Author's note: After a too long break, here I am, writing again and presenting you a small chapter. I still had to cut it in half since it would have gotten too big, as it happens to me way too often :/ But I promise there will only be one chapter left after this one before Lucifer comes back from Hell. Thank you so much to all the people who reviewed, commented, kudoed, or are simply following this story. It was your support and encouraging words that brought me back to writing. Thanks a lot. And now, place to the story. Enjoy!


Chapter 23

Hope and Despair

They stared at each other silently for a few long seconds. God looking at his miracle, Chloe at the being responsible for so much pain and angst in Lucifer's life and her own.

Lucifer's Father looked everything a God should look like; otherworldly and powerful, with a wise benevolent blue gaze that pierced right through her core as if He was seeing all the secrets of her soul. The presence and sight of Him were awe-inspiring, world-rocking, even for her. She had no doubt that had she been any other human than herself, she'd already be on her knees worshipping this grandiose celestial being. But she was not anyone. She was Chloe Decker, Lover of the Devil, new Queen of Hell, and soon to be mother of a celestial child. As impressive as God could be, Chloe realised that she wasn't really feeling intimidated, more like... annoyed? Angry? Her building anger soon surpassed the lingering awe she still felt for this deceitful God.

"If you're waiting for me to thank you for saving my life, you will be sorely disappointed," Chloe spit dryly.

God only lifted an eyebrow in surprise and maybe a bit in amusement at her statement.

It angered Chloe even more, which she didn't try to dissimulate one bit. "Don't think I'm not aware that you didn't save me out of the kindness of your heart. If you saved my life today, it's for your own agenda, and it most likely has to do with manipulating Lucifer once again. Because that's what you do, manipulate everyone, most of all your Fallen son, whom you despise so much that you always redouble in your efforts to find a way to ruin his chances at freedom and happiness."

While talking, Chloe unconsciously walked closer to God, pointing and shaking her index accusingly at Him until she poked it straight into the middle of His torso forcefully. It took her a moment to realize that He truly was there in the flesh and that she could touch Him. Maze's telling of her own encounter with God the day He had made her a Valkyrie came back to Chloe's mind. Maze had try to punch Him only to pass right through and stumble on the ground. The fact that Chloe could touch him now was unsettling. Did He trust her enough not to hurt Him, or was He daring her to try? She had to admit that the idea of punching God in the face was very tempting, if only for everything He did to Lucifer.

Yet, she kept herself back, realising that it wouldn't do any good to anyone. As much as she hated that despicable entity, His being here could be the chance she had been praying for...

God opened then closed his mouth a couple of times before He found the words to answer her accusations.

"You're right, I would probably never have intervened to prevent a human's death if you were not who you are and that you hadn't come to hold such a central place in a grand scheme that took me eons to bring to fruition. I couldn't really let you die here today, could I? My son would never have forgiven me if I had. I'm sure Lucifer would have even found a twisted way to believe that I was the one responsible for your death, and I couldn't have that. I've worked too hard to get to this point in my relationship with Lucifer and it's still too fragile to risk having it blow up in my face now. Yet, I wouldn't call it a complete manipulation on my part, not when my motivation was not only for myself, but also for Lucifer's sake."

Chloe snorted in disbelief. Did God really believe she would gob that? After everything?

She was prevented from voicing a smart retort that was on the tip of her tongue when God lifted a hand haltingly to stop her, His fingertips brushing her sleeve.

"Lucifer loves you, Chloe Decker. For the first time in his long existence, my son has learned to love and be loved in return. That is something I, has a Father, blatantly failed to teach him. I owe you a great debt for saving his soul from drowning into darkness and for showing him what happiness really feels like."

God's statement efficiently left Chloe speechless for a few moments.

"I-I don't understand...," she finally stammered faintly, utterly confused. "You talk as if Lucifer's happiness meant anything to you, while you're keep him down in Hell against his will, and after... well, everything you did against him!" She was rapidly getting upset rather than confused. "You even hint at a supposed relationship with him whereas I know for a fact that Lucifer wouldn't miss an opportunity to squeeze the life out of you if he had the chance. Are you delusional or what? And if Lucifer knew that you are about to kill our unborn child, he would find a way to storm Heaven and bring you down!" Now Chloe was panting in rage, not caring that tears were blurring her vision and smudging her cheeks.

To Chloe's utter surprise, instead of upsetting God with her tirade and threat, she saw His Arabian traits drop in sorrow.

"Oh Chloe..." God whispered, voice and bright gaze full of emotions.

He lifted a hand as if wanting to wipe her tears away with his fingers, but Chloe recoiled in surprise and reluctance at being touched by the root of all her misfortune.

Fortunately, God didn't insist and retreated his hand slowly.

"I am deeply sorry Miss Decker if my silence about the faith of your unborn child caused you so much angst. I wanted to be the one to tell you. I was waiting for a good opportunity to do so, but now I see that I should have come to you sooner. For that, I must ask your forgiveness."

He sounded so apologetic! Was there any chance...? Could this be so simple? Could her dream of insuring her child's safety be so easy to achieve, without any more drama nor fight? She tried to remind herself that she might be misinterpreting His words. He hadn't said anything clear after all. Not yet. Chloe's breathe was stuck in her lungs under the rush of blinding hope hitting her.

God barely waited before pursuing, but to Chloe the pause felt endless.

"This new soul you are carrying in your womb, which you created out of love with my son, is destined to become a beautiful and amazing being. I would never, ever, do anything to bring harm to it, Chloe."

A shuddering sob escaped Chloe's lips at the confirmation that her child would be safe from God. Her hands came up to cover her abdomen in a loving embrace while she sent comforting vibes to her baby who'd been restless and anxious in reaction to Chloe's own nervousness since God's appearance. It seemed to be working for she could feel her child relax slowly.

Chloe opened her eyes when she felt God cover her hands carefully with one of His own.

"May this child always be safe, and live for eternity," God whispered like a prayer. Or more akin to a benediction.

A benediction given straight from God.

"Thank you," Chloe said as softly as He'd spoken, a few tears of joy flowing down her cheeks.

God reached out slowly with His other hand, and this time Chloe let Him brush her tears away.

After a few seconds, Chloe cleared her throat a couple times, trying to regain the use of speech, or was it of her wits? There were a thousand questions she should be asking God, but right now she could hardly focus on anything else than the fact that her child was at last safe. It was safe! She could barely believe it. She wouldn't have to go through the pain of losing it, neither would Lucifer.

Lucifer...

Chloe's gaze refocussed back on God's like a hound pointing at its prey.

As if reading her mind, He answered the question that was burning her lips.

"Lucifer is alive and well," He reassured her. "At least physically..." God grimaced at his own words and at Chloe's fearful reaction to them. "Lucifer is dutifully and willingly accomplishing a great task in Hell because he realizes its importance. Yet, what he has to do to complete his duty is weighting down on him more than even I could predict."

Chloe already had the feeling that Lucifer was losing himself down there, and now God was all but confirming one of her greatest fear.

"He will come back to you soon, Chloe. I give you my word. But when he does, he will need you. He will need your love more than ever. I trust that you can bring him back from the shadows once again."

Tears threatening to overflow once more, Chloe could only nod her resolve in silent promise to always be there for Lucifer, whatever happened. What God considered as «soon», she couldn't start to guess. She could only hope that it would be human-scale soon. Did God know that Maze was gone to Hell to bring Lucifer back? Was it what he was talking about? And if God wasn't aware of the rescue mission, maybe Lucifer could be back even sooner than He thought possible.

God smiled sweetly at her. "In the meantime, take good care of my grandchild, will you?

I've been waiting a long time to have an heir here on Earth who would represent both the celestial and the terrestrial world. I couldn't think of better parents than you and Lucifer for this unusual task." At that, God winked at her and broke into a beaming smile.

Against all her common sense, Chloe's lips split into a real smile of happiness and relief.

"I think congratulations are in order here, Miss Decker. And before I forget," He added warmly, "welcome in the Family!"

"Oh! Thank you!?" Chloe answered uncertainly.

The whole situation was becoming more and more surreal for her.

Before she could shake herself out of it, God was giving her a little bow in farewell. At the last second, He turned his gaze to his right to look down at the dying Hellhound.

"Now get up Boy, and stop looking for attention! You've got work to do to protect my new Daughter and my Heir. I won't have you slack down on the job!"

To Chloe's amazement, Doom sprang up energetically like he'd never been shot and yelp like a soldier acknowledging an order. While there was still a sickening amount of blood all over his fur, Chloe's hound had no apparent trace left of any injury.

God brought Chloe's attention back to him. "It has been a real pleasure meeting you my dear. Keep being strong, Chloe, you're doing just fine, and I know you can face what's coming with the same grace."

Chloe had no time wondering what God meant exactly that He was already gone, vanished into thin air.

The first clear indication confirming to Chloe that time had resumed its normal course was the vision of a flying Doom jumping at Murdock's throat.

The rogue detective landed down on his back with a heavy hound pinning him down and a drooling jaw locked around his neck. No clear words left his lips, only whinings of pain and fear.

"What the hell just happened?" Dan asked in an almost hysterical way.

He was now pointing his gun at Murdock with his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets. "One second he was shooting at you, then you kind of vanished only to reappear a few feet away. And now Doom looks as good as new. This is insane!"

Chloe recovered quickly from her otherworldly encounter and put a calming hand on Dan's arm. "It would be too long to explain. Just see it as a miracle for now. Please?"

"O... Ok!? But you sure owe me an explanation later," Dan conceded, still visibly shaken.

Chloe squeezed his arm and nodded simply. She just couldn't shake the little smile away from her face at the knowledge that her child was now safe from God, and that Lucifer would be back soon. She still had to focus on her job though. They were in deep trouble with Murdock having just tried to kill them and a demon on the loose in the woods so close to human population.

Before Chloe or Dan could come up with the beginning of a plan, shouts resounded all around them from the woods, ordering them to drop their guns and go on their knees. In a few seconds, they were surrounded by Federal agents with no apparent way out of this mess.

They both complied quickly, hoping to not give their captors any reasons to shoot them.

"Don't move Doom! It's gonna be ok," warned Chloe before the Hellhound could do anything crazy.

The hound clearly didn't like her command, but he kept still, instead voicing his displeasure with dangerous growls directed at the new comers.

The man apparently in charge of the FBI tactical team had them stand up before him once they were handcuffed. Behind him was standing the priest that Chloe recognised as the one who was now working with the Feds, which led to the idea that this team had to be the one chasing the demons who escaped from Hell.

As if to confirm her strong suspicions, Chloe saw four Feds coming from the woods who were pushing forward a prisoner wearing a long dark coat with the hood on. The captive was fasten with handcuffs and heavy chains around the ankles, which were leaving him barely able to walk. It was only when he was brought closer and that his hood was taken off that Chloe understood that he was no human. He had to be the demon who'd just escaped the little cabin a moment ago and who was responsible for the disappearances that Dan and she were investigating.

Chloe also understood how that demon could have gone unnoticed for a week in the middle of the city. He was human shaped, mostly, just bigger than most men, and very hairy. With his hood down, it was hard to notice his demonic traits, but without it, it became evident that this creature was far from human. For one, his entire face was covered in dark fur, and probably the rest of his body too. His pointy ears and yellow eyes looked a lot like those of a wolf, as were the long fangs he displayed when he hissed at the commanding officer. That demon looked more like a walking werewolf than anything else.

Doom reacted strongly to his presence, looking ready to jump at him at the merest sign of an attack.

An agent who'd barged into the cabin to check it out came back with a livid air. "Sir! We found a few dead corpses. Hard to say how many since most of were dismembered and eaten up. It's a gruesome sight."

Another agent came out of the shack to throw up in the grass, shaken to the core.

"Well, well! Looks like we caught you red handed, Miss Decker," the commanding officer happily declared. "I knew that my patience would be rewarded and that you would eventually lead us to more demons, and victims. I just didn't expect it to be on your first day back on the job, and I certainly didn't see coming that your ex-husband was taking a part in your satanic activities."

"What? You think I'm a Satanist? That I have anything to do with this?" Many hypothesis had crossed Chloe's mind to explain the FBI's presence here, but never would she have seen that one coming.

The agent chuckled disdainfully at her. "What else could you be? Don't think we're not aware that you are the Devil's whore and that you work with the demon Mazikeen, as well as with a black male demon we haven't yet identified. That poor detective on the ground should probably be decorated for trying to stop you from doing your dark deeds. To make matters worse, we know everything about the horde of demons that you helped conjure here on Earth. The Devil's plan to overcome humankind will not work. We will stop him, and as soon as he resurfaces from wherever he is hiding, we will kill him!"

Chloe's reality was quickly dissolving into a pit of horror and despair. Lucifer's real identity was known by the authorities? And they thought that he was the bad guy in this story, along with their friends and herself? Could things get any worse than that? What future did they have together if Lucifer was to be hunted down and she ended up in a federal prison for the rest of her life? What would become of Trixie? Of her celestial child to come...?

Dan erupted in outrage. "Are you nuts? Chloe is certainly no whore, and Lucifer has done more for humanity's sake than you'll ever know. You would probably be long dead by now, you and everyone in this city, if it wasn't for him. You have no idea what he had to give up to save this planet from a demonic invasion. You've got it all wrong, man! If someone is working with demons, it's Detective Murdock here who just tried to kill us because we are a pain in those demons' asses. You don't know the first thing about what's really going on, so start by apologising to Chloe for calling her a whore if you want us to explain anything to you."

The agent glared darkly at Dan for a long moment, not letting show what he was thinking of the latter's tirade, even less apologizing for his accusations.

At that moment, Chloe's eyes crossed the priest's gaze who was staring straight at her in silence. He was not just looking at her. He was analysing her, as if she were a mystery. He didn't know the half of it...

The leader finally spoke again. "Let's bring them to the headquarters. After a few hours of questioning, I'm sure the truth will come out."

The threat behind those words were clear; Dan and Chloe were in for a rough ride.

Unable to keep himself in check anymore, Doom let go of Murdock's neck and turned towards the lead agent to protect Chloe. He bared his fangs and emitted a terrifying growl worthy of the hellish beast that he was.

Chloe stopped her hound at the last second before he could torn the guy apart or get shot by all the agents aiming at him. "Doom, stop! Everything's gonna be fine. We will sort this out."

"Yes, keep that beast quiet," warned the leader. "I won't hesitate to kill it myself even if I'm pretty sure my scientists would very much like to study it. It clearly isn't a terrestrial creature."

The agent turned to the priest for confirmation of Doom's hellish nature, which the still silent man gave with a simple nod.

With great difficulty, Doom eventually calmed down at Chloe's insistence and calming words. The hound was quickly chained up and pulled along with the other captives.

Chloe wondered if God had been referring to this terrible development when he talked about something that was to come, which He was certain Chloe could face with grace. Right now, she didn't feel graceful at all as she stumbled along the wooden path while being pushed towards an uncertain future.


Author's note: Did you see that one coming? :))) It's going to get interesting... Awaiting anxiously your reviews or comments. I hope you liked it. Thanks for reading.