Chapter 18

Athahsaia was enjoying life on Earth. It had changed since his imprisonment, in more ways than one so it was rather a culture shock when he appeared in the most sinful city, drawn to it like a moth to the flame, he was shocked to not be immediately worshipped by the first vagrant that he came across. In fact, the man whimpered and screamed in fear as the cannibalistic demon loomed. While the human did attempt to escape, Athahsaia was quick enough to swoop in and take control of the man's soul.

It felt good to be in human skin again. Almost like wearing one of his favorite coats after found years later. The instincts, the urges, the hunger hit him like a lightning bolt, and for the next few weeks, devoured any poor beings that crossed his path.

He even went out of his way to find people to devour, like that priest he slaughtered in the church. Ironic that most demons couldn't step foot on Holy Ground, however none of them thought about a shield of flesh to protect their unholy forms. However, Athahsaia heard through the grape vines that an angel, a low-level messenger who somehow managed to outwit Mazdikeen of all beings. Athahsaia decided to make this messenger his last target before he left to find the bigger fish.

The fish that locked him away in that literal hell hole. The fish that was now swimming around like a shark where the waters were extra red.

His hunt started at night, between the hours of twilight when the day time hum died down, and right before the hum of the night began. The demon roamed the streets, searching and sniffing for that holy aura that most messengers were surrounded in. He could smell the Throne Amenadiel easily enough, his aura powerful enough to overtake the stink of the city. But there was another Holy scent….one that smelt of old books, fresh baked cookie and summer days.

Athahsaia licked his lips, the human's rotting teeth moving ever so slightly.

What a treat the messenger will be! He hadn't had one in eons, not since after the Rebellion and the Fall.

He sure did gorge himself on those plump little birdies for sure. And, he was going to enjoy this one.

Maybe this'll be the first of many, the demon thought as he moved around the alleyways, stalking like a hunter on the scent of its prey. The thought made him unremarkably giddy. I can just taste the aura, and the meat…...mmmmmmm.

Athahsaia was practically salivating at the thought.

Then something hit his nose.

The smell…the Holy Scent of that Messenger Angel. He briefly cursed the human eyes, the dullness of which made it hard to see into the night. There was a moment where he was debating to drop into his true form before he dismissed it.

Better to remain inconspicuous in case he came across Lord Lucifer.

Better to make sure that his full power would be there before he confronted the King of Hell or any other beings, mostly of the opposite side.

But he figured he could take this little messenger in this pathetically weak form. He crawled closer to the little angel, whose back was turned to him. She was sitting on a bus bench, silently watching the last of the activity from the day go by. The foot traffic was sparse, sparse enough that if he was careful, no one would be none the wiser.

And the little pigeon wouldn't know what hit her.

He licked his lips once more before he took a step forward.

One step, the crowds seemed to scatter like cockroaches when the light turned on. They had been willed away by him. No matter how many people there were, no matter how utterly stupid and blind humanity was, he wasn't about to take that risk of snatching someone from the streets.

Another step he was on top of the angel, right behind her.

"Hello there, little pigeon." He hissed.

The being tensed as Athahsaia placed his hands on her shoulders and started to rub on her, placing his nose into her hair.

"Mmmmm. You smell…..heavenly." His eyes darted to the street. "Why don't we move away from the crowd, hm? That way we can a bit more privacy."

"Is that how you prefer to fight? In the same shadows that you skulk in?"

"Oh, well, I don't' think it'd be much of a fight." His twisted fingers touched her cheeks. "Now the last time I checked; Messengers weren't really known for their fighting skills. No, I just don't want any human hurt. At least, not yet. The meat's not as good as good when it's soaked in piss."

The Messenger nodded and slowly got to her feet. Athahsaia guided her towards the alley he had melted out of, prodding her with a small demonic blade to keep her moving. They walked into a little extension, one that had a dead end and was lined with trash cans.

"A perfect place to feed."

"Indeed."

He barely knew what hit him. Literally.