Chapter XXIII
The Price of Living
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Nobody spoke.
Nobody even seemed to breathe.
The entire church had fallen into an unnatural silence.
Rain continued to fall outside, beating against the broken windows and leaking through the damaged roof. Water dripped from the ceiling and landed against the stone floor with soft, repetitive sounds.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
It was almost peaceful.
Almost.
Because lying in the middle of the ruined church were the bodies of several Fallen Angels.
Some unconscious.
Some groaning.
Some simply too injured to move.
Kokabiel was nowhere to be seen.
Freed had escaped.
And Lucifer was sitting on the floor.
With Rias in his arms.
Alive.
His hands were still trembling.
He had not noticed it.
He had not noticed that his left hand had returned to normal either.
The black crystal that had spread across his arm was gone. His flesh had returned to its original state as though nothing had happened.
The terrifying black wings had disappeared.
The violet veins had vanished.
The enormous pressure that had caused every supernatural being across the world to feel as though something ancient had awakened had also disappeared.
There was no trace of the being who had nearly torn Kokabiel apart.
There was only Lucifer.
And Rias.
Lucifer stared at her face.
Her crimson hair was soaked in blood and rainwater.
Her eyes were closed.
Her breathing was weak.
But she was breathing.
That was enough.
Lucifer slowly raised his hand.
He touched her cheek.
Warm.
He blinked.
Warm.
Real.
Alive.
His fingers trembled again.
"You're alive."
Rias slowly opened her eyes.
Her vision was blurry.
She stared at the familiar face above her.
"Lucifer?"
His expression immediately broke into the widest smile she had ever seen.
"You're back."
Rias blinked.
"What?"
"You're back!"
He pulled her closer.
"Bloody hell, you're back!"
Rias made a small noise from the sudden movement.
Lucifer immediately loosened his grip.
"Sorry."
He stared at her again.
"You are actually alive."
"I think so."
"Excellent."
Lucifer let out a laugh.
A strange laugh.
Half relief.
Half disbelief.
He closed his eyes and lowered his forehead against hers.
"Thank God."
Rias stared at him.
Then she noticed his face.
His red eyes.
The dried tears running down his cheeks.
Her expression softened.
"You cried."
"No."
"You did."
"Rain."
"We're inside."
"Very aggressive rain."
Rias stared at him for a few seconds.
Then she smiled.
"You are terrible at lying."
"I know."
There was a brief silence.
Rias looked down at herself.
Her uniform had a massive hole through the chest.
She remembered that.
Her eyes widened.
"I died."
Lucifer's smile disappeared.
"Yes."
"I remember."
His expression became tense.
"What do you remember?"
"Not everything."
Rias placed a hand against her chest.
"I remember Kokabiel."
Her breathing became slightly shaky.
"I remember you weren't here."
Lucifer lowered his head.
"I know."
"I remember getting hit."
Another pause.
"And then I remember falling."
Lucifer's hands tightened around her.
Rias looked at him.
"You came."
"I should have been there earlier."
"You came."
"I left you."
"Lucifer."
"I should have stayed."
"Lucifer."
He finally looked at her.
Rias gave him a small smile.
"I am alive."
He stared at her.
She continued.
"Whatever happened, I'm here."
Lucifer remained silent.
Rias reached toward his face and wiped away one of the dried tears.
"So stop blaming yourself."
Lucifer swallowed.
"You make that sound remarkably easy."
"It isn't."
She paused.
"But I don't want you destroying yourself over me."
Lucifer gave a tired smile.
"Too late."
"Lucifer."
"I'm joking."
"You aren't."
"No."
He sighed.
"Not entirely."
Rias looked toward the ceiling.
"I remember hearing your voice."
Lucifer froze.
"What?"
"Before I woke up."
She looked back at him.
"You were shouting."
"What did I say?"
"You kept saying my name."
Lucifer looked embarrassed.
"That sounds about right."
"You also said something about genocide."
Lucifer looked away.
"That sounds less flattering."
Rias smiled.
"You said you were going to kill everyone."
"Technically, I said I was considering it."
"You were serious."
"I was very emotional."
Rias sighed.
"Thank you for not doing it."
Lucifer thought about it.
"You're welcome."
A voice suddenly interrupted them.
"Rias."
The voice was shaking.
Rias looked over.
Rossweisse was standing nearby.
Or rather, attempting to stand.
One leg was trembling badly.
Her armor was damaged.
Her hair was disheveled.
Her hands were wrapped in temporary magical bindings.
One of her wings was badly damaged.
There were still traces of blood across her face.
But she was alive.
And crying.
"Rias."
Rossweisse limped forward.
"You're alive."
Rias smiled.
"Apparently."
Rossweisse dropped to her knees.
She immediately wrapped her arms around Rias.
"Thank goodness."
Rias blinked.
Rossweisse buried her face against Rias's shoulder.
"I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"I thought you were dead."
Rias gently placed a hand on Rossweisse's head.
"I thought so too."
Rossweisse laughed weakly through her tears.
"I was so scared."
Lucifer watched them.
His expression softened.
Rossweisse had fought until she could barely stand.
She had protected Irina.
She had protected Kiba.
She had endured Kokabiel's assault.
And even after everything, the first thing she cared about was Rias.
Lucifer quietly extended his hand.
Rossweisse looked at him.
He offered his palm.
She took it.
"Thank you."
Rossweisse blinked.
"For what?"
"Staying with her."
"I couldn't leave her."
"I know."
He squeezed her hand.
"You did well."
Rossweisse looked away.
"You always say that."
"Because you keep proving it."
She smiled.
"You're still terrible at compliments."
"Yet somehow you keep listening."
"Unfortunately."
Lucifer smiled.
"Hospital."
Rossweisse frowned.
"What?"
"Hospital."
"I'm fine."
"No."
"I can walk."
"That wasn't what I asked."
Rossweisse crossed her arms.
"I don't need a hospital."
Lucifer stared at her.
She stared back.
"You were beaten by twenty Fallen Angels."
"I know."
"You were thrown around a church."
"I know."
"You were almost killed."
"I know."
"Your wing is injured."
"I know."
"Your hands are burned."
"I know."
"Hospital."
Rossweisse sighed.
"Fine."
"Good."
She started limping away.
Then she stopped.
Turned around.
Walked back.
And hugged Lucifer.
He froze.
Rossweisse whispered quietly.
"I thought you were going to lose her."
Lucifer's expression softened.
"So did I."
"I've never seen you like that."
"Neither have I."
Rossweisse pulled away.
"You looked terrifying."
Lucifer smiled faintly.
"I was terrified."
That answer seemed to surprise her.
She nodded.
Then finally walked toward the others.
Lucifer watched her go.
Rias looked at him.
"You care about her."
"Of course I do."
"Good."
He looked at Rias.
She smiled.
"I don't want everyone I care about fighting each other."
Lucifer nodded.
"Neither do I."
He looked around the ruined church.
"Unfortunately, this world seems determined to make that difficult."
"That's why you need to help us."
Lucifer sighed.
"There it is."
Rias blinked.
"What?"
"Responsibility."
He looked toward the ceiling.
"I can already hear it knocking."
"You've been avoiding it for centuries."
"Centuries of experience."
Rias laughed.
Lucifer smiled.
Then Sona approached.
Her expression was unusually pale.
She had been staring at Rias since the moment she opened her eyes.
Now she finally stepped closer.
"Rias."
Rias looked at her.
"Sona."
Sona adjusted her glasses.
Her hand was shaking.
"Good to see you."
Rias smiled.
"Good to see you too."
Sona looked away.
"You fool."
Rias blinked.
"What?"
"You are an absolute fool."
Sona's voice cracked.
"You scared everyone."
Rias looked at her carefully.
Then smiled.
"I am sorry."
Sona wiped her eyes quickly.
"I hate you."
"No you don't."
"I do."
"No."
"I really do."
"You are crying."
"I am not."
"You are."
Sona adjusted her glasses again.
"Shut up."
Lucifer quietly smiled.
This was something he had never expected to see.
Sona Sitri.
The composed Student Council President.
The girl who spoke like every sentence was an official document.
Crying because her friend had died.
Or nearly died.
It reminded Lucifer of something.
People cared.
That was the one thing power could never replace.
He had spent centuries ruling Hell.
He had armies.
Generals.
Kings.
Queens.
Entire Houses.
And yet he had never felt anything quite like the sight before him.
People simply being relieved that someone they loved was alive.
Lucifer looked down at Rias.
Perhaps that was what he had forgotten.
Not responsibility.
Not power.
People.
He had spent too long thinking of himself as a king.
Perhaps it was time to remember how to be a person.
"Lucifer."
He looked up.
Sona was staring at him.
"What?"
"You know what happened."
Lucifer's expression became serious.
"Yes."
"How?"
He looked at Rias.
Then at Sona.
"Family matter."
Sona stared.
"That explanation is becoming increasingly irritating."
"Believe me, Princess, you don't want the full explanation."
"I decide what I want to know."
Lucifer smiled.
"Fair enough."
He paused.
"Death."
Sona went completely still.
"What?"
"Death came."
Rias looked at him.
Sona stared.
Lucifer continued.
"He returned her soul."
Nobody spoke.
Sona's expression slowly changed from confusion to disbelief.
"Death?"
"The one responsible for taking souls."
"That Death?"
"Unless there are several."
Sona stared at him.
Lucifer shrugged.
"Family gatherings can be complicated."
Sona looked as though she wanted to ask a hundred questions.
Instead, she took a deep breath.
"Later."
"Probably wise."
Akeno approached from behind her.
She looked exhausted.
There was blood on her clothing, but most of it wasn't hers.
"Rias."
Rias smiled.
"Akeno."
Akeno's smile trembled.
"You really frightened us."
"I'm sorry."
Akeno crouched beside them.
She looked at Lucifer.
Then at Rias.
Then back at Lucifer.
"You cried."
Lucifer immediately pointed at Sona.
"She cried too."
Sona glared.
"Do not involve me."
Akeno smiled.
"I didn't say anything."
Lucifer sighed.
"Everyone has become very observant tonight."
Saji eventually arrived with Yura.
Saji stared at Rias.
Then at Lucifer.
Then at everyone.
"Wait."
Nobody responded.
"She was dead, right?"
Sona nodded.
"Yes."
"And now she's alive."
"Yes."
Saji looked at Lucifer.
"How?"
Lucifer shrugged.
"Excellent customer service."
Saji stared.
"That makes no sense."
"Welcome to my family."
Yura looked toward the ruined church.
"Where is Kokabiel?"
Lucifer's expression darkened.
"Alive."
Saji swallowed.
"You let him live?"
"I did not."
Everyone looked at him.
"He escaped."
Lucifer's eyes narrowed.
"Which is irritating."
Rias slowly stood.
Lucifer immediately reached out.
"Easy."
"I'm fine."
"You died."
"And I came back."
"That doesn't mean your legs suddenly became reliable."
Rias rolled her eyes.
She allowed him to support her.
"Where is Kiba?"
Sona answered.
"At the castle."
"Koneko?"
"With him."
"Asia?"
"She should be there as well."
Rias relaxed.
"Good."
She looked around.
"Where is Xenovia?"
Everyone turned.
The young woman was standing several meters away.
She had been staring at Rias with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
Xenovia finally stepped forward.
"I don't understand."
Rias looked at her.
"Neither do I."
"You were dead."
"Apparently."
"And now you are alive."
"Apparently."
Xenovia frowned.
"I have seen many strange things."
Lucifer raised a finger.
"Then you have not met enough of my relatives."
Xenovia looked at him.
"Who are you?"
Lucifer smiled.
"That is a very long story."
"Are you God?"
"No."
"An Angel?"
"No."
"A Devil?"
"Technically."
Xenovia looked confused.
Lucifer sighed.
"Next question."
"Never mind."
Irina was still recovering nearby.
Griselda had stayed close to her.
She looked at Rias with an expression that was difficult to describe.
Shock.
Relief.
And perhaps fear.
She had witnessed Lucifer's rage.
She had seen what happened when he believed Rias had died.
Griselda understood now.
He had not been pretending.
He genuinely loved her.
And that made him more dangerous than any political report had suggested.
Because someone who wanted power could be negotiated with.
Someone who wanted revenge could be stopped.
But someone who loved another person enough to threaten the entire world was much harder to predict.
Griselda approached.
"Lady Gremory."
Rias looked at her.
"Yes?"
"I owe you an apology."
Rias shook her head.
"We can discuss that later."
Griselda nodded.
"Understood."
Lucifer looked at her.
"And you."
Griselda stiffened.
"Yes?"
"You were almost killed because of me."
"No."
Lucifer frowned.
"You were almost killed because you were carrying a message from Gabriel."
Griselda remained silent.
Lucifer looked away.
"I am sorry."
That surprised everyone.
Especially Griselda.
The First Satan had apologized.
Not because he had been defeated.
Not because someone had forced him.
Because he felt responsible.
Griselda bowed her head.
"Accepted."
Lucifer nodded.
Then he looked toward the broken entrance.
"Now."
His tone changed.
"We have a Fallen Angel who wants war."
Sona adjusted her glasses.
"Kokabiel."
"Yes."
"And Freed is still missing."
"Yes."
"And the Excalibur swords remain missing."
"Yes."
"Then we have three problems."
Lucifer looked at her.
"Four."
Sona raised an eyebrow.
"What is the fourth?"
"Someone attacked my family."
Silence.
Lucifer's expression became cold.
"That makes it personal."
Rias looked at him.
"Lucifer."
He glanced at her.
"I know."
"Don't lose yourself."
He smiled faintly.
"I won't."
She studied his face.
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Lucifer looked toward the ruined church.
"But I will not ignore it."
That was the difference.
The Lucifer who had once ruled Hell would have answered blood with blood.
The Lucifer standing here now was different.
He still wanted revenge.
He still possessed enough power to frighten gods.
But now he understood something he had forgotten centuries ago.
Power was not measured by how much destruction one could cause.
Sometimes it was measured by how much destruction one refused to cause.
Lucifer took a breath.
"First, we get everyone treated."
Sona nodded.
"Agreed."
"Second, we locate Kokabiel."
"Agreed."
"Third, we find Freed."
"Agreed."
"Fourth, we recover the Holy Swords."
Xenovia stepped forward.
"I will help."
Lucifer looked at her.
"You attacked Rias."
"I know."
"Twice."
"I know."
"You nearly caused a diplomatic incident."
"I know."
Lucifer stared at her.
Then smiled.
"You have impressive consistency."
Xenovia frowned.
"I want to recover the swords."
"Then help Rias."
"I will."
Lucifer nodded.
"Good."
Rias looked at Xenovia.
"Then we'll work together."
Xenovia nodded.
"I accept."
Lucifer looked around.
"Wonderful."
He rubbed his forehead.
"Now I only need a drink."
Sona sighed.
"You almost destroyed the world."
"Almost."
"You fought Kokabiel."
"Yes."
"You nearly died."
"Technically."
"You revived Rias."
"Apparently."
"You discovered the existence of primordial gods."
"That one wasn't my fault."
"And your response is to drink?"
Lucifer looked at her.
"Princess."
He placed a hand over his chest.
"Some traditions must be preserved."
Sona stared.
"I am beginning to understand why everyone finds you unbearable."
Lucifer smiled.
"Excellent."
---
BREAK
Far above Kuoh City, Kokabiel opened his remaining eye.
He was alive.
Barely.
His body was broken.
His wings were ruined.
His chest had been nearly destroyed.
Blood covered his face.
His remaining hand shook as he tried to push himself out of the rubble.
"That bastard."
He laughed.
The sound was weak.
But genuine.
"That bastard."
He had fought Lucifer.
Not a descendant.
Not a Devil who carried his name.
Not Sirzechs.
The original.
The Morningstar.
The First Satan.
Kokabiel had spent centuries hearing stories.
Stories of the Angel who rebelled.
The Devil who defeated armies.
The being who could dismantle Divine Magic.
The monster who wielded Lightbringer.
He had always believed the stories were exaggerated.
They weren't.
If anything, the stories had been kind.
Kokabiel looked toward the sky.
He could still feel Lucifer's power lingering in the air.
That monstrous presence.
Those black wings.
That sword.
He smiled.
"This is perfect."
A voice spoke behind him.
"No."
Kokabiel froze.
He slowly turned his head.
A figure stood several meters away.
"You don't understand."
Kokabiel narrowed his eye.
"You."
The stranger walked closer.
"You believe you started a war."
"I did."
"No."
The stranger looked down at him.
"You started an incident."
Kokabiel laughed.
"And what's the difference?"
"A war requires two sides."
The stranger crouched.
"Lucifer doesn't want one."
Kokabiel's smile faded.
"He will."
"No."
The stranger shook his head.
"That's the problem."
Kokabiel frowned.
"You don't know him."
The stranger smiled.
"I know enough."
Kokabiel looked toward the distant city.
"You think he will forgive me?"
"No."
"Then you agree."
"He won't forgive you."
The stranger stood.
"But forgiveness isn't what I'm talking about."
"What then?"
"Purpose."
Kokabiel's expression became confused.
The stranger turned toward the city.
"Lucifer spent centuries believing his purpose was to rule."
He paused.
"Then he spent another life believing his purpose was to escape."
He looked back.
"Now he has finally realized that his purpose is neither."
Kokabiel narrowed his eye.
"Then what is it?"
The stranger smiled.
"To protect."
Kokabiel laughed.
"Protect?"
"Yes."
"That weakens him."
"No."
The stranger's smile disappeared.
"It gives him something to lose."
Kokabiel suddenly understood.
And for the first time since meeting Lucifer, he felt something other than excitement.
Fear.
---
BREAK
In Heaven, Michael stood alone.
The room was empty now.
The other Archangels had already left.
Gabriel remained nearby.
She was staring through the enormous windows.
Earth was visible below.
A blue world.
Small.
Fragile.
Alive.
"He's alive."
Michael nodded.
"Yes."
Gabriel looked at him.
"Rias Gremory."
"Yes."
"She was supposed to die."
Michael's expression became serious.
"Apparently not."
Gabriel frowned.
"Who changed it?"
Michael looked toward Earth.
"I don't know."
Gabriel's expression changed.
"You know something."
"Something happened."
"That isn't an answer."
"No."
Michael folded his arms.
"It isn't."
Gabriel stared at him.
"Lucifer mentioned family."
Michael remained silent.
"His family?"
"Possibly."
Gabriel's eyes widened.
"You think God intervened?"
Michael didn't answer.
That was enough.
Gabriel looked toward Earth again.
"Then why?"
Michael sighed.
"Perhaps because Father still cares."
Gabriel smiled faintly.
"I knew he did."
"Don't assume that."
"Why?"
"Because if Father truly intervened, then something much larger is happening."
Gabriel's smile disappeared.
Michael continued.
"Lucifer's return was not expected to be simple."
"What do you mean?"
"We have spent centuries believing the old order was finished."
Michael looked down.
"The Satans died."
"The Great War ended."
"The Civil War ended."
"The Underworld changed."
"Humanity changed."
"And now Lucifer has returned."
Gabriel whispered.
"My brother."
Michael nodded.
"Your brother."
Gabriel looked at Earth.
"I want to speak with him."
"We will."
"When?"
Michael glanced toward the door.
"When the situation is stable."
Gabriel shook her head.
"Michael."
He looked at her.
"He's waited long enough."
Michael sighed.
"I know."
"Then let me see him."
Michael remained silent.
Finally, he nodded.
"Very well."
Gabriel smiled.
But Michael still looked concerned.
Because there was something neither of them had said.
Lucifer had returned.
Rias had returned from death.
Ddraig's soul had vanished from the Sacred Gear.
And somewhere beyond Heaven, Hell and Earth, something ancient had interfered with the natural order.
Michael did not know what.
But he knew one thing.
The balance of the world had shifted.
---
BREAK
Back in the Underworld, Sirzechs stood inside his office.
His desk was covered in documents.
Reports.
Messages.
Emergency notices.
Political complaints.
Military requests.
Everything that came with being Satan.
Grayfia stood nearby.
Neither spoke for several seconds.
Sirzechs finally looked up.
"Is Rias alive?"
Grayfia nodded.
"Yes."
Sirzechs closed his eyes.
He leaned back.
For perhaps the first time that evening, he allowed himself to breathe.
"Thank God."
Grayfia watched him.
"Lord Sirzechs."
"Yes?"
"Lucifer saved her."
Sirzechs opened his eyes.
"Did he?"
"Apparently."
Grayfia hesitated.
"He also defeated Kokabiel."
Sirzechs's expression hardened.
"How badly?"
"Very."
"How very?"
Grayfia looked toward the window.
"He nearly killed him."
Sirzechs was silent.
Then he smiled.
"That sounds like Lucifer."
Grayfia frowned.
"Lord Sirzechs."
"Hm?"
"Should we be worried?"
Sirzechs looked at her.
"About Lucifer?"
"Yes."
He considered the question.
"Yes."
Grayfia waited.
Sirzechs continued.
"But not because he wants to rule."
"Then why?"
"Because he finally has something he wants to protect."
Grayfia's eyes narrowed.
Sirzechs stood.
"For centuries, Lucifer had nothing left."
"He lost his people."
"His brothers."
"His sisters."
"His kingdom."
"His purpose."
"He could have burned the world and had nothing to lose."
Sirzechs walked toward the window.
"Now?"
He smiled faintly.
"He has Rias."
Grayfia understood.
"And Rossweisse."
"Yes."
"And perhaps the rest of us."
Sirzechs nodded.
"Exactly."
Grayfia remained silent.
Sirzechs looked toward the distant city.
"That makes him more dangerous."
"Because he has something to lose."
"No."
Sirzechs smiled.
"Because he has finally remembered why he should fight."
---
Back in Kuoh, Lucifer walked beside Rias.
She was still weak.
He refused to let her walk without support.
Rias eventually stopped arguing.
"Lucifer."
"Hm?"
"You are thinking too much."
"Impossible."
"You've been quiet."
"That is different."
She looked at him.
"What happened when I died?"
Lucifer stopped.
Rias waited.
He looked toward the sky.
"I met Death."
Rias's eyes widened.
"The actual Death?"
"Yes."
"What was he like?"
Lucifer smiled faintly.
"Annoying."
Rias laughed.
"You're related to him."
"Exactly."
"Did he say anything?"
"He told me to live."
Rias blinked.
"That's all?"
"No."
Lucifer looked at her.
"He told me to stop running from my responsibility."
Rias smiled.
"Then he sounds sensible."
"Don't encourage him."
She laughed again.
Lucifer looked at her.
Then toward the road ahead.
"I think I've spent enough time avoiding what I am."
Rias's expression became serious.
"What do you mean?"
"I won't take Sirzechs's position."
Rias nodded.
"You don't want to be Satan."
"No."
"Then what?"
Lucifer smiled.
"I'll help him."
"Help him?"
"Yes."
He placed his hands inside his pockets.
"Sirzechs can handle politics."
"Grayfia can handle administration."
"You can handle your territory."
"I can handle enemies."
Rias smiled.
"That sounds suspiciously like leadership."
Lucifer frowned.
"Don't ruin it."
She laughed.
Lucifer continued.
"I won't be king."
He looked toward the Underworld.
"But I can be the sword."
Rias became quiet.
Lucifer's expression hardened.
"If someone threatens Hell, I'll deal with them."
"If someone threatens my people, I'll deal with them."
"If someone threatens you..."
Rias waited.
Lucifer smiled.
"I'll deal with them."
Rias shook her head.
"You're impossible."
"Yes."
"But..."
She looked at him.
"Thank you."
Lucifer smiled.
"For what?"
"For coming back."
He looked at her.
"You were the one who came back."
Rias smiled.
"Then thank you for making sure I could."
Lucifer nodded.
They continued walking.
Behind them, the ruined church remained.
Ahead of them waited the Underworld.
Heaven.
The Church.
The Fallen Angels.
The Holy Swords.
The Seven Pillars.
The remaining old factions.
And countless problems Lucifer had spent centuries avoiding.
He looked at Rias.
Then at Rossweisse.
Then at the others.
He sighed.
"Bloody responsibility."
Rias smiled.
"Welcome back, Lucifer."
He stopped.
For a moment, he simply looked at her.
Then smiled.
"Yes."
He looked toward the sky.
"Welcome back indeed."
Somewhere far away, beyond the boundaries of Heaven and Hell, an ancient presence watched the world.
Death sat behind the counter of his strange bar.
He polished a glass.
A faint smile rested on his face.
One seat beside him remained empty.
He glanced at it.
Then toward the door.
"Don't worry, Dragon."
He poured himself a drink.
"You'll be back."
The bartender took a sip.
"And when you are..."
His blue eyes glowed faintly.
"...you'll have quite the story to tell."
He returned to polishing the glass.
The world continued turning.
For now.
To be continued...