Lucifer rematerialized on the steps of his mansion, his horns visible on his head, his tail swishing back and forth aggressively. He held his hand out and the doors flew open with such force the bang echoed through the empty halls.

"Syn!" His voice bellowed, sparks of flame emitting between his clenched teeth. All six wings fluttered before finally retracting into his back. "SYN!"

"Master! You have returned!" She always sounded so excited to see him. The oblong little cylinder zipped down the hallway and flew smack into his face. The flames in his mouth died down to a puff of smoke that simply wafted around the overly excited assistant. He could feel the steady beating of her tiny, translucent wings against his face. He grabbed the little cylinder from behind and pulled her back. Way to kill a mood, Syn.

"Yes, I have returned." He cleared his throat, the horns slowly receding back into his skull. He stood up straighter, hands both on his staff as he tried to look professional.

"I missed you!"

"I am sure you did."

"Did you successfully catch:" her voice shifted into Lucifer's, "that scraggly, deer-face, mother fucking sunnovabitch?" Ah yes, Lucifer had raved about that on his way out. Syn was a surprisingly good listener.

"Yes, of course I did!" He was lying to Syn now. He had sunk this low, apparently. That was certainly a revelation. "But I let him go for now, to think about what he's done. Charlie would get sad if I killed him."

"We do not want Charlie to be sad!"

"Correct."

"You are so powerful and merciful!" At least someone thought Lucifer was doing a good job. And yet, all this enthusiasm was only making him feel worse. He had spent an entire afternoon following Alastor around only to have been played like a fucking fool. He was too frustrated to keep at it (Plus Lucifer didn't like to spy while he was in the hotel. Charlie wouldn't exactly approve.) And if Alastor knew he was being followed, it was a waste. Lucifer would have to wait, catch him off guard. He could use the time to practice the art of stalking his prey- clearly, he was out of practice if he had been caught so easily.

"Yep... I sure am." He sighed. It was back to the drawing board. He had already wasted enough time on this dead end. (Plus, he had the unfortunate bonus of having had to go to Cannibal Town. That place always left him feeling queasy. The less time he had to spend around Rosie and her little cannibals, the better.) "What's on my schedule for the rest of the day, Syn?"

"There is that meeting you have been making me reschedule. You also have a 6:00 PM cry and an 8:30 PM self-pity wallow."

"I told you. We do not schedule crying, wallowing, grieving, despairing-"

"Tragic reminiscence?"

"Nope. None of it. That being said, cancel that meeting and extend the wallow for an extra two hours."

"Ah yes sir. Of course. But I, again, am told to remind you that this is very important."

"Is it with Heaven?"

"No sir."

"Good. Fuck those guys. But also, that means it's not that important, and I need this, Syn. You know how much I need my me time."

"Your cry time?"

"It's called: self-care. And you want me to have self-care, don't you?"

"Y-yes?" Her little lights slowed down to show she was confused, processing the information she was given.

"Good." His formal coat flew off his arms and hung itself on the coat rack, leaving him in his collared, button-down shirt and pink striped vest. The hat flew off as well to join it. A plush white bathrobe flew from another room to situate itself on his arms followed by a glass of wine. "Syn, draw a bath for me. I am taking the rest of the night off."

"I do not have arms."

"Just move the faucet with your face or something. You're creative, you'll figure something out."

"I will do my best!"

"I know you will."

Knock knock knock.

Lucifer had just been taking a sip of the wine when a sudden, jarring sound reached his ear. He winced, almost spitting it back out.

"Someone is at the door."

"Thank you, Syn, I fucking noticed that."

They stared at each other (as much as Syn could stare given she didn't have a face) in silence. Neither of them moved.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

The knocking was louder this time.

"I think they want to get in."

"Yes Syn, that's how knocking works."

"Do we let them in?"

"No." He wasn't expecting anyone, and he had already had a shitty enough day without being bothered. "Security will take care of it."

BAM BAM BAM

"I think he is on break right now."

"Why would he be on break right now? I am here, in the mansion. I need securing!" He really didn't. Lucifer knew he was stronger than whatever pitiful soul was crawling to his doorstep. But that wasn't the point. The point was that he really didn't want to do it, and therefore shouldn't have to.

BOOM!

The doors flew open, and Lucifer's robe and wine glass vanished as he turned to face the intruder. He instantly went from on guard to vaguely annoyed as he saw the man before him.

"What up fucker!? Long time no see!" Gray skin of stone, cracking where one of the eyes should have been. The only eye on the Sinner's face was a vacant socket occupied only by a glowing green orb that operated as his pupil. Small stone horns peaked out through a full head of grayish, brown hair, reaching to the man's shoulders. His smile was filled with sharp fangs as he flipped the collar of the spiked leather jacket, walking in with a swagger like he owned the place. Lucifer let out an irritated sigh.

"What do you want, Cain?"

"Greetings Cain!"

"Sup, Syn?" The Sinner gave little finger guns in the direction of Lucifer's employee.

"No don't 'greetings Cain' him. He came in uninvited. Unless he was that fucking meeting..." he paused looking over at Cain. "Are you my 11:00?"

"I never make a meeting. I just come when I want."

"Ah. Right." That was true. Cain had been the very first Sinner in Hell (aside from Lillith, technically) and he and Lillith hadn't really gotten the whole Hell thing down just yet. So, Cain was just sort of allowed to roam free. It also didn't help that Cain's knowledge of farming had actually been immensely useful. Despite being a Sinner and thus being bound to the Pride Ring- Cain was able to help spread knowledge to Wrath Ring that was instrumental to the farming community. "Syn, tell Cain I am not in the mood for visitors and escort him out."

"The master is not in the mood for visitors."

"Thanks, I can hear him- wh... what are you doing?" Cain sounded more confused than anything else as Syn began to fly into his face over and over again.

"I am making you leave."

"Right." He grabbed her by the little cylinder and simply held on as she fluttered her tiny wings in vain. "This is kinda sad, dude. Like I know you've been a fucking wreck since Lillith... but like... this is just giving me depression at this point."

"What do you want, Cain?" The wine rematerialized in his grip, and he took a sip. "I am busy."

"Yeah, I just saw you murder my dad the other night on live TV."

Lucifer spit his wine back into the cup, coughing. Right. Adam was Cain's father. Shit. "Well, actually, the maid stabbed your dad. I just laid the groundwork..." he emptied the wine and it refilled itself as he took a nervous sip, looking at Cain, trying to get a read on his expression. "... if it helps..."

"I mean, I guess. I haven't actually seen him since he died." He was uncharacteristically quiet. "I didn't realize it was him, ya know? Like... damn. I know you really fucked him and mom over but like... I'm still here. Thought that might give him some kinda pause-"

"Listen, he never killed you in particular, right?" Lucifer interrupted.

"Did you just ask me if I was killed in an Extermination?"

"Yeah okay. Stupid question. Fuck."

"I mean yeah, kinda."

"Shit. Fuck. It's been a long day, man."

"Is something..." Cain was looking him up and down, sizing him up. "Wrong?" Lucifer took a deep breath, weighing his options. He already let something slip to Alastor- at least he knew Cain. He knew what the extent of Cain's abilities were; and thusly could easily rule him out as a suspect in this... chaos. Cain was an Overlord, a powerful one- but none of this really fit his earthy motif.

"Kinda."

"Something I need to be concerned about? Or just more of the usual?"

"I don't... know yet."

"Master defeated the threat!" Syn was still fluttering in Cain's grip. "It was a deer." Lucifer quickly cleared his throat.

"It wasn't a deer, Syn. It was The Radio Demon."

"Who?"

"Alastor."

"Should I know who that is?"

"He is a sunnovabitch!"

"That really doesn't narrow it down." Cain patted Syn on the top of her cylinder with his free hand. "But thank you."

"You could let her go, you know, you'll damage her wings if you manhandled her like that." He didn't want to have to fix up Syn on top of all the other things on his busy schedule. Cain's unexpected visit was already cutting into his prime wallowing time (or rather, self-care).

"Yeah sure." He released his grip and Syn fluttered happily back to Lucifer's side. "I don't know my own strength sometimes. It's why they didn't let me into Heaven, I was too tough to handle."

"Is that true?"

"Of course. I was too fucking awesome for Heaven. So, I was sent to Hell." Cain winked at Syn, pointing finger guns in her direction again. Lucifer frowned.

"Don't teach her that, Cain. What the fuck?" Syn was too young to know the difference between the truth and Cain's constant spew of bullshit. "You were barred from Heaven because you murdered your little brother in cold blood." Lucifer understood the need for the ego trip, but he was also annoyed.

"Can you blame me though? I mean, you, if anyone, should get me when it comes to murdering your-"

"Cain, can we focus? Please? For once?" Lucifer pinched the bridge of skin between his eyes. "You're an Overlord, you should have information for me on Alastor."

"Who?"

"CAIN!" Lucifer was more than ready to just throw him out of the window. "The fucking radio demon! We were JUST talking about him!"

"He's an Overlord?"

"YES! For the love of all that is unholy do you NOT know the other Overlords!?"

"I do!" Cain looked slightly offended by the accusation. "I just don't hang out in the little Overlord Club where they do meetings and shit because it's boring as fuck, and also it kinda puts a target on your head. You know a bunch of Overlords got fucked over real bad one time by this one radio themed motherfu- ahhhhhh," Lucifer could almost see him putting it together in real time, "that's who you're talking about."

Fucking finally. Cain had arrived at the very obvious conclusion. "Yes. That's who I'm talking about, dumbass."

"Oh, I don't know his name. I only bother to remember the names of the hot Overlords. There's: Bitchy Ballerina, Moth man, Flat Face, Velvette, Smiley Deer Man, Madam Chompers, Raver Chick, and Zestiel."

"Zestiel... really you remember his name." Lucifer looked at Syn who he liked to assume was looking back at him with the same incredulous feelings.

"I know what I like." Cain shrugged. "So, what did Mr. Smiles do to get defeated by you anyway? I thought he was helping murder my father with Charlie and friends, last I saw him."

"Yes, that's true, but," Lucifer looked into his wine glass for a moment in silence, "things have been kind of... weird since the fight."

"Weird how?" Cain looked at the glass as well. "You really going to hold out on me? It's polite to offer your guest something to drink."

"You're not a guest. Guests are invited. You're an intruder I'm tolerating." Lucifer sighed and snapped his fingers and a second glass appeared in Cain's hand. The Sinner seemed content with this.

"Thank you. Continue."

"After the fight I noticed something... off. I was at my daughter's hotel- I am sure you've seen the commercial-" Lucifer was proud of Charlie and all her hard work, so he wasn't about to miss an opportunity to brag. Cain, however, just sort of shrugged the comment off, making the devil frown. "It's about redemption? I feel like you should look into it."

"And end up having to hang with Abel for all of eternity? No thanks." Cain took a rather aggressive swig of the wine.

"Anyway," one of the many innate powers that came with being the devil allowed for Lucifer to see through that stony exterior to see he had hit a nerve, so he dropped it. He would much rather be pouring his concerns out to Lillith, sitting together, drinking wine, discussing what could possibly be causing him distress- but that wasn't an option anymore, and somehow, in his desperation, he had decided to vent to fucking Cain (whose father he had just helped murder. And all above be damned, Lucifer swore when he fell from the Heavens, he could fall no lower, but this wouldn't be the first time he was wrong about something.) "It's not super important, it's just... somethings are off and that's weird."

"But why do you think Monocle Mcgee is behind it?"

"He's up to something."

"Everyone in Hell is up to something. That's not a big fucking surprise." Cain was so dismissive of Lucifer's concern, it was frustrating.

"Are you up to something?" Syn was learning from this conversation and Lucifer already regretted it. He really shouldn't let her interact with Sinners. They would teach her bad habits.

"Constantly." Cain smirked.

"Then I must stop you!"

"Syn, leave him alone." Lucifer sighed as she was once again flying into Cain's head over and over again as he batted at her, spilling wine all over Lucifer's floor. He waved his finger and Syn was teleported back to his side. "Stay." He sighed looking back at Cain. "You don't understand, this is... different. It feels like something is... off and I can't put my finger on it. The Infernal Eye glitched... it doesn't do that."

"That creepy orb thing? It's old, right? Maybe that's why?" Cain looked a bit dismayed at all the wine he had lost as he swatted at Syn. "Refill?"

"I don't take orders from you." Lucifer scoffed at the cup as Cain held it forward. "And age doesn't matter. I made things that have lasted longer than you've been alive, and they all work just fine. This shouldn't happen." He moved his hand, making the wine stains on the floor vanish.

Or, well... that was his intent.

Instead, the stains vanished for only a few seconds before reappearing completely reversed. Lucifer and Cain both stared for a moment at the re-stained floor before looking at each other in silence.

"What the fuck was that?" Cain did seem to be taking him a bit more seriously now. So at least that was a thing.

"..." On the one hand, Lucifer didn't want to admit that whatever had just happened really shouldn't have been possible. He was magic after all. He didn't make mistakes with simple spells; it was literally second nature to him. But on the other hand, it seemed that he had just flubbed up a simple cleaning spell and Cain wasn't the brightest soul in Hell, but he wasn't stupid. Egotistical and easily distracted? Yes. But he wasn't dumb. Lucifer waved his hand again, and this time the stains did vanish. But Cain was now staring at him. "What?"

"You really think that red-suited, bowtie wearing bitch can do all this?"

"Well ... no..." Cain had a point. Lucifer highly doubted Alastor was that strong. If he was, he wouldn't be hanging around the hotel. It was logical to assume the demon's motivations weren't altruistic, after all- but he wouldn't need Charlie if he could do something this large scale on his own. "But if not him, then who?"

"This shit is too hard core to be Sinner related. You should just throw that thought right the fuck out and just focus on the obvious answer. It's Heaven."

"Heaven." Lucifer repeated giving him a blank look.

"I mean, no shit Sherlock." It was mildly amusing that, despite his age, Cain seemed up to date on all the current slang. That was more than Lucifer could say for other Sinners. "I mean they seem to be on a pretty fucked up little kick recently. They sent my own father to Exterminate me and my fucking people. That's God damn demented is what it is. Like when they tried that shit with Abraham, they were all like: oh fuck! Jk jk, didn't think you'd actually do it. But this? This is some Jobe level fuckery right here. This is Heaven getting all pissed off that you kicked their asses so now they're gonna play dirty because they fucking suck."

"..." Lucifer was quiet for a moment as he considered Cain's proposal (or rather, rant, as the case seemed to be.) "You have a point."

"I have a series of fucking points, thank you very much. I say, use the good ol' Heaven Phone, call up those bitches upstairs, and give 'em a real piece of your mind!" Cain had only had one glass of wine, most of which he spilled, so Lucifer doubted he was drunk (unless he was already tipsy before he had come over, which wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility), so all this boisterous excitement had to be genuine. It was, admittedly, a little infectious.

"Heaven Phone?"

Ah, right, Syn was here. "It's this old phone I used to have that went directly to Heaven."

"You got rid of it? But we used to have so much fun crank calling them." Cain looked disappointed. It was true, he, Cain, and Lillith used to enjoy wasting Heaven's time with it in the early days. But over time the item had just become associated with the worst events to befall Hell. Why even bother having a way to communicate if you were just going to bully your way through?

"No no, I mean I still have it- it's just now Heaven only uses it when they want to fuck me over."

"All the more reason that Heaven is behind all this bullshit!"

"Okay, okay, I hear you." Lucifer sipped his wine, deep in thought. Cain was making sense, which wasn't a common occurrence, so he had to be cautious.

"Incoming call!" Syn's lights began to flash more brightly, and she started invading Lucifer's personal space, bumping against his cheek. He was almost glad Syn was connected to his phone because it was still on silent from his information gathering session on Alastor. That did remind him to flip the ringer back on, just in case Charlie ever needed anything. As he pulled it out, the name surprised him.

"Carmilla," he answered it, putting the phone to his ear and turning away from Cain. "This is unexpected."

"You answering is also unexpected, but pleasantly so." She sounded a little tired, which wasn't anything new. Lucifer had a feeling the current events would have her full attention. There were very few of the current Overlords with his personal contact information, and even fewer for whom he would answer the phone. But she was a unique exception. "I have been wanting to speak with you."

"Wait... you're not my 11:00 appointment, are you?"

"I don't make appointments with you; you so very rarely keep them." He could hear the frustration in her voice. Meetings were really more Lillith's thing. She was much more involved with the Overlords than he was. In fact, it had been quite some time since he and Carmilla had actually spoken.

"Did you need something?" He doubted Carmilla had called simply to complain about his lack of involvement. That wasn't her style. That might be something Vox would do- but Vox didn't have his number. (At least... he shouldn't.)

"It's been so long since we've talked. I just wanted to see how you were." Her voice was calm, almost completely devoid of emotion. Lucifer knew she wanted to discuss something important. No one could guarantee the phone lines would be private. "Is now a bad time?" Lucifer looked around at the messy hallway, ducks and discarded clothing articles on the floor. He didn't need Carmilla to see this.

"I can meet you at your place "

"Very well. See you soon." And with that she hung up.

"Who was that?" Cain looked curiously over as Lucifer put his phone back in his pocket.

"Carmilla."

"Who?"

Lucifer took a deep breath, debating if it was worth his time to go off on Cain or to simply just go along with his antics. Eventually he decided he didn't have the energy for the fight Cain so clearly craved. "Bitchy Ballerina."

"Oh fuck. What'd she want?"

"I'm going to pay her a visit."

"Can I go?"

"No. I think she wants this to be private."

"Cool, I'll go along for moral support."

Lucifer rolled his eyes. Fuck it. Cain knew this much. "Whatever." He looked over to Syn who was fluttering far closer to his ear than he really wanted. "Page the security intern, let him know I'm leaving. Unless he's still on break."

"One moment please."

It wasn't more than two minutes before the intern slid into the room with Lucifer, Cain, and Syn. "I am here sir!"

"Where have you been? I needed you for the intruder like... an hour ago." Lucifer folded his arms over his chest, the robe and wineglass vanished as his coat and hat flew from the rack and back to him as he readied himself to go back out. (His wallow was really getting pushed back on the schedule.)

"Intruder?" Lysander looked puzzled. Lucifer gestured to Cain who was already on his phone, seemingly just scrolling mindlessly. "Oh, hi Cain!" He gave a wave. Cain didn't even look up.

"Sup?"

"Don't 'Hi Cain' him. He was an intruder. He came over, unannounced, and interrupted my nightly plans." Lucifer couldn't believe he was having to go over this with the Hellborn.

"But that's Cain, he always comes over unannounced."

"It's true, I do." Cain grinned a bit, sharp fangs catching the light.

"Exactly. That's why you're supposed to stop him. Isn't that security's job?" Lucifer tapped his finger impatiently. Lysander looked completely unphased by his obvious irritation. He simply shrugged.

"How should I know? I'm just an intern. You're supposed to teach me that stuff."

"It should be intuitive!" Lucifer took a deep breath. Nope. This wasn't worth the fight. He had to see Carmilla. "Keep an eye on the house while I'm gone. No one gets in. You hear me? No one. I don't care who it is!"

"What about Charlie?" Lysander asked uncertainly.

" Not sure why she would come. But no. Not even Charlie." Lucifer adjusted his hat. He didn't need Charlie to see the house in such disarray (and it was way too early to introduce her to Syn, Syn wasn't ready for that sort of interaction). "Any more questions?"

"Nope." Lysander gave him a little bow. He may not have been the brightest Hellborn, but at least he was somewhat respectful. Which was more than Lucifer could say for most.

"Negative!" Syn flew to hover by Lysander's head, resting on top of one of his horns.

"Good. Syn, you're in charge."

"Hurray!" Syn gave a happy cheer at the same time Lysander groaned:

"Awe man, for real?"

"Syn actually does her job." Lucifer's cane flew into his hand, and he turned on his heel to exit outside. Cain was quick to follow behind as they headed toward Carmilla's domain. (Cain probably knew Lucifer would absolutely leave him behind if given the opportunity, so he was right beside the Devil, easily keeping pace. Sure, Lucifer could fly and ditch him, but the fallout wouldn't be worth it.)

"I wonder why she wants to chat with you of all people." Cain had his hands shoved in the pockets of his leather jacket as they walked. Having the two of them together in public could possibly create a stir if anyone cared enough to take note. Realizing this he quickly shifted into a snake, slithering his way across Cain's shoulders, weaving through the spikes on his jacket, slithering up the back of his neck so he could rest his head in between Cain's horns. "Ah!" Cain immediately tried to swat him off.

"Oh, calm down; you're fine." Lucifer smirked as best as he could with his serpentine mouth, his tongue flicking from between his teeth as he played the part of a snake.

"The fuck, dude!? Get off! You got legs! Use them!"

"Not right now I don't~" Lucifer artfully dodged Cain's swipes, causing the Sinner to smack himself in the head. "And I thought you were coming as my support?"

"I said moral support!" Cain once again failed to get a grip on the slithering serpent. "Not whatever this shit is!"

"If people saw us walking together, they might think there's something important going on, especially if we head to Carmilla-" Lucifer gave Cain a look as the Sinner opened his mouth- "if you are about to ask me who one more fucking time I will turn into a whale right now a literally crush you." Cain shut his mouth. "That's what I fucking thought." Lucifer's snake form looked surprisingly self-satisfied given the distinct lack of ability to properly emote with a snake's face. "As I was saying," he plopped his head back on top of Cain's, "if it's just you, no one will give a shit."

"People give a shit about me." Cain grumbled, though he had stopped trying to swat Lucifer away. Perhaps he had finally gotten tired of failing. "Plus, I don't really hang out with snakes. Won't that be weird to see?"

"Why?" Lucifer slithered into his face so he could look Cain in his only eye. "Your mom liked it."

"I will fucking THROW you!" Cain, once again, tried to grab Lucifer (with the same amount of success).

"You wanted to come along~" Lucifer almost had a sing-song tone to his voice as Cain once again slapped himself in the face as he attempted to wrap his stony fingers around the Devil's elusive form. "And Carmilla is expecting us, so if you would hurry." He used his tail to flick Cain on top of his head as if trying to get a horse to start walking.

Cain let out a frustrated sigh and began walking in the direction Lucifer wanted. At the end of the day, the Overlord knew Lucifer was stronger and was only letting Cain tag along as some sort of favor. It might be better to have two Overlords' opinion of the situation at hand, anyway.

Lucifer's disguise worked, too. Not a single Sinner or Hellborn was paying them any mind, other than the usual looks Cain would get when he was walking around since, like Lucifer himself, Cain didn't make too many public appearances- preferring to keep mostly imps for company.

They reached the fortress-like home of Carmilla only to be greeted by Clara, one of her daughters. "Overlord Cain, did you need something?" She stopped him right at the front door.

"I'm looking for your mom." Cain looked up at the snake on his head.

"Oh." Clara instantly seemed to recognize the situation. "I was not informed he would be bringing a guest. Right this way." She immediately let them inside, leading the way to her mother's office. The doors closed behind them and Lucifer changed back into his normal form. He pushed Cain to the side so he could take the lead as they followed Clara into the elevator.

"It's good to see you again, Clara." He tipped his hat to her. She smiled, but there wasn't much joy in it. Immediately Lucifer felt his vibrato start to waver as he was reminded of why it was, he didn't enjoy visiting the Carmines. Of all the negative emotions he felt as the Devil, the worst was guilt.

"You too, sir." The elevator doors opened, and she gestured for he and Cain to get out. They stepped into the room as Clara took the elevator back down, leaving them alone in the lavish office of none other than Carmilla. She was sitting at her desk, looking over paperwork- most likely weapon orders- and she only looked up when Lucifer cleared his throat.

"Oh. You brought Cain." She glanced over at the other Overlord, giving only a small nod of acknowledgement.

"Sup?" Cain nodded back to her.

"I haven't seen you at a meeting in quite a long time." Her eyes narrowed.

"I've been busy." Cain shrugged off her annoyed glare.

"Is that so?"

"Hey, with Hell's population growing at an exponential rate, farming and food have been completely screwed over. So, excuse me for doing my job." He glowered, crossing his arms over his chest. "But um," he relaxed again, "how's Zestiel?"

"Seriously?" Carmilla chose to ignore him looking back at Lucifer. "I'm, honestly, surprised you came. More surprised you brought Cain along."

"He was already over." Lucifer admitted; that heavy feeling in his chest still lingered as Clara's expression remained scarred into his mind.

"Oh?" Carmilla raised an eyebrow. She took a deep breath, putting her papers down on the table. "Lucifer," she met his gaze. "What is going on?"

"Nothing. What...um... what's going on with you?" He gave her an unconvincing grin as he leaned on his cane trying to look as casual as possible. Carmilla stared at him, her face completely stoic.

"I have sensed something... unusual since the last Extermination, Lucifer." She turned her gaze to look out of the window. "I was willing to dismiss it as the Exorcists have always left a bad taste in my mouth. However," she looked back to him, meeting his gaze, her expression stern. "Then I saw you skulking about. You almost never leave your ivory tower since Lillith left."

"First of all, I do leave." Lucifer protested, only to be interrupted by Cain.

"No, he doesn't."

"Secondly," Lucifer continued seamlessly (choosing to ignore Cain) "I wasn't skulking I was investigating."

"So there is something going on." Carmilla put her hands on the table and rose to her feet. "I was afraid of this."

"Retaliation from Heaven, no doubt." Cain remarked smugly. "Big guy and I have already figured it out."

"I beg your pardon?" Carmilla raised an eyebrow.

"I don't blame you for not figuring it out. I sort of have an in with Heaven since my dad and brothers are there-or my dad was there but then he got murdered on live TV. But anyway, don't feel bad." Cain waved his hand dismissively in Carmilla's direction. She looked at Lucifer who had his face in both his hands.

"I'm sorry, he's stupid. Ignore him."

"I'm not stupid!" Cain protested at the time Carmilla replied with:

"I can see that."

"Hey, don't shit all over me just because I had a good idea." Cain threw up his hands in frustration. "I don't see you spitting out theories here. And Lucifer thought the bowl cut bandit was behind it all."

"Bowl... cut...?' Carmilla blinked. Lucifer kept his face buried, regretting ever bringing Cain along.

"Alastor. He means Alastor." He mumbled through his fingers.

"You still don't know his name?" Carmilla sighed. Pinching the bridge of her nose. "Cain, he's been to more meeting than you have in the last seven years."

"I thought he was like... missing for seven years..." Cain sounded confused, and Lucifer could see him actively trying to do the math.

"He was." Carmilla mused. "My point still stands." She turned back to the devil she had invited. "You thought it was Alastor... now you think it's Heaven... but you admit that there is something wrong."

Lucifer took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders, trying to look official. "I do. And since you feel it too... that gives some credence to the Heaven theory."

"Not necessarily." She gave a small sigh, shaking her head. "I am no longer in tune with Heaven, as you know. And I was nowhere near the rank you were even when I was Upstairs."

"Carmilla don't-" Lucifer tried to interrupt but Carmilla ignored him.

"I was just a seraphim. You were an Archangel."

"Carmilla!" His voice became more severe. "The key word there is was. I was an Archangel until I got kicked out because I saw a better fucking world! Which you should know because you were there!" He leaned up and Carmilla leaned down, the tension between them rising as Lucifer was already dealing with many external stressors. It was getting harder and harder to keep a cool head.

"Question..." Cain raised his hand up in the air looking between the two and somehow missing every unspoken cue to keep his fucking mouth shut. "Did you really think ducks were better than mankind?"

"That was a rumor. But maybe. Depends on the human." Lucifer was still making eye contact with Carmilla. "Better than you? Yes. Absolutely. Able? Maybe not. Barely talked to the guy."

"Hurtful." Cain artfully placed himself between Carmilla and Lucifer. "But also, follow up question, if I may."

"You may not." Lucifer and Carmilla spoke in unison.

"Perfect." Cain was perfectly in between them. "Why would Carmilla know this? Like... that happened way long ago."

"Because I was an angel once too..." Carmilla finally broke eye contact with Lucifer to look at Cain. "I... Cain... you know this. We've told you."

"Listen that was hundreds of years ago, babe, you really think I'm going to remember shit from back then? Especially when I have better things to think about than your tragic backstory?" Cain gave a shrug.

Lucifer heaved a sigh, the tension had melted away (perhaps that had been Cain's intention, but it was impossible to tell). "Look, I'm honestly just surprised he got your name right."

"He knows my name." Carmilla huffed. "He just pretends he doesn't when he's being a fucking dick- which is all the time." She too sighed and stood back straight; her own anger also seemingly having evaporated. She rolled her shoulders, cracking her neck. She walked back to the window, looking out over the literal Hellscape below. "I don't think it's Heaven..."

"You don't?" Lucifer was calmer now. Any mention of his past could put him on a short fuse. He walked over to join her, observing the Sinners scurrying about below. "Why not? If I may ask..."

"It's too soon." She closed her eyes for a moment, before opening them again and looking down at Lucifer. "You and I both know Heaven is powerful, meticulous, and thorough... but they are not quick. You have to go up the entire chain of command before anything gets done." She put her arms behind her back. "Think of it like this: I cut off an angel's head and it took them six months to retaliate."

"Wait you did what now?" Cain had joined them in looking out of the window, but currently he was staring at Carmilla. "An angel was decapitated? And I'm only just now hearing about this?"

"Please try to keep up, Cain." Carmilla rolled her eyes. "It's not something I like to advertise. But I am certain you won't be sharing the information around because you barely talk to anyone as it is."

"Rude, but true." Cain nodded. "Continue."

"The decapitation itself is something you would have known about, if you went to the meetings." She smirked, examining her nails. "Velvette sang a whole little song about it before throwing the head all over my table."

"Aw damn, I missed Velvette? Fuck. Why couldn't Moth Man or Flat Face have been there instead? Velvette is the best one of the Vees!" Cain threw up his hands in frustration. "The one meeting I miss-"

"One? You have missed so, so many." Carmilla replied flatly.

"Is Velvette the only thing you're taking out of that, Cain?" Lucifer had to try and process the conversation happening around him. "Really? An angel gets murdered and you're sad you missed Velvette?"

"She sang a song." Cain retorted.

"I fucking can't with you." Lucifer had to take a step away for a moment. Let Carmilla deal with Cain's antics for a bit.

She had a point. (Not about Velvette- they had gotten grossly off topic, but that was probably his fault for having Cain tag along). Heaven did not typically retaliate quickly. These strange little... visions, these uncanny feelings that seemed to creep under his skin had to be coming from somewhere... else.

But where?

Lucifer put his hand to the glass. He could vaguely hear Cain and Carmilla arguing behind him, but he was focused on trying to figure out an alternate theory for what could be causing these issues. Could Carmilla be wrong? Yes. But there was no denying the validity of her points. Still... there wasn't a lot out in the vast universe that could leave Lucifer feeling like this... this kind of constant, nagging unease that lingered in the air just enough for Lucifer to question himself. But Carmilla felt it... Charlie had seemed to actually see something...

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

Could he feel anything right now?

... No... not really... no more so than usual.

He opened his eyes only to see that he was no longer standing in Carmilla's office. Or well... he was... but the building had been destroyed. Lucifer jolted into a defensive position. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out- just struggling, gasping breaths. The remains of her great tower were smoldering around him. He knelt over, he could feel the scorching rubble through his gloves.

He heard giggling in the air around him. His eyes instantly landed on Exorcists, masks and all floating in the air above the building, but something was off... they looked... distorted. Even their laughter sounded garbled in the air.

Again, Lucifer tried to cry out, but all that came from his lips was a raspy breath.

The ground beneath him shook, violently, and Lucifer was suddenly aware that as he gazed in the distance, bits of Hell were... gone. The ground where he stood seemed to be crumbling away, bit by bit... it was all... falling... apart.

"LUCIFER!" Carmilla's voice sounded so far away.

"Dude what the actual fuck!?" Cain too...

Lucifer tried to speak, but his tongue felt like it was burning.

"DO SOMETHING!" There was Carmilla's voice again... he looked desperately for her, to try to grab her before the final bit of Hell collapsed-

SMACK

Lucifer felt a shooting pain across his face and suddenly he was back in Carmilla's office with Cain holding him by the shirt collar, arm still raised. Lucifer blinked, trying to figure out what the fuck had just happened.

"Oh, I think he's back." Cain was snapping his fingers in front of Lucifer's face. Lucifer weakly tried to swat them away.

"You know when I said 'do something', that wasn't what I had in mind." Carmilla was giving Cain a look, but instantly her attention was back on Lucifer. "Are you okay? Can you hear us now?"

"Well, you said to do something, you weren't specific. Next time you do something, and I'll yell orders." Cain was carefully putting Lucifer on one of the chairs in Carmilla's office. Lucifer rubbed his, now very sore, cheek as he started to finally reorient himself back into the present.

"D...did Cain just slap me?" He looked from Carmilla to Cain.

"Yes." At least they both were honest as they answered him together. (Though Carmilla sounded embarrassed, and Cain sounded proud.)

"Lucifer... wh... what happened...?" Carmilla did seem truly concerned (which was more than Lucifer could say for most of the Overlords.)

"I saw something... a... vision..." He was still, honestly, a bit shaken. It had been so vivid so... intense. Had this been the culmination of all those strange events? Was this a warning? A prophecy?

"What did you see?" Carmilla must have had an idea because she looked almost as shaken as Lucifer felt. "I felt something... just now..." Of course she did. Carmilla was right about one thing- Lucifer had once been one of the five Archangels. Hell, he had been their leader: The Morning Star, top of Heaven's Legions. And despite having fallen, he still maintained some of that power- far more than just a fallen Seraphim like Carmilla.

"I didn't sense anything, if it helps." Cain interjected.

"Of course you didn't, asshole." Lucifer shook himself. Whatever this was... it was strong but it was subtle. The Sinners couldn't seem to feel it. "I need to look into this."

"But you haven't told me what you saw!" Carmilla tried to protest but Lucifer was already on his feet and walking to the elevator.

"Later. I need more information." He didn't even wait for Cain. His wings spread out as soon as he was outside, and he took to the sky. He felt cold down to his core, sweat beading on his skin as he soared through the skies. He saw the hotel in the distance, the happy little sign flickering like a brightly colored beacon in an otherwise macabre landscape.

Charlie!

He just wanted to be sure she was alright.

Just a quick visit, then right to his home.

He made a dive toward the hotel coming to an immediate stop as he saw something... lying on the ground not too far from the hotel entrance. Lucifer blinked. That looked like a person...

On the ground, a man was barely stirring, just a faint twitch of a finger. A Sinner, from the looks of it. The right side of his body: hair, hands, and face seemed to be almost entirely in silhouette. The left side of him was paper white, as if someone had forgotten to fill in any color; he was completely split down the middle. His outfit was oddly colored for Hell... a white robe, gold and purple trim and-

Lucifer stopped short in midair. The recognition had hit him like a fucking truck.

Despite the Sinner being on the ground, he could he could make out the form poof the broken halo around his head split in that same black and white color, the front of it completely missing.

The man on the ground had his eyes open, not staring at anything just looking up. The eye on the silhouetted right half was completely white, devoid of an iris or pupil, it was nothing but an empty, glowing void. The eye on his other side was completely glassy black with the only color being a golden (almost angelic) flame where a pupil would have been.

He had thought this day couldn't get any worse, but Hell had once again proven him wrong. He pointed his cane directly in the man's face, horns completely out, teeth bared, wings flared.

"Took you long enough to show your fucking face around here, Adam."

Oof, got this up a little later than I wanted, especially because it's a bit on a long one. Ah well. Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I loved writing it for you! We have some real plot starting!