Chapter Text
You grind your teeth, watching how people flock to Manuel. How can they be so taken with him?! You never saw people gather in such big numbers for the priests you had the pleasure of working with. And yet, here they are going to God's enemy like he is a beacon of light.
You glare, annoyed that he is smiling and giving his blessing to clueless parishioners instead of walking away so you can go to Mount Zion. You sigh. You barely made it a few blocks, and even in that distance, you didn't have the opportunity to ask him how you would reach Jerusalem.
You tap your foot, impatient with your travel companion. He's been holding court for the past half an hour. You huff and whirl around on your heels. Without hesitation or a backward glance, you storm away.
You contemplate whether it wouldn't have been better if you had died instead of summoning Lucifer. Your train of thought is quickly nipped in the bud, anger flooding you when you remember the animals that killed your brethren.
"Mmpf!" You squeak when a heavy hand comes over your mouth, a strong figure dragging you into a dark alley.
You quickly step on your assailant's foot and elbow them hard in the ribs, effectively distracting them enough to dislodge yourself from their hold.
You turn, fists balled, and you pale when you see a dozen men, their faces twisted with wicked smirks that send chills down your spine. You are fully aware that a band of miscreants came into town, doing nefarious deeds that are far from legal or moral. Your church actually planned to search for them again and take care of them the very day the attack happened. But you never thought that you were a target for them. Apparently, you were wrong.
You swallow hard, instinctively moving to grab your cross and coming empty-handed since it's hidden from view. You do not pray for help, knowing that God will only punish you for daring to turn yet again to Him after summoning His child.
"Well, well, feisty, aren't cha?" The man who pulled you into the alley says, spreading his arms theatrically "Well, chicky, you were lookin' for us. Do your worst! What will you do, huh? Pray for my eternal soul?" He asks sardonically, clearly aware that your church passionately advocates first for the peaceful course of action.
He grins "You can't do anything!"
"But I can", the deep accented voice reverberates in the alley, and you turn to see Manuel leaning casually against the wall.
How did he know where you were?!
He straightens, strolling toward you, his steps ringing deafeningly. It's evident that he is doing something, because your assailants cower, trembling like leaves in the autumn wind.
Dark eyes focus on the ringleader, a devilish smirk blooming on the tall man's face "Tsk. Murder, sexual assault, stealing... you were a busy boy, weren't you?" He leans forward just slightly, his grin widening "Why don't you drop dead?"
As if his question was actually an order, the man crumbles to the ground lifeless, his eyes staring into the distance unfocused.
You watch the sight in shock while the other men start running like headless chickens, trying to get as far away as they can from Manuel.
"Oh, no, no, no~. We can't have that", the false priest utters in a sing-song voice, and your other assailants meet the floor with a loud thud, dead as their leader.
"W-what did you do?" You stutter.
He looks down at you, an arched eyebrow poised up, surely wondering if you aren’t blind "Helping you... yet again, might I add. Don't stray away from me next time."
"You killed them!" You hiss.
He crosses his arms "Do you have any idea how many sins they committed? How many people they murdered in cold blood?"
"Everyone deserves a chance at redemption!"
He scoffs, his ire rising "Is this what God told you?"
"Yes!"
"Then why didn't He give me one?!" He roars, looking every bit like the devil you met in church, only in human size.
You take a step back, frightened by the sight, not daring to say anything further.
He notices how terrified you are and shifts back to his human form "Stop praising Him for things he doesn't do. All the sinners you naively thought were redeemed are in my kingdom. God isn't merciful, little lamb."
You look away, the information throwing you off center. Is he telling the truth? Did you spend so many years trying to bring stray souls back to the path of righteousness just for all your work to be in vain?
"You are lying", you try to say defiantly, but it comes off as a feeble attempt at best.
"You know I am not", he utters solemnly before moving past you "Let's go, little lamb."
You follow him, your mind in a jumble as you ponder his declaration.
After a while, he shakes his head lightly "I do hope that you won't walk into trouble again. I have no desire to be your knight in shining armor", he pauses briefly "Weren't you taught how to fight? I thought you lot knew how to defend yourselves."
You are certain that your teeth will be damaged from how hard you are clenching your jaw "I know Light defense and attacks, Manuel", you put strain on his name, making it sound like a derogatory term.
He looks down at you, amused, if anything, by your angry chihuahua attitude. He waves his hand, and instantly, a black covered book appears in his palm.
He hands it to you, and for a brief moment, you think it's the Bible. You open it and are greeted by His runes.
"What is this?" You hiss, offended by what you see.
"A book for you to study my fighting style."
If your glare were a punch, he would be dead. In your fantasy, at least.
"I can't read them", you inform him, trying to push the book back into his hands.
You yelp when one of his large hands comes over your eyes. You groan when a stinging pain overcomes your eyes.
You try to wriggle free, and he doesn't protest, allowing you to step back.
"What was that for?!" You growl, pissed beyond belief.
He focuses on you with an odd expression, as if he prefers this side of you - feisty instead of demure and afraid.
"Look in the book", he utters calmly.
Confused and partly curious, you open it yet again, and instead of cryptic runes, you see words forming complete sentences.
He pats your head and resumes walking "Now you only need to learn. You can do that, can't you?"
You are close to throwing the book at his head "I refuse", you reply, catching up to him.
He shrugs. Although in his deep brown eyes, annoyance swims.
"Suit yourself. I won't save you again."
"Then, if I die, you go back to Hell."
He doesn't falter in his stride "If you die. You can be tortured, for example, and I won't interfere."
You hate him. You really do.
"How will we get to Jerusalem?" You inquire, changing the subject "Do you perchance have some wings tucked somewhere?"
His jaw ticks, before a wicked grin blooms on his face "Please correct me if I am mistaken, but aren't there planes that can take us there?"
"It will take over 10 hours!"
One of his elegant eyebrows goes up "Are you in a hurry?" He questions almost mockingly.
You huff "Weren't you eager to have a talk with your Father?"
His eyes flash, but he quickly waves dismissively "It can wait."
It is official, you hate his guts.