High School DXD
The Horsemen
Chapter V
As a bright sun arose over the horizon did warmth sweep across an endless landscape drenching across innumerable paradise. Among clouds crested structures imbued in a glistening white glowing once light made them akin to star's flickering distantly. Laying upon a point viewing an enteral rest among those who'd been welcomed past gates, a pair of eyes snapped open momentarily. Distantly over an entire horizon capable for only beings who listened a faint yet audible roar seemed to be whispering over distance itself. Below in a city stretching across vast distances where souls of man rested eternally in bliss, among glistening white did six pairs of wings whose very originator awakened to stare upon a rising star that burned strongly.
Clumsily rubbing eyes did an angel's green emeralds reflect sunlight to oversee one of many heaven's upon mankind entering golden gates. A horn, or was it a roar? Hair seemingly rippling among yellow bands of light illuminated a face so beautiful did it appear akin to star's numbering above skies to where an expanse met vision beyond human understanding. Father, what are we without you to guide us? With you gone, how can we hope to guide peace to man yet alone others to no longer destroy this world?
Twelve wings of whitened feathers curled around their owner's form despite glancing downward to see gates opening once again. Hordes numbering in thousands of those dressed in whitened robes were being lead towards eternal rest as angel with only a pair kindly having a halo golden light guided mortals, "So few." Whispering solemnly to stare back towards a horizon where the source of being awakened met green emeralds staring ahead. Unknowingly flipping over a hand did an oddity emerge subtly within this angel's palm.
Warm tingling amounted to a faint outline of growing spots causing eyes to widen partially when wings fluttered involuntarily. Impossible! It can't be...unless, Father's demise! Unable to stop a lone tear which fell quickly to land among burning blotches did it fizzle out immediately. Eternity mattered little to those who'd been created, time could have been seamlessly yesterday even though recent events had fractured all sense to be at ease. Yet green eyes naturally widened further when sharpened burning sensations continuously coursed upwards, until they grew potent through an arm underneath robes for inevitably forcing out a gasp of sudden shock.
Quickly all twelve wings leveled out to begin ascending where a circular ring of golden light emerged sending an angel towards higher heavens. Why, now? Piercing through white clouds did this angelic being set foot upon stone roads crafted by pure marble to quickly walk past towering spires of a dome that reflected skylines of beauty and perfection. Curving upwards did this domed horizon stretch endlessly towards distance peaks cresting through whitened clouds lingering, to which others appeared on their diligence to perform tasks mandated by heaven itself.
Various angels lowered their heads in respectful manners, or smiled warmly in seeing twelve wings draped over their owner sternly. Father's seals, they can't be failing! He'd never allow you a chance to walk among mankind, even though I begged him for mercy. But instead you angered him, by walking right to our gates...staring him down. Memories closer to phantoms seemingly returned rapidly making an angelic being look down with watery eyes, a regret among ages returning after being put aside due to events no man could imagine entirely.
Marble staircases held statues of crafted angelic figures who mirrored wings ranging from four ascending to twelve were met equally. Spears were held low as armored portions of white pristine marble symbolized meanings for those who were not of angelic creation, if in seeing them kneel to offer prayer as some who'd entered heaven's gates would view them without hesitation. Forgive us Father, but those who were not molded by your hands wanted us to give thanks to your works. Michael allowed it, as did I and others who do our best to carry on your visions for peace.
Angelic beings who seemed more lively, happier and devoted beyond those who'd emitted constant kindness mixed in droves upon a grand staircase. Some had been once mortal, selected and earned their place underneath those who created life in a bid to rekindle lost kin in wars eons past, if only to settle into rebuilding Heaven's eternal glory. But small subtle variations of light seemed to dim, briefly yet they were distinctly obvious to those who'd seen it in pristine originality. God's works out shined even those who worked tirelessly in matching it out of love, devotion and wouldn't even retain a glimpse of splendor.
Monolithic sculptures long since faded upon mankind's homes had been preserved, honed and remained eternal to be preserved. Millennium had degraded those outside of heaven's gates, knowledge, passion and various other skills who'd been honed by mortal souls, for Heaven alone gave voice to devotion within golden gates. So few who come through your gates Father, why have they gone astray as we continue towards peace? Why did you favor them, so much with your gifts when so few praise your name now in these trying times?
Ascending past one statue which mirrored one of Michael did eyes shy away out of shame and regret due to it's posture alone. One lone statue held itself high, prideful and held a sword between eyes despite a head lowered. Too many of us, Fallen and worse into never being revived by your hands molded to give us form from light alone. Father, I miss your words and your never ending faith in us to do right. Forgive me, but I must know why old fire's are returning since they no longer carried flames at all.
Urgently another circular shape of golden light appeared in front as an image appeared bypassing most exteriors to go further within. Stepping through wings fluttered involuntarily again, "It's not going away." Whispering stunned just to see smouldering orbs of previous embers burning subtly, it'd grown stronger when normally it'd have faded due to proximity from a source within Heaven's grandest and most secured location besides a throne where all miracles originated. It'd also housed other alternatives that were never considered unless an edict had been decreed, if mankind's miracles were to falter with their own choices.
Corridors rippling of marble, gold and sprawling columns leading to an arch way met eyes blinking away old memories. Seemingly innocent did the angelic being's gaze sweep from portraits of conflict embedded against those so long ago, but more recently came settling upon fondly of two figures grasping forearms jointly. Wreathed in flame relatively yet seemed to mock an enlightened ray of light as a smile faintly appeared. You stood before us unlike any beforehand, not once frightened or threatened despite our Gate's barring you to shut immediately. But I remembered that you alone chose to stand, outside our Gates waiting until time no longer mattered not out of love, or hatred for Father.
Reaching upward to trace it fondly despite tears glistening did a dozen wings fold around their owner warmly. Standing behind were various others of angelic origin all with spears drawn leveled upon a lone flame wreathing in stilled sculptures, all but one stood off aside kneeling before this ray of light looking upwards. You came because you followed me, I couldn't resist not showing Father what I'd seen. I was so young then, I didn't know what Father wanted. Portraits crafted showcased several images along a corridor's length leading upwards, if not to see dim light from outside growing fainter and obscuring unseen scriptures aligning columns. They shined overtly yet dimmed unexpectedly whenever wings brushed against them.
"No, it's not possible since they're never cold!" Stopping abruptly to place a hand against frigid sections sent an uneasy tremor, "Father's safeguards are...diminishing. Why, now of all times?" Unintentionally a searing agony forced an angel to cry out softly, cradling it and stepping away in seeing burning embers appearing gradually. After several moments heat cooled off enough to where green eyes swept behind seeing markings burning in dimmer portions of light. Never had they done so, not even in eon's past when safeguards struggled maintaining themselves unless their creator actively redid them in keeping peace secured.
Father never allowed you mercy, because you never asked which angered him. Glancing ahead where various murals that aligned ways depicted battles among mankind. Figures of men with swords raised high clashing against their own, or mixed within figures of blackened wings tearing them from behind occasionally met winged angels descending. But he'd always allow you, briefly to move among men when they never knew of us. And every time, I would be sent to bring you back to a place that he hated you in being kept.
Among battling images as temperatures rose slightly which alarmed even an angel to a degree where it couldn't have been possible at all. I never understood why, but I realized you never once fought against Father because you sought something more. Even then in those times, you never once turned me away even though I thought differently. One human that seemed encircled by others held a sword raised high as a reddish hue seemingly glimmered over fading rays of light striking it. And an angel blinked once just to see it shimmering partially.
"You merely challenged a deal against, Father."Walking along seeing ends to various clashes always led to winged angels brandishing spears at a lone standing mortal. Numerous depictions of dead, or those living to walk away from sculpted swords, arms and shields littered about their ends. Yet only one reddish hue had a blade impaled onto those of others darker coloration's, if only to have a faint smile emboldened despite so many drawn to it. In return for walking among mankind, for his greatest creations and held our trust, it was only you who challenged those who'd seek their demise because they were walking in your wake, because I brought them to you back then.
Always did a reddish hue figure remain standing among conflicts of mankind, but it further went upward to where marble staircases descended. Windows of crystallized murals arranging had been built to be warded off from those who'd wander too close, if only to dissuade them and only those who'd known were allowed down past simmering seals that burned brightly. Scriptures in a language older than mankind yet given in pieces over ages through their own creation, to further become whole and in recent times faded away until watered down any emergence influenced by those who'd see them to be exploited continuously.
"Please, be where you'd said you would remain." Hurrying past various other dimming portraits that were sizzling at their frames, an angel came to a circular intersection that had four pathways leading to four separate rooms barred by metallic immovable constructs. Sentinels, to never move unless Father's decree and will remain in place until time no longer matters. They have never moved, not since a time where you slipped out to mock us to walk among man whereas they broke apart. You never helped them, but only yourself and still returned throwing away your sword to spite Father because it challenged him again.
One corridor remained incredibly heated far beyond along others as metallic angelic constructs remained in place. Though their exteriors were growing a deeper reddening as double doors chained in rippling streams of light were fading drastically. Trembling outright an angel nearly backed away due a burning scent wafting underneath doors, a wisp of reddish smoke partially fizzled away though numerous streams kept reforming wildly. Pressing a burning palm forward did fading lights shimmer abruptly in having doors inwardly open, if only having heated gusts rush past in having blond hair whisked about roughly.
You've been gone for so long, not even I noticed until now! Yet you could have stayed hidden, so why reveal yourself to the world of men? Numbly striding forward where melting walls of marble, gold and stone dangerously ignited did one object seemingly remain inactive. On a pedestal half sunken a formation of extinguished crystallized rocks turn to dust, as ashes lingering inside an interior seemingly floated onto an extended palm.
Ashes freshly cooled ignited immediately in response to an internal heat resonating underneath fair hands, "You left a small part of yourself behind...mocking us." Flames flickering over harmlessly in trailing over an entire limb, if only to extinguish itself ruthlessly. Glancing aside in seeing chains once constricting crystallized rocks as they were smouldering to a point where whitish droplets turned into glassy flakes to shatter needlessly upon heated floors. The other rooms, if you've already found your way to mankind's world...
Rapidly turning around to immediately using wings which shot forward their owner towards another set of double doors. Decaying walls were prominent to a point where they swung inward, "No...you didn't just to spite Father for his demise!" Curling streams of red hissed around another set of crystallized stones as chains were well underway, being smouldered into whitish portions and darker coloration seeped to a point where it'd eaten away. Scriptures meant to contain them faded continuously, if only to ignite in being burnt away into ashy wisps. Yet warmth remained within a clenching hand as an exhale of anxiety released itself.
How could you allow this to happen, Father? Why didn't you...plan? An angel stared back at a smouldering ruin to blink owlishly stunned, "Is this your doing? Because of what happened, I didn't know." Another tear fell briefly when wiping away an eternal pain that momentarily returned due to older memories seamlessly making it clearer. Perhaps several millenniums didn't appease what had long challenged them, but it seemed something grander had been discovered and peace would be threatened to be torn asunder effortlessly.
Two other doorways rattled accordingly due to a hand waving out spears of light. They struck each handle to glower slightly. But when seeing their deteriorating interiors leaving doubt left for an angel to close eyes tightly, "I'm sorry." Exhaling tiredly did doorways slam shut with glowing streams fading constantly and sealing soon to be empty cages. It'd been too late, too deliberate and peace would no longer be secured unless it'd be allowed naturally. Mankind would have it's role decided by those among their own, not of Heaven which longed to be at peace as those who'd fed off mankind's very souls desired it as well.
Wiping away one lone stray tear as a circular shape of light took an angel away from the place where grief lingered. You're on Earth, somewhere no doubt hiding and finding you was what Father did all too easily. It doesn't mean I can't try too, I can't forgive myself unless you know why I never stopped caring. Inhaling deeply to stride past a pair of doorways leading towards another interior room, someone called out from behind in making an expression turn confused naturally, it'd be unexpected being so far in a palace after all.
"Gabriel?" Turning around to smile childishly playful, "Brother! It seems I've been wandering aimlessly again, I can't help it Michael." Similar in appearance did her brother, who sat upon a throne maintaining their Father's system of miracles and teachings smile sadly, "It's different not seeing Father wander around with you, it's an old habit I appreciate. You always loved traveling, I suppose that never changes."
The two seraphs warmly shared a laugh when he gestured for them to oversee Heaven's grandest upon an opened view. Although she casually slid a burning hand out of view due to wings shuffling all too eagerly in seeing a beautiful sight, "So few enter the gates, brother." Reflecting in seeing them previously as Heaven's present leading figure smiled kindly, "It may seem so, but I have faith more will enter because Father believed in them. I can't be like him, but we do all we can to make sure he lives on through them."
She placed one lone hand on her taller sibling who looked amused, "Really? Why are you asking me for permission when it's not needed, Gabriel?" A playful smile turned almost into mischievous enjoyment to cause Michael's expression resignation, "Because you get worried whenever I wander around, too often. I'm going to spend some time on Earth, I'm curious since I haven't been there when it wasn't a war. It's nice to see humans, unless you're worried that I'll get lost down there when I was a lot younger?"
Her fellow seraph laughed bemused due to recalling that particular incident, "Father sent me twice, only after all others were frustrated. You never stay in one place too long, but if you need me? I, or anyone will come to any Church if you request it." Ever dutiful since they'd been born, diligent to be Father's must entrusted son and completely unwavering did she hug her brother warmly, "I'll be fine, I'm not that hopeless Michael."
Matching emerald eyes closed all too knowingly caught in their act, "I can't help teasing you, sister because it's something that never changes." The two angelic seraphs continued observing their fellow kin wandering below up staircases allowing those who'd entered freshly to gaze upon a palace, statues and of Heaven's grandest station that their Father had molded effortlessly. Forever untainted, undiminished and yet both witnessed subtle changes in those who'd been granted reincarnation to try matching those very hands.
"It's not the same without him being here, Michael." Gabriel admitted frowning lightly in seeing an elder being agree tiredly, "He'd really adore having those he watched over be among us, but they're not him and I'm afraid we'll never be close enough. Humans weren't meant into becoming like us, I've heard devil's are being offered by humans, to give their...souls." Neither angelic being admitted that times had changed drastically, they'd been spent in a war that lasted for so long and peace being within reach to replenish in giving balance was costly.
Michael's smile diminished into a saddened expression that was too common nowadays, "Yes, but I know most will not turn to them, or to us. Only those who wish to do so, Father accepted that they had free will to choose and I won't take that away from any of them." They had done all they could in preparing themselves once their Father's demise would be know by all, if not sooner than later given forces kept moving beyond their sight. Peace only instigated those who'd longed for another conflict to reignite, but finding those who were orchestrating it proved problematic and Gabriel knew of one that made peace be torn asunder at will.
"I'll keep an eye, or ear open since the Church has done at our request. If anything appears, I'll let you know." She promised warmly in making him give her a look of wry concern, "Be careful among them, sister. You know how they'll get riled up, if one of us shows up." Innocently grinning did twelve wings retract until only light faded leaving her more humane in appearance. Yet she stilled hugged him tightly to showcase affection in being allowed to leave Heaven's gates, it wasn't very often one of them ventured willingly to Earth entirely.
You don't need to know yet, brother. I'm not going to make you worry whenever peace talks are agreed upon, it's what Father would say. We only need time in showing where we'll end up, but this is something I must do. I can't forgive myself, if you worry about what I've done...even if I was told until afterward. Stepping away to give Michael a nod did she open one circular gateway to step away back towards where Heaven's gate lay for all to enter. She had to find not just a being that'd been willingly kept underneath God's plans, it'd been forewarned that choosing man for his greatest of gifts would come to those who'd embraced them willingly.
Various robed mortals who'd journeyed from life were granted eternal peace as they looked up in awe seeing a city of shimmering light. Yet to those who'd lived within noticed an ever growing trend among recent additions. They were fewer in number, buildings and skylines only seemed dimmer overtime since their creator's demise not so long ago. Where would you go? Where? Gates towering beyond any known creation upon mankind's hands swung open just enough, Gabriel smiled warmly towards those who judged souls awaiting entry.
Once long ago lines of humans stretched beyond counting into being judged, allowed or less so to enter heaven's awaiting arms. But only distant clouds budding around one lone entry way remained vacant, she exhaled sadly yet nonetheless held true to her brother's faith. I can only hope you'd be willing to forgive me, my... An angel cleared those thoughts until coming above to where a world not of heaven was visible, if only to step off descending onto Earth once again after centuries of remaining observant in her Father's realm.
The pitcher of water roughly got shoved across a wooden top as ice clanked within glass all too easily. I filled one glass to down liquid almost falling back on a stool, "Devils...are real?" Inhaling happily despite nearly grunting, finally did I glance over at Chase who seemed to shrink away from anything closer than an arm's length. It'd been an interesting hour given I'd been standing inside the Pits, to in front of a wildly cheering man who promised free drinks on him for an entire night. Slim hadn't stopped counting entire stacks of green papers for nearly two hours, but by hell alone I didn't blame him genuinely.
Seventy grand, by betting a few hundred on me walking out. Honestly I felt far too damned flattered considering my own winnings were secured in some mundane suitcase. Nearly flirting with a guaranteed heart attack earlier, to which I mentioned for my friend who seemed far too uneasy, "Look on the bright side Chase! You're walking out with sixty in change, ten of it is on me for the wife...so, if I ever come around? She better not bitch at me for getting scuffed up, or getting us both nearly killed against these devil fuck wits."
Seeing him go wide eyed to gawk undeniably terrified, "How in the hell can you say that so easily! God damn it man, in case you didn't notice but you tore it's head off for Christ's sake!" Several patrons nearby slammed their own drinks in fits of fury, or even outright screeched out enraged words even though none dared moving towards us at all. Downing two more glasses full of icy liquid didn't appease an ever burning pit for my stomach, it'd gotten worse and it was getting too damned hot again for me to enjoy it fully.
They're suddenly scared or pissed off, man oh man, I'm liking where this is going. Leering pleasantly I retorted to make him groan aloud, "Tell me about it, again. It's not like I can hear them talking about it, I guess they can die by us after all." Cackling eager enough to get pack into those Pits would be a money maker, I couldn't stop trembling for another round. One hundred thousand for walking out alive, I swore after a month I'd be moving somewhere better to really figure things out. If my luck held of course, but apparently something else too priority.
Every inch of flesh burned far too damned much given I outright poured an entire glass behind to trail down a spinal cord. Steam started gradually appearing forcing both sets of teeth to gnash tightly together, "Rex, be honest with me man! Just what the hell happened to you in there, I mean you're literally on fire for fuck's sake." Chase questioned me far too seriously mainly out of rightful concern despite ignoring him, more so in ordering a glass of something strong enough to ease bruising for an entire week at least.
How would I know, I can't exactly stop feeling hungry. I gnashed teeth harder together to exhale wisps of steam being forcibly cooled off, "All I remember was being crushed by that bastard, pal. Some nightmare popped up, next thing I knew I could just lift it. Can't explain it, but I sure as hell am not complaining thinking I'll be stopping. I mean you saw mostly everything right, you said it because devil's exist and that means someone in Heaven is alive, go figure."
That made him pull out one necklace displaying the lone plain wooden cross he'd been gifted by his pregnant woman a year ago. What else is real then, if hell and heaven apparently do! Regardless I got at least several months worth of rent paid fully, as well knowing where to go since someone knew more than I did. Peering over a shoulder in seeing Slim actively dipping a hand between one of his devilish girl's legs at their table.
Although seeing said creature assisting fingers into arching back made my stomach churn, "Didn't need to see that." Inevitably I shuddered disgusted as Chase looked back to momentarily rub his eyes in apparent stress, "I can't even laugh. My whole damned jaw's in pieces, I don't even know how I can even talk and be awake after that monster. How'd you even get me out of there, I just remember you cheering me and everything went to hell...literally."
Drinking another full icy relief down managed in warding off growing heat again, "Shot one in it's head, walked in and it got up pulling you out." Stating everything truthfully made him look around seeing various creature's using humane skin made it undeniably startling, "You serious?" I glared back saying it fairly annoyed, "It pushed a damned bullet out a hole, Chase. You tell me how if anyone whose human walks that off?"
Abruptly I reached over grasping a glass handle as steam crawled upwards when an entire rim reached lips. I kept consuming icy water that my friend whispered, "God almighty, Rex. What's happening to you, it's not normal." Consuming so much left only a churning pit inside my gut burning mildly, if only for my eyes to shut tightly seething out lungfuls of wispy steam. I'm still burning up, I can't even figure out why yet alone answer you, pal.
Taking a moment in composing myself did I pull out another piece of green paper, "Another pitcher, devil." I sneered less than willingly in seeing it stare back fairly wary. Yet it complied wordlessly ending any potential conflict which disappointed a growing internal eagerness, "Only person we know who'd give me an idea, is fingering a pair of devil sister's behind our backs. So saying anything is normal, I'd pay folding money to see it proven right." He really bit down on reflexive motions of laughter to remain slightly uneasy, it got the job done to put us back on track even though I grinned in humoring our surreal circumstances.
Slim-Jim, my ticket for paydays for product, news, rumors and now is a dealer for dealing with devils. Holy fucking shit it's beyond surreal, but at least now I can always say we're living in some crazy times officially. Exhaling loudly to shake off tremors that were coming back again. It'd been only a minute closer to imagine withdrawals slowly eating away at my patience, I fought putting aside cravings that circulated between taking on something again. Breathing deeply for several moments before exhaling kept hands from unfolding to make it tolerable, if only barely in seeing full glass pitcher being slid over for myself to drink away inflamed hunger.
"You know I can't accept that much money, Rex." Chase tried weaseling out of a well earned cut given I'd near gotten us both killed, "Shut your mouth, or I'll do it." Staring over less than amused to admit cynically aware of his own life, "Consider it my good deed of the year, I owed you one and now you got something out of it. Use it, or burn it because if this happens again? Well, start counting months for you and I to find houses, because we're both walking out richer in a week."
The small glass of darkened alcohol got downed in a swift motion even it'd been years since we drank anything together. If I walk into hell, I'll do it alone because it's only me. Anyone else, I'd rather not think twice when I'm surviving another day. Funnily enough he motioned for the devil maintaining a steady stream of drinks for another to cement my amusement's fulfillment. It didn't hesitate when I stared casually to subtly smirk, "Who knew nearly dying would get you drinking again, Chase? I should've done it years ago, if it was that easy."
Immediately an overt kick hit to my leg's side in a petty annoyance got the laughter flowing for good measure. Still I need answers, so let's find out what that acid tripping devil man whore knows to get me rolling. It's a whole new city now, time to find out who's playing on my turf and figure where all that green paper floods in naturally. It certainly made sense considering I had no idea, or imagination to start anywhere besides where I knew enough. And Slim-Jim had been around for decades in that rip off tourist shop collecting weird products.
"She's going to kill me." My friend mumbled resigned to which I shrugged not entirely concerned, "You knocked her up, married it and I have no sympathy, at all." Amending near an end to laugh outright made him glare partially, "God help you, if I see you in my shoes Rex. That's a vow, so remember that right back at you, pal." Various devils twitched to hiss in low tones despite us clanking glasses together in a show of earnest deliberate enjoyment, he had a bone to pick with them one way or another to which I toasted too.
Strobe lights overhead flashed rapidly with an entire dancing platform jam packed were stomping heavily to musical rhythms. Guess most people who aren't devils linger in this place, I guess that makes sense considering most of them head off somewhere private. Lazily eying Slim's arms gave that theory plenty of credit, "He better wash those god damned hands, or else I'll break every finger until he screams bloody mary." I leaned over mentioning to a friend who visibly grimaced due to why I'd ever make that promise at all.
"Let's get it over with, Rex." Chase reluctantly committed into getting an almost fatal night over with to get back home alive, "You had my back, so I still got yours." Grabbing the nearly full pitcher of glass that held icy cubes clanked due to them being tightly packed, if seeing some floating to it's brim. It was either now, or afterward which I'd gladly sleep off an ever growing inferno. Steam practically went past my ear's lobe in leaving little imagination for a lack of cooling off, literally.
Motioning towards a case did he grip it as we made our way past small groups of devil and maybe people who eyed our route. A few spare chairs were aligned around the circular table as three grins broke out eagerly, "Well, well, well! If it ain't the devil killing bastard himself, oh sit down boy! You just gave old Slim some spare tips for these two little devils, I knew you were different but by hell...you certainly burnt everything I had in spades sonny!"
Sitting furthest away did wonders in not reaching over to strangle him alive, "Tough fight for ya, boy scout. But least you're alive and well, I almost felt sorry." Slim attempted to slap a hand on as Chase leaned away immediately scooting closer to where I propped mangled shoes up. I got incredibly comfortable out of sheer exasperation because everything started growing hotter again, I downed more iced water for patience's sake. Yet I'd grit teeth in order to at least humor just how much of these creature's were around.
"You're a sick fuck for trying that stunt, Jim." Chase retorted less than happily by reaching over to grasp small napkins to clean off a shoulder, "I've had enough of those things." Two devil's for sisters cooed out in faux pain, if only restraining their limbs due to my feet promptly crossing. They weren't entirely unafraid, but clearly what they'd seen gave us some tolerance of their habits. A shame since I almost felt disappointed because of their keen awareness.
Although an uneasy sensation crept up along my spine due to air brushing past. Immediately with hairs along an arm sticking up due to shivering, I looked behind making sure no one tried anything given it'd been a brief touch. Someone brushed up behind me, I'd know that feeling anywhere... Turning away did a subtle strobe light seemingly dim above, if only to catch swaying hips from a woman from earlier. Oh hell, I think I might talk to someone here besides Slim. I'm tempted, so damned tempted to see if that's something else.
"Rex." Slim's less than amused voice drew my eyes lazily back to see him raise an eyebrow, "She's trouble, really I'm warning ya now. Ain't no friends, or ass in this place that'll do ya good more than devils. But especially them folk aren't friendly towards us, too much." Hardly deterred into giving a leering smile by just seeing where said woman had settled back in her seat. Truth be told underneath all those gloom strobes, constantly dimmed out lighting and hearing music above, I swore eyes glinted with a coy grin aimed right back at myself daringly.
The man quickly slammed his own glass to annoy an internal humor, "What are they?" Getting to the point where he laughed slyly to shiver, "Angels. And not them good ones you'd find, or read in those old books back in school. You have a lot to learn about these world's Rex, believe me when I say they are not friendly." Whistling impressed did little to not just waltz over there eventually, I'd do it mainly to figure how things stood considering I'd never met one face to face, well at least not personally to make it interesting.
"Maybe it's just me, or maybe you don't like them. But they seem more human than your two little devil whores, Slim." I shot back clearly in seeing them glance away though one of those sister's gripped a glass tightly, "I'm getting an impression devils don't like me too much. Especially when a man like myself just calls them out on it, then he takes one out and I think people get to walk out too often. Or am I just a bit...off?"
Steam slipped past to a point where ice within my glass melted away into fresher droplets of water. Oh crap, I forgot to cool myself down. The former drug addict wryly agreed, "Temper, temper and temper to the extreme Rex. You're sure as hell ain't human, I know that much." He leaned forward despite having two less than amused devils for women glare, they apparently weren't appreciating honesty at its finest. Yet one of them glared hotly, I didn't bother besides leaning back to smirk brazenly while extending arms invitingly.
Slim noticed all too easily,"Personally, I say you'd forget that much if I was ya in being eating fire like wine sonny boy! No way, no how and I never seen a man eat fire, or whatever in hell's blessing you can stomach. You ain't one of us, isn't that off right?" He obnoxiously cackled while in order slapping a knee as Chase rubbed both eyes groaning mainly out of sheer aggravation, I wasn't too far off when steam started arising from glass gripped on hand.
"I'm not seeing a reason why I shouldn't be concerned Slim, I sure as hell breathe air and bleed red like every man." Downing another full glass eased away internal temperatures inside a stomach as exhaling deeply proved my point. Christ, I'm fucking burning up worse than catching a Flu! If I have to start drinking galleons a day, I'm doing it hands down. Sweat partially ran down my neckline to make a ragged torn shirt uncomfortable stick to leather, I'd hoped colder weather outside would get myself by naturally.
The man across from us raised a glass for good sport, "I couldn't tell ya what my little devils here want with us too much. Old Valac isn't one to spill secrets, but I suppose you could ask...nicely." He hinted in playfully rubbing shoulder as twin smile coyly implied other intentions. My expression bordered on humoring to start a fire at this rate, "When I tore that bastard's head off? He screamed right before I ripped his throat out saying if I was one of them, a half breed or to hell about something called a Sacred Gear?"
Slim outright whistled to whisper into an ear of one devil who giggled willingly, "Fine Jimmy, but only because I like you." I shuddered involuntarily due to a creature leaning away to wash over my form due to eye slits becoming incredibly feral. It tries anything, I'm not being shy. I vowed quietly to glare right back into coy slits that were mixture of yellow sulfur, a smile widened far too widely before it leaned contently away.
"Valac's pawn only became one of us recently, I can assure you and Jimmy he wasn't much considered to many." This devil wearing a humane appearance leered exposing sharpened teeth which grew gradually, "Yet I'd give everything to taste that sin of Wrath. It radiates off your flesh to most who can feed off it's sheer potency, now that is something strange. I've never seen in any human to where your soul burns. And I can only wonder by our Lucifer how much you'd be to us as a mere half breed reincarnation."
A tongue casually licked around dried out lips signaling temptation much too obviously. This creature wanted something from me, shockingly I doubted it wasn't for a good time either. Chase warily pointed out, "Sin? Doesn't every person do it, I sure don't remember hearing about sin's burning our souls in church. And what do you mean by Wrath, Rex's breathing out steam which is hardly a sin considering their not physical?"
The creature's sister graced to speak somewhat condescendingly, "Your kind always thinks what they don't see, or believe isn't there. But sin is what fuels our needs, we use you for us to become stronger and in older times? Well sorry to say, Jimmy would be a meager meal, no offense." She pouted into nuzzling a man's neck who laughed it all off entirely. I almost wanted to cringe when a kiss made her hands stray underneath the damned table sensually, it didn't take much for twisted times in fingering them.
"But nowadays there's been a lull for most of us, so we do contracts until otherwise said." The devilish creature hinted to eye both of us appealing, "Wishes are your soul's desire, so in exchange we make them come true...at a price." I glared hard with a glass tapping against the table's surface to state very clearly, "We're food for your kind, in other words. You can say all you want, or anything but it doesn't hide the facts. What's your reward for rubbing up on guys like Slim, I doubt it's only for a good time since whores on streets do it better."
Tearing followed a pair of leather like wings draping over both Slim and her supposed sister that light bit at a tip teasingly. You can't hide it, can you? Lightly tracing over a man's throat to lovingly tease kisses that bordered on unrestrained hunger, "Reward? Oh no, no, no!" It said smoothly to lightly push an almost blank faced addict that got preoccupied by another devil, if seeing tongues being exchanged left little imagination.
"It's power, to go further once it all clicks into place." This creature laughed deceptively bemused until inhaling deeply to peer right at us both, "Little by little, men or women, all give in to their sins to decide if they want more in being like us. And by then Jimmy here, he will have nothing left except to give in for having a better place in your kind's words. You either succumb, or embrace your greatest sins for becoming more than a human."
Chase whispered harshly realizing too that Slim's lack of a reaction indicated worse off costs, "You suck us dry to force us to be inhumane, or die since we'd give in to our worst nightmares." I hardly disagreed to remark brazenly infuriated, "You're not a human, devil girl. Seems like you want to be us, but really you can't so flaunting an ass, a smile and drag us down believing you'll give us everything, or absolutely nothing in return."
The devilish creature grinned deviously impressed, "Souls are nothing, if a man believes it." It outright avoided my snark to lift a hand where some sort of circulating light appeared. And bright red briefly extended in nicking Slim's glazed expression in drawing a silver of blood, "The only reason why I'm telling you two, so much?" It coyly cooed to lick a wound as flesh mended quickly to send one fluttering gasp of delight from itself.
"Because you are a bonfire for Wrath, as well as Pride among candles of meager sins, Rex." Wings retracted behind until feral slits rounded off as a pleased humane expression returned. And Slim shook himself whistling, "What did I miss? You two playing nice, or am I being boring?" Both devil's giggled to snuggle closer against a dying man. I hardly felt sympathy yet selling one's soul meant their will, personality and whatever made us human become worthless by our own choices. Selling your soul apparently meant losing everything in what a man, or anyone believe in themselves to become husks for sinful addictions.
"Only thing you missed is getting a hand job, Slim." I dryly implied in making him looking down grinning ear to ear, "Well, I can't say it wasn't so bad sonny. So, what did you want besides getting a free show from me?" Chase quite literally scooted away eying two pleasantly smiling devils who winked jointly, he'd been shaken up without even realizing it. And I was only considering information yet they forced precautions presently.
Drinking straight from a pitcher of icy water did I exhale asking, "When's your shop open? Have anything I could pick up, bullets for one or books about what else is out here?" He lazily glared at two giggling sisters that feigned innocence too damned well, "Really? Did you two little devils get him riled up? Sadists, aren't ya?"
Several moments of giggling and hands dipping below a table's edge nearly made my patience snap into pieces. But he must have noticed to grin crookedly, "I may have a few people, if you promise and not make a scene here. Everyone knows this club is their territory, Rex so respect borders before thinking otherwise. Valac maybe old, but he ain't no push over and these two are only humoring because you ain't like me, or boy scout." I grunted loosely not willing to be caught dead promising anything in this damned place at all.
Absently pulling out a phone as the screen brightly illuminated devious looks on two devils grinning contently, Slim scrolled through contacts. Now we're getting somewhere, I'd rather not encounter these things where I live at. Whistling loudly after going through messages did he exclaim, "Yup, shop's open tomorrow afternoon. And quite frankly, since you got me seventy grand richer, for me doing nothing at all? By my right nut I'll throw in store credit, discount and maybe if you ask nicely, I'll dig around if you're interested."
Musical rhythms turned far more sensual which got several couples of human being led by devils coyly grinning nearby. It's better than nothing, or else I'd have to be crazy. I raised a pitcher loosely, "Let's find out what else is hiding out with us, Slim. Deal me straight, I pay you straight and if you fuck me over? I'll burn your shit con-artist tourist shop and piss on your ashes, understood?" My smile turned murderously expectant in hoping for uneasiness, or cautious yet to see him shrug it all off typically meant he'd heard me.
"Guy breaks a skull open, thinks the whole world is his!" Slim muttered exasperated to bring in two smiling women who comforted him mainly enjoying an envious tone. I seriously will need a book, or two knowing what in hell's name they get off on. Envy's a sin, I think? Rolling both eyes to gesture at my best friend whose paling face left little consideration. Getting away from leeching creatures garnered enough to take a gamble, one I'd be willing to humor given it'd make a night end up better off hopefully.
Glancing from a peripheral towards glinting eyes slyly staring right back underneath gloom lightning couldn't be ignored. Downing another glass of water barely helped considering I coughed up steam in thickened bursts, "Rex." Slim voiced out wryly pitiful, "I'm telling ya, again. That ass is trouble and I'm not lying when I say...you're going to get played. But since you're not listening, I'll give ya token of respect for trying your luck."
Partially exposing an undershirt did a plastic package get tossed over rolling due to my feet crossing over one another. If that's what I think it is, I'll sell it on my streets. I must have been suspicious as he pulled out another, "Cigar's, sonny boy. It's what men smoke, if you want to try your luck and I figured you've earned it. Just light a match, inhale and hopefully you don't pass out in a place where you'll regret it later."
Casually picking it up to inspect an entire cylinder shape certainly seemed appealing given I hadn't smoked cigarettes in years. Never tasted too well, "Might as well try it." I shrugged to pull it free to see him lean over with matches on hand. Eying a small flame when I leaned forward did it immediately pull itself off burning material. Uh, damn it all! Wreathing coloration's of yellow and orange licked over flesh, before two trails spun around fingers despite growing intensely to where I dipped an end to inhale quickly.
But my coughing alone pushed flakes of ash in a surreal light show. Chase, Slim and two devils outright watched in various degrees in disbelief. Rubbing a burning throat while leaning back did nicotine slam harder than any alcohol high I'd ever experienced, "Holy...shit." I breathed out closing both eyes naturally relishing in warmth that made my own head lighter incredibly. God help me since I'd just found a new habit to cope with burning alive, I certainly wasn't going to complain because it was just that damned good.
The music shifted sharply into an alluring blend of techno when I got up finally basking in minutes of glorious relaxation. Slim and his two devil's had moved upwards to a dance floor, "Chase." I gruffly spoke up stretching to pop limbs loose, "We'll be out of here soon. Just watch yourself, I've got eyes on someone tonight." Grinning smugly to see him roll his own to the heavens, if only moving back towards a bar for ample drinking.
Let's find out if pretty eyes is looking for a good time, or not. Standing up while smoking lazily away in seeing a spew of bluish mixing with red was slightly disconcerting. But an internal burning had been numbed to the point where I felt relaxed. It was time to find out, what else was inside my city. First things first, scoping out what else is hiding in this place? Oh this is going to be fun, but I can't help it. Too much to know, so much time to enjoy.
Bypassing glaring individuals who were indeed devils eyed wherever I walked less than happily, or interestingly enough. Most outright turned to glance over shoulders if they had backs turned, "You can taste Wrath off that one, so much!" I barely caught a devil whispering towards another just off along one bar's seating despite my grin growing further as it'd been both warning and loathing. It seemed Slim kept paying up already, if those sister's were any indication of them noticing something even I didn't understand.
A bonfire among candles, huh? It garnered an internal chortle that faded immediately due to small groups shying away though a few devils who'd appeared licked their lips hungrily. Blowing out smoke mockingly did one sit in a chair far too close my liking, I never bothered thinking twice. My soul ain't for sale, learn it well and maybe I'll just rip someone's head off next week if a fight is arranged. Once it came within an arm's reach, I sharply kicked the chair's side to have it jolt away with an occupant glaring right back seething.
"I'll be here next week, devil." My earnest promise sent those who'd heard it guttural growl in their throats as I looked back waving any of them forward, "Or do I get a second round, right now?" Despite mostly cleared no more than a dozen, or so were simultaneously peering at that invitation yet none moved to twitch visibly. Some exposed wings similarly to Slim's little life leeches, but beyond that none of them were going to take an obvious bait. I'd find a way to get them try it, I needed an excuse to let them know a human wasn't their food.
Strobes flashed rapidly above due to an ever roaring of dancers wildly kicking up pacing as musical rhythms accelerated. Moving past sneering devils, or low guttural growling left little when coming towards a corner of this club's floor to where amethyst eyes glinted, "Did I impress you enough? You could have just asked, if you'd wanted to talk me up a bit." I leaned lazily see about six similarly dressed figures pausing their conversations, low and relatively private given a creature possibly not human due to be too beautiful smiled coyly.
"Perhaps, but men respond to touch far more naturally." A glass assuming wine was brought to lips ever smoothly, "And here you stand! As a man no less, wandering and guided right into many of a dark place." The dress exposed naked thighs when legs were crossed that were subtle illuminated underneath gloomy lighting too easily. Nether the less, I admitted mainly to myself in being tempted willingly and I'd cross a line to see where it'd take me personally.
Inhaling deeply on a burning nicotine bundle made an internal heat pacify itself, "What are you?" An alluring smile followed a finger curling for myself to get closer, "Not one of them, I assure you." She referred glancing lazily towards agitated devils sitting further away. And I noticed many were sneering infuriated at those sitting in their own corner. Beautiful, I think that word alone can't give what I'm seeing credit at all.
"Mind if I sit and enjoy a smoke for once? I swear I don't bite, unless you ask for it." I smirked daringly to see eyes narrow obviously amused, "My, my, my. You're a reckless man, very daring and I must say. It's a welcomed change of pace from most of your ilk nowadays." She stated fondly to lazily motion for someone next to her, they never hesitated in giving up a seat. If only finding one spare yet most were eying us keenly in stiffened silence brimming with unrestrained interest.
Pushing off from a pillar while gulping down icy liquid soothed an irritated throat from hotter embers building up. I sat without much complaint sinking into cushions easily, "I don have a luxury for humoring patience." Brazenly mentioning in allowing feet to prop themselves up along a glass table proved too damned appealing. And in allowing hands to willingly check on a burning bundle without being occupied by glasses.
"Virtues have their own rewards, in a way." The beautiful creature humored smiling leaning back eying myself faintly, "So easily you stand out among all your kind, I dare say you're an oddity." Lazily grinning I reached over tapping the glass of wine swirling within it's owner's hand, "Well, I'll admit I did tear a devil's head off, woman. I walked in, walked out and there's nothing left to say surviving when odds were against me."
Her fingers brushed against where I tapped a glass momentarily just seemingly looking at something unseen, "Fire. You reek of Wrath to them, but to I?" She laughed fondly staring upwards at a gloomy orb of light, "Passion, unyielding in providing warmth and it's ever so easy to taste. From what I've seen, passion is a man's deadliest bane and among his greatest of envy. You radiate warmth so naturally, it'll make blood boil in a moment's desire...so, odd."
This creature had a surreal humor considering I leaned across an already small enough gap puffing out smoke strongly, "What are you?" Amethyst like orbs glistened coyly due to strobes outside washing over an interior partially by chance, "One whose fallen from light that gave warmth." She teased deliberately in offering a naked hand beckoning me closer, "May I?" Her eyes flickered to one of my own curiously enough, if lingering just inches from brushing across skin that radiated small streams arising in a gloom interior.
If this thing tries anything with me, then I guess I'll have to make it two heads rolling away from me tonight. Casually exposing an opened palm while using another to rotate a burning bundle lazily, "Your funeral." It was all I hinted smoothly in daring it when setting on an adjacent chair's arm. From behind an almost eye popping shuddering shadow flickered overtly, as previous light illuminating a wall darkened extensively. It seemed to ripple into open view as an alluring smile reappeared fondly impressed.
"Tempting a Fallen is reckless, but nonetheless welcomed." She hummed to lightly trace a palm if only shuddering when fluttering eyes closed pleasantly, "Warm, indeed. So much desire in those veins, I'm starting to wonder about you." I raised an eyebrow snorting aloud in retorting, "As much as I'd love to trade numbers, have a good night and all that fun? Answer my damned question, or else I'm walking away with you wanting more of me."
Various others who were sitting all abruptly stared looking to a woman who grinned deviously, "How about I show you instead, Rex?" Exhaling out smoke briefly obscured us momentarily, "Sounds good enough for me, I'm waiting." I prompted leaning away due to seeing shadows darkening behind chairs as light all but vanished. Soft tearing came gradually behind a back, soft flesh being split open until three feathery wings darker than any wine, bordering on dark tone grey extended outwards encompassing too much space. Technically a colored hue had blended seamlessly all underneath gloom likes strands peaking outside from flashing strobes, it wouldn't have been noticed by accident.
What in the actual fuck is that? My eyes followed three wings comfortably expanding until they encircled an opposite side as another went along her own. Talk about being pinned in place, but can't complain if that smile is making it entertainment. These wings were feathered clearly signaling an overt difference given they looked akin to a bird's, or maybe anything remotely natural. Any sort of light striking them never made it through gaps when I finally turned back seeing a smile curl in damned bemusement.
"We once were your kind's guardians, if you believe older myths." Wings fluttered openly when a painted finger nail traced around my wrist where veins partially exposed themselves, "But desiring any man, or woman had us all immediately cast out by our Father, a being who your kind often says: thou art in Heaven. And you bared His cross, so arrogantly that it made me nostalgic in remembering older days."
Above her forehead lazily trailing a finger upwards did a pale and yellow ring flickered briefly maintaining a circular halo. An actual god damned...angel. That lone word resonated in making my smile curl all too intrigued, "So you're proof God's real, then? Wonder what brings you down to this shit hole, Heaven get too boring or something?" The small circular ring dissipated gradually until nothing remained where a smile turned into an alluring leer exposing sharpened canines, hair extended with ears sharpened at their tips.
"You're not too far off." An angel laughed akin to musical melodies blending effortlessly within an outside source above, I involuntarily shivered in response because it wasn't human. Though I'd grudgingly admit it'd been more pleasant to tolerate, "But many others who've seen us believed otherwise. We simply went our own way, if you humans had a saying that could explain desire's calling for us."
Several portions of wings faintly came into contact with my left bared shoulder all too easily, "Angels and devils relaxing in one place? Sounds odd." She smirked knowing I used her own words moments ago to agree partially, "Clever man, aren't you?" Unable to resist remaining openly smug when raising a burning bundle of nicotine to brag, "When you're surviving day to day, being clever gives me an edge and I don't have that luxury to lose it, angel."
All six wings jointly shuddered when their owner leaned away exhaling loudly seeming in a daze of wonder, "Passion, pride and both equally burning." Those eyes glistening weren't just amethyst pupils that widened into curving slits, a given they turned violet underneath flashing strobes barely able to reach this interior, "You're no mere man, Rex! Clever to some I'll admit, it's odd that you share so easily what we yearned long ago in first seeing it among mankind."
Every word sounded too pitiful given I knew nothing about angels, devils or whatever fallen were honestly. Although I gave it some thought, "Sounds like a personal problem to me, angel." Her laughter rippled across air too smoothly when leaning forward again, all too alluring in tracing veins up my own forearm sensually. She's colder than I imagined, or maybe I'm burning up faster. Might as well be tracing ice over someone having a damned fever, but have to admit God knows how to make them smooth.
However I'd gotten off track in giving something free reign to touch me too much, "You got a name, or does angel make up for playing hard to get?" Flirting wasn't too different from anything given her gaze coyly suggested, "Are you actually tempting me, a fallen angel of all things?" I never needed to answer as my own limb firmly entrapped colder digits. But I shrugged lazily exhaling out smoke to wink ever encouragingly as a positive hint.
Lightly pulling gave enough for it to hum knowingly to warn playfully, "You're really far too reckless for your own good. And who doesn't indulge passions for temptation, Rex?" Blackened wings shifted into being uplifted by their owner due to straining against a wall, if only allowing it, or someone settling right onto my lap. Definitely colder than a person, but can't say I'm not saying no. It's actually making the heat tolerable, I hope you don't give me a reason to take that pretty head off. Because I'd actually feel bad, but only a little bit.
Lazily looking up with eyebrows raised amazed did I remark, "Here I thought you'd try to cut my throat, or be pissed for a human daring you." Cascading black hair fell loosely over my shoulders hiding it from view as blackened feather sharply angled into folding around us, if to blockade any attempt in getting away apparently. Yet I only inhaled deeply in seeing violent pupils full encompassing what been normally a humane eye, "How close am I for pissing you off, angel? I doubt you'd be that loose with a guy like me."
Surprisingly she only squirmed subtly grinding down just to daringly admit, "You're a challenge from most who are human. A word, or by touch and they'd fall to their knees begging us in granting them unrestrained desires of passion." Personally I wouldn't doubt it given their beauty, it'd make anyone who didn't know believe otherwise. Yet what made them different from devils who'd apparently fed on our souls for power, contracts or whatever promises?
"Surviving isn't a challenge, it's my life." I stated smugly while casually brushing one wing in an attempt to wonder if it'd been hard enough to slice anyone. Devil boy could knock someone back across an entire cage, but to hell with my curiosity. Best time to do it, or else I'll never get a chance to start figuring these things out. Surprisingly they were indeed hard given akin to iron, but individual portions parted ways like wings from birds. And only constant coolness indicating no blood, or heat flowed in this creature's body at all.
"Satisfied with your game's prize yet, Rex?" I glanced from a corner of an eye to see an angel's smile bordering on predatory amusement, "Not too rough in practice. But if you really want to know? Do me a favor, smile a bit more, if you play try hard to get." Irony never ceased in making my expression shift into glee, "Touche angel. Too fucking touche!"
This creature knew deception so damned naturally, it'd found my own attempts too amusing to not play along. Guess devil's don't hide, but 'fallen' angels thrive in getting people looking at them. Starting to wonder, if this was a bad idea. The very thought in being on it's mercy was too damned thrilling to not push further, "Maybe smiling isn't my thing. Though you might get burned, if you're not careful playing with fire. One devil's already headless, remember?"
Violet orbs crinkled slyly when it leaned back coming to within inches of my face, "You're far too young, Rex. But age always determines who knows more, but unlike other men?" It lazily traced a line from throat to where it settled over one beating heart, "You don't bend to our whims, again I'll admit is very odd. Is there something sacred you'd protect, or hide?" It asked playful as I instantly snorted hearing that term once again.
"Only thing I think is sacred is me getting your number." Inching forward in whispering somewhat ominously smug, "Doesn't hurt to know who knows who, if you catch my drift." Tremors indicated stifled chuckling to where it replied back all too tempted, "Most men in your place don't exchange numbers in that sense. Are you so certain knowing me, or my own kin is worth passion's chance to be indulged?"
Sooner people paid up on who took up shop in my neighborhood, I'd consider an offer for someone to scream my name later. Do you really think just pushing your ass into my dick, I'll put myself out there for some fling? Inhaling on a cigar before blowing said smoke right into it's face did this fallen angel hardly blink, "Business first, pleasure and drinks...when I feel like it." Violet orbs faded away abruptly leaving only humane amethyst like iris's coyly enjoying everything, I understood why Slim had said this woman was trouble after-all.
Never likes being told no, or no one has said it, apparently. She remained leaning back seemingly thinking an offer over until deciding, "Few dare to think like you, little man." That insult slightly got my mood annoyed especially when I made it clear, "I'm not so little, woman. You might need to fly away, if you can't walk straight. Think it over for a week, I'll be back in that cage and if you're that eager to get a number?"
My hand settled on rubbing an exposed inner thigh as all six wings fluttered overtly, when I whispered vindictively, "Then maybe you'll scream my real name." Beyond blockading feathers capable of slicing limbs various other fallen stared hard in plain disbelief. They never witnessed, or believed a person could ignore their suggestions. And I aimed to make a hell of an impression, if hearing soft laughter emitting from one sitting on me personally.
"Such defiance, anger and rage beneath in those veins. Be mindful to not tempt us as a man." She warned ever too intrigued to lightly trace my jawline, "You may not like it, if we come to claim passion and make it our own. Such constant warmth I feel radiating off your blood, it is among dying flames which is well worth my attention, if you do come venturing here again." That made my next visit all damned more exciting to play who'd blink first, I would learn what hid themselves on streets which were my world.
Reluctantly wings stiffened despite numerous rippling feathers struggling in moving their owner back on her own seat. Leaning over in nimbly lifting a pitcher of glass, "Esther." Merely by bringing water just within reach did a frost fog over momentarily, "That is a name I use, Rex. You have my thanks for being a welcoming challenge, few men can claim that much." Water turned darker from top sinking it's way down to a bottom of said pitcher, to which a fallen angel who only swirled it several times before pouring contents into an empty glass.
"Turning water into wine is one of our gifts, but you humans always get a few things wrong." Esther laughed fondly amused until handing a potent mixture to myself, "Consider a drink as a token of you providing us some new ground. It's not poison, so don't be alarmed if you can't handle a miracle for your pleasure. It's the least I can do, I've never been warmed to where I cannot but, to reward passions in mankind."
All eyes were on us both despite few dared to move as a pleasant expression formed when I took said glass cautiously. Alright, I get it. Placing a cigar's smouldering end down to briefly smell an aroma of grapes and other sweetened tastes made it appealing, "You should know something, angel." She raised an eyebrow surprised when I tipped a glass downing it smoothly. Burning sensations returned fully with steam billowing out when I exhaled contently, it'd had one grand after taste that made my stomach settle partially.
Placing an emptied glass which had fogged up thickly did I lean back smugly, "I'm not driving home tonight." The fallen angel smiled widely realizing temptation alone made drinking worthwhile. And I wasn't going to pretend, if it wanted to stalk me outside these devil's playground? Then it would learn one crucial fact about me playing games, if it wanted to drink? Well by god alone, I would be walking away until that whole pitcher was completely drained.
End Chapter V
Author's Note: Couple things to mention here, to which I'll start with the obvious. In the prologue, there's a lack of urgency and outright fury in one Seraph as opposed to their sibling. That wasn't an accident, someone knew something was wrong and confirmed that in Heaven, an impossibility arose in a time where the Great War has cooled down. And in times of peace, does war itself remain fresh on those who'd ignite it again. Metaphorically, it's not a coincidence that 'War' awakens and you're seeing a consequence of that fallout. If only to maintain plausibility, I had to brain storm a few possibilities and figured to go with a direct approach in maintaining that reason of: how.
Back to the lack of urgency, someone in Heaven wouldn't be that naive to not notice things changing with God's demise. All knowing doesn't translate to all powerful, if by that logic something slipped loose. Gabriel would know only because, someone told her or entrusted her to be a messenger in times past. Least in this interpretation as opposed to actual authentic studies in mythology. I'm not treating you readers as idiots, or less when you're seeing how this spanned beyond DXD's initial canonical starting point. This is necessary, to build up and give more into a reason as to why, how and what made these 'Horsemen' exist at a time where the world is struggling with the Great War's consequences.
Moving onto a favored bit, what do devil's do and want with human souls? And the differences that make a Fallen Angel, similar yet vastly different? Both to any average person, joe or sue, would be attractive. Yet a Fallen has that alluring smile, as opposed to a devil's appearance of making you give yourself to them for whatever you'd want for a price. Angels, Fallen, Devils and whatever are not human, so differences aside, they're just as dangerous in their own respective ways. Giving one, or another no difference is something I tend to ponder over, but you do see there's a distinct difference between Fallen and Angel in contrast to Devil's as well.
This is where the story will begin soon enough diving into other mythology, whether through items, objects or even mentioning it. If a reader is wondering, what do I mean? Slim-Jim, for starters and how 'War' begins his own journey, it's very generalized yet I tend to be honest for the most part. There's so much to cover, so much to really explore and allow characters to be introduced, develop and inevitably reach the point where DXD's canon starts mostly. Point is, it's a hell of a challenge on my part and I'm hoping you all enjoy it for the most part.
Regarding 'Esther', it's an old name and one that should be amusing for some who'd realize it. Three-pairs of wings, that's nothing to sneeze at yet it's never stated how many angels fell into impurity, or fell to their own passions. Ironically, it's just as terrible to be enslaved to sins as well as your own passions that can never be quenched. There's a quote by Azazel that made my disbelief sky rocket when re-reading, or watching DXD mainly for familiarity. If you know it, then I can tell you: the world will keep on spinning, but without someone keeping those in 'check', you'll realize the world may spin for the worst off and there's all hell to follow when it doesn't care, or change by your efforts.
And for the last detail, I'll mention funnily enough. There's a reason why, 'War' is fairly comfortable among fallen. Even the most hardened men have a fondness for something they can't explain, so maybe he's got a thing for them. I won't say it too much, but it's fairly amusing and humorous to see differences. This also explains a general jaded look on the three species, more so why and you'll see: when reason fails, rage shall follow and by then reason should have been known. Keep an eye on how things turn out, because I'm enjoying a fair bit of world building.
Leave a review please, have a good week, stay safe and stay strong.