Turning the dial, to my assigned locker, I poke out my tongue doing three turns to access and unlock the Standardised steel school locker for my textbooks.

A pamphlet advertising 'Save the date', and 'Theme' for prom, is wedge in an air vent. I pluck the piece of parchment.

I read each word, on the fine print, which asked for all of those who'd attend to wear blue. It would represent earths oceans, water. Sea-life. Aidan had made a promise to be my prom date. When I accepted his offer, before I knew he is my Son, I'll admittedly say going to an event such as Prom.

I paid no regard to the idea of attending. I had devised an alternative plan, to shake the principles hand, take a hold of my diploma and walk off the stage after I've completed my Valedictorian speech. I was able to be chosen, considering how high my grades are compared to my fellow classmates. Out of hundreds of classes I was given the honour.

" I can feel your stares. Maze."

Locking eyes, closing my locker, I watch Mazikeen strut the hallway twisting a blade in hand. A group of petrified girls scatter in fear of their lives, after maze lurched forward and high-pitched shrieks came out. " I don't think you're allowed here. This is on school grounds, and you aren't a student."

I tell her, resting an arm on my blue locker.

My diary is nested in a spot under my arm. Maze, collected and not at all bothered to the fact she could be in serious trouble if she is caught, steps up to face me.

" Human regulations never applied for me. It's a waste of time. too many of them exist. Beside the point, I'm here 'cause Lucifer needed me to keep an eye on you. Act as your bodyguard."

'Bodyguard? Lucifer? Now why would he give maze such a responsibility as that?' He didn't need to concern himself with such a thing. I'm safe. It's not like my life is in danger.

" Well. I guess you can stay. I will just say you're my cousin, here to visit me, if teachers ask. Just.. put that away. People are staring." I mentioned her blade. 'That is a safety hazard.'

She huffed, storing her blade in her leather bralette. Maze shook her head. " Humans. They've created a rule for everything. Back in hell it was encouraged to have these. You know Incase a soul got out of line."

She spoke, using and flicking her tongue, clicking her teeth.

" It is much easier in hell. I miss the old days of listening to tortured screams. Every day." She added, falling in line with my walking speed.

'She refers to her home as hell? It's a metaphor I don't understand. Lucifer referring himself as the devil and now maze speaking about Hell.'

I admire her choice of clothing, her confidence in her body, and sexuality. How she could talk, speak, her mind having zero interest and care. 'She's not scary as she think she is.' The school bell trills indicating it was time for first period.

" I have English studies. Today's the day I find out if I got enough points to graduate. I don't think there is any problems. I'm still a nervous mess, though."

I explain to Mazikeen, students loitering in the halls talking animatedly about prom past us. I overhear one girl, excitedly, mentioning her plan to buy a gown last minute from a store in rodeo drive on clearance.

" if I have learned from my time on earth, of how High school goes, you should be able to graduate. even if you don't pass. I'll personally drag the principles ass out of his office, if he is that stupid to not give you your moment."

'That is a little excessive.'

I put one hand, which I rest on mazes arm, and flash a little smile. " Thank you, Maze. I want to keep the violence to a minimum, if you'll be willing. I don't want you in prison for murder."

I said, in fun terms of endearment. Joking with her. I see a fluoresce, and gleam, of emotion in her eyes when I touched her. Almost as if they softened.

" That is the second bell. We have five minutes until class. I don't want to get a detention, let's go."

~•~

Maze had business which needed attending to. It surprisingly went smooth, considering how strict school policies were. There is an inkling feeling, I did have, Maze was permitted to stay in spite of not having been an enrolled student. Cause of her attitude and fierce resistance. My head shakes, laughing to myself, when I take a step out of the elevator.

Administrative staff, at work, are filing and dividing active case file documents away from solved ones. Cubicle phone calling periodically shrills in my ear as I wander round the space. I find lieutenant Monroe exiting her office with Lucifer close behind. I am on the second going third week of my internship. It meant there is a chance I will be hired for a full-term position.

" Olivia, I can explain." Mom, professionally, says tying her blazer clearing her throat. " Oh. You better explain, why you have been keeping such a valuable resource all to yourself." Olivia states, an indication of her words directed at Lucifer and touches his chest using a file. " We have someone who can make Benny Choi talk."

'Benny Choi. I did hear that name today. He is the fashion designer whose show was canceled, because of a shooting.' I did hear gossiping and news channels covering the incident. " Ellie. I am impressed. You are an hour early. That's a good sign, of your character. On the dot, never late." Lieutenant Monroe commended.

" You will be joining Lucifer, here, and help get Benny Choi to talk. I'm thinking a fresh face will be a good idea, you know, as part of your lesson."

I wasn't expecting to partake in an interview out of all things. I cast a peak over to mom and see she too is shocked.

" Yes. You see someone with charm, Likability.." Lucifer lists off, his prepossessing grin never once faltering.

" And has real ties with the community."

Olivia goes on to say, inflating his ego.

'I think I know where exactly this is going.' Mom is heard mumbling 'here it comes.' It is confirmed.

" Lucifer Morningstar has volunteered to act as a liaison in the Paola Cortez case. Here is the report you will need to read in full, Elisabetta. I am counting on your familial tenacity to seek out justice. For this one."

Handing over the file to me, Monroe briefed what she is expecting of me, and did a quick second Courteous smile.

I replied, thankful, straight off squaring both shoulders. " I won't let you down, Lieutenant Monroe. Thank you." I take notice to pride in Lucifers eyes, that he thought he hid. Blushing, I felt mom pat my arm.

" I will be here Incase you need help. I have a sense and trust you will not be needing it, however it's open for offer. I will leave you to it. If Lucifer gets too much, you know where to find me. I'll deal with him."

Lucifer, treating her words contemptuously, is insulted. " you will what? Shoot me like you did last? Is that how you'll deal with me?" He mocked adding an eye roll for good measure. I wanted to ask but chose not to encourage him.

" Onwards we go! Betty, Darling. Can't let this case solve itself."

He waved his fingers towards mom, I opened the pieces of paper reading the jolted scribbled words. Mom had walked off to her desk, pager beeping.

" Lucifer. Not that I'm glad you are here, I am. But how did you.. you manage to possibly convince the lieutenant, to get you on another case?"

I inquired about his place in the LAPD. I ruled out bribery, he is a mischievous man by all means, I would not put that past him if he did. I smelt his body odour, as I start heading in the direction of where the elevators are.

His eyes kept in contact with mine.

" Well, I simply offered her a favour. She gets what she wants, I get what I want. A nice juicy gang war. In the end it's a win, win, situation darling. To of course, as well, get to spend the time. Fighting crime alongside you." He stated, throwing an arm around my neck and shoulder casting out pointed stares to senior executives.

" I think you meant to say you wanted to offer gang war prevention. Right? Not encourage it. Cause that is the whole point of what we do. To help keep violence and crime off the street."

Lucifer waved my words off. When my desk is in view-front of us I puffed out a breath, and I set down the cream-coloured file I was given.

" tomato. Tom-ah-to. But see this is why I think once you are all officially sworn in, we'll make such great partners in crime. The he said she said of it all. The ying-yang, the fireworks."

'It would be nice to have a partner, like Lucifer. That way I know who to trust.' I'd rather not admit the thought out-loud. God knows that'll get a rise out of Lucifer and his ego. " just think about it. You and me. We'll be in proximity at all times." He invigorates his tone, practically jumping on the heels of both feet. " That.. that sounds intriguing to think of. It does. Lucifer, I need you to take this serious. This is my first actual job, which involves me needing to focus. I can't afford mistakes." Pacified, Lucifer hides his smile plastering on a feigned straight face.

" You're the boss, Here. I'll follow your lead."

'God, Give me strength. To work with Lucifer.'

~•~

" Lucifer. My man. Hows it going?" Benny Choi waltzes in Lucifers penthouse, swagger in his strides. 'Those clothes are definitely are worthy of making a statement.' Arms out for a hug he did a manly embrace with Lucifer.

" You.. you are friends with Benny Choi? And his rather cute blinged-out pig? I knew you had ties. I just didn't realise you had this much influence."

I made baby noises to the pig 'Awing'.

" his name is Pig Diddy. He likes you. He likes most women he meets but is especially friendly with pretty ones like you. Kidding, kidding. I don't play 'bout other dudes girls. Considering I respect Lucifer too much. Go 'head. He don't bite."

Benny offered the leash of his pig to me. I take the rather high-valued pricy gucci leash and kneel down. Pig Diddy rough snout sniffs me.

" This is my assistant, Hector." Hector did a 'Sup' motion using his head. He watches me scratch under the pigs chin. " Oh. I see some-one loves his mommy?" Lucifer points directly to a tattoo of a red heart. His chain rattled just as he looked up, his tattooed eyebrow raised.

" Ex-marine. Bitch."

I snort in amusement at the sudden use of the swear word, giggling when seeing Lucifers eye start to twitch.

" Right. Benny and I, you see, we go way back to the start of his impressive career. And he'll be the one to make you your prom dress. Free of charge. With the exception that I'll help pay for the material but you need not to worry your pretty little self about that. It was gonna be a surprise, but I simply couldn't resist telling you now."

'That is too.. that is too much. Benny Choi. My prom dress? He is going to use some of his own free will, and time, creating a dress? For me of all people?'

Lucifer is gloating as I stared bewildered.

" L..Lu-Lucifer. No, that is. I can't. I can buy one or borrow one of moms." I said, from my knelt position.

" Nonsense! Let this be a token of gratitude, from me. Lucifer helped me get my first show here in L.A. he was a real inspiration. I try reflecting that in my art. Besides I'm all for proms and looking good. You are in safe hands with me, girl. Trust."

Benny promises, offering a tooth-filed grin, gold platted grills on show. I could tell from his suave nature and coolness I can put faith in him.

" Do you have a clue, as to who might want to shoot you? Do you have Any enemies?"

I asked, needing to mentally jot down points important to our case.

" No Recent threats? Or something that might have triggered this?"

If I was going to get answers Benny is the best way and option.

" No. look, I'm no snitch. Even I did know, I can't talk. I'm an artist. I process tragedy through my work." He said, staring to Lucifer then me as he spoke, taking Pig Diddy's leash. 'So much for getting those answers.' I sighed.

I see Lucifer sweep his hand back resting it on a place on his waist.

" That favour you own me. I am calling in my IOU. Answer the question."

It's though a green light in triggered in benny's head. He starts to talk. " all right. Hector had a class, with some punks, in Latin kings colours that night." I wasn't familiar to the local gangs. I knew enough there was a war amongst them, and an infiltration by 'The Latin kings' would not be a first.

" We were at capacity." Hector states jingling the leash to Pig Diddy.

" They wanted in. They were making all these threats. They were upset." I nod, slowly, taking in the information I was being given.

" Did you tell this to officers on scene... or..? Because this is important."

" No. because the fans aren't just buying shoes. Or the art I create in my clothes. They're buying Benny Choi. Artist, activist, man of the people. You know I wore colours back in the day. Asian Boyz. I was low level. You know? A punk." Benny revealed, telling of his affiliation with his gang. 'He was in a gang? I couldn't tell he would be a punk. As he said he is.'

Lucifer is intent on staring at Benny, taking light sips of his liquor. " I got out before cops even knew even knew of my name."

Protecting his reputation. He knew he wouldn't sell and earn big profits if there a gang attached.

" Ah. Yes, protecting your Rep. wouldn't want to risk losing that seven figure endorsement deal." Said Lucifer, reading my thoughts. My eyes peer into Pig Diddy's beady ones. Benny goes on to explain more of why he won't tell us.

" I didn't talk. Because if a Latin king hears an ex-Asian boy done dry-snitched him to the cops? Those thugs will retaliate on principal. I was trying to prevent more death."

He's smart. I will admit. He's protecting his art and his self preservation.

" Well, aren't we the little saint?" Lucifer is snide, the delivery of his words Rhetoric.

" that actually narrows it down. Really down. Did you get names? Do you have a list of guests we can have a look at? It can be very helpful."

My words made Benny look to Hector, the latter is quick to answer.

" Diego, Dani, I don't know. A couple, I think. Joined at the hip. Like you and her. From where I am." Hector wavers two of his fingers to Lucifer and I at 'Couple.' Lucifer smirks, instantly, sneaking an arm on my hip.

" Diego and Dani. Right. W..Well, thank you. I will give you this, Incase you remember details you didn't tell me.. us. It has the number of my department, and my personal mobile."

I stammered, taking a laminated sheet of note pad paper that has both numbers typed on it. I have noticed people mistaken Lucifer and I to be a couple quite frequently. It was a constant.

" Uh, Yeah. I'll call. But be careful. Them Latin kings about to raise hell."

" My specialty."

~•~

Lucifer had convinced me to visit an out of town tavern on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Its rough and tumble interior brought out a whole new meaning of 'Down in the dust'. I shifted to stand closer to Lucifer. " That's deckers kid. I seen her at the station. She's a cop? Who's that with her? Her boyfriend?" I heard someone in tentionally, and rather loud, state. These are at least a few dozen of people who hate my mom.

" This place has a certain je ne sais quoi to it. I like it. Gives it the character it needs. You right there, Darling? You're a bit quiet."

Lucifer asks sitting on a bar stool. Bullard balls being hit in ear shot create background noises. 'Paddock' is written in bold letters on each corner, the flags of America on show.

" Two shots of your finest swill, please, love. Thank you."

My senses were surging higher and higher each minute I was in here at this bar. I could see a thought process as the barmaid made her move towards Lucifer and I.

" Here you go. Enjoy." She said, eyeing me specifically. " Say. You look awfully like that decker bitch. What's her name? Chloe. You her kid? What sort of a woman, let alone a mother the less, lets a kid your age in a bar like this. If I was your mom, I wouldn't let you step foot in this place."

I wasn't acceptable to confrontation. When it came aunt Chloe, however, It was up for debate. " Excuse me. Excuse me. Pardon me, I must intervene here." Lucifer said, clicking his pointer and thumb together.

" I can assure you that the likes of your unsolicited advice is definitely not a thing that's appreciated. Please let us enjoy this time, without having any more trouble. If you may allow that much."

The lady leaned back, eyes narrowed but leaves us to be.

" Thank you. Lucifer."

I mumbled, stirring my finger in the vodka shot, grimacing. I shrink in size feeling an alcoholic infused breath fan my face. A trucker, from how he dressed I assume, sleazily cases his eyes up and down. My throat feels dry.

" Palmetto bitch. Tell your mom that. She'll know." His badge is on his belt. I crinkle my nose when he winks. Lucifer held a tight grip around his shot glass, as I down the shot.

" Do tell. Excluding the wink, what a perv, you and the detective seem to have a reputation. I know you have nothing to do with it. Seems to me they know you than you know of them."

Anthony Paolucci. I recognised him, now. He's the partner of Malcolm Graham.

" his name is.. his name is Anthony Paolucci. His partner had taken a bullet. from I read on his case file mom was blamed and reported to the department. I heard Malcolm got shot, meeting with some gangsters."

I could feel Anthony's blazing eyes stabbing the back of my head and neck.

" And.. Paolucci thinks Graham took the bullet like a hero. Mom reckons Malcolm was in on it. The job. The whole case. It felt like it was a set up."

I shivered, turning my head just the slightest of an inch to secretly look at Anthony, he is still imprudent to his stare.

" I read each detail. Something in my gut, is telling me I'm right. It's a feeling I have. And now mom's gonna live the rest of her career harassed by these men."

Lucifer finished his second shot of vodka.

" Ok. Enough is said, no excuse for that mans rudeness. Considering you are innocent in all of it. I am gonna give him his right punishment."

'Oh no. He is not causing a scene here today.'

I grabbed his hand, keeping him from doing an act of harm. " Stop. No, I'm fine. There.. I don't need for you to stand up. For me, Lucifer. I'm okay." His face shifts to my hand touching his. For a moment he considers my statement but I sighed as he softly removed it.

'Oh no. What is he going to do.'

I watched Lucifer approach the group of off-duty officers. Words are spoken I couldn't hear which the music drowns out. He stops talking, his fist is reeled back, before it hits Anthony. I covered my mouth. 'He did not just hit him.' I got straight up from the space of my seat and I pulled on Lucifers arm. " We need to leave."

'I can't take him anywhere.'

JASMINE SPEAKS;

Malcolm Graham will play a part in Ellie/Bettys story for season one. It will be hinted in the chapters leading up to the last episode.

He is involved with a storyline I have chosen and I hope you readers won't be disappointed by it.

How did you like Lucifer assigning Mazikeen as basically Ellie's own bodyguard? Maze and Betty's friendship is going to develop as each of the seasons comes about.

What would like to see out of those two?

Lucifer basically at this point is just blatantly obvious with his attraction to Betty. How are you liking this side of him? With Elisabetta??