My DA is EmeraldOverlord is you wanna check out my art! Feel free to look since I've got some art on this story over there. Sorry it's been a while but I'm not fucking dead I assure.
Back on Earth...
Lyle was many things, but religion wasn't one of them. Even when he was a boy, he was skeptical of the supernatural and always believed there was some sort of logical explanation for just about everything..
Now…he was certain that there were logical explanations for ALMOST because he had two Guardian Angels living in his house. It was a tad difficult to deny the existence of the supernatural while said mythical beings were hanging over your shoulder at all times.
However, just because he had to concede on the fact that at least on some level, supernatural forces existed didn't mean he appreciated them intruding on his life on a daily basis. He could hardly stand people trying to influence his life against his wishes, let alone the notion of supernatural forces trying to swing him one way to the other…
This became very evident when Lyle decided to head out today. Rent was due soon and he needed something to pay off the bills and quickly.. He packed a few of his design concepts and began looking for a place where he could publish his idea.
Of course, the second he headed out the door, the two Angels followed after, much to his great displeasure. It seemed that no matter what Lyle did, he could never truly shake them off with the exception of having to go to the restroom. Even while he slept, eh could still feel their gazes on him and he never quite got over the first time he woke up with Mammon and Lucifer just watching him sleep with unblinking eyes.
"Do you two have to constantly follow me?" He asked as he walked down the street, Lucifer and Mammon walking alongside him on his right and left respectively, the two almost appearing to hang over his shoulder.
"It's in our job description. Even if we don't want to, we are required to follow your every movement as your Guardian Angels," Lucifer shot back flatly, clearly not all too pleased by their current predicament.
"I know it's your job, doesn't mean I like you two stalking me!" He hissed irritably,"Besides, shouldn't you Angels know better than to expose yourself to the public like this? People are staring!"
"Oh don't be silly, Lyle," Mammon said,"Only you can see us. The rest of the mortals are completely unaware of our existence…"
"What?" Lyle asked,"How is that possible? You're telling me I'm the only person who can see you two?"
"Is your mortal mind truly that feeble you can't contemplate the idea that higher powers are capable of far more than you realize?" The Devil inquired calmly,"I know you mortals aren't exactly educated on our kind, but we're far more powerful than meets the eye and we can make a lot of things so…"
"I still don't understand. How is it that I can see you, but the others can't?"
"It's quite simple, Lyle," Mammon said,"Magic can do just a wonder of things. And bare in mind, Samuel and I are letting you see us. The rest of the mortals around here do not have that sort of privilege, thus, only you are able to communicate or see us for that matter."
"So…what about the rest of the world? Can they hear what we say?"
"As I said before, only you can hear us and unless our physical presence is truly necessary, it is going to stay that way," Mammon admitted,"Which basically means that while you can communicate with us back and forth, the rest of the world just sees you as someone who is fond of talking to himself quite often…"
"Great…" Lyle grumbled,"That's just what I needed. People already think I have screws loose, talking to you two is gonna make things worse in that regard…"
"Who cares what they think?" Luckfer asked,"It's not like they can see us."
"I care! I've got enough shit for being a wacky scientist as it is, I don't need people thinking I'm hearing voices in my head just because they can't see you two…"
"Get used to it…" Mammon said slyly,"We're not going anywhere anytime soon so I suggest you quit complaining. You do yourself no favors by voicing this in public. You're practically driving the attention to yourself at this point…"
"Ugh…" Lyle grit his teeth irritably. He seemed ready to pipe up and say something but for whatever reason, decided it wasn't worth the hassle of engaging in a back and forth with the two supernatural beings. He had known the two long enough to know arguing was almost always a pointless battle. This wasn't the first time he had told the two to leave him be but they always shrugged off his commands.
Then again, they were his Guardian Angels, not his dogs so the chance of them obeying his was rather slim. These two answered to an authority far higher than he could comprehend and Lyle doubted he'd be winning fights with those from the pearly gates specifically instructed to keep him in line at all costs and to 'guide him on the right path' so to speak.
Still, their presence wasn't helping matters here. He was already getting weird looks from the others on the street, even children seemed to be looking at him the wrong way. He got enough judgmental looks at science conventions and he sure as hell wasn't going to endure a new slew of weary glances from the public.
Things only got worse when Lyle neglected to pay attention to his surroundings and ended up accidentally running into someone in the street. He and the other person let out a growl in agony.
He hissed as he fell to the ground, pain flooding through his system like hellfire.
"Argh!" He snarled,"Dammit, I was walking there! Watch where you're going you bloody wanker!"
"Who are you calling a wanker, young man?" A confident voice boomed from above.
Lyle flinched before looking up. Even from the floor, it was evident that the man he had run into was taller than he was. He had a muscular yet lean build and a handlebar mustache across his face. He had raven hair and a red suit on.
"Uh..you obviously?"
This apparently wasn't the answer the man wanted as he became visibly irritated by Lyle's sarcastic response,"Have you no respect? Do you not know who I am?"
Mammon raised an eyebrow at this accusation, leaning down to whisper in the brunette's ear,"Lyle, have you ever seen this man before? Because I don't recall you mentioning anyone like him…"
"That's because I haven't…"
"How could you have not heard of me?" The man said in disbelief, now under the mistaken impression that Lyle had been speaking to him, not Mammon.
"I wasn't talking to- '' He then bit his tongue, remembering the conversation he had mere moments ago. Only he could see the two Angels beside him and attempting to talk to them while another person was here would only make the problem worse,"Nevermind. I just..hadn't heard of you, sir..I never saw you in my entire life…"
"That certainly explains that gall of yours…" He said as he rubbed his chin, eyeing Lyle up and down,"Well no matter, I suppose it only makes sense to introduce myself. I am Loopty Goopty, dastardly inverter of all things Loopy and Goopty!"
"That…is the stupidest name I've ever heard in my entire existence. And that truly says something…" Lucifer muttered.
Mammon rolled his eyes at the hammy introduction despite lacking pupils,"And he says it with such confidence…Mortals are truly something else. And I thought Lyle's name was ridiculous…"
"I can hear you two…" He hissed under his breath,"Quit talking as if I'm not here…"
"Who are you talking to?" Loopty asked in bemusement.
"No one.." Lyle said,"I was talking…to no one…"
Loopty didn't seem to believe that, though he didn't bother to question him any further. Instead, he got up in Lyle's face and examined him for a moment,"Hm…I've never seen you before. Who are you and what do you do?"
"Lyle..Lyle Lipton, I am an aspiring inventor and I'm hoping to make a name for myself. Though it's not exactly working out too well if you can't help but notice…"
"I see…" Loopty said as he rubbed his chin, as if pondering thought,"Tell me, Lyle, do you have any inventions or plans that could possibly be…of use?"
"I doubt it, everyone else is considering my idea failures and I can't even win a bloody science fair for some extra crash…" Lyle grumbled before getting up to his feet,"Now if you excuse me, I'll be going. I need to work on my latest idea before I possibly lose my house or worse…"
"Now now, Lyle, there's no need to leave so soon, we can work something out you know? Assuming your idea has anything of worth that is…Come on, let me see your latest drafts, who knows, they might be something useful…"
"I don't trust this man, Lyle…" Mammon said,"I have a bad feeling about him.."
"Cetrion, calm down. He can't be that awful. Besides, Lyle does need money, maybe if he shows off his idea, he'll get something out of it," Lucifer admitted apathetically,"It's not like we've got anything else to lose and like he said, this might just be the opportunity we've been waiting for…."
"Samuel, don't tempt him, that isn't what we're supposed to be doing," The Lord of Greed hissed.
"I'm just saying, this Loopty guy is a freak but he seems like he's got a lot of green on him. He could be useful to us and it's' not like Lyle has that many financial options now does he? I understand wanting to keep him straight, but he needs to make his own choices. This decision ultimately falls on him. So Lyle, what will it be?"
Lyle fell silent, contemplating his options. He needed money badly, but he didn't trust Loopty either. Still, the situation seemed to be forcing his hand and he figured immortality was definitely something most on Earth were interested in due to most mortals fearing the end…
He sighed, reaching into his backpack and pulling out the drafts before showing them to Loopty. Loopty eyed them for a moment and seemed…impressed? It was hard to tell with those glasses over his face, but it did seem he was pleased with his wok.
"My, it seems you've got a fully fledged idea on your hands,especially one as tricky as this…" He said,"Immortality has always been a hard concept to replicate. So many have tried…yet all have failed so far..What makes you think you'll be any different?"
"I don't know, but I don't intend on giving up until I try…Besides, assuming it works, it'll make loads of money if we can perfect it. And it's not like I have much else to lose. Might as well do something many have failed to do and try to go down in history…"
"Determined till the end are you? I like that in an inventor. The stubborn ones always last the longest in a competitive field like this one. What do you say, partner? Do you wish for us to work together for a common goal and go down in history as the greatest inventors of all time?"
"Yes…"
Lyle accepted Loopty's hand in partnership, the taller male firmly gripping his small hand and shaking it profusely. A newfound union had been formed between the two inventors in an effort to gain fame, fortune and be considered the greatest inventors in history…
Lucifer and Mammon watched from the sidelines, both Lords of Sins having varied reactions.
On one end, Lucifer seemed somewhat interested, wondering just how far this rabbit-hole would go.
It wasn't the first time he had witnessed a mortal go down a downward spiral and he was interested in what choices this one would make and where the dice would roll. Whether Lyle went to Hell or Heaven wasn't his prime concern, so long as he got some amusement with this job for as long as he could before ultimately finding his daughter somehow.
On the other hand, Mammon was concerned and incredibly irritated.
This was NOT what was supposed to be happening! Not only was Lucifer's guidance doing the exact opposite of what they were supposed to be doing! He sent the shorter man a harsh glare and Lucifer looked back at him and said,"What?"
He didn't bother humoring him with a response, merely face-palming before pinching the bridge of his forehead, muttering a few things in demonic language. This was…certainly a situation and Lyle's soul was now in more danger than it had been already.
The Jester Lord grit his teeth with rolled eyes,'I'm surrounded by incompetents…'
Guess if someone was going to be a competent one, it would have to be him. Not that it would be an easy job, being a Guardian Angel was not fun nor easy. Having to lead mortals to virtue when you yourself weren't virtuous was a daunting task..
Then again, he had little choice. They were far too gone from this rabbithole to go back and besides, even if Lucifer was going to be a hindrance, he valued his friendship enough to try and set things straight with this mortal. Because on the off-chance Heaven ever suspected them, putting this mortal on the right path would perhaps open their mind to helping them.
Regardless, if he was going to stand a chance at fixing this, he'd have to play the part of Guardian Angel and follow Lyle wherever he went
'The things I do for friendship...' He thought to himself.
Lyle was soon led to Floopty's car with nothing other than the backpack full of rough drafts and concepts on his back. Lyle had been in a few cars though none of them were as fancy as this one. It seemed decked out to the brim with fancy aesthetics and looked like a dream car most would've killed for.
Things only got 'better' when they arrived at their destination. The car parked next to the sidewalk, rolling up to a towering laboratory. When they stepped out of the car, Lyle felt like a dwarf before a giant in comparison to the large building before him.
"Wow…it's huge…Say, Loopty, what is this place?"
"My lab of course!" The taller male snickered,"What else? This is my very own laboratory and we've expanded it to the best of our ability for our inventions. Welcome my dear friend to Loopty Robotics! Where technological wonder shines like a beacon in the night!"
"This place…it's so amazing. I can't believe I actually got here..Though, what exactly do I do from here?"
"Come on inside, there's lots to see and I'm certain you'll just love it here…"
Lyle followed Loopty inside and began to show him around via a tour, acting as a guide for his newfound business partner. As Lyle followed him, Mammon and Lucifer followed shortly after, Mammon appearing beyond annoyed ever since he stepped foot in the place.
Lyle seemed just amazed by what he was seeing. He clearly had never been in a sophisticated area such as this and to see active tests and creations being worked on was likely a sight for sore eyes. It was as if all his dreams were coming true and he couldn't help but feel his heart beat with excitement and anticipation with every step.
"And this is where we're working on testing out our new robotics," Loopty said as he pointed to one of the many testing rooms with a fully built chamber. There were a few scientists inside, one a boy and another a girl who seemed to be working on a robotic model of some kind with a chef's hat on it.
"What are those two working on?"
"Oh them? They're just adding the finishing touches on our latest inventions in the making. It's designed to be a travel sized buddy that can bake things on command so we no longer have to cook with our own two hands or rely on others to do so."
"Is it functional?"
"It should be at this stage, perhaps we should put it to the test…" Loopty admitted before saying,"Hey, you two, this is Lyle and he's my new employee/business partner. I need you to show him how far you've progressed on this machine and stat."
"But sir- we're not finished with it yet. We need more time, we haven't worked out all the adjustments yet and there could still be some sort of malfuncation in the code and-"
"Did you not hear me?" He asked,"I do not care if you're not finished yet. You're going to make a good impression on Lyle and I this instant or else, you hear me?"
The way he said it made Lyle feel a few shivers down his spine, he knew that tone all too well. It was the 'last warning' tone before someone began to act on their prior threats and he could feel a sense of unease develop under his skin.
That voice made it clear that it was an order and the scientists immediately flinched before standing to attention as the female said,"Yes, Mr Floopty, we're right on it. Come on Cassey, let's show the boss what for."
"Kay Jessie," The other scientist said before flipping the machine on,Alright Buddy, go bake a couple of pies for Loopty and his business partner…"
The instructions and at first, the robot seemed to understand as the robot began to act accordingly and rushed to the counter as it began summoning its own equipment and gathering ingredients from the cabinet.
"It appears to be working…" Lyle said in amazement, surprised to see a fully functioning robot built to such a degree.
"Of course it is, my company only expects the best products after all…"
"I can't believe it," Lucifer said,"The mortals actually created a fully functioning robot that can cook…I never thought they'd have it in them…"
"I wouldn't speak so soon about fully functioning," Mammon says,"The scientists did mention they hadn't exactly fixed all the nooks and crannies yet this far in development."
"Must you be so pessimistic, Cetrion?" Lyle muttered under his breath, not loud enough to where anyone in the room other than Mammon and Lucifer would understand him, but enough to where Loopty could at least catch him saying something but not understand what exactly it was.
"You say something, Lyle? Is there a question you need to ask?"
"Uh no," He said in an all too quick tone,"I was just…uh…talking to myself. Force of habit you know…"
Whether Loopty believed him or not was hard to tell,especially since he couldn't see his eyes under his goggles. Regardless, he seemed to at least drop the subject for now and Lyle took a sigh of relief as the tension faded.
However, it only took mere seconds before something began to go wrong. The robot was multitasking, using its multiple arms to not only whisk the ingredients together but create a batter.
Everything seemed to be going well until the robot's movements became erratic and it twitched. Garbled noises came from its mouth and it got worse and worse, sounding like error codes and what not as it stuffed the pie tins inside of its stomach region.
"Uh..what's happening?" Lucifer asked, taking a step back from the unstable machinery and hiding behind Lyle despite not even being able to be seen by the others.
"It appears the machine is malfunctioning…" Mammon pointed out in the most obvious way possible…"
"Loopty," Lyle said worriedly,"I think something is wrong with the machine…I think you should turn it off…"
"Nonsense, I'm certain it's just a small glitch…"
Needless to say, all Hell broke loose when the robot began to whirl around all out of control, spinning around. The next thing everyone knew, they were getting several burning pie tins launching in their direction.
"Oh god duck!" Lyle shrieked as he narrowly dodged, getting a face full of pie. Loopty wasn't so lucky and ended up getting hit right in the face and fell backwards onto the floor, falling into a haze of unconsciousness from the sudden attack.
The scientists were panicking and attempted to try and shut the damn robot off though were struggling as it didn't seem the emergency remote control switch had any effect and were subsequently knocked back with pies. The entire room was getting coated with food and there were panicked screams all over.
Lyle took cover behind the counter as the robot began attacking everyone with food. He peered over and saw the uncontrollable machine show no mercy as it continued hurling pies all over, having no specific target and seeming focused on just creating loads of pies without care.
"Shit…what do I do? That thing has gone out of control…." He hissed under his breath,"What do I do? Oh god, what do I do?"
"Maybe you should wait until it runs out of ingredients. It can't have an infinite supply," Lucifer suggested.
"That is asinine," Mammon snapped as he too crouched down beside Lyle,,,"By the time that rogue machinery runs out of pies this entire place will be littered with them. Not to mention that thing is acting out of its coding, if you don't dismantle it, it's going to dismantle you and unless you wish to see yourself to an early grave, I'd advise you get to it before it gets to you…"
That speech seemed to do the trick and Lyle's self preservation kicked in.
"OK OK, I get it. Gotta destroy it…but with what…" His eyes darted around for anything he could possibly use as a weapon. Outright engaging with that bot would be an act of suicide and he needed at least some sort of tool before attempting to destroy that accursed machinery once and for all…
He then opened one of the cabinets and frantically searched for anything of use.
He grabbed a knife and held it close. It was a medium size kitchen knife, nothing too big or sharp, but it wasn't dull either. Likely used for cutting up vegetables if he had to guess its reason for being there and the robot probably used it in prior test runs before the AI went on the fritz…
It was…something.
It could've been better, but he supposed he shouldn't complain about the options he was granted. It was still better than nothing at all…
Still, he pondered how to approach the machinery, rogue AI or not, he knew that AI wasn't stupid and it could easily turn hectic if that thing noticed him, especially with a weapon.
The best form of attack would be a sneak attack, though he contemplated where exactly would be the best place to aim? He wasn't entirely sure where the database for the robot was stored,truth be told, it could've been anywhere…
"Aim for the head,"Mammon said simply.
"Why?"
"Just do it. Do not make me repeat myself, mortal…"
Lyle decided to not question Mammon's words and decided to go in for the kill. He quietly snuck up on the robot while it was preoccupied with the poor scientist who was getting hit over and over again with over baked pastries.
As he did so, he got within close range and he raised it over the robot's head before lunging. Lyle stabbed the robot right in the back of the head as hard as he could. He stabbed the robot over and over again until it slowly began to cease. The erobot let out an ear piercing glitchy noise with each stab and Lyle had to resist the urge to cover his ears to avoid not finishing the job.
On its 'last breath', the robot sent one pie at him in a desperate last bid to harm him; however, he responded by stabbing its stomach cavity/oven, breaking the glass and causing it to shatter all over the floor.
He then stabbed the robot one a couple more times before it finally stopped it's reign of terror once and for all. The robot had several wires sticking out of its head and the whole thing looked entirely wrecked beyond repair.
He heaved and panted, not used to using that much energy in a physical activity,especially one that involved a risky situation…
Lyle stood there over the destroyed robot, his body shaking and his eyes wide in disbelief. He couldn't believe he had done that. His knife was covered in purple goop and he looked at it curiously for a moment before licking the knife hesitantly, wondering what flavor it was.
He licked his lips for a second before making a disgusted face as he gagged,"Ugh, seriously? Of all flavors, it just had to be raspberry? Eugh. I hate raspberries…"
The amueter inventor then glanced around the room and saw the other two scientists staring at him in bemusement and fright. Cassey let out a cry of mourning,"Our robot!"
Both scientists then rushed to the dismantled robot and Lyle saw the two desperately trying to fix the robot to no avail. Lyle took a step back, uncertain what to do at that point before turning at the sound of a pained groan.
He saw Loopty on the floor, finally having awoken from consciousness and decided to try and approach him and help him to his feet. Loopy's head was still spinning and he seemed rather dazed for a moment before snapping back to reality,"W-Wat happened? Where'd you get the knife?"
Lyle then pointed at the reboot,"I uh…had to take measures into my own hands since the damn robot kind just malfunctioned and everything. Sorry about your unfinished product though, I showed little restraint when taking it down since I viewed it as a threat to my safety. I hope you're OK with that…"
Loopty sighed,"It's fine. There was nothing you could've done. It wasn't your fault the robot malfunctioned, it was theirs…"
Lyle blanked,"Wait what?"
The taller man then sent a glare to the scientists and snapped at them with great fury in his voice,"What the hell kind of first impression was that!? The never to not only let that thing run out of control but to be incapable of stopping it is just sheer incompetence! You even let it attack me for god's sake and had Lyle not stopped it, it would've run havoc across our entire faculty or worse!"
"We're sorry sir," Cassey stammered,"We really tried to stop it, we really did. We didn't mean for this to happen.."
"Yeah," Jessie trembled,,"We didn't mean it, Mr Loopty. We promise it won't happen again…"
"Damn right it won't happen again. You two are demoted from your stations until you can prove yourselves worthy again. Now clean this mess up this instant before I decide on inflicting a worse punishment on you."
The scientist immediately scrambled, desperately attempting to clean up the mess the robot had left behind. Loopty grit his teeth at the sight of not only the mess in the room but the mess on his outfit, his entire outfit covered in purple goop and pie crust.
He grumbled,"Knew I should've worn plain clothes today. This is going to take forever to get out…"
Lyle cringed,"Are things going to be OK?"
"It's fine, not the first time my inventors have created a malfunctioning creation. Though it is the first time I was unable to put a stop to it. For that, I do owe my gratitude for putting that robot's reign of terror to an end. It would've been an utter catastrophe had it been able to run loose and I dread to think of how much damage it would've caused without your quick thinking. You saved me quite a lot of trouble, partner and I'm glad that you're already working your way up the ladder by proving your competence."
'Yeah…quick thinking…' Lyle thought to himself, knowing full well it wasn't exactly his idea in the first place. Still, he decided to accept the compliment and said,"So…what about them?"
"Don't worry about those two, they'll just have to pull their extra weight around here for being unable to perfect the machinery to my standards. It's nothing you should be concerned about, friend. I promise that so long as you do as you're told, the two of us will get along just fine as partners…"
Lyle winced when Loopty put a hand on his shoulder and nervously smiled,"I uh…suppose so."
"Come on, Lyle, don't look so nervous. You want to be rich don't you? You want to be energized for the inventor you truly are, right? If you stick with me,just think of all the possibilities…all the money…"
Lyle would be lying if there wasn't a sense of temptation. He couldn't help but feel somewhat concerned but refused to voice it in front of Loopty. The man was loaded and he figured whatever money he'd get out of this would at least keep him afloat and get treated himself.
Eventually, Lyle was shown where he was working and was given a comfortable miniature lab for his own research fit with a desk and some other supplies. Lyle had sent some things in his backpack down and set up what few supplies he had brought with him.
"So this is where I'll be working?"
"Primarily so, though you are more than free to walk throughout all permitted areas in the upper level. Just be careful not to open any testing chambers still in use since you know…unfinished products can sometimes spiral out of control…"
"Upper levels?" Lyle asked,"Does that mean there's a lower area attached to this place? Like a basement? Are we ever going to visit down there?"
Floopty stiffened for a split second,"The lower area is restricted," He admitted,"Only those I give permission are allowed down there."
"Can I go down?"
"No," The way he said it was quick, almost too quick,"I mean, not yet, Lyle. You just got here after all and it'd be too soon to let you down there. Perhaps you've become fully accustomed to our ways. Besides, it usually remains locked and I only permit a few people around here to have the key."
"Will I get a chance to peek down there?"
"In due time, Lyle…in due time. Now enough of that," He said, eager to change the topic at hand,"After all, you're still new here and as my new business partner, it would be wise to get comfortable. This is going to be your new station and we'll be happy to have an employee such as yourself here. We'll be seeing each other often to work on this project so you better prepare for the coming days ahead…"
"I will…"
After that, Loopty told him a few things about where the self-made coffee machine was located and that if he ever got lost to look at the maps that were plastered around the laboratory if he kept walking far enough.
When Loopty eventually took his leave, Lyle was left with Mammon and Lucifer inside of his new office. The second Lyle was left alone he said,"So uh…that was quite the introduction. Can't say I expected a robot to malfunction on me like that when I got here…Though I do kind of owe you one, Cet, that advice saved us all bigtime…"
"Hmph, I suppose so," He said slowly, his voice radiating with great irritation.
Despite being his Guardian, Lyle felt a tad intimated by Mammon. He was a short guy by human standards but compared to Mammon, he looked like a literal dwarf in comparison. He wasn't even up to the man's waist and he had to tilt his head upwards in a painfully awkward way just to look him in the eye.
"Is something bothering you, Cetrion?" He asked,"You seem..angry.."
"Oh nothing, mortal," He said,"It's just…I'm not exactly too pleased with where Samuel's judgment leads us, that's all. Especially considering it got us involved in this mess."
Lucifer narrowed his eyes,"OK, now you're just being dramatic, Cet. I get you're not fond of Lyle choosing to abide by my advice, but it does seem that it's opened the door of opportunities for him, don't you think? Now he's actually got a stable source of income. That is a step in the right direction, isn't it?"
"It would be if it weren't a place like this. This laboratory is just triggering something within me and the way Loopty acted earlier…I just know that man has something up his sleeve and it's not going to be pretty…"
"What are you so worked up about, Cetrion? Did something crawl up your rear because you've been acting uptight ever since we got here and you've had an awful attitude…"
"You know why, Samuel. Can't you feel the maliciousness in Loopty's soul. He's something dark lingering in there and you of all people should've known this before trying to whisper in Lyle's ear about joining him."
"Cetrion, what are you going on about? What 'maliciousness' in his soul are you speaking of?" He asked in a skeptical manner.
He was already weary of the supernatural so all this talk about 'souls' and 'malice' was grating to him.
"Samuel, tell him…"
"Why do I have to?"
"It was your idea to come here, you should explain it…"
"Ugh, fine," He grumbled,"OK, Lyle. I understand your mortal mind has a hard time comprehending supernatural occurrences so I'm going to put this in digestible bites for you, understand?"
Lyle scoffed,"Just because I'm skeptical of the supernatural doesn't mean I'm slow nor am I an idiot…"
"That remains to be seen," Lucifer said and ignored the offended 'Hey!' that the brunette made in response to his taunt,"Anyhow, long story short, Angels have this sort of…innate ability to sense the virtue and malice within the souls of the living and dead."
"And what purpose does that serve?"
"Probably to measure where the mortal's standing in the afterlife is. Most teter between malicious and virtuous, though there are a handful that are on the deep ends of the spectrum."
"What about me?"
"Hmm…I'd say you're in the middle. You haven't done anything truly good or evil as of yet…"
"Yet my soul is in danger as you two informed me earlier…." He said,"Why would I need you two here if my soul hasn't tipped the meter? I haven't done anything good but I don't recall doing anything outright evil…"
"Sometimes souls can fall into the range of being completely in the middle that it's a coin-toss whether they are worthy of Heaven or Hell due to their decisions balancing out in some way," Mammon stated,"Of course those are rare and more often than not, those who are given Guardian Angels are on the path of darkness in their near future. By the time of death, one's soul usually falls into one spectrum or another depending on the deeds they've committed."
"So what about Floopty? I mean, outside of the soul thing, what reason do you have to distrust him?"
"Isn't it obvious? The man is walking a red flag, how can you not see it? Do you truly trust him that much?"
"Well no…not really. He's kind of sketchy as hell if I'm being honest but he's got enough money to where I could create something viable for the market. Besides, it's not like I really know the guy. He's a little off but he is offering me a stable job and I shouldn't try getting rid of it this soon without a reason…"
Mammon scoffed,"Are you truly that naive, Lyle? Do you really think that man has the best intentions for you because if so, then perhaps you're not as brilliant as you think…"
"Cetrion, cut it out with the snark. I get it, you think I'm just a dumb mortal but this dumb mortal has to live and I need a job. If things don't work out, I can still try finding another job…"
"You sound incredibly optimistic…"
"I'm trying my best with what I have here, Cetrion. I don't need your judgment on my plate while I'm trying to live my life…"
"Whatever you say," The Lord of Greed replied flatly,"Just don't say I didn't warn you when he proves himself to be far worse than you imagined. He may look friendly, but looks can be quite deceiving,especially on fellow mortals."
"You know…for Guardian Angels sent from the skies above, you two are probably the most pessimistic supernatural beings I've ever met."
"We're the only supernatural beings you've ever met," The blonde pointed out.
"That's besides the point. You two sure don't exactly seem thrilled at your jobs. I would think literal Angels would be a bit more optimistic in mortal salvation."
"Faith is hard to have at times," He said simply,"Not that a mortal like yourself would understand when you're as old as us."
"So why'd you take this job if you had no faith in humans?"
"That is of no concern to you. Our reasons remain our own and are of no importance to your feeble mind," The Jester shot back,"But I will tell you this. You may not like our presence and quite frankly, it's neither my concern nor care if you do. What truly matters is that you understand that until further notice, you are our responsibility and anything bad you do looks bad on us so try not to make our jobs harder than they need to be. If not for our sake, do it for yours because someone like you wouldn't do well down there. It's not a place and it's not for the faint of heart…"
"Is…is that a threat?"
"Threat? Lucifer asked before laughing,"Oh no, that's just a promise. He's not threatening you, he's just telling you how it is in the most gentle way possible. Truthfully, Cetrion is being nice about it, I'm not one to pull my punches with my words…"
"That doesn't sound reassuring…"
"Believe me, it's not supposed way, the end decision is yours, we're just along for the ride. To me, whether you got to Heaven or Hell is not my concern. It is your life after though and this is merely a job, a chore until our presence is no longer required. Take that for what you will, Lyle, because ultimately the choice falls on you."
The way that Lucifer smiled at Lyle was enough to send literal shivers down his spine. An eerie feeling formed within a pit of his was almost surreal having two supernatural beings staring down at you, discussing your fate so casually with an apathetic attitude at most.
He never had much faith in the paranormal, the existence of Heaven or Hell was silly to him as a concept and demons and angels were things he used to brush off as nonsensical.
Now? He was…frightened. And how could he not be?
His life was to be governed by these two mysterious creatures who seemed to have ulterior reasons for aiding him for whatever reason. If this was fate's idea of a sick joke, then it had certainly had a path paved with suffering and misery for him with his luck…
The worst part was that it didn't seem either of the two Angels had any plans on leaving, not until they were 'dismissed' from their duty and chances are, their dismal ended with his demise one way or another.
Whatever the case may be, Lyle wasn't all too enthusiastic for what he was in for…
Thanks for 19,103 views, tell me what you think below! Btw, if anyone wants a good idea what my Mammon sounds like, just think of Scar from Lion King. That's basically his voice.
Enigmus-288: They'll learn...one way or another. Just give it time, all things catch up eventually...Good or bad in that case.