Lucifer thoughtfully regarded his charges, not blinking for a while, for a certain dramatic effect. Realizing he would have to wait much longer before he could hope to impress the pompous pair, he sighed theatrically and after assuming his favorite mask of long sufferance, proceeded to offer his refutation. "You certainly did notice where others had not, but who is to say that I have not intentionally let myself be known by those select few who would not bother me too greatly when they got the clue? It serves my purpose to interact with different groups of underlings at different times, and now another such time has come. You have proved your skills at observation, but when dealing with dangerous adversaries, even such skills could be...well let's say, mishandled.
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Nor would I go so far as to say nobody is stepping up to help. Some already did other than you, some will, when they catch?up, and I am willing to wait until they do. It is the world that could be ending, and not?me. I would like it to stay around longer personally, but not at the expense of giving my plans?away. So I have to be as secretive as I can, considering how many factors are at play here.
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Your idea of slavery is overblown too. I am not interested in slaves, not even extra subordinates, I have an entire realm of those when I need them. What is required here is subtlety instead and that is the main reason I could work with you rather than many others. You don't have to tell me about the nature of bargains either, I am well familiar with those, I made up the very first bargain in this world after all. Of course I wouldn't expect your assistance for free, I would offer the very same protection you are so concerned with. Not unjustly, I might add," Lucifer acknowledged with a smug smile, reminding those present that only his help could be sufficient to overcome such difficult odds.
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"I am disappointed though. If I choose you for certain sophistication, how am I to know if you don't even enjoy playing games," the Lord of Fire wondered half mockingly. "Have you not realized yet how beautiful even small games can be, and the more so when they grow in complexity? But other than playing for its own sake, I do have another purpose in mind that you would discover in due time..." Lucifer easily reassured, not bothering to bet on the speed of the demoness's understanding since it would not jeopardize his plans. The contrary was true.
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"In truth, we are being watched by interested parties so I will make it short. I want you to either guard yourself or hire someone to guard that Tree, you know the one, it was not supposed to grow..." Lucifer admitted thoughtfully. "In return, I can bind you to so that I would know?when?an enemy threatens you..." Noticing Castiel's horrified look, Lucifer's smile grew as he quickly?modified his offer. "Or, I could ask you to possess the human bodies of very specific hosts, ones with connection to me. I can?fortify their souls to resist your presence in their bodies, and through their souls know of their whereabouts. Well, how does that sound, has any demonic father?ever been kinder to one of his children?" the Lord of?the Fire Realm sweetly inquired. ??
Kat