?, (2018)

Ruby breathed in and out, nerves making it difficult to keep her calm because this was Lucifer, their creator and father. His beauty and grace were without peer. He was, in essence, a living god and he'd requested her presence. An audience with him was only reserved for the Princes, those few fallen angels, or Lilith, his first born.

Except Lilith was dead.

Is that why he requested her attendance? Not that it mattered, because Ruby understood what an honor she was being given for one of her station. Taking another breath, she paused before the barrier hidden from the outside world. Warded, so only those Lucifer summoned could behold the seal that contained him.

Taking those last few steps, Ruby knelt, her gaze fastened to the ground. "Father. You requested my presence?" Her tone was deferential. A chuckle followed her words. The sound was pleasing, rhythmic even, but Ruby could hear the power crackling underneath, and she licked her lips self-consciously.

"Yes, Ruby. Lilith told me about you and how you were her best infiltrator. Is this true?"

Lilith said that? With the Princess of Hell, you never knew where you stood. One second she would praise you, and in the next heartbeat, she'd pop your eyes out for sport. But Ruby was proficient, particularly when working with others, because everyone consistently underestimated her, which she used to her advantage—a contrast with other demons who always let their emotions interfere. Ruby didn't. Instead, she focused on the end game, recognizing the rewards would far outweigh quick gratification.

Attempting to keep her tone clear and concise, she answered, "Yes, I'm good at appearing harmless and using that to my advantage." It was the truth. She wasn't powerful and would never get demon of the year or anything like that, but she was very good at playing to her strengths.

"Good, you'll need that for this task." Her father paused, and Ruby strained, wishing she could see his beautiful visage and bask in his glory. But she waited. "I want you to keep an eye out for one, no, two individuals." His tone almost seemed forlorn, an emotion she would have been able to identify with when she was human but was now foreign after all these years. Her father then laughed before continuing. "It won't be easy. These two, along with those related to them, transgenics as they are called, were created by my father. They are in essence a new and improved evolution for humanity."

New and improved? Ruby contemplated his words and earlier tone, which had jumped from lonely to fond. Who were these two? And if God had created a more advanced human, what were they capable of? But more importantly, why did God do that?

"You're probably asking why, correct, Ruby? Even I don't have an answer for that question, though I have my suspicions. Nonetheless, the two in question, Alec and Ben, twins, are who I want you to watch out for. Especially Alec: he is important to me. Keep them off Heaven and Hell's radars as long as possible. When they are discovered, I want you to keep them safe. That will require you to gain their trust and eventually work against your brethren to keep them secure." His words were insidious, and slid along the skin of her meatsuit like velvet. She shivered, "I know what I'm asking is difficult, Ruby. But if you keep them safe, in particular Alec, you will have my gratitude for all eternity."

She felt herself swelling with devotion at those words, glowing almost. Feeling an emotion that could be love, something she rarely experienced, even when she'd been human. Lucifer continued. "But as I said, it won't be easy. When my father created these transgenics, he improved the basic human design. The transgenics are faster and stronger, possess genius intellect, eidetic memories, heal faster, are immune to all known diseases, and have superior reflexes. Also, since infancy, they have been trained to be spies, killers, soldiers, and saboteurs. In essence, the transgenics are perfectly trained weapons. But more importantly, my father gifted them the ability to see what is hidden. When you approach them, they will know you're a demon."

Jesus, if that was true, then how was she to succeed?

"Lilith said you were the best, Ruby. I expect you'll figure out some way to gain their trust," Lucifer paused, and Ruby held her breath. "Don't fail me, my child." There was a force to his words that reminded her he was one of the most powerful beings in creation.

She gulped but nodded. "I swear, I won't fail you, Father."

Lucifer chuckled darkly. "Of course you won't. Now, my brother will be arriving soon. I suggest leaving since he won't hesitate to wipe you from existence, and I need you to keep Alec and Ben safe. If you leave now, you'll find them leaving Blowing Rock, North Carolina, following a werewolf named Garth to Wisconsin. Goodbye, Ruby."

With that, Ruby knew the audience was over. She hurriedly got to her feet and backed away from the barrier. Remembering her father's warning about an angel's impending visit, she quickly fled the area but paused when she felt a great power touch down. Looking over her shoulder, Ruby couldn't see the individual walking toward her father's prison. But even from this far off, she could feel the power radiating from the individual meant it was an archangel. Although she wanted to know more, Ruby had her orders, and smoked out of her meatsuit, directing her essence towards the east coast.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina (2018)

Ben accepted the glass of whiskey Phil passed over. Though it had no effect, he nonetheless finished it in one gulp, letting the burn from the liquor settle in his gut as his mind flipped through the events that had transpired less than an hour ago.

Alec had been injured and was nearly killed by a specter. The stain of blood along his lips was a vivid reminder. And they'd been saved by a Lycan, who was friendly and very talkative—differing widely from the mythos surrounding werewolves. Since meeting Loki, though, his viewpoints had changed drastically. Supernatural creatures moved from a mythic status to reality and differed significantly from their preconceived legends. It was hard to swallow, and Ben already had enough circling through his mind without this new information complicating everything.

Phil finished pouring himself and Alec a drink, his eyebrow drawing up when he noted Ben's empty glass before shrugging his concern off and refilling it. Ben didn't swallow this one in a single gulp, though he did wish the alcohol affected him more. Knowing that people seemed to forget their trouble or anger when drunk, Ben would have appreciated that idyllic sensation of forgetfulness.

Because he had a constant reminder whenever he looked at Alec, noting his hollow gaze and the red glassiness of his eyes that had persisted since they dragged him from Charlotte's grave. Where his twin had shouted for Rachel, crying in pain, building on Ben's desire to break something like he'd done with the soldiers from Manticore who'd attempted to recapture Alec. But Ben shoved down his desire to commit random violence since it wouldn't help. Charlotte was gone, banished to the Beyond.

Garth explained that in these situations, it could go two ways for the specter. She would go to Heaven or be dragged down to Hell for the crimes she committed while dead. No one knew for certain with ghosts, only that the dead should move on after dying. If they lingered, there was only guaranteed madness in their future. Ben's mind silently added he would have gone to Hell if he'd followed his initial idea to appease the Blue Lady.

But Ben pushed down his self-doubt and hatred because Alec needed him. Although Charlotte's appearance as Rachel had been a mere imitation, Alec still had to watch the girl he loved die again. That was not something one could bounce back from once, let alone twice. His mind jumped to Kelly, which had been minor compared to what Alec had experienced.

At a cough from Phil, he turned away from his twin and buried his rage to refocus on the older man as he pushed a glass towards Garth. The lycan declined the alcohol, stating that his tolerance for alcohol was pretty low, and that he'd need his wits about him to explain the supernatural.

"Well, start explaining, then, werewolf," Phil growled. Ben glanced at Garth, who didn't seem put out at Phil's tone and nodded with an appeasing smile.

Oddly enough, these gestures made him feel more comfortable around the lycan because he'd proven, despite his differences, that he wasn't a bad guy, just different like themselves. After a second, Garth's look became pensive before he nodded, his easy smile returning, "Phil, you mentioned a hunter passed through here years ago, correct?"

Phil's features twisted, and he didn't look pleased but nodded. "Yes, nearly thirty years ago, a man swung through here. A pretty intense fellow named John Winchester." He took a drink from his glass and let it sit for a moment before continuing. "Quite a few disappearances came up that spring. I was still pretty fresh, had just started with the Sheriff's Department. When a fifth victim went missing in the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, that's when Winchester showed up."

Ben noted that Alec had refocused on Phil, now listening. In comparison, Garth's odd animal-like eyes had become thoughtful. "Said he was with the Forestry Service, from a branch out of Washington." Phil took another drink, his gaze distant like he was watching the encounter again. "Anyways, Winchester came out here to investigate the disappearances. The Sheriff at the time, Jacob, helped him. But Winchester disappeared for a few days, and, just as we thought we'd have another victim to report, he came back, and the disappearances stopped." Phil paused, his gaze thoughtful. His whiskey remained untouched in his hand. "Years later, Jacob said something when he'd been in his cups. At the time, I thought it was just drunk talk, but he said the creature behind the disappearances was a Wendigo. A flesh-eater. And that John Winchester had killed it" Now, he did take a drink, while all they waited on his next words. "I still thought it was crazy talk, up until the deaths of those boys, which made me wonder if it might not have been that crazy after all."

Phil looked up from his glass at Garth, then over to him and Alec. "You two pop out of nowhere, looking like you've seen the Virgin Mary, and naturally our town spook attaches itself to you." Phil's gaze snapped to Alec, who remained stony-faced, but was listening and watching. "And both of you do shit that's beyond normal." He shook his head and slammed back the rest of the contents of his glass. "But since your arrival, I understand that whatever you two may be isn't a threat to anyone in my home. My offer of help wasn't just to get you out of town as quickly as possible; I also didn't want to see either of you dead on my watch."

The quiet stretched after Phil's words, until Alec finished his whiskey, and pushed his glass over for more. Phil topped it up as Alec spoke. "We're transgenics." Ben coughed, choking on the whiskey he'd just swallowed as Phil and Garth raised their eyebrows in confusion. Getting ahold of himself and swallowing the alcohol back down, Ben wheezed as he looked over to Alec, who seemed indifferent. His gaze was still unfocused as he looked at the newly refilled glass in his hands. "We were created to be stronger, faster, and smarter than the average Homo sapien. All to protect America." Alec's tone became bitter before he slouched into his chair and whatever spark had gotten him speaking now seemed to have sputtered out as he stared at his glass in misery.

Phil coughed, and when he turned away from his twin, Ben found Phil focused on him, gesturing for him to continue. Ben explained further, swallowing down his nerves when it concerned Manticore, reminding himself these men were not a threat. "Project Manticore. A government program that created us to be the perfect spies, saboteurs, and soldiers to protect America, its assets, and allies."

Phil held up a hand. "So let me get this straight: the government decided to start making super-soldiers? And no one knows about you kids?" Ben nodded and Garth went wide-eyed.

Then the lycan smiled and knocked his hands together, seemingly coming to a revelation. "So the X-files were right!" he crowed with glee. Ben didn't understand the reference. Phil just rolled his eyes, and Alec didn't respond or show any signs of life. Phil muttered something about conspiracy nuts. Garth responded with an eye roll as he pointed a finger between Ben and Alec.

Phil huffed and set down his glass. "Fine. The government is making super soldiers like Captain America from the comics. What about you, Garth? Are werewolves just another government project they don't talk about, too?"

Garth shook his head at this. "No. Supernatural creatures like myself have existed since before biblical times. There's even evidence that we existed during the prehistoric age. But let me explain in greater detail." With that, Garth began categorizing and explaining all the supernatural creatures, including demons and angels. They listened with growing horror to descriptions of ghosts, vampires, and many more. Even Alec had started paying attention, looking queasy. It was an eye-opener because Ben had traveled far and had never seen anything like Garth described. "And that's a good thing," Garth added as he sat back.

During this long explanation, Phil had refilled their glasses a few times, since Ben felt a bit shaky even with the alcohol's limited effect. Phil was likewise pale, and Alec, who seemed to have kept up with the conversation, looked no better. It was altogether a memorable learning experience. It made Ben question if Loki had something to do with their ability to perceive that which was usually hidden. This possibility did hold some weight since he should have noticed the supernatural during his earlier travels. Yet now, only after witnessing Loki's true form, they'd beheld two other supernatural creatures.

Alec sat up as Garth answered Phil's question on angels walking the earth. "Angels have wings like the Bible describes with the eyes and all that Lovecraftian horror? Not an apple cheeked naked fat kid with a harp." Ben frowned since that described a Cupid, not some of the pictures he'd seen of the holy host.

But Garth nodded. "Yes, I believe so, but very few can perceive an angel's true form and survive." Wait, what did he mean by that? Garth's gaze narrowed as he looked between them. Then he licked his lips and fangs. It didn't seem so odd since the man habitually did that whenever he became uneasy. "Individuals with talents like that are generally hunted down," Garth stated, with no humorous inflection in his tone, only a deadly seriousness as his gaze moved between Ben and Alec.

The silence stretched uncomfortably before Phil coughed, pointedly moving the conversation along. "So you mentioned something inhuman zapped you here from Seattle?" Phil asked as he leaned back, while Alec just gave a flat smile and raised his empty glass of whiskey.

"Oh yeah, trickster god that had three pairs of bronze wings with lots of eyes," Alec swallowed, "and was beautiful beyond reason."

Garth seemed stumped, but Phil sat up, his gaze critical. "What you describe sounds like a Seraphim?"

Alec seemed to weigh his response. "Yes, exactly, a douche glowing angel." Then he grabbed the bottle and poured what little was left into his glass. Garth seemed about to say something, but Alec kept talking. "We can't get drunk. It's written into our genetics that alcohol and other narcotics have little to no effect on our systems. So cheers." His tone was bitter before he used his glass to gesture between himself and his brother. "We could drink over twelve of these bottles, and it wouldn't do shit." Alec then chugged down the rest of the liquor and slumped, looking out the window, his gaze vacant.

Ben sighed but nodded at his twin's words. "He's correct. Loki brought us here and then said 'good luck with the hunt.' But he also gave us this," he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the photo of Dean and Sam. "Loki said Dean was our DNA donor, and we'd hoped to find some information on him here, but…."

Phil knew that was a bust. Garth was studying the photo but shrugged and looked up. "You have a last name for them or anything else?" Ben shook his head, his frustration with the whole matter evident, and Alec wasn't much help since he was no longer paying attention.

The silence dragged, becoming awkward before Garth clapped his hands. "I got an idea. Why don't you boys return with me to my home? You can take some time to think, and you'll be amongst those of us in the supernatural community that have chosen a peaceful coexistence with humanity."

When Garth had explained the supernatural and how most of them hunted humans for various reasons, sometimes for sport or as food, he'd also explained that some chose to live in peace with humanity, like those within his community. This community consisted of Garth's pack, a vampire nest run by a vampire named Lenore and even a few skinwalkers, who could turn into dogs. It was both terrifying and fascinating, although Ben still wanted to learn more about Dean. He was also intrigued to learn about these supernatural creatures, who, unlike himself and his twin, were not created in test tubes, but naturally made. "I also have plenty of information on the pagan gods, in particular, Loki, since he's pretty active here in the US. And if I don't have what you're looking for, there are others in the hunting community that can help." His gaze turned speculative. "Maybe Bobby Singer or a few other hunters who've been hunting far longer than myself."

Alec had looked up while Garth spoke, before his gaze dropped to the photo of Sam and Dean. Then he shrugged and looked over to Ben. "Why not? Not like we have anywhere else to go, and Lydecker will be on our ass sooner rather than later."

Phil said nothing, though Ben realized the man wouldn't shove them out of his town. He also didn't want trouble. That would happen if Lydecker showed up and found out that Phil had helped them. So he looked over at Garth, who waited patiently, and nodded. "Sure, it's a good start."

Seattle, Washington (2018)

Michael studied the scene, looking for whatever created that flare-up of power that was noticeable even in Heaven. He'd hoped perhaps it was his father, finally revealing himself after all this time. However, Michael ceased his inspection and sighed when he did not detect his father but found a trace of his brother, Gabriel.

Of course it was Gabriel.

Michael had ignored Gabriel's escape and predilection for paganism over the last couple of millennia. He had no desire to see his younger brother altered, and if Gabriel were returned to Heaven, he would either be jailed like Gadreel or reeducated, so he wouldn't cause issues like those within the Host who questioned edicts. But neither option had been necessary since Gabriel didn't cause problems. He largely stayed away from any activity initiated by the Heavenly Host. He was seemingly entertained by his new role as a so-called god. Accordingly, Michael was content to ignore his brother's existence and let the matter slide.

Looking at the scene, Michael hoped this ignorance could be continued for his brother's sake. "Oh my god!" A gasped, choked out-breath followed the exclamation.

"Max, sugar, you alright, Boo?" Michael turned about and looked toward the voices, finding two human women. One was attempting to catch the other's attention. The other was breathing shallowly as she looked at him in dumbfounded shock. Which meant she was capable of seeing his true form. Fascinating, rarely could a human perceive them, and he watched curiously as she backed up, tears streaming down her cheeks as her gaze flitted over his appearance. The other human looked at him suspiciously, subtly attempting to insinuate herself between them.

Michael turned away from them. He had other priorities, and little time to waste since the longer he remained in his current vessel, the more it thinned out. Because although John Winchester was of the bloodline capable of holding his grace, he was not his true vessel; John's body could only maintain his grace for a short while until his body and soul were obliterated.

Inside he felt John shift when his thoughts touched his own. The man had been adamant about remaining awake whenever he required a vessel to walk the earth. But Michael ignored John and the humans, resolving to discover what this flare-up of power signified later. Right now, he had an appointment to keep with his brother.

Shifting to where Lucifer remained sealed, Michael could sense a demon not far off, but he had no interest in crushing the vermin. Instead he slipped past the barrier and seal. It was designed to keep his brother within, while only Gabriel, Raphael, himself and their father could enter.

Inside, Lucifer, dressed in Sam Winchester's clothes, was reading through a pile of books while comfortably relaxing in an armchair. John shifted uncomfortably, his regret and sadness apparent as he gazed at his son's form. Lucifer looked up, smiling warmly, but it slipped slightly when he noted the form in front of him. "You've worn your vessel for this talk. Not usually your M.O., brother, for our chats. John's looking a bit ragged." His gaze briefly flared with the grace carefully hidden behind the human flesh. "I'd say John won't be around much longer if you keep this up." Again, John Winchester became agitated, and Michael put the human to sleep. He had no interest in placating the human who was his current host.

"Lucifer, our course will not change. You cannot alter fate, even by choosing a path of discord." But Michael paused in his censure, since these rare visits brought back something familiar and comforting to him. They brought him back to a time before Lucifer rebelled, when he was content. When his father had walked in Heaven, the Host was pleased, and humanity, though flawed, was a species full of endless possibilities. However, those days were long past, and Michael had finally reached a point where he wished for it to be over.

Throughout history, there had been other instances when Father's last decree could have been enacted, but each time, he'd hesitated. Certain sequences of events were not lining up as was ordained, the bloodlines were not set, or outcomes had not measured up correctly. But most importantly, his father had not revealed himself to give his consent, so each time, Michael had stopped the apocalypse in its tracks.

Then humanity grew, creating nuclear weapons, achieving space flight, and figuring out cloning. When he stepped into the future to see what came from these advancements and watched humanity destroy themselves and the Earth, Michael gave his consent, and the pieces were set to fall into their ordained path, including the eventual destruction of his brother.

"Brother, no sermons this time." Lucifer stood up and snapped his fingers, and the comfortable room disappeared. They were now standing in what humans had dubbed the Carina Nebula, Mystic Mountain. "Let's enjoy this time since we're both aware that soon enough…" he paused, his gaze thoughtful as he looked out over their father's work, "it could end."

Michael didn't reply and walked forward into the system assumed to support life but which actually supported a different existence. Not a species, but stars, gasses, all things that made up existence; in some ways, these things were better than the species scattered across the universe. These things were elemental and didn't seek their self-destruction as many species inexorably did.

For a moment, he let himself relax and sink into that time long before Father had left, and he was required to keep Heaven in line. Raphael took joy in each creation, desiring to figure out how it worked. Gabriel, the youngest, enjoyed pranks or their variation of antics and followed Lucifer around like a shadow. Lucifer was always eager to learn and show their father how his creations could be improved. Father and their Aunt Amara would have long talks discussing the merits of life beyond themselves. Most of their conversations devolved into arguments, but they were happy.

Then his father continued to create, despite their aunt's arguments against it. First, he created the leviathans, which their aunt easily demonstrated were easily corrupted. This outcome forced his father to create another space to seal away the leviathans before they destroyed everything. Except not long after, their aunt had to be locked away, too, because she'd been tired of playacting and wanted the universe and all its budding creations removed from existence.

Perhaps that was the first time he felt grief, because he'd never wanted to see his family torn apart. Afterward, nothing improved. Oh, there were good moments, but inevitably those moments only led to more grief. Michael pushed away the memories. "You're right, but why here?"

He looked back at his brother and watched contentment cross Lucifer's features. "We used to come here, remember, to sit, enjoy the sights, and talk." Michael nodded as Lucifer stepped beside him. "And I think brother, there is more happening than either of us understands. So I wanted to enjoy the moment and the memories." When he looked over at Lucifer, Michael found him smiling with sincerity. He wondered at his brother's words before he discarded the question and studied their surroundings—nodding to the sentiment since soon enough, this brief respite would be gone. And he would have to kill his brother.

Next chapter, and officially the last part of this arc/prologue, which, as I stated earlier, became much longer than I initially anticipated. Thank you to my beta Eff-dot, who remains a positive influence, and anyone who looks at my story. If you leave a comment or anything else, I appreciate it; enjoy. Also, I won't be updating for a while; sorry for the wait on the next chapter.

Now for chapter notes, Ruby will be a main side character, much like she was in seasons 3 & 4 of Supernatural. Also, and I must empathize, Ruby is not a villain in this fic but more of an anti-hero throughout the story because of her die-hard loyalty to Lucifer and because neither twin is against killing regular humans, as Sam and Dean showcased (except in certain circumstances) in Supernatural. As for why Lucifer has such an interest in the twins (particularly Alec), you will discover that fact later in the story, but there will be hints, and a few have already been dropped in previous chapters.

Garth and his family will function much as Bobby did for the brothers in Supernatural, so expect him to pop up regularly. Lastly, in the show (I have not watched season 15), but as I understand, Michael had no redeeming arcs. From what I read, he remained an asshole with daddy issues. I've seen fanfics with Michael and Lucifer where they're a significant part of the story and therefore are utterly different from their canon versions, making them OC as hell. I didn't want to do that; with these two, Michael will still be an asshole with daddy issues, but there are reasons behind his attitude. While Lucifer is still a manipulative bastard that thinks humans should be wiped from existence. However, he is now willing to bend, and there are explanations for his change in attitude.