Chapter 3 - Moving into the City

"I am your liege, I am your god."

~~~~

You cannot fly up to heaven. Angels do not “fly” in the sense of the word humans put to our unique way of travel. We have wings, but we do not use them to beat against the air and roam around like the common bird. They are not always visible, but a sign is usually on the human we choose as a vessel. How we travel is akin to what humans consider “teleportation.”We instantly appear in one place, and can be in another in a matter of seconds.

When we procure a place beside the Father after we pass, we arrive in Heaven with some sort of stone upon us. Seven of us existed before the creation of humans, before we took on their forms. There were seven stones, each representing a different sensation: Valor, Love, Tranquility, Serenity, Intellect, Humility, and Joy. With the arrival of the other archangels throughout the course of time, more and more stones appeared. Most recently, our new addition Castiel brought Hope with him, a stone that could be considered a tip in our favor. One could not achieve anything if one did not hope.

Separately, these stones act as a way to power their individual and keep them safe. Together, we never knew that they’d form such a formidable weapon and indirectly begin a war.

-Raphael

~~~~

The strong sulfuric odor hung in the air, its thick scent penetrating the cracks in the doors and windows. Tenants next door sniffed once before grumbling in complaint about the sewage system in the complex. Bayne clenched and unclenched his fists, feeling the contours of his hands and arms (which felt very muscular). “I’ll need to air this place out. I hate the smell the portals leave behind.” He turned at the sound of a giggle. “Oh, dear. Your vessel,” he said while shaking his head. “You’d kill a poor bastard.”

Jezebel softly tapped her knuckles against the leather couch, looking rather bored. “I think she’s pretty. She’s has been sitting silently in a corner of her own mind, biding and waiting. Smart not to fight back.” She tilted her head to the side, slender features and wide eyes. “Her name escapes me, but it seems she belongs in the Korean music industry.”

“Jessica Jung.” Lilith slung her legs over the couch arm, making Bayne sigh in exasperation. “One of the nine girls in SNSD, or Girl’s Generation. I know perfectly well who I am. The Koreans will never know the difference between their golden girl Boa Kwon and the real me.” She smiled. “And my, my. Bayne, I have to hand it to you. Snatching up the most recognized face in the Asian world is pretty boss.”

Bayne scowled. “I’ve had this vessel picked out for ages.”

“Did I ever say it was?” She examined her fingernails. “Hmm, I need a manicure.”

“We’re not here for pleasure, Lilly.” Jessica glanced at a clock on the wall. “I must be going. My members are probably wondering where cute little Jessica has gone.” She bent forward and kissed Lilith—now Boa—on the cheek and smirked. “Don’t do anything stupid.” She patted the girl’s head and turned to Bayne. “You might want to get to your group, Bayne, unless you want them to freak out.”

“Of course.” He sneered. “Don’t whore yourself to any human males. With that body, they’ll be lining up to jam themselves into you.” She just winked and slunk out of the roomy apartment.

“Hey, I think I’m going to go, too. I have no idea where her apartment is.” Boa yawned and stretched on the couch before looking up at Bayne, who was examining himself in the mirror. “Have you researched your vessel? You need to be able to fool the other guys. Otherwise, the jig is up and you’ll have to start all over again.”

“I know a bit. Mostly I know his habits and behaviors. I do study, unlike some of the soldiers Lucifer employs.” He tilted his head to the side, staring at his sexy reflection. “Who are you? What are your hobbies? What are your fears?” He smirked. “And how do you get women into your bed?”

Boa rolled her eyes. “You get after Jez—Jessica for lusting after men, and you’re going to be naughty yourself? Bad Bayne.”

“Jaejoong,” he automatically corrected. “If we’re going to keep up appearances, we might as well become accustomed to calling each other by our aliases.”

“Right, right. You do that. I’m off to find a nail tech and where the hell my apartment is.” She rolled onto her feet. “SM Entertainment’s artists are being taken over by us.” She looked back before opening the door. “Nice place. Hopefully, the other members won’t be interested in why you requested to live in an apartment by yourself so suddenly.”

“They shouldn’t look too much into it.” He ran his eyes over his lean, cut body. “He works too much on his upper body. Balance is essential when building muscles.” He nodded to Lilith and she shut the door behind her. “Now…it’s time to research your diet, your selling points, and the other members of DBSK. Kim Jaejoong…oh, we shall acquaint ourselves beginning now.”

~~~~

“Metatron gave you the hookup!” Raziel gazed around the spacious loft in jealousy. “Why the heck couldn’t he do the same for the rest of us?” She glared at Gabrielle, who was tying her long dark hair into a braid. “Who are you again?” She raised her arm to show a pretty black wristband. “He stuck me in a freaking girl group. F(x). Some girl named Krystal. Can you believe it? Ugh. Where are the others staying? Dang it, why didn’t Metatron give me a loft?” She stamped her foot in anger.

A hand came down on her shoulder and gripped her tight. “Darling sister, don’t even complain about being stuck in a group.” Raguel shuddered. “He’s placed me in a thirteen-member boy band. A boy band,” he said hollowly. “I have to share space with twelve other males who have only sexy and food on their brains.”

“Give them the benefit of a doubt,” Gabrielle laughed while twirling her braid. “I still don’t know who I am.”

“Maybe you have an ID on you or something.” Raguel shrugged. “I want to know what kind of name Siwon is. I know it’s Korean, but from what little I know about the guy, he is very Christian and makes some awfully large expressions.” He shifted his eyebrows. “You look more like a girl from SNSD.”

“She’s not,” someone said behind Gabrielle. Raphael lounged in an armchair. “I like this place. Chamuel and Castiel got stuck with me and Michael. We’re all under one single stinking roof.” He smiled sardonically. “Ever heard of Dong Bang Shin Ki?”

All three sets of eyes widened. “Metatron assigned you to them? The fans are going to go berserk if they find out a bunch of archangels hijacked their beloved boys’ bodies.” Siwon threw his head back and laughed. “This should be a fun experience. I know some of the cherubs have made a place down here as a group in SM  Entertainment. SHINee, anyone?”

“No way! The cherubs are those cute, little things?” Krystal grumbled. “Why couldn’t he stick me with SNSD? I actually like them…I don’t know jack about f(x)! And how do you even say their name? Is it f of x, or effects? Because if it’s the latter, that’s incorrect.”

Gabrielle looked over Raphael, who was jiggling his foot and humming quietly. “Micky Yoochun.”

“Yes?” he answered, lifting his head to wink at her.

“My goodness, you’ve done your research.”

“Guess who Chamuel is?” he chuckled.

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Seeing as how he is ridiculously tall, I’ll say Changmin. What about Michael and Castiel?”

Krystal piped up. “I know Michael was free to choose, so he chose Yunho.”

“That makes Castiel the guy who laughs like a damn dolphin.” Siwon briefly touched Gabrielle’s braid before gazing into her eyes. “You, on the other hand, are an unknown.” He looked back at Yoochun. “You said she’s not from that girl group. Who is she then?”

“I’m not too sure. Check your person; see if there’s an ID.”

She patted down her simple jeans and shirt before reaching into a front pocket and finding a driver’s license. “Ha Yuri.” The others frowned while she sighed. “Yeah, that’s definitely not a well-known name. I’m nobody, and you guys are all…famous.” She pouted. “I mean, I guess I don’t want to be known by a lot of people, but still…”

“There’s a reason why you’re not famous like the rest of us. This Bayne guy can’t find out that we’ve got a contract out on him; therefore, the Big Man decided that you should play incognito while down here. You’ll still have to get into the good graces of whoever Bayne is in disguise as. That we probably won’t find out for a while.” Yoochun stretched. “In the meantime, I think I should meet up with the others for our first public appearance as five again. Krystal, you need to get acquainted with your group.” He glanced around. “Where’s Ariel?”

“OH MY GOODNESS!” A very pretty Korean girl came barreling out of the bathroom and flung her arms around Yuri, who stumbled backwards. “Do you see who he made me?! Oh, my Lord, I love this girl group!” She stepped back and smiled. “Tiffany from SNSD! Can you believe it?! Oh, Metatron loves me most! I just proved it!” She hugged Yuri again, who grinned despite the other girl nearly crushing her ribs. “You and I can be besties still and get away with it!”

Krystal scowled. “Shut up, Ariel. You BFFs have fun. I’m out.” She tossed her head back and walked swiftly out the front door. Siwon nodded at them before following his twin sister.

Yoochun flicked a strand of his hair away from his eyes. “Tiffany, you should probably get back to your group before they get suspicious of where you’ve gone. Appearances mean everything, you know.” He looked at Yuri, who was inspecting herself in the mirror. “Hmm…slender and willowy figure…doe eyes…long, wavy hair…and a heart-shaped face. You’re a knock-out.”

She beamed at him in the mirror. “Thank you…Yoochun.”

“You’re most welcome. Farewell, ladies.” He bowed slightly before leaving.

Tiffany approached Yuri from behind and placed her chin on her shoulder. “Isn’t this awesome, Yuri? We’re finally on a mission together! Who would have thought?”

“Certainly not me. I’m always paired with Michael—I mean, Yunho, I guess.”

“Yeah, well…screw him. You guys need a bit of a break, you workaholics.” She gestured to the loft. “Metatron gave this to you because he thinks you deserve it. So does Yunho. Yuri, you’re our best girl. You’ll bag this demon, no problem. With Siwon working on welding the stones together into a weapon for you, you’re going to take him out without any difficulties. I have faith in you.” She squeezed her shoulders. “Now let’s play our parts and get this show on the road!”

Yuri nodded. “You know, I think I will go see the turnout for that band Michael and Raphael are in.”

“Yoochun and Yunho,” Tiffany corrected. “You should get used to calling them that so you don’t slip up. One little mistake could lead to a lot of questions.” She tilted her head to the side. “But I think it’d be cool for you to get out and about. Tell me how it goes, and if you have to take down any Cassies. Their fans,” she added at Yuri’s perplexed look. “You’ll see once you get there. I think Yoochun left directions for you…”

~~~~

People bustled back and forth on the street. A few were forced to step into the bike lanes on the streets because the sidewalks were severely congested. Carts and tables were set up with noodles and rice bowls for the morning commuter. A group of school kids hurried down the street, backpacks jostling other passersby. Two large strays wandered around, sniffing at people’s bags and stealing a few noodles from the carts. Hardly anyone paid attention to the man in red and black striding leisurely alongside them, sunglasses saving his eyes from the harsh glare of the sun.

A few did see him. One old woman nearly dropped her grocery bags at the mere sight of him. Two high school girls eyed him with interest, in part because he resembled a well-known Japanese actor—but they convinced themselves it couldn’t possibly be him. One homeless guy known for his wild accusations pointed a shaking finger at the man and hollered, “The Devil walks among us!”

The man barely turned his head to the side, and the homeless guy yelled in horror at something possibly only he could see. No one else paid attention; everyone was focused on getting to where they need to be. Crawling maggots, they are. They lap at my feet like much. Some of them are pretty. They will be even prettier when they descend. Some I think I will send straight to the rack. Not all the condemned are the gorgeous starlets of Hollywood. “You people,” he muttered as he climbed the steps to an extravagant hotel. “If it’s shiny and sparkly, you’ll do anything to get it.”

“Ahh, my liege.” Some people stared in curiosity as a lean young man bowed to the man in red and black. “It is a pleasure to see you.”

“What in the name of all that’s evil are you wearing?” he snarled. He had mistaken the stares for mere curiosity and interest. Now he recognized the bewitched and surprised look on some of the random faces. “You…” He snatched him by the arm and hauled him inside. He yanked the young man around to face him. “You couldn’t have chosen a worse face to have.”

“Eh?” he said dully.

“And I thought you had brains in you, Mephisto.” Lucifer shook his head slowly. “Do you not realize who you’ve taken as a vessel? None other than a member of a very prominent group here in South Korea! I should have told Lilith to room with me. You stupid moron.”

“That’s kinda harsh, don’t you think?” Mephisto scoffed.

“Harsh is what I deal in.” He grabbed him by the collar and brought Mephisto’s face down to his (considering he was quite taller). “Joon Ji Hoon. Rain. That is your name. That is what you will answer to. If I call your name, you will turn around and acknowledge me, no matter where you are or who you are with. I am your liege, I am your god. You listen to me and me alone. Understand?”

“Beg pardon, my lord, but who are you?”

His smile had a cruel twist to it. “A Japanese actor that has gone on holiday from his country. I believe the rest of the world calls him Miura Haruma. You will call me by that name. Drop the pleasantries and formalities. No one will like the ‘my lord’ crap.”

“Of course, my l—Miura.”

“Glad you understand. Ah, Delilah and Marguerite. You’ve chosen two of Korea’s most high-profile artists. Do you learn nothing from me?”

Two women approached them from the concierge’s desk, and even Mephisto had enough brains to recognize both of them: Lee Hyori and the leader of Girl’s Generation. “How do you do?” the kid leader asked, inclining her head. Hyori winked at him.

“Ah, Delilah,” Miura acknowledged her. “You’ve shrunk into a midget.”

“I take great offense to that!” she snapped before regaining her composure. “I apologize, my liege.”

“So you must be Marguerite,” Rain mumbled. She nodded once, winking at him again. His slow smile spread across his face.

Delilah bowed. “We’ve booked rooms here, my lord, to keep close to you.”

“Call me Miura, as I’ve instructed Rain to do so.” He checked the golden pocket watch stashed in his coat pocket. “I have a few errands that need running. I require a penthouse suite in this hotel, and I want everyone to know of my location immediately. The witch will have drawn the tattoos on Bayne already, but I have where he’s living. As for the witch herself, the hellhounds, and Jezebel and Lilith…I’m sure you’ll find out easily.” He nodded towards the bar. “There is a soul in there that practically screams out for me. He’s committed adultery and rape. I believe I owe him a talk.”

Rain lifted an eyebrow. “You’re not a soul collector.”

“Your statement of the obvious grows weary. Yes, I know I am not a soul collector. However, I can brand him for a collection from Bayne. The girl is not his only mission. He must still collect as many as he can within the time period I’ve given him.”

“And that would be?” Marguerite asked.

“Why, half a year.” Miura began to head towards the bar. “Until later, darlings.”

~~~~

The screams. The crying. The sheer vastness of the crowd. A sea of estrogen. A sea of red. Ages varying from nearly children to older than Mother Teresa. They were all screaming…for them? For him? Bayne knew a certain amount of them screamed for him. He had his own group of fans that favored only him. The others had their own groups, of course. He was egotistical enough to believe their groups were smaller.

Sitting here on a stage made him feel like a god; unknown to the humans, he was more than them. Perhaps not better, but definitely more powerful and more intelligent. The fans were also seated, but little good that did; they were flailing around and crying out for five men who didn’t care much for the screaming. He knew the real Jaejoong loved his fans dearly, but the real Jaejoong was currently occupied in a far corner of his own mind. It doesn’t matter. Pick a handful for tonight. Save the prettier ones for tomorrow night; you don’t need their energy so badly. You’re going to need the stronger, purer ones for later.

“You look like you’re spacing out again, Jae.” Yunho thumped him on the back. “You should probably get more sleep.” The other guys laughed at him. “Hey, speaking of sleep…you seriously need to get a girlfriend.”

He composed his face to resemble what the singer’s would look like in this situation: a surprised, slightly embarrassed, open-mouthed expression. “Eh???”

“Jae, you heard me. Oh crap. Here comes the crass duo. Don’t say anything.” They simultaneously bowed in respect to the MCs of the event. “Good morning,” Yunho muttered into the tiny microphone clipped on his collar. “We are…”

Just as always, they said simultaneously, “Dong Bang Shin Ki!”

Will their lungs not burst? Bayne—as Jaejoong—smiled sweetly at the girls attempting to storm the stage, held back by barriers and bodyguards. Come, my female lovelies. I’m not picky about who I seduce. Any of you will suffice for a month’s worth of energy. Now who is worthy enough to share my bed tonight…?

“We’ve heard that you are planning a comeback pretty soon, after being out of the Korean music market for more than two years!” one of the MCs exclaimed, and the fans lost control of themselves once again. “I see your fans can’t wait for you five to be working together once again! I remember just a few months ago, three of you were unable to participate on certain channels’ variety shows!”

Junsu and Yoochun exchanged glances. Ah, almost forgot. We were welcomed warmly back into our entertainment company’s arms after a long legal feud. Jaejoong glanced over at the new manager Yunho had hired. He was the polar opposite of SM-material: ripped skinny jeans, a snug grey t-shirt, and black leather boots—he fit the title of “rock star” more than “group manager.”  He caught his manager’s eyes and he smirked. That’s right. I’m loved by men, as well. It shouldn’t be too hard to snag a lady.

“Well are you indeed planning a comeback?”

Yunho opened his mouth to speak, but Jaejoong spoke up. “It’s in the works. Nothing too definite. We still have some kinks to work out.” He was, of course, speaking about reestablishing the relationship between the five of them and the company. He noticed that a ripple had gone through the audience, and Yunho had his eyebrow raised. Shit, spoke out of turn. Well-placed joke will fix that. “Although I think our focus right now is more on securing girlfriends.”

“OOOOH~!” the girls in the audience swooned and giggled at the thought. Junsu laughed nervously and Yoochun nodded at Jaejoong.

Changmin shook his head. “Hyung needs to remember that music matters the most for now.”

“And dong saeng needs to remember that I hold his ramen stash hostage until he learns that he’s not always right,” Yunho shot back. They grinned at each other while the girls in the audience cackled with laughter.

Nice save, leader-shii. Jaejoong examined Yunho in interest as he listened intently to the MC talking about how excited she was to see their comeback. You’d make a great general down in hell. You have a sense of power behind you I can’t quite place. Oh, what’d he just ask me? About my love life? “Currently nonexistent. I’m still looking for Mrs. Kim.” His comment ended with a sultry smile at the audience, who swooned under his gaze. Taking souls will be a piece of cake in this body.

Now…as for the prophetess…I need to seek her out. And soon. I’d rather not spend all my time with four men I couldn’t care less about.

~~~~

“I’m going to murder you when I get home,” Anastasia murmured to her younger sister as she bounced excitedly in her seat. “I don’t know how you scored backstage passes to an event that doesn’t even sell backstage passes to the public. Tell me your secret, and I’ll tell you how to make my special chicken cordon bleu.”

Zell rolled her eyes. “Puh-lease! You’ll never let that out. My friend snagged these from her dad because he works all of SM’s major events. I think it’s safe to call this a major event. Dong Bang Shin Ki finally getting back together! Ah, I can’t believe it!” Two girls beside them nodded in agreement but went back to screaming their love at the boys gathered on stage. “Taz, don’t be such a grumpy gus! You can hook up with one of them, and I can get all their autographs on my huge wall poster! It’s like a dream come true.”

Anastasia’s eyes reluctantly found Yunho’s handsome face as he rambled on about what they wanted to do in the future as a “new and improved Dong Bang Shin Ki.” Even from this far away, she could see the small smile on his face whenever he talked about his precious members everyone knew he still cared about. He is pretty hot…and sweet…and tall…

“Earth to Taz! Come in, Taz!”

“Oh!” She jerked out of her trance. “Sorry!”

“Yeah, yeah.” Zell sat back in her seat. “Tell that to the popcorn guy. I flagged him down for no reason, and now I get no popcorn. Whore.”

“Giselle,” Anastasia reprimanded her little sister. “I don’t care who taught you that word. You are still twelve years old. Don’t ever let me hear you saying that ever again.”

“Once I turn eighteen, I’m going to cuss so much, it’s not even funny,” Zell grumbled.

“You remember what Mom used to say.” They both smiled fondly as they repeated in a trilling voice, “‘People who use such language should be strung up by their toes in the courtyard of a king and made to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star five times in a row!’”

“Alright already. I’ll stop saying whore.”

“Zell!”

“Jay-kay, jay-kay. Yeesh.”

~~~~

Character list will be up as soon as I post this chapter. Look for it in the footer.