[ As ever as he was as an angel, the curiosity in Lucifer had never changed. He looked on both angel and demon, then turned the collar so it was partly outside of the circle. Aziraphale's magic was beautiful and Crowley's in his own way, and he wanted to see what would happen. ]
Touch the collar, Aziraphale. Crowley, pull your hand away. ...Just in case.
[ Would it... explode? Become dangerous to either or any of them? Yet something in him told him there would be something incredible instead. ]
[Crowley pulled his hand back and stepped away just a bit. While Aziraphale stepped a bit into the circle, past the barrier, and brought the butterfly to meet the collar. As it got close, the red and gold serpent sprung from the collar. The angel pulled his hand away protectively, but the serpent and butterfly collided anyway. There was a small flash of purple and gold light that made Aziraphale shield his eyes and Crowley close his more light sensitive eyes against it. It had been a violent reaction, but it hadn't caused any actual damage to any of them. When the light dimmed, where the two animals had met was now one. Violet and gold, floating above the collar, was a winged serpent. The gold flecks jumped around it like flames while the violet glitter moved like water through its form. Fire and water, angel and demon, combined into one violently powerful energy.
Both angel and demon stared in shock at the new little creation. When their powers combined, it was far more powerful than anything they felt individually.]
That's... Crowley, how much magic did you pour into that collar?! [The angel seemed a bit alarmed.]
Not much... why?
That feels like a 25 Lazuri miracle! [He'd known Crowley was powerful, but this was amazing!]
Lucifer's eyes lit up at the unbelievable display of power, only narrowing his eyes against the light and then widening in joy when it dimmed. Two entirely unique magicks, of opposite alignment in every way... becoming one and far more power than either had been alone. ]
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. [ Lucifer whispered, barely able to take his eyes off the stunning creature to give Aziraphale a strange look. ]
Like a what now? [ Out of curiosity, he offered a hand out to the creature, speaking softly. ] Do they both control you, or neither? Friend or foe? I am grateful that little display happened inside of this circle - it should prevent anyone from your respective sides coming to investigate.
Oh, his side classified magical power, miracles where we're from, by how many times the magic could have resurrected Lazarus. A ridiculous measuring system.
[Crowley grumbled, stepping closer again, looking at the little creature made of magic and glitter. When Lucifer offered his hand to it, the winged serpent floated towards him, sitting in his palm, wrapping its tail around his wrist loosely. It felt like a ray of sunshine on a warm day combined with a cool breeze. A calming feeling given how violently it had come into being.]
I'm not controlling anything. [Crowley offered and looked over to the angel.]
Nor am I.
That's not-- We didn't-- I can't-- ngk. Wh-- uh... Th-... [Words, Crowley.]
[ ...WHAT? He briefly stared at Crowley at the utter ridiculousness of a system before he muttered in such a way as to be purposefully overheard. ]
I don't know anyone who has managed to bring someone back from the dead, on either side. Magic is magic. Bringing Charlie into the world, now that was a miracle.
[ But when the serpent fluttered over to Lucifer, his eyes just light up in joy, crooning to the beautiful creature. ]
You two created this lovely beast- aren't you just the cutest little thing! I never thought of snakes with wings... ah, you feel as amazing as you look!
[ He very gently pet over its head, then down its back. ]
I've never seen anyone put magic together with no particular intention in mind... your magicks decided what they wanted to do on their own!
[The little serpent seemed to coo and trill when Lucifer baby-talked to it. It's tail tightened and it sneezed. With that little action, it seemed to explode in glitter ,but when the puff of violet glitter cleared up the being was solid. Flesh and blood. A feathered, winged serpent sat in the fallen angel's palm.]
I-it's alive? [Aziraphale said, stunned, as the creature sat there as real as three of them. Crowley leaned closer and the little pink tongue flicked, tasting the air. It nestled down into Lucifer's hand like a nest, curling up and looking up at the Fallen holding him.]
Ngk... [Crowley.exe has stopped responding.]
Surely you influenced it, Lucifer. You must have, right?
I promise, I did nothing. That would have interfered in the experiment! It's absolutely incredible! I can feel it's a mix of you both and yet something entirely its own... I can only imagine this is a creature- [ He paused, looking down at the beautiful creation, and whispered: ]
...It's like a nephilim. Born of both words.
[ He looked up to the other two, a mixture of awe and concern in his eyes, but already he unconsciously wanted to protect the newborn creature as seen in the way his hand tucked up to his chest. ]
[ Witnessing Crowley being completely unable to process what had happened was, frankly, very entertaining, but the angel finally coming through and saying the truth made Lucifer do a finger gun at Aziraphale. ]
That, my friend, is precisely what you did. And look how cute it is! [ Using a finger, he stroked over its back. ] They're going to have to give you a name... if they can get over your existence. You might have to come back with me if their Heaven or Hell can sense you...
I'm not... I mean... The Angel can't keep his own plants alive. We couldn't...
[Crowley was flustered and not sure just how to handle this. In a way, that meant they had a child! He couldn't process that! Especially after Aziraphale had just so blatantly denied that they had any kind of relationship. He understood, he did! But...]
I have no idea if our respective sides can feel it... or what the repercussions of this could be.
[The little serpent arched into his touch, ruffling its wings and resettling them happily.]
Hopefully, the circle contained the actual moment of creation... the question boils down to if, once out of the circle, could anyone else sense it?
[ Though he shared a look towards Crowley, wondering if the other was thinking on similar lines to himself. Potentially, given that Crowley seemed interested in children, this could lead towards that very end. However, since Crowley seemed so godsmacked about it, maybe not. ]
Would either of you like to hold it? Seems quite friendly. [ Lucifer uses the tip of a claw to gently scritch under its chin. ] Likely... it'll only eat little things, provided it gets no larger.
I think... I think we'd know by now if it hadn't contained it. I... highly doubt anyone will sense it now. It's creation would be the real explosion of power. But...
[Crowley moved even closer when Lucifer offered for them to hold it. The happy little serpent purred contentedly as it was scritched. The demon held a hand out and the little serpent fluttered its wings, lifting its head, and flicking feather-like ears curiously. It cocked its head from one side to the other then with a flap of its wings, hopped from Lucifer to Crowley's hand and nuzzled. The demon made a small sound in the back of his throat that sounded like a thrilled whine.]
There, there, you beautiful little thing, Mama Crowley's got you. [He cooed and brushed a crooked finger against its cheek. The little serpent rubbed against it like a cat then anchored its tail around Crowley's wrist, settling contentedly. The desperate look of "can we keep it?" and "what do I do?" mingled in his expression. His heart was melting!]
[ As was Lucifer's heart, though now over Crowley's reaction to the litte creature than just the creature alone. Lucifer glanced over to Aziraphale, not just to get his reaction, but to offer a thought. ]
You know, it would be a perfect guardian for a treasure's worth of books. Any kind of bug or rodent wouldn't make it past such a creature.
[ Lucifer gave Crowley a look of 'I got your back'. Besides, he would rather it be happy with its creators if it was an option. ]
[The angel seemed awkwardly uncomfortable with the idea until he looked at Crowley. The demon had brought it up to his face and was baby talking it very quietly. The little serpent flicked its tongue out a few times and when Crowley did it right back, learning the scent of the creature, it fluttered its wings and rubbed against his face. He whined again in the back of his throat, much like a teenager seeing a cute kitten do something adorable.]
I-I mean... It... really does like Crowley. I guess it couldn't hurt.
[ Lucifer leaned forward on an elbow so he could speak quietly to Aziraphale, his smile playful as he kept his gaze on the other fallen. ]
Besides, can you really resist Crowley looking that happy? [ With a little huff of a laugh, he admitted to the angel: ] One night back when she was a toddler, Charlie woke up crying from a nightmare about monsters... I ended up bringing to life the two stuffed animals she treasured most. Always stayed with her, protected her, made her happy. Sometimes, it's the small things that keep you going.
He does look ever so happy. [The angel said back, under his breath.] Poor, sweet thing. You raised her in Hell? It's no wonder she's worried about monsters.
[Because, in Aziraphale's mind, that's what lurked down there. Well, except Crowley. He wasn't a monster!
The little serpent crawled onto Crowley's shoulder, draping itself across the back of his neck and flopped its head down on the demon's shoulder.]
[ What? Lucifer's gaze snapped to Aziraphale, his brows coming together. Then he realized all at once the angel was being a bit of an asshole in the moment, and Lucifer couldn't help but teach a lesson here. ]
...Charlie's monsters are winged beings in white with blades in their hands and halos, coming down to harm her or her family. As an adult, they are still her monsters, even after she's learned the truth of what they are.
[ He let out a breath through his nose, then softened his words. ] You say that as if I had a choice. ...I cannot leave Hell of my own volition, Aziraphale. I would have said, prior to today, it was impossible for me to leave at all. Heaven has chained me to my prison, literally and figuratively.
[Az quickly realised his error. Crowley was usually too nice to call him out. But what Lucifer said struck home and his blue eyes widened a fraction.]
Oh! Oh, I didn't mean to...! [Did he not? He hadn't meant to hurt feelings, that was for certain! But... oh dear! How often did he do this to Crowley without meaning to?] I... I suppose angels would be her monster under the bed... Please, accept my apology for my rude commentary.
[Crowley and the small serpent both seemed to pick up on the dour mood between the other two and moved back into hearing range.]
[ Lucifer gave Aziraphale a small smile and held up a hand. ] Apology accepted. We all have things to learn about ourselves, sometimes even the parts we discover aren't as good as we thought.
[ Maybe, hopefully, the angel would think before saying something similar in the future. ]
Thought of a name for your little winged friend there? [ To put the conversation back on better terms. ]
We do indeed. [The angel agreed and fretted a bit until Crowley spoke.]
What about Mirabelle?
[Crowley looked to his angel for approval.]
Mirabelle. Wondrous or miraculous? I think it's quite fitting. Didn't the name have some connection to a flower as well?
The Marvel of Peru. [Crowley waved his hand and a little white trumpet flower appeared that he tucked behind the serpent's feathery ear. The sweet smell of the bloom accompanied its appearance.]
[ Well now, wasn't that just sweet? Lucifer watched as the serpent's ears fanned closed and open again with the new addition behind it, unable to hide a smile from the sight. ]
Take good care of Mirabelle. If you think she's in danger or someone comes snooping around, you can always send her over without worry. She'll be in good hands in both places.
[ With that, he stood, straightening out his coat with a neat tug at the bottom with both hands. ] I'll send a note when it would be a good time for you both to come visit. I... think Charlie needs a warning before you do, just in case.
[ Pause. A slight wince. ] And maybe the need to let the others know we have guests coming and to behave.
[ Now all he could imagine was Angel Dust meeting Aziraphale and well- he was pretty certain the angel would faint. ]
[Crowley booped her snoot with a fingertip then lifted his gaze back to the other Fallen.]
Oh, I'm sure they won't be that bad. [Angel Dust would absolutely make AZ faint.] And I'm sure Mira will enjoy visiting her uncle Lucifer from time to time.
This, though not an ideal meeting, has been a pleasure. I look forward to sharing books with you! Please do keep in touch in the interim.
[Aziraphale waved a hand and the seal holding Crowley dissolved. Crowley pointed two fingers at the seal holding Lucifer.]
It's nice meeting a fellow Fallen that I can actually sympathise with. Ready?
[ Uncle Lucifer? That brought a pleased smile from the devil at the very idea of it. It would have been nice, to have a sibling for Charlie, and yet it never happened. The exterminations had a great deal to do with it, but often at night Lucifer wondered if it was really was the truth or if their fight about protecting the Hellborn or rising up had been the beginning of the end. ]
It was a pleasure to meet you both! I'll send along that bible tonight, once I can. [ He bowed to them both, then threw a wicked grin to Crowley. ]
Right back atcha. Until we meet again. [ He nodded, bracing himself for what would happen as the summoning was finally broken. ]
[Mira canted her head and lifted it with a chirp as if also bidding Lucifer a goodbye. Az waved and Crowley clicked his tongue against his teeth while miming firing a finger gun at the sigil. It caught fire and burned away, releasing Lucifer from the circle. With one last little miracle, he sent a bit of his power along with the King of Hell to cushion his re-emergence into his own Hell so it wouldn't be quite so jarring.]
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Date: 2024-06-16 01:39 am (UTC)Touch the collar, Aziraphale. Crowley, pull your hand away. ...Just in case.
[ Would it... explode? Become dangerous to either or any of them? Yet something in him told him there would be something incredible instead. ]
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Date: 2024-06-16 02:10 am (UTC)Both angel and demon stared in shock at the new little creation. When their powers combined, it was far more powerful than anything they felt individually.]
That's... Crowley, how much magic did you pour into that collar?! [The angel seemed a bit alarmed.]
Not much... why?
That feels like a 25 Lazuri miracle! [He'd known Crowley was powerful, but this was amazing!]
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Date: 2024-06-16 02:20 am (UTC)Lucifer's eyes lit up at the unbelievable display of power, only narrowing his eyes against the light and then widening in joy when it dimmed. Two entirely unique magicks, of opposite alignment in every way... becoming one and far more power than either had been alone. ]
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. [ Lucifer whispered, barely able to take his eyes off the stunning creature to give Aziraphale a strange look. ]
Like a what now? [ Out of curiosity, he offered a hand out to the creature, speaking softly. ] Do they both control you, or neither? Friend or foe? I am grateful that little display happened inside of this circle - it should prevent anyone from your respective sides coming to investigate.
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Date: 2024-06-16 02:32 am (UTC)[Crowley grumbled, stepping closer again, looking at the little creature made of magic and glitter. When Lucifer offered his hand to it, the winged serpent floated towards him, sitting in his palm, wrapping its tail around his wrist loosely. It felt like a ray of sunshine on a warm day combined with a cool breeze. A calming feeling given how violently it had come into being.]
I'm not controlling anything. [Crowley offered and looked over to the angel.]
Nor am I.
That's not-- We didn't-- I can't-- ngk. Wh-- uh... Th-... [Words, Crowley.]
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Date: 2024-06-16 02:47 am (UTC)I don't know anyone who has managed to bring someone back from the dead, on either side. Magic is magic. Bringing Charlie into the world, now that was a miracle.
[ But when the serpent fluttered over to Lucifer, his eyes just light up in joy, crooning to the beautiful creature. ]
You two created this lovely beast- aren't you just the cutest little thing! I never thought of snakes with wings... ah, you feel as amazing as you look!
[ He very gently pet over its head, then down its back. ]
I've never seen anyone put magic together with no particular intention in mind... your magicks decided what they wanted to do on their own!
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Date: 2024-06-16 03:41 am (UTC)I-it's alive? [Aziraphale said, stunned, as the creature sat there as real as three of them. Crowley leaned closer and the little pink tongue flicked, tasting the air. It nestled down into Lucifer's hand like a nest, curling up and looking up at the Fallen holding him.]
Ngk... [Crowley.exe has stopped responding.]
Surely you influenced it, Lucifer. You must have, right?
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Date: 2024-06-16 03:57 am (UTC)...It's like a nephilim. Born of both words.
[ He looked up to the other two, a mixture of awe and concern in his eyes, but already he unconsciously wanted to protect the newborn creature as seen in the way his hand tucked up to his chest. ]
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Date: 2024-06-16 04:46 am (UTC)I-I believe what Crowley is trying to say is that... C-calling it... that would imply... This... this... ...we created life? Together?
[Clearly, both angel and demon were having a hard time with this.
Meanwhile, the little critter purred in Lucifer's hand, nuzzling against his chest when he brought it close.]
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Date: 2024-06-16 04:49 am (UTC)That, my friend, is precisely what you did. And look how cute it is! [ Using a finger, he stroked over its back. ] They're going to have to give you a name... if they can get over your existence. You might have to come back with me if their Heaven or Hell can sense you...
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Date: 2024-06-16 05:15 am (UTC)[Crowley was flustered and not sure just how to handle this. In a way, that meant they had a child! He couldn't process that! Especially after Aziraphale had just so blatantly denied that they had any kind of relationship. He understood, he did! But...]
I have no idea if our respective sides can feel it... or what the repercussions of this could be.
[The little serpent arched into his touch, ruffling its wings and resettling them happily.]
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Date: 2024-06-16 05:33 am (UTC)[ Though he shared a look towards Crowley, wondering if the other was thinking on similar lines to himself. Potentially, given that Crowley seemed interested in children, this could lead towards that very end. However, since Crowley seemed so godsmacked about it, maybe not. ]
Would either of you like to hold it? Seems quite friendly. [ Lucifer uses the tip of a claw to gently scritch under its chin. ] Likely... it'll only eat little things, provided it gets no larger.
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Date: 2024-06-16 06:18 am (UTC)[Crowley moved even closer when Lucifer offered for them to hold it. The happy little serpent purred contentedly as it was scritched. The demon held a hand out and the little serpent fluttered its wings, lifting its head, and flicking feather-like ears curiously. It cocked its head from one side to the other then with a flap of its wings, hopped from Lucifer to Crowley's hand and nuzzled. The demon made a small sound in the back of his throat that sounded like a thrilled whine.]
There, there, you beautiful little thing, Mama Crowley's got you. [He cooed and brushed a crooked finger against its cheek. The little serpent rubbed against it like a cat then anchored its tail around Crowley's wrist, settling contentedly. The desperate look of "can we keep it?" and "what do I do?" mingled in his expression. His heart was melting!]
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Date: 2024-06-16 01:52 pm (UTC)You know, it would be a perfect guardian for a treasure's worth of books. Any kind of bug or rodent wouldn't make it past such a creature.
[ Lucifer gave Crowley a look of 'I got your back'. Besides, he would rather it be happy with its creators if it was an option. ]
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Date: 2024-06-16 08:49 pm (UTC)[The angel seemed awkwardly uncomfortable with the idea until he looked at Crowley. The demon had brought it up to his face and was baby talking it very quietly. The little serpent flicked its tongue out a few times and when Crowley did it right back, learning the scent of the creature, it fluttered its wings and rubbed against his face. He whined again in the back of his throat, much like a teenager seeing a cute kitten do something adorable.]
I-I mean... It... really does like Crowley. I guess it couldn't hurt.
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Date: 2024-06-16 08:55 pm (UTC)Besides, can you really resist Crowley looking that happy? [ With a little huff of a laugh, he admitted to the angel: ] One night back when she was a toddler, Charlie woke up crying from a nightmare about monsters... I ended up bringing to life the two stuffed animals she treasured most. Always stayed with her, protected her, made her happy. Sometimes, it's the small things that keep you going.
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Date: 2024-06-17 01:53 am (UTC)[Because, in Aziraphale's mind, that's what lurked down there. Well, except Crowley. He wasn't a monster!
The little serpent crawled onto Crowley's shoulder, draping itself across the back of his neck and flopped its head down on the demon's shoulder.]
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Date: 2024-06-17 04:13 am (UTC)...Charlie's monsters are winged beings in white with blades in their hands and halos, coming down to harm her or her family. As an adult, they are still her monsters, even after she's learned the truth of what they are.
[ He let out a breath through his nose, then softened his words. ] You say that as if I had a choice. ...I cannot leave Hell of my own volition, Aziraphale. I would have said, prior to today, it was impossible for me to leave at all. Heaven has chained me to my prison, literally and figuratively.
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Date: 2024-06-17 08:37 pm (UTC)Oh! Oh, I didn't mean to...! [Did he not? He hadn't meant to hurt feelings, that was for certain! But... oh dear! How often did he do this to Crowley without meaning to?] I... I suppose angels would be her monster under the bed... Please, accept my apology for my rude commentary.
[Crowley and the small serpent both seemed to pick up on the dour mood between the other two and moved back into hearing range.]
Everything alright with you two?
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Date: 2024-06-17 11:20 pm (UTC)[ Maybe, hopefully, the angel would think before saying something similar in the future. ]
Thought of a name for your little winged friend there? [ To put the conversation back on better terms. ]
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Date: 2024-06-18 03:43 am (UTC)What about Mirabelle?
[Crowley looked to his angel for approval.]
Mirabelle. Wondrous or miraculous? I think it's quite fitting. Didn't the name have some connection to a flower as well?
The Marvel of Peru. [Crowley waved his hand and a little white trumpet flower appeared that he tucked behind the serpent's feathery ear. The sweet smell of the bloom accompanied its appearance.]
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Date: 2024-06-18 06:19 pm (UTC)Take good care of Mirabelle. If you think she's in danger or someone comes snooping around, you can always send her over without worry. She'll be in good hands in both places.
[ With that, he stood, straightening out his coat with a neat tug at the bottom with both hands. ] I'll send a note when it would be a good time for you both to come visit. I... think Charlie needs a warning before you do, just in case.
[ Pause. A slight wince. ] And maybe the need to let the others know we have guests coming and to behave.
[ Now all he could imagine was Angel Dust meeting Aziraphale and well- he was pretty certain the angel would faint. ]
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Date: 2024-06-18 08:21 pm (UTC)Oh, I'm sure they won't be that bad. [Angel Dust would absolutely make AZ faint.] And I'm sure Mira will enjoy visiting her uncle Lucifer from time to time.
This, though not an ideal meeting, has been a pleasure. I look forward to sharing books with you! Please do keep in touch in the interim.
[Aziraphale waved a hand and the seal holding Crowley dissolved. Crowley pointed two fingers at the seal holding Lucifer.]
It's nice meeting a fellow Fallen that I can actually sympathise with. Ready?
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Date: 2024-06-18 08:26 pm (UTC)It was a pleasure to meet you both! I'll send along that bible tonight, once I can. [ He bowed to them both, then threw a wicked grin to Crowley. ]
Right back atcha. Until we meet again. [ He nodded, bracing himself for what would happen as the summoning was finally broken. ]
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Date: 2024-06-18 09:07 pm (UTC)[Mira canted her head and lifted it with a chirp as if also bidding Lucifer a goodbye. Az waved and Crowley clicked his tongue against his teeth while miming firing a finger gun at the sigil. It caught fire and burned away, releasing Lucifer from the circle. With one last little miracle, he sent a bit of his power along with the King of Hell to cushion his re-emergence into his own Hell so it wouldn't be quite so jarring.]