Scabiosa
Into the night, Pentagon city roars with a fiery life at the darken hours. Brights of the neon and few flickering lamps glow as the only light to guide, cracking and dripping between the streets and walkways. The humming of the skies tangling away in false clouds and planets swirling in the sea of red pride. Buildings looming over all, clawing shadows grasp the solids as they could. Lingering glares and uncertainly follows along, to the city's heartbeat of screams, blaring music, road rage drivers, all rolling around the first circle as any other time. The most catching it all through it was the falling of rain that came to be from the slips of realities creeping in as a melting pot of diseases. Still, a viewer safe inside watch on in the fancy rarity.
There in the hotel, Hesediel sat in comfort with a warm cup of bitter black tea and loose pajama bottoms. A book resting on upper cross leg with a quail in hand jotting away, as the low dim desk lamp give the office room whatever light it could. Having ink shade shapes form around him as his own personal cage. A clatter of china came and went, Hesediel adjusting his glasses with his now free hand, before running through his hair in habit. A hollow sigh leaves his lips before having another sip of his cup. Letting the sounds of the tittering rain and tap of his quail cozen along in his silence. Eyes flake in sight, a reminder that sleep or just a quick rest should be soon, yet the gnarl inside kept him still, letting his quail scratch a few words and drawings on a slowly filled page.
He rolled his shoulders away the stiffen that form over his time, remorseful in every second he stared out of the peaceful stain-glass image. Change once more into a abstract design much like the walls of the room. The shape spiral of dark blues and grays, hints of yellows, purples, and Oranges. Tilt in mind, a waterfall spilling upward and little sea life splash about. Hesediel twitch his fingers before taking his cup again, taking in the sight of how the image went in motion against the rain. A simple lullaby in colors, stopped by a thundering rumble that on reflex Hesediel stilled his lamp was falling over. He took sigh and stood up, empty tea set and book in tow. Placing the heavy and large book on his desk as he walked over to the little kitchenette, adding the tumbling sink faucet to the rain.
Another roll of thunder came and went, enough of a pull that it cause alarm outside. Hesediel speeding in steps to look out the window. Nothing out of hitch, otherwise the storm kept rushing on. A kink in shoulder came back, with a rub that let him slip a hiss. Eyes back outside. Following along the way, he set himself to gather some clothes, his hat, glasses to shades, and a quaint umbrella that was gifted by Charlie. Eased in his steps like a ghost from his office to the front door, no one heard a peep let alone the creak of the entrance swinging open and a gentle thud close.
With a bow turn to each way of the sidewalk, flick the umbrella open with his hat bowed to hide his face as he took a random step and just walk. Letting the hellish melody of the rain go against the umbrella, letting his shoes darken in step through the swirling watchful puddles to his steps. His shades dimming the harsh blinding lights of the city's lights and offset to be manageable. With a glamour, weaving through demons and imps in ease, causing only a few double takes from a slight push or gist of eyesight. Backing his shoulders in a half roll, quick of gust, Hesediel found himself on top of a building flat land that overlooked the city. Umbrella in hand still pattering against the rain and on a whim held out his hand, feeling the acid hot drops touching bare flesh. The descending polluted rain dim against the golden skin, muddy and polished.
In bow, after shaking his hand dry kept onward. One step forward and in a flash back on the ground, going along the street once more, invisible still with only puddle ripples aftereffect. Taking in the sights of the buildings groaning back into true height and busy with demons looking for a good time. The neon brighter than ever with a clamor of music and casino madness filling the usual haunting silence. A wasp of smoke clouded his view but waved it off, leading into a shoulder bump with a large biker-dressed reptilian demon growling in warning. A few steps away, that warning reached Hesediel too late.
Awaking through the darkness, Hesediel opens his eyes in time to see a booted foot coming for his face, but dodges and slinks away. Attempting to stand, no higher than a one legged kneel. Body scorching through bruises and cuts, clothes soiled from the assault and rain, umbrella lost, deep in an alley from larger city zone. Hesediel's movement cause one drench demon, sarcastic fringe-head with a cocaine compulsion lost to the grunge era, holding only a busted pipe.
"Holy boy finally coming around... fuck..."
"Doesn't change shit!" One of the other demons hissed through horned pincers, a needled barred two by four in hand, flecks of darkness dripping from the points, arms aimed at the ready to swing down.
An action, again, Hesediel choose not to block and used the blow to land near the alley back wall and rest against facing them. Rain falling harder and the empty soul eyes of many within the realm as his only witness. When another attack comes, he doesn't block it or move. Only takes it. Listening to the small group that concerned him, they were filled with wrath and found the perfect choice to let it out on. A thick slick flows downward his temple, a quick hand finds the shards of his shades indented into his fleshy exterior. Catching how his other hand and one of his legs were busted in a very cartoonist-like fashion, by the odd angles and torn darken clothing.
"So much for a simple stroll." Hesediel gave with a sigh, taking another hit back down to the ground, gravel and trash clogged his senses with little reaction. Giving only a blow to remove the rubbish from his mouth, his sight watery when barred wire scrape by leaving just spots and trails of the world around him. Still, no made reaction when another hit struck him down, a waning crunch in the back of his head.
The large reptilian steps forward, holding off the others from attacking with a war ready scowl, grabbing for Hesediel's front but recoiled back when the clawed hand clasped his bolo-tie.
"You had that coming in all honesty." Hesediel said, fixing his collar one-handed while the demon hold his hand in smoking burnt pain, a howl echoed through jagged teeth.
"You fucking bitch!" The reptilian demon shouted, ready to strike again with his claws baring a gleam shine loose of a tang so bitter, to be either ricin or strychnine.
Hesediel could only close his eyes and just wait it out. His vision peeks when a range of bullets trucked through the rolling thunder storm. The small group on the ground, scatter shots covering their backs, leaking slowly of blood that smelled more as rotten flesh and sewage than the normal copper and iron. Through the blaring neon lights and loud high life, Hesediel took in mind of a figured that bimble further in, a gun with golden design and shine sliver flicker harshly against the lisping lights that broke through the looming shadow.
"Got a fucking death wish, Alone." The voice cracked, hinder their gun as they look for something. A metal click of a flame and a glowing cherry bead to a cigarette is all Hesediel bothered to take in, as he moved to stand. Adding as the demon, relaxed in their stance, eyes of many just glaring at the other, saying. "What? No thank you, bastard?"
"Under the gist that you want to take a crack at me too or a little output here?" Hesediel asked, brushing his clothes to mend the ruins while his wounds healed in a twisted knitting pattern.
The demon, more closer than before and hand on the back of their gun. Puffing out a plume of smoke between them as the demon spoke, slow and rough in a deep tone. "At this moment. Sure. Why not? You weren't fighting before."
"Saw no reason to. I don't personally blame them under the reasons to do so." Hesediel answered, leaning his tall being lower that made the demon take a caution step back, adding. "You want that chance, too. Go for it. Matters not to me, sir."
The world just paused, wary and confused the dark spider had, but his slack hand twitches against the blaring music behind them. Hesediel didn't bat an eye when the barrel of the gun pressed deeply against his cheek and clank harshly against his teeth and jaw. The tiny pellets of rain bouncing between fresh and steel. Only focusing on the demon, taking the sight of a dark furred spider, facial sculpt gently but fine in demanding dominance, dressed dating the vintage Jet era, based from the gun and nonchalant attitude, this demon lived as a mobster of no cares with eyes of shade of a red desire but formed that of angry as the twitching demons around them. Nimble fingers clocked the gun and a trigger away from releasing another bullet. The spider just snares and pulled away.
"Ain't worth my time if there is no fight. Unlike these fuckers-" The spider cuts to leave a heavy kick to one of the fallen demons and thieved his gun once more. Speaking after he moved away. "-I like my prey with bite."
Hesediel shared a nodded, reaching to pick up the remains of his shades and run scratch up fingers over it. Repairing in snaps and cracks, placing them back on. Flicking them back as usual, looking around the ally but stopped when seeing the spider demon hold out his hat. Giving another nod and answer. "My thanks."
The spider demon shrugged, having another dragged of his smoke while walking out and signing the holy one to follow. "Let's go. These chumps are going to wake up soon."
Once Hesediel was set as if the events never happen, asked. "Where?"
"Anywhere not here. Fuck it, man, just move your retarded ass already. The fuck-nugget news reporters will show up soon for anything and I doubt you want that." The spider demon groaned, kicking over the mangled umbrella and tossed over to the holy, whom caught it with ease and slowly with care mended it as well in short steps behind.
"Lead the way."
Through the alleys and bare streets of downtown quiet out. Nearing an abdomen hole in the wall, with only a few linger gallivants and a soft beat of blues playing by a live band of beetles on a small stage, lone stage light as the brightest glow in the whole bar, alluring the hanged table lamps made of assortment of bones, gems, glass, and a tinted red glow that haunted shadows more alarming in size. After settling his umbrella near the door in a holster, Hesediel kept his head down, and followed the spider demon to a back booth table. Hesediel followed the silent gesture to sit, removing his hat as the spider demon did, and catch in time of a rahab flapper with a tray of drinks.
"Want your usual there, dish?"
"Yeah. Extra shot, I am going to need to it."
She nods, looking to Hesediel with a raised brow once over with a dirty look asked. "And you, drip geezer?"
"Give him the same, cookie. Fuck off." The spider cuts in and waves her off.
"Ass." She grumbles but leaves all the same.
A new song plays through, leaving the duo alone for some time. It was in that notion, Hesediel leans heavily in his seat, taking a better look now that his obscure vision healed. Before him, as the short body lengthy limb spider fiddled with his gun, checking the rounds and finding a cloth to rid of smudges that his many eyes could only see. A twitch in his other set of arms looking familiar but not something Hesediel stated out loud. Only looking round the bar that stuck between Lucifer's image of colors but stay true the roaring eras in design and set. A few demons away muttered to themselves all while eyeing the duo, stopped short when the spider demon pierced them a glare that made them finish their drinks and leave.
"Well... I'm fuck later. Perfect." The spider hush, eagerly taking his drink when the waitress returned, stuffing his piece away. And another crude manners between the two came and went, letting the she-demon thud Hesediel's drink down, one more snide to the other and they were alone once more. Voice croaked by the burning liquid. "What were you doing anyway, Alone?"
Hesediel tapped his drink gentle and slowly the amber color faded clear, before he took a sip. The spider demon none the wiser. Once the parch was handled, said. "Just going for a stroll. The weather look like a good time to do so."
"Oh? And the bum rap was what?"
"You noticed." Hesediel said, taking another drink, keeping his eyes on the band. Humming just a few notes before pausing when catching the spider's vex stare. Adding, on a whim as lean warmly into the thick seat. "It was going to happen to regardless but let us say, in the simple of words, that I would rather that elsewhere and not at my workplace."
"You got a death wish, don't cha?"
"Yes and no. I know these souls are not mad at I but those that caused it, and yet what else would they or I do? Fighting back won't fix anything but appearing weak is not smart either. It's inflection at best that is neither a crime of hate or justice. Everyone is just hurt from what I have gathered and to that, nothing has really changed. Quite sad if anything to that."
The spider demon many eyes slitted along with a raise brow or two. "A test? You really are a fucking quack."
Hesediel only lifted one of his shoulders in response, finishing his drink in time for waitress to walk by. "Another round here, please, miss?"
The waitress glanced over her shoulder with a curt nod.
"You're paying that round, bud."
"Fine with me. Given that there is something else you wish to get off you chest. Might as well get comfortable for the time being. At least until the storm outside calms."
"You really fucking serious taking this face value?" The spider asked, taking the final shot of his drink in gusto in time for the next round to come. Glare ever staying in place, even as he watches the backside of the waitress walk away.
"So, service to say... you don't have a hero complex. It was just convenient that you came as you did and even offer a hand or is there another face I must worry about in the future?"
"What would it matter to you?"
"Depends on what you want from me. And given how things have been. Seeing I as a quack is all you're getting out of this... chat." Hesediel stated, hands in front holding his glass while his shades tilt down just enough to make direct eye connect. On a whim mention. "I am more incline to know the natures of others before sharing too far."
"What? That last blunder knock some sense into you after all." The tone dry, but close enough to sarcastic humor as one could get with this gloom demon. With a lace bourbon whisper. "That fucking bastardo bug had it coming."
"Ah. I see now." Was all Hesediel said, before leaving some cash on the table and began for the door. Having the door swing shut behind him, fainting hearing the spider demon call out, but Hesediel paid no mind. One flick, the umbrella opens, looking down at his hand from his pocket, seeing the discoloration was still fading, with that in mind choose a path at random to walk. The pace was quick as it could on wounded limbs still healing, the rain pouring down like drums, and leaving for him to only sigh when stopping when the spider demon jump down in front of him.
"You asshole." The spider demon growls.
"From what I heard about you. It's the other way around. Now move." Hesediel said, trying to sidestep him but the clock of a gun held near his abdomen. Out of reflex, Hesediel grabs hold of the barrel, leaning just inches away in case it went off. The voice comes back light and bored. "I do not want to start anything. That quota has been filled. Much less with you and you are not helping your own case in all honesty. I appreciate your deed even if it was not in good means, but otherwise, this interaction is over. Good evening to you."
By the third step, the steel trigger of a gun went off, having Hesediel turn face in a flash and catch the bullet in hand. Leaving just a pinhole burn mark in his palm from the heat the metal carried. The holy one gave the bullet a once over and look to the spider, wrath failing to hide the shiver coursing through the demon's body. Hesediel raised the bullet to blow cool air at the pellet before throwing it back, in quick fashion. Letting it impale into ground at the spider's feet leaving behind web-like cracks from the impact.
"Is that the warning you saw out for?" Hesediel asked lightly, fixing up the umbrella when feeling his left shoulder go damp.
When nothing came from the other, Hesediel took his leave. Not once glancing back but the trailing steps told enough, even as the holy choose to ignore the other. Letting the rain and the downtown shaking life be amp as deaf tone warps around them. Hesediel hyper aware of the toying the spider demon did with his gun, flicking the hammer and safety in a rhythmic pattern. The many pauses fall between almost made Hesediel turn around. After another flick and dull click, Hesediel turns around, the gun pointed downward and in shaking hands. By that, the holy moved closer and grasp the other's hands. Even if they tried to jerk away, Hesediel kept his grip firm yet nowhere close to being malice or threatening. Even if the other just glared of fire and murder intent roaring deeply in the many eyes locked on every inch of Hesediel's being, whom show no wane on.
Hesediel let go gently, speaking slow and carefully as if the spider were a child. "You are very much troubled and not one to talk unless those around you are deem worthy. By that, the peace you seek is not with me nor one to just be handed out to you, sir. It's with those you stray from."
"They never would and for good fucking reason."
"If so, then why follow me? You say you heard of things of me good and bad." Hesediel stated, expanding the umbrella between them without notice. An afterthought question followed. "Yet, you trail me as if I could be in danger or even be the danger. You saved me, late as it was... so you were thinking to leave me to their wrath but stop them, tis a guess of course. So, again, I have to ask why?"
"Does that fucking matter?"
"I say this much that it matters when it comes to your siblings, Mr. Arackniss. Whom have made it clear under every colorful lamentation want nothing to do with you nor your father. Most certainly Mr. Dust who has deeply confined in me and I will not risk that trust. Yet, here you are." Hesediel stated, gesturing all around them in the dark depths of the city life, away from prying eyes that still walk above the lands.
"Like I fucking know, Mr. All-Knowing-Alone-Bitch!"
Hesediel leans away from the sudden shout, missing that sharp points of Arackniss's hands coming swinging at him, saying as he made move to leave again. "Then start figuring it out. Now, please, for both our sakes. Stop following me."
"What!? You worry that queer will stop liking your ass! I think I would be doing that knucklehead a favor!"
"I am more worry about your well-being than mine. Mr. Dust isn't one to at least try to hear others out. Your father, from what I understand, is a whole different story and a enigma even I would never bothered with if I can help it. That's me being kind here."
Arackniss let out a loose rough scuff, a weak excuse of a laugh, when he said. "So much for your image of a good doctor spew."
"So be it. Nothing I say will honestly change it, even as the rain falls onward, by all design and scent. It's still rain." Hesediel started, moving along even if the other stayed behind a few feet, he sneaks one last say. "You want to make peace and by all heavens and paradoxical twines that be, that have struck you to do so. I honestly wish you best. Even if it fails. Take that as a sign. Good day." And with one good leap and warp of thick city air, having the heavy rain covering whatever linger tricks to be muddled and lost, leaving the spider alone and heaving to breath normally out of habit.
"S-shit...shit... I-I fucked up. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!" Arackniss hissed, thudding his hands against his face. Wince when forgetting his gun in one hand and nick his cheek. He tries to still himself, anything to keep that stone gut weight and icy stares of the unknown hovering around him. Stuffing his gun away, he bolts into the city's core with the irks of terror of habit to glance around akin to being stalk.
A few days later, the meeting of Angel's brother was a thing in the past. Not counting a handful of close calls. Nothing that appear to have it brought up during their resent session. By all else though, having Angel's progress matter more than whatever family drama that the white powder spider demon bothered to share. Even the casual conversations with Molly were enough, that their family that wasn't them or their close friends, was wounds neither were ready to share. Hesediel recalling still when coming to check on Angel after he missed dinner and the crack in his voice, muffled poorly by dance music as countless times before. Yet, it was heard regardless.
'Y-yeah? T-that's sucks sis. I hope y-you keep in touch. Don't let that old fuck scare you away forever... y-your kid brother still needs you, ya know?'
Angel's voice trembles to tease, to act like everything was okay. Though when Hesediel made himself known after the call, that defense was gone in a snap. A moment that as promised never left between them. It's all that could be done within reason. How those mismatch misty eyes, hiding behind the usual taunt attitude, made Hesediel fall inside into happen of another place and time, but corrected himself before the other could noticed. Angel was too much of another and that made Hesediel work harder and on edge to what the future holds, if not careful. Yet, at that moment, Angel needed a shoulder to lean on. And that's all it will remain openly to others.
Hesediel awakens in his plush chair, eerily alike to what he was doing just barely a few days back, from another late night with heavy raining falling, a rhythmic row of knocks going in tune to the weather uncannily. Not much a stretch and quick notion, found himself at his office door and greeted by a bushy tail happy boss. Charlie's smile does well in letting that lingering loss hours and previous thoughts forever looming still. By guess of a kink in Hesediel belly, it was likely guilt and the answers to make it go away was not the pleasant ideals.
"Yes?"
"Morning Hesy!" Charlie greeted, smiles and elation ready to take the day. She took in his lack of wardrobe with a frown, saying. "Are you just waking up?"
Hesediel shook his head, moving away to let her in as he walked to his room behind his desk, calling out. "I was just taking some notes and lost track of the time. No worries."
"Okay. If you're sure."
"Positive. Now, what is the reason of your early welcome?" He asked lightly, reappearing in a casual sense of his usual plum pants and a crisp rolled-up sleeve white shirt, fixing to his straps. Hair somewhat tamed and socks tucked in one of his side pockets. Eyes on her once he was dressed enough, leaning on his desk to finishing dressing in quick fashion, motioning to her as he grabbed his cup when done.
She nods to his unsaid question when saying. "I was just finishing up the plans we got set out this month. Alastor is out, Husk and Niffty are on break today, and I was hoping you could watch the hotel until Vaggie and I get back. All the residents should be staying in their rooms or outings until dinner. It shouldn't take that long, hopefully."
"Ah, you are also going to squeeze your bi-weekly lunch date too."
Charlie gives a shy smile, nodding. "Yeah. Again, we shouldn't be gone long."
"No worries. I can handled what I can. If it is no trouble, I am in need of more cod ashes for the plants."
"Can do! See you later tonight, Hesy." Charlie stated, in a rush before hurrying off to the sound of Vaggie called out.
After doing the final touches in his office, blue prints and thick manuscript in hand, set out to take care of any minor task for the day. Stopping by his own personal storage closet in his sleeping quarters, grabbing a few tools and oddities, before soon making a bee-line towards to the back lot of the hotel. Bare from trash and dead devil plants, having the ground loose and faint stretches of where set paths would be layered, darken from the light rainfall. Even if it damp all of Hesediel, he showed no care as he once over the place. Setting his inner thoughts into motion, mud and rain adding a needed weight of reality. Focal point in the plans was just a simple large fountain, designs matching to the coating the hotel had of a spectacle and hints of markings that Hesediel tailored through his own flower vases.
First start of it, Hesediel cleaned the spot to a fine smoothness using the muddy ground as a measure and started to draw an assortment of symbols and acute images. Chalk dusting thickly as dry oil paint into his hands, bits of his clothes, and a slight streak upon his brow. Once done. He stood, looking it over and tighten up anything that was faulty alignment. With a nod, he searching in his satchel of items, finding a worn pan flute made of reeds and ivory linings. When stepping a few yards away, played a simple tune, finding just a melody to work with. Pausing as Hesediel did, looking over of the plans detailed and the area he was in. A low hum of thought came and soon he found the words that would be heard as a lullaby.
"Orri de cynxir, zodinu c homin, etharzi noan g tol. Oecrimi a olpirt de fafen. Niis next basgm od noan c blans de zildar. Balit lrasd balit, ozien il de c blans vaoan."
The air twist around, cold against the blast glows of hellfire itself. Twine of hums and glows the paper, clay, and marks dance together along the melody that echoed still, clinks and clanks to the groans of clay bending as heavy steel, water falling from the sky brighten the papers in spotted lines that bleed fine as a surgical lancet cuts. Stretching further as rubber. The rain, lugubrious against an otherwise tune that fall into a more skirmish sharp depths as the lyrics were short, the play continued until a finally snap, thunderous from the sky or a broken oak in memory, having the top center inflate and pop like a balloon. Remaining that as a loopy trumpet floret finish. Hesediel slit stare to his work so far, finishing the tune to a more fuddled last notes. Giving a cough when snake through his pipe to surprise his throat. Still, a simple four Tiered stone style with the circus themes that hotel held but more subtle being just curves of confetti, tent points, most of the top being more of a stripes and stars, and the ever favored elephant balance act along the base. While the inner rings of each pool tuck away uncanny symbols.
"It will do." Hesediel hummed in after thought.
Moving near and running a hand over the wide base of newly slick marble, an arch into fire points enough space to sit on. His eyes look around on how far the stone pathways would lead, one for certain to the back entrance and a few circle rounds the large lot. Plus there was the notion what type of foliage and would survive in the climate of hell. The possibles of those common in the underworld is likely, bemused of such vines as Octopus Stinkhorns, Citrons, Lotus Nuts, and Devil's Tooth to name a few. Hesediel walks around the back lot, his notes in hand and a wandering search for a short pencil in his pockets, leaning to remove any weeds, mapping out a little location for just a basic garden. A garden of just another personal project for himself, writing down seeds in need to be parsley, blackberries, and mandrake as a starting point. Though, the day was still young.
Through the waning hours, the rain had long lessen to just a light drizzle as Hesediel continued with the work at hand. Mud caked his being by the end as he took a seat at the fountain. All his tools and papers tucked away under his legs, in his crouch lean pose. Glasses, smudged and fogged, left as a hook-hole to his collar shirt in similar grimy. Book in hand and open, damped by a few surprised drops, his shrinking pencil scrawling away. In a sense of peace that came. Once stopping a reasonable note, Hesediel lean against a upper arch of the fountain that divided the flat bottoms into four spaces, one leg stretch out on the fountain flat and the other crook as a leverage to the ground, taking a rest against the passing rain until it slowed top a stop. Despite all else of what was around Hesediel, in the pits of hell, there was solace found in the end, even pulled him to pull out his pan pipe to play a humble tune.
"Well, well, isn't this a sight."
"Good afternoon to you, Angel." Hesediel, paused to reply, peeking through somewhat close eyes to catch the playful spider, dress casual of tank top and shorts, and ever the coquette grin in place. Hesediel bends his leg in advance when Angel neared enough to sit next to him, unsurprising the spider takes the unsaid invitation. The holy one spoke again in question. "How has your day been for you? I take it you are having an off day."
Angel let out a wary snicker as he relax, saying. "Nah, I called in a sick day. Val wasn't pleased but didn't push it. Wonder why that is?"
Hesediel said nothing, as he kept his eyes closed and took the pose of sleep. Letting the melody play between them.
"Yeah, I ain't buying it there, Handsome."
"There is nothing to take from it, Angel. I may be one of peace but that doesn't mean I don't have limits. We talked and our points were made clear." Hesediel stated, letting the tune go from a slow humble to a peak allure.
"Sure..." Angel started, but stop when catching a little tin attach to the divide pillar next to him. Slim fingers toying the contents and pulling out an rough rounded shape coin, asking instead. "The hell are these?" Eyeing the faint golden, possibly fake under keen examine, plated item, craved with an animal, that at best on first glimpse to be a lion caught mid-roar. Light in weight and so small, it almost made a dime seem gigantic.
"Something a side gimmick for the fountain. One is never too old to ask for wishes."
"You and your weird cryptic bullshit." Angel snorted, before pocking the little trinket. An action Hesediel did not question on, seeing that it brought a cheery glint in the spider demon's eyes and left it be. Changing the topic with ease.
"Not always."
"Yeah, but when it is. What is anyone going to think of it, Handsome?" Angel asked with a pointed look, with a smile that profound in just waiting for the other to denied such an idea.
"I can see that my actions have overstepped and your being is unsure to your boss. But would it matter I was speaking as a worried friend over your doctor?"
Angel just gave a smirk, that border between being amused and observe.
"Right. Does not that matter in the end."
"Nope. On another note away from that bullshit. What's with the dirty farmer's look?"
Hesediel sit up, dim lit hands brush away some of the stains as he said. "Mapping out the lot for future plans. I thought to make something of a starting point." Patting on the white ivory fountain. Adding on a whim. "This here will be helpful to understand my clients."
"Looks like a simple fancy rock water spouter to me, Handsome."
Hesediel dip finger tips into the cooling water, letting the ripples disfigured their mirror likes. With a loose sigh, he says. "Give it time. You might catch it."
"Yeah... I don't think so." Angel ended, just sitting akin to as Hesediel was as the holy one played on. Letting the ceremonious tunes that had Angel frown a bit, having him say. "That tune sounds pretty familiar."
"Jacob van Eyck's C tenor of his compose Amarilli, mia bella. I believe that's the right translate in normal tongue."
Angel left out a bark of laughter, saying. "You're a geezer and you don't know basic Italian?"
Hesediel gave a hum, answering. "Writing, reading, and listening are just easier than speaking. Besides, there are not many opportunities to practice such tongues in my... profession. So I have not bothered to go deeper than needed, even so as how many come, go, and change altogether. I'll stick to what I am comfortable with and just be there if needed, my words are not needed in those moments unlike others." Ending with going back to his play, letting the melody go on.
"Well, I think you're missing out then. Italian is a language of love after all."
"Your debates with those of French backgrounds must be enlightening."
Angel just gave a wide smile to the dry wording, close to a joke as Hesediel could ever do. He adds on a whim. "It's all about ego, Handsome."
"Of course." Hesediel murmured, letting the tune once high to a slower and drone.
The change didn't go unnoticed to Angel, for how it respite himself though let him lean against the small divide with a somber smile and far away look in his eyes. Soon he just rest his head in one set of hands as the other set held him. Lowly his voice melt along with the refrain.
"...Non credi, o del mio cor dolce desio, d'esser tu l'amor mio? Credilo pur: e se timor t'assale..."
"That is a stun language. Fair work there, Angel."
"I'll take that as you just calling me beautiful, Hesy."
Hesediel waved it off with a simple shoo and paused in mind, looking to Angel before thinking of another song to play. The once forgotten splash of guilt deciding to come back, and to command it, asked on a whim. "Your eyes study me a bit, Angel. Could that this song is far more personal?"
Angel only gave a shrug while his lower arms held himself tighter, sharp teeth nibbling in his bottom lip while keeping his eyes forward. Hesediel spoke nothing of other's actions a choose to play a different song. Something that made Angel's sorrowful face break into a more bitter smile. Coy eyes glancing over to Hesediel who paid no mind of the other, letting the pipe's sirens ditty echoed in the peaceful silence between them.
"The last good thing I remember of mother was her voice and playing that little tune. Funny enough, my asshat of a brother would do it too when Molly and I were really young. Like still in diapers. It was for a moment I thought he wasn't much like that bitch."
That gnarl was nothing but a humming scrunch, yet still gentle as always, Hesediel questioned regardless. "You don't care much to talk about him, still?"
"There isn't much to say, Handsome. He was my brother who liked to be dad's lapdog. Eager to please the bastard and just left us in the dust. Molly tells the same, 'ight?"
"Yes. Though she shares more fonder times if I'm being honest here. Favoritism?"
"Nah, I bet if anything she was more than willing to partake in the family business than me. They just had more in common, I guess."
"And that made you feel left out by my guess."
"Yep. Sucks to sucks, but that's something I don't even think Molls will even share to me. Despite it, out of anyone in the family, I knew then and now, I could count on her for anything. Why are we bringing up this old shit, Hes?"
"More so, I am just trying to get the bigger picture here. Some tales even told over and over, lend to give way new information unlike before, if that makes sense. But if all else, even when I am not being your doctor, Angel, I like to know you are okay."
Angel rolled his eyes at the acute sappiness to those finally words, but only said. "Sounds like you."
"And I like to know one thing in regards to your brother and we can move on for now, promise."
Angel shrugged, closed off as ever but side-eyed Hesediel willingly when saying. "Fire away."
"Do you think that soul of your brother is still there?"
Angel sat there in silence, letting the tumbling of the water fountain behind them seem like a murderous thunderstorm in his ears. Biting his lips in thought while eyes looked to a place far off, body ridged and small. One of his upper hands ran across his eyes for a second, a notion neither brought if it sounded like Angel was about to cry when saying. "If you asked me before I died, maybe. Now? Molly is all I have and that's fine. End of story." Angel then stood up and headed back to the hotel in a snail pace, but it was enough to say they were done.
"I see." Hesediel picked up his pipe once more and let the song go on, as he sat there alone in thought until it was nearing the working hours. Finishing up the song and gathering his things, a course itch in his throat made the quieting gnarl feel as only a slight clamp of poison in his brittle spine.
That bit stayed with him, up until Hesediel found himself about some time later, on another solo stroll into the depths of the city. Under the pretense that he was simply doing shopping for Charlie while she and Vaggie went to speak with her father about upcoming yearly plans. So anything else for it, he was doing as asked of him, but the detour was anything else set as planned. Notion to that, that he finds himself in a familiar setting of a certain bar. Finding the waitress from before.
"Miss?"
"Ya back? What the hell you want, cross sucker?" The rahab demon growled, flaring her highly revealing flapper dress, while setting a severing tray down and bossing the bartender for drinks. Glare never leaving Hesediel's being, awaiting for him to speak.
"The spider demon I was here before... would he happen to here now? I wish to speak with him, if possible."
Once the tray full of drinks, sets it on her board but scaling shoulder answered with a fed up deep sigh. "He's in the back for a poker game. Give me a second, I doubt you're staying for a drink anyway."
Hesediel nodded and waited not long to see the short stalk dark furred spider appearing. Eyes downcast, hands either grips in fists with quiver or hid away in pants pockets, shoulders hunch, and walk precise as a predator on the hunt. The holy one minded not of when the spider grabbed him roughly and out of the building into the alley across the way. Hesediel didn't even blink when catching the glint of Arackniss's gun choose to make an appearance, though rare luck kept the barrel down towards their feet.
"What the hell you want? You just risk me a big pot back there."
"I wanted to be clear that I can't help you in ways you want-"
"Not making this looking good for you buddy-boy." The spider said, the dull click as the only warning between them.
"But is hard for you to try reach them half way? Did the moments of your youths meant nothing or was things like amarilli all for show?"
Fast lightening a blast went off. Hesediel's head tilted to the side, missing the coming bullet that dented the groaning wall behind him. Dark Amethyst eyes never looking away from many rusty rose peepers that screamed war. Hesediel stepped back enough even if towards to the deeper ends of the alley, out of Arackniss's wrath.
"Y-you don't know shit..."
"Maybe so, but I can see enough that one story has many sides. One person could see themselves as a hero and to another the villain. So the question bare asking here is, which one are you trying to be now? And to again, why are you doing so?"
"It's not that easy." Arackniss hissed, the gun in his hand shaking and didn't even flinch when Hesediel gently made him lower it. The spider jerked away when feeling the other trying to pry out of his grip, having him growled. "Don't fuck with me."
Hesediel kept his hands up and away, taking another caution step back to show his understanding even if that made Arackniss rise his gun once more. The holy one saying. "I don't want this ending badly for either of us. So, please, I implore you not to shoot me again. You are just wasting bullets and I am on a very short time window here that requires me not looking I went on hadean escapade."
"Then why come back? Why come back to just tell me nothing?!"
"Comes with the territory of my business."
"You motherfucker!"
"Ease that, but something else too."
"What's that you fuckhead? Please, share me you all great wisdom of bullshit. I love to hear it."
"Because just like you once upon a time, I just want what is best for Anthony, as a friend if anything to it. I will not let those like your father get in the way of his healing, as one myself, and it sickens me in all honestly. Then there is you and despite better nature to just leave all else alone, I come back." Hesediel says, letting that gnarl roll out of him that he tries to steel himself, not wanting that itch in his throat to get the best of him. He heaves a loose sigh, stone face as taught to say. "If you two are brothers, as either you two claim. Then I hope in you both to do just that. But how it can be done must be on you both to reach that peace." Hesediel said drolly before taking a glance at his watch, adding. "I am sorry but that's all I can do for you, I must be off. Please, think of this and make your own judgement. Peace will come when see fit, you do not have to trust my words but your own and your actions." And like that, Arackniss was alone in the alleyway with a dropped gun to the ground and shivering being gasping for unneeded air.
He gathered himself, picking up his piece and after a short debate with himself turned around to head back into the bar. Even as the even and steady against crooked pavement down in each step he took, everything around him felt faint and out of reach. His hand on the door about to go back in, a suck on between his lips and teeth, before giving a shout and went down the longing sidewalk, to blow off some steam. The bright reddish day going to an almost murky twilight when he returned to his now, a bitter airy chuckle on his lips. Finding soon that away from the city with just distance hellish traffic and the ground nothing but gravel. Running his hands through his hair, catching his hat from falling off, until his nerve went cold. A dial tone was all he could hear, lost in his thoughts. Even for just one peaceful memory long ago to find his voice once more.
"Can't believe I'm about to do this..."