Chapter One

He wasn't sure if this was more or less comfortable. On the one hand, he felt restricted, claustrophobic, and a little lost. On the other, he felt less judged, just one of the crowd, nothing special about him. For decades he'd been the one attacked, verbally and physically, for attributes of himself he couldn't control. But was it worth it?

He glanced around, taking in his immediate surroundings. He could see green grass, hear the giggles of young humans, the chattering of mothers, the hum of cars and whirring of electronic devices from all sides. He was sitting in a field in what he could only assume was a park, because outside of it was entirely tall buildings, businesses, and worn down apartments and houses. This was no doubt the definition of a big city. It was the ideal place to start his hunt. Ten human souls was nothing, even without his powers. He watched as a group of high school girls passed, giggling at him. That was four he could have easily taken with him already. Why didn't he, then?

Something felt wrong.

He'd felt it the moment he'd been told he'd need to travel to the human world without his powers. He knew he was being tested — he'd just advanced to the next rank, and everyone seemed to be against the decision. But he'd met with Lucifer's second-in-command and had been told if he wanted to continue up the ranks, he'd have to do this.

It didn't sit well with him. There was nothing particularly proving about bringing ten human souls to hell, even without using any powers. He was expected to do something more, he knew it.

But whatever it was, it was likely not going to simply walk up and tell him. And so, with that thought in mind, he stood up from his spot on the grass and looked around once more. The high school girls were gone, so that opportunity was already missed, but nearby he could see two mothers sitting together awkwardly as they watched their children playing on the playground equipment before them. They were too cautious, they'd be difficult to trick.

Down the sidewalk a ways was an older man in a business suit passing through with a briefcase. His eyes lingered on the playground a little too long, and even Rennyn had to sneer in disgust. Humans were truly odious creatures; he wasn't sure what made angels so attached to their lives. Certainly one like this didn't deserve protection.

Making his selection, he approached calmly, as if he were only a passerby. He wondered if the man was interested in the little girls or the little boys, and what age it extended to. Rennyn himself was probably too old, but that didn't stop him from talking to the man.

"Excuse me, I think I'm a little lost. I was looking for the library but I think I made a wrong turn," he started politely, producing the most unassuming and innocent smile he could muster.

The man tore his gaze off the playground, and as Rennyn thought, he appeared uninterested in Rennyn's age. Oh well, it wasn't the only hook he had. "My little sister is there for story time and my mom asked me to pick her up."

There we go, he thought as the man's eyes lit up. Let's go you fucking creep.

"Why don't I take you down there? It's not far, and I have some time," he answered, as expected.

"Thank you!" Rennyn responded happily, and allowed the man to begin the journey, even though it wouldn't be to the library.