Chapter Four

The next day went normally. Wake up, classes, homework, dinner, read until too late and hear the voice again.

It didn’t take a genius to realize that Lucifer was hiding something. Was it actually dangerous? Solid chance honestly. The real question is does Lucifer patrol every night? If so, then it’s something serious. And unfortunately for Lucifer, I’m not one to ignore a cry for help.

So, up the stairs I went, walking like I’m half asleep as a cover. Right as I got the the spiral staircase he appeared to stop me again. He stood with his arms crossed, visibly annoyed.

“Reading too late again,” he was barely being polite, “You’re just like Satan.”

“Sorry, got turned around,” I lied, trying to sound half-asleep, “What’s up there anyways?”

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with. Now go to bed, and if you have a hard time sleeping I have a tea that will put you right to sleep.”

I didn’t like where this was going.

“Though I must warn that the effects are particularly potent for humans. I’m sure you understand?”

I thought so, “Yes, sir. I’m going to bed now.”

“Good. I’ll escort you, so you don’t get turned around again.”

I was deeply unsure whether or not he knew I was lying or not. But I just nodded and played along, letting him lead me back to my room. He watched me until my door closed and I didn’t hear him walk away until about 5 minutes after I turned my lights out and laid in bed. I turned the situation in my brain, trying to figure out the next step until I fell asleep.

Mammon has taken to sitting next to me and chatting during breakfast. I wasn’t really paying attention as I continued to think about how to get into the attic. I can’t be the only person hearing it right? But I can’t imagine Lucifer is stupid enough to let sound out like that if he really was keeping someone hostage up there. And I’m not stupid enough to try and get up there without making sure I won’t get caught. Actually, I have heard of a certain Grimm hungry demon that will steal things to pawn them off. Maybe he tried to get up there searching for valuables and knows something?

“Hey Mammon,” I interrupted whatever he was saying, “What’s up the attic stairs?” “Why the sudden interest,” he asked.

“Well, it’s the only place I haven’t been to in the house and I’m curious.”

“There’s nothin’ up there.”

“Really.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Then why’d ya ask me?!”

“Wow, I thought we were closer than that. Come on, I can tell you know something. You’ve probably tried to get up there, right? What’s up there?”

“Why should I tell ya? What’s in it for the Great Mammon?”

“I don’t force you with the pact,” I threatened matter-of-factly.

He squirmed in his seat as I looked at him expectantly. It seemed that instead of denying me directly, he’s decided to just stonewall me. Whatever, I’ll just come back to this conversation later.

“Fine,” I sighed, “I’ll just have to sneak around Lucifer myself.”

“Whoa,” he suddenly became invested, “You’ll get caught!”

“I know. I already have twice. I wanna distract him somehow.”

He had an internal debate before groaning, “Alright. I don’t know what’s up there. Honest. But, I’ll help ya distract Lucifer.”

“Thank you,” I beamed, “How are we gonna distract him?”

“Lucifer really loves records, cursed ones most of all. He’s currently got an interest in a cursed vinyl from that ‘Tale of’ series Levi loves.”

“Oh, ‘The Tale of The Seven Lords’? I gotta get those and read them.”

“Well, ya can ask Levi when ya see him for the record.”

“I thought you were helping me.”

“I gave ya information! That’s plenty of help from the Great Mammon!”

“You said, and I quote, ‘I’ll help ya distract Lucifer.’ I won’t take no for an answer.”

“I don’t wanna. Talk to Levi yourself!”

I sighed, I debated whether or not it would be worth it, “Okay, fine, I will.”

Before Mammon could reply with whatever he wanted I left the table. I made my way to Levi’s room and knocked softly but firmly three times.

“Levi, it’s Drizzm,” I called to him, “Can I talk with you, please?”

“What’s the secret phrase,” his muffled distant voice demanded.

“How would I know that? I just wanna know more about TSL.”

“Look elsewhere. No secret phrase, no entry.”

I sighed, some of these guys really just refuse to open up even a touch. We even tricked Mammon together.

“Outta my way, the Great Mammon will get the door open for ya,” he pushed me away from the door, chest puffed with false confidence.

Yeah, that didn’t happen. Mammon just tried to boss him around by throwing around his big bro status. This is why I decided he wasn’t worth the trouble, he isn’t very tactful in social situations. He doesn’t even seem that great at stealing or gambling to be honest. I turned to leave when I almost ran into Solomon.

“Oh, I’m sorry Solomon,” I stepped back, giving us both space, “What are you up to?”

“Hi Drizzm,” he greeted me, “I’m here to see Levi. I see you’re trying too?”

“Yea, but I don’t know the secret phrase. I assume you know if you’re here to see him?”

He just smiled at me and knocked on the door. He gave the secret phrase and was allowed in. However, when Mammon and I tried to use it Levi said that the secret phrase had changed. Well, there goes that. We went back downstairs and into my room to brainstorm.

“Looks like you’ll need to become an expert in TSL for Levi to just let ya in,” Mammon announced, “So let’s get started with the movies. That’s the fastest way to go through everything.”

“I love the excitement,” I paused him, “But it’ll have to wait until we get back.”

“Where are we goin’?”

“School.”

I grabbed my bag and we walked to school together. I thought Solomon and Levi had school as well, but I ain’t their dad so it’s not my problem. Mammon texted me at some point trying to get me to skip with him to get snacks for our marathon. But, to me, the consequences for skipping are way more work than is worth the enjoyment of not being at school. I told him to just do it without me, much to his frustration. He called me a boring goody-two-shoes. No, just lazy.

I had enough time to finish my homework before Mammon came back, throwing my door open way too energetically. He’s gonna break my door I swear. He got an absolute load on snacks, obviously none I recognize. Except they have a version of popcorn? With absolutely confusing flavors. That he happily grabbed a couple of and went to the kitchen to make, as well as gather our drinks.

When he came back he was closely followed by Beel, who kept trying to eat the popcorn. I had no problem with Beel joining us. Even if he was just here for the snacks. We settled in and I pressed play on the remote. While this was going to take like all night, I’m a Lord of the Rings fan, so I’ll be alright.

It didn’t take long for me to have strong suspicions that the characters are based on the brothers. I mean the Lord of Fools’ lover’s name is Geldie. Seriously. Changed one letter. It’s as bad as Drizzm being one letter different from Drizzt, the character I stole my name from.

Mammon got supremely invested in the story, crying over Geldie’s sad story. The story was good and the main character Henry was likable enough. I can see how it got to be held in such high regard. This just solidified how badly I need to get my hands on the books and read what the movies had to leave out.

The engrossing nature meant that before long the movies were over and the final credits were rolling accompanied by bittersweet yet uplifting music. I stretched while Mammon collected himself. Beel on the other hand collected the rest of the snacks, much to Mammon’s chagrin. I gently shooed them out of my room so I could get ready for bed and fall exhausted onto my mattress.