Salvation

Chapter 1

Nails raked against the colorful glass of the church's window. A burning amber gaze was locked onto the pastor. To be specific, the youth pastor. The pastor had such a warm, happy expression as he preached to the kids. The amber eyes narrowed. Why were they so happy? None of them knew the rose colored lies the pastor so proudly spoke of. This should be fun, tainting the man.

You see, the amber-eyed character was Tweek, an Imp. In case you don't know what that is, they're small little demons, masters of mischief and chaos. Of course, these small sprites don't live with the ranks of the angels, and God himself. Why would they? Their soul purpose was to cause grief and trouble wherever they stepped a hoof.

But enough of that. Why was this imp in particular stalking the priest, if he dreaded the sight of the church? Well, that's simple. He's just here to do dirty work, and tempt those with good hearts to all the so-called 'glory' of sin, and reject God. Just as he had. To taint their hearts, and ensure that they go to hell once their time on earth is done.

Tweek had been assigned to Craig Tucker, a youth pastor who was particularly young himself. 22, if he remembered correctly. An odd profession choice for someone that young. Tweek thought all youth pastors were old men, who didn't need any extra help from demons to taint them. Guess not.

Tweek jumped at the loud gongs of the church bells. He mumbled several curses under his breath, quickly turning his gaze back to the window. Much to his surprise, Craig had gone. His eyes widened in surprise. clenching his fists, Tweek fluttered down to the ground. He cringed at the feeling of the frosted concrete floor. He wasn't used to such cold, dry weather. Y'know, considering the arid weather down in hell. As soon as he landed, he heard the doors of the church fling open. Ah, there he was! Craig Tucker, in the flesh. He quickly scampered behind the church's dumpster. It wasn't the ideal place to hide, but he couldn't be seen in his.. Well, for lack of a better word, 'demon' form. Not yet. He'd have to earn Craig's trust. Get him attatched, so he wouldn't run and go cry to his god.

Tweek scowled. Think. What was Craig's type? What form would be most appealing to him?

Then, it came to him. Craig was closeted, in fear of the persecution he may receive from the church. So, he'd have to look like a guy, obviously. He liked blondes, with blue eyes. Oh, and twinks? Apparently because he would want to be in control in the sheets. Freak.

Twink? Tweek? How fitting. Maybe this is why he was chosen for Craig. He scowled at the comparison in his head. Craig already had so many conflicting thoughts and desires when it came to his sexuality. Maybe it'll be easier to corrupt this 'goody-goody' pastor than he thought.  Tweek quickly changed into a form more appealing to Craig.  It's not like the process is something grotesque to watch.  It was quite opposite, actually.  Like something from a Disney movie.  Magical, you could say.  The only reason he hid is because, well, randomly shape-shifting in front of a bunch of godly citizens would be a dead giveaway of who he is, and his intentions.  Making sure Craig was in front of him, he snuck out from behind the dumpster.  He made haste to catch up to Craig before he had to chance to drive home.  Craig stopped suddenly, turning around.  Tweek didn't really make an effort to stay quiet, so of course he heard him.  

"Uh, hello.. Sir." Craig's tone wasn't rude, just baffled.  He'd never seen this man before.  "Could I help you?"

Tweek's mind went blank.  He hadn't really thought on what he'd say to him.  He gave Craig a small smile, looking into his eyes with fake warmth.  "H-Hello, Mr. Tucker!" He started, his voice laced with fake kindness.  "I.. Uh, am a new member of the church!  I just wanted to say that.. I think it's adorable, what you're doing with the kids and all.  Lifting their spirits, making them excited to hear about the word of god!" 

Every word that came out of Tweek's mouth was a lie, and pained him to say.  He was here to stop Craig from spreading 'the word of god', not encourage it.  But, he had a role to play.  He had to get Craig to trust him.

Craig flashed a smile.  "Ah, well, thank you." 

That's all he said.  He got his keys out from his pocket, much to Tweek's dismay.  Was that all he was going to say?  

"Wait.. Um, pastor.  Before you go, I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime?  I'm a new believer, obviously, and would love to talk to one of the pastors.. To get more insight and all."

Craig gave him a strange look, before sighing.  "Go out?  I, uh, don't know you.. Look, if you really want to know more, you can go to our website, or just.. I don't know, buy a bible or something.  The bible has every answer you could ever want."

Well, he certainly sounded unprofessional.  But, he sill was in his early twenties.  And, as expected, his mind jumped straight to assuming he was requesting a date.  How could he not?  He was so far in the closet, and Tweek did make himself appear as the perfect man to him.   Tweek let out an aspirated sigh through narrow eyes.  

"I don't 'go out' as in a date, Mr. Tucker.  I wouldn't be so foolish to rush into a relationship.  I'd just like to make friends within the church to make myself better acquainted and comfortable.  I just thought you were the most approachable here, seeing as you're so friendly with the children and all."

Craig looked down, obviously embarrassed he had assumed Tweek wanted to go out.  Clearing his throat, he looked back up at Tweek with a crooked smile.

"Oh, uh.. Yes, of course.  My deepest apologies.  I have nothing on my plate tomorrow.  We could go somewhere then."

Without hesitation, Craig searched his pockets for something to write with.  He frowned, looking back up at a confused Tweek.  

"Ah.. Give me a second.  I think I have a pen in my car."

Craig unlocked his car.  Much to Tweek's surprise, his car was a mess.  Wrappers from fast food places, and old business papers scattered about.  His cup holders were filled with old drinks, and some half empty coffee mug.  He looked in the glove box for a pen, finding one quickly.  He picked up one of the discarded papers on the floor of the passengers seat.  He quickly scribbled words onto the crumpled up paper, and handed it over to Tweek.  He looked down at the paper, than up at Craig with a baffled look.  His handwriting was barely coherent, and he could make out a number, and a personal email.  

"We can talk there.  Tell me when you're available, I'd love to talk!"

He said cheerfully, seemingly over the whole embarrassing assumption that Tweek wanted to date.

"I've got places to be now, but just.. Text, call, or email, and I'll try to get to you A.S.A.P!"

Without hesitation, Craig got into his car and sped off.  Despite his cheerful, confident tone,  he was probably still embarrassed and just wanted to leave as soon as possible.  Tweek scoffed, shoving the paper into his pocket.  

"He has no idea what's coming to him."

(( Writing Craig as cheerful and Tweek as some evil, manipulative demon is hard.  It's so unlike them.  Trying to stay true to the pastor/demon character and all.  Sorry if this chapter was kinda slow!  I didn't really enjoy writing it as much as I am the others.  I'm still in the process of drawing a cover, so just ignore that for now!!  *sweats* I may not update this too frequently, as exams are.. Fucking awful.  But I'll try to keep updates weekly (if not every other week)