Helping Hand of the Fallen

Chapter 6: Shadow's Twirl in a Whirl

Lucifer returned home exhausted after a long day of conjuring. There was a lot to create, and he only stopped when Charlie insisted, her kindness showing as she didn't want her father to overexert himself. Lucifer had brushed off her concerns with a grin, reminding her that he once conjured the entire Morningstar Castle—a fortress for Lilith and later for Charlie herself. This much work shouldn't tire him out, or so he thought.

Well, apparently years of disuse had made him rusty.

He still managed to complete the task, of course, but seeing Charlie's worried expression made him realize that taking the rebuilding project in stages might be wiser. At least everyone seemed content with the mini dormitory he had built two days ago for them to stay in temporarily.

Stretching out his wings and limbs, Lucifer let out a contented exhale.

"Well, it's been a good day at least." He still needed to sort out Alvern's dinner, but instead of cooking, he could always just conjure something up with magic.

Flick.

With a tired yawn, he followed through with his plan and was about to check his cupboard for his fluffiest pajamas when something dark shot out from it instead.

"Ack—!" His yell was cut short as he fell on his backside. "Whispie? Good Lord, you startled me." The shadow made a motion as if cackling in amusement while Lucifer shook his head.

A pair of trolls—the summon and its master are just the same.

Lucifer was simply glad that it didn't startle him enough to trigger his angelic form. Then again, something drastic would have to happen for that; after all, the devil had perfect control over it.

"Anyhow, what are you here for, Whispie? Did Bambi kick you out? Is he being an ass about the food? Did he send you to fetch me for something?" he asked, petting the shadow as if it were a tamed pet, like a twisted version of KeeKee. Then he stood up once more, brushing the dust off himself, not exactly angry at the shadow.

Meanwhile, Whispie shook its head, then nuzzled itself against Lucifer's hand, making him chuckle. 'Since when did they get affectionate with me?' Maybe it was because he had saved its master from literally dying again and again. But it wasn't something he could figure out.

At least it's clear that Alastor doesn't need his help right now, so Lucifer could take his time before checking on him one last time before retreating to actually rest.

"Are you here to greet me, then, Whispie?" he tried, and in response, he received both a nod and a shake. 'What's that supposed to mean?' the devil mused. Then he noticed the shadow circling around the broken microphone he had found earlier.

"Ah, right. Bambi's mic. You're here to take that back to him?"

The shadow seemed to ponder for a moment before it took the broken mic and pushed it toward Lucifer instead.

"You want me to fix it?" The gesture was clear, and the nods he received confirmed it.

"Hmm, sure. Shall we surprise Bambi with it? Keep it a secret until then?" The shadow seemed to approve of that and began swirling around in joyful circles.

'How adorable,' Lucifer thought, finding it hard to believe he was thinking that about a murderous shadow summon like Whispie. Then again, Niffty was the same. And they were in Hell, after all—who wasn't a little bit murderous?

"I'm a bit worn out today, so I'll just take a look at it for the night," the King informed the shadow, who tilted its head before nodding slowly. Not that its approval really mattered against his decision.

"Well, run along now. Won't Bambi look for you if you're gone too long?" Lucifer asked, but the shadow shook its head.

'I guess Whispie can form many clones anyway,' he thought. Since the shadow wasn't being actively annoying, Lucifer didn't mind it sticking around.

As if understanding that it was allowed to stay, Whispie darted back inside the closet and emerged with a familiar outfit—the very one Lucifer had planned to wear a moment ago.

He laughed, "Good pup," and petted the shadow's head once more before taking the folded outfit.

With a flick of his hand, Lucifer cleaned off any dust, and his dirty clothes were replaced by the pajamas.

"Now then," Lucifer said, reaching out to the shadow, which slithered around his arm as if escorting him. "Shall we check up on Busboy, then?"

He chuckled softly, "Don't bite me now," and, with the shadowy being in tow, he made his way to Alfonzo's room.