Contract with a demon

01

In the dim remnants of light that foretold dawn Sitri sat in his room, arms wrapped around his legs, his had resting on his knees. He was already wearing his nightgown, prepared for bed. The surrounding grey plus the extending shadows all around him perfectly mirrored his mood.

His thoughts all whirled around one topic: He had to eliminate his disadvantage in the run for the title of substitute king. Although the election was unlikely to be anytime soon, he had to catch up with his concurrents.

He had seen Dantalion almost slaughter Michael, had seen Camio extinguish a horde of demons without so much as a hand's wink. He knew William adored Camio for his position as head boy and for his remarkable grades. And even if Sitri always was the first to jump to William's aid Dantalion each time ended up being the one to save him.

Outstretching his legs, he lay down flat on his back, his arms still resting above his head, his eyes closed. It was all too frustrating!

Sitri was handsome, polite, graceful. He had good manners. Yet none of these seemed to matter to William.

His arms slumped limply to his sides, making a dump sound on the fluffy bed sheets.

Damn, he had to do something!

Before him the gently burning candles, touching his face with their warmth, the faint hint of incense in the air, surrounded by darkness and the total absence of any noise Uriel stood there, his eyes shut, revelling in the calm atmosphere. He loved those nights when all was sleeping, when he didn't have to worry about William to be in danger, when no demons travelled the yards.

Behind him the hinges of the entrance door gave a small cry. Surprised by the unexpected noise he opened his eyes, slightly turning around to meet whoever cared to visit a church at night time. Maybe William had something on his mind he wanted to discuss. Or maybe Metatron came to tease him a little more. He didn't think of Michael. The great archangel wouldn't use the door to make his appearance. He stood perfectly still, no readable expression on his face, surveying the shape at the door who was still bathed in darkness.

The person noiselessly closed the massive door behind it and then slowly made its way in his direction, stopping merely inches in the candle light's reach. Now Uriel recognized Sitri.

For a second he was perplexed. Then immediately an expression of disapproval appeared on his face. He stood silent, waiting for Sitri to state his business. Hence Sitri seemed to be waiting for something, too. The two of them stared at one another for several moments, until finally Uriel let out a small unnerved sigh.

"What is a demon doing in a church after nightfall, I wonder?"

First, Sitri seemed unsure as how to answer, but then he started to smile one of his casual everyday-smiles and stated: "Isn't it the priest's duty to lift students' heavy minds?"

Uriel snorted.

When the angel did not say anything further, Sitri changed tactics. His smile faded as quickly as it had come.

"I came to talk to you."

Still Uriel only stood there, tall and expectant, intimidating eyes fixed on the smaller one.

Sitri fought the urge to shift uncomfortably. He didn't like what he was about to do, though he couldn't come up with any other solution to his problem. If only Uriel was more of the talkative kind, it would have been easier for him to ignore his pride and ask what he came to ask.

"I have a request."

Before he could waver in his decision he hurriedly added: "I want you to train me."

Said that, he once again fell silent to await his answer.

Uriel blinked, baffled, unsure if he had heard right.

"To train you?"

Nodding, Sitri tried to explain himself:

"You're an angel of presence, a former archangel, a seraph with an incredible amount of strength. You're amongst the most powerful angels. Thus I ask you to teach me."

The addressee couldn't help but be confused. It didn't make sense to him. A demon demanding an angel to tutor him in battle-magic? Ridiculous! Yet Sitri seemed to be serious about it.

"Why?", was all that he asked in return.

Sitri answered: "To become stronger, of course", accompanied by a shrug.

Suspicion all but too visible the dark haired pressed on: "What would you need greater powers for?" He was sure it could not be something good coming from a devil. If a demon craved greater power, he was likely to use it against humanity or heaven.

"To protect William."

The answer struck Uriel. Angrily he reprimanded the demon: "Do not use young master as an excuse for your mischief!" His voice had grown colder.

"I'm not making excuses.", Sitri defended himself. He knew this wouldn't be easy. "By all your powers, you cannot protect him all the time. Think: How often does he get pulled into hell? You cannot enter hell, for it is forbidden by ancient law. But I can. Help me improve my skills and I will guard him whenever you're not around."

He had chosen his words long before approaching Uriel, knowing it was dearly important not to lie to the angel of resentment. Therefore he concentrated on the lesser yet altogether true reason of the Container's security. William was dear to him, not only for being the reincarnation of Solomon, who once had been like an older brother to the lonely demon. The boy had his own way of winning people's hearts. Since there weren't many people Sitri really cared for the more inclined he was to protect those who managed to gain his sympathy.

That it wasn't his main reason he needn't to tell his vis-à-vis.

It seemed Uriel was considering his argument. So far so good.

"If his safety in fact means this much to you I guess you'll protect him anyway. Besides, there are Dantalion and Camio as well."

Sitri caught something lingering right behind Uriel's eyes. The angel's tenseness had almost faded completely, telling Sitri - much to his discomfort - that he no longer took him seriously. It equalled a sneer for the white haired, calling forth his rage.

"So you're going to tell me you'd trust Dantalion?", he angrily demanded, his voice raised. "The one murdering Solomon? The idiot who always lets rage and pride get the better of him? He never thinks his actions through! He-" He forced himself to stop speaking. Taking a deep breath, he managed to regain his composure.

He seemed to have hit a point since Uriel's face darkened considerably.

"If I could help it I would've ridden the world clear of that stain long ago. But there is no helping it, William stubbornly refuses to accept the danger he is in.", the former archangel spoke, his words tasting bitter.

Seizing his chance, Sitri caught up on the topic at once: "The more reason there is to have someone you can trust amongst hell's inhabitants!"

He wasn't prepared for Uriel to laugh.

"Trust a demon? I sincerely doubt I ever could."

The younger was clearly taken aback.

"Plus you are no match for Dantalion."

Sitri bit his lip. Oh, he knew! Still, hearing the other say it aloud stirred his anger at himself. Overdone by a nephilim... This mustn't be.

"Then make me one.", he snapped back.

Instead of answering the angel turned away, once again turning his attention at the candles.

Obviously he lost all interest in the conversation.

Angry at being dismissed like that Sitri took another step forward.

"At least give it some thought!"

Uriel merely made his way across the room, collecting left-over liturgical-books. He gave no sign of heaving heard the solicitant at all.

Grinding his teeth, Sitri made his way to the altar, knowing that most probable Uriel would go there next.

And indeed, after placing the books in their shelter he strode towards the altar, stopping in his tracks when he again stood face to face with the feminine looking demon. His facial expression telling all Sitri needed to know, he shoved aside the intruder and unperturbed proceeded his clearings.

All right, so Sitri was in need of some harder measurements. To achieve his goals he was used to go to certain lengths. Still, evoking the wrath of the angel before him was something he'd prefer not to be forced to resort to.

Pretending to give up on his plan he started to slowly make his way back to the doors. As if suddenly recalling something, he paused for a moment, almost lightheartedly cozing: "Too bad you do not have any allies that aren't under control of Michael. Given his short temper I'm quite sure he'll send someone else to do the job you chose to abandon. By the way - does he know by now?"

Behind him, Uriel froze, unprepared to hear another voicing his worst fears. Sitri didn't know, pacing pronounced relaxed, although he half expected the as well short-tempered angel to send him crashing into the next wall any moment. Uriel wasn't one to joke around with and most certainly not so by a demon. Yet nothing happened to his surprise until he found himself reaching the portal. At least he had expected some reaction. Any reaction.

When he turned around he was hit full force by the angel's darkest glare which always promised pain if not death. Unsure if he overdid it, Sitri grabbed the handle and, playing on chance, added: "Well, just think about it. Good night."

When he was long gone, Uriel still stood there, deeply in thought, a grim concern clouding his face.

Unfortunately Sitri was right - just how long could he fob Michael?