Chapter 72: Wretched History
Caleb and Drei could now be seen sitting next to each other at the dining table with their food and tea. Across from them was the angel called Michael sipping tea with a plate of food as well; despite his reservations Caleb still chose to be hospitable.
He hasn't shown hints of hostility or ill-intentions since he came in. Even when Drei requested, quite bluntly, to search him for weapons, drugs, or anything that could be reasonably harmful to either of them, he agreed without any hesitation. Neither of them could really get a read on what his intentions are but kept their guard up just in case.
"Hmm, what a lovely cup of tea and your cooking is delicious. I almost felt the need to say grace a second time.", Michael praises with a warm smile.
"Yeah, thanks for sparing us an extra five minutes of awkward silence. Can we please get down to why you're here please? Don't forget there are Devils that live in this neck of the woods. One lives next to me and your friend tried to kill her yesterday", Caleb replies, wanting to get straight to business.
"I'm aware of the risks, thank you. This won't be long.", He replied plainly, placing the cup of tea on the table, "I believe it's about time for a proper introduction. My name is Michael De'Angelo, the Arc Angel of my congregation and shepherd to humans."
Caleb raises a skeptical eyebrow at his statement, "Really? You're the Michael, like from the bible."
"Haha! I wish! He is a very famous folk hero among my race along with the other archangels though. My mother simply named me after him. Suppose you could say she had high expectations."
"Well, some of us never meet their expectations but that's just life for us humans.", Caleb snarkily replied before taking a bite of eggs as Drei raises an eyebrow at him, "Anyway, what do you want? I've got somewhere to be later."
"Yes yes, you're right. I've wanted to discuss with you yesterday's…unfortunate circumstances."
"You mean when your bearded friend tried to restart the crusades over a hair appointment? That is unfortunate.", Drei comments.
"She's right. Everything about yesterday was absolutely unnecessary, so if you're here to apologize, I'm not the one you should be giving it to. You can start with the redhead next door.", Caleb affirms as the angelic man seems to just be listening, taking in their grievance,
Michael lets out a heavy sigh, "Perhaps you're right. I should apologize…"
"Yeah you—wait, what?", Caleb does a double take, not expecting that response.
"I know I should be the one to apologize but you know, as well as I, if I show nary a trace of my presence they would attack without mercy, maybe even kill me if they can. The same goes for my covenant. They'll attack any devils who approach ach us even peacefully, especially thanks to Baliel influence." Micheal said, muttering the last part before clearing his voice, "He's actually second in command. He's a dedicated man but…his views are a bit…old fashioned to say the least."
"Really now? I couldn't tell.", Caleb remarks sarcastically, remembering how the bearded angel berated and dehumanized Scarlett and the others.
"Uhh he literally called them lust crazed animals.", Drei points out, raising an eyebrow.
"Thank you, Drei!"
"Haaa, it's rather unfortunate situation but I'm afraid it's always been this way. I'm sure you're aware of the bloody history between our races."
"A little. I'm a host to an Elder Devil after all."
"An Elder Devil, well, that's quite rare."
"Yeah, I wonder why that is? Oh wait, because she told me what you angels did to her and her people. How you guys slaughtered, displaced, and enslaved tons of Devils. Can't forget how you tried to exterminate their species, forcing many into hiding and needing form harems JUST to keep their species alive, which put the females of their species under the thumb of their male counterparts who treat them breeding cows that get sold away second the guy gets bored of them.", Caleb says with a cold expression, not breaking eye contact, "What say you? Is that about the gist of it?"
"Yes…we did all of that and more. Much, much more.", Michael admitted shamefully, then looks up with a neutral expression, "But has an angel ever told you their side of the story?"
"No. The first angel I ever met was a Fallen one. She tried to torture me to death AND tried to kill said Elder Devil.", Caleb responds, clearly displeased.
"I'm…sorry about that. It's no wonder you're hesitant and doubt us after your experience but would you allow me to tell you our side of that story?" Micheal asked him in a sorrowful voice.
Caleb looked him up and down it's realizing probably the fastest way to get him to leave is allowing him to tell that story of his. "Fine, it better not be a long story."
Micheal hearing that gets a smile on his face "Thank you. Now quick question: how familiar are you with the bible?"
"I swear if you're gonna make this a bible lesson, you can get out right the fuck now.", Caleb emphasized pointing at the door.
"This is an agnostic house.", Drei commented.
"Ah…I see. In that case, apologies but, from my experience, that is usually the easiest way to begin when explaining our two species history even if I must admit that there is quite bit of misinformation mixed in with the truth." Micheal admitted examining his cup of tea, "Perhaps I'll just start from the beginning."
Caleb softly grumbles, a bit annoyed, chooses to hold his peace for now while Drei also gets comfortable.
"Several millennia ago, the entire world, from the plants, animals, sky, forest and mountains, was all of one thought. One singular thought…and that was decay. Everything tends to a state of disorder you see when there is no outside force to prevent it. Some call this decaying force entropy, disorder, corruption, discord, darkness or more colloquially 'Chaos'. It was through this mysterious yet unstoppable force beings of great power and inward malice were born that personify such a force; Devils, also known as 'Chaos-Born'. However, around that same time, when the first Chaos-Borns began to walk the earth, beings of order, virtue, and light also took their first steps. It was lawful, peace and enlightenment that light would give birth to my fellow Angels."
"Ok, i'm with you so far.", Caleb utters before sipping some tea.
"Naturally, given our opposing nature, we both fought each other. It was a long, brutal conflict where neither side appeared to be able to overtake the other. That is until, a third player came into existence. The ones who fell between chaos and light. Humans.", He says as Caleb leans back in his chair listening, "Humanity, during that time, was fresh and new but your potential was at its greatest with your powerful life essence or 'spirit energy' as most call it."
"So they peeked at the moment of their birth?" Drei casually asks, prompting and inquisitive look from Caleb.
" No What I meant by 'potential' that humans in that era had a more natural connection to their own life essence where compared to human's of this era. of At least, that's what I've been told. It was through this essence is how Chaos-Born, mostly Devils, could easily make use of humanity."
"Make use of us…how?", Caleb questions.
"You see, on top of life essence being the greatest power of your species in those days, it was also a powerful catalyst. Through consumption it empowers mana users to greater heights of potential, improving their power, physicality, and even potency of mana."
"Now when you say 'consumption'...", Drei trails, raising an eyebrow.
"Y-Yes. There are several ways for humans to release their life essence but the easiest, most potent and effective way is…well, copulation.", Michael informs clearly his throat and glancing away awkwardly with slight blush.
"Sooo sex? Got it. Continue.", Caleb plainly responds as the Angel man nods as his blush faded.
"Anyway, the Devils quickly realized humanity's worth and had eventually taken control of your species and integrated them into their own teachings. Female devils seizing human males for…copulation and producing more and more Chaos-Born. It didn't even matter if, even at that time, female devils couldn't sustain a pregnancy for long they could just…keep trying with a male human until they eventually succeeded. The males among them were even worse since they could keep attempting to make more devils with the human females supposedly many of them had building to both keep them in and impregnate them in! Either method produced very strong offspring. As a result, their population exploded out of control and their ranks grew stronger and stronger until the balance was shifted. You see, my kind have always been virtuous to a fault. So much that, even in those days, Angels only mated out of necessity rather than pleasure. Which meant we couldn't replenish any Angels we lost fast enough to match the devil's resulting in a massive growing divide between our numbers."
"Sounds like a skill issue.", Drei comments as the Angel man looks to her in disbelief.
"It's not a joking matter. Many, many, Angels were slaughtered by the thousands, tortured, enslaved and forced out of their territory as chaotic energy swept over much of the land. Even worse, those enslaved Angels were corrupted into Fallen and turned on their own congregations, slaughtering more of us. Humanity and the world was plunged into centuries of depravity, hedonism, violence and earthly pleasure according to the Principles of Chaos taught by their Devil allies. My Angels were forced to admit defeat and go into hiding."
Caleb sat listening, while still eating his food with a plain expression, "Alright then what happened?"
"The several remaining congregations of that time got together in a remote location, free from the influence of chaotic energy, and began working to free the world from the grip of the Chaos-Born. That's what we told ourselves but…it was about revenge for a millennia of oppression."
"It always is isn't it.", Caleb casually comments as Drei poured herself and him some more tea.
"Yes. At the time, they were hesitant to engage devil's, and they were trying to replenish our numbers as much as they could at time. But one fateful incident changed everything. You see, despite most of humanity having been corrupted by Devil blood, there were still a handful that were 'pure' with not a trace of chaotic influence. We brought them in under our teachings of our God and some of our members became attached to them, watching over their well-being from afar. These were the first 'Guardian' Angel rolls in fact."
"Uh huh.", Caleb utters, half paying attention at this point.
"One day, however, one of the young human boys that was in the care of a female Angel named 'Azazel', where the two had grown quite close, was attacked by a group of Devils when he left the safety of their sanctuary. As they were violating him, Azazel had found them and she rushed to his aid in a fit of rage, slaying three of the Devils but, unfortunately, allowing one to escape when she had turned her attention to her human assuming all four were dead. This angered the congregations as it meant the Devils would soon discover their location and send an army to destroy them. If that weren't enough, her human she tried to protect had been corrupted by Chaos-Born mana and knowing they couldn't let one who knew of them leave she was forced to relieve him from his misery by her own hands. She later told why he had left the safety of their sanctuary saying she had found flowers beside the area with all but one were trampled or crushed she said they were her favorite kind having remember telling him about them saying how she missed them since they didn't grow in their Sanctuary" Micheal said sorrowfully
" It was this incident that roused her spirit as she rallied the other Angels to fight back claiming if they did nothing, they were all just as guilty of sin! This event would lead to the beginning of the last major war between our two factions. One that, looking back. was started out mostly for her own revenge.
"Naturally and rest followed her cause they saw what happened as an excuse to fight.", Drei halfheartedly comments, matching Caleb's current energy.
"There were many obstacles in the way of Angels back then. One of them was that Devils seem to be giving birth to seemingly endless legions of Lesser and Greater Devils that seem to throw at angel's then with abandon. However, the greatest threat to Angel-kind and the beings responsible for laying waste to hundreds of congregations while serving as the apex of all Chaos-Born. The white haired monsters themselves, Lillim."
"Lillim? Are they like…Elder Devils or…?", Caleb curiously asks, his first time hearing that word.
"No, they are far, far more powerful and an incredibly rare, Chaos-Born devil. So much that it's unclear how many actually existed in that time. Nevertheless, they were definitely our most formidable adversary! Their mana and strength was phenomenal as just one by themselves was capable of annihilating an entire congregation of angels, valkyries and and even high ranking archangels with a single powerful spell. Their unnatural brutality that broke through our defenses, could resist our holy mana, and an otherworldly charm could corrupt any Angel they got their hands on, turning the most innocent of angels into lust-filled deviants. Their power struck fear in the hearts of every angel and commanded undying loyalty of less powerful devils. However, it was these traits that became their undoing.", Michael says, looking down at his tea, "Are you familiar with the enslavement collars?"
Caleb's ears perked up upon hearing that then looks to Angel man with a stern gaze. His experience with those awful things and the pain they caused so many liminals will always be a part of him. Hell, one of them was PUT on him so he knew how dangerous they were.
"Yes, I'm familiar with them. Believe me.", Caleb responds coldly.
"The first one ever created…was used on a lillim they were made for them. It was a difficult battle and many lost their lives but the collar was placed on the lillim and bound to one of the Angels, Azazel. The former guardian that started it all, enslaved one most powerful devils. Using her power, she ordered that lillim to slaughter a great many of her own people including her own human slave along with battling her fellow lillim to enslave them as well. Azazel would propose a plan to use their captured lillim's to bait out the remaining lillim's into a trap to enact a plan that would ultimately end the war."
"And that was?", Caleb questioned.
"A very powerful curse that would require sacrificing the lives of those lillim's and Azazel herself, but would take away the devil's greatest advantage during the war that they had become reliant on."
"Their high birth rate." Drei coldly says as the Angel nods, "Not going to lie, it's an effective tactic. Losing your most powerful units AND the ability to replenish their losses would demoralize any empire.", she elaborates as Caleb looks to her incredulously, "What? It's war, in ancient times no less. Morals take a backseat sometimes."
"Ok, so you're basically saying…you tried to sterilize them.", Caleb says in a morose tone.
Michael looks away regretfully, collecting his thoughts, "Yes. However, not completely. It only succeeded in making it far more difficult for females to carry children to birth with their bodies turning on the new life inside of them and snuffing it out. For whatever reason, the males were slightly more resistant to effect. I believe it might be because they never had any been male lillim. Nevertheless, the curse did it's job…a bit too well honestly since it continues to plague their species to this day. It should have only lasted a few hundred years for us to shore up our numbers.", Michael lets out a forlorn, "I wish that's where it ended but…after the spell was cast the remaining congregations, after increasing their numbers, decided it wasn't enough. The Devils had to pay for their crimes and they knew how."
"How?"
"Remember the humans I mentioned earlier, the ones brought under our teachings? Through our guidance, these humans established the first angelic religion in their city known today as Juda. We encouraged them to spread these teachings to other humans, telling them to 'save' as many lost souls as possible and punish the 'wicked' that refused to convert. In truth, it was meant to slowly convert other humans, once allies of the devil race, against them and over time, through forced conditioning, learned to despise and fear them. It was around this time where our strongest led a campaign to purge what remains of the Chaos-Born armies, their human followers, and legions from the earth. We intended to repay them for their arrogance tenfold."
"So…you guys started humans on the whole religious faith…as a way to turn humans against Devils back then?", Drei asks as Caleb looks on in disbelief.
"Not entirely but that was the primary goal, correct."
Caleb took a moment to process what he just heard. Though he was personally not a religious guy, he found it messed up how an entire religion, inspiring MILLIONS of devout humans, including his uncle…was based on a desire for vengeance.
"Y'all are assholes. I mean there's SO much wrong I can list about that but… fuck that's the best way I can summarize how I feel.", Caleb angrily spoke, looking Micheal straight in the eyes.
"I know…I know. Our ancestors were desperate, they needed an equalizer against the devils. So…they decided to beat them at their own game and used the humans to gain an advantage. Little could we have predicted the consequences later down the line at how blindly obedient and dedicated humans could be; sometimes to a horrific degree.", Michael regretfully spoke thinking of the The Crusades and other atrocities committed by humanity in the name of their religion.
"Why don't you guys come out and tell the humans the truth? Ideally before they start another witch hunt expect this time for devil's.", Drei asks as Michael flinched at that
"We can't. The majority of humanity has ingrained our God's teachings into their cultures and societies on a spiritual and fundamental level. If we tell them the real reasons for their devotion…can you imagine the social anarchy and chaos it would create? Chaos we fought so hard to rid the world of?!" Micheal pleaded
"Bruh, I don't know if you realize this but the world is already chaotic even WITH your godly teachings. Religious or not, humans are gonna fucking human. The part that pisses ME off is you'd rather devils continue to be shit on and vilified while you're seen as these 'perfect' beings that can't do anything wrong.", Caleb vented at the angelic man who glances away in shame, "You have ANY idea what the life of a devil woman is like? Forget being hunted like some animal by angels but also you, and dozens other women, have to stay in an incredibly abusive relationship with a male of your species JUST to keep said species alive! ALL THAT while most of the world hates and fears you for what you are! So, tell me, is THIS what y'all wanted?" Caleb yelled at him as he remembers the hell that Camilla was put through with those men.
Michael pauses for a moment then sighs, "I understand you being upset. But you must understand why we're so hesitant to reveal the truth without carefully consideration of the consequences. If it's any consolation, it hasn't been easy on us either. The constant pressures to live to the standards your species sees us has been detrimental to our–" Micheal tired to explain only to be stop by Caleb slamming his hand down.
"I could give a flying fuck man about whatever problems you caused for yourselves. If you can't right your wrongs and you're here trying to make yourself feel less guilty then there's no point in you talking anymore.", Caleb interrupts, not caring about the angel's attempts to garnish any sympathy from him.
"I DO want to right these wrongs! I wish to correct all of my ancestor's mistakes!", Michael countered, clenching his fists.
The two men seem to stare at each other for good minute until Drei speaks up
"I think a good place to start would be lifting the curse you placed on the devils? At least then they'd have more options when it came to mates or at least not have to worry about species going extinct.", Drei points out, finishing the last of her food.
"Unfortunately…that simply isn't possible. It took the combined power of multiple lillim's to cast the curse in first place. Even if we had such power, which we don't as there hasn't been a lillim in over a thousand years, we couldn't make a counter to curse since…Azazel was the one who constructed such a curse alone."
"And she's long dead right? Left no trace at all on how to break the curse if needed and it would NEVER be needed. That about right?", Caleb spoke, arms folded.
"Yes and they found that Azazel's room had combust into flames, burning almost everything away. The only things to survive were a partially burned journal of her's and a single flower. The kind the human she protected enjoyed planting."
"So, she ensured that the curse couldn't be easily undone by destroying any notes on it. Are you sure she didn't turn into a fallen angel at some point?" Drei questions.
"What do you think the sacrifice I mentioned earlier was? On top of the lives of all the lillim she offered up her very sanctity as well resulting in her fall from grace. To complete the ritual, she apparently took her own life spilling her tainted blood with the blood of the lillim."
"Ok, so, you can't tell people the truth and you can't undo what you've done to Scarlett and the other's of her species. So what CAN you do? While we're on that WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU HERE? Jesus Christ, just get to the point! I know you didn't come here early in the morning to gimme a damn history lesson!", Caleb demanded, his patience finally at its limit.
Michael was taken aback by his outburst, ignoring his use of the Lord's name in vain, "You're right. I'll just say it, I require…your assistance."
"With?"
"I know there's little that can be done to right our past but the least we can do is find common ground in today's world. ICEP has allowed many races to peacefully coexist and I wish to do that for my people and Devils. I'm aware that you are seen as a positive figure in their group due to your involvement in freeing their people from traffickers."
'Oh for fuck sake.', Caleb sighed internally, tired of yet another person who won't let him forget that night.
"If you can convince them to–"
"I'mma just stop you right there. I don't know who you THINK I am or what my job here is but definitely not to put out the dumpster fire that is y'all's blood feud! I'm not qualified to handle that.", Caleb quickly interjects.
"He's barely qualified to own a gun.", Drei remarks.
"So is 95% of America but it's a goddamn fundamental right to everyone. Besides, you know I hate them.", Caleb attests, not wanting to think about guns right now then looks to Michael, "Anyway, the answer is no. Handle it yourself."
"How can I if only ONE side is making the effort for this to succeed?! I can guide my Angels on my end but I need someone on the Devil's side."
"Saying your side is 'making an effort' might be a stretch." Drei pointed out remembering the battle that nearly broke out between the two.
"So ask some of the staff here! They'll probably help you."
"No, then they'll assume we're using the staff to spy on them. It has to be someone they completely trust. Someone they'd hold greater respect needs to be one. Someone like you, Mr. Bizzell.", Michael assured, rising up from his seat.
"What is your plan here? Hm? We just talk to them, get them together and sing 'We are family' or some bullshit afterwards?"
"No. If history taught us anything, we certainly can't intermingle without conflict following. So, at the very least, we can live apart from each other but still acknowledge and respect each other as equals. This way neither side can oppress or vilify the other while minimizing the chance for violence to occur."
"Ohhhh, ok. So it's like you guys are separate from each other but still equal."
"Correct."
"Yeah, you know, we humans tried that…", Caleb says with a grin before it fades into a serious scowl, "It didn't work so what makes you think it will work for you?"
"It's the only viable option at this point. It has to work. Otherwise…", Michael trails off with a deep expression of regret in his gaze.
"Otherwise, none of you can move forward right?", Caleb finishes his sentence making him look to Caleb with a surprised gaze before sighing, "Why don't you start by ridding the world of those enslavement collars and stop teaching people how to make those things." Caleb bitterly spoke.
"We don't MAKE them anymore, at least most of us don't. Only a handful of congregations still know how to make them. They were only really used to punish Devils and Fallen for their crimes against our people NOT for profit. The angel that assisted those criminals with enslaving a multitude of liminals including devils for money…such beings was never worthy to be among our kin."
"Well, she's dead. Nobody's getting any collars from her any time soon. Still the damage has been done and it's best for everyone to…try and move, create something better for themselves than what was forced on them.", Caleb shrugs in a wistful tone, thinking of Hana and the others and how they're all doing their best to build new lives here.
"That is why I would like to ask for your aid in this. I want that same freedom for my congregation but also to be accepting of their Chaos-Born neighbors. If WE accept them then modern humans may as well."
"That's pretty ambitious", Drei commented.
"Not to mention purely theoretical. You realize 'accepting' is not the same as approving. You're talking about accepting devils the same way we ACCEPT we have to pay taxes. Doesn't mean we approve of their existence.", Caleb stated, before finishing the last of his tea then giving Michael a cold glare, "Also cause clearly you can't see that their ARE humans who already accept devils as part of their lives. I went to my uncle's church the day before yesterday and plenty of christians were actually talking to and welcoming them in service, including my Elder Devil homestay. Sure, not all of them were accepting but that's still a step forward in the right direction. If they can do that, why can't you?" Caleb challenges him.
Micheal doesn't respond to Caleb's question just remaining silent, surprised by what he just told him. He never heard of devils willingly attending a gathering of humans that practice their faith and those humans welcoming them. He thought the humans needed guidance but…were they really changing their perspective on their own?
"So don't involve me in this sham of yours. I'm not another human to be used by you or anyone.", Caleb finished.
Michael pauses again at his statement, then takes a deep breath, "Perhaps this was a bad time. I appreciate your hospitality but I should be leaving now."
"You're welcome. Allow me to escort you out.", Caleb affirms, pushing out his seat then going over to the door as.
"It's a shame you won't even consider doing something much bigger than yourself. Something that could benefit so many hurt by the past.", Michael expressed in disappointment, getting up from the table as Drie stacked hers and Caleb's dishes.
"Well, you know the old saying 'the past is behind us'. Speaking of 'behinds' I ask that you move yours out through this–", Caleb says, throwing the door open, only to meet the startled expression of Scarlett, who he caught with her fist raise mid knock. His eyes immediately widened in shock.
"Oh! H-Hi I–" Scarlett tried to speak only to be interrupted
"AHH!", Caleb yelped, slamming the door behind him before she could get the word out. He facepalms in irritation then curse softly, "Shhhhhit!"
"What? Did you slam your pinky in the door?", Drei asks, stepping up to him.
"Oh, I can heal you if needed", Michael offers, preparing a small yellow magic seal at his fingertip.
"No, it's Scarlett. One of the devils you guys attacked yesterday.", Caleb answered keeping his voice down as Michael gets a look of concern, knowing what would ensue if she and the other devils find him he's here.
"What is she doing here?", Drei asks curiously.
"I don't know. We're neighbors. It could be anything!", Caleb stated trying to remain calm trying to find a way to sneak the Angel man out of his apartment, "Dammit, if she sees this Angel all hell is gonna break loose!"
"The irony.", Drei remarks.
"Not to worry, I have just the thing. It's been quite some time since I've used this.", Micheal assured, conjuring a golden magic seal that immediately condensed into a hard, cylindrical wand, "If it's not a bother, may I gather a medium amount of water."
"What the hell do you… fuck it whatever, sure! Hang on a sec.", Caleb replies before rushing over and picking up Drei, startling her a bit.
"Hey! What are you doing? Put me down!"
"Distract her, please, just for a couple minutes? I promise I'll make it up to you later.", Caleb pleaded with the short weasel before placing her in front of the door then opening it to see Scarlett still standing there just about to turn and leave, "Hey Scarlett, Drei wants to talk to you real quick, be right back!", He quick says scooting Drei in front of the red haired Devil then closing the door before Scarlett could get a word in.
Drei and Scarlett stare at each other awkwardly for a second, the latter very confused at what was happening.
"So…you a natural redhead?", Drei attempts small talk as Scarlett raises an eyebrow.
Inside Caleb shakes his head in frustration before noticing a strange sight. The Angel man could be seen softly singing what sounded like a hymn as he traced a door-like shape with the wand. Water from a bowl levitates in mid-air based on the patterns he waved the wand and radiated with golden white aura. The water, now purified into holy water, forms into the shape of a rounded, pristine golden door similar to ones used in chapels but smaller. The entire structure rippled with golden energy before the opens for him revealing bright, warming light.
"What…in the hell?", Caleb utters gazing at the strange doorway.
"Heaven's Door, a technique I created myself. I'll be taking my leave back to my congregation now.", Michael replies before stepping one foot into the rippling doorway then looks back at Caleb, " I do hope you take time to reconsider my request. You and your friend, have a blessed rest of your day.", he says before stepping through the doorway prompting it to immediately evaporate in a golden mist as Caleb waves his hands fanning it away.
Caleb sighs, glad the angel was gone, and was about to go check on Drei but notices the several white feathers on the floor near the table and quickly picks them all up tossing the clump in the trash. He then teleports to the door and opens it.
"And that's why they should abolish medical insurance and all providers should be put to death", Drei casually spoke, coming out of a mini-lecture as Scarlett stared at the weasel girl in profound confusion trying to process everything she just heard.
"Ok, Drei, I think you said enough. Thanks."
"Finally.", Drei rolls her eyes then walks past him back inside.
"Sorry about that. So uh, what's up? Having a good morning? You look like you're to the gym or something?", Caleb asks, noticing she was wearing a pair of red jogging pants matching a sweat jacket with white tank top underneath along with a pair of sneakers.
"Wha…you're asking ME? What's up with you?! I get back from my morning jog my stupid therapist suggests then when I come home to rest I hear shouting from your apartment! I was just coming over to see if you're ok and I find you acting like a lunatic slamming the door on me and you're little weasel guard wanting to overthrow the American healthcare system. So no, i'm NOT having a good morning.", Scarlett vents, clearly frustrated by their behavior.
"To be fair it's days are already numbered with all different ways of healing going around nowadays that are actually reasonable to use." Drei added
"Thank you, Drei!"
"I'm just sayin'", She shrugs grumbling a little.
"Do you have a guest or something? I heard another voice in their. Actually, it sounded kinda familiar.", Scarlett asks.
Caleb internally curses a little, remembering those sharp ears devils possess. He was at a point where he REALLY had to be careful what he said with Camilla in the house but he got careless this time around.
"Oh, that was…my bluetooth speaker. I had it on real loud talking to someone. I hear him a lot clearer on the speaker since he's outta state right now.", Caleb lied as Scarlett looked at him skeptically.
"Are you serious? Do you think I was born yesterday or something? Tell me the truth! I know something's going on!", Scarlett demanded.
"You're right, i'm sorry. Sorry, Scarlett, it's been…an interesting and stressful couple days. Guess my brain's still trying to catch up to everything. I'm just not all together right now", Caleb apologizes sincerely, technically not lying, looking at the red haired devil.
Scarlett pauses at him before her expression gradually softens then sighs, "Listen…if yesterday is still bothering you just know that rarely ever happens around here. You don't have to be fearing for your life over those angels and their bullshit ESPECIALLY here. Only a fool or one seeking death would come here after yesterday."
"Yeah, a real dumbass.", Caleb affirms.
"Still…what you did yesterday was just as foolish. What were you thinking? And don't say 'you don't know'. Nobody would just throw their life in the meat grinder for no reason! So tell me!", Scarlett stated, stepping close to him with a skeptical gaze.
"I…I just didn't want to see you get hurt. I wish I could give you a better answer but the truth is…I…couldn't just sit still while you and the others throw your lives away over a grudge. You guys are…", Caleb honestly, looking away embarrassed, "...important to me.", he answered though he meant it in a more 'you're the only people besides Drei I know here' kind of way.
Scarlett's eyes widened as she felt her heart skip a beat, sensing he meant every word. She fought against a rising blush in her cheeks then looked away from him.
"S-Still, it's not like I needed your help. I can handle myself fine. Besides, I got enough shit yesterday from the I.A. officers. That won't be happening again any time soon."
"Good. I mean not just for you but Joceyln and the others too."
"Right.", Scarlett responds, glancing away, hiding her flushed cheeks, "Ok, so, i'll leave you whatever you have going on."
"Ok. I appreciate you checking on us. Sorry if we made you worried."
"I-I wasn't worried about you! If I didn't check the others would give me shit for it if they found out I left their little hero in possible trouble, I wouldn't hear the end of it. You're important to them too. Frankly, I'm already sick of it being brought up what you did.", Scarlett replied, turning away from him in annoyance.
"You're not the only one, believe me.", Caleb wholeheartedly agreed, arms folded then gives her a small grin, "Thank you."
Scarlett cheeks flush then turns and walks away, "W-Whatever, just…keep it down over here. You live in a complex, have some courtesy!"
"R-Right o–", Caleb got out before her door closed on HIM mid sentence, "kay, yeah."
Caleb shuts his door, locks it, then teleports over to the couch and plops down. He sighs heavily and leans his back against the soft cushion, "Goddamn, that was a pain. What time is it anyway?"
"8:27 a.m", Drei answers.
"What?! It's only been an hour–no no that CAN'T be right!"
"I can show you the clock if you doubt my eyes."
"Nooo, i'm fine, just ready for this day to be over.", Caleb lethargically sighed.
"You don't have to be at the greenhouse until ten. You've got time to vent some frustration."
"Yeah, guess you're right. Fuck. Screw that angelic jackass. What does he think my job is here, huh? To undo three millennia of hatred and misinformation between two primordial species all because I 'saved' a few devils from Russian gangsters? That CANNOT POSSIBLY fall to me!", Caleb vented even more, already feeling tired again despite having initially woken up feeling refreshed. He sighs morosely massaging his forehead as Drei goes to his side.
"It doesn't. You already know why you're here so no need to take on any more burdens. Besides, you told him 'no'. I say leave it at that.", Drei assured.
"...Yeah, guess you're right…"
"We're both right. Now get your head in the game, you've got work to do and I've got materials to gather."
"Not even gonna try to hide your motives huh?"
"Honesty is next to efficiency. These hands were made to craft remedies. Also, to do this.", Drei emphasized, showing both palms of her hands to him then slapping him on the cheek.
"Ow! What the–"
"That…is for making me engage in small talk with a stranger early in the morning.", Drei says in a displeased tone and slight glare.
"But you KNOW her.", Caleb attests, confused.
"Knowing her name is not knowing her.", Drei replies before turning away, "I'm gonna go get my instruments ready."
Caleb watches her leave, shaking his head in slight disbelief before taking out his phone to relax with a few YouTube updates. He thought of Drei's words then look ahead pensively.
'I really don't know her, do I? Come to think of it, I barely know much about Jocelyn and the others. Yet they seem to all really trust me. Do I trust them?'
Michael's words play in his mind. Recalling the awful things devils did along with the angels.
Caleb shakes his head, 'No, no no! Ignore that, it's not my place to judge. Besides, we humans ain't no better. Gonna let history stay history. It's the only way to move forward.'
…Elsewhere…
On the other side of the facility, the was large large white cathedral, formerly a housing complex until it was repurposed and remodeled into an adequate environment for angelic liminal species. There was a courtyard with several statues of biblical angels from seraphim to thrones to archangels where short angels with small wings(Cherubim) dressed in white nun robe were gathered in the center for morning prayer. A small vineyard was being attended to by a few male angels who chatted as they diligently gathered the red grapes to turn into wine for communion; it also happened to be a convenient excuse to have alcohol in the facility.
A golden doorway opens up near the entrance of the cathedral. Michael steps out of looking around curiously, swearing he meant to go to his chambers on the OTHER SIDE of the cathedral. He overshot it a bit.
"My word it has been a while since I used this holy art.", He says, recalling the gold rod into his hand.
"Blessed morning to you, lord Michael.", One of the cherubim nun females graciously bowed to him with a smile. Unlike the others, her robes were black with golden highlights to symbolize her status as an abbess.
"Blessed morning to you as well, Mother Reesa. How are you feeling today?"
"Better now. My leg isn't as sore anymore. Thank you for the assistance yesterday. That fall would've been much nastier if not for those fast hands of yours.", She chuckled.
"Yes, but perhaps leave changing the bulbs in the cathedral to my congregation."
"Hehe, I suppose I should.", She sheepishly runs her head.
"Michael! There you are!"
Reesa tenses slightly as she and Michael look to see Baliel, his second in command, storming down the hall of the cathedral with a stern expression.
"Where have you been? I didn't find you in your chamber this morning.", Baliel demanded stepping up to the archangel.
"I-I'll be going…n-now, apologies.", Reesa hurries away from the two men and back to the other nun cherubim.
"I was simply doing my morning rounds.", Michael answers calmly.
"You're rounds have been taking longer than usual lately. Is there perhaps something distracting you?", Baliel questions, examining Michael's expression seeing how he reacts.
"Now what do you think could possibly have been aggrandizing me so, Baliel?"
"I don't know, perhaps a certain human that arrived here stirring up trouble with a filthy devil friends and attacking my niece. Then you would interrupt me getting justice for such horrendous crimes.", Baliel accused, clearly displeased.
"We've discussed this already. This facility is NOT your battleground. Nor are the young are to be exposed to such. Speaking of, how they doing?", Michael chastised while changing the subject.
Baliel gives a skeptical look before turning away, "Hmph, adequate. Most of them are already in the breakfast hall."
"Most?", Michael looks to him questioningly.
"Why yes. We have members that needed to be disciplined for their actions yesterday."
Michael stops in his track looking to him skeptically, "What do you mean disciplined?"
"Come with me."
Baliel leads him to a small dimly lit room in the far back of the cathedral that normally would be used by humans as a confession booth. However, for angels it was for more disciplinary needs.
"Again!", a feminine order with a commanding tone, prompting shrill cries accompanied by flickering yellow energy to alight the room.
Michael hastens his step and peers through a small opening at the top of the door. His eyes widened at seeing both female angels from yesterday's incident, Helga and Ophelia, restrained to wooden chairs by glowing yellow mana chains. They were positioned in an upright posture to make the experience more uncomfortable.
"W-W-Whoever makes a practice of sinning if of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. T-The reason we daughters and sons of God appeared was to DESTROY the devil and their work!", Ophelia and Helga stuttered, fearfully the passage from John, their mouths dry and bodies aching.
Standing before them was a tall Valkyrie woman clad in heavenly blue plate armor with gold trimmings befitting the vanguard of the angel army. She had an imposing yet voluptuous figure and wore white silken blouse and shorts underneath her metal armor, showing a delicate but nobel character. Her whitish silver wings were split into four segments and her long, golden hair, piercing sky blue eyes that cut through the dark like a knife radiated the eloquence of the heavens. Despite that, her fierce demeanor is closer to that of a hardened soldier torturing information out of an enemy.
Both angels trembled and whimpered at the pain they were receiving.
"Enough! Nepheli! What is the meaning of this?!", Michael demanded, throwing the door open, surprising the Valkyrie.
"Oh, Lord Michael, a blessed morning to you. Thou appears to be in high spirits.", The Valkyries, named Nepheli replies warmly then looks to the two bruised and whimpering angels, "As thou can see, I am administering re-education as recourse for their unruly actions; as requested by master Baliel. They are to repeat the gospel of John 500 times in succession without a single word while enduring the 'lightning of judgment'. AGAIN!", Nepheli then barks at the two angels making them flinch, then clenching her fist causing the chains to glow brightly and send golden lightning surging through their bodies prompting disjointed cries of pain from the girls.
Michael looks on in shock as the girls begin weakly reciting the same verse from the bible. He then looks to Baliel in disbelief.
"Stop! This is enough! Release them at onc–"
"What do you think you're doing? Can't you see this is necessary if we are to remain in control?", Baliel stops him, stepping up to meet Michael's gaze, "These two made an embarrassment of the congregation. They couldn't even defeat two lousy devils without the HUMANS needing to step in! I know your young, Michael, this is only your first time being leader of a congregation given your blood. However, you must understand that we cannot allow those wretched devils to think we angels are becoming soft. This is just my way of reminding our members who we are and what our purpose is. Besides, she is my niece, it's only fitting that I choose her punishment.", he finishes with a prideful grin.
"Still…this is too far! We're not warriors anymore."
"As long as devils draw breath within a hundred cubits of us we will ALWAYS be warriors of God!", Baliel contested.
"Not while we're here. These are not our lands.", Michael says, locking eyes with Baliel, not backing down.
Baliel glares back a moment then looks to Nepheli, "Nepheli, what is their progress?"
"311 for Helga and 489 for Ophelia, master. Thy niece has admirable fortitude. I dare say she would make a fine maiden.", The Valkyrie bowed, praising the young angel.
"That will do. Escort them both to their chambers."
"Understood.", Nepheli graciously bowed, snapping her fingers causing the chain links to break and dissipate away in a shower of sparkles. Both girls fall out of their chair to the hardwood floors unable to move from exhaustion to Nepheli surprise, "Ah, sorry."
Michael was about to go to their aid before another female came out of hiding and rushed past him, to his surprise. It was Enocha, Ophelia's younger sister, who had been awaiting the chance to help her sister, enduring her cries of pain throughout the night, evident by the bags under her eyes.
"Sister! Helga!", Enocha cried out, scooping her sister into her lap, small tears in her eyes. She then feels a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, we'll look after her.", Michael assured with a smile.
"I will take this one to her chamber, lord Michael, if you would permit it.", Nepheli offered, gently taking the nearly unconscious Helga in her arms like a child.
Michael looks to her inquisitively, knowing it was typical of her kind to obey the orders of the high ranking angels. He knew she was genuinely concerned for them but was aware she was the one who put them in a state under orders, "You're permitted."
Watching the exchange, Baliel looks at them with a contemplative gesture then turns away with a huff.
"Where are you going, Baliel?", Michael asks in a commanding tone as Nepheli looks to him curiously.
"To join the others for breakfast then begin their morning worship so no more 'corrections' need to be done."
As he walks away, Michael clenches his fist in frustration and Enocha glares at her uncle intently.
"Come, Lord Michael, let's tend to these two for now.", Nepheli spoke
"Right. Let us not be idle.", Michael agreed, scooping Ophelia up bridal-style and carrying her to her room with Enocha right beside him.
…Meanwhile…
Next door, Scarlett could be seen in her bedroom undressing out of her workout clothes for a shower. She stood before a large body mirror attached to the wall beside her dresser.
She strips herself down to her underwear, consisting of black lace bra and panties. Her entire body, covered in a cold sweat, trembled and her breathing labored as she stood in front of the mirror. She hated going through this every time she needed to shower.
'Haahh ok, breathe…breathe…my body is mine, no one else's. My body is mine, no one else's…', She repeated in her head the exercises her therapist suggested. Her hands tremble as she reaches in front to unhook her bra. Her heart races, seeing her reflection in the mirror, chest heaving as she unfastens the first hook to remove the fabric, exposing Double D sized gifts of nature.
Suddenly, she gets a flash of a memory of Fat Bastard(Bill) groping and licking at her breasts. The feeling of his course, sickening tongue against her skin made her nerves crawl like bugs trying to bury their way through her body. She could see his face in the mirror, smiling in satisfaction while strangling her neck.
'Not high and mighty now, are you bitch? You devils are somethin' else!', his voice echoes in her head as the sight and feeling of him on top of her fills her head. The overwhelming feeling of powerlessness as he pins her down and yanks her hair along with her screams of pain echo in her mind.
"Raghhhh!", Scarlett shrieks, turning away from the mirror, unable to look at herself anymore. She hugs her shoulders tightly, taking a moment to control her breathing a little, feeling disappointed in herself.
How long has it been since she's seen her own reflection for more than a few seconds without turning away in disgust? How many times has she tried telling herself what her therapist assures her? 'It's not her fault'. The more she said though, the less she began to believe it. She had been stronger…if she hadn't been so stupid…if she hadn't let…HIM into her life!
A cracking sound jolts her from her thoughts and she sees a crack formed in the large mirror, then notices her entire body radiating red aura and spark of reddish-black energy rippling from around her. She takes a deep breath, clears her mind, and exhales out her anxiety letting her mana output settle down. She takes look at the mirror with three large cracks propagating along three edges.
She shakes her head and bitterly chuckles, "Heh, guess that's seven years of bad luck for me, huh? Oh well, not like it's any different from now.", she utters, forcing a smirk as her voice crack near the end.
Scarlett forms a green magic seal in her palm, pointing it at the damaged mirror causing it to glow with green energy. The crack in the mirror quickly began repairing as she sighed in relief. Last thing she wanted from I.A. housing inspectors complaining about her not taking care of the furniture they 'graciously' provided. She honestly hated how nothing in here, not even the clothes she's wearing, was truly hers but given to her by humans.
That is, except for one thing.
She opens the dresser drawer, moving some of her clothes out of the way to reveal an old looking but well-carved dark brown wooden box about the size of a regular jewelry box. The outside was marked with ancient mystic symbols on the top, bottom, and sides. Apparently, it was the former language of the first Chaos-Born. A language very rarely spoken by few in not ANY devils at all nowadays. There were no devils left alive after the angel wars to teach it so it eventually was lost to time. However, the gifter of this box…her mother, appeared to know the language enough to craft it. Scarlett thought it was lost to her, along with everything else when her host sold her life away but…somehow ICEP found it and returned it to her.
Scarlett picks up the box staring at it intently. She tries to lift the top open only for a familiar greenish-black seal to appear where a regular lock would be. She sighs, figuring that would be the result. It was always the result. So many times she's tried to open it and every time she failed. The seal protecting it was very powerful, not even the strongest mana spell could open or even put a scratch on the box. A seal this powerful must have required an unimaginable amount of energy to construct. What was inside that her mother was protecting?
"Haa, someday…just not today.", Scarlett says to herself, placing the box back in it's spot with a little smile. Even if she had no idea what was inside, it had to be worth protecting until she was finally ready. That alone gave her comfort…when she needs it most. She had someone who cared deeply for her.
At that moment, her mind went to her conversation with Caleb earlier and his actions from yesterday.
'You guys are…important to me.'
Those words echoed in her head making her chest tighten the more she thought of him. Her body grew warm and her heart palpitates, much to her frustration.
'Dammit, why am I doing this to myself? What is with him anyway?', She complained internally with a scowl and blushing red cheeks before softening slightly, knowing that he was next door to her and didn't want to make too much noise. What if he got worried and came to check on her? What if he wanted to look after her for a while?, 'I…guess I wouldn't mind it.'
Scarlett shakes her head trying to drive out those thoughts before quickly stripping off her underwear in a fit of frustration. She rushes into the bathroom shower, throwing the water on letting the cold water wash down her hair and naked form, cooling her hot body and clearing her thoughts.
"Come on. Keep it together. You're…going to be ok.", She told her moving her glistening red hair from her face, letting the running water pour down her back and wings. All the while, oblivious to more strands of her hair instantly changing a bright snow white.
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SUP FAM! How's everyone doing today? Hope everyone is holding well considering…EVERYTHING right now. I'm still holding up had a few frustrations, hiccups, mistakes, and accidents this week but I'm still kicking. This
world can't tear me down(God I love that show).
Hope you all enjoyed and I'd LOVE to here your honest feedback about how things are progressing in the story. As always I'm open to alllll criticism(even the ones about my weight).
For those wondering, the Valkyrie is based of Nepheli loux, my favorite waifu in Elden Ring. Y'all can keep you Rannis and Melinas and soft voiced necrophiles I'm happy with my tan warrior queen!
Anyway, appreciate y'all, stay safe, hug your parents, drink water, show BOTH Nephilis some love and I will see y'all in the next one. Peace Fam!