"Good." Zente grabbed more noodles with the chopsticks. The moment he was about to stuff it all into his mouth, his hand stopped. Closing his lips, they curved into a little smile as he laughed a little. He couldn't have guessed how curious angels could be; not to the point where one would be watching eat with wide eyes. It was funny enough to make him smile, even for just a little bit.
He went back to eating. The feeling of the warm noodles in his mouth is just something that is only noticed after a long treacherous fight. It's like the same thing when someone takes off their shoes when they get home from a long day of work. Demons….He's not saying they make him enjoy noodles more.
"No no no…" Holding the bowl, he shook his head. "You can ask whatever," He assured, "Besides, after days like this, I know that I'm always more willing to answer whatever is thrown at me….Ah sorry, whatever I'm being asked."
The cat jumped up onto the counter behind him. She reached her paw out towards the bowl, but Zente repositioned himself and moved the bowl away. With the back of a chopstick, he poked his pet's forehead. "I see you are curious too," He said.
Zente's mind drew a blank. He fell silent. Focusing on the food, he kept his glance down to floor while he ate. When he made up his mind that he was done, he walked over to set the bowl down in the sink. "I don't get overwhelmed. At least, not when I'm tired like this….Go for it, if you want to."
He stopped and laughed when Zente caught him staring. Oh, I can? he tilted his head. I don’t want to throw anything at you Zente, I’m sure that would cause you pain. Oh, is that not what you meant? Humans say a lot of things they do not mean, I’ve noticed.
Smiling, Aurel went over and pet Lilith’s back. His eyes went back to the man, though, and stayed there as he placed the finished dish in the sink. That is good. Just tell me when you would like to stop with questions, the angel said. You’ve been able to see demons since you were a child, yes? How long have you been fighting them?
Perhaps he could let out his energy through asking these questions. Though, Aurelium planned to go out for a bit later.
Zente could see where the angel is coming from. "No, it's fine," He assured. Although humans tend to be influenced by their own will, they often go against what they mean or just say something for the sake of it; believe him, he does it all the time. Except this time, he means it. "Go on before I get tired or change my mind."
Crossing his arms, his fingers rested in the crevices of his elbows. His chin was tilted downwards, yet it was still elevated enough for him to look at Aurel. He bit on his bottom lip while his mind counted back all the memories of the exorcisms and demon hunting. "That's correct, but it's only been eight years…I'd say. Yeah, eight years." Gosh, it felt like he has been doing this for centuries.
Eight years. Aurelium grinned. Nothing compared to my time of service to the Lord, but I suppose you would be considered a seasoned demon exorcist.
Indeed, eight years meant little to him. Time in general meant little to him. He had always wondered why humans were so obsessed with time, but he supposed that’s what happens when you are mortal. There is only a certain amount of time on earth that God has allotted to mortal beings, and they use how they wish, knowing their time will eventually and inevitably run out.
I can tell you have grown in that time. Tell me, Zente, how do you exorcise demons? Is there a certain way you approach it? Aurel’s eyes glittered as he flexed his wings. I have seen many proclaimed holy men exorcise incorrectly, in some way or another. Not many have been granted permission to see beyond the material plane.
"That is true on your part," He agreed. "For us humans, eight years is surprisingly a good amount of time."
Eight years is a lot to him. What is even weirder is how he barely remembers a lot of it. Really all he can think about is any moment he had to deal with Ullman, that's basically it. Not to mention all the times he had to call a friend to bandage him up before being forced to go to the hospital or urgent care.
"Hm?" If he had a dollar for being asked that question, he would have enough to buy twenty large chocolate milkshakes. Yes, he has done the math for that and he does have some addiction to chocolate milkshakes and ice cream.
Zente shoved his hands into his pockets. "I don't know. What those 'proclaimed holy men' do amuses demons. I use it to lure them….." His mind drew a blank. When has he ever had the opportunity to explain this without being called insane? "I use my sight, trickery, lying, bribery, and sometimes those old methods. I talk to them, pretend that they're a friend. It's always never the same and I don't want to hurt the person who's affected by those things, but sometimes I have to…"
(I too have an addiction to chocolate milkshakes and ice cream lol)
The angel nodded, seeming to expect that sort of answer. I see. That suits your kind. Using their own cunning against them… it is effective. He tilted his head. A person who is affected? You mean one who is possessed? Hm, I rarely come across something like that, I don’t often visit Earth.
Right, this was Earth. He had to be gentle here. Or at least, less violent than he normally was. If they came across a possessed human then… well, his sword would not harm mortal bodies. He just needed to be careful of his heat and flames.
His being hummed with energy. He stretched again and laid himself across the counter. And how do you protect yourself from the demons you fight? It still must be dangerous for you, even though you can see them.
Zente gave a nod. He finds it that the Chruch sometimes does not really look at cases seriously nor do they even care about the people affected I particular. "It happens more than humans think, but only every now and then," He explained, "Who knows? They get to be tricky. Sometimes they'll possess someone who's terrible and everyone finds it to be normal. Nothing is monolithic for the better part."
Leaning back, his hand rested on the left side of his abdomen. It felt like someone stabbed him with a sword then dragged the blade up. He shrugged, "I don't, but I know I am vulnerable and that I am not someone like you. Holy water and rosaries do work, but they can only do so much."
He grabbed a bottle of medicine and took two tylenol pills out. After swallowing them, he close the cap then held it between his index and middle fingers. "Mental fortitude, that's how I protect myself."
Interesting. Even though he just laid down on the counter, he raised his legs and his hips so that his feet were touching the counter around his head, as though he were some sort of heavenly gymnast. They are tricky. I’m not surprised they get away with things, especially here.
Aurel looked over. He could see Zente’s pain, but he could not understand it. He wanted to help, but he was one of those angels that brought down God’s wrath, not peace and healing. You are courageous, Zente, and hardy. The Lord has surely blessed you. His voice sounded sad. He meant to be comforting, but he could now see the burden the man must have been carrying. He lowered his legs and sat up, stretching his wings again. I have heard of holy water and rosaries being used to invoke the Lord’s power. That also fascinates me. Ah, what was that you swallowed?
Watching the angel move around is a sight to see. Part of him wondered if his mind was seeing things due to exhaustion. On the other hand the aching pain reminded him that no, this is reality. "It really isn't, but I admit that sometimes I am surprised."
The only thing he could say or do was nod. Sure, he probably was blessed by God, but he feels like a lot of it just came from the fear of dying and letting those evil bastards win. And failure, just the fear of failure too. The sentiment of thought was sad, yet he was fine with it.
Zente looked down at the bottle of pills. He held it up so Aurel could take a look at it. "Pain medicine," He replied before lowering it to read the labels. "My sides hurt so I took two of these." The bottle rattled as he shook it.
Aurelium still had a lot of energy, but seeing Zente’s expression, he tried to appear slower and less flexible, not wanting to startle the man. However, that excess energy was instead released as heat. His form rose in temperature, and wisps of flame alighted on the tips of his hair and in his eyes.
Aurel focused on the pill bottle. He did not really read the label, but saw through the bottle and examined the contents, sifting through those tiny capsules with their little chemicals inside. It was fascinating, that is what he always seemed to say. He didn’t remember humans using this the last time he came to Earth. Each time he visited Earth, the human society it contained was never the same. It was always changing, so unlike Heaven.
I see, that is good. He watched Zente for a moment, and a smile came to his face. You should rest then, friend. I will not ask more questions from you.
He just stood there and watched with amazement. As well as worry. Tilting his chin up, he stared at the fire alarm. The green light remained still. Hopefully Aurel doesn't set it off.
Zente held his hand out, shaking it. "No no, it's fine. I'm alright, Aurel," He sighed. "Lilith usually has her zoomies in an hour or so anyways. If I get rest before then, I'll regret it."
The cat pounced on his feet just as he finished his sentence. "See?" Bending down at the waist, he scratched the top of Lilith's head. Truly she is a beast that is to be reckoned with. He doesn't want to fall asleep then have Aurel startled by the little beast anyways.
Shaking the pill bottle, he watched as the cat's ears perked up. He laughed then looked over towards Aurel. "Wanna shake this?" Zente put his arm out, offering the pill bottle. "It's like maracas. Lilith always love it."
It seemed like making the man more comfortable was a fruitless endeavor. Aurelium was just too unearthly. He just smiled at Zente as more flames sparked. I can keep the little creature busy, if it is well with you. I have a lot of energy myself. He looked towards Lilith, amusement dancing with the fire in his eyes.
The angel blinked. Oh? He had to take a moment to remember what maracas were. He took the pill bottle, turned over and back around in his hand. Shake it? he shook it once, then twice. He assessed its motion and sound. He then moved over to Lilith and shook it again, in front of her.
Comfortable is not a word that is in Zente's vocabulary. Even in a moment where he is at home and somewhat safe, the most he can do is relax his shoulders; like right now. Should he really be putting an angel in charge of babysitting a sweet yet slightly mischievous furball? Is it bad that he is doubting an angel and himself? He sighed, "Well, if you really want to….I guess that's cool with me then."
He gave Aurel a thumbs up. Anything that shakes is one of Lilith's favorite things. The cat's ears perked up again. This time she turned in Aurel's direction. Her head tilted as she reached a paw out in an attempt to whack it. She missed, but she kept on trying.
Zente laughed, "See? I don't know why, but she is fascinated with these things."
Worry not, Zente, the angel assured. I will make sure that you are not disturbed. He watched as Lilith swung her paw at the bottle, and chuckled. I know a housecat's eye is drawn to movement. She must like the way it moves. He kept shaking it, keeping it just out of the cat's reach. This was quite enjoyable, watching the little creature hop about. Maybe he could spend some of his extra energy this way.
I still encourage you to rest, friend. He kept playing with the cat but spoke to Zente. You will soon need it.
"I am not worrying about myself. I am worried about my fur baby and this place burning down and you too." He calls Lilith his furbaby, even though "beast" and "spawn from Hell" are more suitable.
Speaking of which, the little spawn from Hell was still fascinated by the bottle. Her tail stood up straight, swaying ever so slightly. Despite her failures, Lilith tried to get the bottle, wanting to make it shake too. Zente laughed. "She is something…"
Zente shivered. Aurel's words were ominous. They were true which is what makes him quite anxious. This is life. He should be expecting this and everything in between. "I will Aurel, don't you worry." Giving a barely faint smile, he went down the little hallway to his bedroom.
Aurel tilted his head. I assure you, your home will not be burned down. I promise, there is no need to worry. It was easy for him to say; he didn’t really know what worrying felt like. Even when he thought of how he fell from Heaven, he didn’t worry for Heaven. He only had wanted to go back in order to do as he had been commanded. He chuckled and spoke this aloud in reply, I do not worry, Zente. I only care. Goodnight.
The angel looked back at the little furball, shook the pill bottle a few more times, then raised it out of her reach. This is your human’s medicine, he told Lilith. We cannot play with it anymore, lest something should happen to it. He placed it where the cat could not reach, then reached down to pet her head.
Zente stood at the doorway to his bedroom. His hand squeezed the handle. Is he just worrying over nothing? His brain just might be worn out after a long day. "Alright, if you need anything, just knock," He yawned. "Good night, Aurel. Good night, Lilith." Stepping inside, he closed the door. The first and only thing he did was go straight to bed. All it took was for him to take his glasses off then fall back onto the bed.
Meanwhile the cat was using everything within her capability to get the medicine bottle. At least, the furball tried. Her paw waved until the bottle was further away from her. It went back down, signaling her defeat. Lilith meowed.
(I was wondering whenever we do a timeskip maybe it could be to like later in the evening or early morning the next day. Like what if Zente gets a call to deal with a demon that's under Ullman? What do you think?)
(I like that! Although, I had thought about Aurel just going out and fighting a demon on his own to release some energy, or just going to find another angel to get information while Zente is asleep. Though, considering he’s by himself it would be kinda unnecessary? Maybe? Idk)
(Oh nice! Maybe we could do something like Aurel going to find an angel to get information but then Zente needs help because he's getting attacked by a demon who is an underling for Ullman???)
(ooof poor Zente. But that sounds good! we love shenanigans)
(lmao we do love shenanigans tho. i'll post a transition if that's cool with you. probably would have early morning the next day?)
The time on his phone read three forty-five when it went off. "Now what?" Zente moaned. He used his elbow in order to get up. Adjusting his glasses, he took his phone from the nightstand. It could just be some alarm he forgot to turn off; happens more often than one would think. Yet his ring tone practically blared, destroying the silence that hung in the room.
His finger pressed the answer button before he could even get a glimpse of the caller ID. "Zente speaking. Who's this?"
"This is Father Agnusdei, right?"
Demons don't care if one hops out of bed in yesterday's clothing. Zente jumped out of bed, grabbed the briefcase with his "tools", then rushed out of the bedroom.
He went over by the door. Dropping the briefcase, he picked up his combat boots then rushed over to the couch. "Aurel-" His breathing was short. It competed with the quick pacing of his heart beats. His brain telling him that he has to go.
"There's a demon that possessed some poor guy…." Zente bit down on his lip while trying to put a boot on. Thanks to his shaky hands, it made the process much harder. Still, he felt sleepy. "Another exorcism…I gotta go. I gotta go."
Finally, he got those damn shoes on. "You'll be fine on your own, right?" He asked while picking the briefcase up. He looked over at Aurel. "Who I'm kidding, you'll be more fine than me." Zente rushed to the door then closed it behind him.
(oh, oof… I had planned for Aurel to be gone already ^^; but i can work with this)
(Lol it’s alright. He be vibing)
Aurel didn’t sleep, as he had no need to. By now he had settled down in his true form, with Lilith buried in his wings, her zoomies having subsided. His form glowed with heat as his eye followed Zente as he entered. It blinked once, probably the only time it would for a while.
Then it widened, and Aurelium was quivering with excitement. A DEMON! How wonderful! Of course, he meant that in the sense that he would finally get to destroy something after a rather uneventful night. Perhaps the most uneventful in his entire existence. Zente, what—
Before he could finish, Zente was gone. The angel stared for a moment, then laughed. He carefully adjusted his wings so Lilith could get off, then followed after that son of Adam. No way was he going to miss out on this.
(i feel like Aurel and Lilith are going to become besties or some. i love it)
Three times has he almost fell down the stairs. Three times. Somehow God blessed him with good enough balance to fall onto his face. Zente normally did not leave the apartment in such a hurry. Even if it were a dire emergency, he would rush yet he wouldn't be a bundle of nerves. Why did it have to be so early in the morning?
Zente didn't bother taking his bike or finding an Uber to take him to the location. It was only a couple of blocks away after all. If his feet end up hurting from this, then oh well. Not like the rest of him is still aching from the one he did only hours ago.
The call was about a kid who had started to not be himself almost two weeks ago. It was the "usual" with a lack of eating and sleeping. Parents took him to the doctor, yet they said he was alright. The father on the phone didn't say much, but Zente could tell that they were in serious trouble. He could just here the language of tongues and screeching in the background.
So that's why he's making a run for it. He'll run and run until he's in that room with the possessed kid. And he won't leave till that demon is back in Hell.
(Wdym?? They are already besties 😤)
