And I'm back. I'm glad with how everything is going for the story, and I have pretty much all of part one for the Saga 1 planned out, though this chapter did change a bit but that won't be a huge issue. And now that I've waited long enough I am gonna respond to the reviews.
Kival737101: Well for one, it doesn't matter if he's dead cause this isn't after the show. Two, I thought he was a weak villain and would serve as a protagonist alongside Charlie from a Heavenly perspective. So theres that, and this is a story of love and redemption which certain people deserve, as it is a retelling. I think you'll enjoy the turn for when Adam's arc begins, which next chapter is a big plus in helping it.
195: Thanks man. I think you can do a lot in eight episodes, episode 4 should have been the main focus so to speak, characters growing together facing that triumph and seeing a possible redemption in Hell, the final ep coudl've been all about Charlie growing and reconcile with her dad throughout the whole season instead of one damn episode. But I digress, enjoy the chapter!
Mmmm: Oh I'm cooking alright, let's hope I don't burn the kitchen down. Enjoy!
Guest: Thanks!
Anti-Mage 29: Yes and look where giving the fruit led to, and what did Lucifer do? He just walked away and humans continued to sin thus creating a problem. IDK why you listed the sins of Adam, I never said he was a good person (Despite having so much potential in an equally potential missing show) I just agree with Hell is Forever and it sucks. Hell isn't California with a paintjob, it's a hellish abyss of torment and I'm not gonna pretend its not. The theme of 'How does one get into Heaven' is both dumb when its barely tackled (Since the group essentially does one trust exercise and we deal with several time skips acting like it's complete character development), pushed aside for other plotlines (Angel Death, Daddy issues, the one good ep with Angel Dust and abuse) that are SOLVED INSTANTLY, and is then dropped during the sixth episode when somehow Heaven doesn't know how souls get into Heaven. That is One: Incredibly dumb and BAD story writing for the cosmic beings who have been stated to watch the universe and oversee Earth. Two: Tries to make sympathetic when everyone on Earth is essentially damned if you ain't like a Christian or something. It's bad storywriting through and through, which I feel for Helluva Boss (Millie, very quickly solved plotlines, barely lack of IMP) lacks as well. Like I said, Adam is the main centered focus and he does go through redemption, I don't agree with a story made by someone who both damned hell, or another one who abandoned her family for seven years for a cloud in Heaven. Sorry, not sorry. Lucifer is the same as he is in the show in present time but wasn't like that in the past, none of them were, but we'll see that later. Enjoy tho cause I do understand what you mean and see the feedback!
Guest 2: Ya know, I thought about posting it on AO3 but I haven't decided yet. Enjoy!
DustSans12: Thanks! I appreciate the feedback, enjoy!
2000: We'll see. Enjoy!
TheGamer24: Thanks and I'm glad you're enjoying the story! Enjoy!
SaiyaSage: Lol, glad you're loving the story Saiya. If you liked that bit with Charlie, you're gonna love the bit in this chapter, it was really fun to write.
Chapter Four: Trust Part Two
"Adam!" Adam looked up from his chores, Raphael at his side watching him plant new seeds, as Lilith ran towards them. Jophiel and Sera slowly flew behind with large smiles on their lips. After Lilith arrived some of the Angels became much more involved in Adam's life, with the exception of Michael who stood at the walls of the Garden along with several other Angels Adam had never spoken to.
"Adam, look what Lucifer showed me." Adam tilted his head, standing up to see a strange new creature in Lilith's arms, it had white feathers and a beak like the ducks, yet it looked far more majestic.
"By Father, that is beautiful, Lilith….What is it?" Adam asked, reaching out to pet the bird.
"Lucifer called it a Swan, he believes it his greatest creation, and I agree." Lilith explained, a look of confusion on Adam's features.
"But….I thought you liked my Eagle?" Adam asked in confusion.
"The animals can be ALL of your favorites, Adam, not one needs to be favored then the rest." Sera explained, placing a hand on Adam's shoulder.
"Oh, right, of course Sera." Adam said with a small smile.
"Now what's happening, here, brother?" Jophiel asked, flying up to Raphael.
"I am helping Adam plant a new seed Father gifted him. This new fruit was actually of Adam's own design." Raphael complimented, Adam blushing in embarrassment as the angels applauded him.
"What's it going to be like, Adam?" Lilith asked.
"Well, I don't have a name for it, but most of the fruit we have are all shaped like spheres, so I thought of one that is long and yellow but still easy to hold onto." Adam explained, using his hands to gesture the shape.
"...Like your genitals?" Everyone looked over to see Lucifer floating towards them.
"Lucifer, do not be so provocative." Jophiel scolded her younger brother.
"What?! He's the one who based it off his own privates." Lucifer scoffed.
"My…privates? That wasn't really what I had in mind when I came up with the idea." Adam admitted, looking down at himself.
"Not to worry, Adam, Lucifer simply forgets to think before opening his mouth." Raphael stated, a small glare in his eyes before guiding Adam away.
"Now, let's get back to your duties." Adam nodded, but Lilith's soft laughter caught his attention, looking back to see her laughing at something Lucifer had said.
"It looks like Lyra loves you, which makes sense since you are THE most beautiful thing in the garden." Lucifer complimented, smiling softly at the First Woman.
"Oh, well thank you, Lord Lucifer."
"Please, please, call me Luci." Adam's eyes widened at the strange nickname Lucifer had allowed Lilith to call him, heck only the Archangels had called him that from time to time. He didn't know why….but his chest flared at the way Lilith smiled at Lucifer, and vice versa.
"Now, let's cover the seed and get some water from the lake." Raphael said, Adam kneeling down to help cover the seed in soil. Yet his mind wandered to Lucifer and Lilith, it had been some time since Lilith was created and since then the youngest of the Archangels had made his presence known. Lucifer was of course a gifted angel capable of projecting light, shapeshifting into the very animals around them, and could perform music through strange objects like one he called a violin. Yet during his time in the garden when he isn't at the wall talking with Michael, he is with Lilith transforming into different animals for her amusement. Adam could not explain the feeling in his chest, but he didn't like it.
"Adam." Adam looked up to see Lilith smiling down, her warm smile bringing a wave of relief over his entire being.
"Perhaps I should join you in these chores." The words caught everyone, even Lucifer, by surprise.
"Join me? You want to do my chores with me?" Adam asked, Lilith nodding her head eagerly.
"Lilith, now while I don't have a problem with it, you have your own duties to attend as made by Father." Raphael said softly, smiling gently at the First Woman, only for her to sharply turn her head in his direction. Raphael was surprised by the quick movement, his wings flapping at the sudden action.
"But am I not Adam's equal?"
"Well….yes, bu-!"
"But Raph's right, Lilith. You don't wanna get dirty, that's more Adam's thing." Lucifer said, trying to pull Lilith away.
"If I am Adam's equal, then do I not deserve to work the same chores as him. Do you all think I can't do it?" Lilith asked, curiosity and pain in her tone.
"Of course not, Lilith." Jophiel said, placing an arm and wing around Lilith.
"It's just that everyone here has a purpose, we Archangels are to guide for a time, Adam is to attend the Garden and its life, and you at his side. However, Father has given you both clear chores to attend to, Adam is to make the food for the animals and you, while you attend said animals." Jophiel explained, but Lilith took a step back, clutching the Swan tightly.
"But Adam and I are equals, yet his chores are much different than mine and they have stayed that way since I got here. If Adam can do something, so can I." Lilith said, placing the Swan down as the Angels seem to draw closer to her, trying their best to explain her purpose. Suddenly, a hand covered in dirt reached up and took hers, Adam standing up and smiling gently at his wife.
"Lilith, it's alright. While I don't know why you wish to do my chores, I'm not gonna stop you. Perhaps we can switch, I'll attend the animals…..if that is alright?" Adam asked, looking at the angels for permission.
"Adam, this is your garden, you may do what you wish. While Father did give you both instructions, so long as they are done I am sure he will overlook it." Sera reassured, smiling at Adam who smiled in return.
"Alright, I guess I'll help Lilith with plantin-!"
"No, that is my duty. YOU can go help Adam with the animals." Raphael ordered, gently guiding Lilith away, Lucifer groaning in annoyance. Yet as Adam was walking away, he looked back to see Lilith staring back at him, a look of longing in her eyes. He felt his cheek heat up, but quickly turned around when Lucifer patted his back guiding him away, while Sera and Jophiel flew away when Camael called them. Now Adam stood in the middle of the field, a stick in hand with dozens of different animals from sheeps to goats, and cows.
"Now, Lilith does this a little differently so you might wanna be gentle when guiding the animals." Lucifer instructed, sitting on a nearby rock. Adam looked at Lucifer with a cocked eyebrow, but shrugged before going to his work.
"Come along, Lema." Adam commanded rubbing the sheep's wool.
"Hey, hey Adam that's no-!" But Lucifer's words were cut off when the sheep gently followed Adam, the one he called Lema following in front, the First Man guiding them along with a whistle. He led them to a new patch of grass, and once they were done he walked to the cows, petting one's head as it mooed.
"You know I've thought of asking Michael to create a new type of cow, but more muscular and had strange bone-like protrusions from its head. Like the goats but straight out." Adam mused, guiding the cow to a new patch while the original spot regrows.
"Why ask him? Ya know I can shapeshift into animals, right?" Lucifer asked in a hurt tone.
"I didn't mean to insult you Lord Luc-"
"Oh my Father, Adam, I'm just messing with you." Lucifer chuckled, floating off the rock and standing beside the First Man, even with his hat he was still shorter than the man.
"Man, even Uriel can take a joke more than you, and he's the stiffest one of us all." Lucifer laughed, elbowing Adam who softly smiled. He would never say it out loud since he respected them all, but Uriel was the one who barely smiled around the group, always keeping an eye out for something or someone. He, like Michael, stood at the walls with the other angels and barely mingled until it was time to eat or leave with the rest of the angels.
"Right, well I should continue to attend to my chores, I don't want to disappoint Lord Michael and Lady Sera." Adam said. He heard rustling above, looking to a nearby tree, seeing something hidden in the branches.
"Ya know I'm beginning to think you like Michael and Sera more than you like the others, me included." Lucifer teased, bringing Adam's attention back to him.
"Well, your brother is a strong individual who I greatly respect, and Lady Sera has been here since I was born. I deeply admire Sera, she is kind and always helps me when I was alone."
"Oh yeah, you admire her more than Lilith?" Lucifer's question caught Adam by surprise, and his cheeks heated up in confusion.
"Of course not, I deeply care for both, but I love Lilith." Adam said, eyes narrowed at Lucifer.
"Hey, hey I get it. It's fine, after all….you and Lilith are envious of us." Lucifer said with a soft frown, confusing Adam.
"Envious….of you?"
"Well yeah, Father calls you his greatest collection…..yet look between us." Lucifer said, gesturing between the two.
"You don't have wings, halos, and barely any powers besides understanding animals. Lilith told me she wished she had wings like me, don't you want wings like us?" Lucifer asked. Adam had many things running through his head, like why would Lilith feel envious? They were Adam and Lilith, the Almighty's Greatest Creation and rulers of Eden. Why was Lucifer talking to his wife about this? What else were they talking about? Was….was he envious?
"Hey, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but I would be pretty upset if Father never gave me wing-!"
"Then perhaps I shall make a request to Father in removing your wings and giving them to Adam." Both looked up to see Uriel descending towards them.
"Since you seem so adamant on belittling Adam's existence as if it is some cosmic joke and not taking your duties seriously, go find an angel who shares your sense of humor." Uriel growled, glaring at Lucifer who shrugged.
"I'm just saying…if Lilith wanted something, and I couldn't do it because of my inability to, I'd be pretty frustrated." Lucifer said with a small smile, patting Adam's back before flying away, Uriel floating over to Adam.
"Adam, you may not have wings like us, but that doesn't make you any less special. Father created you for a reason, and only you have the answer to that."
"..."
"Adam?"
"..."
"Hey, Dickmaster?"
"H-Huh? Oh right, what was the question?" Adam asked, looking at at the feline sinner.
"So…..cockroaches, whose idea was that? Charlie's Dad?" Husk asked, cleaning a shot glass as Adam, Angel, and Lute sat at the bar. The Exorcist was cleaning her blade while Adam and Angel took some shots, talking about more animals the First Man had helped create. Alastor was off who knows where, Nifty was chasing bugs to kill, Razzle and Dazzle were helping Charlie and Vaggie, and Keekee was laying in Adam's lap. It's been a few weeks since the trust exercises and Adam continued his weekly visits to the Hotel, of course the morning as of now was slow with Charlie coming up with new ideas.
"No, believe it or not it was Charlie's uncle Gabriel." Adam explained, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Really? Wait, why would an angel want to make a cockroach?" Angel asked.
"Well, it was sort of like an experiment. You see his older brother had a sword that was frickin hot, so hot it could burn through everything, he wanted to see if he could create a bug that could withstand the damn heat. So we came up with a few insects, some that failed, some that still haven't seen the light of day since Gabriel scrapped them. Eventually he came up with the cockroach and it actually lasted…..for a few seconds but that was longer for most who just burn to ash before it even reaches the blade." Adam explained.
"Damn, that explains why cockroaches are so damn tough." Husk said.
"Yeah back then, but when Eden fell, everything became much weaker." Adam said, downing a shot.
"What are you guys talking about?" Charlie asked, walking up to the group, Vaggie and her pets behind her.
"Mr. Dickmaster here was telling us stories about your uncle, Gabriel." Angel answered, Charlie gasping in awe.
"I have an Uncle named Gabriel?! Oh what's he like?" Charlie cooed, running up to Adam, who was petting Keekee on the head.
"Gabe? Well, out of the group he's the most chill of them all, which is funny considering he's the fastest being the messenger and all that. He was the one who met with the Virgin Mary to tell her about the coming of her kid."
"Her kid?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah, Jesus Christ."
"Oh, sorry." Charlie apologized, though confused why Adam seemed annoyed saying that, though now seeing confusion on his features.
"No, Charlie, that's the name of Mary's baby. Jesus Christ." Vaggie said, surprising Charlie.
"Really? Wait I thought that was just an expression of shock, like Jesus Christ!"
"It is, but it's also the name of the Son of God, and probably THE nicest guy to date. I'll tell you about him later, but back to Gabriel. Gabe is the second youngest of your uncles, and honestly one of the few in your family to love rock and roll like yours truly~~!" Adam hummed, jamming two thumbs to his chest.
"I didn't think Heaven would have rock concerts up in Heaven, isn't it all opera or something?" Angel asked, downing his shot.
"Choir, and at some point in time opera...and Jazz. Sure the stuff is nice for like five minutes but when you listen to it for years….you just wanna slam your head against a pillar. Luckily a decade ago, Gabe and I traveled to Earth cause he wanted to show me a rock concert and holy fuck did this speak to me on….such a fucking emotional level." Adam hummed, a small smile on his lips.
"Since then I've been hosting concerts once every month, and Saints love it, it took the Angels a few years but they got into it. Makes them happy."
"Aw, singing makes me happy too." Charlie giggled.
"Yeah, I could fucking tell with ya, but enough about that I'm guessing you got some new hippie exercise for everyone?" Adam asked, setting down Keekee as Charlie grabbed his hand.
"OHMYGOSH Right, follow me everyone!" Charlie sang as she dragged Adam knowing he'd take the longest. He rolled his eyes and allowed Charlie to drag him along, Lute sheathing her blade and glaring at Vaggie before following her commander. The group followed Charlie over to a circle of chairs with an empty bottle in the center.
"What game are you playing, Princess?" Lute asked, now used to calling Charlie by Adam's nickname, whether out of spite or just to annoy either Vaggie or Charlie they didn't know.
"You'll see, each of the chairs has a name for you." Charlie explained, sitting down in the chair that stood closest to the entrance. Lute sat down, growling when she noticed Alastor on her left, only to groan when Vaggie sat on her right. Pentious sat between Vaggie and Husk with his Egg Boiz, the feline sinner next to Charlie. Nifty sat on Charlie's right which left…..Adam and Angel Dust.
"You have got to be fucking kidding me." Adam growled, seeing the only chair left between Angel Dust and Nifty. The pornstar patted his seat, beckoning him over with his other hand, the First Man grumbling before sitting beside Angel and Nifty.
"You'll warm up to me soon, Big Boy."
"I've been here for almost a month and I still don't even know if Angel Dust is your real name or pornstar name." Adam growled, crossing his arms.
"Okay, so here's how the game works: I'm sure everyone here has heard of 'Spin the bottle'?" Charlie asked.
"Oh hell yeah, making out with the bitches….Wait." Adam's excitement turned south when he realized half the group were girls…..so he had a fifty chance of-!
"Damn right, better pucker up….Unless you want a kiss down there." Angel whispered, pointing at Adam's crotch.
"When the six months are up, I'm gonna incinerate you and dance on your ashes."
"OKAY! Now back to the game, this one is a little different. Whoever spins the bottle and whoever the bottle points at must…HUG~~~!" Charlie sang, leaning back in her chair flamboyantly.
"Hug? Seriously?" Husk asked, already done with this shit.
"Yes, hugs are a physical form of trust and bonds one can form. I've also read that you can really judge a person by how they hug. So I also got a one minute sand timer for when it's time to hug. Since this is my idea, I'll start first, but let's lay some ground rules for certain 'individuals' in the room." Charlie began, holding her hand up listing it.
"There will be no sexual comments, no groping, and no secret weapons to stab people." Charlie listed.
"You heard her big guy, keep your hands off the merchandise." Angel teased, hand on Adam's shoulder.
"That goes for you too, Angel."
"HA! You heard her Pornstar, keep your hands off the merchandise." Adam retorted with a grin.
"And when she means secret weapons, who do you think she is referring to?" Vaggie asked, glaring at Lute's sword.
"Vaggie, you're also part of the problem." Charlie said, catching Vaggie by surprise, Lute grinning at the callout.
"Wha, Babe-!"
"Vaggie you carry that angelic spear around all the time, hell I don't even know where you keep it."
"Yeah, it's almost like it's angelic ability." Adam teased, Vaggie's glare turning to him, Charlie nodding her head.
"Right?! Okay, now give me the weapons." Charlie said, holding her arms waiting for them to hand the blades over.
"Sir, permi-!"
"Just give it to her, Lutey, I doubt she even knows how to use a blade." Adam said, Lute groaning before begrudgingly handing Charlie her sword, Vaggie following suit with her spear.
"Thank you. Also, Adam, I'll have you know I am trained to use a pitchfork." Charlie corrected, setting the weapons off to the side.
"Why a pitchfork?" Husk asked.
"Well why not, I heard back during the hole days of Hell, demons used pitchforks to torture sinners. Ah what I wouldn't give to see the old days and listen to their screams." Alastor hummed pleasantly, earning a glare from the Angels.
"Well…..I just liked to think it was a giant fork I could use for dinner." Charlie admitted bashfully.
"Yeah that sounds more like your reasoning." Adam said.
"Okay, now let's begin." Charlie said, Razzle flying in above the bottle.
"Razzle will spin the bottle, and since I'm going first we'll go clockwise so Husk will be next and so on. Razzle." Razzle nodded as Dazzle flew off to the side sitting beside Keekee. The demon goat spun the bottle and flew to the side, everyone watching in silent anticipation or dread at who it would choose. Finally the bottle stopped, everyone looking towards the maid of the hotel, Nifty hopping up and down her chair.
"Nifty! Come up here and give me a hu-GRK!" Charlie felt the wind knocked out of her as Nifty tackled her, tiny arms wrapped around her neck, several of the occupants laughing.
"Aw, see, isn't this….A little tight~~ Nifty? Nifty! TIGHT! TOO TIGHT!" Charlie gasped with Nifty's grip like steel around her neck, making her gag.
"Charlie?!"
"I-It's FINE! TRUST IN HUGS!" Charlie gasped, looking at the sand timer seeing she still had some time left.
"Oh dear Charlotte, you're looking a little blue." Alastor teased.
"Should we….stop th-!"
"Hollup….let 'em hug." Adam stopped Angel, smirking as the hug continued until the sand timer went out.
"Okay Nifty, that's enough!" Vaggie huffed, and just like a switch Nifty hopped off Charlie, an innocent smile on her lips.
"I LOVE hugs." Nifty said, Charlie panted and gasped for air, sitting back in her chair.
"Se…..See? Trust in hugs and I learned so much from Nifty's."
"Yeah, what'd you learn?" Husk asked.
"She…..she has a lot of strength despite her size. Husk….it's your turn." Charlie panted, leaning back in her seat.
"...If I pray to this Almighty right now, you think he'd just pop halo's on us?" Husk asked, looking at Adam.
"I'll pray that I don't get her." Adam said, pointing at Nifty. Husk grumbled as Razzle flew over and spun the bottle, the feline sinner waiting for whoever it was and simply hoping it wasn't Alastor. Luckily his wish came true, but he wasn't any happier with the choice.
"Shit." Husk said, staring across from the Exorcist, Lute cocking her eyebrow at him.
"Husk, Lute." The feline sinner grumbled when Charlie called their names before standing up, slouched as Lute stood up and both walked to the center. Both stared each other in the eye: Husk's uncaring and lack of uninterested gaze, while Lute stared at him with a stern glare. Once Charlie flipped over the timer, Husk slowly wrapped his arms around Lute, the Exorcist following suit with both her arms under his wings and around his waist and vice versa. Husk never thought in all his years of being a sinner would he be hugging the angel that no doubt killed thousands of his people. Yet despite her cold demeanor…...he felt the warmth from the heavenly being.
"You're armor's feels like it's sticking to my hair so it'll probably pull a few off." Husk stated.
"Mm…..you smell of alcohol and depression." Lute stated.
"Mmm….Do all angels have wings as grey as yours?" Husk asked.
"No, mine are a special case…..Your wings."
"Hmm?"
"They need to be preened, I'll do it after the session." Lute said, catching Husk by surprise.
"And time." Charlie said, completely in awe at the conversation the two had.
"Woah h-hold I do-!"
"I wasn't asking and it's non-negotiable. I despised wings in that state." Lute said, pulling away from Husk and walking back to her seat.
"It's true, Angels up there get prissy if you don't preen your wings. Heck there's a whole day just for preening someone's wing. The Angels believe it also a sign of trust and bond if you allow others to preen your wings." Adam explained.
"Aw, that's so sweet. I wished I had wings now." Charlie pouted as Husk sat back down, looking away from Lute.
"...Hey how come you always refer to them like that?" Angel asked, looking up at Adam.
"Who?"
"The Angels? You always refer to them being completely different from you." Angel said.
"They are different from me, they're angels and I'm the First Man." Adam said as if it was obvious.
"But….aren't you an angel, Adam, when you died?" Charlie asked, both Lute and Adam looking at each other in confusion.
"No. I'm a Saint."
"Find that hard to believe." Vaggie grumbled.
"A SSSaint?" Pentious asked.
"Yeah, it's a soul that enters Heaven, or Winners as I like to call them. It's the equivalent of a Sinner down here in Hell. Saints only have Halos, and their bodies change to fit their soul when they go up. Lute here is an angel cause she's Heavenborne, while I have wings because I ascended to Celestial Status." Adam explained.
"Ascended?"
"It's too long to explain, let's just continue the game." Adam said, rather not wanting to explain why he got his wings. Vaggie on the other hand was always curious since she believed it was because Adam is the 'First Man' and Heaven's biggest celebrity so he was more privileged than others.
"Okay, Pentious is up."
"YAY!" The snake sinner hissed as Razzle rolled the bottle. Everyone watched it spin for a few seconds before slowly stopping right at Lute, Pentious looking up with a gasp.
"Didn't I already go?" Lute asked.
"Well technically yes, but everyone is gonna get a chance to hug so it never hurts." Lute wanted to retort how it would be a waste of time but bit her tongue as Pentious waved at her.
"Don't worry, Miss Lute, I have something special planned for you. As a form of thank you."
"Thank you?" Lute asked now confused, slowly and hesitantly standing up.
"Aw a thank you gift, Pentious, that is so sweet." Charlie sniffled, the Snake Sinner standing up and lowering down his Egg Boiz.
"Okay Minions just like we practiced. Go." Pentious ordered.
"Okay Boss!" One of them said, the five eggs waddling up to Lute.
"Ahem, Miss Lute, we would like to thank you for saving our Boss with a song we made." The first one said, surprising Lute.
"Okay boys from the top, take it Frank!" The first one said, pointing at the far end one on the left.
"I'm not Frank, I'm Dave, he's Frank." Dave said, pointing to the one next to him.
"I'm not Frank, I'm Bill, he's Frank." Bill pointed at the egg between the first one and the other unnamed one.
"I'm not Frank, I'm Kevin….wait, we have names?" Kevin asked, looking at his hands.
"Wait, are you Frank?" The first one asked, pointing at the last one.
"No, I'm Morias the Defiler." Morias said, pointing at himself.
"Oh I'm Frank…..Okay, I'll take it from the top." Frank cleared his throat, preparing to sing, when Kevin tapped his shoulder.
"What are the lyrics again?" Kevin asked.
"I told you guys it-!"
"When does the timer end?" Lute asked, looking over at Charlie.
"...It kind of has to start when you guys hug…..Sorry." Charlie cringed as Lute's eye twitched rapidly.
"Sir, can I just hug the snake sinner."
"N-No, this shit is fucking killing me and I wanna see where it goes." Adam snorted as Angel recorded with his phone, the First Man conjuring a bowl of popcorn and offering it to the sinner.
"Okay, did everyone get that?" Frank asked, the others nodding.
"Alright, a five, six, se-!"
"Wait, why do you get to go first?" Bill asked, the others nodding in agreement.
"Well I'm the leader." Frank stated.
"We didn't vote for you, this is rigged." Dave grumbled.
"Okay, okay. All in favor of I, Frank, being the leader say AYE!"
"AYE!"
"Okay then whoever doesn't want Frank to be the leader say Nay."
"NAY!"
"Okay well that's settled, you okay with that, Bill?" Frank asked, looking at the other egg.
"I'm not Bill, I'm Kevin he's Bill." Kevin pointed at Kevin.
"I'm not Kevin, I'm Dave. Hold, we should ask Dennis." Dave said.
"I thought we agreed to never speak of Dennis." Kevin said.
"Whose Dennis?"
"I'm going to yolk in all your beds." Morias threatened.
"JUST HUG ME YOU ABOMINATIONS!" Lute, finally having lost her patience, roared at the Eggs. Adam and Angel Dust bellowed in pure joy, leaning on each other, tears going down Angel's eye. The Egg Boiz looked up at the angry Lute, the Exorcist huffing in rage, before they smiled.
"Okay!" They happily walked up to her chair and began climbing up it. Lute turned around and quickly caught one who leapt into her arm, followed by another and another until all five were in her arms, hugging her limbs or cheeks or neck.
"AAAAAWWWWW!" Charlie cooed at the affectionate sight.
"They like you Missss Lute." Pentious hissed, Lute giving him a dead eyed stare, one of the eggs nearly fell off her limb. Surprising everyone her wing flapped out and caught him, placing back in her arms.
"Thank you for saving the Boss." All five chanted, shocking Lute. Why were they making the rescue as if it was some big deal? All she did was catch him and then dropped him, none of this made any sense. She looked down at the eggs, each one smiling up at her and….she felt weird, it was very weird.
"Okay, times up." Charlie said as Pentious slithered up to Lute, the Exorcist handing them off.
"It's funny, her mask looks like the head we saw being carried by that funny lady a couple weeks ago." One of the Egg's said.
"Wait, what?" Lute said, unsure what she just heard.
"I said Global Warming is a scam made by demons to make humans serve the demo-!"
"Sorry about the eggs, they say the craziest shit all the time." Pentious apologized, slithering away while Lute sat back down.
"Okay, Vaggie you're up." The one-eyed Sinner sighed in defeat, watching Razzle roll the bottle, and waiting for it to stop while praying it landed on Charlie. Sadly the Almighty must've ignored her as divine punishment for who the bottle landed on.
"Fuck."
"Oh, come now Vagatha, surely we've put out 'bad blood' behind us?" Alastor asked, standing from his chair. Vaggie rolled her eye before begrudgingly standing from her seat, walking over to Alastor, taking a deep breath before wrapping her arms around him. She felt like puking as he wrapped a single arm that didn't have the cane around her back.
"Careful, not too tight, otherwise I might….prune your wings in retaliation." Vaggie's eye widened at the words whispered in her ear, loud enough for only them to hear. Alastor knew…..He fucking knew who she was, what she was…..Oh shit.
"And time!" Charlie said, Alastor departing from her with his same old smile while Vaggie looks paler than when she hugged him. She walked back to her seat, eye wide in sudden horror, and to the other sinners they just assumed being that close to Alastor would be a nightmare…..but Adam never took his eyes off her the whole time they were hugging. He really would've enjoyed Vaggie get some taste of her own medicine for being a raging bitch these last couple weeks but the way she looked as Alastor whispered something made him feel weird….his chest tightened in a way it hasn't in a long time. He didn't like it.
"Okay, you're turn Lute." The Angel hugged in annoyance, taking her eyes off Vaggie. She for one enjoyed the look of horror in the traitor's eyes, and simply reveled in it. Vaggie on the other hand simply shook it off, trying to get the dangerous thoughts out of her head, simply glad it was over and done for. It could not get any worse.
"...Uh….Vaggie?" Vaggie looked over at Charlie, who pointed at the bottle, seeing who it was pointing out.
"...Shit." Both Vaggie and Lute cursed under their breaths.
"Oh this I gotta record." Adam cackled, pulling out his halo and recording as Lute and Vaggie stood up. Both turned to each other, glaring at one another, neither already knowing they rather die than do this. Sadly both knew the Princess would make them, so simply accepted their fate, slowly raising their hands. Everyone watched in as the two slowly and agonizingly tried to hug one another: Both hands reaching for their hips before they growled at each other, moving their hands up to under the armpits, their shoulders shaking in rage, before they ended with hands wrapped around each other's throat.
…And just stayed there, the whole time.
"...Um…..Vaggie, Lute, the timer only starts when you guys hug." Neither turned to her, just glaring at each other with their teeth clenched.
"...Are they gonna stay like that?" Angel asked, a finger pointed in their direction.
"Alright well this went from sad to pathetic." Husk grumbled.
"Guys, this only wo-!"
"JUST START THE DAMN TIMER!" Both exclaimed.
"OKAY." Charlie squeaked, not used to Vaggie's rage directed at her, so simply flipped the sand timer and watched the two strangle the other.
"Hate….YOU." Lute growled.
"Go….Fuck yourself….with a halo." Vaggie rasped.
"When the six months….are up….I'm gonna shove my fist up your cunt and make you my puppet." Lute promised, their faces pressed against each other.
"Damn, any closer and they'd be kissing." Angel joked, elbowing Adam.
"That'd be hot as fuck." Adam added, arms crossed with a grin on his lips.
"Uh…time!" Charlie said, both pushing away from each other and sitting back down, arms crossed and looking in different directions.
"Okay…..Alastor, you're turn."
"Riveting." Alastor growled despite the smile on his face. Reality was he hated hugs, especially from this group, but if he had to play along with the Princess' he might as well. He watched the bottle roll to a stop at Pentious.
"YAY!" Alastor's eye twitched as Pentious slithered up to him, wrapping his arms around the Radio Demon and starting the timer. Compared to the others it was pretty uneventful, just Pentious happily hugging the annoyed demon.
"And time! Very good Pentious!" Charlie complimented, turning to the pornstar.
"And now, Angel Dust!"
"Okay big guy, better hope it doesn't land on you." Angel teased Adam, watching Razzle spin the bottle.
"Father, please. Father, please. Father, please!" Adam whispered, praying to the Almighty to grant him safety.
"...Ada-!"
"Yeah I figured it out, Princess." Adam grumbled seeing the bottle landed on him. He stood up with Angel, glaring down at the Pornstar.
"Don't worry, Daddy, I don't bite."
"Angel."
"I'm just messing with him Princess, relax." With that, Angel wrapped all four arms around Adam, two around his neck and the others around his waist, the First Man sighing in annoyance before lifting his hands placing one on Angel's back and head. Adam eyes stared straight ahead eventually waiting for any sign of groping…..but when he felt nothing Adam looked down at Angel. He noticed the pornstar had closed his eyes just melting into Adam's embrace, his arms were originally stiff now relaxed around the Ascended Being like they were the best of friends or even lovers.
He didn't get the second one, he has never been into men, but Angel Dust insisted on flirting with the First Man. He was tenacious, Adam will give him that, it reminded him of his mortal days with Eve….it explained why they had so many kids. Adam could hear Angel sigh in relief, the First Man saying nothing as they enjoyed the embrace.
…..Was that a bump on the side of his head? Did Angel Dust hit his head at some point?
"And time." Charlie said, pulling Adam out of his thoughts, Angel Dust pulling away with a small blush.
"W-Wow Big guy, Charlie was right, those robes downplay how slim you are." Angel Dust complimented.
"Yeah I kn-Wait a minute."
"...Angel why do you know that? Adam, why does Charlie know that? Charlie, WHY DO YOU KNOW THAT?!" Vaggie asked.
"Oh I hugged him when we were practicing bonding exercises. It's like hugging a teddy bear." Charlie complimented.
"First off: I know and thanks Princess. Secondly: Does everyone beside Lute think I'm FAT?!" Adam asked, glaring at everyone.
"...I mean, kind of yeah, those robes don't do you any favors." Husk said.
"Not to be ashamed of, Dickmasster, we should be proud of how we look." Pentious said, smiling up at Adam.
"Yes, you are as the kids say nowaday….thick." Alastor growled.
"...Okay….We're gonna ignore that and get back to the main point: I am not fat! I'm not fat shaming anyone but I'm not obese in anyway. Do you know how much work it is exterminating demons, Overlords included? Lute makes me constantly train if I'm not jamming out, eating, sleeping, fucking, or having a meeting."
"It's true." Lute confirmed with a nod.
"Fuck I'll show you guys!" Adam reached down for his robes.
"A-Adam that's no-Woah." Charlie's cheeks heated up a bit, Lute looking over with her eyes turning into hearts.
"Damn, you're shredded, Daddy." Adam was by no means a bulging mountain of muscles, but he was lean with a near adonis physique. His underside did catch everyone by surprise not just by his muscles but choice of clothing. He seemed to be wearing a form of cloth that had a red cross going down like he was some sort of Templar Knight, but underneath was a fabric that was…cosmic. Whether that was his skin or not did not show as it went up to his chest and arms.
"Heheh…muscles." Nifty giggled creepily, poking Adam's side making him grunt and step away from her.
"Shit, Daddy, you are one lean machine….Mm, could grind some meat on that." Angel Dust moaned as Adam put his robes back down, sitting back in his seat.
"Thank you…and no I'm still not fucking you." Angel clicked his tongue before sitting back down.
"So….why do you wear the robes?" Charlie asked, trying to remove the blush on her cheeks, reminding her that this was Adam.
"Because that's the shit the Archangels gave me when I arrived in Heaven, it was a gift and I loved it….Plus it's very fucking comfortable to sleep in." Adam said, shrugging his shoulders as Razzle flew over for his turn. Everyone waited for the bottle to spin, finally landing on the sinner to hug Adam.
"FUCK!" Vaggie cried, slapping her hands over her own face. This is the third time she has been picked and it will be the third and last person she hated in this room.
"The fuck you whining about? I just showed you my perfect abs and you're complaining about hugging me?! God you're such an angsty bitch Vaggie!" Adam growled, standing up from his seat with a pout.
"Vaggie come on, it's not that bad. It's actually really nice." Charlie reassured her girlfriend, who was blushing madly in rage.
"Yeah, at first I thought it was like hugging a bear, now it's like hugging ten feet of pure muscle from Daddy here." Adam noticed the sensual tone in Angel, shaking his head as he focused on Vaggie who stood up and marched over to him with a mad blush on her cheeks with how angry she was. It was somewhat cute, even when she stood in front of him with a fierce glare.
"If you fucking pull anything on me I-!"
"Yeah, yeah, I don't like this either, now come here." Before Vaggie could stop him, Adam pulled her into a hug, hands on her neck and through the mop of her hair. Vaggie bit her tongue lest Adam use the threat of her secret. Yet as she continues to be pulled into the First Man's embrace, she is reminded of Heaven's Warm Light in his embrace. She is reminded of Paradise that she was given despite her shitty life. She was reminded of her wings. She was reminded of her life back on Earth.
The rain. The warm hands pulling out of the pouring storm. A flash of light.
"And done." Vaggie's eyes widened as Adam stepped back and sat down with a grimace on his lips. Vaggie stepped back in her seat shaking her head, that was the past, another lifetime ago.
"This is going so well guys, with only a few minor bumps I am really glad this went off without a hitch. Though I am a little jealous that everyone got more hugs than me." Charlie pouted.
"I wouldn't speak too soon, Princess." Adam chuckled, gesturing to the bottle which had just finished spinning, pointing right at her. Charlie would've squealed in delight, only to realize who was after Adam.
"Heheheheh-HUG TIME!"
"NIFTY N-GAK!" Charlie was flung off her chair by the Nifty torpedo, Charlie's arms flailing across the air as everyone watched.
"Should we….Should we pu-Yeah-Yeah I'm just gonna turn the timer on." Angel Dust said, flipping the sand dial. Once the timer went off, Nifty happily skipped away as Charlie gasped for air, looking at everyone with a nervous smile.
"Hehe….Let's call it for the game…..have a break before I begin the next part." With that everyone departed into different directions. Husk was about to make his way to the front desk/bar when someone grabbed his wing. Not liking to be grabbed, he looked over his shoulder with a growl expecting Alastor or Angel, only to be surprised when he saw Lute staring at him.
"Huh?"
"Did you think I would forget? Your wings need to be preened." Lute reminded.
"Wh-What? You were serious about that?" Husk honestly thought she was just trying to make small talk in that annoying one minute hug. He didn't know why she even cared, he didn't care and he barely uses them.
"I never joke about preening wings."
"She's right, she takes that shit very seriously." Husk looked over at Adam walking up to them.
"So if I were you Whiskers, I'd just do as she says…Or get your ass kicked either is funny." Adam suggested with a chuckle, Husk rolling his eyes before shrugging and just letting Lute drag him off.
"Would you like to join, Sir, it might get this done faster." Lute offered, surprising Husk.
"Naw, but I'll come and watch. Got nothing better to do." Adam grumbled, bored out of his mind since he made Lute finish his work, and because he was tired of dealing with Vaggie's glare and Angel's hungry stares.
"Very well." Lute guided Husk to the stairs before setting him down at the bottom, Adam sat beside them and conjured a soda in hand with a straw.
"Your wings are terrible, you clearly don't take good care of them." Lute stated with new disdain, Husk merely grunted.
"Don't use them much, never saw the point."
"Terrible excuse, but expected from a sinner." Lute said, combing her fingers through his right wing. Husk never had anyone preen his wings, and he hated people touching them, but considering this was a demon killing angel who he stood no chance against….he might as well just accept it.
"Yeesh, Lute's right, these look like shit. The last time I saw wings like these, Camael was deep in paperwork for five decades before the whole coop had to get him out and clean him." Adam joked, laughing at the memory, all the while Husk grumbled.
"Hehe, no but seriously how can you not be using your wings more often? I get it, I still love to walk too, but nothing beats fucking flying. Course flying is the only way angels get from one sphere to the next." Adam mused, catching Husk's attention.
"Sphere? What do Saint's not travel?"
"Oh sure but only through portals across the Heavens, since they don't have wings."
"Except you."
"Except me 'cause I'm the fucking Man! I rock this shit." Adam flexed his left wing, showing off the pure immanence of power in just a single feather. Compared to him, Adam was a mighty Eagle and Husk was a disgusting Barn Swallow.
"Of course like I said before I didn't always have wings when I got to Heaven, didn't earn them till Hell's first invasion of Paradise." This caught Husk's attention, looking up to see Adam's glare, but also the detail he just mentioned.
"Hell invaded Heaven?"
"Yep, one of Lucifucks and his Gang of Sins many, MANY, attempts to take back Paradise. I won't go into details but I earned these fucking wings and power. These babies are like an extension, a fucking arm that I can always use. Course I never have the worry like you since I'm in Heaven and not Hell." Husk looked away, a scowl on his lips.
"Yeah…..good for you, don't have to keep reminding us." Husk growled, unaware of Adam's stare. He didn't get why Whisker's seemed offended, he never seemed to care before so why start now over the simple fact of life? Shrugging his shoulders the two sat in silence while Lute cleaned Husk, before Adam's eyes wandered over to Alastor, the Radio Demon speaking with Charlie. He looked back at the feline sinner remembering what he had said a few weeks ago, that Alastor had brought him because Husk owed him or something. Adam would be lying if he said he wasn't curious as to why this sinner would waste his life on this sort of thing, or better yet why he would be working with that cannibal psychopath.
"So, how the fuck did you get in the paws of Balaster over there? I doubt you guys were childhood friends." Adam asked, gesturing to the Radio Overlord. Husk looked up and glared at the Overlord, looking down at his hands summoning his deck of cards. He didn't know why the Exorcist cared to talk about it, but what did he have to hide? The guy was gonna kill them in a few months, might as well let some weight off his shoulders.
"I'm what you call a gambling man, but unless you're good at it, being that and an Overlord don't mix well. Especially when dealing in sou-Ngh!" Husk hissed when one of his feathers were pricked, looking to see both Adam and Lute glaring at him.
"You're an Overlord?" The First Man growled.
"Was. Was one, I don't know if you haven't noticed but I'm not exactly what one would call 'high status' anymore. When you gamble in souls it's the stakes are high… losing your hand can be more than a little dangerous…..but by the time I realized it I had hit rock bottom…. card after card I lost it all. So, when you're down on your luck, you'll do anything to keep yourself afloat….even make deals yourself." Husk explained, flipping the cards. Adam had remained quiet but Lute had gone back to take care of Husk's wing.
"Hmm….well, I'd be lying if I said you didn't deserve that." Adam said, surprised when Husk let out a dry chuckle.
"Would you believe me if I said I agree? Knowing whats its like to be on a leash…..I regret ever owning a soul." Adam and Lute's eyes shot wide in surprise, feeling the genuine regret in Husk, it was so strange and before they could say anything he continued.
"But in a way….everyone here is on a leash. Not just Sinners, but Demons, Overlords, the Royals, the Seven Sins…..even that smiling fuck there." Husk gestured to Alastor, glaring at the Overlord.
"We're all leashed by the roots of evil, that's why we're in Hell. We're all just losers, the sooner we accept that the better." Husk sighed, flipping one card. Adam remained quiet, taking in the old sinners' words. They weren't wrong, because of Lucifer, evil rooted itself into the Earth and by his hand Sin was made into the land. Hell was Lucifer's own self creation to damn those who indulge in Sin. All Demons, Sinners, and Sins were evil to the core.
….Yet, his eyes wandered over to the Princess, who was happily brainstorming and setting up new ideas to redeem the sinners. Mainly the Pornstar and Snake Sinner since they were actual guests and patients, despite only one of them actually trying to put in some work. As he looked at the princess he had to wonder….were there other demons like her? He highly doubted that, he had been through the seven rings, each one with their own problems for both the citizens and Sins. Looking back at Lute the Exorcist was nearly finished with his right wing, and hating this stupid silence that had permeated through the trio.
"So…I'm guessing Greed was your sin, or maybe a mix of Gluttony and Greed." Adam mused, Husk glaring up at him.
"Do I look fat to you, Asshole?"
"Gluttony ain't just about eating tons of shit, Dumbass." Adam growled back, the two looking away.
"What I was wondering, is why did you gamble your life away….before you died?" Adam asked, crossing his arms.
"...You ever heard of a place called Vegas?" Husk asked, scratching his arm as Lute began preening his other wing.
"Yeah, I went there one time but before I could do anything Jophiel and Sera pulled me back to Heaven, scolding my ass and making me do a shit ton of paperwork." Adam chuckled dryly, remembering the huge stacks that could exceed skyscrapers that he had to go through.
"Well….I was born and raised there, pretty much the family business so you just…..give into it. Despite the gambling, there was also stage magic and well that's where I felt like I belonged. Magic just had that feeling where it brought out the jolly side in me." Husk emphasized by reaching for Adam's helmet, the First Man originally leaning down to listen. The First Man jumped back a bit as Husk had pulled out a card from the side of his helmet. Surprisingly, Husk now had a smile on his lips which took the First Man back a bit, but he wasn't impressed by the card trick. Clearly he was more happy reminiscing happier times than spend time with Adam, of which the First Man could understand since he was just over here to make sure Lute didn't kill him out of annoyance.
"Wow, card behind the ear, maybe next time pull out a person then I'll be impressed." Adam grumbled, Husk humming in thought.
"Guess nothing much surprises you these days, you are the First Man, you've seen it all….but hopefully not all." Husk mused, gesturing to his sleeve. Adam cocked an eyebrow in confusion before looking at his sleeve, pulling out a red card. He rolled his eyes as he incinerated the card, Husk glaring at him but simply shrugged putting the cards away.
"So…..is a guitar the only thing you play? Or this guitax?" Husk asked.
"Naw, I can play other things, but nothing can beat a guitar, especially with my skills." Adam cackled, Husk rolling his eyes. If Adam's ego could be measured it could cover the entire city of sin. Still, he was curious why the First Man was asking him these questions, he has made it quite clear that he doesn't care for them and they will all die when the time comes. Yet, it wasn't an easy shift but maybe that annoying jovial princess got to something in Adam. The ribs he made a few weeks ago were amazing, and they were simply out of kindness? Husk can't remember the last time someone did something out of the sake of doing it. He's still a fucking asshole who thinks they all deserve to die for being sinners, so he wondered what the man's game was. It was confusing, but then again human's were confusing beings, maybe they got all of that from the very Father of Mankind.
"So what about you, Whiskers? Ya got a taste in music? Favorite instrument?" Adam asked, elbowing the sinner.
"...A saxophone." Husk admitted, Adam snorting in amusement.
"Yeah, you sound like the kind of shitbag to play that stuff. Maybe if you had a halo and played the sax up in Heaven you'd be a star like me. If you're good at it of course." Adam ranted, Husk rolling his eyes as the First Man went off about music and Heaven. Honestly, from the way Adam always bragged about it made the place sound like Paradise, even when he was alive he remembered how people praised a place of salvation and everlasting light. Still, it wasn't a place for sinners or demons….so Husk wondered how an asshole like Adam got in. Lute was Heavenborne so that made sense, but Adam…..he was definitely an odd one. Was it because he was the first man? Or…..was Adam different? Was he always like this? If not, what made him this way?
"I am done." Husk looked over his shoulder to see Lute standing back up, his wings perfectly clean and fixed. He stood back up and turned to face the Exorcist, rubbing the back of his neck, unsure if he should pay her or something. No one has really done something like that for him since he got into Hell, but he doubted the angels took money from Hell.
"I uh-don't do this often but, thanks I guess." Husk said, it felt very weird. The Exorcist eyebrow raised up as Adam rolled his eyes, the sinner clearing his throat.
"I doubt you guys take money, so how about I make you a drink." Husk offered.
"Sure, why not." Adam said, elbowing Lute. The Exorcist remained quiet, her strange robotic face remained neutral before sighing.
"Fine. I could use one after the shit I went through." Husk lips curved before he turned on his heels and made his way to the bar. Once he walked around it he began shaking and mixing drinks, as the two Angels sat themselves down. Once he was done, he poured it in three shots and handed two to the angels. Adam and Lute downed the drinks with Husk, Lute merely cleared her throat while Adam chuckled.
"Damn, that was strong shit. Lutey." Adam said, poking his second-in-command knowing she should at least compliment his strong alcoholic drink.
"The drink was fine." Lute said, Husk shrugging his shoulders, not expecting much from the Angel. Before Adam could say something, someone tugging on his robe caught his attention, looking down to see all three of Charlie's pets: Razzle, Dazzle, and Keekee look up at him in curiosity.
"The hell do you three vermin want?" Adam asked, glaring down at infernal pets. They made an assortment of noises with demon goats baas and Keekees purrs.
"The fuck? No I'm not letting you on my lap? Why the hell would I?" The animals made more noises, Adam fully turning to face them.
"You didn't like being out of the hug game? Well go hug you're owner, I'm sure she'll give you lots of hugs." Keekee walked up and rubbed herself against Adam, the two goat demons flying up holding up their arms.
"No…..No! No, no, no I am not a teddy bear to be hugged. I've been hugged enough times today." Adam growled, Husk looking at the man in confusion, could he understand the beasts? After a few more seconds of the pet's insistence, Adam let out a loud groan, rubbing his head.
"Fine, fine. Come on before I change my mind." The pets seemed instantly happy, landing in the man's arms. Adam remained quiet letting the pets relax in his embrace, staring down at them as they purred and slept in his limbs. Yet, as the seconds went by, he blinked and found himself staring down at a newly born sheep in his arms, licking Adam's hand as he helped feed the baby.
"Very good, Adam, Lema is well felled and the baby is perfectly healthy. Father will be most pleased, as I am sure he's always been." Uriel praised, smiling down at the man who simply leaned against a tree while the baby now laid in his lap, his usual jovial smile gone as he looked down at his own hands. It had been a while and yet Lucifer's words lingered in the back of his mind, compared to the Angels, Adam and Lilith seems pathetic in comparison. The worst part about it is…..Adam believed it. Each one of them was so unique and powerful, from the extraordinary healing of Raphael, to the speed of Gabriel, to the might of Michael. Even Lucifer, who was considered the second strongest despite being the weakest, was the Brightest Star among them with his skills in music and shapeshifting.
"...Don't let your thoughts control you, Adam, lest you let Lucifer win in this childish game." Uriel advises, landing on his feet and kneeling in front of the first man. Aside from Michael, Uriel was one of the only few Angels to match Adam and Lilith in height.
"I know my little brother can be a nuisance, for which I blame Heaven's angels for giving him such an ego." Uriel mused. His little brother, since the minute he was born into Heaven, was considered the Almighty's perfect gift. All angels praised Lucifer as he showed them his new ideas and powers, and sang his name into the suns themselves. Uriel was one of the few to barely tolerate Lucifer's pride and ego, it was not becoming of an Angel especially of such high status as they were. Michael tried to contain Lucifer's lack of focus but the youngest of them all was too rebellious even for Uriel's taste. It was one thing to think yourself the center of Heaven, it was a whole other to be the center of Creation for only one could fit such a title and he created them all.
"...How come I don't have wings?" Adam asked, catching Uriel by surprise, the Archangel clearing his throat.
"Wings…..are not something we earn, it was something given to us by the Lord because of our birthplace. Heaven….is a different place compared to this Garden, it requires flight to reach many places. Eden does not require such a thing. This is your Kingdom, Adam, and so long as you stand here we are but humble guests to you, and the animals your servants." Adam didn't know if he liked those words, he didn't know if he wanted servants or guests….he just didn't want to be alone.
"...Perhaps when you finally pass this test Father has made you for, perhaps then he will grant you wings." Uriel didn't know if such a thing was true, but seeing the small smile and hopes in the man's eyes brought a bright smile to Uriel. When Adam was born the Archangels were captivated by his birth, for he was not of light but of the Earth. Uriel, Michael, and Sera were the first to bare witness to such a creation made by Father, and Adam was something else Uriel had never seen. His soul was….pure, it was unlike anything Uriel had seen at the time. As Adam grew into his role he became Eden's caretaker and he fit it so well, as if he and the Garden were one and the same. He was akin to an angel, yet wasn't, it was something that always took Uriel by surprise. Once they arrived at the grove, Adam and Uriel's eyes widened in shock at the mess before them. The entire orchard was destroyed, with two cows nearby dragging a giant rock tied by angelic rope. In the middle of it Lilith was on her knees crying into her hands while Lucifer and Jophiel comforted her.
"What in the Heavens happened here?" Uriel asked, flying up to Jophiel while Lucifer chuckled nervously. Adam's eyes were on his wife, who was covered in dirt and juice from fruits, shame in her eyes.
"Well, Lilith had a wonderful idea in using the cattle, and tied a rope around a large rock for them to make new spots to plant seeds. However the animals did not listen, which prompted SOMEONE to try and scare the cows into moving and as you can see this was the result." Jophiel stated, Uriel glaring at Lucifer.
"Hey, what can I say? I thought I could push them in the right direction. Hehe, sorry Adam. I'm sure you can get this all fixed up." Lucifer said, elbowing the taller man. Adam had not said a single thing, he wasn't even listening, staring down at his wife. His eyes drifted to the garden he had spent a LONG time making, completely in ruin. Once he landed back at Lilith, he saw how dirty she was, he wondered if she felt dirty. Seeing the tears form in her eyes, the First Man reached down and grabbed a clump of dirt, confusing everyone as they watched him slap himself with the dirt. He rubbed it all over his face and chest, shocking everyone, smiling down at Lilith. He kneeled down and helped her back on her feet, kissing her forehead and leaving a dirt mark. He guided Lilith away to the lake and helped clean them off, while Uriel forced Lucifer to clean the dirt.
As he continued to wash her, Adam pulled Lilith into his chest, soothing her with a hum. Lilith soon joined as the two sung in harmony, the melody of their voices soothed the Garden and animals within it. The days went on where the two would do their daily duties with the Angels, but every once in a while Adam would sneak away with Lilith to frolic across the fields and forests. They would lay down and watch the stars dance across the night sky, Adam giving them names and meaning, while Lilith would give them stories. He could lay there listening to her talk and sing for hours about her theories and ideas for new things. They would brainstorm new ideas and animals, though Lilith seemed to get a lot more ideas from Lucifer which bothered Adam but said nothing. Sometime later they would look over to the edges of Eden, where the golden wings of Michael would stand guard, before Sera arrived. The two angels seemed to be talking before they both flew off into the night sky like comets, disappearing from view.
"Adam?" Said man looked at his wife, her features sharp before she spoke his name once more.
"Adam...are you not curious about Heaven? About whats beyond the Garden?" Lilith asked, Adam smiling softly taking a moment to understand and process what she said.
"Lilith, I do not see why we should? Eden is our kingdom, our home, our everything." Adam said, watching as two bunnies hopped into his lap, holding them close to his chest. Hearing a strange sound, Adam turned in shock to see Lilith staring at the grass with a scowl.
"Why must you be ignorant, Dear? Eden is beautiful but it is not everything, something lies beyond those walls, beyond these confines. Why must we be sheltered? What is beyond those walls? I've heard whispers of lands beyond, and I long to see them, to be more...then some perfect pet in a cage, even if it is with you." Her words felt like physical blows to the First Man, unsure where she had heard of such things. Places beyond? Why? Was it wrong that he was glad to have everything here? So long with Lilith at his side he couldn't be more happy.
What more is there?
"Adam?!"
"Hu-What?" Adam blinked, looking down to see Charlie and the others walking up to him, seeing the hotel's mascots be in his arms.
"AAAWWWW! They love you~~~!" Charlie cooed, petting the animals in Adam's arms.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just take them before I decide to incinerate them if they left fur on me." Adam grumbled, handing them back to the Princess while cleaning himself off with a lint roller he created from light.
"Well I hope you're excited-!"
"I already dread what's about to come out of your mouth."
"-For the next session for today, which is a little more like a game then it is an exercise." Charlie said, confusing everyone.
"A game?" Husk asked.
"Yeah, just a little fun between friends."
"We're not friends." Lute stated, crossing her arms.
"Yet, but that will change someday. So I'm sure everyone has heard of this game but I tweaked it a little bit." Charlie said, walking up and standing on top of the bar.
"I hope everyone is good at hiding, because we're gonna play HUG 'N SEEK!" Charlie exclaimed with her hands stretched out.
"Really? Let me guess, you find them and hug them." Adam said, rolling his eyes, while Charlie bended down til she was at his eye level.
"Yep~~~! And guess who's the hugger~~~?"
"...Oh fuck me."
(HIF)
AND DONE! My favorite moment was the Egg Boiz, I did the whole thing in their voice cause it was funny. For most of the show there's only five, with the main one Frank being named. So I just gave the other four names: Dave, Bill, Kevin, and Morias the Defiler. We don't talk about Dennis. I really wanted to do something like game for the group, originally was gonna do Hug and Seek, but then I decided to do the bottle game but with hugs. Adam was a difficult choice cause I wanted to do either: Angel Dust again, Nifty, Charlie, or Vaggie so I settled on Vaggie. No next chapter won't be the hide and seek game, we're gonna do another time skip. The hugging between Adam and Angel Dust was my favorite, because as an Ascended Adam has abilities that Angels do and that's sense the feelings of others so people lie he knows it, so he was genuinely surprised when Angel Dust felt safe in his arms. The next one was Lute and Vaggie, I was thinking about having them be forced to hug, but them just choking each other out was way funnier. Lute preening Husk's wings was another good moment with Adam learning more about the drunk gambling sinner.
Why would Husk reveal such a thing? What reason does he have to hide such things from Angelic beings like them? It's not like he cares about if they hate him or not, they already do...but in a way they have (At least from Adam's perspective) a better understanding of the Sinner, as Adam now knows why Alastor owns Husk soul. The flashback from Eden will follow Adam's perspective throughout part one, with usually there being two parts in each chapter in the story by the end of part one you will have seen the Fall of Eden and Adam's transformation from the Loving Soul of Mankind to the Wrath of Heaven. I'll follow others throughout Saga 1 from Lucifer, Lilith's, to even Lute and the Archangels, but for now it's Adam. After next chapter we'll also introduce other characters from the series, not part of the main cast yet but building up to it. The pets are getting along with Adam much to the Man's annoyance, and while I did have more planned with the B-Plot I'm gonna save that for next chapter which entails: Adam finding THAT book, a circle of trust and how one died and ended in Hell, Adam meeting Angel's pet, the search for the missing Exorcist continues, Adam discovers he's trending, and the arrival of a new guest. Let's see what chaos that enfolds next time!
Zer0the0mega108 out!