Asher

14

DEMOTED

ASHER

C ass and Creed are busy following Samael's former wife. He still gives her the title of wife, but she left him. Wouldn't that be more like ex-wife? It's hard to keep up with all the human affairs. And me, what do you think I am doing? One would expect it to be something of importance, wouldn't you? Let me update you on my current responsibilities and specific talents. Taking care of adult children. Yep, watching over these laughable humans to make sure they don't make an irreversible miscalculation, like summoning a demon that has no loyalty to Samael or cutting one of the disciples' throats to reach that goal.

I've noticed that a few of them are completely unaware of their purpose here. Confused into believing the one they pretend to serve is going to save them from death, make them into a stronger version of themselves, or even elevate their bodies to god-like status.

Idiotic morons.

Trying to conceal our true intention of returning Mara to our lord, I think to myself as I exhale. I wish this was over already and we were on to our next mission. Although I wish I could end their miserable lives now, they are destined for a more significant sacrifice. In order to summon Samael here, we'll need enough souls sacrificed at once since he is currently bound to Hell.

Before we move forward with our plans to capture Mara, we need to determine the extent of her powers, as Creed revealed her ability to transform. I just wish I was able to do some recon instead of Creed being the main investigator and documenter of her actions. If they would only give me permission, I think we'd be closer to capturing her.

I'm fed up with being in this situation, but I recognize that I'm currently a burden to our objective. With my temper rising so easily these days, I can't predict when my change will occur and who I'll hurt in my shift from human form into raging demon.

Our angelic side hasn't made an appearance in many years, even though we're not entirely demons. Our so-called talents serve as reminders of our darker sides, even though our physical abilities were designed for our roles in Heaven. Not only can I tear through a bus with my razor-sharp claws, but I can also slice and cauterize foes with a single swipe. Picture Wolverine, but without the odd mask and much hotter! We figure my unique attributes came to light because in Heaven's army; I was good with my angelic sword. There were very few adversaries who could surpass me. I always stayed close to our commander for this reason. And the flames, well, let's just say since I fell, my anger has gotten me into a good amount of trouble, but it has also saved our hides many times.

Cassius can now harness his power to bring both enjoyment and strategic advantage. He is highly skilled at being a helpful distraction and is an excellent prankster. Even though some may dismiss it as just a parlor trick, rest assured that this ancient creator's talent is remarkable. Cass possesses the power to duplicate his own existence. He has the power to determine if he wants that image of himself to be visible or invisible. The exciting thing is that he can use his replica as either a solid or translucent form. He can also easily generate multiple reproductions. In previous encounters with our opposition, he emerged victorious without any assistance. Samael chose him for his right-hand man in Heavenly battles before this talent even emerged, because he was stealthy and ruthless.

When it comes to his job, Creed is truly the best. If he was an animal, he'd be a canine of sorts. There is no one who can match his ability to track. With the manifestation of his shadow melding skill, he is untouchable to others. His journey through the darkness conceals his movements and eliminates any sounds he makes. This allows him to sneak up on anyone or thing and dispatch them quickly, if killing is needed.

In spite of transforming into hybrids, our high rank in Samael's army remained unchanged. One of Samael's first measures to secure loyalty was the binding of our wings. True loyalty, in his eyes, meant not hesitating to use dark magic to keep God's gift hidden. The other reason was to make sure if we chose to rebel, we wouldn't get far. Those who remain near him thrive in their sinful paths. Even without wings, we, his strongest warriors, possess skills that are unbeatable and surpass anyone else's capabilities. Despite our inability to fly, we persist in fulfilling our purpose, masking an intense emptiness. We adhere to our commander's orders until they are fulfilled according to his instructions.

Should there be differing opinions or concerns about his thinking, we postpone the discussion until we can address them as a trio, outside the presence of others. Our inclination towards angelic behavior is usually fulfilled when we follow instructions but use less cruelty, though there are exceptions. There are situations where it's unavoidable, and our actions cannot be concealed or softened.

This situation of being trapped with these individuals is making me crazy. However, at the moment, I'll suppress my anger and keep quiet while observing the oblivious worshippers. If you want to know if other plans are in motion, this is the best action to take. I'm undecided if their ignorance is authentic or if it's a cover for something that will have negative consequences for us and our lord.

With that thought stuck in my head, I lean back and watch them scurrying around like mice. Occasionally, I'm pleasantly surprised by impromptu member meetings or fire-side gatherings. Fire talks are enjoyable to me because they have a laid-back atmosphere. They go as far as to remove their red robes and masks during these occasions. It's like having a neighborhood block party. They all appear to be more laid-back, resulting in a more lighthearted conversation. Instead of a band of Satan worshippers, it feels more like a tight-knit community of friends.

Observing the faces of the members also gives me the opportunity to study expressions and gauge just how serious they are about their group objective. I've reached the conclusion that seventeen out of the thirty members joined just to be a part of something. Perhaps feeling bored with their previous lives, they are now in search of an adventure. It's highly probable that they are mocking the die-hard fans and viewing this as just a club of some kind. Six members have decided to leave and will sneak out tonight while the group is asleep. This cult being more than they had bargained for.

The fanatics category consists of just four members. I can feel their devotion rise off of them like steam in a hot box. These are the ones I have to maintain a tight grip on. They're the ones who will guide the unbelieving down a path that they will never return from. This won't just be a regular human disappearance. No, it will be painful for them, a brutal execution with their screams becoming useless way before their blood does.

I accounted for myself and the guys in the final count. But we are believers because we were made by the Samael. He has devoted all his energy to us. In molding us to his design, teaching us to fight and conquer all we rise against us is what has made him as strong as he is today. We ensure his continued reign over the Hell realm. Samael crafted us, getting ready for our descent. His plan was already in place before he picked us to be his soldiers. He, similar to the three of us, has a knack for evaluating both strength and character. Through cunning maneuvers, he managed to persuade us, taking advantage of our unwavering loyalty, that he held all the power. But honestly, if you were faced with it, would you ever believe that an angel could defeat God?

We have become smarter as the millennium has passed. It took a few centuries, but we have become aware of the hidden truths that he kept so secret. In Samael's eyes, we are all expendable if it means he survives.