D&Devils 3: Celestial Artistry: Chapter 7

We all stumble off the bus, out lengthy travel time finally coming to an end as we reach our destination.

"I'm curious." I begin slowly. "How many of you can speak English?"

"Obviously I can. English is one of the more widespread languages." Griselda supplies.

The other girls don't really meet my gaze... well, Aside from Sagume. But she has the advantage of Babel that I do... not to mention my previous life living here.

"I know some words." Irina mutters. "My parents and I stayed in England for a while."

Xenovia's face is flat.

"Nerd stuff..." Lint grumbles under her breath.

"I see... in which case, allow Griselda, Sagume, or myself to do the talking." I note as I stare into the white haired girl's eyes.

"..."

"Correction. Myself or Griselda." I correct, causing the corners of the quiet girl's mouth to turn upwards.

"So, where do we start, ma'am?" I ask looking towards the nun.

"There have been some... places... in town that we need to have a look at." The woman informs.

I let out a low hum of acknowledgement.

'oh god! Oh god what is that?! I-It ate him! No! No NO NO NO KEEP AWAY! STAY BA-'

My entire body shudders, eyes widening. "S-Someone just died." 

Five sets of eyes lock onto me as I gesture towards the west. "Somewhere... in the direction... someone just died."

"How do you know?" Griselda mutters. 

"That doesn't matter." I shake my head. "We need to go. Now. Before more people die!"

"Alright..." The woman agrees as we all turn and begin quickly making our way in the direction I heard the prayer originate from.

We swiftly make our way through the town, eventually coming to the outskirts.

We don't slow down as we enter the forest, air whips through my hair as we run as fast as we can towards our destination that only I know.

I slide to a halt abruptly as a scent is carried on the open air, I can see the other's focus sharpen as I lower my body slightly, holding up my hand and creating a spear of light which I grasp tightly in a fist.

The others draw their weapons, a large, weighty great sword coming to Xenovia's hands while the sound of igniting... lightsabers... reach my ears from Irina and Lint.

I gesture to Xenovia. "Grace. Strength."

A serious frown crosses her lips as we make our way forwards.

Coming into a small campsite, bloodstains are splattered across the nearby grass and trees. Inina's breath hitches slightly as... standing before us we can see a large gaunt and hunched figure.

It looms over a corpse, long hairy arms coated with blood.

If it wasn't crouched it would probably be nine or ten feet tall. The arms and legs look almost too thin to support it.

It seemingly senses our arrival, its head lifting and peering over at us. Two large antlers atop its skull.

Its face has been cleaned of skin, just an elk skull, empty sockets gaze forwards, a deep red glowing within.

"STAND!" Sagume shouts as I call out my own spell.

"HASTE!"

As the fucking WENDIGO collapses onto its hands and knees, Xenovia clears the distance in an instant, blade swiping down with enough force to cleave a car in half.

It cracks against the bony neck of the abomination, knocking it flat even as it struggles against Sagume's command.

I hurl the light spear forwards. It darts out, barely a streak of light and imbeds itself in the back of the creature.

It lets out a scream that shakes the very forest, jaws opening far too wide revealing numerous fanged teeth.

Seeing as how Xenovia's attack with her blade did nothing to the bone neck, she quickly whirls around, lashing out with her weapon with swift swipes and jabs, carving large swathes in its flesh.

My hurled light spear digs deeper as I summon a second and toss it forwards as well, this one punching into its stomach as little flashes of light begin to explode off its body from Lint's light gun.

The strange beast lets out a gurgle as it rises to its feet-

"RISE!"

And promptly falls to its knees once more, Irina slipping in to slash her weapon across its ribs.

Xenovia takes her sword in both hands, then with a roar of exertion she swings forwards, causing its head to be cleaved off entirely.

All is quiet for a moment as the body falls slack, the only sound being the ripping of flesh from my light spears as they continue to stab the beast and the calm breathing of us exorcists.

Ping

A quest has been completed!

Trouble in Akron:

Objective:
Put a stop to the disappearances: [x]

Bonus Objectives:
Slay the Wendigo singlehandedly: [-]

Rewards: 5000 Exp, One magic item worth up to 2500 Gp.

"Huh..." I mutter, shoulders slowly untensing as my light spears continue to stab at the wendigo before disappearing a few seconds later.

That's... enough to level up.

I look to Griselda. "What now?"

"Well. We cannot be sure the threat has passed. We will remain here for a week to search the area. If nothing else happens, we'll return to Italy."

"Oh? Okay..." I mutter, gazing around the bloodied forest. "We... should bury these people..."

[Split]

I sit on an overturned tree, a sigh leaving my lips.

"Luce... are you okay?" Xenovia questions as she stands just behind me.

"Hm?" I turn, gazing up at her, finally acknowledging her question.

"I'm... fine." I admit after a quiet moment. "I just wish that... we had arrived a little sooner."

"You... can't save everyone Luce." Xenovia begins quietly. "I... came to accept that a long time ago. We are just... single people. We cannot be everywhere. We cannot do everything."

She places her hand on my shoulder. "We just have to do what we can... save who we can."

She slowly pushes me to my feet and wraps her arms around me. "That's... all we can do, Luce... I wish we had arrived sooner as well..."

"Luce." The serious tone of our guardian causes both of us to look over.

"Yes, Sister Griselda?" I ask, cocking my head to the side.

"How did you know that this was happening?" The blonde slowly asks.

"Uuuuum..." I clasp my hands together, a weak grimace appearing on my lips. "I... heard it?"

[Split]

"Here's your tea, Lady Gabriel!" A white haired girl flutters behind the busty blonde, causing a serene smile to cross her features.

She has absolutely adored having Rubi back the past couple of weeks.

Her tea is just so soothing. Something she had lost a long time ago... it's nostalgic.

She owes so much to Luce for allowing her to have this tea once more... for allowing her to have her best friend back.

"Thank you, Rubi." Gabriel smiles, preening slightly as the white haired girl darts around her room, dusting things off.

She really missed this energy...

Ah... and speaking of Luce...

She waves her hand over a crystal ball, seeing the boy appear yet again.

Ah. He appeared to enter a battle with... a wendigo? That is... quite dangerous...

He seemingly squirms under Griselda's gaze. "Ummmm well... about that... I just... kind of heard their prayer?"

The handle of her teacup shatters as she grips it too hard, dumping the tea all over her lap and staining her white robes.

"Oh no! Gabriel! Are you okay?!" Rubi gasps.

"I'm fine..." The blonde mutters.

"You... heard his prayer?" Griselda echoes.

"Mhm?" Luce nods slowly.

Gabriel's eyes narrow slightly as she leans forwards. She steeples her hands together.

He can hear... prayers? Only she and the other Seraphs can do that.

A small impish smile appears on her lips as she clasps her hands together, beginning to pray.

"Dearest Luce." Her eyes glint with amusement as the boy flinches, looking around for a moment before blinking twice and staring at the ground. "It is a truly wonderful gift that you can hear prayers. Are you well? The ability to hear prayers can be quite overwhelming at times. We will have another chat face to face once you have returned to Italy. I pray for your health, yours truly, your Auntie Gabriel... Amen."

"A-Ah... one moment, Sister Griselda... I need to do something." The blonde boy on the crystal ball mutters as he clasps his hands together.

'Aunt Gabriel. I'm happy to hear from you once more. I'm doing well. And yes, it was quite overwhelming when I first unlocked this ability, luckily, I managed to learn how to block out the torrent of noise and thoughts quite quickly. And I can't wait to see you again. Those days in which I can see you are definitely highlights! Oh, and I've heard the most interesting rumor. That you enjoy messing with that one Satan of Foreign Affairs. If so, we should really trade notes. That sounds like a hobby we share! I've got so many fun ideas of what we could do to prank her! I pray that you and Rubideciel are in good health, yours truly, Luce. Amen.'

Gabriel's face turns scarlet, lips flattening. "O-Oh..."

H-How'd he know that she... likes messing with Serafall? That information... really goes against this kind and generous image she has made for herself... it'd make her look a little childish.

P-Perhaps she needs to have some words with the boy... maybe convince him to... not tell anyone about her hobby of bullying Serafall.

People would lose respect for her if they knew!

And Big brother Michael would look at her with that 'I'm not mad, just disappointed' expression and lecture her about how 'Seraphs shouldn't be bullies'. UGH! It makes her cringe even thinking about it.

It's not like her casual bullying of Serafall is hurting anyone! It's not like she takes it that far! Just a fun little rivalry between friends!

Some of the final words of Luce's prayer catches up to her causing her to blink.

"Shared... hobby?"

"Yes, Gabby?" Her handmaiden questions. "Did you say something."

"Oh! Nothing important, I'm afraid." Gabriel brightly smiles. "I just realized that Luce and I will probably need to speak deeply on something!"

[Split]

I sit on the bus, quietly pondering the stary night sky just outside, Xenovia is sat next to me, her head on my shoulder as I wrap my arm around her, keeping her sat up as the bus jostles slightly.

I gaze around the rest of the bus, Griselda looks over at us every now and then, Irina and Lint are quietly chatting, and Sagume looks to be sleeping as well.

I meet Griselda's eyes and tilt my head slightly. She quickly looks away.

I gaze back out the window, looking up at the moon.

The rest of our stay was relatively mundane. Nothing really happened during the time we lingered around the small town.

Now all that's left is to return to the airport... then fly back to Italy.

My eyes slowly trail the bus again as I do something that I've been doing quite frequently during my stay.

'Is there anything supernatural here on the bus that isn't allied to the church?'

My eyes flick to the person in the back, a newspaper in his hands as he slowly turns the page. A low sigh leaving my lips.

I should have known... only a freak of supernatural proportions would be able to read something in a moving vehicle.

Why is he here?

To get a read on me as a person. To see the one that heaven has dubbed 'The Artisan'.

Will he hurt me?

Absolutely not. At most ask some questions about my paintings.

I find the corners of my mouth turning upwards slightly as I close my eyes. 'Dearest Gabriel. Azazel's on the bus. He wants to get a read on me. He doesn't intend to harm me. I'm going to see my Uncle. Please don't worry, I have something I painted ready to protect me if anything bad happens... which it won't. I pray you have a good evening. Amen.'

'WHAT?!'

I pull a small bag off my hip, open it slightly and leave it on the seat.

I gently shift the blue haired girl so she is resting against the window as I stand up. Walking to the back of the bus as Griselda's eyes follow me in confusion.

I take a seat opposite to the man with jet black hair, pale skin and blue eyes.

His eyes briefly flick to me as I flash him a bright smile. "Hello uncle."

Griselda rises from her seat, eyes widening slightly as she tightly grips her fists.

Her sudden change in expression seems to catch the attention of the others, even Xenovia wakes up as they gaze on in caution.

"..."

"Haaah... how mad is your aunt going to be?"

"Oh. She's livid. I can already tell." I smile brightly.

"Damn... oh well." The man sighs. "Soooo. You're the brat everyone's talking about."

"I... suppose?" I tilt my head.

"The Artisan." He continues.

"I suppose that's vaguely accurate." I admit. "Hello. My name is Luce. You're here to get a read on me, correct?"

"Yeah... and since I've been found out so easily. I suppose I better think of a way to talk my way out of whatever your aunt throws at me." He scratches his temple. "So... you're awfully calm. You know who I am... yet there was no hesitation in you walking over here and taking a seat so close by. Don't you have any fear?"

"Hm... I fear things." I admit, stroking my chin. "I don't really like snakes... or spiders... and the idea of Rabies is kind of terrifying... but I don't fear you, Azazel. Because you aren't here to hurt me, correct? I have full faith in that."

"That kind of blind faith... you're kind of naive, you know that, right?" The disguised man scoffs.

"Hm. Perhaps. But is it wrong to believe in the good in someone?" I ponder aloud. "Is it wrong to follow my gut? When I look at you, Azazel... I don't see a monster. A pervert perhaps, but I also see a tired old man... someone who has seen near endless hardships. A man who took a position he didn't want to preserve the lives of those who was cast out alongside him. A man who is tired of pointless wars and just wants to be left alone and to delve into his hobbies... you've made mistakes. You've done horrible things. But in times of war and war by nature is horrible. It is bloody. It is vile. And it is heartbreaking. However, it does not define who you are."

"Oh jeez. You're starting to sound like dad." Azazel groans, rubbing his forehead.

"I've got a question for you, Azazel... if you wouldn't mind answering."

"Yeah? Hit me." The man snorts.

"I might in the future!" I announce proudly.

"Did you just-"

"Now for my question. Do you believe it's possible that a fallen angel could change? That they could defeat the sin that they are shackled with. That they could regain their light. Do you believe that a fallen angel could repent and become a pure angel again?"

"Absolutely not." The man shakes his head. "We fucked up. That's our sin to bear. Besides. Being a fallen is fun. We've got hookers, booze and gambling."

"And what of your children? The one who are born fallen for no reason at all?"

"Exodus. Twenty-five. 'For I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me'. We the fallen kind of hate that dude sooooo meh. We reap what we sow."

"How funny... you're wrong." I smile brightly.

"Noooo I'm pretty sure I'm not. I've picked up a few bibles in my day. I quoted pretty much word for word. Makes talking to the church far easier when you can throw their proverbs right back at them." The man shrugs with a smug smirk.

"Funny. No. I was talking about how wrong you were about Fallen Angels and them not being able to redeem themselves."

"Hah? Kid. I've been alive for a loooong time. It's never happened. Not. Once." He scoffs.

"Hm... is it because of it being impossible... or is it due to a lack of trying?" I ask, tilting my head to the side. "You have fallen. You assume that's it. You assume that there is no redeeming you... so why would you try? Maybe some people made half-hearted attempted at it, yet... they stopped the very moment they saw no improvement. Perhaps they were dragged down further by other fallen angels. Peer pressure."

"You're genuinely insane." Azazel grumbles, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"I prefer the term... Eccentric. It's a good trait for an artist to have." I clasp my hands together with a bright smile. "Another question... have you met the fallen angel Zophiel?"

"Zophiel?" The man mutters. "Why?"

"That would be my mother."

"Ah... you're really a full angel? I could have sworn you were a Miracle child. Considering you're... down here and all."

"Well, I was cast out of heaven by the midwife angel who delivered me after my mother fell in childbirth and because that left me with these purple corrupt marks over my body. They left me in a verbally abusive church headed by a guy who seemed content to torment me for as long as I can remember... so... I can understand you. Vaguely. I just didn't give up when my life looked bleak."

I can see his eyes dart around the bus, tapping his chin as he sifts through the information I gave him.

"Ah... Zophiel? She works under Penemue. Angry, bitter, and snarky... I can kind of see why now... she tripped and fell at the finish line. Kind of sad. She's doing pretty well for herself so you don't really need to worry about her." He flashes me a small grin. "You could meet her if you want."

"I'll pass." I deadpan almost instantly. "I don't believe seeing the cause of her fall from grace would be good for either of us."

"Suit yourself." He shrugs.

I clap my hands together as I rise to my feet. "Well. It has been a pleasure to meet you, Azazel, I will be sure to pray that Aunt Gabriel takes it easy on you."

I begin walking towards where I originally was sitting with Xenovia. "That was a lie. I apologize. I had no intention of praying for Gabriel's mercy. I'll find your girlish screams of terror and desperate dodges absolutely hilarious."

"You're a weird ass kid; you know that right?" Azazel scoffs. "You come in all how I'd expect an angel to act. Kind words. Naivety. A genuine lack of understanding of how the world works... then you have statements like 'I'll find your screams of terror hilarious'. You really don't make a lot of sense, brat."

"Hm..." I hum mutely. "You know something, Azazel. Language is always evolving. Words of today may not mean the same tomorrow. It makes me wonder... who decides the rules for such a language. Who decides what each word means... in the past... Ass was just the name of the Donkey. Yet today it's used casually as an insult. As is hell. A location. That makes me realize something... In this world there is only one curse you should not utter. And that is to insult the name of our lord and your father... so allow me to say what my aunt probably wishes she could say freely to you."

I turn, flipping Azazel the double bird. "Fuck off, Azazel."

He recoils as if getting slapped, he appears genuinely stunned for a moment before a bright grin crosses his lips. "Hehhehehe... HAH! Oh, kid you're an absolute RIOT!"

He gets a thoughtful expression after wiping a tear from his eye. "I suppose you're right in a way. Huh. Interesting loophole, there. Technically speaking, language does evolve. Locations or actions becoming swears. I suppose there is no rule to prevent you from saying that... though it's very un-angel like. I imagine the sister here will have strong words for you after all of this."

I take a seat and reach into my bag of holding, pulling out a book and leaning against the window.

"Luce..." Xenovia whispers, looking from me to the fallen angel. "Is... this it? One of the church's greatest enemies corners us... spies on us... and we just let them go?"

"Do you want to fight the man that survived a three-way war with not only the original Lucifer but God? A war that also had two massive angry lizards with strength surpassing most deities barreling through it?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

"Yyyyyyeeeees?"

"No. You don't. And I don't. No escalating." I deadpan as I go back to my book. "Just ignore the man. There's no point in attacking him as that could start a war... and war sucks. So much loss of life. So much pain. I will not seek out war... but should one happen despite my best efforts to the contrary... I will certainly end it. Be it through removing the warmongers on our side that started it, or though utterly obliterating the opposition."

I glance back as I can hear the bus' window slide open. With a single movement Azazel hurls himself outside, six pairs of jet black feathered wings sprouting from his back as he takes off. Seemingly planning to get as far as possible before Gabriel begins to hunt him dow-

There's a faint flash of light and for the briefest of moments I think I can see six pairs of snow white feathered wings.

"Huh..." I blink twice.

Did I just see- yes... yes I did.

Gabriel clotheslined him as he began to fly away, cratering the man in the earth... and is now shouting angrily at him.

Oh dear... I uh... hope she doesn't snap at me like that...

Maybe I can distract her with bullying Serafall! Surely?

An achievement has been unlocked:

Impress Azazel:
Heh. That kid's got spunk. Normally angels are just so stuffy and boring. It seems that times are changing for the biblical factions. He didn't get to ask about his painting, but getting a read on the one known as the 'Artisan' is good enough for now. If his plans for peace finally go through, perhaps he can ask some deeper questions about his ability. Now... time to skedaddle before any blonde busty hot as sin seraphs show up and- OH SHIT!

Reward:
'From one Craftsman to another' feat.

From One Craftsman to Another:
Prerequisite: Level 5th, Any two Item Creation feats.
D&D magical items are... limiting... there's very few things you can actually do with them. A sword gets a +1 to hit and damage or maybe it deals an extra 1d6 points of elemental damage. Typically weapons that exist outside of these rigid specifications only exist through one specific scenario... DM intervention!
Benefit: Now even YOU can create your own weapons and magical items that function outside the standard system. Perhaps a great sword that deals two times the damage as normal, or a gauntlet that allows you to absorb flames to increase your statistics. The world is now your oyster. Have fun!

I blink twice at my new feat, a small smile slowly crossing my lips. New ideas quickly popping up in my mind from what I've seen so far in this world.

I can create an exorcist's light blade quite easily. Hell, I bet I could create a better version.

Ah... but I suppose that's something to think about later... now I need to think of a way to get out of being shouted at...

Oh wait!

Omniscience powers! Give me the solution to my dilemma-

No answer...

Ah.

Crap.