𝕮𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖓𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝕮𝖍𝖔𝖎𝖗𝖘

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝐈𝐗

Everything around Asmodeus and Tariel was different - the air smelled of damp earth and fresh vegetation, the sky was no longer filled with golden clouds and radiant light, but covered with a fluffy veil and a soft blue.

The ground beneath their feet was firm and uneven, covered with grass and small flowers that swayed gently in the wind. Around them stretched wide fields and meadows, criss-crossed by clear streams and framed by majestic mountains in the distance. Birds chirped merrily in the trees and the buzzing of insects filled the air. It was a world of natural beauty and untouched landscapes, far removed from the artificial perfection of the sky.

"It's incredible," Asmodeus touched the grass, which felt cool, scratchy and wet. He only knew the soft grassy ground in the Garden of Eden. His gaze followed a sparrow, which flew with a few arcs to a tree and settled on a branch there. "The colors, they're much more vibrant."

Tariel glanced at his mate and raised an eyebrow. The slight shake of his head to this only made it clear how stupid he thought Asmodeus was. "Wow. I think you're high. And that's after only three seconds. In an hour you'll be lying in some gutter selling your body for muffins," he said and with a sigh the archangel turned his attention to the clothes they were wearing; they could hide their wings, but their heavenly garb was far too conspicuous.

With a quick flick of his wrist, Tariel let a touch of magic slip over him, and his celestial garb transformed into a casual black leather jacket over a tight-fitting dark gray T-shirt and matching pants. A pair of stylish boots completed his look.

"Funny," Asmodeus grumbled as he straightened to his full height. "I know my limits and I'm sure something like that would never happen to me. With you, however - Mr. Lady Hunter - I'm not sure you'd be able to keep from spouting nonsense here." The seraphim shook himself briefly and conjured up a white shirt from his celestial garb. The washed-out jeans were loose and wide and he pulled them up a little, then conjured up a belt and fastened it. Looking down at his bare toes, he sighed and seconds later was wearing white sneakers. He wasn't completely satisfied, but it would do for now.

"Oh, shut up," Tariel replied with an annoyed roll of his eyes and pointed to the skyscrapers that could be seen in the distance. "We'd better get moving if we want to find Soles."

Asmodeus and Tariel set off down the road, which was surprisingly quiet and not very busy despite the urban surroundings. The sun shone through the clouds and bathed the scenery in a warm, inviting light.

So they both strolled along the street, looking at the planet with curious eyes. Houses, built in a way they had never seen before. Plantations far and wide and they hadn't met a single person yet. Only after walking for a kilometer did they hear a loud, even deafening noise. Both were startled, turned around and were quickly overtaken by a car.

"Bloody hell! Are you on drugs? Why are you walking in the street, you landkoys!" a middle-aged man shouted from his car, furious and pointing at the two young men.