Los Angeles

IC

Sir Les Paul

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"People cut themselves off from their ties of their old life when they come to Los Angeles. They are looking for a place where they can be free, where they can do things they couldn't anywhere else." - Tom Bradley


Los Angeles, officially known as The City of Los Angeles or L.A., is the commercial, cultural and financial center of Southern California. Los Angeles is the second most populous City in the United States (after Gotham) and the most populated in California. Nicknamed the "City of Angels", Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, and sprawling metropolis. The city is also famous as the home of Hollywood, a major center of the American entertainment industry, and one of the leaders in the world in the creation of motion picture, recorded music, and television productions. Los Angeles also has a diverse economy in culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, education, medicine, and research.

Contents
1. History
1.1 American History​
1.2 Earth 429 History​
1.3 2020 - 2040​
1.4 Without Lucifer​
2. Geography​
3. Places of Interest
3.1 Lux​
3.2 Zeta-Beam Points​

History
American History
Consult the wikipedia page over Los Angeles history regarding the factual history for Los Angeles. Alterations will be made liberally, however, the basic history of the city should largely remain unchanged.

Earth 429 History
Lux, a quasi-historical piano bar owned by Lucifer Morningstar, was officially established in September of 2015. It is difficult to ascertain the influence Lucifer had on the city prior to this establishment as it marked his public appearance to the city. However, Lucifer soon became one of the largest influences on Los Angeles and in the oncoming years used his strong sense of justice to manage to keep the city far cleaner than its East Coast counterpart, Gotham. Ironically, the city was still full of sin, ambition and amorality, but what it lacked was the high counts of murder, organized crime, down trodden communities, and extreme use.

With that statement made, it is sufficient to state the influence of Lucifer on Los Angeles began in mid 2010 and continued to shape the identity of the city.

2020 - 2040
Lucifer had a rise and fall in Los Angeles after his first decade or so in the City of Angels. Ironically, it was likely just because of that: it became a city of Angels. While his first few years saw only a handful of his brothers come from Heaven in attempts to convince him to return to ruling Hell, the next few decades saw hundreds of lesser known angels falling from grace and turning to Earth after Lucifer successfully proved it was possible. While few angels at this time actually visited Los Angeles itself, it was an understood fact his act of defiance was upsetting the balance of Heaven.

The upset balance came far later. Prior to that, Lucifer spent time with the LAPD due to his 'calling' of serving justice and ultimately found his first weakness in the form of the mortal detective, Chloe Decker. If you want more details and a decent show to watch, try out the actual show: Lucifer on FOX (or wherever syndicated). While learning to love in the mortal sense with his detective companion, Lucifer also went out of his way to clean the city of Los Angeles. Nothing less than a perfectionist, Lucifer used his connections and divine influence to slowly purge Los Angeles of its worse crimes.

Los Angeles was known for its white collar crime more so than other cities. The streets of this city were never as harsh or dangerous as that of Gotham. Lucifer not only used his favors to manipulate others into cleaning up the streets, but went as far as saving lives and performing psuedo-miracles in order to manipulate mortals in powerful positions to 'clean-up' the white collar world as well. His efforts proved more effective than any mortal police force could ever be. By assaulting the top ranks of demand and thinning the criminals at the bottom, Los Angeles became one of the safest cities in the United States during this era.

At the same time, Lucifer was still Lucifer. Sex, drugs and various forms of hedonism still ran rampant. Even cleaned by the Devil himself, Los Angeles was still Los Angeles. The difference was how well moderated the city became. Batman used fear in an attempt to tame Gotham and at a time almost succeeded. Lucifer did not tame Los Angeles, but sculpted it into his mortal Heaven. And, for some time, it was all he could have asked for. His romance with Chloe blossomed until the reality began sinking in of why mortals and angels could not coexist as creations of God. As the spearhead of the fall of hundreds of Angels, Lucifer was the first to be shown the design of his father and in understanding why, he realized his mortal utopia simply could not last.

The final break was his ultimate display of weakness. While it was well-known that his affection for his now significant other made him vulnerable, his own mental instability was weakening him as well. After years of becoming a positive influence in Los Angeles, although behind the scenes for the most part, Lucifer began indulging in his own ways. Chloe had been aging whereas his age only showed around her. He only felt the aches and pains that came with mortality around her. One night with a single paramour resulted in a reality Lucifer never considered: a son. The birth of Anthony Micheal Cohen brought the end of Lucifer.

Without Lucifer
Lucifer disappeared from Los Angeles not long after the birth of his son. The fate of Lucifer after he left Earth remains unknown, but his actions echoed throughout the world. Lucifer returned nearly half his brothers to Heaven, escorted some to Hell and even killed a handful of those that refused either. The mortal world was simply not designed for their intervention and he intended to put an end to it. Only a handful of Angels alongside his son were left on Earth.

Los Angeles was a new playground for venture criminals. The problem for those opportunists happened to be how well it was defended. Lucifer set the best people on top and despite the heartbreak of her situation, Chloe Decker had a lasting influence on the LAPD designed specifically for the day she and Lucifer could not protect it any longer. Hundreds if not thousands of agents left by the two combined forces created a generation of defense for the City of Angeles that have to this day kept it one of the safest cities in the States.

Once he came of age, Anthony Michael Cohen took on the identity of Anatolí Morningstar and joined Maze, his father's former consort, and the mortal left in control of a vast majority of Lucifer's wealth and influence, Demetrius Rhoads. Anatolí found himself with new abilities, new power and new wealth, but what he was most interested in was his lineage. Unlike his proactive father, Anatolí found himself purely enjoying the sinful life his father unknowingly paved for him.

The Justice League had an armistice with Lucifer that continues on with Anatolí. Lux and various other properties within Los Angeles may act as safe havens for League members, although few rarely visit. Similarly, strict rules are set that criminals seeking refuge with Anatolí may not be persecuted under the protection of his name until he revokes it--which he has. Anatolí sought out the assistance of many former League members during Alcatraz in an attempt to keep Los Angeles safe, and this established the working relationship he has with Waller and the new League. Still, many dubious characters visit Anatolí looking for favors...

Geography
Consult the wikipedia page over Los Angeles geography. Alterations will be made liberally, however, the basic outline of the city should largely remain unchanged.

Places of Interest
Lux

Lux is a piano bar and night club in Los Angeles originally owned by Lucifer Morningstar. It became a hub of activity for decades during his time in the City, specifically as he began to control the city from behind the scenes. Lux continued on as a prominent, quasi-historical part of Los Angeles after Lucifer left. Maintained by his former consort Mazikeen, Lux proved a continuously popular spot for beautiful women, upcoming artists and those seeking fortune in Los Angeles. Once Anatolí took ownership of Lux, its popularity boomed even further. Called 'the Second coming of the Devil', Anatolí has stirred up Los Angeles through his presence in Lux and many now seek it out as a place to reinvent themselves and receive miracles.
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The inside of the Lounge and bar of Lux.

Zeta-Beam Points
Presently, only one Zeta-Beam point exists in all of Los Angeles: it is found in the second floor of Lux, built specifically for League members to travel in and out as they wish. This was an agreement made between Anatolí and Waller. The purpose is that the League may check in on Lux and with Anatolí at any time, but he did not want them scouring the city and potentially upsetting the delicate balance it has as a haven for criminals and heroes alike.



 
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It was a silent night when the buss pulled into station. After a few hours on the road Liam had fallen asleep, his head slumped on the seat in front of him, his left hand on his duffle bag. The sudden break, combined with the sound the bus made woke Liam up, who, confused, looked around panicked, not being used to his new disability.

He groaned again, picking his duffle bag up and walking forward, bumping into people. Some looked with disgust, some with hatred, but fortunately Liam couldn't see that. Climbing down, he didn't knew there was an extra step, falling down. The bus driver got up. "Hey kid, let me help ya-" "I'm fine!" Liam yells outright. He was tired of people helping him. Bian's words still rang in his mind, filling him up with rage.

Liam picked himself up, grabbing the grab and walking to a wall, with his hand following the street, as not to wonder into the streets. "Suit yourself." Said the bus driver, sitting himself back down.

'Great job, hero. Now how are we going to find the club?' He asked himself in his mind. Liam didn't knew Los Angeles when he could see, so now, being blind hindered him even further. Liam didn't think this through, so, he could only rely on the help of strangers. Entering an alleyway, he bumped into someone. "Sorry..."

The man put his hand on his shoulder, and looked at him. Liam put his hand on the man's, feeling many wrinkles and a rather frail hold. "Slow down kid." He saw Liam's black glasses, and could only assume one thing. "I'm sorry about your eyesight kid." Liam didn't say anything. "Where are your parents? Want me to help you?" "N-No... I need to get t-to Lux."

"Lux?" The old bum asked, his voice cracking while pronouncing it. Liam had understood this man had no where to go by his smell, and could certainly tell that something happened to him there. "I-I can't let you go there kid." Liam brushed his hand off. "You only have to get out of the way. And I am no kid." Liam said, walking near the old man, who extended his foot, making Liam trip and fall, but get back up again. "You don't even know where Lux is kid. Or what it can do to you." Liam stopped. This bum was right about one think. He had no idea where to go.

"You don't want to deal wi-" "Anatoli? I met him one time. I just need a favor." The bum laughed sadly, coming closer to Liam. "So, you want to make a deal with the devil's son?" Even to Liam this sounded crazy, but he nodded nonetheless. "I don't think I can change your mind, but listen to an old coot : Although it may seem you don't have anything else to lose, you have. Even if you don't think you have, the devil knows. HE knows." Liam let out a tired sigh.

"I... I do need help going there." The old man sighed as well. Before Liam could say something, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and someone moving beside him. "Let's go kid." Liam nodded and followed his voice.

Soon enough, Liam could hear the music from outside the club. Stopping, he looked from where the sound was coming. "Well, this is it kid. I don't want to see how you sell your soul. Too many memories." Liam sighed. "What's your name?" The bum continued walking. "Parker." "Thank you, Parker!" Liam yelled, so his voice could be heard. The bum just smiled to himself, retreating into an alley.

Liam sighed again, and walked towards the entrance. He looked in the direction of the door, where he could expect a bodyguard would be place, and spoke out loud. "I want to talk to Anatoli. My name is Liam Nguyen." Liam said, gulping and expecting to be beaten or kicked away from the entrance.

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"Well, Liam, ain't many ways to get a meeting with Mornin'star directly. Thousands of desperate folks just like yerself try to see him daily..." Parker told him. It was a somewhat discouraging notion, yet Parker still lead him on. Of course, Parker wasn't exactly leading Liam to Lux, either. The door Parker led Liam to was actually a run-down, shanty little corner-home made of brick and barely livable. In fact, most of its facilities were spread out among three floors and it still only managed to have the same square footage as most apartments. Liam obviously didn't see them, but worn-out, stone steps laid in front of him with iron rails, all leading up to a weather spruce door.

"This is a Haven. Hundreds of them scattered through L.A.--just big enough for two, maybe three people. Only way to see the Devil is to take the Rhoads, kid, an' this is it. Couple 'a men visit every few days n' see if you're interesting enough to meet him," Parker said. His explanation was simple enough. It made sense, actually. Lux was extremely busy and unless Liam wanted to either barge in or thought he could convince a guard to let him in, getting directly to Anatoli proved next-to impossible. Considering he couldn't use the Zeta-Beams, he also lacked the means to just get into Lux by normal. More disturbing were the rumors that the Arrows were dead. Social media was a thing and people on the buses talked. There was no safe place for him--except these havens. Parker didn't know anything about Liam, however. Liam was a former Arrow, after all. He might get pushed up the line with the right connections.

Obviously, just speaking out loud to an abandoned Haven offered no results. Likely left Liam feeling even more like an idiot. Parker hesitated one last time. Even Liam could hear it in his voice. That stutter. That moment one chokes on their own words, not knowing if it was right to say them. "Listen, kid, if this is about your eyes, I know a clinic. They teach you how to live with impairments. Hell, we got a whole part of L.A. where everyone is blind. You don't need to go dealing with those freaks... it ain't worth it," Park said, pleading with Liam one last time. There was a hint of truth to his words. Star City had communities like he was talking about, too. Entire sub-communities dedicated to those that were wheelchair bound, blind, deaf, so on and so forth. It wasn't too late to turn around.

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Liam lowered his head. He did feel like a fool. His words rang deep, and made him doubt his motifs. Even the idea of a community in witch he could live with this disability, as a blind man. And the clinic might help him with his problems. Suddenly, Liam's determination was wavering, and he was considering taking up Parker's advice.

But, he still taught of someone. Someone that, however dark the times may seemed, always gave Liam reasons to still get up and fight. The one that taught Liam how to fight, and sheltered him. He was the father figure he never had. And now, he was gone, presumed dead. 'But by hell I'm giving up on him.' Liam told himself, picking his head up, looking in the direction of Parker.

"It's not about the eyes Parker. It's about more than that. It's about a second chance. It's about clearing a name. And if it means dealing with those 'freaks', or dealing with the devil... hell, you can call me a freak as well. Even insane." Liam smiled, although he would have no real reason to. "Thank you for your offers, and thank you for helping me, Parker. I only hope I could do something in exchange for what you did for me. This is more than I could ask for." Although it didn't seem like it, Liam was truly grateful.

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Two days...
It had been two days since Liam found himself in Los Angeles. In that time, he became well-acquainted with the gentlemen named Parker. Parker, as it turned out, was homeless. And, a drunk. But, he wasn't always. Parker used to be a cop for the LAPD. His partner became his best friend. In fact, his partner became his in-law when he married Parker's younger sister. It was obvious Parker never really approved, but that didn't matter. His partner was dirty and ended up getting himself shot in a bad deal. Left behind Parker's newborn niece and sister without much to them.

Parker and his story seemed fairly typical. Parker reached out to Lucifer at the time. He wanted revenge and Lucifer obliged. Lucifer pulled a few strings and just like that... a third of that department was gone. Dirty cops, a few rotten lieutenants and well over a hundred gun smugglers--with some cocaine trafficking in the mix. Problem was, Parker made a name for himself. His actions left a lot of folks upset. Criminals or not, they left behind families. There was a tinge of irony in that story. Nevertheless, he went back to Lucifer again. The most Lucifer offered was a haven for his parents, sister and niece. Decker had that setup. But Parker? Nothing. Lucifer left him to his own sins.

Parker had to vanish. Become a ghost. No longer an officer, no longer a man, really. It's what happened when one made a deal with the Devil. Parker never dared ask Decker--even if he could reach her. Lucifer made it plain his favors for the man were exhausted.

Those were the stories Parker shared with Liam. Meanwhile, he brought Liam food. Told him how he got by. In recent years, Anatoli revitalized these havens and a few community centers. It made things a lot easier. Before that, it was parks, subways or homes set up by donations. Something like that. Oddly enough, Parker made good company. While Liam was still filled with an understandable rage about what happened, Parker was just as fed up with the system. There was an odd amount of bonding in their mutual disdain for the society around them. How they both got fucked over for just wanting to make things right. Besides, most of the time, Parker was drinking away at a bottle of bourbon while Liam was using the fire escape for exercising. Parker called it insane. Liam said it was his warm up.

The day did come, though. The check-in from Rhoads. Or, at least one of his hired hands. Two gentlemen in casual attire, although Liam wouldn't have noticed. From there, the trip was fairly smooth and straightforward: they didn't ask what he wanted, just if he wanted a favor. A simple yes--although Liam is never that simple--and the two escorted him to a car which then took him to his next destination. A new dark room--again, as if Liam would know--and a cold, metal chair.

"I have eighty people begging for a favor after you," the newest voice asked. He had the tone of a clerk that had just plainly been a clerk far too long. Someone obviously tired of the monotony. "So, I make these interviews short. You have sixty seconds from the time you hear a ding to explain to me why I should even care about you--much less whatever you want from the Devil," the voice said, almost cementing in the attitude his tone carried.

Ding.



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Before arriving at the spot, Liam felt as if an eternity has passed. Without eye sight, he couldn't really tell the time. His only hope of getting some bearings was if the sun shined or not, as it left a rather warm light on his face. He learned to try and shut his mouth this time, and stood in silence the whole way.

Liam recoiled a little at the feel of the cold chair, but sat in place, his breathing already accelerated by the situation. Listening to what the voice instructed, he nodded, and cleared his throat nervously. The 'ding' sound fortunately was not loud, and Liam opened his mouth, trying to make some words come out.

"W-What I want is my e-eyesight back. I need to rescue someone that I care about... I am willing t-to sell... my soul. Just to help my friend. Some people warned me about dealing with the devil-" his mind went to Parker, but, as he could not know how he looked, the image was just how a homeless man would look. "-but I am too desperate right now..." Liam stopped, his head hanging low, and his mouth close, although his breathing still didn't calm down.

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"Not gonna lie, kid, I don't care," the voice replied. There was a clear apathy in his tone. Quite literally like a bored corner store clerk. His voice alone filled the air with more tension. Everything was riding on his opinion and it appeared that whatever Liam was selling wasn't being bought. "I hear dozens of desperate people tell me the same thing. They give me sob stories daily. Oh, my mother is dying of cancer; oh, my insurance was declined; we were going to be married in May, but he was sideswiped by a drunk driver." the voice continued on explaining, giving a sardonic tone as he emulated the stories he heard throughout the day.

"Give me a reason why I should give two shits about you being blind or for that matter who the fuck you even are," he said with a clear level of irritation. "Twenty-two seconds, don't waste my time," he added, assuring Liam that he was even counting the time he talked as well. It wasn't fair, no, but fairness wasn't what this meeting was about.
 
Liam gulped and started to panic. He didn't have enough time to think on this. "I-I am an... ex-League member, but s-s-still with some connections. I-If you can get me my eyesight back, you will have a powerful ally and a point of start when talking to the them." Liam could not belief what he was saying. His mouth stayed agape for a short time, before realizing that. He quickly closed it, looking back at the ground, putting his hands together, as if he was trying to warm himself up.

"I-I am willing to do anything... Anything for this..." Liam said, through shallow breaths. "E-Even if I don't get accepted... tell Anatolli that I-I am sorry for my r-rudeness... He'll know what I'm talking about." And with that, Liam fell silent, trying to concentrate on his breathing. His hands were cold, he almost adopted a hunched back figure, as to appear smaller. He felt something about this character that sent shiver down his spine. It could've also been the fact that he still hadn't gotten used to not seeing, so every other sense was amplified, trying to compensate with the loss. He now realized that pushing his friends away was not the wise thing to do.
 
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"Whoa whoa whoa, kid," the voice said, picking up a little tone and in fact completely cutting Liam off. "What's this ex-League member sh-peel? Cut the rest of your shit, just explain," the voice said. His time was up, but all it took was that one line to get his interest. At least, for now. Not the connections. Not the begging. Just the fact that Liam was once part of the League. In retrospect, this probably made more sense than one might care to admit.
 
Liam looked up, his breathing slowly coming back to normal. He could feel his hands warm up a little, as the figure was intrigued by his past membership. "I-I am L-Liam Nguyen, and I a- was Red Arrow. Protege of Green Arrow. He brought me into the League, and when the transition came, meaning when Waller came to r-run the show, I-I was one of the 'heroes' who were tasked with defending a city. For me, it was Star City, along with my ment- friend, and a few characters. We formed team Arrow." Liam said, then he let out a sad sigh, some wounds still being fresh. "All went downhill from there. I lost my friends... then my mentor... then my eyesight, and lastly, my membership." His mind went to Biànsèlóng, repeating the beating he received and all the images that flashed before he lost his sight. "R-Right now... I went AWOL. They either think I'm dead, or a traitor. I know if I can get my eyesight back, I can get my mentor back... a-and clear my name. A-And I don't forget people who helped me. N-Never."

Liam then shut up, still seemingly looking at who was taking to him. His expression clearly showed a hint of pain and trauma, but at the same time a pinch of bravery and courage. He decided for himself that, if he was to get his eyesight back, he would have to work hard to restore order. But he was determined to do anything, even sacrifice himself to do so. That was his soul determination.
 
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"Y'know, if you would have led off with that, this would have been a whole lot easier," the man said with a slight chuckle. A click echoed in the building, somewhat akin to lights turning on. The crackling of electricity followed. "I'm Rily Connell, but that doesn't matter. I'm going to send you to meet Mr. Rhoads and he'll take you to our boss at some point," Rily then explained after introducing himself. The swift scrapes of as chair on the ground indicated he got up and the hushed whispers of a few men told Liam there were others in there. "These gentlemen are going to escort you to the front lobby. You'll need cleaned up before we take you to Rhoads," Rily told him.

A large hand softly placed itself onto Liam's shoulder. 'Name's Hank. I'll guide you, bud.' he said in a more simple, honestly more Southern accent. Odd change of pace. "Piece of advice, kid. Stop with your goddamn sob story. All youneed to say is your name and who you were. Then Rhoads will ask the rest. Just answer what you're told and learn when to shut up. Oh, and if you're lying about you're identity, he'll fucking kill you there," Rily told him. A brief pause was allowed if Liam had anything else to add. Hank, however, took the time to say, 'I'll be needin' yer sizes for new clothes.'
 
Liam felt the lights turn on, and he opened his mouth, panting. He felt a feeling of relief wash over him when Rily announced that he had made it. He started to slouch, concentrating on hearing the whispers and the sound of the chair moving. His head moved in that direction, then turned at one source of the whispering, trying to get his bearings.

Then came the heavy hand on his shoulder, witch made him stand straight again, looking forward. "N-Nice to meet you Hank." Liam said, trying to sketch a smile. He listened to the advice Rily told him, nodding. "Thank you for the advice, Rily." Liam flashed a small smile, turning to where he taught Hank was. "Uhm... I'm usually an S, but M might be now." Liam said, offering a rather awkward smile, brushing the back of his head.

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Time passed. Admittedly, more slowly than desirable. Hank assisted Liam as best he could. Got the kid a shower, a bite to eat, some new clothes. All that was really left of him was the dingy pack he kept. Hank proved more patient than one might expect for a strongman in what seemed like a cartel. He helped Liam pick out his new wardrobe, belt and jacket included. Still a small, in fact, his waist size was down a half-size. Liam thought he might be growing, fact was he was dwindling away due to his injuries and poor diet. Whatever ran through his veins didn't alleviate his need for calories, vitamins and minerals. It was still hours beyond the point Liam was situated that they got their call. And, that was it. A single Bzzzt on the phone Hank had been periodically checking and Liam was off to the escort.

Yet another car ride... and Liam couldn't even see where they were going. Oh, still bagged his head for whatever reason, though. Totally necessary.

Hank did all of the talking. Not that there was much. These guards knew precisely who Hank was. Where he came from. Who sent him. Soon enough, Hank had Liam off an elevator, down a few halls and in a waiting room. It was quick. Methodical. Unnerving, too, considering all of these drastic changes were happening and Liam couldn't even see them. "We use'ta keep ya'll together, but turned out best we not let ya see who all is gonna talk to Rhoads," Hank said. By this time, he had taken off the entirely unneeded bag. "Shouldn't be long. By the time they call us, they normally got a spot in line for us and he's seen a few people. Worst case scenario is he kicks yer ass on yer way, but at least ya got some clothes out'a it. I know you can't see, but those is the fancy brands. I'd say yer sittin' in a thousand bucks as is. I dunno," Hank went on, making small talk. If not for his accent, he might even be decent at it.
 

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