章節 46: Dues
As the Morningstar descended on the Bifrost, he walked upon it towards the gates of Asgard. He was completely at ease. It was akin to a man taking a stroll in his own backyard.
In a sense that may soon be true.
As he arrived before the golden gates he saw that its guards have left their posts. He knew Odin had a plan, the shrewd old coot would most definitely attempt to convince him to spare his kingdom.
Yet, of course Lucifer already expected that. It is for that reason he worded his words so tightly, but also In a way, so open.
The Devil will receive his dues.
Lucifer put his hands on the gate and walked forward, opening it.
When he saw the sight before him he immediately understood the shrewd old man's plan, for before him were not only the Aesir, but their worshippers as well.
The worshippers prostrating before the Lightbringer in plea to spare their gods. This was Odin's threat and offering.
By sparing Asgard, the story of Lucifer, who will be seen as a mighty God of Destruction that Thor had incurred the wrath of will be spread, which is one of Lucifer's goals. To burn his tale in all of humanity's stories.
It is a threat hidden behind a story of mercy. If Lucifer truly killed all the gods, then the same catastrophe that occurred upon Uruk will descend upon Midgard also.
Odin knows the Morningstar to be just and merciful, never raising a hand against one who he deems innocent.
"Oh, Star of Dawn, we beg of thee, spare our gods, for without them we will be without guidance and mercy! We beg of thee oh, God of Destruction, we will worship thee, and hallow thy name!" The worshippers uttered in plea.
"I do not desire your worship, believers of the Aesir. What I am here for is my dues. Your thunderer has invaded my kingdom and for that I have promised to paint the floors of Asgard red with their blood. To draw a river of blood into my kingdom in the Abyss as a warning to all to never again cross me." Lucifer stated as he pocketed his hands and his eyes burned with hellfire.
"We beg for thee to reconsider, oh, God of Destruction!" They once again cried out in plea, as some of them even hit their heads on the ground.
Lucifer was already getting tired of hearing this.
"Perhaps, you could receive an offering from them, my Lord?" Suddenly one of the worshippers from the back spoke, a child, raising his head.
As the boy did, everyone's attention turned to him, his father next to him immediately put his hand on his head, whispering furiously, "Silence, Ragnar! Do not speak of what you do not understand!"
"But father-" Ragner attempted to protest as his father continued to force his head onto the ground.
"Enough, allow the child to speak," Lucifer's voice suddenly rang out.
The father fearful and reluctant did as told and allowed his son to raise his head, and prostrated himself once more.
"You speak of an offering child?" Lucifer questioned.
The boy slowly nodded in wonder at actually being listened to by this being who he saw as a god even Odin feared.
"What do you believe they can offer me, Ragnar..."
"Lothbrok, my Lord. Ragnar Lothbrok. I do not know my Lord. You yourself said you do not desire our worship, which, if I am being honest perplexes me." Ragnar stated, showcasing his courage in front of all as he dared to question the Morningstar's actions.
"It is quite simple child, I am not worthy of worship." Lucifer explained.
"Not worthy of... worship?" The boy questioned in wonder and confusion. He had never heard of one he believed a god to say they weren't worthy of worship.
"The only one worthy of worship is a perfect being, child, and neither I nor those so-called gods behind you, whimpering in their boots and hiding behind you, a mere boy, behind those who they promised protection are worthy of it.
We can be selfish, we can make mistakes, we can be unjust. Why should one worship beings such as us? Why should you call them gods? Why bestow upon them your absolute obedience when they can misuse it?
So, no, child, demanding your worship goes against who I am." Lucifer explained to the boy who stared at the archangel with more and more wonder by the moment.
"Lightbringer, I offer you my life!" One of the Aesir suddenly called out as he went on his knees and drew his sword, attempting to pierce his heart were it not for Lucifer's timely prevention through his magic.
"What is the meaning of this?" Lucifer questioned in a tone demanding for an explanation.
Soon another also fell on his knees and drew his sword to do the same, and then another, and once more another till they numbered in the hundreds.
"We know your character Knower of Truth! You never go back on your word! We are combatants of the army of Asgard and we offer our lives and blood as a river into the Abyss! We offer our lives and souls as a plead for mercy!" The first one explained.
"That is still only a single aspect of my dues. Blood for blood, life for life and soul for soul. But I am still missing a proper offering from your king for his treacherous intentions," Lucifer stated coldly.
"Then I offer you the thing I value most in all the Nine Realms, my daughter, Hela!" Odin suddenly stated, his voice booming.
Lucifer hearing this nearly flew into rage at his daringness. How dare he offer someone up akin to an object when he was the very representation of the desire for freedom of choice for all?
"I am willing!" Hela suddenly stated. She herself instantly realized Lucifer's thoughts based on the stories she knew of him and his blank expression.
"Are you now? You do realize daughter of Odin, that I do not desire a concubine. You will merely be one of my subjects within the kingdoms of pain.
I could choose to even give you up as a slave to one of my demons to have their way with you as they please. Are you still willing? Willing for a father who offers you up as an object, uncaring of the torments that can be done upon you?" The Devil questioned, his voice soft, but encompassing all present in their chill.
"I- I... I am still willing!" She stated, this time looking the Devil right in his burning gaze, not flinching away in the slightest.
Lucifer became silent for a moment. "Then I don't know whether to commend you for your loyalty or curse you for your foolishness.
Very well, I accept,"
And as the Morningstar then raised his hand and clenched it into a fist, the combatants all burst into a river of blood that began to flow down from the Bifrost into Hell.
Lucifer's magic compensating the required amount of blood from their essence.
As Lucifer then opened a gate of fire to Hell, gesturing to Hela to follow him.
"Wait!" Someone suddenly called out.
Lucifer turned around to see the boy named Ragnar having stood up and ran towards them while his father behind him called out to him in worry, "Will I ever be able to see you again?"
"You wish to see me once more child?" Lucifer questioned confused.
The boy vehemently nodded, "I want to listen to you more! I like listening to your voice, you sound very wise and soothing!"
Lucifer was for a moment baffled until he let out a few chuckles at the boy's boldness.
Lucifer knelt down before the boy as he opened his palm and put a small coin on it.
"If you clench this around your fist and think of me, you will be able to call upon me once. Only you can do it, and it can not be stolen from you for I have bound it to your soul. Call upon me when you are truly ready to see me once more." Lucifer stated, forgoing that it can also bring him back to life once if he entered hell out of misplaced guilt.
It was his reward for the boy's courage and wisdom.
As the boy nodded with a bright smile on his face, his eyes filled with wonder, Lucifer ruffled his hair and stood up.
With a wave of goodbye, he and Hela entered the gate of fire, returning once more to Hell.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
How did you find Lucifer's interactions?
Also about the boy, well, all I'll say is in DC reincarnation is not an impossibility.
Well, please do comment how you found it, I like interactions with you guys and well, see you all later,
Bye!)
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票