The story of the FALLEN

The loud trumping music from the speakers is grating on his nerves. He has no taste for techno or the strobing lights and lasers. He would never have set foot in this place, if not for Nakir. Finding his friend in this sea of gyrating bodies, split level party house, four different dance floors, and five bars, is close to impossible. The sea of bodies parts for him and he scans the crowd for his friend. He has never seen Nakir wear anything but black and everyone here is dressed in bright neon colours.

So, where the hell is he? Even though Nakir should stand out from the crowd, the angel of death has the uncanny ability to blend in.

Not so much for Zack. He is here all of five minutes and five girls and three men offered themselves to him. Have humans no shame? Where is this world going to? Even Sodom was not so depraved and it fell. Besides, this is supposed to be a dance club, not a whorehouse. He slips from the grasps of a barely dressed woman, at least he thinks it’s a woman. Sometimes he can’t tell. He tries to concentrate on the hum of the Angelic blood, but the constant vibrations of the low tone bass speakers are interfering with his powers. This would be a perfect den for the demons, if they wouldn’t loath the music as much as he does.

His luck turns on the second floor and he spots Nakir by the wall. A smirk forms on his face, because his friend is buried under the willing bodies of two women. Objectively, Nakir is gorgeous. He is tall, muscular, with dark complexion and almost black eyes. His Persian descent makes him just exotic enough for everyone to like him. His black hair is a mess, because the women are running their fingers through it. He decides to give him a few more minutes of pleasure, before he drags him from the club. They have work to do and they’re running out of night.

Zack strolls to the bar and orders a vodka. Top shelf, because he doesn’t sully his body with the cheap stuff. JCB or Beluga are his brands, all the rest is for humans. He tries to tone out the music, for his sanity’s sake, but also to hear Nakir. The bastard is balls deep into it. If he could, he would crawl inside the woman he’s fucking. At least he’s trying to, by the sounds the woman is making. She is practically screaming by now. The other girl is not far behind so that means Nakir has his hands occupied as well. Careless! He glances at the watch on his wrist and downs the rest of his vodka, the time is up.

“Niki! Time to go!” Zack shouts as he closes in on Nakir.

“Spoilsport.” Nakir grunts and extracts himself from the tangle of limbs.

“I did give you enough time to finish.” Zack smirks at him.

“Yeah.” Nakir chuckles. He straightens his coat and zips up his fly. “I saw you standing by the bar. Would it kill you to loosen up?”

“Your hair is a mess.” Zack points to his friend's head. He doesn’t understand what Nakir sees in these humans. They are so short lived and fragile.

“Will I see you again?” One of the girls drawls and runs her hands down Nakir’s black shirt.

“Not, if you’re lucky.” Nakir smiles. He lets the girl go and walks away all casually.

Zack follows Nakir out of the club. He knows it’s pointless to try and have a conversation in here. Shouting their secrets is not advisable, you never know who else is around. The demons are not the only ones trying to get their dirty paws on the angels. He just hopes the girls have a better time hunting in the park. It’s been a while since the last witch was brave enough to go up against them, but you never know. There’s been a surge in demonic activity, so maybe the witches have cooked up something new. Or is there a new player on the field?

“What’s up? Why’d you have to drag me out?” Nakir turns on him the moment the door slams shut behind Zack.

“Chill! Aren’t you supposed to be relaxed after sex?” Zack asks. “We have a meeting with Father Angus. Did you forget?”

“Hm? Must have slipped my mind.” Nakir shrugs. “What does Opus Dei want?”

“Can you show some more contempt? Please hold back with the priest when we see him.” Zack shakes his head.

“Must I?” Nakir asks and the sarcasm is dripping like venom from his words.

“Can you behave for half an hour? He’s got something I want.” Zack tells him.

“Zachariel? Why are we even talking with them? We don’t need them. At least the Knights Templar were of some use on the battlefield.” Nakir scoffs.

Zack does understand the man’s reserve. He doesn’t like the policy of Opus Dei, either. But they give them good information, even if they never get their hands dirty. The Jesuits would be better, but he still hasn’t gotten any word from Rome on the contact here in London. Last he heard, his good friend Romano died of old age. Did he appoint a successor? Do they even have a liaison in the order? Maybe he should just drop in on the Jesuit house and see what’s going on? Oxford is not that far away.

“Where are Tammy and Layla?” Niki asks him.

“Holland park. Following up on a lead about demon activity.” Zack tells him.

“They get to have all the fun.” Niki grunts.

“I share your dislike for Opus Dei, I just don’t show it to their faces. Let’s hear them out.” Zack whispers. He knows Niki won’t have any trouble hearing him, but nobody else will.The meeting point is close, he doesn’t want to be overheard, if Father Angus is early by any chance.

Half an hour later, they are still alone at the south gate of the park. Father Angus is nowhere to be seen and he’s not answering his phone either. Zack is starting to get agitated and the righteous smirk on Niki’s face is only pissing him off.

“I mean, five minutes late, I could understand, but this is ridiculous.” Niki scoffs. He buffed his nails to high shine on the leather belt he normally uses for his blades.

“He never stood me up before. I don’t get it. Why set up a meeting, if you don’t come?” Zack frowns. He tries to call the priest again and gets no answer.

“Hey guys. All clear in the park.” Layla saunters up to them. The petit blond is covered in demon blood and smiles like crazy.