Flashes of silver shone in the Heavenly light and under the golden-red sky of the Patience Halo. Soother flew like the wind as he practiced fighting maneuvers with his two angelic katana blades. Thankfully, he didn't have to worry about the heaviness of his Exorcist suit, for he was merely dressed in a more loose-fitting black suit with an angelic silver "A" on it, standing for Adam, the leader. Adam's influence had spread to both Heaven realms, not to mention the poisonous propaganda of Adam's ally angel Adina.
No one really knew how exactly Menadel and Soother met. Unlike Striker, Soother didn't really hate the elite per se, but he did desire that his race gain more recognition for their hard work and service behind the scenes of everyday heavenly life. The Shem HaMephorash angels and the Ars Goetia demons had been going back and forth between peaceful negotiations and ominous contentions for hundreds of years. There were not many Ars Goetia demons left in 2P Hell according to rumor and as far as anyone knew, there was no mention of any Shem HaMephorash angels in the main Heaven realm. Soother certainly did not want to kill anyone, let alone attack the fellow elves of E.L.F. However, with rumors of the main Stolas not adhering completely to his duties and the 2P Stolas causing havoc, Menadel figured the next best thing would be to solve the problem, permanently.
Perhaps Menadel was impressed by Soother's agility and strength and unique ability to lull denizens to sleep with his hypnotic eyes. Whatever the case, Soother had failed in his original mission to kill the 2P Stolas…and nearly caused the canon demons to become aware of the existence of their parallel counterparts.
But Soother would soon find out to his relief that something different had occurred.
Conjuring up other angelic weapons like spears, pistols, swords and holy daggers, Soother slashed through the air at moving holograms of demons, which were magically projected in the air via magenta crystals situated from below. They were one of many crystal inventions from Camael, besides the extra ability to travel to Earth. Soother felt more comfortable practicing by himself, rather than being berated by the predominant saints and non-human angel members of the Exorcists. He felt sorrow for the former humans who had been coerced by Adam and the elite to blindly kill their former brethren. Even more abominable was Adam's groupie gang of angel Exorcist girls who relished in blood slaughter and his arrogant affections. Even still…Soother had grown up with the belief that all demons were evil and that the Exorcists were heroic veterans who played their role in keeping Heaven safe and Hell from formulating ideas of chaos and rebellion.
"Still," he thought, "It feels wrong to go against 'thou shall not kill.' Even Jesus himself does not approve of all this slaughter. He's the one who gives us second chances after all. But alas, there is elite corruption in every world, I suppose." The way that Soother's mind and body had transformed into a brutal killing machine after putting on the mask still troubled him. He performed more moves with his katana blades before sheathing them.
Later, Soother stretched as he took a heavenly elevator to the next Halo. He glanced up at the schedule for "Elevator 777."
There was "Humility Halo" in a sky-blue background (opposite of red Pride), with the icon of Michael next to it, protector of humanity and rival of Lucifer who represented Pride and the sinners.
"Patience Halo" was in a light red background with the icon of Archangel Uriel. Uriel was the meditative archangel of wisdom and represented the divine light of God. Studious Uriel was the opposite of the loud, fiery and Wrathful Satan.
"Temperance Halo" was a yellow color with the Archangel Jophiel icon next to it.
"Charity Halo" was in white with the icon of Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel represented love, generosity, protection, and justice, giving instead of being Greedy like Mammon. No criminals in that Halo.
"Chasity Halo" was in light pink with the icon of Archangel Camael. Camael valued purity, order in relationships, abstinence, and obedience, the opposite of lustful demon Asmodeus.
"Kindness Halo" was on a light purple background with the icon of Archangel Zadkiel. Zadkiel represented "Chesed" or "kindness" in the sephirot, opposite of the envious Leviathan.
"Diligence Halo" was a light green (opposite of Sloth pink), with the icon of Archangel Raphael, the healer. Raphael worked to eliminate drugs and diseases on Earth and in Heaven. He was the opposite of Belphegor, the drug addict. Soother got on the large heavenly elevator and off he went.
Later that day, as the sun set in the white Charity Halo sky, Soother set aside time for the beings in Heaven he did respect (Besides God). In a white celestial temple, Soother prayed respectfully to the five main Archangels who were represented by magnificent marble statues in the four corners of the sacred space. Thankfully the temple was empty, so Soother could go inside and do his ritual at his own pace. Smooth white cobblestone, gold torches in a circle, a skylight on the ceiling to let in light, natural openings around the Greek-style pillars to display the sky…Soother felt right at home.
There was Archangel Michael, the mighty protector and slayer of evil, with his battle armor and flaming sword in hand. He represented South and Fire, and the energies of the Sun. Blue sapphires decorated the handle of the marble sword.
There was Archangel Gabriel, the messenger angel who told Mary about Jesus' birth. His messages nurturing and always changing, he represented West and Water and the energies of the Moon. The white lily in his hand was decorated with pearls.
There was Archangel Raphael, the healer with emerald robes, who could heal physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wounds. He represented East and Air, and the energies of Mercury. He held a marble caduceus, the snake decorated with emeralds.
There was Archangel Uriel, the genderless Seraphim angel of wisdom and guidance in all areas of life. They represented North and Earth, with the energies of Saturn. The Uriel statue was decorated with rubies, with Uriel seated in a meditative lotus pose, their head a ball of fire with an eye of gold. A book and a flame were in their stone hands.
Finally, there was Metatron, a fusion of all four angels, and one who represented the Word and power of God Himself. The Ether element, all planets and all the directions were associated with him. A smaller statue of Sandalphon was attached to it, Sandalphon holding a lyre. Metatron held the Book of Life and a Merkabah shaped symbol in his hands.
A square fire pit was in the center of the temple. Soother lit it and violet flames flickered to life, dancing with passion amid the angel states and the light of God shining from a circular hole in the star-painted dome. The Metatron statue was directly in the center of the space, in front of Soother.
Soother began the Hindu-style offerings, murmuring prayers in Latin, Sanskrit and Enochian. Incense sticks of frankincense and myrrh added to the sacred, calming atmosphere. He spoke as if others were with him.
"Honor to Fire and the South! We bow down to the heroic Micheal, protector of humanity and 'One Who Is Like God.' May our enemies and fears surrender to your sword of divine fire."
"Honor to Water and the West! We bow down to the nurturing Gabriel, God's messenger who is 'Strong Like God.' Help us keep our faith strong and pure as you blow your trumpet."
"Honor to Air and the East! We bow down to the empathetic Raphael, 'God Heals,' the divine healer, and bestower of wellbeing. Thank you for your miracles and devotion for the health of all."
"Honor to Earth and the North! We bow down to the wise Uriel, 'God's Light.' Illuminate us with your wisdom and guide us to our true path of righteousness."
"Honor to the Holy Spirit and all Energy! We bow down to Metatron, 'God's Scribe' and Enoch in divine form. One who has every name in God's Book of Life. Show us mercy and help cleanse our misdeeds for the Day of Judgment. Help us remember that we are God and God is with us for eternity. Hail Sandalphon, Archangel of Music, Elijah in divine form."
"Om…Ave Dios. Depart in peace and I thank you for your presence."
After his prayers and mantras, he added his offerings to the fire: herbs, fruit, pieces of vegetables, seeds, and petals of flowers. He folded his hands together and briefly closed his eyes, imagining the archangels comforting him.
After Soother finished his ritual and used holy water to drown the flames, he felt a presence behind him.
"Let's have a discussion, Soother."
It was his boss, Menadel of the Shem HaMephorash angels. He wore a robe of white which ended in a grayish tone at the bottom. The Hebrew symbol, representing one of the seventy-two names of God was on the front of his robe in small black print. His hair was long and black, his face swan-like and white. He had brilliant white wings that sometimes displayed eyes. He wore his usual cape of two intertwining swan heads together and a gold necklace with his sigil on it. A halo over his head showed a crimson crystal in the center. In his powerful angelic form, he could turn into a giant monstrous swan being.
Soother slowly stood up and followed the angel to his office. Although Menadel was not mean, he did have a stern side. Soother often felt nervous in the presence of someone so devoted to work. He worried that he would be chided for failing his previous mission of killing the alternate Ars Goetia. They soon stood in Menadel's spacious office. There was an ornate desk with a computer on it and tall arched windows that showed the darkening sky. Red Christian crosses were on display on white banners hanging from the walls like flags from the Crusades. Another sign showed black figures of gay men and gay women in sexual positions; below that was a figure of a horned person with genitals from both sexes about to sacrifice a baby on a pentagram. "Stand for your One True God," the slogan said. "If you see something, say something!"
Soother glanced around nervously, wishing he was back at the temple. His only comfort in the room was a painting of Jesus with light around his head, arms open in welcome.
After a brief silence, Menadel cleared his throat and turned toward the elf.
"I have some promising news, Soother. It turns out that 2P Stolas and many other demons have weakened due to the already bleak conditions of their dysphoric Lovecraftian Hell. And fortunately for me…"
Soother waited.
"…I have just heard news that Prince Stolas in main Hell was injured by an angelic weapon…from an imp demon, no less. It was his karma for cheating with an imp and neglecting his astronomy duties. Without having to engage in arguments or keep an eye on my counterpart rival for a while, I can now return to more...intimate matters."
"Such as?"
Menadel sighed. "Trying to undo the divorce…um, the unease between me and my former wife, Flora. I know I wasn't there for my daughter, Quartet and wanted Flora to be a traditional passive wife, and I put my career before my family…"
"Right…"
"But perhaps, I can help Quartet become a worthy heir to the Shem HaMephorash. It'll help with her confidence and expand her reputation." He spoke in a murmur. "It's sort of a win-win for me. She can succeed and the seventy-two angels gain a supporter, or she fails, and I can get her inheritance, despite already being rich. She has extra money from Lord Azrael."
"Sir," Soother began. "Doesn't that make you as bad and greedy as…"
"The demons? Like Stolas' ex-wife and her brother? No. I'm not trying to kill anyone. I'm only trying to keep Heaven and its structures in order as best as I can. But I cannot do it alone. Which brings me to…"
He turned around to face Soother. "You. Do be careful this time around with your next mission."
"What mission is that, sir?"
"First of all, keep up with your Exorcist training, you never know when either Heaven may be threatened by sinners. And your new mission is this: root out any denizens who may be demons or who may be supporting demons. Lord Adam wants any traces of Hell or demon support out of the Heaven worlds. The former humans must not regress to sin, so they will always need constant reminders from Lord Adam, our Heavenly community and from God."
Soother raised a brow. "You mean propaganda?"
"Well…"
Soother looked suspicious. "And wasn't Adam a former human who sinned?"
Menadel leaned close to Soother's face and hissed. "Do not let him hear his secret! Adam forsook his humanity long ago. Only a handful know and the many who do know often find themselves at the points of his spears or falling toward brimstone. As far as we're concerned, it is a false rumor; Adam is the perfect holy candidate to eradicate the evil sinners and keep Heaven safe from them. Adam wants revenge against Lilith and Lucifer for playing a part in his banishment, so he kills sinners to remind them of their mistake of leaving him and Eden. (How ironic that the father of man allows the death of his own race while the mother of man allows the demonization of them). The exterminations do Hell a favor by allowing the Overlords and currency and resources to continue thriving without the excess population. Even Lucifer agreed to it in exchange for his safety and rulership."
"And this relates to me how?" Soother pondered.
"It's a warning to anyone who thinks the sinners below deserve any pity or sympathy. And to anyone who thinks the Ars Goetia are more trustworthy than our own order. You are to remind others that sin will not be tolerated…that our world can be a paradise that will thrive and triumph over Hell and Earth."
Soother groaned. "Have you been watching too many of 'Adam's Awesome Extreme Acoustic air guitar shows again? Like that horrific episode, 'Why Heavenborn Are Better Than Saints, Why Sinners And Demons Should Perish, And Why Adam Is #1'? AND WHY IS THAT EVEN AN EPSIODE?!"
Menadel chuckled nervously. "…maybe. Surprisingly enough, I have a little spare time now and again."
"I swear the merchandise that a**h**e now gets…" Soother grumbled.
"Language," chided Menadel. He picked up a glowing red apple with Adam's monstrous Exorcist face on it. "The 'Adam's Apple™' works wonders during my late midnight shifts…"
Soother rolled his eyes.
Menadel chuckled, then got back to business. "Anyway, Soother, help me keep the population calm, eliminate hints of satanic threats and keep the saints in both Heavens oblivious to their tortured former family members down in Hell…"
Sweat beaded on Soother's face, and he gulped…
Menadel chuckled nervously. "Sorry Soother…Adam's orders."
"Let me guess, I'll go to Hell if I don't."
Menadel shrugged. "I'll just make sure you're put on duty to clean and consecrate every chalice and temple in existence in the Heavens…yeah, there's a lot."
Soother shrugged.
"…and see how your horse would do in a race against the fiery Seraphim steeds…"
Knowing his horse's fear of fire, Soother held up his hands. "Okay, I'll do it, sir! Just, d-don't send me down, please!"
Menadel smiled softly. "I knew I could count on you. You will be rewarded greatly for helping me feel at ease on my temporary 'vacation.'"
0 0 0
Before long, Menadel, Flora, Azrael and Damabiah sat at a fancy café called "Charity Café – Pour For The Poor!" Indeed, for every coffee that was bought, donations were made to the poor (who weren't really that poor considering it was Heaven).
Of course, there was an awkward silence between Flora and her ex. A part of her was happy to see he was doing well. But then she remembered that he neglected his duties as a father. Menadel was determined to make things right…even if he was still mad that Flora had left him for another angel…an angel of death, no less.
"Flora," Menadel began, sipping his cup of coffee, pinky up.
"Menadel," Flora returned the gesture.
Azrael looked uncomfortable as well. He kept glancing at the swan angel, wondering why he had to be here.
"Are you sure that you guys getting back together will be best for our daughter?" Azrael asked.
"If only to save our reputation," Menadel replied. "Divorce is still frowned upon by many denizens in Heaven. We just got the softer hit because we're rich."
"It's a little late for that," mentioned Flora, folding her arms and glaring. Her dress glittered with green grass made of light, with colorful flowers dotting it. "Seventeen years late. You've always prioritized money and work over Quartet's wellbeing."
"You know that the Shem HaMephorash have to follow strict rules," Menadel replied, sipping more coffee. "We serve the greater good and only for God."
Flora scoffed. "Maybe you should've thought of that before deciding to have a kid with me!"
The pale-faced Azrael sighed, wearing his usual dark suit, with a skull pin, black wings folded behind him. His tired eyes were sunken behind his long black hair. "Can we just get this agreement over with? I personally am not a fan of Menadel getting more days with Quartet. And who is with you, anyway, Menadel?"
Flora turned to look at Damabiah, another angel of the Shem HaMephorash. Damabiah was pale skinned with long periwinkle hair and sky-blue eyes. Her light blue dress shimmered and rippled like a fountain. Damabiah was the "Fountain of God's wisdom," an angel of nature and water. Her white wings were folded behind her, and a teal-white halo hovered over her head.
"Pleasure to meet you all," Damabiah said. "I am a colleague of Menadel, angel of summertime and a dove-hybrid. And the anthesis of Andrealphus. That icy cunning peacock gets on my nerves, for real. I don't even know why he has ice powers anyway." Many of the Shem HaMephorash angels were divine bird-hominoids and beings opposite of the demonic creatures. "Yes, I can turn into a dove and shower mortals with wisdom…provided they are polite and not in you know where." She moved her finger across a gold pin on her dress with her angelic sigil on it and Hebrew writing.
"So, what wisdom do you have for us?" Flora asked, turning back to the topic, speaking in sarcasm. "Perhaps we should call in an angel of marriage and turn back time."
Damabiah cleared her throat, dismissing the comment. "Well, as Flora's first husband, I think it would be fair for Menadel to be able to spend more time with his daughter to make up for lost time…"
Azrael began to protest, but Damabiah held up a finger.
"…however, I think that Quartet should make the final decision. She is almost seventeen and soon to learn how to master magic and become an heir. At the very least, Menadel and Azrael should both be allowed to train her."
"But our magic and views are as different as light and death, literally," Azrael mentioned.
'Which is precisely why Quartet should master both," Damabiah replied. "In order to defeat potential darkness, she must have a feeling for the darkness to some degree. Besides, a bubbly princess who wears emo clothes all day does seem a bit odd." Menadel nodded while Azrael glowered.
Menadel spoke up with a sly grin. "I propose that I either get half the time with Quartet…or…I get a fraction of the family inheritance."
"You weren't even around half the time!" Flora spat. "Plus, you're rich enough already!"
"Do you know how hard it is to be a divine veteran for God? To work almost twenty-four hours to ensure Heaven's safety and order? Relying God's messages and translating them is hard enough."
"Who do you think you are, an Exorcist?" Flora rolled her eyes.
"Better. I am part of a divine group that has been forgotten in the main Heaven. I think I deserve some recognition for my hard work after all these years. Can't I at least have one chance to…be a better husband? We still have eternity do we not?"
Damabiah seemed to buy into it, because she said, "I think Menadel's got a point."
"Of course you would, you're his sister," Flora remarked. "Now go back to your little business family and stay out of our business!"
Menadel sighed, taking another sip of coffee. "Well, I guess I could leave you guys alone. But then again, rumors still spread. If someone very important, say an Exorcist general were to find out about you cheating on me…" He tsked. "I don't see any good in that."
"I'm surprised you didn't think about spreading rumors about me earlier," Flora glared.
"Got too busy and didn't have the idea," Menadel shrugged.
"God's loyal servant can't let go of the past," Azrael barked, rolling his eyes. The air around him dimmed. "Say all the crap you want…you are not taking my wife away from me…or my daughter."
"She is my daughter as well; you'd do well to remember that." Menadel's eyes briefly flashed.
"If you let that pompous guitar-strumming ass near my family just for your status…" Azrael began, teeth bared.
Menadel chuckled. "What? You'll kill me? I'm immortal and you'll just get punished. I heard Samael…"
"Cannot punish another angel," Azrael finished. "The deal is off, Menadel."
Menadel glared. "Maybe not an angel, but perhaps…"
He glanced over toward the window, speaking in telepathy… "…any group of deviant elves trying to challenge things."
A pair of hypnotic dark blue eyes glowed on a pointed eared shadow figure. The figure flew to the side, got on a winged horse and was soon out of sight.
0 0 0
Docile, and his E.L.F. crew were talking and walking with a group of saints, some of them carrying protest signs. They were among those in Heaven who didn't fully agree with the annual Extermination...and some were outright appalled by the idea, despite it going on for hundreds of years. They held signs that read, "Adam the A**h**e!" and "Redeem Our Sinner Families!" "Vote For Eve!" "Support Your Real God and the Archangels!" "Heaven Rights For Ex-Humans!"
Of course, Adam's groups and many of the elite angels in both worlds were the predominant force in the Heavens. With the Overlords in Hell either struggling to try and defeat the Exorcists, or agreeing to their agendas for their own gains, true redemption seemed almost impossible. To make matters worse, the group of Heaven's equivalents to the Overlords, the Born-Again Council, was not available for discussions.
"I wish God could fix this division between us," sighed Docile. "Why couldn't God love humans and angels equally? Punishment isn't gonna help the people of Earth learn from their mistakes."
"I agree," said Sunna, licking her paw. "That Adam angel gives me the creeps. That demonic grin and his promiscuous arrogant behavior…I'm surprised that is even allowed in our world! Adam's trying to create a tyrannical rule over all the worlds. This madness must end."
"Not to mention our fellow elves are all but ignored, even behind the C.H.E.R.U.B.S.," Timmid added, holding up a sign that read, "Justice For Animal Angels, Too!"
Tirred help up a sign that read, "I'm with those who fight in vain."
Docile glared at his employee. "Don't tell me you actually support him?"
"Adam?" Tirred scoffed. "I may hate demons and want them all dead, but even I find Adam f*cking annoying."
"Language," Sunna hissed.
"P*ss off, pussycat," Tirred retorted. "Ironic that all these people are worshipping Adam as an idol and not God Himself."
Rival protestors held banners with red Christian crosses on them. Many signs read, "Save the best for the native Heaven-born!" "Adam is our new Savior!" "Destroy Deviants and Demons!" "Obey Your One True God." "Cleanse every world in the Lord's name!"
Docile sighed. "Who knew Heaven would grow to be as messed up as Earth and Hell."
They protested some more before the E.L.F. crew headed home. Sadly the "conservative" group were ahead of the "liberals" by seven points. The former, nicknamed the "Adamgelicals" had persuaded the higher-ups that no meeting was necessary to debate the Exorcist's brutal methods against sinners…as far as they knew, anyone going against God deserved death in all its forms, the more painful the better. The latter, a lesser-known faction of Heaven (at least in the 2P one) had nicknamed themselves, "Jesus' Love-Workers," to which many Heaven-denizens cruelly dismissed them as being "New-Age hippies trying to save the damned."
"Jesus would want to give all sinners a second chance, just like the princess in Hell," many would say. Many of the members were former humans.
"Tell us where Jesus is and then we'll talk. And the chance of Hell's princess redeeming sinners is…well, like Hell freezing over!" The rival group laughed, mostly consisting of the Heaven-born. "Or like Heaven getting rained on! Hahaha!"
A sheep cherub spoke up. "It rains sometimes in other Halos. And in Dante's ninth circle of Hell…"
A lion roared. "Shut it, Ewe, you're on the Right side here!"
A sad look. "Whatever you say, Leo. I'm Ewe, just another sheep cherub in a world full of sheep." Ewe flew off, hanging up fliers of Cletus, Collin, and Keenie: "Banished/Missing, if found, please head to Earth/Hell for immediate rescue."
E.L.F. were glad to break free of the clamoring crowd. The sun was setting in the Humility Halo, turning the sky an indigo color. Polished marble buildings, churches with gemstones embedded in the structure and various shops briefly shone in the fading sunset light. The streetlights looked like golden suns as E.L.F. passed underneath them, heading to their houses. Docile and Sunna lived together, while Tirred and Timmid now resided in separate rooms.
The peaceful protests almost never turned violent, but harsh words were still spoken. "It's Lucifer's fault," Tirred grumbled to the others. "If he had just followed God's orders, he wouldn't have made Eve get in trouble…"
"He was in love with her," Timmid countered. "And God was strict with His children, what else would you expect love-struck gods to do?"
"I'd argue it was Adam's fault," said Sunna. "As the first man, he should've known better. If he had been respectful to Lilith, she wouldn't have left Eden and Eve wouldn't have eaten the forbidden fruit and God wouldn't have decided that all flawed humans should go to Hell…"
"Blah, blah, blah," Tirred groaned. "Coulda, woulda, shoulda. "The only thing I care about is Adam and those demons being burned to ash."
"Perhaps we could go to the Heaven Ambassadry and request another meeting?" Timmid asked.
There were many Heaven Ambassadry buildings in the realms, including one in the main Hell. Like the one in Hell, the adjacent fence was golden, and the points were shaped like Exorcist spears and eyes were also part of the design. The golden doors had handles shaped like round suns. The arched windows showed Christan crosses, halos, and eyes. There were also nearby towers that looked like church steeples. There were gold frames near the roof and light shone around it. Angels could have meetings there to talk about the exterminations and various events…and the princess of Hell was planning to meet with some of the angels. Protection magic surrounded the buildings, keeping them indestructible and protected from any demonic criminals. Inside all the buildings were portals to allow angels to easily travel between the worlds.
"Not a chance," Tirred sulked. "They won't listen to guys like us."
Soother wanted more than ever to join the E.L.F. crew, to find some way to help the elves get more recognition. But Menadel's orders conflicted with his thoughts. Half the time, he convinced himself that Menadel and Adam and God and the rulers of Heaven knew what they were doing. That the exterminations were for the greater good…after all, God allowed it to happen.
If only an influential individual like Docile could be persuaded to a better point of view…his own. Last time, there was a misunderstanding, but this time, things would be different. Docile would have to listen to him, and then E.L.F. would have to follow. No more orders from Menadel, no more conflicts, mission accomplished.
As dark Asian ninja music played in the background, Soother waited in the shadows as he watched Docile go. "I'm sorry it has to be like this…" His face twitched and his narrowed eyes glowed as he put on his Exorcist mask.
Before long, E.L.F. were back in their respective homes. They were modest and well-kept places, with elaborate paintings in their living rooms and spacious beds. Sunna purred as she curled up on her large round bed, her teal blanket decorated with suns, paw prints, and Christian crosses. Timmid slept in her own bed, her room was neat and decorated with lots of flowers, animal posters, and some candles. Tirred's room had an unusual display of angelic weapons, ancient artifacts, and a poster of a winking shirtless Samael (sometimes used for target practice.)
Docile's room had awards on display from his days in choir and Bible study sessions. He had pictures of him with a smiling Sunna after she had gotten adopted, and the certificate was signed. Docile posed with the E.L.F. crew, everyone smiling except for Tirred. There were more pictures on the wall of Docile and Rizzafolli donating to charity and one with Docile, his sister and their parents. His blankets were midnight blue with gold sequins on them like stars. Docile slept soundly as the moon rose in the sky.
From outside the building, a ninja figure held out a knife and muttered a spell. The knife briefly became a silver key that unlocked the door. The shadow of the figure slowly moved up the steps, the stairs creaking under black boots. Ever so quietly, the figure stopped in front of Docile's bedroom door. The door was pushed open, and the figure crept closer to Docile's sleeping form. A hand reached near Docile's face…
In his sleep, Docile briefly knocked the figure back with his face. The intruder stumbled and lifted himself up.
"Hello, Tirred," Docile mumbled. "Can I marry you?"
The figure tried again…
…but got hit in the face with a punch from the sleeping Docile.
"You're not Jesus. You're Cletus…stop stealing my spotlight and my empire wine!"
The figure grabbed Docile's arms, pinning him down. Docile slowly opened his eyes, half-asleep. "Dad? Why are you being so dominant…"
Frustrated, the figure slapped Docile across the face and removed his hood. Docile's eyes widened, fully awake, as he saw who it really was.
"Soother? What are…"
Soother hummed and the circular teal lines in his dark blue sclera eyes moved inward and out. Docile's eyes fluttered and he soon sank back into sleep. Docile was carried over Soother's shoulder as he made his way down the stairs. Sunna's pointed ears twitched and she jolted awake. She stretched and jumped down from the bed, scurrying on all fours out of her bedroom. She had made it outside just in time to see Docile's limp form hang over Soother's shoulders and vanish around the corner.
"Docile?" Sunna called. "Where are you?"
She yawned and raced ahead, but Soother was already gone. Growing concerned, Sunna wasted no time. She dashed back into her house and called Tirred and Timmid's cellphones. When they didn't answer, she grabbed a secret round light from inside a cabinet and aimed it out the open window.
Gradually, Timmid and Tirred woke up to find a light flashing in the night sky. They emerged from their bedrooms.
"What the heaven is that?" Tirred asked.
"An angel bat," Timmid replied, drowsy. Sure enough, the light showed a bat-shape with feathery white angel wings.
"Some prankster doing stupid things," moaned Tirred. "Go back to sleep."
Sunna growled. "No, that's not the one." She fiddled with the light and flicked it again.
"Wait, wait, look," said Timmid before Tirred turned back around. "The image has changed."
The image was now pink with a skeletal black horse as the logo. "Spindlehorse" was written below it.
Tirred shrugged. "Again, this prank is a great insult because it doesn't show me. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to dream about kicking demon butt."
"You really can be a jerk sometimes," Timmid spat.
"No, no, no!" Sunna muttered. "Come, on, come on, come on!"
Finally, Sunna got the image she was looking for.
"Urgh!" Tirred groaned. "Will those people stop with the light flashing Batman prank?"
"Uh…Tirred…"
"What?!"
"That's our symbol."
"Spindlehorse didn't make us, unfortunately," Tirred growled. "Now get lost before I…"
Timmid pulled Tirred hard on the arm toward the window. "Look, you demon-hating bastard!"
Tirred blinked twice at what he saw. Sure enough, there was the E.L.F. logo symbol in the sky before them. The figures showed Tirred holding a sword, Timmid holding a scepter, and Docile holding a heart with a glowing cross inside with "Efficient Lifesaving Fellows" underneath. Docile had the Batman signal idea in place should their cellphones not work in an emergency.
"It's an emergency!" Timmid cried. "Someone's in trouble!"
"I'm not a superhero," Tirred grumbled. "You go do it."
"You're coming with me! That signal is coming from Docile and Sunna's house. Hurry!"
Tirred groaned but followed Timmid as they got dressed and ran several blocks to the house.
Sunna was already waiting out front.
"What's going on, Sunna?" Tirred asked.
"It's Docile! Someone broke into the house and took him!"
"What?!" Tirred bellowed. "Why would anyone be stupid enough to do that? And how did they even get in?"
"We have to find him, fast," Sunna said. "Tirred, go back home and gather some weapons."
"You know we can't kill anyone in Heaven. Only higher angels can erase souls."
"No, but temporary pain can still work," said Sunna. "And I know how much you like using your weapons."
"Ditto," he said with a nod.
"Timmid," said Sunna. "Try contacting Quartet or anyone else who knows Docile. Perhaps we can get a lead. I'll try to sniff them out. Meet back at the Heaven Ambassadry building."
"Which one?" Timmid asked. "Unlike Hell, there's more than one in Heaven."
"The one that looks most like the one in the main Hell," said Sunna.
"They all look the same," said Timmid.
"Just pick one!" barked Tirred.
"Sunna had the idea," said Timmid. "Which one is it?"
"The one closest to the catnip store."
"Of course it'd be that one," Tirred rolled his eyes.
The three E.L.F. members spread out. Timmid called Quartet on her cellphone.
"Hello?" Quartet asked.
"Quartet, this is Timmid."
"Oh, you are Sunna's friend, yes?"
"Yes."
"I just woke up to gaze at the stars for a bit. You're lucky I'm awake and I know you. What's up?"
"I think something has happened to Docile."
"Docile?"
"Yes, my boss at E.L.F."
"What happened?"
"Some thief broke into his house and took him. He may have been drugged or something."
"There are no drugs in Heaven," Quartet explained. "Maybe he got knocked out."
"I need your help. Do you think you could get your father to help you rescue him?"
"Dad is asleep from a long important meeting. I don't think he's in the mood."
"What was the meeting about?"
"He said it involved some elite angels and they were talking about my parents and their divorce. Well, my original dad."
"Does that have anything to do with Docile?"
"Don't know."
Timmid held her head sadly, certain that Docile would never be found…
"But dad did mention an unusual thing there," said Quartet. "He saw Menadel briefly talk with a figure outside. Some shadow with glowing blue eyes."
"Blue eyes?"
"Blue-green eyes, very big. And the figure may have been riding a horse."
"A flaming horse?"
"No, a winged Pegasus."
"Is there anyone in Heaven who rides a winged horse?"
"I'm sure there's many. Is there anyone you know in particular that rides them all the time?"
Timmid's eyes widened as she put the pieces together.
"Soother…" she breathed.
"Good night, Timmid and good luck," said Quartet. Timmid hung up and raced back to a heavenly building where Tirred and Sunna also arrived.
"Any clues?" Tirred asked.
"Nope," said Sunna, brushing back her long brown braids. "My nose is tired from all the catnip." She briefly sucked on the last bit of a green leaf.
"Hippie," Tirred muttered.
Timmid panted. "I…I think it was Soother."
"Soother? That nice elf with the hypnotic eyes and white winged horse back in the Patience Halo?" asked Sunna in surprise.
"Yes."
Tirred narrowed his eyes. "I knew that shady sneak was up to no good. He's so upset at us running his mission that he wants to hold our boss for ransom!" He sharpened his holy dagger.
"Let's calm down," said Sunna. "Perhaps there is more to it. Let's head to the Patience Halo and find out where he lives. See how he likes us breaking into his house!"
"Which could very well be a trap," Tirred pointed out.
"We have no choice," said Timmid. "We have to find him." They headed into their white E.L.F. van and drove down the road through a portal to the Patience Halo.
As Soother flew across the sky on his winged horse, Hypnoheart, four elves dressed in white monk-like robes began to sing Soother's theme song, while playing Indian sitars and various Asian instruments.
"He's flying over the puffy clouds
Not many say his name out loud
Look into his eyes and you'll fall asleep
From Halo to Halo, his work runs deep"
"He's Soother, he's Soother
Getting stuff done, he's number one, he's Soother
Trying to being the elf to his side
To close Heaven's moral divide
Despite his charm, he's a mystery
Troubled with an unknown history"
"Side-changing
Elf-exchanging
Plan arranging
Soother!"
"He's sweet and gentle and thin and kind
But be wary of what's in his mind
He loves the Lord with all his heart
But authorities turn his life apart
He's Soother! Soother!"
After they were done and noticed Soother, Soother said with a smile, "Thank you so much," and tossed them a bag of gold coins. The elves cheered and headed off. Before long, Soother and the horse had reached a secret area in a large garden, where there was a small white house with a red Japanese-style roof design on top.
The E.L.F. crew arrived at the Route 777 gas station, where the four elves in white robes holding their instruments hummed Soother's theme song on a bench. Tirred climbed out and got the gas while Timmid wandered around. Sunna waved to a Charlie's Angels motorcycle gang, consisting of muscular elves and vehicles decorated with Christian crosses that could fly into the sky.
"Hello there," Timmid called, spotting the quartet of musicians. "Have you guys seen Soother? He's a ninja elf who rides a white horse?"
"Yes," one of them said. "A friendly enigmatic fellow. He lives in the Goodman suburbs, in a small house near the gardens and temples. Very guru aesthetic, can't miss it."
"Thank you kindly," Timmid smiled. "Hey, Tirred, we got another lead!" After they got gas, Sunna drove the van again down the road.
0 0 0
Docile slowly opened his eyes. He found his hands and feet tied with glowing white rope. He was leaning against the wall and saw Soother about to make a phone call. He looked around at Soother's small, modest place. There were yoga mats off to the side, an array of blue candles on shelves, various Asian-style art and of course, a display of angelic weapons on the walls: scimitars, katanas, nun chucks, swords, pistols, and the like. The display would be enough for the agents of D.H.O.R.K.S. to fawn over. Strangely enough, soft meditation angelic music played in the background from a small set of speakers near Soother's feet.
"Nice statue," Docile remarked after seeing a small gold figure of Soother seated in a lotus pose on a shelf. Soother turned around. "Oh, you're up."
"Don't put me back to sleep," Docile's eyes narrowed. "What do you want from me?"
"Nothing much. I'm still a little bit upset that you and your crew sabotaged my mission last time. But good news is that Menadel has other plans…for his family and for you."
"Why me?"
Soother stepped closer. "The two of us could work well together."
Docile frowned. "I already told you last time, I don't want to join you in killing demons."
"You don't have to. I just think that you and E.L.F. could benefit from working with authorities to keep Heaven in order."
"You don't like the authorities," Docile mentioned. "Especially Adam."
Soother sighed. "I don't have a choice. Menadel ordered me to find more people to support the seventy-two angels and most of them conform to the idea that Heaven must have perfect denizens. To uphold traditional Christian values that have stood the test of time."
Docile strained against his binds. "You're starting to sound like my fanatical sister. Our religion has been warped by mankind for centuries and now even divine beings are falling for the trap. Heaven is supposed to help and redeem all humans, not just the 'good' ones."
Soother shrugged. "I'm just saying that if we have to wait until we can get Adam and the other elite out, then we should do so. There can be no support of demons or even any mention of sinners in our world. My duty is to the Lord, and thus to Adam and all the tenets."
"There is no 'we,'" Docile seethed. "And I know you don't believe that."
"Don't I?" Soother put an angelic knife close to Docile's neck.
Docile grinned. "If you really want me that bad, then E.L.F. must have some influence here. Our job is to not just save people on Earth, but to reunite families and souls from all worlds. And if that includes Hell, so be it. NO ONE deserves to be separated from family, sinner or not!" Docile choked up, "I know that because it happened to me!"
"Save your sob story," Soother waved a dismissive hand. "Menadel said that I had to take care of deviant individuals like you."
"You are one, yourself."
"Shut it!"
"Look," said Docile. "I have my own business that does its own thing. I wish you and other people would stop shoving your Evangelical beliefs down everyone's throat and forcing people to convert! You know that will never work in the long run!"
A pause from Soother. "It's the Adamgelical faith."
"F**k that noise!"
"LANGUAGE!" Soother bellowed, striking Docile hard in the face. Docile growled and tried to kick Soother, but Soother moved out of the way. Soother pulled hard on Docile's pointed elf ears. "You'd best be on good behavior," he muttered darkly. "Menadel is on his way. And with you in our possession, your crew will follow our orders. There will be no more saving unworthy Earth folk or speaking out against the exterminations."
"I'd rather be dammed," Docile spat. "Like those cherubs that were banished."
"You may change your mind," Soother warned. He paced around and lifted his cellphone to his ear.
"Menadel, sir, this is Soother. Yes, I have him. His crew should be here any minute."
Soother revealed an unnatural evil grin that gave Docile the shivers. Docile prayed that his crew would rescue him before Menadel arrived. He knew that fighting one of the Shem HaMephorash was next to impossible.
Just when Soother was about to deliver another insulting blow to Docile's face…
"Leave our boss alone!" roared a fierce feline voice. The door was kicked down and there stood Tirred, Timmid, and Sunna. Tirred pulled out his pistol, Timmid held her white glowing short sword and Sunna brandished her sharp claws. Timmid threw a dagger, which landed at Docile's feet. With mental telekinesis and effort, Docile managed to slice off the ropes binding his hands and feet.
"Thank you, Jesus," Docile smiled, grateful tears in his eyes.
Soother put on his Exorcist mask, his body twitching as he held two glowing curved blades in his hands. "Welcome to my tranquil temple," he said. "It's quite rude to barge in without removing your shoes."
"And it's quite rude to steal our boss from under our noses," Timmid spat.
Soother shrugged. "Just follow me and Menadel's orders and Heaven will be a peaceful place for the greater good."
"Never," hissed Sunna, her brown striped fur standing on end.
"I wouldn't support Adam, even if it means brimstone," Tirred began. "Now be a good little elf and hand over our boss."
Soother whistled and his steed Hypnoheart came flying in, neighing, and crashing through the roof. The elves barely managed to avoid his large hooves that crashed onto the floor. Several eyes blinked at Docile on the horse's white feathery wings.
"N-nice horsey," Docile sputtered, taking steps back in fear.
The horse grabbed Docile's work suit in his mouth and carried him into the air. They flew over a peaceful garden with fountains, flowers, koi ponds and meditation spots.
"HEEEELLLLP!" Docile cried in terror. "I hate horses and heights!"
"Says an angel who can fly," Soother scoffed.
"I'm coming, sir!" Sunna called, springing up from all fours and flying after the horse. Tirred and Timmid both began to fight the Exorcist-dressed Soother.
Sunna flew after Docile as the horse swerved out of Sunna's reach several times. She avoided getting hit with his hooves before she flipped down and grabbed hold of one of his wings. The wings beat fast, almost knocking her off. Docile reached a hand to Sunna and she reached her paw to him. They could almost reach each other, but it wasn't enough.
"Punch him in the mouth!" Sunna called.
"But I'll fall!"
"You have wings for Viv's sakes!" Sunna cried. "I'll catch you!"
Docile gulped and nodded. He landed a fist to the horse's chin and the stunned equine dropped him. Docile briefly stumbled as he fell, but Sunna dove forward and caught him. They looked at each other and grinned. "Let's move this horse to another pasture," she said to Docile, winking. "How about someplace hot?" They flew off together with Hypnoheart following close behind.
They flew over the city and toward a sky race where flaming stallions were pulling chariots with alien-looking angels inside.
"Excuse me, coming through!" Sunna called as she held the terrified Docile's hand. They dodged hooves, flaming wheels with eyes on them and the protests from the racers as they hurried along the track. Just as Sunna suspected and what Soother had been afraid of, Hypnoheart whined back in fear at the sight of the flames on the horses.
"Look at that scaredy horse!" one of the red bully seraphim stallions whinnied at Hypnoheart. His name was Pyro. "He has no flames at all! No eyes like us! I bet he can't even fly seven miles with those wimpy wings!"
An orange female one named Sera joined in. "Too afraid of getting hot, snow-horse?"
A light blue-white one snorted. Azul. "I bet your master sings you lullabies to sleep!" The horses laughed.
Hypnoheart neighed and flew away in fear and embarrassment back to Soother.
Sunna and Docile high-fived before flying back to Soother's place. They arrived just in time to watch Soother spin around and knock Tirred and Timmid back with his twin bladed weapons. Tirred fired angelic bullets, but Soother's Exorcist suit absorbed most of the blows. Soother rushed forward and slammed Timmid against the wall.
"Timmid!" Docile cried. "Don't look into his…"
Wide-eyed Timmid started swaying and soon slumped to the ground after being influenced by Soother's hypnotic stare.
"…eyes," Docile groaned. Soother turned toward him, surprised. Timmid was not entirely asleep, but she felt like her whole body had gone numb.
"Welcome back," Soother drawled. "I see you've escaped my horse."
Docile smirked as he saw Hypnoheart shaking outside behind a tree. "I guess he's scared of me now since I led him to his jock bullies."
"My idea!" Sunna piped up.
"Hypnoheart got burned by those horses when he was a foal," Soother said with a glare. "Took years of holy water and healing to get him back on his hooves."
"How awful," Timmid said with a frown. "If you truly care about your horse, you'll take care of him and let us go instead."
"Um…no," Soother grinned again, slapping her in the face. She fell to the floor but stood up again. "Menadel should be here any…"
Whack!
Soother found himself being wacked on the head with a sword by Tirred from behind.
"That's my ex-girlfriend, creep!" Tirred yelled and landed punches to Soother's chest and neck. "Only I get to insult her!"
Soother then grabbed hold of Tirred's arms, making him drop the sword. "You really are a snively selfish brat." Tirred strained to free his arms in vain against Soother's Exorcist-powered strength. Sunna leaped at Soother, but Soother moved to the side as she slammed into the wall.
"If you ever wanted to be an Exorcist," Soother told Tirred, "Here's a reason to decline!" He lifted the wrathful elf and tossed him through the room. He yelled and crashed into screen dividers with designs of cherry blossoms on them. "I'm not okay!" he groaned. Sunna leaped and scratched Soother's arms, but Soother picked her up by the scruff of her neck and tossed her outside. To her dismay, she flew and landed smack into a round outdoor fountain of water. She yowled and hissed as she sat up and shivered, soaking wet.
"Enjoy your bath, kitty cat!" Soother called out, mockingly.
"Enough, Soother!" Docile growled. Soother towered over him. "Well partner, looks like it's just you and me now."
Docile scowled at Soother, soon finding himself cornered against a wall. Docile grew nervous as Soother inched closer.
"Let's try this persuasion thing again," Soother said. "This time, I'm not offering you an Exorcist position, nor any chance to become powerful for our species. In fact, you don't have to work with any Archangels or royalty if you don't want to."
"I only work for myself," Docile deadpanned. "No one else. Especially not with Exorcist jerks who think that eliminating humans who've made mistakes is going to create a better world."
"If only you could grasp the bigger picture," Soother mused, eyes glowing from under his mask. "I'm giving you a chance to collaborate with me, to ensure Heaven is a safe, peaceful paradise for all."
"I refuse to join you until the Exorcists are disbanded," Docile replied.
"What if Menadel decides to send you and your crew to Hell?" Soother asked, knife under Docile's throat.
Docile's eyes glowed menacingly, a strange courage and frustration gathering within him. "Go for it, punk. As long as I have my friends with me, I'll do anything to help and honor the innocent victims killed by our own people."
Soother stepped back, surprised. He had run out of ideas. "Well, if you won't corporate, I bet Menadel will find some way to…"
"Yeah sure," Docile smirked. "Go back to your daddy master and let him make your needs met."
"He's not my father!"
"Who is it?"
"None of your business!" Soother then paused and stared at Docile again. His eyes narrowed and his malicious sharp grin grew. "What about your daddy? Still not a good enough son for him? Not the Exorcist warrior or son of God he wanted you to be? The Shem HaMephorash has records of people."
"I don't care about that crap anymore," Docile seethed. "I've forged my own path. I have everyone I could possibly need."
"Do you, now?" Soother's face darkened. "Perhaps there is one person missing from your perfect little life. What was their name again? Someone who went far far away? Was it…Allita?"
Docile froze in a panic, sweat beading down his forehead.
0 0 0
Meanwhile, Menadel and his sister Damabiah lounged in their golden palace. The palace was in the middle of a stunning green garden, and golden fountains sprayed golden water into basins of various sizes. The golden liquid could give healing and knowledge to those who drank it. (They were, of course, constructed by Damabiah.
Using yellow magic, Damabiah manifested two lumps of sugar and dropped them into her cup of hot tea. She stirred it with a gold spoon and smiled. Her brother sat across from her, also sipping tea. They sat at a brown round table with emeralds embedded onto the sides.
"So, about that meeting earlier," Damabiah said. "How did you think it went?"
Menadel sighed. "I honestly expected it to be better. Flora wants nothing to do with me and Azrael would be happy to decorate my gravestone."
"You're immortal."
"You know what I mean. And technically, God can kill any one of us at any time. But it seems like God has forgotten He needs the Shem HaMephorash. We are aspects of His divine name and yet the angels of death and violence seems to be all the rage these days."
Damabiah blinked, pushing back her periwinkle hair. "I thought you wanted violence against demons."
"Well yes, but…" he had a reminiscent look. "I do miss the old days when there was less work to be done and we could help God create the cosmos without having to babysit humans or watch demons."
"To be fair, the Archangels and cherubs do much of those interactions, helping humanity as a whole," she mentioned.
"And us? We may as well be like the Empyrean Guard who patrols God's abode and spies on other worlds."
"Would you…prefer to do something else?" asked Damabiah.
"Besides helping Quartet become heir and getting rich…not much I guess…"
Damabiah smirked. "My own brother, patron of careers, not even sure what to do about his own. Just hiring an elf to kidnap another elf."
"Well, perhaps you have a better idea of how we can convince that elf to support our campaign."
Damabiah stood up and pulled out a treasured business card from a shelf. It had Menadel's sigil on the front and his profile description on the back. She smiled at him. "Perhaps a new idea that you won't like."
Menadel glared. His sister put a hand on his shoulder and showed him his card. She read, "Menadel, 'the Honorable God,' Angel of work and jobs. He can help with finding and keeping jobs and setting goals."
Damabiah continued. "I bet you didn't see the second description of yourself."
"Second description?" he asked, bewildered.
His sister read, "Helps reunite estranged family members. Brings an end to gossip and slander."
Menadel stared blankly.
Damabiah shook her head and snickered. "You got so wrapped up in work that you forgotten what your own powers are?"
"So what? How is this important?"
"Think about it!" Damabiah beamed. "You're used to arguing with Prince Stolas and you seem obsessed with wanting to kill him."
"He's neglectful and annoying!" Menadel roared. "And his relationships and sexual stuff is just gross."
"Yeah, the sibling/romantic relationship between Stella and Andrealphus is revolting. But never mind all that. You watch over him for a reason, right?" she asked.
"Yeah…"
"How about instead of trying to end him, why not…show some mercy and help him?"
"Helping demons? Are you out of your mind?! Heaven isn't exactly demon friendly."
Damabiah held up her hands. "I'm not saying you have to befriend him. But maybe you could use your 'new' abilities to help settle things down. You could help Stolas make amends with his family and maybe even his ex-wife. With no more gossip about Stolas being divorced and involved with Blitzo, he won't potentially get killed. With his family settled down, he will be able to continue his duties of reading the stars. Plus, this will reduce the chances of war."
"And nothing is in it for me?"
"Oh, there's plenty in it for you. The first step is to call off Soother's mission to convert Docile."
"Why would…"
She cut him off. "We don't need Docile. We already have plenty of support for Adam and the elite already. And yes, I know people's names… 'Fountain of Knowledge,' after all."
"Why, again?"
"Biding our time to gain the advantage works the best," she said. "With no worries about Stolas, you'll have time to finally make amends with your own family. To not be so weighed down by work. And I'll talk to Azrael to see about giving you some money as a reward. If you can prove to them that you're serious about Quartet's wellbeing, then perhaps we'll be able to work things out."
"Yes," Menadel smiled. "And still find ways to cleanse any sinners and deviants in Heaven, right?"
Damabiah frowned. "Leave that to the Exorcists. You need a break from all the Adam propaganda politics."
Menadel sighed, seeming to realize just how tired he really was. "Yes, you're right. You always have a way of grounding me when I get my head too stuck in the clouds."
A yellow cloud appeared and hovered near Menadel's face. He gasped and sneezed. Damabiah giggled.
"Can you at least agree not to prank me with your magic tricks?" Menadel said, folding his arms.
"No promises on that one," she said, holding up a golden rotary phone to his ear. "Now go call Soother."
0 0 0
Docile breathed heavily, tears forming in his eyes.
Soother leaned down. "She was your mother, wasn't she? Menadel told me all about her. She was sent to Hell for avidly supporting sinners and demons."
"W-what?" Docile asked. He had no idea how long he had repressed those long- lost memories. When he had separated from his sister and lost contact with his best friend…when he had seen his mother being dragged away after she and a tag-team had tried to burn Exorcist weapons in holy flames. He had forgotten about reading that obituary section in the newspaper, the same spot where there was a list of criminals who had been banished. His father, Yesha Cantus, out of fear, had tried to mold him into the ideal son ever since.
"I can help you get her back," Soother mused into his ear.
Docile stared into Soother's eyes. With his comrades numbed by Soother on the ground, he already felt like giving up. "Why?"
"To bring justice to you and to me. You said you wanted to help families reunite. Now I will do the same for you."
Docile sobbed, feeling helpless. "Okay, okay fine! You can make me support Adam and Menadel and whoever else you want. I'll even stop protesting against the Exorcists! Just bring her back, please!" He was begging on his hands and knees, influenced by both Soother's stare and his own deep emotions.
"Then it's settled," Soother whispered, his face in shadow. "Time to take a nice, good sleep…"
Holy, Holy, Holy!
Soother stood up, surprised at the sound of his angelic ringtone. He heard his cellphone ring and picked it up to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Soother, this is Menadel."
"Hello, sir, are you coming?"
"I'm afraid there's been a change of plans. I want you to let Docile and E.L.F. go. No more negotiating with them."
Soother raised an eyebrow. "Wait what? You said you'd be here by now. And I have him hook, line, and sinker."
"It's better if we let Docile decide what to do on his own. We already have enough supporters for Adam and the Exorcists anyway. I'll give you some much needed time off, some money…"
Soother glared.
"…and a fire-proof spell for your horse if you let E.L.F. go."
Soother groaned. "It's always one thing after another with angelic royalty. E.L.F. will just keep challenging the system. Can't you make up your mind?"
"My mind is made up. Let him go and come back to me."
"Yes, sir," Soother sighed as he hung up.
Soother stood up, Exorcist mask still on. "I think I can still get all of you to confirm to my beliefs anyway."
Docile's spirit lifted as his crew slowly stood up and joined him. "Guess what, Soother," Docile smiled weakly. "It doesn't matter what you throw at us. I have my companions with me." He looked at Sunna, Tirred and Timmid who gave him warm encouraging looks. He stood up taller. "As a matter of fact, I don't need your help or the Archangels or anyone. Perhaps in a new mission, we'll find a way to bring my mother back on our own."
Soother let out a distorted maniacal Exorcist laugh. "You fool! I have no interest in going down to Hell to bring her back."
"You were trying to trick me into obeying you!" Docile cried.
Soother nodded. "It's impossible! The only way for a person to return to Heaven is if they are redeemed from their sins! And I don't see redemption happening any time soon!" He threw a dagger into the head of a stuffed red demon training dummy on the far side of the room.
Soother continued. "The Exorcists will continue their divine duties of destruction, whether you like it or not. And if you interfere again…you can kiss your business goodbye!"
Docile fumed, sobbed and shook. He breathed heavily; his teeth bared.
"Docile?" Sunna began, with a concerned look. Docile slowly rose off the ground, white wings flapping. A few drops of golden blood dripped from a cut on his forehead.
"In fact," Soother continued, with a crazed expression. "I'd just let the whole thing go. She's probably forgotten about you by now!"
Docile clenched his fists and his angelic scepter formed from light into his hands. His wings beat furiously, and angry teal eyes briefly dotted his white feathered wings.
"Sir!" Tirred cried. "He's getting under your skin as a last-ditch attempt to get you in trouble!"
Docile slowly aimed his scepter at Soother's head.
"Don't kill him, sir!" Timmid yelled over the noise of angelic magic breaking apart the room, cracking the walls, ceiling, and floor. "If you kill him or harm him severely, you'll be banished, too!"
Docile strained, fingers clenched as golden light formed from the black sphere at the top of his staff. The light and electricity grew brighter as he aimed.
"Have fun being alone, Docile!" Soother screeched.
"DOCILE, NO!" Timmid, Tirred, and Sunna screamed.
Docile roared and a blast of electrifying light shot out from the scepter and hit Soother in the face. The elf flew backwards and crashed into the wall. The golden statue of the Buddha Soother fell onto the elf's head with a crash. Docile stomped over to the barely conscious Soother and ripped the Exorcist mask off his face. He threw it on the ground and jabbed at it ferociously with a nearby angelic spear. The mask cracked and split into pieces under Docile's feet. With a final act, Docile aimed his scepter again and disintegrated the mask completely with a beam of light.
Tirred, Timmid, and Sunna stared silently at Docile, shaking and whimpering. Soother's eyes fluttered open. "What…have you…done?"
Docile spit on the ground. "A**h**e," he swore at Soother before turning around and walking out of the room. Sunna covered her mouth with her paws.
"Do I even need to tell you, 'Language?!'" Timmid sighed at her boss.
"No, no, not again!" Soother sobbed at the damage. "What have I done? Docile…wait!" Docile had already left.
E.L.F. stared back at Soother's crumbled house.
"I hope you have insurance," Sunna said quietly.
Docile didn't say a word. Tattered and tired, he somberly flew back toward his house and his employees followed.