A Weapon’s Serenade

Melody let Famine into the room. These were Melody’s quarters and she had spent quite a bit of time here over the summer. Now, they were the best cosy spot for the girls to take care of their new friend.

“Christina?” Famine approached slowly.

Chrissi was cuddling with Tiny on the couch opposite the bed. “Inquisitor Famine, right?”

“Yes.”

“I would like to properly salute you, but I think this wonderful and overly large cat wouldn’t forgive me.”

Famine smiled. “A salute is not necessary. I’m here to see if you need anything.”

“I might need to sleep in tomorrow, if that is alright. Otherwise, I have everything I need.”

“You may rest as long as desire. Outside of your needs, is there anything you want to make your stay here more pleasant?”

“I would like to ask some questions, if that’s okay.”

“Some answers may be classified, but you may ask whatever you wish.”

Chrissi ran her hand along Tiny, who responded with a gentle purr. “You are one of the higher ups here, right?”

“I am the inquisitor in charge, yes.”

“And the one who offered me sanctuary here, she is under your command?”

“No, she is… from a different department. I deal with foreign affairs, Sariel does law enforcement. If you want reassurance that she was allowed you grant you sanctuary, then the answer is yes. All demons are allowed to grant sanctuary in Hell to any human who requires it.”

“That’s a relief to hear. You aren’t joking about the Hell bit, aren’t you?”

“It’s not part of the afterlife, but no, I am not joking. Would you like to join me there for lunch tomorrow?”

“Like actually going to Hell with you?”

“Yes.”

Anne put on a reassuring smile. “You really should, it’s great. Besides Isha, we all have lectures tomorrow morning, so why not?”

“I can come back here, right? It’s not a one-way-get-killed kinda trip?”

Famine shook her head. “You may return here or to your home at any time.”

“Sounds good then, but… how do I tell you that I am ready to go. You told me to rest as long as I need.”

“I will be in the observation lounge. If something requires my attention elsewhere, Nemesis can contact me and she is here at all times.”

“Got it, thank you. You have been too kind to me, all of you.”

“It is our way. Nemesis has prepared your own quarters and you are free to roam this chariot. All restricted areas will not open for you but you may spend time anywhere else.”

“So here and the lounge?”

“Among other recreational facilities and the upper deck.”

“Alright.” She yawned. “I should get some sleep soon.”

“Then I shall wait with everything else until tomorrow. Melody, Baal wants to speak to you.”

Melody nodded slowly. “I suppose this was inevitable. I’ll be there in a moment.”

Chrissi raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound too good, if you don’t mind me commenting.”

“It’s a long standing… I don’t even know what to call it. Dispute? Debt? Need for closure? One of my mums was injured by magic that both demons and angels agreed to keep secret. Baal leaked that secret and shortly after, my mother was ambushed by angels and scarred by holy fire.”

“I’m so sorry… I guess he wants to apologize?”

“He wants to face my mother’s wrath, try to pay for his actions. I don’t know if she wants that, it’s been over ten thousand years.”

“Over ten thousand… your mother is also…”

“A demon, yes, both my mothers are. I am adopted.”

“Adopted by demons… what a life you must have lived.”

“And I can tell you all about it tomorrow. We will all join you after lunch.”

Kuria spoke up. “Isha and I don’t need sleep, we will be here all night. You can come to us if you can’t sleep.”

Chrissi returned a smile. “That is very kind. Now I just need to somehow convince Tiny to move.”

Tiny yawned, stretched and jumped down.

“Well, thank you, Tiny.”

After Famine had led Chrissi to her quarters, followed by Tiny who saw the need to keep an eye on the new human friend, Melody met Baal on the upper deck.

“You want to talk to me.”

Baal nodded. “Yes, thank you for coming.”

“If it’s about Thrasir, I already told her what you want.”

“What was her response?”

“I should let you know that she will speak with you. I am supposed to tell her when you are done here. She will then tell you a time and place to meet.”

“I understand. Are there other conditions?”

“She wants to tell you in person.”

“I see. Thank you. Could you please tell her that I am ready?”

“I will, but I need some sleep tonight and I have other duties in the morning. After that, I will inform her.”

“That is all I ask, thank you.”

“Baal.”

“Yes, Melody?”

“For what it’s worth, you did good here. No matter what my mother does to you, please remember that at least here, you did the right thing and I will remember that. You have made mistakes in the past, but to me, you are on a good path. I hope Thrasir doesn’t kill you.”

Baal closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “For once, I have no words. I have only gratitude, Melody Valefor. Thank you. Your words mean much to me.”

“And I mean them. I know that isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to angelic politics.”

“A game I have played for too long. I too hope to survive meeting your mother, but if I don’t, please do not mourn me. I only wish to be remembered for who I tried to be.”

“I will remember you as the Baal you are now.”

“Thank you.”

“What will you do if you survive?”

“I will make furniture. The elder already asked me if I could make something for her home and I am eager to begin my work.”

Melody stepped closer to the angel to look out over the ocean with him. “I will tell Ma that. If she wants to kill you, I want her to wait until you made that piece of furniture, whatever it will be.”

“That is kindness I don’t deserve.”

“You do, as does the elder.”

Baal didn’t respond.

Melody continued. “You can do something political, something good.”

“What would that be?”

“Furniture.” The young human smiled.

Baal raised an eyebrow. “Offer furniture to the people of Hell. You want me, someone very much associated with the conflict between our peoples, to walk the first visible step in this peace.”

“Precisely.”

The angel smiled. “And here I am, wanting to get out of politics. You are right though, this is a great chance to do something good with what I want to do anyway.”

“The demon way.”

“Is that really how demon society works?”

“Yes, you do what you desire and share the results with everyone. That way, everyone is happy with what they do and support everyone else. And with the ability to magically skip everything else that no one wants to do, even doing those things manually becomes meaningful and gets done. Anything left after that just gets solved with magic. The demon way.”

“Fascinating. And that truly requires no outside supervision?”

“There are some tasks for which a supervisor is needed and certain demons are entrusted with that position. Some even seek them out to make sure everyone else can focus on what they do best.”

“Like Sariel and Azazel, coordinating their respective organizations so no talent is wasted and no one gets in each other’s way.”

“Exactly like that. And you making furniture to set a political sign will follow that example and even surpass it. You will do something to better society by doing something that would normally simply make people happy.”

“That would be an utmost honour. If I am allowed, I will offer my works to all who want them, demon or angel doesn’t matter.”

“Maybe others will follow that example.”

“I hope so.”

“I have little doubt. Now, if you would excuse me, Baal. I need to get some sleep.”

“One more thing before you leave.”

Melody nodded. “Sure.”

“Would you like a piece of furniture made by me?”

“If this all works out, I will start planning a proper home in Hell in a few years, including all new furniture for it. If you’re up for it, maybe you could work with the architect of the home to provide more than just one piece.”

Baal looked genuinely happy at that prospect. “What greater honour than to help the daughter of Thrasir, the young demon who saw me for who I want to become, make her home.” He nodded. “I would gladly work with anyone to create furniture for your home.”

“Then we have a plan and a reason to push for a good future. Together.”

“I will do my best to be part of that.”

“Good, now I really need to sleep.” Melody stifled a yawn.

“Of course. Have a good night.”

“Thanks, you too.”

“Thank you.”

Melody walked away and turned around to catch a glance of Baal enjoying the night sky before returning to her quarters.