...You've quite the way with words, Anthony. [ The words were quiet, Lucifer's lips pressed tightly together on the back of them. ] Thankfully, even though she's known nothing other than Hell, Charlie is a better soul than me. Somehow... somehow, she could not only tell that the painting was beautiful outside of that spyglass... but saw something good even in the charred mess.
[ Oh, hell, explaining the Extermination... ] I have... multiple questions about what, precisely, an anti-christ is but I get the feeling I won't like it any more than you're going to like what I have to tell you.
[ Lucifer sighed, then gave a swirl of his fingers in the air. Golden energy followed his gesture, creating almost like a television screen that began to play with his words. ] ...As humanity's numbers began to expand, so did how many sinners ended up in Hell. [ What Crowley saw was nothing like the Hell he knew, but a giant sprawling city beneath a crimson sky, a pentagram high above. The city grew, and grew, and grew. ]
In the Rings below Pride- [ as if that makes perfectly logical sense, but he can't imagine what Hell would be like otherwise so it didn't even occur to him ] -more Hellborn were being born, too. So, Heaven started to become nervous... and decided to take action.
[ Lucifer's face was a challenge to read as he stared at the 'screen', but it was clearly from his point of view, flying over head. ] One night, we heard screaming. ...So much screaming. It felt like it came from everywhere, from every Ring. So sudden and out of no where, we had no time to mount a defense or even understand what was happening.
[ Winged forms against the night sky, with blades of gleaming silver and bright golden holy light. Angels. Below the view, creatures of all sorts, dead in horrific ways. Male, female, children, it didn't matter. ]
...In a single night, despite what we attempted to do to stop them, they killed thousands on thousands of Hell's population. Sinners and Hellborn... it didn't matter to them.
[At the compliment, there was a moment, ever so brief, where the ginger demon might have looked... flustered?] Oh, I don't know about that. She got her heart from somewhere. But she is one of the good ones, I'd say. Where I'm from, angels can feel positive emotions in others. Demons can only feel the negative ones. Designed that way for us to nurture our respective sides and corrupt or enlighten souls. There's a lot of darkness in you, but... there's a lot more light.
[Lucifer was right, though. He didn't like the what Lucifer was explaining. Though, he understood the ring logic. Hell where he was from had multiple floors, like the rings, and the lower you went the worse it got. But the Hell he was looking at on that magic screen? It looked like a lot more fun than the one he knew. He made a small sound of displeasure in the back of his throat, looking squirmy.]
Heaven has gone more corporate where I'm from. I'm not sure even half the angels would remember how to lift a sword proper. Those souls... they're human? I don't quite understand what a Hellborn is, but... that was brutal. This... extermination is... ngk... I... [Use your words, Crowley.] I'm sorry. Condolences, I suppose.
The antichrist is... well... he was to be a tool. A child of Satan. Used to start the apocalypse on Earth so Heaven and Hell could fight it out and see just who really is the strongest. In the end, all humanity is to be wiped out and ascend or descend, depending on the victor. Oceans boiling, blood rain, locusts, the like. The horsemen razing the Earth. A whole big thing. Not a pleasant to-do. As someone who rather enjoys Earth, Humanity, and all they create, you can see why I took issue with this.
I could say the same of you, you know. [ With a little look over to the other, a hint of a wry smile on his lips. ] We might not sense things the same way, but... maybe it's just something fallen to fallen, mm?
[ He tried to imagine Heaven as 'corporate' and frankly, wouldn't have been surprised if they did move in that direction, but hadn't quite gotten past the robes and rank and file of old. ] Hellborn are just that - those born in Hell. Remember the other Fallen I mentioned? Each of them controls their own Ring... and each of them created their own life for those Rings. The Hellborn have freedom of movement between all of the Rings and when they die, they die. The sinners on the other hand... all once mortals. They can't go past the Pride Ring and they go around murdering each other on the regular, but only angelic steel or power can kill them for good.
...the Exterminations haven't stopped, only changed since the first. Well, until Charlie took a stand against them. ...That's my girl.
[ The whole idea of the antichrist, an apocalypse, the end of the world... ] I certainly can imagine why you did. What I can't imagine is Satan having a kid! Guy's just a liiiiittle too angry and I doubt he'd be the kind to be into a baby.
[There was a warring feeling in him. One of them, Lucifer would likely feel, Pride. He was... proud of being told he shared some of that light. Then, there was the ingrained demon part of him that wanted to bare his teeth at the idea. He was THE unforgivable one! He was the originator of the first Sin. He was... not supposed to have any light in him. He settled on a sigh. Letting himself be content with the thought.] Fallen to Fallen.
There's only seven levels of your Hell? Hn. Interesting difference. As are these Hellborn. There are so many Fallen, we haven't the need for such a thing. But the Sinners... I'm sure some of Hell's souls would probably do the same if given the chance. Killing each other, I mean. The more souls in Hell, the more power Lucifer has. But, at least, we have something like that in common. The angelic steel and power. The souls in Hell are damned forever, but us... the demons, we're not wholly invincible. Hellfire can kill an angel for good. Erase them. Just like holy water to a demon. [His upper lip pulled back in a snarl, still able to remember Gabriel's face when he told "Aziraphale" to shut his stupid mouth and die already. That they would talk to his Angel that way...]
She stood up for what she believed in? That's a fine lass. Sounds like she's doing a lot of good for your Hell.
[Crowley laughed, though. He caught the distinction with the earlier mention, it seemed Satan and Lucifer were two different beings? How curious.]
Where I'm from, Satan and Lucifer are the same. But, you're not wrong in that. Not exactly world's greatest dad, seeing as he ditched his kid to be raised by someone else. Like I said, he was just a tool to my boss. Kid stood up to him. Used those powers of his to warp reality. Told the devil that he wasn't his real father because he was never there for him. That his human father was his real father and... reality twisted to his will. Satan was no longer Adam's father. Should've seen the looks on Beelzebub and Gabriel's faces when the end of the world just... stopped. Their precious war stopped before it could start. The look on Satan's face when Adam changed things. Bloody proud of the kid, I was.
[If Lucifer cared to feel it, there was an extra holy presence nearby. Had been for a couple minutes now, but was staying out of sight. Weirdly, there was also a feeling of Pride coming from that presence as well.]
It sounds to me like Adam and Charlie might be similar to a degree, as well. Taking a stand, I mean. Against terrible odds. [Crowley pointed at several of the sigils etched into the seal holding them here, a snap of his fingers and all of the words meaning "Satan" and "Devil" went up in flames, burned away. The only names that remained in the spell were The Serpent and Lucifer's sigil. Most of the power holding Lucifer vanished with those sigils, leaving him only trapped by one.] If I burn your sigil, will that send you home, do you think?
[ It felt like every other sentence out of Crowley's mouth, Lucifer had at least two new questions to ask. Were Beelzebub and Gabriel demons or angels? How did they know hellfire kills an angel? What would Crowley intend to do if he had already saved the world? Who was the angel Crowley keeps briefly mentioning? What about-
But as Crowley asked that final question, Lucifer's attention had been diverted. The devil lifted his head and looked around, brows knitting together. His fingertips touched just lightly on Crowley's forearm and stayed there, a silent, subtle sign to hold it. Was someone else there? The one that summoned them, maybe? Maybe this circle had been a trap by an angel for one of them, though that would be something entirely knew. ]
...who's there? [ Called out into the space, his eyes narrowed. However, he spoke very quietly to Crowley, just for the other to hear. ] I can break the circle, if necessary, without the sigils being burned... but someone is here other than us, or watching us.
[Their interesting conversation was, after all, why he hadn't just blown the last sigil. If it would immediately suck Lucifer back to Hell, and they were both still enjoying the conversation, he didn't want to evict the other Fallen. He did understand the meaning behind the touch, however, and he waited. When he called out, Crowley raised an eyebrow. He probably shouldn't be surprised that the King of Hell had felt the angel as well.
The serpent put a hand on Lucifer's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. A reassuring gesture. When, from around a corner in the massive stone room, a voice answered. Hesitant, very much carrying the tone of a child who had just been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.]
Oh bother! And I thought I was being quite covert! [A platinum blonde man stepped out into the room. He wore a lightly coloured tweed coat with a tartan tie. Had blue eyes and the general vibe of a librarian.]
Angel, you're as covert as a spotlight in dark room. [Crowley responded dryly, but the way he said "Angel" held affection rather than disdain.]
Well, you two were having such a delightful conversation! I didn't want to interrupt. You have so few friends and I--
--I don't need friends, Angel. [Crowley cut in, but was ignored as the angel continued without missing a beat,]
--would like to see you make more, dear. I shan't be the only one privy to your delightful softer side.
I'm not soft! [He hissed, but the angel seemed nonplussed by his fussiness.] Lucifer, this is Aziraphale. Angel, this is Lucifer. A... different one. [Crowley added quickly when he saw the sheer panic flash across his angel's face.]
Oh! Um. Well. ...how do you do? [Aziraphale asked nervously as he approached the circle. His gaze kept flickering worriedly over to Crowley, as if assessing his safety, but returning to Lucifer with nervous energy.]
[ It did not take a scientist to put two and two together, making the corner of Lucifer's mouth lift along with an eyebrow in Crowley's direction before flicking back to Aziraphale with interest. ]
Would this be the angel? [ Was his voice just a hair teasing? Certainly, but also amused. It not only filled in a few pieces of Crowley's glancing mentions of one good angel, but another larger piece of the puzzle about what angels felt like versus Crowley's demonic feel.
Which had to be interesting for Aziraphale in turn if he understood Crowley's explanation of what each of them would respectively feel about him. It reminded him of meeting Charlie's little girlfriend for the first time - how he had felt the matching energy from her. Foolishly, he had assumed Charlie knew- and felt gobsmacked when she came to talk to him about it all later. ]
Pleasure to meet you, Aziraphale, even if under some very strange circumstances. [ Look, he could be quite polite to people when he wasn't getting groveled at by people acting strange due to precisely who he was in Hell's hierarchy. He'll take 'our Lucifer is an absolute piece of shit and dangerous, so we're going to be anxious' over that any day!
...
Besides, even just the brief exchange between the two spoke volumes about the depth of their friendship. ...More than friendship, perhaps? Not about to judge or ask as that was their business.
He gave the angel a look that, while his voice was dry, said he wasn't actually angry that the other had been listening in. ]
So! When did you arrive, so I know how much I might have to re-explain?
Oh! I've been around the whole time! [Aziraphale cooed, seeming to calm down pretty quickly since Crowley didn't seem in any sort of distress or pain.] You see, I was the guardian of the Eastern Gate! But this old wily serpent still managed to tempt Eve with knowledge and free wi--
Angel! He meant here here, you bampot. [Crowley snapped, interrupting what would be a very long story otherwise. The angel didn't look upset by the rough tone or put off by the correction. Instead, he just made a soft "oh" sound and nodded.]
Ah, well, I found your note. Fearing the worst, I felt for your dastardly occult presence and to my pleasure and utter relief, you hadn't been whisked away by Hell! I arrived in time to hear our pale friend here talking about Hell's numbers expanding and some dreadful extermination plot. [As the angel was speaking he moved as if all of his actions were habitual. A snap of his fingers and his coat was around Crowley's shoulders. A wave of his other hand and three chairs, a table, and three cups of piping hot tea appeared. The table, two chairs, and two cups of tea were within the holding barrier, the third chair outside where he sat daintily and held his own cup of tea. At a look from Crowley about the coat, the angel smiled warmly.] Oh, it's a might nippy down here, dear, and I know you're cold blooded. I hope the retained heat will keep you comfortable.
[Crowley dropped in one of the chairs with an indignant grumble and hunkered into the angel's coat.]
I suppose it is tea time after all... Luci isn't allowed to leave his Hell, just like ours, so the sigil is allowing him access to Earth.
Well, if I do say so, you're far more pleasant than your counterpart, Mister Lucifer. You almost... well, forgive me for saying so, but your ethereal presence feels quite balanced with your occult. It's fascinating that the two can co-mingle without destroying each other!
[ Well then! Hearing Eve's name was certainly a shock, making Lucifer blink in surprise and immediately want to ask several questions in curiosity. Some things, such his inquisitive nature, even Heaven's spears couldn't kill in him (and some might say, so much so that he passed it right down to his daughter). However, looking between angel and demon, he couldn't help but feel confirmation on his earlier assessment of Crowley's feelings for Aziraphale. The very corner of his mouth lifted at the fact that even to his counterpart's face, Crowley kept calling him 'angel'.
When the tea and all of its accoutrements appeared, Lucifer couldn’t help but smile. He took the other seat, taking up the cup of tea in front of him. Coffee had become a necessity, but tea would always be his preference. Cold-blooded..? Ah, right, serpent. The gesture of the coat was impossibly sweet to witness, showing how returned the love between them truly was. A dangerous game, Angel and Demon, but if they had found their place in the universe after all this time, they had to know the rules (and how to circumvent them) better than he. ]
Given what I’ve heard of him, I’m glad! Life would be difficult if I couldn’t be around anyone without my presence destroying them. Is- is that how your angels work? [ A glance between them, a brow lifting. ] Simply being around them is enough to- [ he made a little ‘poof’ gesture with one hand. ] Suddenly glad I didn’t break the circle with my initial idea, then.
Well, no, not entirely. I mean, I don't know what I would have done with myself if my very presence destroyed-- [The thought was choked off in his throat, looking unbelievably upset by that. Then the implication of what had possibly almost happened to Crowley... Oh. Oh dear! If Lucifer had used that holy power of his to break free of the circle, he would have indeed killed his favourite demon! The angel paled.
As if sensing the thought processes of the other, Crowley cleared his throat and took off his shades, folding them and tucking them safely into his coat. He pulled the angel's coat more around him with his other hand, trying not to look pleased by the article of clothing while also taking utmost care not to wrinkle it.]
Angels can smite with holy power and demons can counter with hellfire. It's a whole messy thing. But all in all, it takes a build up of that power on either side to do it. And, I'm fine Angel. No holy explosions happened, so stop thinking about it. You know how your get when you're all worked up into a tizzy. You'll start moulting and I just straightened your wings out not two days ago.
[They were the very definition of an old married couple. Crowley brought his tea cup up between both hands, just soaking the warmth from it for a moment before sipping on the liquid.]
Do you... well, I mean to say, is there hope for Hell where you're from? With those dreadful exterminations going on, it sounds as if you and Heaven are already at war.
[ Lucifer's lips twitched at Crowley's firm tone with Aziraphale and the clear affection there. It surprised him that they would speak about something so intimate openly in front of another, but perhaps that was simply their relationship. When was the last time he had even bothered with his wings...?
A thought for another time. ] I promise I can contain my power either way, safe and secure for Anthony. [ He'd yet to be told otherwise on the name, thus- ]
Unsurprisingly, the answer to your question, Aziraphale, is... complicated. Unlike the balance it seems your people have - each with a weapon to destroy the other - we aren't so lucky. The only thing capable of killing a sinner- ah, a once-mortal soul- for good is angelic steel or magic... and similarly, it's the only thing that can kill an angel as well, and frankly that was only discovered within the last year. I'm not sure even Heaven knew that anything could kill an angel, regardless of its birth. I suppose until recently, it could be called a war, but I'd call it a once-a-year slaughter.
[ Breathing out in a huff through his nose, hinting at the bubble of anger in his chest. ] However, my daughter believes that a sinner could be rehabilitated and be allowed to rise to Heaven, and bless her, she asked to meet with Heaven to propose her plan and show them the progress she'd made with a small handful of sinners. To say... it didn't go well is an understatement. [ His gaze had dropped to the cup cradled in his palms, noticing the ripples in it - he was trembling ever so slightly in that held anger. ] Assholes won't see reality that might suggest they're wrong, even if it's for the better.
[When Lucifer said Crowley's chosen first name, Aziraphale blinked confusedly over at Crowley. The demon didn't seem to really mind, but it just felt so odd to him. Well, he would right that if he could. ...subtly.]
Well, we both appreciate that. Don't we, Crowley, my dear boy?
[Crowley looked up from his tea, yellow eyes flickering between Lucifer and his angel before he settled again.]
Of course, of course.
Balance. [The angel scoffed.] I'd much rather there wasn't a way to destroy a demon permanently. That would be one less thing I would have to worry about.
Oh, come off it, Angel. Without holy water, I would have been in a spot of trouble with Ligur. Hastur still holds a grudge over that one... [Crowley shuddered.
Aziraphale seemed to grow more agitated as he listened. A frown pulling at his features. Though, there was a glimmer of something in his eyes when Lucifer mentioned his daughter believing sinners could be rehabilitated. Of course Heaven wouldn't listen. That sounded about the same between both their realms.]
Rehabilitated and allowed into Heaven? [It wasn't difficult to catch how his gaze darted to Crowley again with hope.] I wonder if it could work on demons... Oh, but that's so rude! Don't let your daughter lose hope in her dreams! Surely, given proper evidence, they can't deny her claim! I have faith that they will see the light.
[This made the serpent roll his eyes and grumble something under his breath that the angel couldn't hear, but Lucifer probably could,] Look where faith has gotten us, you sentimental old fool...
Honestly, I wish there wasn't a way to destroy either permanently. That way, Heaven wouldn't have started their little game. It's all a game of power, to them. Undoubtedly fearing that Hell will rise up and try to storm the gates of Heaven or something like that when, honestly, the only thing that's made Hell want to do that is their exterminations! Other than the occassional delusional sinner that thinks because they were 'good' and 'holy in their mortal life, they should have automatically gone up, when they refuse to realize that being horrible and lying to people is just a little frowned upon. [ Lucifer rolled his eyes, stories he'd heard a million times over across the ages. ]
If you ask Charlie, she did prove her case - but they still refused to listen. ...Well. Maybe. [ His lips twisted, tapping a claw against the china. ] She certainly caused an upset and at least one of the high seraphim listened and believes her while the other...
[ A little growl rolled out of the devil at that, crimson flickering across his eyes. ] It ended up leading to a true physical confrontation, right at the door step of the hotel Charlie made to house her project. For once, sinners defended themselves on their own territory... and now Heaven has gone silent. None of us have any idea what will come next. The moment the slaughter became a war? They retreated.
[Crowley made a halted sound in the back of his throat when Lucifer got worked up. He saw those eyes change. Fascinating, but not uncommon. When he got worked up, his own would lose their semblance of humanity and the gold could encompass his entire eye, leaving no white. Just yellow with a serpent's pupil. The red was fascinating though.]
Heaven never wants to listen. In any realm. It's their way or no way. Bloody arrogant--
Crowley... [The angel chided softly and Crowley sighed.]
Glad they defended themselves. Make Heaven think twice about pulling that stunt again, I reckon. Seems a running theme. The poncey pigeons don't like when you show you're not messing around. But the difference is, our Heaven wants a war.
[ 'Poncey pigeons' got a snort out of Lucifer in amusement, taking a sip of his tea- how had Aziraphale known exactly how he likes his tea??- before raising a brow. ]
We're in that awkward time when we have no idea. Will they want war, will they finally just settle for peace, will they listen to Charlie and see that maybe there's another way...? I don't know, but what is your present, I think will end up our future. [ He gave a small shake of his head, looking between the two. ]
But if you two- [ pause. ] Or is it just you, Anth-- Crowley? [ with a look of 'do you prefer that, or is it just your angel?' towards the demon. ] that's stuck on earth? Are you involved in this war if it happens?
[Az has his ways. Or maybe it was less knowing and more... the liquid just knew to become what Lucifer liked. Such is the ways of angelic and demonic magic here.
At the question about his name, Crowley nodded.]
Crowley, please. I--it's my... err... rebranded name. The Anthony was added to fit in with humans. He doesn't much care for it. [Crowley said, jerking his head in Aziraphale's direction. The angel flustered.]
I don't dislike it. It will just take time getting used to.
It's been decades! [Crowley huffed. This was an argument that apparently they had from time to time. One that neither seemed to come to an agreement over.]
It took time to adjust to you changing your name from Craw--
Don't! [Crowley cut him off and the angel puffed out his cheeks like a scolded child. But the serpent returned his attention to Lucifer when it seemed like the angel wasn't going to press the matter further.] We're... well, both stuck here. By choice... in a way. If we go back, after what we did, we'd likely be... ngk...
Erased. [Aziraphale supplied gently and Crowley made a little affirmative sound.] I think we'll be involved if it has anything to do with Earth and humanity. Otherwise, I'd like to think, we'll stay out of it if we can.
[Oh, Crowley knew he would stay out of it, but he wasn't so sure his angel would if Heaven tried calling him back.]
Neither of us have a side anymore. Not officially. We're on Earth's side.
[ When he was relaxed and honestly enjoying himself, Lucifer found it hard to keep a poker face about anything and that was right now. As he watched the two of them, a warm smile formed on his lips that touched his eyes. He put down the cup to its saucer, then waved his fingertips slightly. ]
Crowley it is, then. I hope, for not only both of your sake but the humans you want to protect, that Earth can avoid being caught in the crossfire. There's some Hellborn that can go to the human world on their own - pretty much exclusively Asmodeus' incubi and succubi with a few here and there - but otherwise we don't involve ourselves with humans until they end up a sinner. Heaven... so far as I know, they do involve themselves in some ways but I doubt they'd bring the fight there.
[ Little did he know that there were humans who wanted to get themselves involved in things. ]
So! If you've stopped an apocalypse, hopefully will keep out of this war... what will you both be doing now? I... admittedly don't know much about the human world, so I'm curious!
Oh, incubi and succubi? Crowley! Isn't that what that woman called you once? An incubus? She said you were trying to seduce her. Started a whole lot of rumours, that one. [The angel gave Crowley a wry look but the snake looked agitated. Maybe even a little flustered.]
It was merely temptation, Angel. Nothing happened. I pawned her off on some other bloke. I thought she'd be... harder to tempt. How was I supposed to know her marriage was miserable and she'd do anything to-- Urgh! Not the point!
As I recall, your little temptation caused her to leave an abusive relationship. You saved her and her child from that horrid man. A good deed, I rather think. [Aziraphale looked incredibly proud, like a puffed up bird. Meanwhile Crowley looked like he wanted to hide in his tea cup. The angel addressed Lucifer,] You know, he's the only demon capable of doing positive miracles? A bit of Heavenly influence from time to time. And he didn't burst into flames as he would have you believe. [Smug. Pigeon.]
Oh, shut up. [Crowley grumbled.] So, Heaven is allowed to involve themselves but keeps your lot out if it all? Sounds pretty unbalanced.
Well, I run a book shop! Have done for a very long time now! Mostly we just... live. I read. We have lunch! He... sleeps. Tends to his plants and his car. Generally, we just enjoy humanity and all its splendour! Crowley is far more into the gadgets and knickknacks.
Knickknacks?! You call modern day technology knickknacks?! I also like films! Music! I dance and attend a party from time to time! There's much more to being human--to living with humans than tending plants and sleeping, Angel.
Have you ever read any of their literature, Mister Lucifer? Romance novels? Mystery novels? They're quite imaginative beings! Human creativity never ceases to amaze! And Crowley, well, he's developed quite an imagination as well in all the time around them. I dare say we both have. It's something Heaven and Hell lack.
[Hell had said Crowley had gone native, but so had Aziraphale. They were more human than angel or demon anymore.]
[ Heh. Hehe. Lucifer started to laugh as he listened to the both of them, trying to imagine what scenario had ended up with this as the outcome. He blocked some of his sharp-toothed grin with a hand, but just couldn't stop it from coming. ]
Sorry! As it stands, I enjoy both! While we might be a bit late in getting technology - we usually end up having to wait until someone passes for their knowledge to come below for the most part - we have phones, computers, hellnet... it used to be wildly out of date but once computers really started to kick off, things progressed wildly since then. Of course, Hell has its own entertainment. Television shows, radio, films...
[ Another sip of his tea before he tried not to think about how all too recently, he wouldn't have been able to say a damn thing about what he did all day but now a days? There was a joy that lit up his eyes. ]
I've been helping Charlie with her project in the last few months. To say that the majority of Hell thinks it's a bit of a laughing stock is to be polite about it, but having defended Hell from an Extermination? It's been remarkable how things have started to change for the better. I do have a small library, though getting books from the human world is difficult, I've been able to pull a few strings to those who can go topside.
[ He couldn't help but circle back to Aziraphale's curious statement, leaning forward. ] Can... all angels produce miracles, or only those of a certain power?
Too bad you can't visit the angel's library--because it's not a bookshop despite what he says. I reckon you'd get lost in there for days, just like he does. You know, I've spent a full week staring at him while he read a book and didn't even notice me. He's lucky I wasn't someone nefarious sent to discorporate him.
[Crowley sipped at his tea thoughtfully.]
Our Hell's a bit technologically behind as well. Not for the same reason. They just don't much get with the times. Too busy trying to increase the profit margin. Half of Hell doesn't even have electricity! Bloody dark ages down there! I never visit that floor!
[Weirdly, Lucifer might notice two things and neither were done entirely on purpose. Angels and demons couldn't influence or tempt each other, but they could still give the emotions a gentle brush to encourage them. It would be an instant change with humans, but with other ethereal and occult beings, it was just a nudge. When he tried not to think about the darker thoughts, he would feel a nudge to keep those unhappy memories from influencing his mood. Quite odd for the demon to deny darker thoughts, but he was so used to keeping his angel afloat that it didn't even occur to him. Likewise, when Lucifer felt that joy that shone so brightly in his eyes, he would feel a gentle nudge from the angel to bolster the mood.]
All angels can preform minor miracles. It's part of being an angel! But some more powerful miracles are... limited. They can be done, but must be sanctioned. We have a scale, you see. Crowley's miracles are quite... inventive. And powerful.
Owh, they're no more powerful than what you can do. [Crowley argued.]
But they are! You can stop time, Crowley! You were able to pull one over on The Devil. That's not a thing I could have done.
I didn't-- I mean-- ngk... I err... well... of course you could. If you put your mind to it.
[ They might catch Lucifer mouthing 'discorporate?' briefly in confusion, but he could at least take a guess what it might mean in context. Were demons and angels out to harm Aziraphale and Crowley respectively often enough that this was a typical concern? Crowley's description of Hell made Lucifer's eyes briefly go wide before his nose wrinkled in disgust. ]
I refuse to let us fall behind the times again. Below the Pride Ring, there's much more use of magic to handle things along side of the technological and frankly, they're better off for it.
[ And- excuse you? Lucifer blinked as he felt the pair of nudges, acting like a living anti-depressant, and looked between them both for a moment as he tried to grasp at what they were doing. Neither of them had looked at him any differently- how had they known his mood so instantly? Why would they do that? ...Was it just... something angels and demons did, here? Aziraphale's would have made sense but wouldn't a demon want to make the mood... worse? Then again Crowley wasn't, so far as he had learned, like the other demons of this world. ...Nor Aziraphale like his fellow angels. ]
I- suppose I'd agree with that, though our miracles are limited to what our respective gifts are. I've never heard of a winner- [ eyeroll! ] a mortal-turned-angel, don't look at me, I didn't pick the name- being able to do any sort of powerful miracle regardless. When I Fell, I didn't lose my Gift- and Heaven doesn't get a say in way I do, not anymore. Not that I'm generally running about doing miracles left and right... hell, the last one might have been Charlie's conception. Hmmm. [ Little proud smile, tilting his gaze to Crowley. ]
Sounds to me like you're quite powerful... appropriate for a fellow Fallen.
[When Lucifer mouthed the word, Aziraphale held up a hand to stop Crowley mid whatever he was saying, and the demon paused almost immediately to let the angel speak,] Discorporate. We need bodies to visit the living world, so we're issued artificial vessels that can give us access. They die as easily as human bodies if not healed immediately and we're sent back to our respective homes. It takes mountains of paperwork and a long wait time before you can be issued another if you're discorporated.
So, you said each of the Sins runs a Ring, but your sinners are confined to the Pride Ring? The... Hellborn, they inhabit the other rings? Do the sinners not get along with them?
[Look, it wasn't entirely conscious, Luci. They liked to keep each other happy and well, you sort of got caught in the crossfire. Not that they didn't want Lucifer to feel happy as well. It may not have been a conscious effort, but they wouldn't want him to fall into despair. So far, they both seemed to enjoy Lucifer's company.
Though the word "winner" does earn him an eyeroll from Crowley as well. He seemed to agree with Lucifer on the name choice, muttering something about pompous angels and stupid names. Both seemed interested in the miracle of Charlie's conception, but Crowley got caught up being flustered again.]
Wh-uh... I'm not... It was nothing, really... [For as boisterous and seemingly proud as Crowley appeared, he was rather quite humble when it came to his powers. He liked to stand out among humans, but when it came to other demons and angels, he didn't like the spotlight. The spotlight came with nit-picking gazes and threats of smiting.]
Nonsense! You're quite powerful, my dear boy. But do tell me, I've been witness to the birth of humans, never the birth of a... Nephilim? Is Charlie considered a nephilim? They're strictly prohibited. For obvious reasons, of course.
[ ...well now! ] So these aren't your actual bodies?? I've never been in a body not my own; even if I change shape or form, it's still all me. [ He takes a moment to think it through, then with a tilt of his head, hesitantly guesses. ] Can you not be seen or interact with humans in your true forms?
[ Oh boy wasn't that an entire mountain of a question. How to sum it all up... ] All sinners are confined to the Pride Ring, but Hellborn can go where they like. It's a mix of problems that led to the system, but it started fairly quickly after we started to get more and more human souls.
[ He held up his right hand. ] On one hand, you have the sinners. When a human dies and appears in Hell, they get a new form and with that, power. Usually, it's a lot of nothing important, but there's still a fairly significant amount of them that have a good deal of power in their new form, and some that have considerable power and they can prove very, very dangerous. In the end, the sinners as a whole might not outnumber the Hellborn, but they're awful people!
[ Holding up the other hand- ] Then you have the Hellborn. While any Hellborn is stronger, faster, more capable than pretty much any human, their range of power is fairly equal to lower strength sinners and more importantly when they die, they die.
[ With a sigh, he closed both hands and sat back in his seat. ] Take awful people with power, and it very quickly came to be that they were killing Hellborn, shoving them out of their space... some even tried to enslave them. Thus, it ended with the sinners all in Pride, the Hellborn elsewhere. Humans are dying in greater and greater numbers every year and so Pride just gets more and more crowded... until the Exterminations.
[ Huh, did humans give birth differently? However, the term meant nothing to Lucifer and so he gave a little shrug of his shoulders. ] I... don't know what a nephilim is?
Uh, well, not as such. I mean, we've been in them for over six thousand years, so might as well be. [Crowley made a face, something between hesitation and a grimace.] We're not... whu.... well... short answer: correct.
Long answer: we can't exactly leave Heaven or Hell without bodies. When we're noncorporeal, we're... well... not corporeal.
Brilliant, Angel. [Crowley mocked, but it was as if every little insult or barb just rolled right off the angel's back. This was something that had been going on for thousands of years.
They both listened quietly as Lucifer explained. Crowley rubbed his chin and tilted his head a bit. Hellborn died for good, sinners didn't, for the most part. Odd, in his opinion. Felt like it should be the opposite, but that wasn't for him to say.]
Nephilim are... well, hybrids. Children of angels and humans. Highly illegal. Dangerous. Angels with free will? Most unusual and most deadly. It takes power to have offspring and not done in the human way of copulation at all. Well, it's not necessary for the act, but couldn't hurt, I suppose...
[Aziraphale is going to not think about angels taking human partners and copulating with them, thank you very much, Crowley!] And these... awful people? Charlie has been able to rehabilitate some of them?
Huh! [ Lucifer made a noise of understanding and surprise, gesturing expressively with a hand. ] I suppose it depends on your definition of Free Will in this case, but so far as I understand, we all had Free Will... it was the humans who didn't. Until me. [ With a quick glance at Crowley - with him as well? ]
But I suppose you could call her that? Lilith was a sinner when we decided to have Charlie- oh! That's right! [ Just realizing he hadn't included that. ] Sinners can't breed, but Hellborn can. But, I had to perform a miracle for us to have her. ...I'd never take it back, not for a second.
[ Out came the cell phone again, opening it and revealing the previously opened picture of himself and Charlie, turning it so Aziraphale could see her. ] Well... we haven't had an actual success yet- [ little did they know ] -but I think some of them are getting closer. ...I couldn't believe what I witnessed, that day of the battle. Sinners working together, defending each other...
[ He hesitated, then let out a small sigh. ] Dying for one another, too. ...if I'd just been able to act sooner... [ The phone was clicked off and put down, with its themed case and a little rubber duck charm falling to the side. ]
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2024-06-03 01:02 am (UTC)[ Oh, hell, explaining the Extermination... ] I have... multiple questions about what, precisely, an anti-christ is but I get the feeling I won't like it any more than you're going to like what I have to tell you.
[ Lucifer sighed, then gave a swirl of his fingers in the air. Golden energy followed his gesture, creating almost like a television screen that began to play with his words. ] ...As humanity's numbers began to expand, so did how many sinners ended up in Hell. [ What Crowley saw was nothing like the Hell he knew, but a giant sprawling city beneath a crimson sky, a pentagram high above. The city grew, and grew, and grew. ]
In the Rings below Pride- [ as if that makes perfectly logical sense, but he can't imagine what Hell would be like otherwise so it didn't even occur to him ] -more Hellborn were being born, too. So, Heaven started to become nervous... and decided to take action.
[ Lucifer's face was a challenge to read as he stared at the 'screen', but it was clearly from his point of view, flying over head. ] One night, we heard screaming. ...So much screaming. It felt like it came from everywhere, from every Ring. So sudden and out of no where, we had no time to mount a defense or even understand what was happening.
[ Winged forms against the night sky, with blades of gleaming silver and bright golden holy light. Angels. Below the view, creatures of all sorts, dead in horrific ways. Male, female, children, it didn't matter. ]
...In a single night, despite what we attempted to do to stop them, they killed thousands on thousands of Hell's population. Sinners and Hellborn... it didn't matter to them.
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Date: 2024-06-03 01:53 am (UTC)[Lucifer was right, though. He didn't like the what Lucifer was explaining. Though, he understood the ring logic. Hell where he was from had multiple floors, like the rings, and the lower you went the worse it got. But the Hell he was looking at on that magic screen? It looked like a lot more fun than the one he knew. He made a small sound of displeasure in the back of his throat, looking squirmy.]
Heaven has gone more corporate where I'm from. I'm not sure even half the angels would remember how to lift a sword proper. Those souls... they're human? I don't quite understand what a Hellborn is, but... that was brutal. This... extermination is... ngk... I... [Use your words, Crowley.] I'm sorry. Condolences, I suppose.
The antichrist is... well... he was to be a tool. A child of Satan. Used to start the apocalypse on Earth so Heaven and Hell could fight it out and see just who really is the strongest. In the end, all humanity is to be wiped out and ascend or descend, depending on the victor. Oceans boiling, blood rain, locusts, the like. The horsemen razing the Earth. A whole big thing. Not a pleasant to-do. As someone who rather enjoys Earth, Humanity, and all they create, you can see why I took issue with this.
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Date: 2024-06-03 02:13 am (UTC)[ He tried to imagine Heaven as 'corporate' and frankly, wouldn't have been surprised if they did move in that direction, but hadn't quite gotten past the robes and rank and file of old. ] Hellborn are just that - those born in Hell. Remember the other Fallen I mentioned? Each of them controls their own Ring... and each of them created their own life for those Rings. The Hellborn have freedom of movement between all of the Rings and when they die, they die. The sinners on the other hand... all once mortals. They can't go past the Pride Ring and they go around murdering each other on the regular, but only angelic steel or power can kill them for good.
...the Exterminations haven't stopped, only changed since the first. Well, until Charlie took a stand against them. ...That's my girl.
[ The whole idea of the antichrist, an apocalypse, the end of the world... ] I certainly can imagine why you did. What I can't imagine is Satan having a kid! Guy's just a liiiiittle too angry and I doubt he'd be the kind to be into a baby.
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Date: 2024-06-03 06:03 am (UTC)There's only seven levels of your Hell? Hn. Interesting difference. As are these Hellborn. There are so many Fallen, we haven't the need for such a thing. But the Sinners... I'm sure some of Hell's souls would probably do the same if given the chance. Killing each other, I mean. The more souls in Hell, the more power Lucifer has. But, at least, we have something like that in common. The angelic steel and power. The souls in Hell are damned forever, but us... the demons, we're not wholly invincible. Hellfire can kill an angel for good. Erase them. Just like holy water to a demon. [His upper lip pulled back in a snarl, still able to remember Gabriel's face when he told "Aziraphale" to shut his stupid mouth and die already. That they would talk to his Angel that way...]
She stood up for what she believed in? That's a fine lass. Sounds like she's doing a lot of good for your Hell.
[Crowley laughed, though. He caught the distinction with the earlier mention, it seemed Satan and Lucifer were two different beings? How curious.]
Where I'm from, Satan and Lucifer are the same. But, you're not wrong in that. Not exactly world's greatest dad, seeing as he ditched his kid to be raised by someone else. Like I said, he was just a tool to my boss. Kid stood up to him. Used those powers of his to warp reality. Told the devil that he wasn't his real father because he was never there for him. That his human father was his real father and... reality twisted to his will. Satan was no longer Adam's father. Should've seen the looks on Beelzebub and Gabriel's faces when the end of the world just... stopped. Their precious war stopped before it could start. The look on Satan's face when Adam changed things. Bloody proud of the kid, I was.
[If Lucifer cared to feel it, there was an extra holy presence nearby. Had been for a couple minutes now, but was staying out of sight. Weirdly, there was also a feeling of Pride coming from that presence as well.]
It sounds to me like Adam and Charlie might be similar to a degree, as well. Taking a stand, I mean. Against terrible odds. [Crowley pointed at several of the sigils etched into the seal holding them here, a snap of his fingers and all of the words meaning "Satan" and "Devil" went up in flames, burned away. The only names that remained in the spell were The Serpent and Lucifer's sigil. Most of the power holding Lucifer vanished with those sigils, leaving him only trapped by one.] If I burn your sigil, will that send you home, do you think?
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Date: 2024-06-03 02:44 pm (UTC)But as Crowley asked that final question, Lucifer's attention had been diverted. The devil lifted his head and looked around, brows knitting together. His fingertips touched just lightly on Crowley's forearm and stayed there, a silent, subtle sign to hold it. Was someone else there? The one that summoned them, maybe? Maybe this circle had been a trap by an angel for one of them, though that would be something entirely knew. ]
...who's there? [ Called out into the space, his eyes narrowed. However, he spoke very quietly to Crowley, just for the other to hear. ] I can break the circle, if necessary, without the sigils being burned... but someone is here other than us, or watching us.
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Date: 2024-06-03 03:40 pm (UTC)The serpent put a hand on Lucifer's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. A reassuring gesture. When, from around a corner in the massive stone room, a voice answered. Hesitant, very much carrying the tone of a child who had just been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.]
Oh bother! And I thought I was being quite covert! [A platinum blonde man stepped out into the room. He wore a lightly coloured tweed coat with a tartan tie. Had blue eyes and the general vibe of a librarian.]
Angel, you're as covert as a spotlight in dark room. [Crowley responded dryly, but the way he said "Angel" held affection rather than disdain.]
Well, you two were having such a delightful conversation! I didn't want to interrupt. You have so few friends and I--
--I don't need friends, Angel. [Crowley cut in, but was ignored as the angel continued without missing a beat,]
--would like to see you make more, dear. I shan't be the only one privy to your delightful softer side.
I'm not soft! [He hissed, but the angel seemed nonplussed by his fussiness.] Lucifer, this is Aziraphale. Angel, this is Lucifer. A... different one. [Crowley added quickly when he saw the sheer panic flash across his angel's face.]
Oh! Um. Well. ...how do you do? [Aziraphale asked nervously as he approached the circle. His gaze kept flickering worriedly over to Crowley, as if assessing his safety, but returning to Lucifer with nervous energy.]
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Date: 2024-06-04 12:23 am (UTC)Would this be the angel? [ Was his voice just a hair teasing? Certainly, but also amused. It not only filled in a few pieces of Crowley's glancing mentions of one good angel, but another larger piece of the puzzle about what angels felt like versus Crowley's demonic feel.
Which had to be interesting for Aziraphale in turn if he understood Crowley's explanation of what each of them would respectively feel about him. It reminded him of meeting Charlie's little girlfriend for the first time - how he had felt the matching energy from her. Foolishly, he had assumed Charlie knew- and felt gobsmacked when she came to talk to him about it all later. ]
Pleasure to meet you, Aziraphale, even if under some very strange circumstances. [ Look, he could be quite polite to people when he wasn't getting groveled at by people acting strange due to precisely who he was in Hell's hierarchy. He'll take 'our Lucifer is an absolute piece of shit and dangerous, so we're going to be anxious' over that any day!
...
Besides, even just the brief exchange between the two spoke volumes about the depth of their friendship. ...More than friendship, perhaps? Not about to judge or ask as that was their business.
He gave the angel a look that, while his voice was dry, said he wasn't actually angry that the other had been listening in. ]
So! When did you arrive, so I know how much I might have to re-explain?
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Date: 2024-06-04 09:07 am (UTC)Angel! He meant here here, you bampot. [Crowley snapped, interrupting what would be a very long story otherwise. The angel didn't look upset by the rough tone or put off by the correction. Instead, he just made a soft "oh" sound and nodded.]
Ah, well, I found your note. Fearing the worst, I felt for your dastardly occult presence and to my pleasure and utter relief, you hadn't been whisked away by Hell! I arrived in time to hear our pale friend here talking about Hell's numbers expanding and some dreadful extermination plot. [As the angel was speaking he moved as if all of his actions were habitual. A snap of his fingers and his coat was around Crowley's shoulders. A wave of his other hand and three chairs, a table, and three cups of piping hot tea appeared. The table, two chairs, and two cups of tea were within the holding barrier, the third chair outside where he sat daintily and held his own cup of tea. At a look from Crowley about the coat, the angel smiled warmly.] Oh, it's a might nippy down here, dear, and I know you're cold blooded. I hope the retained heat will keep you comfortable.
[Crowley dropped in one of the chairs with an indignant grumble and hunkered into the angel's coat.]
I suppose it is tea time after all... Luci isn't allowed to leave his Hell, just like ours, so the sigil is allowing him access to Earth.
Well, if I do say so, you're far more pleasant than your counterpart, Mister Lucifer. You almost... well, forgive me for saying so, but your ethereal presence feels quite balanced with your occult. It's fascinating that the two can co-mingle without destroying each other!
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Date: 2024-06-04 12:48 pm (UTC)When the tea and all of its accoutrements appeared, Lucifer couldn’t help but smile. He took the other seat, taking up the cup of tea in front of him. Coffee had become a necessity, but tea would always be his preference. Cold-blooded..? Ah, right, serpent. The gesture of the coat was impossibly sweet to witness, showing how returned the love between them truly was. A dangerous game, Angel and Demon, but if they had found their place in the universe after all this time, they had to know the rules (and how to circumvent them) better than he. ]
Given what I’ve heard of him, I’m glad! Life would be difficult if I couldn’t be around anyone without my presence destroying them. Is- is that how your angels work? [ A glance between them, a brow lifting. ] Simply being around them is enough to- [ he made a little ‘poof’ gesture with one hand. ] Suddenly glad I didn’t break the circle with my initial idea, then.
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Date: 2024-06-04 02:11 pm (UTC)As if sensing the thought processes of the other, Crowley cleared his throat and took off his shades, folding them and tucking them safely into his coat. He pulled the angel's coat more around him with his other hand, trying not to look pleased by the article of clothing while also taking utmost care not to wrinkle it.]
Angels can smite with holy power and demons can counter with hellfire. It's a whole messy thing. But all in all, it takes a build up of that power on either side to do it. And, I'm fine Angel. No holy explosions happened, so stop thinking about it. You know how your get when you're all worked up into a tizzy. You'll start moulting and I just straightened your wings out not two days ago.
[They were the very definition of an old married couple. Crowley brought his tea cup up between both hands, just soaking the warmth from it for a moment before sipping on the liquid.]
Do you... well, I mean to say, is there hope for Hell where you're from? With those dreadful exterminations going on, it sounds as if you and Heaven are already at war.
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Date: 2024-06-04 02:40 pm (UTC)A thought for another time. ] I promise I can contain my power either way, safe and secure for Anthony. [ He'd yet to be told otherwise on the name, thus- ]
Unsurprisingly, the answer to your question, Aziraphale, is... complicated. Unlike the balance it seems your people have - each with a weapon to destroy the other - we aren't so lucky. The only thing capable of killing a sinner- ah, a once-mortal soul- for good is angelic steel or magic... and similarly, it's the only thing that can kill an angel as well, and frankly that was only discovered within the last year. I'm not sure even Heaven knew that anything could kill an angel, regardless of its birth. I suppose until recently, it could be called a war, but I'd call it a once-a-year slaughter.
[ Breathing out in a huff through his nose, hinting at the bubble of anger in his chest. ] However, my daughter believes that a sinner could be rehabilitated and be allowed to rise to Heaven, and bless her, she asked to meet with Heaven to propose her plan and show them the progress she'd made with a small handful of sinners. To say... it didn't go well is an understatement. [ His gaze had dropped to the cup cradled in his palms, noticing the ripples in it - he was trembling ever so slightly in that held anger. ] Assholes won't see reality that might suggest they're wrong, even if it's for the better.
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Date: 2024-06-04 03:48 pm (UTC)Well, we both appreciate that. Don't we, Crowley, my dear boy?
[Crowley looked up from his tea, yellow eyes flickering between Lucifer and his angel before he settled again.]
Of course, of course.
Balance. [The angel scoffed.] I'd much rather there wasn't a way to destroy a demon permanently. That would be one less thing I would have to worry about.
Oh, come off it, Angel. Without holy water, I would have been in a spot of trouble with Ligur. Hastur still holds a grudge over that one... [Crowley shuddered.
Aziraphale seemed to grow more agitated as he listened. A frown pulling at his features. Though, there was a glimmer of something in his eyes when Lucifer mentioned his daughter believing sinners could be rehabilitated. Of course Heaven wouldn't listen. That sounded about the same between both their realms.]
Rehabilitated and allowed into Heaven? [It wasn't difficult to catch how his gaze darted to Crowley again with hope.] I wonder if it could work on demons... Oh, but that's so rude! Don't let your daughter lose hope in her dreams! Surely, given proper evidence, they can't deny her claim! I have faith that they will see the light.
[This made the serpent roll his eyes and grumble something under his breath that the angel couldn't hear, but Lucifer probably could,] Look where faith has gotten us, you sentimental old fool...
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Date: 2024-06-04 04:24 pm (UTC)If you ask Charlie, she did prove her case - but they still refused to listen. ...Well. Maybe. [ His lips twisted, tapping a claw against the china. ] She certainly caused an upset and at least one of the high seraphim listened and believes her while the other...
[ A little growl rolled out of the devil at that, crimson flickering across his eyes. ] It ended up leading to a true physical confrontation, right at the door step of the hotel Charlie made to house her project. For once, sinners defended themselves on their own territory... and now Heaven has gone silent. None of us have any idea what will come next. The moment the slaughter became a war? They retreated.
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Date: 2024-06-04 05:23 pm (UTC)Heaven never wants to listen. In any realm. It's their way or no way. Bloody arrogant--
Crowley... [The angel chided softly and Crowley sighed.]
Glad they defended themselves. Make Heaven think twice about pulling that stunt again, I reckon. Seems a running theme. The poncey pigeons don't like when you show you're not messing around. But the difference is, our Heaven wants a war.
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Date: 2024-06-04 05:34 pm (UTC)We're in that awkward time when we have no idea. Will they want war, will they finally just settle for peace, will they listen to Charlie and see that maybe there's another way...? I don't know, but what is your present, I think will end up our future. [ He gave a small shake of his head, looking between the two. ]
But if you two- [ pause. ] Or is it just you, Anth-- Crowley? [ with a look of 'do you prefer that, or is it just your angel?' towards the demon. ] that's stuck on earth? Are you involved in this war if it happens?
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Date: 2024-06-04 05:57 pm (UTC)At the question about his name, Crowley nodded.]
Crowley, please. I--it's my... err... rebranded name. The Anthony was added to fit in with humans. He doesn't much care for it. [Crowley said, jerking his head in Aziraphale's direction. The angel flustered.]
I don't dislike it. It will just take time getting used to.
It's been decades! [Crowley huffed. This was an argument that apparently they had from time to time. One that neither seemed to come to an agreement over.]
It took time to adjust to you changing your name from Craw--
Don't! [Crowley cut him off and the angel puffed out his cheeks like a scolded child. But the serpent returned his attention to Lucifer when it seemed like the angel wasn't going to press the matter further.] We're... well, both stuck here. By choice... in a way. If we go back, after what we did, we'd likely be... ngk...
Erased. [Aziraphale supplied gently and Crowley made a little affirmative sound.] I think we'll be involved if it has anything to do with Earth and humanity. Otherwise, I'd like to think, we'll stay out of it if we can.
[Oh, Crowley knew he would stay out of it, but he wasn't so sure his angel would if Heaven tried calling him back.]
Neither of us have a side anymore. Not officially. We're on Earth's side.
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Date: 2024-06-04 06:48 pm (UTC)Crowley it is, then. I hope, for not only both of your sake but the humans you want to protect, that Earth can avoid being caught in the crossfire. There's some Hellborn that can go to the human world on their own - pretty much exclusively Asmodeus' incubi and succubi with a few here and there - but otherwise we don't involve ourselves with humans until they end up a sinner. Heaven... so far as I know, they do involve themselves in some ways but I doubt they'd bring the fight there.
[ Little did he know that there were humans who wanted to get themselves involved in things. ]
So! If you've stopped an apocalypse, hopefully will keep out of this war... what will you both be doing now? I... admittedly don't know much about the human world, so I'm curious!
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Date: 2024-06-04 08:44 pm (UTC)It was merely temptation, Angel. Nothing happened. I pawned her off on some other bloke. I thought she'd be... harder to tempt. How was I supposed to know her marriage was miserable and she'd do anything to-- Urgh! Not the point!
As I recall, your little temptation caused her to leave an abusive relationship. You saved her and her child from that horrid man. A good deed, I rather think. [Aziraphale looked incredibly proud, like a puffed up bird. Meanwhile Crowley looked like he wanted to hide in his tea cup. The angel addressed Lucifer,] You know, he's the only demon capable of doing positive miracles? A bit of Heavenly influence from time to time. And he didn't burst into flames as he would have you believe. [Smug. Pigeon.]
Oh, shut up. [Crowley grumbled.] So, Heaven is allowed to involve themselves but keeps your lot out if it all? Sounds pretty unbalanced.
Well, I run a book shop! Have done for a very long time now! Mostly we just... live. I read. We have lunch! He... sleeps. Tends to his plants and his car. Generally, we just enjoy humanity and all its splendour! Crowley is far more into the gadgets and knickknacks.
Knickknacks?! You call modern day technology knickknacks?! I also like films! Music! I dance and attend a party from time to time! There's much more to being human--to living with humans than tending plants and sleeping, Angel.
Have you ever read any of their literature, Mister Lucifer? Romance novels? Mystery novels? They're quite imaginative beings! Human creativity never ceases to amaze! And Crowley, well, he's developed quite an imagination as well in all the time around them. I dare say we both have. It's something Heaven and Hell lack.
[Hell had said Crowley had gone native, but so had Aziraphale. They were more human than angel or demon anymore.]
What of you? What do you usually do in Hell?
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Date: 2024-06-04 09:16 pm (UTC)Sorry! As it stands, I enjoy both! While we might be a bit late in getting technology - we usually end up having to wait until someone passes for their knowledge to come below for the most part - we have phones, computers, hellnet... it used to be wildly out of date but once computers really started to kick off, things progressed wildly since then. Of course, Hell has its own entertainment. Television shows, radio, films...
[ Another sip of his tea before he tried not to think about how all too recently, he wouldn't have been able to say a damn thing about what he did all day but now a days? There was a joy that lit up his eyes. ]
I've been helping Charlie with her project in the last few months. To say that the majority of Hell thinks it's a bit of a laughing stock is to be polite about it, but having defended Hell from an Extermination? It's been remarkable how things have started to change for the better. I do have a small library, though getting books from the human world is difficult, I've been able to pull a few strings to those who can go topside.
[ He couldn't help but circle back to Aziraphale's curious statement, leaning forward. ] Can... all angels produce miracles, or only those of a certain power?
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Date: 2024-06-04 09:59 pm (UTC)[Crowley sipped at his tea thoughtfully.]
Our Hell's a bit technologically behind as well. Not for the same reason. They just don't much get with the times. Too busy trying to increase the profit margin. Half of Hell doesn't even have electricity! Bloody dark ages down there! I never visit that floor!
[Weirdly, Lucifer might notice two things and neither were done entirely on purpose. Angels and demons couldn't influence or tempt each other, but they could still give the emotions a gentle brush to encourage them. It would be an instant change with humans, but with other ethereal and occult beings, it was just a nudge. When he tried not to think about the darker thoughts, he would feel a nudge to keep those unhappy memories from influencing his mood. Quite odd for the demon to deny darker thoughts, but he was so used to keeping his angel afloat that it didn't even occur to him. Likewise, when Lucifer felt that joy that shone so brightly in his eyes, he would feel a gentle nudge from the angel to bolster the mood.]
All angels can preform minor miracles. It's part of being an angel! But some more powerful miracles are... limited. They can be done, but must be sanctioned. We have a scale, you see. Crowley's miracles are quite... inventive. And powerful.
Owh, they're no more powerful than what you can do. [Crowley argued.]
But they are! You can stop time, Crowley! You were able to pull one over on The Devil. That's not a thing I could have done.
I didn't-- I mean-- ngk... I err... well... of course you could. If you put your mind to it.
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Date: 2024-06-04 10:24 pm (UTC)I refuse to let us fall behind the times again. Below the Pride Ring, there's much more use of magic to handle things along side of the technological and frankly, they're better off for it.
[ And- excuse you? Lucifer blinked as he felt the pair of nudges, acting like a living anti-depressant, and looked between them both for a moment as he tried to grasp at what they were doing. Neither of them had looked at him any differently- how had they known his mood so instantly? Why would they do that? ...Was it just... something angels and demons did, here? Aziraphale's would have made sense but wouldn't a demon want to make the mood... worse? Then again Crowley wasn't, so far as he had learned, like the other demons of this world. ...Nor Aziraphale like his fellow angels. ]
I- suppose I'd agree with that, though our miracles are limited to what our respective gifts are. I've never heard of a winner- [ eyeroll! ] a mortal-turned-angel, don't look at me, I didn't pick the name- being able to do any sort of powerful miracle regardless. When I Fell, I didn't lose my Gift- and Heaven doesn't get a say in way I do, not anymore. Not that I'm generally running about doing miracles left and right... hell, the last one might have been Charlie's conception. Hmmm. [ Little proud smile, tilting his gaze to Crowley. ]
Sounds to me like you're quite powerful... appropriate for a fellow Fallen.
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Date: 2024-06-04 10:55 pm (UTC)So, you said each of the Sins runs a Ring, but your sinners are confined to the Pride Ring? The... Hellborn, they inhabit the other rings? Do the sinners not get along with them?
[Look, it wasn't entirely conscious, Luci. They liked to keep each other happy and well, you sort of got caught in the crossfire. Not that they didn't want Lucifer to feel happy as well. It may not have been a conscious effort, but they wouldn't want him to fall into despair. So far, they both seemed to enjoy Lucifer's company.
Though the word "winner" does earn him an eyeroll from Crowley as well. He seemed to agree with Lucifer on the name choice, muttering something about pompous angels and stupid names. Both seemed interested in the miracle of Charlie's conception, but Crowley got caught up being flustered again.]
Wh-uh... I'm not... It was nothing, really... [For as boisterous and seemingly proud as Crowley appeared, he was rather quite humble when it came to his powers. He liked to stand out among humans, but when it came to other demons and angels, he didn't like the spotlight. The spotlight came with nit-picking gazes and threats of smiting.]
Nonsense! You're quite powerful, my dear boy. But do tell me, I've been witness to the birth of humans, never the birth of a... Nephilim? Is Charlie considered a nephilim? They're strictly prohibited. For obvious reasons, of course.
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Date: 2024-06-04 11:19 pm (UTC)[ Oh boy wasn't that an entire mountain of a question. How to sum it all up... ] All sinners are confined to the Pride Ring, but Hellborn can go where they like. It's a mix of problems that led to the system, but it started fairly quickly after we started to get more and more human souls.
[ He held up his right hand. ] On one hand, you have the sinners. When a human dies and appears in Hell, they get a new form and with that, power. Usually, it's a lot of nothing important, but there's still a fairly significant amount of them that have a good deal of power in their new form, and some that have considerable power and they can prove very, very dangerous. In the end, the sinners as a whole might not outnumber the Hellborn, but they're awful people!
[ Holding up the other hand- ] Then you have the Hellborn. While any Hellborn is stronger, faster, more capable than pretty much any human, their range of power is fairly equal to lower strength sinners and more importantly when they die, they die.
[ With a sigh, he closed both hands and sat back in his seat. ] Take awful people with power, and it very quickly came to be that they were killing Hellborn, shoving them out of their space... some even tried to enslave them. Thus, it ended with the sinners all in Pride, the Hellborn elsewhere. Humans are dying in greater and greater numbers every year and so Pride just gets more and more crowded... until the Exterminations.
[ Huh, did humans give birth differently? However, the term meant nothing to Lucifer and so he gave a little shrug of his shoulders. ] I... don't know what a nephilim is?
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Date: 2024-06-05 12:48 am (UTC)Long answer: we can't exactly leave Heaven or Hell without bodies. When we're noncorporeal, we're... well... not corporeal.
Brilliant, Angel. [Crowley mocked, but it was as if every little insult or barb just rolled right off the angel's back. This was something that had been going on for thousands of years.
They both listened quietly as Lucifer explained. Crowley rubbed his chin and tilted his head a bit. Hellborn died for good, sinners didn't, for the most part. Odd, in his opinion. Felt like it should be the opposite, but that wasn't for him to say.]
Nephilim are... well, hybrids. Children of angels and humans. Highly illegal. Dangerous. Angels with free will? Most unusual and most deadly. It takes power to have offspring and not done in the human way of copulation at all. Well, it's not necessary for the act, but couldn't hurt, I suppose...
[Aziraphale is going to not think about angels taking human partners and copulating with them, thank you very much, Crowley!] And these... awful people? Charlie has been able to rehabilitate some of them?
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Date: 2024-06-05 12:59 am (UTC)But I suppose you could call her that? Lilith was a sinner when we decided to have Charlie- oh! That's right! [ Just realizing he hadn't included that. ] Sinners can't breed, but Hellborn can. But, I had to perform a miracle for us to have her. ...I'd never take it back, not for a second.
[ Out came the cell phone again, opening it and revealing the previously opened picture of himself and Charlie, turning it so Aziraphale could see her. ] Well... we haven't had an actual success yet- [ little did they know ] -but I think some of them are getting closer. ...I couldn't believe what I witnessed, that day of the battle. Sinners working together, defending each other...
[ He hesitated, then let out a small sigh. ] Dying for one another, too. ...if I'd just been able to act sooner... [ The phone was clicked off and put down, with its themed case and a little rubber duck charm falling to the side. ]
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