Chapter Sixteen

The next day we all gathered for the scavenger hunt and Mammon was complaining about how he got no sleep because of Lucifer. Oh no, you have to face the consequences of your actions. No wonder he never learns. Consequences don’t make sense to him. Diavolo explained how the scavenger hunt would work.

The scavenger hunt works as follows; each group is given a riddle and must take a picture with the historical item the riddle corresponds to. Groups are based on room designations.

It was easy as far as scavenger hunts go. But Asmo kept getting in the way of other people’s photos.

“Come on,” he was blissfully unaware, “Wouldn’t you rather have a picture of my beautiful face than that artifact?”

“No, Asmo,” Satan scolded, “You’re in our way. I don’t want a photo of you. You’re not even part of our group. Get out of here!”

“Fine,” Asmo stomped off, “I don’t have to listen to your lecture anyways!”

Simeon just looked at me. Guess I had to deal with this. I sighed and went after Asmo.

“Hey, Asmo,” I called, “Wait for me!”

He stopped and faced me, “Oh, it’s you, Drizzm. I thought you were Satan. Worried about me?”

“What was that back there? Why are you getting in the way of their photos?”

“Like I said. They’d be much better off with pictures of me, rather than some dusty relic.”

“It’s not about you, or beauty, Asmo. This is an assignment. You can’t get in the way of something because you think something else is better. You have consent problems. You don’t get to make decisions for people.”

“Ugh, why are you lecturing me too? Just look into my eyes,” his eyes gained that faint glow again, along with his voice carrying differently, “You don’t wanna make them sad, right?”

“That’s what I mean! You’re trying to charm me against my consent just to get out of facing the consequences of your actions.”

“Wait, it doesn’t seem to be working.”

“Good,” I glared at him, “Don’t you do that shit again.”

“Don’t talk to me like that!”

“Well don’t try to violate my consent.”

“That’s not how charming works!”

“Never have I been so happy to be ace.”

Asmo huffed, “I’ve never met anyone resistant to me like you. It’s kinda doing something for me.”

I sighed, “Oh my god.”

“You know,” he changed the subject suddenly, “I almost expected you to ask me for a pact. You’ve been going through my brother like I go through lotion.”

“First, weird. Second, these are mutual pacts. I am open to pacts with all of you, but you have to want to have a pact with me first. I respect your free will.”

“Ooo, how chivalrous,” he didn’t seem condescending, just the way he usually is, “Maybe you do love me and don’t know it. But I’m not gonna make a pact just like that. I want you to do something first.”

“Okay,” I was slightly anxious, “What is it?”

“I want a picture of Lucifer’s sleeping face!”

“...Pardon?”

“You see, Mammon tried to get a picture, to sell of course, but he got caught. I don’t want to sell it, I just want to see what he looks like sleeping?”

“You’ve never seen him sleep?”

“I have, but anytime we try to get a photo he catches us.”

“This is a very odd request. But you have to stay out of people’s photos when it’s an assignment. Deal?”

He nodded and now that he was satisfied everyone was able to finish their scavenger hunts and we gathered for dinner. The demons were in their normal attire but the rest of us were dress for the dance after. I was lost in thought, trying to figure out how to get into Lucifer’s room.

“Drizzm,” Lucifer broke my train of thought. He looked as though he had called for me a few times, “Can you pass the sauce, please?”

“Oh, sure,” I passed it to him, “Here you go.”

“Thank you. Are you alright?”

“Is the Lucifer worried for me?”

“Forget I asked.”

“Aw, why are you suddenly not playing along with my teasing.”

“Because I’ve had to listen to Diavolo giggling since last night.”

“Let him have fun. Being a prince seems stressful.”

“That was maybe too much fun.”

I chuckled, before pausing, “Hey Lucifer?”

“Yes?”

“Can you show the different painting later,” I anxiously prodded at my food, “I’ve wanted to take a look at them but I’m afraid I’ll get lost.”

He smiled, a rare but beautiful sight, “Of course, I almost forgot you’re an artist. I’ll take you on a tour after the dance.”

“Thank you.”

“That meek way you asked was interesting. Quite unlike you.”

“Well, I wasn’t sure if you’d say yes. Considering we don’t really seem to get along.”

“I wonder why,” he did not wonder why. I knew he blamed me entirely.

I sighed, but continued eating. I was trying so hard not to snap at him. But that would be counterproductive so I just opted for silence. When we all finished Diavolo magicked the table and chairs away and set the stage for the dance. The demons transformed into their demon forms and it was my first time seeing Diavolo in his demon form.

He was much taller than his normal about 6.5’. Now standing at about 8’ or 8.5’. He had horns that came out from behind his head sideways then curved in and slightly down towards his face. They were a gradient of deep fiery red at the base fading quickly to black for the rest of the horns, tipped with golden filigree. He had 4 large dragon wings with the wing “thumb” in the middle tipped in a similar golden filigree. His hair was a much more saturated red and his skin darkened to a deeper shade a warm brown. Like stone lit up by fire.

And there was plenty of skin to look at considering he wasn’t wearing a shirt but instead has a large fur stole of charcoal color. He also had a wide black color with gold accents and golden coins hanging from the bottom edge. It had a chain coming down from the center of the collar and was connected to two other chains that hung and wrapped around his sides by a massive pendant. It also appeared to act as the way the stole clasped together. The pendant was a large, round, deep red ruby in the center with symmetrical golden dragon wings on either side.

Considering Diavolo’s current increased size, that ruby had to by the size of a baseball, or even softball. The golden wings had a total wingspan of probably 3 feet. He also wore a large A-line skirt over knee high boots and white pants. The skirt had triangular gold tassels cascading down the front of where each leg is. There were also two gold chains that hung and wrapped around his hips, like the ones hung around his torso. There was also a white cloth that matched his pants that hung over the font of his skirt.

Yeah be normal I say as I probably spent five minutes just staring at him. Thankfully Mammon finally broke me out of my stupor stammering about something.

“H-hey, Drizzm,” he awkwardly asked, “Do you- I mean…”

Poor guy can’t ask for a dance. I was going to use the opportunity to let him know I’m not interested him in that way but I’d still be interested in a dance. However, Lucifer interrupted us.

“Drizzm. Would you take the first dance with me,” he asked, holding out his hand. No real choice here.

“Of course,” I took it while Mammon malfunctioned. When Lucifer turned to face me I finally took in his demon form. He was about 7’ tall, black horns curling upward. 4 large, black feathered wings on his back. He still wore a suit but it was very peacock coded, with peacock eyes on the tails of his coat and a peacock feather necklace. He was also breathtaking in his demon form.

“Do you know how to dance?”

I gave him a modified bow/courtsey I made up on the spot. Drawing a little ballet circle on the floor with my toe, bending my knees like a small courtesy, but bending at the waist with my arms in a bow position. I wasn’t sure if his amusement was because he was laughing at me, or with me. But I’ll take it.

“I see you’ll have no problem then.”

We got into dancing position as the song began, with him leading obviously. I almost forgot he hated me. Almost.

“Now, we can have this conversation without interruptions,” he was stern.

I sighed heavily, “You’re gonna threaten me again, aren’t you?”

“This isn’t a light matter,” he scolded. Yes, I know, sir, “I don’t know what you’re planning getting pacts with my brothers. But if you try anything that threatens my brothers or Lord Diavolo I will take care of you myself.”

He was starting to squeeze my hand sorta tight. But my pain tolerance allowed me to ignore it, “What did I ever do that makes you think I want to hurt anyone? I’m literally just trying to be friends.”

“You don’t need to do that. Keep your nose out of our business.”

I was finally sick and tired of him. I glared at him, my anger blinding me to Lucifer’s increasing grip strength.

“Why the fuck do you think you get to make decisions for me, huh? Or your brother’s for that matter? Isn’t the purpose of the exchange to increase relations? Don’t you believe in that? Or are you just lying? You’re not a protective brother if you think you can control your brothers. You’re a fucking dictator,” I seethed.

“How dare you speak to me like that,” he leaned down to stare me down better. The squeezing on my hand was increasingly rapidly. My face turned to worry.

“Wait, Lucifer, if you keep squeezing my hand like that it’s gonna-”

CRACK

My face paled and my mouth shut as Lucifer and I stared at each other in mutual shock and panic. He meant to threaten me sure, not severely injure me. He immediately loosened his grip. I slowly looked at my hand. I rarely wear gloves like Lucifer so I could watch in real time as the bruise formed on my slightly mangled hand. Before we could do anything about our predicament Solomon showed up.

“The song is over,” he cheerfully said, “Mind if I have the next dance?”

I was barely keeping it together and I needed to hide my hand, “Uh, yeah. I just gotta go to the bathroom. Excuse me.”

I didn’t wait for an answer and walked as normally as I could to my room. My knuckles weren’t really aligned right so a glove would hide my hand until I fixed the alignment. I took a deep breath before placing the back of my hand on the floor and placed my knee above the knuckles. I took another deep breath and shoved my knee down with all my weight. More cracking came from my hand as a small high-pitched whimper escaped my gritted teeth.

My eyes were watering and I took a few deep breaths as I sat on the floor. I looked back at my hand and while the bruising was severe, the alignment was good enough. At least it was my left hand. I rummaged for the one pair of gloves that I have and gently put the left one on and used my teeth to pull the right one on. I took another few breaths before returning to the dance.

“I’m sorry about that,” I apologized to Solomon as he stood at the wall in the main hall, waiting for me, “Would you still like to dance?”

“Of course,” he smiled. My jaw clenched when he grabbed my left hand. This was gonna fucking suck, “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I lied. I don’t think it was convincing.

“You should be careful. Demons still look down on humans. Don’t forget, you’re an outsider here.”

I sighed, already tired, “I don’t fit anywhere, Solomon. But continue.”

“The good news is you have pacts with three of the strongest demons in the Devildom. The bad news is you don’t have the power to properly command them.”

“Okay. I know this.”

“I’m glad you have an accurate view of the situation.”

“Does everyone just think I’m an idiot?”

“I’m. Sorry?”

“No, sorry. I’m just tired of people complimenting basic awareness. I’ve been attacked by the brothers twice now. I know it’s dangerous here.”

“Let me help you, then.”

“Why,” I was suspicious. He didn’t want to help me at any point before this.

“Because I think humans should stick together,” my point still stands, “And I’m curious to see what comes out of this.”

Ah, there it is, “Okay, sure. How do you help me though?”

Suddenly I felt something surge into my body, it reminded me of the pacts, but felt different. Solomon explained, “I’m lending you some of my power for the next six hours, you’ll be able to summon Asmo with this power.”

“You can do that but not stop a giant snake?"

“Hush. I’m helping you.”

“Thank you. But, hopefully I won’t need to use them.”

“Let me remind you of the incantations for Asmo.”

He reiterated the ones he used yesterday, instructing me to change his name with mine. After that song ended I got bounced from person to person. I was hoping to eventually dance with Diavolo but I couldn’t bring myself to ask him and he was always surrounded by people. Understandable.

The dance finally ended and my hand ached. But my night wasn’t over, I was still supposed to look at paintings with Lucifer. Although I don’t think he’d be up for that anymore. Either way, I looked for him, but couldn’t find him.

“Are you looking for someone,” Barbatos questioned as I passed by him.

“Oh, yeah,” I stopped to ask him, “Do you happen to know where Lucifer is?”

“I believe he’s retired to his room.”

“Oh… He said he’d show me the paintings in the castle.”

“Would you like me to take you to him?”

I hesitated, “No, thank you. It’s alright he forgot. He’s got a lot to worry about.” I immediately regretted not taking the offer. I need to figure out where his room is. Mammon apparently has the worst sense of directions and can’t remember how to get there. They were going to help me with the picture but they were sorta useless until we know where Lucifer’s room is.

“Are you sure,” I almost forgot Barbatos was here, “You seem quite sad about it. I heard how much you wanted to see the art as an artist.”

“Yeah, I mean. It’s okay.”

Barbatos looked me for a moment while all I could think about was how my hand throbbed and I wanted to go to bed, “Why don’t I give you a small tour?”

“What?”

“It’s not often we get guests that enjoy the art as much as you seem to. Although, one painting is in Lucifer’s room. If that doesn’t bother you, we can start there.”

“Are you sure,” I need to stop being kind, “Aren’t you super busy?”

“I can spare time for this. Come with me.”

Barbatos led me to the room Lucifer was sharing with Diavolo. He knocked on the door and Diavolo called us in.

“Barbatos, Drizzm,” Diavolo cheerfully greeted us, “What can I do for you?”

“Drizzm wanted a tour of the paintings and I believed the painting in here would be best to start with. Isn’t that right, Lucifer?”

Lucifer avoided eye contact while Diavolo asked in surprise, “Do you know anything about this?”

“If I remember right,” Barbatos answered for him, “Lucifer was the one who agreed to give the tour in the first place. But it seems he enjoyed the dance so much he forgot.”

“That doesn’t sound like you Lucifer.”

“I apologize,” he still avoided eye contact. I didn’t care with the way my hand ached, “I can still do it, Barbatos. No need to continue to waste your time.”

“Too late for that, I suppose. Drizzm insisted on not bothering you because they wanted you to rest. So, I chose to help relieve his disappointment.”

Barbatos out here changing my words. Not that I don’t appreciate the scolding he gave Lucifer. I quietly spoke up, “Um, not that I don’t appreciate you speaking up for me. But, can I just look at the painting now? Lucifer and I’s relationship is as rocky as it is.”

Barbatos looked at my tired face with pity, “Ah, of course. I apologize. This painting was…”

Barbatos proceeded to tell me about the painting and while I was enjoying th art. I wasn’t enjoying the pain in my hand and the tense atmosphere with me and Lucifer in the same room. Diavolo thankfully didn’t ask about what was going on and Barbatos announced our leave soon enough. We bid them goodnight and continued on the tour.

“Are you alright, Drizzm,” Barbatos inquired after a few paintings, “You’re looking quite worn out.”

“Yeah, I guess I’m more tired than I thought,” I repled honestly, “I’m sorry about all this Barbatos. I didn’t mean to be a bother.”

“You weren’t a bother at all. I quite enjoyed seeing that look on Lucifer’s face. I do wonder what’s happened between you two.”

I huffed, “Where do I start? Thank you, Barbatos. It’s been quite the day and I’ve enjoyed the art so much,” when my hand isn’t hurting I’ll enjoy it even more, “ I’ll get out of your hair now. Thank you again. Goodnight, sleep well.”

“My pleasure. Goodnight, Drizzm.”

I went to my room and waited until everyone was asleep. I slipped out of my room and met up with the boys, Mammon, Levi, and Beelzebub. Operation Photograph Sleeping Lucifer was a go. We snuck through the halls to Lucifer’s room and stood outside his door. The other three suddenly getting cold feet. I got tired of waiting for them.

“Oh, my goodness. Move,” I whispered sternly. I silently grabbed the handle, carefully turning it to make sure it didn’t make any noise. Gently opening the door we snuck into the pitch black room. I got the feeling I should have just done this myself because the others were stomping around like fucking elephants. No wonder Lucifer always woke up before they could take a photo of him.

“Wait,” Mammon whispered, “Something’s wrong. The room shouldn’t be this big and empty right?”

I didn’t even notice because I was so annoyed by them but, “You’re right. Unfortunately, it seems Lucifer set a trap.”

“C’mere Drizzm! I-I know you’re scared, right?!”

“Mammon, shut up,” Beel ordered, “Something’s here with us.”

I heard a deep animalistic growl, “What is that?”

“That sounds like-”

A HUGE three-headed hound burst alight with flames, cutting Beel off and lighting the area around us. We were indeed not in Lucifer’s room.

“CERBERUS!!!” Both Mammon and Levi screamed. We all bolted through the door we came from. Just to find ourselves falling. We fell back into-

“The damn labyrinth again,” Mammon yelled in frustration. We all landed on him, “GET OFFA ME ALREADY!”

My hand really ached and I avoided using it to get up. We huddled together to try and make a plan.

“So, how do we get out of here,” Levi started, “We don’t know the way out and it’s only a matter of time until Henry 1.0 shows up.”

“Yup,” Beel agreed, “I can hear him already.”

“Wait,” I remembered Solomon leant me his powers. I stepped back from the others and recited the incantation to summon Asmo.

“Ow! Solomon I told you not to summon me so hard,” he looked at me and realized Solomon did not summon him, “Drizzm? Did you summon me?”

“While I’d love to know the story,” Mammon interrupted in a panic, “But it looks like Henry 1.0 has spotted us!”

I recited the incantation to amplify Asmo’s powers as Henry 1.0 approached. Solomon didn’t show me how to limit the power so I just let do it’s thing unchecked.

“Ohh, this feeling,” Asmo low-key moaned, “This is greater than anything Solomon has done.”

“Well. DO SOMETHIN’ ABOUT THE SNAKE!”

“Calm down, Mammon!”

Asmo recharmed Henry 1.0 and he led us out, much like yesterday. Thankfully we were pretty close to the exit and it didn’t take long to get back to the castle. Lucifer and the other demons were waiting in the entry way.

“I see you all decided to do something stupid again,” he scolded, “I had a trap set up so if anyone enters without knocking it transports them to Cerberus. Think of it as a precaution against a certain thief.”

We all looked at Mammon, who deflated as he knew he couldn’t argue out of this one.

“I hope you all learned your lesson.”

Asmo, unbothered as usual, approached me, “Drizzm. I know you didn’t get the photo, but I still want to make a pact with you? “Why,” I was confused.

“Why, indeed,” Lucifer seethed. Bitch, don’t forget you broke my hand like 3 hours ago.

“The power I felt was greater than anything Solomon has shown,” Asmo explained, “By a lot. It’s really impressive and I’d love to have a pact with someone with as much potential as you and see how you grow.”

The genuine praise made me blush, “Well, I’m happy to have exceed your expectations. I’d love to make a pact as well, then.”

“Oh stop being so formal,” he solidified our pact, the color glowing pink. Lucifer sighed and ushed everyone to their rooms and Asmo dragged me to ours. I know pacts seem to have a weird effect on the demons but I don’t really see Asmo like this with Solomon. Or maybe I never noticed?

“Oh, you’re back,” Simeon greeted, “I was wondering where you two were.”

“We ended up in the labyrinth again trying to sneak into Lucifer’s room,” I explained.

“I see. Lucifer really is ready for anything.”

“With his brothers? Yeah, for sure.”

“I never noticed how cute your features are, Drizzm,” Asmo had his arms around my shoulders, holding me gently but close.

“Oi,” came Mammon’s voice, “Quite snuggling up on Drizzm!”

“Drizzm doesn’t mind it,” he pulled me closer, “Right, Drizzm?”

“No! Tell him you hate it and he’s too clingy!”

“Mammon, let go of Drizzm!”

I was too tired for this and sighed and they both gently tried to pull me from the other. Eventually, they moved to just insulting each other and finally letting me go. After a few insults Mammon threw a pillow at Asmo’s face. Who then got mad that Mammon ruined his hair and threw a pillow back. But, Mammon dodged it and it hit Satan who was coming into the room for some reason. And suddenly, a pillow fight started as everyone in the castle started showing up. The only one not participating was me, just hiding due to my hand.

“What is going on,” Lucifer bellowed. He and Diavolo finally showed up, “I’m so sorry, Lord Diavolo. I’ll have a-”

“A pillow fight,” Diavolo exclaimed with so much excitement, “Lucifer, it’s just like in the book ‘Retreats 101’! It talks about the youthful joy of pillow fights.”

I am going to protect that man at all costs. Suddenly, a stray pillow hit Diavolo.

“Oh,” apologized Mammon, “My bad, Lord Diavolo.”

“Anyone who lays a hand on Lord Diavolo,” Lucifer picked up the pillow, “will die!”

He threw the pillow back at mach 5 and it set on fucking fire, sending a hole through the spare bed. Diavolo joyfully tossed pillows to Lucifer as it became Dodge-the-Flaming-Pillow. I sighed, my hand ached.

Eventually everyone got knocked out except me, Diavolo, and Lucifer. I heard footsteps leaving so I assumed it was safe and left my hiding spot. A pillow flew at me from my left and I blocked it with my hand out of reflex. It made my hand fucking hurt all over again. I was so sick of it already.

I threw the pillow back angrily, “What?! I’m not fucking hurt enough for you Lucifer?!”

“You’re hurt,” Diavolo worriedly asked as the pillow he threw hit him square on the chest. He approached me, “What happened?”

“Nothing,” I lied.

“I know you’re lying. I can’t allow you to get hurt under my watch.”

I shifted uncomfortably. I didn’t know what to say to get out of this so I stayed silent.

“Take off your gloves Drizzm. You didn’t have gloves before the dance and you left to get them. This isn’t a request.”

I sighed, “It was an accident. Don’t get too mad, okay?”

It took me a few moments as I gently worked the glove off my left hand. It was the first time I took the glove off since the dance and it looked fucking awful. Bruised, purple, blue, and black, and my hand shook unsteadily, “He, uh, crushed my hand.”

Diavolo grew bigger as he got angry, his size intimidating me instead of enthralling me like earlier.

“He hurt you?! Even after what he did in the tombs?!”

“It was an accident! I have a high pain tolerance and-”

“That’s enough, Drizzm. I don’t know why you’re trying to protect him. But, he should take a lesson or two from you,” he marched off. I sighed. God, I sigh a lot lately.

“Drizzm,” Satan exclaimed, “Your hand!”

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

“Satan, forgive me when I say this. Either shut the fuck up or get the fuck out. I’m fucking over today.”

“You need to get that fixed,” he shook Simeon awake. I sank oh so tiredly on my bed. I was reaching my limit.

“Oh, no, Drizzm,” Simeon rushed to my side, “How have you been able to keep quiet about this?”

“That’s my secret, Simeon,” I snuck in a meme to try and lighten my mood, my coping mechanism, “I’m always in pain,” I sighed, my front breaking in front of Simeon’s concerned gaze, “I’m fucking sick of it to be honest. But, what am I gonna do? I’ve been like this my whole life, and that won’t change. So a crushed hand is just another thing. Hard to ignore, but not impossible. At least, if people would stop touching it.”

“Here,” Simeon stood up, “let me help you. Lay down properly. It may take a while so I’m going to put you to sleep.”

“It’s okay Simeon. You do-”

“Lay down.”

“Yes, sir.” I did has he said. He covered my eyes with his hand and I was asleep.

Simeon hovered his hands over Drizzm’s body and a gentle glow appeared all over Drizzm’s body, with an especially bright spot on his left hand. Simeon gasped in shock as Satan left, confident in Simeon’s abilities.

“What are you doing, Simeon,” Luke rubbed his eyes sleepily.

“Healing Drizzm,” he quietly explained, “Be quiet so you don’t wake the others.”

Luke took this very seriously, so he whispered, “What happened to Drizzm?”

“His hand was badly hurt somehow. It seems that’s why he’s suddenly wearing gloves.”

“Really? Is he gonna be okay? How did we not know?”

“Apparently, he lives with chronic pain. That’s why his whole body is glowing. The glow only appears where there is pain.”

“I remember he talked about this, but I didn’t realize how bad it was,” he huddled close to the edge of the bed, “You’re gonna fix it, right?”

“Yes, Luke. Drizzm is such a kind soul that I can’t think of a better way to bless them.”

“I’m glad you think so too. This is a much better thank you than my baking.”

Simeon spent the next couple hours healing Drizzm as Luke left to his own room, being careful not to wake anyone else.