A few days had passed since the Spectre incident - an event that had sent ripples through celestial realms but remained largely unnoticed on Earth. Heaven knew. Hell knew.
The various divine planes were abuzz with the news of the Lightbringer's triumphant return.
But the mortal world continued its mundane rotation, blissfully ignorant of the cosmic drama that had unfolded in a Gotham mansion.
Lex Luthor's office in Metropolis offered a panoramic view of the city he considered his personal domain.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased gleaming skyscrapers, including the distant silhouette of the Daily Planet building with its iconic globe.
The office itself was a study in minimalist luxury - clean lines, expensive materials, and not a single item out of place.
Lex sat behind his desk, tablet in hand, reviewing schematics for a new energy containment system.
His expression was focused, though occasionally his eyes would dart to his son, seated casually on one of the office's leather couches.
Since Jason Blood's revelations about Samael's true nature, Lex had found himself observing his son with new understanding - studying him for signs of his celestial nature, for confirmation of what still seemed surreal despite the evidence.
Samael lounged comfortably, flipping through a book on theoretical physics with apparent boredom.
Across from him, Cassandra - or Wren, as she was known in professional settings - maintained her usual vigilant posture, though Lex had noticed subtle changes in her demeanor around his son.
A new closeness. A different kind of attention.
Mercy Graves stood at her customary position near Lex's desk, her expression impassive as always, though her eyes occasionally tracked Samael's movements with professional assessment.
The silence in the office was comfortable, each person absorbed in their own tasks, until Samael abruptly closed his book and looked up.
"So," he said casually, as if continuing a conversation, "any ideas on how to get God's attention?"
The reaction was immediate and remarkably similar across all three faces - of stunned disbelief.
Lex's fingers froze above his tablet. Mercy's eyebrow rose a fraction of an inch. Cassandra's head tilted slightly, her expression questioning whether she had misunderstood.
"I'm sorry," Lex said after a moment, setting down his tablet with deliberate care. "Did you just ask how to get the attention of God - as in the Maker of All?"
Even Lex - the most prideful human to ever live found the question absurd, especially since he himself because of all the evidence believes in His existence.
"Yes," Samael replied, as if requesting restaurant recommendations. "I'm looking for methods that are effective but, ideally, won't cause too much collateral damage.
I'd prefer to avoid the traditional routes - global floods, plagues of locusts, that sort of thing. So outdated."
Mercy cleared her throat. "Mr. Luthor, perhaps your son is feeling unwell-"
"I'm perfectly fine, thank you, Mercy," Samael interrupted with a pleasant smile. "Just thinking about practical solutions to a practical problem."
"And what problem would that be?" Lex asked, his tone carefully neutral despite the absurdity of the conversation.
Samael gestured vaguely. "Oh, you know. Vessel incompatibility issues. The whole 'human body not designed to contain archangelic power' situation. I thought perhaps a direct consultation with the manufacturer might be in order."
Especially since he's been recently thinking on his becoming of an archangel - nothing, and I mean nothing besides God Himself could create another.
Lex's eyes narrowed slightly. "You believe you can simply... call God for technical support?"
"Well, when you put it that way, it sounds ridiculous," Samael conceded. "But essentially, yes. I acquired some interesting information recently that suggests it might be possible to gain an audience with the Presence."
"From what source?" Lex's question was sharp.
"A demon," Samael replied casually. "Not the most reliable source, I grant you, but the information checks out against what I know of celestial history."
Cassandra's hands moved in signs: 'When did you speak with a demon?'
"Oh, during a little incident before encountering the Spectre," Samael said, waving dismissively.
"It's not important. What is important is what I learned - that Aztar, the fallen archangel who later became the Spectre, somehow managed to gain an audience with God and was reinstated as His vessel of Divine Wrath."
"The Spectre," Lex repeated flatly. "You're referring to the mythological Spirit of Vengeance that many mystics speak of."
"The very same," Samael confirmed. "Though I wouldn't call him mythological to his face. He's rather sensitive about his legitimacy issues."
Lex leaned back in his chair, studying his son.
Since Blood's revelations, he had been researching - discreetly, of course - everything he could find about angels, archangels, and celestial hierarchies.
The information was contradictory, because of the fact that it was often buried in religious texts manipulated by humans and mystical tomes of questionable authenticity. But certain patterns had emerged.
"Assuming, for the sake of argument, that what you're suggesting is possible," Lex began carefully, "why would the Creator respond to any... summons? Particularly from someone who, according to what I've gathered, represents a power that once rebelled against Him?"
Samael's smile was sharp. "Excellent question. I'm not entirely sure He would. But I'm also not entirely sure He wouldn't. The Presence works in mysterious ways, as they say."
"Perhaps," Mercy suggested, her practical nature asserting itself, she herself as Luthor's , most trusted, knowledgeable about what was at hand, "we should consider what methods have historically drawn divine attention, according to various texts."
"An excellent suggestion, Mercy," Samael said with genuine approval. "Let's brainstorm. What gets God's attention?"
"Prayer," Lex offered dryly. "Though I imagine the efficacy depends on the individual."
"Prayer is more of a general communication system," Samael countered. "Like leaving a voicemail. I need something more... direct."
"Mass sacrifice," Mercy suggested. When everyone looked at her, she shrugged slightly. "Historical precedent. Many cultures believed divine attention could be secured through significant offerings."
"Effective, but messy," Samael mused. "And likely to attract the wrong kind of attention. The Justice League tends to frown on mass sacrifice, even for noble causes."
Cassandra's hands moved: 'Extreme acts of faith. Biblical figures gained divine intervention through demonstrations of unwavering belief.'
"Abraham and Isaac," Lex noted, recognizing the reference. "Though I doubt child sacrifice would be viewed favorably in modern context, even if interrupted at the last moment."
"Besides," Samael added, "I'm not sure it would work, since well, there is no real sacrifice when whatever I give up, I can just bring back, like that," he finished as he snapped his fingers.
The conversation paused as each considered the problem.
"What about a miracle?" Mercy suggested after a moment. "Not requesting one, but performing one. Something that would force divine acknowledgment."
"That has potential," Samael admitted. "Though the definition of 'miracle' might be subjective when dealing with beings of our respective capabilities."
Lex's eyes narrowed at the casual inclusion of himself in the category of miracle-workers, but he let it pass. "What about the opposite approach? Instead of trying to impress, perhaps provocation would be more effective."
"You mean like... blasphemy?" Samael asked, his tone amused.
"I'm not sure writing rude graffiti about God on a church wall would get the response I'm looking for - and this is not taking into account how I wouldn't mean it, and beneath me it is."
"Not simple blasphemy," Lex clarified. "A direct challenge to divine authority. Something that cannot be ignored without undermining the entire concept of divinity."
"Now we're getting somewhere," Samael said, leaning forward with interest. "What kind of challenge did you have in mind?"
Lex considered for a moment. "If we accept the premise that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, then the challenge would need to target an area where intervention is expected - perhaps a threat to creation itself - if you are capable of it that is?"
The suggestion was more for Lex to truly know the extent of his son's capabilities, as there are various ways the might of the Lucifer is described and not all of them align, better to know it from one who truly has it.
Besides, he already knew it won't be taken as there are far too many problems with that approach.
"Cosmic blackmail?" Samael laughed. "I like the way you think, Dad. Though I suspect the Presence might take exception to being manipulated.
Sure, I could freeza all of Creation and turn it to shattered crystal, but the problem with that is, I want His help, not to be smote out of existence," he explained, already seeing through his father's question, and choosing to answer it.
"The risk of divine wrath would indeed be considerable," Mercy agreed. "Historical precedent suggests divine retribution tends toward the... dramatic."
Cassandra's hands moved again: 'What about something constructive instead of destructive? Creation rather than destruction?'
Samael's expression shifted, a new thoughtfulness entering his eyes. "Creation... now that's an interesting angle."
"Elaborate," Lex prompted, intrigued.
"Well, what's the one thing God is known for above all else?" Samael asked rhetorically. "Creation. The making of something from nothing. What if the way to get His attention isn't to threaten what He's made, but to demonstrate that we can make something too?"
"You're suggesting... creating life?" Mercy asked, her skepticism evident.
"Bigger," Samael replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he spread his arms wide. "What if we created a world? A universe? A new reality altogether?"
The room fell silent as the audacity of the suggestion sank in.
"That's impossible," Lex stated flatly. "Even with advanced technology-"
"Not for me," Samael interrupted,. "Not for what I am.
The Lightbringer's power is fundamentally creative - it's the fire that ignites stars, the energy that shapes reality, that plus the Grace of Creation I am made of... With the right approach, the right preparation... I could do it."
The confidence in his voice was absolute, not the bravado of a young man way over his head, but the certainty of have true power.
"You're serious," Lex realized, studying his son with new eyes. "You genuinely believe you could create... what? A parallel dimension?"
"A new totality," Samael corrected. "A complete multiverse, with its own laws of physics, its own flow of time, its own... everything."
"And you think this would get God's attention?" Mercy asked, her tone carefully neutral.
"I think it would be impossible for Him to ignore," Samael replied.
'Especially with what I remember He was like with Lucifer when he did it - that is if the comics are to be trusted. But even then, this is the best idea I've got.' he thought to himself.
"Creation is His domain, His defining act. For someone else to do it - especially someone carrying the Lightbringer's power - that would demand acknowledgment."
Cassandra's hands moved in rapid signs: 'Would this harm your vessel?'
A flicker of something - concern, perhaps - crossed Samael's face. "It would be... taxing. But with proper preparation, and perhaps some assistance, it should be manageable."
It would explode his body like a blood balloon really. But he isn't lying here, as yes, it would be 'taxing' indeed, but, with proper preperation, it would be manageable to do so without such a cost.
"What kind of assistance?" Lex asked sharply.
"Nothing sinister," Samael assured him. "Just energy channeling, containment fields, that sort of thing. Technical support, if you will." Yes, but that is a very simplified explanation of it, and it needs to be the kind that comes only from another celestial being.
He has someone in mind, though; all he needs is the right incentive and time.
Lex's mind was already racing, calculating the implications, the possibilities, the potential applications of such power. If his son could truly create worlds...
"There's also the moral dimension to consider," Mercy pointed out pragmatically. "Creating life comes with responsibility. Would these new beings have souls? Free will? Would you be their god?"
"All excellent questions," Samael acknowledged. "And ones I'd need to address in the planning stages. But the core concept remains - creation as a means of gaining divine attention."
"It does have a certain... symmetry," Lex admitted. "The original Lightbringer fell because he wanted freedom from God's plan. The new Lightbringer creates his own plan, his own world."
"Exactly," Samael said, pleased that his father had grasped the concept so quickly. "It's not rebellion in the traditional sense - it's evolution. Moving beyond the constraints of the existing system to create something new."
"But would it work?" Mercy pressed. "Would it actually draw the response you're looking for?"
"I believe it would," Samael replied. "But there's only one way to find out."
The conversation paused as each contemplated what they were discussing.
Creating a universe was so far beyond normal human ambition that it bordered on madness - yet here they were, discussing it as if planning a business venture.
"Speaking of vessels," Samael said suddenly, breaking the thoughtful silence. He snapped his fingers, and a small green object flew out of Lex's pocket, sailing across the room to land in Samael's outstretched palm.
A protective barrier of light immediately formed around the glowing green rock - kryptonite.
"I honestly expected more from you, Father," Samael said, examining the mineral with casual interest.
"You're the most intelligent man on the planet. How could you not realize that a space rock that emits radiation harmful to Kryptonians would also affect humans?
I've just cured you of what would have eventually become super cancer. You're welcome."
Lex stared at the kryptonite, then at his son, shock momentarily overriding his usual composure.
He had been carrying that particular sample for years, keeping it close as a reminder of his enemy's weakness.
The thought that it might be harming him had never crossed his mind - an oversight so basic that it was genuinely humiliating.
"Mercy," he said after a moment, his voice perfectly controlled despite his inner turmoil, "arrange for comprehensive research on kryptonite's effects on human physiology. And ensure that all samples are properly contained in lead from now on."
"Yes, Mr. Luthor," Mercy replied, making a note on her tablet.
Samael made no further comment on the matter, seeming to understand that his father's pride had taken enough of a blow.
Instead, he returned to their previous topic, murmuring various ideas aloud as he paced the office.
"Divine intervention through natural disasters? No, too random. Prophecy fulfillment? Too dependent on existing texts. Cosmic alignment? Temporal manipulation? Dimensional breach?
No, he's not even really powerful in his current state, not enough to sense all this and connect it to someone trying to reach out to him." Though this didn't seem to be about God, but someone else.
He paused, a distant look entering his eyes as something occurred to him - a realization, a connection previously unmade.
The sky outside the office windows suddenly darkened, clouds gathering with unnatural speed. A low rumble of thunder rolled across Metropolis, though no storm had been forecast.
"I'll do it," Samael said, his voice growing stronger as his conviction solidified. "I'll create my own multiverse, my own reality - better than this one, more perfect, more just. A creation that will surpass the original."
Lightning flashed, brilliant and blinding, illuminating the office in stark white light. The thunder that followed shook the building to its foundations, rattling windows and causing the lights to flicker momentarily.
Lex, Mercy, and Cassandra all looked toward the windows, then back at Samael, whose eyes now gleamed with a red burning light.
"Well," he said with a slight smile, "I think we might be on the right track."
Outside, the storm intensified, rain beginning to lash against the windows as if nature itself was responding to the challenge that had just been issued - a new Lightbringer declaring his intent to rival the Creator's work.
The gauntlet had been thrown down. The only question now was whether it would be picked up before he acted.
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(Author's note: So, who is it that Samael thinks can help him make this new totality?
What do you even think about him wanting to create his own like Lucifer did in the comics?
I'm curious about your thoughts.
I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)