The Devil Tips His Hat To Me
His voice rose, became almost guttural, while Cody and Evan stared raptly at him. He didn't notice their attentions. “They have denied me, which I may have indulged as it is their sole purpose here. But they have harmed what is mine, come close to bettering us, defeating us! That won't stand, I won't allow it. The one who stands in charge, John - I will end him, the way he has tried to end us.”
Cody's eyes met Evan's and there was his own fear reflected back at him. “Randy,” said Cody hesitantly. “To wage war against the angels... is that wise? Historically our victories have been small and the war has always gone to them.”
“I don't care.” Randy glanced down at Cody, teeth bared slightly so that his fangs were showing. “And there are more ways to defeat an angel than to destroy his physical form. In fact, that is the least effective method. I shan't even be attempting it. They are strong and also smart...” He trailed off a moment before picking up his thread, a slow smile starting across his face. “And experienced. Mostly. An angel may feel the pain of mortals, although I understand that's lessened when they're ingratiating themselves with them. The pain of other angels though, the pain of responsibility for suffering - that is something they will always feel.”
Cody shook his head. “I don't understand.”
Randy was actively smiling now, seeming cheered. “I'm talking about causing pain far greater than the physical. And possibly mixing vengeance and pleasure. I find that the two together are exquisite.”
The other two remained blank and Randy sighed. Apparently he had to spell it out for them. “The young one, Ted. He hasn't the experience of the other two. He's interested in us, I can sense it. He doesn't understand us and he doesn't understand mortals and he wants to. I can exploit that.” He grinned. “And even for an angel, he is the handsome one.”
Cody gaped. “You plan to seduce an angel?”
“Why not?”
“Randy.” Evan sat up with a little effort; the roughness that Randy had shown him had taken its toll regardless of how much he had welcomed it. “None of our kind has ever done such a thing.” And even as he said it, he was remembering the look on the face of the blonde angel who had tracked him so far. The one who had allowed him to work his wiles without showing his disgust. Christopher.
“That's only because I've never tried.” Randy raised his eyebrows, seeming amused. “You think I can't do it.”
“I think that John won't let you that near to the young one. He will be charged with his education and safety after all.”
“I'll find a way.”
Cody sat up as well, looking down at Randy, disturbed by his attitude. “We can't know what might happen. We were warned that should we try to feed from them it would destroy us--”
“And also that their seed would revitalise us. As happens with a demon, it is the same with them. We're not so far separated really. Like cousins.”
“But you're not talking about sucking his cock. Not entirely. I know you too well. You wont be happy unless he submits to you completely. Or if not, that he submits to desire...” Cody chewed his lip a moment, a fang drawing blood. “What happens then?”
“Don't know, don't care.”
“Randy--”
“I want him,” growled Randy, his tone making it very clear that he wasn't going to be dissuaded.
There was a moments silence before Cody spoke up again. “Is John the excuse?”
Randy turned his head to look at Cody, eyes narrowing. “I want revenge after what he and his angels did to you both.”
“But you desired the angel before you vowed revenge.”
“I did. But I would only have teased him. I had no intention of doing anything more than disorienting him.”
“Really.” Cody's voice was disbelieving. “You might wish for revenge but I think that your plan is more to satisfy your desires than it is to exact vengeance. If you can repay John the hurt he has done us, so much the better. But you can't lie to us. We can sense how much you want the angel whenever you speak of him.”
“So, I want him. If it means that we get what we want, does it really matter?”
“It does if it harms you!” Evan almost forgot himself in his distress. “He's an angel and what if he, I don't know, what if he can turn the tables on you? You hear about them destroying entire cities when they get pissed off and raining fire and shit all over, you get close enough to get your hands in his pants and who knows what he might do to you!”
“Whoa, be calm Evvie.” Randy rested a hand on Evan's face. “He is only one of many, powerful but with no real idea what to do with those powers. He's just a lowly servant in the grand scheme of things and I am a Prince. I can deal with him.”
Evan looked back at Randy, but it wasn't Ted he was thinking of, it wasn't even Randy himself. It was his blonde angel, the one who had infected his mind. Christopher. What might have happened had Chris not flinched back at the touch of his lips? Perhaps he may have stolen a kiss and then who knew what might have happened to him? Or to Chris?
“What might happen to the angel?” asked Cody, echoing Evan's thoughts.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he'll be - he'll be tainted. What happens when an angel falls to a demon?”
“How would I know?” Randy tucked his hands behind his head. “But I intend to find out. You'll be the first to know when I make that discovery.”
~:~
Hearing the mortals talk was important to John, Chris and Ted; it not only told them how things were changing in their minds and morals but also what way the the wind was blowing in the short term. For that reason they would occasionally take a brunch in the local tea room, when it was more likely that their demonic counterparts would be sleeping. Demons tended to prefer the night.
They were recognised by the waiter and ushered quickly to a table, sitting in relative quiet and listening hard for the talk surrounding them. It was a place that attracted society members and of course, the number one topic of conversation was Stephanie’s death the night before. They tried to keep to themselves, although there was a likelihood that they would be joined at some point by a mortal acquaintance. They were less interested in small talk and more interested in damage control.
I heard that it was suicide - she was pretty much forced into marriage to Hunter and would do anything to get out of it...
Murder, he had a girl on the side who was jealous...
Poisoned herself...
Murder for sure, by someone at the party she was carrying on with...
I heard she was naked...
I heard that Vince had a heart attack...
I heard Linda had to be sedated and she's still under...
I heard Shane beat Hunter within an inch of his life...
It's a terrible scandal, can you imagine?
Ted frowned, not liking the talk at all. He had never understood the mortal ability to think the worst about a person and then repeat it just to gain an audience. But without the demons around and their own auras in full effect, people were more inclined toward charity.
The doctor said there was no sign of poison or a struggle or any foul play at all...
If she wasn't feeling well, she might have gone to lie down...
Removed her clothes if she was too warm...
She and Hunter were so very much in love...
Such a terrible tragedy.
“Hopefully, the people here will be able to counteract the ones that aren't and at least nullify the gossip a little,” said John in a low voice. “It would be a bad thing if Randy's actions were to poison the entire social circle of the unfortunate woman.”
Ted nodded, taking a drink of his tea. There was nothing that would ease the pain of a loved one no longer being with them, but vicious gossip would make it far worse and he would rather avoid any extension of pain.
“We might not be so lucky if they target another man or woman from that group,” replied Chris. “We need to be alert.”
“Agreed.” John toyed with his napkin. “I wish we were permitted to take direct action. This subterfuge is just frustrating. If we were able to send them forcibly back to Hell...”
“The young ones, we might be able to, but Randy is another matter.” Chris gave a slight smile. “You know that. At least we can minimise what damage he does. It's better than nothing at all.”
John considered the demon Cody, the way he teased and tormented. But he didn't have the almost suicidal flair that Randy showed. If John were able to follow just him around, he would be able to cut off his food source enough to force his return to Hell and in the meantime he would be able to indulge himself by simply watching the demon...
He frowned, wondering where that thought had come from. Why would he want to watch the demon? It didn't have any tricks that the others didn't. His signature was luring entranced individuals away from safety. The other demon, Evan, apparently liked his prey to come to him and think that they were the ones taking advantage, similar but not the same. And Randy got off on the danger, he liked to make a statement while he fed. Every method was heinous and there was none that he particularly cared to watch, or thwart. He just wanted to stop them and that would be that.
~:~
As there were no parties of real note scheduled for that evening the three angels agreed that they were just going to have to attempt to conduct some sort of patrol around the area’s most famed for their illicit connections. The rich and noble could only be struck when there was an opportunity to get to them and as of yet Randy had never seemed to actively seek invitations… Not that he needed too, thought John bitterly as he sipped from the cup of Darjeeling he had, the invitations for him and his wards came as thick and fast as the ones for himself, Ted and Chris. But there was also one good point to come out of Randy’s apparent reticence, or arrogance, to have his prey opening invitations to him: he didn’t open his own house to the masses.
The thought of having to enter right into the demons’ abode was as unappealing as the thought of Hell itself and John had to fight a reflexive shiver lest he draw attention to the three of them; the waiters and waitresses in this café seemed to go out of their way to ensure everything was absolutely perfect for John and his friends, and the slightest thing that seemed amiss they seemed to pick up on. It was both admirable and (admittedly) a little bit annoying at times too since usually what he, Ted and Chris wanted was merely some piece and privacy. Ted was neatly cutting pieces of his strawberry and cream cake off with his fork, popping it into his mouth almost absently, as though his mind was elsewhere at that moment.
That didn’t surprise John though; Ted had always been thoughtful, curious as a kitten, inquisitive and kind-hearted almost to a fault, even for an angel. Now, John had never intended to become an angel with a ward but when He asked him, personally, if he would watch over the young blonde (for when he met Ted his appearance had been that of a ten year old child) well, what could he have said? And he had to admit in retrospect there was something rewarding in seeing the type of man Ted was growing into (though chances were he would never look older than this now, just as John and Chris’ ages had stopped and chosen them) and knowing that he had some hand in it. “Something you want to share with us?” he asked after a moment.
At first it seemed as though Ted hadn’t realised that John was talking to him, though when he did take stock he sheepishly apologised before shaking his head, “I was just… thinking about them, that’s all,” he said delicately and though Chris’ nostrils flared lightly and John’s cheek ticked a bit neither said anything to condemn him for his thoughts. How could they when their own minds were wandering equally circular and confusing tangents? “You shouldn’t let your mind linger too much,” Chris said, though honestly he wasn’t sure whether he was addressing Ted or trying to be firmer with himself. Seeing Evan collapse before him the night before had strangely terrified him when he knew he should have been rejoicing over the thought.
And then when he had gotten on his knees before him… Chris couldn’t lie to himself and say he hadn’t been tempted, even though that would have made him no better than the demon offering himself, or the weak-minded men who were ruled by lust to chase after the demon and his offerings. Rubbing a hand against his forehead Chris couldn’t help but sigh. He wished he could say he was getting too old for all of this and retire back to heaven and never have to set foot on the mortal realm again but he knew that wouldn’t be the case for a very long time… and when you were immortal all you had in spades was time. When a hand suddenly went to his shoulder he started a little, looking to meet Ted’s eyes.
Reading the concern contained therein he waved him off-and distracted the impending questions he knew the blonde wanted to ask by stealing the succulent strawberry that had been set aside on Ted’s plate to have once he had finished the cake itself. “Hey!” Ted looked aghast and then his coral pink lips pressed into a pout, “That was my strawberry!” since drink had no effect upon them and they were much more adept at resisting carnal pleasures there was only one vice that they could maybe be called out upon, and that was food. In Ted’s case strawberries, in Chris’ case chocolate and in John’s case toffee; and it wasn’t escaping their notice that they seemed to favour the sweeter things as opposed to the savoury ones.
Chris was clearly enjoying teasing Ted with the abduction of his precious strawberry and though John felt he should tell them both to behave he too was getting amused by how devastated Ted looked. It was nice just to have a little reprieve not thinking about saucy little demons and their sociopathic tendencies or tight little bottoms-John slammed the breaks on that train-of-thought so hard that he visibly jolted himself, spilling Ted down the front of his suit. “Oh bother…” he sighed, setting the cup down and thanking that the liquid wasn’t too hot at this point. Chris and Ted stopped bickering then, the strawberry forgotten, to aid him, trying to dab some of the mess away with the napkins they had been provided with for their snacks.
Some of the staff hurried over, most concerned, offering to help, and John gave his most sweet, dimpled smile as he assured them all that it was his own fault and no harm had been done. “I do think I’ll need to go home and change though,” he sighed ruefully, hoping Maria, one of his maids, would be able to rescue the suit for he rather liked it and the thought of wasting clothing (the likes that many poor of London could only dream of owning in their wildest fantasies) did not sit well with the angel. “Ted, are you coming?” he didn’t like leaving his ward alone if he could help it and Chris had to report back to their realm that day to update their colleagues as to how their mission was progressing. John had gone last time.
“I wanted to visit the book-store,” Ted admitted a little sheepishly, then sent John his most pleading look, “I promise I’ll come right back home after I’ve been, but please can I go, John?” John was aware of the fact that many people were watching them (they just instinctively gained attention) ad though no one would think it odd he was concerned about Ted’s safety seeming too overbearing of him at the age he was was likely to set off some alarm bells. “Alright then,” John nodded, accepting his hat and being helped into his coat by a shyly blushing maid, Chris and Ted following suit, “But mind you come straight home after you’re done.” Assuring John that he would do so Ted bid the two elder men goodbye and left the tea-shop for town.
~::~
“Are they really causing so much of a problem down there?” Chris only managed to resist losing his temper with the young looking brunette angel before him because he knew that Josh wasn’t in the habit of asking pointless questions; when he repeated something back to you chances were he was noting something in one of those endless books of his. “Yes,” the blonde angel grumbled unhappily at having to admit such a thing, “We’ve never encountered demons like these before and it’s…” Well, it was beginning to become a pain in the unmentionables, that’s what it was. John hummed quietly and pushed his glasses up his nose some more, a small furrow of concentration appearing in his brow as he continued writing something down.
Despite his youthful appearance Josh was actually their most senior Record Keeper in heaven, and if there was something you needed to know about any angel who had ever entered heaven’s gates, or indeed, any event of note that happened down on the human realm he was the one to go to. However, the only place he hadn’t a single record of was Hell. And that wasn’t surprising given that He always ensured to remind them that they had no reason to learn about that place, they knew all they needed to when it came to demons so why push into territory that they were not capable of understanding? In all honesty Chris didn’t agree with such an assessment but he was in no way able to push for a change in rules.
Maybe He would think to change them though if he heard how these demons didn’t follow the same patterns and were causing such an uproar down on the surface. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, John set his quill down and looked up from his book. Josh was an attractive young man, if a trifle shy and not very outgoing and he knew that he had been born of the same generation of angel offspring as Ted himself had been. Having angel births was not as common as one might assume, and many angels (like himself and John) became that way after they died, because they had lived well in their lives and the manner of their deaths had been untimely or unfair, i.e. they died well before their prime, or they were murdered.
“I can pass this information onto Him and see if I am correct but, if I may be so bold, Christopher…” Chris twitched but fought down irritation; everything was all pomp and ceremony up here and that was it’s only bad point. “Yes Joshua?” he couldn’t help but grin a little at that because Josh looked as unenthused as he did to have his full name used. The brunette shook himself though and seemed to be gathering his thoughts… and seeing the young angel frown was very strange indeed, and Chris felt an oddly ominous sensation crawling up his spine, as though there was something important that he was missing and he should be doing everything he could to reconcile this gap in his awareness. “I believe I may know who those three are.”
That was what Chris had been hoping for. He and John had come to the conclusion that if they could try to understand the identities of the three demons causing them such problems they may be able to deal with them. “Who are they?” he tried not to appear too eager lest he give Josh a bad feeling that would be reported back to Him and Chris would find himself hauled before Him to explain his interest… and he wasn’t sure that he would get away with just citing his mission even though that was the fundamental reason. Removing his glasses a moment Josh rubbed his eyes and sighed, placing the glasses back on as he gently pushed his comfortable looking chair back from his desk and floated up into the air, levelling with a top shelf of books.
The Reference Room was indeed a sight to behold; untold amounts of grand looking tomes, some gilded and newer in appearance whereas others seemed almost unnervingly worn with age. And it was one of these old looking books that Josh seemed interested in, gently pulling the thick volume from its place on the shelf and carrying it down to the dark. Motioning Chris around the desk Josh then flipped the book open to an old, very old, looking image of three young men. It was a macabre image: the tallest of the three was languishing on a giant throne which appeared to be made of human bones, drinking from a chalice made from some kind of skull, whereas the other two seemed to be dancing in a river of blood.
The image was grainy, hardly a likeness, but Chris felt as though he knew those three demons from the book. “Randeus, Codeus, Evanorus,” Josh intoned three Latin sounding names and almost immediately Chris’ own mind supplied three matching names that sounded more human in origin: Randy, Cody and Evan. Something in his stomach dropped as his eyes went to the text accompanying the terrifying image, his stomach turning as he caught sight of exploits that contained enough sin and destruction to make the angel want to weep over the pain of it all. Josh was looking dreadfully sombre and it took Chris a moment to realise that he still didn’t actually know what was so special about the three of them. “So?” he prompted.
“So,” Josh sighed, “I’m afraid we’ve got a problem. If these three are the ones you’ve been encountering… Well, let’s just say you’ve met the Prince of the Realm, Christopher, and his two most trusted underlings.” Chris’ eyes widened slightly, looking from the image, to Josh, to the image and then finally back to Josh before he stabbed a finger down on the image languishing in the throne of gore, “Are you saying that that is the issue of Lucifer Morninstar?” Satan having a child? It just didn’t seem feasible. Much like with their kind births were not easy or obtained naturally, and they had never heard of such a thing. “We could never find who the mother was,” Josh said quietly, voice hushed, “But we suspected… She was also an angel.”
~::~
Humming to himself as he walked Ted absently patted the books tucked underneath his arm, pleased with his purchases; he had been saving up his earthly ‘pocket-money’ from John to buy the books underarm for a good three weeks. Since money wasn’t needed in heaven it was a new experience for Ted and so John had decided he should teach him how to save and spend the money, to appreciate that he was lucky to have some when there were people who didn’t have any. Of course he always proportioned some of the overall amount off and donated it to churches and charities--- though only ones wherein he knew the people controlling the money were above board. Sadly, even with supposed churchmen, this wasn’t always the case he had found.
A sudden chill wind had the angel shivering and drawing his coat tighter around himself as he stepped down off of the pavement, his hand pressing his hat down on his head a little more firmly. Angels weren’t especially fond of cold or extreme heat, so earth winters had been quite a shock to the young demon’s system even now when he had been technically living in the realm for a good eight months. Eight months… It seemed like barely yesterday when John had approached him and told him they would be carrying out an assignment on the human realm and that he would be coming with him. Technically this was Ted’s first ever mission and he was determined that he would do well; he’d been readying for it his entire existence after all.
The sky had darkened quite surprisingly even for the middle of the day in winter and Ted felt a strange prickle in the back of his mind that told him he should get home immediately. Looking both ways over the road he dodged between two carriages and made his way on the walk back to John’s. Despite having enough change for one of the carriages idling he preferred the walk, and in the end gave the change to two young urchins who looked as though they had been cast out onto the streets because of the fact they appeared to be missing an extremity. Ted’s heart went out to them and as he walked away, their joyful exclamations in his ears at the momentary windfall, he felt a few tears gathering in his eyes, one loose.
“I always knew you would be even more beautiful if you cried for me, Pious.” The low tone, rumbling and seductive, was one that Ted would recognise anywhere--- and he hated that the demon could have such an effect on him. Wheeling around Ted’s eyes widened, dislodging another tear accidentally, as he saw Randy, leaning nonchalantly against a wall as if… as if he had been waiting for Ted’s arrival. Regardless of the fact that he knew he was probably spooking himself for nothing Ted couldn’t help the hairs on the back of his neck standing up, his instincts telling him that he should get out of there whilst he still had the chance to do so. Something else told him, with equal certainty though, that Randy wouldn’t let him get far.
Cody's eyes met Evan's and there was his own fear reflected back at him. “Randy,” said Cody hesitantly. “To wage war against the angels... is that wise? Historically our victories have been small and the war has always gone to them.”
“I don't care.” Randy glanced down at Cody, teeth bared slightly so that his fangs were showing. “And there are more ways to defeat an angel than to destroy his physical form. In fact, that is the least effective method. I shan't even be attempting it. They are strong and also smart...” He trailed off a moment before picking up his thread, a slow smile starting across his face. “And experienced. Mostly. An angel may feel the pain of mortals, although I understand that's lessened when they're ingratiating themselves with them. The pain of other angels though, the pain of responsibility for suffering - that is something they will always feel.”
Cody shook his head. “I don't understand.”
Randy was actively smiling now, seeming cheered. “I'm talking about causing pain far greater than the physical. And possibly mixing vengeance and pleasure. I find that the two together are exquisite.”
The other two remained blank and Randy sighed. Apparently he had to spell it out for them. “The young one, Ted. He hasn't the experience of the other two. He's interested in us, I can sense it. He doesn't understand us and he doesn't understand mortals and he wants to. I can exploit that.” He grinned. “And even for an angel, he is the handsome one.”
Cody gaped. “You plan to seduce an angel?”
“Why not?”
“Randy.” Evan sat up with a little effort; the roughness that Randy had shown him had taken its toll regardless of how much he had welcomed it. “None of our kind has ever done such a thing.” And even as he said it, he was remembering the look on the face of the blonde angel who had tracked him so far. The one who had allowed him to work his wiles without showing his disgust. Christopher.
“That's only because I've never tried.” Randy raised his eyebrows, seeming amused. “You think I can't do it.”
“I think that John won't let you that near to the young one. He will be charged with his education and safety after all.”
“I'll find a way.”
Cody sat up as well, looking down at Randy, disturbed by his attitude. “We can't know what might happen. We were warned that should we try to feed from them it would destroy us--”
“And also that their seed would revitalise us. As happens with a demon, it is the same with them. We're not so far separated really. Like cousins.”
“But you're not talking about sucking his cock. Not entirely. I know you too well. You wont be happy unless he submits to you completely. Or if not, that he submits to desire...” Cody chewed his lip a moment, a fang drawing blood. “What happens then?”
“Don't know, don't care.”
“Randy--”
“I want him,” growled Randy, his tone making it very clear that he wasn't going to be dissuaded.
There was a moments silence before Cody spoke up again. “Is John the excuse?”
Randy turned his head to look at Cody, eyes narrowing. “I want revenge after what he and his angels did to you both.”
“But you desired the angel before you vowed revenge.”
“I did. But I would only have teased him. I had no intention of doing anything more than disorienting him.”
“Really.” Cody's voice was disbelieving. “You might wish for revenge but I think that your plan is more to satisfy your desires than it is to exact vengeance. If you can repay John the hurt he has done us, so much the better. But you can't lie to us. We can sense how much you want the angel whenever you speak of him.”
“So, I want him. If it means that we get what we want, does it really matter?”
“It does if it harms you!” Evan almost forgot himself in his distress. “He's an angel and what if he, I don't know, what if he can turn the tables on you? You hear about them destroying entire cities when they get pissed off and raining fire and shit all over, you get close enough to get your hands in his pants and who knows what he might do to you!”
“Whoa, be calm Evvie.” Randy rested a hand on Evan's face. “He is only one of many, powerful but with no real idea what to do with those powers. He's just a lowly servant in the grand scheme of things and I am a Prince. I can deal with him.”
Evan looked back at Randy, but it wasn't Ted he was thinking of, it wasn't even Randy himself. It was his blonde angel, the one who had infected his mind. Christopher. What might have happened had Chris not flinched back at the touch of his lips? Perhaps he may have stolen a kiss and then who knew what might have happened to him? Or to Chris?
“What might happen to the angel?” asked Cody, echoing Evan's thoughts.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he'll be - he'll be tainted. What happens when an angel falls to a demon?”
“How would I know?” Randy tucked his hands behind his head. “But I intend to find out. You'll be the first to know when I make that discovery.”
~:~
Hearing the mortals talk was important to John, Chris and Ted; it not only told them how things were changing in their minds and morals but also what way the the wind was blowing in the short term. For that reason they would occasionally take a brunch in the local tea room, when it was more likely that their demonic counterparts would be sleeping. Demons tended to prefer the night.
They were recognised by the waiter and ushered quickly to a table, sitting in relative quiet and listening hard for the talk surrounding them. It was a place that attracted society members and of course, the number one topic of conversation was Stephanie’s death the night before. They tried to keep to themselves, although there was a likelihood that they would be joined at some point by a mortal acquaintance. They were less interested in small talk and more interested in damage control.
I heard that it was suicide - she was pretty much forced into marriage to Hunter and would do anything to get out of it...
Murder, he had a girl on the side who was jealous...
Poisoned herself...
Murder for sure, by someone at the party she was carrying on with...
I heard she was naked...
I heard that Vince had a heart attack...
I heard Linda had to be sedated and she's still under...
I heard Shane beat Hunter within an inch of his life...
It's a terrible scandal, can you imagine?
Ted frowned, not liking the talk at all. He had never understood the mortal ability to think the worst about a person and then repeat it just to gain an audience. But without the demons around and their own auras in full effect, people were more inclined toward charity.
The doctor said there was no sign of poison or a struggle or any foul play at all...
If she wasn't feeling well, she might have gone to lie down...
Removed her clothes if she was too warm...
She and Hunter were so very much in love...
Such a terrible tragedy.
“Hopefully, the people here will be able to counteract the ones that aren't and at least nullify the gossip a little,” said John in a low voice. “It would be a bad thing if Randy's actions were to poison the entire social circle of the unfortunate woman.”
Ted nodded, taking a drink of his tea. There was nothing that would ease the pain of a loved one no longer being with them, but vicious gossip would make it far worse and he would rather avoid any extension of pain.
“We might not be so lucky if they target another man or woman from that group,” replied Chris. “We need to be alert.”
“Agreed.” John toyed with his napkin. “I wish we were permitted to take direct action. This subterfuge is just frustrating. If we were able to send them forcibly back to Hell...”
“The young ones, we might be able to, but Randy is another matter.” Chris gave a slight smile. “You know that. At least we can minimise what damage he does. It's better than nothing at all.”
John considered the demon Cody, the way he teased and tormented. But he didn't have the almost suicidal flair that Randy showed. If John were able to follow just him around, he would be able to cut off his food source enough to force his return to Hell and in the meantime he would be able to indulge himself by simply watching the demon...
He frowned, wondering where that thought had come from. Why would he want to watch the demon? It didn't have any tricks that the others didn't. His signature was luring entranced individuals away from safety. The other demon, Evan, apparently liked his prey to come to him and think that they were the ones taking advantage, similar but not the same. And Randy got off on the danger, he liked to make a statement while he fed. Every method was heinous and there was none that he particularly cared to watch, or thwart. He just wanted to stop them and that would be that.
~:~
As there were no parties of real note scheduled for that evening the three angels agreed that they were just going to have to attempt to conduct some sort of patrol around the area’s most famed for their illicit connections. The rich and noble could only be struck when there was an opportunity to get to them and as of yet Randy had never seemed to actively seek invitations… Not that he needed too, thought John bitterly as he sipped from the cup of Darjeeling he had, the invitations for him and his wards came as thick and fast as the ones for himself, Ted and Chris. But there was also one good point to come out of Randy’s apparent reticence, or arrogance, to have his prey opening invitations to him: he didn’t open his own house to the masses.
The thought of having to enter right into the demons’ abode was as unappealing as the thought of Hell itself and John had to fight a reflexive shiver lest he draw attention to the three of them; the waiters and waitresses in this café seemed to go out of their way to ensure everything was absolutely perfect for John and his friends, and the slightest thing that seemed amiss they seemed to pick up on. It was both admirable and (admittedly) a little bit annoying at times too since usually what he, Ted and Chris wanted was merely some piece and privacy. Ted was neatly cutting pieces of his strawberry and cream cake off with his fork, popping it into his mouth almost absently, as though his mind was elsewhere at that moment.
That didn’t surprise John though; Ted had always been thoughtful, curious as a kitten, inquisitive and kind-hearted almost to a fault, even for an angel. Now, John had never intended to become an angel with a ward but when He asked him, personally, if he would watch over the young blonde (for when he met Ted his appearance had been that of a ten year old child) well, what could he have said? And he had to admit in retrospect there was something rewarding in seeing the type of man Ted was growing into (though chances were he would never look older than this now, just as John and Chris’ ages had stopped and chosen them) and knowing that he had some hand in it. “Something you want to share with us?” he asked after a moment.
At first it seemed as though Ted hadn’t realised that John was talking to him, though when he did take stock he sheepishly apologised before shaking his head, “I was just… thinking about them, that’s all,” he said delicately and though Chris’ nostrils flared lightly and John’s cheek ticked a bit neither said anything to condemn him for his thoughts. How could they when their own minds were wandering equally circular and confusing tangents? “You shouldn’t let your mind linger too much,” Chris said, though honestly he wasn’t sure whether he was addressing Ted or trying to be firmer with himself. Seeing Evan collapse before him the night before had strangely terrified him when he knew he should have been rejoicing over the thought.
And then when he had gotten on his knees before him… Chris couldn’t lie to himself and say he hadn’t been tempted, even though that would have made him no better than the demon offering himself, or the weak-minded men who were ruled by lust to chase after the demon and his offerings. Rubbing a hand against his forehead Chris couldn’t help but sigh. He wished he could say he was getting too old for all of this and retire back to heaven and never have to set foot on the mortal realm again but he knew that wouldn’t be the case for a very long time… and when you were immortal all you had in spades was time. When a hand suddenly went to his shoulder he started a little, looking to meet Ted’s eyes.
Reading the concern contained therein he waved him off-and distracted the impending questions he knew the blonde wanted to ask by stealing the succulent strawberry that had been set aside on Ted’s plate to have once he had finished the cake itself. “Hey!” Ted looked aghast and then his coral pink lips pressed into a pout, “That was my strawberry!” since drink had no effect upon them and they were much more adept at resisting carnal pleasures there was only one vice that they could maybe be called out upon, and that was food. In Ted’s case strawberries, in Chris’ case chocolate and in John’s case toffee; and it wasn’t escaping their notice that they seemed to favour the sweeter things as opposed to the savoury ones.
Chris was clearly enjoying teasing Ted with the abduction of his precious strawberry and though John felt he should tell them both to behave he too was getting amused by how devastated Ted looked. It was nice just to have a little reprieve not thinking about saucy little demons and their sociopathic tendencies or tight little bottoms-John slammed the breaks on that train-of-thought so hard that he visibly jolted himself, spilling Ted down the front of his suit. “Oh bother…” he sighed, setting the cup down and thanking that the liquid wasn’t too hot at this point. Chris and Ted stopped bickering then, the strawberry forgotten, to aid him, trying to dab some of the mess away with the napkins they had been provided with for their snacks.
Some of the staff hurried over, most concerned, offering to help, and John gave his most sweet, dimpled smile as he assured them all that it was his own fault and no harm had been done. “I do think I’ll need to go home and change though,” he sighed ruefully, hoping Maria, one of his maids, would be able to rescue the suit for he rather liked it and the thought of wasting clothing (the likes that many poor of London could only dream of owning in their wildest fantasies) did not sit well with the angel. “Ted, are you coming?” he didn’t like leaving his ward alone if he could help it and Chris had to report back to their realm that day to update their colleagues as to how their mission was progressing. John had gone last time.
“I wanted to visit the book-store,” Ted admitted a little sheepishly, then sent John his most pleading look, “I promise I’ll come right back home after I’ve been, but please can I go, John?” John was aware of the fact that many people were watching them (they just instinctively gained attention) ad though no one would think it odd he was concerned about Ted’s safety seeming too overbearing of him at the age he was was likely to set off some alarm bells. “Alright then,” John nodded, accepting his hat and being helped into his coat by a shyly blushing maid, Chris and Ted following suit, “But mind you come straight home after you’re done.” Assuring John that he would do so Ted bid the two elder men goodbye and left the tea-shop for town.
~::~
“Are they really causing so much of a problem down there?” Chris only managed to resist losing his temper with the young looking brunette angel before him because he knew that Josh wasn’t in the habit of asking pointless questions; when he repeated something back to you chances were he was noting something in one of those endless books of his. “Yes,” the blonde angel grumbled unhappily at having to admit such a thing, “We’ve never encountered demons like these before and it’s…” Well, it was beginning to become a pain in the unmentionables, that’s what it was. John hummed quietly and pushed his glasses up his nose some more, a small furrow of concentration appearing in his brow as he continued writing something down.
Despite his youthful appearance Josh was actually their most senior Record Keeper in heaven, and if there was something you needed to know about any angel who had ever entered heaven’s gates, or indeed, any event of note that happened down on the human realm he was the one to go to. However, the only place he hadn’t a single record of was Hell. And that wasn’t surprising given that He always ensured to remind them that they had no reason to learn about that place, they knew all they needed to when it came to demons so why push into territory that they were not capable of understanding? In all honesty Chris didn’t agree with such an assessment but he was in no way able to push for a change in rules.
Maybe He would think to change them though if he heard how these demons didn’t follow the same patterns and were causing such an uproar down on the surface. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, John set his quill down and looked up from his book. Josh was an attractive young man, if a trifle shy and not very outgoing and he knew that he had been born of the same generation of angel offspring as Ted himself had been. Having angel births was not as common as one might assume, and many angels (like himself and John) became that way after they died, because they had lived well in their lives and the manner of their deaths had been untimely or unfair, i.e. they died well before their prime, or they were murdered.
“I can pass this information onto Him and see if I am correct but, if I may be so bold, Christopher…” Chris twitched but fought down irritation; everything was all pomp and ceremony up here and that was it’s only bad point. “Yes Joshua?” he couldn’t help but grin a little at that because Josh looked as unenthused as he did to have his full name used. The brunette shook himself though and seemed to be gathering his thoughts… and seeing the young angel frown was very strange indeed, and Chris felt an oddly ominous sensation crawling up his spine, as though there was something important that he was missing and he should be doing everything he could to reconcile this gap in his awareness. “I believe I may know who those three are.”
That was what Chris had been hoping for. He and John had come to the conclusion that if they could try to understand the identities of the three demons causing them such problems they may be able to deal with them. “Who are they?” he tried not to appear too eager lest he give Josh a bad feeling that would be reported back to Him and Chris would find himself hauled before Him to explain his interest… and he wasn’t sure that he would get away with just citing his mission even though that was the fundamental reason. Removing his glasses a moment Josh rubbed his eyes and sighed, placing the glasses back on as he gently pushed his comfortable looking chair back from his desk and floated up into the air, levelling with a top shelf of books.
The Reference Room was indeed a sight to behold; untold amounts of grand looking tomes, some gilded and newer in appearance whereas others seemed almost unnervingly worn with age. And it was one of these old looking books that Josh seemed interested in, gently pulling the thick volume from its place on the shelf and carrying it down to the dark. Motioning Chris around the desk Josh then flipped the book open to an old, very old, looking image of three young men. It was a macabre image: the tallest of the three was languishing on a giant throne which appeared to be made of human bones, drinking from a chalice made from some kind of skull, whereas the other two seemed to be dancing in a river of blood.
The image was grainy, hardly a likeness, but Chris felt as though he knew those three demons from the book. “Randeus, Codeus, Evanorus,” Josh intoned three Latin sounding names and almost immediately Chris’ own mind supplied three matching names that sounded more human in origin: Randy, Cody and Evan. Something in his stomach dropped as his eyes went to the text accompanying the terrifying image, his stomach turning as he caught sight of exploits that contained enough sin and destruction to make the angel want to weep over the pain of it all. Josh was looking dreadfully sombre and it took Chris a moment to realise that he still didn’t actually know what was so special about the three of them. “So?” he prompted.
“So,” Josh sighed, “I’m afraid we’ve got a problem. If these three are the ones you’ve been encountering… Well, let’s just say you’ve met the Prince of the Realm, Christopher, and his two most trusted underlings.” Chris’ eyes widened slightly, looking from the image, to Josh, to the image and then finally back to Josh before he stabbed a finger down on the image languishing in the throne of gore, “Are you saying that that is the issue of Lucifer Morninstar?” Satan having a child? It just didn’t seem feasible. Much like with their kind births were not easy or obtained naturally, and they had never heard of such a thing. “We could never find who the mother was,” Josh said quietly, voice hushed, “But we suspected… She was also an angel.”
~::~
Humming to himself as he walked Ted absently patted the books tucked underneath his arm, pleased with his purchases; he had been saving up his earthly ‘pocket-money’ from John to buy the books underarm for a good three weeks. Since money wasn’t needed in heaven it was a new experience for Ted and so John had decided he should teach him how to save and spend the money, to appreciate that he was lucky to have some when there were people who didn’t have any. Of course he always proportioned some of the overall amount off and donated it to churches and charities--- though only ones wherein he knew the people controlling the money were above board. Sadly, even with supposed churchmen, this wasn’t always the case he had found.
A sudden chill wind had the angel shivering and drawing his coat tighter around himself as he stepped down off of the pavement, his hand pressing his hat down on his head a little more firmly. Angels weren’t especially fond of cold or extreme heat, so earth winters had been quite a shock to the young demon’s system even now when he had been technically living in the realm for a good eight months. Eight months… It seemed like barely yesterday when John had approached him and told him they would be carrying out an assignment on the human realm and that he would be coming with him. Technically this was Ted’s first ever mission and he was determined that he would do well; he’d been readying for it his entire existence after all.
The sky had darkened quite surprisingly even for the middle of the day in winter and Ted felt a strange prickle in the back of his mind that told him he should get home immediately. Looking both ways over the road he dodged between two carriages and made his way on the walk back to John’s. Despite having enough change for one of the carriages idling he preferred the walk, and in the end gave the change to two young urchins who looked as though they had been cast out onto the streets because of the fact they appeared to be missing an extremity. Ted’s heart went out to them and as he walked away, their joyful exclamations in his ears at the momentary windfall, he felt a few tears gathering in his eyes, one loose.
“I always knew you would be even more beautiful if you cried for me, Pious.” The low tone, rumbling and seductive, was one that Ted would recognise anywhere--- and he hated that the demon could have such an effect on him. Wheeling around Ted’s eyes widened, dislodging another tear accidentally, as he saw Randy, leaning nonchalantly against a wall as if… as if he had been waiting for Ted’s arrival. Regardless of the fact that he knew he was probably spooking himself for nothing Ted couldn’t help the hairs on the back of his neck standing up, his instincts telling him that he should get out of there whilst he still had the chance to do so. Something else told him, with equal certainty though, that Randy wouldn’t let him get far.