"I'm asking you to do this not just for her, but for humanity. Listen, we have the Bible, which was written by scribes and God's prophets, detailing their perspective. Nick, this is an opportunity for humans to learn more about the devil—why she rebelled against God and fell from grace. What was her driving force? She risked everything, including her exalted position in heaven. Don't you think this would provoke a dialogue among humans? Imagine learning that the devil is a woman. That alone is mind-blowing. It opens up so many questions. Have you considered that if the devil was once an angel and is now a woman, there must be female angels? We have no accounts of female angels in the Bible or any religious texts."
"When you put it like that, it makes sense. It truly is an amazing opportunity. I would have a firsthand account straight from the source," Nick responded.
"Exactly! Don't be scared. You should be flattered that she picked you. It means the devil sees something special in you," Takeshi exclaimed.
"You're crazy, Takeshi. But I can see the method behind the madness," Nick admitted.
"You should call her and tell her you accept her offer. You would be honored to be her scribe. Be a gentleman, Nick," Takeshi suggested.
"This is crazy," Nick muttered.
Nicholas looked at Luci's card, took a deep breath, and dialed her number. The phone rang, and Luci answered, "Hello, Nicholas."
"Good afternoon, Luci. I've thought about your offer, and before I accept, I have a few conditions I need to discuss to feel better and safe with you," Nicholas said.
"Sure, Nicholas. Whatever you want, we can discuss the details over lunch at a place of your choosing," Luci agreed.
"Meet me at the Eagle Café at 3:30 pm," Nicholas requested.
"Got it," Luci confirmed as the call ended.
"Wow, wow, wow, dude, your life is like a movie," Takeshi exclaimed.
"Yeah, a horror movie," Nicholas replied.
"You mentioned she was gorgeous before she revealed her true form to you. Tell me, Nick, did you make out with the devil?" Takeshi asked, bursting into laughter.
"I'm glad my life brings so much amusement," Nicholas said with annoyance. He shook his head and poured more alcohol for himself.
"Come on, don't be like that. You must admit it's hilarious. You went there thinking you were going to seduce a beautiful woman and get laid, only to be wined and dined by the devil," Takeshi continued jokingly.
Nicholas sighed and replied, "I suppose it is quite amusing. But I need to relax. If it makes you feel better, you can follow me, so I'm not so paranoid. Arrive before me and be there as backup," Nicholas suggested. They checked the time; it was just 1 pm.
"Let's research more about your date. We need to learn as much as possible about the devil," Takeshi proposed. He grabbed his laptop, and they continued their research while drinking, delving into topics about the Devil, God, and religious stories.
***
They arrived at the Eagle Café, with Takeshi going in first to secure a seat. Moments later, Nicholas entered and sat down; it was 3:25 pm. After a few minutes, Luci walked in and took the chair opposite him.
"Hi Nicholas, I'm glad you're considering accepting my offer," Luci greeted him.
"Yeah, I mean, I'm surprised to be here right now," Nicholas responded nervously.
"I understand your nerves, Nicholas, but I'm not here to harm you. I just want a fair chance to have my story told and seek justice," Luci assured him.
"Justice? What do you mean? You make it sound like you're a victim," Nicholas inquired.
"In some ways, I am, Nicholas. I had everything taken from me," Luci replied.
Nicholas remained quiet for a while before speaking up again. "I'll be your scribe, as you said. It's an amazing opportunity to write your story, as long as you promise not to harm me and I don't have to do anything that compromises my freedom or sells my soul."
"It's a deal. Is that all you desire, Nicholas?" Luci asked.
"I'll also need five hundred thousand dollars to begin," Nicholas added.
"That's not a problem," Luci assured him. She offered her hand, and Nicholas shook it in agreement.
"When would you like me to start?" Nicholas asked.
"Whenever you feel ready," Luci replied.
"How about tonight? I'll come with my laptop and all the supplies I need," Nicholas suggested.
"Don't worry about that; just come. Everything will be provided, and I'll have Asmodeus transfer the requested funds to your account. Be sure to text your account details to him," Luci explained.
"Okay then," Nicholas said as they both got up.
"And one more thing, Nicholas, you can't bring your friend," Luci stated, turning to look at Takeshi, who had been watching them.
"What do you mean?" Nicholas tried to play dumb.
"Don't lie to me, Nicholas. Do you forget who I am? I promise you'll be safe, and no harm will come to you. But don't try to bring your friend to spy on us again, okay?" Luci warned, smiling before exiting the café. Nicholas stood there, watching her leave, and Takeshi walked up to him as soon as she was gone.
"Dude, the devil is gorgeous," Takeshi exclaimed.
"She knew you were my friend and that you were watching us," Nicholas revealed.
"Whoa, and what did she say?" Takeshi asked eagerly.
"She said she guarantees my safety and that I'm to meet her tonight at her place when I'm ready," Nicholas explained.
"Dude, this is amazing! I can't believe she's Satan. Wow! Your life truly is like a movie," Takeshi exclaimed.
"I want to go home. I'm mentally exhausted," Nicholas expressed.
"My queen, are you sure about this?" Asmodeus asked, opening the car door for Luci as she got in. He then entered the car and began driving.
"What other choice do I have? I've been backed into a corner by Yahweh. This is my only chance at redemption," Luci responded, looking out of the car window.
"And this human, do you trust him to do this for you?" Asmodeus inquired.
"You should know by now, Asmodeus. Trust is an illusion. There is only mutual interest. I have the power to transform his life for the better, and in turn, he helps me," Luci explained.
"The humans have evolved since the last time we were here. Nothing stays the same."
"Nothing aside from us," Luci stated.
"The curse of our immortality," Asmodeus added.
"Once this is done, there will be repercussions. Yahweh and his Angels won't appreciate the controversy it will create. His beloved humans will question him and everything they've been led to believe about him. This could potentially lead to another war," Luci explained.
"Come what may, I am ready," Luci affirmed.
Later that evening, Nicholas prepared himself. It was already 7:08 pm when Asmodeus arrived outside his apartment. They got in the car, and as they drove, Nicholas felt nervous, catching glimpses of Asmodeus watching him through the rearview mirror.
"May I ask a question?" Nicholas finally spoke up.