Chapter 26

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Six Years Before the End of the World (circa 2013)

Crowley and Aziraphale, disguised as Warlock's nanny and gardener, set their plan into action. The Dowlings' mansion, a grand and sprawling estate, was their primary battlefield. Their mission was clear: to subtly guide and influence Warlock, the supposed Antichrist, toward a path of neutrality.

With his natural affinity for dealing with humans, Crowley took on the role of Warlock's nanny. He chose an attractive and unassuming appearance, a perfect fit for the child's family. As "Nanny Ashtoreth," he had the opportunity to be with Warlock day in and day out, subtly nudging him toward a life of mischief and malice.

Aziraphale, on the other hand, assumed the identity of the Dowling family gardener. With his kindly demeanour and gentle touch, he endeared himself to Warlock's parents and began working on the child's moral compass. "Gardener Fell," as he was known, taught young Warlock to appreciate the beauty of nature, the importance of kindness, and the joy of helping others.

Their interactions with Warlock were subtle yet powerful. Crowley would suggest small mischievous acts, like playing pranks on classmates or causing minor disruptions. At the same time, Aziraphale would encourage Warlock to be compassionate, to care for the garden, and to think of others before himself.

It was an unusual partnership, with each one striving to guide the boy's destiny in a different direction. They often found themselves at odds, subtly countering each other's influence. But through it all, their love for the child was evident.

.......

Y/N had always been sensitive to the currents of fate, an intangible force that seemed to guide her steps. It was these subtle nudges that led her to Tadfield, a seemingly ordinary English village nestled in the countryside. But Y/N knew better than to trust appearances; something important was waiting for her here.

As she strolled through the quaint streets, a sense of purpose tugged at her heart. She couldn't explain it, but she knew she was meant to be in this place at this very moment. And so, Y/N followed her instincts, which led her to a small, unassuming house at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac.

The name on the mailbox read "Young," and it was here that her journey took an unexpected turn. Knocking on the door, Y/N was greeted by a friendly middle-aged woman with warm brown eyes and a welcoming smile. This was Mrs. Young, the mother of the child Y/N had been drawn to.

"Hello, dear," the woman greeted her with a warm smile.

"Hello. I'm Y/N," Y/N replied politely, though her curiosity was almost overwhelming. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I felt compelled to come here. Is this the Young residence?"

The woman nodded. "Yes, that's right. I'm Mrs. Young. How can I help you?"

Y/N hesitated for a moment, considering her words carefully. "I heard you might be looking for someone to take care of your child?"

Mrs. Young's eyes lit up with relief. "Oh, you have no idea how timely your offer is. I've been struggling to find a reliable babysitter for my son, Adam. Come in, please." She stepped aside, allowing Y/N to enter.

Y/N nodded, her heart racing. It seemed that fate had brought her here for a reason. "I'd be happy to help out," she replied.

With a grateful sigh, Mrs. Young welcomed Y/N into her home. She led her to the living room, where a young boy with striking blue eyes and blonde hair was playing with a collection of action figures.

"Adam, dear, this is Y/N," Mrs. Young introduced. "She's going to be looking after you while I run some errands."

Adam looked up and regarded Y/N with curiosity, his eyes seeming to hold ancient knowledge beyond his years. Y/N couldn't help but feel a strange connection to the child, as if they were linked by an invisible thread.

"Hi, Y/N," Adam said, offering a shy but friendly smile.

"Hello, Adam," Y/N replied, crouching down to his level. "It's nice to meet you."

As Mrs. Young prepared to leave for her errands, Y/N took her place as Adam's babysitter. They spent the afternoon together, playing games, reading stories, and sharing secrets only children and those with a deep connection could understand.

It wasn't long before Y/N realised the truth about the child before her. The sense of familiarity, the piercing blue eyes, and the unmistakable resemblance to Lucifer all pointed to one undeniable conclusion: Adam Young was the real Antichrist, the Harbringer of Armageddon.

Despite the weight of this revelation, Y/N couldn't help but feel an unexpected bond with the boy. Perhaps it was her unique perspective, her status as a mortal who had once known the heavenly realms. Whatever the reason, she was determined to guide young Adam down a different path, one that could avert the impending Armageddon.

While she pondered the implications of her discovery, Y/N also considered what telling Crowley and Aziraphale might mean for Adam. He had the chance to grow up without being influenced by his true nature. Y/N believed that, perhaps, this could lead to a different path—one where the Antichrist chose his own destiny.

Y/N decided not to reveal her findings to Crowley and Aziraphale for now. She believed that the best way to help Adam was to ensure he had a chance at a neutral upbringing. As she looked into the young boy's eyes, she silently hoped that, against all odds, he might choose a different fate.

As the hours passed, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that her presence in Tadfield was no accident. Destiny had brought her to this pivotal moment, and she was determined to fulfil her role, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

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