{ Chapter 45: Danika's Trial }

It was just a typical day in Wrath for Danika, who was helping Yogirt out with reorganizing the library.

"Thank you for helping me out today, Danika. Reorganizing the library here is so tedious." Yogrit said with appreciation as he carried a load of books.

"Well, I used this library a lot, too. The least I can do is help tidy it." Danika reasoned as she reshelved another stack of books. As she put the books in, she came across a bright purple gem that's the size of a fist. "Hey, what this?" 

"Oh, that's Lord Satan Anamnmesis stone, a stone that stores certain memories to be seen." Yogirt explained as Danika got off her ladder and went to the table. Placing the stone down, Danika slightly tapped it before a wisp came out of it, showing a smoke screen. An image appeared of a beautiful garden surrounded by trees and lush fruits before a smiling pale figure appeared.

"Welcome to the Heavenly Circus, featuring talents of all kinds. I am your Ringmaster Lucifer." the figure introduced before it shifted to a man with a bulking exterior and significant winds. "Presenting our strong man, Satan!" Lucifer, said appearing next to him, making Satan roll his eyes before Lucifer appeared next to a girl with fox ears. "Our animal act, Beelzebub!" he introduced before a stream of fire erupted from a man with blue hair and tan skin. "Our Magician Asmodeus!" has two angel twins, one light and one dark with hints of blue. "Our water act, Leviathan!" is a puff of green smoke showing a guy juggling a ball. "Our Jester Mamon!" a sleepy woman wearing light pink. "Our illusionist, Beleghpor!" And the feed shifted to show someone Danika had never seen before. She was beautiful, with sun-kissed skin, ebony hair, large purple eyes, and purple wings kissed with constellations.

"And finally, our Arieal Acrobat, Venus!" Lucifer exclaimed before the feed stopped.

"What was that?" Danika asked as she looked at Yogirt.

"That was the sins, and that was--"

Before he could explain, Satan's voice called out as he appeared around the corner.

"What are you doing?" he asked before his eyes widened to see the image displayed by the crystal.

"Oh, Satan, hi!" Danika exclaimed. "I'm sorry for looking at it. I was just curious about what it was." Danika apologized, but Satan focused on the image in front of him.

"This was of us when Eden was still around, and we had no care in the world. When she was still around... " Satan explained as he reached out to caress the image of Venus's face gently. But the crystal finally stopped glowing, and the image disappeared before he could grasp it. Clutching his hand, Satan looked away while Danika grew worried.

"Who's Venus exactly?" Danika asked, walking closer to Satan.

"...A former angel. One who died in the war between Heaven and Hell," Satan said before he got up and left. "Follow me." he ordered as Danika followed close behind, leaving Yogirt behind.

Soon enough they reached Satan's room, where Danika saw a mural carved in stone depicting a battle.

"You know, you remind me of her." Satan said as he looked at a picture hanging over his fireplace.

"Who? Venus?" Danika asked as she looked at the picture of the very same girl from the crystal.

"Yes. She was a childhood friend of Lucifer's. An angel of the starlight and purity. She was the original Ars Goetia, every member a descendant of her bloodline," Satan explained.

"Really?" Danika asked, intrigued at such history.

"Yes, every early grimoire in the Goetia family, even the one Stolas owned, was written by her hands," Satan exclaimed with a smile before clutching his fist. "What do you know about the war, Danika?"

"Not much beyond human knowledge. I do know something about a dragon taken down by the archangel... Michael... and a flaming... sword," Danika said before looking at Satan with wide eyes, putting the pieces together." Y-You're the dragon that Michael attacked!" Danika exclaimed while Satan looked down.

"Yes, I was. But that's not the whole story about it," Satan said as he looked at the mural. "When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden Apple, Lucifer, and Lilith were put on trial against the heavenly council. Those who were loyal to Lucifer decided to take a stand. My fellow Sins and I lead the charge against the heavenly army. Our forces were strong, but suddenly one of us fell. It was Venus, hiding in a suit of armor even though we told her not to. She died on that battlefield, and that's when I..." Satan stopped as if it was too painful to remember. Danika went up to him, grabbing his clawed hand.

"Who was she to you?" Danika asked looking straight into his eyes.

"She was my lover. Ozzie's too." The addition shocked Danika but she didn't say anything as he continued. "Ozzie and Venus worked together. Ozzie teaching the arts and knowledge of grammar, and Venus documenting every new star and teaching it to the heavenly courts. I was a commander in Heaven's army, and was Venus's bodyguard." Satan explained.

"Oh. Venus was very important to you and Ozzie," Danika said sadly. Of course, she knew her boyfriend had lovers before but not one who held that much significance.

"She was, which is why I refused to kill your father. Not only was his bloodline important, but he was related to Venus," Satan explained as he lit a small fire of a star.

"Aw, Satan... No wonder you are so angry all the time. You are just so alone by yourself, and I know how that feels like all the time..." Danika comforted Satan as she hugged him to make Satan smile.

"Thanks, Danika. I'm sorry I kept you as a prisoner for a crime for a human in Hell." Satan apologized.

"That's okay. If you ever feel so lonely, all you gotta do is ask if you want a friend,"

Danika and Satan were having a moment until Satan had a realization.

"Hey, uh... there's a festival in the ranch tonight and if you're okay with it, shall we have a dance?"

Danika was surprised at the sudden invitation from him. It has been a while since she last danced with... Ozzie and Fizz.

"Sure! What time?"

Hearing her accept made his heart leap up in excitement. He cleared his throat to calm himself.

"At 9. Sharp. That's the time they start the festival."

"Alright. I'll see you then." she said, heading out to her room.

Before Satan knew it, he's taking a shower with Yogirt outside holding a towel.

"I never thought she'd say yes! What was I thinking?!"

"But you care for her, don't you?" Yogirt asked.

"More than anything! But I feel like a fool!"

"Just be yourself, Lord Satan. Just have some fun. And remember, don't be mean when you're around citizens." Yogirt assured him with a reminder.

Satan finished showering as he walked out with a towel around his waist, sighing. He approached the sink where he faced the mirror.

"How would I know she will enjoy being around me?"

"You'll never know. Now, what do you need to wear?" Yogirt said.

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Danika was looking in her closet to see what she would wear.

"Mmm, say which dress should I wear?" Danika asked her pets for their opinion.

As Danika's pets look at each other in questioning searches for the right dress, she found something perfect, it's a folksy elegant red dress. 

"Oh, this is perfect! Satan is gonna love this dress."

Just then, she heard a knock on her door.

"Danika, are you ready?" Satan called out from behind the door.

"Just a minute!" Danika answered as she started to put on her dress along with her makeup and fixing her hair.

Outside, Satan was waiting for Danika as he was wearing a best suit that's best-known for ranch people and looked very nervous about his first hang-out with a human girl. Yogirt notices and helps him out.

"Don't worry, Satan. Just take a deep breath, be yourself, and have some fun." Yogirt said as Satan took a deep breath to calm his nerves.

"Okay, I can do this," Satan said confidently.

"Okay! I'm ready!"

Danika opened her doors and spun her dress around to find beauty as she looked beautiful. Satan looked speechless as he saw her magnificence, as the background sparkling pink, flowers all around, and a heart-shaped is at Danika. Satan was looking more in love with Danika. Danika waves her hand at his face to snap him out of his trance.

"Hello? Are you okay?" she asked.

"Uh? Oh, yeah! I'm okay, and you look... amazing." Satan said kindly, making her blush.

"Thanks, and you look amazing too. So, ready to go?"

"Yep. Shall we, milady?" Satan said, holding out his arm for Danika to hold on.

https://youtu.be/0cAPeSLARE8

As they walked out of the castle, they're on their way to the festival to the ranch. As soon as they made it to the festival, there are lights, music, food, and dances as the demon folks are having a great time while cheering and playing music and singing. Danika looks around in awe. It was even bigger than the Harvest Moon Festival.

"I take it you're enjoying yourself so far," Satan said in amusement as he watched Danika wander around like a kid in a candy store. He opted for a smaller size so that everyone wasn't so nervous around him since he's usually a bigger size.

Danika was looking around the candy stores to see what she likes until she saw bloody candy apples on the stand.

She grabbed the two of them for one each for Danika and Satan and paid for it. She comes back to Satan and hands one to him, much to his surprise before smiling and eating the candy apple with her. Satan enjoys the taste of the apple. While eating her candy apple, Danika looks around for more sweets and foods to grab. She smells something good and walks over to see a demon cooking giant, smoked turkey legs. Drooling, she comes over and holds out two fingers.

"I'd like two, please."

The demon cooker was surprised to see a human and calmed down a little.

"Oh? You've got good taste, ma'am. We've got the world's most delicious turkey here." he said, making her drool even more.

Danika happily paid for those turkey legs before he handed her a tray.

"Be careful. They're hot."

She nodded before taking them and walking away back to Satan, who was sitting on a bench.

"Satan."

"Hmm?" he looked up to see her handing him a turkey leg.

"Here you go."

Satan smiled and took it.

"Thanks."

The two happily enjoy the turkey leg together as they chew on the meat, loving the taste. Danika and Satan went back to walking as they keep exploring until she saw a cafe.

"Satan, why don't we stop by this place?"

"Hmm... Sure. I heard it's great. So let's go."

Danika smiles and opens the door to see some people sitting in the table. That was until they bump into three female demons in their gown, who are sitting in the table as the women noticed Danika and Satan. One of the gowned women smirked.

"My, if it isn't the famous Danika Nightingale. How do you do this fine night?"

Danika and Satan were surprised at the sudden greet and didn't like the look on their faces.

"Uh... Hi. You've heard of me?" Danika waved at them awkwardly.

"Everyone does. It must be hard having such a disaster upon you for a human." she smirked evilly.

This made Satan immediately angry as he tried to calm himself down while Danika was a bit surprised at such insult. Two other women giggled at their friend's words.

"You have no magical power and you don't even look like your owl parents. Oops, I mean your adoptive parents. I bet your adoptive sister is ashamed. Not to mention your hideous purple hair... are they even natural? How could you be noble? I'm surprised Satan didn't even kill you."

This made Satan even more angry.

"How dare they insult her? Don't they know who she is?! Why I gotta--" he thought.

What he didn't expect is Danika to smirk with a chuckle. This also surprised the three gowned women.

"I see none of you can appreciate how great I am. But I don't blame you for a fact that I am a human. I may be different but I am part of the royal family."

"And what do you mean by that? You're nothing."

"Belitting someone you've just met is most unbecoming for a noblewoman when you're not. You're just a civilian that lives in a ranch, not in a mansion. I'd be sullying my good family's name to associate with someone like you." Danika explained with a shrug before turning to Satan with a smile. "Let's get out of here, Satan. We'll have more fun outside than here."

Hearing the word "Satan" made them instantly scared as they finally noticed him, who gives them a warning glare. Danika turns back to the women and gives them a closed eye smile.

"Have a lovely night, ladies."

They later left the cafe, leaving the women speechless and horrified. As they walk, Satan glances at Danika in amazement.

"You're... really something, Danika." he said.

"Well, I can't let them get away with insulting me like that, even though it was nothing. Just wanted to give them a warning if they ever bump into a royal." she said.

Satan chuckles softly and nods. Eventually, they saw demons dancing on stage with the others playing their instruments. This gives Satan an idea to bond with Danika more.

"Look, Danika." Santa said as he pointed to the dancefloor. "Would you like to try?"

This surprises Danika and blushes shyly.

"I-I don't know this dance at all."

He holds out his hand to her.

"Not unless you try."

After a moment of hesitation, Danika gives in and takes his hand.

"Okay."

Satan drags Danika, who follows slowly, to the stage. Once on the dance floor, Satan pulls Danika closer to him and spins her around before joyfully waltzing around with her. Danika following his steps with excitement and as much enthusiasm. Spun around once again, Danika is more confident as she dances with Satan who smiles at her as the two spin around together. Breaking away, Satan taps his boots to the beat before inviting Danika to do the same, which she does before coming back to Satan. Linking arms the two once again dance around together the folksy music, tapping their feet on the wooden floor. As people cheered, Danika and Satan hold hands as they finish with a grand bow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the dance, Satan and Danika sit on the bench gazing up the night sky, enjoying each other's company. Satan was thinking about the decision he made before the trial and he wanted her to stay with him.

"Danika, are you happy here with me?" Satan asked as he held hands with her.

"Yes." Danika answered, but she looked down as her thoughts were on something else about her friends, family, her sister, and most importantly, her father.

"What is it?" Satan asked, worried.

"If only I could see my family and friends again. I missed them so much," Danika said in sadness.

Satan is having a thought until he has an idea

"There is a way. And I hope you are okay with this."

"What is it?" Danika questioned.

"We're gonna have another trial, but this time is for you and your freedom." Satan answered.

Danika was surprised.

"Another trial?! I don't know Satan..."

Danika was scared about the trial since the last one was for Blitz but this time is for Danika for the greater good. Satan lifts her head to face him with confidence.

"This time, I am setting you free for getting you back to your friends and family, and thank you for opening up my eyes and my heart." Satan said with a smile.

"...Thank you for understanding that they needed me." Danika smiled with appreciation and happiness.

She hugged him once again and he hugged her back for having a last moment together. Yogirt is looking at them happy as Satan made a good choice for setting Danika free as he left them in peace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day at the court for Danika's trial, everyone showed up, except Stolas since he's no longer a royal, Danika couldn't help but feel nervous as she stood before the sins and Ars Goetia once again. Looking to the side, she saw Octavia, looking as if she hadn't slept in days, with Andrelphus and Stella smirking down at her.

"Today, we are here to decide the fate of the human girl, Danika Nightingale," Satan announced as he sat on his throne while looking at Danika softly.

"Why are we doing this? She's already under your soul contract. It's not like there's anything else to do." Mammon complained as he played with his fidget toys.

"This contract?" Satan asked, bringing up the parchment he used to bind Danika. Danika grimaced at the bloodied handprint on there, the phantom feeling of a knife cutting her palm sends shivers up her spine. But before everyone's eyes, they watched as the contract burned to ash. "Is no longer necessary," Satan explained as he dusted his hands off of any ash.

"WHAT!!!! But my lord, she was acquired illegally by Stolas," Anderalphus exclaimed in outrage, not believing that this is happening. But Satan slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne to silence him. Andrealphus flinched at this.

"There's a difference. She was sold illegally by her parents. Stolas was just saving her from a bad situation," Satan explained with Ozzie and Bee looking at each other in confusion and shock with a hint of relief and happiness.

"Then what will be done with her?" Vassago asked, while looking relieved for Danika.

"I offer this. Since Danika has spent time as a Goetia princess, now she's an official member of the Goetia family." Satan answered. "Every Goetia, welcome to the official member of the Royal Family, Danika Nightingale!"

Every Goetia cheers at the agreement as Danika smiles with tears of joy, but Stella and Andrealphus are not happy as they feel angry, except Octavia, who's tearing up with joy. Andrealphus growled before he realized something.

"Wait, my Lord! She is human. A mortal. When she dies she may go to heaven, or if she ends up here, she will be a sinner." he pointed out, causing everyone to murmur.

"Which is why, I am cursing her," Satan explained, causing everyone to gasp in shock. "If she accepts, Danika Nightingale will be cursed so that when her human body dies, she will be reborn as a Goetia demon in full form," Satan explained as he looked at Danika. Danika thought it over a bit before nodding.

"I accept."

"Then, as the Sin of Wrath, I herby curse you Danika Nightingale to be reborn as a demon once you die as a human," Satan announced as the same rings that were used to strip Stolas's power circled Danika, crackling with lightning. Once the first bolt struck, the rest soon followed and marks were placed all over Danika's skin. Once it died down, the marks disappeared as if they were never there.

"As proof of your status, you shall receive a seal." Satan explained as a ring came into being, gold details with a large purple gem. It floated over to Danika's right ring before slipping on. When the glow died, she could see a seal similar to others she had seen but with her name around the border. 

(A/N: This seal art belongs to ViaDavis742

"Whoa! Thank you, Satan." Danika said, causing the dragon to nod.

"And since you are the adopted daughter of Stolas, you are now in charge of his estate and legions. Everything that was once his is now yours, including custody over your little sister." Satan said, causing Stella and Andrealphus to gasp in horror and Octavia to smile widely.

As everyone was leaving the court as the trial was over once again, Danika hugged Satan, and he didn't see that coming.

"Thank you so much! And also thanks for the curse so that I will be part of a demon, even if my human body dies." Danika said happily but then considerate as he hugged her back.

"I shouldn't have kept you as my prisoner," Satan apologized.

"I know, and Venus would be real proud of you right now."

"Yeah, she would..."

Danika looked up to see Ozzie and Bee coming down from their seat.

"I... got to go now, but I can come to visit you anytime, and you can visit me anytime as well as friends."

"Yeah. Friends."

Before Danika left, she gave him a peck on the cheek that made Satan blush like crazy as Yogirt chuckle at the sight. When Danika left to go to Ozzie and Bee, Satan touched his cheek where she had kissed him and sighed dreamily and hoped they would see each other again.

As Danika walks down the hall, she spots her very tall and dark blue rooster boyfriend. Ozzie looks to the side and gasps as he sees Danika.

"Danny!" Ozzie exclaimed the same way he did when she and Fizz returned after being kidnapped by Crimson. Danika tears up happily at him.

"Ozzie!"

Danika rushes up to Ozzie and jumps into his open arms as he hugs her tightly with Bee joining in.

"Oh Dan, I'm so sorry I couldn't help you. I swear I'll make it up to you. Anything you want, you got it just-" Bee rambled before Danika hugged her tightly.

"I missed you so much, Beestie," Danika exclaimed, causing Bee to tear up before she fully cried.

"I missed you, too!!" Bee cried as she wrapped all her arms around Danika. Danika smiled before she felt kisses on her face and neck. Turning to Ozzie, she saw the look of regret on his face.

"I'm so sorry, babe. If only I acted faster, then you wouldn't have. I should've protected you, I should've fought harder, I-" Danika shut Ozzie up with a big kiss on his lips. Pulling away, Danika smiled at his blushing face.

"I missed you, my boyfriend," Danika said, showing that she wasn't angry. Ozzie looked at her before tearing up and pulling her close.

"I love you so much, Danika. So much," Ozzie said as he buried his face in her neck.

"I love you, too." Danika replied as she held his head. She could have stayed like that forever until.

"DANIKA!!!" A familiar voice called through the halls as Danika looked to see Octavia running towards her.

"LITTLE SIS!!!" Danika cried out as she got out of Ozzie's hold.

"BIG SIS!!" Octavia yelled as she kept running.

"LITTLE SIS!!!" Danika cried out as she started running.

"BIG SIS!!!!!" Octavia called out, stumbling before hugging Danika, clinging to her like a koala. "I missed you so much. Please don't leave ever again." Octavia said, not letting Danika go.

"I'm not going anywhere ever again," Danika replied as she nuzzled her sister's hair.

"Octavia! How dare you run off?!" the screeching voice of Stella called out and Danika looked to see Stella and Andrealphus approaching. Glaring, Danika set Octavia down to step in front of her.

"Well, good to see you two again," Danika said with a chilling cold tone.

"Oh shut it, girl! Just because you are one of us now doesn't mean-"

"It means, you Frozen wannabe, that I have as much status as one of you. And I suggest you and your sister to pack your things and move out of my manor, or else..." Danika threatened as her magic started to crackle.

"Or else what?" Andrelphus asked as his own powers flared. But as Danika and him glared at each other, Ozzie and Bee came up behind her.

"I'll help melt your frozen skinny ass," Ozzie growled as he flamed up and Bee growled as she nearly turned full demon. Andrealphus, seeing he was outmatched, backed away reluctantly. As he turned around, he didn't expect a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he was met with the sight of Octavia throwing a fist in his face.

"That's for my sister and my Dad," Octavia growled. Andrealphus growled back before he walked away, Stella followed right behind him. Once they left, Octavia let out a whimper.

"Ow, ow.." Octavia said as she held her aching fist.

"Was that your first punch?" Danika asked excitedly.

"Yep." Octavia said as she still clutched her wrist.

"Feels great right?" Danika asked.

"Sure, damn Dan, how do you do this every day?" Octavia asked which caused Danika to laugh and hug her sister.

"I'll show you how to throw a proper one later on." Danika said and Octavia looked at her and smiled, returning the hug.

"Can't wait." 

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