ETERNITY

by FireFenix05

This story takes place after season 2. Be ready for a fast-paced adventure, hurtful reunions and yet another adventure which our favorite angel and demon delve into. Crowley and Aziraphale have to work together to figure what The Metatron's evil plan, which revolves around a certain, vey special young girl, is and stop him whilst navigating their impossible emotional labyrinth.

9. Chapter 9 - Nerves of Steel

GOOD OMENS 3

FireFenix

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 – Nerves of steel

The door closed with a loud slam, making both Eleyn and Muriel give a little jump. Their attention was immediately diverted to Aziraphale, stood in the middle of the kitchenette, right where Crowley had left him. His fingers were curled into fists and his lips were trembling; the sorrow and regret which possessed him were palpable. He stared straight ahead into nothingness, his entire willpower concentrated in not letting himself cry. The scrivener and the young girl looked at each other, eyes still half-closed in drowsiness; and, before Muriel could finish asking Aziraphale whether he was alright, the angel had hastily gone into the bedroom, slowly but decisively closing the door. After deciding it was too early for couples therapy, Messiah and cherub slumped themselves on the couch, falling asleep almost instantly.

Then, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and boiling tea drifted through the air, awaking Eleyn again. She opened her eyes slowly, the early sunlight coming through the window making her squint. She sprawled her limbs in a stretch, yawning, and immediately turned her head towards the source of the wonderful aromas: the kitchenette. Muriel was already there, sipping from a porcelain cup. Crowley and Aziraphale, to her astonishment, were also there. The first had a a large cup in one of his hands and was pouring the newly-brewed coffee into another, smaller one. The other held a mug full of cocoa between his hands. He was about to take a sip when he spotted Eleyn's open eyes.

- Ah, welcome back, dear girl - he smiled, the redness of his eyes suggesting he'd been crying - Did you sleep well? -

- Morning - Eleyn groggily replied, sleepily dragging herself over to them - I suppose...what time is it? - she asked, seeing that the sun hadn't fully come out yet.

- Quarter to seven. ish. - Crowley spun around, handing Eleyn the coffee he'd just poured - Here, recharge. You're gonna need it -

- I am, thank you - she snatched the cup from his hands and took a sip, leaning on the counter next to Muriel. The delicious liquid invaded her mouth, sending a chill of pleasure down her spine - Jesus, that's good coffee - she said after swallowing.

- You are aware that he's your brother, right? - Muriel casually asked, her voice still slightly drowsy.

- Hm? - Eleyn looked at the cherub, eyebrows knitted in confusion, her brain still not awake enough to process the question.

- Jesus, I mean - she yawned - He's the son of God, and you're the daughter of God; which makes him your older brother -

- Oh, yeah, that's right... - she muttered, absentmindedly looking around as she tried to assimilate it - Hadn't thought about that. It's weird... - her eyebrows went down once again - God, that's weird -

- That's your mother - Muriel pointed out, leaning her head towards Eleyn

- Right - she pointed at Muriel, then took a deep breath and gave her coffee a good slurp - ... that's still weird -

- Haven't got your mind around it yet? - the cherub nudged her, smiling sweetly.

- No, no, I've assimilated She's my mother - Eleyn scratched her head - But I still can't get round the fact that She's a She -

Muriel shrugged her shoulders, wondering what it was that made humans think of God as a man in the first place. She was about to ask, her curiosity ticking, when Crowley began to talk.

- Okay, so here's the plan... - he had begun to say.

- Sorry, plan? - Aziraphale interjected - What plan?-

- God's great ineffable plan - Crowley said with a tone of mock - What the hell do you think?! My plan! So...-

- I haven't heard of any plan - the angel firmly stated, tugging at the ends of his waistcoat.

- If you shut up and listen, perhaps you will - the demon hissed - Or do all matters need to pass by you first, your majesty? -

- Oh, stop it - Aziraphale spat, his annoyance at the mocks beginning to show.

- Can I explain my plan or are you going to interrupt me again? - he asked nonchalantly, eyebrows shooting upwards.

- Please, enlighten us - the angel rolled his eyes.

- Thank you - he said, then turned to the other two - Now, our next move is to find the man Mr. Scott gave the book to; Mr. Mac...something, doesn't matter what his name is, and... -

- MacLeod - Aziraphale interjected, reading the piece of paper Mr. Scott had given them out loud, his spectacles perched on his nose.

- And then - Crowley continued with a growl, throwing him a glance under the dark glasses - We ask him about the book. Gently. We don't want to scare him, we want him to cooperate -

- We can just make up an excuse, like we did with Mr. Scott, and ask him to show us the book - Eleyn suggested - Right? -

- That's it - the demon sniffed - We'll tell him we're collectors or something; that seemed to do the trick last time -

- Okay, tell me this - said Aziraphale, taking off his spectacles and stuffing them in a pocket - We find the book, then what? - he challenged.

- We figure out what the hell Metatron is doing and stop him in his tracks - he confidently stated, matching the angel's defiance.

- And how does the great plan-maker propose we do that, hm? - he raised an eyebrow and stared at Crowley, waiting for an answer.

- Well... - he hesitated - well, that's a then problem, not a now problem. Right now, I'm focusing on the now problems -

- So your great plan is to make everything up as we go along? - Aziraphale stabbed, nodding his head - Marvelous. What could possibly go wrong?- he sardonically said.

- Alright - Crowley turned to him, and their eyes met - Do you want to be thrown out the fucking window?! -

- I'd rather not - the angel puffed his chest - And I do have wings, in case that was supposed to be a threat -

- Yeah?! - the demon scoffed - Well, let's find out how well you can fly with your wings up your... !-

- Hey! - Muriel clapped loudly, making them fall silent - Can we please focus? Gospel of John, Metatron, end of the world? -

- Come on - Crowley snarled - Everyone in the car. We're going to go find MacWhateveritis - he glanced at Aziraphale - Unless, of course, you have a better idea? - he teased.

- I suppose I don't - Aziraphale said between gritted teeth.

- Right then - he nodded, then turned on his heel and started towards the door - Allons-y! -

---

Ooh, you make me live
Whenever this world is cruel to me
I got you to help me forgive
Ooh, you make me live now, honey
Ooh, you make me live

Freddie Mercury's sharp vocals continued to echo through the Bentley even after Crowley had killed its engine. Muriel and Eleyn, sat in the back, let out a sigh of relief when the demon pulled up, having arrived at their destination. The previous half an hour had seen an uninterrupted back and forth of mocks and stabs between the demon and the angel and the Bentley, heartbroken - or, more specifically, engine-broken - that the two beings which had shared such joyful moments inside of it were now unable to speak to one another nicely, had resolved to play Queen's "You're my best friend" as a desperate attempt to make them remember how things used to be. But it had been no use. Even Muriel and Eleyn, when they had boarded the Bentley at the hotel thirty minutes before, had noticed the car's disenheartenedness. Its headlights shimmered faintly and almost purposelessly; and its usually magnificent, shiny black hood looked slightly dusty and not well-kept. Its wheels, which had of course never run out of air thanks to Crowley's devilish touch, were slightly deflated, making the front of the car tilt down like any human would tilt their head in a moment of sorrow.

When its engine had died out, Eleyn discreetly patted the door in an attempt to comfort it; still slightly concerned that she was comforting a car, though the idea was slowly beginning to seem normal in her head. In the front of the vehicle, meanwhile, Crowley looked up at the house in front of which he'd pulled up. It was a modest dusty-red brick house, nothing too special, just outside the center of Edinburgh.

You know I'll never be lonely
You're my only one

- I reckon you got us lost - he growled at the angel.

- No, I haven't - the angel straightened his posture to remark the point - 13 Craigleith Hill Avenue . I think I know how to read, thank you -

- Apologies - the demon responded in a mocking tone, raising his hands.

Oh
Oh, you're my best friend

Aziraphale shot Crowley a look before pushing the Bentley's door open. Eleyn and Muriel followed suit, eager to breathe in the fresh air and rest their ears from the endless bantering. The demon retrieved the keys from their socket and, when the song had finished and the car let him, he flipped off the radio and got out, slamming the door.

Ooh, you make me live
Ooh, you're my best friend

- Really, Crowley, must you always have that playing ? - Aziraphale lamented, a hint of disgust in his voice.

- Have what playing? - the demon's eyebrows went down in confusion.

- That... - he gestured towards the car - That Be Bop singing...dolt -

- Okay - Crowley hissed, pointing an accusatory finger at Aziraphale - One more word of disrespect towards Freddie Mercury and it's your head going in the fucking Blaupunkt next, got it?! -

- I'm just saying...- Aziraphale scoffed - You could play something decent every now and then -

- Oh, yeah?! - Crowley walked around the car and to its front, standing face to face with the angel - You want to play this game, Angel?! Fine, let's play! - he hissed - Jane Austen is a mediocre author! At best !-

- How dare you?! - the angel gasped, hand clutched to his chest.

- Stings, doesn't it?! - the demon growled, taking a step forwards - And I'll tell you more! Pride and Prejudice?! - his eyebrows shot upwards to remark the point - The movie is so much better! -

- You... - Aziraphale's mouth opened in disbelief - You take that back! You take that back right this moment! -

- Nope -

- You can't compare the absolute marvel that is Jane Austen's literary work with some... - he hesitated, trying to find the right words - ...some stupid Bebop song which...! -

- Call Queen Be Bop one more time, see what happens! - Crowley threateningly hissed, closing in on the angel, who didn't move an inch.

- And what if I did?! - Aziraphale challenged.

- You want to find out?! Go on, say it again! - the other challenged back.

- You think I'm scared of you?! - the angel spat, raising an eyebrow.

- You fucking will be if the term Be Bop comes out your mouth one more goddamn time! - his and Aziraphale's faces got closer.

- Oh, don't tempt me - their noses practically brushed against one another.

- Maybe I will! -

- Maybe you should! -

Just as Crowley was about to spit something back at the angel, the Bentley's extremely-loud horn blasted though the air, almost sending both of them into cardiac arrest. When the car was sure it had gotten their attention, it very slowly rolled forward, pushing Crowley towards Aziraphale, as though trying to force them closer together. The angel took a step back and the demon spun around, furious.

- WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?! - he scolded the Bentley - GO BACK TO WERE YOU WERE! NOW! -

- Oh, don't be so harsh on it! - the angel reproached him.

- Shut up! - Crowley hissed.

The Bentley sadly rolled back to where it had been parked, letting out some air out its wheels in what could only be described as an exasperated sigh. Before they began to argue again, Muriel had been able to make them start towards the house's front door, pleading them to focus on the mission at hand. Eleyn stayed behind for half a second to once again comfort the desperate car. She didn't care that it was a car anymore; she was sorry for it.

- Thanks for trying, love - she whispered at it - I know you just want to help. They'll come around, I promise -

The lights flashed on and off in gratitude, and Eleyn followed the group up the lawn after smiling sweetly at the Bentley one last time. When they arrived at the doorstep, Aziraphale began to insist that he should be the one to talk to Mr. MacLeod; whilst Crowley mocked him for assuming he was in charge. When yet another argument between the two was about to break, Muriel stepped in.

- Please, enough - she said, signaling for them to stop - I'll do the talking, okay ? - the cherub gingerly rang the doorbell, without even waiting for a response.

A few seconds went by and, when the door opened, the figure of a young boy appeared behind it, peering at the unexpected visitors. He couldn't have been older than six; and his short, blonde, mousy hair and light-blue eyes only enhanced his innocent, boyish appearance. His little gaze scanned the four of them through the crack of the door. First he quickly scanned Muriel and Eleyn, then Aziraphale and finally Crowley. The child's gaze lingered on the demon, and he eyed him up and down. Crowley rolled his eyes, convinced that his appearance and demeanor would irrationally scare the kid, but then, much to his surprise, the boy shot him an ear-to-ear smile. The demon's pupils dilated in absolute tenderness, though he regained his composure moments after; before anyone could notice. Smiling sweetly at the boy, Muriel crouched down as he opened the door a little wider.

- Hello there, sweetheart - she chimed - And who are you? -

- 'm Archie - the boy replied in a childish, adorable voice - And whos you? - he tilted his head.

- I'm Muriel - she signaled at herself, then at the other three - And these are my friends; Azira, Crowley, and Eleyn -

- Mu..iel - he repeated the name. Then he pointed at Crowley - Cowwey! - he laughed. The demon felt a chill.

- That's right, Archie! - Muriel smiled at him even wider, his cuteness making her heart flutter - Tell me, does a Mr. MacLeod live in this house? -

- Yeah, my daddy! - the boy chimed - But I fink he can't come now... -

- You see, Archie, it's a bit of an emergency - the cherub softly insisted - Could you please go and say that to daddy? -

- Okay! - he said, then disappeared behind the door at a run, shouting "Daddy" at the top of his lungs.

When the boy was out of sight, Eleyn nudged the demon, unable to help herself, and smiled at him.

- You didn't tell me you were so good with children! - she bickered.

- I don't get it - Crowley growled -I'm a scary, threatening demon; the kid should be shaking! -

- Ha! - Aziraphale chuckled - Don't make me laugh! I've met Golden Retriever puppies more scary and threatening than you, Crowley... - Muriel and Eleyn couldn't help a small laugh.

- Golden Retriever puppies?! - the demon reiterated in a hiss - You had to go and be that specific?! -

- Hush! - Eleyn shushed them - He's coming -

The door opened wide, and out of it rolled a gentleman sat on a wheelchair, elegantly dressed head-to-toe except for the black bow-tie, which hung unmade around his neck. Archie appeared behind him, shyly clinging on to one of the chair's metal bars. The father brought the chair to a halt, eyeing the group.

- Ah - said Muriel, smiling as always - Hello! Are you...? -

- Alister MacLeod, in the flesh - he said with a light Scottish accent - Now lads, listen, whatever it is you're selling, I'm not buying - he fumbled with the bow-tie - I'm in an awful hurry; so you can go along and... -

- You're in a rush at seven and a half in the morning? - Crowley mused, surprised - What a life! I could never... -

- Well, the bloody auction isn't going to set itself up, son! - Mr. MacLeod growled, slightly annoyed.

- Auction! - Aziraphale exclaimed, taking a step forward - That, good sir, is precisely what we came to speak to you about. Tonight's auction, yes! -

- Please don't tell me there's been another problem with the evening's program... - the gentleman sounded exasperated.

- Oh no, not at all - chimed the angel - the program is absolutely tip-top perfect! - McLeod let out as sigh of relief - No, you see, we came here to ask about one of the items you'll be auctioning tonight -

- Oh? - he raised an eyebrow.

- As we understand it, you possess a very rare manuscript; the original Gospel of John - Muriel gently approached the subject - Is this true? -

- That's right - he nodded - Some bloke just gave it away to me; he seemed awfully desperate to lose sight of the thing, the poor lad -

- Has anybody read it since then? - the scrivener hurriedly asked, suddenly remembering Thomas' pain-contorted face. She let out a sigh of relief when he shook his head.

- We need to see it, Mr. MacLeod. Immediately - Crowley said, pressing the matter forward.

- 'm afraid not, lad. Everything's already set up and running for tonight. The book is already at the National Gallery, all packed up and waiting -

- Can't you take it out of the auction or something? We need it desperately! - the demon insisted.

- The hell I will! - Mr. MacLeod spat - Listen, the event is for charity. Every last penny will go to different organizations around the globe; and that bloody thing will give us thousands of pounds. I can't take it out; forget it! -

- Oh, how very kind of you - Aziraphale couldn't help saying, placing his hand on his heart. MacLeod nodded proudly.

- But... - Eleyn was about to protest - We just need to see it; after you can have it straight ba... -

- No! - the man reiterated - Look, if you want the book, you'll have to place the highest bid tonight, 'aright? -

- Fair enough - Crowley sighed - Eh, will we need to bring a physical invitation, or...? -

- To show at the door, yes - he was finally able to do his bow-tie as he spoke -Just a formality; don't want anyone who isn't on the guest list getting in, do we? -

- No, yeah - the demon mumbled - 'course not, no. That would be terrible -

- In that case, Mr. MacLeod, we will be on our way. So very sorry to bother you - Aziraphale said, ever the image of politeness - Have a nice day -

- I'll be looking out for your bids tonight! Good day! - he saluted them, then rolled back inside the house, addressing little Archie before he disappeared - Could you please close the door for daddy? - he asked. The boy nodded fervently, as if though it were an honor.

- Goodbye, sunshine! - Muriel bid the kid goodbye, and Eleyn waved at him with a tender smile. He waved back.

The four of them had turned on their heel and started towards the car when, seconds after, Archie's voice came ringing through the air once again, making the demon freeze on the spot.

- Buh-bye Mr. Cowwey! - he called out, waving his little hand.

- Uh, yes - Crowley did a half-turn, not daring to look the child in the eyes, trying to keep up the rough act - See you, Archie. Ciao - the kid laughed and closed the door with a soft click.

- Aww, that's adorable - Eleyn said, clutching the demon's arm - He really likes you -

- Shut up - he growled, going pink in the face, his soft side showing - He doesn't like me! I'm... - he stuttered - ...I'm very menacing...and frightening...and...and... -

- And blushing - the daughter of God pointed out, making him fall silent.

- I am not! - Crowley hissed, going even redder.

Not even Aziraphale, at that point, could resist a silent laugh as he slipped into the car. The angel might have been angry with Crowley; but he couldn't deny the fact that the demon was quite adorable when flustered.

---

Shax hesitated when she placed a hand on the large, scorching iron doors before her; just as she was about to push them open. There were, after all, only two reasons for anyone to be summoned by Satan himself: He either needed something done urgently or wanted you obliterated. Statistically speaking, the latter was the most probable. However, the Grand Duchess of Hell only had a second of doubt before pushing with all her body weight, burning her palm against the boiling metal as the heavy doors finally opened. She stepped inside her Master's office – well, it could hardly be called an office; it was more like a dark cave than anything else; with a stone throne in the middle of it – and the doors closed shut behind her. Roaring open fires began to burn, lighting the room just enough for Shax to make out the face of the 500 foot tall creature looming over her. She held her breath, but she never looked away from Him. The Adversary was silent for a few moments; but soon enough began to speak.

- GRAND DUCHESS OF HELL – The Devil stated – YOU REPLIED TO MY SUMMONS WITH GREAT SPEED, DUCHESS -

- I would never dare to keep my Master waiting – She replied without hesitation.

- I HAVE A TASK FOR YOU, SHAX – He went straight to the point – I WANT YOU TO LEAD AN ATTACK AGAINST THE TRAITOR, CROWLEY, AND HIS DISGUSTING LITTLE FRIENDS -

- It will be done – She bowed her head in respect – And it will certainly be great fun. Tell me where they are, and my legion and I will attack -

- EDINBURGH – the creature said – YOU WILL INTERCEPT THEM JUST OUTSIDE INVERLEITH PARK AND LURE THEM INSIDE, WHERE THE TREES WILL HIDE YOUR SLAUGHTER -

- And how do we do that, my Master? - Shax asked, looking up at him.

- GO FOR THE WEAKEST LINK – Satan ordered – THE REST WILL FOLLOW WITHOUT A DOUBT. THAT IS THE WEAKNESS OF FRIENDSHIP -

- And the girl? - the Duchess tentatively inquired.

- UNSCATHED – the Adversary proclaimed – YOU WILL BRING HER TO ME COMPLETELY UNHARMED -

- Yes, my Lord – Shax bowed her head once again and, when she looked back up, her eyes were shining with malice and mischief.

---

- I said, no! - Crowley growled when Tchaikovsky's delicate notes began coming out the Bentley's radio for the fourth time – Play something else! - there was a moment of static, and then Freddie Mercury began singing once again.

You're missing that one final screw

You're simply not in the pink, my dear

- I said, yes! - Aziraphale spat at the demon – I'm not listening to this any longer! Play classical music, please! Thank you! - there was static once again, then a soft piano and violins flooded the car.

- Well, fucking joke's on you, 'cause this is my goddamn car and it will play what I want it to play! - he hissed at the Bentley – Change it back! - Static. Then, Queen.

I'm going slightly mad

I'm going slightly mad

It finally happened.

In the back of the car, Eleyn patted the door sympathetically. Crowley and Aziraphale were too busy arguing to notice the lyric of the song; but she and Muriel had picked it up immediately.

- You and me both, Bentley – she sighed, whispering as Tchaikovsky replaced Freddie again; only for the latter to come back moments after – You and me both – the scrivener heard and shot Eleyn a tender look.

It finally happened, oh yes

If finally happened, I'm slightly mad

Just very slightly mad.

- Please, we both know it prefers me to you! – Aziraphale scoffed, Crowley's mouth agape at the incredulity towards that he'd just heard – We've been listening to your rubbish since London, so now I'd like some Tchaikovsky, thank you! - the thanks were more aggressive each time but the Bentley, adamant to please them both, did as it was told.

- Rubbish?! - Crowley angrily hissed, recklessly speeding past the intersection into Carrington Road – What the hell are you calling rubbish?! It's music! - he smiled bitterly – Or did you forget what music is like with all those celestial harmonies?! - he mocked. Aziraphale groaned and rolled his eyes.

- Excuse me… - Muriel tried, the air becoming a little too tense – Can we maybe calm…? -

- Listen here! - Crowley roared at the car, cutting the cherub off without regard – You better stop playing that before I turn you fucking fuchsia! -

- Honestly, there is no need for threats! - the angel criticized, his tone making Crowley's eye twitch in rage – Things can be asked for nicely, you know! -

- I'm a demon, I'm not nice! And don't tell me how to talk to my fucking car! - the demon reproached, then hissed at the Bentley again – I'm warning you, play something I like! Now! -

After a few shouts from either direction, the Bentley's engine groaned in exasperation, tired of the bickering, the arguing and the fighting. They were supposed to be friends; and the fact that right now they weren't drove it mad. However, it had an idea. There was static and a click; and then a new song began to play. The Bentley was soon filled with the sound of tambourines and a nice, slow melody.

- That's what I thought! - Crowley hissed, much too angry to immediately recognize the song he'd most been listening to for the past three years – Ah, much bett… - he froze the moment he heard the first lyric.

Sometimes I feel so happy

Sometimes I feel so sad.

- NO! - he roared, making the other three passengers jump and maniacally pressing buttons to turn the radio off – FUCK NO! TURN THAT OFF THIS GODDAMN SECOND! -

- My word! - the principality rolled his eyes, annoyed – You're not satisfied with anything! -

Sometimes I feel so happy,

But mostly, you just make me mad

The Bentley's engine made another sound, apparently blowing a raspberry at the demon, who panicked exponentially the closer the song got to the chorus.

- YOU FUCKING JUDAS! - he went from pressing to smashing the buttons – TURN! IT! OFF! NOW! -

The car arrived at another crossing, and Crowley yanked the wheel right to enter E Fettes Avenue. The Bentley blew another raspberry, tired of taking rather rude orders from the both of them.

Baby, you just make mad.

- NO! - the demon was desperate – NO, NO, NO! TURN THE FUCK OFF! YOU GODDAMN MOTHERF….!-

- What the hell has gotten into you?! - Aziraphale groaned – It's just a song, leave it be! -

Linger on

- SHITSHITSHITSHIT! TURN IT OFF! - the demon yelled for the umpteenth time; though he knew it was too late. Crowley often forgot just how intelligent the Bentley could be; and the little bastard had remembered all those nights in the past few years in which the demon would listen to one Velvet Underground song on repeat, and one alone, because it reminded him of Aziraphale.

- What is…?! - Aziraphale turned to stone on the following lyric, even his speech completely abandoning him.

Your pale blue eyes.

Eleyn and Muriel's hands immediately flew to cover their mouths in pure disbelief. Crowley fell completely silent, not really looking anywhere; and Aziraphale just stared at the radio, pondering whether he had heard correctly. Confirmation came moments after when the chorus repeated itself.

Linger on, your pale blue eyes.

The Bentley had gone completely silent for the first time in days, all four in much too shock to say a word. Aziraphale's eyes remained glued to the radio as he listened to the rest of the lyrics until he decided to steal a glance at the demon. Crowley's face was so red he could have hidden in a tomato orchard and nobody would've suspected a thing. He glanced at the angel, and their eyes met. However, before he had the chance to go even redder or Aziraphale was able to register what had just happened, Eleyn cried out from the back of the car.

- PEDESTRIAN! -

Crowley tried to dodge it. Too late. There was a loud thud against the hood and the person with which it had just collided flew a few feet forwards. Crowley slammed on the brake, and the radio finally turned off. The four passengers flew out of the car, Muriel in the lead, and knelt down next to the sprawled humanoid figure which had once been the pedestrian. Both scrivener and principality placed their hands on the run-over victim's chest and closed their eyes. The demon, meanwhile, had gone from tomato-orchard red to baby-boo-pumpkin white in an astonishing two seconds flat.

- Oh shit – he whispered, rubbing his eyes upon seeing the sprawled body on the pavement – Tell me they're not dead... – there was a genuine tone of concern in his voice; a subtle change of tone which only Aziraphale picked up on.

- I… - Muriel's eyebrows were knitted in deep concentration – I can't find a heartbeat… -

- Shit! - he swung his head up in rage and exasperation, the guilt that he might just have killed an innocent human being gnawing at him, though there was something odd about the situation – This wasn't supposed to ever happen! -

- Perhaps – Aziraphale raised, leaving a very concentrated Muriel alone to continue examining the body – If you occasionally respected the speed limits, it wouldn't have! -

- First off, not my fault they jumped in front of the car! – he hissed, raising a pale finger and then another – Second, after the book-witch girl I performed a miracle to avoid any more accidents; so this shouldn't have fucking happened! -

- Obviously, your miracle doesn't work as well as you thought! - Aziraphale reprimanded him.

- Odd – Muriel whispered right as Crowley was about to hiss something back at the angel, catching their attention – Very odd -

- What is? - asked Eleyn, kneeling down beside her.

- This...it's not possible… - she muttered, eyes closed in concentration – This body doesn't feel alive; but it doesn't feel dead either...like if it had never lived in the first place –

- What the hell are you… - Crowley stopped mid sentence, the pieces falling into place, making his heart being to thump – oh, fuck! Human pedestrians! Cherub, get away from that thing, now! – the other three looked at him like he'd just claimed pigeons were government spy robots – The car is supposed to avoid human pedestrians! - the scrivener put two and two together, immediately going rigid, and the other two had the same realization seconds after – Muriel, step away, now! -

The young cherub nodded and made to get up. She was only halfway stood, however, when the non-human opened their demonic eyes and sprung upwards, grabbing Muriel by the neck. She screamed, and Eleyn stood promptly, grabbing the disgustingly fleshy arm which had trapped the scrivener, trying her hardest to break her friend free. The demon swung, yanking the daughter of God to the side, and Aziraphale immediately knelt down to help her. Crowley stared into the demon's eyes, recognizing them as a ninth-circle legion warrior. He wasted no time trying to reason, well aware it wouldn't be any use. He threw himself onto them, but they managed to spread their wings and pick up flight. Muriel struggled against them, terrified. The demon's grip tightened around her neck, and the scrivener gasped in pain. Crowley made to charge, but the other demon moved first, dragging Muriel into the trees of a darkened Inverleith park. He chased after them without hesitation and, when Eleyn managed to stand moments after, she and Aziraphale did too.

---

Hey, I didn't take so long this time! Yay me! And I also felt like treating you with a bit of a longer chapter, so there you go. And by the way, I know that was a VERY cheeky Doctor Who reference; but I just couldn't help myself :)

As always, billions of thanks if you've read and/or ever dropped a review; you have no idea how your comments cheer me up! Reviews both for good and for bad are welcome!

And now I'm leaving you on a cliffhanger [insert evil laugh]. Sorry, not sorry. I have exams, so no new chapters until at least two weeks, I'm afraid. I hope the wait will be worth it, though!

In case you're curious: the songs I used are "You're my best friend" and "I'm going slightly mad" (Queen); and "Pale Blue Eyes" by the Velvet Underground. (Also, please imagine me giving the dear old Bentley a well-deserved fist bump).

Right, that's all from me, I wish you all an ineffably wonderful 2024!