MONTH 2, WEEK 2, DAY 5 7:04 AM

You rushed through the RAD school halls, desperately searching for Solomon. After picking the book up, you described to Chara quickly what you thought you should do.

"We know that Levi's friends are Solomon and me, and with that, I can assume that he likes TSL. I'm going to lose, so..." You frowned. "Do you think Solomon has something to help me? Like a backup plan?"

"Probably, if he is that big of a TSL fan as he says he is. Not like he can beat me though." Chara shrugged, flipping her hair. You shot her a disbelieving look. She retaliated and sighed. "Okay, he might be a tiny bit better than me, but I'm still better!"

Which is why you're scurrying through the halls like a mad man. Finally, after 10 minutes of searching, you spotted a light-skinned, white-haired male talking to Simeon. "Solomon!" You called from afar. He noticed.

You stopped in front of him, trying to catch your breath. "Hi... Simeon... Solomon... morning..."

Simeon raised his eyebrows. "Good morning, Rubina. You're unusually early."

"Likewise, I have an unusual request for Solomon." You point-blanked your gaze towards the wizard. "Solomon, do you know what Levi likes most?"

Solomon nodded, almost too eager to spill. "TSL, or The Seven Lords. Have you taken a liking to him already?" You nodded and answered: "He's nice, if only a bit awkward." He reminded you of Alphys, but more 'Normies should die!' and all that.

Simeon laughed gently, like a saint (more like angel, but-). "I don't think he meant it like that." You stared at him for a few seconds, then reddened, shaking your head profusely. You saw Chara stiffen at the implication.

"No way! He's kind of cute but not like that!" You hurriedly explained. And it's true. This old-age demon is awkward, in the best way. Even in your first month, you are certain that he has no brain-to-mouth filter once he opened up about anime.

"So, why is it that you asked?" Solomon simply smiled at your poor attempt of casual talk.

"I do need something TSL related that he doesn't have. Do you have anything?" You asked innocently, crossing your fingers. You're sure he has something...

And... he nodded! YES! "I do. " Cyan light flashed in front of him, and there laid a wing pendant in chrome dangling from a chain. Chara's voice became shrill in excitement.

"It's the wing pendant, platinum version! I would kill to have that! That belongs to the Lord of Corruption and is incredibly legendary..." She groaned, hands buried on her face. "Why can't I take it as my own?!"

"Why would you need it?" Solomon asked, dangling the pendant precariously close to your face, which you pulled away from.

"Right, um... I need to borrow something of Levi's that's incredibly important, so maybe using something he likes will help me?" You said, hoping he took your made-up explanation.

Solomon smiled, not particularly wicked, but not nice either. "I see. You're using this as bait then, I assume?" Well, no, but I suppose you can think of it that way. You nodded.

He hands me the pendant."Here you go. Tell me what happens after that, okay?" He smiled, then walked off with Simeon, who watched our entire exchange.

You finger the pendant, tracing its beautifully designed wing shape. You then slipped it into one of your backpack's inner pocket. You'll be damned if you lost this.

* 4:12 PM | LEVI'S ROOM *

You rapped the door 3 times, with Mammon on your tail, even though I didn't ask him to come. It opens, and a seat has already been prepared for me, with Levi opposite of it. He looks serious, but at the same time, wanted to laugh.

The lights are dim, the only light source being the skylight from above. Levi waves me in. "Welcome, Rubina. Take a seat." You do so, Mammon sitting on the floor, watching Levi and you with a curious expression.

"I've asked Asmo to prepare some questions, and like it or not-" He sighed dramatically. "-the scumbag's going to read the questions for us. Asmodeus made the questions, so neither I or you know."

"Oi, why'd call me that?!" Mammon grabbed the flashcards Levi gave him. "Hmph, can't believe I have to deal with this..."

He didn't have to. You didn't drag him here with you, but you decided not to point that out.

"I'll read the questions for you. Ready?" Levi and you exchanged glances, then nodded simultaneously.

Mammon cleared his throat, squinting due to poor lighting. "First question. The seven lords are all brothers and each has a specific name people know them by. In birth order, name the oldest, second-oldest, and third-oldest."

"Hah! This is easy!" Chara said confidently.

"Lord of Corruption, Lord of Fools and Lord of Shadows." You answered.

Levi quickly shushed you, declaring. "That's way too easy! My turn!"

"In Volume 4 of the DVD series, at exactly 159 minutes and 35 seconds in, what is the Lord of Masks holding in his left hand?"

"That's specific. There's no way anyone remembers that much, right?" Chara asked, a little more unsure then she was before.

"He's holding a flower from a carnivorous grodoodle plant, grown by the Lord of Corruption," Levi answered, nodding seriously.

"...We might have underestimated him. Just a little bit." Chara squeaked hesitantly. Your nerves began shooting my signals that maybe this isn't that good of an idea after all.

"Losing confidence already, Rubina?" Levi teased, a smile on his face. "You can't beat me!"

You shook his head, a white lie. "No, I didn't."

Mammon made a sound. "Right! Rubina, you're up! In what year did the Lord of Shadow build the Blue Palace for his imaginary mistress?" You frowned at this specific question and waited for Chara's verdict. She sputtered but replied nonetheless.

"Year 693 of the ancient era." Levi looked at you in awe.

"Huh... you know your stuff, Rubina!" You gave him a wink and flipped your hair. "I do~"

"Even though it's me answering the question?" Chara pointed out childishly.

Mammon snapped his fingers. "Okay, she's right. Levi, what does the sixth Lord love to eat more than anything else?"

"A cursed goat tartare with cheese," Levi replied confidently.

Chara miffed, feeling superior. "Hmph. That's so easy, even a newbie could do it! And he's like what, two thousand into the series already, even though it only started 20 years ago? Dumbass." You ignored her.

"Rubina, in The Tale of- ah, it's too long! In this series, or whatever, Volume 3, page 724, what does the Lord of Fools say in the fifth line from the top?"

What. How on earth are you supposed to know? This is a question for the super fans! You desperately locked eyes with Chara, who was fretting as much as you are. She circled the room several times before giving you her best puppy eyes and shrugging slowly, saying: "I dunno. Maybe it's time we use the thing from Solomon." She sighed sadly, snapping her fingers. "Only after a few questions, huh? Should've re-run the show yesterday. Damn it!"

You frowned in dismal, knowing less then her. You couldn't believe you lost so easily, having to use the trump card so early. You raised a hand, and with sad, desperate tones, gave up. "I don't know." Mammon clicked his tongue.

"Damn it! I thought you're a super fan!" You were glad Mammon took your side in this game.

"YES-" Before Levi could finish his cheer, you pulled out the pendant hanging around your neck, dangling it in front of him, making sure he understood the importance of his item, which he did, of course.

He gasped, as you predicted. "W...wait a minute, is that...? I don't believe it! It's the Lord of Corruption's lost wing pendant- the platinum version! The pendant was sold in limited quantities to commemorate the release of Volume 1! It's a treasure! Any TSL fan would die to have that! H-how did you...?!" He turned away as if it's too lustrous to look at.

Mammon laughed at the twist of events. "I knew you'd have something up on your sleeve, you cheeky bastard! I guess that settles who the biggest TSL fan is then!"

Levi pointed a finger at you, anger written on his face. "I won't stand for this. Sure, we might have had our similarities in TSL, but I poured my heart into the series! No... I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!!!" A terrified squeal leaped out of Chara's throat, but you didn't, too scared to even utter a word.

A flash of what seemed like blinding light flashed before you. A quick look notified your senses that he's turned into a demon. While he already was, he now sported a pair of horns and a serpent-like tail. You instinctively stepped backward, whipping your head back and forth at Levi, then Mammon.

"Maria, run! Get out of here!" Mammon called, and you tried, but you stayed, captive of Levi's true form. Another scream from Chara shook you to your senses, and you ran, reaching for the door.

But Levi stood in front of you, eyes glazed in fury. It was then you realized you're still holding onto the necklace. Quickly, you dropped it, hoping to make it a distraction, and dashed out of the room. Instead of a distraction, it became another reason to release his fury at you.

"COME BACK HERE!" You did scream in fright this time, your heart beating loud. You didn't even want to turn around, sure that it'll slow your speed.

Soon enough, he caught up to you. You felt tense, and when you gulped, no saliva slid down your throat. You shakily looked at your options, and there isn't much to do, honestly.

ACT: Check, Joke

MERCY: Spare

ITEM: Damel Candy

You refused to throw hands- you'd die if you tried anyway. Before you could even touch the menu, his tail almost cuts you, slicing cleanly to your left. Levi kept swinging his tail at you at dangerous speeds, left and right. Most of the residents have stepped outside to see what's going on, staring in confusion, then surprise, yet none stepped out to help you. Amid the action, you couldn't help but feel hurt that you mattered so little to them (expected, but it still hurts).

-10 HP!

You screamed again, this time in pain and call of a familiar name, sure that he'd help. "MAMMON, HELP!" As soon as those words flew out of your mouth, the demon you called appeared right in front of you, flooding you with relief and blocking the third eldest's attack. He wasn't in his demon form, school uniform askew.

"MAMMON, GET OUT!" Levi shouted, attempting to slice you cleanly. You took a defensive stance, hands above your head, clenched fist.

"Tell Lucifer!" Mammon ordered. You nodded, and with a short-breathed 'thank you', you headed towards the eldest's room.

You slammed the door open, surprising the eldest- he's here! "Lucifer! Levi, he's-" An explosion interrupted you, and his face turned grim.

Without even saying a word, Lucifer left, you on his heels. As you walked, he too, changed to his demon form. 4 charcoaled wings sprouted from his back, and a suit with an array of black and red covered his entire body. A single, black diamond appeared on his forehead, and two horns on his head. If it weren't for the situation, you'd love to take note of their forms.

"What is going on here?" Lucifer boomed through the hall, catching the attention of the two fighters.

"MAMMON?" You were quick to interrupt Lucifer.

"No!" Lucifer turned towards you, eyebrows raised. "He- it was my fault! I tempted Levi into a TSL battle, but then it went out of control and we were fighting and then I called Mammon and he came and he told me to get you so-" You were silenced by the same set of eyes, inducing you to shut up.

"You're out of control, Levi." The younger brother froze at the comment.

"L... Lucifer..." And with that, he changed back and trudged towards the room leaving an awkward silence in the halls.

Your eyes met Mammon's, but you said nothing.

A slow clap came from one of the gawkers. Satan. "I have to say I find it very surprising that you would go out of your way just to rescue a mere human, Lucifer. Very surprising... don't you agree, Mammon?"

"...Huh? Why're ya askin' me?" Mammon replied, avoiding his young brother's eyes.

"As the oldest," Lucifer started, ignoring the last comment. "I naturally must clean up my younger siblings' messes."

You thanked Lucifer, inclined to hug him, but he declined, returning to his quarters. You headed into your room, Mammon on your tail.

*

You collapsed on the bed as soon as you walked into your room, your body aching for some rest.

"...I'll get you a first aid kit. Don't move." Mammon replied as soon as he saw your condition. He left, closing the door behind him.

"Chara?"You cried out for your ghost. She's sullen, quiet- quite unlike herself.

"Chara-" She enveloped her arms around you, hard.

"You idiot... you could've died in there, you know?! Died!" She took a deep breath. "But hey, we've been in a lot more, haven't we?" You grinned.

"Definitely."But her way of saying it struck you. You really could've been a goner at that moment. You could've died, and that would be on your gravestone, wiped off from the face of this earth. Imagining the horror on everyone's looks on the surface is enough to stop you from doing stupid things like this. At least for a while.

You examined your wounds. Chara cringed at the sight. As you were wearing long, comfy pants and a short-sleeved tee, long and short gashes alike tattoo your arms. Your legs too, by the amount of movement you can do, must bleed a bit. You feel something trickle down your head and wiped it, leaving a red stain on the backside of your palm. Blood, of course. You scurried to position yourself on the floor, as to not dirty the bedsheets- softest things you've ever slept on.

Mammon then came in, along with Beel (why is he even here-), with a first aid kit. Still, in the same position, you rolled over slowly, took the first aid kit, and began applying the ointment. Mammon, saying nothing, took the bottle out of your hands and began working your hands, wrists first.

You're touched, cheeks flushing red. "Thank you, Mammon." He said nothing in reply- you assumed too busy cleaning your wrists.

After a moment, Beel commented: "Mammon, you're doing a terrible job with those bandages."

He flushed against his dark skin. "Hey, shut up! I don't know how it works! If ya think I'm doin' such a bad, job, why don't ya do it, Beel?!"

Ignored, he was as Beel declared it was time for another snack and headed out. As he worked, he coughed.

"L-listen... next time you get hurt or are in danger, I want to be the one to save you, all right? Don't you forget that." He looked away now, voice growing louder. "And if I don't get to save ya, make sure you die, got that?! It's me or no one else, understand?!"

The curt, yet caring message he just expressed made your heart flip a tad. It warmed your soul. "Alright, got it." You answered. He looked up from his work, the looked down again.

"Why are you helping me?" You asked in a quiet voice.

"W-well, you helped me, so I gotta help you, or I'll feel bad- just take the generosity you're getting from THE Mammon, human- I mean, Rubina!" You appreciated the attempt he put in using your name instead of your species. You gasped.

"I forgot to give the money to Levi...!" Mammon looked at you like you're dumb (you are dumber then you used to be. Must've been the fall from the mountain.) and he's not (but he is. Maybe?), and laughed. It silenced you. He's... he's sort of pretty when he laughs like that, you realized. He finished bandaging your arms.

"You're pretty..." Your simple statement threw him off, making him cough.

"W-what...?" His cheeks are flush red again. You repeated what you said with a huge grin on your face.

"Mammon, is that the sun, or did you just smile?" His face morphed from confusion to a red, embarrassed hue. You laughed openly at his reaction and hugged him. "Thank you!"

"S-sure..." He awkwardly patted your back several times then settled next to you. You pulled up your pants and tried to take the ointment from his hands. He kissed his teeth and told you to lift your leg, dribbling the ointment onto the scars.

HEALING PROCESS...

"Thank you, Mammon. Seriously." You said in a softer tone, and let the calm cascade over the room again. As you watched, you began to notice the little details you haven't noticed about him. How his eyes or dominantly ocean-blue, with a tinge of gold at the bottom, instead of the gradient you assumed. It looked like a beach, the closer you look at it. The beach... it brought you warmth.

Feeling your heart settle with warmth and Mammon warming up to you filled you with DETERMINATION.

HEALING PROCESS COMPLETE!

"Done." He said, covering the last wounds up. "Don't go around so clumsily, got it?" You nodded, smiling.

Just then, your D.D.D. rang. It's Levi.

"Oi, I'm in the planetarium. Meet me there." He hung up. Oh.

"Who's that?" Mammon asked. You waved the device, revealing the caller ID. "Oh." A beat of silence. "Ya think it'll be fine?"

You nodded, thanked Mammon once more (is this the third time you said it?), and walked out to find Levi.

*

"Finally! It took you long enough! When I call for you, you need to come right away, understand? Don't walk, run. I want you at light speed!" The otaku rambled the minute he saw you.

"We're trying, dumbass! As you can see-" Chara gestured to your bruises. "We're having a hard time moving because of you!"

"...Now don't get me wrong. It's not like we're best friends or anything, but..." You cut him off.

"You wanna?" You pressed your fingertips together. Levi frowned, confused.

"Wanna...?"

"Be best friends? You and I like TSL, so we can be friends, and from that, evolve into best friends!" You explained cheerily. A blush crept up the otaku's face, and he covered it with his forearm.

"What?! Did you say, friends? You and me...?! A-a-are you... are you out of your mind?!" He shook his head slowly. "You do know I tried to attack you, right? And that if Lucifer hadn't intervened, you'd be dead right now. You realize that, right?"

You nodded, explaining: "But you were just protecting your territory. If someone with clearly less experience challenged me, then cheated in something I was an expert in, I'd lose my cool, too."

He blinked once, then twice. His eyebrows crossed, and the blush grew. "W-wha... what are you, dumb?!" He rambled even more. "Also, let's be friends? Seriously?! What are you, five?!" He grew to a stop, taking a deep breath after his rant.

The blush faded, and he stared at you. "...Anyway, all I wanted to say was sorry." You raised your eyebrows in surprise. 

"Wha...?" Chara stuttered, staring at the otaku. Noticing your stare, he blushed again. 

"L-listen! I feel kinda bad for hurting you since you like TSL and all..." His voice drifted off, but you heard enough to hug him. Of course, you were far smaller than him, but that didn't stop you from squeezing him to death. He let out a strangled noise.

"W-wha..! Get off me!" He pushed you roughly, giving you little time to adjust yourself. An expression of hurt crossed your face, just a little. He sighed, visibly shaken. Oh, dear. Was a hug too much?

"All right, look. Here's the thing. You remember why we decided to have the competition in the first place, right? To see who's the biggest TSL fan. If you won, I'd enter a pact with you. That was a cheap trick, but a promise is a promise after all. It kills me to do this, but I'll keep my end of the bargain." He looked disgusted, grossed out at the prospect.

"I'll do it. I'll make a pact with you." You smiled and thanked him. He outstretched his hand for you to take. 

This is it, you thought to yourself. A pact, or rather, a bond with one of the strongest demons in the world. You aren't going to go back after this. Will, it hurt terribly when you shake hands? The questions are just now racing through your head, timing impeccable as always. Levi noticed your hesitation and scoffed. 

"Do you want this or not?!" Surprised, you grabbed it, and a small shock electrified your left arm. Seconds later, a black tattoo, with a star in the middle and sharp curves on the exterior covered your arm. Cursive letters spelled out the name 'Leviathan'. You marveled at this discovery, turning it this way and that.

"Ooh~" He seemed miffed at your interest in the drawing, saying: "So, what do you need the pact for again?"

"The vinyl edition copy of the TSL soundtrack." You murmured distractedly, gaze still firmly on the pact mark. He scoffed at your actions, voice curt.

"Hmph." He quickly headed into his room, leaving you alone.

"...Mom's going to kill you." Chara muttered, staring at the tattoo with as much interest as you.

"Totally." You agreed quietly, running your fingers across the black ink. "On the bright side, we have a pact with Levi, one of the strongest rulers down here!"

"I guess..." Chara frowned. "What does a pact entail, exactly? And have you given him the money yet?" You gasped.

"Oh no!" You dashed to your room (where Mammon already left), took the money, and returned, where Levi stood, impatiently waiting.

"Where you gonna-" You handed the money to him.

"Here! 90.000 Grimm, all yours!" He looked surprised, then started counting, with you on sight. Counting the last paper bill, he sighed happily. "Finally! I get to buy a DVD set!"

You cheered and took the disk from him, a step towards your goal already checked off the mark. You gave him a peace sign, for good luck and left. 

(lmao??? maybe it's good?)