Chapter 23

Chloe waited on a cushion as soft as a cloud, upholstered in the palest blue. Several others like it were arranged in groups, separated by small topiaries in large bronze urns. The floor was a mosaic in tans, greens, and shades of blue. The tiles were semi-precious stones such as lapis and jade, and it wasn't until she'd paced the room a few times that she'd realized the pattern was a depiction of Earth from far above. Unsurprisingly, Chloe's cell had no reception, so she'd settled onto the cushion to await their meeting. Gabriel and Amenadiel were engaged in conversation nearby, but were speaking a language she'd never heard before...although, if she closed her eyes, she thought she could pick some words out. Revolution...or was that rebellion? Michael. War...they're talking about Lucifer's Fall. Wish I understood a little more of what they're saying.

"Samael's rebellion was a difficult time for all of us." Chamuel sat down beside her, unconcerned with her obvious eavesdropping.

"Oh, is that what they're talking about?" She tried to play it off, act casual. "What language is that?"

"Ours. It will be yours, too, when Samael and Amenadiel take the time to teach you. By now, you should be able to understand a few words." He gave her an unreadable look, then assumed the lotus position and closed his eyes. "You may also ask me, if you have any questions."

Chloe tried to think of something she'd felt too awkward bringing to Amenadiel or to Lucifer, but just then the wooden doors to God's antechamber swung open. A cherub appeared, hovering at about eye-level. Its gilded wings moved so quickly, they were nothing but a blur as it read from its scroll. "Amenadiel Firstborn, He will see you now," it intoned in a surprisingly deep voice. Amenadiel cut off his conversation with Gabriel and hurried over to Chloe.

"Are you sure you want to do this? You can wait here, if you want, and we will speak to Father about Trixie."

"No, she's my daughter, and I need to do this myself. I know your Dad may not choose to help me, but I still have to try." She stood, adjusted the robe, and made sure her wings were positioned correctly before following Gabriel into the room beyond.

More sunlight streamed into the space, along with a gentle breeze through the open columns along one side. A robed figure sat at a large mahogany desk that was staged in front of a second set of doors—these were in the shape of a Gothic arch, and surrounded by beautiful, intricate carvings of angels, musical instruments, the sun and the moon. Ivy and other vines twined around the columns and trailed across the floor, reaching tendrils and blooms toward the gentle sunshine, and with the beautiful mountain scenery peeking through the greenery it took Chloe a minute to realize the man was speaking to them. "Amenadiel, Gabriel, Chamuel, and...Chloe, yes?"

"Yes, Mark. We are in a bit of a hurry—a human child is in danger," Amenadiel replied.

"Um, my human child, actually," Chloe added.

"He is very busy today," Mark looked up reproachfully from his work. "You are fortunate He is in a most benevolent and merciful mood."

"An thank you, Mark. Auld numpty." Gabriel whispered the last bit conspiratorially to Chloe as a chime sounded and Mark (as in, the Mark? From the Bible?) waved them through the final doors with a grandiose gesture. Chloe swallowed nervously, gripping Amenadiel's forearm as they walked through the massive arch. The room beyond was a continuation of the previous space, with the same open arcade of columns and stunning scenery.

"We didn't make it this far last time. Michael and Remiel were with us, and by the time we reached Mark's desk it was a full-blown argument about Lucifer. In fact-"

"Sorry I'm late, Amenadiel," a gentle voice said behind them, and they turned as one to greet the newcomer.

This must be Raphael. He's...beautiful. A longish mop of golden ringlets surrounded a sweet face with perfect cheekbones, set off by eyes of the bluest shade Chloe had ever seen. His well-defined, tanned arms swung free from his robes, and she had no trouble envisioning this particular angel as a California surfer—albeit a rich, preppy one.

"Thank you for coming, Raphael. I hope we didn't pull you away at a bad time." Amenadiel answered as they continued on their path. Frescoes and statues were spaced along the marble wall opposite the columns, forming a sort of grand hallway that ended at a granite rotunda anchored by a fountain carved from what must have been moonstone, the sunlight picking out amber, amethyst, and turquoise highlights from within the material. Just past the water feature, more opal stairs ascended in a short flight to what was clearly God's holy seat. Rather than a mosaic or more marble, the floor was patterned in subtly-backlit cross sections of agate in all colors of the rainbow, creating flowers, birds, trees, fish, and every other life form imaginable. Details were picked out in onyx and pearl, and if Chloe didn't stare too hard she could swear they were all...moving. Front and center, a towering chunk of Calacatta marble had been carved into an imposing chair, made all the more notable in that it was empty. Regardless, the four angels knelt on the shimmering floor, so she rapidly followed suit.

"My sons."

Chloe studiously observed the floor, watching for movement from the green-and-yellow lizard near her right kneecap. Soft footsteps moved through the room.

"And the inimitable Chloe Jane Decker."

She would have cringed, but there was definitely a tinge of humor to the melodious voice coming from just above her.

"You may rise, all of you. I understand you've come here about your daughter, Chloe."

"Yes, sir." She rose, careful not to trip on the robe.

"She is safe at the moment. I know you love her very much, and I am quite impressed that, despite the effort it took, you've made it all the way here to ask for my help."

"Um...thank you." Chloe finally convinced herself to look up from the floor, and was completely shocked at the figure who stood before her—self-deprecating smile and all.

"Not what you expected?"

And He wasn't. Before her stood an African-American man of average height. In fact, most things about Him were average; he was nowhere near the bodybuilder physique of Amenadiel and his brothers, but He wasn't overweight in any way. His dark hair was grayed a bit at the temples, worn neither long nor short. Really, the only remarkable thing about Him were the eyes—looking straight into the violet-and-amber pools was like trying to understand infinity. Timelessness and wisdom were reflected back a thousandfold, similar to the effect of placing two mirrors across from one another. Averting her gaze slightly to combat the headache building behind her her own eyes, she let out a small chuckle. "I didn't even know you were real until a few months ago. I had no idea what to expect, honestly."

God laughed. "Fair enough. How do you like my Eternal City? Although, these days my children call it the Silver City. Guess it's due for a bit of an update," He mused.

"It's beautiful—and also, not what I was expecting. Look, I don't want to, um, waste your time here, I mean, I'm sure you're really busy...but I would very much like Trixie back safely, if it's not too much trouble. And Dan," she added, "if You could just make sure he's OK, too..."

God nodded slowly. "Your Daniel has been on a concerning path lately. Are you certain he is still someone you want in your daughter's life?"

"None of this is her fault. I just want things to be as good as they can be for her. I never got the benefit of having both parents around as a kid, and I want to give her that."

"Your love for your child is a beautiful thing, Chloe Jane Decker. You need not fear; everything is already in motion for her to be returned to you safe and sound. Now," He said. "Was there another matter you wished to speak with Me about?"

"Father." Amenadiel stepped in. "We have come to speak to you about Samael."

"Oh?" He raised one eyebrow. "That certainly explains why there are four of you. What has my most errant son done this time?" God crossed His arms and leaned back against the edge of a desk Chloe hadn't noticed earlier.

"Actually, Father, we believe-"

"Starting without me?" drawled that all-too-familiar voice, and Chloe turned in unison with the four angels to behold Lucifer strolling up. "Typical, but here I am—better late than never, so let's get this party started."

Chloe cringed, both at his words and at the three-piece suit he still wore. OK, OK, could be worse. But please, please kneel, Lucifer. There are just some lines that you can't cross, not right now. She watched him approach the stairs and pause for a moment, as if soaking in the atmosphere of the room. Come on, Lucifer, do the right thing. For one horrible moment no one moved, but with a begrudging sigh Lucifer sank to his knees on the cold stone of the steps. "Forgive me Father, for I have sinned," he cracked, but Chloe saw through the joking and the careless attitude to the fear and sadness beneath. Making a snap decision, she crossed the short distance between them and knelt at Lucifer's side. He was clearly surprised, but took her hand quietly, giving it a small squeeze in gratitude.

"You may rise, Samael."

Lucifer stood, glancing at his brothers, outside, down to Chloe—everywhere but at his Father. Sensing he was at a loss, Chloe towed him over to Amenadiel and the others. "Thank you for being here, Lucifer," she said, beaming at him. "Come on, we're all here for you. You can do this."

He nervously cleared his throat. "Well, then..."

"As I was saying, Father. We are here to petition You to release Lu—Samael from his duties as the King of Hell. Even though he wasn't supposed to be on Earth, his time there has changed him. Surely, You have seen the good he has done, the humans he has helped. He even managed to contain Mother and prevent her from harming anyone!"

"I have seen for myself, Father, that Samael has changed. While he still struggles a bit to find his center, he is capable of selfless love. He has friends, and Chloe, and even her daughter Beatrice has grown to love him," Chamuel picked up where Amenadiel left off.

"Aye, Father, there's a number of us that feel Samael's punishment has gone on long enough. We're no' saying he should just up an move home, mind. Sure an' he's some issues to work out still. But it's been seven millenia, Father, and it does seem the wee bugger's learned a bit of a lesson, then." This was from Gabriel, and Chloe found herself smiling at the gruff redhead.

"No one is perfect, and Samael is no exception. The fight with you caused him much pain, and recently he has began to heal. He has done this through the help of your humans, not through time alone in Hell. Sending him back will not help him, Father. In your infinite mercy, we ask that you please forgive Samael, at least enough that he may be free of Hell's confines, and continue to return to his original state of grace in his own time." Raphael spoke last, earnestly pleading their case in what was truly the voice of an angel.

"I have heard each of you, my sons, but now I would like to speak with Chloe. The rest of you may wait in the courtyard."

"But-" Lucifer began, as the others retreated.

"Go, Lucifer, it's OK. I'll be fine." She waved him away, then turned back to speak with his Father. "I'm not sure what I can help You with."

"By now, you are aware of the circumstances of your birth. Your parents provided the perfect opportunity for me to create a soul so pure, it is immune to the powers of my children. You were a test for my son, and you will be a help to him in the future—although, very few of the futures I saw for you resolved with a friendship, only a handful with you falling in love. I had very much hoped you were what Samael needed, but without some extremely intricate...meddling, you could say, there was no way to set either of you on the correct path, and certainly I've very limited control over my son's feelings anyway." He smiled sheepishly. "I did fear that things would very much go the opposite direction, but you, Chloe, are truly incredible."

"Well, I'm, uh, glad I could make You proud." She took a breath. "Yes, I very much love Lucif—your son, and I know that running away to Rome and involving that priest was wrong. In hindsight, I guess that was kind of my test, and I definitely failed. But I do love him, and I will fight for him. He's the other reason I'm here. Please, release him from Hell. Please, let us be together."

God's smile this time was sad. "It's interesting that you also mention tests, my child. The events leading up to Samael's rebellion were also a test, and unfortunately he passed with flying colors."

"The Great Test. We read about it, in one of Lucifer—I mean, Samael's books."

"You may call him Lucifer. As you know, it means 'light-bringer,' which is what his mother used to call him. I suppose it was his way of getting back at me. But, yes, the Hero test. I very much needed one of my celestial children to act as a sort of heavenly liaison to the humans, to help them. Samael was already well on that path, choosing to interact with them—not always in the best of ways, mind you. And yes, he taught them of free will, and choices, which was and still is my primary source of frustration with him. You wouldn't believe what an obedient child he used to be, Samael. Always seeking My favor or his mother's, always following directions, so good with his brothers and sisters. The birth of humanity was very hard on him. Beneath everything, he's quite a sensitive soul, and I think he was quite broken-hearted that I directed my attention elsewhere for a while. It was never my intention to hurt him; I figured he'd simply adjust, form stronger relationships with his siblings. By the time I'd caught on to how it was affecting him, the hurt had faded to anger, bitterness, even disgust, and I knew there was no easy way to reach him. So I thought to set him on a different path."

"You kicked him out...to help him? Look, I'm not trying to judge anyone here, but I really don't think Lucifer sees it that way, and neither does humanity. Why are You even telling me all of this? As much as I appreciate the insight, I think You should really talk to Lucifer."

"And I will. But I am not finished yet. Patience, child," he admonished gently. "Yes. I tried to talk to him, reason with him, but nothing worked. So I built Sheol. It needed a king. My son needed a place to belong, and a place to reflect for a time."

"You put him in time out?" There was no mistaking the incredulity in Chloe's voice. She fought to keep her hands from fisting, to maintain a calm exterior. I can't believe I'm in Heaven, thinking about punching God.

He raised an eyebrow and stepped back, raising his hands. "With the hope that he would calm down after a few centuries, and understand what it was I was asking him to do. I don't think he ever caught on, though, so in a way Samael is Hell's ultimate prisoner. He is trapped there, the same way the souls in the afterlife are." He sighed. "My greatest mistake, Chloe, was underestimating the human capacity for guilt. Rather than looking for ways to be free of it, or taking the path I offer out of it, they instead become mired in it, like quicksand, and every reminder of their situation simply makes it worse. Samael, as sensitive as he is, is just as subject to it as they are."

"So it's guilt that keeps them there. Hmm. So you're saying the point of Hell is for people, or souls I guess, to work through their guilt and forgive themselves." I still wanna punch him. Just once. How about some clear communication?

"Yes, of course."

"And the torture, the torment?" Skepticism joined the anger.

"Is not my preferred method, but won't leave any lasting marks if the soul in question feels it's payment enough for their sins and decides to move on to Heaven."

"So what about Lucifer? Even if he were to get over his thousands of years of guilt, which is gonna be a stretch, that still leaves Hell without a king. What was Your original plan? Who did you have lined up to run Hell before you sent Lucifer there?"

"I cannot tell you everything, Chloe. And it doesn't matter, because just as with your daughter, the wheels are already in motion. I will tell you that of the several pathways left for you and Samael, only one leads to what you humans have termed 'happily ever after.' Other than that, you know everything you need to know. What you do with the information is your choice, and will determine which future comes to be. Now, you were correct earlier, when you said I needed to speak to My son. Could you please send him in—alone, that is?"

Chloe nodded. "Of course. Oh, and...thank You, I guess."

God watched her descend the steps, then seemed to think of something. "Oh! And do give my regards to Eve."

She winced, but continued on until she found Chamuel and Raphael skipping stones in the fountain. "Hey. Where is he?" They pointed down the hallway. Chloe kept walking past Gabriel, who was staring out at the mountains, until she finally noticed Amenadiel leaning against one of the statues. He nodded silently to her, then pointed his chin further back into the shadows. She slipped past him, eyes adjusting to the lower light level, and went to stand again at Lucifer's side. He was lost in contemplation of the beautiful painting on the wall, so she leaned against his side and looked for herself.

She guessed that it depicted the original Garden of Eden, if the luscious vegetation and exotic flowers were any indication. A couple lounged nearby on the vibrant green grass, and Chloe recognized Eve immediately, her long brown hair tumbling over those delicate shoulders as she fed her partner (Adam? Not bad, but no Lucifer for sure) a grape from a bunch she held in the other hand. Across the Garden stood God Himself, this time in a robe, arms spread wide with a benevolent look on His face. Behind and above Him hovered a handful of angels: Amenadiel, looking stern; Azrael, with a watchful expression; Chamuel, who appeared pleased, and one more. Chloe let go of Lucifer's arm and walked forward to the fresco, marveling at how lifelike the faces were and the details on each leaf and feather. "Oh," she breathed, reaching out a hand to touch the fourth angel. Wow...the likeness is perfect, and he is magnificent.

"Yes, that's me." Lucifer spoke quietly from behind her.

"You look so..." she struggled to find the right word. "...innocent." The Lucifer depicted was watching the first humans curiously, but his soft brown eyes held no malice. He wore the same white robe as his Father and siblings, and those beautiful white wings were spread wide. Long dark curls framed that beautiful face.

He chuckled. "Simpler times, darling." He reached for her hand. "Are you all right? Trixie?" His eyes searched her face.

"I'm fine, but Lucifer...He wants to see you."

"I'm sure He does. Probably going to call me out on trespassing, terrorizing spirits in the Silver City, jaywalking...it's a long list, Chloe." He shuffled his feet, looking back down the hallway. "Will you..."

"I would come with you, absolutely, but He said you have to go alone." Her heart broke a little at the look on his face. "I'll walk with you to the stairs. It'll be OK, Lucifer. Hang on. Let me tell your brothers where we're going, and then I'll wait for you at the fountain. It's gonna be fine," she repeated, and stepped over to Amenadiel. "He wants to see Lucifer, alone," she whispered. "Can you let the others know?"

"Of course," he answered. "Brother." He clapped a hand on Lucifer's shoulder. "We will all wait. We are here for you—even though you will approach Father by yourself, know that you are not alone."

"Thank you, brother," Lucifer replied haltingly. He took Chloe's hand, and together they returned to the base of the steps.

"I'll be right here, I promise. Take as long as you need," she said, kissing him lightly before giving him a little push towards his Father. Amenadiel had come up behind them, and sat beside Chloe on the rim of the fountain. Together, they watched Lucifer ascend the stairs for a long-overdue heart-to-heart with God.