To ensure they'd get privacy, Micheal took him and Lucifer over to a park where the only sentient creatures around were small nonanthormprhic animals that sometimes hopped across the field.
"So…" Micheal said he sipped on his tea,"Let me get this straight, you tried to kill this fusion character all because some cyclops and moth told some one sided story about him and how dangerous he was and now you've alienated your entire family from you after that failed?"
"Basically," Lucifer admitted,"And now everyone fucking hates me…"
He sighed,"How did you not see that coming, brother? I thought you were smarter than that. It's troubling that you got manipulated by a moth and a cyclops with a grudge. You're lucky they're even giving you a chance to make amends…"
"Oh yeah, I'm so lucky that my family can barely look at me anymore and everyone else is weary at best. I feel so blessed…"
"It could always be worse, Lucifer. You know that. Still, given you came all the way here, I assume that is the reason you want me to approve Charlie's idea in hopes your family will take you back?"
He nodded,"Mhm…"
"You really messed up this time, Lucifer. This is going to require some massive damage control in order if we're ever going to put a lid on this situation. This is far worse than I imagined it being and I'm starting to regret allowing you up here.."
"Hey, you said you'd help! Come on Micheal, don't give up on me now!"
"I have a hard time keeping my faith in you when every chance you get, you just don't learn. Even now, it doesn't feel like you're trying to put any effort into changing and just want someone to bust you out of the station you found yourself in. You need to work for this, Lucifer, you can't just rely on others to get you out…"
"But I don't know how!" He shouted,"I don't get what you want out of me! Everyone expects me to show remorse and make up for my actions but I don't know how! This is literally the only idea I can think of and you're not cooperating! Tell me what the hell I'm supposed to do then, Micheal, because I'd really appreciate it if someone told me how because no one has ever given me straight up instructions on how to fix this!"
"You're supposed to reflect and find ways on your own to fix this, but then again, given who you are I can't say that your crawling to me is too surprising. I suppose that your pride just made you incapable of realizing your wings until it was far too late and even now, you have no clue how to fix them by yourself and have to rely on others to aid you. It's almost pitiful…"
"Don't you dare fucking pity me, Micheal. I don't need your pity, I need you to do something useful and help me!"
"Figures. Even now, you reject help when it's at your doorstep. It's really pathetic, Lucifer. If only you were more receptive to those trying to help you then perhaps it would've never gotten this far…"
Lucifer rolled his eyes,"Look, I fucking get it. I know I fucked up, I fucked up REALLY hard, but at this point, I'd really appreciate some sound advice since I'm out of ideas on how to get this work. I get you don't like me, Micheal, but I really could use your help here. I'll do ANYTHING at this point…"
"Anything?" Micheal asked curiously.
"Yes, anything…"
The taller twin smiled,"Well then, in that case brother. I suppose that I'd be more willing to help you with this little situation. After all, it'd pain me greatly if I just allowed you to suffer in your own shame. That and it's not like you have anyone else to turn to anyway, so I don't see why I can't help out as long as you agree by my terms that is…"
He sighed,'Of course there's some fucking catch to this shit. Figures Micheal would play this game…' He pinched the bridge between his eyes in annoyance,"What do you want from me, Micheal?"
"Oh nothing major," He chuckled,"It's really small, Lucifer. All I really want is you, my dear brother…"
"What!? Me? What does that even mean?"
"You know what I mean," He replied,"Don't play dumb with me, Lucifer. It's been so long since we've been near each other and even with the others around, it just doesn't feel the same like it anymore. I feel so lonely and I could always use another person beside me…"
"Micheal no…"
"What do you mean no?"
"I know what you're trying to do, Micheal. It's not happening. I'm not going to rule Heaven alongside you…"
He raised an eyebrow,"And why not? It's a far better place than that foul pit of yours that you dare call a domain."
"Because regardless of how awful Hell is, it's still my Realm and I don't want it taken from me."
"Oh yes, how awful that the realm built off of suffering and pain would be taken from you. Really, I don't understand what you see in that place. Does the freedom of being able to do what you want outway being surrounded by the worst of the worst all the time?"
"Regardless, I'm at least on top and have control over everything…"
"Really? You have control over that place? Because it hardly seems that way. Lately demons have been causing problems on Earth and a good portion of the souls they end up killing end up at our doorstep. People keep getting killed when it isn't their time because you just let these people do what they want and it's starting to get annoying. You just let them do as they please. This hands off approach helps no one and all it's doing is inconveniencing the rest of us. We had to put several souls in therapy because they got ruthlessly slaughtered by a bunch of wayward assassins out of nowhere."
Micheal then scowled,"Do you have a single clue how many people are sent here before their time just because some demons thought their deaths were nothing more than collateral damage? I'll tell you how many, countless and whenever we send people to try and stop them, they SLIP through our grasp and get away with it. It's about time you took some responsibility for the actions those in your realm commit because it's affecting the rest of us. The least you could do is aid us since you're looking to repent for your actions since you've been ignoring responsibility for eons and only now have you encountered a problem you cannot run from…"
"But I can't abandon my Kingdom-"
"Why not? The place practically runs itself anyway. None of the demons seem to particularly care about you outside of the threat you could pose to their safety and I doubt you not being there would make much of a difference."
"Hell would tear itself apart without someone keeping a lid on them. If you thought the current situation was bad then you aren't aware of what would happen if I weren't there. Those bastards would tear each other apart within seconds just to be on top."
"Can't your wife take over? I don't know Lilith personally but she's surely a competent woman. She can take over in your stead and if all else fails, your daughter can rise to the throne…"
"Charlie's not ready for-"
"Oh come on, Lucifer. She's over two hundred years old and I don't think she needs you protecting her at this age. She really doesn't need it. About the only people who can harm her are full-blooded angels like us, Lilith and that fusion whose existence was something no one could anticipate. Even then, none of us are going to attack her so I don't get what the worry is."
"It's not that, I just don't think Charlie can handle the responsibility. They'll eat her alive emotionally and I know she's too soft for it."
"She's not that fragile, Lucifer. You're treating her like glass when in reality, Charlie's more stable than you give her credit for. No matter how ditzy she acts, she's still capable of tearing through entire armies without much of a hassle. She doesn't need to be protected like she's some innocent child, she's a grown woman who is more than capable of defending herself against the terrors of your Realm. And considering she was able to cut ties with you for the longest time without looking back, I don't think Charlie's mental state will be that damaged when taking on the throne."
"But-"
"Lucifer, I know it probably hurts a bit, but maybe Charlie doesn't need you as much as she used to. I mean, she's a young lady now with her own ideals and talents. And at this point in her life, she doesn't really need you like she had when she was younger. I've never been a parent, but you know what they say, children are like baby birds. You have to nurse and protect them from the outside world when they're born, but eventually as time passes, they grow independent and eventually grow the strength to spread their wings and soar to start a life of their own. And I think Charlie's time to spread her wings is long overdue.."
Lucifer said nothing, gaze averting to the ground.
"Brother, I know the idea of your child growing up hurts and while I can never understand your pain, it probably isn't easy. Regardless, I think this situation was inevitable to an extent. It was only a matter of time before Charlie grew tired of being in your shadow. And it wouldn't surprise me one bit if this hotel of hers was partly started not only as a way to solve the population problem but to differentiate herself from you so that she could be her own person and not just 'Lucifer's daughter'. And deep down, you know this..."
Once again, silence spoke louder than words as Lucifer refused to say anything in response to his brother's comments.
"And even if you don't agree, you don't exactly have that many options. I mean, what do you have left to lose at this point, Lucifer? You've pretty much alienated everyone around you one way or another. Your once loving wife can't even look you in the eyes, your daughter can barely stand you and even the others at that Hotel don't sound too fond of your existence. Your Realm is in constant chaos and even those who serve under you do so more out of fear than out of genuine loyalty towards you. Who do you plan on going back to at this point that hasn't already turned on you?"
"I...I don't know…" He mumbled, at a loss for words."I didn't think it'd get this bad. Now I don't know what to do anymore…What should I do, Micheal?"
"Lucifer, I know you're not going to like this but at this point, you're better off in Heaven than Hell. You've driven off so many people that our stained relationship is starting to look ideal. I'm practically the only person who is willing to tolerate you like this because everyone else avoids you like the plague. You've really screwed up this time and I don't think I can get you out of this situation if I tried. This is something that you can't magic away, the damage is real and you'll have to live with it for a VERY long time…"
"So what do I do?"
"If I were you I'd stay up here. I know it's not what you want to hear but I don't think there's anything you can really do outside of hoping the others will come around, that is, if they ever do. And as for your family...it's debatable if they'll forgive you and even if they do, it'll be a long time from now…" He then placed a hand on his shoulder,"You know it's not too late to come back, brother. You're welcome to stay In Heaven if you desire…"
He made a face, he really had no desire to return to Heaven but at this point, the longer he thought about his situation the more appealing living in Heaven was starting to look.
His family turned their backs on him, he was hated by the other Hazbins and his other subjects feared him. Micheal was probably the only person who showed anything resembling a positive reaction towards his presence, which really showed how bad the situation would have become if his estranged brother was the person giving him positive feedback.
At this rate, Heaven was looking like paradise compared to the treatment he was getting back at the underworld.
He then noticed Micheal was outstretching his hand towards him,"Lucifer, I know we aren't exactly the most loving pair of twins to exist. However, I think it's clear that you're in a time of need and I want to help you the best I can. Please...come back and join us, everyone's missed you and it's about time you've come home…"
Lucifer stared at his hand before narrowing his eyes,"What do I get in return if I accept this? I still want something out of this, Micheal…"
"Oh I see...You still want me to approve of your daughter's idea, hm? Tell you what, if you agree to join me I'll let your daughter's little project succeed. How does that sound, brother? Do we have a deal?"
The King of Hell lowered his head, gaze glued to the floor. Lucifer's boots were pointed towards Micheal as he grit his teeth,'For my family's sake...this better be fucking worth it in the long-run…'
Lucifer then grabbed Micheal's hand, firmly accepting his brother, refusing to meet his gaze.
Micheal's smile then widend,"Wise choice, brother. I'm glad to have you back. It's great to have you in our ranks again, now let's ditch those clothes of yours and get you into something presentable, shall we?"
"I am in something presentable Micheal…"
"What you find presentable and what I find presentable are two different things. And that outfit doesn't exactly blend in to the aesthetic we're trying to give, brother. It's time to update your wardrobe and I have just the thing in mind…"
"I don't like the sound of that…"Lucifer 's eyes averted as his brother led him away.
When they got back to the palace, Micheal had instructed Lucifer to go get himself dressed. Apparently Micheal was just ECSTATIC at having him back home and wanted to celebrate the occasion by having him dress up in something 'more presentable' than what he was currently wearing…
As a result, Lucifer was sent back to his old room to get dressed. This probably wouldn't have been so bad had it not been for the fact that Micheal sent a group of random Cherubs to follow him around and ensure he did as he was told.
Lucifer scowled,"Do you REALLY need to follow me? I can dress myself…"
"We're sorry Lucifer, but his highness was adamant about us helping you. But don't worry, you're in good hands, we promise. We specialize in fashion and we'll make sure you look perfect for the occasion."
"Yeah yeah whatever…" He replied, rolling his eyes into the sky at the cherub's overly sweet tone, swearing to himself that he'd develop a toothache just from listening to them.'Fucking hell their voices are like nails on chalkboard. I swear if Micheal didn't berate me I'd shove them in a hole and leave them…'
He then began attempting to remove his clothes only to become irritated when the Cherubs rushed to assist him,"I can take my clothes off myself you know…"
"Micheal wants us to assist you in anyway we can in the quickest way possible. It's an order and we can't disobey."
"I wish you could…" He grumbled as they began taking off his suit. One Cherub took his hat, causing him to snap,"Hey! That's mine!"
"You won't be needing it up here, Lucifer. And don't be upset, we'll be getting you new clothes that are much better than what you were wearing before…"
"I don't think you could do that…" He huffed, still refusing to believe a bunch of small creatures could somehow make an outfit better than the one he was wearing.
"We assure you, we're more than capable of such a feat!"
"Oh yeah?" He asked with a raised eyebrow,"Alright then, since you're so confident, why don't you go on and prove it? I want to see your skills with my own damn eyes and you better not disappoint me…"
The Cherubs had taken this as a challenge, immediately getting to work, the damn creatures zooming around him like flock of birds.
He gasped when it felt like they were spinning him around and touching him, eyes wide in alert,,"Hey! What are you doing!? Who said you could touch-Hey! Watch it! You're too handsy! Ow! That's my hair! Get away from me you little fucks! ARGH!"
By the time the little Cherubs were finishing, Lucifer's head was spinning 90 miles per hour,"Ugh...My head. I swear you little imps better not have screwed this up or else I'm going to tear you limb from…..limb…"
His face fell when he looked in the mirror. He had a scarlet red suit with white trim, dressed more like a general with the gold shoulder pads on his person. His hair had been altered to have a bang like Michaeal had, the only difference being that it was flipped to the right instead of the left. His eyeshadow had been changed to a reddish color. A red flower crown had been fitted on top of his head with visible thorns(that somehow didn't pierce his hair).
"Oh….So that's what I look like now, huh?"
The Cherubs nodded, one asking,"Do you like your new look, Lucifer?"
"It's better than nothing, I suppose. I still would've preferred my original outfit..." He admitted, pulling at his sleeve as he felt the fabric. He still not quite over the fact he had to change his robes at Micheal's discretion and his bitterness had dampened his mood even more.
"You know Micheal wouldn't have liked that…"
"I know," He shrugged,"So...what now?"
"Well his highness is organizing an event in the ballroom to celebrate your return. You're going to be hailed back with warm welcomes from your siblings and it's going to be broadcasted all over."
"So that's it huh?" He asked, more to himself if anything,"Well in that case, you all can leave. Your presence isn't necessary and I can take it from here."
"Don't you want us escorting you?"
"I don't need it," He said,"I'm fine, really. I just need a few minutes to myself before I head out…."
"But-"
"Leave,"He growled,"Don't test my patience. Go back to my brother and leave, I'll be out shortly. I just need to collect myself…"
"OK then," The Cherub replied nervously before motioning to his teammates,"Come on guys, let's leave Lucifer to his thoughts. Our presence is no longer necessary…"
They all took their leave, flying out the door. Lucifer sighed as he looked in the mirror, clenching his fist tightly. He didn't want to be in Heaven, he had rebelled for a reason and he had given it all up because the situation back at Hell had gotten out of control and too much for him to handle. And now, he was back where he started, to the place he thought he'd never step foot in ever again…
'Dammit…' He hissed,'It's like I never left. I may as well have never left at this point. All this work, all that effort to be independent just to come crawling back to Heaven when it all comes crashing down. I've burned every bridge I had and the only person who can stand me is the man whose back I turned on first. Not sure if this is karma or a sick joke...probably both…'
At this point, Lucifer had slumped in defeat. He had lost pretty much everything. His pride was in shreds, his reputation was heavily tarnished in the eyes of those who cared for him and the others and his family had distanced themselves from him. There was no victory to be had for him and even if Micheal agreed to let Charlie's project work, would he ever be accepted back into Hell by those he cared for?
Everyone was weary of him at best and even his wife had stopped talking to him long ago. They may as well have been divorced with how terrible their relationship was. Even if it could get rebuilt, the damage was already so severe that trying to salvage their relationship wasn't a realistic possibility.
And if Hell wouldn't accept him…would he just stay here forever? Sad as it was to say, but Heaven was probably the best place for him as the judgement he'd face would be less severe. Heaven was looking like utter paradise compared to what awaited him in his own Realm.
Either way, Lucifer lost, there was no way to come out on top from here. He may as well take the least painful option and hope for the best, because this was probably the only chance he had at making amends.
He then gazed at the mirror, staring at his reflection. It was normal at first, at least until his eyes had flickered and saw himself in his old suit, apple cane in hand with a wide grin. He scowled, his face looked so punchable in that moment and everything that he once held with pride now made him recoil with disgust at the person he saw in the mirror. That arrogance costed him everything he held dear, it was the reason his family couldn't bear to look him in the eyes anymore. That pride had blinded him, it drove everyone away from him to the point only Micheal would bother to listen to his pleas.
In the heat of the moment, Lucifer slammed his fist against the mirror shattering the glass and panting. After regaining his composure, he stared at the broken glass, expression unwavering as he clenched his jaw.
He then took a deep breath,"I really should get going before I lose my mind. I...I better leave, everyone's waiting for me…'
Samuel's boots then pointed towards the door, leaving his old title behind with the broken glass.
Thanks for 13,779 views, tell me what you think below!
Enigmus-288: Cherri decided to take her leave since she kind of fucked up big time and everyone was kind of pissed since they basically went through all of this bullshit over a petty lie.
The other Cherri was only there for the fight and I feel like she'd only stick around for as long as she had to and since the fighting was over she headed back to...wherever Cherri lives in canon because they never showed where she lives. I'm just going to assume she lives in an apartment or something. She was only there for Angel's sake and once he was out of danger she decided to head on back home.
