Lucifer set the Joker's letter aside, the bizarre sincerity of the warning conflicting with the gaudy purple paper.
He had passed what he knew to Tony, who could handle the bureaucratic nightmare of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Now, Lucifer still had to focus on the goal.
He needed to find $2,350,000 more for the System Goal.
"The Joker's problems are solved for now,"
Lucifer stated to Raven, who was already running risk scenarios for their next contract.
"Tony can handle them. We need to focus on—"
A low-frequency SCRAPE interrupted him.
It was a precise, technical sound originating near the utility closet—a sound Lucifer's Fundamental Insight immediately identified as a small, specialized infiltration tool breaching the air duct.
"Intruder,"
Raven announced instantly, her gaze snapping toward the wall.
"Low-tier tech, trying silent entry above the utility closet. Originating adjacent to... Harley's room."
Lucifer tensed, he was ready to deploy his Force Field.
Before Lucifer could move, a series of sounds erupted from the closet area: a sudden, angry HISS, a loud, unmistakable SPLAT, and a distressed male YELP.
Raven spoke.
"Intrusion neutralized. High probability of dairy-based containment. Target subdued."
Lucifer lowered his guard, a confused frown creasing his face. They moved quickly to the doorway.
The scene was utterly ridiculous. A masked thief in black tactical gear was slumped against the wall, thoroughly defeated, restrained by bright pink fuzzy handcuffs.
He was soaked head-to-toe in glistening chocolate pudding and streaks of melting strawberry ice cream.
Standing over him, wielding an empty ice cream carton, was Harley Quinn.
Her usual manic energy had been replaced by a fierce, territorial defensiveness.
"You don't break into my lair,"
Harley spat, giving the thief a light tap with the carton.
"This is family space! Find your own hideout, creep!"
She spotted Lucifer in the doorway, and the territorial rage vanished, replaced by a blinding, earnest pride.
"Luce! Luce, look!"
She chirped, beaming. She pushed the defeated thief toward her brother.
"I caught it! I caught the bad guy! See? I protected the perimeter! You didn't even have to use your stuff!"
Lucifer's cool façade dropped, replaced by the awkward, slightly relieved pride of a teenager.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance.
"Uh, yeah, that's... that's actually really effective,"
Lucifer mumbled, trying to sound cool.
"Seriously. You took him out fast. Good job keeping the space secure."
Harley swelled with happiness, basking in the simple praise.
"I knew I could do it!"
Raven watched the interaction, her senses overwhelmed by the sudden spike of emotion.
Lucifer's genuine, if awkward, smile triggered an intense, sharp pang of "Annoyance" and "Exclusion."
She mentally reviewed her human psychology files, searching for the anomaly.
Analysis: Lucifer and Harley are siblings.
Observed Emotion: Jealousy. Pure, irrational, territorial desire for exclusive attention.
Raven tried to rationalize the feeling away.
'It is illogical. I am his tactical partner and emotional anchor. Harley is a security breach.
Yet, the emotional data was undeniable.'
Her empathic abilities, designed to read others, were suddenly reading an unwanted, unfamiliar truth within herself.
'I am feeling uncomfortable because I perceive another female is receiving his approval and attention. This is a common pattern for a girlfriend.'
Raven froze.
She was his partner. His friend. His confidante. But girlfriend?
The designation was new, confusing, and completely outside the established framework of their relationship.
The irrational surge of annoyance only increased her confusion.
RATIONAL QUESTION: Harley is his sister. What am I? And why is that label suddenly so important?