The Fight for the Trident

Chapter 7 - Section 1

The Devil sighed, leaning against the opening of the window and staring at Sydney sleepily. "Sydney, darling, I don't see why you insist I let them go," he mumbled. "They're my only lead. Why should I bother letting them go?"

"Luce, I know you and Azazel both don't like thieves, but-"

He sat down in a chair, leaning on his elbows and resting his forehead on his hands. "If you were dying, wouldn't you take every chance to make sure you could live again?"

She bit her lip, walking over to his side and sitting on the desk. "But taking out on children who are still trying to survive college?"

He nodded slowly.

"Luce, I would only push myself so far. Using Azazel to attack children is ridiculously overkill."

"And yet you stood up to Azzy as if he were merely a golem."

"That's different, Luce."

"How so?"

She sighed. "Are you delirious? or are you drunk?"

"Neither. I'm just very tired."

"Well, don't fall asleep or you'll never stand a chance at waking up."

"I know. I'm trying my best." He sighed, pulling out a crystal ball from a desk drawer and setting it on the top of the desk. "Show me the four."

The crystal grew murky, changing to show the four college students running for their lives.

Sydney paled. "Azazel found them."

He quickly looked at her. "Are you saying they all were here?" he demanded, getting to his feet.

She nodded. "I was going to tell you-"

"Do they have my trident?!"

"Luce, calm down-"

"Answer me!!!"

Sydney shook her head. "They don't have it! Angelo must have it in his-"

The Devil cursed, slamming his fist down on his desk. He walked over to the window and looked down at the casino as the four kids raced into the game room. "They won't stand a chance to Azazel."

"Lucifer, listen to me! Please!" She grabbed his arm. "They're just kids! You can't let Azazel kill them!"

"Why not? They gave Angelo my trident! They deserve to die for it!"

"They didn't even know the trident was yours! They didn't even know it was real!"

"Then explain the magical residue!"

"The trident must have backlashed on them! Please, you can't let them get killed for something they never did!"

He looked down at her, frowning. "And why should I believe you?" he whispered.

She stared at him. "When have I ever told you something I don't believe?"

He turned his attention back to the children just as Azazel landed in front of them, his huge wings unfurled.

"Luce, you can't let them die," she pleaded. "They're trying to find the trident themselves; let them do that for you. You'll regain your powers, you'll have your trident back, you won't die... what more could you really ask for right now?"

His eyes flicked to her before focusing on the children. "What more could I ask for?" he mumbled, turning away from the window.

She nodded.

He sat down at his desk, resting his head on his hands again and closing his eyes. After a few minutes of agonizing silence, he opened his eyes as they glowed bright red with the last shreds of his power.

"Respect."