The Duality Of Shadows

Chapter 3

The elevator went down at a snails' pace, what was a simple drop off, get the money, return back to the store turned into entering an employees-only hallway into a shiny elevator leading to the lowest level of the building. The more Charm thought about it the more bewildered he became, he started to wonder if Sahara would be ok. Lucifer seemed as carefree as ever as they watch the floor numbers slowly change, it felt like an eternity as they stood there. Charm couldn't help but stare at Lucifer in wonder, he didn't understand how Lucifer could remain so calm. The staring lasted until Lucifer started to stare back in mild concern.
"You ok there? You seem to be staring at me..."
Charm shook his head, having been snapped out of the trance he was once in and chokes out,
"I'm just wondering how you can be so calm."
"Practise"
"You've done this before?!"
Lucifer laughs half-heartedly at the bewildered face Charm makes but shakes his head, Charm sighs in pure relief.

After what felt like ages the elevator bings loudly, Lucifer is already at the elevator doors as soon as he heard the bing, his discomfort actually showing now. The doors move painstakingly slow as they slide open and a high pitch scream of desperation enters the elevator and attacks both of their ears. Lucifer instantly steps back prepared to defend himself if necessary while Charm covers his ears, shaking as to not hear the deathly scream as it rings.

After what felt like an eternity Lucifer spots Charm and puts a soft hand on his shoulder to signal the screaming had stopped, Charm hesitantly uncovers his ears, the only noises he could hear were inhumane grumbles and pained cries. He couldn't help but shudder to hear the echoing noises, he wanted to get out of here and fast. Lucifer watched in surprise as Charm started walking ahead, yet he grew concerned when Charm stopped and looked horrified at his surroundings.
"...Luci, cages...there's cages everywhere..."
Lucifer's eyes widen in pure animalistic panic as he practically jumps into the room. As his eyes see the neglected cages, he visibly grows enraged.

The rusted cages were filled with gunky creatures, reaching and stretching out the cages, all different from the next. Bones were peeping out from the ooze, deformed human bodies all black with animal bones. Lucifer released a feral snarl which made Charm jump, he had never heard Lucifer so angry before. Let alone hear him snarl, it didn't sound human. Not one bit.
"Hey uh, Luci..."
He had no idea what to do, he was lost in this scenario but he'd rather not have an angry Lucifer on his hands, especially since they are in an area they are definitely supposed to not be in right now.
"...we should go."
Lucifer kept staring at the cages entranced however, until an unknown voice rang out
"Hey, YOU TWO ARENT SUPPOSED TO BE DOWN HERE!!"
Lucifer snapped out of it as Charm roughly grabbed his wrist and ran, they kept running and when they were out the darkened cage room, they opened as many plain doors as they could for a hiding space anywhere would be good right now. Charm finally opened a mildly deserted broom closet and sighed, dragging Lucifer in with them and closing the door behind them.

The only problem with this broom closet is, it's very small and compact. So here Lucifer and Charm are chest to chest in a small compact space quietly listening and begging no one will enter.
"...at least take me out to dinner first."
Charm almost choked hearing that sentence,
"...I'm just kidding."
"Luci, are you really trying to joke now ?"
"I mean why not, we are underground and could be caught so...better to make the most of it now right?"
Charm visibly rolls his eyes and leans towards the door listening for any noises, he hears nothing after several minutes.

Charm sighs in relief and slowly stares hopelessly at Lucifer,
"I think they've left..."
Lucifer slowly raises an eyebrow and attempts to shrug however the compactness of the space restricts him from doing so.
"It probably is a better idea to wait a bit longer since they could very quickly run back and see us again you know?"
Charm eagerly nodded, only to smack his head on the wall causing him to slightly curse and Lucifer to softly chuckle. Silence hangs over them as they wait until Charm decided to slightly raise his voice.
"So in the cages, you know those thi-"
"People."
There was harshness in Lucifers voice as he corrected Charm.
"...sorry people, what...were they doing in there??"
Lucifer sighed and looked at Charm expectantly, after Charm stayed quiet, however, he decided to explain.
"They've obviously been kept here against their will. I don't know what happened but they seemed to be in pain."
"Oh."

Another silence rings over them as time ticks by, this time not as comfortable as the last. Charm hesitantly puts his ear against the door and listens, once again only silence is heard.
"I think we should move, no one's out there and I already know where we need to go."
Lucifers eyes narrow in suspicion but he slowly nods none the less, he changes his demeanour however and looks at Charm a hearty smile on his face.
"After you Charm."