This chapter takes place after Chapter 52 in SFTD.

This... was going to be quite the introductory process.

Jax would be the first to admit that Lucifer had a fairly nonstandard appearance. Not that it was bad to him, mind you—his Revenant was a part of him and he regarded it just as well. But he could see other people being frightened by it.

"I get that," Lucifer had replied when he stated that. "But... do you think parading me around is the solution? I can stay in your head if it's too much trouble..."

Lucifer had been willing to compromise, but it didn't take Jax being intrinsically linked with him to know he wouldn't be happy with that arrangement. "You've spent twenty years in there," Jax had said, crossing his arms. "You shouldn't have to spend a second longer than you have to. Introducing you to everyone else will get them acclimated to you so that you are not provoking gasps of surprise and shock whenever you are ultimately unleashed." Still, his expression had softened. "But only if you are alright with doing so."

His Revenant had hesitated, but ultimately nodded. "Yes. Admittedly, I would like to be out of your mind whenever possible. I'd forgotten what most things felt like..."

Now that had been heartbreaking, and the precise reason Jax was now walking back to the Studio, Lucifer in tow. He wasn't about to lock up Lucifer any longer for the comfort of others. He wasn't about to blow off those around him entirely, of course. A happy medium could be reached.

Jax reached the door, turning back to regard Lucifer. "Are you ready for this? The Mystics and my immediate followers will take to you easily, I would imagine. Some of the soldiers... well, they will come around."

"As long as I'm not going to scare any children," Lucifer replied, moving closer to have Jax obstructing him more.

"Please." Jax moved to open the door. "The only child you might scare is Pattie, and she shall get over it."

The door slid open in front of them, and Jax made his way in, taking a look around the room. It was morning, so it was a little less populated than usual—but still populated. His followers were mostly in attendance, and some of the PsiOps as well. Notably, Edgar was currently roosting in the room—which meant that his ravens were, too. They looked up when the door was opened, apparently saw Lucifer, and squawked, closing ranks around Edgar. At the noise, everyone else looked up, and it was clear that nobody really knew what to say.

Well, Jax had been in more awkward situations before. He walked in and nodded to those gathered. "My followers, and the rest of those that frequent the Studio. Recently, my powers have been fully unleashed, which has led to the freeing of a certain being, inexorably tied to me. I seek to introduce you all to him." Lucifer was still hanging off of his back, and while Jax wanted him to stand on his own... maybe the scared image would soothe people a little? Plus, he didn't want to force him out into the limelight any more than he was. "My friends, please warmly welcome Lucifer. He is my Revenant, a being tied to my psionics. He is here to stay."

With the introduction out of the way, it fell to the rest of the room to react. Clearly, that was something they were struggling with at first. But, much like he thought, the first to muster up the courage to do something were his Mystics. They approached, gathering around and saying some hellos to Lucifer. Jax could feel his Revenant's worry begin to abate and the latter turned to regard them. "Holy Father," Iris spoke up, "how long has Lucifer been a part of you?"

"If certain sources are to be believed," he began, uncertain if he wanted to air out the Templars' secret just yet, "he has been by my side since birth. Perhaps not fully at the time, but there regardless. His absence of twenty years has Cronus to blame."

He heard a chair being moved, and he looked over. Benald was approaching with Pattie in tow, and Pattie was the most uncertain he'd ever seen her. Benald was unreadable past all of his accessories, but his response painted a good picture. "Another thing to blame on the Elders, huh? Makes enough sense. Nice to meet you, Lucifer. Friend of the boss is a friend of mine." His head turned to Jax. "He speak?"

Lucifer was the one to nod. "... I do. It's—it's nice to meet you officially, Benald."

"Didn't even introduce myself, did I?" Benald mused. "Well, if he was in your head for twenty years, he knows about everything you do, right, boss?"

That seemed to break some wall in Pattie's mind, and her face lit up. "Oh! So he's like a poltergeist!"

Benald massaged his forehead. "Pats. Pats, do I even ask how that was the conclusion you came to?"

"Well!" Pattie spread her hands out. "He talks! And he can probably move things around and he looks like a ghost! It makes sense to me that he's like that."

Regardless on if it was a valid comparison or not, the exchange was enough to make Lucifer chuckle. "I... suppose? I cannot think of any other comparison point at the moment."

"See? I'm right."

Benald sighed. "Lucifer, buddy, I'm asking nicely—don't encourage her."

While Lucifer laughed again, Edgar was the next to approach. His ravens were clearly still wary, some staying behind and croaking "careful" a few times, with Edgar whispering reassurance back. Nevermore was on his shoulder, and both of their eyes glowed as Edgar took a look at Lucifer. "Admittedly, I can see why your appearance is mildly unsettling some of my omen, but... you seem like a decent sort to me, Lucifer."

"Agreed," Nevermore followed. "I would know much of being an extension of another. So long as you are good to the Warlock as he has been to us, I have no trouble with you."

Seemed like the reception was generally warm for Lucifer. He'd stopped hanging off of Jax's back at this point and was now floating freely, facing Edgar and Nevermore. "I do apologize that I seem to be scaring your flock. It is nice to meet you, but I can avoid them if you would like..."

"They are just uncertain of you," Nevermore replied. "They were uncertain of the Chosen at first, just as well. I would say the correct course of action is the opposite—stay. They will grow used to you."

"My Warlock?" Jax turned. That was Jeanne, his Centurion. "When you say 'inexorably tied,' does that mean the two of you cannot separate? Pardon my curiosity if it is rude."

Hm. Well, they'd never tested if they were inseparable, but suffice to say, if there had been a way to sever or remove their connection, Cronus would have done it. He shook his head. "Do not fear for questions," he soothed. "But, as far as we know? We cannot. He is with me to stay."

She nodded. "Just learning what I can. The two of you seem happy with each other, and that is all I can ask."

Jax smiled gently, and he could feel Lucifer's happiness as well. The Studio was accepting him just fine, and Jax was happy to see it.

Pattie, naturally, piped up. "Hey, boss. How can Lucifer breathe if he doesn't have a mouth?"

Benald crossed his arms. "I am pretty sure he doesn't need to breathe, Pats."

"Says you. Dolly doesn't have a mouth and he still needs like, that reverse astronaut suit."

"Just because he has a facemask doesn't mean he doesn't have a mouth."

"And how do you know that?"

Jax could only chuckle, shaking his head. "I am... fairly certain Lucifer does not need to breathe." He paused, then turned to Lucifer. "Right...?"

In response, Lucifer just shrugged, not helping matters whatsoever. Pattie pounded a fist into her hand. "I know! We need to have the Chief land by a lake and test it out! You could go swimming and Lucifer could go with you—"

"Pattie," Jax gently interrupted, feeling mildly embarrassed at his next statement, "I cannot swim."

She blinked a few times. "... what? You mean like, you don't wanna, or?"

"I cannot." Jax crossed his arms, looking to the side to avoid her gaze. "I don't believe I was ever taught as a child and I certainly never had cause to learn for my twenty year captivity at ADVENT." The only time he ended up learning that was a rather unfortunate pursuit of the Templars with them leading him into a water trap. He'd... promptly drowned. They'd closed the hatch above him—not that they'd really needed to do that. He pressed his mouth into a line, trying to dismiss the memory as he felt Lucifer mentally wince. "Suffice to say I've never had the drive—there were no pool parties to be had, and none since."

"Well we can fix that!" By the Void, Pattie had latched onto something. They weren't going to shake her off of it unless Vel'kiin pried her off. "I'm gonna ask the Chief to land near a lake or the ocean and we'll teach you how to swim!"

"It is bad enough that this room knows I cannot swim," Jax protested, "I shudder to think of letting the whole ship know!"

"C'mon, boss, it'll be fun!"

"Watson, please," Edgar chided. "If the man doesn't wish to learn, he doesn't need to. Think of his dignity, not even being able to doggy paddle..."

Jax sputtered. "Edgar!"

"Ease off the boss," Benald responded. "No need to tease the man. Sight of open water already does that."

Oh, the humanity. He should've just let Pattie go on about her plan, or maybe even pointed out the fact that they could just let Lucifer dunk his head in the sink. He massaged his temples, with Lucifer hopping to his defense. "Congregation, please assist!"

Fortunately, Jax's own Skirmisher-types gathered around him, with Iris wagging a finger at the humans. "Have some shame! Do not torment the Holy Father with what he cannot help!"

Benald held up his hands. "Shame? Me? Might as well ask Mords if he has any."

Bastet leveled a cool gaze at him. "If you have none, I will teach you some."

"Sheesh, alright." Benald let his hands fall. "Pats, we should probably back off on that front, at least."

"Alright..." Pattie shoved her hands in her pockets. "But I wanna ask other questions! Like, if Lucifer goes back in your head, do you get twice as heavy, or?"

Jax gave a well-meaning sigh. This was going to be a while—but at least things were looking up. He had a feeling the rest of the ship would accept Lucifer just fine.