The Isekai Sinner

“Brandi, ya gotta get outta bed at some point,” Angel muttered, poking at his sister, who was tightly wound in blankets on the bed. Last night, she had spent a good half hour in a panic attack before bursting into tears, eventually crying herself to sleep in his arms. It had been months since he had seen her break down like that. To say it scared him would be an understatement.

The lump of blankets remained silent and unmoving, so he sighed, sitting down on the side of the bed. When Stitches was like this, it was anybody’s guess how long she could stay like this. He hoped it wasn’t going to be for long. If it went too long… No, nope, he wasn’t going to think like that! “Come on, Sis, it’s 1:30. Alastor is gonna want to have ya ready to go see Rosie in-”

A series of soft knocks interrupted him. The lump curled tighter in on itself as he went to open the door. He had tried to get her up several times, for breakfast, for lunch… Fuck, he would have even accepted it if she just came out of the cocoon of blankets! Alastor had stopped by after breakfast to inform them that Lucifer was okay and had fully recovered, but even that hadn’t roused her. The only time she had even said anything was when Charlie had stopped by at lunchtime, and all Stitches had said was a very exhausted and pained “No!” before wrapping herself up tighter and deeper in the blankets.

Sighing, he opened the door, half expecting to see Charlie or Alastor again. Instead, he looked down to see a very concerned and awkward Lucifer. Glancing back towards the still silent lump on the bed, he waved for Lucifer to back up and stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind him. He gave a tired smile to the King. “Heya, Short King. Glad ta see ya feelin’ bette’.”

Lucifer nodded, his eyes darting to the door. “Alastor said she went into a panic attack right after I did… Is she…?” He looked distraught like he didn’t know what to do. Angel Dust had seen that look on his mother’s face when she was alive when he and his older brother would fight. Parents never did like their kids fighting, because how could you pick a side when both have a point?

“Yeah,” Angel sighed, running a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I have tried several times to get her up, but she has just… Shut down. I don’t know how to get her to come out from the blankets.”

Lucifer’s brows furrowed. “Is the bedding flat, or is she a burrito?”

“Cocooned.” 

“Oh…” Lucifer muttered, looking past him to the door again. He paused in thought, then looked up at Angel. “Have you eaten yet?”

Angel shook his head. “Alastor brought up some breakfast, but I haven’t eaten lunch yet.”

Lucifer smiled kindly. “Why don’t you go get some lunch, and I will go get her out of bed?” he suggested.

Angel smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I also need a nap before work. Good luck, shortie!”

He waved as he left, heading for the stairs. Hopefully, Lucifer had better luck than him. Though, if he was being honest, he actually had little doubt. Stitches was always more open to her Dad, ever since the coma. He smiled, knowing she was in good hands.

____________________________________________________________________________

Lucifer waved goodbye before turning back to his youngest daughter’s door. He hesitated, hand over the handle. Talking to Charlie this morning had been difficult. He still felt guilty for the years they had been apart, so having to lecture her felt so… just wrong, especially since she was coming from a good place. She truly loved and adored Stitches so much, and wanted the best for her. She had said as much this morning, in tears and flooded with regret. She had been distressed when Stitches wouldn’t even let her into the room to apologize earlier.

But two fights between the sisters in as many days was simply not productive or right for anyone. Siblings fought, he knew that. Fuck, he had plenty of experience with it! Probably the reason it hurt so much was because of his own trauma with it. If he could save them from the pain he had gone through, he would. His Father had not been there for their family to put a stop to the fighting, and… Now he was in Hell. He would not repeat that mistake. 

He pushed open the door and slipped inside, closing it softly behind him. He made his way to his little Duckling, who was still cocooned in the middle of the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed closest to him and took off his boots before climbing up further, leaning against the headboard. He sighed softly and patted the lump where he knew her head was. 

“You can come out or I can just cuddle you as is. What’s your preference?” Lucifer waited for a moment before hearing the faintest whine coming from the blankets and a subtle leaning into his palm. Chuckling, he leaned down and scooped her up, still inside the blankets, her head on his shoulder and her legs over his lap. He supported her back with one arm and used the other to pat softly where her head was, humming a gentle melody as she quietly sniffled.

After a while, the blankets started moving, and soon, her face wiggled out. She peeked up at him, staring up at him with a mix of guilt and hope. He smiled softly and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “There is my pretty Duckling!” he cooed. She giggled softly and nuzzled into his shoulder. “Ready to come out and get ready to go to Rosie’s?”

Stitches whined and shook her head, burrowing her head into his shoulder. “Not yet,” she muttered softly. She glanced up at him through her puppy dog expression. “Just a few more minutes?” 

He hummed in consent and pulled her in tighter. “I talked to Charlie,” he began. Stitches groaned. “I know, sweetie, and while I understand her reasons, I told her she needs to let you make your own path.”

Stitches leaned back and searched his face. “Dad, you don’t have to take my side! She’s your real daughter-”

“You are BOTH my real daughters,” Lucifer insisted, “and I won’t let you continue to think otherwise. I may not have had a part in your genetic makeup, but you are no less important to me.” He sighed, cupping her cheek. “That’s why it hurt so much to see you two fighting. I don’t want your arguing to lead to…” He bit his lip and looked away, unable to continue. 

He heard and felt her fight out of the blankets before her arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him close. He buried his face into her soft, violet hair, letting her yarn-like strands absorb his tears. She knew what he had been through, as they shared each other’s complicated past over the last six months. The only other person who knew was Alastor, so having someone else who understood without him saying it… it meant a lot. 

Stitches sighed and leaned back after a few minutes, wiping away her own tears. “I figured that was part of the issue last night. I am sorry I triggered you - shut up, yes I did - and I will try harder not to get so angry with Charlie. I love you, Dad, and I love Charlie too.” She huffed. “I don’t like her at the moment, but I do love her. That will never change, I promise.”

“Good to know, Duckling,” he chuckled. “Now, Alastor will be coming by in an hour to fetch you, so why don’t you get ready and I will fetch you a snack to tide you over until you can eat something else. Knowing Rosie, she’ll have tea and some finger foods for you when you get there.”

Stitches wrinkled her nose. “Ugh, cannibal finger foods or…?”

Lucifer laughed. “I am sure she will provide some other options. Though, her Lady Fingers really are quite good!”

Stitches rolled her eyes. “Of course, you would partake in Alastor’s diet,” she muttered, grinning at him.

“Hey!” he glared defensively. “I’m the Devil! I am allowed to be twisted and evil from time to time.”

Stitches laughed as she got out of his lap and the blankets and headed to the shower. She paused before shutting the door, tilting her head in thought. “Yeah, no, can’t see you being anything more than a dorky marshmallow.” He threw a pillow at her, but she just laughed and shut the door. He rolled his eyes and summoned the outfit he had created for her visit to Rosie's. 

Shows what she knows. I can be quite evil when I want to be… I just hope neither she nor Charlie ever have to see that.

____________________________________________________________________________

“Alastor, can you slow down!?” Stitches whined, stumbling in her effort to keep up. “Not all of us have the legs of a fucking giraffe!”

Alastor sighed impatiently, but his pace slowed considerably. “If you had been ready on time, my dear, we would not need to be in a hurry.”

Stitches rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, not my fault Dad thought this outfit was a great idea. Do you know how many buttons are on Victorian women’s clothing? There were fucking 13 on each boot. Each. Boot. That’s not even counting the undergarments and the several layers of clothes!” She huffed, pulling at the high collar of her dress. “Hell is too hot to wear this stuffy shit.”

She would have admitted it was actually a really nice outfit, had it not been for the long walk at the brisk pace Alastor had set. Certainly better than the cheaply made look-a-likes she had used when she was in her “steampunk phase” of cosplay when she was alive. But, the upside of those clothes had been that they had been lightweight and breathable, caring more about the aesthetic and not the authenticity. This outfit? Yeah, no, it was authentic.

Other than the bustle in the back (which still felt kind of awkward), the 1900-1910 style dress was very pretty. The deep, pine greens of the fabric were a nice compliment to her violet hair and eyes, with black accents. Her black boots, as time-consuming to put on as they were, were actually fairly comfortable, and even the matching green hat was fun to wear. Her hair was done up and styled in a simple updo that kept it off her face and shoulders. 

Which was great, because it was so hot she felt like she was melting! If her Dad hadn’t been so excited to dress her up in the outfit he picked and created for her…

“How much farther, Al?” she moaned. “Can’t you just shadowwalk us there or something?”

Alastor rolled his eyes. “Good things in life do not come easy, little vixen. Now, come along, it isn’t much farther now.”

Her eyes narrowed. “This is your way of getting back at me for last night, isn’t it?”

“My dear, if I was intending to punish you, you would know it,” Alastor drawled. She glanced to the building beside them, and Shade rolled its red eyes, confirming that Alastor was, indeed, messing with her in retaliation. Normally, Stitches would call him out for it, but she still felt guilty for triggering Lucifer, so she kept silent. Though if he’s still an ass on the way home, I am going to activate the Magne mark and have Dad portal me home. “Ah, here we are, right on time.”

Stitches stared up at the large shop in awe, almost missing it when Alastor extended his elbow for her to take. She wordlessly slipped her hand around his arm as she followed him through the door. In the back of her mind, she made a mental note to look around when they left, since she had been too busy trying to keep up with the Radio Demon to really see the quaint town, but that could wait! She was going into Rosie’s Emporium. 

The small bell on the inside of the door rang to announce their entrance, adding to the cheerful, busy atmosphere inside. The shop had rows and rows of shelves and tables, featuring all kinds of items and goods for sale. On the right side of the shop was a small cafe, with a few tables and chairs, where a few customers were chatting while enjoying tea and baked (as well as raw) treats. Over by the counter, however, laughing loudly as she gossiped with a few ladies, was Rosie herself.

Rosie looked up and smiled widely with her sharp, toothy grin, her black voids that were common in cannibals seeming to spark in recognition. “Alastah!” she greeted, excusing herself from her audience and hurrying to greet them. She pulled the red demon into an embrace, which he returned, before turning her sights to Stitches. “This must be the infamous Stitches, right? How are ya doin’, doll?”

Stitches felt her eye twitch. She knew that “doll” was an endearing term, but she still hated it when people called her that. She swallowed it down and just flashed a wide grin of her own, curtsying to the Overlord. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Rosie. I have heard a lot of wonderful things about you. Lucifer sends his regards.”

Rosie blinked, then burst into laughter. “Oh, Alastor, you didn’t tell me she was such a charming young lady!”

“I suppose her manners can be quite refined,” Alastor sighed dramatically. “When she chooses to deign us with them.” His grin at Stitches turned biting, daring her to counter him. 

Stitches grinned back, straightening herself and looking at her claws. “I show respect and courtesy to all my peers and betters, so long as they show me the same.” She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. “Some people are just incapable of acting a gentleman, I suppose.”

Alastor’s radio static screeched as he fumed, though it was quickly cut off by Rosie’s chortling. “Oh, Alastah! I see why you like this young lady! So much fire in this one, maybe more than our dear Charlie!” Rosie grabbed Stitches’ hand and started pulling her towards the back of the shop, which she knew led to Rosie’s private quarters. “Come come, my darling, let Auntie Rosie get you some refreshments!”

Stitches stumbled after her, giggling softly, while Alastor followed them. Rosie waved for one of the girls behind the counter to watch the shop as she led them into the privacy of her sitting room. It was quite lovely, with a small pink couch facing the fireplace with two green armchairs flanking it on either side. In front of the couch and in between the opposing armchairs was a small coffee table, already decked out with two tiered trays of snacks and finger sandwiches, a beautiful china tea set, and some plates and forks. Rosie settled her in the middle of the couch before she took the farthest armchair, while Alastor settled himself in the other. 

“The top two tiers on each tray are free of cannibalized flesh, my dear,” Rosie pointed out. “The sandwiches are deviled egg or tuna salad, and the sweet treats were all baked this morning, so help yourself!” She leaned forward and made herself a plate from each tier, adding some of the “meatier” options from the lower tier. Which looked very good, if it weren’t for the fingers and toes sticking out of them. Stitches tried her best to hide her grimace as she filled her own plate with some deviled egg sandwiches and a few cookies. Alastor filled the tea cups and handed her one, to which she nodded her thanks before sipping the familiar flavor.

Jasmine tea, one of her favorites. She wondered if Alastor had told Rosie, or if it was simply a coincidence. 

“Now then, Alastah told me that you are looking for a job?” Rosie began sweetly, though it was a bit undercut by the way she immediately bit into a finger. “What kind of work are you looking for?”

Stitches took another sip of her tea and pretended to consider for a moment. “Well, I would prefer something that would keep me in one place, and preferably out of the reach of the deal-makers.” She paused and shot Rosie a shy smile. “Not that all dealers are awful, mind you, I just prefer not to put myself in a bad situation.”

Rosie reached out and patted her arm affectionately. “I understand very well, darling, never you mind!” She thought for a moment. “What sort of job experience do you have? Anything from when you were alive?’

“I mostly worked in retail, though I also was a cosmetologist for many years. I did cashier and receptionist work, some managerial tasks when I was promoted and helped with general labor and maintenance of the stores and offices I worked at.” She paused. “I also was a freelance writer and artist on the side, but I’m guessing that kind of stuff is fairly useless in Hell.”

Rosie nodded as she considered options. “I would hire you if I hadn’t just filled my last open slot. But I think we can find you some work elsewhere. You certainly have quite the skillset, so you will be a valuable employee to whoever is lucky enough to hire you.” She looked over at Alastor. “Finding someone we can trust among the Sinners of Pentagram City may be difficult, however.”

Alastor nodded as he took a bite of raw meat (Stitches told herself it was venison, but she doubted it). “Quite right. I know Lucifer would feel better if we find her something that is as low-risk as possible. Which means the Entertainment District is out, and we should stay away from the Industrial District as well.”

Here’s my chance… “Does it have to be in Pentagram City?” Stitches asked.

Both of them turned to look at her in confusion. Alastor narrowed his eyes. “Are you speaking of the other Rings?” Rosie looked surprised, which meant she probably didn’t know about the Magne Mark, or perhaps she simply hadn’t been informed of all the advantages of it. Either way, Stitches certainly wasn’t going to be the one to tell her. The less people knew about it, the better. “You would have to talk to Lucifer if-”

“No no!” Stitches rushed to interject. “I was actually thinking about the other Circles. I know the majority of Sinners prefer to stay in Pentagram City, but the other Circles also have Sinners living and working in them. It would be possible for me to commute there from the hotel, right?”

Alastor was silent for a moment, reading her. She pretended not to notice and nibbled on a sandwich. Rosie was an excellent cook, apparently, because the deviled egg was delicious! She filed away the thought to ask her for the recipe later. For now, she needed to focus on how to tell Alastor her plan without telling him her plan. Finally, he spoke, casually sipping his tea. “Any particular Circle?” he asked, no more prodding than if they were discussing the weather.

Stitches smiled behind the sandwich as she hummed in thought. “I have been looking at Imp City,” she suggested. “There are quite a few businesses that have popped up there in recent years, most of them run by Hellborn. There are still quite a few Sinners that visit, but few that actually live in the city itself. I thought it would be a bit safer and less chaotic than here, where there are constant turf wars and more chaos.”

“Do you have a particular lead in mind?” Alastor inquired. “I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t have mentioned it at the hotel…” He gave her a knowing look. Stitches grinned at him, and he nodded subtly, though he motioned for her to continue, for Rosie’s benefit, if nothing else. 

“I have a general idea, but I would need to go investigate it myself.” She confirmed his suspicion. “I would have said something sooner, but I didn’t want to reveal it to the others just yet, you understand.” She turned to Rosie. “Though, any advice you could give me when it comes to dealing with the Hellborn as a Sinner would be much appreciated. Alastor has told me that you have contracts with various Hellborn demons and work with them more than most in this city. Any advice you have on getting them to work with me would be MUCH appreciated.”

“Of course, darling!” Rosie giggled and picked up the teapot. “Here, have some more tea. We are going to be here for a while.”

____________________________________________________________________________

Lute gasped as she sat up in bed, her heart racing in her chest and tears streaming down her cheeks. She had long grown numb from her nightmares of Adam’s death, but this new nightmare had been haunting her for months and months. She squeezed her eyes closed and curled into a ball, trying to hide herself in her wings as she gripped her hair, willing herself to forget the dream. But it only made the last image burn further into her mind.

Violet lights and button eyes, bone-chilling screams and melancholic songs… and a beautiful doll, falling apart at the seams.