One cannot deny that Lucifer and Mephisto's relationship is one of the driving plots of the entire story so far. We got clued in of this as soon as the Shimane arc reared its head, introducing Lucifer's character--and that only got cemented further as the details that led up to Rin and Yukio's birth came to light.
Even at this point, however, we've only captured a small glimpse of the complex relationships between demons--and how exactly they stand apart from humans.
Given this context, it is fascinating to explore the nature of the relationship between Lucifer and Mephisto. As the two most powerful beings from Gehenna (baring Satan), they regard each other with mutual consideration and respect, even as they stand in opposing sides regarding the future of the world and humanity itself.
Although the last time they stood in front of each other in Assiah, sixteen years ago, Mephisto was complicit in the destruction of Lucifer's last vessel, Lucifer still makes an effort to extend Mephisto an offer to join his organization and its grand ambition.
But he is immediately turned down. Mephisto makes clear how far apart their stances remain and not only does he stand his ground, but we also get a glimpse of a side that he otherwise rarely reveals. A flash of genuine emotion, rooted in contempt. We will see it again shortly after the end of the arc.
From a character who is generally all sly smiles and wise cracks, it is eye-opening to finally get a peek of what was hiding beneath one of his many obfuscating layers. It's enough to give anyone pause and also pushes one to consider the fact that this is indeed the King of Time, a being who has lived through several timelines and who is not just playing a careful role as puppeteer, but also living through those experiences and the consequences of his failures.
Given that Lucifer's end goal involves destroying what Mephisto considers his favorite toy box, it is natural for frustration to breed if Mephisto has yet to find a winning path. At the very least, in the current storyline, although we can still see Lucifer still has the upper hand, it's impossible not to note the various ripples Mephisto has been careful to cultivate to ultimately come out on top (even though this has yet to come to fruition).
The game they play is a match of intellect, determination, and ego itself. The other players involved, at the end of the day, are often merely pawns; in particularly the humans.
But concurrent of the ongoing game, one must also return to Mephisto's words regarding the complex nature of a demon's relationships, for as much as Mephisto wants to win the game between them, he too is a Demon King. Thus despite looking down on the path that Lucifer's madness has led him too, we often see that he is not unsympathetic towards his situation.
That is further emphasized by the way he takes care to always introduce the descent of Lucifer's madness in a way that clearly lays out his circumstances rather than simply villainizing him. Twice we see the care he puts behind the explanation. First, with Lewin and Ryuuji, in clear explicit words, and again with Rin by showing him firsthand the reality they experienced.
To say that he only feels contempt for Lucifer would be inaccurate.
And in kind, we can say the same of Lucifer, for although he must certainly feel a level of contempt in return, rooted in the envy he feels towards Mephisto's powers and his ability to maintain a vessel, the respect he holds for him is just as presently seen in his words. Mephisto, who ranks lower to him in power, who for some years offered him hope by opening up Section 13... and who despite having become his adversary, is someone he considers strong in ways that Lucifer cannot imagine matching up to.
CW/TW: Graphic Depictions of Illness, Choking, Grief/Mourning, Past Child Loss, Chronic Illness
The mattress dipped and groaned. Osceola cracked open an eye to see Shirou sprawled out on the bed next to him.
“Hey handsome. How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better,” Osceola admitted. Speaking irritated the quickly growing seedlings competing for space with the air in his lungs, and he turned to cough into his fist.
“Yeah, well you look like shit. Sound like it too.”
“Shirou!” Osceola huffed.
His partner only shook his head in amusement and leaned closer. Osceola felt a pair of chapped lips press against his forehead and leaned into the kiss.
Shirou’s lips lingered longer against his forehead than strictly necessary for checking his temperature, and Osceola leaned in closer, basking in Shirou’s gentle affection.
With a second, quicker, peck to his forehead, Shirou pulled back, and Osceola stared up adoringly at his partner.
Very few people would ever be lucky enough to see past Shirou’s bite and bluster to witness his compassion, awkward and stunted and stunning. Osceola thought he must be the luckiest man in the world.
“What are you staring at?” Shirou teased, waggling his eyebrows.
Osceola laughed as Shirou bent down and pulled back his lips to check his gums.
“How’s my color?” he asked, pushing himself up against the pillows. “I hope you washed your hands when you got home.”
“Of course I washed them,” Shirou huffed. “I’m not a heathen.” He reached over to dig around in the nightstand. “We’re doing your pulse ox. Have you done a holy water treatment yet today?”
“I haven’t needed it. It’s just a flare up. I can manage.” Osceola hated the way the holy water inhalers seemed to freeze all the air in his lungs, leaving him chilled to the bone. Shirou shot him a disapproving look, and Osceola obediently held out his hand for the pulse oximeter.
Shirou shook his head as he slipped the clip onto Osceola’s finger, and bent down to mockingly kiss the back of Osceola’s hand.
“Shirou!” Osceola scolded as butterflies stirred awake in his chest, “you’re going to skew the reading!”
“Really?” Shirou raised an eyebrow. “Well it’s good to know I still make your heart flutter.”
“Of course you do,” Osceola smiled as he leaned back against the pillows, quickly resetting the pulse oximeter.
The pulse oximeter beeped and Shirou hurriedly stole it from his finger, reading over the numbers with a frown. “I don’t like how low your blood oxygen is. Where did you leave the tanks?”
“They’re in the back of the closet.” Osceola swung his legs off the bed and bent down to rifle through his dresser for his oxygen tube. Shirou turned around holding a tank of oxygen and glared.
“What are you doing out of bed?”
“I’m fine!” Osceola protested.
“Just get back in bed,” Shirou glowered.
Osceola sat back down, maneuvering the tubing in place over his ears. It was routine at this point, although he would need Shirou’s help getting the tape right.
Shirou wheeled the oxygen tank over and quickly connected the tubing, concern and guilt warring on his face. As he stood to grab the medical tape from the drawer, Osceola leaned over the edge of the bed and cupped his partner’s cheek in his palm. With his free hand, he smoothed out the wrinkles between Shirou’s brows.
“I’ll be alright,” Osceola said softly. “This happens every year. The meds do their job well.”
Osceola knew Shirou still blamed himself for infecting him, no matter how many times he argued otherwise. They had both been on the frontlines when the Parasitic Floral Pulmonary Obstruction pandemic had swept through the ranks of the Order. It was easy for Shirou to point a finger at himself due to their proximity, but the truth was that infection had been inevitable. Who and how didn’t matter.
Shirou refused to meet Osceola’s eyes. “That’s not the point,” he grumbled, fidgeting with the tape in his hands. “I wish you would take more time off. Everyone knows how rough this time of year is for you. You could at least get two weeks off.”
“We both know I’d go crazy with that much free time on my hands,” Osceola sighed. The weeks leading up to the anniversary of Tina’s death were a special kind of torture. The guilt and the grief was already suffocating in and of itself- if Osceola let himself dwell on the would have, should have, could have been- he would drive himself to an early grave.
“Besides, I’ve been monitoring my spore count carefully,” Osceola continued. “It’s been practically undetectable before today. I’ve been taking all the proper precautions.”
“I know,” Shirou smiled, squeezing Osceola’s hand before ducking out of his palm to tape the cannula properly in place. “It’s yourself you’re not taking care of.”
Osceola sighed. He couldn’t argue with the truth. “You took tomorrow off?”
Osceola had given up trying to convince Shirou he would be fine on his own years ago. Truthfully, he appreciated the company. He wasn’t sure how he had managed so many years on his own.
“You’re not getting rid of me,” Shirou agreed, as he hopped up onto the bed and slipped himself under Osceola’s arm. “Maybe this year you’ll cough up something I’m not allergic to.”
“It’s been daisies for the past five years,” Osceola grumbled, choking on his sigh. The tissue box landed in his lap, and Osceola squeezed Shirou’s arm gratefully.
He didn’t bother looking at whatever bit of greenery he had spat up, handing the tissue to Shirou to toss in the trash while he swallowed back the bitter taste filling his mouth.
“It’s going to be daisies again. I can feel it.”
“Well then, I guess we’ll both just be miserable,” Shirou set his glasses down on the nightstand. “I’m going to grab you a glass of water. Want anything else?”
“I don’t have much of an appetite,” Osceola admitted.
“Maruta made brownies earlier. I’ll grab you one.” Shirou balanced on his knees to kiss Osceola on the cheek before hopping off the bed. “You just sit there and look pretty. I’ll be right back.”
Osceola didn’t have time to scold Shirou about the potential crumbs he would be bringing into their bed before his partner was out the door.
He sank back into the pillows with a smile as he watched Shirou’s retreating silhouette.
He must have nodded off at some point, because when he opened his eyes again, Shirou was perched on the edge of the bed, a somewhat smushed brownie wrapped in a paper towel in one hand. The chocolate did smell delicious.
“We’re going to get ants,” Osceola warned Shirou, even as he reached for the brownie.
“We’ll be changing the sheets anyways,” Shirou shrugged.
“It’s still warm,” Osceola marveled as he held the brownie in his palm.
“Maruta was keeping them warm in the oven until you woke up. You’re always spoiling us, so it’s only fair.”
Osceola smiled around his mouthful of chocolate. He was touched by the priest’s kind actions. “Are you going to spoil me too?” he teased, reaching for the glass of water on the nightstand.
“Whatever you want,” Shirou cupped Osceola’s face in his hands, leaning upwards to leave a trail of kisses down the bridge of Osceola’s nose.
“Will my husband get in his pajamas early and join me in bed?” Osceola raised an eyebrow.
“Sure thing. Let me just get out of this old thing.” Shirou stepped back from the bed and shook his ass as he lifted up the hem of his cassock. It was a ridiculous sight- the cassock, while built for a certain amount of flexibility in the field, was precisely tailored and heavy, and the material hardly lended itself to draping in any way that looked remotely sexy.
Osceola gave up on trying to stifle his laughter. As he leaned forward, something gave way in his chest, lodging itself firmly in his windpipe. The taste of phlegm and bitter greens filled his mouth as his chest spasmed, and he fought desperately for air. Shirou’s hand came to rest on his back and a tissue was held up to his mouth. Osceola groped blindly for Shirou’s other hand as he exhaled forcefully, spitting up the clot with a final violent cough.
“Don’t make me laugh again.”
“Sorry about that,” Shirou smiled sadly. “I guess I’ll have to save the strip tease for later.”
“You should add some stockings next time,” Osceola teased.
“Now that’s an idea,” Shirou grinned. “I think I’ll just go for boxers and a t-shirt tonight.”
Osceola sunk back into the pillows with a hum, watching shamelessly as his partner changed.
“You should sleep.” Shirou clambered into the bed, pulling the blankets up around them.
“I slept most of the day,” Osceola admitted. “I haven’t seen you all day.”
Shirou propped himself up on his side. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still be here tomorrow.”
Osceola stared down at the sea of blankets covering the bed, the wrinkles where the blankets folded to conform to the shape of their bodies creating miniature breaks and swells. Tomorrow felt like a ten ton weight on his chest.
“Have you talked to either of the twins today?” Osceola asked.
The twins were both staying in the dorms at True Cross, Yukio on an academic scholarship and Rin attending as a lottery student. A lottery that had a lot less to do with luck than with blood, Osceola suspected, but it doesn’t change the fact that he couldn’t be prouder of both of them. Still, this would be the first year both of the twins will be gone on the anniversary of Tina’s death. Part of Osceola was glad that they wouldn't be home to watch him struggle, but the house already felt too empty.
“They’re both doing fine,” Shirou nodded. “Although Rin and Moriyama missed your class today.”
Osceola smiled. His son and Shiemi Moriyama were his best students. His only students, technically, since his class at the Cram School was elective, but it didn’t undermine the fact that they were both brilliant students. Rin had a bit of a headstart over Moriyama, given that he had been working in the kitchen with Osceola since Shirou would let him hold a knife, but she was catching up quickly. Shirou had corroborated that her knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs was unmatched amongst the Cram School students, and although her use of said herbs in the kitchen could be somewhat unorthodox at times, Osceola was confident he could steer her in a more culinarily acceptable direction.
“I doubt they’ll be missing me as much tomorrow,” Shirou huffed. “You know the kids would come home if you asked. They worry about you too.”
“I don’t want to worry them,” Osceola sighed. “They should focus on their studies. I wouldn’t want them to fall behind because of me.” He hated the idea of being a burden to his sons. “We’ll all see each other this weekend. I’ll be fine.”
“Well, if you want them to focus, at least send them both a text to know you haven’t kicked the bucket. Just don’t send them a selfie.”
“Do I really look that bad?” Osceola certainly felt like death warmed over, and he didn’t imagine his swollen eyes and messy, sweaty hair did anything to help his appearance.
“I hate to break it to you babe, but oxygen tubes just really aren’t your look.” Shirou reached up to tug on Osceola’s sleeve. “Lay down already, I want to cuddle my husband.”
“You’re not going to tell me about your day?” Osceola teased as he shifted to get comfortable. He felt Shirou’s arms wrap around his chest.
“Not unless you want to hear me complain about Tsubaki leaving his class unattended for his booty calls again,” Shirou murmured into Osceola’s shoulder blades.
“I think you can leave out the details this time.” Osceola wrapped Shirou’s hands in his own, pulling their bodies closer together, till he could feel Shirou’s heartbeat, nearly in sync with his own.
“Good.” Shirou trailed a line of kisses up the back of Osceola’s neck, leaving Osceola’s hair standing on end. “No more work talk.”
“No more work talk,” Osceola agreed, sinking into the pillows, secure in Shirou’s embrace.
As the leader of the Illuminati, Lucifer is said to be an incredible charismatic being. This is in part a quality that comes with being a demon, and given his wealth of power and experience, it is no surprise that he's able to successfully worm his way into Yukio's head from their very first meeting, especially given the state Yukio was already in at that time.
Shura takes a moment to warn Yukio about the weakness of his heart early on, but as what would be the ongoing trend in Yukio's life, those who offer any bit of concern for him tend to be from people who voice them too late. At this point in the story, the number of people that he feels able to rely on is basically non-existent, and amidst the growing feeling of isolation that creeps up on him, Lucifer swoops in with promises that shake Yukio.
There are three main points of focus that Lucifer touches on during this meeting: he dangles the truth behind Yukio's birth in front of him, he promises him power--and most notably, he picks on Yukio's biggest scab and calls him weak and in need of saving.
But this is an insult that serves two purposes. Not only is it meant to jab at Yukio's already present insecurities, but Lucifer would later it use it as a method to connect with him.
It is not the first time we see Lucifer state he considers himself weak, so although he is most certainly using this claim as a method of manipulation to make Yukio lower his guard further, it is not without a layer of truth involved. In the coming chapters, we will see Lucifer attempt to continue to reel Yukio in further even after he is already at the heart of his organization.
Given these displays, it is not a stretch to believe that beyond wanting to keep Yukio close due to his connection to Satan, Lucifer truly believed he had found a kindred spirit.
However, for all that he tried to exploit the weakness of Yukio's heart, in the end, it is Yukio himself that ends up gaining the upper hand between them with a display that shocks Lucifer to the very core.
Yukio may consider himself weak and the world he grew up in unjust, but the key difference between these two lies in how they direct the anger nestled in their hearts. Whereas Lucifer is determined to direct his rage against the world as a whole, Yukio only aims that destructive feeling towards himself.
And if he can take down an enemy of the world with him while he's at it, all the better :)
Saburouta Toudou has haunted the narrative since he made his first appearance as Yukio's foil, but we don't really get to dig into his personality until he stands in Lucifer's presence.
That alone already speaks much about the nature of their relationship. But this early on in the reveals of who these characters are, it's also fascinating to note how high in the org chart and in Lucifer's high esteem Saburouta must be to go visit him so casually, especially when Lucifer is in such a poor state (not one he shows easily to others without a mask on) and in so much pain.
Saburouta's past reveals to us that he had an abusive childhood under the harsh hand of a family that thought little of him, so it's hardly a surprise that he became dazzled by Lucifer's light. One could even describe the devotion that took hold of his heart in that moment as enamored.
In Yukio's own words, Saburouta was seduced--and indeed, when he saw his first chance to do so, he broke away from his bonds, killing his entire family in cold blood, save for his own daughter. And proceeded to run to the side of the man who had stolen his heart.
As a vital, founding member of the organization once it broke away from Section 13, Saburouta is said to have worked diligently for its sake--for Lucifer's sake.
In exchange, Lucifer does not hesitate to acknowledge what a vital role Saburouta has played throughout these years, and how much he appreciates the sacrifice he's about to undergo, willingly and wholeheartedly. He's watched over him this entire time, and even in Aomori makes sure to give him a personal call, reminding him to be careful; a request, of course, that comes from a place of ulterior motives. But Saburouta barely bats an eye at that, fully cognizant of the role he serves.
Theirs is a twisted relationship, not one of equals, but one of a devout servant to his god and salvation. Tragically underexplored and with delicious potential given the long length of time they had spent at each other's side. One can only hope we get more glimpses of them in the future, either through flashbacks, or perhaps... a mysterious means of revival? :)
Presenting the Arc Knight known as the Master of Lightning, Lewin Light!
Week 1 - Igor Neuhaus
Week 2 - Arthur A. Angel
Week 3 - Kirigakure Shura
Week 4 - Demons
Throughout the month of April, participants are encouraged to create fic, art, etc. of some of the key relationships of the Arc Knight. If there is a different ship you want to explore not listed, please feel free to join in anyway and participate throughout the month!
Each week runs from Sunday to Saturday. For more information (prompts, questions), check out this post & the corresponding ao3 collection.
The relationship between Lucifer and his right-hand woman is a close one. One might even hedge to describe it as unique given his feelings regarding humanity as a whole. While the Demon King of Light once scorned Satan for having an attachment to a mere human woman--an attachment that for a short period of time Satan held in higher regard than seeking a way to keep a healthy body--is it possible that Lucifer has come to understand those feelings a little over the last few years?
Whether or not that's the case, there is no doubt that his relationship with Homare is one of mutual trust. He doesn't doubt her loyalty, devotion, or judgement when it comes to his well-being and his goals. Doesn't look down on her as he does Shemihaza's descendants for being nephilims. He once stated he considers most human beings stupid, shameful and cruel, but it is clear that Homare stands far beyond that group.
When he is at his weakest and most vulnerable, he knows he can trust her to look out for him and his interests. She shows it every time, rushing towards him faster than anyone else the very second he falters:
She takes decisive actions on his behalf, making sure to attend to his health, prioritizing it completely; reminding him to rely on her and the rest of the Illuminati.
And when she speaks, he listens. We see this time and time again:
Homare's opinions are valuable to him. To the point that when she dares to strike him across the face, this demonic being of insurmountable power, who holds a deep, deep rage and resentment inside of him towards humanity--only snaps to his senses, and is even grateful towards her. An interaction that surely would not have gone as smoothly if it had come from anyone else.
While both have little screentime together in the series in comparison to the rest of the large cast, every time they are on screen, we are greeted with the same display of loyalty.
And even more notably, one can tell in Homare's expression, which is often cold and firm towards other characters, keeping a cool and frosty demeanor throughout her interactions with them, that her feelings towards Lucifer are far more ardent and emotive.
At the end of the day, Homare is Lucifer's right-hand woman through and through. And while he doesn't bat an eye when some of his closest and devoted members die for his cause, it's hard to imagine he would feel nothing if her life were to meet its end.
The Illuminati Welcomes YOU...! To Celebrate Lucifer, Demon King of Light!
Week 1 - Homare Toudou
Week 2 - Saburouta Toudou
Week 3 - Mephisto Pheles
Week 4 - Yukio Okumura
Throughout the month of March, participants are encouraged to create fic, art, etc. of some of the key relationships of the Commander. If there is a different ship you want to explore not listed, please feel free to join in anyway and participate throughout the month!
Each week runs from Sunday to Saturday. For more information (prompts, questions), check out this post & the corresponding ao3 collection.
February - Mephisto Ships: Shura; Angel; Rin; Amaimon
March - Lucifer Ships: Homare; Saburouta; Mephisto; Yukio
April - Lewin Ships: Neuhaus; Angel; Shura; Demons
May - Shirou Ships: Mephisto; Osceola; Tatsuma; Nagatomo
June - Shura Ships: Angel; Lena; Liu; Mamushi
July - Konekomaru Ships: Rin; Takara; Shiemi; Izumo
August - Izumo Ships: Shiemi; Paku; Yukio | Bonus Round: Paku & Shiemi is reserved for Week 4!
September - Yukio Ships: Renzou; Bon; Shiemi; Konekomaru
October - Renzou Ships: Konekomaru; Izumo; Paku; Shiemi
November - Ryuuji Ships: Izumo; Renzou; Konekomaru; Godaiin
December - Rin Ships: Shiemi; Izumo; Bon; Renzou
---
SUGGESTED THEMES
Day 1: Food / Family
Day 2: Alternate Universe / Lies
Day 3: Fight / Illness
Day 4: Confession / Dreams
Day 5: Truths / Curse
Day 6: Firsts / Goodbyes
Day 7: Free Day / Holidays
---
F.A.Q.
Why did you decide to create this?
The main intention is to always have on ongoing, set event that everyone can refer back to and participate year after year, even should this blog's activity decrease. Ideally this will also relieve some of the stress others may feel at the thought of creating new events from scratch, or simply provide an avenue to give spotlight to ships that don't normally receive attention. That being said, everyone is more than free to run separate events during any time slot; I'll be happy to advertise them here should they come up!
What tag can I use to participate?
In addition to the ship tag, you can use the following: #aoexshipweek #aoexshipweek2025, etc. You can also tag the account (@aoex-shipping-events) or send a DM to the account to make sure your entry is reblogged!
What if I want to participate but don't have the time/energy to create something new?
You can submit previously created fanworks! Alternatively, leaving feedback for other creators is a great way to be an active participant in this event, so don't be shy and reblog, leave comments on fics, artworks, etc!
Do I have to participate on every week/month event? Can I focus on platonic dynamics instead? What about polyships?
Do whatever sparks joy, the world is your oyster, there are no limits!
What content will be shared by the account?
This event is accessible to all ages. Any type of media (fic, art, edits, etc.) is accepted, including 18+ content. Just please keep anything spicier under a cut or a link with appropriate content warnings for audience discretion.
Why did you include/not include [insert ship/character]?
The intention was to make sure to cover most of the popular ships (and give love to minor ones too!), while also keeping most months themed to a certain character to allow room for additional ships not included. December, for example, is all about Rin, so although Rin/Godaiin didn't get a dedicated week, feel free to have fun with this pairing anyway throughout the month of December!
What if I don't like/approve of [insert ship of your choice]?
This blog respects everyone's choice to participate in and/or avoid its available content, and thus strives to tag all posts accordingly so everyone can curate their own experience. If any post is lacking a tag, feel free to send an ask or DM to get it corrected!
For additional questions, please refer to the ao3 collection or send an ask!
