Chapter Text
He didn't care much about Charlie's plan to redeem sinners. The idea was laughable to him, and he made it known with his badass song and dance routine that he and his girls cooked up on the spot. Sinners seeking redemption? What a joke.
After giving her that epic dressing down, he expected Charlie to abandon the childish notion. Honestly? He didn't hate the girl, but he wasn't about to allow some preemie ideologue to tell him how the world should 'hold hands and dance under rainbows.' Bleh...
But to his surprise, she secured an audience with the Heavenly Choir—a move he wasn't sure who would regret more. He wondered what strings she, or more likely, her father, pulled to get that to happen.
When the Head Seraphim ordered him to "make this problem disappear," irritation replaced his shock. What the Hell was he supposed to do? Attack Lucifer's daughter on the streets of Heaven?
Despite his disdain for her father, attacking Lucifer's child to spite him wasn't his nature. He was in Heaven for a reason, and that didn't include murder. He spent his fair share of time in Purgatory and Heaven, helping lost souls and children... His children... And that's precisely how he thought of Charlie... She was a fucking child.
But Adam knew defying the Head Seraphim wasn't an option. He might be arrogant, but Seraphim were on another level. He had no choice but to comply... His rank didn't allow him to refuse a direct order.
It was then that he remembered who was with Charlie when she visited. The sight almost gave him a heart attack. There, walking beside the Princess of Hell, hand in hand, was Vaggie, his former daughter and Lieutenant.
He had to harden his heart for this... It wasn't fair, but necessary. He saw the look in Lute's eyes and knew she felt the same... They would have to coerce Vaggie to get Charlie to drop this charade. But Honestly? They didn't have the heart to press her that hard, especially when the both of them completely failed to use their god-damned brains... Why the fuck were those the first things they said to her after all these years?
When Charlie presented her arguments to the Heavenly Council, he wasn't surprised by what he saw. Her points were weak and childish. Fucking Really? Starting with the dictionary definition of redemption?
Things only really started to turn sideways when she brought up the demon Angel Dust, that weird pornstar spider demon.
Adam and the Heavenly Council watched the spider demon for a while. At first glance, he seemed like any other demon trash in Hell—up to no good, causing trouble, the usual. But as the night wore on, something strange happened. They watched as Angel Dust started to change his tune, trying to clean up his act a bit. He even stopped his friends from stealing, which was honestly shocking.
The real kicker, though, was when he stood up to his slaver-master to protect that small Cyclops demon friend of his. He put everything on the line, his very soul, to defend her. Adam couldn't help but feel a twinge of respect for Angel Dust. He might have even cheered for the spider-demon in the privacy of his thoughts. But he knew better than to let that show. He doubted the Heavenly Choir would appreciate that.
Things really started to go fucking south for two big reasons, and Adam wasn't about to take the blame for most of it.
First off, the Heavenly Choir had no good explanation for why Angel Dust, the Spider Demon, wasn't in Heaven. Adam's method for getting into Heaven was pretty arbitrary and wholly pulled from his ass, but Sera's vague answer left everyone in the lurch. Seriously, they didn't know? Adam was floored by her response. All this time, the Heavenly Choir had acted like they knew exactly how souls got into Heaven. But it turned out they were just as in the dark as everyone else, knowing only when a soul arrived... Had it been this way the entire time?
Secondly, and this was the only part Adam would ever admit to being his fault, he might have let slip about the exterminations going on. In his defense, Lute could easily get him riled up. She had this way of hyping him up, and in the heat of the moment, trying to show the Princess of Hell just how harsh reality was, he ended up mocking her and spilling the beans about the exterminations. It was not his brightest moment, but Lute was good at getting him going.
Honestly? She probably brought it up at some point anyway. The whole point of her plan was to end the exterminations, so surely Sera had to have expected this, right?
When the exterminations came to light, all Hell broke loose—pun intended. The Heavenly Choir imploded in chaos. Emily led the charge in the debates among the Heavenly Choir, trying to make sense of everything. At the same time, Adam was busy ruining whatever relationship he had left with Vaggie, exposing her nature to Charlie.
Eventually, Sera managed to restore some semblance of order. But instead of considering Charlie's arguments, she flat-out renounced the idea of redeeming sinners—no discussion, no debate, just a firm denunciation.
Looking at the two visitors from Hell, Adam extended his hand forward and opened a portal, forcefully expelling them from Heaven. He didn't dare look at the two of them now that his nerves had calmed. Knowing just how much he had fucked up.
In the following weeks, chaos reigned. Exterminations would continue despite being revealed, and Adam had weeks to finish preparing his girls for battle... Neither he nor Lute could look each other in the eye.
Worse still, Emily refused to talk to him. Not a word. It shattered him, considering she was practically his adoptive niece. Every time he approached, she vanished like the wind, using every ounce of her Seraphic speed to escape him. And the few times he caught a glimpse of her face, the disappointment and sadness radiating from her were almost too much to bear. It was like a knife to his heart, twisting deeper every time he saw that look.
While Emily distanced herself from him, she didn't remain idle. She organized protests across Heaven, the first in its history. It was bold, filling the Promenade with discontent souls, but who could ignore her?
Emily was one of the most beloved angels in Heaven, definitely the most favored Seraphim. She had a way of connecting with people, and many of the virtuous souls had family or loved ones in Hell. Alongside them, many Heaven-born angels were disgusted by the exterminations and rallied with Emily.
However, many disagreed with her, feeling that sinners deserved what happened to them. Many of these souls had a valid point, having suffered from the actions of those sinners.
Adam watched from the sidelines, feeling a mix of pride and heartbreak. Here was Emily, so close yet so far. The rift between them was growing, and he didn't know how to bridge it. Every protest, every rally, was a reminder of the distance he had allowed between himself and her.
But peace couldn't last. The Heavenly Choir had had enough. They decided to summon Emily to the Celestial Palace.
Two dozen angels, clad head-to-toe in Angelic Steel, came to escort Emily away. Their armor gleamed in the light, and their faces were hidden behind expressionless helmets. Clearly, they were part of Michael's Praetorium.
The sight of them seemed to always unnerve those who saw them, and Adam was no exception. Something always felt off about them. Never once did he see anyone join them; they simply existed, and that was that.
Adam watched from a distance, a sense of dread creeping up his spine. This wasn't just a summoning; it was an arrest. The Praetorium moved with a cold efficiency, surrounding Emily and leading her away without a word. The crowd parted in hushed silence, tension crackling in the air. Emily, the beloved, was being taken in.
Adam had authority, and he intended to use it. Striding forward with purpose, he joined the Praetorium escort. The angels made way for him, recognizing him by sight.
As they reached the grand entrance of the Celestial Palace, Adam felt a surge of anxiety. The palace, usually a symbol of hope and divine order, now loomed ominously. The massive White-Jade and gold doors opened, and the Praetorium escorted Emily inside. Adam followed closely, his heart pounding in his chest, but his demeanor was calm and authoritative. He had an image to maintain, after all.
Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. The vast antechamber was filled with angels, their wings rustling softly as they whispered among themselves. At the far end stood the Head Seraphim, Sera's expression unreadable. Emily was brought forward, her defiance still shining in her eyes despite the grim situation. Adam broke off from the Praetorium, standing upon his own platform just below the dais where Sera stood.
Sera's voice echoed through the chamber, "Emily, Joy-bringer, you've been found guilty of treason against Heaven."
Adam's heart stopped. Treason? The word rang in his ears. What the Fuck? Emily's shock was evident, her face pale as she struggled to comprehend the accusation. Adam felt a surge of anger and disbelief. How could they accuse her of such a thing?
Sera continued, "Your actions have sown discord and endangered Heaven's order. You've put the lives and well-being of countless souls at risk."
Adam couldn't stay silent. "The FUCK are you talking about Sera? She's just a kid with too much idealism! There's no way you're punishing her so harshly! This has to be some elaborate fucking joke."
Sera's cold gaze silenced him. "Silence, Adam. You've done enough damage."
Adam knew her to be pragmatic, but this was beyond the norm. He flew before her, desperate to make them see reason. "She, Sera, hasn't harmed anyone! She couldn't hurt a fly if she tried! So why is she being punished like this? If anyone, I should be the one punished for revealing the exterminations!"
No way in Hell was he going to let someone go down for his own fucking mistakes... He wasn't Lucifer.
Several guards moved to restrain him, but Adam fought to get his point across. "She's just a kid Sera! What the FUCK!"
Observing the first man, Sera remarked, "You will receive your own punishment in due time, Adam. However, we're not here to discuss your own failings."
A strip of magical power sealed his mouth, cutting off his protests. Sera turned back to Emily, her voice final and unforgiving. "For your crimes, you are stripped of your authority and cast from Heaven. May you walk the forsaken plains and reflect upon your actions. May Father have mercy on your soul."
Sera raised her hands, and power surged through the room. The members of the Heavenly Choir joined her, their combined might tearing open a fissure in space and time. The sight was terrifying—a swirling vortex of light and darkness edged with red and gold sigils that seemed to dance with an otherworldly knowledge.
The ethereal sigils danced throughout the antechamber, hugging the edges of the spatial fissure. The symphony of calligraphy began constructing a song, granting stability and comprehension to the passage and allowing the audience to view the eventual destination.
This wasn't a simple portal; it was the genuine Gate of Hell, the ultimate punishment first used on Lucifer and Lilith. Emily would be forced to traverse the Firmament, marking her as truly fallen.
Adam's heart pounded as he watched. He couldn't let this happen. Every instinct screamed at him to protect Emily. The weight of his own mistakes and failures crushed him, but he knew now he had to act. And he would.
In a desperate move, he drew his guitar axe, the instrument glowing with divine energy, and stepped forward to shield Emily. The room fell silent, every angel's gaze fixed on him. The air crackled with tension, the power emanating from the portal swirling dangerously.
The first man had left a trail of destruction in his wake, several broken but breathing bodies littering where the guards had restrained him.
Flexing his power, he tore the magical seal from his mouth, "I won't let you do this, damnit!" Adam's voice echoed through the chamber, filled with a raw mix of anger and desperation. His grip tightened on the Guitar-Axe, ready to defend Emily with everything he had.
Sera's eyes narrowed, her expression turning icy cold. Her authority and power were palpable, making the air around her energized. "You won't be warned again, Adam. Stand aside." Her voice was sharp, a clear command that brooked no defiance.
But Adam firmed his grip, standing his ground. "No. I won't let you do this. She's like a daughter to you SERA!!! HOW CAN YOU FUCKING DO THIS? Since when have you been such a heartless BITCH?" The end of his rant was tinged with sadness.
Before Sera could respond, two Praetorium guards moved to restrain him. Adam's anger flared. He wouldn't let such trash even touch him. In a blur of motion, he swung his Guitar-Axe, the instrument's edge glowing with a divine gleam. The first guard's sword clashed with the Guitar Axe, but Adam's strength and fury were unmatched. Using his guitar as a club, he launched the guard back with a powerful strike, sending him crashing into the wall.
The second guard lunged at him, but Adam was ready. He ducked under the guard's swing and raised a fist, the force of the blow sending the guard reeling. Taking a fighter's stance, Adam launched a few quick jabs before finishing with a powerful kick that sent the guard sprawling.
The room erupted in chaos, angels shouting and watching in horror, but Adam didn't care. He had to protect Emily.
Sera's gaze hardened further, but Michael, the Seraphim of War, stepped forward before she could respond. His sneer was filled with disdain. "Then you too shall fall, Adam... It's a clear shame how much of a disappointment you've become, but you were warned."
In a flash, Michael struck. Adam barely had time to react, his guitar axe rising to clash with Michael's Silver Sword. The impact sent shockwaves through the chamber, causing the walls to tremble. Flames licked the air around Michael, the heat intense.
Adam parried the first several blows, but Michael's next move came too fast. He felt the searing pain as Michael's elbow connected with his face, stunning him. Before he could recover, Michael thrust his Sword into Adam's sternum, the blade sinking deep. The agony was immediate, a burning fire spreading through his chest.
Michael leaned in, his voice a cold whisper, "It's a real shame, Adam... How far you've fallen from grace. Father would be disappointed in you." Twisting the blade slightly, Michael continued, "But don't worry... I'll make sure to erase you in Father's stead."
With a look of disgust, Michael kicked Adam off the blade, sending him crashing into the fear-stricken Emily. The force of the blow propelled them both through the portal, the cackling energy of the fissure burning them as they passed through.
A sudden force exerted itself on them as they fell towards the vast expanse below. Adam quickly wrapped Emily in his arms and unfurled his large wings, twisting his body to take the brunt of the coming impact. His radiant and powerful wings would now be forced to bear the burden of their descent, shielding Emily from the worst of the chaotic energy. He expected to die anyway, so he would at least protect her.
Adam watched the portal snap shut behind them, the cosmic expanse shattering like glass at its departure.
Raising a prayer to his Father, Adam shielded Emily with his wings as the two collided with the near-liquid substance below. The violent burning energies and distortions felt like they were tearing him apart, his feathers igniting and blackening as they fell. Each moment sent waves of agony through him, the stab wound from Michael's sword burning fiercely as he leaked blood onto Emily.
Through the blinding agony and disorientation, he tried to reassure her. "Don't worry, Emily... I'll protect you... I promise." His voice was strained, but he held onto his resolve, determined to keep her safe. He would focus on the trembling young Seraphim in his arms and nothing else.
His mask burned away, his halo shattering and embedding shards into his scalp, twisting and molding into a pair of horns that settled on the front of his skull. The pressure built as they plummeted, the Firmament becoming more solid and the damage to his body increasing. He knew they would soon reach the end and crash into Hell.
As they plummeted through the Firmament, the very fabric of reality around them seemed to twist and scream in agony, shifting between liquid and solid in every moment. The cosmic energies crackled and flared, lashing out at Adam and Emily with raw, untamed power. Adam's wings bore the brunt of the chaotic storm. Each feather singed and blackened as it fought to shield Emily from the onslaught, each one moving with its own will to protect her.
The crimson sky of Hell loomed beneath them, a vast, infernal expanse that scorched the very air. As they neared the boundary, the Firmament buckled and shattered, the cataclysmic rupture sending shockwaves through both realms. Globules of Failed Creation—twisted remnants of aborted realities—shot forth, blazing trails of destructive light as they were forcibly expelled from the Firmament.
These fragments of unfulfilled potential further seared Adam's flesh as they evaporated, their essence rejoining the chaotic maelstrom above. He gritted his teeth, the stab wound from Michael's sword burning with a fierce, unyielding pain. Yet, despite the agony, his grip on Emily remained steadfast, his wings encircling her like a protective cocoon.
Still plummeting, Adam's once-radiant feathers, now a mix of gold and black, scattered through the skies of Hell. The sight drew the attention of the denizens below, their eyes widening as they beheld the spectacle. To them, he appeared as a comet—a blazing harbinger of destruction—streaking across the heavens with a tail of divine and corrupted light.
The impact was cataclysmic. Adam and Emily crashed into the ground with a force that sent shockwaves rippling outwards. The very earth trembled and groaned, a portion of Pentagram City crumbling under the sheer power of their descent. Buildings toppled, streets cracked, and a cloud of dust and debris rose like a dark shroud, obscuring the aftermath of their fall.
The debris and dust hung heavily in the air, a thick, choking cloud that shrouded the area for miles. Vision was reduced to mere feet, the swirling particles creating an eerie, muffled silence. Anyone attempting to see through the haze would find their vision obscured, the world beyond the cloud lost in a murky blur.
As the dust swelled, a massive crater was gradually revealed, its edges jagged and smoking. At its center lay Adam and Emily. Adam's wings were shattered, their broken fragments scattered around them like fallen leaves. His body was battered and broken, the pain from Michael's sword still a searing point of agony. Yet, as he looked down at Emily, relief passed through him. She was safe. Her injuries were minor, her halo still intact—a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
Looking up, Adam saw the Firmament's ebbs and waves calming, the violent rift sealing as if nothing had happened. The sky above Hell returned to its usual state, a facade of normalcy overlaying the turmoil that had just transpired.
With a final sigh, the exhaustion and pain overwhelming him, Adam allowed unconsciousness to claim him. His last thoughts were of Emily and the hope that, somehow, she would find a way to endure this new, hellish reality. At least he gave her a chance to survive.