodthirsty. The other is too heartless." The Fallen said, "Less hope your children aren't as mad as you two. Although judging by your daughter's bloodlust… I think her mental ship has sailed."

I smiled. " I'm so proud of Iza. Not even born yet, but she's accomplished so much." I nodded, unable to help the warmth in my chest from blossoming. "I wonder who she loves more. Me or Lilith?"

"We're getting off-topic again!"

"Oh, right." Mephisto said, " So the Maiden she is either a divine being, sharing her wisdom, or just another god granting booms. Although the sliver of Forsaken Qi is somewhat disturbing."

"Is it?"

The Fallen nodded. " yeah. I'm not all-knowing, but from what I heard, you were the first and only to awaken as a Forsaken after they were banished. Your Mother was one of them. How she ended up in the Myriad Heavens again is a mystery. But what I do know is that many left behind legacies. Veils of blood, sons, daughters, and so on. None of their bloodlines ever activated, lying dormant from generation to generation… at least till now."The latest_epi_sodes are on_the Novᴇ(l)Fɪre.net