Chapter Text
- How come there are secret passages in the palace? - Lucifer swam out of the passage in the wall, covering it with a stone.
- Mm, didn’t you know? - The short girl tilted her head questioningly.
- That's right, no! And I’ve lived here since birth, by the way. - Lucifer frowned, turning his head to the side. “If I had known earlier, it would have been easier to leave the palace.”
- Doesn't matter! We need to hurry! - The girl swam away, beckoning the merman with her hand. - Mr. Alastor said that we need to get you out quickly and quietly!
- Mm, right. - Samael nodded his head in agreement. When his brothers realized that he was not in the palace, they would surely begin searching for him. “So, you said your name is Niffty?”
- Right! I also respond to Niff! - The girl smiled widely, revealing sharp teeth.
- Um.. Niff.. How do you know Alastor? - The blonde swam forward a little, ending up in Niffty's face.
- ABOUT! Are you interested? - The girl smiled cheerfully, looking at the prince. - Um... Alastor and I have a deal.
- Deal..? - Lucifer blinked. Well, he could have guessed it himself, couldn't he?
“Hmmm...” Niff frowned a little, and then continued on her way. - I can’t tell you about this!
“I understand...” Lucifer followed the girl. -Can I ask one more question?
- If I can answer! - Niffty did not turn around, continuing to swim forward.
- Do you regret it? - Samael stopped. - Or are you happy? Well.. So, did you get what you wanted?
The girl stopped abruptly. She looked back at Lucifer, looking at her interlocutor in surprise.
- Mm.. I think there is no answer to this question. - The girl smiled a little.- That is..? - Lucifer looked at the girl.
— You can look at this from different angles. Sometimes I regret it, and sometimes I think it was the right decision! In any case, I got what I wanted. Mr. Alastor too. - Niffty turned around and continued on her way. And after a couple of minutes she stopped again, pointing her finger forward. - Oh! We're here!
- A..? - Samael looked at the place where Niffty pointed. He looked a little closer and noticed the entrance to a huge dark cave.
- Let's go! Mister Alastor is waiting for us! - And the Girl dived into the darkness.
- Wait! - Samael hesitated a little, looking around the entrance. - OK..?
Diving into the cave, Lucifer began to look around. He slowly swam forward, examining the gloomy place.
- Please. Please, Mon cher From France. "My dear". Don't get stuck on the threshold. - It was heard from the cave. - This is impolite... And it speaks of bad upbringing.
The mermaid squinted, trying to see who this voice belonged to.
- Ah.. Alastor..? - Lucifer swam further, finding himself inside the cave. Alastor was in the middle of the room, and Niffty was already standing next to him.
- Well... Since you're here, you've made your decision, haven't you? - The demon waved his hand at Niffty and approached Samael
Lucifer also hesitantly swam closer to the demon. Alastor stopped halfway towards the merman, he smiled slyly.
- Well... There is nothing complicated in this matter, my angel. - Said the demon, examining the prince. “You can live on the surface if you become human.”
- And you will help me..? - Lucifer looked at Alastor incredulously. - But.. What will you take in return?
- Mm.. It's quite simple.- The demon quickly covered the distance between them, ending up right in front of Lucifer. He put his arm around Samael's waist, leading him to the middle of the room. - The conditions are as follows: I will make you turn into a human for seven days. Seven days, remember. This is very important
Lucifer nodded almost imperceptibly, continuing to listen to Alastor's words.
“If during this time you find your place among people, you will become a human forever.” - Alastor grinned. - If not.. You will become a mermaid again, and then.. You are in my hands.
- But if I become human. Does this mean I will never see my father and brothers again? - Samael asked.
- It is.. But you will live on the surface, as you dreamed of. - Alastor’s smile crooked a little. “We often have to make choices, don’t we?”
“Um...” Lucifer frowned, considering the demon’s proposal.
- Oh, and one more thing. - Alastor's smile became wider again. - We haven't discussed the fee, Mon cher.
“But I don’t have anything-” Lucifer began, but Alastor didn’t let him finish, immediately interrupting him.
“Nothing like that, just.. A small request...” Alastor’s eyes darkened. - What is a little favor between friends?
- Service..? - Lucifer looked at Alastor in surprise. Why does he need this? What service can Lucifer provide to this demon?
- Make up your mind, my angel. - The demon tilted his head to the side. — A small favor in exchange for human legs.
The light flashed in the room, and near Alastor there was a contract, glowing with golden light, and next to it a golden feather. One of the Tentacles picked up the paper with a feather and approached Samael, waiting for his signature.
Lucifer thought for a moment, he looked towards the corner of the room. There he noticed Niffty, the girl’s face expressed curiosity, and next to her was a demon cat, he put his arm around Niffy’s shoulders, frowning at the agreement, as if waiting for the end of this performance.
The mermaid looked away in the other direction, thinking about his family. He bit his lip. He didn't tell them anything. Damn it, he didn't even have time to say goodbye to them! They would be disappointed if they knew what he was going to do... But perhaps this is his only chance?..
Lucifer looked at the paper in front of him and sighed heavily. Taking the golden pen, he brought his hand closer to the agreement, and with a slight movement of his hand he signed it.
Samael Morningstar
The light from the treaty became brighter. The pen evaporated from the merman's hands, and the paper ended up in Alastor's hands. The demon grinned evilly as he examined the paper. He waved his hand, which contained the contract, and it evaporated in black and green sparks.
- Lovely. Simply lovely, Mon cher. - A cane appeared in the demon’s hands, he hit it on the ground, and green sparks of magic rose from there. They surrounded Samael's tail on all sides. Lucifer tried to swim away, but realized that the tentacles were already holding him.
Alastor muttered some sentences in a language Lucifer did not understand. The demon looked intently at the merman, without taking his eyes off. The room was filled with a black fog of magic.
Suddenly Lucifer realized that he could no longer breathe, he felt that he was beginning to suffocate. Samael began to turn his head in different directions, not understanding what to do. Soon he completely stopped hearing what Alastor was saying. His eyes darkened, and the merman’s body began to relax.
Feeling the tentacles grab his weakened body, Lucifer closed his eyes, losing consciousness.
***
Lucifer opened his eyes slightly, trying to see something, but immediately realized that his vision was blurry. He tried to move, but his body did not obey him. He heard voices and tried to listen.
- Are you sure everything is fine with him? - The girl asked worriedly. “He hasn’t woken up for an hour!”
“The boss said he'll wake up soon, Niffty.” We can only wait. - Said a rough male voice.
- I feel sorry for him, Hask. Although he is not a bad guy, I really liked him. I hope he wakes up soon. - This sentence did not feel complete relief, but the owner of this voice most likely felt a little better.
Lucifer couldn't hear anything else, his eyes closed again and his body relaxed again.
***
- So.. We remain on the surface, boss?.. - The man frowned. - I mean, seriously? Will we really live among people? I like my human form, but...
- Speak, Hasker. I'm listening. - The dark-haired man squinted at his interlocutor. - So, what is it that you don’t like?
- How long will we be here, Alastor? - Husk folded his arms over his chest.
“On the surface?..” Alastor pretended to think. - I think until the end of my deal with our new friend.
- Why can't we leave him here alone? Do we really need to watch him? - There was irritation in Husk’s voice. - Do you really need to be near him?
- Why not? - Alastor answered. “I haven’t had such entertainment for a long time.” I'd like to watch this guy.
- Wait, what?! Entertainment? - Husk looked at his boss in surprise. - Are you going to chase him until the end of the deal?
- Observe, not stalk. There is a difference. - Alastor’s smile became even wider. - And aren’t you interested yourself? Come on, Hask. This is just funny. I'm sure this sweet prince will be disappointed in people. And I will watch this from the front rows.
“This is not funny at all, Alastor.” I don't really want to watch other people's suffering. - Hasker sighed heavily. - That's just... That's not all, right?
- I don’t understand what you’re talking about. - Alastor's smile twisted. -What do you mean, my friend?
“You wouldn’t be with him just out of interest.” - Husk tilted his head to the side.— And also this service? What do you want from him? Or are you trying to subdue him to threaten his family?
“I hear pity in your voice, Husk?” Alastor stood up from his chair. “I think you should feel sorry for yourself.” Do you seem to have forgotten who has your soul?
- I meant-
A noise from another room interrupted the two men's conversation. Husk and Alastor turned towards the door.
- Ah, it seems our friend has woken up. - Alastor came closer and opened the door. His gaze glanced at the blond man who was sitting on the floor next to the bed.
- Alastor!? - Lucifer looked at the demon in surprise. More precisely, not a demon anymore.
Alastor looked human. Dark skin color. Dark brown hair that curled at the ends. Brown eyes, and everything that could remind him of the demon deer disappeared. Thus, he no longer had deer ears and antlers.
Perhaps Lucifer would not have recognized him if not for the demon’s signature smile and familiar voice.
- Yes, it's me. - Alastor came closer and stood next to Lucifer sitting on the floor. - It seems that you are not yet accustomed to the new way of transportation, right, my angel?
- Oh, yes I.. I tried to get up and walk, but apparently.. It’s.. Not so easy..? Ha-ha..- Samael smiled awkwardly, looking at the demon.
“Um.. I see...” Alastor nodded his head slightly, and then turned to Husk, who was still standing in the passage. — Hasker, bring our friend a glass of water.
The man looked askance at Alastor, and then turned his gaze to Lucifer. But he turned away almost immediately, nodded weakly, and left the room.
- So, mon cher.I assume you need some help? - Alastor looked at Lucifer, who was still sitting near the bed, and a sly grin bloomed on his face. - It seems you won’t get up alone?
“Oh?.. I mean, I guess so?.. Probably...” Lucifer awkwardly looked away, before that he had no idea how difficult it was to stand on his feet.
Lucifer looked down at his legs, he raised his right one and tilted his head to the side, looking at this part of his body. He screamed when Alastor suddenly picked him up.
- W-What are you doing? - Samael looked at the man in surprise.
- Hm?.. Oh, I just wanted to help you. — The demon sat Lucifer on the edge of the bed. - Like this.
- Oh, yes um.. Thank you?.. - A blush appeared on Lucifer’s cheeks. He looked at the demon confusedly. Alastor silently offered his hand to Lucifer.
- A..? - Lucifer looked incredulously at the man’s palm, freezing for a couple of seconds. But as soon as he felt Alastor’s not-so-kind gaze on him, he quickly put his hand on his arm.
Alastor squeezed the merman's hand tighter and pulled Lucifer towards him so that he would stand on his feet. Samael staggered from the harshness, but Alastor placed his other hand on his hip, holding him in place.
- A..? - Samael muttered questioningly, examining the demon in front of him.
“I think we should at least teach you how to stand on your feet, don’t we?” - Alastor said, looking at Samaels, and slightly softening his grip on his thigh.
- Mm.. Yes, that would be true-
“Ahem ahem...” Husk coughed falsely, attracting the attention of Lucifer and Alastor. “I brought water...” he said, frowning a little.- Great, leave the glass here, and one more thing. - Alastor sat Lucifer down on the bed. - Call Niffty to my room, let him wait for me there.
Husk nodded his head and moved closer to the bed. He put the glass on the bedside table and quickly left the room, closing the door.
- Niffty? Is she here too? - Lucifer opened his eyes in surprise.
— She is next to me almost all the time. - The demon took a glass from the nightstand and handed it into the hands of the merman.
Lucifer tilted his head to the side, examining the contents of the glass. He pursed his lips, frowning. The silence lasted only a minute.
- Water? - He asked finally, looking at Alastor. - For what?
- Of course, in order to drink it. - Answered the Demon. — People need to drink water. Now you are human.
- Oh... okay. - Lucifer frowned a little again. He raised the glass to his lips and drank the entire contents in one gulp. And when the glass was empty, Samael’s lips pursed again.
- "Cute"- Alastor thought, but immediately tried to push these thoughts away.
"I shouldn't think that way. I certainly can't think he's cute."
- Al..tor..!
"So why can't I stop thinking about it?"
- Alastor!
The demon woke up from his thoughts. He looked at the worried Lucifer, who had apparently been calling his name all this time.
- I'm sorry? - Alastor made his smile as friendly as possible. -What were you talking about? I thought a little.
— I.. was just talking about clothes..? Just said... this? - Lucifer smiled awkwardly, gesturing to his pants, apparently not knowing from the name.
“These are culottes. Culottes are short knee-length pants, characteristic of the aristocracy of the 18th century in Europe,” said the brunette.
- Culottes, well, in general... - The mermaid was silent for a while. —Are they not entirely comfortable?
Alastor silently looked at Samael, but immediately nodded in agreement
“I don’t really like them either.” - Alastor moved away from the bed a little. “I think tomorrow I can bring something more comfortable.”
- Oh no, what are you talking about! - Lucifer began to shake his head negatively. - This will do too
- Well, well. I have to take care of my guests. - Alastor said. - Moreover, I want the days spent in my house to be comfortable for you.
- What? - Lucifer froze in place, looking at Brunette in surprise. - Will I... stay in your house until the end of the deal? And.. will you be here? With me?
- Well, of course! You know, it’s very boring at the bottom of the water, and since you and I have a deal, I decided why not watch you. - Alastor's smile became predatory. - Especially if it doesn’t work out for you. I need to see the toy that will be mine. Isn't that right?
Suddenly a thought came to Lucifer. He could become Alastor's property. Exactly.
- Well... I'll leave you alone with your thoughts.- Alastor feigned a bow. He turned his back to Lucifer and approached the door. “But I advise you to go to bed quickly.” As soon as the sun appears on the horizon, it will be your first day in human form. The first of seven.
Lucfier did not have time to answer anything when the door closed behind the demon, and he was left alone.
“The first day...” Samael repeated out loud and sighed heavily.
He lay down on the bed, placing his hand on his stomach, and thought.
“What do I need to do? I haven’t even thought about how I can find my place here..” - He thought.
"What does it take? Should I try all human hobbies? Or will I find my purpose just by walking around the neighborhood?" - Lucifer frowned.
“My only hobby is collecting sunken human trinkets. But I always felt that this was not enough. I was drawn to land, and now I’m here, and I don’t know what to do?!” - Lucifer sighed heavily. He turned over on his side, although his legs were still unfamiliar to him, he seemed to have learned to move them.
He thought again, looking out the window, it was dark outside, only the moon and stars shone in the dark sky.
“I need to meet with Lilith, but how to find her? Is it worth visiting our place with her? Yes, this must be done first.” - Samael thought, closing his eyes.