The End of the World...Again? [Aziracrow]

9

After explaining who she was, Shax agreed, although the personnel had increased in recent years thanks to Crowley's efforts at devilish mischief (naturally, he did it only in the hope that the angel would turn up). Still, Shax granted Raphiel no more than a hundred demons, but they were enough for her, as the demons had a minor mission: to wreak havoc among humans. The heavy lifting, however, would be done by Raphiel herself, as an immense power grew within her, ready to be unleashed.

They drove for hours, until Crowley felt a peculiar shiver run down his spine.

"Oh, that's strange..." -he murmured, gripping the steering wheel slightly.

Aziraphale watched him attentively but said nothing, simply continuing to observe their surroundings and hoping to sense something.

"Raphiel... where are you?" -he wondered aloud in a worried tone.

As they roamed around the city, they passed a crepe restaurant. Azira looked at it curiously, as it was new, and unexpectedly, his stomach did something it had never done before — it growled. Startled, he put his hands on his abdomen, both surprised and alarmed.

"But... what...?"

The demon sighed and, grumbling, stopped the car abruptly, got out, leaving Aziraphale confused. Aziraphale was about to get out after him, but his stomach growled again. Then, Crowley reappeared in the car, placing a paper bag on the angel's lap before starting the car again. Aziraphale looked at the bag curiously. Inside were three cones: crepes rolled and filled. He took one, smelled it, and his stomach growled even louder. This sound only irritated Crowley further, as it signalled that Aziraphale hadn't eaten again. Now he understood why he looked so thin. Azira took a bite of the crepe cone, and the flavour washed over him, making him hum with pleasure. Crowley smiled faintly, satisfied.

"Apple and cinnamon... this is delicious," -Azira said cheerfully, then remembered they weren't speaking. However, he still glanced over at Crowley. "Thank you."

-Crowley gave him a brief look, saying nothing but continued to smile; his heart gave a little leap of joy at that. They drove on in silence for a few minutes until Crowley once again felt something strange within him and suddenly slammed on the brakes.

"Something's wrong..." -he said, gripping the steering wheel tightly. He looked at Aziraphale and reluctantly spoke. "Stay in the Bentley, I need to go down to hell — something's happening. And please, for the love of... Just stay here" -he emphasised, pointing at the Bentley. "Learn to stay put when asked." -He muttered before disappearing.

Aziraphale sat there, continuing to eat his crepes, feeling a warm joy inside. He hadn't remembered food tasting so good or giving him such a unique thrill. He was eating the last bite of his crepe cone when he felt a shiver run down his spine, startling him. Something was happening in heaven.

"I need to go up..." -he murmured, attempting to open the door, but it wouldn't budge.

He tried several times, but the Bentley refused to unlock its doors. Instead, the radio turned on, playing classical music. Aziraphale wanted to be annoyed, but hearing the tunes he loved so much warmed his heart even more. He stopped trying and stayed seated.

Crowley walked down the hallways with a steady, quick pace; everyone stepped out of his way, as he had earned a certain respect. Halfway to Shax's office, Furfur blocked his path.

"Crowley... what a pleasant surprise" -he said with a smug smile.

Feeling desperate and even uncomfortable, Crowley tried to push him aside. "Not now, I need to speak with Shax."

Furfur pulled a face. "Oh, I'm afraid that's impossible; she's very busy right now. You know, it seems there's a new demon, and she has all of Shax's attention."

"What are you talking about? A new demon?" -Crowley asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, a bit on the small side, but with yellow eyes and black wings. Funny, actually — she looks a bit like you. You haven't been getting up to other sorts of devilish business up there, have you?" -he joked.