2

'...and while the mysterious serial killer continues his work in the slums of Helsing, a ferocious earthquake ripped through an orphanage at three o'clock today' the solemn face of the news presenter woman said emotionlessly, '...The death count so far is sixteen children and two teachers, there are of course many still missing and authorities fear the worse. We have more on this topic later at ten tonight. In other news the destruction of a priceless stained glass window in the Helsing City Catholic church is still a mystery, authorities say that...' The TV screen was switched off and he spun in his chair back to face Michael, who was sitting across the table, 'Michael, Michael, Michael...' God grinned and shook his head in mock anger, 'What am I going to do with you? I give you a simple mission and you go and desecrate a beautiful piece of art. A catholic window yet! There'd be uproar if they knew an Angel was at fault'

'Good.' Michael clenched his jaw,' those religious fogies could do with a good foot up their backside!'

Good smiled understandingly and his face glowed. He reminded Michael of what the mortals imagined Santa Claus as, but not fat- just well built- and no red clothes either, 'You and your rebellious nature- first you abandon our traditional weapons now your insulting my "Devout" followers' God said,

'Well I must be rebellious for some reason God, You made me like that'

'Good point, come closer so I can change your personality'

'No'

'There's that rebellion again!'

Michael smiled a little before getting back on task,

'So, why have you called me, my lord?' he asked,

'To congratulate you on foiling the plans of that Vime, and; to put your rebellious nature to use'

'Oh'

'So are you ready for this?'

'I'm ready for anything' Michael half snapped,

'Why oh why couldn't you just sit on a cloud and praise me?' God said under his breath, 'What?'

'I need you to go back to Helsing'

'Why?'

'I'll tell you: If you look here...' he turned the TV back on. It showed a computer generated map of the city,' Two days ago our computer monitored a major demonic occurrence in the orphanage on the news. It seemed to centre on a young Fourteen-year-old boy named Troy. For some reason Hell really wants him dead.'

'Some reason? Come on God, you're... God- why does Satan really want him? You can tell me!'

'This is on a need to know basis, and right now; you don't need to know' God replied,

'Whatever. So what, you want me to find this boy and protect him?'

'Not only protect him, but convert him'

'But we angels aren't aloud to convert people directly; we have to work through other humans don't we?' Michael asked,

'Yes usually, but this boy is different, he will be able to actually see your true, Angelic state- wings and all. He needs you to be his friend as well as his body guard.'

'So does that mean if he can see me he can also see...?'

'Yes, he can see the enemy's children- he can see demons.'

'Wow'

'So, I've always wanted to say this: Your mission, if you choose to accept it...'

'Do I have to accept it? I don't work to well with kids...'

'...yes you do! Now: Your mission- YOU WILL choose to accept it, is to track down Troy, befriend and protect him from the angels of darkness until further notice'

'Great' Michael said,' Where is he?'

'Dunno, try the ruins at the Orphanage' God replied with a grin,

'But you do know! You're God!' Michael moaned...

Vime stumbled along a dark alley; he was dressed as usual in a dark hooded robe. He looked worried. Glancing left and right quite often, the rugged looking man hurried towards a small wooden door at the end of the alley. He tugged on the handle and went inside.

A small room was concealed behind the door, and in that room, a black onyx statue of a man with three faces. Bowing in front of the statue, the clearly deceived man began to whisper in hushed tones, 'Master, we have located the boy, we await further orders'

He waited for about three minutes before an echoing voice entered the room, 'Hold your position, I will send a warrior to collect the boy'

'Yes my lord, we will stay at our fortress under the church until further notice'

'Good. Now go'