Well, I got two reviews – thank you, eris and Detroit! – so I'll post a second chappie. I have no idea where this is going, by the way. Please write me comments or suggestions!
"Calm down, John. I know this is hard for you –"
"I don't want any fucking sympathies. I just want to know why."
"Why? Why do you need to know? Will this knowledge help? Will it save your friend?"
Since Gabriel flipped, John had been forced to find a new half-breed as a source of information. Michael was very helpful, but had the annoying habit of trying to guide you down the path of reasoning before he actually told you anything.
Now, John glared at the angelic expression of innocence. "Don't give me that morality shit. Just answer the question."
Michael sighed. "You channel your energy into such futile tasks. When all the world could use your powerful exorcisms, you choose to spend time chasing after lost souls." He shook his head. "Humans are so confusing sometimes."
Rolling his eyes, John sat down heavily on a bench. Reaching automatically into his pocket, he pulled out two packs of gum – one nicotine and one normal. Taking a piece from each, he sat back to wait for Michael to finish his speech.
"You can save hundreds of people from demons of all sorts, and all you want to do is save the lives and souls of a few people close to you. And then you insist on making sure they made it to heaven, no matter how hopeless the task seems. For a man who was just saved himself and died twice, you'd think you'd be more aware of how short your time is on this earth, and you'd spend more time helping other people than fulfilling your own private goals. You go to church, you repent, you keep safe your redemption, and yet you are so ignorant of the cries of anyone who is not your friend."
John was getting fed up. "So I should save the entire world, is that what you're saying?"
Michael looked affronted by the interruption, and ruffled his feathers indignantly. "You could try."
There was a pause. "Are you done?"
Michael sighed again, this time in defeat. "All right, if you insist. The truth of the matter is that your young friend made a deal with the devil. Of the usual type."
"Chas?" John started. "Chas made a deal? I don't believe it."
"Believe it. Although the devil himself was not named, he took advantage of a rather peculiar offer the boy made. And you were part of the deal."
John gave the half-breed a very incredulous look. "How?"
Michael shrugged. "That is all I know."
"Shit!" John said, standing. "You know more. You just won't tell me."
"There are rules, Constantine," Michael said softly, "And I am not as eager as Gabriel to break them."
John shot another angry glare in Michael's direction. Throwing the gum wrappers into a litter bin, he stormed out of the park.
"Be careful," Michael shouted at the retreating figure. "He gave you a warning. You should heed it."
"The only warning I need," John replied, "is one for the Devil, because he's going to loose a soul soon."
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