Angel Hunter Ch.03

Sorry for such a short chapter all, it’s been a busy week and I did more than half of this last night! It's not edited because my editor didn't have time this morning, but when she gets home from work it will be the edited version if you want to wait for that :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Shep smiled as he stepped out of the airport.

“Would you stop complaining?” He frowned.

“I’m not complaining. I’m just saying that they should bring back those little peanuts.” He mumbled.

“No one cares about the peanuts. I’m allergic anyways.” Shep said, as he hailed a cab.

“Psh, no one cares about peanuts.” Lex mocked Sheps deeper voice. “Madness.” He mumbled, as he shoved Shep out of the way and crawled into the cab first. Shep rolled his eyes and crawled in beside him.

“Rockefeller Center, please.” Shep mumbled.

“Rockefeller?” Lex frowned. “Who is this guy anyways?” He asked, reaching for the map of angels Shep held.

“Jophiel.” Shep said, earning an awkward glance from the cabbie in the rearview mirror.

“Jophiel, huh. What’s he up to in New York. Seems a little busy for an angel.” Lex grumbled, looking out the window.

“So the country was to empty and the city is too busy? Make up your mind.” Shep said, another look from the cabbie making him blush.

“Stop here!” Lex shouted.

“Stop!” Shep said, out of reflex. The cabbie hit the breaks, sending them all forward sharply.

“Get out here.” Lex said, and threw the door open, the cabbies eyes went wide.

“Must have been a loose door, you should check that out.” Shep threw him a big tip to distract him, before climbing out. “What are we doing?” He asked, once he was on the street next to Lex.

“Follow me.” Lex said. He grabbed the handle of the store. Shep frowned as he followed him inside, taking a moment to glance behind him. He could feel eyes on his back, though he didn’t know where they came from. Shaking his head in dismissal, he followed Lex inside. As he stepped inside, he realized Lex had changed. Though he still looked like Lex, he was more human appearing now.

“Thanks, that’s all.” Lex smiled. Shep frowned as he looked the man in front of him up and down. He looked enough like Lex. His skin was still pale and his hair was still covered in red. But his horns had gone, and his red eyes were now a golden brown. His tail was nowhere in sight either. He hadn’t changed his clothing, keeping himself clad only in leather and chains, but the shop owner didn’t seem bothered by this, he did work in New York afterall. Lex turned and smiled, shoving a small bag in Sheps chest. Shep frowned and opened it, revealing a black Blutooth.

“Happy birthday.” Lex mumbled, and stepped outside. Shep rolled his eyes and walked back outside the shop, smiling at the owner as he left. Lex stood waiting for him, barefoot and tail swishing as usual.

“I knew Demons could shape shift, I Just never thought about you doing it.” Shep mumbled, as he shoved the accessory into his ear.

“I don’t like it.” Lex shrugged. “But you walk too slow.” He laughed.

“RIght, well. Maybe I’ll get a few less looks now. Though we are in New York so it’s a bit short lived.” He shrugged, as he began walking down the street with Lex by his side. “Hey...how did you pay for this?” Shep frowned.

“Easy.” Lex pulled a very large wad of cash from some unknown source on his body, Shep was afraid to ask where Lex had been keeping the bills.

“Holy shit.” Shep swore, and stopped to look at Lex.

“Remember, stud. You can only talk to me, other people still can’t see me.” Lex laughed. Shep continued walking, keeping his eyes forward.

“Where did you get that?” He asked.

“I don’t know. It just kind of adds up. I mean I don’t really eat or drink or anything like that, at least I don’t need too. Only if I wanna, and I don’t usually.” He shrugged. “I just get a little now and then and it adds up over the years.” He smiled.

“H-How much do you have?” Shep frowned.

“Enough to stay there.” Lex smiled, and pointed at the tall building before them.

“The New York Palace...We’re going to stay in the New York Palace. That place is like-”

“A little over $600 a night, I already reserved our room.” Lex said, heading into the hotel. He stopped at the front desk and smiled, shifting into his ‘human’ form. The man at the front desk tried to stop his jaw from dropping when the leather clad twink strolled up to the marble desk.

“Lexington Morris.” Lex batted his eye lashed. THe man quickly typed in his name and nodded.

“Everything is set up for your room, sir.” He smiled, as Shep stepped up behind him.

“Thank you.” Lex nodded, and headed for the elevators after the man gave him the two keys.

“Just let me know if you need anything....sir.” The man added, smiling dumbly at Lex. Lex turned around and smiled.

“Will do.” He hit the button for the elevator, which opened quickly and they piled in. In the elevator alone, Shep finally spoke.

“He was totally flirting with you.” He frowned.

“Yeah...So? Most people do. I am gorgeous if you hadn’t already noticed.” Lex fluttered his thick eyelashes.

“Modest aren’t you?” Shep scowled. Lex looked him up and down.

“You’re jealous.” He said, a smile creeping over his pale face.

“What?” Shep scowled harder. “No I’m not.” He shook his head.

“You totally are!” Lex laughed, then stopped and smiled. “I didn’t know you cared.” He looked down at his feet before glancing up at Shep with a smaller smile.

“I don’t.” Shep snapped. “You’re just some dumb demon he follows me around like a creeper.” Shep growled, he stared up at the numbers on the elevator as they lit up, showing them climbing floor after floor. With his eyes trained on the numbers, he didn’t see Lex’s hurt face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Forgive me father, for I have sinned... I’ve sinned a lot.” He couldn’t help the smile that crossed over his face.

“Lexington...” The priest sighed. Father Francis could be seen shaking his head through the screen that separated the two men. “What is it this time, my son?” He asked, voice already weary.

“The usual.” Lexington stayed in the kneeling position, looking around the small wooden room, bored.

“There shouldn’t be a usual.” The priest said, sternly.

“I can’t help it.” Lexington muttered. “It’s just having fun.” he unfolded his hands and leaned back, letting his arms rest on the bench behind him.

“Your fun is still sin.” The voice didn’t lose any of its sternness.

“I know, Father.” Lexington mumbled. He shuttered when the thought struck him that he meant father in more ways than one.

“You know I love you, Lexington.” His dad spoke to him through the mesh again. “Because of that I have to watch out for more than just your current happiness. If you continue this path I’m afraid for what will happen to your soul.” He said, a sense of urgency in his voice.

“I know!” Lex snapped. “...Father.” He added calmly at the end.

“You take your vows soon, my son. You must prepare for that.” He said, before leaving the confessional. Lex sat there for a moment, before he sighed and left. He straightened his black coat and headed for the front of the church. As he passed the rows of pews, specks for praying men and women scattered among the dark wood, he was stopped by an older man.

"Father." he put a hand on Lexs shoulder.

"oh, I'm not a priest yet... if you want I can-" As Lex turned to find his dad, the man continued on.

"My son just came out as a homosexual." the man's eyes were red from crying. "I don't know what to do." He said, letting out a small sob with a sigh. Lex stared at the man as he got a hold of himself. "I don't want him to go to hell." The man added. "Please, Father what do I do?" Lex blinked once before speaking.

"Just love him." he muttered, before walking off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Lex?" Sheps voice brought Lex out of his reverie.

"Oh, you're awake." He blinked, as he moved out of the window seat that looked over the bustling town.

"Yeah." Shep stretched and looked around the huge room. "I still can't believe how bug this room is." Shep laughed.

"Yeah, right." Lex smiled. Shep was washing his face in the all marble bathroom when there was a knock on the door. "I got it. He called to Shep who poked his head out the doorway.

Lex opened the door as a bell hop pushed in the large cart. several cloches covered the tray, the bright silver domes shining in the morning light pouring in from the balcony. Lex tipped the man, before pushing the cart over to the table.

"What's that? Shep asked as he sat down.

"Oh, uh well we get a breakfast for two during our stay." Lex said.

"You don't eat." Shep frowned.

"No, but I felt like it. are you gonna eat or not?" Lex moved the cloche aside and sat down.

"Everyone gets a free breakfast? this hotel is nice." Shep smiled.

"well, not everyone. I got a special package." Lex said, trying to keep a straight face but ended up giggling at the word package.

"Ignoring the bad innuendo, what do you mean?" he said around a mouthful of souffle.

"well, I got us a special room and deals." Lex shrugged.

"Like what?" Shep asked.

"a breakfast for two, lunch by the pool, a...uh...candlelight dinner-" Lex was interrupted by Shep coughing and looking around the rooms with the large bed and larger shower. the soft carpeting and two of everything.

"You got us the honeymoon suite?!" Shep stood up.

"Why not? we don't actually have to be on a honeymoon." Lex crossed his arms.

"youre unbelievable." Shep said, after staring at him for a full thirty seconds, before leaving the room.

"Where are you going?" Lex asked.

"We aren't here for fun, Lex. I'm here to kill another one of those sick bastards." Shep grabbed his swords and hid them behind the folds of his coat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So where is this guy supposed to be anyways?” Lex asked, as they stepped through the streets. He rolled his shoulders, enjoying being back in his Demon form. Shep pulled the wrinkled map from his coat pocket, unfolding it carefully. He turned it over, revealing the small paragraph of text explaining the exact location of each Angel.

“Great.” He mumbled.

“What?” Lex frowned and tried to peek over his shoulder while they walked up 5th avenue.

“He’s there.” Shep stopped.

“Where?” Lex spun around, searching for the hidden Angel.

“On the-” Shep was cut off as Lex was suddenly scooped up and was sent kicking and screaming to the top of the Empire state building. “Lex!” Shep shouted, he broke into a run. He shoved his way through the crowds, watching as people stared confused but only mildly annoyed, used to the strange happenings in New York. As the small dot that was the angel landed on the very top of the tall building, Shep began sprinting into the crowded building, ignoring the crowds of people glaring at him as he shoved and pushed his way to the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“God damn it put me-” Lex was caught off guard when he was dropped roughly on the building. The loud thud of his thin body hitting the hard surface was accompanied by the rushing winds created by the dieseased angels gray wings. It landed carefully on it’s gray bare feet. Long toes twitching as it scratched at the ledge of the building. They weren’t at the top, but at the first ledge below the tall arches that made up the top of the building, ending in the tall needle. Lex groaned as he stood, trying to keep his hair from blowing in the strong wind. “Down.” He mumbled. He unwrapped the long chain the crossed his chest, letting it fall to his feet. His other hand rested on his whip, prepared to draw it when needed. “Lets go bitch.” Lex snapped.

“You are not worthy.” The angel growled. Lex straightened up.

“Not worthy of what? I don’t have a soul, is that it? Nothing for you to ‘nom nom nom’ right?” He snapped.

“Lex?” Shep reached the top, gasping for air.

“How did you even get up here?” Lex frowned, keeping his eyes on the Angel.

“I knocked out a few people.” Shep shrugged as he began to catch his breath. “Are you okay?” He asked, worried.

“yeah, but lets get something clear.” Lex turned. “If every time we go to kill something, I get shot or kidnapped, we need to have a talk.” He said, pointing a finger at Shep, who only smiled.

“Noted.” He smiled wider, and drew both of his dual swords, the light from Solias reflecting in the shine of his multicolored hair. He tossed his head, pushing the long black hair out of the way before charging forward. The Angel easily dodged the attack and Shep was sent flying, the force of the wind catching him off guard. He stumbled toward the edge, saved by the feeling of thick chain being wrapped around his waist. He felt the hair forced out of him as Lex pulled him back.

“Easy, big guy. Remember I’m not the best flier, it would probably be best if we avoided the edges.” Lex reminded him.

“Noted.” Shep said, again. The angel smiled.

“What, no weapons tough guy? You going to dodge us to death?” Lex frowned. The angel smiled wider, and opened it’s black mouth. The void that led down to its empty stomach was filled with black and gray teeth, though many were missing. It enhaled deeply, before letting out a scream that literally made Lex’s ears bleed. Shep winced and covered his ears, dropping his swords as he did so. Though the scream seemed to have a worse effect on Lex, who was no on the ground in agony. Shep watched as black tears poured from Lex’s eyes. Black blood leaked from between his fingers as he attemped to cover his ears. He had curled into the fetal position as he tried to guard himself from the scream. Finally, Shep couldn’t watch any more as he pulled a hand away and forced it to grip Solias. With a deep breath, he hurled the sword at the Arch.

Caught off guard, the angel reacted a moment too late. He moved, the sword striking him in the wing. He screeched as he failed the now useless limb. Now greeted with only the sound of the screeching angel, and the howling wind, Shep turned to Lex who was sobbing quietly.

“Lex? Come on, stand up.” Shep grabbed his arm. Lex shook his head and continued to cover his bleeding ears. Shep sighed and picked up his other sword, charging the angel. He blinked once, before turning and grabbing Sheps arm, before forcing him over the edge.

~~~~~~~~~~~
The world was numb to Lex as he continued to feel the blood drip from his ears and eyes. The deep ringing tone that replaced the bright sounds of the world around him filled every part of his brain. He felt a tug as Shep tried to pull him up, but only shook off the hand. As Shep charged the angel, he looked down at his black stained hands, looking at them through black stained eyes. He only looked up, when he heard the screams from Shep. He saw the angel looking over the edge, but no one else. With the bile rising in his throat, he shoved the angel aside and dove over the edge. His small wings opened but did nothing to help him. Shep screamed as he fell, his sword falling a few feet away. Lex beat his wings as he dove down, arms outstretched for Shep, who had his eyes squeezed shut tight. As his long fingers wrapped around Sheps wrists, he slowed their descent and with all his might began pulling them back up to the top of the building with his small wings. He groaned and strained as he pulled them back up farther and farther. Finally, one hand reached the narrow edge of the building. He grunted as he pulled Shep up, pushing him to safety.

As he attempted to pull himself up as well, he was met with two clawed gray hands to the shoulder. The angel, with wings far larger than his own (even if one of them still had Shep’s sword embedded in it), began pushing him down again. Lex watched as Shep grabbed Dyrnwyn from where he had set it, and shoved it through the angels long naked gray tail. It screeched louder than it had before as the blade stuck him to the building. Without hesitation, Lex scurried up the Angels body as it flailed. Standing quickly, he grabbed his whip and wrapped it around the Angels thin neck, he pulled roughly, jerking it to the side quickly once it was tight. The snap was heard through the noise of the wind as the Angels neck was broken. Relieved, both of the survivors fell down.

“Are you okay?” Shep asked, looking at the trail of drying blood from Lex’s ears.

“Yeah, they stopped ringing.” He scratched the side of his head.

“Hey.” Shep said. Lex looked at him, waiting for him to speak. Shep only stared for a minute before standing and offering his hand. “Lets go back to the hotel, I want that lunch by the pool damn it.” He smiled. Lex smiled back, and accepted the hand. “Feel like flying us down?” Shep joked. Lex laughed fakely.

“Oh, I think not.” He laughed as he held the door open for his partner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
“So what were you like before you became a Demon?” Shep asked, as he placed another package of creamer down.

“Pretty much the same. The only difference is that I had to lie about who I was before.” Lex said, handing him a handful of sugar packets.

“What do you mean?” Shep pulled off another piece of gum from the glob in his mouth and stuck it to the end of a coffee stir-stick.

“I was a pastors son, about to become a pastor.” Lex explained.

“Wow, really?” He frowned.

“Yeah. My father didn’t approve of my ‘Homosexual urges’ and thought I could just shrug them off. But the clubs always called to me...” Lex smiled. “Not quite as much as other guys cocks, but they did call to me.” He winked.

“You’re disgusting.” SHep rolled his eyes. Lex smiled.

“I never got to see him, after I died that is. The big man downstairs said I could, but I was too chicken shit I guess.” He shrugged. “Done.” He brushed off his hands and stood back.

“You realize we need a real hobby, right?” Shep said, leaning back on his hands as they looked at the model of the empire state building they had built out of creamer, sugar, stir-sticks, and a few packs of gum.

“Ah, wait we forgot something.” He smiled. He took out a fresh pack of gum and began unwrapping a few pieces. After a couple of minutes of molding it into the shape he wanted, he stuck it onto the side of the tower. Shep smiled as he looked at the body of the angel Lex had sculpted.

“You know he’s not actually there right? He turned to yucky angel dust when I took my sword back.” He wrinkled his nose.

“I know. But he’s there in our hearts.” Lex patted his bare muscled chest. Shep smiled and laughed weakly.

“Alright, come on you sex-offender.” He said, grabbing his coat.

“Where are we headed?” Lex asked.

“To blaze a trail.” Shep smiled wider.

“Blaze a trail? At three in the morning? Come on, Shep. Our flight doesn’t leave until tomorrow afternoon.” He grumbled, beginning to pack his bags anyways.

“Not that trail, sex-offender.” Shep smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Oh, this trail.” Lex gulped, as he stood in front of the church.

“Come on.” Shep stepped forward.

“Well, you see...” Lex didn’t move from his spot across the street. “Churches and I, we don’t really-”

“Move it.” Shep shoved him.

“Shep...” Lex said weakly. Shep stopped in front of the door, opening it.

“What’s his name?” He asked.

“What?” Lex looked confused.

“Your dad, what’s his name?” He repeated.

“Oh...Uh... Father F-francis.” Shep could honestly say this was the first time he had seen Lex nervous or scared. Even in front of the Arch angels he showed no fear. Maybe some pain, but not fear. Without a word, Shep entered the building.

“Can I help you, my son?” An old man walked towards Shep slowly.

“I’m looking for Father Francis. Shep felt uneasy in the old building. Lex hadn’t been lying when he said he didn’t work well with churches, neither did Shep.

“I’m Father Francis, how can I help you?” He asked, confused. He looked as if he was trying to recognize Sheps face.

“You don’t know me....My name is Shepherd....Er....Shep.” He said, after a moments hesitation. “I know your son.” He said. A sad look crept over his eyes.

“I’m sorry to tell you this, but he passed on quite a few years ago.” Father Francis said sadly.

“I know...I mean...I...Shit.” He mumbled, before biting his lip. “Sorry.” He took a deep breath. “You believe in something after death, don’t you Father?” Shep asked.

“Of course.” He nodded.

“Your son wants to talk to you.” Shep blurted out. The Pastor stared at him for a long moment.

“That’s not funny.” He said sternly. “I know as well as any that my son was a sinner and that he didn’t make it into the kingdom of heaven. As much as I loved him, I know he didn’t-” The old mans voice cracked.

“I think he would still like to speak with you.” Shep opened the door to see a petrified Lex standing there. He suddenly seemed so uncomfortable in his leather pants and thick chains. He fidgeted, trying to pull up the low riding leather.

“Lexington...” His father gasped.

“Hi, dad.” Lex choked out.

“You’re alive?” he said, happiness filling his voice as tears fell from his eyes. “No...No that’s impossible....But then...You made it into heaven!” He seemed even happier now, tears pouring from the eyes withered by time. “I knew it! I knew you wanted to forget your life as a sinner. I knew you could be a holy man if you wanted to be!” He said, placing his hands on Lexs shoulder.

“That’s not exactly it, dad.” Lex said, gently, wrapping his own hands around his fathers and smiling. It took his father a moment, a confused look crossed his face. But once his eyes landed on the curved horns, and long tail that Lex allowed him to see, his face went pale. He jerked his hands back suddenly.

“Oh, No...” He whispered. “No, Lexington! No!” He shouted now, his voice echoing in the church.

“Dad, it’s not like that. Things are different than you think they are.” Lex shook his head.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against princpalities, against powers, against hte rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Father Francis backed away from Lex, who cried out softly as the bible verse cut into him. He took a step back as his father continued to speak the verses. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” He grasped the cross around his neck desperately. Lex had a sad look in his eyes, but also a look of acceptance. He had known how his father would react, and that’s why he had been avoiding it.

“I love you.” Lex whispered, before turning and leaving. Shep chased after him quickly.

“Are you okay?” He asked, walking behind Lex.

“I don’t want him to fall into the hands of those bastards.” Lex snapped, black tears falling from his eyes for the second time that day.

“I know. That’s why we need to pick up the pace. It’s time to end this war.” Shep said, seriously.

“The two of us against an army. Those seem like positive odds.” Lex mumbled, the first really truely negative thing he had said since they met. He stopped and leaned against a planter with a few small bushes in it.

“Come on, Sex-offender. You and me against the world. With my dedication, and your...” He looked Lex up and down. “Ass. We can do this shit.” He smiled. Lex stared at him.

“Sex offender is NOT my new nickname.” He glared at Shep.

“Oh yes it is.” SHep nodded and began walking down the street again.

“No it’s not! Shep! It’s not!” Lex chased after him, when shep ignored his cries and only laughed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angel Hunter Ch.02

Sorry! I was going to post the second new story (No Tomorrow, is the name of it by the way) But I was slacking and my sexy bitch of an editor was a saint and editted this at like midnight her time after being out all day and getting no sleep so golf claps for her everyone!

Now a totally unrelated side note (I just have to share because I'm SUPER happy.) Sunday I get to start the long process of starting hormone therapy! Woohoo! You know what I find terrible? It's WAY more expensive to change your name legally than it is to get hormones....Yeah...more than double the cost. It's about $220 bucks for your first month of T (T is $20 but the blood work you need done three times a year or so is about $200 give or take depending on your situation and where you go) For me to change my name legally it's over $500. Soo...yeah that's tooootally gay. Anyways, enjoy the chapter next week will be the new story

~~~~~~~~~~~~


Shep poked his head out from his hiding spot under the sink, and then ducked again when he realized his parents and the figure that had broken into their house in the middle of the night were only a few feet away.

“You will worship, or you will die,” the man said, as he held his mother and father far above the ground, one clawed hand wrapped around each of their throats.

“We would rather die before we follow any of your disgusting kind.” His father did his best to spit on the creature that held them off the floor. It growled as his spit landed on its large bulging eyes.

“Your prayer is granted.” Shep covered his ears when he heard the two sickening crunches as the figure crushed their necks. He needed to leave, he needed to get away. Before he could even think about what he was doing, he charged out of the cabinet under the sink. The man stood there, before the crumpled heaps of his parents corpses. He stood tall, having to bend his head to keep it from hitting the ceiling. His black skin looked like a rotting bodies, thick and leathery. His arms were too long for his body, falling down past his bent knees. His back was hunched, two large gray wings sprouting from them, a small trail of feathers following him as he moved. He drooled, teeth poking out from his thin lips, covered in blood. “Hello, boy.” He greeted him, in his sickening scratchy voice. Shep looked him up and down, eyes drawn to his bare feet with long claws.

“What are you?” Shep asked.

“My name’s Michael. I’m an Archangel.”

“Shep!” Lex woke him from his nightmare. Shep sat up in his bed, looking around the house adorned with treasures and nicknacks he had taken from his kills. Several feathers were framed on the walls, along with claws and fingers, and even the gray tongue of one of the disgusting creatures. “You alright?” he asked.

“I’m fine, Lex. Go back to bed,” he mumbled.

“Demons don’t sleep, remember. It’s party all the time for us down in the underworld,” Lex winked, swaying his hips to silent music.

“Well we’re not IN the underworld, so go to sleep,” Shep snapped.

“Party pooper,” he crossed his arms and sat down. “So Michael killed your parents?” Lex asked. Shep sat up and glared at him. “You talk in your sleep,” he smiled. Shep groaned and pulled the covers over his head.

“Go to sleep, Lex.”

“It’s noon,” he replied. Shep sat up again, and stared at the clock.

“Fuck! Why didn’t you wake me? Our bus leaves in fifteen minutes!” he exclaimed, as he jumped up to get dressed.

“I did wake you,” Lex pointed out.

“Where’s the key? Where did I put the key?” Shep scrambled as he pulled on a pair of jeans.

“This key?” Lex held up the rusted metal key on a chain around his neck.

“Yes! Give me that you little-”

“Ah ah ah,” Lex waved a finger as he used his claws to scurry up one of the tall walls of the house. “I think I better keep these, just in case.” He used his pointed tail to grab the other keys from Shep’s hand.

“Give them back, Lex,” Shep glared.

“Oh no no no no, since I have these, you can’t just ditch me. We’re in this together. This is WAY more fun the partying in the underworld.” He smiled, as he crawled along the ceiling.

“There’s something wrong with you.” Shep frowned, as he grabbed his coat and pulled it over his swords.

“Or something is oh so right?” Lex swayed his hips as he jumped off the ceiling and followed Shep out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~
“You know, it’s hard to think we’re these awesome caped crusaders, when we have to travel by bus,” Lex said, leaning up close to some old woman with glasses, and picked something out of his teeth using the reflection in the lenses. Shep watched as he continued to make faces at the poor old woman who couldn’t see him.

“Stop that,” Shep snapped, making the old woman turn to look at him, confused. She looked around before shaking her head and returning to her book.

“You’re no fun.” Lex laid in the middle of the isle that sat in the center of the bus.

“This isn’t supposed to be fun, we have a job to do,” Shep said. The old woman turned and stared at him again.

“Work work work.” Lex sighed and turned over on his stomach, looking up at Shep. “Work is for the living,” he mumbled.

“I am living!” Shep shouted. Without looking at him, the old woman stood up and moved to the front of the bus.

“Bluetooth. It’s definitely on the shopping list,” Lex said, as the woman stepped through his chest.

“Besides, I thought Demons were technically alive?” Shep ignored Lex’s comment.

“We are. I mean, not really. Kind of....” Lex looked confused. “Yes,” he finally said.

“I don’t think that was a yes or no question,” Shep rolled his eyes.

“Well I just made it one, damn it.” Lex stood up and sat next to Shep. “The way it works; is when you die, if you’re a sinner of course,” Lex smiled happily and gestured to himself, “you go to hell. If you worship those douchebags,” he pointed up, “you go to Limbo. It’s kind of what like Humans imagine it to be. Just a whole lotta nothingness. But instead of being left in that nothingness, an angel comes, devours your soul, and that’s it. The end,” Lex said.

“I know all that. What happens after you arrive in hell?” Shep asked.

“I don’t know how it happens for everyone, but for me, I got there and talked to the big man downstairs,” Lex explained. “He asked me a few questions and boom, I sprouted a pair of wings and a tail, among some other things.” He brushed his fingers over his small horns.

“You actually spoke to the devil?” Shep asked, not believing him.

“Yep,” he nodded. Shep hesitated.

“Well, what was it like?” he asked.

“He’s a nice guy. Kind of full of himself, but a nice guy. He likes darts,” Lex said, picking a piece of invisible lint off of him.

“Darts?” Shep frowned.

“Yeah. We played darts, while we were talking,” he shrugged.

“Right....” Shep stared at Lex.

“I’ve heard it happens different ways for different people, though,” he said, thinking deeply about it.

“What questions?” Shep asked.

“Huh?” Lex looked up at him, resting his head in Shep’s lap.

“What questions did he ask you?” Shep ignored how close Lex was to his crotch.

“I don’t know. Just questions. What I did with my life, if I was happy with it, if I was fulfilled,” Lex said.

“Were you?” Lex didn’t seem like he needed to think about the question.

“No. I told him upfront that I wasn’t ready to die. I hadn’t met someone to share my life with. I hadn’t traveled the world. I hadn’t ridden a skateboard.” He shrugged. Shep frowned. “I always wanted to learn,” he smiled.

“Do you think he turned you into a Demon because you weren’t done yet? I mean. Not everyone is a demon right? Otherwise they would be everywhere,” Shep said. Lex sat up.

“I... I never thought about that,” he mumbled. “I’ll ask him.”

“What? Like you can just walk up to him and talk to him?” Shep frowned.

“Yeah. Like I said, he’s not a bad guy. He’s kind of hot actually.” Lex smiled.

“You’re sick. He’s the Devil.” Shep glared at Lex.

“Yeah but who said the Devil can’t be hot,” Lex shrugged. The bus stopped, and the old lady took off as fast as her weak legs could carry her. “Come on, then.” Lex jumped up and walked down the aisle, leaving the bus. Shep stood up, and followed him.

“Nice place,” Lex mumbled sarcastically, looking at the boring farming town.

“It’s homey I guess,” Shep replied, and began walking down the dirt road.

“Well then, where’s this chest supposed to be?” Lex asked, using his tail to spin the keys, making them klink together in an old rusted metallic noise.

“There,” Shep pointed behind Lex. Lex frowned and turned, staring up at a mountain that nearly touched the clouds.

“The fuck?” he swore. “Sure, the wings are hot, but they’re not exactly the best mode of transportation.”

“I heard somewhere that Demons can’t fly,” Shep laughed.

“I can fly!” Lex frowned, crossing his arms.

“Prove it. Why don’t you just fly on up there and get the chest? You have the keys after all.” Shep pointed to the keys on Lex’s tail, as the Demon stared up at the mountain with a lump in his throat.

“Fine...” he said, hesitantly, “I will.” He let his arms fall from the crossed position. He spread his wings, which in comparison to his body were fairly small. He beat them a few times, looking up at the mountain nervously. “See you at the top.” He turned his nose up, and strained as he headed towards the mountain, only a few feet off the ground. Shep rolled his eyes and laughed as Lex tried to gain more altitude, obviously already tired.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shep’s breath was visible in front of him as he hiked up the long faded path to the top of the mountain. He was freezing, but kept pushing on. The weather in the small farming town had already been a little cool, but as he climbed higher the air took on the frosty bite Shep hated. He hadn’t seen or heard from Lex in a while, and was enjoying the silence. Since he had met him back when he had saved his afterlife, so to speak, he hadn’t gotten a moments peace. Even while he was trying to take a piss, he could always hear Lex’s off key singing or his mumbling to himself. The Demon was definitely a talker.

But Shep had to admit that he was attractive. The horns and tails only made him more appealing, the way he would sway his hips and swing his tail from side to side. Shep couldn’t help but wonder what other things he could do with that tail. He shook the thoughts from his head and continued the rough climb. He used his swords to support his weight, as he hoisted himself over a large boulder. He looked up at the steep path ahead and smiled, he was more than halfway there. As he turned the next corner, he saw a thin form sprawled out on a rock before him.

“Already got the chest?” Shep joked. Lex lifted his head tiredly and let it fall back again.

“Fuck you,” he mumbled.

“Get up,” Shep ordered, as he continued on. Lex moaned as he rolled. He rolled too far, and hit the frosty ground hard. He grunted in pain and glared as Shep held back a chuckle. “We’re almost there,” Shep said, as Lex grumbled. He followed a few steps behind Shep, whining the whole way.

“Make it sound so easy, don’t you,” Lex grumbled. “Oh, we just find the chest and unlock it and go on our merry way,” he said, in a high pitched mocking voice.

“There,” Shep said, ignoring Lex’s whining. He pointed to the chest. It wasn’t quite at the top of the mountain, but at a large flat edge 3/4 of the way up. It stood in the middle of the cliff, on a stone platform. Obviously not hidden from view. Without hesitation, Shep ran towards it. He ran his hands over the smooth metal of the chest. “Open it,” he looked to Lex, who still stood back at the edge.

“Say please,” he said, but walked over to the chest anyways. He swung his tail around and grabbed a key. “How do I know which one is which?” he mumbled, looking at the seven keys and seven keyholes.

“Which ones fit?” Shep pulled off a few keys and shoved them into a random keyhole. All of them fit into each one. He sighed and fell back.

“What now? There’s no way we can get them all right, we’ll be here for hours,” Lex said.

“Then we’ll be here for hours. Get started.” They placed all the keys into the chest, and turned them. When nothing happened they were pulled out and another combination was tried. After half an hour, Lex sighed.

“This isn’t going to work, Shep. This is stupid.” He sat back on his ass in the dirt. Shep looked at the keys for the thousandth time.

“They all look the same,” he mumbled.

“No they don’t.” Lex suddenly snatched one of the keys from Shep’s hands. “Look,” he said, pointing to the keys inside the loop of the old fashioned keys, was an initial.

“They’re all different,” Shep mumbled.

“M, U, C, and R.” Lex frowned, reading the initials of the keys in his hand.

“I have G, Z, and J,” Shep said, looking at Lex for help. Lex seemed thoughtful, before he slowly put the keys in, carefully placing them in their spots. He placed the key marked M in the first spot, He put U in the fourth, C right after U, and R he shoved into the second slot last. He took Shep’s without a word and placed them in their own spots, before turning them. The chest clicked open and Lex smiled. Shep frowned, confused.

“Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Chamuel, Jophiel, and Zadkiel. The highest ranking Archs to the lowest,” Lex explained. Shep smiled.

“You’re a lifesaver.” He reached into the chest, and grabbed the single folded piece of paper. He opened the map and scanned the page before frowning.

“What?” Lex asked.

“This must be old, or a mistake or something,” he said, turning the map around.

“What do you mean?” Lex tried to look at the map.

“It says there’s supposed to be the first Archangel guarding the map,” he mumbled. “But obviously he’s not-” Shep was cut off, as a golden arrow pierced Lex through the shoulder, sending him flying back into the dirt with a scream.

“Motherfuck!” he cursed, as he rolled on the ground in agony. He reached up and grabbed the arrow, only screaming more. Shep stood and shoved the map into his pocket, before drawing his blades. The Angel landed a safe distance away from the twin swords Shep held.

It looked different than any other Angel Shep had seen. It’s wings were golden, and its eyes a bright shining blue. It’s skin was pale and glowed brightly in the sun that pierced through the gray clouds above. It didn’t look like the sickly, ugly, gray Angels Shep had grown used to. He knew inside that it was the same. This was probably just another one of its many disguises.

“Stupid human,” the Angel sneered, revealing its true self. Gray feathers replaced the golden ones, and it’s eyes faded to a sickly color, along with its skin and hair. It’s open mouth revealed the gray black teeth that were rotting and decaying.

“What the fuck!?” Lex still lay on the ground, cursing and tugging at the arrow, making himself spray black blood onto the ground and scream in agony.

“Stop that!” Shep said, as Lex bit his bottom lip.

“You’ve chosen to put yourself into the company of a Demon as well?” the Angel said, drawing an arrow into his bow again.

“I wouldn’t say ‘chosen’ exactly, more like ‘stalked’,” Shep shrugged.

“Fuck you,” Lex grumbled, as he stood up. Shep wasn’t really sure if he was talking to him or the Arch.

“So, you interrupted me before I could have a good look. You are...” Shep said, waiting for the angel to introduce.

“I am Zadkiel. The seventh ranking Archangel,” he said, proudly, as feathers fell from his disgusting wings. Lex scoffed.

“You say it like you’re proud. I mean, seventh, really? You couldn’t have done a little bit better than that?” He drew one of the chains that wrapped around his shoulders. The metal fell to the ground loudly, leaving his chest bare. The Angel scowled, and aimed his bow, letting the arrow fly. This time, Lex dodged. Shep took the chance to charge forward, swords in hand. He swung with Solias first, following with Dyrnwyn. He missed both times, and was caught off guard when the Angel, Zadkiel, drew another arrow. He was about to release the once golden, now black, arrow into Shep’s chest, but missed by an inch when the heavy chains belonging to Lex wrapped around the bow, and tugged it down. Zadkiel grunted as the bow was pulled from his hands, and slid across the dirt floor of the platform.

“Lex, the bow!” Shep shouted, as he chased after the Angle. Lex ran for the weapon, the Angel beating him by only a second. Without hesitation, Lex lept onto the back of the feathered beast. It roared, a mixture between a cry and a crows caw, as it wrestled with the literal demon on its back. Lex wrapped the heavy chain around its throat, and pulled. It coughed and pulled at the chain links, as its back was soaked with the black blood from Lex’s shoulder which still held the arrow in place. It’s long tail swung angrily, every muscle in it’s body working to kick Lex off as the blood of the Demon began to burn and sizzle as it soaked into the Angels flesh, making it scream. Finally, Lex was shoved off as Zadkiel drew his bow again.

“Lex, I never asked, what happens to Demons when they die?” he asked.

“Remind me to ask the big man downstairs, next time I get the chance,” he said, worried, as the Angel aimed for his chest this time. Shep shoved him out of the way, landing hard on top of him, avoiding the arrow in his shoulders by centimeters. “Oooh...” Lex purred. “Hello,” he smiled.

“Not the time, Lex,” Shep said, as he stood and retrieved Solias from the dirt, where he had dropped it. The Demon groaned as the smoke from Lex’s blood swirled around him, his eyes were partially glazed over as he drew another arrow.

“Okay, this needs to stop,” Lex mumbled.

“Agreed,” Shep whispered quietly. Without a word, Lex charged the Angel, who turned his aim from Shep to Lex. But before he could fire, the Demon was upon him. During the fall, he had traded out the heavy chain, for the light leather of his whip. As he drew his arm back to strike the dying Zadkiel, the Angel used one long bony arm to smack him away. Shep watched as Lex hit the ground hard, head making a sickening sound as it bounced on the concrete block the chest sat on. The Angel turned to Shep and moved to draw another arrow from the quiver at his side. When his hands grasped open air, he frowned and looked down at the empty leather pouch. He growled, revealing his rotting teeth again.

“I don’t need arrows to destroy you.” He smiled wickedly, and used his molting wings to pounce on Shep. As he drew a small dagger from a hidden sheath on his gray leg, Shep reached for the swords he had dropped when the Angel had tackled him to the ground, but they were well out of his reach. “Die, scum,” he smiled, grin wide. He drew the dagger back and prepared to sink it into Sheps chest. Shep shut his eyes and prepared for the sharp pain of the black blade piercing his heart, but when nothing came he opened his eyes. The Angels eyes were wide above him, and he grunted once, before he slouched, falling onto Shep’s chest. Lex stood above him, behind the golden arrow that pierced the Angels thick hide.

“That’s for shooting me, bitch,” he mumbled, out of breath and black blood leaking from a wound on his head. The Angel screeched as it decayed into dust. Shep coughed and waved his hands around his face as Lex helped him up.

“Gross, I got Angel dust in my mouth.” He spat on the ground.

“Come on, Sheppy. I need a shower,” he mumbled, turning towards the path that led down the hill, but collapsed onto his knees after only two or three steps.  

“Lex, are you okay?” Shep knelt down by him, and held onto his shoulders to keep him from falling anymore. The Demon nodded.

“Just... a little... tired...” his red eyes rolled back into his head as he faded into darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lex woke up an hour later. He blinked hard as he looked around the seedy hotel room. He stretched, and shut his eyes again when he saw Shep was nearby, sewing a hole in his jacket.

“What happened?”

“You passed out. I carried you back here and got us a hotel room. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to walk down the street carrying something that’s invisible to everyone else without looking crazy,” Shep chuckled.

“You carried me down that shitty-ass mountain?” Lex opened his eyes and frowned. Shep shrugged. “Well... thanks,” he said, sitting up. “Oh shit,” he groaned and laid back down, holding his shoulder.

“Yeah, you tore yourself up pretty bad pulling that arrow out. I bandaged it up for you, but I’m going to need to change it again soon.” Lex looked down at the black soaked bandage on his shoulder. He also had a bandage on his head. “That one already stopped bleeding, you can probably take it off now,” he said, as Lex felt the cloth around the gash.

“Thanks,” Lex said, as he peeled off the bandage, wincing as the tape pulled at his pale skin. Shep couldn’t help but take note that, though his skin was pale, it wasn’t the sickly dying color the Angels were.

“Of course...” Shep seemed to hesitate.

“Something up big guy?” Lex asked, as he looked through the mini fridge in the hotel room. “Three bucks for a bottle of water? Fuck you guys I’ll just melt some free ice,” he mumbled.

“No,” Shep said simply. Lex raised an eyebrow. He sat back down on the bed.

“Are you sure you’re alright? You seem all... bad-moody,” Lex said, seriously.

“I’m not the one you should be worrying about. You’re the one who got shot,” Shep laughed, though there was a bitter tone under the laughter.

“Shep, I’m fine. Demons heal fast tomorrow morning I’ll be as good as new,” Lex waved a hand.

“That’s not the point.” Shep suddenly slammed his fist down on the table. Lex jumped.

“Alright, Bruce Banner, then what is the point?” Lex asked. Shep sighed.

“Thank you,” Shep said, not looking up at Lex.

“Thank you?” Lex frowned, confused.

“You.. you saved my ass back there, okay? Thanks,” Shep mumbled. Lex smiled.

“You’re welcome,” he replied quietly.

“I just never had to worry about anyone else before, it was always just me,” Shep said, returning to the stitching on his coat.

“Well it’s not just you anymore. You can worry about me and I’ll worry about you.” Lex smiled kindly. Shep looked up at him before smiling weakly. “So, where to next, big man?” Lex stood and leaned over Shep’s shoulder, looking at the map that was spread out on the table. Shep looked up at Lex, watching the smooth curve of his jaw as it turned into the tender skin of his neck.

“New York,” Shep said, turning to look down at the map with Lex, who hadn’t even noticed him staring.

“New York? No way!” Lex smiled.

“Ever been?” Shep asked, as he finished stitching up the hole and cut the thread with his teeth.

“Fuck yeah! That’s where I lived, man! Before the tail and all.” Lex laughed and smiled. Shep chuckled, not able to help himself. The Demons constantly perky personality was contagious.

“Well, I spent the rest of our cash on two plane tickets. We leave tomorrow morning,” he said. Lex smiled.

“Time to celebrate! I’m gonna go get some ice from the ice machine and melt it so we can have water!” He grabbed the small ice bucket on the table, and skipped off through the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~