Owner	Pose
Lucifer	Now everyone is back in New York. Things are all back to normal. The mirror is with the person it bonded with and no where near the ones who don't particularly like it. Everyone is still in the Djinn's favor. The drinks are flowing, the money is rolling in and nothing else is going to go absolutely terribly horrifyingly wrong. Nope. Not at all. Until he walks in. A man who by most measures would be the rough and tumble type. Scruff for days, eyes that are aged on a form that could pass for mid to upper thirties. Dark coat, dark pants, tattered shirt. He doesn't walk as much as he...saunter-stumbles towards the bar. Looking to the demon behind as he plops a velvet drawstring bag onto the bar top. "Whiskey. Neat. And your boss...if you don't mind."
Nick Drago	Nick is most definitely not the boss. But what he is is presently situated at the bar with a notebook open, a flurry of words are within, some lines scratched out, others with arrows indicating new positions in order and then others with notes to the side of the notes. He's distracted. But most definitely not the boss. The musician doesn't mean to eavesdrop. Nor is he making an effort to. But it's very rare that he sees a drawstring bag being dropped upon the counter to the side of him. Was he cast in a period piece without his knowing?
Sinister	Well, this is interesting. And by interesting, we mean at the moment, not very much so. When you live and breathe the Devil, live under the same roof, run your experiments and manage your future investigations out of the Penthouse of Lux, you often just ignore those that come calling for the Morningstar, fundamentally because it -does- happen quite often. People need and want favours, they have favours to give. These kinds of things are commonplace. A glance up from his position where he's reviewing his latest test files is all that Essex gives, his hand casually on the laptop and controlling it with nothing more than physical contact. Emails galore, running tests remotely by dint of will alone. BUt that does make him mildly distracted from the lingering memory of the Man in the Mirror.
Lucifer	The funny thing is that as soon as that drawstring bag hits the bar top, the demonic bartender is visibly....shocked. We'll say shocked. And he does go through the motions of pouring that whiskey neat - but soon as the drink is served, he's turning and heading down to the other end of the bar. No other demons approach him. The man just smirks, lifting his whiskey and taking a sip as he waits. The Devil makes no grand entrance this time. There's no telling where he's been - except Nathaniel will know he was upstairs - but that's it. There's no elevator trip. No changing of clothes. The Devil just appears. Behind the bar. In front of the man with the drawstring bag. And he looks -pissed-.
Nick Drago	Oh. What a time to have chosen to sit at the bar. The drawstring bag gets a brief glimpse but when Lucifer is suddenly there with anger on display. Nick tilts back a bit. While the look wasn't directed his way, there's a general...feel to the area in the near vicinity. And with scruffy having taken the spot beside him, he's in range. Turning his head slightly, he glances to the man who inspired such an appearance while one hand closes the notebook. The other, slides his beer glass to the other side of him, away from the strange man.
Sinister	Well, he's probably not going to roofie the rockstar, but that's not the only reason one asks folks to 'hold their beer' so to speak. And Sinister has a radio station in his head constantly tuned into 'Archangel FM' -- the anger hits him like a gunshot and he's looking up immediately from his work at the emotional punch in the cranium. That brings him to looking from objectee, to object of ire and the to the sack. To Nick. To the scruffy smug fellow and back to the devil. Wait a moment, where's the bartender gone? He rises from his seat, closing his laptop and tapping it once with his index finger, which makes sure it 'locks' quite firmly and starts a swift intercept proceedure.
Lucifer	Lucifer eyes the man for another moment before he opens his mouth to speak. Yet before he can get any words out, the scruffy man lifts a finger and shakes his head. "No. I'm not just going to hand it to you. Do you know what I went through to get this? This is going to take much more than you -demanding- that I hand it over." Invisible feathers ruffle. The bartender is on the very other side of the bar, and there almost seems to be a barrier that keeps other people from sitting anywhere close to the man and the Devil. Aside from Nick. But Nick was already there - so maybe moving the beer to his other side was a good idea. "Who do you think you are to even consider being able to come to me and demand things?" Lucifer speaks. It's low and growly. Though Archangel FM is playing something that Nathaniel has likely never (if rarely) heard before. Fear. "I'm the one holding the bag with one of your most precious items. Knowing that if I touch it. If even a single digit of mine graces the edge...I wouldn't even have to give you the courtesy of making a deal..." The scruffy man grins. "Yes. I have done the research. I have scoured the edges of the earth and back again...and you know what I have. Otherwise you wouldn't be so....vulnerable."
Nick Drago	Yes the beer's comfort was taken into consideration indeed. Should other things land on the bar where the scruffy one taunts, the glass shall no longer be in the likely path of collision. But...why would Nick even consider that a potential outcome? The musician remains quiet. He may not have been trying to eavesdrop before but the pair talking are making it INCREDIBLY easy to. What a puzzling description of whatever is contained with in. An object that mere contact would circumvent a deal with the devil? Sure there's the more direct interpretation but maybe this person means they'd rather ask Lucifer to do something rather than use the object to accomplish it. But then...What price of using the object would make it all the more worthwhile to ask first? ...Is the object in question dangerous to Lucifer? Better yet, is it truly in the bag? Lucifer probably can feel it. Ok fine, just the first query then.
Sinister	Sinister's approach is halted by the whiff of the unfamiliar. Oh, he's felt that before, because he's had it reflected at him from the self-loathing and doubt and genuine terror that something will go horribly wrong. The fear of the loss of the things he's only just acquired. It's a peppy tang, it is. And not one he /wants/ to be feeling. <<Nick. Something is very, very wrong.>> The thought is loud and clear.
Lucifer	Lucifer takes a breath, glancing over towards Nick and then towards where Nathaniel is approaching from. He'll have to tread this path carefully or his lover and his family may be in for the shock of their lives. If he remembers how this particular artefact works. Eyes full of hellfire shift to look at the scruffy man before him. "I suppose you have a once in a lifetime favor to ask of me? Something that you know I would never think of fulfilling..." Because - while his moral compass is a bit...eh - Lucifer /does/ have standards. "Oh. Not just one favor. No no. You don't get off that easily here, Lucifer." It's like this man knows the Devil. But he's not a known figure that anyone else has met before. Not Constantine. Or Crowley. Not Wick or MacLeod. Yet someone who seems to bear ... power. Or maybe the power is in that little bag? "No. One favor. Ever. That is all that gets you...and it will not bend to any other will but mine. Even then, I don't have the power to change the way it works..."
Nick Drago	Sometimes it is good to have one of the worlds strongest telepaths as a friend. Granted there are times when you have to deal with the general random weird thought being picked up by them but- then you get the 'DANGER NICK DRAGO. DANGER' mental messages to keep one on high alert. Such as now. Nick looks to Lucifer's expression. And the somewhat concerned looking glance his way and to where Sinister had been seated before. .oO(Yeah I'm definitely getting that feeling from here.)Oo. There is a temptation to try and take the bag from the stranger as it seems the source of the strife but, that might be what ends up leading to the unnamed man to use it. ...Whatever it does.
Sinister	Sinister nears at length, his hands sliding into his pockets. Well... as close as he's able to, at any rate. There might be a force holding him back. It isn't Lucifer he's looking at now though, nor Nick. It's the unexpected and unwanted guest at the bar -- details being examined in extreme focus, with the eyes of a doctor, a menace to society and the man that quite calmly executed a whole lot of the Friends of Humanity by making them end themselves in spectacular fashion. And now, the archangel that fell. Maybe this thing, this man, has hellish power? "You know, having power has its consequences," he casually informs as if the world at large DIDn't know that. Maybe there is knowledge to be gleaned in simply looking, when you've studied human psychology.
Lucifer	The scruffy man turns to look in Nathaniel's direction as the man approaches, a brow lofting and then he grins. "Oh. Look. Back up thinks he's going to save you. Thinks he can save the Devil from his troubles." He turns then, the velvet bag moving with him as he never truly let it go. "One favor? That's no deal. Guess we really are going to have to do this the hard way..." Lucifer hops over the bar, actually shifting to be between Nathaniel and the scruffy man. "You think you can take me on? Huh? Just because of what's in that bag of yours? It's a one trick pony. A one hit wonder. That's all it will ever be. So forget what you've read and studied and learned. That item. Is mine. I know the limit. The way it works. Everything. You have very little power with it. So just hand it over. I'll do you a favor. And we'll call it good." Mister Scruffy seems to actually think on this for a moment, and then the bag slips open and as quick as he can he speaks. "I think I'll try my luck..." And whatever he does to the item in the bag, it causes a swirl of purple-black smoke to envelope both himself and Lucifer who then disappear into thin air.
Lucifer	Lucifer places a placeholder because tradition was broken and it is NOT my pose.
Nick Drago	There's a problem with taking the time to formulate a potential plan for a potential situation. Sometimes you're not given the time to EXECUTE said plan when it turns out you should have. So all that leads to is plan B. "Shit!" Oh right. There was no plan B. Nick turns his head looking over to Sinister. The protected beer somewhat forgotten as he's instead giving a pointed look to Sinister. Any chance he can track where Lucifer was taken?
Sinister	No reply is given to the 'back up' comment. The scruffy fellow had absolutely no idea what kind of a back-up was possible there -- he might not be an angel, or a hero, or a nephilim, but he's patient as the grave and can do a whole lot of damage over a whole lot of time, very, very maliciously. But right now, there's a lack of Lucifer and the sack and scruff are gone. He stares at the spot. And then, there's the staring at Nick, with his jaw squared. "Come. We're going to go and get a bunch of things from above.... Just in case. I'll tell you which books to grab and which ... boxes." He turns, /runs/ to the elevator and holds it. Gathering equipment is important, if you're going to summon things, or banish other things. Or you know, compel things. And he's not very good at doing mystical things, other than the one time. But we do have a Drago. This IS important. "I can feel him. It doesn't matter where he is in the known or the unknown universe... I can feel him. And I can find him. It might just end up bring problematic -getting- to where he is."
Nick Drago	There are few things sadder than an unfinished beer. And yet. As Nick runs off after Nathaniel, there is one glass of magical black brew sitting forlorn upon the bartop. Scruffy's crimes are great indeed. The ride up is quiet but as the door parts open, the bing of the elevator's arrival sound signals the round of gathering items.
Sinister	At least one thing can be said for Sinister living in the same general space as the Devil. Whereas the devil is chaos incarnate, except when it comes to the organization of his ties and matching shirts and lapel handkerchiefs... he puts things out on whim, rather than by design half the time. Sinister is a scientist and definitely reorganizes things by logic and effectiveness and has put 'all the things you need for x, y and z' into bags and sealed tupperwares in one of the cupboards. He's rifling that now, floating over a few books... One is wards, one is summoning... another is reality pockets, which is odd. But there's now several tupperwares just sitting merrily to be collected, even as they exit the elevator and he goes to town with telekinesis. He himself, ends up in the middle of the room, pulling up a holo-map from the tech he's installed in the penthouse, pulling it out and out with a flick of his hand -- not just to the solar system, but to the galaxy beyond it, layered over the earth and the map. It's huge. "Now..." to concentrate.
Nick Drago	Amongst the vast amounts of troubleware stored in the cupboards, Nick momentarily has to blink at some of the black upon white labels bedecking some of the skipped over bins. Bunny uprisings? Wow. This man prepares for everything. Either way, bins are gathered and books implied to be specified are gathered. Setting the book of something down, Nick glances to the galaxy display before him. Did Sin lo-jack Lucifer?
Sinister	One must be prepared for everything. And this is one of those things Sinister /is/ very good at. The man prepares. A lot. For contingencies. You could call him machiavellian. "Right, button button, whose got your button, my deary..." This as he scans the known realm and a bit of the unknown. Feeling it out and staring at the map to allow his eyes to zero in on where he needs to look. "Did you honestly expect me not to be prepared for the man who lives by the idiom of what's the worst that could happen?"
Nick Drago	Well no but..." Nick turns his head to glance in the direction of the unused containers. "After we get Lucifer back, you'll have to tell me what led to the bunny box."
Lucifer	Does Nathaniel truly prepare for everything? Every little situation that could possibly happen? Does the map contain layers that would show him just where in the possible layers of universes and metaphysical locations Lucifer could have possibly been taken to? Without even knowing what was in the bag, is there truly a way for the pair who are trying to find Lucifer...even be able to have a starting point? The simple answer is maybe. The honest answer is quite possibly no. But as the duo is gathering materials, boxes, safety gear, books, trinkets, and any other things one could think to bring in this truly unexpected moment....the map that Nathaniel is looking at begins to glow. It's a purple shade - much like the purple that was mixed with the black smoke that engulfed Lucifer and Mr. Shady back downstairs in the Lux. The light grows bigger, brighter, and then the map does a more unexpected move and widens like a toothless mouth before lifting into the air, turning so the hole faced the pair of rescuers and then bore down on them with a swiftness. It's a quick thing. No time to think. No time to react. Just a moment of complete darkness and then... ...... ... . They appear at the edge of a pathway. One of four - going in each cardinal direction - with a circular section in the middle. The place is barren. Like it's always twilight here. The Devil stands in the center of the crossroads, and Mr. Shady is standing in front of him. There no longer is a bag in the man's hand, but something that looks like a key. A rusty key with a skull head on the top and two jagged spokes coming out the other end with ragged teeth on both of them. "I told you..." Begins Mr. Shady. "I went to the ends of the earth and back again to obtain this. And now that I have it...the power of you is in my very hand. I want ALL of my favors granted. And we won't be leaving here until you begin...and until I am satisfied with the results..."
Sinister	"I will make a point of it," Sinister informs the Dragon. Now then, what happens next is unexpected, but does promote ONE thing to happen, seemingly against Sinister's will. With one forearm coming up to protect his face from the mayhem of a sudden maw'd gate, he manifests one other thing. The wings come out and spread in a mantle -- only they're not just feathery black with red fringes. The colours match, but they're made of steel, like those of the mutant Archangel. That's different. They also look incredibly sharp and they do make a helluva better shield than just flesh and bone usually does. They fold only when it doesn't seem like he has to encapsulate anyone against being suddenly incinerated or the like. But they stay -out-. He glances at Nick, his face dispassionate, then to the devil in a bind at the cross-roads. Maybe this is ALL crossroads and why it works the way it does, when he's summoned there? Who knows. "Lucifer. Do you remember the thirteenth of February?" He asks, oddly. "Friday the thirteenth. The Wayland smithee."
Nick Drago	The events that come about next appear quickly, giving the musician just a moment to observe. A flash of metallic wings and then darkness. It is certainly weird the events taking place. Nick has never been eaten by a map before. ... Ok, there's probably a better way to phrase that but it is more or less what has occurred. And as the light returns, giving a glimpse of Shady still arguing with Lucifer. While sight has returned, there's still a bit of darkness remaining from the transition over here. A shadow that seems to pool at Nick's back as the mirrored version of the rocker looks on. ...Well, he's never been eaten by a map before. Seems that was just enough of a prompt to start to switch over.
Lucifer	Lucifer's ears twitch at the sound of a familiar voice and his lips curls into a grin. "How could I forget? Such an auspicious day..." He answers the question given by Nathaniel and then looks to Mr. Shady. "You know, Blake, there are many types of people in this world. I never really took you for one of zealousy..." He says this and then shrugs his shoulders. It seems as though even if there is a want to move, he cannot. "You get the Devil's Key... scouring the world for it...just to come to me and dangle it in front of my face like a carrot for a horse. The only problem here is... I'm not a mindless animal. If you want to stay here until your body withers away in old age - though you'd die of hunger or thirst before that - we will. And then I will pry the key from your lifeless corpse." So, Mr. Shady has a name. Blake. Not a very impressive name if there ever was one. Yet the man narrows his eyes and huffs a breath. "And I suppose your two friends have come to, what, aid in your rescue?" "The key does not make you anything but a keeper of my will. You have no immortality. No special powers. You could get shot between the eyes and you would die. Simple as that. So. The way I see it. Is you hand over the key, ask for your favor, and we all go our merry ways. Otherwise. I'm afraid your death is likely imminent. You see. My family never takes too kindly to my disappearing...they're rather fond of me that way..."
Sinister	"Good...." the key and its holder are observed then and Sinister approaches, without fear. The partial phantasming of the Nick is likely a good thing, though he looks over to the man with a small, thin smile on the face. "Nick, you know wedding vows are holy things. Yes? Or unholy things, depending on your perspective on the thing and who happens to be declaring a bond, before the eyes of the eyes of the Witnesses..." he sniffs softly. "I'd say that a tribute to the bond of an oath that cannot be broken, is something that /requires/ a bit of lyrical accompaniment, don't you?" He looks back at Blake, at the devil and with solemnity intones "...because this one seeks to hold dominion over the will of the first Fallen. And yet, the first fallen, gave his promises and his vow /of his own free will/ to another. Seems to me, to be a bit of a paradox."
Nick Drago	Pale eyes glance over to Sinister as he addresses Nick before shifting back over to Blake when blame is placed upon the man. Eyes narrow as Lucifer's promises of death to the interloper play in the back of his mind. Almost like a nudging from behind. A hand flexes, nails upon the hand seeming slightly longer than before but the glimpse is short lived as that very hand squeezes into a tight fist. It'd be so easy... Just a slash...No more threat. But there are options. There's a pause as performer fixates upon Blake. After some time, there's a blip. Just a blink. A curse But the mirroring is gone. "I see a man holding a key, Willing to stand here for Eternity. But what he fails to see Is the vow given in matrimony. Awaken Blake's senses, his eyes, open them. So he realizes that the power was never with him."
Lucifer	Blake raises a brow as Nathaniel approaches calmly and without fear. Speaking of a thing like matrimony. Wait. What? "Him? You...you married the Devil? How in the world does that work?" Lucifer grins, and then side eyes his husband as the man steps up. "About the same as it does for anyone else I imagine. Fall in love. Find someone who can ordain marriages. Sign a certificate. Have things officiated. Consumate. Et voila.." His ears flicker a bit and he shifts to look over his shoulder back towards Nick, a little smirk teasing the edges of his lips. "Free will. Mmn... I wonder..." And he tries to take a step forward, though it seems like there's an invisible barrier holding him back. Blake looks between Lucifer, Nathaniel, and the man behind the two of them singing...something...that sort of... pauses him. "...Well...I suppose I was being a bit of a nit... after all... this was something you asked of me to do... just...greed got in the way..." He holds out the key then. "Fine. For one favor."
Sinister	Well, if Sinister was expecting that NOT to work, he does have a very calm face about him. Merely the raise of eyebrows juuuuuuust a smidgeon when it actually succeeded. "It's a wonder isn't it? A tit for a tat. Deadly sins and all that jazz..." He looks to the devil, around the place and to the key. Does he make to take it himself? No, that's not his to take. Maybe his to be given, but not to take. "It's much less problematic when you just handle the one at a time thing."
Nick Drago	When Blake seemingly relents, Nick's lips press closed. The offered key is glanced at before he looks over to Lucifer. Whelp. Considering he's grinning, it seems like the most serious part of the encounter is dealt with.
Lucifer	Lucifer seems a bit skeptical either way. This could be a ploy. But there's no where else for them to go. The Devil's Key takes you to the Crossroads. The deal is struck where Lucifer gains no favor owed, no debt to be paid. Often he even gets the key back. Sometimes they run off with it. It gets buried. And the quest to find it starts all over again. The Devil approaches the man and key, reaching out to attempt to take the key from the man. "So. Blake Heston. What favor can I do for you?" Asking this, perhaps in an attempt to distract the man into thinking so he can rip the key from the man's grasp and take a few steps back to the center of the crossroads once again. The key is offered to Nathaniel. "My love. Can we put this somewhere secret. Safe. And away from the prying greedy grasp of humanity?"
Sinister	Sinister plucks the key up when it's proffered, looking at it singularly as it's held in his grasp. "I am rather certain I can make sure it's not found in a very long time, if ever again..." he replies with a frown, looking at the man that acquired it, to Nick, back again and then again around the cross-roads. This is just a little bit creepy, you know. And it's also just a little disarming to know just how powerful the spoken word can be, at times. Isn't that why poetry exists though? He stares at the surroundings a long time, then with a slow, deep breath, raises both his hands slowly toward the non-existent sky and the shadows that cloy around the place. The look of concentration he sports is quite profound, but more so when his wings flare and the key spins, glitters, becomes gilded for a moment, then simply... pops out of existence with a little sound, like the pluck of a finger in a taut cheek.
Nick Drago	Not entirely certain of the key's purpose save that it seemed important for it NOT to be in Blake's hands- Nick ends up dropping back to an observational role. Glance fixated upon Blake until the key is surrendered over. As the key moves over to the doctor's hands. Pale eyes meet red at a point in the exchange of glances. The message conveyed behind Nick's glance is likely much simpler. ...what?
Lucifer	There's a hint of tension in the air. Blake seems to be dumfounded a moment that he's lost possession of the key but after that moment seems to subside, he simply laughs. "Well. Here I was hoping to have just a few escapades at a life that could have been fun and thrilling for the last little bit I cared to enjoy it. Yet here we are. My favor then. My single ask. Is simple." He pauses a moment and then takes a slow breath. "I want to die. Sometime within the next month. I don't care how - except for murder or something like that. A car crash. A freak accident. It could be food poisoning for all I care. Rid me of this mortal coil...and since you now have the key...there is nothing I would owe you." Lucifer looks...taken aback. Death? Well. Suicide is a sin. At least some would lead one to believe. So dying by somewhat natural causes...isn't quite such is it? Perhaps more like...assisted...suicide? Though Lucifer can't find a way to or not to justify this. "Okay. I am going to do something...I have never done before. And believe me. After the shit you pulled... I really shouldn't even be considering this..." He pauses. "However. I do not like the premise of...finding a way to kill you. Believe it or not, I spend quite some time making sure people don't die. Unless they truly deserve it. So. This one is absolutely for free. When you get home, check your bank account. Then, spend a week. A simple week. Living your best life. If, after that, you still want this favor. Come to me. Otherwise. We'll consider the lavish lifestyle your favor of choice. Deal?"
Sinister	Sinister's hands lower to his sides and he blinks, just the once. Maybe that took him by surprise also, but now? With the pale meeting red, he simply smiles to Nick and examines the individual who wants to end his existence. There's usually a reason for such things. And with Lucifer offering his own deal and second chance, there is something he feels compelled to ask. "I have no such compunctions about ending you, you know. I've done worse to probably better people. But, I -am- curious.... why?"
Nick Drago	A request to no longer be. Well... Nick doesn't smile, nor does the revelation induce him to make such an effort afterwards. It does explain some things. When one is indifferent to dying, they can be quite capable of taking risks. And what more risk is there than to go to the devil's turf to threaten him? Although, the general stipulations given. Accident or a sudden illness. No murder. Like the death needs to meet certain conditions in order to achieve something. Like a life insurance policy. "Who is it that you'll be leaving behind?" Nick adds to the list of questions for Blake to answer.
Lucifer	"That's my business..." Blake spits out towards Nathaniel and Nick sort of at the same time to answer both of them at once. "And you don't know me, red eyes. Hell you could end me now and the deal would be satisfied." "Except you said no murdering. Though I suppose we could put 'died in the efforts of furthering science' on your certificate..." Lucifer quips and then tilts his head. "Blake Heston. Son of a dairy farmer. Farm went out back in 2020 when a pandemic hit and you could not recover. Your father left it to you, and now you carry the guilt of letting it rot. Not being able to carry on the family name of proud dairy and meat farming. Took a turn into some other ventures. Tried your best to make a new name for yourself.. nothing ever panned out. Then you got into conspiracy theories. Spent the better part of your recent life trying to prove or disprove as many as you could. Then this one came along. The artefact known as the Devil's Key." Lucifer tilts his head the other way and grins. "See. They may not know you. Take one look at you and think you're garbage. Your 'fans' may be getting tired of your antics. Your family is all but gone. You never married. Never had kids. Threw your life into something crazy to see what would pop up. They don't know you. But me? Do you forget who I am?" Then the Spectacle(tm) is given. Wings flare out, his eyes burn with hellfire and he Grins(tm) the only way the Devil can. "I am judge. I am jury. I am decider. Now. I asked a question. Death now, or luxury first?"
Sinister	Sinister keeps the eye contact, even with the spite that's thrown back at him for his inquiry. Nick had questions also, which now with Lucifer's enlightenment are .... ...well, actually no more clarid, are they? "Oh deary me, I do love it when they get all angry..." he says that calmly, watching the spectacle to behold, for it is usually wonderous. There is only one devil, he's got quite the reputation. There's only one Dragon and only one Sinister also, unless you count the replications, but there's a hell of a lot less fame, infamy and books writ about -their- exploits.
Nick Drago	"Well Fuck you too." Nick replies back rather quickly to the 'That's my business' line. Considering the response he got. No one would blame Nick if he opted NOT to try and continue helping. And for a bit, of time it seemed like that would be the plan. But... Something about the wish and the option given... "Honestly I'd take the luxury first approach." Nick offers up, despite the less than cordial response Blake had given earlier. After all, a sudden change in position can really do wonders for one's outlook in life. Giving a sigh he looks away from farmer in the hell. Arms folding grumpily.
Lucifer	The sight of Lucifer in most of His glory is actually stunning, and Blake takes a few steps back before actually falling to his knees. "Please forgive me. You're right. I am nothing. I had everything, and I lost it all. So I just want to end it... but I'm too chicken shit to kill myself. And I'm not really a...fan..of murder I suppose. I'll take the luxuries... and come to you again if I still decide the end is better than the life I have..." Lucifer rolls his eyes and scoffs. "Oh for the love of fuck, get off your knees. And go." He flicks a hand, a door opening behind Blake, bright white light shining with nothing seen on the other side. Blake stands quickly, looks as though he's going to say something, and then turns and practically runs through the door which closes soon after he exits. "I swear these people get more and more nutty each time that fucking key is found..." Lucifer mutters, turning to glance at Nathaniel and then Nick. "I'm sure you both have questions. Shall we return to the Penthouse for some drinks and conversation?"
Sinister	"Actually... yes. A few..." Sinister comments as the altogether human fellow bolts before Grace. Frankly, it still stuns, even him. There's been unexpected tears and feelings of being peculiarly unworthy a time or two, yes there has. A hand is proffered, because this is liable to be easier to accomplish with the one-two-hop port that Lucifer can do, when those wings are out. Travel between dimensions in parallel with heaven and hell, they are a thing. "Also my dear, do NOT try and find that key. You'll get a horrible headache trying. Nobody is liable to find it by accident, or even by intent without some severe effort and the ability to well..." he shrugs.
Nick Drago	Nick's glance shifts ever so slightly as the bright light disrupts the feel of the area they were in. Seems the guy has chosen life for a little bit longer. Source of the evening's assholery gone and the suggestion of a new venue to have their discussion presented, Nick nods. "Penthouse sounds ok." "...What exactly does that key do?"
Lucifer	Lucifer takes Nathaniel's hand and then leads him closer towards Nick so he can take the man's hand as well. Because, yes, they are about to travel inner-dimensions. Which is a little different than going from one place to the other. Still, the same purple and black smoke surrounds them all and in a blink, they are within the Penthouse proper once more. "Jeeves... coffee please..." And he claps his hands as if that's going to make the coffee make itself or something. "I would never dream to find that wretched thing again. Over the centuries it's caused me nothing but headaches... but I never had someone I could trust to keep it away. Most gain their favor and then run off...and please don't ask me how. Prophecies, cultists, zealots... I've dealt with them all..." He offers while he moves to plop down on the cushy couch. "Anyway. If you didn't catch it. The artefact is called The Devil's Key. And... Blake was pretty much making a show of what it does. Who ever finds it is able to gain a favor from Lucifer - me - with no contractual obligation back to me. The -kind- thing to do is to give the key back to me....want to gues how many times that's actually happened?"
Sinister	"I would say, not many. Probably precisely zero --" Sinister shrugs his shoulders, stretches the wings as they manifest back into the penthouse and promptly lets them 'fold in' on themselves until he's rolling each shoulder in turn and his neck after, left and right. Gone, metal feathered and sharp as they were, they are neatly put away. He clicks his fingers. The coffee machine starts percolating, because sometimes you just want it to get going and not think. "And why was it created in the first place? Pouring your will into it... it feels like it was an accident. Or not your idea. Or was it? Was that one of those WTWTCH decisions?"
Nick Drago	Upon them arriving back at the penthouse, Nick lets go of the offered hand that made the travel possible. "I was leaning towards 'few and far between' for my answer." He comments to Lucifer, "So the key is essentially a coupon for a free sample service?"
Lucifer	"No. No it was not. It's the power of believers. It was created by a cult way back in...." He mutters a number and waves a hand in the air. "You know. Before the rising of Christ and all that shit. It didn't hold any power at first. Yet the more people put their faith in it, the more it gained momentum. Until, one day, there I was happily dunking Hitler in the lake of fire for the ten thousandth time that hour...and all of a sudden. Poof. I'm no longer in Hell. I'm at the Crossroads. There's a funny little man speaking at me in...some...language. Mezopotamian or something if I remember." He takes a moment to think on things. Remembering that moment like it just happened yesterday. "Anyway. Favor. He ran off. I didn't think anything of it. Lather, rinse, repeat. Until I finally realized the power it held over me...but it stays hidden for so long, it's almost like I juuuuust forget about it's existence and then what happens? Another haphazard archeologist summons me to the Crossroads." He looks to Nick then and nods. "That was probably a better summary than my long winded explanation."
Sinister	Sinister shakes his head faintly at all that. "Gracious me. Belief creates reality, creates empowerment -- that is wholely awkward, I'm sure." He glances at the kitchen, floats out cups, cream jug, sugar, whiskey, a tray and the coffee karafe and it moseys on over to the coffee table. For once, furniture will be used for its INTENDED purpose, dammit! "Rules, I suppose. How great power comes with great... oh dear, no, that sounds like I'm quoting someone."
Nick Drago	Noting the cue from the floating coffee adornments, Nick ends up taking a seat near the coffee table. "If the source of the key's power comes from belief, then couldn't you introduce another aspect to said belief indicating that the key is a one time use only thing and that part of the process involves handing said key over for the favor?" His coffee prep is simple. Just the coffee. No additives. Quick and to the point. "Going along with the coupon analogy most of those include some kind of fine print like an expiration date or additional terms and conditions to prevent abuse." What? Like you've never been stuck in a line with nothing to read except for the fine print of coupons?
Lucifer	Lucifer smirks at Nathaniel, especially at the last bit, and he bites his tongue on a comment that he could make but does not. As the coffee reaches the table, Lucifer does his own telepathy tricks to pour himself a cup of coffee with a little sugar and some whiskey. "Right. But if I didn't have a say in making the key or giving it power, how was I supposed to influence it beyond what it was doing? Plus, I only ever had the key in my possession a couple of times. Literally." He shrugs at this and then brings his cup towards himself, taking a slow sip. "And it's all a moot point anyway because now the key is safely stored away in a place I know nothing about the existence of and unless someone decides to try and be powerful enough to search Nathaniel's mind well.." He sips his coffee again. "They would have to know that the key exists and no one knows where it is. Which means I might have to do some document hunting. Perhaps attempt to eradicate anything that even hints to it's existence..."
Sinister	"Well, I don't want to be a boor or anything, but you -do- have an entire church and cult lavishly devoted to you and the sense of complete personal freedom. You /might/ consider a visitation and a mention in the right ear there." Sinister casually mentioned, pouring himself a coffee, black as sin itself and hot as heck. Hell's hotter you see. "That would... skew the results, eventually. Extraneous factors interfere with experimental protocol, nine times out of ten, that's why you attempt to purge them from a objective." He shakes his head a little though, easing back into the seat and sitting prim, but somehow quite relaxed with it. "I do have to wonder just how many other peculiarities there are out there, which might roll obligingly over our doorstep."
Nick Drago	"It might be a moot point now. But you've got a lot of time on your hands and a lot can happen." Coffee mug in hand, he slides back in his seat, nodding to Sinister's suggestion about visiting the cult. ... of course there's a cult. "Might as well hedge the bet a little."
Lucifer	"But those are so dull...." Lucifer half-whines at Nathaniel when he mentions dropping in on the cult and church. His 'followers' and 'believers'. "Ugh and to think they're just going to bow before me and make me offerings and try to tell me I'm their favorite..." He seems to pause a little then. "I mean, could I really subject myself to all of that?" Okay. Now he must be joking. "That could be on the list too... but texts and parchments and things like that must be scoured for..." He offers this and then glances to Nick. "Hedge what bet? Who's betting against me?"
Sinister	"Probability?" Sinister replies to the question. "Eventually, what goes around will come around again. Contingencies are important in that and you're not working alone or with a whole lot of demons and sicophants any more, right?" There's a grin, with dimples and a sip of coffee, a swallow and a sigh over the flavour. "Just a hint of chickory, very pleasant." And then with a brief sniff, he crosses his ankles, shifts slightly and angles his body oh-so-minutely toward the two men, lover and distant family-by-choice. "I think there's a few of the cult members that are less about the bowing and the robes and more about the personal growth. You know, that must be wholeheartedly odd. I've had one or two incidents where there's been peculiar hero worship in my life, but fewer times than I can cound on one hand."
Nick Drago	Nick's brow raises a bit to Lucifer's question but as Nathaniel offers up an answer, he nods. "... Basically, take steps to ensure if that key does make out of its hiding place that the problems caused by it are minimal, if any." When Sinister brings having a couple incidents of hero worship, Nick looks over to him curiously. Like as a researcher?
Lucifer	"If that key makes its way out of wherever Nathaniel put it..." Well, Lucifer shouldn't threaten the man. Things happen, and in their lives, they ought to prepare for everything. "...it wouldn't be the end of the world...but I'd be kinda upset. Maybe we should put a tracking device on it..." He begins to think then before shrugging his shoulders. "Anyway. Fair enough. I'll just scour the world for records, cults, churches, and anything that has anything positive to do with me and... spread some good word.." Right? That's what his dad did isn't it? Oh goddess bless. Is he turning into his father?!
Sinister	Essex glances beneath lashes at Nick. Thoughts. "More like as a figure of inspiration and emmulation -- even Betsy uncovered a little hero worship with the damn cult that was ... borrowing... some of my proven research findings." He clears his throat, takes another sip of the coffee and nods, sliding the sidelong at the devil thereafter. We all become our parents? Oh gods above and below, that would be a terrible proposition for some. "What makes you think I haven't already?" he asks with a chuckle, voiceless. "I can, so I did. As I can find you, I can find it. No matter where it is, it contains a tiny fragment of the psychic mesoplasma that makes up my mind." Pause, beat. He looks back at Nick. "If you can do some work also, that will probably help. Seed the internet with a few ideas, that ought to slide things sideways a bit. On the upside, global faith is on the decline for monotheism."
Nick Drago	"Ah." Well technically it was research related. He sips his coffee as he listens to the explanation to what Sinister did with the key. But to the mention of how he can help, Nick lowers his mug. Seed the internet? He's not a hacker like Skye. Nor is he a blogger... Although there's always music and interviews. But- how does one segway into such a conversation? Oh by the way Jimmy I've been looking into some weird writings and came up with this really interesting bit about the Devil's Ke- Oh we're going to commercial? Alright!
Lucifer	Lucifer downs the rest of his coffee and then glances to Nick. He sees the sort of confusion on the man's face. "You know, like spread some stories. Go on...what is it. Twitter? Reddit? Use a name no one would recognize and plant a few thoughts here and there." He's pretty sure that's what Nathaniel meant. Then he looks to Nathaniel proper and smiles. "Of course you did." Put a tracker on the key of course. "So that's one worry off my mind... but this is going to take some time to research and eradicate. So I appreciate any extra help..." Offering this to both of them and then he leans back a bit. "At least what's done is done. Thanks for coming after me... I figured you would since neither of you knew what I was dealing with. There's some fucked up shit out there."
Sinister	"Yes, that there is," Sinister murmurs almost as an afterthought. He gazes blindly at one of the bookshelves for a moment, then after a second there's the smell of ozone, the ring of energy appears over beside it and tentacles decend, to begin putting the tupperware wtwtch cases and the books back where they belong. "Well, yes. There is that little thing, but you, my dear Nick, have the power of fame on your side. You're popular and your voice reaches millions and millions. You are, in your own way, a modern day prophet." He smiles crookedly, "...it would be quite a thing for a few half-finished, secret tracks with interesting lyrics, reached the internet and became viral."
Nick Drago	Nick pauses to the suggestion. "Hmm." What was that thing Sinister almost said earlier? With great power comes- -A lot of unforeseen consequences. "It wouldn't be a quick thing." Nick allows, "Especially since we're trying to cut DOWN on people abusing this than increase the amount of people seeking it out. Also it might not help if I wrote an accidental summons."
Lucifer	"Well. We should have some time to put better ideas together. Perhaps it's best to let today settle out and come back to it with fresh minds later." Lucifer says this and then goes to refill his coffee. "Are you hungry, Nick? We could order take out or... something...if you wish." Cause when you don't have to eat, food is either dependent on mood or hosting others less fortunate. So food, coffee, and conversation. All in all a calm reprieve after an eventful moment.
Sinister	"There is that..." is mused by Sinister, but there's a sucking in and chewing of the cheek at the rest of the general consideration of an idea. Ideas formulate plans, later in the game. And it's always good to read the chess moves six or seven in advance... at least. "I recommend the local shwarma..." is said "...and after dinner, we can talk about who the hell Ramiel is." Because cliffhangers. And topics neatly sidestepped.
Nick Drago	"Yeah..." There definitely won't be a resolution to the key thing tonight. But even if they eliminate a few ideas, that's progress, right? But first, the potential for a quick family dinner. Delivery counts. "Starting to feel a bit hungry." Nick admits, "I'll probably be fully hungry by the time the food gets here if ordering delivery." Man that's a lengthy way to say 'Yes.' "And Shwarma sounds good." Nick adds in, accepting Sinister's suggestion. Although he doesn't add on to the comment about Ramiel. With so much going on, is it any wonder that the topic of the Jinn's final comments didn't get fully discussed?