(~The God and Demon's Tale~): Part 1- Deja Vu
"....." talking italics thinking *......* action <<.....>> noises ////~........~//// flashback/dream
"ISRAFEL!"
A mass of silver and brown streaked through the clouds. He zipped here and there all the while declaring in a loud voice, "ISRAFEL!!!" It was just one of those days where quiet wasn't in the books. The Archangel, easily recognizable by the dark silver breastplate, magestic and not to mention gigantic wings, ran at impossible speeds searching for his missing companion. This normally wouldn't be a problem to the others of course but this archangel seemed to forget just how big his wingspan was. Thus, any who were still too drowsy to notice the hurricane coming their way were knocked mercilessly flat on their backs.
"Goodmorrow."
"ISRAFEL!! Where in heaven are you!?"
"Goodmorrow Archangel."
"Goodmorrow. Israfel!"
<<SMACK>>
"HEY! Watch where you're going with those things!"
"Sorry! I'm in a hurry! Have you seen Israfel?"
"I think he may be at the lookout on the far east."
"Thank you. ISRAFEL!!"
<<THRAPPP>>
"OUCH! For crying out loud! Trowa watch your wings!"
"I'm sorry!"
Turning around, careful this time not to knock anyone over, Trowa lept into the air and with a great flap of his wings, flew off to the east. He of course, did not realize that with his little takeoff manoeuvre, most of the lesser angels in the area were blown ten feet into the air by the awsome gush of wind.
Sitting on a giant fluff of a cloud resembling that of a boulder, Israfel peered down to the land below. Silently he watched, a touch of sadness marking his peaceful countenance. This lookout was basically his home. All day and night he would sit here, watching. Sometimes he sang, and other times he cried. Everyone knew it was induced by what he saw, but he would never tell of what happened below. Many of the others distanced themselves from him because of this. Only a select few of the Archangels actually bothered to consort with him.
"Archangel Israfel!"
Israfel: *looks back* "Ah. Archangel Trowa. Goodmorrow."
Trowa: *lands on cloud* "I should have known you would be here. Goodmorrow." *folds up wings*
Israfel: "So what brings you here to my domain?" *pats cloud*
Trowa: *huffs* "The Archangel Gabrial. He's been looking all over for you." *sits*
Israfel: *sighs* "What does Gabrial want with me?"
Trowa: "I believe it has something to do with Michael and his setting up of another army."
Israfel: "Always his armies and war Will he not leave the demons in peace?" *throws arms in the air* "Where did all his love and patience go?"
Trowa: *gives Israfel wierd look* "Why are you so protective of the demons all of a sudden? They are nothing but evil creatures of darkness. They shouldn't even exist....."
Without warning Israfel took hold of Trowa's face in both his hands and gave him a icy glare. They held each other's gazes for a long time. One confused and the other angry. Finally, Israfel let go after giving him a light tap across the face. Not speaking a word, he set about retrieving his armour and weapon.
Trowa: "........what did I do?"
Israfel: "Forget it."
Trowa: "What? Tell me."
Israfel: "It is not my place to say." *puts on armour* "And it's too late anyways."
Trowa: "Israfel......"
Israfel: "Drop it okay?" *looks around* "Hey have you seen my spear?"
Trowa: *looks around* "Isn't that it right there?" *points to corner*
Israfel: "Nooooooo. That's your spear o wise one." *digs through cloud* "Seriously. I can't seem to find it anywhere."
Trowa: "Don't tell me you dropped it.......again."
Israfel: "Will you just shut up and help me look?" *trips* "WOAH SHIT!" <<flop>>
Trowa: *shakes head in disbelief* "............Are you okay? (I can't believe he's an archangel. Clutz.)"
Israfel: "NO! I am not okay! Did you see that big hole here in this cloud!?" *points at hole*
Trowa: "Hey it's your cloud." *rolls eyes* "So what? Cover it up."
Israfel: "No no no no no! Do you know what this means!??" *grabs T's shoulder and shakes him*
Trowa: "Um.....no....and stop shaking me..e...e...e...e....."
Israfel: "My spear probably fell through that damn hole!!!!!"
As if to make matters worse, the clouds in the North suddenly turned gray. A great bolt of lightning shot through the air followed by the angry crack of thunder.
"ISRAFEL! GET YOUR BUTT OVER HERE THIS INSTANT!!!!"
Trowa/Israfel: *giant sweatdrop* "That must be Michael."
Israfel: "I'm dead. Michael finds out I lost my spear again he is going to kill me or clip my wings. I know it!"
Trowa: *sighs* "Look. Here. Use my spear for now, and I'll.....go look for yours....somewhere."
Israfel: *jaw drops* "You're going to decend!???? Are you nuts!? That's Man's Land remember!? No immortals, celestrials, divinities, etc..."
Trowa: *nods* "Yes yes I remember but what else are we suppose to do?"
"ISRAFEL!!" <<CRACK>> <<RUMBLE>>
Israfel: *cowers to the floor* "Ahhhh! Gabrials going to have my hide!"
Trowa: "We don't have much time." *picks up spear* "Take this. Go see what Michael and Gabrial wants and then bring it back when you're done." *pushes Israfel to the North* "I'll go see if I can find your spear down there. Maybe I can get back without anyone noticing." *furrows brows*
Israfel: "Oh there's a fat chance if I ever saw one." *takes spear* "But thanks anyways. Are you serious about going down there?"
Trowa: "Yes. You can't forge another spear and I've got as clean a record as any. Wouldn't hurt that much."
Israfel: "............." *looks down* "....whatever you do.....don't go to the forest by the Shadow Lands."
Trowa: "The Shadow what?"
Israfel: "The Shadow Lands. You'll know it when you see it. It's exactly as the name implies. That's the portal the demons use to get in and out of Hell. The area around it is technically their's."
Trowa: "Alright. I'll be careful. Don't worry about it. Go."
Turning around, Trowa looked below him and swallowed. It had been centuries since he last decended and he didn't know what to expect. Israfel was the only angel capable of actually 'seeing' what went on, not only on earth but in hell as well. He stood there for a while waiting for the gust of wind that marked the archangel's takeoff. When he didn't feel it Trowa turned around to see what was keeping him. He was greeted with an expression that was borderline between worry and sadness.
Trowa: "What!?" *emphasizes with hands*
Israfel: "Do......." *lets out breath* "Do you really.......you know.......not care for demons anymore?"
Trowa: "What kind of screwed up question is that? Of course not. Why should I?"
For a split second, Israfel's eyes filled with grief. But again, not saying a word, he turned and spread his wings. With a great whoosh of wind and feathers, he took off leaving his friend behind as confused as ever. This not being the first time Israfel had been enigmatic, Trowa simply shrugged then took a deep breath before jumping off the cloud to fall to the earth below.
~Depths of Hell, Forges~
This is the place where all of Hell's fiery weapons are made. A great pit of fire sat in the middle of the cave with various anvils surrounding it where swords and forks are being shaped. One intense looking demon who is currently labouring over a sword was Valefar. He was tall and muscular, towering over the many smiths with black unreflective eyes and dark reddish skin. Behind him sat something quite the opposite. Rather frail and dainty in comparison with Valefar, this demon had dark blue eyes that sparkeled from the fire and creamy white skin. He sat with his legs crossed and elbows on his knees, propping up his head. Needless to say, he looked rather bored with what was happening before him.
Valefar: "See right here...." <<Klunk>> "..Is very important to make it straight." <<klunk>> "Then you have a sharp edge." <<klunk>> "One that can cut through anything including those retched angels." <<klunk>> *pants* *swallows* <<klunk>> "Are you listening to what I'm saying Quatre?"
Quatre: *yawns* "Hm.? Oh yes of course big brother. Sharp edge. Good knife. Yadda yadda yadda..."
Valefar: "This!" *holds up metal* "Is not a knife. It is a sword. And you are going to have to make one weather you like it or not."
Quatre: *eyes wide* "No way!"
Valefar: "Yes way." *puts metal on anvil* "It is a skill you must learn." <<klunk>> "You need to fashion your own weapons." <<klunk>> "Because only then will it truly be yours." <<klunk>>
Holding out his hand, the blonde demon closed his fist then opened it again. A fork made of fire materialized above his palm. Taking hold of it, he spun it around then rested it on his lap, mindlessly playing with its sharp points.
Quatre: "I have my F2. Isn't that enough?"
Valefar: *sighs* "Baby brother. That dinky fork of fire will do nothing for you should there be another war."
Quatre: "There isn't going to be another war." *huffs* "(Minions. Where are you?)"
Valefar: "We never know. And it never hurts to be prepared." <<klunk>>
"Kaww Kaww"
Out of the shadows, a crow emerged and flew over to the awaiting arm of its master. Giving it a light pat on the head, Quatre ignored the look on his older brother's face to play with his minion.
Quatre: "Tell me darling. Is there anyone watching the gates?" *smooths crow's feathers*
"kaww. kaww." <<flap flap>>
Valefar: *rolls eyes* "You're not going to the surface I'm telling you now. And stop playing with that thing! (che. Kids these days.)"
Quatre: *sticks out tongue* "....Naamah says I can. (and you can't stop me.)" *creeps off*
Valefar: *throws down hammer* "Are you going to listen to that crazy demoness of a sister of yours or are you going to listen to me."
*blink blink*
"Quatre?" *looks around* "Quatre! You get back here!!!"
~Man's Land~
Tentatively, a shiny head of gold poked out through the dark portal. Seeing that the coast was clear, the young demon emerged from the ground and stepped onto the grassy floor. He turned his face to the sky and let the gentle breeze lightly toss his hair. Next he lifted his arms to the air and stretched his giant black wings. The sunlight glittered off it's canvas like a billion tiny diamonds.
Quatre: *yawns* "Ooooh that feels SO good!" *stretches arms* "Siren? Siren where did you fly off to?"
Siren: "Kaww kawww." <<flap flap flap>> I was making sure nobody saw us pass through the portal.
Quatre: "Oh what are you so worried about?" *takes deep breath* "Smell that fresh air! Isn't it wonderful?"
Siren: *lands on tree* Prince Valefar is going to go cause another earthquake when he finds out you came to the surface again. Even the Prince Bael might have trouble holding him back.
Quatre: "Oh hush up. Why don't you go see if any of my other minions want to come play?"
Siren: *turns head aside* Master you are nearly 3000 years old and you still want to play?
Quatre: *sticks tongue out* "Oh go drop a whelk." [1]
<<SQUEEEL SQUEEEEL!!>> <<SNORT>> <<SQUEEEL>>
Quatre: *furrows brows* "What in Hell is that?"
Siren: "Kawwww" Sounds like a pig.
Who you calling a pig!?
Curiosity peaking, the young demon followed the squeels and snorts to the edge of the forest where the thickets were. This was of course, forbidden because to venture out of the forest would be to leave the Shadow Lands. His minion, ever the obediant one could only flutter overhead and continually warn its master.
Siren: Young Prince! Do not venture any further! The Angels may be watching!
Quatre: *keeps going* "Don't have a corinary Siren I'm just taking a look."
Siren: But Sire, should you be seen and attacked!?
Quatre: "Hush up! I can take care of myself." *pushes brush aside* "Helloooo? Anybody there?"
<<SQUEEE>> <<SQUEEEK>> <<SNort snort>>
Stepping out into the open, the two finally found the source of the commotion. A large warthog had gotten trapped in a tangle of ground vines. Its struggles only seemed to make things worse as the bushes surrounding the animal carried thorns and with each kick, the needles dug deeper into the warthog's skin. Seeing as how the poor thing was helplessly stuck, the demon knelt down and set about untangling the vines.
Quatre: "Hold on. Don't move. I'll get you out." *pets warthog's head*
Siren: Hn! "Kaww kaaa." I say you leave the pig. Its not our fault he was stupid enough to get all tangled up.
Quatre: "Siren!" *glares at crow*
warthog: *snort* Who you calling pig you feathery fluff ball!
Siren: *flaps wings indignantly* Fluff ball!? Who are you calling fluff ball you big fat...
Quatre: "Enough! Both of you." *struggles with vines* "It's no use. I can't untie it with my fingers."
warthog: Damn it all! Unhand me you useless vines!!! *squeels*
Siren: *flies to Q's shoulder* Like yelling at the vines are going to help.
warthog: Shut up!
Quatre: "Now now. Be good Siren." *puts hand on plants* "Gentle vine. Will you not release him?"
warthog: Yes let go of me right now or the demon fries you!
Quatre: *laughs* "There there." *pats warthog's head*
vine: This creature was digging at my soil. I had to do something before it uprooted me all together. Me and my neighbours.
Quatre: "Yes and what would they be?"
thorny bush: We are roses my lord. It just isn't time yet for our flowers to blossem.
Quatre: *smiles* "Well then I shalt be looking forward to your blossems. Kind rosebush will you please release the warthog?"
warthog: The name is Desmond my lovely demon. *grins*
Siren: That's sire to you!!! "Kraaaaaw!"
Over head, the demon's worst nightmare was flying by. The archangel, in his search for Israfel's missing spear, just happened to be flying near the forest when he heard a loud squeeling. Having always been fond of animals, Trowa could not just leave the creature there screaming in pain, thus flew over to investigate. The loud screaming and snorts had stopped a few minutes ago, and the angel couldn't help but feel a slight bit anxious.
I hope it's still okay. I know it has to be around here somewhere...... ??
Down below, he could see something gold and black. Squinting, he tried to make out what the creature was. Slowly his eyes registered the blond strands to be hair, and the black to be wings. Trowa reeled back.
It's a demon!! What is it doing? ______!!! The pig! It's going to eat that poor little pig! Oh thou horrid fiend! I shalt defeat you and save that poor creature.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Quatre: "All right so do we have a compremise? Desmond will stop digging near you, and you ladies will let him go."
vines/rosebush: well.........
Siren: Humph! I thought bores were the only animals to dig for truffles.
Desmond: Why you!!
Quatre: "One more peep out of you and you're grounded Siren." *turns back to bushes* "Well?"
vines/rosebush: Oh alright. But only because you asked us young prince.
Reluctantly, the vines unwound and rose bushes retracted away from the warthog. Once free, Desmond squeeled in delight and ran over as fast as his chubby little hoofs can carry him to the demon to show its gratification. Happily he complied, giving the creature a big hug. Having sat on his haunches through the entire exchange, Quatre's legs were starting to tingle. He stood up trying to stretch with the warthog still nestled in his arms. He'd just managed to get the feeling back in his feet again when something sharp and cold pressed against the small of his back.
"Unhand that swine!"
Quatre: "Shhh!" *swallows* "Remove that sword so that I may place him on the floor."
Trowa: *narrows eyes* "Very well." *takes a step back*
Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Quatre gave Desmond a small smile, then set him on the floor. He didn't even have to look back to know it was an angel. He could feel the scrotching light diffusing from that halo and the powerful aura radiating from behind him.
Quatre: Bael is going to kill me. "....." *looks up* Siren. Don't! Do! Anything!
Siren: "kaww kaww"
Trowa: "Go on little pig. Shoo."
At the mention of the word 'pig', Desmond lowered his head and began pawing the dirt. The angel seemed strangely oblivious to this. His attention was fixed solely and completely on the demon before him. There was just something about this creature of darkness whose back was facing him that made him uneasy.
Trowa: Hn. A golden demon. How rare. "What are you doing here on Man's Land?"
Quatre: "Hmph. I would ask you the same thing." *faces palm forwards*
Trowa: "Uh-uh-uh. Don't even try to summon a weapon. You'll be dead before you could say fire."
Quatre: *narrows eyes* "What do you want with me?"
Trowa: "It's very simple really. A friend of mine lost something here on earth. I'm assuming that one of you demons took it. I want it back."
Quatre: "I don't have it. I don't even know what it is you're after."
I know that face. I've seen it before. But where.......
Trowa's eyes grew wide as voices suddenly rang out in his mind.
////~ "Ha hahahaha. You'll never catch me Trowa. I can fly faster than you ever could!" ~////
He shook his head and blinked several times to clear it, but the voices kept coming.
////~ "Hey no tickling! No tickling!! Wah! hahhahah!! You're evil Trowa. Evil! AH! Nooo! hhahha. heheh!" ~////
At last he was face to face with the demon who still had his eyes closed. Which happened to be a good thing because he would have surely cracked up if he saw the blank look on the archangel right now. Sword still in hand, Trowa took a step closer to get a better look.
Do I...?
Their faces were now merely inches apart and the demon's breathing picked up a pace. Trowa could only guess that it was because the other could sense his presence and proximity even with his eyes closed. While his mind yearned for the other's eyes to open, his heart forced his own eyes closed. And he did, even as he edged ever closer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Up in the tree, and on the ground below, two animals and even some plants were losing their grip.
Siren: "kaaaw" OH HELL!!! What is he doing!??? What is my master doing!???? He's going to be killed!!!!
Desmond: "gruff gruff." Call me a swine will you. Pig my ass. I'll get this overgrown peacock! *snort*
Siren: Will you stop thinking about yourself for a moment you overgrown pig!!!!
Desmond: Pig! I'll give you pig! *rams tree that is siren's perch*
Tree: Hey watch it!
Siren: AHHHH! Master! Wake up!! Open your eyes damn you!!! *flaps wings*
Desmond: Hey. Look. What's that?
A faint golden yet reddish ball of light hovered between the two bodies. It seemed to glow brighter and brighter as the angel leaned ever closer. Stunned, the crow and warthog watched trance-like as he brushed his fingers softly under the demon's chin tilting his head up, then closed the gap with a gentle kiss. The glowing ball flashed with a blinding light.
////~ What is this?
When Trowa opened his eyes he was standing alone in the same forest. Only there was something different about it. Little things. There was a forest yes, but with different trees. This looked like maple while the forest he was in earlier was oak. The season seemed different also. The colour of the leaves were beautiful yellows and reds. Slightly dazed by the awsome scenery surrounding him, he spun around trying to absorb as much as he could.
A soft melody caught his attention and he spun again looking for the source. The sound was coming from somewhere deep within the forest. Trowa followed and soon found himself running to an open area with a lake glistening in the middle of it. To his surprise, the demon with whom he was spell bound with not moments before, was sitting on a giant tree branch that reached out and over the lake. He stood there in awe for a while when the demon seemed to notice him and looked up.
By the Heavens, I've never seen such beautiful blue eyes.
The demon smiled at him and held up the flute in his hand, beckoning him over.
"You're late. You're suppose to be teaching me how to play this thing remember?"
"Well that depends. Have you actually been practicing?"
Trowa covered his mouth in shock. He couldn't believe what he had just said. But what was more shocking was that he wasn't the one who said it. He watched in disbelief as another archangel, who looked exactly like himself, armour and all, spread his wings and flew over to the branch where the demon sat. The two appeared quite happy to see each other and even down right friendly.
What in the world?? What does he think he's doing!!? That's a demon! Our mortal enemy!!!!
"Miss me?"
"Not as much as you missed me."
"Bring the buckets! We're overflowing with sap!"
Israfel!?????????
Jaw literally dropping literally to the floor, Trowa could only stand amazed at the sight before him. His great friend, the archangel Israfel was consorting with the demon and the traitor. But before he could fly over and demand an explanation, another great flash of light blinded him. When he opened them again, the scene had already changed. This time, he was hanging in the air. The skies were black and lightning flashed everywhere across the sky. The clouds thundered and the grounds shook. Trowa instantly recognized this to be one of the battle grounds in the Shin Ma war. The only problem was, he didn't remember being in this battle.
"Quatre!!"
Who?
Turning around, he saw himself and the blonde demon flying towards each other. He tried to listen in on the conversation but a great crack of thunder drowned out all sound. All he could do was watch the two embrace each other, faces full of fear and sorrow. Then something white flew right through him, charging towards the couple. It was again, Israfel who appeared to beckon another demon over.
Israfel: "We must go Trowa. Now. You too Quatre. Be gone. Make haste."
Demon: "Come prince. There isn't time."
Trowa: "I will send a messenger. Our next meeting will prove joyous and wash away the woes of present tidings. I promise."
Taking the demon's hand into his, the other Trowa kissed it tenderly and ran his fingers through the golden strands. He pulled the other closer for one last kiss, and as their lips touched, the brilliant light flashed again. ~////
The crow and warthog blinked their eyes and shook their heads. The light had blinded and sent then reeling. Siren almost fell out of the tree while Desmond just plain smacked into it.
Siren: "eraaa." Damn! What happened? Did the angel lose his halo?
Desmond: "gruff honk" *snort* Err....doesn't seem like it. It's still flying pretty good.
Siren: "Kraaaaaa!" Master! How's my master!????? "Kaaaaaw!" Master wake up!!! MASTER!!!!
Hearing Siren's call, Quatre's eyes fluttered just as Trowa slowly opened his. Both blinked lazily trying to get their vision back. Trowa was first to snap out of it although his mind was still slightly hazy. They looked into each others eyes for a moment, neither registering what was going on.
The same blue eyes. He is....
Desmond: Charge!!!!!!! <<SQUEEEL>>
Lowering his head to the ground, the warthog aimed it's tusks and rammed into the archangel. Not conscious enough to dodge the attack, Trowa fell backwards, yelping in pain as the tusks cut into his legs.
Desmond: Take that you confounded divinity!! *snort*
Trowa: "What!?"
Quatre: *blink blink* "Desmond?"
Siren: "Kaww!!!" *pecks at T's head* Master run! Make for the portal!
Quatre: "Siren? What....what happened? I blacked out..completely....where am I?"
Desmond: Make for the Shadow Lands demon prince! I'll handle the archangel! *grunt*
Trowa: "Ow! Stop that you stupid pig!"
Desmond: Pig!? I'll show you pig you overgrown pigeon! *charges at T*
"OOOWWW!"
Shaking his head one last time to clear it, Quatre couldn't help but think that he was somehow stuck in a wierd dream. There was this supposidly powerful, supreme archangel being viciously attacked by a warthog. Its grunts and snorts mixed with the angel's yelps and death threats made for a pretty sorry sight.
Quatre: *raises eyebrow* "And I thought angels were suppose to be nice."
Siren: "Kaa kaaaw." *flaps wings profusely*
Quatre: "Yeah yeah I'm going. I'm going."
Trowa: "Ow!" *holds up hand* "Hey wait a second! I need to ask you something!"
Quatre: "You want something? How about this!?" "Move Desmond!"
A flaming pitchfork sliced through the air. Throwing the warthog off his body, Trowa moved just in time, managing to only have his featheres slightly seared. By the time he got up, the demon had already disappeared back into the forest. Trowa wanted very much to follow and give chase but Israfel's warning kept him at bay.
What in Heaven's name am I suppose to do now?
..........
Hmpht. Might as well find that damn spear first. Then I can ask Israfel what he knows.
Standing up, he brushed off the various branches and leaves that got stuck on him during his battle with a certain swine. After he was clean and somewhat presentable, Trowa stooped to pick up his sword that still lay on the ground. The moment he grasped the hilt, something went off in his mind.
I was just......
what was I.....
.....doing here?
Trowa clutched his head tightly as he fell to his knees. His chest seemed to be constricting and he could hardly breathe. The clouds overhead turned gray and rumbled as if reflecting his inner turmoil.
Why........
Why can't I remember?
