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“And you’re truly leaving? Just like that?” Walter stared at the demon perched on the altar, familiarizing himself with that sly smile once more. After all, this might as well be last time he’ll get to see it. An unnatural breeze began to pick up in the room as Merlin nodded.
“Yes, yes, it’s about time I leave this world behind. I’ve restored enough of my power to make it to the next stop,” he lifted his chin, waiting for some sort of rebuttal. Walter, on the other hand, remained silent. “I see you’re not going to plead for my stay?”
“No, I won’t be doing so. Truthfully, I should have purified you the moment I knew of your existence,” Walter shook his head, brandishing a solemn smile on his face. Even as the wind picked up, Merlin remained still and untouched. It seems that even as they part, the demon still manages to detest the rules reality has set upon them. Unnerving, to say the least.
“Walter,” he drawled out tauntingly, “You know you can’t lie to me. I’ve seen you prepare those weak ploys against me. How many times have you tried already? Five?” Walter refused to answer that question, instead he resigned himself with a sigh, meeting the demon’s eyes with an annoyed grimace.
“And each time resulted in utter failure. Honestly Merlin, your very existence detests me each waking night. I should be thankful you’re leaving.” “And yet there you stand, utterly conflicted. Just like a lost little puppy. I must admit, normally I wouldn’t trouble myself with making connections in such a temporary world. But, it seems like you’re the first to change that, so congratulations, Walter. You were quite amusing, if I must add.” With things said and done, a series of blinding lights emitted from the mosaics that stood with the church’s wall, each light hurriedly finding its way to the demon at the end of the room.Walter clutched onto a nearby pillar to keep himself stable against the sudden change in wind speed. He figured that the only reason the building was still standing was Merlin’s doing. How thoughtful. Adjusting his eyes, Walter was met with a sight that truly defied reality itself. In place of a once perfect humanoid form was a mass of smoke, a window that led to a world far beyond the reach of God Himself. The window seeped into every corner of the room, leaving only a small puddle of reality for Walter to ground himself in. Clicking his tongue, the priest looked up to nothing.
“Just as I feared. You truly are a devil beyond the salvation of God.” It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Walter was a staple of hope that could lead anyone to the right path of life, and yet he’s here. Staring into the vast window that detests everything he stands for. A familiar laughter filled the space of the room, the source seeming to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
“I’m honored that I was able to test that unshakable faith of yours. ‘Blessed’, even. But I believe my influence was good for you in the long run. It’ll prepare you for what’s to come.”
“And what might that be?” Walter questioned against his better judgment. Of course, he was only answered with a loud gust of wind. Merlin was always so stingy with his answers. It’s a shame to think so many of them will be left unsaid.
The two of them were at a standstill until Merlin decided to add some extra dialogue to his parting words. “Hold out your arms. Ah, ah, ah. Stay inside your circle, I don’t want your hands in my precious void.” Walter reluctantly followed along with the other’s antics, furrowing his brows as time passed by. Then, unexpectedly, a familiar book red dropped into his hands. Squinting up at the endless void, Walter awaited an answer. “Your confused face was always your cutest. I think I’ll miss it the most. But when it comes to you, I think you’ll miss everything about me. So of course, I prepared a parting gift for you out of my own generosity. You should be thankful.”
“And you’re sure you’re willing to leave your precious book behind in such a ‘temporary world’ as you put it?” Walter accused, raising his brow. Even though Merlin was nowhere to be seen, he could still envision that know-it-all smile spreading across his features.
“Oh no, don’t worry. I’ll be sure to pick it up when you’re on your deathbed. But for now, I'll leave it in your care. Chances are it’ll change to please your tastes, but it will always remain the same book. As I said, it’s a parting gift. Do treat it well, will you?”
Walter stared at the leather front, playing with the pages in his hand. Sighing, he slid it under his arm. “Fine, whatever you say. I’ll treat it with care.”
“Wonderful.” The wind stilled as the void began to drip from the surfaces of the building. A puddle of stars and connected universes formed on the ground in front of where the priest stood. Slowly, a silhouette formed from the puddle, taking a familiar shape. “Well, we’ve stalled this goodbye for far too long,” The silhouette mused, placing its hands on Walter’s shoulders. His form changed to face the priest at eye level. Well, would-be eye level, if the shape had anything. Leaning in close, Merlin’s voice snaked its way to Walter’s ear. “I wish you the best of luck, Devotee. The future of this world is surely an interesting one, but I think you’ll adjust to it well. Until then, rest. Service starts in the morning, doesn’t it?”
And with that, normalcy had returned to Walter’s life once more. Staring at the empty building, Walter took in the pure atmosphere. He never thought he could be separated from such a familiar feeling, but he still found himself unnerved by the lack of ominous energy around him. Things were back to how they should be and all was in place.
So why? Why did he find himself wishing for discord to take its place once more?
…
Walter supposes he’ll have to spend some time in the confessional tonight.