Chapter Text
Something was wrong. Adam opened his eyes to find himself standing in a desolate place, not a soul to be found. He looked down at himself, his eyes going wide at what he saw.
No longer was he in his angelic garments. Now, he dawned a thinner and crimson outfit. He no longer had his mask either, his face being exposed once more.
Adam looked around the area, panic beginning to set in. He didn't understand. He remembered being stabbed, vaguely recalling Lute begging him to stay conscious, and then darkness.
And now he was here. Undeniably, in Hell.
Adam took in a deep breath. He didn't know what exactly was going on, but standing here and panicking was not going to get him any answers. He had to get moving. He had a better chance at finding the answer if he did.
And so, Adam began to walk. He saw a worn path in the ground and followed it. How many had traveled this very way to make the imprint? Where exactly was the leading him? There was no signage to explain what may lie up ahead.
The path twisted and turned for ages until finally Adam saw something. A gate. A slightly decrepit sign embedded on the arch.
Welcome To Hell
(Pride Ring)
Adam paused before he got too close. He could make out two figures at the gate. It was likely they were the ones checking the names just like Heaven did.
He couldn't...
There was no way he was a demon now. No. He was Adam. The Adam. How could someone like him turn into a demon? He wasn't like Lucifer. He was holy. He followed the rules.
But it was hard to deny what was before him.
As much as he didn't want to, Adam approached the gate. He doubted he was going to get into the main area if he didn't. Even Hell was sure to keep its residents where they needed to be.
"Welcome, sinner. Your name?" One of the guards greeted Adam in a bland tone, clearly wishing they were anywhere else right now.
"Uh... Adam."
"Last name?"
Adam blanked on what to say for a moment. "We uh, didn't do those back in my time. It's just... Adam. Like, the first man Adam. That's me."
"What?!" Both of the guards startled at his words.
"Look, just tell me if I'm in that book." Adam crossed his arms. "I'm just as confused as you are."
"Let me see." The first guard quickly scanned the book. "Well, first name here does just say Adam. Guess that is you."
"We let him in?" The second guard questioned.
"His name's in the book." The first shrugged. "Uh, welcome to Hell, I guess."
The gate opened. Adam looked between the two guards and then stepped inside. The gate closed behind him quickly, trapping him in this place.
Adam walked farther in, lost in his thoughts. He was in Hell. And meant to be. Somehow when he died, he didn't actually die. His soul just... went to Hell now.
What did he do? He couldn't let anyone know who he was. That would just make him a target and as much as he normally didn't mind picking fights, he doubted that was wise. He lost his powers, didn't he? He was weaker.
Adam reached the first town. He kept his gaze low and tried to blend in as he entered. Demons wandered the streets, going about their day. A few spared a glance his way, but no one bothered him for now. He hoped he could keep it that way.
There was little indication as to what he should do. Didn't Hell have a better system for sinners? Were they just let loose and expected to figure it out?
He wandered the streets, hoping maybe something would give him a clue as to what to do. How did he expect to get anywhere in this place if he had no help?
And then a blur of white caught his eye. Adam had to do a double-take, but he was no doubt seeing Lucifer. The fallen angel was walking down the street, seeming without a care in the world.
Adam made the decision to follow him quickly. As much as he didn't want to, Lucifer was possibly his best bet at figuring out what to do. But, how did he even approach the topic? He didn't want to grovel at Lucifer's knees for help.
Lucifer continued on his way. He weaved his way through the streets like he had done this countless times before. Adam was struggling to keep up with him. He didn't need anyone to see him following Lucifer, but he still needed to follow him.
This went on for a few miles until the streets became barren. It was just the two of them.
And that was when Lucifer finally noticed he was being followed. He reacted faster than Adam expected. Lucifer had him pinned to a wall in seconds, no time to even try to dodge.
The shorter man had transformed to his demon form, allowing himself to float with his wings and be eye level with Adam.
"So, care to explain why you're following me? Think you can jump me?" Lucifer questioned, his tone laced with a threat.
"Uh, no. Is this new look too hard to recognize me in?" Adam gave him a slightly confused look. He had thought Lucifer would clock who he was immediately.
"I know you?" Lucifer's eyes narrowed.
"Uh, yeah. Hello? It's me. Adam. Your dumb fucking friend somehow got me sent to Hell."
Lucifer stared at him for a long time. Did he not believe him? Adam hadn't actually looked at what his new appearance was beyond his clothes. Maybe he did look unrecognizable. Maybe there was good reason for Lucifer to be distrustful of him.
Lucifer reverted out of his demon form, releasing Adam from his grip.
"You... are a demon now? A sinner?" Lucifer studied Adam's appearance, seeming to be in disbelief.
"Guess so. I don't fucking know." Adam retorted, crossing his arms. "Will you help me or not?"
"Help you?"
"Yeah. Figure out what the fuck is going on. Isn't that like your job, Mr. King of Hell."
Lucifer took in a deep breath. "After everything you have done, you think I'm just going to help you?"
"Look, I Just-"
Lucifer cut him off, having not been finished speaking. "Well, I'm sure Charlie would love to have a new resident at the hotel!"
Adam stared at Lucifer for a long time. Lucifer was smiling at him, slightly off-putting. Was he saying that as a threat?
"Uh... I guess if it gets me an answer." Adam hesitantly agreed.
He really would rather not have to see everyone again. He had just tried to kill them all. But, if he wanted to have any chance at getting out of here, he had to play along for now. As much as he hated this.
"Then come on. I was just heading there myself." Lucifer grabbed Adam by the arm and started dragging him down the street.
"They aren't going to try to kill me the moment I step through the door, are they? Kind of defeats the whole purpose." Adam questioned.
"It'll be fine. Charlie wanted to spare you so I think you'll be fine." Lucifer replied, before mumbling, "I wish she hadn't."
"Then why not kill me now? No one is here. Too afraid?" Adam challenged.
Lucifer glanced at him. "I want to know more as well. If you could get here after what should have been your death, then maybe..."
"A sinner could go to Heaven after their death here." Adam finished quietly.
Was it possible? Was Hell not eternal? Could those who came here be able to leave and go to Heaven? He hadn't thought it possible. Hell was meant to be forever for those who got here. Had Charlie been right about redemption being possible this whole time?
Did that mean there was a chance he still could return to Heaven even if he was now meant to be here?