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beelzebuddy-catan · 4 months
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The Not Entirely Human-Human Exchange Student pt. 16
Summary: Cass begins unraveling more and more about her past only to understand less and less. To her surprise, Diavolo decides to announce the existence of Nephilim to the Devildom. Warnings: Swearing, mentions of violence Spoilers: Up through Lesson 18 Characters: Cass (OC), Mammon, Satan, Asmo, Belphie, Diavolo, and various OCs. Previous Part • Next Part
“Is there a reason you were trying to kill Mephisto?” Cass’s jaw clenched as she considered her phrasing, but the action only made Satan huff. “Could you try and explain without getting angry again?”
“I’m not allowed to get mad now because it’s an inconvenience to you?” Cass snapped. “Last week you broke the microwave because you burnt your popcorn.”
“No, I didn’t burn my fucking popcorn, I set it for the recommended time and that bitch ass thing burnt–" Satan pinched his nose, taking another deep breath. “I’m not saying you can’t get angry, but the angrier you are, the worse this is going to get for both of us.”
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Satan jumped up, his chair clattering behind him at the sudden action. Solomon and Asmo looked at him in shock. Only moments before he’d been calmly reading. Without warning, he was throwing his belongings into his bag in a panic.
“When was the last time either of you saw Cass?” He demanded.
“I don’t have any classes with her today,” Asmo said. He hadn’t expected to see her until after their meeting, which was supposed to start in about fifteen minutes. “Why?”
“I have a bad feeling about this,” he muttered, running out the door.
“Should we follow him?” Asmo asked Solomon, his face lighting up.
Without waiting for an answer, Asmo stood and left the room. Solomon shook his head with a fond smile, following the two. Even though Satan had gotten a head start, it wasn’t hard to figure out which direction he was headed.
It wasn’t that there was wreckage left in the demon’s path. There was, however, a trail of trembling and confused demons who had leapt out of his way. When Satan crossed someone who may know of Cass’s whereabouts, he called out loud enough that the sound echoed through the hall.
“Solomon, hurry up or we’ll miss it,” Asmo called, practically skipping through the wake of Satan’s wrath.
“I’m still not quite sure what it is we’re hurrying to–” Solomon was cut off by the sound of glass shattering in a nearby classroom. The sound was followed by Cass’s voice, “I’m going to stab those heels into your eye sockets.”
The two of them shared a glance before running towards the noise. They narrowly missed another mug being thrown towards the door as they entered the office of the RAD Newspaper Club. Had they not seen Satan enter the room moments before them, they would have thought the destruction was caused by one of his fits of anger.
Instead, they found Cass hurling whatever was within arm's reach at Mephisto. Preta, Vas, and Psi stood on the opposite side of the room. Vas looked mildly concerned, but not enough to intervene. Preta and Psi, on the other hand, were actively encouraging Cass.
“You’re lucky I don’t use that stupid tie to suffocate you, you slanderous dick,” Cass yelled hurling a pair of scissors across the room.
The scissors narrowly missed Mephisto’s ear as they lodged into the corkboard behind him. “I was simply reporting news regarding our exchange student, if you don’t like–”
“It’s not a matter of like, it’s fucking subterfuge.”
Cass lunged at Mephisto but was blocked by a chair he kicked in her path. She threw it to the side, knocking the computer off the desk it hit. Papers from the files that had tipped over fluttered through the air around them.
“Damned blessings, damned blessings,” Preta snapped, hitting Vas before latching onto his arm. “She’s got horns, she’s got fucking horns. This is the best day of my life. GET HIS ASS, CASS!”
“Should we try and stop this?” Vas asked.
“Do you have a death wish?” Psi answered.
When Cass dove at Mephisto again, Satan was already at her side. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her away from the other demon and towards the door. Horns started poking through his hair as he fought against his own wrath as well as Cass.
The others only watched as he struggled to pull her, fighting against his hold, out of the room. More of the items in the room were broken and pushed to the floor as she thrashed, feet no longer on the ground. Mephisto was still trying to dodge anything Cass was able to pick up and throw. She managed to get one of her shoes off and throw it at him before Satan pulled her out of sight.
Satan found the nearest empty room before letting go of Cass. On the verge of snapping himself, he half tossed her to the side. Cass stumbled forward, catching herself on one of the desks before rounding on Satan.
“What the hell, Satan?” She demanded, shoving him back.
“If anyone should be asking that, it’s me,” he said with equal irritation.
“How’d you even find me anyway? Supposedly, you were getting ready for a council meeting.”
“Yeah, well, something else came up,” Satan trailed off at the end of his sentence, as if regretting his choice in words.
Cass’s eyes narrowed as Satan looked away, his face flushing. “Are you, are you seriously hard right now?”
“This is your fault!”
“IS THAT WHY YOU BROUGHT ME HERE? I AM NOT GOING TO HAVE SEX–”
Satan surged forward, hand covering Cass’s mouth before she could finish her sentence. From this distance, it was easy to see the anger swelling behind his eyes. With each paced breath, he was fighting off not only his only wrath, but any residual effects from her own.
“That’s not why I stopped you. Imagine how uncomfortable this situation is making me. You’re lucky I got there when I did, or you might have actually hurt someone.”
Satan didn’t move his hand, letting his head fall. They stood like that in silence until it seemed both of their anger had subsided enough. Satan stepped back with sigh, finally trusting Cass not to yell at him or draw more unnecessary tension.
“Is there a reason you were trying to kill Mephisto?” Cass’s jaw clenched as she considered her phrasing, but the action only made Satan huff. “Could you try and explain without getting angry again?”
“I’m not allowed to get mad now because it’s an inconvenience to you?” Cass snapped. “Last week you broke the microwave because you burnt your popcorn.”
“No, I didn’t burn my fucking popcorn, I set it for the recommended time and that bitch ass thing burnt–" Satan pinched his nose, taking another deep breath. “I’m not saying you can’t get angry, but the angrier you are, the worse this is going to get for both of us.”
Instead of answering, Cass reached into her skirt pocket. She pulled out the recent RAD newspaper, unfurling it before holding it out to Satan. The paper was already open to the article she’d been yelling at Mephisto for.   
Satan’s eyebrows knitted together before taking the newspaper from Cass. His eyes darted across the page as he read, eyes flicking up towards her every few lines. After a few moments, she saw anger flash in his eyes before he crumpled up the paper into a ball.
“Is it true?” He finally asked, his words slow.
“Are you really asking me that?” Cass said with at the same measured pace. He didn’t respond, staring at her. “How many times do I have to prove that I don’t have some elaborate scheme to fuck you all over?”
Cass went to leave, but Satan caught her arm as she passed, pulling her against him. “Not that garbage, I know that’s not true. I meant you having made another pact before coming here.”
She ripped her arm from his grip as she spoke. “I still have no memory before waking up on a stone floor surrounded by six demons thinking I had died. I’m able to decide if that’s true no better than you.” She glanced back at him, only to realize he hadn’t been asking out of anger. “Both Nadia and Psi said I have one, but Psi said it was with a Nephilim, not a demon.”
“How in the Devildom did Mephisto know that, though?”
“I just found out about it the other day after we got back from Inferno Impressions. Either he somehow heard Psi and I talking about it at the House of Lamentation or someone else knows who about my history.”
“I’ll go talk to Diavolo and deal with this. I think you should go find Mammon. Hopefully, he hasn’t read this yet.”
---
Mammon didn’t answer as Cass called after him. He didn’t even look as he turned in the opposite direction. It wasn’t often she had to chase after the demon, but whenever it happened, Cass was reminded by how fast he truly was.   
By the time she reached the parking lot, Mammon was already backing out of his parking spot. Without thinking, Cass rushed forward. She stood behind his car, blocking his chance to leave. They made eye contact in the rearview mirror for a second before Mammon’s head dropped.
The window rolled down just enough for her to hear him yell. “Get outta the way, Cass!” She crossed her arms, refusing to move or speak. “I’ll run ya over if I have to.” When the threat was met with silence, he groaned and put the car into park. “Either get in or move.”
Cass moved to get in the front seat before he could reconsider. Even though he didn’t speak, she could feel how upset he was. While she considered how to approach the subject, Mammon pulled out of the school parking lot and began driving.
“I’m assuming you heard.” Mammon responded with a noise that was half affirming, half annoyed. “Were you really going to just leave and not talk to me about it?”
“Yup.”
The shortness in his tone hurt more than his running. She was used to him avoiding difficult topics and running away from uncomfortable situations. He never completely shut her out though. If she approached him directly, he answered.
They sat in tense silence as Mammon drove to some unknown location. Finally, after what felt like hours, Mammon pulled off the side of the road. He continued driving into the woods, despite there being no visible road. After parking, he grabbed the keys and got out of the car without a word.
Cass followed after him, stumbling as she tried to keep up with his quick pace. “Mammon, will you slow down, I’m goin–” she fell silent when Mammon pushed aside some branches to reveal their destination.
Before them was an enormous travertine formation. The area looked as though it’d remained untouched for centuries. Except for the dark blue, almost black appearance of the waters, Cass felt as though she’d stepped back in time to the Springs of Hierapolis.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Yeah,” Mammon said, “shortly after fallin’ I got in this big fight with Lucifer. I just got in my car and drove until I felt better. I found this place and it reminded me of these springs in the Celestial Realm, just darker.”
Mammon fell silent again, opting to click a stone near his toe into the waters. They watched the ripples for a moment before the waters calmed once more. Cass wondered how long it had been since someone besides Mammon had walked through these woods.
“I used to come here a lot more when I needed a break from everythin’, haven’t been in a while though. I haven’t even thought about it since you showed up.”
“Why’d you need a break today?”
Mammon gave her a pointed look. While she knew exactly what caused the reaction, Cass wanted to hear him say it. She needed him to bring it up otherwise he might become more upset and distant. He needed to be ready to talk about everything. Yet, he didn’t continue.
They ended up sitting on the edge of the water, looking over the travertine. Something felt oddly familiar about the situation, and she knew it wasn’t Mammon’s company. Cass tried remembering something, anything from before arriving in the Devildom.
“I know it ain’t true,” Mammon finally muttered.
It took a moment for her to realize what he meant. He’d been quiet and her mind had been wandering for so long, she almost forgot why they were here in the first place. Cass smiled, tilting her head as she looked at Mammon, prompting him to continue.
“I know ya didn’t make pacts with us as part of some coup or whatever. It’s just.” He groaned, running a hand through his hair. “I was supposta be yer first. I wanted to be yer first. I, I think I needed to be first.” The last sentence came out so softly that Cass almost didn’t hear it.
“Mammon-” Cass started but was interrupted by the demon’s self-deprecating laugh.
“Stupid fuckin’ greed,” he whispered while shaking his head.
“Do you really think that’s why?”
“’Course it was. It wasn’t enough that I had ya.”
“It could be worse, at least you weren’t trying to get rid of me this whole time.” Mammon gave Cass an incredulous look before gently pushing her shoulder with his own as she laughed. “If I had known, I would have told you. Psi just told me, and I was figuring out a good way to break the news.”
“I know.” Mammon stood up. “We should probably head back. Lucifer’s already gonna be bitchin’ that we skipped.”
Cass took his extended hand, letting him pull her up. As she turned in the direction of the car, a wave of familiarity, not unlike the one she felt when seeing the portrait hall in the Demon King’s castle, washed over her. She stumbled, barely catching her footing before spinning back to the springs.
“Ploutonion,” Cass gasped.
As if some mysterious force was guiding her, Cass started running towards the opposite side of the travertine. Mammon didn’t stop her and, after making a startled noise, watched with curiosity as she slid down the edge of one of the springs.
Etched into the rock, almost faded from time, was the exact triskelion on her necklace. Her hand shakily traced over the familiar design. Below the design was a single phrase Cass could barely make out: Τὸ πεπρωμένον φυγεῖν ἀδύνατον .
“Inescapability of density,” Cass murmured the rough translation, eyebrows knitting together.
“You can read that?” Mammon demanded from beside her.
“I guess so,” she answered absentmindedly.
There were two marks on the etched triskelion where two of the three gemstones on her necklace would be. She pressed her hand against the third spiral where the mark should have been. Cass’s stomach sank with apprehension as she remembered what Diavolo had shared when discussing her past with the Nephilim.
The last being that may have seen her was Charon. He’d told Solomon about an unknown Nephilim who had requested passage through the Aetherworld. While the Psychopomp had never disclosed the Neph’s identity, it had to be her. Charon’s departing words to Solomon had been that she was unsafe, that she hadn’t stood the tests of time.
“You said there was a place like this in the Celestial Realm?"
“Yeah?”
“What if they're connected? There’s something like this in the Human World and mortals thought it was an entrance to the underworld. What if it’s connected to the Aetherworld?”
“Does it matter? The docks are the only places ya can safely enter the Aetherworld. Enterin’ here would be a death wish.”
Cass paused in thought. If she really went missing after seeing Charon and the only place to safely enter the Atherworld was the docks, then there should have only been a finite number of places to look for her. It seemed almost impossible that she would have gone unnoticed leaving one of them.
“What if it’s not an entrance.”
---
Ever since releasing Belphie, Cass felt a little more alone in the Devildom. When Lilith had given up her grace to save Cass, she’d let go of any lingering attachment. While she knew it was for the best, Cass missed having the angel around to make sense of the chaos.
After Mammon and Cass had returned from the springs, she’d gone to the library in search of any information about the Aetherworld and Psychopomps that she could find. Which, much to her dismay, turned out to be very little. Somehow, the more she learned about herself, the less she knew.
Fortunately, Psi and Epi were able to teach her how to shift between forms, so it wasn’t up to chance when her horns would be visible or not. It was also a relief having one less thing to worry about with everything else.
Unfortunately, everything else seemed to be connected to the time she went missing or Hades, who was still nowhere to be found. Whenever Cass was on the verge of a breakthrough, it all came crashing down with another missing factor.
If only she was able to figure out how to get to the Aetherworld, then she’d be able to talk with Charon directly. She had expected Solomon to be her best shot, but he only gave her answers that were more cryptic than usual. Not than anyone else was any more helpful.
Mammon had outright refused to entertain the thought that there was a way to exit the Aetherworld besides the docks. Apparently, he’d once gone with Lucifer to the docks of Cocytus and Acheron and refused to return. With the little information she was able to find, that was a surprisingly normal reaction.
“Did you manage to find something for tonight?” Asmo asked Cass as he adjusted her dress.
On top of the unsolvable riddle that was her life, Cass had had the stress of finding a gift for Diavolo’s birthday party. Eventually, she’d managed to convince Solomon to bring her an assortment of things from the human world. Though, she wasn’t entirely sure a gift basket was an appropriate gift for the future ruler of the Devildom.
“I did, hopefully Diavolo likes it."
“I’m sure he’ll love anything you get him,” Asmo beamed. “I think we’re all done!”
Cass didn’t need to look at her reflection to know she looked perfect. Since he hadn’t been able to help her get ready for the last ball at the castle, Asmo had made it clear he would be helping this time. Not unlike the dress from last time, her outfit had sigils reflecting her pacts hidden in the design.
Asmo’s eyes fell to her hand where marks from Mammon and Levi’s pacts sat and sighed. “If we ever make a pact, I hope the mark isn’t so garish.”
“I like them,” Cass said, holding her hand up. The golden color from Mammon’s seemed to catch light the same way actual gold would. “They’re very Mammon and Levi.”
“You’d still make pacts with the others even though you don’t have a reason?”
Cass and Asmo both turned as Belphie entered the room. He was already dressed, but that didn’t stop him from dropping on the closest piece of furniture unceremoniously. Asmo’s jaw clenched, already frustrated over the wrinkles that would form from Belphie’s behavior.
Ever since Belphie left the attic, there was an odd tension between him and the others. At times, Cass felt like a cross between an arbiter and the appointed adult for supervised visitations. It’d be a balancing act to keep up with just her exchange student responsibilities and schoolwork. She was nearing the end of her rope with everything else.
“Are you saying you wouldn’t make a pact with Cass?” Asmo huffed.
Belphie tilted his head in consideration before answering, “I’m not interested in making pacts with humans.”
Asmo rolled his eyes, but Cass didn’t miss the way Belphie watched for her reaction before closing his eyes. She wasn’t sure what he was hoping for though. She already knew how he felt about humans. Despite tolerating her, Cass assumed he only did so because of what Lilith wrote in her letter. Even if Belphie did want to make a pact, Cass couldn’t say she did.
“You’re only saying that because you haven’t realized how amazing Cass is yet.” The only response Asmo received was a scoff. “Honestly, one look at Satan and anyone could see it. He’s a completely different demon. It’s like he’s nice now."
“Satan’s always been nice.”
Both Belphie and Asmo laughed at her comment. “No, Satan always acted nice, but it was just that, an act.”
“You’d be surprised how far a pretty smile can get you,” Asmo winked.
Cass thought back to when she first arrived in the Devildom and Lucifer’s words came to mind. He may look calm and flash a pretty smile, but it’s an act. Yet, it never felt like an act to Cass. Satan was the one who had helped her the most when she first got here. In fact, the only time she’d felt threatened by the demon was when she first refused to make a pact.
“I wish I could say I’m surprised that you’re talking behind someone’s back,” Satan said. He leaned against the door frame, eyes landing on Cass before he smiled. “You look lovely, Cass."
“You’re telling me that’s not a genuine smile?"
“Just watch his smile when we get announced, and you’ll see the difference.”
Belphie stood up with a yawn, rubbing his eyes as he staggered out of the room. Asmo followed behind him, scolding him for ruining his clothes. Satan placed his hand on the small of Cass’s back as he led her towards the others preparing to be introduced.
Cass looked around the room in confusion when she realized Solomon and the angels weren't there. She had assumed Diavolo had wanted to introduce all the exchange students again. Instead, Styx, Zeus, and Psi were standing to the side, talking amongst themselves.
Unfortunately, she didn’t have enough time to ask why they were there because they were already making announcements. As they introduced the brothers, Cass started to feel disappointed. Something told her even the Nephilim would have better titles than Exchange Student Cass of the Human Realm.
“Chief Demon Belphegor, Avatar of Sloth.” Belphie couldn’t look less enthused about having to join his brothers when his titled was announced. He disappeared through the door and Cass took a step forward. “Maiden Cass of the Three Realms.”
Cass froze at the new name. Did they just confirm that she was in fact the Nephilim Charon had mentioned? The commissionaire gently nudged her, and she stumbled into the main room. Attendants fell silent when they saw her before hushed whispers started. The brothers were already waiting at the bottom of the stairs, and while she wanted nothing more to join them, she waited at the top.
“Watcher of the Seas, Poseidon...Zeus, Ward of the Aether."
The confused whispers continued as the brothers were announced and joined Cass. Nothing could have prepared her for the chaos that erupted when Styx was introduced. There were times Cass felt out of place standing next to the brothers, but it was nothing compared to standing next to Styx. Her regal appearance rivaled Diavolo’s.  
“Deliverer of the Lost, Styx née Shadow of the Abhorrent, Aeshma.”
---
It was only after Diavolo entered the hall that everyone fell silent. He started by thanking everyone in attendance and for their birthday wishes before revealing that there was more to the party. “As many of you are aware, it has been a goal of mine to strengthen the relations between the three realms. While we’ve made great strides thus far, there’s a long way to go.
“It is my belief that our exchange student from the Human World Cass will be instrumental in this goal. It is for that reason, along with her achievement thus far that we are honoring her tonight as well.” Diavolo paused for a round of applause that seemed to come from a place of courtesy and obligation than actual praise.
“Furthermore, Aeshma, my father’s former council member, has joined us. Previously, it was thought that Aeshma was forfeited, but recently returned. I ask you to welcome her return. Styx, née Aeshma, will be representing the Human Realm in an attempt to further strengthen relationships. She will be serving as an instructor at the academy.”  
Diavolo waited a moment for the wave of chatter to die down. “I know this comes as a surprise that she would represent the Human Realm. However, a recent discovery has been made. Which brings me to our other guests. Joining us tonight, represented by Zeus and Poseidon, are prominent Nephilim. It is with their help that peace between the realms can be accomplished.
“False accusations and threats of violence against Nephilim will not be tolerated. They’ve existed peacefully among us for millennia and I have guaranteed their continued safety in exchange for their assistance in connecting the realms."
Diavolo finished his speech with the unexpected warning. She never would have expected him to say something so decisive during the party, but it must have taken a lot to get the Nephs to agree. Cass glanced at those standing next to her, but they maintained their aloof, professional demeanor.
Diavolo caught her elbow as she went to descend the stairs, pulling her back into the room she’d just been waiting in. “Refrain from disclosing your true identity to anyone until we have further information. There’s an old prophecy that used to circle the Devildom of a Nephilim with perfidious intentions. I cannot ensure your safety if you’re suspected of being connected. Paranoia and fear can cause disastrous results.”
“I want the same peace as you. I have no intention of bringing harm to the Devildom.”
“I believe you, but what if something did happen and you were force to choose?” Diavolo paused to let the idea sink in. Cass went to answer, but he held his hand up to stop her. “I wasn’t asking to hear your answer, just for you to think about it. My priority is the Devildom and knowing what I know, I can understand their fear.
“Nephilim have always been misunderstood and enigmatic. Not only are you likely a powerful Nephilim in your own right, but you also have pacts with several princes of the Devildom. Furthermore, those who would align themselves with you should something happen are no less formidable.
“Styx was on my father’s council. After forfeiting, her name continued to strike fear in demons. Even as a Nephilim she holds more power than many demons. Hecate has never truly stood with the Devildom, even as an advisor. Reapers are notoriously neutral and do not interfere with the politics of the three realms. Yet, Cate has explicitly stated her allegiance to you. Any Reaper’s commitment is impressive, let alone Cate’s.
“Psychopomps also hold a similar stance of neutrality. Though he has never formally confirmed his support, it would be of no surprise if Charon would do everything in his abilities to protect you and other Nephilim.
“Epiales is the son of Nyx. Because little is known of Nyx, rumors have spread about her abilities. But they aren’t overexaggerated. She was punished to guard Tartarus, a prison for the worst demons, for eternity. Because of his age, powers, and relation to Nyx, Epiales is often thought to be an urban legend. His powers aren’t overexaggerated either. You’ve seen it in limited quantities, but he is fully capable of trapping a being in a nightmare for all eternity, living or dead.
“Moirai, Agathodaemon, and Asclepius all possess incredible gifts that could easily impact the course of history should they be prompted to interfere. Even Zeus and Poseidon have impressive abilities on par with Devildom council members. Given we don’t know the extent of most Nephilim’s abilities or even the status of the majority of them, I can easily understand where my denizens’ fear is coming from.
“I’m asking you keep this secret not only for your safety, but theirs as well, please understand that.”
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beelzebuddy-catan · 4 months
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Keeping pictures of him as your lock screen <3
Lucifer
it’s a picture of the two of you, dressed up fancy. you're on luci's back, looking over his shoulder down at a puddle and an arm around his neck. lucifer is stepping over said puddle, both of his arms wrapped around your legs
diavolo took the picture since the three of you were going out after a long night at some big fancy party to get ice cream!
since the puddle was very wide and you didn't want to get your outfit wet, luci offered to carry you over! a gentleman
the two of you didn't even realize dia took it and you got the picture the next morning from him
however luci did buy the both of you ice cream with as many toppings as you both wanted
Mammon
it’s a picture of the two of you at the beach. both of you are half in the water and there’s water actively dripping down your bodies. your hair is plastered to your heads. you are smiling widely at the camera, both arms around his waist. mammon, however, looks caught off guard and is looking down at you instead of the camera. he looked oddly happy
after arriving to the beach, you insisted mammon put on sunscreen but he kept running away, insisting he was fine
sunscreen is important! not only to avoid burns but skin cancer! can demons even get skin cancer? anyways you half thought he thought he didn’t need it, half he didn’t want you touching him
to resolve the situation, he decided to dunk the both of you in the water, so now you couldn’t put on sunscreen
asmo took the photo, more than happy to embarrass his older brother. mammon demanded the photo be deleted but after you said you liked it, he stopped
Levi
it's a picture of him, napping on your bed holding his devilswitch. he's asleep on top of the covers with his headphones about to fall of his head. In levi’s hair, there are lots of little sparkly hair clips that looks like butterflies
his room was getting deep cleaned so he needed somewhere else to hide and who better to turn to?
before you had come back to find him like that, you had placed all the clips in his hair and while he complained, he didn’t stop you and continued playing his game
you originally left to make a quick store run for snacks and was out longer than intended due to shenanigans with the other brothers
after taking the picture, you threw a blanket over him incase he got cold and went back to what you were doing previously, waiting for his reaction once he woke up <3
Satan
it’s a picture of the two of you laying out on a blanket that’s laid on in the grass. satan has kisses in lipstick all over his face and he’s laughing, eyes shut. you’re laying basically on top of him, your face squished right next to his to fit in the frame. the lipstick in question is laying next to the two of you, the case catching the light.
he invited you on a picnic he set up and was very cute, but lucifer happened to walk by and throw some off putting comments at satan. obviously he was not happy
you took that picture after giving him a pep talk to give him the boost he needed because you wanted to remember that moment forever. it’s rare to see him so happy
he couldn’t stop giggling the entire time, so you actually reapplied the lipstick and kept going
you always tell him it’s a shame his eye weren’t open during that picture since you love them so much, which makes him flustered everytime. so, you have another picture from the same day as your home screen
Asmo
it’s a picture he might typically post on devilgram. he’s sitting at a table at a cafe with a cute drink with two straws in front of him. the photo is head on so parts of his surroundings are present. one of his hands is up, waving at the camera, but the other is on the table, holding your hand, your fingers intertwined.
he invited you out to this cafe that launched a drink he just had to have! he got the limited item, but he want to make it special by sharing it with you
you insisted it was fine and that you could get something else but he gave you the puppy eyes
he also refused to let go of your hand for the photo so you had to take the photo with one hand
after the photo he complimented you in your photo taking skills, and of course himself for how beautiful he looked. you promptly agreed with him, making him even happier <3
Beel
it’s a photo of the two of you right after beel won a fangoal game! he’s in his uniform and is clearly sweaty. in one arm is the trophy, but in his other is you. you’re sitting on his arm and he’s holding you close to him. you’re pressing a kiss on his cheek, and he looks shocked.
you were rooting for him the entire game especially since this was the championship game. you knew he was going to win but that didn’t stop you from being the loudest voice in the crowd to cheer for him
after his winning goal, and he accepted the trophy, people wanted to take pictures. he refused unless you were allowed to be in them since it was his first big game with you there
you decided to kiss him last minute, but you thought he deserved it
of course another one was taken for official reasons where it was just you two smiling, but Beel promptly found a way to get the first picture to frame it and put it on his bedside table next to a picture of him and belphie
Belphie
it’s a picture of the two of you in a study hall class. other students can be seen in front of and around you, but that table was just the two of you. belphie is asleep, as usual, but he’s laid out in your lap. you’re reading a book for class, with some colorful sticky tabs and a pen sitting next to both of you. your RAD jacket was laid over him and you had a hand under his head
belphie thought study halls were dumb and used it as nap time, which is what he did in most classes, but you actually had work to get done
you had originally wanted to leave annotation for the book for you own use but belphie had decided to cuddle up with you, so that made it hard
when he inevitably fell asleep, you felt bad and put your jacket over him. at some point you absent mindedly started petting his hair
he still claims to this day that was the best he had ever slept
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beelzebuddy-catan · 4 months
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Lucifer: *sneezes*
MC, sneaking out with Mammon by crawling through the vents: Bless you
Lucifer: Dad?
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beelzebuddy-catan · 5 months
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stressed lucy is one of my fav things lmao
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beelzebuddy-catan · 5 months
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The Not Entirely Human-Human Exchange Student pt. 15
Summary: Cass and the brothers learn how Lucifer and Styx know each other and why Diavolo was reluctant to call Cate from the beginning. Warnings: Swearing, mentions of death and violence Spoilers: Up through Lesson 17 Characters: Cass (OC), Mammon, Levi, Satan, Asmo, Beel, Belphie, and various OCs. Notes: I always thought Mammon would be more upset about Belphie attacking MC than in the game. Plus, Diavolo definitely has over-reactions as a spoiled prince. Previous Part • Next Part
Beel was giving Asmo a piggyback ride as he carried a still sleeping Belphie. Levi had his arms slung over Satan and Psi’s shoulders as they helped him walk back. Given his state, Cass wasn’t sure how much help Satan actually was. Cass was tasked with making sure Mammon didn’t run off.  
“Hades and I used to go out just to challenge demons to drinking contests,” Psi laughed watching Cass. She’d hooked a finger in Mammon’s beltloop to pull him back since he kept batting her hand away from his arms. “One of the few benefits of being a Neph.” Cass didn’t miss the tinge of melancholy in his voice at the second sentence.  
“Is it strange being back?” 
“A little,” Psi shrugged the best he could with Levi’s weight on him. “It’s more hard than strange. It brings back some less than pleasant memories. Especially since I didn’t spend much free time down here without Hades.” 
He paused while Cass struggled to stop Mammon from getting his arm stuck in the sewer gate. No matter how many times she’d been around the brothers drinking, you were always surprised how much control over their sins they lost. Only after promising to give Mammon the coins in her pocket did he abandon the one he’s supposedly seen in the drain. 
“I probably should have asked before now,” Psi said once they had begun walking again. “But does it bother you that we’ve been calling you Kore?” 
“I guess I haven’t really thought about it. I’m not particularly attached to either name. Diavolo just happened to call me Cass when I arrived and since I didn’t have any memories, I went with it. I don’t really mind if you all call me Kore.” 
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There was no way they’d be making it to class today. Why Cass thought they’d gotten to the end of the secrets hidden between the brothers, she’d never know. After Styx, formerly known as Aeshma, and Cate, or Hecate, realized Cass was the Nephilim in the exchange program, chaos broke out in the chambers. Finally, after what felt like hours, they were able to get to some level of mutual understanding.  
During the Great War between the Devildom and Celestial Realm, there was an increase in Nephilim births. While most were killed, the surviving Nephilim concealed their identities. Epi and Asclepius had remained on Earth, living amongst humans. Others, like Charon, lived outside the three realms, existing in places like a reaper’s home or the docks. Some, such as Moirai, were known to be alive, but had not been seen since.  
The Titan Project turned out to be something created by demons in an attempt to control Nephilim. After the first war, most members had died, and it was thought to have ended. Before the brothers fell, there had been an increase in Nephilim births once again.  
It was discovered that two of the Demon King’s former council had been part of the resurgence of the Titan Project. The two had been sentenced to the underworld but kidnapped a Nephilim in the process. Aeshma had convinced the Demon King to retrieve the Nephilim.  
Upon leaving the underworld, Aeshma’s spirit had been torn apart so violently she almost died. Apparently, when a demon was forfeited, it meant their spirit had been destroyed to a point near death. A forfeited spirit shouldn’t be possible to bring back, nor should it be able to pass on, leaving the fragmented pieces in a sort of hellish limbo.  
The Demon King laid the pieces of her spirit to rest in the river Styx, knowing it was the only place to bring her any relief from suffering. It was at that time Barbatos and Solomon were tasked with helping hide the identity of the remaining Nephilim, both to protect them and prevent additional unrest from the scandal on the Demon King’s council.  
Upon falling, Lilith and Lucifer had both fallen into the river when they entered the Devildom.  When Lilith had fallen, Aeshma’s spirit had apparently been able to summon enough power to stop the angel from drowning. She’d been prepared enough to catch Lucifer as well. Because she’d been more prepared, and he hadn’t been in the river as long, Lucifer’s injuries were not as severe. 
Cass recalled the memory of Lucifer pleading for Lilith to be saved and how both of them had looked as though they’d just been pulled from water. It seems the river had saved the lives of many who passed through the waters.  
It wasn’t long after the two had been saved that Nadia had been summoned by Cate, who had apparently raised Cass, to revive Aeshma. According to the others, it should have been impossible. If anything, it lent support to Solomon’s claim of the necromancer’s abilities.  
Though she didn’t remember the event, Cass had gone to see Charon at some point in the past. Apart from Charon, the last time anyone had seen her was when she departed for that trip. Until Barbatos pulled her to the future, that is.  
The only Nephilim who knew the true reason was Hades. He hadn’t told anyone however, keeping his promise to Cass. It wasn’t long after Cass’s disappearance that Hades had vanished as well. Which left three questions nobody was able to answer: why had Cass gone to see Charon, what happened after she met him, and who had applied for her to be an exchange student.  
After covering that information, Cass told the Nephs about her time in the Devildom. A long silence followed before Diavolo decided to call the meeting to an end. He requested the Nephilim stay in the Devildom, or at the very least, return that weekend to further discuss how to proceed.  
“Kore,” Psi called as they were walking from the chambers. “Why don’t you join us for dinner? Styx’s favorite restaurant is still in business, so we figured we try it.”  
“Sure!” Cass agreed without much thought. She still had a few questions for the Nephilim that didn’t seem relevant enough to bring up during the meeting.  
“Do you think the Admiral could join us?” Psi whispered when she was close enough.  
Cass laughed at the request. “Levi,” she called out, gesturing for him to come over. He seemed hesitant to approach her with the others near, not that you blamed him after what Epi had done to Mammon and the way Styx and Cate had even made Diavolo falter. “Will you come to dinner with us?”  
“Me?” He stammered with wide eyes.  
Psi’s immediately corrected his posture in Levi’s presence, moving to salute him. There was a brief moment where Levi’s eyebrows furrowed before he returned the gesture. Much like Psi, Levi’s posture became perfect as he fell into the proper role.  
“It’s an honor to meet you Admiral,” Psi said, shaking Levi’s hand. Levi looked as though he was trying to remember where he would have met Psi before. “Back when Nephilim resided in the Devildom, I served under Admiral Yam.”  
Cass watched the two with fascination. She couldn’t believe how easily Levi put aside his anxiety and self-depreciation when it came to his position, especially how quickly that resolve crumbled when it was just him and his family or Cass.  
The calm confidence he exuded reminded Cass of the day they made a pact. How he’d gone spiraling in self-pity to picking her up without a second thought. Cass flushed at the memory, forcing herself to look away. 
“Have you seen him in uniform yet?” Cass jumped at Asmo’s question, not realizing he had approached her. She shook her head. “That’s a shame. I’m not even mad about him wanting to meet Levi now, because we got to see him like this.” Asmo sighed fondly looking at Levi. 
“It makes me uncomfortable when you act this way about your brothers.” 
“I like looking at attractive things, I can’t help that includes my dashing older brother in uniform.” 
Both Cass and Levi shot Asmo an incredulous look, hoping he’d stop. Despite earlier tension between the Nephilim and demons, it seemed that they may get along better than expected after all. Satan was speaking with Styx. From the little Cass could pick up, they were complaining about Lucifer. While Belphie looked like he was sleeping, his shoulders moved with laughter once and a while.  
Mammon was the only one who seemed too afraid to approach the Nephilim. Barbatos had joined Lucifer and Diavolo at the head table. Judging by their expression, it was a continuation of the serious conversations from earlier. While he wasn’t participating in the conversation, Mammon hung near them, glaring at Cass from across the room.  
“Did you say you were going to dinner?”  
Cass laughed at the pout Beel gave her. Clearly, he was asking to join and if they could head out already. “I did. Is it okay if we all go?”  
Psi shrugged, unbothered by the idea of having the others joined. Epi’s eyes landed on Mammon. “Are you sure everyone wants to join?” He asked, a smile tugging at his lips. 
“He just doesn’t like that she has other friends,” Belphie gestured to Cass, finally getting up.    
“And he’s probably still afraid.”  
“I ain’t afraid,” Mammon yelled from his spot next to Lucifer.  
“Then come on, we’re going to eat,” Cass answered. “Do you care if I invite someone else? I have a feeling they’ll want to see Styx.”  
Cass thought back to her conversation with Diavolo at the castle. If Styx had to go into hiding after being resurrected, she probably wouldn’t have had any contact with her family in the Devildom. If Diavolo was correct about Preta’s relationship with their aunt, they’d probably want to know about her existence sooner than later.  
Mammon and Cass were the last ones who were going to eat to leave the room. Before she stepped through the doorway, he pulled her backwards into a hug. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, taking a few deep breaths.  
Cass reached up to fluff his hair before speaking. “Are you still shaken up from earlier?”  
Mammon didn't let her go, only moving his head enough to answer her. “Just give me a minute, please?”  
There was something desperate in his voice that broke her heart. It was too similar to his voice when he thought she was dying, when he begged her to stay alive. She closed her eyes, letting him take the time he needed as she reminded herself that she was safe.  
--- 
The restaurant Styx had suggested was Inferno Impressions. Surprisingly none of the brothers had been to the restaurant either. In fact, Satan was the only one who had even heard of it. Apparently, it was owned by the same demons as Ristorante Six.  
There was a small art gallery that Cass had visited with Satan a few months ago on Abyssbred Court. In the very back, there were two statues. Cass remembered them from when she first visited. Satan had thought it was strange how she spent so much time looking at them. Even then, something felt off about the statues. Compared to the rest of the artwork they looked too plain.  
Without hesitating, Styx marched up to the statues. Her hand brushed over one of the heads, pushing it over as she did. Satan jolted, going to stop it from falling, only to realize it operated like a hinge. The wall behind the statues swung open, revealing a long stone hallway.  
Cass peered down the hall cautiously, the feeling of déjà vu setting in. She wasn’t sure if it was because she’d been here in the past or if it was because the stone walls looked a little too much like those in the underground labyrinth at the castle.  
Styx and Cate didn’t even pause their conversation as they entered the hall. The former demon waved her hand halfheartedly as they passed a torch, the fire lighting immediately. The other Nephs didn’t seem too phased either as they followed closely behind them. Cass gestured for the brothers to go, concerned they may try and bail.  
As she walked down the hall, a sense of magic filled the air. No matter how far they walked, the end of the hall was the same distance. The electric buzz she’d come to associate with magic grew stronger and stronger, when suddenly it vanished along with the hall.  
Cass turned around, surprised to find they were now in front of a host stand in a garden restaurant. Behind them was an ornamental gate serving as the only door. Much like her room in the House of Lamentation, the restaurant used lights to resemble daylight.  
“Wow, this is beautiful,” Cass said as they took their seats, “I can’t believe I didn’t know about this.”  
Before sitting, Asmo had dragged Mammon away from the group, forcing him to take pictures around the restaurant. Mammon only grumbled slightly, already used to Asmo’s impromptu photo shoots. She already knew he’d been taking a few pictures of his own for Devilgram.   
Cass looked at the others only to find herself seated across from Styx and Cate. As the two stared at her in silence, she understood on a small level what Diavolo had felt standing before them. She busied herself by reading over the menu, trying to ignore the feeling of their staring.  
“So,” Cass finally said, unable to take the silence, “Solomon, who I think you’ve met, said that Lord Diavolo hadn’t wanted to get you involved at first. If you’re kind of point of contacts for Nephilim, why was he so hesitant?” 
“I can only assume it’s because he knew how I would react,” Cate answered.  
“Oh, what were you going to do?” Cate didn’t answer, looking bewildered at Cass’s question. “Wait, you think he was worried about you,” Cass paused, trying to figure out the best word, “scolding him?”  
“His father and Barbatos were entirely too soft on him growing up, if you ask me,” Styx scoffed, “he never did like being told no and practically threw a tantrum if he so much thought he might get punished.” 
Cass couldn’t help but smile at the thought of a young Diavolo hiding behind the Demon King or Barbatos when he was in trouble. It wasn’t all too surprising given what she knew of him, from others’ reactions when Cass disagreeing with him, to the brothers not feeling completely comfortable around him. Considering the events with Belphie, it’d be stranger if he wasn’t like that.  
“Still to avoid contact you over it,” Cass laughed.  
“How have you been, Kore?” Styx asked.  
Ever since they left campus, she seemed completely different. Any anger she felt towards Diavolo was gone, or at least hidden, and without Lucifer around, she seemed content with everyone’s company. This was the being she imagined when Diavolo spoke of her at the castle.  
Before Cass could answer, Belphie’s head slammed against the table. Everyone turned to see Preta standing over him. Judging by his disorientation, Belphie had been holding his head up as he slept and woken up when Preta pushed his arm away.  
“I heard you tried to kill Cass. That’s bold.”  
“Are you fucking – how? How is it so many demons like you?” Belphie asked, staring at Cass in disbelief.  
“Preta?” Styx stood, moving towards the demon.  
“Ae-Aeshma?” Preta’s eyes widened. “How? You were forfeited.”  
“I’m so sorry,” Styx whispered, pulling Preta into a hug. “I couldn’t tell you.”  
After the initial shock of seeing each other passed, the two stepped to the bar to catch up in private. While the others went back to their previous conversations, Cate continued watching the other two for a minute longer.  
“You invited Preta,” Cate said, not looking away from the bar.  
“I did,” Cass answered, “sorry for not checking first. Diavolo mentioned that Preta had a really hard time after Aeshma was forfeited.”  
“No need to apologize. I’ve known Styx for a long time, and I think her only regret may be leaving Preta. Thank you.”  
Cass watched Cate, trying to understand her better. Unlike Styx, her demeanor hadn’t changed. Even though Cass knew she cared about Styx, her expression was still devoid of emotion. It seemed that the only thing that changed was her tone of voice.  
“How long have you known Styx? You must have known her when she was on the Demon King’s council if you went so far has to have her revived.”  
“I’ve known her since she was born, though I wasn’t that involved with affairs in the Devildom at the time. It wasn’t until Oriens recommended me as a council advisor did I get to know Styx.”  
“Oriens?” 
“The former Demon King. He’d wanted me to serve on his council at first.”  
Cass tilted her head, looking at Cate more intently. It seems odd that a demon who’d been around that long would not be involved with the Devildom. Though, she did end up disappearing again after the last council disbanded.  
“From what I remember,” Satan chimed in, “it was quite controversial when you were approved.”  
“Almost as controversial has having six former angels.”  
Satan chuckled at the response, shaking his head. Cass looked between the two before asking, “what was controversial about it?”  
“Hecate was the first, and only, council member that wasn’t a demon. The House of Lords didn’t approve her when Oriens first proposed his selection, which is why he recommend the current Demon King elect her.” 
“Working with a reaper proved to be much easier than I expected,” Styx said, taking her seat once again. 
Preta joined Cass on the bench, pushing her closer to Satan in the process. “Sorry, did you say reaper? As in the grim reaper?  
“One reaper named Grim causes problems in the Human Realm,” Cate muttered.  
“She’s a reaper that collects both souls and spirits,” Preta explained. “Some reapers only collect the souls of humans, spirits of demons, or grace of angels.”  
“What happens when an angel falls and loses their grace, do you do something?”  
The former angels seemed to fall quiet at her question. Cass hadn’t thought about what happened after the brothers fell or how grace and spirit really worked. Lilith had retained some of her grace after falling and even given it to Cass.  
“Technically, they still have their grace,” Satan answered. “It wasn’t lost so much as it was corrupted.” 
Cass looked between Satan and the other brothers. “Can a demon’s spirit be uncorrupted or purified or something?”  
“What does it matter?” Mammon asked. “None of us would go back anyways. Satan, switch spots with Cass so we can sit by each other.”  
“Absolutely not.”  
Part of Cass suspected that Mammon was being a little pushier than normal to distract from the previous conversation. She let the moment pass knowing she could always look into it later. During her time in the Devildom, Cass had learned that while the brothers were open about their time as angels, they shut down when the topic drifted to their rebellion or fall.  
She did wonder if it would become easier now that everything with Lilith had come to light. Cass sighed, knowing that even if they were more open to talking, she’d still be fighting tooth and nail to get them to open up. Deciding they’d burn that bridge when they got to it, she opted to spend her energy stopping Preta from stealing food off her plate.  
--- 
The group dispersed after leaving Inferno Impressions. Styx had gone with Preta to catch up while Cate had only given a vague response when asked where she and Nadia were going. Hera and Epi were going back to the human world, leaving Psi to find a place for the night.  
Cass ended up inviting Psi back to the House of Lamentation. Despite him waving her off, she was worried he wouldn’t find somewhere on such short notice. Fortunately, he relented because Cass wasn’t sure she’d have been able to get all the brothers back given how much they drank.  
Beel was giving Asmo a piggyback ride as he carried a still sleeping Belphie. Levi had his arms slung over Satan and Psi’s shoulders as they helped him walk back. Given his state, Cass wasn’t sure how much help Satan actually was. Cass was tasked with making sure Mammon didn’t run off.  
“Hades and I used to go out just to challenge demons to drinking contests,” Psi laughed watching Cass. She’d hooked a finger in Mammon’s beltloop to pull him back since he kept batting her hand away from his arms. “One of the few benefits of being a Neph.” Cass didn’t miss the tinge of melancholy in his voice at the second sentence.  
“Is it strange being back?” 
“A little,” Psi shrugged the best he could with Levi’s weight on him. “It’s more hard than strange. It brings back some less than pleasant memories. Especially since I didn’t spend much free time down here without Hades.” 
He paused while Cass struggled to stop Mammon from getting his arm stuck in the sewer gate. No matter how many times she’d been around the brothers drinking, you were always surprised how much control over their sins they lost. Only after promising to give Mammon the coins in her pocket did he abandon the one he’s supposedly seen in the drain. 
“I probably should have asked before now,” Psi said once they had begun walking again. “But does it bother you that we’ve been calling you Kore?” 
“I guess I haven’t really thought about it. I’m not particularly attached to either name. Diavolo just happened to call me Cass when I arrived and since I didn’t have any memories, I went with it. I don’t really mind if you all call me Kore.” 
They arrived at the House of Lamentation before Cass had time to ask any other questions. They managed to get each of the brothers into their respective rooms. Mammon took more convincing than the others, though Asmo probably would have been worse if Beel hadn’t been the one to take him.  
Cass and Psi ended up in the gardens sharing another drink, neither ready for bed. There was a slight breeze, reminding her that colder months were approaching. The moon seemed to shine especially brightly in the cloudless sky.  
“If I’m overstepping, let me know, but why is it that Hera reacted the way she did with Diavolo?”   
Psi sighed, a rueful smile gracing his features before he continued. “You know how we were talking about Underworlds, Terras, and Olympians? Hera used to actually be fairly in tune with her inner demon spirit. More so than a lot of Nephs. The more in tune you are with that, the more you give into different urges and the more you’re able to tap into different powers or abilities demons have.”   
“Did she have a special gift or power?” 
“I’m not sure I’d call it that, but she’s a gifted empath.” 
“I’m assuming something caused her to resist those desires?” 
“Yeah, it was after Nephs started being targeted. Because she was so connected with that spirit, her skills were kind of amazing. Don’t tell her I said that,” he laughed. “But I think it caused her to feel everything so much deeper than a lot of us. She hasn’t really been the same since Ariadne died. She fights that side of herself more than anyone now.”  
Cass recognized the name but couldn’t remember specific details about the myth. Even as she asked her next question, she had a feeling she already knew the answer. “What happened with Ariadne?”  
“She was tortured and left to die. By the time Dion and Hera found her, it was too late. Sometimes I wonder if it was what Dion went through more than anything that broke her. I doubt he’ll ever be the same either.”  
Psi stared out at the woods around the house, but Cass knew he wasn’t really looking at the trees. They sat in silence for a while, the stillness of the night providing a moment of reprieve from everything that had happened that day. There were a million questions that filtered through Cass’s head as she reflected on the events.  
She didn’t ask Psi though. As much as she wanted to know, it was probably painful for him to talk about that time. Even if they had known each other before, her missing memories created a barrier. She knew he felt it too, so they were both hesitant.  
Cass kept looking back at Psi, thinking about what Hera had said. Supposedly, this was the brother of her fiancé. Or, former fiancé, she wasn’t quite sure. For a moment, she wondered if things had been different, would she and Hades be sitting here? Would they have been married? Would she ever have met the brothers?  
“Something I was wondering,” Psi interrupted her thoughts, “the white haired one.”  
“Mammon.” 
“Right, Mammon. What did he mean by your first? He kept calling himself that.” 
Cass blushed, only then realizing how that must have sounded to the Nephs. A wave of guilt followed the embarrassment knowing how concerned they’d been about her and Hades as she was living a whole second life in the Devildom.  
“Sorry, he says that a lot. He’s my first pact,” Cass laughed, trying to dispel some of the tension, but it came out more awkward than she intended. “He’s always leaving off that part.”  
Psi’s eyebrows knitted together as he turned to look at her. “You mean first pact with a demon?”  
Cass froze. She’d forgotten about the mysterious pact Nadia had mentioned with everything else going on. Her hand went to her cheek, subconsciously touching the mark of an unknown being. She’d just assumed the pact had happened during the time she’d gone missing.  
“What do you mean, with a demon? Are you saying other beings can make pacts?”  
“Well, I don’t know if beings that aren’t demons can,” Psi contemplated the question. “But Nephilim can make them because we do have a demon spirit.”  
“What?” 
“I mean, we don’t make them the same way as demons, but there is a way to make them.”  
“WHAT?” Cass screamed.  
What if she had accidentally made a pact since being here? Would she know if they were different enough from the ones she made intentionally? What if there was someone out there who had taken advantage of her and could control her the way she was able to control the brothers that she was unaware of?  
“Calm down,” Psi laughed, as if her entire life hadn’t been flipped upside down once again. “Only Nephilim know how to make them, so it’s not like you would have made one since losing your memory.” 
Cass took a few deep breaths, trying to slow her heart rate. “But I have one that you know of then? With some random person out there?”  
Psi tilted his head in consideration. “I wouldn’t say Hades is some random person to you, even if you don’t remember him yet.”  
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beelzebuddy-catan · 5 months
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they are silly your honor
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beelzebuddy-catan · 5 months
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MC to mammon: look this one shaped like a heart that's how I feel about you
Mammon: *starts crying* (⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠෴⁠ ⁠༎ຶ⁠)
Satan: this one shaped like a michigan that's how I feel about you
Lucifer: what does that even mean!?!
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beelzebuddy-catan · 5 months
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The Not Entirely Human-Human Exchange Student pt. 14
Summary: The brothers finally learn about Nephilim and Diavolo's next idea for peace between the three realms. The more Cass learns about the history between Demons and Nephilim, however, the harder that peace seems. Warnings: Swearing, mentions of other Spoilers: Up through Lesson 17 Characters: Cass (OC), Lucifer, Mammon, Levi, Satan, Asmo, Beel, Belphie, Diavolo, Barbatos, and various OCs. Previous Part • Next Part
“Holy shit,” Psi breathed, standing a bit straighter upon seeing Levi. “Is that Grand Admiral Leviathan?”  
Cass glanced between Levi’s retreating form and Psi, confused by the reaction. “Um, yeah? Do you know him?”  
“Not personally. Huge fan though,” Psi answered, eyes not leaving Levi. Hera watched for a minute before faking a cough and mumbling nerd. “Are you kidding? He’s the highest-ranking officer in Hell’s Navy. His tactical knowledge and strategizing ability are unparalleled.”  
Cass and Hera shared a look of disbelief. Hera’s face was more mocking her longtime friend sudden enthusiasm whereas Cass was still trying to picture the Levi she’d come to know being someone’s idol.  
“Do you want me to introduce you?” Psi’s eyes lit up at her question and he nodded ecstatically. “Okay, but forewarning, he’s kind of an introvert and self-conscious, so dial back.”  
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Both Belphie and Cass were returning to classes on the same day. Apart from Lucifer not being at the table scolding them over his cup of coffee, it was a surprisingly regular morning. Mammon and Asmo were talking about an upcoming event at the Fall while Satan scolded Levi on staying up too late. Beel kept sneaking food off Levi’s plate when no one was looking.  
Anything normal about the morning came to an abrupt halt when a yawning Belphie stumbled into the dining room. He unceremoniously dropped into the chair next to Beel slowly blinking as he picked up a piece of toast. Everyone silently watched his actions.  
“Morning, sunshine,” Cass said, trying to break the tension.  
Belphie hummed in response, taking a bite of toast. He moved, extending his arm away from Beel to prevent him from eating the rest. Belphie rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, either ignoring the silence or not noticing it.  
“Did ya have trouble sleepin’ or something?” Mammon asked cautiously.  
“No?” Belphie answered, mouth full.  
“You’re up early.”  
“No, he isn’t,” Beel corrected Satan. “He barely has time to eat breakfast before our meeting.”  
“Oh, right!” Levi said, jumping out of his seat. “I totally forgot we have a council meeting this morning. I’m going to get going so I’m not late.”  
“I’ll go with you,” Asmo nodded as he stood.  
Mammon and Satan quickly followed suit. Even Beel cast a cautious glance at Belphie then said he’d join the others. Before leaving the room, Levi turned back to look at Cass. The other brothers’ gaze landed on her, as if they expected her to get up to.  
“You all go ahead. I’ll hang back and walk with Belphie.” Not one of the brothers moved when she said that. “What’s he going to do, kill me?”  
The five middle brothers stared at her in horror. Belphie snorted into his cup, quickly trying to cover the laugh with a cough. Cass beamed, finally glad one of the brothers found the joke funny, especially since these seven were the only ones who had attempted to kill her so far.  
“Sorry,” Belphie muttered when all of them glared at him in response.  
“Don’t be, it was a funny joke. They’re just a bunch of lame asses,” Cass answered, taking a sip of her coffee. 
“The joke ain’t funny when he actually tried.”  
Cass glared at Mammon before taking a deep breath and giving the appropriate brother a pointed look. “Ten cents.” Mammon’s mouth slammed shut. “A trivia game.” Levi grimaced. “A dessert.” Beel pouted, his hand going to his stomach. “An insult when you were harassing me.” Asmo looked heartbroken but didn’t look away like the others. “Autonomy.” Satan’s eyes narrowed before he turned his head in frustration. “Am I not allowed to hang out with anyone in this house?”  
Only after Cass pointed at the door and yelled go, did they leave her and Belphie alone. The youngest looked mildly impressed but quickly masked it. He finished his food in silence while Cass continued scrolling on her phone.  
Finally, unable to take the silence, he spoke, “you should hate me.”  
“I know.”  
“Why don’t you?”  
“Who said I didn’t?” Cass set her phone down to appraise him before sighing. “Honestly, I wish I did, but feelings aren’t exactly something you choose. I mean, you hated humans. Look where that got us.”  
“Are you always like this? I mean, how are you so fucking blasé about everything that’s happened? Even if you don’t hate me. Most people would at least be afraid of me, especially after what I did.”  
“It’d be a bit hypocritical to hate you when all of your brothers have been seconds away from killing me over much worse reasons.” Belphie gave her a look. “Yes, including Beel, except it was more of an accident with him and Mammon.” 
“Still, everyone’s being so guarded or distanced or whatever. Which, I’m not surprised with what happened, but it sucks, and I want things to go back to how they were.”  
“I don’t, that was a living nightmare. Unless things took a dark turn from between when you were locked up and I got here. I don’t know if I can survive another seven assassination attempts.” 
Cass stood, brushing her uniform off in case any crumbs had fallen. She nodded towards the clock to remind Belphie they had to get going soon. While she had plenty of time, he was still technically a council member and being late on his first day back would probably not go over well with Lucifer.  
“You want to know the strangest part of this?” Cass asked, nudging Belphie as he stood up from the table. “I actually get why you did what you did. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pissed, and you owe me, but I get it. I was the physical representation of everything you’d spent centuries resenting. It’d probably be stranger if you didn’t try and hurt me.”  
Belphie gave her an incredulous look. “I’m starting to see why Lilith liked you.” Cass smiled at the thought. “She was just as bad at judging someone’s character.”  
“Well, she loved you, so that says more about you than me.”  
“Damn,” Belphie muttered, shaking his head. “I kind of wish you weren’t human.”  
“Don’t worry, I’ll win you over.” Belphie wrinkled his nose at the thought. “Careful, that’s exactly how Lucifer acts.”  
“Cass.”  
Cass and Belphie both jumped at Lucifer’s entrance. Whoever said saying a demon’s name was enough to summon them must have met him. Somedays it felt like he would just hide, waiting for someone to talk about him.  
“Diavolo would like you to join us for the student council meeting this morning. Apparently, they’ve made a discovery about your past.”  
“Oh,” Cass said, feigning surprise. She had meant to tell them, but with everything that had happened, it must have slipped her mind. Belphie looked between the two. “Right, you probably don’t know this. When Barbatos brought me here, I lost all my memories. They’ve been trying to figure out who I am.”  
--- 
The walk to RAD hadn’t been as uncomfortable as Cass expected. Apart from being scolded by Lucifer for cursing out a demon that tried to threaten her before realizing she was with him and Belphie, it didn’t even feel odd walking with Belphie.  
She was waiting outside the council room while they were handling some other business. She hadn’t considered it before, but what if they didn’t let her stay? Solomon did mention that the relationship between Nephilim and the Devildom wasn’t good. Would they make her leave even without her memories?  
“This is wild, I can’t believe how much has changed since I was last here.”  
Cass looked up to see Hera and Psi rounding the corner. Well, there was no denying the discovery Diavolo made was about Nephilim. Hera lit up when she saw Cass, rushing to give her a hug. Psi gave her a brief head nod in acknowledgement but didn’t say anything. 
“Kore! No lie, I thought you were going to disappear for another thousand years.”  
“Sorry about that, some things came up. What are you two doing here?”  
“Diavolo–"  
“Lord Diavolo,” Psi corrected her.  
With an eye roll, Hera continued, “Lord Diavolo asked us to come. Apparently, he wanted representation of the Nephs for some plan he has. I don’t really know, but Zeus hates it here, so I came instead.”  
“And since Hades is missing, I came in his stead.”  
Cass jumped, swinging her arm towards the voice coming from behind her. Epi side–stepped her punch with a shit eating grin. Cass lifted her hand to her heart, trying to calm her breathing. Hera rolled her eyes at Epi.  
“Still don’t have your memories back?” Psi asked. Cass shook her head. “Zeus, Hades, and I represent the three categories of Nephs when needed for the Celestial Realm and the Devildom. We’re kind of sorted based on how strong our connection to our internal demon spirit is. We call Nephs who are closer to demons the underworlds, represented by Hades.”  
Epi leaned against the wall across from the chambers. He didn’t open his eyes while he spoke. “Or Styx or Cate, but they’re all missing. So, I got stuck doing it.”  
“You didn’t get stuck doing it,” Hera said. “Supposedly Cate’s going to be here, you’re just a nosy bitch.” 
Epi shrugged, not bothering to dispute Hera’s claim. Even though she didn’t remember the Nephs from before, it was nice having them act normal around her. They fell into an easy, natural rhythm that made Cass feel oddly comfortable.   
“Hermes or I represent the Terras, or Nephs who are more balanced. Which leaves the Nephs who try and suppress their demon side which we call the Olympians. Usually, they’re represented by Zeus or Asclepius, but Asclepius had a fully day of surgery and Zeus refused to come.”  
“Wait, so is that why humans view you as the big three?” Psi confirmed her question with a gesture as if to say, ‘what can you do?’. “Where do I fall in the three categories?”  
The three Nephs started laughing. Apparently, the answer was so obvious Cass should have known even without any memories. Granted, she suspected she’d fall into the underworld category given her understanding of Persephone.  
“Sweetie,” Hera finally said, still laughing. “Humans literally call you queen of the underworld. You were raised by Hecate and your best friend is Styx.”  
Before Cass could think about it too much, or get annoyed about the reaction, the council doors opened. Mammon was the first one out the door, practically running to the nearest bathroom. Levi followed, grumbling about missing something in his game, not bothering to look up as he passed.  
“Holy shit,” Psi breathed, standing a bit straighter upon seeing Levi. “Is that Grand Admiral Leviathan?”  
Cass glanced between Levi’s retreating form and Psi, confused by the reaction. “Um, yeah? Do you know him?”  
“Not personally. Huge fan though,” Psi answered, eyes not leaving Levi. Hera watched for a minute before faking a cough and mumbling nerd. “Are you kidding? He’s the highest-ranking officer in Hell’s Navy. His tactical knowledge and strategizing ability are unparalleled.”  
Cass and Hera shared a look of disbelief. Hera’s face was more mocking her longtime friend’s sudden enthusiasm whereas Cass was still trying to picture the Levi she’d come to know being someone’s idol.  
“Do you want me to introduce you?” Psi’s eyes lit up at her question and he nodded ecstatically. “Okay, but forewarning, he’s kind of an introvert and self-conscious, so dial back.”  
Someone’s arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into a hug. Asmo’s perfume hit her nose before he even had time to speak. He rested his head on her shoulder. She glanced at him, watching his eyes trace over Hera and Psi’s forms.  
“Cass, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends? Or are you keeping them all to yourself? While I can’t say I blame you, sharing is caring you know.”  
Both Psi and Hera watched Asmo with wide eyes. Even though he hadn’t even used his powers, they looked like they were in a trance. “I know Dion was drunk when he said it, but he really could be Narcy.” 
Asmo pouted at the comparison, obviously not happy. The idea that he was being compared to Narcissus and not the other way, not sitting right. Cass saw his eyes narrow, but he didn’t voice the concerns. Levi snuck back past the group, once again, not realizing there were others.  
“Kore, Kore.” Psi looked past Asmo towards Levi. “Can I meet him now?”  
“Wait, LEVI is who you were so excited to meet?” Asmo snapped. “I’m standing right here!”  
Hera and Psi exchanged a look, as if that should matter. “And?” Psi asked.  
Asmo made the most dramatic scoffing noise Cass could imagine. He stepped back, making the noise a few more times as he walked away from the group. Psi and Hera’s confusion only grew at the reaction.  
“The fuck’s his problem?” 
Diavolo and Barbatos exited the chambers before Cass had time to answer. Maybe it was seeing them stand directly next to demons that were closer to an average height than Asmo, but Hera and Psi looked taller than she remembered.  
“That’s weird. I thought you were shorter,” she murmured.  
“Yeah, that’s just a demon and angel thing.” Cass raised an eyebrow at the comment. “When we’re in the human world we tend to appear shorter, almost like an optical illusion. Angels and Demons do it too. It’s a spell that’s cast when you cross the thresholds between worlds. Makes it easier to go unrecognized.”  
Cass nodded. It wasn’t the most logical thing she’d heard but given everything she’d come across in her time in the Devildom, it really wasn’t that peculiar. Though, it did make her realize how tall Solomon must actually be if his height remained the same between the realms.  
“Hera, Poseidon.” Diavolo approached them. “It’s been a long time since you’ve been down, hasn’t it? Although, I am surprised, I expected to see Zeus with you.”  
“Well, he’s become crankier over the last few centuries.”  
“I suppose I can’t blame him for that,” Diavolo chuckled, though Cass suspected it had more to do with the tension that had grown with his arrival than the words themselves. “Regardless, it’s nice to have you here. Truly, I’m grateful you accepted the invitation.”  
“...ABOUT LEVIATHAN!” Asmo’s voice drifted into the hall. “THE AUDACITY! I WAS STANDING RIGHT THERE. ME!”  
Lucifer, who had been standing at the door listening to their conversation, sighed and approached them. “I have a feeling that this break may be longer than you anticipated.”  
“WHY ARE YOU BLAMING ME?” Levi yelled back, clearly upset. “I didn’t even see them out there!”  
“THAT’S ONLY MAKES IT WORSE!”  
“Perhaps,” Epi once again appeared out of nowhere, “I could be of assistance? I’ve found people can become quite calm after experiencing their worst nightmares.”  
There was unsettling about the way he said it, something more sinister lying beneath the offer. It was then Cass realized that Epi must be Epiales, the demon from mythology in charge of nightmares. What his power actual was though, had to be something else entirely.  
“If they wake up, that is.”  
“It is not my fault that some lack mental fortitude to escape their fears. Besides, they technically are awake, and I don’t have to make the experience go on for that long.” Cass had the feeling that Epi chose to make whatever experience he was referring to last much longer than necessary.  
“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t think we’ll be needing your assistance,” Diavolo waved them off. “Cass, perhaps you could speak with Asmo?”  
Cass nodded and excused herself. Eventually, she was able to calm Asmo and Levi down so their council meeting could continue. By the looks of it, this meeting was going to go into classes. Lucifer had already told them they’d have to make them up, which Mammon hadn’t stopped complaining about.  
Once all of the brothers were sitting in their seats, Cass was able to drop into one of the extra seats in the back of the room next to the Nephs. The three of them all seemed highly entertained by her struggles. Psi going so far to ask if now was a good time to meet Levi.  
“There’s our Kore,” Hera laughed at the glare Cass sent Psi as a response. “For the first time I wondered if it really was you or not. You never would have gotten through that without threatening someone before.” 
“Not that we ever blamed you,” Epi smirked. “Your dad was one of the most famous demons born from the faction of wrath.” 
That certainly explained her short fuse. “Wait, you know my dad?”  
“When he was alive.”  
Cass hummed but wasn’t able to ask more questions. Diavolo and Barbatos had come back into the chamber. Barbatos took his seat off to the side. His eyes seemed to linger on the Nephs and Cass a few seconds too long.  
Diavolo proceeded to introduce the brothers before introducing the three Nephs. The brothers stilled, clearly recognizing the names. The looks of confusion, however, showed that they were as unaware of the truth behind the myths as Cass had been. 
“As in, Epilaes, Hera, and Poseidon from Greek mythology?” Satan asked. 
“Yes, the very ones. I must say, I was just as surprised to discover their existence recently.” Wait, Diavolo didn’t know they existed? That didn’t make sense, he’d acted as if they’d met before. “Until Cass’s true identity was revealed, I was under the impression they were simply demons. Demons I had been told passed long ago.” Diavolo said the last sentence with a glance at Barbatos. 
“Can’t you tell if someone’s lying?” Cass asked, still unsure how they’d managed to conceal their identity. 
“I mean, technically we aren’t human.” Hera answered. “And we are part demon. You just have to get a little clever with the wording and you’ve got the passable truth.” 
“Wait, what?” Mammon yelled. “What do ya mean part demon?” 
“You can’t mean Nephilim?” Satan asked. 
“Aren’t those just made-up stories from humans?” 
“Yeah, if a human’s pregnant with a demon, they die.” 
“Ew, who’d want to have a baby with a human.”  
“Cass, we’d have the cutest babies, if you ever consider it.” 
“If anyone’s havin’ a baby with Cass, it’s me. I’m her first, got it?”  
“Mammon you idiot, nobody would have a baby with you. You’d probably sell it the first chance you got.”  
“Shuddup, no I wouldn’t! Cass, I wouldn’t sell our baby.” 
“Enough,” Lucifer yelled, and the remaining six brothers fell silent.  
Hera turned to whisper to Cass as Lucifer scolded the others. “You’ve got them wrapped around your finger, don’t you?” 
Cass shot her a dirty look. Hera laughed, looking forward again as Diavolo started talking. As much as she loved them, the brothers could be a handful. Not to mention, having the Nephs there made her remember that she apparently had a fiancé somewhere. The idea only made her feel guiltier.  
“It seems, that Nephilim are not just stories. Due to my father’s intervention, there were numerous actions taken to conceal their existence to prevent them from being harmed. Cass, as it turns out, is a Nephilim, an undocumented one at that, which is why it was so hard to find any information on her history. 
“As you know, I intend to achieve peace between the three realms. The existence of Nephilim makes that infinitely more complex. However, I truly believe that peace is only achievable with their help. Which is why I’ve asked them here today.” 
Cass glanced at the Nephs at Diavolo’s explanation. Epi, who had looked more disinterested than Belphie, rolled his eyes. Hera looked both annoyed at the idea and in disbelief that Diavolo would ask. Psi, however, seemed to be considering it. It made more sense why he would represent the Nephs over the other two. 
“Seriously?” Hera finally asked. “You’re asking for our help?”  
“Hera-” Psi started. 
“No,” she snapped, standing to address Diavolo. “We weren’t just harmed. We were fucking hunted. We were tracked down and brutally murdered by your people. And what did we get? Erased from history and tossed from the place we called home.”  
“Multiple times,” Epi said.  
“Why do we even care what these half demons even think?" Mammon muttered, not speaking as quietly as he thought. "'Sides, if Cass is one of 'em, she's on our side." 
Cass looked between them as the tension rose in the room. Epi smirked from his seat, horns slowly twisting out of his head. The dark color of his irises and his pupils shifted to a faint grey, barely distinguishable from the whites of his eyes. The marks on his skin started glowing. He tapped his nails, which were now long, black claws, on the table three times.  
Mammon paled, looking ready to faint by the time Epi’s final claw hit the table. His eyes slowly regained focus as he searched Cass out. Even from across the room, she could see him violently shaking. What the hell had Epi done?   
“Anyone else curious about what these half demons think?” Epi asked, already back to his human form.  
“Part demon or not, we’ve been demons longer than you have,” Poseidon said. “Some of us have been alive longer too. Nonetheless, I apologize for Epi and Hera’s behavior. Obviously, you’re aware some animosity may remain, but I think trying for peace, or even a resolution, is preferred to the alternative.” 
“I understand this is asking a lot,” Diavolo continued. “Even you coming here means more than I could articulate. For relations between the Devildom and the Human World, including Nephilim, to ever strengthen, those bridges will need to be mended or even rebuilt completely.” 
“Diavolo!” 
The doors to the student council chamber slammed open. The sound of the woman’s heels echoed as everyone waited with bated breath. Her black hair was so dark, even midnight in the devildom seemed light. Her dark grey eyes seemed devoid of any emotion, despite the rage in her tone. There was something reptilian about her pupils. Across her face was one long scar.  
“Hello, Cate! It’s good to see you,” Diavolo smiled, but Cass didn’t miss the waver in his voice.  
The woman stopped in front of the bench before crossing her arms. Despite the height of the bench imposing over her, the woman commanded all attention. The entrance couldn’t have been more perfect.  
“Are you completely incompetent?” Diavolo went to answer, but she didn’t give him a chance to speak. If only she’d been here when the meeting started.  “I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are not that ignorant of your own realm’s relation to others. Yet, you neglected to tell me when a Nephilim appeared before you.” 
Despite being the leader of the Devildom, Diavolo didn’t stop her from speaking. The longer she spoke, the less diplomatic it seemed, not that it had been to begin with. In fact, it almost felt like Cate was scolding Diavolo, the way a parent would. 
A black smoke started to materialize beside Cate. From that, emerged a demon. When the smoke disappeared, Cass realized she’d seen the demon before. It was the woman from the portrait, the Demon King’s former advisor, Aeshma.   
Unlike the demon from the portrait, there was no fondness in her expression. Cass understood why she had been referred to as the Demon of Wrath. Why was that anger directed at Diavolo though? Hadn’t he said he’d spent time with her growing up? From their previous conversation, Cass would have thought they had a good relationship. 
Wait, hadn’t Diavolo also said the demon had been forfeited? While Cass had never learned what that actually meant, she’d been under the impression the demon was dead or, at the very least, not able to materialize before them now. Cass glanced at the others in the room, but their expressions only mirrored her confusion. 
“Aeshma?” Diavolo asked, his surprise evident. “How are you here?” 
“A better question is how you thought harboring a Nephilim would be the best option for strengthening relations between the Devildom and the Human Realm. Is your goal to undo the work of your father?”   
Cate and Aeshma continued speaking at Diavolo, still reminding her of a parent. Was it possible that they had taken over some of those responsibilities while Diavolo grew up since his mother had passed? She could tell by the way they talked to him, there was still love behind the message. Cass stopped herself from smiling at the image of them paralleling two aunts chastising their nephew.   
“Are you aware,” Lucifer finally interrupted, standing from his chair, “that Diavolo is the current ruler of the Devildom and the way you and your cohort have been speaking to him is unacceptable.”   
Aeshma’s eyes narrowed. Cass thought she’d never see a stare as icy as Lucifer’s, but even from here she wanted to wither under Aeshma’s. Surprisingly, Satan seemed equally unnerved by the sheer hatred and anger exuding from the demon. 
“Are you aware, that were it not for me, you’d be lying at the bottom of the Styx? Do you need a reminder of who I am, or can you quell your warped sense of entitlement that led you to believe you can advise me on what constitutes unacceptable behaviors.”   
Wait, what? Lucifer didn’t break eye contact. Apart from him, only Barbatos, Diavolo, and the Nephilim seemed to understand what she meant. Clearly this wasn’t the first time Lucifer had met the demon, but it looked like it may be the first time the other brothers had, at least since falling. What happened to the appreciation he had when looking at her portrait? 
“Aeshma.” Diavolo stood, placing a hand on Lucifer’s shoulder. Lucifer nodded before sitting back down. Diavolo continued, his voice regaining the stately quality he used when attending to royal duties. “I understand there are many things to be discussed. First and foremost, however, is that despite having been forfeited, you are here and have broken the law. I cannot dismiss that simply because you were on my father’s council. 
“Both you and Cate are the ones guilty of harboring an undocumented Nephilim. While Cate is not a denizen of the Devildom and therefore cannot be charged, you can. Perhaps we should all take a pause and reconvene. I would hate for this tension and any lingering emotions to have any impact on your impending trial.” 
“Fuck!” Mammon screeched as his chair tipped over and he fell. 
Everyone turned to see what could be so important for him to interrupt what was going on in front of them. Sitting on the table in front of his chair, was a woman holding an iced coffee who had not been there before. The appearance of the three women made her want to start working on her entrances and learn teleportation magic. 
Wait, she’d seen this woman before too. On the day she’d run away from the retreat and in the diner with Solomon. The witch wore the same large black hat and large round glasses. She looked almost the exact same, down to her hair falling out, the greyish color of her skin, and vacant stare.   
“As much as I’d love to see a trial where Aeshma is the defense and Lucifer assisting with judgement, that won’t be happening. You’re right, as a denizen of the Devildom, Aeshma would be guilty. That’s not Aeshma, though. Not really.” 
A hint of a smirk flashed across Aeshma’s face before reverting back to the icy stare. Did she know the witch would appear? Or was she just happy to prove Lucifer wrong? The longer this meeting went on, the more questions Cass had.  
“As you know, Aeshma was forfeited, and your father preserved her spirit in the river Styx. Luckily enough for Lucifer, might I add.” The witch gave him a pointed look and the ice coffee vanished. “Not long after that, I was summoned to reanimate the demon. The problem with a forfeited demon is there isn’t enough of their spirit to reconstruct.” 
Cass glanced around the chambers, trying to figure out who was following Nadia. Hera and Epi looked thrilled over the events. Apparently, both of them had already moved on from their grievances. Hera even had her phone positioned in a subtle way where she could record it without being noticed. 
“Hermes is going to be pissed he missed this,” Hera whispered when she noticed Cass watching her.   
“So, being the talented necromancer that I am, I stitched the fragment pieces with willing human souls who had passed. What does that mean?” The witch jumped down to pace in front of the bench, acting like a lawyer presenting their case. “Well, according to subsection 14B of the same law that protects Cate, the demon formerly known as Aeshma, is not a denizen of the Devildom.”   
The witch manifested a projection of the three realms to aid her argument. “Subsection 14B establishes that unless a being has a complete demon spirit, they cannot be denizens of the Devildom. Because Aeshma has a human soul. Well, part of a human soul, she would be classified as a Nephilim.”  
The projection vanished as the witch clasped her hands in front of her. “And Nephilim are not punishable for crimes related to the aftermath of the Titian Project.”   
“It’s also worth nothing, I haven’t gone by Aeshma since forfeiting,” the demon added. “Seemed wrong to use that name. In honor of your father and his kindness, I’ve gone by Styx since being brought back by Nadia.” 
“How are they so cool?” Levi muttered. “They could be the protagonists in an anime.”   
“Does anyone else have no idea what’s going on?” Cass asked. All of the brothers except Lucifer raised their hands. 
“Is anyone else turned on?” Asmo added. Everyone’s hands fell except his own. 
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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I refuse to believe Asmo isn't Levi's biggest hype man (except MC)
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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MC 24/7 'bout Mammon:
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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Mc: Hey, Asmo, can you help me with my zipper?
Asmo: Yeah, I’m on it!
Mc:
Asmo:
Mc:UP, Asmo.
Asmo: Right, sorry. Force of habit.
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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Satan celebrate his own birthday party
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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Vines I think MC references regularly and when they use them:
"Welcome to bible study. We're all children of Jesus. Kumbaya my Lord." - Whenever demons do some fucked up shit.
"Wouldn't you like to know weather magic boy." - When Solomon asks them a question.
"What are those!?" - Whenever they see Mephistopheles, and no, they don't explain it.
"When will you learn that your actions have consequences?!" - When the brothers do something to piss them off and then act like MC should be chill with it.
"Look at all those chickens." - Whenever Mammon's crows roll up. (He gets defensive every time.)
"Can I PLEASE get a waffle?" - When Levi and Mammon get into a fight.
"Wtf is this allowed? Is this allowed?" - When Asmo starts whoring it up.
"He needs some milk!"- When Satan flips a lid.
"I'm a bad bitch you can't kill me." - When a demon could absolutely kill them.
"What's better than this? Guys being dudes." - At every one of Beel's Fangol game.
"You're not my dad! Ugly ass f*cking noodle head." - After Satan yells at Lucifer.
"So, no head?" - When Lucifer dismisses them.
"I want to see my little boy!" - After entering Purgatory Hall, looking for Luke.
"We have to get out of here. I can't. I feel unsafe." - If Solomon brings a dish he made.
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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I started and gave up on this like 12 times...
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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The Not Entirely Human-Human Exchange Student pt. 13
Summary: I think we all know what what happens after Belphie is released at this point. Cass and the brothers deal with the aftermath of Belphie being released. Once again, Cass has to call out the avoidant to a fault conflict resolution style of the brothers. Warnings: Swearing, major character death, mentions of other deaths, PTSD/Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder symptoms Spoilers: Up through Lesson 16 Characters: Cass (OC), Lucifer, Mammon, Levi, Satan, Asmo, Beel, Belphie, and Lilith. Notes: I know not everyone uses humor as a coping mechanism, but Cass definitely does. Forewarning as I know that doesn't sit right with some people, but we all have different experiences and responses to those. Previous Part • Next Part
“Please, please don’t die. I can’t lose you,” Mammon whispered. 
Someone slipped their hand behind her head, supporting it enough so her head was no longer at the painful angle. “You have to support her head you idiot. Humans are fragile.” 
“Are you fuckin’ serious right now, Levi? There ain’t no way she's human!”  
Wait, what? Cass hadn’t told them she was a Nephilim. Had Diavolo told them at the castle when she left? Wait, no, these were the brothers from the past. It was only now that her breath was returning to normal. That sentence was going to make her start hyperventilating again. 
“We don’t know that!” 
“She’s got antlers stickin’ out of her head!” 
The shock of that statement gave Cass enough energy to open her eyes in a panic. She stared up at Mammon. His eyes were glassy, and his shaking hadn’t stopped. Mammon didn’t look away, as if she would die if he did.  
“Cass?” Lucifer called, still in shock. 
“What the fuck? How are you still alive?” 
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“Cass? Cass!” Lilith’s voice pierced through the air. “I’m so, so sorry. I knew he was different, I never thought he’d...” Her words faded in and out. “You need to focus. You can’t give up.” 
What did Lilith mean? She was dying, she’d already fought so hard. Why wasn’t she allowed to have a break? Besides, they’d find the letters Lilith had written in her pocket. The brothers would finally be able to heal. And the Nephs at least would know what happened to her this time. 
“I was able to give you my grace. It should be enough to stop you from dying,” Lilith spoke again. “I, I don’t have much time left.” Cass wanted to protest but couldn’t find the words. “Don’t worry about me, I’m happy. I lived the life I wanted. Thank you, for everything.” 
When she finished speaking, Cass plunged back into dark icy waters. Her lungs were on fire, begging for air. Somewhere above her, she saw lights, as if reflecting on top of a lake. Fighting with the little energy she had left she broke through, only to be met with chaos. 
Voices. They were so loud. Cass tried to figure out where they were coming from or who was talking, but it was all just noise. Had she hit her head when she fell? The ground beneath her was moving, but it didn’t feel like the attic floor she’d been on. 
Her head was heavy. Too heavy to even lift. Not that it mattered. She didn’t even have enough energy to open her eyes. It felt like something was pulling her head down. Oh, the ground was moving because someone was holding her. How long had she been unconscious? 
Satan’s voice was one of the first she recognized. He was yelling. Even half unconscious she could feel his anger. Why wasn’t Lucifer stepping in? Even during his worsts outburst, Lucifer could get him away from others to cool off. 
“DAMMIT, CASS,” Mammon shouted, his voice raw and desperate. “YA CAN’T DIE ON ME.” 
The laugh she’d heard moments before passing out followed. If she had the energy, she probably would have flinched. Somehow the sound felt colder than the air around her did. Mammon trembled in response to Belphie. 
“You look like such a fool, Mammon. It’s just some human. You’re panicking like her death is the end of the world.” 
“Belphie, you...” Lucifer’s voice trailed off, unable to speak. 
“What have you done?” Beel’s voice was oddly hallow. Cass couldn’t begin to imagine the conflicting emotions he was feeling at the moment. 
“With injuries this bad, the chances of survival for a human are...” Satan didn’t finish the thought.  
“Lucifer,” Asmo screamed, “do something! We have to do something.” 
He didn’t answer. Instead, Belphie laughed again. “That’s the exact look I hoped to see on your face, Lucifer. It’s all too perfect.” 
Cass only wished she could say something, do something to ease the pain and horror she sensed around her. It felt like she was being lowered, but Mammon didn’t let her go. He only pulled her closer as he knelt on the ground. 
“Please, please don’t die. I can’t lose you,” Mammon whispered. 
Someone slipped their hand behind her head, supporting it enough so her head was no longer at the painful angle. “You have to support her head you idiot. Humans are fragile.” 
“Are you fuckin’ serious right now, Levi? There ain’t no way she's human!”  
Wait, what? Cass hadn’t told them she was a Nephilim. Had Diavolo told them at the castle when she left? Wait, no, these were the brothers from the past. It was only now that her breath was returning to normal. That sentence was going to make her start hyperventilating again. 
“We don’t know that!” 
“She’s got antlers stickin’ out of her head!” 
The shock of that statement gave Cass enough energy to open her eyes in a panic. She stared up at Mammon. His eyes were glassy, and his shaking hadn’t stopped. Mammon didn’t look away, as if she would die if he did.  
“Cass?” Lucifer called, still in shock. 
“What the fuck? How are you still alive?” 
Belphie lunged at her. Fortunately, Beel caught him before he got too far. He pulled his twin back, an iron grip around the youngest brother. He was seething as he fought against the hold, determined to kill her. 
“Lilith, survived, Lucifer–” was all Cass could say, pain shooting through her throat. 
“Don’t you dare say her name,” Belphie hissed. 
“Did she just say survived?” Asmo asked at the same time. 
Satan lifted a cup of some kind of liquid to her lips. He muttered a spell while she drank the contents. After a minute the pain subsided to a dull ache, and she was able to move and speak. Mammon refused to let her go though, arms tight enough to provide comfort, but not so strong she couldn’t get out if she really wanted to.  
“How did you know about Lilith?” Lucifer asked.  
Cass recounted the same story they’d discussed only hours ago. “I promise, she was happy.”  
Belphie thrashed against Beel’s hold again. “You’re lying! LIES, it’s all lies! Are you all really going to trust the word of some human? Do you not remember what they did to Lilith?”  
“It’s true,” Lucifer said. “I, I’m sorry. But how did you know that?”  
“She told me.” Cass didn’t have enough energy to process their reactions. Instead, she reached into her jacket pocket. “Remember I said I had one more secret?” She asked Mammon. When he nodded, she pulled out the letters. “I think these will explain everything better than I could.”  
Now that the pain had subsided and she wasn’t afraid of dying, Cass stopped fighting the exhaustion taking over her body. The last thing she heard as she drifted asleep was Mammon saying her name and Satan telling him to let her rest.  
--- 
When Cass woke up, she was lying in her bed. An eerie silence hung in the air. It was oddly lonely waking up in the empty room. Last time she’d almost died, Beel had been there. Cass hadn’t known what to expect after they read the letters from Lilith. Maybe they hated her for keeping it secret.  
She’s got antlers stickin’ out of her head! Mammon’s words popped into her thoughts. Cass threw the blankets off, stumbling to the closest mirror. There were no antlers in her reflection though. She ran her hands through her hair, confirming the lack of appendages.  
The memories after going back in time were foggy. Cass glanced at the door to her room. Were it not for the bruises on her neck, she might have thought it was all a nightmare. But there they were, angry purple and black reminders of Belphie’s hatred.  
Cass took the blanket from her bed, pulling it around her shoulders, seeking any kind of comfort. The last thing she wanted was to be alone right now. The darkness reminding her of the death she’d almost accepted. 
Cass started shaking, her thoughts slipping back. She scratched at her throat, suddenly unable to breathe. Find someone, anyone. She stumbled away from the mirror and down the stairs. A broken sob fell from her lips, unable to make it to the door before her fear took over. Cass curled up, hiding underneath the blanket, waiting for the sound of Belphie’s laughter to subside.  
Someone said her name. The blanket was pushed back just enough, not taken away completely. A hand clasped hers as their thumb rubbed comforting circles against her wrist. It took a moment for her to feel safe enough to look out.  
“I’m here, it’s gonna be okay,” Mammon stated firmly. “I’m not gonna leave, ya. Got it? You’ve always got the great Mammon to count on. For however long ya need.”  
Once her breathing returned to normal, Cass sat up, letting the blanket fall from her shoulders. She could tell Mammon was trying not to pull her into a hug, not wanting to overwhelm her. Cass wrapped her arms around him, pressing her ear to his chest to listen to his heartbeat. After a moment, he returned the hug.  
“Do you hate me?”  
Mammon sputtered. “What kinda question is that? Why would I?”  
“I didn’t tell you about Lilith, any of it.”  
Mammon’s arms dropped. Cass leaned back just enough to look up at him. There was no trace of anger or distaste in his expression. He rubbed the back of his head in thought, trying to figure out the best phrasing.  
“We promised not to hide how we felt any more, right? So, I’m gonna be honest with ya, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. Probably a lot of things and they come and go. I was angry, confused, frustrated, whatever, but hate? I could never hate ya.”  
Cass hung her head, unable to look him in the eyes. “I also don’t blame ya, Cass. Look what happened when we found out that she had lived. Imagine how it’d have been if we thought we could talk to her again. ‘Sides, Lilith didn’t give ya much of a choice. She made that much clear in the letters, right?”  
“I don’t really know what she said,” Cass answered. “I know I wrote them, but I was trying not to focus too much since it was something private.” 
Mammon stayed quiet. His eyes fell to the bruises on her neck. She could only begin to imagine what was running through his mind. Cass held her hands up to block his view. He didn’t look away from the spot though. 
“I didn’t let anyone else save me,” Cass smiled, trying to break the tension. Mammon glanced up, eyebrows knitting together in confusion. “You said if it wasn’t you saving me, then no one should be.”  
Mammon pulled her into another hug, taking a deep breath. “That’s not a funny joke, ya idiot,” he mumbled into her hair.  
“Um, you said something earlier.”  
“Ya heard that?” Mammon’s eyes widened in horror, and he blushed. “Look I don’t know what ya think I meant, but just forget about it, okay?  
“Okay, so you said two things earlier and we’re definitely talking about them both.” Mammon groaned, realizing his mistake. “You said there’s no way I was human because I had antlers?”  
“Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that with everything else going on. How’d ya do that anyways?” He asked, hands feeling her head where the supposed antlers must have been. “Did Solomon teach you the trick when you were in the human world?”  
Cass swatted his hands away, fixing her hair and glaring at him. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”  
“Ah, Cass, you’re awake.”  
She and Mammon looked at the door at Lucifer’s voice. Relief washed over his features at the realization. His smile disappeared when his eyes landed on her neck before he caught himself, forcing another smile. Cass moved her hands back down to rest her chin on, covering the bruises once again.  
“Did you say Cass was awake?” Asmo asked, leaning around Lucifer to peer into the room.  
Satan and Levi’s voices followed as all of them tried to enter the room. Mammon moved to block her from view, already sensing her panic. That didn’t stop the others from complaining about him and Lucifer.  
“Knock it the hell off, you’re freakin’ her out.”  
“You’re not the only one who was worried, Mammon,” Satan snapped.  
“Asmo, may I see your scarf?” Lucifer asked.  
Asmo gave him a skeptical look but didn’t question it. Lucifer tossed the scarf to Mammon. Cass peaked over Mammon’s shoulder to meet Lucifer’s concerned eyes. He turned around, pushing the others out of the room.  
“We’ll be in the living room if you’d like to join us,” Lucifer said. “If you’re not ready, that’s completely understandable. But we’ll be waiting whenever you are.”  
With that, he closed Cass’s door behind him. Mammon handed her the scarf, refusing to look at her. “Sorry, I’m not that good at healin’ magic. If ya don’t want to wear something around your...I can get Satan. I’m sure he can heal the...or Asmo can show ya some makeup tricks.”  
Cass put on the scarf, checking that it was situated the right way before standing. She grabbed Mammon’s hand, helping him up. She fought the unease in her stomach about seeing the others by reminding herself they wouldn’t have come to her room if they didn’t want to see her.  
“Hey.” Cass squeezed Mammon’s hand, not ready to let go. “Don’t think I forgot what we were talking about. I’m still waiting to hear what you were blushing about.” The blush returned to Mammon’s face, and he groaned at the thought.  
--- 
Over a week had passed since the incident. Satan had been able to heal Cass’s bruises enough that they were barely visible. At times, it felt like the yellowish marks were the only thing acknowledging what had happened.  
The brothers, except Beel and Belphie, would always change the topic when Cass brought up what happened. They trailed off and refused to look at Cass when Belphie came up in conversation. After everything, it felt like they were right where they had started, refusing to talk to each other.  
Beel had been keeping Belphie away from the house. Or, at the very least, he was keeping Belphie away from Cass. Not only was that not what she wanted, Cass was starting to miss Beel more and more. Which is what led her to her current plan.  
After the house fell silent and she was sure everyone had retired for the night, Cass made her way to the twin’s room. The last few nights, she had figured out their pattern. Beel must have been talking to one of the others and coming home when they thought Cass had fallen asleep.  
Cass was going to try her damnedest to talk to Belphie one way or another. Her next option was to wait for him in the attic. Although, she’d prefer to avoid that room for a while longer. At least she had more control of the situation here.  
Even when he was trying to be quiet, Cass would recognize Beel’s steps anywhere. She didn’t miss the hushed whispers of the twins as they made their way through the halls. Beel opened the door, his eyes widening when he saw her.  
“Cass?” Beel said her name with a mixture of happiness and surprise. “What are you doing here?”  
He glanced to his side down the hall at the question, not entering the room. Cass already knew he was checking that Belphie didn’t continue walking. While she appreciated that Beel was being cautious, she was getting sick of everyone deciding how she needed to handle this.  
“I wanted to see you. Also, I need to speak with Belphie.”  
“I don’t know if that’s–” 
“I know you’re trying to help, but I can’t keep doing this. All of you refusing to acknowledge that he exists around me isn’t helping. I, I’m never going to be able to heal from this if I can’t face it. I decide what's best for me, okay? If Belphie doesn’t want to talk to me, that’s his choice and his alone.”  
Beel turned his head, looking back to the same spot in the hall. After a second, he nodded and stepped back. Belphie stepped into her line of vision.  
“So, you do exist.”  
Belphie gave her a weak smile. “Can Beel stay?”  
Cass was relieved he asked. While she wanted to talk to him, she wasn’t quite sure she was ready to be alone with Belphie. “I’m assuming you’ll tell him everything anyways?” 
Belphie entered their room, and Cass took an unconscious step back. Beel followed but didn’t stop as he crossed to Cass. He searched her eyes before slowly going to hug her. Cass laughed softly as he gave her the gentlest hug she may have ever received.  
“I really missed you,” she whispered.  
“Me too,” he answered before stepping back. He stayed close to her side.  
Belphie shifted uncomfortably, eyes darting around the room. Cass flinched at the movement. Beel glanced down at her. She could tell he was debating if he should interrupt or not. Cass wrapped her arms around herself, trying to slow her breathing.  
“I don’t want to hurt you,” she started. Both Beel and Belphie looked shocked at her words. “But there’s something I think you deserve to know. It wasn’t me who let you out, not really. Before going up to the attic, I asked Lilith’s ghost to possess me. She was with me until I woke up in the entry way with Mammon.”  
Belphie took a shaky breath. “You mean, she was there when...”  
“When you were seconds away from successfully killing me? Yeah,” Cass answered. The twins flinched at the directness of her words. She didn’t care though. Pretending it didn’t happen or sugar coating it wasn’t going to change the past. “I think, I think that’s the only reason I’m still alive.” 
“What do you mean?” Beel asked.  
“Apparently, she had some of her grace still and I guess that’s what saved me.” Cass looked between the two. “I obviously don’t know you all that well, Belphie, but I’d like to think I know Beel enough to know you also blame yourself for what happened to Lilith. She wouldn’t have wanted that.” 
“Why do you care?”  
Cass shrugged, shaking her head. “It’s not for you, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m just the messenger. She never blamed you and until the very end she loved you so much. The last thing she said to me was that she was happy. Whatever regrets you may have, don’t, because she wouldn’t have lived the life she wanted.” 
“She’d still be alive though if–” 
“Maybe,” Cass interrupted, “maybe not. But it doesn’t matter now, it happened, and you have to accept that. If not for yourself, for her. Maybe you’ll have to learn to be happy knowing she was happy. Anyways, that’s all I came here to say.”  
Cass went to leave, giving Beel’s arm a squeeze as she passed him. Before closing the door behind her, she turned back to say one last thing. “You know, I think one of the hardest things about loving someone is accepting that sometimes the life we want for them isn’t really what they need or even deserve. It may not have been what you expected, but it still may have been best.”  
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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Mammon : I accidentally wore my glasses to bed . Sometimes I think I am stupid.
Satan : Don't worry , I do it all the time.
Mammon : Wear your glasses to bed?
Satan : Think you are stupid.
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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months
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Am I supposed to believe this isn't Mammon outside RAD? (x)
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