The Beginning Of An End

Chapter 22

Shortly after Beelzebub's and my conversation in his realm, we decided to go back to the palace and try to find Mammon. However, just as we teleported ourselves back into the
hall, we quickly noticed that it was beginning to fill up with demons. As if they were gathering up for some sort of event.

The inside of the castle seemed to be in much better shape - it was like nothing was ever damaged in the first place. I glanced over at Beelzebub who seemed just as taken aback as I was. It seemed like our plans had to be delayed once again. Although based on how scattered other demons looked in the gathering it gave an enough of a hint that none of them were exactly certain what they were gathering for.

My eyes traveled over to the stairs in the middle of the room as I had realized that the Devil was about to hold a speech about something rather important. Beelzebub and I stepped further into the crowd as I began scanning the surroundings in hopes to see Mammmon or even Belial. Due to the density of the crowd it was hard to make out any of the familiar faces and highly doubted I'd see Belial any time soon.

Soon enough, the familiar figure started descending the stairs until he reached the center and his gaze seemingly tracing over each present demon. His eyes even lingered on me a bit longer and I forced myself to look straight at him. His expression revealed no emotions as his gaze quickly left me.

Then, he breathed in heavily, and finally began, "now that you've all gathered, there's an announcement I must make. A tragic one." He paused for a moment as the crowd gasped in surprise and whispers spread throughout the hall. For the first time in a while the Devil seemed rather serious and, dare I say, normal without the overt madness in his eyes. "Due to recent events in regards to the Norse gods breaking in and destroying and the interference of some other beings," he glared at me before quickly proceeding, "there has been an unfortunate and tragic occurrence. Our dear, trusted and mighty king Astaroth has been... murdered and is no longer with us."

An intense and very uncomfortable silence seized everybody present. Despite the fact I was among the first ones to find out, the words that reached my ears still struck me. I bit my inner cheek as I looked at Beelzebub who grimaced in disbelief and shock as he locked his eyes with mine. I began feeling a bit of guilt as he, too, became collateral damage after getting involved with me. It almost felt like no matter where I went I brought on destruction.

"We will organize a graceful event to commemorate him as he is deserving of nothing less. His death as well as the Norse gods' weapon Mjolnir having sucked into a void due to unforeseeable events has caused quite a bit of disruption in Astral as we know it. Particularly in Hell as it occurred on our grounds. Chaos from Asgard may begin to seep into Hell. Be prepared for anything. In the meantime, we will have to organize training in order to prepare us for the worst."

With that, he ended his speech and simply gazed at the crowd for a little bit. The demons kept on talking between themselves, one by one succumbing to the fear of the future that no longer was as certain. I looked over at Beelzebub who looked almost as shocked and confused as everyone else.

"You know, for a while, I thought you were just a bit crazy." He paused and once again locked his attention on me. "Now I've realized you have truly lost it." He suddenly said, quite sharply if I may add. "Couldn't you have just... kept meeting up with Loki somewhere else?"

"Well, technically, it was his idea to come here. And what am I gonna do? Fight a god?" I said with a shrug and crossing my arms. Beelzebub sighed out in frustration. "Not even the Devil could beat him when Loki was just a bird." I added.

"Fair. But still. There were ways to make him change his mind." He responded.

"Maybe. It's too late now anyway." I stated the obvious after which he, too, fell silent. Few seconds after my response, the Devil could be heard again. But not out loud. A light high-pitched noise shot through my head before hearing the familiar voice.