Chapter Text
Chapter 1
Make the Call
Alastor patiently waited for Vox to return, still tied to the chair since the start of his plan. Vox was so easy to manipulate. The other V’s barely a challenge. How no one had picked up on his act by now was laughable but it was to his advantage. He spent his time waiting for Vox to return by wedging an even bigger divide between the V’s.
Right now he was subtly encouraging Velvette saying she needed to be more visible lest the public forget about her. That was her weakness, her insecurity about being forgotten. She died more recently than the rest of them living in an age where fame and popularity are fast and fleeting. There was always someone ready to take your place.
Valentino was currently with Vox in an attempt to capture Lucifer. The Porn demon’s weakness was his relationship with Vox himself. Vox had always kept their relationship as friends with benefits. No commitment, no heartbreak, at least for Vox. Valentino cared more than he was willing to admit. Vox’s obsession with Alastor was digging deep into Valentino’s jealous side. Alastor barely had to do anything. He just let Vox preen in front of him, constantly trying to get his approval while he gave none back. So the fool kept trying and kept digging himself into a deeper and deeper hole.
There was a sudden ding on Velvette’s phone and she made her way to the door.
“Looks like their back.” Before she could even reach the knob the door swung open nearly hitting her.
“Check this out Al!” He swung a wheeled chair into view revealing Lucifer bound by blessed rope. Lucifer growled at him but everyone now knew he was powerless to do anything about it. “I just caught the motherfucking King of Hell! What do you think of that?” Alastor raised an unimpressed eyebrow.
“That might have been impressive if you didn’t know he couldn’t attack sinners. Any sinner on the street could have done the same thing.” As Vox’s screen started turning red Lucifer turned to the bound Radio Demon.
“Bambi? What the Hell are you doing here?” Alastor’s ears flattened as he glared at the king.
“I’ve been a prisoner here for weeks, you seriously haven’t noticed?”
“I’m the one who captured him.” Vox said, trying to insert himself in this argument.
“You mean you really did quit? Geez, remind me never to offer you a napkin.”
“How can you not know!” Vox practically screamed. “It was all over TV and social media!”
“Yeah, don’t really watch much TV.” Alastor watched amused as Vox’s eye twitched.
“Vox, stop letting them get under your skin.” Valentino said in an exasperated voice as he sauntered over to Lucifer with a wicked grin. “We have Papi Diablo in our hands.” Lucifer’s eyes narrowed as he watched Valentino’s hand drawing closer. “I can either shut him up or really make him-AH!” He jerked his hand back when suddenly the tiny devil was covered in sharp spikes.
“Please, do continue.” Lucifer grinned wagging a single eyebrow.
“The fuck! I thought you said he couldn’t hurt us.”
“Not touching can’t get mad. Not touching can’t get mad. Not touching can’t get mad.” Vox rolled his eyes and he gripped the back of Lucifer’s chair mindful of the spikes.
“We don’t have time for this. You still need to finish setting up for Angel’s little show.” He wheeled Lucifer to the other side of the room.
“Aw, you sure? There’s a surprise down there. You sinner can regenerate everything right?”
On the one hand Alastor was grateful he didn’t have to witness another disgusting display but now his mind was wondering what in the hell left for Valentino in his nether regions. The porn overlord looked like he was thinking the same thing. Torn between testing Lucifer’s limits and possibly losing his dick he reluctantly decided to leave shooting Vox a look.
Velvette grumbled and joined him not wanting to hear another empty promise from Vox. Alastor smirked knowing those two would be talking amongst themselves once they were out of ear shot. This was all too easy. He glanced at Vox who was monologging his whole plan to a very distressed Lucifer. Lucifer hadn’t been a major part of his plan but he knew Vox would have to get around him somehow.
He laughed a little to himself. This could work out even better than he thought. Might as well speed things up. He was getting bored being tied to a chair.
The moment Vox left Lucifer instantly deflated and the spikes disappeared.
“So you can still shapeshift. I don’t suppose you can shrink to get out of those ropes?” Lucifer let out an annoyed huff.
“Tried, this damn rope is really restricting my powers. Couldn’t do much more than the spikes.”
“So you didn’t have a duck themed bear trap hidden in your boxers?”
“What? No, that’s crazy. That-actually that might have been better than what I did have.” Alastor cursed himself for bringing up the topic. “Why, didn’t think you were interested in that sort of thing.” Alastor was a little surprised that he knew that but could seem to remember anyone’s name.
“I’m not, but I’m not opposed to seeing someone like Valentino in severe pain.”
“Typical Tuesday for you?”
“I don’t think there’s anything typical about today.” He casually crossed his legs looking like he was fully in control, which he was. “I see you fell for Vox’s trap. Didn’t even question if it was real or not?” Lucifer looked angry at first but just as quickly a look of mystery painted itself on his face.
“You’re right, I should have known. I should know she wouldn’t want a fuck up like me back into her life.” Alastor resisted rolling his eyes. This wouldn’t do. An angry Lucifer he could work with a depressed one would get him nowhere.
“Giving up already? Are you just going to roll over and let Vox continue his war on Heaven and publicly badmouth Charlie.” An angry flame sparked in the King’s eyes. Good, anger he could work with.
“You think if I could do anything about this whole fucking mess I would. But every time I try I just fuck things up even more. You happy Radio Demon! The great King Lucifer is a fraud. I never wanted to be King of Hell or anything else. Lilith was a much better ruler than I was.” Alastor studied the small King, amused by his confession.
“Yes, your wife’s reputation is much more impressive. Only-” Lucifer shot him a look ready to defend her if this sinner dared to defile her name.
“Only what.” He said with a growl in the undertone in his voice.
“I’ve just been getting some mixed messages regarding the Queen of Hell. Charlie idolizes her and claims that she united sinners in peaceful protest. Vox on the other hand claims she was starting a rebellion. He even used her “Resist” catch phrase as part of his propaganda. Two very different views of the same woman.”
“Vox is a lying piece of shit.”
“Oh he definitely is but his persuasion is always laced with a bit of truth. It’s easy to debunk a straight up lie but when based on something truthful it can take root much easier.” Lucifer wanted to protest but for some reason held his tongue. So Alastor pushed.
“Interesting coincidence her, “protest” seven years ago ended with the beginning of the exterminations. And then she disappeared without a word.” Lucifer growled again.
“What are you implying?” Alastor’s smile widened.
“I’m not implying anything. I just have a puzzle in front of me with quite a few missing pieces. Sometimes turning them around and looking at them from a different angel can sometimes make them fit better. But without those missing pieces we can’t see the full picture yet.”
He knew Lucifer knew more than he was letting on but that was alright. He had his own suspicions but he also knew Rosie had a few of those pieces carefully tucked away for the right moment. He wasn’t getting answers out of him about Lilith but that wasn’t the point.
“Well just get those theories out of your head. She was a wonderful Queen, wife and mother to Charlie!” The Radio Demon tilted his head.
“I can’t say I knew her personally. All I know are the rumors and Charlie’s praises.” Lucifer was watching him just waiting for him to bad mouth her so he could yell at him in righteous fury. Alastor however had a different angel.
“What would you do if she returned today?” Lucifer blinked, surprised by the question.
“I’d welcome her home of course. We’d be together again, we’d be a family again. Then everything would be-”
“Would you forgive her?” Lucifer blinked.
“O-of course! I can be better for her. I can be-”
“Yes yes, I know you’d welcome her home like a loyal dog but what about Charlie?”
“What do you mean, Charlie adores her, wants to be just like her. Of course she’d want her mother back.”
“And you’d forgive her for all the pain she’s caused her. For making her feel like she was the one who drove her mother away?”
“I…I’m sure it was a misunder…” but he couldn’t finish his thought. Ever since he came back to the Hotel he’d watch Charlie try and try to call her mother never to get an answer. He tried to be there for her but it was clear she wanted her mother not him. He even tried calling her himself if for no other reason to comfort Charlie.
Sometimes silence was worse than a scream.
“A misunderstanding? Let me ask you this? How many times has Charlie called her mother?”
“I-I don’t know. I know it’s a lot but-”
“And over the past seven years how many times did she respond?” Lucifer’s silence was deafening. “How many times has Charlie called you?”
“Ah, not a lot. Maybe 4-no wait, that last one wasn’t her.”
“And unlike her mother you responded every single time did you not?” Lucifer was struck speechless, not sure why Alastor of all people was telling him this.
“Charlie is more like you than you realize. Both of you could have a supportive relationship but you’re both so hung up on Lilith you can’t see what’s in front of you.
“You could be a proper father to her but you're so scared of rejection you keep trying to keep her happy instead of teaching and guiding her. She’s so blinded by the idea of her mother that she can’t see that her other parent is reaching out willing to do anything for her!” He may have gotten a little heated at the end but Alastor at least knew which of his parents were a real parent and which one was a waste of a human being.
“Don’t pat yourself too hard on the back. Between a parent who is completely absent and one who’s a dolt the bar is so low you of all people have to look down.”
Lucifer was silent for a long time. Alastor let him process everything he had said. It was vital that they cleared this hurtle if they wanted to get to the next part. The crucial part.
“Y-you don’t know any-thing.” He was trying to sound strong and convincing but it was clear as day there was little conviction in the king’s voice. “It’s…it’s so much more complicated then…”
“My point still stands. Lilith isn’t here now. Whether you like it or not (I know I don’t) you are still the King of Hell, not just the Pride Ring. You and I both know despite your inability to attack sinners directly you are far from powerless.” Lucifer’s head snapped up.
“Oh, care to tell me what I should do then?” Alastor leaned back with a smug expression.
“No.”
“What do you mean, “No?”
“I’m not telling you because you already know the answer. I’m not your wife, I'm not going to hold your hand and force you to take back your kingdom.” Lucifer was about to retort when a memory surfaced in his head.
He had gotten a lovely gift basket from his fellow Sins. All included a recorded message wishing him well and begging him to come back. He didn’t play them until he packed up and left the Hotel. In hindsight he probably should have.
“Hey Lu, it’s Bee. You’ve got to come over soon, it’s been ages. And no offence but you taste like a sad soggy sandwich, I can taste you from down here. I sent you some sweets with some extra “sugar” ~wink~ But seriously, please come back and bring Charlie. I miss you both!”
Yeah should have definitely listened to that one before he started nibbling.
“Ozzie here! Look I know you said last time you were here you were uncomfortable seeking any “relief” that wasn’t with Lilith but it’s been 7 years man! I’d literally explode if I went that long without. But that’s just me. I’ve got some new bots that won’t count as cheating if you're still worried about that. More importantly, I want you to meet my new partner. He is the cutest little Fizzy Frog. By the way you might want to look into that latest court case you missed. It got a…little messy and is causing some…issues. Please come back soon.”
He smiled hearing Ozzie’s voice again. He was surprised to hear he found a partner but genuinely happy for him. But what happened at the last trial? He remembered it was something about a stolen book so it couldn’t have been that important.
“”Hey ya Luci! It’s your good buddy Mammon! You got my bribe right? That means you have to come back, right? Come on, get your scrawny little ass back here. I miss our little creativity sessions. You remember, where we mess around shooting ideas to each other and seeing what we could make work. It was fun and profitable! It’s not like I’m…running out ideas or anything. By the way you’re being charged interest for every day you don’t show up.”
Father Damn it Mammon. I was all fun and game until he ripped out his amusement park. Not gonna lie he did miss those creativity sessions.
“Lucifer, this is Levi. We know you don’t like us getting involved with your ring but have you seen what that Vox character is doing to Charlie? We would block all those parasites but we would need your permission to do so. If nothing else PLEASE give your daughter some media training this is getting painful to watch. Also, if you decide to try this fucker for treason against the crown We’ve got a whole lot of evidence saved and ready to go. Please call us!”
He REALLY wished he’d seen this earlier. It would have saved him so much trouble and maybe he wouldn’t have been exposed. Maybe Charlie wouldn’t be mad at him. But of course he fucked up again.
“Lucifer Morningstar, you haven’t picked up your medication in ages. If the dosage is wrong or you're having side effects we can make some adjustments. I warned you this might take a few tries to find something that works but it’s dangerous to just quit cold turkey so please just come down for a quick check up. Also, I hope you liked the plushie, it’s infused with lavender and other herbs to help with your anxiety and sleep. And yes, I have a duck themed one. It’s very cute and it’s yours once you’ve visited my office. He’ll be waiting for you to claim him. Good Health, Belphegor”
If Bel thought she could drag him down to Sloth just for a duck plushie…a really cute duck plushie…OK he totally would. But he knew if he went she’d make him try a new medication he was just…scared. Scared they wouldn’t find anything that would work because he was too broken. Although she was right, stopping his medication because he never went back for more was…stupid. That…that was not a fun time.
“Greeting from Wrath, this is Satan. Things are going well here. I’m an excellent trial judge and anyone who says other wise IS FUCKING LYIN- Ah sorry, I’ve been working on that with my new therapist Yogurt. I was skeptical about all that therapy bullshit at first but I have to admit it's nice not to feel like my eyeballs are going to explode from my constant high blood pressure. I’m sure he can recommend some one for you and your issues. No judgment. Oh and yes things are still fine here except…the last trial we had without you went a little…unexpected. I’m not saying we need help but it would be good to show a united front with all the Seven Deadly Sins together again.”
That last one from Satan made him pause. What the hell happened at that last trial over something as trivial as a stolen book? He made a note to look into it but he got distracted by his favorite show and then Charlie called.
Only it wasn’t Charlie. He didn’t even realize it wasn’t his own daughter. Now, Heaven, Hell and his daughter were in grave danger and it was all thanks to him. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed help but…he had been avoiding them for so long ignoring them when they asked for help. Was…was this what Charlie felt like when she kept calling Lilith and never got a response?
Fuck! He was a shitty friend and a shitty father! How could he ask them now? Would they even answer? He wouldn’t blame them if they didn’t. Still, he felt he had to at least try. So he dug deep.
Alastor was right about one thing…OK a few things, but Lucifer wasn’t just the King of Pride, he was the King of Hell. He created it when he fell, it was a part of him whether he wanted to admit it or not. His magic may be limited but this ran deeper than his magic. He was channeling Hell itself and calling out to each ring. He spoke no words but his message was clear. They were all being called to aid their King.
As he waited for a response Alastor sat beside him with the smuggest grin on his face.
“So, who’s coming.”
“How the fuck do you know-”
“Who’s coming?” he repeated looking more and more eager as he awaited the answer. Just then he got a response. He was torn between crying from relief and righteous fury.
“All of them.”
Alastor wasn’t going to be bored for much longer.
To be continued...