The Devil Within

Celestial Problem Children

"You're the embodiment of Life," you whispered, your eyes wide.

"Dear, I'm not the embodiment of anything," Life said, waving her hand as she giggled. "I'm Life just as he's Death." Life gestured to her brother as she observed you. "I'm sure Death over here told you I didn't believe you were here."

"He mentioned that," you said, a nervous smile on your face as you sent a quick prayer to Raphael. Death's friend is Life. That's who I'm meeting. 

"Life?" Raphael questioned, shocked at the news. "No one has spoken to her since before Lucifer fell."

Should I be worried? you asked, already starting to worry.

"If Death is fond of you, you have nothing to worry about," Raphael assured you. "She shares the same values of the Natural Order as he does."

My existence defies the Natural Order, you argued. 

"Death finds you endearing, she won't harm you," Raphael restated. "I promise you, Life can be unkind, but she is fair. If there is anyone she would be mad at for your situation, it would be Gabriel after what we just discovered."

"Do you always space out like this when speaking with your Archangel?" Life asked with a giggle, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"Oh, um, sorry..." you apologized. "I promised I would keep him updated..."

"He's quite protective of you," Life hummed, a fond smile on her face. "With good reason, of course."

"The Blessing on her hand is certainly a motivator but it seems she's also captured the hearts of each Archangel," Death hummed, walking behind you and gently taking your shoulders. "She has Lucifer head-over-heals for her."

"I think that's a bit of a stretch," you chuckled nervously as Death pushed you to the nearest chair. 

"Life, have I mentioned that Lucifer introduced her to Ramsey?" Death said, looking up at his sister. 

"No, Death, you haven't," Life said, surprised as she turned to you. "No one meets her unless they are special to Lucifer or are Ramsey's next meal."

"I guess I am special to him, then," you said, still a little nervous as Death gently pushed you into the chair. You desperately wanted to change the subject and looked around, deciding that your surroundings would be the best topic to discuss. "This place is beautiful. Is it your garden, Life?"

"Oh, this old place?" Life gushed, sitting down as she cupped her cheek. "It was a collaboration project but someone took all the credit." Life rolled her eyes as she flicked her wrist, making the teapot float into the air and pour her tea. "But that doesn't make Eden any less beautiful."

"We're in Eden?" you questioned, staring at her. 

"Yes," Life hummed, nodding. "God- oh, excuse me -Chuck abandoned it eons ago after kicking Adam and Eve out," Life huffed, looking at the garden around her. "I decided to keep it maintained as a home for all living creatures. Even the angels are allowed in as long as they notify me beforehand."

"Well, I can think of one that would appreciate coming to see Eden after so long," you said, watching the teapot pour its contents into the cup in front of you.

"Lucifer, right?" Life asked, a small smile on her face. "Y'know, he was such a curious sweetheart way back when."

"Raphael mentioned that Lucifer used to come down to Earth a lot before humans were made," you said as Death finally took his seat. "But I don't think anyone has described Lucifer as a sweetheart," you started giggling at the thought. According to every single angel you have ever talked to, none of them would describe Lucifer as a sweetheart even before the time of man. He was ruthless and calculated even back then, only showing a more playful side when things got slow in Heaven and he wanted to play a prank.