Azrael was on his knees.
It was a while ago when he and Beelzebub have started their dance of death, but Azrael was easily overwhelmed. Despite having his fists as his only weapon, Beelzebub proved to be a formidable foe.
/Damn you, old man./ He cursed at Beelzebub's former master, Satan, as it seemed he had him empowered before handing Lucifer the throne.
He barely had the will to get up. "Amazing," he whispered, groaning. "Its been a long time since I felt pain . . . "
"It's not only pain you will experience," Beelzebub responded. "Tell me, does the Angel of Death fear death itself?" He walked towards Azrael.
"Death is nothing but the culmination of life," Azrael answered, smirking. "The moment I was appointed Angel of Death by the Council I have become lifeless."
"Then I shall erase your existence. You dont deserve it."
"Try me." Azrael looked up.
As Beelzebub raised his fists to deliver the finishing blow, Azrael pulled a dagger out of nothing, stabbing Beelzebub.
At first, Beelzebub felt nothing. But then there was it. He felt his body go numb. As he dropped into the ground, Azrael stood, laughing. "I never really planned to use this, since its a disgrace as I received it from your Hellforge. But Old Satan empowered you, so I have no choice.
"What . . . have you . . . done?!"
"Asmodai gave it to me, as he doesnt believe that I can secure you. The nerve of that demon."
Beelzebub let out an anguish roar, but it was cut out when Azraeldrove his scythe at his back. The fearless roar was immediately replaced by a scream of pain.
"Now tell me, 'bub, how does it feel? Pain is sweet isn't it?"
"Aaargh! I will never forgive you! All of you!"
"I dont seek forgiveness, Im sorry to say." Azrael chuckled.
Azrael pulled his scythe and drove it again. Again. Again. Beelzebub, on the other hand, felt excruciating pain wherever the scythe was driven into his body. Beelzebub now realized, that the dagger Asmodai made was coated by holy venom. /The bastard was aware of Master Satan's works!?/ He couldnt believe it. It was of ultimate secrecy, that is, the rites of passing the power of the throne to Lucifer, including Beelzebub's transition, for the Lightbringer needed every power in restoring Hell.
Holy venom was really no poison, he recalled. It was the sap of the Tree of Wisdom that once dominated the Garden of Eden, its roots extending towards all parts of the mortal realm, giving way to the vegetation that the mankind is enjoying now. The Council had it cut down for it was the root of Mankind's first sin, but nevertheless let its power reach even the darkest places of the realm that is created for these mortals. They called this realm "earth".
This sap, as it contained all of the knowledge that gave the mortals intelligence, was considered very sacred, and the destructive power that it inflicts to demons is no joke. If Satan haven't empowered Beelzebub up to the extent that he is only made incapacitated by the holy venom, then surely he would have been reduced to ashes, as the sap burns anything demonic it touches.
Beelzebub, on the verge of breaking down, tried to struggle and stand, but Azrael didnt stop driving the scythe into his back. When Beelzebub managed to kneel in an attempt of standing up, Azrael stabbed him again with the dagger. Again, Beelzebub felt nothing and dropped again into the ground. The scythe continued to rampage Beelzebub's back.
"This should be enough," Azrael finally said, grinning towards the near-devastated body of Beelzebub. When he pulled Beelzebub's hair he saw that the beast lost consciousness. But still living, no doubt.
"Now . . . ", Azrael whisphered, as if to himself. He then looked towards the throne of hell's location. "Shall we present Lucifer a gift?"