Heaven or Hell (Sequel to "Love or Lust")

Chapter 14:

My feet landed hard on the soaked soil from the rain in front of the small old warehouse. Rain continued to pour on me as I gripped the soaking metal, pulling hard as the large door slowly began to slide open with a loud creak! As the door finally opened up enough for me to slip inside, my nostrils were greeted with the foul stench of old wood and stale cigarette smoke from previous owners. I rolled my eyes in disgust and ducked inside, leaving the door open just a bit.

I reached around in the darkness, flicking the light switch up. The bright lights that hung from the ceilings slowly lit up, giving enough light for me to find a table. Setting my bag down on top of it, I stripped myself of my soaked jeans and leather jacket, tossing both in a small pile on the side as I rummaged through my bag for a new set of clothes. Cursing under my breath, I rolled my eyes when I dumped my bag on the table, finding that I hadn't brought a towel.

"Oh well," I muttered to myself.

I settled for a pair of boxers and an old shirt I had brought along. I slid the new clothes on against my damp skin, sending shivers up my body as the cold clothes touched my cold skin. I turned my head, looking over my shoulder at my soaked wings that hang low off of my back. I turned back to my bag, shoving everything back inside before roaming around the warehouse that I now stayed in for time being. Besides the dust and old stench, it was decent for me. An old couch was sat in the middle of it with a small table next to it. Other than that and the table my bag sat on, all the furniture had been cleared from the place. I snatched a blanket from my bag and tossed it out over the couch, laying it down gently.

My body, however, froze as I felt the presence of another. I payed no attention and continued to make my "bed" before swinging my arm back, catching the soft cloth that had been thrown at me from behind. I brought it back in front of me, a small smile tugging at my lips at the sight of the warm towel that lay in my hands.

"Thought you'd need it," Elliot muttered under his breath, showing no signs of interest in my well being or anything if that. I snickered and turned around, folding my arms over my chest as I replied, "Wow, Elliot has a heart? Who knew?"

"Listen Biersack," He snapped at me, causing me to snicker once again. I rubbed the towel against my head, moving down along my body as he continued, "What did you call me for, especially at such a late hour!"

I rolled my eyes, "I need some help, and sadly, you're the only one I think that can do some dirty work for me."

Elliot eyed me suspiciously. "What do you mean dirty work?" He questioned, leaning against the table my bag sat on. Elliot looked down, sliding his disgusting little fingers inside as he tried finding something he had any interest in. I cleared my throat, giving him a glare, "I mean, why would you even have to do dirty work? You've got your grace back, or at least some of it." His eyes trailed down to my wings which were still damp, but focused mainly on the whites of them.

"That's the problem," I said, "I need to go back to Hell." Elliot's jaw dropped open, and his eyes went wide. I rolled my eyes and continued, "You've read the prophecy obviously, so you know that the one with dark wings is the leader of Hell. Well," I took a deep breath, "Lucifer isn't too happy that I earned some grace back, and He's been sending out his men and women on a hunt for me."

"I don't understand," Elliot said, "Why does He want you back? I mean, He is the Lord of the Underworld, right?"

I nodded, "But He doesn't have the power to overthrow Heaven, only I do." Elliot gasped, taking a step back. I rolled my eyes at him, "Oh come on Elliot we both know you could care less if Heaven fell. It's not like I want to go back and turn back into my darker ways."

"Then why are you asking me to help you do that exactly?" Elliot questioned.

"Because," I looked away, "I don't want Madison getting hurt anymore. One of His workers, Jennifer, came yesterday and shot my best friend and Madison." I bit my lip nervously, continuing. "I lost it. I slammed her to the floor and drained her dry. I never thought I'd do that again, but I did."

"I rushed Madison to the hospital and doctors said she'll be okay, but I can't do that anymore." I looked back at him, "She was terrified of me when she saw what I did, and even though she denied it at the hospital, I could still see some fear in her eyes. I don't want her involved anymore, I don't want to risk her life anymore than I already have." I sighed, scratching my neck, "And if that means going back to Hell and ruling, I'll do it. For her and only her."

Elliot raised both eyebrows in surprise, unfolding his arms as he let them fall limp to his sides. The look in his eyes was pure interest and sorrow, nothing more which is very surprising and new for him. He's so cold hearted towards me, but for once it seems like he actually cared. "What about Madison? What will she do without you?"

"She'll find someone new," I mumbled, "I ended it at the hospital. I told her I needed to keep her safe, and I left before I called you." I looked down at the floor, holding back a year as I sighed softly. "I don't want to hurt her."

"I know, I can see that," Elliot said.

"So, will you help me out?" I asked hopefully, looking back up to him. Elliot bit his lip and thought hard for a few moments, saying nothing at all. He stood straight up, and walked over to where I stood. He placed a warm hand on my damp shoulder, and I looked at him cautiously; he's touching me? Only time he's ever touched me is when he tried killing me.

"I'll help you," Elliot said with a smile, "but I'm going to try and find a way to help you without sending you back to Hell." I arched both eyebrows in surprise. "Why?" I asked in disbelief, making him chuckle a bit.

"Because," He paused, "Madison really needs you, Andy. Wether you're really here or not that's up to you, but she needs a guardian to watch over her and her heart. So, I'm going to try and find a way to help you out. No strings involved," He held his hands up in defeat, "If I do, I'll let you know as soon as possible. If not, I'll help send you back to Hell... Only if you still want to."

I nodded, "Thank you, Elliot."

"You're welcome, now may I ask; why are you staying in a musty old warehouse?" Elliot laughed, looking around. I chuckled as well and said, "Well, I had to go somewhere besides my house. I wanted to be away from everyone and everything in case I was sent back to Hell immediately. That way it'd be easier without any goodbyes."

Elliot nodded, "Understandable."

Elliot moved past me, sitting himself down on the old couch I now called my bed. He looked around, nodding his head sarcastically. "Nice place you got here."

I laughed. "Thanks so much."

"How are you going to eat?" Elliot asked, noticing the lack of furniture and hardware inside of the place. I shrugged, "I've got a few buddies that live around this area who aren't working for Lucifer. I know they'll let me stop by for a little bit."

"Ah," He replied, nodding his head.

I chuckled and sat at the edge of the couch, perching myself on one of the armchairs. Elliot rested his elbow on the other armchair, glancing up at me. "So, how does it feel?"

I furrowed my brows. "What?"

Elliot motioned to my wings, "How does it feel, you know, having some grace back? Do you feel clean? Or, refreshed?" I pursed my lips and shrugged, never really thinking about the feeling. "I don't know, it feels the same I guess you could say."

"Are you happy you got it back?"

I nodded, "It makes me feel less of a monster than I already am." I mumbled quietly, shrugging my shoulders. Elliot extended an arm out to me, patting my shoulder and smiling. "Hey man, you've proved yourself to be a lot more than what you think of yourself alright. I've dealt with lots of monsters, but you my friend are not. Maybe you were, but not anymore."