Lucifer frowned from the smell and closed the book in his hand, standing quickly while Trixie just watched. It was all quiet until there was a sound like broken glass, then something being thrown into the main library area. It was a flaming piece of cloth! Suddenly more came, about a dozen of flaming clothes were thrown into the library, rocks tied to them to break the windows, setting books on fire now. "Lucifer! What's happening?! " Beatrice asked as she quickly stood up, squeaking as a cloth landed just a few feet away from her through the nearest window.
Meanwhile the workers of the library screamed and were all running towards the door, including Coop with a armful of books. "Nothing good, c'mon small child, we need to get out of here. " He tucked the book into his coat absentmindedly, not even thinking really about that as he quickly scooped Trixie up in his arms surprisingly without too much hesitation and made a run for the door. But he was too slow, before he got there a flaming bookcase fell and landed in front of them, throwing smoke up and making a loud crash. It made Trixie yelp and whimper, burying her face into Lucifer's neck while he brought up a wing to shield her.
Trixie wasn't used to being held like this by anyone but her father or mother, so it was a little odd and he didn't hold her the same way, showing his inexperience with holding small kids. But she still trusted him, she had no one else to trust anyway and besides his claims of not liking her, Beatrice had a feeling Lucifer still didn't want her hurt or worse.
With the bookcase blocking the way and the smoke clouding his vision, he turned around with a growl of annoyance, looking for another form of excape. Then he suddenly saw Coop, surprised he was still here, unless... That was a new stack of books in his arms, that crazy chicken was trying to save books. "Hey guys, come this way! There's a window up here." He called to them with a chirp before running off. Lucifer blinked and shook his head some, but followed anyway.
It was a mess, bookcases were falling and burning up all around them but so far the Devil dodged them all before Coop led the two to a big door, which once opened revealed a spiral staircase. "C'mon Mr Angel, this way! " He said to Lucifer once the door was open. The two, with Trixie in arms still, though coughing some from the smoke, rushed up the stairs until they came to a small empty room that looked rather unused. Coop rushed forward and opened the big window. "Go Lucifer! " The bird said with a gesture of his wing while still holding the books. They were pretty high up so that meant going out that window would lead to a large drop. His wings were still not fully grown in, but he had to trust that they could glide them down at least, he had to try.
However, just as the Devil was about to jump, he curiously looked back at Coop. "What about you? " He asked, looking at the chicken's wings to see no feathers, like his were before. Lucifer doesn't even know why he asked, it came out before he could stop himself and now he awaited a answer. The yellow baby chicken made a sad chirp as the fire started to creep it's way into the small room, burning curtains first then moving to wooden desks. "I don't really know... " Lucifer huffed soon after, rolling his eyes some despite the situation. "Then get on small bird. " He turned his back again and spread his wings, peering over his shoulder at Coop. Again his offer was something he didn't understand why it was happening, it just... Happened. Lucifer brushed it off as simply thinking they needed the chicken.
Coop was confused at first, but seeing those massive wings spread out he understood better. Unfortunately he had to drop the books, but the heat rising behind the bird was encouragement enough as he jumped up behind Lucifer and hopped onto the fallen angel's back. It was hard since the chicken lacked real fingers, but he was able to tuck his wings around Lucifer's neck firmly enough to hold on. It was then did more flames come through dangerously close and Lucifer took this as a sign to jump, so he did.
It was enough to make both Coop and Beatrice scream as they fell, Lucifer flapping his wings desperately to gain altitude since they were falling fast. The dominate feathers were not all the way in and even some spots lacked any feathers at all still. But they had no choice, as fate would have it Lucifer had to put his wings to the test early. For a good few seconds it wasn't looking good, but then finally the wings started to catch the air, lifting the three up with the large feathers and powerful muscles in the Devil's back that were only meant to operate wings, like they were doing now.
It wasn't pretty by any imagination, between the fact the wings were not strong enough yet to actually fly and the five years Lucifer spent not flying left him rusty, but now he stretched them out wide once he got his balance and caught the air, which slowed down their decent. Below Fortress, Zip, Nick and Sam watched with a mixture of awe and horror, watching the building in flames and the winged man come out of a cloud of smoke. The Devil landed with a tired sigh, his suit singed in places, his wings, hair and face covered in soot, but no worse for wear. Trixie was still awake thankfully and he put her down in front of the four, while Coop jumped off on his own. "You saved them. " Nick stated with confusion and intrigue, stepping forward towards the Devil. "Why? " He couldn't understand it, if this man was the Devil, which he was sure he was now, that's not something the Devil does.
Lucifer smirked back and turned his head one way. "Why because it was thrilling, besides I don't like the smell of burning feathers and hair. " He said back in his usual sarcastic way, before turning away from the man to face Trixie, leaving Nick dumbfounded. The little girl was shaking some from what happened and soon launched herself at Lucifer, hugging him tightly. He stiffened and raised his arms, along with his wings from instinct, eyes widening like usual with a uncomfortable look on his face. But once again he noticed this was another new hug, not like the usual annoying greeting or the last one, the desperate, pleading one. This was... Appreciative, thankful and in need. Who knew there could even be different hugs. He still couldn't find it in his devilish self to return it, but he smiled a little while looking down enough so that no one could see it.
"Thank you Lucifer... " Said the small child and soon looked up from her previous position of burying her face in his stomach to grin at him with teary eyes. That uncomfortable feeling came back and he laughed with uncertainty, while Zip, Nick and the other two just smiled at him encouragingly, wanting and wishing he wouldn't just shove her away, literally or otherwise. With another sigh he lowered one hand to hesitantly wipe one tear from her little cheek with the pad of his thumb. "Oh now don't-don't cry small child... It was nothing, really. " He tried to brush it off casually, but his face told a different story. It was wavering between his usual disturbed face of being hugged by the child and a genuinely compassionate expression. It was similar to the face he gave her mother that night before they came here, when she came stumbling in drunk and ended up passing out on his shoulder.
She just gave him a stuffy giggle and tightened her little arms around his waist for a brief moment before letting go and taking one step back. "You're funny. " She stated to him simply, before grabbing his hand again and skipping over to his side. At that moment Fortress saw the light in Lucifer grow even more, the biggest it's ever been, even if she hadn't seen him since he got his wings, but Zip told her all of what she knew so she was expecting to see it.
By now the fire crew showed up and were working to put the fire out, while Coop came up to Lucifer and Beatrice. "Hey um... Thanks by the way too, I would've been a goner back there really and you didn't have to. It stinks my library is gone though... But I got some of the books still so hopefully I can rebuild. So thanks for giving me that chance. " The chicken said with a happy chirp. Lucifer grinned back to this, it not being so hard to be sarcastic to Coop. "Like I said, the smell of burning feathers is very unpleasant. But you're heavy, you almost broke my back you did! " He teased the chicken with a amused chuckle. It wasn't true, given Lucifer's strength carrying the two children so to speak was nothing. But it caused everyone to laugh and giggle in Trixie's case.
Sam then came forward towards the sooty winged Devil, still unnerved knowing the being before him wasn't human, but he saw what Lucifer did, he couldn't deny it. "We knew you'd be at the library by now, so when we heard people talking about it being on fire, we came as fast as we could. " Sam explained, of course he didn't dare admit that he originally thought Lucifer set the building on fire, if he was the Devil and all then he could only imagine the man had power over flame, even if in reality it wasn't so true. "We then met Chip and Fortress halfway there, they must've heard the news too. " Nick finished, before Zip spoke up. "We was so worried Lucifer, we didn't wish for you or sweet Beatrice to be hurt. " Zip said sadly and with worry still in her tone, but also relief.
Fortress then spoke up last before Lucifer or Trixie could reply. "We saw the green creatures with tusks that we call goblins fleeing the area when we got here, chances are they set the fire. Have you had any previous encounters with these creatures? " The unicorn asked. The mention of this made Lucifer's expression darken, his eyes narrowing a little with a dangerous flicker of red. "Yes we have... " He said in a serious, brief tone, jaw clenched. Trixie swallowed a bit nervously as she remembered the incident, those eyes... "There was one in the place we were at before here... H-he wanted to take me, but Lucifer scared him a-away... " Zip and Fortress exchanged glances of surprise and realization. "Of course... goblins would hear about that, word travels fast among their kind and they are clearly not happy with their encounter with you two... We should all watch ourselves, goblins are crafty, tricky creatures. Not all of them choose to live this way, but most are thieves and kidnappers and they hold a grudge better then a dragon. " Zip warned with a shudder.
Lucifer rolled his eyes to this, of course that had to come back to haunt them. "Well it wasn't my fault, they should keep their grubby hands off what isn't theirs. " He complained, emphasizing on the 'my' part. He despised hypocrites like that, hypocrites and charlatans, otherwise known as liars, someone who didn't believe in what they said. "I agree Lucifer, but that's not how they work, hopefully we can get you two back home, with Sam and Nick of course, then once you're not here, they will have to give up on said grudge. " Zip said. From her knowledge goblins were not exactly vengeful creatures in a sense that they will attack those that didn't have anything to do with the issue, so once these two were gone then the goblins should leave Zip and Fortress be too if they even ever planned to go after them.
Sam was grumbling some too, great, goblins... Like this day, or days, couldn't get any weirder. "Well... Before we heard about this place being on fire, we were talking to a magic shop owner, he seemed to know a bit about getting people back to Earth. So I think that's our best bet. Did you guys find out anything? " Sam asked Lucifer and the child. It was then did the Devil remember the book he had tucked into his coat. "Well not really but... I did get this, which I haven't read yet. Slim chance but maybe it has some helpful words in it. " He said, pulling it out from his coat to show the detective. It was a simple leatherback book like any other and it was about spells, but not teleporting spells. They were weird spells, illusions it called them. "Well maybe the owner will need it, can we borrow this book? "Sam looked to the chicken. Coop perked up and looked at the book. "Sure, I know where you guys are going, it's the only magic shop in town. I can pick it up once I get set up again. I hope it helps you guys. "
Lucifer, Sam and Nick nodded to this while Lucifer tucked the book back into his coat. "I guess we shall be off then, if we don't see each other again, it was a pleasure love. " Said the Devil to the feline, smirking at her in his usual devious way. It made Zip giggle but knew better then to fall for his charms, even though it felt like there was magic involved at times. Besides she knew he had somewhere else to be. "Go on you Devil, you have people I am sure back where you came from who are looking for you and their child. " She told him while petting Fortress, who nodded in agreement. "Alright alright, I suppose the detective would like her little spawn back. " He said with a exasperated sigh as he referred to Chloe.
It was then did the Earth people part ways with Chip, Coop and her unicorn friend and started to make their way to the magic shop. Nick and Sam lead Lucifer and Trixie since they knew where it was. However the trip there won't be peaceful and safe... They were about halfway there, taking a shortcut to dodge the crowd down a pathway that didn't have hardly anyone here. Then it was like magic, in a puff of smoke a few yards in front of the detectives, two goblins appeared. Sam and Nick drew their guns, while Trixie darted behind Lucifer before he glared and spread his wings out threateningly. "We will get that child humans, stand aside, our business isn't with you two. It's with him... Those wings will look nice on my wall too. " Said one unfamiliar Goblin who grinned and chuckled harshly. "Just you try and take them, creature. Go on, give me a reason to tear you apart~" Lucifer responded in a smirking, growling voice that made even the FBI agents blink, partly because the source was behind them and they couldn't see it.
They didn't risk tearing their gaze from the threat in front of them, years of training taught them better as they kept their handguns at the ready. "Stand back, we will shoot if you come any closer. " Sam warned the goblins with a sneer. However, while all the men were focused on the two goblins in the pathway, no one noticed the witch goblin creeping up behind Lucifer and Trixie... Even the child was too busy hiding behind the Devil, covering her ears just in case the agents had to fire their weapons. Her mother being a LAPD detective and all taught her that guns were loud, dangerous, scary and to cover your ears. But because of this, the witch had her chance and a ball of red light came from her staff, hitting Trixie in the shoulder. It wasn't a hard hit, but it was enough to make the child squeak in surprise and step back.
Lucifer heard the squeak and looked over his shoulder at where Trixie... Well, was. She was gone! He saw the witch though but she quickly ran off before he could do anything about it, a single look at a very upset Devil was enough to send her running. "Beatrice? " He asked with a confused frown, but was taken away from the subject when the goblins decided to attack, but not just the ones in front. There were some hiding beside him and the agents, who jumped out, two on each side. Those four went after Lucifer, while the front two tried to overpower the agents. The Devil sneered and used his large wings to whack two of the goblins away, sending them crashing into the side of a building with a auditable smack and thud. He then grabbed another goblin with a growl and threw it at the other that was attacking, sending them tumbling to the ground as well.
Sam and Nick got a few shots off but goblins were tough skinned creatures and managed to tackle the two. But after a short tussle and the use of their tazers, the goblins yelped and scampered off, bringing along those that Lucifer whacked and threw. The two humans had a few minor scratches but nothing too serious, Lucifer earning a few small rips in the sleeves of his shirt and suit as well. "Well that was close. " Said Sam as he got up and brushed himself off, but once Nick was up too the younger man noticed Lucifer seemed to be troubled as he was looking around for something... "Lucifer, what's wrong? " The blonde asked, surprising the Devil for a second as he quickly turned around. "Beatrice, the tiny human, she disappeared. Some... Witch looking goblin, she did something... " The fallen angel had his jaw clenched, Nick could see it. He was understandably upset but was holding it in so far. "We'll find her, maybe the witch missed and she ran off. " Sam assured the best he could in a blunt voice.
Lucifer didn't believe that, but huffed and nodded in reply anyway. " Trixie! Trixie you can come out now! " Nick called out after picking up his dropped gun from being tackled. "Come on kid, we gotta go! " Sam called afterwards. But Lucifer didn't bother calling out, not believing she was just hiding. No he was looking around on the ground for evidence on what could've happened to her. With no answer the FBI agents decided to do the same on looking for clues around the area and after a minute Nick did find something. Crouching down he picked up a piece of white fabric, at least that's what he thought it was. Once in his hand he saw that it was actually a small jacket, small as in something big enough for a mouse. "Hey guys, I found something! " The blonde called and both Lucifer and Sam came over to see what it was.
Sam didn't know off hand what it was, but Lucifer knew, for he had seen it ever since he was stuck with the kid on this forced trip away from Earth. "That's the human child's jacket, she was wearing it. " He said but it sounded like he didn't believe his own words, or moreso didn't understand. The Devil's dark eyes narrowed as he picked the tiny jacket from Nick's hand, looking it over to see it was whole. "Uhh... So... So what did happen? " Sam asked with uncertainty. This world was far from their comfort zone, they didn't understand this magic stuff. But all three men were wondering the same question, why was the jacket so small and where did the owner go?
Meanwhile, behind a small discarded cardboard box off to one side, Trixie was indeed hiding. She ran as soon as the dizzy effect wore off from the magic shot, but her jacket fell off during the run. She hid from the semi short fight, the sounds much louder and harsher to her then usual due to her new... Stature. The image was still so fresh in her mind like it was happening right now. The magic hitting her... Then it was like she was falling, but she wasn't. She remembered turning around to see the now huge black dress shoe that belonged to her friend Lucifer, then looking up to see even more massive wings slamming against attacking goblins, which was why she ran since she didn't have the voice in her yet to catch anyone's attention. That magic spell... It had... Made the already small girl even smaller, much smaller, no bigger then a mouse.
Once the goblins left things were not as stressful for the child, but she did wince when they were calling for her, their voices being so loud. Thankfully it didn't last long and they then were walking around looking for clues, it was then she should've came out, but she was too scared, even if they were her friends they were so tall to her now, scary even. But then they stopped and came together and it was then did she see they found her coat. It was her favorite coat so she didn't want to lose it, which meant she was glad they found it. Trixie knew they must have a idea of what happened to her, maybe, but it was like her feet were glued to the ground, she couldn't muster up the courage to walk up to them. So instead she moved back further behind the box with a sad whimper.
The whimper was too quiet for anyone to hear, but Sam did see her moving as just a glimpse of something. He couldn't tell what it was, but it caught his attention. The dark skinned man nudged the other two with his elbow and nodded towards the box, before all three began to slowly walk towards the piece of cardboard. None of them were sure what to expect or what they would see, but they hoped for good news. Lucifer was behind the two humans, being tall enough to look over their shoulders with ease but he had slightly less hope for good news. The three were careful surprisingly enough as Sam reached down to grab a flap on the box, slowly pulling it aside to see what was behind it. Sam froze as soon as he laid eyes on the tiny Beatrice, while Nick blinked with surprise. Lucifer just tilted his head and frowned in thought, not seeming impressed but did wonder what happened. "Bloody Hell? " He asked, before Nick snapped out of it first.
"Hey there, are you alright? Are you hurt? " Nick asked in a gentle voice, probably the one best suited for the job of the three, but Trixie was stressed, she wanted her mother or father, for her parents to hug her and tell her it was okay. But they were not here and the two agents she didn't know very well were so close. Her fight or flight instincts were going haywire on the child and she found herself backing away from them, especially when Nick leaned forward. He stopped when he saw the effect it had on her, thinking for a second. "Lucifer. " He looked back at the taller man, who hummed in response, wondering what the blonde wanted. "She doesn't trust us, but she might trust you a little better. Children at her age... She needs her parents when she's this scared and stressed, but we can't get them as you know, so you're the best we got. There's... No guarantee it will work, but all three of us here isn't doing her any favors. I don't know how this happened, but it's easy to understand she sees us as giants now. Which means you need to be patient and careful if we have a chance at getting her to relax... So see if you can get any closer. " Nick explained to the Devil.
It seemed like a horrible idea, leave the tiny child alone with Satan to get her to calm down. But Nick saw her with him before, especially in the carriage, she adored the fallen angel, trusts him even. And they were still acquaintances to her, Lucifer was more then that, a friend or devious uncle even. Lucifer opened his mouth to complain, but stopped as he realized the other man was right. So with a heavy sigh he nodded once. "Alright, I will try. " He responded reluctantly. Sam then backed off with Nick, giving the two plenty of space. Lucifer looked back to Trixie and bent his knees to crouch down with his wings tucked loosely against his back, going slow like Nick said to.
Beatrice watched and listened to Nick ask her a question, but her mind wouldn't register the words and soon she found herself scampering back against a metal can. Then the three started to talk about what to do and deep down she knew none of them wished her any harm, but it was hard to pull that feeling up and block her instincts. Just as Nick said though, she felt herself relaxing when it was just Lucifer. She watched as he lowered himself down, looking at her with the most gentle look he could muster. Which wasn't that impressive but it was the thought that counted she thought to herself.
Lucifer played various scenarios through his head, trying to gauge the best course of action. He had already noticed she seemed more at ease since Sam and his partner backed off, but he still saw fear in her. Normally he'd be glad to cause someone fear, he did it quite often. But that was to people who he felt deserved it, Trixie could be annoying yes but she didn't deserve to be scared. Though the Devil caused fear, he didn't make it go away so this was far from his comfort zone. "Beatrice, small human, are you alright? " He asked slowly, hoping she'd answer this time.
Trixie watched him think to himself and also her small white coat that dangled a few feet off the ground in his hand that was resting on his knee. It was a constant reminder of how tiny she was now that he could just hold her coat between two fingers and think nothing of it. The question was a little silly in her mind, she wasn't alright, she was way too small! But... Other then that, she wasn't hurt. She guessed maybe that's what he wished to know. "I'm n-not hurt... N-no... " She stuttered out as loud as she could, hoping she could be heard.
Lucifer was glad for that, he wasn't really sure what they could do if she was injured. So all they had to do was fix her mouse size, perhaps the magic place they were heading to could help with that or at least offer some insight. It was done by magic after all. He actually smiled at her then, though it was a bit awkward. "Splended... Look, you remember we are going to a magic shop, yes child? So why don't you just try to relax, come here and let us take you the rest of the way there. It's our best bet at getting you back to normal and back to your mum. " He explained to her, before using his free right hand, that had that metal ring with the black obsidian stone set in the middle, to lower down to the cold concrete floor, palm up and halfway between him and Trixie.
The child however was still untrusting and the metal ring she used to play with now looked much more scary, making Beatrice whimper again and shake her head. This made Lucifer a bit annoyed, a sigh escaping his lips as he tried to think what would bring her over here. "What you want, tiny child? You want chocolate cake perhaps? You'll have to come here for that. "Right after he said that, a idea hit him and he grinned. Watching the giant Devil grin was a bit unnerving in itself, but Trixie ignored it, her young mind not fully able to tell the difference between a nice smile and a devilish grin. Though she wondered what he had in mind, able to see a idea came to him.
Suddenly one big wing curled around in front of Lucifer and he plucked some soft down, just a small pinch that would fall off anyway in time. He then placed the pinch of fluff in the palm of his offered hand. The Devil then smirked at the child with confidence, waiting to see if the offering was enough. Problem was he was looking at it wrong, she didn't want anything, she was just scared. However the patch of fuzz in his hand did make the idea look less threatening overall and it reminded her fear who this was. He wasn't flawless by any stretch of imagination, no matter what he believed, but he was her friend and her mommy's friend. She remembered when he let her groom his wings in the carriage and when they were in the inn room, talking. Those were fond and new memories.
With those in mind the young human took a deep breath, before she tip toed her way up to his hand, hesitating as she tried to figure out the best way to get on. Lucifer stayed still and patient oddly enough, but ready to help her if she needed it. She choose to get on the side his thumb was on, using the digit to get on. His skin was warmer to the touch then the concrete and she quickly made her way to the feather ball to snuggle it.
Lucifer chuckled above her with amusement, good she can hug that and not him he thought to himself. Soon he stood up but still kept his hand out away from him, which Sam and Nick saw. "Lucifer, don't do that you'll drop her. Hold your hand closer to yourself, haven't you ever held a small animal? " Sam scolded in a semi soft tone so he wouldn't scare Trixie again as she was so content now. Lucifer frowned in confusion, not seeing the problem nor did he want Trixie too close. "No actually I haven't held a small animal. " He replied, but he soon figured it wasn't worth the risk if she was in danger this way. So after some inner grumbling from the Devil he held her closer to his chest, against his now quite ruined suit.
Beatrice gasped as the hand platform she was on moved again, watching in awe as one whole side of it became a big black fabric wall of Lucifer's tattered coat. Warmth practically radiated off the Devil which made her lean against him with the fuzzball he gave her. It seemed to be enough to relax her, even though Lucifer didn't enjoy it much. Sam and Nick had no idea why the child liked and trusted the Devil so much, he wasn't good with her at all and while he seemed to care for her health, he disliked her affection for him. Even Nick couldn't wrap all his knowledge about people around that. Because Lucifer wasn't human people... It would be harsh to say he wasn't people at all, but he was not human.
Once it seemed they were ready to go they went on again, this time Sam went up front, Nick was in the back and Lucifer was between them with Trixie snuggled against him. It has been quite stressful for the child, the human agents wouldn't be surprised if she fell asleep on Lucifer's hand, between the fire and being made so small it was a lot for one child to take, especially without her parents. Nick got to watch those two big dark wings sway left and right softly as the bearer of said wings walked. He started admiring the feathers, size and the mere fact this was even possible. It shattered everything Nick knew about biology, but he had seen it with his own eyes, the man was able to take flight. They were big enough sure, but he was sure that there wasn't enough muscle to operate them well enough unless Lucifer had hollow bones, which he doubted. So that meant it could only be one other explanation... Magic.
Lucifer kept his eyes peeled for any signs of another attack, but he couldn't help but be curious at times of the tiny child he carried in his palm. So much lighter and more delicate she was, even moreso then before, it was enough to make Lucifer at awe of this change with a whirlwind of emotions about it, pesky, inconvenient emotions. He couldn't return the spawn back to her mother like this, so he hoped deep down inside that the magic place they were going to can fix this.
After a while of walking they finally made it, the magic shop was here and thankfully still open. It was a small one story shack, but it had a cheery sign hanging just above the door, it reading 'Puffer's poofs of magic'. It sounded silly to the Devil, but it's where they had to go. "The bird should be inside. We didn't get to talk to him long but hopefully he'll remember us. " Sam said as he opened the door, stepping inside and holding it open for his partner and Lucifer.
The tallest man had to tuck his wings tight against his back, folding them in to fully fit through the doorway. Once inside and Nick followed, Sam closed the door and soon a giant puffin, only about a foot shorter then they were, came up to them. "Hello there! Oh hey have we met before? You look familar and woah! I never seen a male harpy! But wait, where's your beak? And your feet, there's no way you got your feet in those human shoes! You are a harpy, aren't you? " The excited puffin was walking around Lucifer in a circle, examining him with confusion but admiration for his wings. However Lucifer chuckled some in amusement to be called a harpy. "No I am not a harpy strange bird, I'm-" Sam cut him off, not wanting to scare their only hope of going home. "He's a angel. " He simply cut in, which wasn't lying, Lucifer was indeed a angel.
Lucifer huffed a bit at Sam for cutting him off, but didn't say anything and reached into his coat pocket with his free hand. "We brought this book with us, if it will help you fix our two problems. " He gave the bird the book, who set it aside for now, too focused on the wings and Trixie.
From the commotion Beatrice woke up with a confused mumble, sitting up on the palm of Lucifer's hand and rubbing her little eyes. "Hmm? What's happening? "She asked, blinking sleepily before looking up at the Devil's amused face as he turned his focus onto her when he felt her move. "We're at the magic shop child, the owner is a odd one. " He replied out loud, but Puffer didn't seem to notice as he just watched in awe at two exciting things. "Yes we'll get to that, but a angel? You're serious? I didn't even know fully if you guys were real, holy moly. I imagined angels as a... A brighter person though, white robe, white wings, golden halo. But that doesn't matter because you're real and that's awesome! And what's this? You have a brownie with you? " Puffer leaned closer to the child in Lucifer's hand, but the Devil felt a sudden, impulsive protective urge that made him raise up his other hand to shield the shrunken human.
"Well sorry to disappoint, I'm not the white fluffy kind of guy anyway. I was in better condition earlier but, well we had to tangle with some fire, bloody goblins... But no young Beatrice is not a baked chocolate treat, she's a shrunken human. " He clarified while still protecting the child in case the magic shop owner got grabby, but how in the world did she look like a brownie? Her coat was white, well mostly white. Puffer's eyes widened even more and he flapped his wings happily. "I never seen a living shrunken human! How did it happen? Tell me please! " The bird was clearly easily excited, which made Sam shake his head and smile, while Nick just observed the interaction between the puffin and the Devil, taking note of that protective reflex... Lucifer sighed in annoyance, not really in the mood for telling stories. "A goblin creature, a witch I presume, shrunk her on our way here when a group of them attacked us. " He simply replied.
Despite his annoyance Puffer didn't care and just listened, thinking some afterwards... "A goblin witch? That's not good... They have some crafty magic, hard to undo, but not impossible! Though something tells me shrinking her isn't all she did to the tot... " The bird stared at Lucifer in a way that made the Devil tilt his head back at him in bewilderment. "May I ask why you're staring at me in that manner? " He asked, awaiting and expecting a explanation. Luckily he got one. "Have you noticed anything off with her or even yourself? " The puffin asked, unsure if what he may be guessing effected angels, but he had to be sure. Lucifer looked back down at Trixie for a few moments to see she was quietly watching and listening to the whole conversation. She didn't understand most of the bigger words being used but she was getting the jest. "No... I don't believe I have, why? " Asked the fallen angel with continued confusion. Sam and Nick were quite curious on what Puffer was worried about, but Nick managed to hold his tongue for now.
Puffer hummed to that, walking off a little ways to grab a few books, alongside the previously given book. "Well it can be numerous different effects, but usually these kinds of curses are not as simple as it seems. She was the least threat, so there's no reason to cast a spell on her and not any of you. Unless of course something more was to it. What about you little one, do you feel off? Other then being small of course. " The puffin asked Beatrice, hoping not but knowing that something should be off. Trixie hummed some shyly at the big puffin, leaning back against Lucifer's chest with her knees against her own. "W-well... I have been smelling chocolate... Does that count as weird? " she asked, having not paid too much attention to it until now. She was too tired and a bit scared to focus on chocolate before.
Puffer's eyes widened some from this, turning his focus back to Lucifer. "Have you been smelling chocolate too since the incident? " Lucifer frowned and turned his head off to one side in thought. "I haven't really noticed, chocolate isn't really something I seek. " Chocolate, in his mind was more of a female thing. "Well see if you can smell it, after a few failed experiments my nose isn't what it used to be. " Lucifer seemed puzzled at first, but decided to do so anyway. So he took a deep breath through the nose a few times, smelling faint chocolate! He smelled a few more times, finding himself lowering his head down since it was stronger. Soon he realized he was looking right at Trixie. Curiousity getting the better of him he lifted her up to his face with a thoughtful hum. Sure enough, the chocolate smell was the strongest from her. "I never noticed that before... " Lucifer commented, dark eyes narrowed.
Beatrice did shy away a little to this, simply from instinct of being so close to someone so much bigger and more dangerous then herself. "I don't have any chocolate with me, I don't understand... " The small child looked behind her at Puffer. "So that's what it was... If you don't have any chocolate on you, then that can only mean one thing... The curse made you smell like chocolate, somehow. " Lucifer laughed some to that while the two agents who were quiet before spoke up. "So you can fix it, right? " Sam asked the bird, while Nick added in afterwards. "Is she in any danger right now because of it? " The Devil was still snickering but quieter now. "You know what they say, you are what you eat~"
Puffer shook his head, both to the question of danger and Lucifer's amusement. "Not really, I can fix it though but it will take some time. Two days to be exact. Only way she'll be in danger is if any of you are uncontrollable chocolate eaters. " He told them as he put his books back. "I have the ingredients needed for that, but before you all said you wanted to get back home? That may be a different story... "
It took a bit, but after some explanation of what happened to the best of their knowledge, Puffer had a decent idea about how to get them back. "Okay, good news! I know what to do! Bad news is I'm missing a ingredient, good news again is I know where to look and while you guys get it, I can work on the child's cure. Bad news again is you three will have to keep the child and each other safe in one of the more dangerous areas around these parts. But! I also know the perfect way for your feathered friend here to easily help the girl, if he's willing. " The bird focused on Lucifer, who tilted his head and blinked once. "And what may that be? " Sam asked warily.
Puffer seemed a little hesitant to say from Sam's wary question. "Well, angels are rather powerful beings when they want to be, yours here is a little off the normal angel reservation for whatever reason, I don't want to pry, but he should know what I mean when I say... He could eat her. " The bird focused back on Lucifer to gauge his reaction. At first he frowned, ready to object and point out he can't do that anymore. "Well, sure maybe back when I had my... wings. " He began sharply, but trailed off when he remembered, he did have wings! Maybe not his original wings, but they were his, they were attached. "Woah wait, no one is eating anyone, especially him to her! " Sam interjected, glaring at the bird. "Easy easy, let me explain-" Puffer started but Lucifer cut in. "It's fine detective, I'm not that thrilled to have a tiny clingy human inside me, but the puffin is right. If we are going somewhere that dangerous, we can't be worried about the tiny human all the time. This way I can put her away and we can focus on the task at hand. " He didn't really ease Sam's worries of this any, for no one had addressed one issue. "So, what, angels don't eat normal food? And, you know, digest? " Nick was looking quite shocked as well, but also curious, not wanting to interject.
Trixie on the other hand, was a bit worried, listening to the adults talk back and forth about Lucifer devouring her. She may be only eight years old, but she had learned basic biology, at least enough to know what was eaten didn't come back. "B-but what about me? What will happen to me? " She asked with wide, worried eyes. Everyone stopped at that, almost as if they forgot she could hear them. Lucifer spoke first though. "Nothing, well nothing bad. See tiny human, angels don't do it much anymore because they lost all sense of fun, or never had it in the first place. But anyway angels were able to devour humans safely to hide them from danger, easy transport of important humans, or any other reason that made such a ability useful. Lately my father forbid angels from using that anymore, since now angels and humans don't interact nearly as much as they used to. But I don't follow dear old dad's rules, so I do still have the capability as long as I have my wings. " He didn't feel like explaining how angels made them small enough to eat, but it really was simple, same way the goblin did to Trixie, shrinking. Which Lucifer was capable of by himself when he had his wings, but obviously he wouldn't have to today.
Nick listened to the words Lucifer was saying, ignoring the part about 'dad' and all and focusing on the important part, it was safe for the child. "Are you really sure you can? This is a child's life we're talking about, we can't just go on shoulds and maybes. You said you cut off your wings back in that carriage, are you sure these wings are giving you back that power? " Sam asked Lucifer, clearly still not liking the idea and intrusting Lucifer of all people. True the Devil hadn't done anything to show he wasn't trustworthy, but Sam just couldn't shake his suspicions. He wouldn't be a very good agent if he didn't get suspicious or question things after all. Lucifer stood tall and puffed up some at Sam, wings twitching behind him. "Yes I'm sure agent, I can feel it if you must know. " He smirked smugly back at the darker skinned man.
Puffer was glad it was all coming together beyond the tenseness between Lucifer and Sam, Trixie was also a bit more relaxed. "That sounds cool Lucifer! I trust you, then I wouldn't be a bother to you when you help mister Puffer get us back home with mommy. " Her childish innocence and trust showing through, along with her fondness for the fallen angel. A lingering worry about how scary it might be did remain, but she tried to be brave for the three men and puffin trying to help her. Sam was starting to accept this crazy idea too, especially after Trixie seemed okay with it. "Oh, you should probably have this too, a little invention of mine, I didn't think I'd use it for this but I don't have any other use for it. The kid might get scared otherwise, especially if she's afraid of the dark. " Puffer handed Lucifer a tiny round glowing ball, which emitted a soft white light in his hand. It was about a little smaller then a marble. "He's to swallow that with Beatrice? " Nick asked curiously. "Yes, it would be dark inside so a small light to make things easier on the kid. "
Lucifer looked at the ball curiously in his other hand, rolling it around with his thumb before he rolled it off towards Trixie. "Here, you hold onto it. " It was luckily light, so the child was able to pick it up and look at it curiously. Puffer then turned and grabbed a few maps and rolled them open on any clear table space he could find. "Now, onto where you all will be going, I need a white frosted flower, a special kind that grows mainly on this mountain, here. " He tapped his wing on a certain part of the map, on a mountain. "Our city is here so I advise you guys to go out the North exit, then head Northwest, you'll probably see it as soon as you head outside of the city. Stay on this side of the mountain and be careful, it's not a very steep mountain most of the way so gear isn't needed as long as you're smart. I highly advise against flying up there, you'll draw attention of something unpleasant up there, so stay low. "
Puffer then grabbed another book, a book about flowers in which he showed the group. "This is the flower you're looking for. The flower part should be as big as your palm, three big petals covered in powder like frost and a greenish blue stem. Pick it and head back here, then you all should be home free. Any questions? " Nick, Lucifer and Sam were all listening and watching, while Trixie was doing her best to watch, leaning against Lucifer's fingers to get a better view of the map. "No, I'm good and ready, you guys good too? " Sam asked the other three. Nick nodded and Lucifer shrugged. "Just fine for me. "
"Well off we trot then, make sure that cure for the small human is ready, yes? " Lucifer asked Puffer with a quirked brow. Puffer nodded and gestured to his shelves of items and books. "Yup, two hours it should take, so it will be ready when you all return. Then we can talk about payment. That flower will cover the trip potion back home, but not the cure... " The bird trailed off with a chuckle. "Don't worry about it now, go on! You got a ways to go. " Lucifer wasn't too pleased, but he figured with his abilities he could fix it later. So when Sam opened the door and gestured for Lucifer to go, he did, relaxing his wings once he was outside now that he didn't have to bunch them up.
It was still daylight out, so there was no reason not to go now. But all of them awkwardly paused after closing the magic shop door. "So... Do you and Beatrice... You know, now or when we leave the city? " Nick asked Lucifer to break the silence. The Devil hummed, flexing his wings thoughtfully. "Well, considering goblins are all over the place, they just might attack again. I'd like to not be hindered by this tiny human. So it's best we get it over with I suppose. " Beatrice huffed a little from being a called a burden, but didn't have a chance to say anything before the hand she was on started to raise up.
"Oh no... " Sam couldn't watch, he turned off to one side with a sigh, no way was he going to witness this and not react badly. Nick however was way too nosey and eager to see new things and learn, so he stayed back but had obvious interest in his eyes. Lucifer couldn't care less what the agents did, he was too focused on how to even do it in the first place! He held Trixie up to eye level, feeling like he should say something to the child, but what? He wasn't exactly good with children and that was putting it lightly. "So... You're ready for this, child? " He asked, doing his best to hide the awkwardness in his voice and seem as confident as ever. Lucifer was just really really hoping he wouldn't be stuck with a crying child inside of him. Beatrice was happy he spoke to her, even if it wasn't exactly words of encouragement. "I am Lucifer! I have the light too, so ready when you are. "
Lucifer relaxed a little, Trixie was making it easy so far he had to admit to himself, though he wouldn't say so out loud. "Alright then... bon appétit to me then. " He joked some with a chuckle, before he lowered his hand to his mouth and leaned closer. Beatrice took a deep breath to prepare herself, unsure if she should close her eyes or not. Her lingering worry said yes, you don't want to see, while her curious child side said no, this is a first and probably last time chance, you can't miss it. But when the Devil opened his jaws, her curiosity won and she kept her eyes open. It helped Lucifer didn't have fangs or anything abnormally scary like that, well his human canines were a little pointed but no more then any other human could have. His breath blew over her in a instant, but it didn't have a strong smell since he hadn't eaten anything since they got to Miroslav.
"Woah... " At her size it was quite the sight, a little scary due to the black abyss that was the fallen angel's throat, but she was a brave kid. Lucifer extended his tongue out and lapped her up gently inside his mouth, her and the glowing orb she held. He closed his mouth behind her to keep her from falling out, the marble sized ball doing well to keep the child from being sealed in complete darkness. With her curse of smelling like chocolate, Lucifer noticed she tasted like it too, but he ignored it and just gently nudged her back towards his throat, glancing at Nick who was both a little unsure and interested. Sam was still looking away, waiting until someone spoke up that it was over.
It was quite weird for Trixie still but she stayed put and allowed Lucifer to nudge her back, hugging the light close to herself so she wouldn't lose it. A few moments later and with a firm swallow, Beatrice was sliding down his gullet. It was almost like a slide, a slimy, squishy slide that is, until she slipped down inside Lucifer's stomach with a light plop. "Alright agent, you may not hide your eyes any longer. " Lucifer told Sam with a amused grin, while also trying not to laugh from the slightly ticklish, fluttery feeling in his stomach as the child moved around some inside. "Oh thank god, alright this day has gotten weird enough, let's just go get that flower and forget what just happened. " Sam was more then happy to take the lead, with Lucifer and Nick following behind, everyone doing their best to act natural. "I don't think you should be thanking dad, he gave me the wings which in turn made it so I could do it. " He teased the man from behind. Sam just sighed and shook his head.
While Trixie inside was getting tired of looking around, not to mention it was hard to walk, like walking on a giant water bed that was also swaying back and forth as Lucifer walked. So it was easier to just lay down, wincing a little from how slimy her hair got. She'll need a bath after this for sure. Soon though Lucifer did want to make sure the child was well. "Beatrice, you're well I assume? " His voice was muffled, yet it also somewhat echoed around her inside. Overall though she could feel it as much as hear it. "I'm okay Lucifer! It's weird in here, but not bad, and it's warm! It's almost like a dark bouncy castle like we had for my birthday last year! " He wasn't fully sure what this bouncy castle was, but it sounded like she was pleased by this and that's all he wanted to know. "Right... Well I'm glad you're content, you might be in there for a while, depending on how long it takes us to get that flower. " He didn't want to give her false hope of this being a short little thing, he didn't believe in sugar coating after all. Trixie nodded some in understanding, it wasn't bad in the Devil's belly, she could stay tucked away in here for a while if need be. "Okay Lucifer, I'm okay though, don't worry about me! " She called up with a smile, holding the light still to keep it from rolling away. Lucifer felt himself smiling at that, a fluttery warm feeling in his chest again that he wasn't fully sure of the cause. He ended up giving a brief, but gentle rub to his middle before focusing back on the outside world. "Alright then, just... Speak up if something changes. "
While they walked through town, of course Nick couldn't help but talk to Lucifer, or more like ask him as many questions as the younger human could think of. "How are you feeling? Is Beatrice alright? " Lucifer glanced down at his middle for a moment, before focusing back on Nick. "She's fine, she knows the trip may be long. As for myself, I'm just peachy, hoping I'm not getting small human germs inside of me. " He replied, slightly annoyed by Nick since he knew the human will be asking questions. But he either didn't care or didn't catch on and ended up talking more. The human ignored the part of the Devil complaining about kid germs. "Did it... hurt? Swallowing a still somewhat large solid object, much less a living thing. " Nick knew of biology decently well and it told him human beings were unable to swallow something even of Trixie's current size without possibly choking. Lucifer shook his head though. "No not at all, how many more questions do you have? " He wasn't going to let this human pester him the whole way.
Nick was caught off guard some, shaking his head a little and attempting to quickly reply, but it ended up taking a little bit still. "I'm sorry, this is just so unusual, once in a lifetime chance to learn about beings from other lands and worlds. "He explained to try and placate the Devil. Lucifer tilted his head a little at the curious agent from this, before he teasingly grinned. "If you're that curious about it then, you're welcome to join her~ " Nick's eyes widened a bit and he by instinct backed up, especially as Lucifer leaned towards him some for effect. "N-no thank you, I'm good. " He couldn't help the small stutter in his voice, the rational part of his mind reminding him of who he was dealing with and annoying. Lucifer was pleased by that, smirking smugly to himself as they continued on their way towards the North gate.
Sam heard this and sighed, he needed his partner, someone he knew could watch his back, he didn't need the blonde bothering Satan back there until he was eaten. Speaking of eaten, Sam was trying to forget what just happened to Trixie, trying to keep his mind from imagining the worst case scenario, for he had never forgotten who tall and feathery was back there. It felt a little unfair to think Lucifer would hurt the child, but he couldn't help it, again his detective mind at work. He had to keep telling himself the child was okay, safe and to stop thinking about where she was.
Thankfully they made it to the North Gate, passing by a pair of idle guards who opened the gate for them once they saw the three. Then outside they went, into the outskirts of the city. The three spotted a few farms around the area, then behind those the mountains they were to climb. There was three dirt paths too, one leading back to the town they came from, another leading to yet another town and the final looked to be passing by the farms, then up towards the mountains. That must be the road they were to take. "This one leads to the mountains, c'mon. "He told the other two before continuing to lead the way. Nick chose to walk beside his partner, which was fine by Lucifer as he followed, staring at the mountain in a bit of awe... There better be a lot of flowers up there or it will be like looking for a needle in a barn full of haystacks.
So off the group went, their journey probably about to become much colder and harder then a few goblins in town.
