Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

"Shiva," repeated Belphigor softly. " He's a God, a Supreme One. There have been many debates about who is stronger, Shiva or Hellmaster. And while Shiva has openly stated that Hellmaster is a tad bit stronger. It's not by much. He's a God of Destruction, Good and Evil, a Lord of Order. And Zariel's Partner."

"Eh? Partner? Explain?"

"Because Zariels acts secondary to Shiva in their quest to bring Order and Chaos to the Myriad Heavens. Zariel is still young, and Shiva has been the balance since the beginning. While many gods take on the roles like Shiva and Zariel, none do it like them.

"What the hell does this have to do with Michael? He's just some bitch ass angel asking to be T-Bagged…. No homo.

A glint of amusement over Belphigors six eyes hummed. "Truly touched by the Hells you are. You've got my hand, boy. I'll assist. Having that bastard out of the way could be rather therapeutic.

"You have issues with the famous Archangel?"

"Issues? Michael walks around with a stick up his ass. He believes no angel can do wrong if he believes in the One. A notion that many Humans and Gods took to heart. He is an entitled, power-hungry, narcissistic, hypocritical bitch." Replied Belphigor harshly. "There is no room for error when it comes to Michael. If you sin, you must die. Redemption means little to him."

I see Belphegor is no fan of Michael. But… something isn't adding up.

"What does any of that have to do with Shiva?"

"If Lucifer were to die, Shiva would definitely be angry as he's a source of pure disorder. Lucifer's mere existence brings chaos to man's heart with no exception. So is his principality. It's the same with Michael, who is a true force of pure Order." The glint in Belphigors eyes dimmed, and a silence ensued for a short moment. " When you reach higher realms, the Concept of Principalities begins to explode. You get to see how people like Lucifer and Michael, or even me affect the ecosystem with merely our emotions.

"This is where Zariel and Shiva step in. It's those two jobs to help manage the Myriad Heavens. I guess the only difference is that Shiva does it independently, while Zariel does it in the name of the One. Any of our death would disrupt the flow."

"But can't Mephisto step up and fill Lucifer's place? Or you?"

"No. Lucifer fits his role so perfectly that many believe that the Father may be the one who orchestrated Mephisto to plot Lucifer's fall. No one could replace Lucifer. At least no one, to my knowledge, has such a particular principality that affects all of creation like him. It works in perfect symmetry with Michael's Orderly Principality. "

"So should Michael die—"

"Devils and Demons will run while through the Myriad Heavens. Souls of the Damned will rise from purgatory. Ravenous beasts will go on rampages. There will be a certain level of chaos that will affect every Heaven on every level. Shiva will not allow that to happen."

"So he shares the same power as Zariel?"

"Don't be foolish. Zariel is special. But Shiva is just that powerful. His control over Creation Law, Karma, and so on has no rival. He doesn't need to control Order and Chaos like Zariel to bring balance. " Belphegor replied. "Killing him will not do. At least for now. But who knows, we'll see."

Vanishing before my eyes, I sat below the willow tree for a long while, basking in its dark, killing intent before I stepped into the light.

Glancing back towards the willow tree, I gave it a simple nod before I called to Mephisto… my supposed master.

"Oiiiiiiii!!!! I know you're up there stalking this sexy ass king. Come to me, Mephisto. Come to your god, your savior, the second coming. Prostate—"

Blinding light dazed my vision following the blow to the back of my head that sent my body through a dozen trees. Skidding through the surface of Iluthath, I groaned as I entered a ravine, hitting the surface of the water with a deafening slap.

"FUCK!" I groaned in pain, glaring at the smiling Mephisto. "That bloody hurt!"

"That's no way to talk to your master. You need to learn respect, my little disciple. Master doesn't want to accidentally kick you so hard you end up drinking from a sippy cup."

Lips twitching, I staggered up over the surface of the water. "Then how would you reach Arcadia? Much less open it?"

The cheeky grin of Mephisto deepened. "True. And is that the reason you called me? You need help dealing with Michael?"

"So you knew!"

"Of course, I knew. And I also know you probably called Beelzebub, Lucifer, or Belphegor for help. They'd be the only ones willing to help. So which one was it?"

"So you can stop them? Shiva—"

"Shiva is of no concern of mine. Strong as he might be, I've long since found a way to deal with him. So worry not if Michael dies."

My eyes went wide. " Your kidding, right? Aren't you two brothers?"

" It's not like he can't revive. It'll only take a Hell Cycle, maybe an Eternal Cycle. Plus, if he's out of the way, it'll leave Arcadia slightly more entertaining."

My brow grew knitted as I stared: He was still smiling, and I simply couldn't get my head around Mephisto. Was he lying? He has to be… right? Could Mephisto be so cruel to his family? Sure they'll come back, but so much time would be lost.

…hmmm. I just realized I know nothing about Mephisto. I know he likes to joke and likes to toy around. But I know nothing about this man.

I know more about Lucifer than I do Mephisto. And I've met Mephisto many times already.

"I still won't tell you."

The smiling devil chuckled. " Fair. I wouldn't if I were you, but… If you don't, I'll tell Michael about your plan. Screwing you deeply."

My jaw opened and closed in utter disbelief. "You wouldn't."

"Arsene… come on. It's me. God of Mischief. Lord of Chaos. People call me a bastard for a reason. I help you, knowing that I'm helping myself. I could save you from Michael, but I'll only save you when you're half dead or dead."

"How do you save a dead man?"

Blinking cluelessly at me, I only groaned, feeling I had just kicked myself in the balls. Screw the Fallen. I miss Seraphina now. Gods, I should go find her. Angel booty is—

"So what's it going to be, Arsene Snow?"

Sucking my tongue, I nodded. " Fine. Fine. You win. I told Belphegor. Happy?"

"Yup. I'll set up everything next. Just sit back and watch."