Cherry

“How do you command a demon you’ve made a pact with?”

“Good question… Everyone has some amount of magical power by nature. However, there are some people in which it actually manifests itself, and some people in which it doesn’t. And even among those in which it does, some have more of it than others. It varies based on the individual. Seeing how it doesn’t even manifest itself in you to begin with, even though you’ve made pacts with demons, you can’t take command of their powers. …Would you like me to lend you my power? Let’s just say I’m curious to know what would happen if I did. You’re a destabilizing element here in this world. I can’t say what might happen if I do this, which is exactly what makes it interesting.”

“Yep, absolutely! It’s a teacher-student thing!”

“___… Really, you don’t need to announce it to everyone.”

“Ahahaha! I’m afraid things aren’t looking good for you, Solomon.”

“Okay, but don’t blame me if you end up getting eaten by a demon.”

“All right, I get it. Come on, stop giving me the evil eye. I was wrong to leave without telling you, and I feel bad.”

“…Luke has a promising future ahead of him.”

“Ah, you finally said something. So, what do you intend to do about this, Lucifer?”

“You tell me. What do you intend to do about it?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. Good question.”

“What do you mean? I’m a human, and this is the human world. This is where you normally find us, you know? In the human world.”

“That’s not what I meant!”

“Would you mind if I asked why?”

“Nah, it's not like I was hiding it or anything. It just hasn't really come up in conversation. It was back when I was a fresh, young sorcerer, still wet behind the ears... I was particularly interested in fish and their ecology. I'd pop in and out of the water, casting all kinds of spells to do all sorts of research. The only problem was that my...liberal use of magic annoyed a bunch of ocean spirits. They bound me with their magic, keeping me captive until I'd undone everything I'd tinkered with.”

“How long did that take you?”

“I don't remember the specifics, but I was definitely down there for a long time. I'd have to cast my mind back to almost before l was able to use magic, which isn't the easiest thing to do now. After the ocean spirits released me, they didn't want me throwing spells around all willy-nilly like that again, so they slapped a curse on me. It was basically a restraining order from the sea. That's gone, so I can get close to it again, but... Well, that kind of raw power sticks with you. It's still having an effect on me.”

“Good night. And… …____… …Sweet dreams.”

“…I can’t believe he kissed you goodnight on the forehead. And is it just me, or did he linger there for an especially long time? You think that was his way of telling me to stay in line?”

“Ahaha! Wow, that hurts. What, did you think I was some kind of cyborg or something? In that case, I’ll have to do a better job of letting you know how I feel from now on, huh…”

“I know. It’s good to try out different methods in the hopes of finding something better. But eventually time forces your hand. And even if you don’t like your options, you’ll have to take action. Just like I did before…”

“Really, ____? Even if it means making enemies out of Lucifer and his brothers? Can you still promise you’ll help, even knowing that?”

“I’ll always be on your side, no matter what.”

“___, I…! I love you… So much so I can’t fully express it. Knowing I have you on my side, there’s nothing I can’t endure. No matter how hard things get. And I know I’ll make the right choice as long as you’re there. I can always count on you to steer me straight.”

“Really, ____? Even if it means making enemies out of Lucifer and his brothers? Can you still promise you’ll help, even knowing that?”

“I’ll always be on your side, no matter what.”

“___, I…! I love you… So much so I can’t fully express it. Knowing I have you on my side, there’s nothing I can’t endure. No matter how hard things get. And I know I’ll make the right choice as long as you’re there. I can always count on you to steer me straight.”