The Tales of Darkmore

The Angel with a Warning

The man got back to his hotel room after dealing with the demon in the church, feeling exhausted. He took his trench-coat off, sitting on the edge of his bed. He took a moment to catch his breath and sighed deeply. He took his maroon-coloured shirt off, folding it and placing it on top of his trench-coat. His chest and arms were well defined, yet littered with scars, most of them faded, but not enough to not be noticed. He undid his belt, pulling it free from his trousers and folding it neatly. He let his trousers fall and folded them in a pile next to his other clothes. He took off his boxer-shorts and walked into the ensuite bathroom. He ran the shower hot, stepping in and letting the water splash against his skin. The water let him slowly relax and breathe. Flashes of the Vicar's horrified face flashed into his mind. He knew he had to act tough, but it didn't mean each death didn't cut deep. He sighed deeply, pushing the image to the side and began carefully washing over his body. He let the water wash the soap off his body, cleansing him of the day's troubles. He closed his eyes gently, looking up at the showerhead, letting the water hit his face. He felt each of the drops of water trickle down his face, clearing his mind. He finished up, turning the shower off and wrapping himself in a towel. He opened the door of the ensuite to exit into the bedroom and stood still. The air felt different.

"Evaporatio." The man muttered. The droplets of water on his skin quickly evaporated. He snapped his fingers and a spark turned into a small, roaring flame, wrapped around his fist.

"No use hiding. I know you're here." the man had a slightly raised voice.

"I'm glad you know. Wouldn't be fun if you didn't." A voice answered, distorted. The man let the flame dance around his hand, moving further into the room.

"Look... If you're here to kill me, I'm really not in the mood." The man sighed.

"Oh Luci... I'm not here to kill you..." A tall woman stepped out of the shadows; her body hugged by a perfect linen dress, as white as snow with a small glow. Her wings were a beautiful light grey, and her hair was a dark blonde. The man extinguished the flame with another snap of his fingers, sighing with relief.

"Oh Gadriel, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." The man smiled.

"When am I not Lucian." Gadriel repaid his smile with her own and threw him his clothes. Lucian took the towel off, pulling back on his clothes.

"I assume you're here on business." Lucian sighed. Gadriel had a smirk creep across her face.

"You didn't think I'd actually come to see you because I like you, did you?" She laughed. Lucian grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

"Could never happen could it." He rubbed her cheek, locking eyes with her. Gadriel looked stunned and lost for words. She stuttered, trying to speak. Lucian smiled; their eyes fiercely locked, neither brave enough to break the contact.

"Luci... You know we-" Gadriel started but Lucian held a finger over her lips.

"I know. Doesn't mean I won't tease you." Lucian had a warm look on his face.

"I hate you so much..." She moved away from him; her face still red.

"If you did, you wouldn't keep coming to warn me." he said, shrugging.

"Anyways... Haven't you noticed how many more creatures you've had to deal with recently?" Gadriel quickly changed the subject.

"Yes... Far too many... Why? What's happening?" Lucian queried.

"The Gods... All of them... are growing lazy... things are slipping through now more than ever... Yet none of them want to acknowledge it." she answered, her face falling.

"Of course they don't... And let me guess... More and more people are seeing them is an issue..." Lucian let out an irritated groan.

"And if humans find out which Gods are real and aren't... Well, there will be wars... And your entire planet will be gone within a week." Gadriel added.

"Yeah, I know how shitty my kind is, especially to each other..." Lucian brought a hand to his face, trying to think.

"You don't have to do this alone Luci... I'm sure there's people that could help..." she offered, but Lucian quickly denied.

"I don't want anyone to risk their lives... or souls for this. I'll work out something. We both know I'm damned already and it's just a matter of time." he sighed, picking up his lighter and igniting it with a click, the flame roaring to life. His eyes focused on the flame dancing before him. He let himself shed a tear, his mind wandering back.

"Come on... I know what you're thinking... I don't need to tell you, do I?" Gadriel asked, standing next to him. Lucian shook his head, the tear hitting the floor as he shut the lighter, the flame dying within a second.

"I'll do my best... If I can sort this out I will. If not well... We'll all be fucked." Lucian smirked.

"This world doesn't deserve you..." she replied, Lucian shaking his head.

"Oh love... I'm exactly what this world deserves." he smirked, brushing himself off. He held Gadriel's hand softly, interlocking their fingers. He lifted his other hand and rubbed her cheek with his thumb, giving her a soft smile to try and reassure her.

"Good luck Darkmore... You'll need it." she let out a breath, trying to smile. With that, she vanished, leaving him alone, and giving him time to prepare.