Keeping the brave look on her face was difficult. But, she managed it to the best of her ability. Looking at Hastur as she gripped her own hips tighter. Hastur frowned deeply at her. Eyes examining her with an equally 'I'm-bored-with-you' expression. The expression sent small shivers down her spine. One that she was doing her best to ignore as she stood still. Bronwyn questioned,"Why are you after me, sir?"
"And what do you want from me?",Bronwyn added. Glaring deep into Hastur's creepy black eyes. The man didn't flinch in the slightest bit. Instead, he just crossed his arms tight against his chest. Tilting his head to the side as he sneered down at her. For a brief moment it seemed like he wasn't going to say anything. Then he muttered,"I had found something similar to you. Had some of my people look for someone as similar to that person."
"They found you after a day of searching.",he admitted. Someone similar to herself? That made her freeze for a second. Bronwyn hadn't seen or felt anyone like herself. At least not in the thousands of years that she'd been on Earth. Part of her wanted to ask Hastur about him. As she'd always wanted to meet someone like herself. Instead, she just asked,"So what do you want from me?"
"To find out what you are. You have a similar energy to a newly fallen angel.",Hastur answered. Similar to a fallen angel? How would that feel? Bronwyn wasn't entirely sure of what that would feel like. Nor did she think she would want to. So she stated,"I'm not that."
"I'm something else entirely.",Bronwyn added. Not interested in continuing on what she meant. Figuring that this smelly creepy didn't need to know. Hastur didn't seem to be surprised. In fact, he nodded his head as he said,"I know that. We double checked with Heaven and they don't know what you are."
"Or what the other one is.",he added. Taking cigarettes from his pants pocket. Along with a lighter. Taking a cigarette out, he lights it up as he stares at Bronwyn. The mention of another one kept her curious. Raising an eyebrow, Bronwyn asked,"What other one?"
"Who's like me?",she questioned. Hastur took a drag from his newly lit cigarette. Seemingly ignoring her question as he seemed to be thinking. Then he answered,"A young man."
"That's all I know about him.",he added. Of course that's all he knew. Or at least all he wanted to give. Bronwyn doubted she'd get more information out of him. And she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know this other person like her. Hell, she doubted that she even really wanted to meet them either. Part of her even doubted the other person would want to meet her either. So she asked,"Now about my boss?"
"I'm not giving you that man's soul.",Hastur answered. Looking more annoyed than he had a few minutes ago. Which seemed to be a feat in her eyes. And she knew that he wouldn't do this for her. It something that she had seen coming since she learned of it. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile as she said,"I figured as much. Which is why I have two people to help me change your mind."
"Ladies! Can you please help me here?",Bronwyn called. And no sooner did those words leave her lips did they come out. Charmeine stepped out from behind a tree near Bronwyn's left. Adora from the right. Both came up near her and Charmeine held up the spray bottle to Hastur. Making absolutely sure that the Duke of Hell saw it. His face turned paler as he stared at the thing in her hand. When he noticed Adora, he dropped his cigarette and stomped on it. Putting it out as he hissed,"YOU! YOU WORTHLESS LITTLE BRAT! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?!"
"Pff, easy. I don't care about you and I like to see you suffer for once.",Adora answered. Giving him a very big grin that was about as real as fool's gold. Despite everything, Adora was still very much afraid of Hastur. Afraid that he'd actually get on with his threat of getting rid of her. But kept this as hidden as she could as she stared at him. Charmeine tried to as well. Though she wasn't as successful as her friend. It was enough that Hastur wouldn't easily be able to tell when he looked at her. When he did, he asked,"Who even are you?"
"None of your business, frogger.",Charmeine snapped. Immediately regretting how stupid of a nickname she just gave him. But not interesting in taking it back after she heard Bronwyn stifle her giggles. Keeping a stern look on her face, she continued,"Now, do as our little lady says and give back her boss's soul."
"Or you're losing your face.",Adora adds. Trying to not snicker at the look on the Duke of Hell's face. It was hard not to. His eyes go wider than her own, as his teeth ground together. Raising a hand, he bit into his pinky finger. Black ooze immediately spilling from the injury. Something that didn't bother the trio of women in front of them. They just stared at him as he walked in a small circle. Debating what to do in his head and making violent gestures in the air. Turning to them, he answered,"Fine. Your little boss's soul is his once more."
"Is there anything else you want?",Hastur questioned. Tone was mockingly polite as he sneered at them. Bronwyn answered,"Yeah, never come back to Tadfield. If you do, we'll melt you."
"Understand?",she hissed. The Duke of Hell rolled his creepy eyes. Or at least it looked like he rolled his eyes. Nodding his head, he grumbled,"Understood."
"Good. Now get out of my sight!",Bronwyn demanded. And within a second, Hastur was gone. They put out the circle of fire that he dragged himself from. Charmeine put the spray bottle into her jacket pocket. Taking a deep breath, she muttered,"I'm so glad we didn't have to use this."
"I'm a little disappointed. I wanted to see him melt.",Adora mumbled. Mostly thanks to the fact he'd tormented her so much. Even if it would get her in trouble with the rest of Hell. It would be worth it just to be rid of the bastard. Instead of voicing this louder, Adora questioned,"So why was he after you, heartbreaker?"
"Apparently there's another person like me.",Bronwyn informed her. This information surprised both of her makers. Who looked positively stunned by this news. They knew they didn't make more than one of what Bronwyn was. So who made this other one? And what was the other one like? Charmeine stated,"I'd say that's amazing, but that's kind of worrisome."
"How so?",Bronwyn asked. How in the world could it be worrisome? More people like herself in the world. It would be kind of wonderful. Her angel maker sighed,"Mostly because of how Heaven and Hell would react to them. Who's to say they wouldn't try to track them down and kill them?"
"Kill you?",Charmeine added. A look of terror flashing over her face. Losing their creation would break her. Just like losing Adora would. Her heart ached at the idea of losing either of them. Staring into her creation's eyes, Charmeine frowned a little. Reaching out and gently cupping Bronwyn's cheek. In a low voice, she whimpered,"I don't think I could handle that."
"Neither could I.",Adora chimed in. Losing either of them would hurt more than anything. Even more than being bathed in holy water would. Or so she imagined that it would. Pushing these thought aside, the demon hugged her creation gently. Pulling her close as she said,"Either of you. It'd...it'd destroy me."
There was an odd feeling of euphoria at this confession from them. A small smile came to her face as she hugged Adora back. Patting her demon maker's back gently then let go. They cleaned up the summoning mess that they made for Hastur. Then headed back towards Adora's car. Once inside, Charmeine asked,"So. Who wants to go back to my place and get drunk off their tits?"
"I do! I'm so done with this day.",Bronwyn answered. Adora agreed with this and they all sped off towards Charmeine's place. Intent on forgetting the most annoying things that had happened. Even pretending they hadn't heard about the other creature like Bronwyn. Hoping that they could get drunk enough to put him out of their minds.
_
Mornings came to soon in Ainsley's opinion. Dreams never lasting as long as he wanted them to. And they never lasted long enough in his memory for him. The dream he had was something that he found strange. It was a reoccurring one that always made no sense. No real images but just a few odd words that he could barely make out.
The ones that the creation could make out were just 'gave it away'.
That was it. He couldn't understand what it meant or who did what. But he just recognized those words. Said in a slightly embarrassed tone of voice. Almost as if they were scared of someone finding out what they'd done. Well, someone important. Usually he didn't know what the voices were. That's when he realized he knew what the voice was. Ainsley recognized the owner of the voice was Mr. Fell. Though he wasn't entirely sure if that really was the owner of the voice. Or if his brain was making it seem that way. Since he had only met Mr. Fell yesterday.
So, he felt that was why the voice in the dream seemed familiar.
Putting this to the back of his mind, he hurriedly got ready for the day. Checking his phone for the time. It was ten-thirty in the morning. Not too early or late. Enough time for him to shave, shower, and have some coffee. Feeling it would be too close to lunch to eat anything for breakfast. But he'd never deny himself a cup of coffee. No matter how late in the morning or night. Ainsley loved having coffee. Something that he couldn't give up since he moved from America. Part of him found it hilarious that despite everything he kept this. It was something that his co-workers at his job found funny too. There was a running joke that if Ainsley ever came into work without coffee, something was wrong.
Some of his co-workers even said they knew he was coming from the smell alone. Which he found kind of sweet and funny.
Ainsley headed over to his dresser and got out some of his favorite clothes. Pair of simple jeans, a band t-shirt, and a clean pair of boxers. Nothing all that special but he felt comfortable in them. And that was really all Ainsley valued. Comfort over style any day of the week. As he headed into the bathroom, he thought of what to do after lunch with Evenin. Mostly chores that he would have to do. Such as dusting the whole house. Feeling that he had waited too long to do this. Then he probably should do his laundry at some point. As it'd been a week or so since he'd done that. Or maybe it had been around two weeks or so.
He wasn't entirely sure since his days had blurred together.
Ainsley put his clothes in the cupboard under the sink. Brushed his teeth and then shaved like he normally did. Put a towel down in place of a bath mat. Set his other towels down on the toilet to keep them from getting wet. Then hurriedly showered faster than he normally had. Put on his deodorant, got dressed, and styled his hair. When he was done, he headed down to the kitchen to make his normal coffee. As soon as he got it set up, he turned on the T.V. Having it be a background noise while cleaning the kitchen. Putting dishes back where they were supposed to go. As soon as he was done, Ainsley muttered,"Maybe I should get a pet."
"Evenin was right about being alone. And humans get pets to help with that.",he added. Feeling a little silly that he was having this conversation out loud. It wasn't like he couldn't just be thinking about it. But also figured it wasn't that embarrassing. After all, there was no one there to hear him talk to himself. If Evenin was there it would actually be a bit embarrassing for him. Shoving the feelings aside, he sighed as he checked the pot of coffee. It was almost done. From what Ainsley guessed, he had a few more minutes from getting a cup. So he decided to just mess around on his phone while watching T.V. Soon as he got it from his bedroom, he headed back to his couch. Plopped down on it as he unlocked his phone and checked his emails.
Keeping a careful eye on the time. It was around eleven-twenty. Only forty minutes until he went over to Evenin's home.
Soon as he was done with his emails, he set his phone down. Got up and went to check his coffee. Getting himself a decent sized cup of it and put his usual milk in it. Not sugar. As he'd been trying to cut back on how much sugar he had. Though he somewhat regretted this decision as he drank the coffee. Finding how grossly bitter it was. But still drinking it as he liked keeping to his personal routine. Turning the pot off as he turned to go sit on the couch. Plopping back down on the couch, Ainsley watched the program for a few minutes. Sipping his drink as he continued to watch it.
Some strange program that Ainsley hadn't watched before. Nor was he really paying much attention to at that moment. Well, until he heard them recounting the oddities of last year. How some things were messed with and were odd. Like Atlantis and reports of aliens. Which made Ainsley raise an eyebrow in reaction. What the Hell were they talking about?
How hadn't he noticed these before?
Ainsley tried to think of why he hadn't known about it. But figured he was probably too super into work to pay attention to. Things weren't exactly easy for him last year. Last year, Ainsley wasn't feeling like himself. Everything felt too much and closing in at one moment. Or too little and pulling away the next. Then there was the whole sensation in his heart that wouldn't go away. Despite the human medication he took to try and stop it. Like there was this squeezing sensation on his heart. Almost as if someone had put their hand into his chest.
Gripped his heart.
Then tried to crush it beneath their fingertips while it was till in his chest. Ainsley could barely focus on his work while going through it. But he somehow managed to do so. Putting up with it and saving enough money to move overseas. After managing to, he did. Alone with promises to try and keep in touch with his American friends. Feeling they would probably forget about him as soon as he moved. For a few weeks, they did keep in touch. But after a while, they stopped contacting him.
Sometimes they sent him messages for his 'birthday' and he'd send some back. Mostly out of politeness and to feel less guilty about not talking to them more.
Putting that to the side, he wondered about these events. What they meant in a supernatural sense. But figured it didn't matter. They were gone and humans felt they were either elaborate pranks. Or just a mass hallucination. Which Ainsley would agree to as it seemed like something humans would do. Deciding that it was just a bunch of weird things that humans spent too much time on. Like most things that they did. Finishing off his coffee as he thought,'Human beings and their imaginations.'
'They're too strange.',he added. Getting up off the couch and heading to the kitchen. Washing it before setting in the drying rack to dry. Ainsley headed back to the living room and checked the phone. At least five minutes until noon. Time for him to go over to Ms. Vega's for lunch. Turning off the T.V. before heading out of the living room. Quickly leaving the house and locking the door behind him. Heading over to Evenin's house immediately afterwards.
When he got to her door, he found that she was standing on her porch. Holding a conversation with someone on her phone. Briefly she noticed him and gave him a little wave. Mouthing that she'd be with him in a couple of minutes. And that she was sorry before returning to her phone. Ainsley just waited at the first step and tried to not listen to her. But finding it difficult not to. Evenin seemed to be very annoyed with the person she was talking to. Almost shouting a few times as she spoke to them. In a low voice, she said,"No. I will not be bringing him over."
"I have my reasons, Mr. Fell. I will not be bringing him over and that's final.",Evenin snapped. That was odd. Who did Mr. Fell want to see? Was it Ainsley? What for if it was? Why would he want Ainsley over for? It took him a bit of thinking then it hit him. Either Evenin told him about his break in. Or he wanted Ainsley over to talk about the men who came in that day. Either way, Ainsley didn't want to see that man. Mr. Fell made him a little uncomfortable. But he wasn't entirely sure about why. Shoving the feelings aside, Ainsley watched Evenin's expression. Noticing how annoyed she was with the bookshop owner. Frowning deeply as she rolled her eyes at his words. Then Evenin muttered,"I'll have to ask him if he wants to come over or not."
"If he says yes, I promise to call you. If he says no, I won't.",Ms. Vega promised. Suddenly ending the call before giving a frustrated groan. Then looked down at him with a forced smile. It made him slightly uncomfortable but he ignored it. Giving her a puzzled look, Ainsley asked,"Who was that, Evenin?"
"Mr. Fell, he's got into his head that he needs to speak to you.",Evenin answered. Going into great length that Mr. Fell had been worried about him being cornered by the two men from yesterday. That they these two men had been previously banned from his shop. And that he needed to know what they had said to Ainsley. That way Mr. Fell could hand it over to the authorities. Ms. Vega felt that he didn't need that. As she felt they could just give him an email. But Mr. Fell insisted that they come in. And said that he'd make them lunch if they did. Which was a weird bribe but Ainsley liked the idea of free food. Didn't like the idea of having to go see Mr. Fell.
But he guessed that he'd have to to help Mr. Fell out. Just to at least help him out with legal stuff. So Ainsley figured that he was going to have to. Giving Evenin a gentle smile, Ainsley stated,"I guess we should go. It's only fair to help him out."
"Besides, he's offering free lunch for us.",Ainsley added. It was a sweet offer in his book. Even if it was from a weirdo like Mr. Fell.
Ms. Vega gave a soft sigh but agreed. Then called Mr. Fell back. Telling him that they would be there within ten minutes. Something that made Ainsley a little uncomfortable. Resisting the urge to chew the inside of his cheek as Evenin ended the call. They headed to the car and she pulled out of the driveway. Driving as fast as she had the night before. Causing Ainsley to pray in his mind as he clung to his seat belt. Chewing the inside of his cheek as Evenin drove them to the shop. In the ten minutes that she quoted Mr. Fell. Which nearly made Ainsley have a heart attack.
Taking subtle deep breaths, he stumbled out of the car. Nearly falling on Crowley once again. But immediately being steadied by him like the other day. A look of slight amusement crossed the lanky man's face as he chuckled,"We really need to stop meeting like this."
Before Ainsley could properly apologize, Ms. Vega once again dragged him off towards the shop. Telling him off in a soft voice that he keep away from Crowley. Reminding him that the lanky man was a creep. Something that Ainsley didn't believe in at all. But he didn't want to argue with Evenin about it either. Seeing is she knew the man better than he did. So as far as the nephalem knew, Crowley might actually be a creep. Ainsley mentally made a note to keep avoiding him. A moment later, they walked into the bookshop and straight to the counter. Where Mr. Fell was patiently waiting for them. A friendly smile on his face as he glanced between them. Before Ms. Vega could say a word, she froze right next to him. Ainsley raised an eyebrow at this as he looked at her. Then at Mr. Fell and then back at her. Gently nudging her shoulder, he asked,"Evenin? Are you alright?"
"She's fine. Just a little magic keeping Ms. Shouty in place.",a voice answered from the door. Looking over Ms. Vega's frozen form, he saw Crowley. Who looked utterly confused as to why Ainsley wasn't frozen as well. And from the corner of his eye, he saw Mr. Fell looked puzzled as well. Ainsley didn't like that Evenin wasn't able to move. Or that apparently this Crowley fellow did this to her. It made his stomach twist slightly as the lanky man came closer to him. Looking him over in a way that made him even more uncomfortable than before. In an annoyed tone, Crowley questioned,"Why are you still moving?"
"...I dunno...why wouldn't I be?",Ainsley fired back. Taking a step back away from this strange man. Wondering if Mr. Fell knew this about his boyfriend. Or if he even approved of his boyfriend's actions. Looking over at the bookshop owner, he saw the look on the older man's face. Noticing that he looked more surprised that Ainsley was still moving. Mr. Fell raised an eyebrow as he answered,"Humans generally don't move after Crowley does that, Mr. Priddle."
"You shouldn't be moving either.",Mr. Fell added. That was a little surprising but Ainsley ignored it. This didn't matter to the nephalem. All that mattered at the moment was the fact these men essentially were going to corner him. Taking a deep breath and another step back, Ainsley stated,"Well, as dumb as it is to tell you both. I'm obviously not human."
"Yes, we've gathered this Mr. Priddle. It couldn't be more clear unless we got those glasses off.",Crowley snarked. Shaking his head in annoyance. Ainsley ignored this as he glanced around. Wondering if there was another way for him to bolt. Then remembered that he'd be leaving Evenin by her lonesome. That during this state she would be at either of their mercy. So these two men also had him at their mercy too. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Ainsley asked,"...so why did you two do this?"
"Were you planning on hurting me or something?",he continued. Figuring that it would be something they'd do. Well, what Crowley would do. Based off what little information that Evenin had given about him. Mr. Fell probably wouldn't hurt him unless provoked. Both men gave him puzzled looks and Mr. Fell came out from behind his counter. Shaking his head, Mr. Fell answered,"Of course not, my dear boy. We wouldn't dream of causing you harm."
"Not unless you're going to harm us first.",he added. Taking a careful step towards Ainsley. Who took another step back from him. Crossing his arms, Ainsley shook his head. In a low voice, he muttered,"No. It's two against one anyway. I'd be pretty screwed if I did."
"Yes, yes you would.",Crowley assured. Doing his weird walk next to Mr. Fell. The pair didn't get any closer as they stared at him. Crowley asked,"So. What exactly are you then?"
"A demon?",Crowley questioned. Ainsley shook his head. He wasn't a demon. Technically wasn't entirely a demon from what he could tell. Mr. Fell quipped,"Ah. So you're an angel then?"
"I suppose you do have the attributes to be one.",he added. Both looked surprised when Ainsley shook his head again. Again, technically not an angel either. The nephalem wasn't entirely sure what he was. All he knew is that he wasn't human. Wasn't an angel or demon. At least as far as Ainsley could tell he wasn't entirely these things. Since last year, the nephalem knew he was a nephalem. In a low voice, Ainsley blurted,"I'm a nephalem. So technically I'm not entirely an angel or demon."
"Just part one and part the other.",he added. That made both men look at each other for a second. Then back at Ainsley. Crowley reached up and took his sunglasses off. His eyelids were shut and he was massaging the bridge of his nose. While Mr. Fell was smiling patiently at him. Looking a lot more calm then Crowley was acting. Taking a deep breath, Mr. Fell questioned,"What do you mean that you're a nephalem?"
"I mean I'm part demon and part angel.",Ainsley answered. Wondering why the strange bookshop keeper was asking him this. Wasn't that obvious? Ainsley figured that maybe they hadn't heard about it before. So Ainsley took his glasses off to reveal his eyes. Letting Mr. Fell see his eyes. An act that he hadn't allowed to happen in a long, long time. At least not since the invention of sunglasses. Mr. Fell stared at Ainsley's green serpent eyes with shock. Jaw popping open as he stared at Ainsley. Not speaking as he took this sight in.
Crowley groaned next to him as he stopped massaging the bridge of his nose. In a gentle voice, Crowley said,"He's crazy, Angel. There's no such thing as nephalem. And I highly doubt it's what he's saying it is."
"Crowley.",Mr. Fell said in a soft voice. It was barely above a whisper. Slowly turning to look at the lanky man next to him. Throwing his hands up, Crowley snapped,"Angel, please. Let's just erase Ms. Shouty's memory and get rid of him."
"Crowley. Open your eyes.",Mr. Fell stated. Crowley didn't. Instead he just crossed his arms against his chest. Raising an eyebrow as he tilted his head to the side. Then Crowley questioned,"Why? What's the big deal?"
"Just open your fucking eyes.",Mr. Fell demanded. The curse word coming from the man made Ainsley's eyes go wide. It was so shocking considering how gentle the man looked. In fact, the nephalem expected him to faint from hearing a bad word. Apparently this also shocked the lanky man next to him. As Crowley immediately opened his eyelids. Showing bright yellow snake eyes that went wide as dinner plates as he looked at the man next to him. Raising an eyebrow, Crowley questioned,"What...Angel, what's wrong?"
"Look at Mr. Priddle then ask me that.",Mr. Fell informed him. Pointing to Ainsley without even glancing over at his boyfriend. The second that those words left Mr. Fell's mouth, Crowley turned to him. Stared him straight in the eye and froze. The nephalem was already standing still as he stared at Crowley. Or rather, his eyes. They were like his own. Snake eyes. Just golden yellow. It was so surprising that Ainsley could hardly believe he was seeing it. His mouth dropped open into an 'o' as did Crowley's. And that's how they stood for a few minutes.
Without looking at the lanky man, Mr. Fell gently shut his mouth. In a soft voice, Mr. Fell said,"I suppose he's not lying about being a nephalem now."
"...this can't be possible. I don't understand.",Crowley murmured. Looking as bewildered as Mr. Fell, Aziraphale, felt. As confused as Ainsley felt too. Neither man took their gazes off the nephalem. Who glanced between them and then at Evenin. Still frozen in her place, looking like she was just paused. Part of him guessed that she was probably going to be fine. That neither of these men were harming her. Ainsley still didn't like that they'd done this to her. But he also felt that he wasn't in the position to demand anything. So, Ainsley just toyed with his glasses for a bit before putting them back on. In a quiet voice, Ainsley mumbled,"Well, clearly I am possible. It ain't my fault you guys don't know much about people like me."
"...what was that?",Crowley questioned in an annoyed tone. Ainsley didn't repeat himself or say anything else. Instead, Ainsley just stayed quiet. Crossing his arms again as he looked at Aziraphale. Aziraphale looked him over then glanced where he had been looking. Then back at Ainsley. For a second, Ainsley was worried he'd harm her. Then raised an eyebrow as he watched Aziraphale walk over to Evenin. Gently grabbing her shoulders and making her fall back into his arms. In an instant he moved her unconscious form to a chair. Setting her down in it and covering her with a blanket. Whispering something that Ainsley couldn't hear.
While Ainsley was distracted, Crowley got closer to him. Reaching over and taking Ainsley's glasses off. Causing the nephalem to jump back slightly in surprise. Reaching over to snag his glasses back. In a quiet voice, Ainsley demanded,"Give them back. Please."
"...I'll give them back to you on one condition.",Crowley stated. Holding the glasses high over his head. Ensuring the nephalem couldn't reach it. Even if the shorter man jumped for them. Causing the nephalem to frown deeply. Aziraphale came back over as he watched Crowley. Looking highly unamused with his boyfriend. But not stopping him either. Ainsley sighed and questioned,"What are your demands?"
"Come with us to another part of the book shop and answer our questions about yourself.",Crowley answered. Aziraphale nodding in agreement about this. Though not looking happy that Crowley hadn't included him in on this. It was annoying but Ainsley knew he couldn't disagree with him. Taking a deep breath, Ainsley sneered at him. Crossing his arms against his chest again and hissing,"Fine, I'll do your stupid little interview."
With that, Crowley gave him the sunglasses back. Then the pair guided him back towards another room in the bookshop.
