That fucking door is going to give me an aneurysm. For three days every time someone walks in or out it drags on the floor causing a screeching sound. Nurse walks in for the tenth time in an hour? Screeeeech. Food is brought in? Screeeeech. Guard rotation? Creek. Worse yet, no one else seems to be able to fucking hear it. And people think advanced hearing is a gift.
Screeeeech. That's it, I'm done pretending to be asleep! Opening my eyes I immediately see Tari sitting in the chair as a guard walks in. That old man seems determined to keep an eye on me. Not like I'm gonna leave, well not yet. This bed is comfy, the room is warm and the food is alright. Not gonna throw out those mercies yet. Don’t have anywhere else to be, and no one is waiting for me at home. Realms know I don't really have a home anymore. Their mercy is enough to keep me here for a bit.
Sitting up spooks the guard that had just walked in, most of them avoid entering if they know I'm awake. A fact that became obvious quickly. It's not just the guards however, I've heard the nurses arguing on who has to come in here. It’s not that anything has happened, the last three days have just consisted of me pretending to sleep, eating, and not answering questions. Other than that, I've been eavesdropping too. Not my fault they talk loud and the walls are thin.
Throwing the blanket off, I stand and walk into the bathroom, not acknowledging Tari or the other guard who jumps as I stand. The heartstone finally came off and showering is now my only retreat. Having a hot shower just feels good. I was in a dark damp cell for two months and before that where I was staying didn't have running water, heat, anything. Basic amenities to many become a luxury to countless others. Once the door to the bathroom closes behind me the guard that just walked in starts talking.
“That's the demon from the field? He's massive. How didn’t he kill Jax?”
“That man is none of your business, what did you need me for?”
Tari has been pretty quiet about me. He also seems to refuse to call me demon, or anything other than ‘man’. Most who enter only ask him questions when im in this bathroom, assuming I can't hear anything. I've actually begun spending more time in my showers as a result. While I'm in here, more people come in to talk to Tari. He seems to be the only one willing to watch me. The nurses come change the bed and finish any other tasks in the main room before quickly leaving. Many would take offence to their blatant avoidance, for me it's just normal. The fact everyone knows I'm a demon fuels the fear. Every angel grows up with horror stories of us and, from the way everyone talks outside, my arrival is only causing the fear my arrival caused to grow.
Staying in the shower lets them do their jobs without having the extra fear of looking at me. That's the only comfort I can offer them in exchange for the help they have given me. Tari has been in my room the most, tied with Irean and her attempts to make conversation as she does her job, whatever that is. Tari hasn't tried to interact or make conversation with me at all. However, over the days spent in silence, the tension has lessened. I have a feeling I know exactly why he's the one guarding me the most. The same reason I haven't spoken a single word. Distrust. Turning the shower on quickly fills the room with steam. I honestly forgot how much I loved that sensation. It has been years since my last proper shower. Slicking my hair back and closing my eyes, I focused on the sensation of water running over me. I can't help the thoughts that begin to swarm.
Tari sits out there for one simple reason. He's the leader. From the conversations I've heard he seems to be Sol's second in command. He does not believe I will do anything, the fact he's been dozing off at night proves that, but that doesn't matter. He's the leader, he hands the commands down, and is responsible for every single soul he hands a command down to. If he has a guard, one that is clearly afraid of me, guard me and something were to happen, that weight sits on him. Better have himself do this over someone who could be more prone to fear. I've made the mistake of putting someone in a position they couldn't handle, and had to bare the responsibility of their burial when they broke under my command. Tari knows that I'm an unknown, a complete wild card. That alone makes me a threat, and history isn't on either of our sides.
Turning up the water temperature I grab some soap and work it through my hair. If my guess on Tari’s age is right he would have witnessed several of the worst angelic demonic wars to ever happen. Countless atrocities committed on both sides. I doubt he's old enough to have served in them, but simply living through events like that changes you. Enough to change how you view others. It's why, despite the mercy and kindness I've received here, I haven't spoken. I am still a prisoner. It's why I haven't been sleeping. Every sound, every creak, every whisper and footstep sets me on edge. Like a razer blade is being dragged along my throat, waiting for the order to slice. Some of the same reasons Tari sits by the door in silence, one eye always on me.
The room outside is silent. Rinsing my hair before shutting off the water, I quickly dry and dress. They gave me some generic pants and a shirt to wear. I've opted to go without the shirt as it irritates my scars. Looking in the mirror, I notice the dark spots under my eyes seem to have worsened since yesterday. I look like death, no sleep and constant stress does that to a person. Shouldering the door open, I stalk into my temporary prison once again and stop as I realise Sol and Irean are there. Tari still sits in his chair along with another guard. Lunch sits on the bed, the smell of chicken soup and fresh bread filling the room.
Irean gives me that calming smile, how does she always look so calm? Giving a nod I sit back down and began eating pieces of the bread.
“How are you feeling today?” Irean must always sound that happy. Never heard her not sound like that.
“He won't respond.” Tari grunted.
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“I'll still ask.” Shrugging, Irean begins the talk of why she and the others are here.
“You will be moved to your cell once you finish eating. KiKi and Tari will escort you, along with Sol and myself.” She pauses in case I respond, she is the only one who does when speaking to me. I pop the last piece of bread into my mouth and grab the soup.
“You must have your hands restrained behind your back for the escort. Once you arrive at the cell you will be given time to settle in. After an hour or two you will be given some clothing to choose from, then have the rundown of how each day will go for you.”
Emptying the soup I set the bowl back on its tray and returned my eyes to her. Tari and Kiki seem surprised by how fast I ate. I've not had many chances to eat in recent months, and besides, it's good food, especially for a hospital of all things. Granted, I'm also just a sucker for fresh bread. Kiki steps forward, biting her lip as she crosses her arms behind her back. She's nervous, but manages to speak in a clear confident tone.
“This escort wont be like most. Many people, those working here, other prisoners, and civilians alike have heard of the arrival of a demon.” Tari side eyes Kiki at that word. “Rumors have been flying and many reporters and civilians will want to witness this transfer just to see if something happens.”
“They’ll want to see a fight, or to start one. If you are done eating and have nothing to attend to, we will begin.” Irene's calm is almost unnerving. If she is nervous at all she's hiding it well. Most people in any of their positions would be nervous.
Nothing to wait for in this room. Kiki stiffens in response,as I stand before turning my back to them, crossing my hands behind my back. No need to make this difficult. The air stills as they take in the sight. Irean, Sol, and Kiki have never seen my back. Tari has only ever caught glimpses of the scar at the base of my neck. It's a mangled mess. Lines showing several long cuts, from pale white to an angry red. Bumps and dips running all the way down. A few scars branching out along the rib cage. All twisted together. The base of my neck only hints at the damage. Seeing it, one would never know the true extent, nor what caused it.
Each one of them has their heart rates increase. Irean’s rises the most, I can nearly feel it in my chest. Over my time here I've learnt each one of their heart beats, Kiki’s I can tell based on my inability to recognize it. Irean’s seems to be the one I can sense the strongest. The ability to detect a heartbeat, one's life force, let alone being able to identify an individual off it is rare. I gained the ability in my childhood. I've been training this ability and developed it to reach and identify those around me. I’ve trained myself because I'm unable to hold magic for ages, it’s exhausting, so unnoticeable ways like sensing heartbeats is how I keep my energy levels manageable. A useful skill, I always know when, and often who, is approaching me even when I can't see or hear them.
Throwing on a shirt, their shock finally wears off as Tari and Kiki walk up and place the cuffs on me. Generic metal ones from the feel of them. Easy for me to get out of if need be. Escaping during this escort would be the best time. I’ve recovered enough to get out and far away. I know I can easily take down some of the guards or just climb a building and escape once outside. Easy but foolish. I don't know the layout of this prison or the city outside. I would be running blind with a target on my back. Besides, they have been kind thus far. I'll hold onto their mercy, warm bed, and good food for as long as possible.
Kiki and Tari grab my elbows and turn me around towards the door. They are all talking about how to do this, going over lines I’ve heard a thousand times. I've done prison escorts countless times, both as the prisoner and the escort. Something about this just feels different, as if something will happen once I'm out that door and in a cell. Tari and Kiki both place their free hand on their weapon as the doors open and they walk me out. The sensation of dozens of heartbeats crash into me the second we are a step outside. Drawing a deep breath, I relax my senses as everything calms and I'm able to take in my surroundings as we pass the reception desk.
Sol and Irean stand in front of us, backs straight and alert, taking the lead. Guards every twenty feet line the walls and form an opening to the exit. As we pass, several of the guards fall in around us. Dozens of people also watch, even those in rooms peek through the hall windows. All eyes on me. I feel the weight of the stares and the judgments no doubt being made of me. Straight ahead, towering double doors await us. Are we going outside? That would be a mistake, I'm a demon in an angelic realm, and they’re gonna make this a spectacle? If one angel decided to try and kill me now, that would be enough to spark a riot. Tari’s grip tightens as we begin walking.
Sunlights blinds me as we walk outside. Great, now I'm on guard too. Tari must have noticed the change in me as his eyes snap to look at my face. I stand a good head taller than the man, but I do not return his look. I keep my back straight and scan ahead of me, waiting for something to attack. They were trueful about many people wanting to see this, if anything they under sold it. What must be hundreds watch on. Buildings stretch around us, all in various heights and colours, ranging from dusty neutrals, to bright pastels. Some wood, some brick or other stones, but all are breathtaking in their design. If a building has a balcony people are on it watching, reporters are getting as close as the guards will let them, all shouting about what type of demon it is, what it did, how it got here. All the questions remain unanswered..
So I'm an even rarer oddity here. Setting my shoulders, I keep my head high and make eye contact with every person I see, civilians, guards, and journalists alike. I do not hide. I do not cower. Most seem to stare in curiosity, some have fear or hate in their eyes, but they are the exceptions. The majority simply seem curious. It seems demons haven't lived here in decades, even just to travel to other realms. I understand. War changes everything. Even what is normal.
Tari and Kiki now keep glancing at me, both must have noticed I walk like a soldier, not a prisoner. Tari is studying me more than usual as I march. Can't blame him. I'd be doing the exact same thing, in fact I am. Just not to him, but instead everything around me. Then I feel it, in the back of my mind an awareness comes into focus. An object flying towards me. Instinct takes over as I pretend to misstep, I jerk, causing Kiki and Tari to stumble two steps forward. A gasp rings from the people close by as something lands.. A rotten apple reduced to mush landing where I was just standing. Tari's eyes widen as he looks at me, realisation sinking in. I glare at him, hoping he will understand. His gaze is different, like a puzzle piece just slid into place.
Tari shouts the order to hurry up as hell breaks loose. The guards push civilians back as more garbage is thrown at me. Sol looks back at us but Teri just shakes his head. Finally, we’re rushed into a building as the chaos is quickly subdued. I'm more focused on real dangers rather than an apple being thrown at me. The doors close behind us as the crowd is cut off from view. I am swiftly shuffled down a hall and brought to my new cell. Without a word I am placed inside, cuffs taken off and doors locked as I am left alone in my new home.
