"Astaroth, what the hell are you doing?!" That was what the young master repeated to himself over and over when he realized he was standing in front of the tree of life, in the abandoned garden that had not been looked after for many, many years.
The latest events of this week have left Astaroth crazy, first Lucifer having sex with Baal, then the young master ignoring Satan and his flirtations –again–, and Michael invading the castle of the king of hell to talk to Astaroth... Everything seemed strange to that demon.
Suddenly the young master hears a velvety and calm voice, it was Michael– You really came.
Yes, I suppose so...– Astar answers surprised.
The two were silent for a few seconds, the wind was cold and everything was dark. Only the rustling of the leaves could be heard until the archangel's voice interrupted the stillness.
I want to end wars. – Michael's voice was calm but firm.
Are you kidding me? – Astaroth asked, feeling uncomfortable.
No, it's always the same in these wars, no one wins and only more deaths happen.– Michael leaned his shoulder against the tree of life.
And how do you intend to do that?– the young man says suspiciously.
Relating to one of you... More specifically, you.– the archangel had a serious expression on his face.
What?! Are you crazy?! Lucifer will rip my head off if that happens! No way. That's not going to happen.– Astaroth says as he opens a portal to hell.
Michael quickly closes the portal and makes Astaroth's body move towards him.– He won't do anything to you, he loves you like a son, okay? Don't worry so much about it. There is a chance to end these wars if I and a demon close to Lucifer get together.
Why do you think so? What is your plan?– Astar frowns slightly and listens attentively.
If it were any angel, he would just be sent to hell, so it needs to be an archangel. And it needs to be you, since you are the closest demon to Lucifer. – Michael tries to convince the young man.
I don't know... My father will find out everything and just punish me for it... and I don't want to feel my father's wrath.– Astaroth says uncertainly, but thinking about the proposal.
Think about it... We can prevent more deaths, not only from the warrior angels but from the demons as well. Maybe your own family was killed in a battle...– the archangel caresses the young demon's cheeks.
Astaroth looks at Michael with a vulnerable gaze, he was right, perhaps the young master's real parents were killed in one of the wars. Astaroth sighs and nods.– Very well, let's try to make this work.
Michael smiles and nods, kissing Astaroth gently but is quickly interrupted by the demon.
Hey! What the hell was that?!– Astaroth quickly moves away.
Isn't it part of the plan to pretend we're a couple?– Michael raised his eyebrows and smirked.
Y-yes, but it doesn't have to be so fast...– Astaroth looks in another direction, feeling awkward.
Okay.– Michael laughs and nods, the archangel returns to his true form and disappears through the portal he had made.
Astaroth sighed and his hand slid over his face in frustration. He opened the portal to hell again and returned home. He walked through the castle corridors where there were some servants who bowed respectfully as soon as they saw Astaroth, the young man sighed deeply and just ignored it, he was stressed out about this whole war thing.
The long curtains matched the purple carpet, the decorations were simple yet luxurious, the light coming from the windows always kept the place bright. Astaroth remembered when he was a child and would climb the curtains just to climb onto the chandeliers that were never lit. He missed being a child when everything seemed amazing.
Astaroth walked aimlessly through the castle, he was in the hallway where the guest rooms were and found one of the servants cleaning one of the rooms. Astaroth didn't remember seeing this servant's face before and he would definitely remember since there aren't many servants in this castle. The young master leaned against the door and fixed his eyes on the other man.
Are you new here?– Astaroth says with a firm tone.
A-ah! Yes y-yes... You scared me...– the other says surprised, not even bowing or speaking respectfully.
Who are you?– Astar asked, frowning.
Oh... I-I'm... Well... H-Haziel...– the young man said nervously.
Haziel? What are you doing here? – The young Master said as he walked towards the other.
I-I'm cleaning..? Haha... – Haziel quickly moved away but his back met with the bedroom's wall.
You're not from here, how did you manage to disguise yourself as a demon?!– Astaroth grabs the small Cherub by the collar of the purple robe.
H-how did you know I'm a cherub?!– Haziel tried to free herself but his attempts were unsuccessful.
The way you treated me disrespectfully, your smell, and if you really were a new servant, I would have to approve your entry into the castle.– Astaroth says impatient, he starts to drag the cherub out of the room.
N-No no..! A-Archangel Michael asked me to come! He told me about you and him having a plan and asked me to help you!– the young Haziel says desperately.
The young master stopped and looked at Haziel.– Oh... So Michael sent you.– Astaroth released the cherub and looked at him suspiciously.– But why would he send you here?
Michael wants me to be a messenger since he can't invade hell without being noticed...– Haziel says nervously.
I see.– Astar sighed loudly.– Why did you accept? I could have killed you.
I can't deny a request from the archangels, otherwise I could be arrested.– The young cherub looked away and blushed slightly.– anyway, he told me to give you this letter.– Haziel shows a small letter that was in his pocket.
Have you read it?– Astaroth asks casually and smirks, taking the letter from Haziel.
N-No! I wouldn't dare.– Haziel said.
Oh really?– the young Master pinches the side of the cherub's cheek.
Yes! O-Of course I didn't read it... Maybe just the beginning...– Haziel admits.
I knew it.– He chuckles softly and begins to speak gently.– By the way, don't treat me disrespectfully or you will be punished by the guards or by Lucifer himself. Call me young Master.
Y-Yes, young Master!– Haziel says more calmly, but he was still a bit nervous.
After the little talk between Astaroth and the cherub Haziel, the young demon went to his room and locked the door. He sat down at his desk and opened Michael's letter.
"I need to see you again at the same place and time, let's set that straight. At least that way, your father will suspect that you're seeing someone.
By the way, take care of this little cherub for me, he's only 684.
With love, your new partner."
Astaroth sighed and burned the letter.