Tangled like Hell

by Funni_2tarz

Summary:

Lucifer Morningstar fell from Heaven onto Earth with blessed wings containing holy magic. Magic that the Root of All Evil sensed and desired for her own abilities.

Lucifer is taken one night from his family who he assumes has been killed and is locked in a tower for "protection," never knowing that he once ruled the biggest kingdom in the land.

 

Alastor is a murderous criminal being tracked down by Vincent and his team in order to "keep watch" over him.

Theft of the lost king's crown turns haywire, which leads Alastor to stumble upon a secret tower containing a hidden angel that would twist his path in ways he never would have imagined.

Notes:

HEEEEYYY!! Welcome to THE RADIOAPPLE TANGLED AU WOOHOHOHOH

Sooo, i literally *just* wrote a radioapple fic... and, I'm not even kidding when I tell yall that as soon as I finished my bodyswap fic, I found this adorable radioapple tangled au art on pinterest and my mind just went crazy LMAO i had so many ideas that I was literally on google docs the next day writing my heart out. I kid you not this fic was so fun that I wrote everyday.

SO, this is a pre-written fic. Every chapter was written in google docs, I have everything ready to go BUT, I'd like to ask those of you reading this how frequent you would like updates. Daily? Every other day? Weekly? Please let me know so I can dish out the next chapter whenever you guys would like!

Anyways, please enjoy! This fic was legit so much fun to write and I hope those of you who stumble upon it enjoy it as much as I did writing it! 💗

Chapter 1: When Will My Life Begin?

The story begins… with the angelic touch of creation.

An angel, brought into the world by light and joy, spread his wings and soared through the clouds. Only… he flew too high.

With one dark mistake, a snip of the angel’s wings fell from the clouds, dropping the magical blood along with it.

A root of evil sensed this power and crept towards the dripping feather, harvesting its magical abilities for her own gain with just one, soothing song.

Then—the angel came with it.

The dark cloud slithered away just in time as the angel crashed down onto earth, wrapped in his glowing feathers, lost and confused.

Before the evil could sweep in, a gentle and young woman came to the angel’s aid. 

Soft hands met angelic fingers, and the angel, Lucifer, had met the woman of his dreams; Lilith.

Love blossomed like a glowing flower, and eventually, the two would marry and rule over a boisterous and prideful kingdom. Music swelled through the kingdom like a bright beam of hope, lifting the voices of each and every citizen and dreamer.

Eventually, that joy became complete with the birth of the king and queen’s daughter—Princess Charlotte Morningstar.

A beautiful baby girl with the eyes of her father and the charming voice of her mother’s magic. The daughter was not born with the king’s angelic upbringing, and this caused the root of evil to strike up a devilish plan.

The evil festered in the shadows, waiting… until one moonless night.

The wicked force crept her way into the castle, seeking Lucifer’s power. She swept into the royal bedroom and snipped a feather right off of the king’s wings. When the feather stopped glowing and crumbled into her hands, she knew what had to be done.

Silently, she stalked the room in darkness before rising right above the queen’s head and striking her for good, taking her name and face for her own benefit.

The cries of the princess jolted the king up in a hurry. When he awoke, all he saw was blood, no sign of his daughter and the tall figure of who he assumed was his beloved wife.

“I tried to save her, darling,” the queen cried out to him, tucking him into a tight embrace, fingers lining his twitching wings. “We must leave.” her hushed voice urged. “And forget our kingdom for good.”

The dark whispers infiltrated Lucifer’s mind, and with that, the root of evil snuck out of the castle, petrified king in her deceitful arms.

The princess’ cries echoed through the night with no one to come to her aid.

The fallen angel was kept high in a tower of promise and fake assurance, thinking his poor daughter is long gone, not ever knowing he once ruled a high and mighty kingdom, all under the fake guise of someone he thinks he loves.

Princess Charlotte learned to grow on her own terms. She took her mother’s fallen crown, ruling alongside a faithful partner that would go on to become captain of the Morningstar guards.

She believes her father is out there, somewhere. She knows what she saw that night, and she won’t give up until he comes home.

Every year, on the anniversary of the fallen angel’s descent onto earth, Princess Charlotte releases hundreds of lanterns into the sky, hoping that one day, her father might see them and return safely to his kingdom.

---

The shining sun cast down upon the tip of the tower like a glowing halo. A soft breeze swayed along with the sound of singing birds.

Spring flowers began to bloom around the grass, waiting to be picked and flourished.

A gentle hum echoed through a single opening that allowed the fresh air to waltz its way inside.

The tinkering sounds of something squeaking occurred within an angel’s hands. “This is it,” a voice muttered. Then came a playful laugh.

“The one… the only…” another few squeaks rattled. “The fire-breathing duck-tastic-showman!” Lucifer whirled around, presenting a small rubber duck with a top hat. He squeezed it and it let out a soft quack with a roaring flame.

“I think this one’s the winner, Basil,” Lucifer said, looking over at his pet snake slithering up his arm. It let out a quiet hiss and Lucifer frowned, glancing back at the fire-spewing duck.

He softly sighed as his eyes roamed around his tower. Not one corner was free of piles of make-shift rubber ducks, all discarded and thrown into the shadows for his next wonderful creation.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Lucifer said. “This one’s a no-go too,” he mournfully sighed. Just as he whipped around, the duck slipped through his fingers. “Oh–! No—! Wait!” he shrieked, bouncing the rubber toy around in his hands, trying to fan its flame before it set the floor made entirely out of wood on fire.

If Lilith came back to a burning tower, that would be—

“Gotcha!” Lucifer finally grasped it, its flames dying out just in time. “Woah–!” he yelped, tripping over his own two feet and landing face first into the creaky floors.

Basil slithered down onto the floor and gently hissed near his face.

Lucifer pouted. “Don’t give me that look,” he huffed. He flopped onto his back, placing the rubber duck onto his abdomen. He looked down at it with sad, curious eyes. He gently tapped its head with one finger.

“Welp,” he sat up, flinging the failed duck into yet another pile of discarded toys in a dusty corner. He got to his knees then hopped up onto his feet, gazing up at the painted ceilings of the tower.

If there was something else that kept his attention away from drowning the tower in rubber ducks, it was painting.

Painting memories. Or… dreams. He couldn’t really tell. He assumed they were dreams. After all, he doesn’t quite remember dancing in big ball rooms, rowing on boats and ruling an entire kingdom with Lilith.

Still, they felt so… real.

Lucifer let his wings spread, each individual feather dazzling in the sun that sprawled through the stained glass on the very high pointed roof of the tower.

He grinned, swooping up buckets of paint and a few dozen paintbrushes. Each finished art work he flew by felt like a distant memory, calling him, begging him to return.

He touched a gentle hand against a sprawl of red and gold cascading down the walls. A castle he has no real recollection of ever owning. But, in these faint dreams, it was home.

Lucifer shook his head and flew towards a work in progress over a small closed window. He stuck his tongue out to the side, dipping a small paint brush in the bucket full of yellow paint. Then, he began.

Basil slithered his way up the stairs and over railings, watching his owner line the last free space of the wall in the tower. 

A dozen strokes of dark blue and yellow later, and his work was done.

Lucifer’s wings flapped. He floated backward, admiring his handiwork in awe.

“The floating lights…” he softly said.

Every year, without fail, on the same day, he could see dozens of floating lights paint the sky miles away. 

A day that would be approaching soon.

His fall.

The day he fell and met earth’s ground.

Were the lights a sign from heaven? Were they calling him back? He didn’t know. But, he was determined to find out.

Lucifer dropped the paint brush back into the bucket and whirled around. “Today is the dayyyyy!~” Lucifer dramatically sang, swooping towards Bazil and scooping the golden snake into his hands. “I have it all figured out,” he grinned, spreading his fingers towards the sky. 

“I’ll ask Lilith,” he confirmed mostly to himself. “I’ll ask Lilith to go see the lights!” he danced around in the air, wings dazzling like the glistening sun in the sky. “Oh, Basil, it’ll be so romantic!” he squeezed the snake.

“Just me and her,” Lucifer softly sighed, a memory of false hope blinded by romance flickering behind his eyes. “Together, under the twinkling lights of mystery,”

Basil hissed, a sound of uncertainty that the love-sick angel didn’t register.

“Lu!” a familiar voice called out from beyond the tower. “My love!”

Lucifer’s eyes glistened as a soft gasp escaped his mouth.

"Luci, come spread your wings!”

“Coming, my love!” Lucifer set down Basil before eagerly speeding towards the opened window. He peered down, seeing the gorgeous face of his one and only love. Lilith.

He grinned, cautiously letting his legs step onto the forbidden air outside of the tower. His wings flapped, glistening like pixie dust in the sun. 

Lilith peered up at him. A smooth smile painted her lips and a knowing gaze glinted beyond her eyes. 

Lucifer didn’t pay attention to it. He wrapped his arms around her waist, gently hoisting the two of them back up and through the window. He set her down carefully. Lilith hummed in satisfaction, slipping out of his hands with practiced ease.

“Those wings of yours must be so heavy to haul around,” Lilith teased, smoothing down her purple dress. “Tell me, love, is it hard?”

Lucifer tilted his head. “Not for you, darling.”

“Of course,” she smirked. “Then I do not know why it takes you so long.”

Lucifer went tense. Lilith’s laugh cut through the tension like a knife. “You know I love you, my dear.” she bent down, gentle hands pulling his chin towards hers. She planted a kiss onto his cheek and then moved away.

Lucifer blinked and then nervously chuckled. “I love you too, dear.”

“I know,” Lilith said. She peered around the tower, watchful gaze landing on mountains of rubber ducks. “I see you’ve been… busy.” Basil slid around a beam holding up the roof, hissing quietly, peering down at the towering woman.

“Oh, you wouldn’t believe it!” Lucifer lit up in an instant. 

Lilith’s smirk faltered just for a moment. Lucifer quickly jumped in her face, wrapping his hands around hers and pulling her forward. “Darling, I have a wonderful idea for the both of us to—!”

“I’m feeling awfully stressed,” Lilith smoothly cut him off. “Would you mind singing for me, Lu?”

“Oh,” Lucifer blinked. He felt himself shrink but nonetheless nodded. “Anything for you, Lily.” he sheepishly smiled. He pulled her towards a chair and quickly sat her down. He flopped to the floor and popped his wings out, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

“Heaven, gleam and glow,

Let your power shine,”

Lilith ran a slow and deliberate hand through the glowing feathers, prickling each one with the tip of her fingers.

Lucifer continued, each soft lyric enchanting his feathers. 

“Make the clouds reverse,

Fly back what once was mine,”

Lilith sighed, breathing in as the angelic magic pulsed through her fingers, swirling into the single red crystal hanging around her neck.

Lucifer’s wings twitched in anticipation. Before Lilith could speak, Lucifer twirled around as fast as lightning, grabbing her hands. “So, darling!” he started. “What I was saying before—”

“You’re quite eager today, aren’t you?” Lilith cut him off once again, standing up. Lucifer didn’t let her hands leave his.

“Yes, well,” Lucifer glanced around, nervously. “A.. very special day is coming up.”

Lilith cocked her head and hummed.

Lucifer smiled. “My.. anniversary,” he said. “Of… when I fell?”

“Oh,” Lilith took her hands out of his. “Is that so?”

“I’ve read that some mortals call that a birthday, I think,” Lucifer spun around, flailing his wings out. “And, I thought, maybe for this… anniver-birth-day–” he dashed towards his new art project, unveiling it from behind a red curtain. “We could.. See the floating lights.” he swallowed. “Together.”

Lilith stared, face dropping in disbelief. Then, her smile returned. “Darling, we can see stars every night from the tower.” she turned, reorganizing some things in her basket.

“Uh, yes, that’s true..” Lucifer muttered. He glanced over at Basil who hissed and nodded as if he was urging Lucifer to continue. Lucifer sucked in a sharp breath. “But, darling, these aren’t stars!” Lucifer stared up at the painted lights. “They move. Not just twinkle. And–!” he flew downwards, surprising Lilith.

“They only appear on my anniv—birth..day..?” Lucifer struggled for a moment before shaking the thought away. “Wouldn’t it be romantic, Lili?” he swooned, taking his hand into hers and kissing the gloved knuckles. “To see these floating stars… together?”

Lilith’s eyes narrowed with a knowing gaze. One Lucifer started to understand.

“You want to go outside?” Lilith’s tone dripped with something dangerous.

Lucifer’s grip loosened on his wife’s hand. He blinked up at her, feeling smaller than before. “Well—” he stammered. “I just thought—”

Lilith’s heels clicked closer. “You want to leave me?”

Lucifer’s heart dropped. He felt his wings fall, shrinking behind him in fear. “No—No!” he urgently exclaimed. “Love, Lili—Of course not, I—We would go together—!”

Lilith raised a gloved hand forward to brush his cheek. “Do you know why we’re in this tower?”

Lucifer didn’t answer.

Lilith’s eyes felt sharper looking down at him. “To keep you safe.” she whispered. “Those monsters that hurt—No,” she pulled him closer, urging him to look up at the small painting the angel had done of what little memories he had of their daughter.

“That murdered our precious little girl,” Lilith’s tone wavered, but something dark echoed beyond those words. An echo Lucifer couldn’t quite discern.

Lucifer frowned, instinctively drawing closer to his wife, leaning his head down onto her chest. A warmth surrounded him like an unfamiliar feeling of protection. 

“They will hurt you too, Lu.”

Lucifer wrapped his hands around her waist. 

Lilith sighed, leaning her head onto his, one hand combing through his soft, delicate locks. “The world does not understand you like I do,” she stated. “They will only see you as a tool. Hunt you for power. Think of you as a fallen descent of evil.”

Lucifer leaned in closer, squeezing his eyes shut. Painful dreams flashed into his mind. The sight of blood sprayed across the walls. Shouting voices. Swords and spears pointed at his chest.

Lilith smiled, satisfied. She gently pulled his shoulders back, forcing him to look up at her. “Lucifer,” her voice came out soft. But warned. “Do not ask to leave this tower again.”

Lucifer glanced between her eyes. His feathers caved in and he nodded, slow. “Of course, my love.”

Lilith hummed. And then magically frowned. “I hate seeing you like this, Lu,” she tenderly rubbed his chin with her thumb. 

Lucifer forced a weak smile. “I’m sorry, Lili.”

Lilith cooed. “Tsk. Don’t be,” she gently removed his hands from her waist, stepping back. “I must leave now.” she smiled, whisking the basket back onto her arms. “Do you have any market requests, love?”

Lucifer folded his hands. “Um,” he thought for a moment. “Flour?” he tenderly asked. “To make pancakes?”

Lilith laughed. “Oh love, you are too funny,” she teased, a joke Lucifer wasn’t quite fond of. “Don’t worry. I will return with your flour.” She turned on her heel, waiting by the window.

Lucifer blinked. “Ah–Right!” He spread his wings out, cupping her waist into his arms and slowly descending down the tower until Lilith’s heels met soft grass. 

“I won’t be long, my love.” Lilith gave him a quick peck on the cheek before waving and trotting off into the mysterious distance Lucifer unknowingly longed for.

“I’ll be waiting!” Lucifer called out to her, flying back up to the tower. “As always,” his voice dropped, watching his beloved wife move through bushes and vines, leaving the vicinity without his hand in hers.

He let out a long mournful sigh, his chin falling into his hands as he rested against the wooden window sill. 

Basil snuck up the walls, slithering into the window and wrapping himself around the angel’s hands.

Lucifer smiled, a sadness in his eyes gleaming down at his companion. 

Hope did not flicker away just yet. Something still yearned in him, hoping for a romantic night under the stars and gleaming lights. So close, yet so far out of his reach.

---

 

A crackle of footsteps descended down the castle roof tops. A waiting princess longed inside, unbeknownst of the criminals dancing above her head.

Polished shoes slid down with ease, coming to an abrupt stop. 

The clicking of two sets of heels followed behind him. A groan rolled off the woman’s tongue. “Get your act together, pretty boy.” The woman flicked her poofy ponytail behind her. “We can’t wait here all day, now can we?”

Alastor hummed, staring down at the grounds of the kingdom crawling with victims waiting to be thrown into dark alleyways for him to feast. “Come now, dear,” he chuckled darkly. “I’m only enjoying the view.”

“Well, enjoy it less, bitch.” A taller man stepped forward, cocking one hip to the side. “Don’t get too comfortable with us now,” Valentino warned, adjusting a smooth red robe around his waist. “We don’t listen to your orders.”

Alastor grinned, tapping something sharp hidden within his pockets.

“We’re only humoring you because Vox wants us to,” Velvette snarkily added. 

“Ah yes,” Alastor tucked his hands behind his back and turned in their direction. “Vincent is quite adamant on watching me, isn’t he?” Alastor cocked his head with a twisted smile. “I suppose I am quite inspiring,”

Valentino and Velvette shared a glance before rolling their eyes. Valentino tightened the rope in his hands with an uncomfortably sharp grin. “Less talky, more let me tie you up-y.”

Alastor cringed, the edge of his smile twitching in disgust. Unfortunately, he listened and walked forward.

Velvette helped Valentino tie the rope around Alastor’s waist. Valentino snickered, pulling it tight and pushing him just a bit too far towards the roof’s opening.

Alastor rolled his eyes and mumbled something under his breath. 

He wasn’t willingly working with them.

Vincent—Or—Vox, was so petty over their little disagreement that he sent his goons to watch his every move through the kingdom, always one annoying step behind him on his heels.

Quite pathetic, if you’d ask him.

Alastor held his breath as Velvette lowered him through the castle’s roof. He let his feet touch the maroon carpet without a sound, standing just behind two moronic Morningstar guards.

Alastor moved his hands behind himself, feeling around until he was able to scoot all the way behind the display case of the lost king’s glistening crown.

He grinned, flicking it open with the tip of his knife. He watched his surroundings carefully, picking up the crown with ease and shoving it into a tattered old satchel.

Alastor flicked his brown bangs out of his vision. A guard coughed, catching Alastor’s attention.

His eyes narrowed with a dangerous grin. “Tis the season, isn’t it?” he cooed.

The guard chuckled. “Yeah,”

Then—

“Wait—”

SLICE

Alastor dug the knife straight through the guard’s neck, kicking him in the chest with his foot. The guard beside him raised his spear in an instant. Alastor swiftly stabbed him in the chest, twirling him around and slamming his face into the display case, the glass shattering across the room, sprawling onto the carpets and slick floors.

Velvette peered down. “What the hell is he doing!?” she shrieked.

“Bendejo! How does this moron get Voxxy so hard?” Valentino threw up his hands. Velvette deadpanned. She pulled on the rope, forcing Alastor’s little murder spree to come to an end. For now.

Velvette yanked him forward, tearing the ropes off of him. “You idiot!” she yelled, tossing him to the ground. “Now the entire kingdom is after us.”

Alastor simply laughed, discarding the rope somewhere to his left. “Please, that’s hardly my fault,” he hummed, closing the satchel shut, the gleam of the king’s crown not escaping Val and Velvette’s gaze.

“Ugh—!” Valentino scoffed. “That rope would’ve fit better up your—”

“We don’t have time for this, Val.” Velvette yanked him by his lanky shoulders. “Come on!” she urged, running down the roof. Valentino swiftly followed behind her.

Alastor cackled, sliding down the roof and jumping between thrown spears and swords from alerted guards.

“There!” the voice of the Princess’ partner exclaimed. She pointed up at Alastor with her spear, a fierce glint in her eyes. “Don’t let him get away.” Vaggi warned, stabbing the bottom of her weapon into the ground. “What are you doing? Go!” she yelled at a faltering guard who quickly saluted her and started to run.

Alastor narrowed his eyes, locking his gaze onto Vaggi’s before ducking behind a conveniently placed chimney. 

“Aw–! Come on!” Valentino drawled ahead. He huffed, pulling on his red robe in frustration that was currently stuck under a falling brick. “Hijo de puta! Get—Out!” he exclaimed, nearly tripping over his lengthy boots in the process.

“Val!” Velvette whipped around. “Get up here!”

“What do you think I’m—!” he heaved dramatically. “Doing!?”

Alastor rolled his eyes, amused by the pathetic display. He slid onto his side, ducking below a spear that just barely missed his nose. His grin stayed sharp as he got up on one knee just in front of the fallen brick, catching his breath.

Valentino groaned. “If you’re on your knees, at least be useful!”

Alastor was about to stand up and leave the idiot there to die. That is, if he didn’t see a magnificent opening. He peered down at a guard climbing up the wall with his spear. Alastor grinned much too wide.

He stood up and shoved the brick with one foot. It tumbled down, whacking the guard square in the face just as he reached the edge of the roof. He fell down with a scream and a splat to the castle grounds.

Valentino pulled his robe forward and finally continued running. “Took you long enough, bitch!” he caught up with Velvette who waved him forward, dropping down into a vacant balcony.

Alastor was just dying to be rid of these idiotic goons of Vincent’s.

Alas, they were too good of bait to be thrown off the boat so soon. He just needed to wait.

Alastor dived off the empty balcony and tumbled into a perfectly placed bush. Velvette dropped perfectly at his side. Valentino clipped his heel and inappropriately yelped. 

The rustle of horse hooves, shouting voices and sharpened spears rumbled outside the bush.

The trio kept still with baited breaths, just waiting for an opportunity.

Alastor peered out first. The sun reflected off his brown gaze, making it look like piercing red eyes through the dark leaves of the bush.

“This is way too stuffy,” Valentino whispered. 

Velvette pulled him down and shushed him.

“You lost them?” Vaggi’s tone exclaimed just beyond the bush’s range. A guard frantically began to apologize. “They dived off the roof, your highness,” the guard said. “We’ll begin a search party right away.”

Vaggi sighed. She clinked her spear to the ground, hitting soft dirt. “Good.” she mumbled. “I need to report this to Charlie… Find them.” she commanded, stern.

The guard saluted and hopped on his steed, hurrying off into the distance.

Vaggi’s footsteps left the area, heading for the castle.

Velvette finally let Val go, sighing in relief. She turned around, noticing the clear absence of the followed criminal. “Hey!” she flew out of the bush, catching a glimpse of Alastor twirling behind a tree.

“That bitch!” Valentino staggered out of the bush, brushing off sticks that were glued to his coat. 

“You can’t expect to run off without us noticing, little fawn,” Velvette strutted forward. She spun behind the tree and yanked him by the shoulder. Alastor’s eyes narrowed.

“I was doing nothing of the sort!” Alastor chimed. He peered over at the tree, noticing two wanted posters swaying in the faint breeze, both with bold writing that stated “WANTED. DEAD OR ALIVE.”

One of them displayed the Vees. Vox proudly smiling in the middle, with Velvette on his left and Valentino on his right, both radiating equal amounts of cockiness.

The other displayed himself. And a much too noticeable smile that was almost drooping. Alastor scoffed, tearing the poster down. “Lousy picturesque…” he muttered. “They never catch my charm in these things,” Alastor said, shoving it into his blood-stained satchel, sitting it right beside the glistening crown.

Velvette hummed in agreement, peering at her own portrait. “I have to agree,” She flicked the drawn face of herself. “My outfit never looks that atrocious,”

The stomping of hooves sounded on the small hill just above their heads.

Alastor cursed beneath his perfect smile.

“Ugh, drat,” Velvette tugged onto Valentino, urging him along as they trailed right behind Alastor who smoothly dived behind another tree and started to sprint off.

Alastor leapt over a tree branch. Velvette followed suit. Valentino tripped over it, groaning in frustration, latching onto Velvette in a hurry.

“Noisy interference…” Alastor muttered beneath his breath, watching the idiotic duo stagger behind him. He turned his head back around just in time for him to skitter to a stop before he could collide with a dirt wall.

“Ugh! Great,” Valentino bent over, catching his breath. “I am so not dressed to climb hills today,”

Velvette rolled her eyes, fixing her bangs.

Alastor hummed, touching the blockade with a glove. He grinned sharply and turned, voice smooth as ever. “Lend me a hand, won’t you?” he asked. 

Velvette crossed her arms, raising a brow. Valentino deadpanned, adjusting his coat as if to make a point.

“Oh dear, what’s the matter?” Alastor cooed, tapping his gloves against the blood stain on his satchel. “You don’t trust me? How wounding,”

“Obviously not!” Velvette exclaimed. 

Alastor rolled his eyes. “Please, I am a man of my word.” he said. “You know the fee. You assist me, I repay the favor.”

Valentino wasn’t buying it. “Give us the satchel first,”

Alastor smirked.

Velvette leant a hand forward, waiting.

Alastor merely laughed. “And here I thought we were making a wonderful partnership,” he mocked, raising the satchel’s strap over his head and slowly and carefully dropping it into Velvette’s hands.

Velvette hummed. “Please, as if you mean that,” she scoffed.

Valentino muttered a string of curse words under his breath. He picked Velvette up and hoisted her over his shoulders.

Alastor grinned. He hopped up, digging purposefully deep into Valentino’s shoulders. Valentino swore. Alastor paid no mind. He gently climbed over Velvette who helped him stabilize himself as he stepped onto the grassy patch, politely taking his time.

Valentino huffed, flicking his head upward. 

Velvette clicked her tongue impatiently. “Now get to your end of the bargain,”

Alastor chuckled. “Ah, my deepest apologies, my dear,” he flicked his bangs and displayed the satchel hanging from his finger like a trophy. “Unfortunately, my hands seem to be full.”

“Wh—!” Velvette looked down at the absence of the satchel. Just as she looked back, Alastor was gone, running like the wind.

“YOU SMILING FREAK!”

Alastor continued to run, a wicked grin spread across his face like a madman.

He slowed to a stop, patting the satchel. He opened it, catching a glimpse of the shimmering crown. He hummed curiously.

This was going to be quite the bargaining chip.

He tensed at the sound of distant clapping. Alastor turned, dreading the inevitable face of none other than Vincent himself.

Vincent—Or, Vox—clapped through white gloves. He peered down at Alastor and smirked. 

Alastor’s grin didn’t falter. “Finally come to play, have you?”

“Hah!” Vox adjusted his suit. “I’m not the one running. Now am I?”

Alastor stared back with a calculated grip on the satchel’s strap.

“A little birdie told me you were out for the lost king’s crown,” Vox stepped forward, hiding one hand behind his back. 

“You must mean your goons,”

Vox laughed dryly. “Call them what you want,”

“I will, thank you.”

Vox finally dropped the smirk. “Alright, enough charades,” he extended an arm. “Hand it over.”

Alastor tilted his head. “Hand what over?”

Vox impatiently thrust forward a stolen sword from a Morningstar guard he must’ve dealt with on the way. Alastor countered it with his knife immediately.

Vox leapt forward. Alastor took a further step back, blocking every useless attack from Vox’s stolen weapon.

“Just—!” Vox swung his sword around. “Give me—!” he swished it over Alastor’s head who ducked with impeccable timing. “The satchel!”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, old pal.” Alastor sneered, managing to kick at Vox’s ankles at just the right moment. Vox cursed, stumbling backwards, sword going flying into a nearby tree.

Alastor cackled, sprinting off.

“Hey!” Vox gained balance and ran after him. “Quit running like a coward!” he shouted, tearing the sword out of the tree.

Alastor jumped around a boulder, doing a quick tuck and roll before speeding off.

Vox grinded his teeth together. He leaned the sword in his grasp way back, calculating Alastor’s movements before throwing the sharpened weapon forward.

Alastor flung his hand up in avoidance, only for the sword to stab right through the satchel and fly into a branch hanging just beyond an intimidating fall.

Vox leapt forward, tumbling into Alastor, gripping him by his vest, heaving wildly. 

Both of their heads turned towards the satchel just inches away from disappearing into a distant waterfall.

A beat passed.

Alastor shoved Vox off of him and inched towards the branch. 

“No you don’t!” Vox yelled, pushing Alastor down and charging for the satchel himself.

Alastor growled, flinging his knife forward. It grazed Vox’s knuckles. He yelped in surprise, peeling his hand away and nearly tumbling off the ledge.

Alastor chuckled darkly. He managed to get ahead, boots just inches away from what may as well be his calculated demise. He reached forward, swiping his hand a few dozen times to reach the satchel.

Vox wrung his hand out before creeping behind the criminal.

Just as Alastor managed to finally grab the satchel’s strap, Vox kicked him down, laughing manically.

Then—CREAK.

Both men paused.

Before—

“SHIT!” Vox scrambled, hanging onto the falling tree branch with his entire body. Alastor swore under his breath, holding on to the branch with one hand, his other clutching the satchel for dear life.

The branch went flying downwards, snapping in half on a single sharp point of the hill that stuck out. Vox’s screams faded out as Alastor braced himself for impact and a face full of grass.

Notes:

You'll notice through chapters that it's not an exact play-for-play re-telling of Tangled. It's very heavily inspired, it's written with the same pacing of the movie, but I moved a bunch of stuff around to fit my own ideas and specific places characters would be and such.

Anyways, please do let me know in the comments when you would like updates!!! :D

Chapter 2: It's A Deal

Summary:

After safely retreating from a nasty fall, Alastor stumbles his way into a hidden cave that reveals a lost tower in which he climbs in hopes to recuperate.

Notes:

I have decided on updates every other day, if that seems decent with you all! :D

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGH!” 

 

The distant screams of Vox echoed through the valley.

Alastor landed hard, scraping through grass and dirt. He coughed, catching his breath for a moment. He sat up with the help of his two wrists. He moved one hand up to adjust his glasses, getting a visual for the land around him.

Odd. He’s never seen this area before.

Alastor sprang to his feet. He dusted some dirt and grass stains off of his newly cleaned under shirt. He looked around a forest-y area full of bright grass and swaying flowers.

There—draped over a rock—was the satchel.

Alastor grinned, waltzing towards it as he smoothed down his vest. “You can’t escape me this easily, your highness,” he purred, flicking the satchel over his head and shoulder.

The sudden stomping of boots sounded through the forest.

Vox’s eerie chuckle drew near. “Come on out!”

Alastor’s eyes narrowed. He clutched onto the satchel strap and took a few steps back. Expecting a rock wall or more trees, he instead slipped into nothing. He flailed for a moment, catching his balance and turning his direction to a wall of vines.

He curled an eyebrow upward.

“Alastor!”

Alastor took one last glance behind himself before darting behind the mysterious vine entrance. He huffed, pushing through another thick strand of vines after a brief pause in a small rock entrance. “Blasted…” he muttered something before finally finding an opening. The sun greeted him with warmth.

He shoved off some fallen leaves, shaking his shoulder. He hummed, adjusting the satchel strap and turning on his heel towards a tall and gorgeous tower, surrounded by flowers, a small stream of water and vacant grass devoid of any animals or civilization.

Alastor blinked, awe-struck for a moment. Then, curiosity hit.

“How peculiar,” Alastor took a step forward. He paused as the distant sounds of Vox muttering something to his companions sounded beyond the great vine wall.

Alastor peered his eyes away from the mysterious entrance and urged toward the ominous tower, determined to find a place to recuperate and collect himself.

He walked over colorful flowers, crumpling a few under his boots. Alastor flipped his knife out from the satchel and stuck it into the stone walls. He hitched one boot atop a brick and repeated the method over and over again until he finally reached the top.

He huffed for a moment, catching his breath. Finally, he shoved his knife into the satchel and swung one leg over a creaky wooden window. He slipped into an empty and dark tower.

Alastor fixed the satchel strap and eyed the colorful walls chock full of mysterious paintings. Some that resembled the great Pride kingdom far too well.

“Curious,” he muttered.

A quiet hiss sounded from beyond the tower. Basil slithered through the tower's posts, peering down at the intruder.

Alastor slowly spun around, catching a glimpse of a familiar face on the walls. Long blonde hair, black crown, rosy cheeks… It almost looked exactly like—

 

THWUD

 

Alastor’s vision went black. He wobbled for a moment before succumbing to darkness and flopping onto the hard wooden floors.

Lucifer stood above him, hands clung tightly to a frying pan wielded like a fierce weapon. His wide blue eyes stared down at the intruder. A pause went by. Then—he shrieked. His wings sputtered out in fear.

Basil slithered up his arm and rested on his shoulder.

Lucifer gulped. He looked at his pet companion—and then down at the stranger.

“Holy mother duckling,” he whispered. Slowly, very slowly, he inched forward. He swapped the makeshift weapon around, holding the pan side and cautiously moving its handle towards the man’s fallen bangs.

Curiously, he lifted the stranger’s bouncy brown curls which revealed a riveting young man’s face. Lucifer paused for a moment, taking in the stranger’s looks.

Basil’s hiss snapped him back into thought. Lucifer shook his head and peered closer.

The young man’s eyes snapped open.

“CRAP—!” Lucifer yelped and whacked the stranger again. “This—this is not good,” he worried through a shaky tone. “I need to—He can’t—” Lucifer whirled around in panic mode, hands clutched to the pan like a lifeline.

His eyes landed on a white and gold trimmed closet. 

An idea popped into his head.

Lucifer set the pan down and cautiously moved towards the handsome stranger. He wrapped his hands around the man’s ankles and started to pull. A few effortless tries later—and nothing happened.

Lucifer groaned. He popped his glistening wings out and hovered, picking the man up by the hem of his vest and zooming towards the closet. He kicked him inside… only for him to fall right back out.

“Ugh—come on!” Lucifer flexed his fingers. “Get… in… there!” he screeched, shoving him all sorts of different ways inside until he was finally able to slam the doors shut. “Quick—I need a blockade!” Lucifer announced, whirling around to grab a chair and stick it hastily under the closet’s handles.

He took a breather, backing away, frying pan now back in his hands and ready to attack.

“Okay—” Lucifer watched the doors like a hawk. “Basil.” Basil answered with a hiss. “We have our first intruder.” he affirmed shakily. “Hah.. an intruder.” he grinned. “HAH!” Lucifer whirled around, picking up a rubber duck from out of nowhere.

“Take that, you creep!” he shouted, throwing the duck at the door as if it would do anything. It squeaked and came back like a boomerang. Lucifer ducked just barely in time to avoid his own attack.

He grumbled, fixing his bangs. “What could this guy possibly—” he trailed off, distracted by a certain shimmer in the satchel strawn across the floor, parted open just slightly.

“Oh?” Lucifer turned on his heel. “Oohoho, now what do you have here Mr. Creepy Smile guy, huh?” Lucifer murmured, snatching up the bag into his arms and hastily tearing it open. He grinned excitedly, but that grin quickly faded into a distant shimmer in his eyes.

Slowly, he reached into the satchel and carefully took out a golden pristine crown with red jewels strewn across its prongs. It glistened in the sunlight, similar to that of his wings when he would sing to Lilith.

“A… crown,” he said, hushed. “Why in the world would some guy…” he lost his train of thought, eyes burning into the golden item.

Something about it felt… familiar. Like the dreams he experiences.

Had he… seen this in those dreams too? The touch of its golden trim… it felt almost enchanting. Like, a warm hug, welcoming you back home.

Lucifer turned towards the mirror so conveniently placed at the moment. He looked up and then back at the crown. Then he met his reflection again.

Ever so curiously, Lucifer rose the crown to his head. He placed it, basking in the silence and golden rays shimmering down upon him.

Lucifer blinked.

Something about it just felt… so right. So comforting. So—

“Lucifer!” Lilith’s voice sprang the angel out of his thoughts. “Lu! Come spread your wings, darling!”

“Shit—!” Lucifer cursed, tumbling the crown around in his hands before finally throwing it into the satchel. He hurriedly snapped it shut and tossed it into a nearby pot.

“Lu, my love,” Lilith impatiently called. “What seems to be the problem?”

“Nothing!” Lucifer pushed the pot closer to a table leg. “Coming, dear!” he yelled, sprouting his wings and dashing out of the window. He flew down, swooping Lilith in a fast and eager grasp.

“Oh—!” Lilith gasped, caught off guard.

“Lili, I have quite the news to share with you,” Lucifer said, setting her down in the tower with ease. Lilith caught herself before she could tumble over her own heels. “Lu, sweetie,” she smoothed her dress with narrowed eyes. “I’ve told you before to fly slow.” she warned. “You’ll wear out your wings,” she cooed, flicking into a worried voice.

“Right—No, No, I know,” Lucifer nervously nodded.

“Good,” Lilith smiled. She turned, whisking her basket around, chock full of flour and sweet treats. “I have lunch planned!” she sang. “Your favorite. As requested, darling,” she pulled his cheek forward, planting a short kiss to it.

Lucifer laughed awkwardly, feeling the spot on his cheek. “Thank you, dear, but, really—” he cleared his throat. “There’s something you should—”

“Set the table for me, won’t you?” Lilith called. “I have much to prepare,”

“Oh—Of course,” Lucifer urged forward, then stopped. “But…” he glanced to the closet and then back towards Lilith. “Really, I just need to talk about—”

Lilith set down a bag of flour. “Lucifer,” she said. “If this is about those lights—”

“No!” Lucifer exclaimed. “Well, sort of, I guess,” he turned his direction towards the closet. “You see, just now—”

“Did I not make myself clear?” Lilith’s tone dropped dangerously.

“But, dear,” Lucifer still urged on. “Together, with this… information, we can—!”

Lilith dropped her fist into the table. She turned, the red jewel around her neck glowing immensely. “Lucifer!” she shouted. 

“You are not to leave this tower,” a click of her heels urged towards him, towering over him threateningly. “EVER.”

Lucifer went silent. For once, standing in front of his beloved wife, all he could feel was dread. His hand snaked away from the closet, trembling slightly. “Do I make myself clear?” Lilith asked—no—demanded.

Lucifer swallowed, forcing himself to nod. “Yes, dear…”

Lilith backed down, the red glow on her necklace simmering away. She sighed. “Lu…” her tone switched to something sweet, dripping with dark veiled venom. “Oh darling, I do hate seeing you like this,” she presented a hand forward.

Lucifer flinched, clutching his hands together and taking a step back.

Lilith paused, examining his expression.

Lucifer gulped, retracing his steps. “I…” he breathed in sharply. “I’m… sorry, my love,” his voice wavered, tempting to break. “It was… foolish of me,” he sniffled, forcing a smile. “I should’ve.. Listened to you. The first time.”

Lilith’s false frown turned up, eyes still dark and looming. “Come,” she urged him forward with a hand. Lucifer took a moment to step forward. Lilith placed a hand to his back, forcing him into an embrace that he would usually initiate himself.

“Tell me, my love,” she tapped her fingers across his feathers. “Is there… a real gift I could find for you?”

Lucifer stared down with mournful eyes. He didn’t want an anniversary–birthday—whatever—present. What he wanted was to see the lights with her.

With his wife.

With the love of his life. Together, glancing up at the floating lights together under a romantic night sky.

He twisted his mouth. “Maybe… some.. New material?” he croaked. “For… more ducks?”

Lilith hummed. “That’s quite a far trip,”

Lucifer frowned.

“But, I’ll do it for you.”

Lucifer was pushed back by gentle hands on his shoulders. Hands that used to feel tender and loving.

Lucifer forced a smile. “Thank you, darling.”

Lilith smiled too sweetly. “Of course, Lu.”

---

The world felt like it was spinning.

There was a throbbing pain pounding in Alastor’s head. He had heard shuffling and mumbled voices but couldn’t make out what they said.

Alastor grumbled, finally coming to.

He blinked a few times, meeting darkness. His eyes finally adjusted to the light and he moved an arm, only for it to not go anywhere.

“What in the—?” Alastor muttered. He glanced down at his hands that were tied to two armrests of a wooden chair. He tensed, trying to break free. His legs kicked, hurling around countless rubber ducks that were piled around his feet.

“What in the ever loving—”

“Stay right where you are!”

Alastor paused. He blinked. A shadowy figure appeared in the distance. He could vaguely make out what looked like a large pair of wings behind the mysterious stranger.

Alastor craned his neck, grin narrowing just a tad. 

The stranger stepped closer, wielding a frying pan like a bat. He stepped into the light, the sun raining down on his porcelain features. Blue sparkling eyes, rosy cheeks, blond messy hair and the most prominent feature of all—a large pair of glistening wings.

Alastor felt his breath hitch for a moment. Before he started to struggle against his confines again.

“Struggle all you want, Mr. Smiles,” Lucifer cautiously stopped, the frying pan still pointed towards the criminal. “Your efforts will be futile.”

Alastor blinked, raising an eyebrow. “Forgive my crudeness, but,” he looked Lucifer up and down. “Who are you exactly?”

“I’m—!” Lucifer puffed his chest. “Wait—No! I should be the one asking you that!” He stepped forward.

Alastor hummed. “I must say, this is the most mediocre kidnapping I’ve experienced,” his eyes flicked to the twitching wings behind the man’s back. “...Angel,”

“This isn’t a kidnapping—!” Lucifer exclaimed. “Wait–” he paused. “Is it? I guess it sort of could be considered that…” Lucifer muttered to his pet snake. Alastor peered around while the man was distracted, focusing on the rather intricate paintings and… rubber ducks everywhere?

“Hold on!” Lucifer suddenly shouted. “You’re doing that on purpose!”

“What am I doing on purpose, angel?”

“My name—” Lucifer suddenly got close, one hand still clutching the pan’s handle for safety. “Is Lucifer.”

Alastor grinned curiously. Where had he heard that name before? The kingdom? No… he shrugged it off, not like it mattered that much anyways.

“Who exactly are you?” Lucifer cautiously asked. “Because, if you’re here for my wings, buddy, I’ve got bad news for you!” he laughed confidently, tapping the frying pan into his other hand like some sort of taunt. “These feathers don’t come for free!”

“Excuse me?” Alastor deadpanned.

“I know your game,” Lucifer leaned in, narrowing his eyes, an attempt at being threatening. “You somehow found this tower,” he backed away, beginning to circle the restrained stranger. “And now, you want my angelic power all for yourself! Isn’t that right, Mr. Creepy Smile Guy?”

Alastor started to laugh. Lucifer raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

“My! I’ve never seen an angel so conceited before!” Alastor cackled.

“Wha—Conceited?!” Lucifer started to fume. “I’ll show you conceited you—!”

“Please, by all means,” Alastor smirked far too proudly. “Do what you must. Not that you really could, though,”

Lucifer gritted his teeth. What was with this guy?!

“What brought you here?” Lucifer breathed out. “Some sort of… weird.. Twisted fate?!”

“A clout-chasing mediocre nobody,”

Lucifer blinked. “Uh—sorry, what?”

“I haven’t the foggiest idea of who you are!” Alastor declared, leaning back in the chair. “I was merely…” he bit down on his cheek. “...Running,” he said. “That run segwayed into a lousy town-crier quite obsessively getting in the way.”

“So–” Lucifer backed down. “You uh…” he hissed through his teeth. “Aren’t.. Here for my wings?”

“I am not here for your wings, no,” Alastor confirmed. Then took a moment to rake his gaze over the sets of white and red feathers. A very faint shimmer of the sunlight reflecting off the tips of them in a gold color. “However,” his grin sharpened playfully. “I wouldn’t mind taking a gander at them,”

“No!” Lucifer shouted defensively. “You aren’t touching these bad boys!”

Alastor rolled his eyes, leaning back and forth on the chair's legs. “I was only joking, angel!”

“It’s Lucifer.” He corrected a second time. “And for the record, I’ve hidden your precious little item somewhere you’ll never find it!” Lucifer suddenly declared. “So, try to escape all you want, Smiles, but you’ll never find that satchel!”

 

Alastor hummed. “Of course. It couldn’t possibly be in that pot, no?”

Lucifer paused. He glanced at the pot. Then at Alastor. Then at Basil. 

 

THWACK

 

Alastor awoke a third time to the hissing of a snake in his ear. “Agh–!” he shrieked, flinging the snake off of his shoulder. “Lousy animal…” he blinked, his vision focusing on Lucifer, crouched in a corner, muttering to himself. Basil slithered towards him, hissing in agreement.

“I know,” Lucifer whispered. “It could work,” he glanced back at Alastor for a brief second. “But should I?” he nervously asked his pet companion. “Should I just… disobey Lilith like this..?” Basil hissed. Lucifer swallowed nervously. He took a deep breath in and cautiously turned back around.

“Smiles,”

“Alastor.”

Lucifer blinked.

Alastor grinned much too wide. “The name is Alastor, dear. ”

“Charmed, I’m sure.” Lucifer deadpanned. He shook his head and waltzed forward. “Okay, Alastor,” he pranced over to the stranger, eyeing him like a hawk. “I purpose a deal,”

Alastor felt himself light up. His smile sharpened, intrigued. “A deal?” he inquired.

“Yes,” Lucifer nodded. “Do you know,” he flapped his wings, flying towards his newest painting. “What these are?” he asked, pushing the red curtains aside to reveal a gorgeously painted landscape of himself looking up at dozens of floating lights.

Alastor tilted his head. “Paint?”

“No!” Lucifer gritted his teeth. “These… floating lights,” he tapped the dried circles of yellow hues.

“Oh, yes,” Alastor grinned. “The lanterns the kingdom does for their lost royal,”

Lucifer blinked, nearly dropping the frying pan. “Lanterns?” he whispered and looked back at the painted lights. “Lost… royal?” he peered closer, as if his own artwork could give him the answers to questions he wasn’t quite certain of.

“Quite a sob story,” Alastor continued. “The princess has such ridiculous hope that her clearly dead parent will—”

“You,” Lucifer was suddenly in Alastor’s face, wings flapping hastily. “Will take me to these lanterns.” he said matter of factly. “No objections!” Lucifer exclaimed. “And, in return,” his feet met the wooden floors. “I’ll return your precious little satchel,” he grinned, extending a hand. 

“Deal?”

Alastor smiled, very intrigued. “How exciting! However, there is one tiny miniscule problem with this deal,”

Lucifer waited with narrowed eyes, ready to use the frying pan if needed. “And that is?”

“I’m wanted for murder in the kingdom.”

The frying pan dropped with a comical rattle, sliding across the floor. Basil hissed, slithering away in surprise.

 

“Wh–Wait–you’re WHAT?” 

 

Lucifer began to panic. He scooped Basil up in a hurry, wings fluttering around madly. “I let a MURDERER in my tower, Basil!” he screeched. “This is a psycho! A deranged psycho! Lilith is gonna be so mad!”

Alastor ignored the angel’s relentless panicking. He scooted in the chair, fingers just barely being able to grab hold of a second knife he hid in his pocket. He twirled it around just right until it sliced the rope cleanly.

“What should I do?” Lucifer asked his snake worriedly. “He’s the only one who can take me…” he muttered, having a moral panic to his only companion. “But he’s a killer! He kills people! What if he kills me?!”

“I can assure you I don’t have the plans to,”

Lucifer jumped. He picked up the frying pan from off the floor and shielded himself with it. “How did you—!”

Alastor nearly laughed. “Please, your restraints were hardly enough to keep a child contained,”

Lucifer grumbled.

Alastor hummed. “I will take you to these floating lanterns all you want,” he declared. “But, it appears you’re far too afraid to agree. Such a pity…” he faked a sad noise. “And here I thought an angel like yourself was unafraid,”

“Wh—I’m not afraid I–!” 

“Then let’s make the deal!” Alastor got up in his face, extending an eager hand. “Floating lanterns.. For my satchel.”

Lucifer’s face scrunched, examining Alastor’s expression thoroughly. He glanced down at Basil, thoughts pondering for a good few moments. He sucked in a breath, “Deal,” he said. “As long as you return me home safe and sound.”

Alastor chuckled darkly. “It’s a deal, angel,”

Lucifer swallowed. He cautiously put his hand into the gloved grasp of Alastor, who squeezed rather tightly.

“Lovely,” Alastor grinned.

Lucifer nervously took his hand away. He dusted off his vest and eyed Alastor who moved towards the window. Alastor glanced back, waiting patiently.

“Well?” Alastor said. “We don’t have all day!”

“No, no–Yeah, I know,” Lucifer took a deep breath in. He met Alastor at the window and stared. He’s flown up and down the side of the tower for years.

But, this time…

He’s never walked away.

Alastor rolled his eyes. “If you want to break the deal, go ahead, be my guest,” he stepped up on the wooden sill.

Lucifer took a step back. His wings fluttered and he swallowed hard. Then, a confident but wavering grin flashed on his face. He flapped his wings, jumped and flew forward with all the speed he could muster.

Alastor barely had a chance to look back at the angel before he was suddenly wrapped in his arms and flown out of the window.

The breeze blew through Lucifer’s hair. His wings flapped against the fresh air and he couldn’t suppress a loud and hearty cheer as he dove the two of them into a pile of flowers.

Alastor tumbled forward, grumbling in response.

Meanwhile, Lucifer rolled on his back and swished his hands and feet through the grass and flowers, basking in the sunshine. His heart beat wildly as his gaze met the blue sky above.

Alastor sat up, flicking weeds out of his bangs and adjusting his glasses. He looked over at the smiling angel, wings fluttering through the wilderness.

“Just smell this.. Fresh air!” Lucifer giggled uncontrollably. “This..” he sat up. “This is what grass feels like?!” he exclaimed, picking a handful of grass and throwing it above his head. “It’s incredible!”

Alastor dusted dirt off his shoulders and stood up, thoroughly amused by how childish this seemingly ancient angel seemed to act.

“And—woah! Look!” Lucifer sprang up, darting towards a stream of water with a wild flap of his wings. He floated over the water, staring down at his reflection. “A real river!” he exclaimed, feeling his hands through the cold current.

“How curious,” Alastor mumbled to himself, watching Lucifer fly around like crazy, picking up flowers, dashing through water and rattling around bushes.

Lucifer laughed in glee, twirling around in the air with Basil slithering around his shoulders.

“Yes, nature is all very exciting,” Alastor turned with his hands placed prim behind his back. “You can’t bask in it forever, though,”

Lucifer finally skittered to a stop. He breathed in the fresh air, and then—it hit.

His eyes widened and his posture stiffened. “Oh god,”

Alastor raised an eyebrow.

“What have I done?” Lucifer slowly hugged himself. “Lilith—Oh, Lilith is going to be furious! She’ll.. She’ll be so mad!” he slowly began to pace, kicking up patches of dirt in the process. “What if—What if she leaves me?!”

“Lilith?” Alastor turned his head.

“My wife!” Lucifer responded urgently. “She’ll be so mad I left… oh god–”

“Your wife,” Alastor’s eyes narrowed. “Keeps you trapped in a tower like a little pet?” he asked.

Lucifer hesitated. He blinked up at Alastor, expression morphing. “What? No!” he shouted. “Lili doesn’t.. Treat me like a pet, how could you say that?” he stomped towards him defensively. “Lilith loves me. She.. keeps me protected,” he slowly said, eyeing the gorgeous nature around him. “From…” he trailed off.

Alastor hummed. “From this?” He extended a hand with a small daisy in it.

Lucifer lost his train of thought. He carefully picked the daisy from Alastor’s grasp and admired it in awe. 

“If I’m not mistaken,” Alastor began. “Angel’s are meant to fly, are they not?”

Lucifer blinked. He dropped the daisy and looked up at Alastor with a pout. “You have no right to question my life Mr. “I’m wanted by the kingdom for murder,” he exclaimed in a childish mock of Alastor’s voice, using too many air quotations.

Alastor barked out a laugh. “I suppose not,” he turned. “Come along then, angel,” he made his way towards the vine entrance that hid the rest of the world from the trapped man. “We can discuss this… topic later,”

Lucifer quickly ran up to his side. He looked at the vines with caution, swallowing nervously. 

Alastor grinned far too knowingly. He hooked his arm around Lucifer’s, which caught the angel off guard. “I’m quite starved,” Alastor said. “What say we stop for lunch?”

Lucifer awkwardly glanced around. “Uh.. I guess?” he said. “As long as you don’t poison me,”

Alastor cackled. “Hah! Tempting,” he grinned. “But no.” he urged the two of them forward. “I know a quaint little joint of has-been’s that serves the finest food in the land,”

Lucifer slowly smiled, leaning into the arm lock. “Sounds.. Great. I think.”

“Oh yes, I’m sure you’ll love it.”

 

Notes:

The next chapter is one of my absolute favorites I can't wait for you guys to see it ✨😝

Chapter 3: Inside of Every Demon is a Dream

Summary:

Alastor takes Lucifer to the Has-Been Inn, an uncomfortable bar of criminals and no-bodies. That is, until the angel finds a way to open up their hearts.

Notes:

This was one of my favorite chapters to write, no joke. It's a little silly with the song but, hey, this is a hazbin fic, why *wouldn't* there be a song? /j

“Great job, V,” Velvette drawled, crossing her arms with a moody pout, watching Vox pace around obsessively. Valentino sprawled himself against the same rock Velvette was resting upon, worn out from the excessive running. “Now we’re all royally fucked,” Velvette said.

“I made a mistake,” Vox corrected. “An.. overcalculation on my part,” he adjusted his coat firmly. His eyes darted over to his close companions with a heavy stare. “You two let Alastor get away in the first place.”

“It’s not our fault that whore is a relentless serial killer,” Valentino lazily exclaimed, adjusting his heart-rimmed glasses. 

“Besides, we don’t even want to follow that prick around anyways!” Velvette shouted, flailing one hand around. “Why don’t you chase after him if you’re so obsessed with knowing where he’s at? My entire wardrobe is soaked with blood now thanks to him!”

“He needs to be watched.” Vox stated simply. “I specifically demanded you two to do just that. And yet, here we are.” He looked up at the afternoon sun, squinting his eyes. “Alastor’s missing now. Again.” He turned around. 

“We need to find him,” Vox stepped forward sharply. “Take that satchel,” he approached the rock his two companions lay upon. “And slit his throat before he can pick up another knife!”

Velvette and Valentino shared a knowing glance. Valentino hummed, “Whatever turns you on, babe.”

“Wait–” Vox stopped. He quickly put his hands over Val and Velvette’s mouths and narrowed his eyes. “Quiet.” he commanded. “We aren’t alone…”

A beat of distant birds chirping and the sound of soft wind passed by.

The clicking of heels against soft grass crunched. Vox turned, hand ready to pack a punch.

The bushes rustled. Another click of heels sounded and out from the bush was—

“Roo?”

Roo sputtered in her steps, clutching the red jewel strewn across her neck. She paused, eyeing the staring trio. “Oh,” disgust laced her voice. “Kingdom nobodies,”

“Lady Roo, pleasure to make your acquaintance!” Vox adjusted his suit, putting on his sharpest and brightest smile. “I gotta say, it’s not everyday you meet a woman of such intelligence,” he extended a hand.

Roo didn’t return the smile nor the gesture. “What is a little trio such as yourselves doing out here?” she asked, fixing her hat properly.

Velvette and Valentino responded at the same time.

“Failing,”

“Dying,”

Vox cleared his throat obnoxiously. “We’re just… planning,” he said with a wide grin. “Correcting a.. Sudden change in plans, you know,” he swept up to her side, planting his grabby hands to her shoulders. “Chasing criminals to bring them to justice!” he fabricated confidently.

Roo raised an unamused brow. “Criminals, hm?”

“Yes!” Vox exclaimed. “Now, as a mastermind such as yourself.. Surely you’ve heard of Alastor?” he asked. “Big smile, stupidly big ego,”

Roo looked away, shoving Vox’s hands off. “Not a clue. I do not care about a soul if they don’t serve a purpose to me.”

“Of course, of course!” Vox cackled. Valentino and Velvette just stayed quiet, knowing that if they tried to intervene during one of Vox’s weird bargaining tactics, they’d never hear the end of it.

“Listen, I know the rumors of you… hiding away,”

“You created those rumors, yes.” Roo said.

Vox forced his smile to stay. “Well, what if I told you Alastor might be nearing this.. Secret of yours?”

“Uh, wait, what?” Valentino’s face dropped.

Vox whispered through barred teeth. “Quiet, Val.”

Val pouted.

“Of course, it’s only a hunch,” Vox laughed, adjusting his glasses with far too much pride. “But I can assure you,” he extended his hand again. “You can trust me with this information,”

Roo’s eyes narrowed, not believing the petty little kingdom go-er’s facilities one bit. But, something deep sank in her stomach upon realization. 

Criminals were running amuck around the same time as castle guards started to hoard the forest. She stepped back, eyes snapping open in fear.

Vox’s grin went sharp.

“Lucifer,” Roo’s tone dropped to a fearful whisper only she could hear. Without another word to the Vee’s, she turned on her heel and immediately darted towards a destination only she was supposed to know about.

Vox chuckled darkly.

Velvette curled an eyebrow. “So, what was that, V?” she asked. “She ran away like Hellhounds were after her. Was that even a part of your plan?”

“No,” Vox answered. “I don’t know a thing about her secret,” his masked grin dropped. “But, if she thinks Alastor does… Then she’ll lead us right to him.”

---

 

“This is crazy,” Lucifer mumbled, walking side by side with the murderous criminal that he was relying on to guide him to the floating lights. “I mean, this is insane, right?”

Alastor walked deliberate and prim, hands folded behind his back. He listened, but didn’t respond.

“Lilith, she—” Lucifer trailed off. His voice weakened and he shook his head. “God.. she’s going to be heartbroken,”

“What she doesn’t know,” Alastor suddenly sang. “Can’t kill her.”

Lucifer pouted. He crossed his arms, frying pan still within grasp. Basil slithered around his shoulders, eyeing Alastor suspiciously. “I’m not taking advice from you, okay?” Lucifer glared. “You’re merely my guide. Nothing else. I won’t take your wise murdering words,”

Alastor hummed. “Of course not,” he looked up ahead. “You’re just an angel that finally sprouted his wings away from his–Oh, what do you call her?” he shifted his weight towards Lucifer threateningly. “Your wife?”

Lucifer nudged him away. 

Alastor chuckled lightly. “Or, would you much rather be called her pet?”

“Lilith loves me as her husband, asshole.”

Alastor peered his gaze away. “Quite a lot, I’m sure.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Lucifer could feel his feathers ruffle behind him. 

“Oh nothing at all, angel,”

Lucifer’s jaw ticked. “Why don’t you call me by my name, huh?” he asked. “Too scared? Is that too big of a step for you, Mr. Serial Killer?”

“I see no need in addressing you properly,” Alastor responded, eyes still focused on the dirt road ahead. “After all, it’s not as if you’re royalty.”

“Wh—! What does being royal have to do with respect?!”

“Oh, my dear,” Alastor stopped. “It has to do with everything,”

Lucifer eyed him up and down with a grumpy pout. “Well—!”

Alastor put a finger to his lip, hushing him. “Enough chatter,” he said. “We’ve arrived at our destination!” Alastor waved a grand hand forward at the display of a run down tavern. A sign creaked next to the duo that read “HAS-BEEN INN.”

“Oh,” Lucifer blinked. “Great. Because, I gotta tell ya, I am starving!”

“Of course,” Alastor hummed, gently urging the angel forward to follow him. “I’m confident you’ll enjoy the… atmosphere.” Alastor’s grin sharpened. He whisked open the door proudly. “Good evening, low life kingdom go-ers!”

Lucifer stopped. And stared.

Right back at dozens of eyes gazing upon him.

A grumpy bartender wiped an already clean glass. A tall and lanky man winked and waved flirtatiously with a look in his eyes that Lucifer desperately avoided. 

There was a strawberry blonde woman bouncing a bomb in her hands. A pale and long haired man awkwardly looked down from the railings, tinkering with something.

Lucifer peered his gaze away immediately from a short woman stabbing a bug with a fork. A young man peered up at her, curiously adjusting his goggles.

“Um–” Lucifer stumbled forward, trailing behind Alastor. “You said we were getting lunch, criminal,” he hissed through his teeth.

“We are!” Alastor declared cheerfully. “This place is sure to snap your appetite like that!” he enunciated with a quick snap of his fingers.

The short woman on the table looked up from the bug fighting for its life between four prongs and gasped. “Alastor’s back!” she cheered, jumping from the table and onto the criminal’s shoulders at a speed that shouldn’t have been possible.

Lucifer jumped, shielding himself with the pan.

“Niffty, my dear!” Alastor grinned just as gleefully. “I presume this place has been kept nice and tidy,”

“I only do my best!” Niffty giggled darkly.

Lucifer made his best efforts to force a nervous laugh. This place did not feel welcoming in the slightest. He cautiously stepped back, only to knock into someone behind him. He whirled around in an instant.

“Heya short birdie,” The tall man sat at the bar winked.

Lucifer felt himself gulp.

“Leave the guy alone, Anthony,” the bartender huffed.

The flirtatious stranger pouted and turned back around. “I ain’t doin nothin’ that’ll harm the guy,” he said. “And that’s Angel Dust to you, pal.”

“Uh… ahaha…!” Lucifer faked another laugh. He jumped behind Alastor, using him as a human shield. He whispered as painfully obvious as he could, “These guys are insane…!”

Alastor grinned. “The most!”

Lucifer frowned, not amused. “Guess the name fits…”

“Yes, well,” Alastor adjusted his glasses. “I did help come up with it,”

Lucifer blinked, deciding he’d ask about that later. Right now, he was in full defense mode. He mumbled, “Makes sense why it isn’t that clever then,”

”Aw shit! We finally have some fresh meat!” The woman with the bomb in her hand suddenly announced.

Lucifer blinked. “Wh—What does she mean by meat?” he whispered to Alastor whose patience was wearing thin.

“So, where ‘ya from, pigeon?” Cherri snaked up behind Lucifer who jolted away in surprise, wielding the pan like a life line. Her eyes narrowed. “Ain’t ever seen wings like these before,”

“No kiddin’,” Angel Dust nodded.

“Woah now,” Lucifer stepped back. Niffty crawled on his back, her uncovered eye twitching in excitement. “Shiny,” she grinned, attempting to pluck a feather for herself.

“Hey!” Lucifer tried to grab her. “No touching the wings, okay?! You hear?!”

Niffty giggled, jumping off of the angel before he could throw her off himself.

“It appears to me,” Baxter suddenly came out of nowhere by Lucifer’s side. “That they shimmer in the sunlight!” he exclaimed, pulling one wing out to bask in the barely lit sunshine coming in from a dusty old window.

The tavern awed in unison. 

“I said hands off!” Lucifer shifted away, backing himself into Alastor unexpectedly. 

“What are you doin’ with some kind of run-away angel, Alastor?” Husk suddenly asked, leaning over an arm placed on the bar. “Using him for a cheap exchange?”

“My, your words wound me, Husker!” Alastor chuckled. Lucifer eyed him cautiously now. His grip on the pan tightened.

“Don’t worry, I don’t plan to use him within any of my plans,” Alastor hummed, not so convincingly. “We simply struck a deal.”

“A deal?” Husk raised a brow.

“Indeed,”

Lucifer swallowed hard. “Yes, that’s right.” he nodded. “He…” he breathed in, letting his nerves simmer. “Is going to take me to see the lanterns.”

The inn went quiet. The sound of the inventor from upstairs dropping a metal tool echoed through the silence. “Oh!” his accent rang out. “My apologies, everybody…!”

“Wait,” Angel Dust swished around a glass full of ice and alcohol. “You serious?” he asked. 

“Very,” Alastor smiled.

“Nah, no way,” Angel Dust crossed his arms, the alcohol spilling out from his glass for a moment or two. “You don’t do petty little exchanges, not like that,”

“Now what ever could you mean by that, Anthony?” Alastor twisted around, looking at the taller man through a near upside down point of view.

“You use people to get to targets,” Angel Dust said. He took a sip, waited in silence and then sighed in completion. “Ya kill people, Al. What are you doin’ takin’ an angel to see some kingdom light show?”

“Yes, very peculiar indeed,” Baxter chimed in, looking down at a scroll he presumably wrote. “According to my research, for the past two years you’ve been at the Inn, you’ve only brought victims in alongside you.”

“Victims?” Lucifer murmured.

“Victims!” Niffty popped up on the angel’s back. Lucifer yelped, shaking her off.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,” Lucifer shook his head, slurring the words together. He looked around the inn accusingly. “You all know Mr. Smiles here is a serial killer?!”

Husk picked up a towel. Angel Dust shrugged. Niffty climbed onto Baxter like she didn’t even hear the question.

“And you haven’t turned him in?!”

“Now why would we do that?” Cherri asked, rolling an unlit bomb around under her palm. 

Lucifer’s eyes widened. His mouth fell open but nothing came out. These people were insane!

“Look, pal,” Angel Dust spun his chair towards Lucifer. “We’re all just a bunch of lowlifes who gather around for a drink to get away from our own disastrous lifestyles,” he explained like it was the most normal thing in the world. “We’ve all done horrible things in our lives. Shit happens!”

“Wh—” Lucifer backed away, slowly.

“Yes, quite unfortunately…” Pentious peered over the railings, hiding behind goggles and black bangs strewn over his face. 

“What…?” Lucifer whispered.

So many lives were just stuck in this inn, wasting away in alcohol and crime. 

The people here... they were off putting, to say the least. It started to make Lucifer wonder about the things Lilith warned him about if he ever were to leave.

“Don’t stick around here,” Husk spoke up, sliding another glass towards Angel Dust. “At any rate, you’ve got what none of us don’t,” he said, looking down at the dirtied bar counter. “A dream.”

Lucifer then frowned. “None of you… have a dream?”

“Not anymore, toots,” Angel Dust spun back around to face the counter, trading Husk his empty glass for the new one.

“Oh,” Lucifer said dejectedly, staring down at the wooden floorboards. Something stung in his chest. Remorse? Empathy?

He wasn’t sure.

The farthest thing he remembers, however, is that he was created to dream.

And the wounding words of these poor souls, stuck in a tavern of their own pity… it pierced through the once holy heart in him, even if those days of his creations were far behind him.

A sound of rattling tools echoed from behind the railings of the second floor. Footsteps shuffled toward the edge. There were gentle hands placed on the cold rims of the railing. “I… had a dream,” 

Everyone slowly turned and looked up at a nervously fumbling Pendleton.

Pentious wearily smiled. “It’s a bit silly…”

A spotlight from seemingly nowhere suddenly shined on the hermit inventor. Lucifer ducked in surprise.

Alastor hummed in delight, throwing a knife just above the head of a quiet inn-goer. The man scrambled to the piano seat, notes crescendoing into the air.

Pentious cleared his throat and entered stage mode. 

“I’m a villain, mad and snaky,” he began, fixing his long hair behind his back. “My inventions?” he peered behind his feet. Then sheepishly smiled towards the crowd of people below. “Maybe flaky,”

Pentious removed his goggles from his face and placed them on his head. “And explosions-wise, my hands are far from cleanest,”

Lucifer glanced at Alastor who simply smiled sharply in return.

“Yes, some gadgets tend to break, or combust by my mistake!” Pentious leaned across the railing in a dramatic swoon. Then his voice broke. “And everyone just calls me a fraud genius.”

Lucifer frowned, but before he could find the words to chime in, the piano suddenly picked up its speed and tempo.

Pentious let an excitable grin wash over his sorrowful expression. “But Imagine I,” he placed his leg up on the railing. “A real inventor bright man!” Pentious hopped down, slipping on the edge of a stair and falling to the ground.

Lucifer weakly smiled, offering an awkward hand.

Pentious grinned, whisking himself up and continuing his speech. “With applause and patents that I could obtain!” he excitedly sang, dramatically waving a hand into the air with his other one on his chest.

“I’d be feared by all the nations!” He exclaimed madly. The inn snorted, but were thoroughly enjoying the inventor’s little charade. “For my mind,” Pentious tapped the side of his head. “And innovations,”

Pentious’s grin widened. He took hold of Lucifer’s hands and whirled around with him. “Cause buried deep inside, I’ve got a dream!” 

 

“He’s got a dream!

He’s got a dream!”

 

Lucifer failed to suppress a genuine laugh of enjoyment. He spun around with Pentious before the inventor let go and hopped atop the table Cherri was sat at. “See I’m not as slimy as you lot may think!”

Cherri smirked and raised her hand. Pentious blushed, taking it gently. “Though I do like breaking barriers,” he hopped down with the help of Cherri who spun him out wildly into a barrel. Pentious wobbled, watching the room spin. “You can deem me far much merrier!” he said through a slur of words.

He shook his head and found his balance, climbing on top of the barrel. “Like everybody else, I’ve got a dream!” He dove down with a rush of adrenaline. Cherri dashed forward with a mad grin and caught him just in time, spinning him around the tavern in her arms.

Lucifer watched in glee, glancing up at Alastor who seemed awfully content.

The random spotlight from before faded off from Pentious and landed on Angel Dust, who stood up on his barstool.  “I’ve got guns and drugs and issues,” he sang. “Plus too many men to kiss, too,” He winked and blew a kiss towards the tired bartender.

“And let’s not even mention my fam business,” Angel Dust hummed, stepping onto the bar counter. Husk frowned in response but did nothing to stop him. Angel Dust sized his arm up with delicate fingers from the other, “But despite these sleazy arms, and my night job and my charms,” he flirtatiously winked to the crowd of patrons.

Then, he grinned brightly, throwing his arms up in the air. “I’d really like to gleam with show-star riches!”

Lucifer laughed sheepishly, not wanting to know what exactly the guy meant by night job.

“Can’t you see me dancin’ in a spotlight rage,” Angel Dust sang, crouching down to the edge of the bar and hoisting Lucifer up with him. “Twisting around with sparkles at the seam,” the two clicked around on the bar counter, twirling and shimmying to the beat.

“Though I’m one disgusting horner,” Angel Dust slid down on the bar to his side with a hand on his hip. “I’m a performer!” he shouted, clutching his heart dramatically. Then, he grinned and winked. “And a fighter,”

He sat up, stretching his long legs, trailing his hands from his knees to his chest. “Cause way too deep inside, I’ve got a dream!”

 

“He’s got a dream!”

 

Lucifer laughed, diving off the bar backwards with sprawled wings. Alastor stepped forward, catching the angel from behind in his arms.

 

“He’s got a dream!”

 

Lucifer blinked, then smirked. Alastor rolled his eyes and proceeded to drop him.

“And I know one day my hard work’ll reign supreme,” Angel Dust stood back up, still dancing around while Husk frowned, wiping a glass that’s definitely been clean for the past hour or so.

“Though my jokes leave people scramblin,” Angel Dust leaned close to Husk on purpose. Husk pushed him away. “There’s a star behind them, cacklin!”

Angel Dust sprang up with sparkling eyes. “Like all you lowlife folks,” he pointed across the tavern. “I’ve got a dream!” Then proceeded to jump from the bar.

“Cherri likes to run and blow up bases!” Pentious popped up next to Lucifer, excitedly pointing toward Cherri who rolled a bomb around in her hand with a sharp grin.

“Baxter does experiment designs,” Angel shimmied up on the angel’s left side, nodding towards Baxter currently dropping liquid from a vial onto a dead roach.

“KeeKee reads your mind!” Pentious shoved KeeKee, a black and white cat, from out of nowhere in Lucifer’s face. Angel Dust did the same with his pet pig. “Fat Nuggets is sublime!”

 

“Mimzy sings,

The Egg Boi’s sew,

Niffty does roach puppet shows!”

 

Alastor slid in behind the bar, shouldering himself up against Husk in a demeaning manner. “And Husker collects ceramic cat-like poker chips~”

Husk grumbled. 

“What about you?” Lucifer leaned on the bartender, sparkling blue eyes blinking up at Alastor.

Alastor tilted his head. “Pardon?”

Lucifer blinked. “What’s your dream?”

Husk smirked, setting down the empty glass. “Yeah, boss, why don’t you dream?”

Alastor narrowed his eyes. 

Lucifer hummed knowingly. “You know, I could just.. Walk back to my tower and not give you that satchel,”

“Hah!” Alastor slid over the counter. “You’re far too determined to do that,” he walked past the angel and darted straight towards the piano. He shoved Rooster out of the way and began playing a matching tune for himself.

“I have dreams like you, quite freely!”

Lucifer paused in awe for a moment.

“Just much less.. Touch-y feely,”

Lucifer shook his head. He glided over towards the piano and rested next to the piano seat, watching with excited eyes at Alastor’s movement on the keys.

“They mainly happen somewhere dark and bloody,” Alastor sang ever so casually. “In a radio shack I own,” he bounced with the keys. Lucifer couldn’t help but bob along with him. “Grinning wide and far too known,” he sang. Then slid down the keys. “Surrounded by enormous bouts of screaming!”

Lucifer cringed, but still smiled, moving his shoulders in tune to the music as Alastor continued the melody. He sucked in a breath. “I’ve got a dream,”

 

“He’s got a dream!”

 

Lucifer grinned, hopping up on the piano. “I’ve got a dream!”

 

“He’s got a dream!”

 

“I just want to see the floating lanterns gleam!” His wings ruffled, singing with delight. “And with every passing hour, I’m so glad I soared out my tower!” 

Alastor's hands swayed on the keys. He peered up at Lucifer with a glint in his eyes.

“Like all you has-been folks, I’ve got a dream!”

The tavern busted into piano frolic, loud singing, cheering and dancing around tables and bars. Lucifer hopped off the piano and in the air. Six pairs of wings soared out from his back. He waved his hands up in the air excitedly. The sun beat right behind him through an open window, making all six rows of his wings shimmer in the sunlight.

The entire tavern stopped to gasp. Alastor still continued the melody, but stared.

His hands slowed, eyes narrowing knowingly. One good peer at the rows of wings and Alastor knew.

---

Heels scrambled against the dirt, kicking up rocks and scraping through grass. Roo panted, clutching the red jewel around her neck as she dived into the vine entrance.

She whispered something under her breath in a hurry. A red light engulfed her. Blonde hair cascaded down her back. Her leathery black and red ensemble turned into a sleek purple dress. She adjusted her gloves and continued through the second veiled entrance.

“Lucifer!” Lilith called out. “Lucifer, come spread your wings!”

She waited. Her heart pounded.

“Lu dear!” Another shaky call. “My love, spread your wings!”

Nothing.

Lilith whirled around the side of the tower. In a panic, she tore out a rock filled door, throwing the stones behind her in a craze. When there was enough space for her to fit, she glided through and tore up the stairs.

Lilith shoved open the secret trap door from below the floorboards, thrashing it open. “Lucifer?” she called again. She climbed out, whirling around the one small room in a frenzy. “Lucifer!” again. Nothing.

“Lu!” The tower was dark. Not even Basil was in sight. Lilith breathed hard, stammering in her steps. She backed up, heels hitting the edge of the stairs. She whisked around, widened eyes spotting something gleaming from underneath the board of one step.

Lilith crouched down, tearing off the wooden board to find a half-opened satchel. She took it out in an instant, ripping it open. She dug her hand inside, slowly pulling out a gleaming gold and red crown.

Lilith clutched it in her grasp, swearing under her breath. She dropped the crown, finding two more items inside.

A small knife,

And a wanted poster of Alastor.

 “Alastor might be nearing this.. Secret of yours,” That kingdom nobody’s words rang in her head. Lilith could practically feel the power draining from her. She got up, shoved the crown back inside the satchel and whisked herself down the tower.

Her pet did not belong to anyone else. His wings were meant to soar for her, and her alone.

And she was going to make sure of that.

Notes:

I edited the lyrics to I've Got a Dream at like, one random night at 1 am or smth LMAO. Hope you guys liked it 😝

(also shhh i know the name 'Angel Dust' wouldn't have been a thing yet but let's just ignore that ok)

Chapter 4: Wild Duck Chases

Summary:

Lucifer and Alastor find themselves in a high-stakes chase against Morningstar guards and The Vee's, ultimately leading to a rather soaking outcome.

Notes:

This is another fav chapter of mine ✨ It was legit so much fun. This entire fic was. I hope you guys are enjoying it!

“So, really,” Angel Dust tapped his half-full glass down on the counter, leaning invasively over at Lucifer. “What’s with the wings?”

“Uh,” Lucifer laughed weakly, awkwardly glancing over at Alastor and then back at Angel Dust. “I was.. Born with them?” he shrugged.

“No kiddin’,” Angel Dust sipped his drink.

“Yep,” Lucifer nervously nodded. “Came down from the skies like whoosh! Boom! Crash landed and all!” he exclaimed with wild hand movements.

Husk curled an eyebrow from behind the bar. “You don’t say,”

“Whew! Another roouundd!” Pentious drunkenly raised his cup. He hiccupped, tripping over his own feet and landing on Cherri.

Cherri grumbled, grabbing him by the shoulders from behind. “Total light weight,” she tried to hide a smirk.

Suddenly, the doors busted open. Baxter coughed, “I don’t mean to alarm you all, but—WOAH–!” a sharp spear pushed the small man out of the way. 

Lucifer attempted to turn but was suddenly yanked down behind the counter.

“What are you—?!”

Alastor shoved a hand over his mouth and shushed him through his teeth. Lucifer stiffened. He gulped, hearing the sound of boots clanking around.

“Where is the Radio Killer?” Vaggi pointed her spear around. The tavern murmured, pretending like they totally weren’t just singing and dancing around with the guy. “I know he’s here,”

Lucifer blinked. “Radio Killer?” he muffled behind Alastor’s gloved hand, raising an eyebrow unamused.

“Silence,” Alastor hushed. “Remember, your little lights hang in my balance, angel,”

Lucifer rolled his eyes, adjusting himself to fit under the bar.

“Aw, shucks,” Angel Dust snapped a finger. “Ya just missed him,”

Vaggi’s eyes narrowed, spear refusing to lower. Alastor barely shifted upward, glancing behind the head soldier. Two familiar statures walked in behind her, both handcuffed with swords watching their every move.

“This place is tacky,” Velvette scrunched her nose.

Valentino scoffed, getting pushed further inside. “Ow!” he yelped. “Harder next time,”

Angel Dust swallowed, shifting uncomfortably on his seat. Cherri placed Pentious down on a stool and approached Angel Dust’s side protectively. “What are they doing here?”

“They have information,” Vaggi said. “They know Alastor came this way.” She glared at the two criminals behind her, watching their moves like a hawk. “Where is he?”

“We don’t know nothin’ about the guy,” Husk responded. He lightly kicked Alastor’s shoulder under the bar. Alastor turned with narrowed eyes.

Husk looked down, glancing behind him as he pulled a hidden level disguised as a beer tap.

Lucifer’s eyes widened.

Alastor grinned, finally dropping his hand and climbing towards the secret opening. Lucifer followed suit.

“Thanks, uhh, cat guy,” Lucifer whispered with a strained smile and crawled through. Basil slithered around his shoulders, hissing in thanks. Alastor hummed, “You have a heart after all, Husker!”

Husk deadpanned. “Go before I change my mind,”

Alastor chuckled, “Like you have a choice,” with those parting words, Alastor crawled into the darkness. Husk sighed, pulling the lever discreetly as the opening shut quietly.

“Hmm” Baxter adjusted his goggles, peering at the wanted poster one of the Morningstar soldiers held up. “Nope. Cannot be him,” he shrugged, staring at the portrait of what was supposed to be Alastor, frowning as cartoonish as possible. “I’ve never seen the man without a smile.”

“Wh–Give me that,” Vaggi yanked the poster from the soldier’s hands. “Seriously, these are just getting ridiculous now,” she muttered.

“Captain Morningstar!” A soldier slid down from the stairs. “There’s no sign of the Radio Killer.”

Vaggi grumbled. “I swear,” she turned around, pointing her spear at the cuffed criminals. “If you two have any funny business—”

“Now hold on just a moment,”

The tavern paused.

Vox strutted inside with a foolishly sharp grin, fixing his suit with too much confidence and pride. “Please, forgive my associates, Mrs. Morningstar,” he shoved past Valentino and Velvette without another thought. “They just have wild imaginations,”

Valentino grinned. “I know I do,” Velvette nudged him in the waist, permitting a whiny ow! From Val In response.

Vaggi aimed her spear right at the man’s face. Vox simply smirked. “If you would turn your attention to the.. Mangy bar tender over there,”

Vaggi slowly walked with Vox, never lowering her weapon. 

Vox grinned at Husk whose eyes narrowed as he clutched the towel in his hand. Vox chuckled, “It would seem,” he knocked his elbow into the fake bar tap. Vaggi cautiously lowered her spear, eyes widening at the sight of the hidden tunnel opening. “That these criminals aided his escape.”

Husk stepped away, cautiously making eye contact with Angel Dust.

“A secret passage,” Vaggi whispered. She shook her head, “Come on. Vamonos, let’s get back on his trail!” she waved a hand forward. “You,” she pointed at one guard. “Watch Vox and his.. Partners. The rest of you, let’s go!”

Soldiers piled inside the entrance way behind their captain, charging forward with spears, swords and torches for light.

Vox chuckled. “If any of you are smart,” he waltzed towards Velvette and Val, punching the guard right in his face before he could raise his weapon. “You’ll know not to say a word.” he took a needle off of a table and clicked the cuffs on both of their hands. The chains rattled to the ground.

“Try anything with Angie,” Cherri stepped forward, shielding him with a hand. “And you’re dead.”

Vox rolled his eyes. “Please, we don’t have time for him right now,” he turned around. “Velvette, Val. Let’s go.”

“Ugh, where now?” Velvette fixed her curls obsessively.

“Obviously to find Alastor,” Vox responded sharply. “We’ll get there before those idiot guards do,” he pushed open the door with his hip. “And take back the Morningstar crown.”

Velvette rolled her eyes, following right behind him. Valentino fixed his coat, winked dangerously towards Angel Dust and left.

Angel Dust shuddered. “Fuckin’ creeps…”

Cherri frowned, rubbing his shoulder. 

The tavern went silent, tension filling the air that once rattled with cheer and singing.

“Hey, wait a moment,” Angel Dust looked around. “Where’s Niffty?”

---

Alastor creeped through the dark tunnels, one hand holding a torch he stole off the wall near the tunnel’s entrance. Lucifer swayed close by, eyeing around the dark caves.

Lucifer glanced up at his oddly content expression. Then hummed, “Sooo, you named the Has-Been Inn, huh?”

Alastor didn’t look back. “Indeed,”

Lucifer frowned when Alastor didn’t respond further. “You,” he pointed. “Created an Inn?”

“Hmm, I did not create the inn, no,” Alastor corrected. “That title goes to the Princess.”

Lucifer tilted his head. “..Princess?”

“Of Kingdom Pride.”

“...Huh,” Lucifer looked down at the rocky ground in thought. “Wait—You helped this.. Princess?”

“In a way, I suppose,” Alastor nonchalantly answered. “She wanted to build an inn for people to stay without worries,” he swished around a corner. “I helped her promote it.”

“Why?”

Alastor took a moment longer to respond. “Why else, angel?” he grinned. “Sheer absolute boredom!”

Lucifer chuckled lightly. “Is that why you murder people too?” he suddenly accused.

Alastor hummed, “Call it what you will. Only I know my intentions,”

Lucifer frowned uncomfortably. He peered behind himself for a moment before reiterating his gaze ahead. “You seem to know those guys pretty well,” he deduced. 

“Yes, well,” Alastor turned a sharp corner. “I do consider myself the host of the inn,”

“Really?” Lucifer glanced up, amused.

“Really,” Alastor nodded.

A quieter, pitchy voice echoed in between them. “Really!”

The duo stopped.

Alastor turned. Lucifer peered down.

Niffty smiled. “Hi.”

Lucifer yelped in surprise, jumping backwards. Alastor stepped back, blinking down at the little gremlin.

Alastor adjusted his glasses. “Niffty dear, what ever are you—”

“How the hell did you follow us?!” Lucifer exclaimed in a hurry. “And.. When? Wait, have you been following the entire time?”

Niffty giggled. “I heard everything,” she climbed Lucifer’s back. Basil hissed in surprise, crawling down Lucifer’s arm. “You’re interesting, angel boy!” Niffty grinned way too similarly to Alastor.

“Ah, my dear,” Alastor chuckled brightly, patting her on the head. “You’re as sharp as ever,”

“Okay, this is totally normal to you, why?” Lucifer grumpily asked, forcing himself to follow Alastor down the tunnels. Niffty clung to his shoulders like an odd parrot.

“I believe we’ve done enough questions about my morals and life story,” Alastor suddenly chimed, swishing around the torch as effortlessly as ever. “Why don’t we pick up our conversation from before the Inn?”

Lucifer’s face scrunched. “If this is about Lilith—”

“Yes, your… wife,” Alastor’s eyes narrowed.

“Oooh, wife,” Niffty cackled above the angel’s head. Lucifer tried to swat her away but to no avail did she leave.

“If you are so desperate to see these lights,” Alastor slowed his steps deliberately. “Why, pray tell, have you never left before?”

Lucifer looked down, slowing to a stop.

Alastor turned, humming curiously.

“I.. tried,” Lucifer swallowed. “Asking her, that is.” he corrected. “I.. well, you see,” he rubbed the back of his neck. Niffty watched closely. “Tomorrow.. Tomorrow is my—” a rock suddenly fell down, hitting Niffty in the head and barely avoiding Lucifer in the process.

Lucifer jolted, looking down at the caverns beginning to shake. “Uh–” he turned. “Al—?”

Heavy footsteps rumbled down the way the duo—trio—came. Lucifer backed up, knocking into Alastor in the process. Alastor’s eyes narrowed. He hissed a curse under his breath as the glint of Morningstar spears turned the corner.

“Alastor!”

Niffty blinked, grinning wildly.

Alastor pulled the angel back by the shoulders. “Come on now, dear!” he urgently pulled him into a sprint. Lucifer tripped on his feet, scrambling into the grasp Alastor had on his hand. Niffty cheered loudly on Lucifer’s shoulders. “Yay! Chase time!”

“Why is she happy?!” Lucifer shouted. Alastor chuckled in response, “There’s no point in adrenaline if you aren’t smiling!”

Lucifer would decode his weird logic later. Right now, he had to flee from kingdom guards thanks to his wannabe guide committing murder in the same walls he was trying so hard to reach.

They sprinted down more turns and corners until they finally reached the end blocked by weak boards. Alastor grinned darkly, hand still grasped around Lucifer's. He crashed the three of them right through the boards, skittering out to a stop at the edge of a cliff.

Lucifer heaved wildly. The sound of the army's boots echoed not too far.

Niffty cackled like a maniac. “Again!”

“Hm,” Alastor peered down from the cliff that led into water and an extremely far jump to the other side. “Rather convenient, wouldn’t you say?”

Another blocked entrance from below suddenly tore open. Velvette and Valentino strutted forward. Vox came out between them, clasping his hands together with mad eyes and a wild smile. 

Alastor’s eyes narrowed and he stepped back out of view. Lucifer peered over his shoulder. “Uh,” he blinked. “Who are those guys?”

“Adoring fans,” Alastor cooed, pushing Lucifer out of their sight. The rumble of the guards finally ceased as they skittered to a stop through the entrance Alastor tore through. Lucifer turned, “Do they count as fans too?” he snarkily commented.

Alastor chuckled, “Let’s assume everyone here just adores me.”

Lucifer frowned. “Right, yeah, totally believable,”

Vaggi tore through the front. Alastor stepped in front of Lucifer, shielding him from her gaze. Vaggi pointed her spear. “Come with us,” she commanded. “And no one gets hurt.”

Alastor barked out a loud laugh. “That’s adorable Vagatha,”

“That’s Captain Morningstar to you, Radio Killer.”

Lucifer blinked, whispering in thought. “...Morningstar?” Why did that name sound… he shook his head, feeling Alastor shift in anticipation.

Lucifer looked ahead. Down at the Vees, then back at the guards. “Here,” Lucifer shoved the frying pan into Alastor’s grasp. Basil hissed in thought, snaking up around Lucifer’s shoulders.

Niffty giggled, jumping off of Lucifer and wielding a sewing needle like a butcher knife. “Pretty lady,” 

The Morningstar guards approached and Alastor readied himself. He swung forward the pan, knocking one out straight into the ground.

Niffty cackled like a maniac, stabbing through the opened parts of their armor, twirling around their feet in a craze.

Lucifer’s two sets of wings sprang out and he whirled around a rock thrown his way from the trio below. “Woah now!” he nervously chuckled. He looked around desperately for an opening to get him, Alastor and Niffty through.

“Seriously, V?” Velvette deadpanned. “Rocks?”

“I lost the Morningstar sword, alright?!” Vox responded defensively. 

Valentino pouted with crossed arms. “Well, maybe if you weren’t so obsessed with this serial killer…”

“Enough,” Vox huffed. He pointed up with a craze in his eyes. “We found him.”

“And he’s with an angel,” Velvette’s eyes narrowed.

“Watch the angelic freak,” Vox pushed past the two of them. “And I’ll go deal with Alastor.”

Velvette scoffed, rolling her eyes. Valentino murmured something.

Vox chuckled. He sprinted forward, climbing up a rickety rope from the bottom. 

“Hah!” Alastor whacked a couple dozen guards to the ground. “Your screams are like show tunes to my ears,” he sang. Niffty cackled, twirling around Vaggi, poking her needle through the hole in her spear and swishing it around in the process.

Alastor hummed, satisfied at the bouts of knocked out guards at his feet.

“There you are,” a familiar grating voice entered Alastor’s ears. He turned, grin widening at the sight of his crazed follower. 

“Finally,” Vox climbed up, heaving madly. He took out a knife he pick-pocketed from the tavern and aimed it towards the killer. “I found you,”

Alastor chuckled. “I’m impressed. I thought that fall from the cliff rattled your brain around plenty!” he wielded himself with the frying pan.

Vox narrowed his eyes. 

Alastor grinned. “Don’t be shy now,”

“In your dreams!” Vox lunged forward. Alastor parried the sword with an immediate block from the frying pan. Vox laughed like a maniac, swishing around this way and that to attempt any sort of attack.

“Uhhh,” Lucifer hid behind a barrel from the peering eyes of Velvette and Valentino. He glanced over at the sight of Alastor in some sort of weird sword fight with Vox. Then he looked at Niffty tormenting the poor captain of the guards.

“Shit,” He peered over the barrel. Then he spotted a higher cliff and something clicked in his mind. “Oh yeah,” his wings ruffled. “I can fly!”

“Sloppy!” Alastor parried. “Too quick,” he grinned, ducking perfectly. “Far too obsessive!” he chuckled, twirling around.

“Do you,” Vox sliced through the air. “Ever,” another failed attempt. “Shut UP?!”

Vox charged up an attack that landed perfectly against the handle of the pan. Alastor flinched, watching his make-shift weapon go flying through the air and land in the stream of water below, whacking Valentino in the process. “FUCK!”

Alastor’s eyes narrowed.

Vox laughed. “Finally,” he twirled the knife in his hands. “I’ve waited for this moment!”

“Alastor!”

Both Alastor and Vox whipped their heads to the direction of Lucifer’s voice.

Lucifer popped out another row of wings. He backed up right against the rocky walls, narrowing his eyes, focused. Then, he flew forward. 

Alastor blinked, watching the blur of the angel fly towards him with open arms. 

“Got you!” Niffty yanked a strand of hair from Vaggi.

“Ow! What the hell–!” Vaggi finally threw her off, spear pointed near her throat.

Alastor slid right underneath Vox, yanked Niffty by the hand precisely at the right moment, just as Lucifer flew forward and grasped Alastor in his arms.

Vox stared up, mouth fallen and eyes wide.

Vaggi propped herself up on her spear with a similar look, watching the angel soar through the sky with a mad murderer and a chaotic sewing needle wielder.

Alastor couldn’t help but cackle at the look on Vox’s face. 

Lucifer’s heart stammered wildly. He peered down at Alastor who threw Niffty up on Lucifer’s shoulders with ease. Lucifer wearily grinned, surprised by his own efforts, unaware he even had any of that in him.

“Alastor!” Vox shouted. He turned around, whisking the spear from Vaggi’s hands.

“What are you—Hey!”

“Quiet!” Vox dismissed her. He stabbed the spear right in an extremely important beam that held up the wooden base of the dam just a couple feet behind them.

“Give me back my spear, asshole!” Vaggi stomped forward. Before she could yank it away, the beam finally gave in. Vox laughed as if he won the battle.

Vaggi whisked the spear away. Then paused at the sound of rumbling water.

“Uh—” Lucifer flew below the wooden slide of water. “Do you hear something?”

Vaggi took a step back, watching the wooden dam split open with an overflowing amount of water. “Shit… shit shit shit!” She pierced Vox’s collar with her spear and yanked him down with her, unable to avoid the stream of water that washed them down the hill.

Valentino groggily picked himself up, adjusting his glasses that fell off from the pan. Just as he put them back on, the water crashed into him and Velvette, sending them flying down the road.

Lucifer looked behind and his eyes widened.

“Ohhh…. fuuuuuuCCKKK!” he dipped down in an attempt to evade the water. The tip of one of his wings clipped the bottom of the wooden water chute, and he was sent hurling through the waves.

The three of them shot right into a dark cavern. Rocks crashed into the entrance, shielding them from outside light. Alastor barely yanked the frying pan that washed in with them before they were entirely trapped inside.

“OW!” Lucifer yelped, crashing right into a rock wall. Alastor coughed, tumbling out of the angel’s arms. Niffty smacked right into the rocks with a squeak.

Lucifer weaved, clutching his chest, wings twitching. Water began to pour into the cavern. Alastor scooted up and Lucifer followed suit until there was nowhere to move anymore.

Lucifer grabbed the pan and began trying to tear out rocks from behind. Alastor’s grin twitched. He turned around and tried his best to remove any as well.

“Come on…” Lucifer tried to stick the handle through. “Come on!”

Niffty turned around, stabbing her needle through nothing but hard rock.

Alastor grumbled. He peered down at the water, sucked in a long breath and dived underneath.

After a moment of silence, he came back up.

“Alastor!” Niffty ran to his side as he crawled onto the small piece of land they had.

“Shit…!” Lucifer chewed on his lip. He folded his wings and attempted to dive into the water. Alastor yanked him back. “Don’t be mad!” he scolded. “There’s nothing but darkness.”

Lucifer felt his breathing quicken. He swallowed, feeling the water pool around his arms. Alastor let him go. He rested against the rock walls, smile still evident, but telling.

Niffty frowned, clinging to Alastor.

Basil slid around Lucifer’s shoulders comfortingly.

The darkness began to feel like it’d swallow them whole, along with the water.

Lucifer felt his arms shake. He hugged himself, trying to slow his breathing. “I’m.. a moron,”

Alastor glanced his way.

Lucifer sniffled. “Such.. an idiot,” he wiped at his eyes. “This is my fault,” he said. Then laughed weakly. “All.. my fault..” he muttered. “Just like… it always is.”

Alastor went silent. He hissed through his teeth as a sudden sharp pain jolted right above his chest. He clung a hand to it, looking down at his now bloodied glove.

He must’ve hurled over a rock when he got pushed through.

Lucifer’s eyes went glossy and he squinted them shut. “I’m… sorry, Alastor,” his voice wavered, broken.

Alastor leaned his head against the rocks behind him. “Come now,” he said. “You aren’t feeling remorse for a murderer, now are you?” Somehow, his smile didn’t fade.

Lucifer hugged himself tighter. “You.. at least have people who care about you,” he whispered. “Like.. this little lady,”

Niffty blinked up at him and smiled.

Lucifer sighed. “You have a life worth fighting for,” he glanced down at his sorrowful reflection in the water. Then laughed pathetically. “What the hell do I have…?”

The water swished around their arms. Alastor breathed through the pain in his chest and gently spoke, “You have the most dangerous thing of all,”

Lucifer looked over at him with glossy eyes.

Alastor’s smile turned confident, but somehow, fond. “Hope.”

Lucifer blinked.

“It’s why you leapt out of that tower without thinking, no?”

Lucifer laughed weakly. “Oh, believe me, I thought hard about it.”

Alastor hummed.

Lucifer slowly frowned. “You…” he met Alastor’s dark brown gaze. “..Don’t have hope?”

Alastor struggled to respond.

He shifted against the rocks. Niffty watched with a curious glint in the eye that wasn’t obstructed by bangs.

Alastor peered at the water, looking at his face that wobbled in the waves. “...Mother.. she...” he trailed off, slightly shaking his head.

Lucifer slowly sat up, watching Alastor with careful eyes.

Alastor’s grin remained. But something about it felt different. “Alas, she left the world a long while ago,”

Lucifer’s gaze softened. And he smiled, looking away. “I had a daughter.”

Alastor raised his chin.

“Her name was Charlotte,” Lucifer smiled weakly. Imagining her sparkling blue eyes, messy blonde hair and adorable rosy cheeks. 

A knowing glint shone in Alastor’s eyes. “..Had?”

Lucifer frowned. “She… died.” he swallowed. “A.. long time ago. During the night, some… assassin or.. Whatever it was.. Snuck into our room,”

Alastor listened.

Lucifer’s heart hurt. But, he pushed forward. “And…” he wavered nervously. 

Alastor didn't know what pushed him to place a comforting hand on the angel's shoulder.

Lucifer breathed in, “Lilith.. ran away. With me.” he slowly explained. “She.. told me that they killed Charlotte and that…” he nearly broke. Lucifer wiped a tear away and pressed on. “That they'd be after me too. So…”

Alastor examined his expression carefully. “She keeps you trapped.”

Lucifer didn't have the energy to argue. “Trapped, protected,” he shrugged, the water seeping into his clothes made him shudder. “Whatever you want to call it…”

Alastor let his hand fall away from Lucifer's shoulder.

Niffty stared up, sitting right between the two of them with a calm smile. “I kill roaches before they can escape the Inn and see sunlight.”

The cavern creaked in silence.

Alastor grinned. Lucifer snorted. Then fully laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of the situation he was in. He leaned his head back, shoving a hand through his soaked bangs.

Alastor joined, cackling with glee. He opened his eyes, catching a soft glimpse of the angel in pure joy.

Lucifer sighed, putting in his own ridiculous fact. “My wings glow when I sing,” he hummed.

Alastor paused.

Lucifer did too.

Niffty innocently blinked.

Lucifer slowly met Alastor's equally widened gaze. “...My.. wings glow when I sing!” realization whacked the both of them in the chest.

“Wait a moment—” Alastor tried to process the sentence Lucifer had just wildly exclaimed.

“No time!” Lucifer shouted. “Okay,” he breathed in. “Here goes,”

“Lucifer—”

 

“Heaven gleam and glow,”

 

Alastor fully stopped. Niffty watched in awe, a bright smile spreading across her lips.

 

“Let your power shine,” The ruffles of feathers tucked around the cave slowly began to shimmer, one by one, cascading in a glow of gold.

It reflected off the water and shined against their faces. Alastor’s breath caught.

 

“Make the clouds reverse,

Fly back what once was mine,”

 

The water consumed them whole, just in time for the entirety of Lucifer’s wings to bask in a beautiful golden array of light.

Alastor held his breath, focused on the set of wings displayed before him.

Lucifer puffed his cheeks under the water. He tugged Niffty and Basil close to him and pointed down at a small opening in the middle of strewn rocks. 

Alastor snapped out of his thoughts and quickly swam towards the dark entrance. Lucifer held onto his pet companion and Niffty and followed behind. 

Alastor began throwing rocks immediately, digging through any attempt at an opening he could find. Lucifer assisted, only, his wings began to flicker. He hurried his efforts before the water could wring his wings out entirely.

Finally, the last rock was thrown out and Alastor cautiously helped Lucifer and Niffty swim through before diving past himself.

Alastor whacked against some loose rocks until one finally gave in, and the three of them were shot out into a passing river.

 

GASP!

 

They swam up for air, heaving and coughing urgently as they climbed upon a heap of grass, soaking wet.

Basil slithered off of Lucifer’s shoulders. Niffty grinned widely and began to roll around in the grass. “Freedom!” she cheered.

Alastor coughed, holding his chest in pain.

Lucifer got up on his knees. “C’mere,” he offered a hand. Alastor took it and hoisted himself fully out of the water. Lucifer smiled, standing up and helping Alastor to his feet.

“That..” Alastor wiped wet grass off of his vest. “Was an ability I did not see coming,”

Lucifer couldn’t help but giggle. “Yeah, well,” he slowly dropped Alastor’s hand. “Y’know, it doesn’t just glow,” he hummed knowingly, turning on his heel, marching forward to pick Basil back up onto his shoulder.

Alastor just blinked. He grumbled, holding the wound on his chest.

---

THUD

 

THUD

 

THWACK!

 

Water dropped out onto the grass. A pair of heels stepped out, dress soaked and covered. “I cannot believe you fucking broke the dam!” Velvette exclaimed.

Valentino heaved dramatically, crawling out of the small trap door. “I’m..” he panted. “Going to kill.. That fucking man.”

Vox climbed out last, suit wrinkled, hair a mess and dripping. “Ouch!” a piece of his sleeve caught on a nail sticking out from the ladder. “Hey, uh, a little help here?” he grinned.

Valentino and Velvette just stared.

“I am not talking to you right now,” Valentino turned around dramatically with crossed arms.

Vox grumbled, yanking his arm upward and tearing a piece of his sleeve out. He climbed up, slamming the trap door shut with his foot. “We don’t have time for this,”

“Time for what, V?” Velvette flailed her arms. “Chasing our tails like bitches?!”

“These wild goose chases,” Vox responded hastily. “Listen, we’ll cut him off at the kingdom—”

“No!” Valentino suddenly chimed in. “No, no, NO.”

Vox blinked, caught off guard.

“I am so over this bullshit!” He picked a stick out of his hat and dropped it to the ground to make a point. 

Someone creeped nearby. A red aura glistened, blonde cascading hair faded into crisp black locks. The woman adjusted her hat, peering around the corner, listening close.

A smirk fell over her lips.

“Yoo-Whoo,” Roo called out.

The Vees paused. Valentino blinked, mid wild shake on Vox’s shoulders.

Vox put on his biggest grin. “Lady Roo!”

“What a pitiful sight, I mean, really,” Roo laughed behind a black glove. 

Valentino let go of Vox rather aggressively. He turned around, sat on a stump with crossed arms and pouted.

“The lengths you nobodies go for an item like this,” Roo displayed the satchel with one finger holding the strap, swaying it like fish bait.

Vox’s eyes glistened madly.

“I’ll let you have it,” Roo hummed. “Or,” she sang. “We could make a deal far better than some measly old crown.”

Vox blinked. He chuckled, pushed back his hair and adjusted his tattered, soaked suit. Velvette scoffed and rolled her eyes, not even trying to put her two cents in.

“A deal, you say?” Vox stepped forward.

Roo smirked. “A striking one,” she continued. “One that comes with the revenge on Alastor,”

Vox’s interest was piqued a thousand times more than before, his eyes widened with anticipation.

Roo chuckled darkly, stepping down a makeshift set of tree root stairs. “You bring me back my pet,” she slowly began, teetering the satchel on her finger. “And I,” she stopped right in front of the brazen business man.

“Help you kill that criminal.”

Roo offered a dangerous hand. “What will it be?”

“You have got yourself a deal!” Vox placed his hand into hers without a second thought, securing the deal in place.

Roo grinned, slipping her hand away. She swung the satchel behind herself and hummed, satisfied.

Velvette glanced over at Valentino who continued to pout, waving a useless hand. Velvette shook her head and frowned.

Vox cackled, clasping his hands together. “The kingdom better be ready for some…” he peered into the evening sky. “Breaking news…!”

Notes:

The entire scene at the dam may be like my favorite scene I've written in this LMAO it was just so much fun to mess around with.

Notes:

You'll notice through chapters that it's not an exact play-for-play re-telling of Tangled. It's very heavily inspired, it's written with the same pacing of the movie, but I moved a bunch of stuff around to fit my own ideas and specific places characters would be and such.

Anyways, please do let me know in the comments when you would like updates!!! :D