Devil's Toy

Chapter 3

My head jerked back, his statement catching me completely off guard.

"Warn me?" I c****d my head, peering into his eyes. I trusted Peter more than I trusted any other Angel here. Another forbidden emotion, as we were all supposed to have been created equal. But some of these Angels definitely had hidden agendas. Hearing Peter say he called me down to warn me sent goosebumps across my skin.

"I don't mean to frighten you, Gaby." He whispered the words, peering around us to make sure no one heard.

I nodded slowly, and moved towards him to hear better.

"How much do you know of this Angel?" 

"Well.. I know his name, Damien...And that he's been traveling alone while abandoning his post."

Peter nodded slowly.

"Yes, and were you informed of your role?"

"I was told to train him and watch over his progress."

"I see. Well.. The transfer Angels have been talking quite a bit about him. At first he seemed like a possible defective Angel, but as the gossip spills, I become more worried."

Transfer Angels are those that escort souls down to hell. It does not happen often, but sometimes they mistakenly end up here instead of down there. They must brave the tunnels to the underworld and deliver them to the lowly deviant that runs the place. You may know him as the Devil.

"What have you heard, Peter?" I didn't notice my breathing pick up.

Peter studied me for a moment before continuing, "I was informed that the Angel in question has been in direct contact with... Mr. Morningstar."

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. God didn't mention this. Does he even know? Why would he have me help him if he did know? Angels that turn to Evil are banished without a single thought. How could this slip by God?

"What? Then... then why would I even be assigned to train and watch over him?" My voice slightly raised. I took a step back, my head shaking, unable to process my emotions.

Peter followed, staying close to me.

"He shouldn't even be given a chance up here, Peter! I have to speak to God. I have to schedule and urgent meeting." My mind spun.

Peter shook his head, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Hush now, Gaby. This could be all very well just be a rumor. You know how Angels get when they hear any sort of news. It turns into a humans game of telephone. For all we know, the gossip was that he was seen in the human realm gazing  at stars until morning." He smiled and caressed my cheek. He picked up one of my tendrils and smoothed it behind my shoulder.

"I just want you to be vigilant and cautious, dear." His smile put me at ease, " I apologize for flustering you with my words. I did not mean that as my intention. I simply worry for your wellbeing and wanted to make sure you knew what was being passed along our gates."

I sighed and returned his smile, "Thanks, Peter. I don't know what I'd do without you." 

"Don't you worry about it my friend."

As I was about to take off, back to my office, I turned to look at Peter. He grinned, raising a questioning brown.

"We were all made equal, perfect to God. But to me, you are the true Angel of his visions."

Peters eyes immediately glistened as he nodded, "I will always be here for you whenever you need me child. Go on now, Gaby. I love you."

"I love you too, Peter." I turned and fluttered my wings to life, crashing into clouds.

You could never go wrong with a friend like Peter.

I thought about what it would be like when I met Damien. My mind was on autopilot as I maneuvered to my office.

What would he look like, sound like, act like. Would he be kind and easy going or firm and serious. I couldn't even remember how Angels from his era looked. And if he really had come into contact with Mr. Morningstar, what would he try to do to me?

I slammed hard into something firm as my mind raced.

"Ouch" I winced, rubbing the shoulder that had made contact.

"Ouch myself, you slammed right into me." 

I rolled my eyes realizing it was Michael.

"Well then maybe you shouldn't be idly standing in the path." I shook my head at him sternly.

"Yeah yeah, maybe. How was it seeing Peter? I know you hadn't been to the gate in a while."

Michael matched my new pace, following me to my office.

"Oh you know, just terrifying." I tried to sound nonchalant.

"Peter? Terrifying? you must indulge me in some details."

Reaching my office, I pushed the door open and quickly flew in, dropping into my chair.

"I don't know if I can think with this excruciating pain in my shoulder." I rubbed the skin above my collar bone dramatically, wincing at the painless touch.

"So you're saying my body is so toned it hurt your shoulder?" He smiled mischievously and flexed a bicep.

I scoffed, "Easy now before someone catches a whiff of your vanity."

"Spill the details, Gabs. Or I'll never leave you alone."

"Oh very tempting." I smiled.

I saw his cheeks redden slightly before closing the door to my office and taking a seat across from me.

"What had you so worried that you flew right into me?" his voice was serious now.

"It's nothing really. Peter had called me down to warn me about the new guy. Apparently he's really close to the Devil. Those nosy transfers claim they saw him speaking to the devil himself." I shrugged, trying to seem calm and unbothered. Yet my nerves were winding so tight I could barely sit still.

"Oh.."

"Yep! But he said I shouldn't worry too much. He says the transfers usually misheard information like this. He just wants me to be safe."

Michael remained quiet for a while in his seat, his eyes fixed on a point behind me.

"Michael?" I waved my hand in front of his eyes, trying to snap him back into the present.

"Sorry, sorry. Uhm, yeah I think you should just be careful. I know he's been traveling the tunnels alone and whatnot..." His voice got lost at the end, his eyes glazing over in thought again.

He shook his head after a few minutes, "But how likely is it that he's actually in direct contact with the devil? Not even our transfers are allowed to make contact."

"Yeah.. I guess you're right." 

"We could also just summon him and ask him ourselves?" 

"Definitely not."

"I could have guessed... so forget that... Want to help me with the rest of duties since I helped with yours?" He wiggled his brows at me.

I giggled, "Well I guess. What other option do I have?"

 "Absolutely none! Let's go, I have to oversee and record the Guardian introductions!" Michael sputtered up out of his seat, a hand stretched out for mine. I really just wanted to sit at my desk, fill out some boring paperwork, and sulk. But I realized this was probably a great distraction for me.

I rose and took his hand, the warmth easing me. He led us out and to the left, turning diagonally into the clouds. There are definitely clear pathways we could take, but it was just so much faster if you cut through the fog.