The Known/Unknown Quantity

Chapter 17: A Very Rough Morning

Chapter 17: A Very Rough Morning

"So, what do you think?" the witch asked them.

The angel and the demon were silent. Her eyes darted back and forth between them. She couldn't see their hands underneath the table but she was convinced they were clasped tightly together.

"Was that a bit too much?"

"Exposition dump," Crowley barked. The angel groaned and rubbed his forehead. "Takes a minute to process."

"So, let me get this straight," Aziraphale pulled up and revealed his hands, thrusting them forward. "You and Adam...and Madame Tracy?" It was a query.

Anathema gave a shrug. "I don't think I ever gave her a chance to say. Doesn't matter. Result was the same."

The angel side-eyed her, but continued. "You...deduce that a threatening presence, still in its proto-form, is manifesting itself with dark intent on us, I and..." he tilted his head to the demon.

"Your lesser half."

"Thanks," Crowley growled.

"You're welcome."

The angel cleared his throat. "So, anticipating our involvement in the Next Last Days to Come-"

Crowley turned to him," Next Last Days to Come?"

The angel was stymied. "Well, what would you call it! My focus isn't eloquent names right now!"

"We were worried for you," Anathema blurted. That resulted in blank stares from both of them. She fluttered her hands and took off her glasses. "Well, whatever our reason, action was required. Right now, we're keeping an eye on things, it's all precautionary. You are safe at the moment."

"Hoo-ra."

"Crowley!"

"Um," the witch replaced her glasses. "True, the situation is in flux, but at any time it changes, we can alert you. The next stage is discovering its nature and intent, and finding a way to combat it, if necessary."

"When do we owe you for this service?"

"Crowley!!"

"Payment upon receipt," the witch countered bluntly. The demon sneered at her.

"What can we do?" The angel, without thinking, gripped the demon's wrist, and Crowley's scowl softened.

"Go about your daily business, but look for anything out of place. Keep an eye on each other. You don't have to be attached at the hip. In fact, it might help to be apart often, like before. It wouldn't hurt to even leave town for a while."

"You're still pinpointing the thing's capacity to harm," Crowley stated, without rancor this time.

"Affirmative," Anathema agreed. "But we know enough to detect it, and hide you, even guard if we must. But later...other measures must be taken. And when that time comes, you must let us help you any way we can."

Crowley laughed. "Why wouldn't we let you help us?"

Anathema ignored the question. She rose, and they with her. "I think it's best we keep the lines of communication open. We won't interfere with your," she cocked her head, "daily affairs any more than we have to." The demon grunted.