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Part 11 - Epiphany

Sky gasped as he started to walk towards the area being guided by Baphomet- Unless that son of a bitch has something else up his sleeve -his muscles convulsed- never mind -he groaned- about me, check on Beelzebub-Baphomet held Sky tightly - She'll be fine. She's a tough one, you however are momentarily fragile. -she looked over to Beelzebub whose form was beginning to shrink, Lucifer pulled his beaten, charred body from the floor and looked up seeing Zeus, Thor, and the approaching Sky and Baphomet and his archangel brothers coming down from the sky-

Sky hissed waiting for something else to happen-...hmm? -sky glanced down as he felt something wet on his right leg- blood?...oh no.. -he reached in slowly then pulled his hand back, pulling out what looked like the remains of the last vile of mystic water,Lucifer grimaced, coughing- D .... don't you understand?-Gabriel glared at his fallen one- This madness will finally come to an end ... brother. -Lucifer yelled, his regenerative abilities barely keeping him in the mortal plane- THEY DON'T DESERVE US!.. Don't you see what they've done to each other, they've killed one another over the smallest of things, from our brother to oil! Mother is wrong !

Zeus's hands sparking with lightning- The ArchAngel is right fallen one, it ends here.-Both Zeus and Thor released godly blasts of lightning at the beaten Lucifer causing him to cry out in agony and drop to the floor, his breathing labored, Gabriel shook his head slowly- You're no better Lucifer, you've killed thousands of our brothers and sisters, good angels whom stuck to their duty. Whom believed in mother when you didn't. -he snarled, Sky watched on then his ears perked as he heard Beelzebub groaning as she awoke-

Sky then winced as he looked down at his free arm, the discolouration was getting worse- it's time.... -he thought to himself then looked at Baphomet- ...I hate to ask but..could you take me back to B's Dojo? I'm not sure if I can stay on OMega or not in this condition. -Baphomet shook her head- Not yet ... I'm too tired .... sorry. -as if to further emphasise her exhaustion her form began to revert to her mortal guise as Bethany, Lucifer cried out once more as Zeus hit him once more with a blast of lightning-

Sky looked up calling for Omega, the blue cloud zipped down then stopped in front of them, but before he got on he looked at the group-....Isn't there any you can do to help him to the Light?...-Zeus charged up once more, Then the entirety of the Earth shook violently as a voice bellowed- ENOUGH!!-Sky winced and fell onto the cloud then looked back to the voice, Devidra lowered herself down before them. Her face cold and detached- That is enough Zeus.-Zeus balked at the Elder- Enough? After all this monster has caused, the thousands upon thousands of lives LOST!?

I know Zeus ... but please, enough is enough. -Devidra landed in front of them all, blocking them from Lucifer, Zeus clenched his fists, but said no more, Sky looked back to the scene, a mother's love, he looked back then sat on the cloud, he glanced back as Beelzebub was now upright, Devidra turned back to Lucifer-This is all my fault, -she nodded slowly and looked to the ground- it's all my fault and it is time to correct my mistake.- rapidly the fallen angels body began to mend itself till all was left was the angel, Lucifer spoke out almost begging- Mother, the mortals aren't worth it, please! Listen to me!

Devidra smiled in a miserable yet loving way- Lucifer, I loved you Lucifer, you were my first born son, and I made you to be so beautiful. -she shook her head- all of this .... everything in this world, would have been yours -_Lucifer blinked as he tried to comprehend- Wh... what? -he asked, his mind now reeling, Devidra nodded slowly- All of this world, and everything in it would have been yours if you'd have just listened to me, if you'd have just put your faith in me ... _trusted me.

She looked around and once more broke one of her own rules, she tapped her staff to the floor as everything began to rebuild itself, bodies came back from the ashes, souls pulled back from the afterlife- I'm sorry I let it get this far.-Lucifer stood still frozen- Why didn't you...-Devidra looked back to her son- what? Tell you? ... You were supposed to understand, to do as you were told, if you had ...-she stopped, tears welling up in her eyes- I ... -she turned back around to the others- I cannot fix the damage he has done, it is not my place in time to do so, but my son will be punished Zeus ... Thor, Odin. -she looked to the Allfather whom now stood behind his son- Please accept his punishment will be just, and leave him be.

-The two Pantheon kings looked to one another, not wanting to agree but then not wanting to argue with an Elder God neither, Zeus looked at the Elder goddess once more then simply said- See it is just ... -he burst into the sky with his lightning, Odin nodded his head slightly- Very well M'lady. -he and Thor began to travel via the magic of their bifrost bridge, Sky looked back as the sun was starting to set on this part of the earth, he looked back to group who was fixated on what was happening before them, then he motioned for Omega to take flight to head back to B-Man's dojo before anyone would notice-

Gabriel stepped up to Devidra- Mother please. After everything he's done. -he pleaded, Devidra shouted back in a moment of frustration- I know Gabriel! -she exhaled sharply then calmed herself- I know. But please, it is time to let this lay to rest. Please Gabriel ... let me do this, I beg you.-Gabriel was taken back, the misery in his mother's eyes, the pleading in her voice- Alright mother ... if that is what you wish. -he looked to his other brothers- let's go home. -Lucifer knelt on the restored ground in defeat-

Devdra looked to Lucifer and gently stroked his left cheek- Luci ... my little Luci..-The fallen one raised his head slightly, tears streaming down his handsome face- ... I'm sorry mother.-Devidra nodded softly and moved to stand beside her son- I know my dear. -she sighed- ... your immortality will remain, but for the rest of your days, unless you are called upon your body will live as mortal ... you will need to eat, sleep, breathe, this is your punishment Lucifer, this is my curse.-Lucifer looked to his angelic wings only for them to shrivel up and fall off his body- ... yes mother.-she nodded and the pair vanished-

Sometime later Sky stepped out from B-man's dojo, back in his usual black and red outfit, he had eaten something because he had been hungry oddly enough, it was evening now in ontario Canada, he looked at the sun as it was beginning to set and glisten off the lake he couldn't help but reminisce and think -I missed this place..-there were footsteps, uneven and slow, coming up behind him, Sky paused midway between the dojo and the large tree where the memorial markers were for his Sifu Galin, the wolf and second master Night, another was for Wolf the fallen warrior who had been corrupt by a possessor demon, and then himself- hmm? -he glanced back to who just who it was, he was too tired really to care if he had to fight or not.

Baphomet's mortal French accent was back in place as she spoke- I was told I could find you 'ere - Sky blinked then looked back - Oh...hey... -he smiled slightly then looked back to the sun that was beginning to set-...kinda worked out in the end...How is Beelzebub? -he asked before starting to walk over to the tree, Baphomet shrugged-She's not yet recovered. Lucifer's damage to her was extensive. How are you?-Sky shrugged slightly- getting pretty stiff actually.-she tilted her head a little to the side and smiled- I'm a pretty good masseuse-Sky looked back to her but the playfulness in his gestures and tone were gone now-....like... Rigor mortis... -she sighed, cursing in French-... How often did you use his power?

Sky chuckled painfully--. almost the whole fight sadly...well.. some points just to try and damage Lucifer, and his wife..-she shook her head- .. It's not Rigour Mortis Sky, It is the corruption seeping its way through every part of you.-Sky just nodded slowly- yup....-he let off a sigh then moved over to the spot where his marker was then slowly sat down-Well.. I guess I'm going to purgatory...-Baphomet tried to say something kind but failed- Purgatory isn't so bad Sky.-she frowned- it's a lot more pleasant than Hell

Sky sighed then winced as the veins around his face started to pulsate and become slightly more engorged- well...at least...-he looked up- Brandon is alive...-she sighed and stepped up closer to him- Can you think about yourself for the moment Sky?-SKy nodded- I think that was my problem, when I was younger...all I did was think about myself, but that's the past....-he shrugged once more then shifted to make himself more comfortable, Beth could just start to sense it, his life force and energy were starting to drop, Beth took his hand and helped him sit down- At Least like him, you're not alone.

Sky nodded slowly- yeah...-he gasped then started to cough for a brief moment before laying back, the clouds slowly rolled past- they are nice....aren't they?...I wonder why my mother named me "Sky" in the first place...-Beth could see the Nekos muscle mass slowly beginning to decrease, for a moment a shadow of a bird crossed the sky, yet it was Gabriel who landed, Beth tried to not sound bitter as she spoke- Why are you 'ere ArchAngel. -she turned back to Gabriel and glared at him, Gabriel looked at her then to Sky, then focussed on his condition-

Sky swallowed painfully, she could feel his in hers beginning to shrink as well- it's alright....I have no regrets.-Bethany put an arm around his shoulder, while Gabriel opened his mouth and say something, then closed it- ... you proved yourself Sky, in Heaven's eyes and mine.-Sky nodded slowly as he had no more strength left to answer, he looked back to the sky watching the clouds rolls in that much more as the remains of sunlight trickled through and poured through the leaves of the tree bathing him one last time in it's light before Sky slowly exhaled his last breath, not long after the neko's body dissolved into what looked like ash at first before a gentle breeze uplifted the particles and sent them over the glittering lake. Only his uniform remained-Gabriel exhaled- ... Damn it. -Beth looked down in sorrow then she snapped her neck around at the Archangel- Well? ...Go get him!

-Gabriel blinked but on the other side of the dojo they heard a car door open and shut, they couldn't' hear what was being said as they both vanished not knowing who'd be there, a limping figure walked up towards the dojo then stopped, it was B-man still bandaged heavily around his head slowly stepped out from around the corner limping, still very sore- You uh, sure you don't need a hand buddy? -B-man looked back to the taxi driver who had his head partially through the drivers window, B-man looked back to the driver- I'm fine, -he reached into his pocket then took out some extra cash as a tip, he placed it in the man's hand then nodded- thank you sir -he waved then moved towards his home-

-Meanwhile In Purgatory, the elder goddess Devidra slowly flashed into the open along with Gabriel and the other brothers, Gabriel glanced to Devidra- Why do you accompany us mother? -Devidra glanced around the void- I wish to see how you handle this Gabriel. -Those spirits that had been condemned to be there for the rest of eternity floated before them, Michelangelo grimaced- Where is he?...-Gabriel spoke with sheer will in his face- We'll find him. -he glanced around-

It wasn't the brothers who found the spirit, but Devidra, it looked so small and diminutive but that had been due to how badly it had been corrupted, she looked it over and chuckled- Like a tiny baby that can fit in the palm of my hand. -she turned to the others- I have him! -Gabriel and the others came running up, the small spirit flickered for a moment before it seemed to start moving away to go into limbo out sheer fear, Devidra blinked then reached out and held onto it- Oh no, you're not going anywhere. Your work hasn't finished. -slowly the spirit began to grow brighter, then expand before Sky's body re formed yet unconscious, Gabriel reached out and picked up Sky- We'll take him back to Heaven, have him reinstated with full honours. -Devidra couldn't help but smile- As you said, he's more than earned it.

-The following Days were almost a blur for Beelzebub, celebrations were underway for the victory against Lucifer, while also oddly enough falling on the same day of the anniversary of Beelzebub's ruling of hell. As the last of the days meetings had finished up with her usual ordering being given, she had slipped into her more formal white and red uniform, Beth of course was with her yet she could tell Belle's mind wasn't really on it, Just then there was a soft knock at the door-

-Beelebub turned in her seat- ... Who is there? -the door slowly opened as a familiar head popped in, Sky now reinstated stepped in wearing more formal robes- Afternoon...-moving further into room Sky seemed to be walking awkwardly- getting used to my wings again...-he glanced to Beth then back to Beelzebub- are you two coming to join us? -Baphomet smiled softly to Sky, both demons were still recovering, Belle only just out of the bed the day before, Beth answered- We'll be along shortly. Is security all in place?

Sky nodded- Yup, tighter than anything I've seen in my life.-he then turned his attention fully to Beelzebub- Baphomet? Could you give us a moment?-Baphomet nodded- I'll see you both later. -she hobbled away, using a walking cane for aid, Sky watched the door close then turned to Beelzebub- I went to the hospital once more, He was discharged the day of the battle. - Sky couldn't know the pain the demon lord felt, she had taken a liking to his friend. He took a slow breath then spoke, trying to choose his words carefully.- I'm not sure where he is right now...-something else was on his mind, taking a deep breath he finally said it- I was wrong about you...and I'm sorry...

The absolute relief that came over Beelzebub was easily read, it looked as if a great burden had lifted from her. Upon Sky's declaration she looked at him quizzically- Oh, how so?-Sky smiled - it was something B mentioned to me which I didn't realize until after the fight with Lucifer-he glanced down- You being satan is just a Title, you're just a person like anyone else. -he sighed looking up at her once more- that's made me reflect on myself over the past months I've been trying to compare myself to others and not choose my own path...Until yesterday when well.. -he motioned to his body then he turned to walk away but stopped by the manikin of her form with the red dress she had made up for the occasion, to be seen with "him"- B should be back at his Dojo by now, please...go and speak with him.

-she paused, turning her gaze away then looked at him seriously- I feel I'm in the need to apologise too. -she sighed- I've thought very little of you when we met, then simply tolerated you because you were Brandon's friend, but ... admittedly, over the past few weeks, you've proven yourself to me, you're a better fighter and individual than I first though, so ... I'm sorry Sky. -it was the first time she'd ever said his first name, Sky nodded slowly- This has all brought several things to light -he looked at his hands then glanced back to the dress then back to her uniform- You know, you should change into something for fitting for the occasion -he motioned with his thumb to the dress then looked back to her-...you're scared to go and see him, aren't you?.

I thought he was dead ... did I? -she looked away- ... I'm in no ..-She held back her emotions, then finally came to a decision- I mean. -she looked to the dress.- Perhaps you're right.-A smile came to Sky's face, then it broadened- Won't know till you try right? -he looked out a window- want me to keep them busy while you go and check in on him? -Beelzebub nodded then blinked-... please don't sing. -she requested with a shake of her head-

Sky chuckled then walked out the door as she made her way over to the mannequin, meanwhile in B-man's home he was just putting away from groceries, his head was still wrapped up tightly in bandages, he glanced in a mirror then shook his head slightly thinking back to something one of Jacks generals said which made him slip that much more into despair as he thought to himself- No one wants me... -he turned back to look at the bag of medical supplies he was given-

• a voice spoke then in his mind- Now I wouldn't say that -B-man stopped in mid motion, his mind raced as he noticed a reflection of Hell fire faded from one of the kitchen appliances- Belle? -he asked hoping he wasn't dreaming as he turned around, There she was, standing strong, in a beautiful red dress- You're looking well for a dead man. -she gave him a sly smirk, He didn't know what to say or do, it was a jumble of emotions but he just stood there in disbelief - Beelzebub I...-his mind trailed off but his legs buckled and he started to fall -

-Something stopped him. Beelzebub with her arms around him and his head pressed up against her bosom, she held him carefully yet tenderly. Despite not losing too much muscle mass he felt frail in her arms as she held him, slowly he looked up and he managed to use her for support-This isn't a dream...you really did come back-she smiled softly at him- You're surprised, why wouldn't I?-He just held her that much closer- It's all just been one nightmare after another...-as he moved head she could feel the bandages along her scales, clearly they had not been touched since they had been placed -

Beelzebub swallowed her anxiety then asked- There's uh, there's a party going on in Hell, to celebrate Lucifer's defeat ... would you like to come?-He stiffened slightly-I... I don't know, i'm not a pretty sight Belle...-he looked up once more into here eyes but tried to put on a brave tone- maybe just for a bit but...-she could see it, he was afraid, not of the event but of what everyone would see, she then chuckled as she started to relax in his company- Hey, you'll be surrounded by demons, trust me ... you'll be the best looking male there.

-his lips pressed to a thin line-What about? -he paused for a few seconds- these bandages? ...they told me I look like a ....-he tried to keep his eyes on hers-A mummy? -she rolled her eyes- Trust me, demons ... we're not the prettiest bunch, -she chuckled- not all of them are like me.-he glanced down-...you're beautiful....not like the rest....not like anyone else i've met...-Beelzebub didn't care that her heart skipped a beat only to increase its pace dramatically immediately afterward-So, you coming?

He slowly came to a decision, then slowly nodded-...okay...but one thing still is bugging me...-he looked up at her- if it wasn't a dream, why did your mother come and visit me?-she blinked- ... she did? When? -he tried to explain as best as he could-In my mind....maybe when Sky was at the hospital a couple of weeks ago, the staff told me a feline like woman...I mean something must have happened..-she stared into his eyes for a moment, seemingly lost in her own thoughts before focusing on him once again- Well nevermind her.

B-man nodded slowly - well umm... lead on I guess...I wonder if my bandages will stay in place from the hell fire -he moved slightly to stand next to her, something was still nagging at Beelzebub for a moment, then it was there, just a small spike of something magical around B-man, it appeared almost to be a elders technique, B-man then winced and reached up to touch his cheek - damn itch...-he stopped himself- doctors told me not to scratch -he chuckled a bit, Beelzebub cautioned him-Then don't ... you'll only make it worse.-she chided him lightly-

B-man nodded then leaned on her as he let her take them to the get together, the pair burst into hell flames and then they were in her library, Beelzebub glanced out the window at the gathering in the courtyard, then turned her attention back to B-man-I thought you'd want to be somewhere private first.-B-man slowly nodded but for some reason he paused, he swallowed slowly, his body stiffened as he then said-...take them off....-he just stared straight ahead,she looked at him cautiously- Are you sure?-he looked into her eyes once more-If there is one thing all this has taught me. It's that it isn't someone's appearance that matters..-he reached up and gently took her free hand before closing his eyes, she subconsciously began to stroke the back of his hand with her thumb- Alright.

B-man held his breath as she reached up and made a quick swipe with one of her fingernails, Meanwhile outside in the main courtyard Sky was chatting with a couple of demons and one angel about the fight at the castle, he paused as she noticed Beelzebub slowly coming down the stairs slower than usual, he leaned to one side to get a better look but the large stone guardrail was blocking his view- hmm? -Beelzebub could be heard clearing her throat loudly- Everyone!-Sky moved out to get a better look then slowly smiled-

I would like to thank you all for coming to this little celebration of our victory. I would like to announce my guest of honour, -she stepped aside- The mortal Brandon Devlin! -she placed a hand on his shoulder- .... treat him with as much respect ... as you would me -the hidden threat was not lost on those listening, Sky's eyes widened as B-man slowly moved out from behind one of Belle's wings, his face had been completely healed-

Sky walked over slowly with a couple of drinks for Belle and B-man, but it wasn't lost to him how close she was to his friend- Sky: Welcome back B...-B-man nodded slowly and gently took the offered glass- B: thanks Sky...-he felt Belle's tail slowly wrap around his waist, Sky blinked then understood- Still a bit weak huh? -B-man nodded but shifted closer to Belle- Yeah....but I'm not alone anymore...-Belle then spoke- And you won't ever be. -she added without thinking, Sky chuckled softly and moved off as the two joined the festivities, Beelzebub aided B-Man down the steps and helped him in mingling with the others-

Epilogue:

Later that evening when Beelzebub brought B-man home he couldn't help but ask- Will you spend the night?-she looked at him with surprise- ... are you sure you want me to?-he nodded slowly moving up to hold her- yes I am besides, think of it as me returning the hospitality.-then he turned serious-Are you going to thank your mother? -he put her hands gently in his-Or just at least speak with her....we've all been through a lot

Beelzebub exhaled sharply.- I suppose I should -she shook her head- ... After everything, I think you're right. I should, but not right now. Not yet.-He nodded slowly -Well...you do need to keep an eye on me right? -he chuckled softly before finally moving in to hug her, she put her arms around him carefully- I suppose you're right. -she replied with a grin as the two prepared for the night-

The diner was quiet, the door was locked and the lights were out, all except for one. A lone figure in a long torn hood sat by counter, eating his plate of food ravenously.- That all I can get you hon? -The figure almost choked on his food before swallowing, a brief dark chuckle escaping his lips- Your worker's voice is most amusing "Dixie." But all I need now is time. Lucifer has played his part, our enemies have shown their true strength, time to assess then eliminate. -Freya smiled to her master Oggstrosse- Of course M'lord, of course.