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The Chronicles of Devil Boy and Angelica
Sympathy for the Devil
by Angel of Fantasy
I was somewhat awed by how comfortable I felt with the devil. He had no objections to the skillful suggestions I had placed into the young man's mind; it was almost as if I had been given license to finally do as I wished. As we walked along the deserted streets, hand in hand, I began to get a sense of being watched and it made some of my sensitive feathers stand on end. I quickly scanned the buildings but saw nothing.
As we walked along, we made small talk and I was surprised to learn how dedicated he was to his purpose. I grinned listening to him brag of his successes, and chuckled when he referred to his conquests as his "children." He was so very proud of his work, and I felt myself growing proud of him also. I smiled listening to his story of a woman who had long since resigned herself to living her life alone, until he nurtured the blossoms of her sexuality. His chest puffed out with pride as he told of her phone always ringing, and having dates penciled in all over her calendar.
I don't think he had even realized that we had stopped walking, so intent was he on telling his tale. I ran the soft pads of my fingertips along his neck, and I think it took him a full moment to even realize that. He stumbled over a few words then stopped speaking entirely, closing his eyes and enjoying the caress. I pushed the "What in the world are you doing" voice into the back of my mind and sat a few bricks on top of it, as I leaned in to kiss him.
Before my lips could touch his, we both started at a sudden rush of cool air, my hackles raised for I knew what it meant. A loud booming voice made me shiver and my devilish friend noticeably cringed. "Stand aside, Angelica." I whirled to face him, keeping myself between my adversary and the devil. My instincts proved true, and I found myself standing toe to toe with the infamous archangel Michael. He was brightness personified, and I always found myself amazed in his presence. I was stunned when I realized what he intended to do, as he hunkered down, taking his battle stance.
"No, Michael, you will not," I hissed in a threatening tone, as I spread my wings in defiance of this angelic overlord. Michael cocked his head to the side and made an unhappy inquisitive noise. He and I had often butted heads, as I was one of the more rebellious angels, and it was his job to keep us in line. But I knew he had never seen me so completely defiant before, it was almost as if my short time on Earth had given me a little extra willpower, and he could sense that I would not back down this time.
He straightened and held out his hands to me. "Angelica, come with me. You have no need for these despicable, unholy creatures. You kow full well that noone outside our circle of light can fulfill your needs. Come now, stop this silliness, and let us go home. The hunt for you has made me weary and I must seek slumber."
I shook my head at his wiliness. He knew that coaxing me into returning was a much better approach than ordering me home, but it would not work this time. I boldly stepped towards him and slid the pad of my index finger along the tight muscular cords of his neck. I stroked him softly, and chuckled when his eyes widened in surprise. I snickered when he withdrew from me, the look on his face incredulous, almost as if I had slapped him. "No, Michael, you cannot fulfill all of my needs. Would that you could even allow yourself to try, but you cannot. You have no quarrel with him," I said as I nodded my head towards my demonic friend. "What he has awakened in me, I would not trade for any of you in the heavens." I smiled as I saw the little devil's chest puff out in pride, but he wisely kept his distance from Michael. We both jumped suddenly when the angel threw his head back and howled in anger.
I involuntarily took several short steps backwards, away from Michael, but managed to keep my fear tamped down and under control. I nearly faltered when I saw the look of pure rage on the beautiful angel's face. He lifted his chin and hissed at me, his eyes full of contempt. "You have been given everything you have ever wanted, Angelica…everything. You have been pampered and coddled throughout your entire existence. And now, you WILL return with me, or you will pay."
I stood my ground and shook my head in defiance. "That I will not do, Michael."
Michael growled and pulled a brilliantly gleaming sword from his side and his entire body became illuminated. I could barely see the outline of a multitude of angels stepping from the shadows along the rooftops of the buildings. Some were openly weeping, others gave me the same hateful look that Michael was wearing. I could also see some of the forms of my demon friends brethren, smiling and clapping, eager to see a feud between the "higher" creatures. I clasped my hands together and sneered at Michael as I felt my own celestial sword materialize between them.
"So, we have drawn, Michael. What to do now? I have fought you before, my love, and won…" I hissed, awaiting his reaction, knowing full well that he could never hurt me. I wondered for but a second at my sudden willingness to defend a sworn enemy, but it vanished quickly as I carefully watched a myriad of expressions cross the angel warrior's face. I nodded in understanding as I watched him give in, and he sheathed his sword. He glanced at a contingent of demons that were apparently trying to egg him on. I smiled a wry smile hearing words like "pussy" and "coward", knowing that they could not be farther from the truth. I had known that he did not have the will nor the desire to destroy me, but I took a deep breath realizing the awful chance I had taken. Regardless of what mortals or other creatures may think, death is a real possibility for angels, we can be destroyed in battle.
Michael returned his gaze to me and shook his head sadly. "I do not understand this, Angelica. But I give you one week. After that time, you will return with me, whether by choice or by force." And with those words he disappeared, causing my eyes to adjust to the sudden absence of his light. The grumbling devils that had gathered near us unhappily dispersed, having been denied the battle that they had hoped to see. I scanned the rooftops for my own brethren, but they had disappeared, presumably to speak with Michael. He had failed in their eyes, and he would have much saving face to do. I almost felt sorry for him.
I turned to face my new demonic friend and was startled by the suspicion in his eyes. "What is wrong?" I asked.
He wandered towards me, and I was almost worried that he resented me for coming to his defense. But his answer startled me more than I let him see.
"What did you mean when you called him 'your love'?"
I shook my head and sat down on the nearby curb, wondering how to explain this situation. I decided the direct approach would be the easiest and answered "Michael and I were, ah, paired, I believe is the correct term. We were a couple before I fell to earth. I told him under no uncertain terms what I had intended to do before I did it, and he knew I would not be returning. He must be under some other orders to bring me back, or he would not have gone to this extreme of a measure to make his point," I said sadly. "He knew I would not be returning, " I repeated, more for my benefit than his.
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