CHAPTER 192

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[David Lance POV]

With an unsteady alliance set with Batman, I began to play my next steps to deal with the situation I had created. 

Even though Batman had given me his word, I had no assurance things would play out the way I wanted them to, meaning I had to tread lightly and watch my every step. 

Beyond that. There was still much to do, much to resolve, and little time to do.

In fact, there was so little time in my table that it was impossible to deal with the situation by myself. 

I had the Lanterns to recruit, or what was left of them, and the Shazam situation.

Ideally, if I had the time I would invest myself in dealing with each situation, but that wasn't the case, meaning I had no choice but to break this task with Raven.

I would deal with the Lanterns, and she would deal with the Shazam situation.

While I honestly didn't want to break my path from Raven's so soon, I knew it was the only way to solve this situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

As much as I hated it, I needed to be pragmatic. Now more than ever, I had to stay focused and in control of my emotions, especially the ones that wanted me to just be by her side. 

I knew very well that any misstep could mean disaster for not just myself, but everyone involved.

I owed this universe that much.

And in order for me to pay that debt, I had to stay one step ahead of everything. This was the path ahead of me, however perilous it may be.

~Raven, as much as I don't want to say this, we need to split up,~ I signed, my hands weaving through it all as I sighed. ~With how little time we have, we have no choice but to do this.~

Raven snorted, rolling her eyes as she nodded before tackling me into a hug. "As much as I don't want to say this? Look who became a softy," she whispered into my ear before pulling away.

~You've been back in my life for two hours, and you're already trying to bully me?~ I asked with a playful smile.

"Someone has to keep you on your toes," Raven said with a smirk before turning away for some reason. "So, what's my part of this..."

Deciding not to push into whatever was happening, I began to explain. "Seeing you're better suited to deal with the Shazam situation, because… well, you're a magic user yourself, you are to find the wizard and convince him to appoint a new Shazam."

At this, Raven turned. "That means you're left to deal with the Lanterns, correct?"

I nodded, patting her on the head. "Smart girl, want a cookie?"

"I will bite you," Raven threatened.

"Kinky," The unmistakable voice of Lucifer startled us both, as we both jumped to our feet. "I leave you guys be for one hour and fifty-two minutes, and you're already this kinky? I'm starting to think I didn't need to intervene at all."

"It's friendly conversation, nothing more," Raven said calmly, or as calmly as she could pretend to be.

"Hm, yeah, no, let's quote yourself shall we?" Lucifer smirked, summoning a book named, the quotes of a lovely Raven. "Oh dear David, someone has to keep you up your toes, curled toes. Wink wink."

"I NEVER SAID THAT!" Raven barked at him, blasting at the all-powerful being known as Lucifer with a beam of pure magic.

"And shooting at me sure says you didn't, a very American approach," Lucifer chuckled, closing the book before dusting himself off from Raven's attack. "On another note, do you have any idea how hard it is to clean an Armani suit from magical residue? Next time throw me a meteor or something less magical."

Taking a deep breath, I took a step forward and asked. "What are you doing here, Lucifer?"

"Well, I'm here to help of course!" Lucifer winked at us, snapping his fingers in order to summon a name tag to his suit, one that had his name. "So, what's my mission Captain?"

…

…..

....

Oh God, he's being serious. 

"I don't have a choice do I?" I asked.

"Smart boy, want a cookie?" Lucifer smirked. 

If I ever meet God, I will ask for the power to bitch slap Lucifer.

"Fine, if you want to help, help Raven solve the Shazam situation," I said, giving Lucifer a tired look. 

"Aye ay— nope, I thought I could use that phrase but it sounds wrong," Lucifer chuckled before turning his gaze back on me. "Don't worry, I will see it through or my name isn't Lucifer Morningstar."

I suppose that's reassuring, after… he doesn't lie.

"Thanks," I nodded, only to notice Raven stare at me with a piercing look. "...What?"

Oh… I had sent Lucifer with her… I feel I will come to regret this at a later date, but that's a problem for future me, present me does not give enough fucks to deal with Lucifer for more than it absolutely required.

"I read your thoughts right now, and I must say, I am DEEPLY offended and horny, the last one is completely unrelated to your thoughts, that's just me being a little rascal," Lucifer said, summoning a drink to his hand. 

"You will pay for this," Raven muttered.

Future me will, not present me.

"Anywho, let's get moving, Windows 30 and Dark Tomato cutter are threats we need to take care of, and time is of the essence!" Lucifer said, grabbing Raven by the arm. "Besides, Raven, we need to start talking about your lingerie arrangements, you really don't want your boyfriend seeing your everyday underwear unless he's into depression, and then again… maybe he is… but that's a topic for another time!"

"David I will KILL YOU FOR THI-" And before Raven could finish her sentence, Lucifer teleported away with her, leaving me to wonder how much future me would suffer for this… little mistake.

Oh well, no time to ponder. I have a mission to complete.