Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Chapter 1174 Zero

Landing near a park just a little after the height of lunch hour traffic, no one seemed to notice Lilith and me as we descended from the skies when a sudden chime struck my ears, pulling my attention toward Lilith.

"What is it, Cyra? I'm with my husband." Lilith asked, pulling out a Holocube. The one device that seemed to have never-ending reached through the Myriad Heavens. Even in the Lower Planes, they worked.

Just how powerful are these little boxes?

"Forgive the interruption, my lady. I could never figure out these god-forsaken cubes. How do you deal with it?" Cyra said, curling her fingers around her golden hair as she moaned, spitting a few curses under her breath. She raised her head, most of her body hidden behind a desk. "Ah! Is that Arsene Snow? The male you managed to snag and defile!"

"...I got defiled?" I pointed. "Me. Arsene. Got. Defiled."

A hint of a grin lifted over Lilith's plump lips. "I like the sound of that. How about it, Arsene? Did I take your cherry… Do guys have cherries?"

I paused." Not that I know of."

"You guys are so cute! Where are you by the—"

"Why'd you call Cyra? Not that I mind. But Arsene and I are on a date. One that has not seen the light of morning for cycles." She said, losing her smile.

The childlike features of Cyra dipped, chilling as if the face she wore before didn't exist. "Forgive me." She said with such venom my brow became arched. But from the expression Lilith had, it seemed to tell me that this was just Cyra's way. "I would like permission, your highness. Permission to fully claim this land under the name of Abyss.

"I see. Were my orders not explicit beforehand?" Lilith replied her amethyst eyes like two burning stars of frost. A sinister bone-clenching cold danced along my flesh, startling me for a mere heartbeat. "Nessa is for your Prince and Princess upon birth. It's their natural birthright. Need I say more?"

"Then forgive me for this pointless call," Cyra replied, bowing her head, only to raise a single eye that carried a deep emerald amethyst shade. "Then do not be surprised if a few Fallen or Archangels die upon your return. I shall not hold back. Have a fantastic trip, my Queen."

The connection went dead.

"She's green," Lilith said, releasing a sigh. Her head leaned against mine, tickling my nose with the subtle scent of lavender. "It's her first time running this kind of operation, much less governing one of the Six Duchies. I fear I may have made a mistake in assigning her. Cyra's ability to lead is questionable at best."

"You must have picked her for a reason," I said, running my hands through silvery silk as she nudged my shoulder in the affirmative. "I did. Cyra sees things differently than everyone and isn't afraid to check me when I get out of line, like most of my Thirteen Generals. Aside from End, Vita, and Damaris. Cyra is the only one to call me out on my bullshit at times. She just isn't too decisive."

"Traits that can be learned over time. Few are born decisive. And despite what everyone might think. I don't see the hype around it. A perfect example is Zero. He is the most indecisive person I've ever met." I said, chuckling, recalling that idiot's many schemes. I pulled Lilith forward as we strolled through the park.

The air was tart with a chill that kissed against our cheeks as I continued gathering Lilith's undivided attention. "Do you know why he's so good at schemes?"

She shook her head no.

"It's because Zero can't decide. So he plans for everything."

"EH!!!! Your kidding."

Laughing about recalling how every time we had a mission, he'd be sprawled out on the ground with a bucket to vomit in over his crippling anxiety. "He's a jackass. I'm telling you. Zero is so indecisive he somehow managed to turn his indecisive nature into a major strength; that layers each of his plans with over a few hundred sub-contingencies, with those contingencies having contingencies based on foolishness. I ever told you he even had a plan if one of us returned to life? Shit didn't make sense to us. But when Zariel returned from his trip from Hell. He gave a code and followed the steps. Gaining Zero's trust. Although I'm sure to this day, he still asks him to reconfirm his identity."

Lilith trembled, struggling not to burst into laughter. "Is he really that silly!"

"Don't let his coldness fool you. All that is is anxiety. Pure crippling anxiety. At least until you get him drunk, then he becomes another battle maniac. Never seen a person want to fight so many people before. He even challenged me before. Then had the audacity! To vomit all over my shoes and trousers."

Fist trembling recalling that blasted day, I groaned, feeling the need to shower myself. At least, that was the day we learned a bit about Zero's full name. That bastard Zariel is just as secretive as Zero. It was so frustrating. And if Aurelia hadn't come to the rescue! FUCK!!!! One of the great mysteries of life.

Zero's blasted name.

"I'm jealous," Lilith softly mused, interlocking her arms around mine. Her soft touch far colder than before, as a bittersweet smile curled over her tender lips. "I don't have anyone like that."

"You have the Abyssal Children, Vita, and—"

She shook her head. " No… not really. I mean, childhood-wise. Ones that grew up with me. I'd never have that. And you. You are so, so lucky despite all this time. Despite everything, the Order of Chaos, a compilation of friends and family, is there for you. I'm alone… Well, I have you..."

"What about Nora?" I whispered the name. Recalling that foolish woman Lilith once called friend. "You could patch things up there. I could summon her. I do have Drar as my thrall."

Lilith looked up at me, her two eyes like icy glaciers that carried not even a sliver of warmth. "If I see her, I'll slit her fucking throat. Nora is dead. We killed her. Whatever she is now. Is not something I wish to approach." She said, looking ahead as dogs barked at one another, running around the park as owners watched with happy smiles. Enjoying the simplicity dogs shared with one another.

"Well, if it makes you feel better," I told her, understanding her loneliness. " I don't have any friends outside the Order. As you can imagine, I'm not the most likable person."

"I like you." She chimed in, tightening her hold, a faint smile appearing. "I like you."

"You carrying my babies. Of course, you like me! For these progenies shall be the bane of humanity! The torches of agony for all! The Princess of Extermination and Prince of Destruction. I'll see to that!" I screamed, raising a fist of doom to toast any lord of calamity watching!

Fifth-Grade Syndrome is the best!

"There he goes again!" Lilith muttered cheeks flushed with embarrassment as onlookers turned. "Shut up already!"

? "FOOOOL!"

'SENE!!!"