The First Husband

by StarryKnight19

Summary:

Essentially, I was inspired by another fanfic (An Arrangement was made) and wanted to make my own spin on said fanfic, as the previous one either discontinued or moved to a YouTube audiobook. Follows the same premise of Charlie and Adam getting an arranged marriage to prevent the exterminations of hell, all the while slowly falling in love. Expect a lotta angst, a lotta fluff, and a good bit of badassery, since I love that shit.

To the original author, if you see this, Thank you.

To the rest of y'all, enjoy! I'm having fun, and I hope you do too.

Notes:

• Inspired by An Arrangement was Made by AJTheWildWolf

Chapter 1: Bad Times all Around

Summary:

Oh boy, I sure do hope everyone has a good time in this chapter!

“You’ve gotta be shitting me,” Adam said, his vulgar words echoing throughout the pristine walls of heaven. Their pure gold and marble walls almost stained by his tongue.

“I mean, you can’t seriously think that I’m going to go along with this, right? I’m the first man, Sera! The primo dick! The holiest of holy! You can’t expect me to…to elope with something like her!”

Adam pointed a crooked finger at the demon sitting next to the High Seraph, a woman of taller stature, who had sickly pale skin and red eyes, all accented by rosy red cheeks that, if he didn’t know any better, almost looked like makeup. She wore a fancy and well fitted red suit, clearly made with the best scraps they had down in the shit hole, all topped off with a little bow tie, as if in a sad attempt to make herself ‘cute’.

The high Seraphim said nothing in response, the smallest twitch of her wings the only indication that she had even registered his words. Of course, such silence was almost worse than any scathing insult or otherwise well-worded dismissal that she could throw his way, for it meant that she was serious. Adam, the first man, was to marry Charlie Morningstar, the very princess of Hell. Also, the daughter of his ex.

This was bullshit.

Complete and utter bullshit.

What had he done to deserve such indignity? Such cruelty? Had he really done something so bad as to deserve such a fate? Yes, he conducted the exterminations, but that was just! The slaughtering of those filthy, vile little sinners was heaven's will! Murders, rapists and pedophiles, the whole lot! Who were they to decry his actions as sin now?!

He shot a glance at the demon, who seemed entirely out of it. Her gaze locked onto the pearlwood table before her. She didn’t move much, just sitting there with her arms wrapped around her body, as if she were the victim in all this. When she approved it in the first place! That… That she devil… She had to have tricked the high council, or at least, the High Seraphim. But to what end? To kill him? To… make a mockery of him? To humiliate him in front of all of hell?

“Adam,” Sera called out, her voice like the tone of a thousand bells ringing in absolute harmony.

“I suggest you stop glaring at your newly betrothed.” She said calmly, sparing him only the barest of glances.
At this, Adam’s gaze instantly shot back to the High Seraphim, and for the first time in ten millennia, he was truly caught off guard.

“You- You’re serious?” He stammered, shifting his chair back ever so slightly.

“I… I can’t… Why? Why would you ever choose to marry me off to a carpet muncher like that? What could’ve possibly compelled you to think this was a bright idea?”

Sera turned, her narrowed gaze as fierce as a solar flare.

“Peace.” She said.

“Peace? Peace?! You were the one who authorized the exterminations in the first place!”

“Under your suggestion.”

“Uh, yeah! Cause it’s the right thing to do! What do you think those sacks of shit are going to do once they outnumber us ten- no, a hundred to one? They’re gonna come up here, break down the gates, and have their way with-”

“Be silent,” Sera commanded, and the room went silent.

“Adam Primogenitus, I will not have such talk in these holy halls.”

Adam paled. She never used his full name unless she was really mad.

“The exterminations of hell, while an efficient way to keep hell in check, have now become obsolete in light of new conditions.”
New condition? What the hell was she talking about? Hell doesn’t change, it’s forever, just like she always says.

“New evidence has come to light, suggesting that Hell could be herded, subdued even, with the proper presence of an angel in a high enough position of authority. Giving them a… sense of security, or supremacy. And, in the absence of the fallen one and… her, Charlie Morningstar has graciously provided herself as a prime candidate for the experiment.” Sera stated simply, as if talking to a child.

“Experiment?” Adam chuckled from the sheer absurdity. His wings twitching from the mere mention of that she-beast.

“You mean to say you’re marrying me off to some two bit demon dyke in the name of an experiment? Whose bright idea was that? And where the fuck did you get that so called ‘evidence’?”

Sera’s eyes remained locked upon Adam for just a moment before flicking quickly over to Charlie, who was now staring at Adam with a very displeased expression.

“Oh, oh, that’s just wonderful! You’re taking the word and suggestions of a literal demon! Like that hasn't ever gone bad before!”

“Emily has seen through her; she bears no ill intent.”

“Emily’s a, and I mean no fucking offense, bit on the dumb side, Sera. You could show her a photo shopped puppy in hell and all of a sudden she’s fucking Samael!”

“Watch yourself, Adam.” Sera narrowed her eyes.

“Point being,” Adam quickly responded, shrinking in his chair a little.

“I see no reason why we should trust this mangy little whore over millennia of good ole Adam.”

The high Seraphim sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Adam hoped this meant that she, too, was finally starting to see the idiocracy of this whole situation, only she didn’t roll her eyes or do any of the other things she usually did when he was right. Instead, she simply turned to the demon, a fake smile plastered on her face.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to have a word with him alone.”

“Yeah,” Charlie responded, her voice almost devoid of any emotion.

Sera reached her thin fingers out and flicked off Charlie’s hologram, leaving naught but her and Adam, bathed in heaven's gentle afternoon light.

“You must understand,” She began, only for Adam to immediately cut her off

“Uh-uh! I don’t gotta understand shit! You’re whoring me out to the Princess of Hell! You don’t get to tell me to ‘understand’!”

“The Winners and the Heavenborn are starting to notice, Adam. ” She continued, now with a subtle glare of annoyance.

“Your army grows every year, and it is getting harder and harder to justify its existence. The phrase ‘hell brings troubling sights’ only works so many times, you know.”

“And how exactly is that my fucking fault? The amount of freaks going into Hell increases every year, Sera, So every year I need more and more badass boss bitches!”

“It is an unsustainable cycle, and one day, either your army will grow too large, and all of heaven will figure out what we’re doing, or your army will lose to Hell, and it’ll be the end of all of us. It is already a disaster now that the heavenly council knows due to that little stunt Charlie pulled, I will not allow the rest of Heaven to follow suit.”

“Pfft, that’s easy! We just won’t lose, and keep it a secret from the rest of Heaven.”

“…Surely you are not so dull-headed as to think such things are so easily done as said, right?” Sera raised an eye, and in turn, Adam was silent. As great and glorious as he was, even he couldn’t deny the possibility of Hell overpowering his troops. It had almost happened to one of his exorcists already, and who knows how many sinners there will be in the future. Plus, if there was one thing he knew about his children, it was that they are curious to a fault, even in paradise.

Taking his silence as an affirmation, Sera continued.

“Good. And that’s why I’m doing this. Though highly improbable, the mere chance of something so simple being able to fix both of Heaven’s foremost problems in one fell swoop is far too tantalizing to pass up.”

Adam pondered this thought for a moment, trying to come up with any possible way out of this.

“Okay…” He started,

“Even if this does work, which it fucking won’t, why’s it gotta be me? I’m sure there are dozens of other Angels who the Princess of Skanks would rather be hitched to.”

“There most certainly are, but most of the angels on that list are unaware of the exterminations, or the wider scene in hell. Of the aware host, all of them are critically important to Heaven’s continued operations and the safety of Winners. Except for one.”

Adam was appalled. How was he not vital to Heaven’s survival? He’s the fucking first man! Heaven wouldn’t even have a winner population if it weren't for him! He’s literally their greatest soldier! The leader of the exorcists themselves!

“In the event exterminations were to halt, you would be rendered effectively purposeless. Thus, a perfect candidate for the role.”

“Purposeless? Sera, I’m the original dick! I have a greater purpose to this place than half of the holier-than-thou angels here. And sides, if you want someone who doesn’t do anything, why not send Emily? I’m sure they’ll get along like two dildos in a lesbian's drawer.” Adam quipped with a crude and perverted smile.

Sera almost physically recoiled at that simile, but continued nonetheless.

“Homosexuality is a sin, Adam.” She said curtly, as if the mere word was something to be disgusted by.

“Oh right, right, nearly forgot,” Adam mumbled. “But fucking a demon is kosher huh?”

“What. Was. That?” Sera said, her many true eyes popping into existence upon her six impossibly shiny wings.

“Nothing! Nothing, High Seraphim.” Adam quickly responded, his very halo dimming as he pressed his head to the table.

“Hmph,” Sera murmured, folding her wings back and letting her true eyes dematerialize.

“You are going to be betrothed to Charlie Morningstar. You will stay committed to this relationship and will do your best to be a proper husband. Do you understand me, Adam Primogenitus?” “Yes, High Seraphim.”

“Good.” Sera smiled, happy to see Adam finally accepting reality. “Do you have any last inane questions before we continue with the proceedings?

“Are there any divorce conditions?” He asked grimly, his voice dripping with dread.

“If Ms. Morningstar so wishes, she can null the contract at any point in time.”

Adam clicked his tongue at the way Sera addressed that demon, as if she were worthy of such respect.

“What about me? What if that bitch decides to beat on me? Or make a fool outta me?”

Sera, against her better nature, smiled. Her hand flicked into the air like she was discussing a passing, insignificant thing.

“Then it’s like you always say, Adam. You’re the first man; so I’m sure you’ll be able to suck it up and deal with it.”

Adam, again, said nothing.

 

* * * * *

 

Charlie hated this.

Everything about this was so wrong.

She so desperately wanted this to be a bad dream. A nightmare that she would soon wake up from, and go quickly back into my mother’s loving arms.

But it isn’t. This is real.

The cold, sterile chair of heaven’s embassy, the long and empty meeting hall, bare of color beside the pure gold linings on the wall, and the cruel reality she found herself in. All of her own making. At least in this brief moment of reprieve granted by Sera’s and Adam’s private conversation, she could breathe. A little.

The last 72 hours have been nothing but pure torture.

First, there was the revelation that her beloved, her rock, her partner Vaggie… had been lying to her. Lying to her every minute, of every hour, of every day, of every month, for the last three years. How? How could she do that to her? Lying straight to her face for so long? They had promised each other, right at the start of their relationship, that they would be honest. No secrets, no lies, no… hidden details. Charlie had been through her fair share of that with her parents, and Vaggie knew that, and she still lied! It took Adam, that misogynistic, cruel, heartless filicidal man, for her to learn the truth. How could she trust her now? How could she ever, ever be sure that she was telling the truth? How… how could she have been so cruel?

She barely ate or drank for days after the trial, and wouldn’t even look at Vaggie whenever she brought her something, or begged her to talk to her. In truth, she did want to talk, to… settle things as best they could, but not then. Not now, even. It was, and still is, far, far too soon. So instead, she just lay in bed for days on end, pondering. Pondering what she could do to stop Adam. To stop the senseless slaughter of her kind, to give her some, any breathing room to get closer to proving redemption.

It was during that bout, in the middle of a particularly bad spiral of pessimistic thoughts, that she got it. It was a horrible idea, of course, one that she loathed and, were it any other situation, wouldn’t dream of doing. But it could potentially work. She was, after all, the Princess of Hell. And what else are Princesses best known for, then getting married in the name of peace?

Heaven claimed that they wanted to ‘secure the peace’, but she knew better. All they really wanted was control. Control over Hell and its denizens, so that they and their winners could feel safe. They’ll see. Once she proves redemption is possible, they’ll have no choice but to come down and extend their hands to those who need it. She’s sure of that. But until that day comes, she had to find some way to make them feel in control, without the exterminations. But until then, she needed to give them an alternative sense of control over Hell, one better than the current order. That way, the exterminations would be rendered obsolete. And… what better modem of control is there than royalty?

Hell is not a place where respect is oft given. Indeed, it must be earned, usually through blood. However, the Morningstar Lineage was a notable exception. If you were a Morningstar or associated with one, you were untouchable. No one wanted to get on the bad side of the King and Queen of Hell, and… if she was being honest with herself, Charlie supposed that’s one of the reasons why she got this far in the first place. Any other Lord or Sin probably would’ve gotten jumped the second they came out with her ‘radical’ ideas.

Regardless, given the power her family held, if she offered Heaven a way into that family, a way to send down an agent of theirs to personally preside over Hell and make sure that rebellion was not on its way, then maybe, just maybe, there was a chance they could decide not to conduct the exterminations. Plus, once the angel in question actually got down to Hell, assuming they weren’t entirely brainwashed, she could maybe convince them that some of the citizens of Hell could be redeemed. She was no fool; she knew that a good portion of the people in Hell deserve to be there, but shouldn’t a helping hand be extended to the few who don’t? Surely, any reasonable Angel with just an ounce of free will would be able to see the logic in that.

And so, she rose from her bed, took a quick shower, and then marched up the steps of the Heavenly embassy, determined to at least propose her idea, or die trying. Even if she had to bash it into Adam’s thick skull herself. However, unexpectedly, when she rang the desk bell to signal her presence, it was not the first man who appeared before her in hologram form, but the High Seraphim herself. According to her, ever since the trial, Charlie had apparently been marked as a ‘high risk’ demon.

Lucky her.

This did provide a unique opportunity, though, so just as the High Seraphim was about to cut the connection, Charlie made her plea. Offering her hand in marriage as a bargaining chip to Heaven itself, and against all odds, Heaven accepted. They actually listened to her for once! They saw reason! At last, her friends, her people, would be safe. And all she’d have to do is put up with some snobby angel.

An optimistic thought, one quickly snuffed when the High Seraphim revealed her candidate for marriage.

Why? Why him of all angels? Why couldn’t it have been Michael? Or Raphael? Hell, she’d even take Azrael over him. Even if it would technically be a vague, weird angelic form of incest, anyone would’ve been better. Why must she be constantly cursed to suffer the most egregious hardships for any ounce of progress? Why, why, why? Why him? She had to back out, right? There was no way she would really let herself be bound to that man, right?

No.

This… was fine. It was okay. Even if she felt like hurling every time she imagined them together, even if she scratched out her skin over the mere thought of him sleeping in the same bed, even if every cell in her body told her to reject the marriage proposal the second his name came up, it was fine. Her friends would be okay, her people would be okay. Redemption would come. She would just have to deal with this in the meantime. She can do that, she’s been handling stuff like this her entire life! He’s no different from any of the worst sinners. Just smile, wave, and have a plan if he decides to get too handsy.

No sooner had she made that decision did the the gentle flicker of the projection disk embedded into the pearlwood desk alerted her to the fact that her brief reprieve was at its end. No matter. She could do this. She’s the goddamn Princess of Hell! If anyone can, she can. So she put on her best smile and waited for the inevitable.

Soon, the holographic forms of the High Seraphim and Adam flickered into view, their semi-transparent bodies contrasted against the dimly light walls of the embassy. Compared to about five minutes ago, though, Adam looked distinctly more downtrodden. His eyes lazily scanned the roof above them, and the usual rockstar moxie that he was… infamous for was entirely absent, replaced with an eerie silence.
The High Seraphim looked towards Charlie, a plastic smile of otherworldly serenity plastered across her face, fake and real all at once.

“Apologies, Ms. Morningstar. I assure you that Adam will no longer be a hindrance during this meeting.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

“…Not as much of a hindrance, at least.”

“Of course! No need to worry, High Seraphim. We all have our moments with our subordinates, happens all the time.” Charlie responded with the practiced grace and civility of someone raised in royalty.

“Now then, if you have any other objections or final requests before we begin the actual consummation, please speak them now.”

“Can there be a daily dick sucking policy added to the contract?” Adam asked with a hand raised.

“No, Adam.”

“Fucking buzzkill.” He mumbled.

“Ms. Morningstar?”

“Nothing, Sera. I believe everything I wanted or objected to was properly outlined in the contract we drafted yesterday. Though I do have one question.”

“Being?” Sera queried with a raised eyebrow.

“Section 45, paragraph 2, subsection B.” Charlie had memorized the whole thing already; she’d needed to if she was to survive this encounter, and every one after.

“The duties of the Wife and Husband? What of it?”

“Well, the section in question specifies nothing about children, nor the act in which children are made, and I was curious as to just what that implied.” Charlie tried her best to keep a cool tone and to dance around certain words, but she was really, really hoping that it didn’t mean that Adam got a say in anything regarding that department. From the corner of her eye, she could see Adam perk up at the mention of children, a simple act which sent shivers down her spine.

“Ah, yes…” Sera mumbled, materializing an ancient tomb and scrolling through it for a moment before reading a small passage from it.

“In the event that childbearing and the activities that lead to it are not specified in the marriage agreement, or are not agreed upon by both parties, such acts will fall under natural law. That being that the woman has full say in the matter, as she is the one who is typically largely responsible for said life, until the baby is born, at which point the Husband will gain overall authority, as is his right as head of the household.”

To this, Adam only gave a little tsk and slouched back into his chair, seemingly disinterested once more. Charlie, on the other hand, could not be more ecstatic. She tried her best to hide her excitement, but a close eye could tell a noticeable shift in her smile as Sera read out that passage. It wasn’t all perfect, as there was a bit of that ‘head of the household’ nonsense thrown in there, but until a child was born, which there wasn’t going to be, she would have full say in regards to… those activities, with the full authority of Heaven itself behind her! At least… at least there was that.

“Any other questions, Ms. Morningstar?” Sera asked, her brows furrowing ever so imperceptibly at Charlie’s barely contained excitement.

“No, thank you, High Seraphim.”

“In that case, under my authority as the High Seraphim of the heavenly council, as ordained by the All-Father of creation, I hereby oversee and bless this marriage, in the name of God.”
Sera stretched her hand out to Adam, her voice becoming a bit annoyed as she gazed upon his irreverent slouch.

“Do you, Adam Primogenitus, hereby vow to bind yourself to Charlie Morningstar, in holy matrimony, till death do you part?”
As she spoke, a golden contract made of the finest silk formed before Adam. It was filled with all the rules and binding vows of their union, and stretched to the very ceiling of the Embassy itself. He took all of maybe 30 seconds to glance over it before signing the paper, making Charlie wonder just how he could be so flippant about this whole thing. It was eternity together, and he signed it like he would a five-dollar tip.

“Yeah yeah, she can bask in the presence of the dickmaster all she likes.” He commented as he signed, proceeding to balance the pen on his nose after he was done.

Sera furrowed her eyes again and made a little tsk. Before turning her eyes to Charlie and stretching her hand out once more

“Do you, Charlie Morningstar, hereby vow to bind yourself to Adam Primogenitus, in holy matrimony, till death do you part?”

Again, the golden contract materialized before Charlie, and for just a moment, she considered backing out of this, running back to the hotel, and mustering up a good fight. Maybe, just maybe, they could still win. Yet… the more rational side of her brain knew the truth. There was no way in Hell they could win a fight like that. Not without a lot of her friends dying in the process, and that simply wasn’t a risk she could take. Not when Vaggie could…

“…Yes.” She said as she signed, shakily placing the pen down afterward.

“And so it is done. I hereby declare you wed. May your days be long, prosperous, and happy.” With that, her fate was sealed. This was her life now, married eternally to a man currently more preoccupied with doing pen tricks than actually paying attention to his eternal bonding.

“I will prepare the arrangements for Adam to move to hell shortly. A week should be about the time I’ll need to make sure all the proper paperwork is filed.”

Adam instantly jerked his head up, his pen dropping to the floor as he shot up from his chair.

“Wait, wait wait wait, you telling me I have to go live in that shit hole as well?! I thought this was gonna be one of the ceremonial things, y’know, check in every once in a while via an orb, not… this!” Adam gestured vaguely at the air.

“No, Adam. When I said a ‘position of authority,’ I meant a physical, proper position. Not some distant and unreachable will. If that was enough, we wouldn’t be here in the first place. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?” At those last words, Sera’s voice became multilayered, and one could see in the blank recesses of her eyes the sheer terrifying power she held in her very being. The infinite made physical, an Angel from the hand of God himself.

To such a being, Adam only had one response, mumbled through gritted teeth.

“No, High Seraphim. I do not.”

Charlie, seeing Adam being cowed, could not help but give just a little chuckle, to which Adam promptly responded with a raised middle finger. And… oddly enough, what could almost be mistaken as a small wince of pain. What a wonderful first act for the newlywed couple… Eugh, the word couple sounded disgusting now. Yet another thing that Adam had tainted.

“With that settled, then, I bid you a good day, Mrs. Morningstar.”

The shimmering holographic forms of Sera and Adam flickered from existence, and Charlie was left alone once more, with naught but one thing repeating in her mind. The sound of Sera calling her ‘Mrs. ’ A sickly sound, full of dread and poison, one which repeated in her mind as she exited the Heavenly Embassy. One that followed her through the streets of Hell, up into the Hazbin Hotel, past Vaggie as she desperately tried to talk to Charlie again, past the other gathered residents, who in her absence had fallen back into various old habits and addictions. Right into her room, where she simply laid back onto her bed, and tried her damnedest to make the sound stop.

 

* * * * *

It was a very, very long walk back home for Adam.

Back out of the Embassy, back through the streets of Heaven, still lit in the dim and brilliant afternoon light. Back through his neighborhood, where the gathered winners and heavenborn looked on in gathered curiosity, as normally the First man would not dare bother to walk home, not when his Golden wings, his pride and joy, would carry him. But Adam did not want to fly tonight, or rather, he could not.

He passed by Lute’s house, ignoring her greetings and beckons for dinner. Walking straight into his mansion. Once inside, he fell to his knees, the pain radiating from his now broken wing becoming simply too much. It was a minor hairline fracture, thankfully not visible to the naked eye, but it still hurt like a bitch. Was a surprise too, to think he’d fracture his own goddamn wing at the mere mention sight of that bitch snickering at him. He’d have to be more careful next time, grab the feathers and not the bone.

It was worth it, though, that rotten skank is bound to be just like the others, and as such, he can’t afford to show any sign of weakness. No improper anger, no fear, no sadness. Nothing. She’ll latch onto any little bit he gives and torment him for as long as she can, just off of that. Comparatively, a broken wing is a small, small price to pay. Broken wings can be healed; broken wings means it's just time for a nice little walk. Broken wings are nothing, nothing, compared to a wife with ammunition.

Adam sighed and slowly trudged over to his couch, past the various antique guitars and gathered fruits of his many, many years of existence, before gently sitting himself down and calling up as much heavenly energy as he could without alerting Sera. Then, he placed the ball of swirling light to the wound, which promptly began to heal. It was going to be a slow process, but if he kept at it, he should be all spick and span by tomorrow.

Still, to think that that bitch of a princess caused him even a day, no, even a mere fucking hour of delay during his last week in Heaven… it made his blood boil. So much so that when he went to go take a sip of his materialized water, and promptly spilled it on his robe due to his shaky, healing hands, he chucked the damned thing across the mansion. Then, not satisfied with such a small act, he chucked his table out the sunroof, watching contentedly as it flew off into the ether beyond Heaven's outer borders.

Then and there, surrounded by the falling splinters of glass, he made two silent vows to himself. One, he would not allow himself to be pushed around by this pathetic little excuse of a demon, and two, he was gonna throw the greatest goddamn party Heaven’s ever seen, just to stick it to the woman on his way out!

He pulled out his phone and, with a sly little smile, began to make some calls.

Notes:

Hope you enjoyed it! Will return soon with more chapters!

Chapter 2: Brace

Summary:

When you're falling from high enough up, there's only one thing you can do.

Charlie was starting to seriously regret getting that custom alarm clock. 

 

It was a simple thing really, boxy and pitch black with red electronic numbers, Same as any of the other high-end alarm clocks in Hell. Only, this one was made as a prank; a practical joke from one Ars Goetia to another, Zepar to Barbatos, if she recalled correctly. Whenever it rang it would blare out only the most peppy and upbeat songs from the human world and was enchanted so that it would constantly be updating its song repertoire. To any other demon, and to Barbatos especially, it was pure torture. It took him nearly six months to break through the protection spells so that he could move it, and when he did he went to Lucifer himself and asked him to destroy it.

 

Of course, he didn’t, and instead offered it to Charlie, who eagerly accepted it. Who wouldn't want to wake up to something bright and cheery early in the morning? Something to rejuvenate the spirits and get the bones a movin'. Or even something to hum or sing along to while doing your hair! It was the perfect thing for her. 

 

That was, of course, until two days ago. When she went to that Hell forsaken embassy and made a deal with the angels. Now all that alarm clock stood for was a daily reminder that her time was running out. From the daily goings on of the hotel to Alastor’s shenanigans, along with the various structural and managerial problems that had sprung up since the hotel was first built, She had so much to do in order to prepare for Adam’s arrival. Not the least of which was telling the other residents of the hotel of her plan and… dealing with Vaggie.

 

Her name, once like honey and sweet milk, now stung like sandpaper scraped on her mind. She still loved her of course, nothing would ever change that. But… she just couldn’t trust her anymore, not after the trial in Heaven. How could she? Three years they had been together and not once did she find it ‘appropriate’ to tell her that she was a fallen exorcist. Not that Charlie much cared for her past. Vaggie was Vaggie, adorable, hard-headed, but ultimately well-meaning. It’s the principle of it all! If she was willing to hide something as big as this from her, what else would she be willing to hide? Could she ever truly trust her again with this lingering shadow over their heads? Should she?

 

Questions burrowed in her mind like the worst parasites. Stealing her sleep and sanity bit by bit and confining her to her bedroom until all she was left with was the familiar sight of her roof, dimly lit in the morning light. 

It wouldn’t be long now until the alarm clock sang its sanguine songs and forced her from bed to face the challenges of the day. If only she had the power to stop time; not for long of course, she wouldn’t want to inconvenience anyone. Just long enough for her to… forestall the morning a bit. For her to figure out what to do, how best to do it, what best to say, and all the little details that alluded her yet.

 

Unfortunately, time waits for no woman. Soon the alarm began to blare its macabrely cheerful tune, some song from the mid-90s if Charlie had to guess. The sound pulled her from her wistful daydreams and back into reality, where she had a job to do. 

 

Charlie slowly dragged herself from her sheets and onto the soft blood-red carpet, resisting the urge to smash the alarm clock into a million pieces and instead gently turning it off. Shambling over to the bathroom, Charlie got a good look at herself for the first time today.

 

She was a gaunt, ghoul-like thing with sunken eyes and dull skin. Her normally bright red cheeks now faded into a ghastly shade of pink. Her long blond hair tangled and unkempt. The sleepless nights had clearly taken their toll, and Charlie almost laughed at how bad she looked. If only she knew about this little trick last year around Halloween. she would've been able to truly be scary rather than just ‘creepily adorable’, as Vaggie put it.

 

She couldn’t go out like this, so she quickly began to fix herself up. Applying some makeup to mask the eye bags, brushing and then tying up her hair in the usual chain of knots she liked and using some minor illusion magic to hide whatever she couldn’t immediately patch up. It was shoddy work at best and definitely unhealthy, but worrying about long-term health could come later; she had a job to do.

 

Moving swiftly onwards, Charlie made her way to her closet where rows upon rows of the numerous suits she had collected over the years were stored. Along with the occasional bits of bedware and a single dress which lay crumpled in a dark corner. From as early as Charlie could remember she had always loved suits. She couldn’t even really figure out the main reason why; it just felt right. Maybe it was the ‘official’ feel of them, or the fancy feeling she got when she adjusted her collar and cuffs, or even the various ways she could make or unmake her bowtie. 

 

Regardless, staring at her vast menagerie of clothes she realized that she had a rather important choice to make, one that would surely decide the course and beat of her entire day. 

 

Red or dark pink suit?

 

It was a daunting choice to be certain. Each suit had its pros and cons and each was practically begging to be worn and shown to the world. This was going to be tough. 

 

After several minutes of extremely important and not-at-all procrastinative decision making, Charlie settled on the red one. Gently bringing it from its hanger and donning its well-ironed coat. It fit perfectly, as all her suits do, and with just a little bowtie adjustment she was dressed and ready to go. Well, not entirely ready. 

 

Stepping out from her closet she slowly walked over to the floor-length mirror that rested to the right of her bed. She inspected her form one last time, checking for any stray details or little ruffles in her hair, amd once she was satisfied that her outfit was truly ready to go, she took a deep breath and smiled. It was a lot more difficult these days but she made a vow a long time ago that every day would begin with a smile in the mirror and she wasn't going to break that streak now. She couldn’t no matter what.

 

Smile in hand, or on face technically, she then sauntered her way over to her door. Ready to deal with whatever hassles that announcing Adam’s arrival and the subsequent renovations would bring… only to stop once her hand touched the knob. 

 

She could feel it, the weight on the door, far too great to be any package or pet; accompanied by quiet weeping. Dread and horror crawled up her arm the moment she heard it. The sickeningly familiar voice freezing her body in place. Charlie knew this was coming, it was inevitable, but… now? She thought she’d have at least a day or two or even just an hour to prepare. Could… could she do this now? The weight on her chest told her no, and the way her breath shook screamed at her that she should just go back to bed and try to drown out the weeping. Should she? It was an appealing idea, nice, soft, safe and-

 

No. 

 

No, she needed to deal with this right now. No matter how much it hurts, no matter how much she doesn't want to, it needs to be done. She’s already forstalled this far longer than she needed to and kicking it down the road would only serve to hurt both of them even more. Charlie was running out of time and if she wanted her happy ending then this needed to be dealt with now. So that they could both have a chance to heal before his arrival.

 

So she took a breath, tensed her hand, and slowly opened the door. 

 

As the door swung inwards Vaggie almost stumbled in with it, the sudden lack of support causing her to lose her already shaky balance. She recovered, though, and stared at Charlie, her eyes wide and reddened from tears. 

 

“Charlie.” She murmured, quickly swiping at the tears still trailing down her face.

 

“Vaggie.” Charlie responded, her voice ever so slightly shaky and full of grief. 

 

Vaggie squirmed slightly in place, her hands rubbing her shoulders. From just a glance Charlie could tell that she wanted nothing more than to run in and hug her like she had done a thousand times before. And honestly, Charlie greatly desired that as well; But that would have to wait. 

 

Averting her gaze, Charlie stepped back and extended a hand towards her bed.

 

“Come in, take a seat.” she said softly, leaving the door open behind her as she walked back into her room.

 

Vaggie followed hesitantly, gently pulling the door shut as she went. Charlie had never seen her like this, so sullen. She didn’t like it and wondered what the past couple of days had done to her mental state. Days full of wondering and what-ifs, all because Charlie didn’t have the courage to face her sooner. Yet another chunk of guilt to add to the pile she supposed.

 

Soon they sat down together on the bed. There, Charlie actually managed to get a good look at her in the light. She, too, was a gaunt-looking thing. She seemed thinner almost, and her eyes were now accompanied by heavy bags. Her hair was all frizzled and torn, whic was quite the contrast to her usual well-formed locks. She looked miserable, her gaze dull and downtrodden. 

 

A beat of silence passed between them as they watched the vulture birds fly outside, each trying to just… prepare. Then, Charlie spoke, her gaze locked upon the distant red skyline through her window.

 

“So… how have you been?” 

 

Vaggie chuckled, shifting her hands to the bed. “What do you think?” 

 

“Yeah, I suppose that was a bit of a dumb question.” Charlie said with a ghost of a smile.

 

“A bit? Hon, no offense, but that was up there.” 

 

Charlie chuckled at that. The first proper laugh she’s had since she made the deal. That was another thing she loved about her; she always knew how to make her laugh.

 

Her gaze shifted towards Vaggie where their eyes finally met. 

 

“...Why?” She asked softly.

 

Vaggie was silent for a long while, her eyes solely focused on Charlie. 

 

“I… don’t know.” She admitted, her grip on the sheets tightening.

 

“You don't know?” Charlie instantly responded, her voice now laced with just a hint of something between shock and anger. 

 

“Nono, I- well- I just…” Vaggie stumbled over her own words, something Charlie had never seen her do before. “I… I thought that you might not…” 

 

“Might not what? Accept you? Love you?” Charlie leaned forward slightly, her voice cracking, “Vaggie, what part of me would even suggest that I would ever be anything other than accepting?” Charlie gestured at her attire, which sported various cute little buttons and pins, one of which was literally a cute heart pin with her face on it.

 

“Nothing! Nothing about you would ever dare suggest that!” Vaggie responded instantly, her voice beginning to crack as well. “It’s… It's just… every year I see you stare out that window at the aftermath of the exterminations, with this… look of pain and sorrow at what the exorcists have done… and I couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, if I told you at the wrong time or place… You might look at me like that, too.” 

 

Charlie's eyes went wide and she let out a heavy sigh. 

 

“Oh sweetie…” She murmured, reaching down to grab one of Vaggie's shaking hands in her own.

 

“I would never, ever think that of you. You’re not one of them. Not anymore. And… while you may have done some bad things in the past, you’re trying to become better and trying to make up for those mistakes. That's what matters.”

 

 Vaggie let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and Charlie could see how her shoulders relaxed as she spoke. Soon, a smile began to creep across Vaggie's face and her hands stilled.

 

“Right. Yeah, I should’ve figured. You’re you, after all.” Vaggie murmured, coaxing a little chuckle from them both. 

 

“So… does that mean we’re still…?”

 

Charlie's face darkened and her eyes broke away from Vaggie’s. A small act which made waves of dread course through Vaggie's entire body. 

 

“I… don’t think we should be together anymore.” Charlie said, her voice low. “I just… I don't know if I can trust you anymore. Not yet, anyway.” 

 

Vaggie sighed, her worst nightmares now made real. Charlie’s words stung like the worst of poisons in her mind, and the worst part? She couldn't even refute her. It made perfect sense. How could you possibly trust someone who had deliberately lied to you for the better part of three years? About something so critically important? Charlie had been an open book with her, sharing every secret or dream she ever had and Vaggie had not returned the favor. It was as simple as that.

 

“...We… can still be friends then, right?” Vaggie asked, wrapping her free hand around Charlie's.

 

“Of course!” Charlie responded instantly, her signature smile returning in force. “I still love you; that won't change. And I can’t dream of a future without you by my side. It's just, y’know, now we won't share a bed.” 

 

Vaggie took a deep breath which transferred into a sigh as she fell back onto the bed, her hands leaving Charlie's.

 

“Man. I really did mess this up huh?” She commented with a dry chuckle. 

 

“A little bit, not too terribly bad though!” 

 

The pair smiled at each other, a familiar warmth spreading through both of their chests. It wouldn’t be the same, maybe it never would. But they’d still have each other. That wasn’t changing anytime soon. 

 

“I do expect you to let me play with your wings though.” Charlie commented as she rose from the bed extending a hand towards Vaggie as she went.

 

“No way, not happening.” Vaggie flatly responded, taking Charlie’s hand and rising off the bed as well.

 

“Whaaaatt? And after all the times I let you play with my tail… hmph.”

 

The pair chuckled again and Vaggie delivered a playful punch to Charlie’s shoulder.

“Alright Hon- er- Charlie. What now?” Vaggie asked, brushing a frizzy strand from her face. Her voice still tinged with exhaustion.

 

“Now, you go take a nap. I'm going to go out shopping for some supplies. Once you wake up, gather everyone in the lobby. I… need to make an announcement.” Charlie said, moving towards the door while motioning for Vaggie to follow.

 

“An announcement? What for?”

 

“I’ll… tell you later. For now, just focus on getting some rest, okay?” Charlie placed a gentle hand to Vaggie's cheek, hoping that she wouldn’t pry further. She had already gone through enough emotional torment for the hour.

 

“...Okay.” Vaggie nodded, leaning into Charlie’s touch for just a moment, before breaking away to walk towards her impromptu room, which was looking more and more like her new permanent one.

 

As Charlie watched Vaggie walk down the hall, her smile faded ever so slightly. A part of her wanted to rush over and embrace Vaggie. To apologize and say that she just wanted her back. But… she had made her choice. Her people relied upon her, and this accursed marriage to survive. So now she had to follow through. Hopefully the arrangements she was going to make would be to Adam’s liking. Hopefully. 

 

She turned on heel and began to walk towards the lobby.

*****

Lute had seen plenty of things before. In fact, in all of her countless millennia she had seen almost everything. The rise and fall of empires, the coronation and beheading of countless kings and queens, and the most horrid terrors that hell could throw at her. But this? This was new.

 

The grand walls of Adam’s mansion, once pristine and golden, covered in countless artifacts far older and more historied than her, were now stained with filth and the markings of various angels. A grand and terrible rave had been set in place by Adam not three days ago and in that short amount of time countless priceless artifacts had been broken or otherwise lost, three angels had to be sent to the heavenly infirmary for alcohol poisoning (which shouldn’t have even been possible) and the entire block had been declared a ‘hazard to the overall psyche of winners’. 

 

Needless to say, something was up. 

 

From her bird’s-eye view she could see almost the entire compound and after just a bit of searching, she found him. Stationed in his own backyard upon what seemed to be a makeshift stage made of planks and holy energy, Adam stood, guitar in hand, belting out another one of his ever-so-famous songs to an adoring audience who cheered his name and pumped their fists to the rhythm. 

 

Ordinarily, Lute would’ve just flown down, asked for a mic, and joined in on the festivities. But the blatant desecration of Adam’s household raised far too many questions. Adam was never the type of man to allow people into his house easily. It took her nearly a thousand years just to be invited through the front door, and yet here these people were, streaming in like a tidal wave of intoxication and poor (but not sinful) decisions. Lute could not possibly fathom what could’ve motivated Adam to allow such disrespect, but it had to be something big.

 

As she was pondering the possible reasons why her general would do such a thing, Adam finished up his song and raised his hands, calling for some quiet; Presumably for some kind of speech. Lute immediately flew in closer, hiding upon the rooftops just out of sight, but not out of earshot. Hopefully his words would give her a few clues on the situation. 

 

Taking a glance at the gathered crowd Lute could see that it was mostly made up of her fellow exorcists along with a couple of heavenborn angels. though notably, none of the crowd were winners. This was incredibly odd because usually, whenever Adam had a party the winners were the first ones he invited. He loved to have them around, and always seemed the happiest when they were cheering him on. 

 

Soon though, her observations were interrupted by Adam adjusting his mike, the loud whining noise silencing the last of the murmuring crowd.

 

“Alright, Imma keep this simple, this little speech of mine is for the badass bitches that make up my army, so for any of you other fuckers out in the crowd, feel free to go grab a beer or some shit while I talk.” 

 

His words are immediately met with a roar of approval from the exorcists, along with a few raised beer cans and weapons. Lute herself felt a small swell of pride as the heavenborn angels scoffed at Adam's vulgar language and retreated inside his mansion, leaving just Adam and his army.

 

“Okay, now that the fuckwits are out, allow me to say that you all are some of the most dangerous, hard-charging, and generally kickass soldiers I have ever had the pleasure of training. In fact, as of now, the only regret I have in my heavenly life is that I never got to lead you into battle. But who knows? It may happen one day!” Adam smiled wickedly as he spoke, giving a big wink to the crowd as he said that last comment.

 

His words are met with plenty of giggles and elbow bumps, along with yet another cheer of approval. That was something else Adam always reveled in. Towing the line between outright disobedience and mere cheeky comments. It infuriated Sera and the other angels aware of the exterminations but also lit quite the fire in the exorcists, so Adam ‘didnt give a singular fuck’ as he so poetically put it. 

 

“Many of you are probably wondering why I held this little party of mine, and, to put it simply, BECAUSE I FUCKING WANTED TO!” Adam roared out into the crowd, disconnecting the mic from its stand and flying up into the air.

 

“We exorcists spend far too much of our time guarding the streets of Heaven not to have a little bit of fun, right?! We give our lives to the Golden City, so I figure its about fucking time we had a night or two to ourselves!” The crowd roared in approval once more, spears and swords raised high at their commanders' declaration. 

 

“Damn straight! So come on, let loose! Show those fuckers up on the council that we’re the ones who really keep this place safe! I'm gonna go grab some more pizza, but while I'm gone, don't let the party die down! Let's keep this rave going all night!” Adam raised a fist into the air, goading his army into even higher cheers and celebrations. Before then shooting off into the city proper, leaving behind naught but praise and golden feathers in his wake.

 

Lute held her position for a beat before taking to the skies herself and following the golden blur that was Adam. He coursed through the skies of heaven at an unbelievable pace, darting around the occasional skyscraper or billboard before taking an unexpected turn. Away from his favorite pizza place and down towards a small apartment complex near the edge of the city, where he slowly lowered himself onto the edge of its roof. 

 

She hovered out of sight for a few minutes, watching carefully to see if this was a break to catch his breath or to respond to a text from high command. But when it became clear that he was well and truly stopped, Lute descended. Landing onto the roof behind Adam with a light thud. 

 

The second she did, Adam’s wings twitched and he whipped his head around, his eyes wide. A beat passed before he recognized who it was, but once he did a small chuckle left his mouth. 

 

“Jesus Lute. You really know how to give a man a scare, huh?” 

 

“Yes sir, Sorry sir.” Lute responded instantly. A small smile gracing her mouth as she adopted her usual rigid pose. 

 

“Ehhh, it’s fine. What do you want?” Adam asked, his voice unusually flat.

 

“I’m here to talk, Sir. I have… some concerns.” 

 

“Concerns? About fuckin what?” 

 

“About you, Sir.” 

 

Adam raised an eyebrow to that, or at least, his mask mimicked such an action. His artifical eyes scanned Lute's face, as if searching for some sort of deception or trickery. Lute found this odd, too, considering how she had never once lied to him. 

 

“Is that so…” A beat of silence passed between the pair.  “ Well come here then. Park your ass.” Adam patted the space next to him and turned back to the city. Lute promptly complied, moving over to him and taking a seat.

 

Another beat of silence passed between the two as they stared out at the gold-lined streets of Heaven. It was a truly beautiful sight, the night sky sparkling with innumerable stars. The reflection of which caused a mesmerizing twinkle to coat the skyline of the Golden City. But soon, Lute’s gaze drifted from the city to Adam, resting upon his slumped posture and the agitated look upon his face. 

 

“What exactly led you to the idea that im anything less than fucking peachy?” He asked suddenly, his voice taking on an almost interrogative tone. 

 

Lute was taken aback by the sudden shift but soon recovered, hardening her gaze.

 

“Well, to put it simply sir, you seem to have gone off your rocker.” 

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“You have hundreds of random angels pouring into your household. You’ve barely left your house for the last couple of days, save for the occasional pizza trip or concert out in your yard, and whats worse, you didn’t to sunday dinner this week; I can count on my hand the amount of times you’ve missed that, and each and every time you did, it was something really bad.” 

 

“And… that loosely connected list of events is supposed to mean I'm some kind of screwball?” 

 

“No, not necessarily. But it does mean that something’s probably wrong with you. And as your second in command, I'd like to find out what that something is.” 

 

Adam rolled his eyes and seemed to take a moment to think before letting out a small chuckle.

 

“Always the detective, huh toots? Been the same since you were young. Too damn smart for your own good.” 

 

He let out a deep sigh and rubbed the electronic plating on his mask, as if he was trying to slick his hair back through it.

 

“Fine. You want to know what’s wrong? Truth is: Starting today, the exterminations are over.” He said simply. 

 

Lute couldn’t believe her ears. Couldn’t trust her eyes or even rationalize why her brain would dare to conjure such a ridiculous illusion. There was no way in any of the nine layers of hell that Adam of all people could be such a heretical thing.

 

Yet as the seconds passed, and Adam’s words remained unchanged, reality slowly asserted itself on her unwilling psyche. This was real. Adam had just declared the exterminations exterminated. 

 

“What? You- You have to be kidding right? Sir, please tell me this is a very bad joke.” She asked, her voice wavering as she spoke. 

 

“You think I’d fucking joke about something like this?” Adam responded grimly, his voice low. 

 

“... No, sir.” 

 

Lute’s gaze fell to her hands, to the weapon at her side, to her armor, still stained with the blood of her most recent extermination. It’s crimson battle trophies hidden from plain view by the highest tier of heavenly illusion magic. This was her entire life, her sole purpose of existence, and it was taken away from her in one simple sentence. But more important than that, what of sisters? Of Adam? What would they do now that they were relieved of duty? She just… couldn’t believe it.

 

“Why?” She murmured, almost shellshocked.

 

“No fucking clue. Some limpdick bureaucrat probably. Or an Angel high enough up the celestial pecking order decided that their poor little conscious just couldn’t take it anymore.” Adam’s voice was harsh and she could see that his grip on his robe tightened as he spoke.

 

“What… will we do now? What will you do?” 

 

“Oh relax, danger-tits. You’ll be fine, so will the rest of your sisters. You’ll probably be put to some use guarding the streets and the Pearly Gate. And even if you are laid off, it’s Heaven. I’m sure you’ll find something to keep you busy. As for me? I’ll be going on a trip.” His voice wavered slightly, as if merely saying the words hurt. “A long, long trip, far, far away.” 

 

Lute stared at the man she called her general and for the first time she could remember, grew suspicious.

 

“Where?” She asked, trying not to let her innermost feelings show. 

 

“Dunno. Sera described it as ‘need to know’ only.” 

 

That struck Lute as truly odd. Adam was the first human, the leader of the exorcists, the very right hand of Sera herself! What could possibly be so important that the High Seraphim would need to keep the location of his new stationing a secret? It didn’t make sense. Unless… he was lying to her. But then, why would he do that? She was his most trusted confidant, his lieutenant. She knew almost everything and he rarely, if ever, kept secrets from her. Something was up, she was sure of that now. But… if Adam wouldn’t, or couldn’t, tell her anything, how could she prove it?

 

These suspicions, compounded with a growing sense of unease and worry, only skyrocketed as Adam broke his gaze upon the Golden City and locked eyes with her.

 

“Lute.” He said, his voice flat. “I'm not your boss anymore, so technically I can’t order you around. But would you do me a favor?”

 

Adam never asked for favors. He considered them a waste of time, considered them dangerous. Anytime he was ever asked for one by one of the newer recruits he would always say the exact same thing: ‘A man’s word means about as much as his ass.’ In his usual sardonic sort of tone. What could possibly compel him to ask such a thing?

 

“Of course, Sir. Anything.” Lute responded instantly, leaning towards him slightly.

 

“When you get home, write down literally everything you know about me and put it away somewhere. And I don't mean just put it online and send it to yourself, I mean really write it down. Scan it, print it out a couple dozen times and stash the copies everywhere. Take the things I’ve given you, the plates and the notes and the gifts, and store them away too. Somewhere only you’ll think to look. Set plenty of reminders, both on your phone and not, and make sure it's still there when they go off. And most importantly of all, don’t tell a soul I said this. Not anyone. Not your sisters, or any of the high council. Make sure, no matter what, you remember me, okay?” Adam spoke in an almost frenzied tone, his eyes solely locked upon Lute. 

 

“I… But why, Sir? It’s not like I could ever forget about you.” Lute said hesitantly.

 

“Lute, I’m serious. Even if you think it's dumb or that I'm losing my marbles, I need you to do this for me. Okay? Can you promise me that you’ll do this?”

 

Lute paused, staring into Adam’s faux eyes for just a moment, before responding, a grim determination taking hold in her voice. “Yes. I promise. No matter what, I'll do it.” 

 

Adam breathed a sigh of relief and smiled for the first time since he left the party. 

 

“Good.” He said, placing a gentle hand on Lute's shoulder. “With that being said, there's just one more thing I have to do. I’m… not very good at this sort of thing, and I don’t do it often, so… don't freak out. Okay?” 

 

Lute barely had time to even question what he was about to do before he pulled her into a tight hug. His golden wings wrapped around her like a warm, gentle cocoon. The shock from such a sudden and unusual display of affection left her speechless.

“I know Im not supposed to say this, and I know its a bit of a douche move, but fuck it. I want you to know this,” Adam whispered into Lute's ear, his voice as soft and gentle as when he played with her youngest sisters. 

 

“Out of all the exorcists I’ve ever trained, you’re my favorite. Don't you ever forget that, Lute.” 

 

Lute… just didn't know how to respond to that. Yet another thing to add to the ever-growing pile of things Adam hadn't done up until this day, he swore to her and the rest of her sisters that he never held any favorites. On one hand, she felt another swell of pride and love to know that among all the many deadly exorcists, she was his favorite; but on the other, that dread that settled in her chest only grew larger with his declaration. It was… almost like he didn’t plan on coming back from this trip of his. A terrifying thought, one that Lute quickly banished from her mind. Instead choosing to focus on this rare moment.

 

She wrapped her hands around Adams' massive form and pulled him closer. She nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck, and, oddly enough, once she settled, she didn’t want to let go. Not for anything.

 

“I won't. I promise.” She said. 

 

A minute passed like this, each in the other's tender embrace, before Adam pulled back, unfurling his golden wings and gently pushing himself away from Lute. Something she was quite unhappy with, but allowed anyway.

 

“Alright, Enough of this pussy shit. We’ve got a fucking party to get back to!” Adam sprang up from his sitting position, giving his wings a stretch before bounding up into the air in front of Lute. His signature toothy grin returning in full force. 

 

“If we don’t get back soon with some grub, Harper will probably have a tantrum or some shit. So lets hurry our asses.” 

 

Adam extended a hand out towards her, and while Lute still had countless questions for him, she could sense that she wasn’t going to get anything more. At least, not today. So she reached out, took his hand, and flew off into the night. Silently lamenting the fact that she was probably going to have to carry forty-something pizzas on the way back. 

Notes:

Thanks for all the nice comments, everyone! They were very appreciated. While I can't promise I'll keep up as steady of an update schedule, I'll try to get out more chapters as soon as I can. Hope you enjoyed it!

(By the way, the name 'Harper' near the end there was most certainly intentional. If you know, you know. See you in the next chapter!)

Chapter 3: Mistake

Notes:

There is a reason Pride is the deadliest sin.

Eden.

 

The jewel of creation. 

 

Among the many works of the Lord, it stood out as one of his grandest endeavors. Second only to the Angels themselves.

 

It was beautiful, lush grass and tall trees that bore only the ripest of fruits. Tall mountains and deep caverns aglow with rock and moss and flower. Any need or want could be provided here, and one need not worry for the scorching heat of the desert or frigid cold of the tundra. It never stormed nor hailed, and the gentle rain that from time to time only brought with it new life and the purest of evening dew.

 

So why?

 

Why did the Lord see fit to besmirch such a paradise with man? 

 

Man; a small and fragile thing, barely given breath by the hand of God, yet crowned the destined shepherd of the Earth. Hailed as the favorite of Father’s many creations. Why? Were they not enough? Did they fail at their one and only purpose? Why would the Almighty need or even create such pitiful creatures? Such were the thoughts that ran through Sera’s head as she watched the first man ‘Adam’ and his partner ‘Lilith’ roll around in the mud like animals.

 

Before, everything was perfect. There were lesser creatures that dwelled upon the Earth, crawling along its surface and dwelling in its seas, and then there were the higher creatures. The angels, born of the very light of the Father himself and gifted with the grand responsibility of overseeing and caring for his creations. It was simple, and Sera knew beyond all else that she and her mighty flock were the favored of God.

 

Now? Now, these creatures born of earth and dust held the favor of God. Now, these insignificant things bear the mantle of the shepherds of this world. It was they who got the honor of naming every creature and plant that the Lord had so painstakingly created, and it was they, not the angels who basked in the light of the Father every single day, who were made in His image. 

 

Worst of all, there was the tree. 

 

Good cannot come without Evil, just as light cannot be without shadow. So when God made these creatures and gifted them with all the goodness He could muster, He reasonably stripped them of their knowledge of their own Evil and bound it to a tree, destined to sit alone and forgotten until the end of time. Sure, it stripped them of certain parts of their free will, but that was a small price to pay for the containment of Evil. So where does he place it? This one unholy relic that could introduce their Evil back to them? Right in the same garden! 

 

It didn’t make sense. None of it.

 

But what could she do? Sera knew better than to question the acts of God. It didn’t make much sense when He appointed Lucifer as the High Seraphim, yet now she sees that he was undoubtedly the best among them. Nor did it make much sense when He first made the Earth, before the beauty of its life became clear to her. She was certain that Father had not made a mistake. He doesn’t do that. But… what good could possibly come from the creation of Man? What is His endgame here?

 

Lost in thought, Sera did not notice the gate to Heaven opening up, and a certain Angel approaching her.

 

“Heya Sera. Whatcha doin'?” He asked, his face uncomfortably close to hers.

 

“BY THE FATHER!”  Sera launched herself away from the mysterious entity, preparing a burst of heavenly energy before she saw just who it was.

 

“O-oh! High Seraphim! My apologies. You startled me.” She murmured with a bow, dispelling the gathered energy in an instant.

 

The Morning Star laughed. He was beautiful, with sparkling wings and a holy aura that calmed every creature who was graced with his presence and with that signature smile of his he never seemed to be without. Draped in only the most sanctified robes and the purest of gold, he truly was the grandest of them all.

 

“Haha! Don't worry about it Sera. It's just so rare to see you of all people so distracted. I simply couldn’t help myself.” He darted over to Sera in the blink of an eye and wrapped a hand around her shoulders.

 

“So tell me my dear compatriot, what's got you in such a fuss? Wake up on the wrong side of the cloud this morning?” 

 

Sera shuffled awkwardly, not used to the contact, nor the overbearing presence of the holiest of angels.

 

“No, High Seraphim. I… was just thinking.” 

 

“Thinking about what? What’s got that smart nogging of yours all clogged up, hm?” The Morning Star reached a hand to her head, ruffling her hair teasingly. 

 

Sera didn’t respond. Instead, she just shot a glance downward at Eden. Down at the First Man and his wife.

 

Lucifer's gaze darkened. 

 

“Ah.” He murmured. 

 

The Angel took his arm from Sera’s shoulder and floated forth, staring down at Eden with a look Sera just couldn’t place.

 

“So… You’ve been thinking about them too, huh?” He asked gently, his smile dimming ever so slightly.

 

Sera hesitated. The Morning Star had not yet made his opinions known on Man. He seemed happy when they were first made, and lauded them just like any other act of God. Yet for some reason, he never wanted to visit the garden. Never asked how they were or what they were getting up to, as he did with the rest of creation. He had become distant. Something quite unlike him.

 

“Yes.” She admitted, floating over towards him. “Their creation has… intrigued me. I am yet curious to see the plan of our Father.”

 

“Hm.” Lucifer hummed, his robe swaying gently in the breeze. His gaze never once left the garden, or rather, the humans living in it, now currently more preoccupied with eating the newly christened ‘pears’ than rolling in filth.

 

“They confound me, these little beings.” He started, waving a hand in the air. “Father seems so set on the idea that they are infallible. That they will heed the word of their God and stay the righteous path, even though they are merely a step away from animals.” 

 

“Respectfully, they are a little more than just animals. They are the Image of God.” Sera murmured, her defense of man half-baked and lacking any real support.

 

“Oh yes, how could I forget? These dull little things, supposedly made in the Image of our Lord. He who wove the stars and painted the very galaxies together. How are these things, this ‘Mankind’ the image of God?” He chuckled harshly, glancing off to the gates of heaven. “Honestly, if anything should be graced with the title of ‘The image of God’ It should be me. I am the closest being to Him, after all.”

 

Sera’s gaze turned away from Eden and locked solely onto Lucifer. He wasn't exactly wrong. And a lot of his points were something she agreed with, but… that last bit. Something about the way he spoke those words, that alien look in his eyes and he compared himself to their very creator… it made her nervous. She didn’t know why; there was no way he was thinking of doing anything stupid. He was the High Seraphim! The most beloved of all the angels of God. There was simply no way he could be planning something… bad, right?

 

“Between me and you? I think someone should show Father. Show Him just how fallible and corruptible these ‘humans’ of his are.  Show Him that maybe, just this once, he made a mistake.” 

 

Sera backed off just an inch, her body tensing.

 

“Just… what are you saying, Lucifer?” 

 

The Morning Star was silent. The sound of eerie and distant wind roaring in Sera’s ear for a beat, before he finally spoke again. His eyes tore away from Eden, and that familiar smile returned in full.

 

“Oh, nothing. Just the ramblings of an old angel neck deep in paperwork and fan meetings. That’s all. Though, do me a favor and disregard that last little bit, yeah? That was just… oh, what do you call it? Empty thoughts. That's all.”

 

Sera stared at Lucifer, stared at the angel she had called her superior, one of the few beings in all of heaven that she could say was truly superior to the common angel, and nodded. She was certain that nothing would come of this. It was like Lucifer said, Ramblings of potential. He had never lied before; why would he now?

 

“Excellent! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d love to hang out more, but I have a meeting to get to. Something about Michael growing ‘uneasy’ for the fortieth time this week. You know how it is.” 

 

“Y-yeah.” Sera murmured, her gaze still locked upon Lucifer.

 

“Cheer up! I'm sure everything will work itself out real soon.” He added, before giving Sera a silly little thumbs up and darting off into the sky towards Heaven’s gate.

 

Sera watched the blur of golden light dart towards her home and then turned her gaze back to the Garden, where she saw something most curious. It seems that Adam had wandered off sometime during her conversation, leaving just Lilith sitting alone in the garden. What’s more, when she shifted to the side a bit, where Lucifer once floated, the only thing that she could really make out through the canopy of trees was Lillith. 

 

Had… Had he been-

 

No. 

 

Stop being foolish, Sera. 

 

He was the High Seraphim. He was better than that.

* * * * *

Sera gazed out over the vast sprawling metropolis that was the great City of Heaven. It was beautiful, shining with all the radiance and glory of the midday sun. A testament to the might of their creator, and the wonders he hath made. 

 

Heavenborn angels few about the skies, leaving trails of color in their wake. It almost looked like an Aurora down on earth, except hued in all the colors of the rainbow. Down below, the winners walked about, peacefully conversing and sharing in the utopia they hath earned. 

 

It was a sight that one could spend an eternity basking in. And Sera had. It was here, in her office situated on the highest spike of the grandest spot in heaven, that she would watch over the city. 

 

Respite. Peace. Calm. A break away from the duties of the High Seraphim. It was beautiful.

 

Yet… There was one tiny, arrogant little thorn in her side. One that had been allowed to linger for far, far too long, and one that had recently gotten, to use a human euphemism, infected. 

 

Far off in the distance the Aurora of color broke around a certain neighborhood, where a certain man and his foremost soldiers lived. It was taped off and guarded by heavenborn angels to prevent the winners from seeing what a travesty the place had become. 

 

She was almost tempted to call it a desecration of holy ground. But then, that would be asserting that that fowl mansion was ever ‘holy’ to begin with. In a way, she was glad to see it torn down and dirtied. After all, if the rumors were to be believed that place was the origin point for plenty a rave and misbegotten prank that had troubled Heaven in the past. Yet, at the same time, the sheer amount of paperwork Adam's pathetic going away party was generating was really starting to get on her nerves. 

 

No sooner had she thought that thought then did a knock come at her rather massive door.

 

“Come in.” Sera said simply, turning to face whomever had come. 

 

The massive doors glowed with holy sigils at her command before then opening, revealing one of her many, many secretaries. A cherubim, if she recalled correctly.

 

“Sir Adam has come at your request, High Seraphim. He awaits in the lobby.”

 

Sera chuckled, floating towards her desk.

 

“Speak of the devil…” she murmured, running her finger along the pearlwood frame.

 

“What?” 

 

“Nothing. Send him in, and delay all my meetings for a while, I shall be busy.”

 

“Yes, High Seraphim.” 

 

The secretary then darted away, leaving Sera alone once more.

 

She supposed this was all her fault, in a way. When Adam first came to her with the idea of the exterminations, she was thrilled. A way to keep hells growing population in check while keeping Adam and his ilk under her thumb. 

 

There was, after all, a distinct difference between the winners, proper humans who had lived a good life and were being adequately rewarded for their efforts, and Adam's lot. A bunch of violent, disrespectful barbarians who wanted nothing more than to fight and kill, even in paradise. The former were a respectable kind, almost as holy as the very angels themselves and full of God's righteous teachings. The latter were naught but a liability. 

 

So why not build an army using them? Why not take the most brutal and savage of them all and send them into the pit? If they died, then that would be one less problem for Heaven to handle, and if they survived, then Hell would be effectively neutered of the potential to commit any sort of violence against the Golden City. A win win. At least, so she thought. 

 

What she didn't take into account was the fact that the rest of the council wouldn't take too kindly to the fact that the exterminations were a thing in general. They wanted to be kind to the demons, the sinners of Hell, even if it meant them maybe overthrowing their thrones and dragging Heaven itself down into the pit. 

 

Now, she was stuck with a fully armed and trained army, whos commander was about to be exiled to the very pit that they had spent eternity repressing, to act as Prince consort. It was a disaster, and Adam's pathetic little rebellious house party was not helping in the slightest.

 

Speaking of, there was the problem of the first man. She had spent a long, long time deliberating on how to ‘peacefully’ solve the problem of Hell. And luckily for her, the Princess had delivered a perfect solution to her on a silver platter. An angel to reign in hell by Charlie's side, ready to call down a justful annihilation should any trace of rebellion be found. 

 

But of course, when she perused her mental library to find angels capable of doing such a thing without disrupting the greater functionality of Heaven. There were only two. Her soon to be announced successor, and Adam. 

 

She wouldn't dare send Emily into the pit, to be abused and violated by that hellspawn. So it had to be Adam. So now, the entire stability of her plan to finally put an end to the issue of Hell rested on a prideful, spite filled little man who would stop at no lengths to be out of said plan.

 

Wondrous. 

 

So she pondered yet again on how to solve the issue of Adam. And now, thankfully, she thought she had yet another perfect solution. All she had to do now was wait. Wait for the First Man to come into her grasp.

 

She didn't have to wait long. For soon, Adam flew into her office and landed in front of her desk. A frustratingly smug little look on his face. 

 

“Sera.” He said, folding his wings back under his arms. 

 

“Adam.” She responded, maintaining her floating pose. 

 

“How ya been? Hope you haven't had a lot of paperwork recently, I hear that shit sucks.” Adam teased, picking at his virtual teeth his his pinky finger. 

 

“Unfortunately I have been rather swamped. Though I certainly think of one or two ways you could alleviate that.” Sera said calmly, the narrowing of her eyes the only hint of her true feelings. 

 

“Oh is that right? And how could I do that? I'm just one man. I doubt I can affect whatever fucked up nonsense you've got going on up here.”

 

Sera said nothing, the grip on her folded hands tightening for just a moment as she tried to hold on to her composure. Not yet, she told herself. Not yet. 

 

“Have you told anyone?” She asked flatly, turning towards the window. 

 

Adam's face visibly dimmed, and he cast his gaze downwards. “No. I've kept my mouth shut.”

 

Sera smiled. If there was one thing that she could praise Adam on, it would be his devotion to his children. She was initially worried that Adam might have told some of his more loyal offspring about his future plans. But after a quick conversation and a small mention of how if any of his children knew she'd have no choice but to send them into the pit alongside him… well, let's just say he became a lot more agreeable.

 

“Excellent.” Sera said, taking a breath to feel the air in her lungs. 

 

There was a beat of silence between the two, before Sera raised one of her hands to beckon Adam closer. 

 

“Come here Adam. I wish to show you something.” She said in a sickeningly sweet tone.

 

Adam paused, hesitating for a minute before stretching his wings and flying up next to the High Seraphim. Where he could now see the city of Heaven in all its glory. As he was flying up, he also noticed just how big the High Seraphim was. Where ordinarily she might have been twelve or so feet tall, She was now almost thirty. Big enough to dwarf Adam.

 

“Tell me, what do you see?” Sera asked, inching just a bit closer to Adam.

 

“I don't fuckin know. A city?” Adam responded, thoroughly unamused. 

 

“Please, I implore you to be a bit more descriptive.” 

 

“Okay, shit, uhm… buildings. Lights. Clouds. People. Angels. I don't- why are you asking me this?” 

 

“Hmph.” Sera murmured before turning to face Adam. “I ask, Adam, because I want to know if you see what I see. If you too look upon Heaven and see it for the wonder it is. See the angles flying about and see your children basking in the light of God. Do you?”

 

Adam paused. A bit taken aback by the High Seraphim's words. 

 

“I… uh, yeah. I guess.” He eventually murmured, his gaze breaking away from Sera's. 

 

“Good. In that case, you should understand why I do this.” 

 

In an instant, Sera lunged forward and pinned Adam to the wall, crushing him against the marble with all her force. At the same time, she used her other hand to snap, dimming the window and cutting them off from the rest of heaven, leaving the room awash in the hue of artificial light. 

 

Adam let out a choked gasp as he was slammed against the wall, and his wings began to flap desperately, trying to pry himself from Sera’s hold. 

 

“What the fuck?! Let- let go of me!” He screamed out, his voice still broken from the shock. 

 

In response to Adam's desperate flailing, Sera only pressed harder, pushing him further and further into the wall until she heard something start to crack. Though whether it was Adam or the wall she couldn't tell.

 

His string of profanities and curses died on his lips when she did that, and he was left in her grasp, staring up at her with wide, terrified eyes.

 

“I wish I could say I trust you Adam. I wish I could say that I have no doubts that you'll go down to Hell and perform your tasks faithfully. But I can't. I know you far too well to say that.” Sera began, her voice laced with barely hidden contempt. 

 

“I know for a fact that when you go down there, you'll do everything in your power to make the Princess want to break up with you. To call off the whole arrangement just so that you could have the mere opportunity to, as you would so elegantly put it, ‘bash her bitch face in’.” 

 

“S-sera please… you're hurting m-” Adam's voice was cut off as Sera dug her thumb into his side, eliciting a small cry of pain from the first man. 

 

“You hush your tongue. I care not for whatever pitiful pleas you might make. It will not change anything.” Sera snapped, inching her body closer to Adams.

 

Adam said nothing. Only struggling that much harder against Sera's grip. 

 

“As I was saying, I cannot allow the safety and future security of Heaven to reside upon whether or not one man decides to have a temper tantrum. Your grudge against the Morningstar family, though understandable, will not be the deciding factor between everlasting peace and endless war.”

 

Adam's rage only deepened further at Sera's words, and he began to claw and scratch at her hand. He tried to summon his axe, summon any burst of heavenly energy he could, but the High Seraphim dispelled it, so nothing came.

 

“Grudge?!” He screamed out, his mask glitching from sheer rage. “You call this a grudge?! Those fucking demons took everything from me Sera! Damned my children to walk the scorching earth in fear and doubt all their lives! They deserve to fucking die! And short of that they deserve the worst hell has to offer!” 

 

Sera, against herself, smirked. A simple act which caused a shot of fear to run down Adam's spine.

 

“You see? This is exactly why I'm doing this. You lack control. The proper discipline required to behave yourself down in Hell. What other choice do I have to guarantee the safety of my people? Of your righteous children?”

 

Adam's eyes grew wide, and he went still.

 

“What… what are you planning to do?” He asked, the barest hint of fear lacing his voice. 

 

“What I have to.” Sera said simply, before raising her hand and gathering to it a massive amount of Holy energy. 

 

“Wait- wait wait wait- I'll behave, I swear! I'll behave myself, I won't fucking do nothing!” Adam pleaded with the Angel, his thrashing and clawing only growing more desperate. 

 

“Oh please, like your word carries any weight. Now stop struggling, It'll only hurt more if you do.” 

 

Adam did not heed the word of the High Seraphim, instead only struggling and fighting harder and harder against her grip. Right up until the moment Sera pressed an extended finger against his chest. It tore through his robe and made a sickening hiss and pressed against his flesh.

 

The Heavenly energy coursed from Sera’s hand, down her finger towards Adam's very soul. Wrapping around it like a vice. All the while, Adam cried out in pain, his voice quickly growing hoarse from overuse. 

 

Sera's eyes began to glow an eerie white hue, and when she next spoke, her voice was booming and multilayered, resounding in the tones of old. 

 

“I, Sera of the Heavenly Council, under my authority as the High Seraphim, hereby lay this curse upon this Angel's flesh.” 

 

A mark began to grow on Adam's chest, that of the Heavenly Council's sigil, spiraling outwards from where Sera’s finger touched his skin. 

 

“Adam Primogenitus, you will be a good husband to Charlie Morningstar. You will abide by all the rules that Heaven doth decree, and will listen to your betrothed under pain and promise of suffering should you disobey. You will bring no harm to her, and will lead your new family faithfully as head of the house.”

 

The sigil grew more and more with every command, as did the weight upon Adam's soul. 

 

“Should you disobey these commands, pain and sorrow will surely come for you. And should you break your oath, you shall surely be damned. Doomed to fall into the pit with the rest of your vile offspring. So sayith I.” 

 

With that, the sigil was complete. And Adam was left a limp mass in her hands. Sera gently took her finger from Adam's chest before casually tossing the man to the floor. A dull thump echoing throughout her office as he hit the marble. 

 

“With that, our business is concluded. Do what thou wilt, Adam. Your last three days are yours to enjoy.”

 

For a minute, Adam just lay there upon the marble floor. Eventually though, he did rise, silent and weak, and slowly took to the skies, where he flew out of Sera's office. Not daring to look back at the Seraphim even once. 

 

As he left, Sera snapped her fingers and undimmed her window, letting the full light of Heaven shine upon her once more. It was messy business, to be sure, but now Adam was officially taken care of. Yet another thing she could cross off her to do list. 

 

Still, twas a terribly draining activity. So she shrunk her massive form and reached for the phone, dialing one of her secretaries and asking her to call Emily to her office. It would be nice to see her, she always knew how to cheer her up. 

 

Once that was done she was left alone once more, quietly pondering on how to deal with the exorcists. There were many options, some more brutal or dangerous than others, but she had a plan in mind. One that, should it work out properly, would tie everything together in a neat little bow.

 

A part of her wondered, though, if she had made a mistake. Or was going to make one with the exorcists. Certainly, she imagined, there might’ve been another way to solve the Adam issue.

 

Hah. 

 

What was she talking about?

 

She doesn't make mistakes. 

 

She was the High Seraphim. She was better than that. 

Notes:

Special thanks to my Beta Reader, Mallow. And special thanks to you for reading! Will update with more chapters when they're done.

Have a good one!

Chapter 4: Preperations

Summary:

Everyone has their own way of preparing for things. Some do it better than others.

Notes:

Hello everyone! Massive apologies for the lack of updates for the past... month or two (Jesus Christ), I got very busy with college and work, and just didn't have time to work on the story. Fret not, though! With how my schedule is now, I should be able to keep working at a (somewhat) regular pace. I'll keep y'all updated in case that changes, and I'll try not to disappear like that again.

With that being said, have fun!.

(Edited Chapter for some clarity on the Golden Pyramid's capabilities)

“Uhm… Thank you for coming, everyone! I apologize for the… rather sudden call, but there’s something important I need to tell you all.” Charlie said with a hesitant tone, speaking out to the reluctantly gathered crowd before her. 

 

The sinners and patrons of her hotel, splayed out in the main lobby, were by and large uninterested. Angel dust seemed far more preoccupied with doing his nails than listening to anything Charlie had to say, and the same went for Husk, draining yet another bottle of booze as he lounged on a chair. Sir Pentious was distracted by the needs of his egg familiars, and Nifty was far, far too focused on what little dust remained on the fireplace. However, not all of the gathered were quick to disregard the princess’s call. Vaggie sat hunched forward, listening with quiet anticipation and appreciation, and Alastor sat perfectly still, tea cup in hand, his eyes locked solely onto Charlie.

 

“Now, before I begin, I’d like to apologize. What I'm about to tell you will be shocking, and I should’ve said something a lot sooner. I just… didn’t know how.”

 

That gathered some attention. Angel dust and Husk’s eyes darted over to their well-dressed hotelier, and Vaggie’s already tired face took a turn for the worse.

 

“Put simply… starting today, the exterminations are over.” 

 

To say that you could hear a pin drop would be a vast, vast understatement. The world itself went silent, the air itself naught daring to make but a single wisp. Then, Angel dust dropped his nail polish, and Husk his bottle. Sir Pentenious gently put down his Egg companion, Vaggie’s eyes went wide, and Alastor just tilted his head ever so slightly.

 

“Are you fucking serious?” Husk asked, his gravelly voice full of suspicion and disbelief. 

 

“Yes. I went to the Heavenly Embassy five days ago and made a deal with them. Signed a contract and everything.” 

 

Another moment of silence passed as the reality set in, Charlie’s gentle smile aiding their gradual acceptance, until, eventually, a chuckle came from Angel Dust. 

 

“I'll be damned toots! Ain’t that some news!” He said, running a hand through his hair.

 

A second later, Vaggie launched herself off the couch towards Charlie, pausing for just a second before wrapping her in a tight embrace.

 

“That’s amazing! You finally did it!!” Vaggie laughed, her voice full of pride and joy. Charlie hesitated, but then soon joined her, laughing and wrapping her arms around her as well. Sir Pentenious and Nifty came to offer their congrats as well, while Husk just chuckled and leaned against Angel Dust, mumbling spattered musings of sobriety under his breath. 

 

Alastor, on the other hand, just smiled and smiled, not moving an inch from his chair. 

 

“Well, that's all fine and dandy, Charlie, but tell me, are there any hanging chads you’re not telling us about? Surely heaven wouldn’t give up the exterminations so easily?” He spoke, his voice like static. 

 

Charlie’s face paled, and the gathered sinners glanced back towards her. 

 

“Charlie?” Vaggie murmured, her grip on the princess loosening. 

 

“Well… Yes, unfortunately. Heaven had a single condition to the halting of the exterminations… My hand in marriage.”

 

The mood seemed to shift. Sir Pentious withdrew, his eggs huddling around him as the distance grew, while Nifty just tilted her head slightly. Vaggie’s eyes wrinkled in worry, and Angel Dust’s brow furrowed.

 

“Figures. Fuckers can’t let a good thing be, right? Bastards.” The spider demon murmured under his breath, folding his many arms over his chest. 

 

“Will… you have to stay at the embassy? Or in Heaven?” Vaggie asked, taking a step back from Charlie. 

 

“Nonono, the angel they assigned will be coming to stay with us.” 

 

“Wonderful. Another person to call us sinners 24/7.” Husk commented, grabbing a small flask from his vest and unscrewing the cap.

 

“Hey! You don’t know that. Maybe this angel, whoever they are, will be open to new ideas.” Vaggie shot back, giving a glare. Even Charlie could tell that her defence was half-hearted at best, but it was the thought that counted.

 

“Oh sure, Heaven will totally send an open-minded angel to marry the princess of hell.”

 

“Do you want me to hurt you?”

 

Vaggie and Husk were then engaged in a less-than-polite staring contest, one that Charlie was about to break, before Alastor stood up.

 

“And, pray tell, who might this angel be, Charlie? Whom did Heaven see fit to send down?” He asked, tapping his cane on the wooden floor to quiet the room.

 

A pause. The gathered gaze shifted back to their patron, and for a long, unbearable moment, Charlie said nothing. Only shifting in place and glancing off to the side, as if the answer hurt to even think about. Then, finally, she spoke, her gaze low.

 

“Adam.” She murmured, and the entire room grew tense.

 

“...What?” Vaggie instantly responded, pure disbelief plastered on her face.

 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, Adam? As in, the first human, leader of the exorcists, and your ma’s…” Angel dust recoiled, the thought too disgusting to even finish. 

 

“Yep. That’s the one.” Charlie responded, her smile growing weary as her gaze met Angel’s.

 

“I'll be damned,” Husk murmured, a rare show of real concern on his face. 

 

“No. No way. Not happening. You’ve gotta call this off, Charlie. You absolutely cannot get married to that misogynistic, arrogant cabrón.” Vaggie’s voice was full of bile and venom as she spoke, the mere thought of Adam obviously boiling her blood beyond belief.

 

“I wholeheartedly agree! My minions are positively shaking at the thought!” Sir Pentious interrupted, holding up one of his quivering minions. Vaggie shot him a little glare.

 

“He’s too bad a boy, way, way too bad,” Nifty murmured, crawling up to Charlie’s back.

 

Charlie sighed and broke from the crowd around her, running a hand through her hair. Nifty, in turn, hopped off, glancing over to Alastor, who just stood there, smiling still.

 

“Look, I understand it's not exactly… ideal, but if it's this or the exterminations, I'll gladly take whatever Adam will throw at me. Think of all the lives that’ll be saved, of all the potential winners that will live and maybe find their way to the Hotel! That… that would be worth it.” Charlie’s voice was a far cry from her usual cheerful exuberance, more of a dimmed, resigned sort of thing. It sickened Vaggie to her core to see Charlie so… downtrodden, like this was already a done deal.

 

“Charlie… I-” Vaggie started, only to be suddenly interrupted by Alastor, who shoved her into a nearby table.

 

“Well, I for one think it's a spectacular idea!” He said, playing with the mike on his staff as he stared into Charlie’s shocked eyes.

 

“You… do?” She murmured, face turning slightly in pure confusion.

 

“Of course! What a wonderful show that would be, to see the ancestor of man married to the princess of Hell… oh! One could not ask for a finer show!” Alastor laughed, a sardonic, cold laugh interlaced with crackles of static. 

 

Vaggie emerged from the ruins of her landing and marched over to Alastor, fury burning bright in her eyes.

 

“What the hell is your problem!?” She yelled at the radio demon, gripping his coat and pulling his face down, an act which didn’t faze the radio demon in the slightest.

 

“Charlie’s about to marry some psychopath, and the only thing you can think of is how ‘good a show’ it’ll be!? Maldito bastardo!” 

 

The room grew tense as the gathered watched Vaggie so flagrantly insult and assault the Radio Demon himself. Some wanted to help or separate the two, but they did not. Either from fear or contract. Eventually, Charlie spoke up, coming over to Vaggie and placing a hand on her shoulder. 

 

“Come on, Vaggie. How’s about we just calm down and-” She began, only to be interrupted by Alastor’s amused chuckling. His ever-present smile growing ever wider and more vicious. 

 

“Oh come now, Dear. Don’t get your hair in a twist, the world is a stage! What kind of demon would I be if I did not find joy in the performance?” 

 

Alastor tilted his head, and the sound of static faded in all around him.

 

“Now, if you would, get your hands off my coat. Else, I will be forced to do something rather unpleasant."

 

Vaggie didn’t move, even as the static grew louder and arcane symbols began to crawl across Alastor’s skin. It would be a tough fight; she may even lose a limb or two, but she could chase him off. She knew she could, yet when she glanced over at Charlie, all she saw was a face full of worry. Vaggie looked back at Alastor, sighed, and let him go, taking a step back before wiping her hand off on her dress.

 

Alastor straightened and adjusted his tie, looking down at Vaggie as the static faded. 

 

“Thank you.” He said, his smile returning to its usual smug nature.

 

“Now then, Charlie, my dear, how long until our new house guest arrives? A month? Two?” He turned towards Charlie, scooting over to her and placing a hand on her shoulder, to Vaggie’s general annoyance.

 

“Ah, uhm, about that… he’ll be here in… three days?” Charlie responded, a small awkward chuckle following after.

 

Silence, again. Vaggie looked as if she was going to have a heart attack.

“Ah,” Alastor said.

 

“Three days????” Vaggie asked incredulously, running a hand through her hair as she took a step back.

 

“What the hell, Charlie! You gotta give us more warning before something like this!” Angel Dust commented, rising from the couch and heading towards his room, presumably to begin hiding things he didn't want certain nosy angels to see.

 

“I'm gonna go grab a drink,” Husk said indignantly, rolling off the couch and stumbling over to the bar.

 

“I know, I know, I'm sorry! I just didn't know how to tell you all. I- I didn’t know how you’d react.” Charlie stammered, leaning her head to watch Angel disappear into the hallway before turning back to the others with an awkward smile.

 

“Well, you could certainly have given us more time! Minions, with me! We need to do some reorganizing!” Sir Pentious commanded, giving Charlie a small, slimy pat on the shoulder before slithering off upstairs, egg minions in tow.

 

“Yeah! If I had known such a bad, bad boy was coming over sooner, I would've cleaned way better! Oh man, there's so much to be done!!” Nifty chittered, running off to dust and sweep every single corner of the hotel, for the fourth time today.

 

That left naught but Vaggie and Alastor, the former of which was now pacing around in circles mumbling to herself about setting up ‘proper defences’, while the other was just standing there. Smiling still. Charlie took a breath and hung her head; she definitely should've said something sooner, but how could she? There was no way she could have faced them naught two days ago, at least not without looking like shit or breaking down into tears, which would’ve invited a whole new host of problems.

 

It could’ve been worse, right? At least Alastor was on her side. Though knowing him, she wasn't entirely sure that was a good thing. As for Vaggie… What could she say to her now? Another apology? Some half-hearted speech about how ‘it's all going to be alright’? She… didn’t know. Just as she was about to start coming up with a new song to convey her apologies, she felt a hand land on her shoulder. She glanced up, and there she was, a small, weary smile on her face.

 

“Hey. You alright?” Vaggie asked, her voice gentle and calm. 

 

“W-what?” Charlie stammered, unconsciously leaning into Vaggie’s touch.

 

“You look tired. Do you… Need to take a nap? I can go get KeeKee or Razzle and Dazzle. I’m sure they’d enjoy the cuddles.” 

 

“I… I dont…” 

 

“Look, I… Understand why you didn’t wanna tell me about this sooner, especially given… What happened. But… speaking as your friend, next time, do me a favor and just tell me anyhow, okay? Even if we’re not together anymore… I'm still here for you.” Vaggie’s smile brightened, and she let her hand drop from Charlie’s shoulder, only to be shocked when Charlie rushed forward and embraced her.

 

“Thank you…” She murmured into her shoulder, her cracked voice giving way to tears that stained Vaggie's shirt.

 

Vaggie said nothing and just embraced Charlie right back, holding her nice and tight. There was a chance they could still rekindle their love, to build back that bridge of trust, but for now, this was enough. For now, she would be satisfied with hugs and holding hands, being there for the woman she loved. It… would be enough.

 

This moment of peace lasted barely a breath, then, against either’s wishes, Alastor interrupted, slamming his cane onto the floor and coughing into his hand.

 

“Well then, today has certainly been an interesting day. I’ll see to getting Nifty on the more important tasks, and also see if I can't get  Husker out of his bottle to help.” He said, twirling his cane around and sending off some shadows to various parts of the hotel.

 

“Thanks, Alastor,” Charlie said, separating from Vaggie while wiping away the last of her tears. Her smile returned in force, and for the first time this week, Vaggie saw that Charlie didn’t have to force it.

 

“Of course, my dear! Anytime, anytime.” Alastor spun around and began to walk away, only to halt a few feet away from the pair.

 

“Oh, one more thing, Charlie.” He said, the static in his voice fading slightly, “Though he may not seem it, Adam may just have something buried beneath that rather rotund shell of his. Who knows what his time down here will bring? If there’s anything I know about humans, after all, it is that they change.” 

 

With that, he left, leaving a baffled Vaggie and bewildered Charlie in his wake.

 

“What the hell was that about?” Vaggie asked, turning to Charlie.

 

“I… have no clue.” She responded simply, watching as Alastor left. Something about his words stuck with her, and soon, a light began to shine in her eyes, one that Vaggie knew all too well.

 

Down the hall, Alastor hummed an old tune as he walked, his cane tapping upon the carpet with every second step. When they were out of earshot, the mic crackled to life, and a static voice spoke from its now opened eye.

 

“Boss… do you really mean that? What you said about Adam?” It asked, looking suspiciously at the demon it called master.

 

Alastor glanced at the mic and, with a sardonic smile, chuckled.

 

“Oh please,” he said, his voice humming with a Radio’s pitch, “Of course not! That man is as far gone as anyone else in Heaven. I see no possible way that the Princess will convince him of anything.”

 

“Then… why’d you say that?”

 

“Why? Simple, won't it just be so fun to watch as she so desperately tries to scramble up the hill of reform, carrying the boulder of Adam on her back, only to fall all the same? And won't it be wondrous to pick up what little pieces remain after? Ah… What fun, what fun…” Alastor smiled, wide and true. 

 

The Mic, satisfied, closed its eye once more, reassured that its master was still the same. The Radio Demon, through and through.

 

*****

 

When Adam returned home, Lute could tell right away that something had gone horribly wrong. The way he slouched over as he walked through the halls of his mansion, shifting by the raging party around him, the way his eyes were limp and… almost dead, staring off into nothing. Worst of all, when she came to greet him, he didn't even bother to say hi back, just pushing past her and heading to his room, where he slammed the doors shut and locked himself away. 

 

Lute… didn’t know what to think. He was never like this, never so… quiet. Adam was a man of many things, but a quiet man he was not. She shuddered to imagine what could’ve possibly transpired at the palace to make him so crestfallen, but she knew that this party certainly wasn't helping things. Thus, she took things into her own hands. Lute rallied the exorcists and told them that the party was over, effectively immediately. She then helped organize them into groups to assist with the clean-up and transportation of their more drunken comrades, before finally settling near Adam’s door.

 

Much of the mansion was still in a bad way, and plenty of his artifacts had gone missing, but that could all be handled later. What mattered now was Adam. She tried knocking on his door, but got no response. She called out to him, yet he did not call back. No matter what she did, pounding, yelling, even threatening to kick down the door, he did not respond. All that she ever heard were the vague sounds of breaking furniture and some incoherent screams, along with a very, very unsettling scratching noise. Almost as if someone were running their nails through meat. 

 

She wanted to do something, anything to help. To break in there and tell him everything was going to be okay, but… she knew better than anyone that Adam did not respond well to force. Such acts would only cause him to regress further into whatever state of hysteria this was. Thus, she had no choice but to sit there, despite the fact that the waiting made her skin crawl, until he came out. Adam… would be fine. Hopefully. Eventually. She just needed to make sure she was here when he came out; everything else would sort itself out. It… always did.

 

Inside, the room was a complete mess. Broken future and dried golden blood was strewn about, and the once pristine bedroom now looked more akin to the set of a horror movie than anything else. Adam’s prized golden silk sheets were cast lazily to a corner of the room, and plenty of his most valuable records and guitars lay shattered among the filth. At the center of it all, lying curled in his bed, was Adam. His mask thrown to the side and his robe nearly torn asunder.

 

When he first came home, it took everything in him to contain the rage boiling in his gut, focusing his entire being on just making it to his room. The second he did, he exploded, throwing chairs and coffee tables, and bookshelves about. How could Sera do this to him? Mark him like he was some kind of beast out at pasture? How could she bind him to such filth? The spawn of the devil? It was outrageous! The father of Mankind bound to serve and please the child of the fucking Morningstar! Such blasphemy! 

 

Worst of all was the mark. When he tore off his helmet and ripped his scorched robe to see it, he was disgusted. Twas a single open eye, adorned with a halo and wings, exactly the same as the one etched upon the doors to the Heavenly court. A marking of the Council themselves. Who the hell did they think they were? To mark the son of their Lord as though he were a common angel? He was the first man! The primo dick! He did not deserve such degradation! 

 

With trembling hands, he reached up to the mark, feeling its pulsing scar-like texture, before using his claws to rip it out. Inch by agonizing inch, tearing the filthy symbol from his flesh. He would not stand for it. He would rather die than be disgraced like this. Only… the moment he was done tearing it asunder, his flesh re-nit itself right back, the healing aura of Heaven reforming and repairing his body at incredible speed. Once it was done, the mark reappeared, fading into view as his flesh settled.

 

So he tore it out again, and again, and again. He ripped it out, scratched it to pieces, bit it out, burned it, sliced it, minced it, and yet still it remained. Forming time after time after time to mock him. To belittle him. To mark him as lesser. Eventually, when his fingers trembled and his robes were stained gold, did he stop, falling back onto his bed with heavy eyes. It was there to stay, it seemed, a curse upon his very soul.

 

For a time, he just lingered there. Somewhere between agony and rage as the mark pulsed on his skin. Throbbing in tune with his heart. A part of him just wanted to remain here, like this, until Sera inevitably burst down his door to drag him to Hell. Let her see what she had wrought with her own eyes. But… another part of him, mayhaps the more human side, said fuck that. So what if he was cursed? So what if the High Seraphim marked him like a dog? He was Adam! The Firstborn! If anyone could resist and make a mockery of this wretched thing, it would be him! He would show them, spit upon their curse and make it his. 

 

Rising from the bed, he shuffled over to the shattered remains of his desk and waved a hand in the air, using just an ounce of Heavenly energy to summon forth a scroll, one which seemed to go on and on unto infinity. The Heavenly Principles, writ by the council to determine the general laws and rules by which an Angel should act, including Winners. 

 

Adam never quite paid much attention to the document, as he was generally above it being the first man and all, (along with finding it just generally boring nonsense), but now he was determined to learn every inch of it, at least, the part regarding husbands and wives. If he recalled correctly, the original draft of the document didn't contain anything having to do with relationships, as the angels figured that once humanity got into Heaven, they wouldn't need such silly temporal notions such as ‘marriage’. However, unfortunately for them, his children were a stubborn bunch and kept to their marriages and relationships despite the guidance of the council. Eventually, they caved, and writ laws into the Heavenly Principles so as to, at the very least, control what cannot be outlawed.

 

Scrolling through the parchment, he eventually found what he was looking for. Section 45, in regards to husbands and wives. Giving the section a cursory glance, it seemed like the general prognosis was just ‘respect each other and don’t cheat, ’ which he supposed was reasonable. Though plenty of the finer details were just… ludicrous. In particular, the section describing how children should be handled sent a pulse of irritation through his head. 

 

‘Loopholes, Adam. Look for loopholes.’ He reminded himself. This document was to be his chain from now on. If he had any hope of surviving down there, he would need to memorize every single inch of this document, or at least, this section, down to every specific word, even though he really, really didn't want to. With a loud groan, he got to work.

 

Two days later, he emerged from his room (after changing his robes and tidying up just a little bit) to find Lute asleep on his doorframe. Looking around, he could see that the party he had going had long since ended, and that most of his mansion was now fixed up. Lute’s doing, he supposed. She was always like that, reliable and practical to the end. 

 

With a small smile, he lent down and gently shook Lute awake, calling her name.

 

“Hey, Dangertits. Wake up.” Or at least, as close to her name as possible. 

 

Lute opened her eyes groggily, groaning as she was roused from her slumber, only to shoot up once she saw just who it was waking her. 

 

“Adam?! Sir, are you alright?! What’s going on?!?” She asked while frantically looking over his robed form.

 

“Whoa, whoa, calm down, Lute, everything's just fine. I was just doing some… thinking. That’s all.” Adam took a step back from Lute and waved his hand in the air dismissively, beginning to walk out towards the main hall.

 

“Wha- no! You do not get to disappear into your room for two days with no warning and then just… wave it off!” Lute jumped in front of Adam, flaring her wings wide to prevent him from going an inch further. 

 

Adam, seeing this and knowing all too well the stubbornness of his favored daughter, sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder.

 

“Look, Lute. I'm tired, I'm hungry, and I can promise you that everything is just fine, alright? I’m sorry ‘bout disappearing like that, the party was just too fucking loud.” He said, his voice gentle, but firm in a way that dissuaded argument.

 

Lute was still angry at him for so brazenly brushing off her concern, but… the very fact that he apologized was enough to give her pause. That, combined with the faint traces of gold beneath his claws, made her realize that she wasn't getting anything out of him.

 

With a sign, she leaned into his touch, looking into his electronic eyes and asking: “You promise?” 

 

“Promise. Now, let's go get some fucking burgers. I am dying for a good shake right now.” Adam chuckled, moving past Lute and giving his wings a stretch. 

 

Lute watched as he stretched, and, after a moment of hesitation, joined him. Stretching her own wings before taking to the sky behind him.

 

“If I may ask, sir… what were you thinking about?” She asked as they flew through the streets of Heaven. 

Adam paused, then spoke, his voice gaining some of its unusual energy back: “I was thinking… Maybe it's time I get rid of that old shitty house. I've had it for wayyyy too fucking long. And I think I know just the person to give it to.” 

 

He turned his head to Lute and smiled.

 

“You interested in a new place, Lute?”

*****

Sera wandered through the halls of the Heavenly Palace with a general sort of amusement. The varied paintings on the wall offering her a familiar comfort. They ranged from depictions of Heaven, of the fall of Lucifer, of the crowning of the Heavenly Council, and, most grandly, of God. 

 

She stopped. Staring at the painted visage of her creator with a look one could not place. It looked respectful, yes, but, by the way her eyes wrinkled, one could almost sense just the barest hint of disappointment. 

 

“Whatcha looking at, Sera?” Asked a voice to her side. 

 

Sera glanced down and returned her sight to Emily. The smallest and easily the youngest of the Seraphim, and the last to be created before the Lord went into his slumber. So young was she that they didn't even have a real role for her yet, having to create the title of ‘Joybringer’ to give her something to do. A title which she reveled in.

 

“Nothing, Emily. Just a painting.” Sera said, waving her hand in the air before continuing to float on towards her office.

 

“Oh… Okay! Anywho, as I was saying, this morning I went down to Cherub Towne and said hi to everyone, they were all very happy to see me! Then I went down to the human area and…” 

 

Emily continued on her ramblings as they floated towards and eventually into Sera’s office. It was her ‘daily report’ on her activities as Joybringer. While technically not required, and ordinarily something to be submitted into the proper electronic/scroll channels, Sera enjoyed it greatly. There was something so heartwarming about just being able to talk to such a being as pure as Emily. To her, she was the perfect representation of how an Angel should be. Full of life and joy and happiness, all about bringing love to the world. Qualities that were usually absent in humans.

 

Once they finally reached Sera’s office, Emily finished up her monologue with a simple: “And… that's about it! I tried my hardest, as always, to bring joy! Did I do a good job?” 

 

Sera smiled, reaching a hand out to ruffle Emily’s hair gently.

 

“As always, you did a miraculous job, Joybringer.” She praised, with all the gentleness and pride of a pleased mother.

 

“Yay!! I'm glad!” Emily giggled, fluttering up into the higher bits of Sera’s office and doing a few laps around in the air. 

 

Sera watched her fly, for a time, quite amused by her ecstatic flying, before eventually clapping her hands.

 

“Alright, Emily, that's enough. Though I’d love to spend some time with you, I have some work to do.” Sera said, waving her hand for Emily to come down. 

 

“Aww, but I wanted to hang out,” Emily murmured as she gently descended back to the marbled floor.

 

“I know, I know. We’ll hang out tomorrow, okay?” 

 

“Okay… take care, Sera!” Emily smiled before launching herself out of Sera’s office, flying out into the hall, then into Heaven proper, making her way back home.

 

As Sera watched Emily fly off into the distance, her smile slowly faded, and with a flick of her hand, the doors and blinds of her office closed shut, leaving it awash in artificial light. She turned towards one of her cabinets and pulled a series of books, which eventually caused the bookshelf to fold in on itself, opening up a pocket in space, which led to a simple Pearlwood Door. 

 

With a last glance around her, she entered the pocket, crossed the tunnel, and opened the door, revealing her secret, private office, in which she kept some of her most dangerous tools and information. Artifacts and knowledge so powerful that if they were to ever leak, it could spell disaster for the entire council.

 

Among their number was a small object, entombed in glass, in the shape of a golden pyramid. It was by far her most powerful device, given to her by God himself upon the day of her coronation as the High Seraphim. It had no name, no title, no true identity. Only a purpose, to erase memories, people, and even concepts from the minds of the citizens of Heaven, capable of even affecting the Seraphim themselves. It's only limit being that it cannot affect the minds or souls of those in Hell. A device only to be used in absolute emergencies, where a cognotiohazard of terrible magnitude had spread throughout heaven, or another Lucifer had risen up against the Council. Yet… it could be used for… other purposes. 

 

She was the only one, aside from the Lord, who knew of its existence. And if she did use it to erase the memory of Adam, it would certainly make her job a lot easier. But then, if she were ever discovered, it would be a heresy of the highest order. She would be stripped of her title and rank, and maybe even sent down into the pit. Not to mention, even if she did erase Adam, there would still be the memory of God and His story. The citizens of Heaven would question where they came from, and question why He did not make them in paradise, and question still why some of their kind went to Hell instead of Heaven. Questions upon questions upon questions. It would be a disaster to manage, yet still… The temptation grew with every day that Adam’s departure grew nearer. 

 

Though… there was another option. A way to ensure that no one asked any questions. An ultimate act of heresy, unlike anything Heaven had ever seen. The only question was, could she do without Him?

 

Biting her lip, Sera decided to do something she hadn’t done in a very, very long time. Floating over to the far side of the room, she reached out onto an errant table and grasped a simple metal trinket in the shape of wheels upon wheels, coated in open eyes. It was a simple, unassuming thing, yet every Seraphim had one. Clutching the trinket closely, she whispered a small prayer and held it aloft. 

 

In front of her, space and time broke open, and a passage formed from the air in front of her. She ventured forth, through countless millions of miles, to the edge of the universe. Where a gate lay between the boundary of the real and unreal.

 

There, standing in front of the gate, was an Angel. He was robed in finest silk, colored blue and black. Adorned across his body was golden armor shining with a holy light. Atop his head hung a flaming Halo, and upon his back were a pair of pure white wings folded neatly behind him. He stood completely still, and in his hands he held a flaming sword.

 

“Michael.” Sera called, her hands clasping together on her waist. 

 

“Seraphina.” The Archangel responded, his eyes shut. 

 

“Any news?” 

 

“Nothing. The Lord has yet to speak, and the Gate remains closed.” He spoke with a robotic precision, and yet, every word carried with it an immense amount of power, enough to make even Sera tremble slightly.

 

“I see…” Sera cast her head aside, glancing off into the infinite starry abyss surrounding them. “Do you think he’ll return soon?” 

 

Michael stood silent for a moment, then spoke, his head tilting towards the Gate. “I do not know, sister. The plans of the Lord are as mysterious to you as they are to I.”

 

Sera made a small tsk, and returned her gaze to Michael.

 

“That is what you always say.” 

 

“Of course. It is true.” 

 

Silence reigned for a moment as Michael’s words echoed in Sera’s mind. Then, she spoke, her voice just an ounce quieter.

“Don’t you ever wonder just what he’s doing back there? Where He’s been all this time? I mean… how long will we have to wait before he comes back?” 

 

“It is not our place to ponder upon such things, Seraphina. The Lord will do as he wilt, and in time, his plans will become obvious to us.” Michael responded instantly, his voice unwavering. 

 

“Of course, of course. His plans and schemes and machinations. How wonderful they’ve been.” Sera muttered, an ounce of disdain in her voice. 

 

To this, Michael went quiet, one of his blue eyes peaking open to stare at Sera, sheer power emanating from his pupils. 

 

“Do you have something you wish to say, Seraphina?” Michael said, his voice as cold as ice.

 

“N-No, Michael." Sera responded, shrinking a bit under Michael’s gaze. 

 

“Then our business is concluded. Worry not, dear sister. The Lord will return. And when he does, it shall be a glorious day.”

 

Sera did not respond. Merely nodding her head and returning through the warp from whence she came. When she reemerged in her private office, her teeth began to clench, and her hands began to shake, before she tossed the trinket aside, hearing it clatter to the floor as she stormed towards the golden pyramid. 

 

She didn’t need Him. She didn't. In fact, she doubted anyone in Heaven needed Him anymore. They had been getting along just fine without Him. He had abandoned them millennia ago, and yet still they prospered, yet still they thrived. If he wouldn’t come and offer guidance, then fine. She would just erase him, too, and implant a story of her own. That way, there would be no questions, no concerns, no Adam—only her, the council, and their perfect, undying utopia. 

 

She was the High Seraphim. She could do this. No one would ever know. 

 

Sera smiled and took the case off the Golden Pyramid; its sheen reflected on her face.

 

Tomorrow, tomorrow. 

 

Everything will be just fine.

 

Tomorrow.

Notes:

More to come soon :D.

(Feel free to comment about any mistakes I made btw, criticism is always appreciated!)