Crocus

'Something wrong?'

'How could there anything be wrong. You worry too much.'

'Then why stare at the clouds like this?'

'No reason.'

A soft chuckle.

'What?'

'You are not good at this lying, little brother.'

'Hush. Shouldn't you be also worry about this?'

'I miss him too. You know some of those high minded Cherubims can be. He'll step from his high throne in time.'

'It's not really that. It's just something doesn't seem right.'

'You said the same thing when they titled you as a Virtue. Your name is a grace all to those below.'

'But it doesn't feel earned. You were more intune to this than me. Why give it up?'

'Ask yourself honestly, would they even dare let rise as I do.'

'If you weren't flockering in the mortal woods, maybe they would take what you have to offer to heart.'

'This kind of power isn't me, you know that.'

'I'm not talking about power, never! I'm talking about what you give not earned, brother.'

'And this is why you and I can't find common ground.'

'Of course we can.'

'So you say. Also, I need a favor.'

'What else is new? I don't think-'

'I'll be gone for just a few days. Just cover for me please, oh dear child.' The dark one said, with a wide smile in place.

The hooded one frowns at the other's words. Only to earned a wistful laugh.

'Don't laugh at me! I am very much worried about your wellbeing.'

'Never said you haven't shown that. Relax, I'm just ruffling your freathers.'

'Y-you... You horrid gospel. If a hunter finds you, I promise I won't mourn for you.'

The darker angel laughed, deep and filled with mirth. 'Just adorable to see you trying to be mad. Oh-oh stop, your expressions are too much!'

'You're horrid.' The words were said with no bite, but in fondness.

A moment in time gone and replace with another.

'She's quite amazing.'

'We know...'

'The grancefulness.'

'We know...'

'Above so many that can't compare.'

'We know... stop...'

'She spoke once-'

'Oh goodness Grace's in heaven, Luci! Silence! Speak with this fair maiden or so help me! I will end you at this rate, I pray she is a wise one and turns a blind eye on you. For my sanity!'

A light laughter is heard between the shouting. Having soon the voice of annoyance aimed at the one sitting near the edge of the golden ray clouds.

'I want nothing from the onlookers, unless they are willing to end this. How can you support this mindless gripe.'

Another snicker is heard before the voice spoke. 'Let him have this. We're only in youth for a short time. Before long, we'll be Archagels and that means no free and fun times.'

'Speak for yourself. You haven't even try to show the Grace's you are ready. You just wants us to do all the work.'

'No. I want you guys to do your share. Give me a break.'

'Brave words of a workaholic. That alone should be a sin. Agree with me, Luci.'

'Unlikely.'

'Guys, now do-'

'We all can't enjoy the world's gift like others.'

'Now, I never said that. Far from it but believe me in this. The world below is something I can't give up. That's all.'

The third voice added. 'To a degree. We're just parting in ways and seeing what was commonly is fading. It's normal. True as it may be in what needs to be done, we will make time. We've done it before.'

The darker one clicked his tongue in disappointment while the pale one showed a softer side to it.

'I don't know rather to see this ideal mind of yours endearing or foolish.'

The hooded one wore a frown, but stopped when the pale one removed the hood and tussled the wild wavy curls.

'Don't mind him. He's just being playful.'

'Luci, don't spoiled the brat.'

'A brat that is surpassing you without trying.'

'Cheating is always a possibility.'

'Or good connections.'

'No, I study-'

'Thought you weren't agreeing with me?'

'Who said I was?'

'You guys are not to figh-'

The one named Luci hushed the other, with a growing smirk. While the dark one had a share glint.

'You two need to stop bullying me.' The hooded one stated, once figuring out he was being pulled around.

In union of dark and pale. 'Never.'

'Is me being this innocence that bad?'

The darker one chuckled in good nature, pulling the hooded one in a side hug, saying. 'Not in what you think. It does make you come off easy though.'

'What?'

The pale one added. 'True. If train right, you'll be something you're not.'

'That is not going to happen.'

'Sure, whatever you say little brother. That kind way to be polite and blunt is only going to help for you for so long.'

'I'm with Luci on this. You can say no, but you got no backbone or it's fragile, a pushover. Honestly, have you ever said no to us? Or rat us out to the trouble we got into? Really!'

'I-I... well, under the ideal here... that is to say-'

'See!' The duo said at once.

'Fine. See if I ever do anything to save your halos ever again.'

'Oh, that wounds me little brother. How ever shall we live without you.'

'I agree. What a tragedy that would be. I felt it in my heart.'

'More like the stomach for me. For I feel ill from his goodness.'

'Same.'

'I'll keep that in mind. You bullies.' The hooded one pouted, leaving the others to laugh at the childish antics of the younger one.

As come another time space passes.

'Hesediel, have you finished the texts?'

'Awhile ago, sire, this is just something of my own desire.'

The bright being heaved a groaned, before adding. 'Hesediel, we've been over this.'

'Oh, I know that sire. But these texts just need studying. For that of what-'

'I say if you don't bind what you have been, I can't quite uphold what others will do. Understand?'

'But-'

'I mean this, Hesediel. Do not force my hand.'

Hesediel tipped his head up into the bright being's face. Cold and harsh in the eyes, he tried not show his yielding but the coy look in return told enough.

'I understand.'

'Good. Also, some of the Powers have a mission for you.'

'What kind?'

'Cleansing. You have been chosen to join and will be given a weapon of your choice.'

'That is quite an honor, sire, but-'

'There is no but.'

'It's just, sire, I'm not a fighter. Wouldn't the likes of Lucifer and-'

'Matters not. Given as our most relied, that you speak of, have not shown, you'll be in their place.'

'What? Now, wait a moment. I could speak with-'

'Think this not as a punishment for their procrastination but know that if they are not battle ready. How's to say they would come back the same. Think of it as that. Surely, that matters enough?'

'Sire, I'm sorry but this sounds like a thr-'

'Agree or who know what will happen those of the lesser kind path walkers. Understood?'

A pause was made before an answer.

'I-I... yes, sire.'

'Good.'

Time skips around moments that clash of another, as that wasn't the first bribe. But what came to it, was greatly new.

'How could you agree to this! I know I called you foolish but this is a new level!'

'I feel more of a fool that we didn't know this sooner.'

'You foolish. Doe of youth! Greenhorn of ma-'

'Stop. Let him heal.'

'Luci! How could you be so calm about this?!'

'I'm not. But if I can't, he won't stop shaking. Please.'

Silence played through the chamber room while the pale one treated the wounded angel. The darker one choosing to pace than speaking. A growl rumbling within his throat. Not even pausing as the pale one spoke again.

'Despite our anger, Hesediel, why did you agree to join Gabriel and the others for the cleansing sessions. You weren't ready nor even a fighter.'

'It was just trial runs. They say I could be... what they ask for. The dagger spoke to me even and I just followed and...'

'And what?!' The dark one shouted.

'It doesn't matter.'

'The heavens that it be! You could have faded on us! Hesediel, you are no fighter! You faint at the sight of helicals! What you did is beyond my rhyme of logic. For the lord's be, you're the smart one between us, even you have recalled how stupid it was to listen to that whipped angel.' The darker one snapped, words hard yet cracking at the seams.

'I know.'

'Then why did you go? One of us could have gone, we have the training. Why didn't you come to us?' The pale one spoke in kind and worry, finishing the healing castes.

'You both were away. I just wanted to help. I didn't want you either trouble after the-'

The dark let another growl rumble out his throat. Leaving the lighter one to speak again.

'Hesediel, know there is always been ways you have helped us. You didn't need to this for us. Never again, understood?'

'But-'

'So help me, I will personally keep you in line. My rank aside.'

The hooded one bolted from his bed, looking to the darker one, worry in place, hands up in a sign of surrender. 'I understand. Please don't joke like that. The Almighty and the others would not be pleased. I have read-'

'The books of the history before us. We know. Now lay back down and rest.' The pale one say, hushly, while tending the other to lay back down.

'I am so sorry for worrying you two. I had no means of having you feel like this.'

The dark sighed before saying. 'Just worry about yourself. We can take care of ourselves. Luci, that meeting of that fair maiden?'

'Oh, right. You think you can keep an eye on him and tend to his deeds?'

'Of course. I think I could put up with what the highers need. Limited as it might be.'

The hooded one called out to the pale one. 'Stay out of trouble!'

'Don't I always?'

'Lucifer!'

'I'll be back! Play nice you two.'

Another moment in time came and went. Along with the heaviness of tension in the halls of God. Hesediel surrounded by higher ups, being questioned. Confused and lost. Each words falling from lips that stain in ways to himself and others he knew.

'How long have you known that one of our own was playing with a brimstorm spawn.'

'I-I-'

'Where were they planning to defile our Holy Saviour's plan?' Another voice asked.

'I don't know what-'

'How do you plea with knowing that they'll be removed?' A voice that lingers on being cocky, made the hooded one turn to that voice.

'What? You don't know what they are doing. I swear there are no crimes. They're just free thinking-'

'It's that kind of talk that goes against everything we have worked for. You know this!'

'I swear what they are doing isn't going to stop God's plan.'

'You have said it before and you have seen what they have done. Have you know of crimes before your wished? Do you honestly?'

'Yes, I know some of it-'

'In support?'

'No!' Hesediel held firmly, adding. 'Excuse my bluntness here, but you are stepping out of line. Everything still follows the text. They are just-'

'A distraction! Look at yourself. Riddle with back talk. This can't go on.'

'Sire, Gabriel, I-I know these sprites. They mean you or others no harm. They are doing as-'

'The Almighty will be the final judge to this. I'll be sure to see it through. Count your days with those numbered.'

'Let me talk to them. I'm sure this won't-'

The hooded figure found himself on the ground. Body wringing with pain and vision blurred.

'I let you spare them too long. I thought you be what to keep the unforgiven in place. How wrong that turned out.'

'W-wai-'

'Hesediel, think of your comrades before speaking out of term, again. Be wise now and do as told.'

"No..." A hush voice broke out the darkness. The glows through the stain window of Hesediel's room. Slowly he sat up, eyes blank with a matching face. While hands rubbed and card through his hair to calm his otherwise relaxed being. Another sigh take through his body, rising up from the bed, reaching for his night robe and leaving his room.

Wandering through the halls, trying to relax and collect himself, mindful not to awaken the other residents deep into the hotel. Catching a noisy oinks from Angel's room. The piglet likely having a sixth sense to knowing when the holy being walked by, gently knocking the door to urge the animal to sleep as he went on. Finding himself soon in the main entrance, eyeing to see the barkeep curled up at the alcoholic stand.

Carefully Hesediel pulled the partially full bottle from the winged cat demon's claws. Sealing it with a new capper by a small miracle. Hesediel then searched for the blanket that the barkeep normally had near and placed it on the sleeping figure. Though, that's when the other woke up.

"Ah, my head."

"Would you like something for that, Mr. Husk?"

The monotone voice was firm and far too close, fully waking the demon. Gasping back a scream of fright and just having wide eyes to the other's. Panicing when noticing that the bottle he was nursing before passing out, was gone. Catching quick to see it in Hesediel's hand. Snatching it quickly.

"Oh, no you don't you fucking shady booze stealing swindler. I ain't going to let you fucking pure another bottle. Over my goddamn nearly undead body."

"A simple parlor trick has you that wary of me, Mr. Husk?"

The demon glared at the other's word, before popping the bottle and taking a large gulp. Sighing gratefully of the lush burn it gave. A watery burp echoed out before the demon spoke. "Since you gotten here and what you done to my best brands, I ain't taking any fucking chances. You've cursed everything you touch. Fuck off."

"Not true. Just what I ask you to serve me. Nothing else."

"Prove it."

"No brand titles. I would care greatly for just a glass of sweetin ice water. Please?"

Husk eyed Hesediel for a second, watch the holy being took a seat far from reach of his bottle. Showing a small sign of peace. Husk relaxed just slightly, easily from the booze still running in his bloodstreams. Though it didn't take away how he noticed how stiffer the other was.

"Sure buddy. What the hell are you doing up this late?" Husk asked, getting to work on Hesediel's drink.

"Just a simple innocence stroll. Also, what just came to my mind that you haven't come to any of your appointments lately."

"No way in fuck's lands are we doing it now, doc." Husk merried, sliding the cooling drink towards to the others, adding. "Even I know you ain't that cruel this late."

"True. I guess I need to work on my humor. How about you, bad night?" Hesediel answered shallowly, drinking his glass with a slight shake. Soon adding. "You don't normally camp out here, unless a reason. Which would be?"

Husk either didn't noticed or was wise to focus at the question at hand. "That asshat fish bastard been trying to use my good stuff for his weird bullshit."

"I see. I guess I am not the only you have to worry about."

"Don't get funny on me, doc."

"Silly me."

"At least when you fuck with my booze, you can fix it. That bastard just turns it into smoke."

"I'll speak with Dr. Baxter about it and see if I can ease this issue without the need of a fight. Miss. Charlie is still displeased with the results of what became the back entrance last time."

"Wasn't fucking me."

"I didn't state it was." Hesediel said, eyeing Husk from an angle look, taking another sip of his drink. The shaking lessen by each word.

"Cheeky bastard."

"Oh, thank you for the compliment."

"The hell it was." Husk said back with a grumble, swallowing down another large shot of his drink.

"Was your youth always filled with this need, Mr. Husk?"

"Thought we weren't going to do the couch talk, ass."

"Ah, yes. Sorry. Force of habit. The last few weeks have been off for me. Forget I said anything." Hesediel answered, twiddling his glass before slamming the drink down and placing an empty glass in seconds, adding. "Another if you please, I don't think I'll be heading to sleep just yet."

Husk raised an eyebrow at this odd behavior. Dare he call himself almost concern for the other, but with a nod, wordlessly fixed Hesediel's drink. Adding some extra sweetener and flavor coloring like it was any other drink. Booze free.

"Sure you wouldn't want anything strong? I know some easy stuff for virgins like you."

"Kind gesture. I must turn it down. Seeing as these seem like the only things I can say no to. Take care, Mr. Husk. I hope to see you later today." Hesediel stated, drink in hand, rising from his seat and walking away. Feet moving in swiftness and grace around the corner towards the grand library.

"Fucking oddball." Husk muttered, about rise the bottle to his lips before pausing when seeing he wasn't alone. Eyes landing to his left in seeing Alastor sitting on the other side. Almost having a heart attack when shouting. "Fucking asshole! Ware a fucking bell, goddamn. Almost gave me a fucking stroke."

"You're young, my good friend. Chin up. Now a glass of my usual, now."

"Never thought I would want the good doctor back as company."

Alastor just widen his smile at the words, a chilled glass in hand. Rattling the short glass to shake the ice a tad before taking a sip. Asking afterwards while Husk cleaned the counter out of nerves. "What did that walking eggplant want this late?"

"I don't know. Drown his sorrows, at this late at night? I would be." Husk said, mindlessly fixing the blanket around him, ridding the sudden chill in the room, seeing that's what the good doctor was likely doing before he woke up.

"Yes, but you do it at any time."

"Fuck off."

"Another time. Back to the straight face fellow."

"How should I know? He doctored us. Not the other way around. Fuck, bastard, if you want to know. Ask him."

"I rather not be in a room alone with that saint. I'll pass."

"Then why fucking ask me?"

"The youth tend to understand each other easier or in your case. Youth to old wisdom. You two have been chummy is all. I almost feel sorry for you."

"Compare to you. I'll deal with the walking blacklight virgin anyday than you. I know I don't owe him shit, free of charge with him."

"So you say now. Saints like him are always good at being two face. If raised right."

Husk raised a brow to his words, tensely asking. "Sure we talking about the doctor now?"

Alastor only wore a tight smile. Finished his drink and walked off. Going one way before twisting around and looking for a certain being. It was going to be a long, glorious day with the all pain that goes with it.