Columbine
An obstruction of pain course in the room. Barely a muffled grunt broke through when lighting fast smacks broke through the silence. A bundten of cruor splattered on the floor, cover once grizzled hued dyed in nebulan ink thick as the body it rattled from, continued to be struck. Until an echoing snap broke through. The body scratching downward on the wall to the floor with a careless heavy thud.
"Enough." Ordered a gravely voice of a fair and large man dress in silvers and gold suit-line, confident steps neared the slouching body with an unamused face, while roughly grabbing the wild hair of the other, tilting to where another thud was heard of head meeting wall. The man finally spoke again. "Feel like running your mouth again, Hesediel? I'm sure my friends are fine with it."
Hesediel stayed silent, muffled between sealed lips in a pale stressed line.
"Ah, yes, I forgot." The man said in slight jest, before in boredom and a harsh grasped on Hesediel's neck to keep him in place, commanded in a partial hitched dialect. "Ai."
A spitwad of watery glob of cruor ran down the man's face. Hesediel remaining still in the man's grip after that, huffing a breath, eyes glazed and unfocused. The man wiping away the clotted droll before using the same fist to struck Hesediel to the ground. A clump of hair in the other hand from the base force.
"Foolish as always. A daff one in thinking your little charity case in the underworld would go unnoticed, the sudden change in your lackeys wandering in the human world, or even thinking of your lovely home could keep us out. I thought you were smarter than this Hesediel, I'm very disappointed in you. Having his lordship making me dirty my hands because of your mess, for shame."
"Not like you can do anymore to me. If anything, you're the pitiful one... s-sire Eiael." Hesediel spoke steady until faulted at the end when a long blade rested on his cheek, lacking response when a thin line of cruor bitter his lips and stained teeth.
"At least your matters are still in place." Eiael blunted, tapping the shiny steel along Hesediel's forehead, leaving another thin line that blurred the fallen one's sight. Eiael looked to the other two, awaiting orders, one inching to start another go with the cracking of her knuckles, Eiael spoke calmly with a teased ridge. "Rochel, Haiaiel, why don't you two wait outside. I don't want anyone bothering us. Go."
The door to the study open wide and slammed shut. Leaving for Eiael sheeved his sword, taking a seat in front of the prone being of Hesediel. Relaxing in ease and sneak amusement when watching Hesediel slowly getting to his feet. Stiffly and wobbly in stance to savor one leg over the other. Hesediel was about to buckle but caught himself when the thundering nerves on the burned and torn gap on his side. Hopeless placing a hand to slow the flow.
"I forbid you to heal yourself. Mg r'luh geb. Ot mgvulgtlagln nilgh'ri r'luh. Ah'ehyeah!" Eiael added, when catching Hesediel's hand twitch, furthering with. "Think of this part of your punishment for not reporting when called for. When his lord asks for you. You come, understand."
Hesediel spoke not one word.
"Ahe."
"I'll do so when it's needed. Not when Gabriel can't read Latin and has a worthless bate about his chest game of life. I refuse to partake in that dribble. Pointless. You and I both know, yet, you watch a once great angel wallow away in deep broken sanity. Please, by all means, let him know. I'm sure Raphael will agree of his two-face attitudes." Hesediel replied, ready for the fist to the eye and quicken swollen vision gone. Eyes settled to the mess of fallen books, broken wood shelves, shattered vase and foot stomp wilted array of red spider lilies.
"I would think that your foolishness was only a phrase. Yet, you find ways to definite us. It's sad, while very entertaining."
"You could end me." Hesediel said, voice croaked and sore from the dark bruising wrapping around his neck like a noose. Rubbing the pain to numb, refusing on the thought of his pinky finger is shorter than usual, while enlonging at a snail's pace.
Eiael chuckled, relaxing back in his seat watching Hesediel try to clean his study, hashing out. "If only that was that easy. Though, I would not let my lordship wilt by the simple enjoyment. That's what the cleansings are for. Redundant for the ones in hell. Earth is a bit more fun. Like that one sinner under your watch, back a few years ago." The words pouring while a smirk grows to the silent dismay of the other, catching of how cruor leaked at the corner of Hesediel's eyes, nose, and ears for the tense air between them.
"You're a sick one, Eiael. She was not even an adult." Hesediel coughed in a gurgled, moving the papers away before they could be stain of gore from his mashed inners.
"I think you have an unhealthy desire for it. Given where you like to dwell lately."
"So you say."
Eiael glared to Hesediel's bluntness. Arms crossed and brows arched in thought. Blending well into the decor of the study with his cold darks lingering in pleasure to how Hesediel tried not yield to his wounds. Failing but never buckling the knee. Out of boredom, glass out to the open archway window that show a prairie and city cliff landscapes forever in the somber glow autumn season.
"I say much. Yet, unlike in most cases that won't to happen. Some of us aren't lucky enough to be close to death, though never see it. Lucky lots, hmm?"
"Sure. Whatever you say... sire."
"I'll leave you be. Until next, Hesediel, try not to be late or disgrace the lordship when he asks for your help."
"Help. How charming to see how much that is a lie. As I told you before... that text is no good. The Almight would not want it."
"Hesediel, that's not for you to judge. Good day and I will be awaiting your arrival." A knowing smirk in place, as Eiael was out the door in a slam.
"How nice that one of us is looking forward to it." Hesediel said, finally taking a heavy sitdown on his plush chair, shoulders pinched when his side throbbed. Holding his side, while rummaging through his drawers, finding a tote of medical wraps, slavs, and tape.
Around in the middle of him tending to the slices scattered on his right leg. Mindful of a portion of cast missing while the shapeless nebula twisted to reframe shape, yet, jagged from the open air passing over the nerves while Hesediel adjusted himself. Looking up in seeing a frazzled Jophiel came out of sandstorm, soft amber eyes boiling in arising rage, a smog of smoke leaked thinly from her tight frown. Swiftly entering the room that was in better shape than its owner.
"Evening." Hesediel greeted, through a clench mouth that held a length of bandaged wrap. A cool stitched rested over his swollen eye and strips on the cuts, while a slick shine wink around his discolored neck and left shoulder that flare at the elbow.
"T-they..." Jophiel tried to speak, clearing her senses, but stopped short when catching Hesediel's gentle stare. Straighten herself, as the angelic goddess she dressed to be. Letting a sigh out and gave a helping hand to the mostly immodest dressed Hesediel. Whispering with a click of her tongue. "Why do you let them..."
"You know why."
"Still doesn't make it right. I can't help?"
"You may, but no heal cast. Bringing it up is around the same, my dear sister." Hesediel stated, moving with the sudden jerk from Jophiel's ties to his calf, choosing not to enragee the woman further, still he found words in questioning. "How is everyone else? Nothing in ruins?"
Jophiel stood, moved in grace to check the wounds on his back. Saying, while resetting a curled cloth. "Nothing that can't be fixed with a flick of the wrist. Your little farmhouse and tower are untouched. You can give thanks the fae for that."
"That is their home as well. But that's good to hear."
"Some of the young'uns were spook. Be sure to speak with them before you head back." Jophiel said.
"No fight?"
"Oh, I want to fight you on a lot of things. But given our past, they last longer than needed."
"Another time?"
"Of course. Heal now. I'll lay your butt on the fields another time."
"Please tell your husband that."
Jophiel stood in front of him, hands gentle on his bare shoulders with only cotton strips. Saying not a word as she just eyed the other. Aware of how Hesediel thought back at the summit, that same side glance she gave Jeugeiel now and then.
"Forget I said anything." Hesediel answered to the unsaid jest that was meant to come.
"Thought as much."
Hesediel soon stood, reaching for his robes. Holding them up in checking the damages of them. Lowing a breath to say. "Wonderful. I'll have to reach out to the silk weavers for repairs."
"I'll take care of that. Just go see the childern and help those sinners." Jophiel said fondly, cressing Hesediel's none injure face.
"I'll be sure to do that. Any favor for your trouble here, Jophiel?"
"Same as always."
"Very well, I'll see you all on my next days off. How about a break from the summits and have a go-around on the mortal world. I doubt there is much Eremiel can draw from this generation."
"Oh stop. Everyone has ways to vent. You are in no position to judge. May I remind of three greenhouses, the tiny bakery, or even that underground cellar of books and paintings you have in your own little corner of paradise."
"And I thank both you and Zaphkiel for helping with that one. But, yes, fair enough point made there."
"The beach or maybe, a day in the mountains. The snow is always relaxing."
"Deal." Hesediel agreed with, while covering with the torn clothing once all the wounds were handled. Minding his desk to find his dagger and twisted in his robes. Ignoring when he walk with a slight limp towards the door along with Jophiel out. Adding on the whim. "Four greenhouses. If you are going bon mots my hobbies, do it right."
"Now, you're just being silly."
"Foolishness comes in many forms. What is your point?" Asked dryly as ever.
Jophiel only let a bell of a laugh be her answer.
Later in the day than what was ideal, between the farmhouse visit and heading off to work, Hesediel found himself back at the hotel. Closing the door in his office and to the left was where his room was. Holy wears and dagger in hand after nosing through the top drawer for the former. Tending quietly, glancing at the time that it was nearing supper hour. Then tapping it for to swirled in quick images of mortals going about their lives. Once he was sure nothing was amiss, the tapped the watch to appear normal and off to fetch some clothing.
Finding a nice loose and puffy white shirt, a pair of bottom pajamas of same style but colored purple. Beyond the realm was casual but the wounds couldn't settled with anything else. Leaving the suspenders behind and loosely hung the tie on, just missing his bruised neck that stood out proudly against his golden skin and white shirt. Runnning two fingers over the knife as it curled and bent into a familiar flower he wore on his person, sliding it in the knot base of the tie, given the lack of pockets he had. One eyeing himself in his small vanity, plucking his glasses that was by his left over paperwork.
"Mental note for that later." Hesediel whispered to himself, fixing himself enough despite looking very much like a mugging gone wrong. The glasses cool against the sensitive skin around his eyes, nose, and curved ears. Touching when seeing one of the points on his ears been nicked and slowly forming back. Heaved a sigh after one last touch, standing tall despite the waves of discomfort washing him, headed out. Willing in ways to back the ill limp in each of his steps.
Taking his time through the halls that mazed his office far from wandering souls to go too far. Leaned on the wall now and then, even with his body screaming in agony, Hesediel's face remained formal to it all. Taking a deep breath when catching sounds of familiar voices. Hesediel adjusted his glasses, holding back to get him standing upright, and unknowingly tapped his glasses into shades when he rounded the corner. Hands cupped behind and chin up like always.
Seeing Husk's back turned away in handling drinks, which was good. Alastor nowhere in sight, acceptable. Afar Angel was chatting with his friend Cherri at a nearby couch, on the rare visits she would do. They both looked happy, appeasing to see. Taking in mind Charlie and Vaggie were away and the distance sounds of Niffty popped now and then, from her chores around the hotel. Casual residents coming and going. A few heading off to the dinning room. Normal. It felt like a normal any day, Hesediel's shoulders bowed from that thought loosely. Taking his usual seat at the bar.
"A good evening to you, Mr. Husk." Hesediel said, with the usual dull that wave given a half wave back.
"Hey Doc, was wondering when you were going to get back."
"Minor setback."
"Yeah? Like what? Someone go stomping on your petunias or something?" Husk asked, merely joking while finishing drinks.
"Or something." Hesediel said, fixing the unstable collar of his shirt, adding on a whim. "I do hope I'm not late to try these new drinks you planned on to make."
Husk's wings arched at the reminder, Hesediel choosing not to point the odd motion of the other. Keeping his good on the cat demon, opening a cool storage unit, pulling out a tray of a array of colors, arranging well in depths of sweets and bitters. Hesediel was quick to grab the tray from slipping when Husk finally saw him.
"The fuck happen to you, Doc?" Husk asked, a sliver of shock appearing on his face, giving the good doctor a once over, leaving a small frown and his voice stiff in continuing. "You look like you got run over by a semi."
"Wouldn't that be nice. So which drink-"
"Niffty! Get yours ass over here with a med kit! Now!" Husk called out, when the wound on Hesediel's cheek started to bleed through heavily.
"Mr. Husk, that won't be needed-"
"Call this my moment to show compassion and shut up." Husk growled, making a try to wave off Angel and Cherri, but it was too late.
"Fuck, man... what did you get into, Stretch?" Cherri asked, leaning against the counter showing not concern but more impressed if anything to it. Along in saying. "You get into another bar fight or something? I bet the other guy is a mess."
"Charming as always, Miss. Bomb. To answer your question... no, just a petty vice. No-" Hesediel was cut off when Niffty came back and already looking over his wrapped arms.
"Ew! They're bleeding through. We're going need to change them, Hesy." Niffty said, already getting in the thick of it.
"As much it is nice to you worried. This isn't worth the trouble." Hesediel hushed, but aware that others were completely ignoring his preaching, was going to add something but stopped when cut off.
"Sh... should we move him to the couch or something?" Angel finally spoke, his upper body in a relaxed pose, while his lower arms hugged his sides.
To anyone else, Angel sounded like his usual sassed self, but, Hesediel could see in how the spider held himself. In short, it didn't settle well for the holy one. And to that, let the others do as they pleased for now. After that? Hesediel was going to need think on that, catching the little one eye demon speeding around him.
"We should!" Niffty added, ushering for Hesediel to stand that for a pause he didn't move.
"One second." Hesediel answered, bracing his body to stand, using his arms subtly as pulleys, unable to hide the sudden dip his right side did from the given weight. Letting his little group of witnesses catch a side of his shirt darken in what they knew as blood.
"The fuck Handsome!" Angel shouted, coming to Hesediel's side that wasn't hurt and edged the holy being over to couch. Hesediel not able to win in stopping Angel from lifting the clothing to show more bruises, cuts, and dark clotted wraps.
"Oh my gosh!" Niffty exhaled, rushing in fixing up the wounds, looking over at Husk to say. "Husk, please come help with this."
Husk moving a beat in. Hesediel taking the time to remove his tie and flower and set far away from hurting anyone but was in reach. Angel left standing, helpless. Cherri whispering to the spider demon, soon it was just the three. Time was lost to the trio, before long as Hesediel was given a new cooling pad for his eye. That was around Charlie and Vaggie found them, returning back from couple evening out. What was to be a normal day. Turned in ways that left many confused, angry, and just sad.
It was all to much for Hesediel and once he was sure everything was somewhat cleared. A motherly scowling from Charlie, that was two hours in timed. He returned to his office, more so his room, under Charlie's unnerved orders for him to rest. Hesediel not forgetting the distance look on Charlie's when he withheld insight what happen, looking in his bathroom mirror and cooling the sting some of wounds.
'Hesediel... I'm not to jump into things. Okay, no, that's not true but if anything. What happen?' Charlie asked, gentle with worry once the two were alone in her office.
The only finding himself to answer with. 'Just trouble in paradise as the saying goes. Honestly, this is normal for me.'
'That doesn't quite settled well for me.'
'I don't know what to say that won't alarm you, Miss. Charlie.'
Her face pinched in thought, lips posed and brows lost in worry, in asking. 'Is it more on that you won't or can't tell me. I may not be incline to magic like my parents, but I'm not blind, Hesediel...'
'In ways it's both. I won't bother in worrying any of you, which, color me surpise to see them act such a way. You must be proud to see such a success.'
'Don't change the subject, Hesediel. You said both... Hesediel...'
Hesediel added nothing to whatever brainstorm was raging in Charlie's mind. Though, there was enough in the air, that could have choked the angel, but remain straight face and hollowed his breathing to be unnoticeable. She or anyone didn't need to see that broken side of him.
'If this gets out of hand you'll reach out to me, as a worried firend?'
'Of course.' Hesediel said in earnest even if given stale, yet the disbelief was turning deep in his boss that it burn deeply in his shedload veins.
It was enough to make the air around them a little harder to breathe, where the conversation was cut short and like a dog with a tail between his legs, ran. Being wary of others as well, their rare behavior of betterness was not needed, for something to Hesediel, be so trivial.
Hesediel only finding himself opening his door when a knock was heard. Answering it to see a smiling Alastor with a covered tray in hand.
"Salutation little dove. Charlie explained to me of what happened, and so I took liberty of bringing you something to eat." Alastor smile large and vaguely amused by the sight before him, sharply stating. "I didn't know there was a casting call for The Mummy, think you'll get it?"
Hesediel only stared at him. A sudden breath of an empty sigh. Before, Hesediel simply closed the door with a noticeable click. Muffled words echoed out, Alastor picked up the low words of the other.
"I'm in no mood for further foolishness. Let alone, yours. Go away."
"Now don't be rude. At least have something to eat."
"No, thank you. Believe me, right now if anything. Food is the last thing I need." Hesediel said, before adding in words that while no bite, proved enough. "Along with your face isn't help either. Just go away, Alastor."
"Oh, come on-"
"Al, just leave the big guy alone." Angel said, coming down the hallway, his two set of arms crossed. One as comfort and the other as a sign of defense. Strolling close to pluck the tray and settled it down, giving a low holler through the door. "It's by the door if you change your mind, Hes. Okay?"
"Thank you... Angel."
Angel gave a pointless nod to the door, grabbing a hold of the stiff and confused deer demon. Dragging Alastor back down the hall Angel came from.
"I had no idea you two were so chummy." Alastor said, trying as he might to get out of the spider's death grip.
"Ain't life full of fucking surprises." Angel grumbled, as the last words of that day.