Chapter Text
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Can You Hear The Thunder? ~ Chapter 1
“I feel your presence amongst us,” He muttered in a low tone.
He was talking about you, the demon lurking in the shadows, witnessing their ‘holy’ seance.
He continued, “ You cannot hide in the darkness.”
This man knew of your presence and his fellow worshippers were centered and focused on the summoning, so when he said those words–breaking the chanting–everyone stared at him with piercing eyes.
“Brother Aether, you’ve broken the incantation, what is the meaning of this?” An archbishop cried. You knew not of their name, but instead knew the man’s, who made your presence known, instead.
Just for pleasure, you called to the man, now known as Aether, “ Can you hear the rumble?”
“What?” He sought an answer, searched his mind, but fell short of one.
“Can you hear the rumble that’s calling?” You stated plainly, quietly, and monotonously. Not rhetorical this time unlike seconds ago.
Before, you had only said something to make him get back to failing at this summoning. Now, he was making it worse by speaking. But he missed the last words you had spoken and thought the silence was his answer. The congregation continued their ritual as before, your presence still known to him–Aether, a Priest of the church it seemed. Dressed in holy robes, which was obvious enough due to smell. And though you were several feet away from him and the rest of the clergy you could sense it, and with your keen eyesight and abilities, could see the water still dripping off them from years and years ago, confirming the thought.
You tuned out most of this horrid incantation. It was supposed to be a summoning to receive the wisdom of their false god, to know the right choice of who to appoint to become the new Father of the church. It was so bad. The pronunciations of the latin, and spanish were on a completely different level. The movements needed to be performed in a round and in pristine perfection, which were not. You could tell that the group rehearsed maybe once and thought it sufficed. It wasn’t even okay, it was just down right horrendous.
This time the archbishop from before stepped aside, their head pounding from the dreadful whines and moans coming from the clergy’s summoning. You felt sympathy for them almost, but then not at all. Mostly because it seemed as though the idea might’ve been theirs. You knew better though, you knew it was the church’s imperator who had made sure this happened. Whomever that was should’ve been here as well. For this specific summoning you need everyone from the clergy to perform it. This is because for whatever reason, it appeases the god to an extent and is typically effective then. This would be nowhere close, even if the imperator was here.
You snickered at the concept and your laugh did not go unheard. The archbishop heard you this time; unlike the priest, Aether, from before. They murmured sounds to you that did in fact go unheard. You sauntered over, dainty and knowing of your movements. Looking more powerful than one would’ve thought you were. The archbishop choked down a breath, scared of your being--at least, you thought so. A vessel topped with horns that protruded from your scalp and a tail with a point so sharp it could’ve been deemed a weapon. Thankfully, the archbishop repeated themself a tad louder this time, still trying to not interrupt the horrible summoning happening in the background and not loud enough to sound as though they were almighty compared to you.
“I know your soul is not tainted,”They began.
It reminded you of an old friend you had who always said something similar to you.
“Even though you’ve been told so,” They finished.
You held back a tear. It was the same thing that they used to say. He’d died a while back though, and would never be back. That’s what always made you upset, is that there wouldn’t be a heaven nor hell to see him again. He’d already been there and died in it. To keep your power and tears from raging and spilling out, you asked what you had of the priest to the archbishop now.
“Can you hear the rumble?” You asked, it was rhetorical as it was before.
Though the archbishop responded with your next line, “Can you hear the rumble that’s calling?”
You were startled with this, it was the first time it occurred. The first time, only time. It was so unique that it plagued your mind for a minute or two. After this you hummed to yourself and re-initiated the conversation with what you thought was perfect for the moment. You hastily grabbed the archbishop’s hands that were veiled by their robes. Which were covered with beautiful cream stained gloves. The veins in their hands poking out even through the coverings. With a smirk on your face, you leaned into them, whispering in their ear, “I can feel the thunder that’s breaking in your heart. I can see through the scars inside you.” It was beautiful, poetic, a masterpiece. Your own words giving you chills as well, goosebumps perking up upon your red-salmon pigmented skin. Though again, here you were–surprised once more, the archbishop returning it. “I can feel the thunder that’s breaking in your heart. I can see through the scars inside you.”
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A while later, the summoning was over, thankfully, finally it was over. You did pity the clergy as it hadn’t worked out as they’d planned, but, then again, couldn’t be bothered to care too much. It was just pathetic, a waste of their time to have even tried. You had thought that maybe earlier, before they had wrapped things up, that you should’ve used your abilities to call upon their ‘god’, as they called him, yourself. But still, it would’ve been like cheating to them. Though the summoning had ended and everything was cleaned up, the waxy candles were still here only stuck to the ground. In the corner you stood in with no light, no noise and no clergy, you saw a candle casting a faint glow.
All of a sudden, you shuddered. And as soon as you saw the candle, it was already out. You knew something or, more likely, someone was watching you. You could feel it. Anticipating, waiting for your next move. You felt violated, but also loved how you caught this person’s attention. It made you feel a way you had never felt before. You sniffed, hoping to smell holy water from robes or perhaps catch a whiff of some sort from this being. You fell short of course, making you feel weak. Though not even a few hours ago, your powers were proud and unwavering. You felt like you really should’ve used your powers. Even now, that way you knew who this was before they began closing in on you. Which you were sure would happen any minute now—which, wouldn't you know, did. You were being cornered. Literally. Pinned up in the corner you were standing in with whomever this was blocking you from escaping. One arm pressed firmly against the wall to your right, and the other to your left. You weren't one to say such things but...
...It felt good. For once, it felt nice to be put into your place. Especially in a church. I mean, you were a demon after all; but to see this coming from who you assumed was someone of the church was different. You respected this person. This was someone who thought that they were bigger than you and you have to give credit where it’s needed.. and this was one of those instances. You’re not going to lie either when you say that this person, who actually was taller than you, made you a tad flustered. I mean- You were red already, because you’re a demon, but you were flushed red all over your face now. You swore they were staring you down, sizing you up, and smirking at you. You couldn't tell because you didn't dare look up to face them. Then they said something that blew past your flushed head.
“W-what” You stuttered.
You were already beginning to fall head over heels for this mere human, though you hadn’t even seen their face, completely that is. Then on top of that, they were taking advantage and cornering you. If they didn’t feel high and mighty before, they sure did now. You couldn’t understand why you were falling for this unknown, more or less god. You know that they weren’t a god, but it sure felt like it. You were willing to carry out their every request. Willing to take a bullet for them. To kill for them… and you couldn’t believe it, even in your own head, but you were willing to live for them, though you were already technically dead.
The god repeated the previous statement, which half whisked past you once more. You now heard a deep tone and caught what he’d said, but it hadn’t stuck like glue. You weren't completely absorbing all this. It was as if this god was giving you anterograde amnesia. Right here, right now. Without a single injury prior, besides your death of course. However, that was eons ago, and you’ve been able to make memories and such since.. until now. You were so fascinated, enamored, enchanted, and every other word in between, with this person that you couldn’t catch a simple sentence. It almost seemed like whoever this was knew what they were doing, like they’d done it all before.
The archbishop flashed through your head. It did make sense that this might in fact be him, though they were much more serene and pleasant before. You stared at the man before you, the height finally getting on your nerves. Your brows furrowed, agitated by the fact that you were only 5’ 6 and this god, who you thought to be the archbishop now, was at least 5' 11 borderlining 6 foot. You used your powers, but instead of using it for an understandable purpose, you acted like a petty child who was outraged with not getting their way. You used them to be sure you were as tall as this man that was sky-scraping over you. They shifted their head up to match yours, cracking their neck bone from the strain of staring at your small form. They snickered at your antics, which made you blush a smidge more. You were spellbound to this person, it was becoming a problem. Realizing that you still hadn’t acknowledged the words spoken to you, he repeated the sentence again for your absent mind.
“I said that you seem lonely.” He spoke, clearing their throat after. He was waiting for your reply.
“Oh..” You said plainly and confused.
How was someone supposed to respond to this? It wasn’t a question, it was more a statement than anything.
“Don’t you demons typically have shadows traipsing behind you all the time?” He questioned.
“Shadows?” You returned.
“Yeah, like friends or something? Or are you really just that lonely that you don’t even have those.” He spoke.
He was mocking your lack of companions. Like he was implying he wasn’t alone; which was half true. There was no one else besides you two here, but the rest of the clergy—assuming he was this archbishop—would be with him in spirit at all times.
“Well if you were me, and knew very well that no matter how many other demons you befriend that they’d betray you, would you have shadows?” You remarked. A clever thought, if you were to say so.
“Depends.” He muttered.
Once again, you had to give credit where it was due. You would’ve said something similar, maybe even the same. All of a sudden. you fell to your feet, your powers giving way. You had somehow overexerted yourself, though you’d done nothing but float in the air–just to fulfill your child-like urges. Milli-seconds before completely dropping, the deity grasped your body, ensuring that you’d land well. Not that it’d be much of a fall, but still, it was a good sentiment from the man. It also sent chills through your touch-deprived self.
“You and I see eye to eye.” You said to the man.
With his arms still residing around your waist, you both stood in silence for a minute before he mumbled something under his breath, more to himself than you. He let go of your form, sending you chills. Mostly from the lack of his touch upon you. It gave you a chance to clear your head and let the blush fade. In the distance, outside the Cathedral, you heard thunder strike. You flinched. You were never fond of thunderstorms. Rainstorms were different for whatever reason though, but you knew this was most definitely no rainstorm.
The man noticed your shudder and placed a warm hand to the back of your head and the other around your waist, pulling you close to his chest. You could hear his heartbeat, it made you shiver with fervor. Oh how you’d only met this man and still didn’t know who he was, but longed for him. Your blush that dissolved moments ago, now returning, spreading faster and darker than ever. If he hadn't seen it before, he had to now. His touch, though it was merely comforting, left you wanting and craving more. You thought he might feel your ache for more too. If he did, he didn't say anything or grasp onto you tighter or brush his lips against your own like you'd wished..
"Can you hear the thunder..?" You mumbled into his body.
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