(Left art by  SillyOmegaCaf)

(Grey Side)
When Grey and Cedric reappeared, they were at the Freelancer's base. There, they found Oliver in his usual spot on the couch, and Cherry was w/ him. Cherry turned to greet them.
"Hola, putas! How'd Grey's first mission go?" she asked.
"We didn't get our targets, but the facility was mostly intact, so the guard still gave us our pay," Cedric replied.
"Wait, your targets got away?" Oliver asked, "How did you get paid if your fucking targets got away?"
"Let me get the rest of the team first," Cedric said, "A LOT happened on this mission that everyone needs to know about."
After a couple of minutes, all the Freelancers gathered in the living room.
"Ok, you have our undivided attention," said Ash, "So can you tell us why you chose to take us away from our activities?"
"Yeah, what the hell is this about?" Benjamin asked w/ his arms crossed.
"Well, first off, the targets we were supposed to capture got away from us," Cedric said.
"Note the lack of surprise on my face," Benjamin said, unamused.
"Is that you wanted to tell us?" Pete asked, "I mean, that's not good, but we've all failed a mission at least once, so I don't see what the big deal is, buddy-boy."
"No, that's not all. These targets weren't like our usual targets. They had a disturbing presence to them, and they managed to snatch a spellbook before they left. Plus, one of them had no eyes and acted incredibly unhinged. The creature threatened us w/ a punishment worse than hell if we harmed his partner badly, and the targets managed to tie w/ us in a fight. I also believe that we'll deal w/ them again in the future."
"Are you sure you aren't paranoid?" Cherry asked.
"No, I'm serious. I have a terrible feeling about those two. I'm pretty sure the targets were demons too," Cedric said.
"Wait, are you fucking serious?" Cherry asked.
"How do you they're demons?" asked Vicky.
"One had red eyes and sharp teeth, while the other one was a dark, floating spirit who had shackles on his wrists, and he could also change himself into a scythe," Cedric explained.
"Mierda," Cherry said.
"Is that all?" Oliver asked.
"No, I have one more thing to share," Cedric said.
Benjamin groaned.
"What is it?" Ash asked.
"Grey, step forward," Cedric said w/ a smile as he motioned for Grey to come forward.
Grey stepped forward and stood nervously.
"Well? Go on," Cedric said encouragingly.
Grey looked at the Freelancers nervously.
Come on, Grey. Cedric permitted you to speak, and you have no reason not to so now, Grey thought.
He took a deep breath and exhaled. Finally, he let his words out.
"H-hello, all of y-you," Grey managed to sputter out.
Everyone's (except Cedric) jaws hit the floor immediately. Cherry ran up to Grey.
"YOU CAN TALK?!" she shouted w/ a smile.
"Y-yeah," Grey said quietly.
"It's about fucking time!" said Benjamin.
"Oh, yay, this SO wonderful!" Pete said falsely.
"Awesome, my little buddy can finally speak," Oliver said w/ a calm smile.
"Oh, it's divine! Now, you don't need that notebook and pencil you always use," Ash said gleefully.
"Admittedly, it feels better that we can finally hear you even if your voice does sound a bit weird," Vicky said.
Grey didn't know why, but the feeling of everyone's (except for Pete) reaction made him feel amazing.
"Y-you like hearing me t-talk?" Grey asked.
"Of fucking course, it's much better that we can hear you speak!" Cherry said while hopping a bit.
Cedric smiled at Grey.
"I told you it was better to hear you speak!" Cedric said to him.
Grey couldn't help but smile at that.
"Wait, hold on, you said you and Grey fought the targets," Benjamin said, "What did Grey do that whole time?"
"Actually, yeah, what the fuck did he do?" asked Cherry.
"Oh, I almost forgot, Grey, show them your weapon," Cedric said.
Grey obliged and pulled his cleaver out. Everyone gasped at that.
"Where was this earlier?" Pete asked.
"Yeah, how come we're just seeing this now?" Ash asked suspiciously.
"I-I didn't know h-how summon it b-before," Grey said quietly.
"Enough," Cedric said, "That's all. I want to spend some quality w/ my boyfriend, so please move out of the way."
Everyone moved out of the way as Cedric led Grey over to their bedroom.
"Oh, so it's official now," said Oliver.
"Yep," Cedric said as he and Grey walked into their bedroom.
"I ship it so fucking hard," said Cherry.
There were some murmurs of agreement, most willing and one seemingly begrudging.







...




For the rest of the day, Cedric and Grey mainly read their books, ate their meals, had tentative yet lovely conversations w/ each other. By the end of the day, Grey felt so happy! He had forgotten how good it felt to talk, and, despite him still being nervous and stuttery, he wanted to keep doing it. Plus, the extra time w/ Cedric was exquisite.







...



(Az. and As. Side)
Throughout the rest of the day, Azrael and Asmodeus mainly spent their time stealing food for Azrael and taking in the city. While Asmodeus had no interest in the place, Azrael adored the sights. He loved seeing the statues in detail, viewing fountains, admiring skyscrapers, and reading library book incognito. As the day drew to a close and night overtook it, Azrael wondered something.
"Asmodeus?" he asked.
Asmodeus, who had mostly fallen asleep earlier, startled awake.
"Wha-huh? What's the matter?" he asked a bit groggily.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course, you can always ask me anything," Asmodeus replied.
"I was just wondering. When we get you free of your shackles, what exactly are we going to do afterward?" Azrael asked him.
"Well, we-" Asmodeus began.
Then he paused.
"Wait, I don't know! I was thinking of using my power to kill bad people!" Asmodeus said distraughtly.
"Well, we have to do something. I don't want more blood on your hands, and just getting rid of bad people won't solve the issue."
Asmodeus made a worried sound.
"If only we had a way to control the people of the world to prevent evil from existing... wait. I know what we can do."
"Wha-?" Azrael started, but he didn't get to finish.
Asmodeus teleported them back over to the city outskirts, this time, well beyond the compound that they had raided earlier that day. He then removed himself from Azrael and resumed his original form.
"Asmodeus, what the-?"
"Shhh," Asmodeus shooshed him, "I know what to do now."
"What?" Azrael asked in wonder.
"I will take over this wretched world, and I will make sure that NO one will be evil again!" Asmodeus cackled.
"Wha, huh?" Azrael asked, utterly baffled by that statement.

(Be Prepared: Asmodeus ver.)
(Song: Be Prepared Jonathon Young ver.)
(Asmodeus)
I never thought darkness essential
It's crude and unspeakably plain
But maybe it's got a glimmer of potential
If allied to my vision and brain
(Music properly starts)
I know that your powers of retention
Are as dull as a butterknife's edge
But thick as you are, pay attention
(Hard clap. Azrael stands at attention)
My words are a matter of pride
It's clear from your vacant expression
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking rulers and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares
So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era
Is tiptoeing nearer
(Azrael)
And where do I feature?
(Asmodeus)
(Grabs Azrael's cheek)
Just listen to teacher
(Let's go)
I know it sounds sordid
(Azrael rubs his cheek, slightly miffed)
But you'll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared
Be prepared!
It's great that you'll soon be connected
With a ruler who'll be all-time adored
Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
To take certain duties on board
The future is littered with prizes
And though I'm the main addressee
The point that I must emphasize is
(Asmodeus threateningly grips Azrael's shirt)
You won't get a sniff without me!
(He lets go upon realizing what he did and "seeing" Azrael's terrified expression)
So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam
(Asmodeus making a pillar of darkness lift him up)
Meticulous planning
Tenacity spanning
Decades of denial
Is simply why I'll
(He can barely keep his semblance of sanity intact here)
Be ruler undisputed
Respected, saluted
And seen for the wonder I am
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!
(Asmodeus cackles in delight)

Azrael gazed up at his partner pityingly. He knew that he'd stick by Asmodeus no matter what, but Azrael couldn't help but feel horrible as he saw his partner cackling hysterically like a madman.
Oh, my dear Asmodeus," Azrael thought sadly. Please don't repeat your actions from all those years ago. I don't want to lose the only friend I've ever had...