"Red coat? Check. Big white beard? Check. Sleigh? Check. Halberd? Check....", Jack
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"Noisemaker", Toshi
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"Impromptu Performance", Asmodeous
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Total Votes : 4
welian
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 9:04 pm
DAY SIX: ANGEL
MOST POPULAR STORY: xxx●x"The Price of Feeling Alive", by Albtraum Der Angst for Asmodeous
INSTRUCTIONS: xxx●xPick one of your MFHS characters to focus on, and write a Christmas-themed poem or small story revolving around them and the above prompt - then post it here! xxx●xYou can submit as many stories as you would like for each day and for different characters, but the thread gets locked after 24 hours. xxx●xThe overall most popular story will be decided in a poll attached to the next day's thread. xxx●xCopy the code below and insert it into the top of your post. It's a label asking for which character you're writing for and the title of your piece, if any.
[align=center][size=18][color=#e3b8c1][b]"Untitled [change this if you have a title]"[/b][/color] [color=#66a8c0][replace this line with your character's name][/color][/size][/align]
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 11:53 pm
"Flights of Angels" [Toshi]
The roof was abandoned, save for two young freshman enjoying the crisp, cold winter air. Toshi beamed, eyes aglow. It was far past curfew but neither student wished to return to their dorm rooms. Yuna smiled along with him, wings stretched out as she sat still, perched on the bar that was meant to block people from falling off. Toshi was on his hands and feet just next to her. The moon and stars were their only other companions.
He was still nervous after asking her up here. After talking for a while they had now fallen silent, simply watching over the world as it moved gently with the breeze. Relaxing his position, Toshi sighed. What was there to talk about? There were plenty of things he wanted to ask her, and plenty of things he was sure she wanted to know as well. Yet, what would be appropriate for him to ask about? Where was that line drawn? Pursing his lips, he let out a small whistle. That whistle continued into a tune, and he ended up whistling “Frosty the Snowman.” He paused when he heard her giggle in his mind. But as she started singing, just in his head, he picked it up again.
There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found. For when they put it on his head he began to dance around!she sang, though it was silent around them. Toshi grinned up at her.
“You sound really pretty when you sing. I wish you’d do it more often,” he said. She smiled at his kind words, but looked a bit sad. Of course she would love to sing. Yet, she could only really perform for one person at a time, and even then it wasn’t quite as satisfying as truly letting her voice ring out into the clear. Toshi was suddenly having another foot in mouth moment as he processed what he’d said. “Sorry…”
Oh, it’s fine. I wish I could sing more, too.Yuna stared down below her. There were days when she really did miss her voice. There were days when it was easier, too. When she was with Toshi, she was both at her happiest and saddest. He never judged her for her disability, yet she wanted to laugh out loud with him. She wanted to sing for him and have him really hear it. Her heart fluttered a bit at this thought, and she still wasn’t sure why. Irregular heart palpitations seemed to be a serious medical issue as far as she had read, but she never felt ill beyond that. In fact, Yuna was getting used to feeling this around Toshi. Surely being around the cat boy who made her smile so wide was not making her sick.
“Hey, um… you don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to but… well, what’s it like being an angel? I mean, is it the sort of deal where you’re just born an angel or do you have to… umm…” Toshi stopped, wishing he could retract his words. “Nevermind, that’s kind of intrusive I think.” Yuna cocked her head to the side, watching him curiously.
I wasn’t born an angel, no. But I don’t really remember my life before it too well,she told him sullenly.Being an angel doesn’t really feel special though. Perhaps it’s because I am used to being one. It isn’t how it is in your books, though. Not always. I am not like one of those all-powerful angels.
“Mmm,” Toshi hummed, taking in her words. “You’re still really amazing though. I mean, I’ve seen you flying. I can’t do anything like that. I guess that seems like small potatoes to you, but… I dunno I think it’s impressive.” Again she giggled in his head. It was funny to her just how his ears and tails alone could give away his emotions. They betrayed him, really. It was unclear how much Toshi noticed that fact.
It’s still pretty big for me. My wings are small so I’m not the best flyer, but now that I’ve grown more used to it, it’s nice,Yuna explained.
“If I were an angel… or if I just had wings, I think I’d fly everywhere. Just spread them way out and ZOOM!” Toshi shouted. He jutted his arms out in front of him as an example of what he’d do, and were it not for the extra balance his tails provided, he might have toppled forward. “Right out into the sky where no one could stop me.”
A little cat with wings… Sounds cute!Yuna said. Toshi blushed a bit, thinking that she was much cuter than he could ever be. He shook his head anyway and leaped up onto his feet, balancing skillfully on the bar.
“So how about a little late night flight? I can transform so I’m easier to carry, too,” Toshi suggested. Yuna fluttered her wings to bring her to stand on the pole. She stumbled a bit, her balance not as good as Toshi’s was, but he caught her and was sure to hold her up straight. They caught each others eyes and felt warmth run to their faces.
I’d like that,she said simply. Toshi transformed, then waited as she picked him up, cradling his small body in her arms. He nuzzled into her chest, enjoying the heat she gave off and feeling the thumping of her heart. His own heart mimicked the unusually quick beating. Slowly she lifted off from the beam and up into the night sky. It was freeing, flying like this, and she didn’t have to feel lonely either. The soft purring against her chest reminded her of his presence.
It reminded her of being alive. It was like this was the life she was meant to live. Perhaps it was. Yuna was never sure if she believed in fate. Toshi was very much the same in that respect. He didn’t want to feel like his choices were meaningless, but there was something comforting in knowing that he was meant to go somewhere. If that somewhere he was meant to be was in the arms of this angel, he decided maybe fate wasn’t so bad after all.
Toshi started to whistle again, proving to Yuna that cats could indeed whistle, so long as they knew how. She recognized the song over the howling of the winds, and sang along, just between the two of them.
Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains
It wasn’t long before they came in for a landing, Yuna feeling herself growing tired. Toshi was even yawning in her arms, fighting himself to stay awake just a little while longer. He hoped that the night would never end, but he knew that was a silly thing to ask for. For without the end of the night how could the next day come that he could spend again with the angel?
Transforming back, he told her, “I think I could get used to that, if I could fly.”
Perhaps we can do that again. I would much rather fly with you than alone,Yuna admitted. Was he mistaken or was she blushing? Toshi stepped forward, taking her gloved hands.
“And I would much rather spend time with you than spend time all alone,” he said. Bringing himself closer, he gave a sheepish grin. “Because I like you Yuna. I like you a lot.” She looked a bit confused still, and he wasn’t sure she understood. Deciding it was now or never, he took the leap and closed the gap lingering between them. He was gentle with this kiss, positive that it would have been her first.
Yuna wasn’t sure what to do. It felt nice, but it perplexed her. A rush of new feelings ran through her body and thoughts ran rampant in her mind. All she knew was that she liked it. Even more so, she was glad that it was Toshi who had kissed her. She tried to kiss back, though she did so timidly. When he pulled away, she opened her eyes to see his own staring into her.
“We should probably get back to the dorms. I’ll cover us with an illusion and walk you back, okay?” Toshi said. Yuna nodded, finding her power a bit difficult to summon up at the moment. Hand in hand they returned to their dorms, the cat boy leaving his angel with a goodnight kiss on the cheek.
"...and I have to keep one in my office because....?" Asmodeous groaned as he held up the porcelain angel in front of him. It was about a foot tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes. To its lips it held a trumpet, one of the few accurate things humans depicted about traditional angels. Angels with trumpets were messengers, or heralds, and were held in high esteem in the angelic hierarchy.
"You don't have any decorations up at all sir, and I felt bad for you. So I brought you an angel, they work good as decorations but also guardians." The young students spoke in high esteem, very content in believing what she was spouting without a shadow of a doubt. Asmodeous merely snorted in derision with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Whatever you say. Run along now, enjoy your break," he insisted with a wave of his hand, shooing the child away. He didn't want to promote this interaction to proceed any further, and would rather just be left alone right now.
The little girl nodded and waved her hand towards him as she sped out his door. "Bye Mr. Luxuria, happy holidays!" She shouted with gusto and was then gone past his door. This left the old demon entirely alone, just as he so desired.
Peeking over at the angel figure, he contemplated throwing it away. So what if it broke the little girl's heart? She never took into consideration that a angelic figurine would hurt him. Of course, to ever think that in the slightest would be preposterous to most people, but since when did an angel ever hurt anyone? Angels were pure creatures, and never brought harm to a single other creature. He let out a long, solemn sigh.
"I wonder if you ended up taking my place up there Asmodel? Did they move you up to Holy Messenger? I've heard around the grapevine that you're an Archangel now. Who'd have thought? My little crybaby brother is a top tier soldier of God now. I wish I could tell you how proud of you I was." Asmodeous stared into the eyes of the porcelain figure that reminded him so much of his brother. Asmodel had beautiful golden hair with shockingly blue eyes, and if he had taken his play as Holy Messenger he would have had a trumpet just like that one. Asmodeous's trumpet.
There was silence to meet the end of his monologue. A figurine was not his brother, and it wasn't about to speak to him. He shook his head at himself, thinking himself so stupid for getting all emotional. Rising up from his chair, he picked up the little figurine to take it over to the trash and drop it inside. As he approached the can, he heard of faint voice flutter into his ears.
"Why did you leave me, Asmodai?" Asmodeous cocked his head to the side, stopping his movements to try and catch the barely whispered words. Silence followed suit.
"Huh, must have been some kids causing a ruckus out in the hallway." He moved to head towards the trash can once more, but then the same whispered words wormed their way into his ears.
"Why did you leave me, Asmodai?" Snarling, he whipped his head around, to see if it was coming from his computer or something. It tended to make odd noises from time to time. Leaning his head towards the device, he still heard nothing. He snorted, until he looked down at the doll again and the voice spoke up to him.
"Did you not love me anymore? Is that why you left me?" Shaking his head, Asmodeous wiped his eyes with his free hand. He could have sworn he just saw the doll's lips move with the words he heard. Was he dreaming now? Was God not done tormenting him yet, is that what it was?
Lifting the doll up to his face, he looked at it closely. He felt totally insane, but he could feel something form this doll. A sort of energy it was channeling. Just what was it? "I never stopped loving you Asmodel, even now I love you all the same." He bit his lip, a whine trying to pass through his lips as he spoke.
"You broke my heart big brother! I hope the price you paid was worth it. If what you say is true and you still love me." His eyes narrowed, this did not sound like his Asmodel. Just what was going on? Had his brother changed so much since his departure? His harsh tone caused a pain to flare up in his chest.
"I never wanted to hurt you brother, but that is the hand life dealt to me. We must both suffer the burden it lays upon us." Asmodeous spoke as one would speak to a young child, cooing and gentle. It was entirely natural for him to speak to him like this.
"You're such a big liar! You loved that...that woman more than me! That's why you gave up our eternity together for a night with her!" Asmodel sounded pained now as he screamed at his brother. Asmodeous chest heaved in anguish, and his emotions flashed from sadness to anger rapidly with each passing second.
"You've never had that love for someone Asmodel, you just don't understand what I was going through. I was hurting, I needed to feel someone else's love," Asmodeous yelled at the doll, his voice seething and teeth gritted, "even if that love was false."
----------
"Fair maiden I beg of thee, forget thy fiance and come away with me. Come away and be mine, for I adore you so." A much younger, but still the same Asmodeous stood as he courted a young woman in the hot Egyptian sun. The only difference now was that he was still an angel, and his eyes were a light color of blue instead of golden. The young female opposite him smiled at his urging, but shook her head much to his despair.
"You are a charming man, and very handsome as well. But I am engaged to be married to the merchant's son. Speak with my father, I believe my sister is nearing the age of marriage-" Asmodeous cut her off as she spoke, grasping her gently on the arm and startling her. Her eyes looked on in fear.
"I want not your sister fair maiden, I desire you and you alone! Forget the merchant's son and I shall treat you to the life of a nobleman's wife." His words held no truth, he would never be permitted to stay on Earth and care for this woman of his hearts desires. He spoke with his heart not his mind.
"I'm sorry sir, I am already engaged! Now, please unhand me." Shamefully, he relinquished his grip on her arm and inclined his head in apology. She game him no moment to recover himself, heading off about her day to work away her time in the fields. His eyes took an evil glint, and he planned to make a return. A return on the night of the wedding of Tobias and Sarah.
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On the cool desert night, he watched from afar as his beloved and the son of a merchant were wed. His heart flared as they sealed the life pact with a kiss. His eyes gained back their malicious glint, and he waited patiently for the guests of the wedding to eventually depart for home. Then he followed the newly wedded couple to his home where he would then deflower his new bride, that is, so he thought he would.
Tobias carried his wife inside the home, and Asmodeous stood outside in the darkness. While in the middle of the field, he started throwing rocks and sticks at the side of their home, doing his best to draw out this son of a merchant.
He heard their hushed conversation, and the sound of the male gearing up. Asmodeous stood clear as day in front of their home, everything going according to his plan.
"If you know what's good for you you'll get out of here. Don't make me say it twice, or I'll cut off your damned head." The man looked slightly frightened by him, but put on a brave face. He desired greatly to protect his new wife.
Asmodeous make a noise with his tongue against the roof of his mouth, one that a person would make when scolding a small child. "Now now, we wouldn't want to do that, Tobias." Asmodeous turned his head to the side and before this mortal's very eyes his body morphed. It was a very bad practice to morph in front of humans, but at this moment Asmodeous was not within reason with himself. He was much too overcome by his lust.
Now before this man stood a large black wolf with hungry red eyes, saliva dripping from its mouth. Tobias took up his sword and held it before, but it did no good. The wolf was upon his neck in mere second, clipping his jugular and leaving him unable to make noise. The man laid there, Asmodeous leaving him there to die of either lack of oxygen or blood loss. Whichever came first. It's not like this is the first time he killed, this is just the first time he did it when it wasn't God's will. Death did not phase him anymore.
Entering into the dark home now in his mortal form, he heard the anxious voice of his dear Sarah. "Is all well, dear husband?" She could not see him, but he could see her. Her form was beautiful as she laid upon the bed, waiting just for him now.
"All is well my bride," he cooed to her softly in the voice of her now deceased husband. Sarah was already naked upon the bed, or he would have ordered her to strip for him. Fortunately for him, this saved him the effort and time.
tw: mild suggestions of rape
Without warning he leaped upon her body, forcefully pressing her down underneath his larger body. She cried softly, but his mouth covered hers and she was prevented from making anymore noise. His softened hands roamed the course of her silky smooth body, and his heightened eyes were able to see everything. This excited the inexperienced demon, who had only gathered knowledge from what he'd seen other humans do when they have intercourse. Though some instances he learned from were of couples, some of men with prostitutes, and some were men forcing themselves on those that did not want it. All were equal examples in his lustful eyes, as they all three caused him excitement to watch.
He began to get a bit rough, grasping her and groping her harshly, and her eyes winced as he took his fill of her form. His mouth moved from hers to places all over, wandering to each and every destination with new found wonder and excitement.
Oh, and once he was finally sheathed within his beautiful no longer maiden, his heart could cry out with delight at the sensation! He listened to her cries as well, and smiled a wolfish smile, proud of himself. She was so overjoyed with this new experience just as he was! Her soft sobs were a chorus of jubilation as he again and again conjoined their bodies entirely.
Once he'd satiated his hunger for this woman, he felt his heart sink as he looked at her shivering frame and the scent of blood in the air. He'd smelt that scent before when watching other humans, mainly the ones that were forceful. It was a sign to him he'd performed his job well, and now at this time he rolled off of her and held her to his chest.
Sarah was still crying, but Asmodeous was content with himself. He didn't understand why she was crying, he didn't understand that for the entire he was with her she was in pain. Nor that she was even mentally prepared for what he'd done to her. Still yet, he petted her hair and held her close. Until his body was violently ripped from where he lay, disappearing from the mortal plane entirely.
----------
Today was the day, the day he and six of his other brothers in sin were sentenced to eternal damnation and banishment from Heaven. The seven of them lined up around the entry way into Heaven where the angels would come and go about their day working for God. Today would be the last time he'd ever pass through there.
His brother Asmodel stood in the front of the crowd, just behind Gabriel who was acting on God's orders as executioner today. Asmodel's gentle face was covered in tears, and his eyes screamed great disappointment and sadness. Asmodeous couldn't bare to look at him.
"Lucifer, may you pass now from this realm into the home of the damned. Rot for eternity in your bed of sin, with only your vanity and treachery for comfort." Asmodeous watched as Gabriel went down the line, from the most severe sin to the least. Asmodeous was the lowest on vice totem pole, but still he was destined for damnation.
"Beelzebub, may you pass now from this realm into the home of the damned. Rot for eternity in your bed of sin, with only your gluttony for comfort." Asmodeous watched as the final brother before him had his wings violently ripped from his back, and kicked off the edge of heaven into the bowels of Hell.
"Asmodeous...." He gave him the same speech as well, only his was lust for comfort. His back gave way to the searing pain, and as he was pushed over the edge the last thing he heard was Asmodel screaming his name. As he fell for what felt like an eternity, he slammed down on the banks of the River Styx. His right leg was twisted and contorted grossly, and he howled in agony. As he lay in his suffering, tears streaming down his cheeks while his body dealt with the separation from God, he heard a voice calling to him.
"Come to me dearest Asmodai, I'll embrace you for all you are. You'll never have to suffer again..." As for the rest, that's a story for another time.
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"You left me alone forever Asmodai, when I needed you! She never loved you, but I always did! Why did you replace me in your heart dear brother?" His heart was racing now as he stood, clenching onto the doll in a tight fist.
"I made a mistake! I'm sorry Asmodel, if I could only have your forgiveness. Forgive me, dear brother, forgive me!" He shook the doll in his hand, his eyes and voice pleading with it for mercy on his soul. It would not grant him such a thing.
"For as long as I exist, I will never forgive you Asmodai. I'll hate you for eternity, even after the rapture burns your body in Hell for the rest of time." Finally snapping, Asmdeous's body erupted into his demonic self. Out came the fangs and the claws, and even his horns erupted from his head. His eyes were now pure blood red.
With a roar, he threw the doll as hard as he could across the room, slamming it against the wall and shattering it. The pieces fell to the floor and the head rolled down, still in tact. Immediately his eyes widened and he regretted the action, darting over to the shattered remains and hitting the ground on his knees. His right leg ached with the movement, but he ignored it in favor of putting his attention towards the doll. Grabbing the little head of the angel, he held it to his chest as tears began streaming down his face.
"I'm so sorry Asmodel, I'm so sorry. I don't blame you for hating a wicked demon like me." Asmodeous kissed the forehead of the angel, and that's how he remained for the next hour. Rocking on the floor, holding onto the piece of the doll as one would hold their infant child.
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:40 pm
"Playing Pretend" [Petra]
The dress was snug around her body, making Petra tug at it, hoping there was more room for her somewhere within the fabric. She looked to Cajus, hoping the awkward fit wasn’t too obvious. He was staring a bit, blushing at the sight of her. It was hard not to feel ridiculous next to one so pretty, but the goofy reindeer antlers Gerwald had the boys of the chorus wearing to “add cheer” didn’t help him to feel less stupid. Petra turned around herself, watching the excess fabric of the skirt fly around her.
“You don’t think these costumes would be insulting to any actual angels, do you?” Petra said. Dressing up as angels in a choir for a human and entirely non-magic school was one thing. Dressing up as angels when part of the student body was made up of actual angels was another. Gerwald had decided against the tasteless plastic halos and opted instead for small, well-crafted feathery wings. Besides that the girls all wore white gowns with gold sashes around them.
Cajus shook his head. “No more insulting than it is for me to have to wear these next to my actual horns,” he mumbled, poking at the plush antlers. Petra giggled, which only made Cajus more nervous. Here he was, alone in a room with a girl in a too-tight dress that was light enough that he could make out the outline of her dark undergarments. Petra was a nice girl, too, probably not the sort to realize how much he could see. Still, when his eyes accidentally dipped downwards, she flushed and reached for her jacket.
“It’s a little cold in the chorus room,” she excused herself, “as always.” Cajus coughed nervously, nodding in agreement. It was actually a bit chilly, so her excuse was not entirely untrue. “Anyway, I should probably be sure the wings are adjusted right as well.” She skipped back behind the curtain where she’d been changing and plucked up the feathery things. They attached with two bands of elastic that you slid your arms into. Petra put them on over her jacket as she walked back out. “What do you think?” she asked, adjusting her hair so it fell right over her shoulders.
“L-looks nice,” Cajus stammered. “Almost real…” They made him think about Yuna, in all honesty, but it wasn’t hard to see beyond the angelic image of the girl in his head to see the girl right in front of him. It was hard not to have his feelings confused. Still, he hardly knew either of them beyond the basic and obvious things. Cajus knew there was a lot more to either of them than what he saw. What he did know, however, made him more shy than usual. Both were pretty, kind, and had nice voices, though Yuna could only share hers with one person at a time. Finally, he noticed he’d been letting the silence drag on as he stared at the ground contemplatively. “Um, well, you look um… really… g-good,” Cajus said. He’d meant to say lovely, or beautiful, or gorgeous. “Good” was all he could manage to say without getting so nervous that the blood in his body rushed all to his head. Still, Petra was happy to hear it.
“Thank you. Though I might have to see if something can be done about the dress,” she admitted, tugging at it again. Perhaps she’d had a few too many of those pieces of cake in the cafeteria. More likely than not it was thanks to all the Christmas sweets she’d been packing away. Darn her awful sweet tooth! She’d stick to low fat blood for the next few weeks.
“Sh-should we call it a n-night then? Since we’re the only two l-l-left?” he said. Curse his ever lingering stutter. Cajus felt even more embarrassed to talk because of it. He sometimes wished he didn’t bother speaking at all. Petra nodded as he removed his antlers.
“I’ll go change first, alright?” she said, falling back behind the curtain once more. The way she smiled as she disappeared, Cajus thought for a second that she would make a good angel. Probably better an angel than a vampire, really. When Petra returned, wings still on, he almost mistook them as hers. She giggled as she skipped over to him.
“Angels really are lucky,” Petra mused. “Their wings are a lot prettier than a bat’s.” Cajus was unsure of what to say for a second. Sure they were prettier, but Petra’s bat form was still cute in her own right. As a satyr, he couldn’t even fly.
“I think it would j-just be nice… to have wings at all,” he admitted. “Though I might be afraid of flying at first.”
“If you did,” Petra said, “then we could fly together.” Cajus nodded. The idea was nice, even if it was complete fantasy. He ducked behind the curtain after she was done, changing out of the nice black slacks and brown dress shirt the reindeers had to wear and into more comfortable clothing. He hated the pants most of all, and thought it was probably more realistic for him to have his regular legs out in all their fuzzy glory.
Petra was still standing there, waiting for him to be done when he stepped out. He was actually a little surprised that she’d waited, especially since she was going to be heading back to Byzantium while he made his way to the Aurium dorms. Still, there she was, smiling at him as she picked up her bag.
“Shall we go?” Petra said. “I should probably get back before Vik realizes I’m not around.” The expression on her face changed a bit. Her cheeks were pinker, her smile a bit gentler. Cajus quickly connected the dots in his mind. Those two were always together around the school, after all, and the rumor mill ran rampant about them. The satyr tried not to let his disappointment show too clearly on his face.
♆She always hated delivering souls to Heaven's gates. As Shadow stepped out of the swirling portal, entered into a word of soft white clouds and blue, blue sky, she felt her lips twist in a sneer. In honor of the Christmas season, there was snow falling, though it disappeared as it hit the ground, her skin. There was no such thing as soggy shoes and winter chills here. The harp song that accompanied the snow, however, was overdoing it a bit, in her opinion. But then, no one in these parts would ever ask for her opinion, or acknowledge her existence for that matter.
The two angels flanking the grand golden gates stared straight ahead, their hands resting casually on the pure white swords that hung at their sides. Not made of metal, she knew, but of light. Pure, piercing light. On more than one occasion she'd seen the guardians of the gate use such weapons to render a rogue spirit into nothing but dust.
Rolling her eyes a bit at their stoic expressions and their determination to look right past her, Shadow stepped up to the gate, stared for a moment past the thick golden bars. This was one gate no brute strength, no amount of power could get her through. Hers was a soul that would never be allowed to float through the gates of Heaven. Hell was much more her style anyway.
Taking the pendant from around her neck, Shadow placed it in the small indentation in the middle of the gate. It glowed, pulsing like a heartbeat, as one by one the souls of innocents were released into Heaven. She'd been busy this evening. Sixty seven souls found their way through the gates, disappearing from sight. She had only a glimpse of the spirit of Linda Mae the waitress before she, too, disappeared into the land of soft white.
When the last soul had passed through the gate, she removed the pendant, placing it around her neck once more. It wouldn't do to linger in such a place. If she were to simply stand around, the guardians would tap their light swords, shift their glances in her direction. No one stood at ease when Shadow Runner was making her nightly delivery.
Shrugging her shoulders, Shadow spun on her heel, always a bit annoyed that she was forced to come here. It was a taunt, really. Each night she was allowed a glimpse of Heaven, accompanied with the knowledge that she would forever be barred from it.
"What, not going to stop and say hello?" For a moment, Shadow could only stop dead in her tracks, her eyes looking straight ahead as she registered the voice behind her. Surely she was mistaken. Her ears were most certainly playing tricks on her. Slowly, so slowly, she turned around once more, her gray eyes narrowed as she looked towards the gate. And there he was.
Five years had done little to change the angel representative who stood before her, leaning casually against the gate while the guards went back to pretending she wasn't there. His hair was still a bit too long, a straight fall of glowing white hair currently partially hidden under a mildly ridiculous Santa hat. He was still tall and lanky, his eyes still that same half-amused, half-gentle sky blue. No, five years had done next to nothing to change the angel rep they called Luce.
When she merely continued to stare at him, Luce let his lips curve in a smile, though seeing her had knocked the breath out of him. Five years had done far too much to change the young woman he'd last seen as a young girl. Her glossy brunette hair was now a strong, bright blue, falling past her hips rather than swinging down to the middle of her back. She was taller, so much taller now, still too skinny. Had she been anyone else, he never would've recognized her. But she wasn't just anyone. She was Izzy. And he could never forget.
"Five years and you don't call, you don't write. A guy's going to think you don't care." He spoke casually, but he kept his eyes locked on hers. He knew how quickly she could disappear if you so much as blinked. After a long moment, she slid her hands in her pockets, took a long breath through her nose. She knew he could be at his most dangerous when he sounded casual.
"Well see, you don't have a phone, Lucy." Her voice came out as a careless drawl. It was the best response she could think of. He smiled, trying to assess the girl who stood before him. She'd be seventeen now. His eyes fell on the cloak she wore, his gaze narrowing as recognition set in, his body tensing. He'd known, of course. Word had spread quickly that he'd failed five years ago, that that demon had won. Word had spread even quicker about "Shadow Runner" through the years. But he hadn't expected her to still wear the cloak. The last time he'd seen it, after all, the demon known as Arzol had been taking it off himself, wrapping it around her bruised, bloody body. Then he'd taken her away. Away from home, away from him, away from the light. Losing her had been his biggest failure.
"Very true. I won't keep you. I know you're working. But expect a visit from me later, Izzy. It's been too long." Her eyes narrowed at the old nickname, but rather than annoyance, it only brought unwanted memories. Only three people had ever called her that. She'd loved all of them. Only one, however, happened to be the angel representative who'd tried to recruit her when she was still a child. It was too bad Arzol's argument had been more persuasive. Without saying another word, Shadow jerked a shoulder, turned her back on the man who never seemed to age. And as she stepped through the portal, she could have sworn she heard his quiet chuckle beneath the incessant harp song of Heaven. It really was overdoing it.
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:49 pm
"Catching Up" Nigel White
“And this bunch, they’re quite the trouble-makers… They blew down a whole wall and you know how that is, with magic it only takes seconds to put back up, but the paperwork takes weeks to go through!” The old man turned the page, his breath fogging up in the cold air. It was nearing Christmas, and each tombstone was decorated with a small evergreen wreath and an oddly joyful scarlet ribbon.
“What about her? She looks like a sweetheart,” the woman cooed.
Mr. White chuckled, and pushed his glasses back up. “Ah, yes, that’s Petra. She never gets in trouble, though I’m sure she gets dragged in messes all the time. The school is just that sort of place. I almost want to stick around jut a bit longer, to see if it ever quiets down."
The woman shook her head ruefully and smiled. She had long strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes, and compared to Mr. White’s wool coat and long scarf was woefully under dressed in a light and breezy gown. She had a golden glow to her that made even this bleak graveyard seem to come alive – next to her, Nigel White seemed less like the elderly principal quietly counting down the day to his retirement and more like vivid and ambition man he was forty years ago.
“Didn’t you used to have red hair just like hers?”
“Anna, that was uncalled for….” Nigel scowled. It was true; the aging process hadn’t been as kind to him as it was to others. The top of his hair had long since fallen out, and the gingery color has faded away into… well, white. But as his eyes clouded over more and more, his Sight had gotten better and better, and more often he was able to come here and visit Anna.
She sidestepped Nigel’s playful swat and sat down in the snow next to him, her arms now around his shoulders, her golden wings over them like a large blanket. When they were this close, she could see every wrinkle in his face, and he could see the faint burnt patches across her shoulders and chest.
Anna freed one of her hands from the embrace and turned another page in the yearbook.
“Are these the freshman?”
“Yes, see, there’s Toshi, one of the trouble-makers I mentioned, and Yuna – she’s an angel too, I keep saying I want you to come visit….”
welian
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Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:54 pm
"The angel on the card" Beelzebub
Finally, after decorating that lovely office of his and experiencing the mortal preparations for this holiday they called "Christmas", Beelzebub had decided to return to his manor. Upon arrival, he was greeted by one of his female servants---who was his first and so far, only, mind you. The demonic woman crossed the room and was about to offer to take his coat and before he has tossed the leather material on the floor, not even bothering to land the thing in her arms, he took his cigarettes and lighter out knowing full well what the people of his ring had been like. Sure enough, the woman sighed with a bit of disappointment as she gathered his coat from the floor and followed after him, almost dotingly. "Sir Gula, please don't throw your belongings in the floor, you know it'll only dirty them further. Speaking of, your room is clean and it took me a while to clean it, mind you.". He glanced at the woman and gave her a look and shook his head before turning forward "You know, messing with others' belongings isn't a wise thing to do, in fact, it's rude.". It seemed as though he had yet to grasp the concept of the position he gave the woman, and it soon struck him as she was about to open her mouth.
But before she could start explaining this he cleared his throat "Forget what I just said, just make sure you put my things in obvious locations please.". Simply she nodded and continued to follow after him; He made his way into his room and flopped onto his bed, whilst the woman gently set his jacket on the back of one of his chairs. Turning to him, she glanced his way, now unsure of what to do with herself "Would you like me to make you dinner, considering there is no cook hired as of yet.". Bee shook his head and crossed his arms behind his head and sighed "No, I'll make dinner, in fact, I don't plan on hiring a cook considering I'd rather cook. Plus, if I decide on more help I'll make sure it's not a lot of people, otherwise I will have to consider one.". Simply, the woman nodded and made her way out of the room, obviously not wanting to stick around to find herself picking up another mess of his.
Once she left, he rolled over onto his side and heard a light crinkle. Immediately, he jumped up and proceeded to press his hands on the mattress till he found the noise. Picking it up, he found that it was a card with a note wrapped around it. Raising his eyebrow, he unfolded the letter;
Beelzebub,
As your servant I'm not going to tolerate you leaving your dirty magazines left lying around like the rest of your stuff. So with that being said, place them in the drawer beside your bed, you have hands right? Well obviously you do, so put them to use instead if one motion. By the way, the card was sent from the living and I figured you'd want it--- the sender is unnamed.
,Crystie
He laughed bitterly, more out of annoyance, and couldn't deny he was slightly amused by her brave move. Pushing the letter off to the side, he glanced at the card and noticed a white angel with glitter upon the design. He ran his fingers along the angel and tilted his head as he tried to figure out who would even send him something like this. The angel brought him back to when he was an angel and it angered him the day that he departed from heaven--- in fact, it brought back a lot of resentment towards those who dwelled on that perfect place. Just as he opened the card to read the contents inside, he had yet to notice Crystie in the door way with a irritated look on her face "Seriously, why is it that you keep your drool dirty and not the rest of the house? Anyways, there's nothing else to do, so I'll be returning to my--"
"Are you trying to piss me off?. Crystie tilted her head, now slightly confused until she took notice to the card, in which he was holding. Her green eyes scanned his expression and her voice cracked "Sir Gula, I didn't even take that into consideration..". With that he rose from his bed and stood before her, now beginning to rip the card into pieces over her head and once he was done he took a step back "Remember where we live, and take note next time that this type of s**t doesn't warm my heart or amuse me, now get out of my sight so I don't end up saying or doing something I'll regret.". For a moment, she stared before dusting off the glitter and the remainder of the card off of her.
"Very well, and if you need me I'll be down the hall; My deepest apologies, Sir Gula..". Beelzebub found himself twitch as he finally took note of how formal she was addressing him, which meant respect in his eyes. She skittered out of the room with out another word and after she left he balled his fists before knocking items off of his dresser. With a sickening clank and rustle of a few items it didn't take him long to notice a bottle of glitter, and glue. Along side these items laid pieces of blank cards and oddly enough a piece of note book paper that had been written on. He stared for a few moments before getting to his knees to read the piece of paper---it wasn't like him to leave that kind of stuff lying around..
Dear Sir Gula,
I lied when I had said this letter was anonymous and I'm sure you can see that. I'm honored to be hired on as one of your servants---truly I am. So in honor of this, yes I've cleaned your room, but I have a carton of cigarettes under your bed for you and this card to remind you that you're not making a mistake.
,Crystie
Although quite a few words had been crossed out he found himself stinging with loathe towards himself after reacting the way he had. Biting his lower lip, the demon picked up the cards and began to make a card, similar to hers but ended up writing his own version. Once he was done, the demon rose from his feet and made his way to her room. He didn't knock and he didn't need to, instead he slid the card under her door and made his way back to his room. The letter read:
Crystie,
I appreciate the card you tried to give me and I apologize for being a total d**k, for that, I am hoping we can at least start over. Hell, if you're up for it, did you want to join me to my journey to that place I go to on earth? By the way, this isn't a choice, you're going to meet Asmodeous Luxuria quite soon.
