A Demon's Fall to Grace

Fourth Encounter

Salazar led his brother to a church.

"I'll bet you I can corrupt a nun."

His brother snerked, "I highly doubt it little brother. But sure, I'll play along. You've got one night. I'll be back at midnight."

The little demon crept into the building. Hallowed ground didn't really bother him as much as it did most demons; he was made of sterner stuff. In the silent church there was only one occupant kneeling in a pew praying. As the demon snuck closer he could hear her praying for guidance, because she was afraid she was losing her faith.

"Father, there is so much suffering in the world. I don't know how to live in a world where there is so much pain, and yet you do nothing to stop it. Please guide me, tell me what I'm supposed to do."

Salazar took a running jump into her and she jerked violently and fell to the floor.

'Oh God, what happened?' She asked. 'What's going on? Am I being punished for my doubt?'

"It's just a routine possession, nothing to be concerned about," said a cheeky little Salazar. "I think you need to wind down a bit, let's go out for a drink, shall we?"

'What? No! We're not allowed out at night.'

"Do you always do as you're told?" He could feel her struggling to break his hold on her, but he was much stronger than she was. The nun was terrified of what the demon was going to do to her, but couldn't seem to break free. As they walked into a bar all eyes turned towards them, and Salazar let off a cheerful wave, while making his way to a stool. "Barkeep, my good man, how about a cold one?"

The barkeeper raised an eyebrow, but slid over a beer. As the demon took a long swallow he grinned at the dismay of the nun, and almost laughed when she mentally gagged at the taste.

'You are a horrible person.'

"I'm a demon lady. What'd you expect?”

As he took another swig he noticed a gloomy looking guy next to him. "Hey man, what's got you down tonight?"

"Oh, hey sister. Just having a bad year. I lost my job, and can't afford to pay my rent. I found a 5 dollar bill on the ground and decided to try and forget for a while. Hence why I'm here."

"Do you have any ideas on what to do for a job?"

"Nope, I'm good at working outside, but there's really not much work around the city for that kind of stuff except to mow what little grass exists here. But even those jobs are full. I'm a good handyman as well, but you've got to know the right people to get on with those guys. I keep applying, and they always say they'll call me back, but they never do."

The nun perked up inside him. 'Hey, tell him we have need of a gardener and handyman to help out around the church.'

The demon looked thoughtful for a second as he conversed with his captive. "Well, I know of a place looking for someone just like you. I doubt they will pay you a large sum, but it'd be steady work. The church is in need of some help."

"I doubt the church would want me, I don't really believe in the whole concept."

Salazar shrugged, "God loves you anyways."

The nun didn't say anything, but that thought had not come from her. What would a demon know of God? It was at this time that the demon noticed Malachi sitting in a dark booth by himself. He wrote down the address for the man, and patted him on the back before heading off to sit across from the angel.

Malachi grinned, "Well hello there Sally, I didn't see you there."

The demon growled out, "What do you want angel?"

"A nun? Really? Trying out the virtuous look to go with your saintly abilities?"

"I'll have you know I'm corrupting this nun, thank you."

"Oh yeah, really corruptive, you've just turned that man's life around, and gave him something to look forward to in the future. He's going to become a member of the church after he realizes the chain of events that led him and you to the same place, at the same time to give him that job. He's going to see all the good the church does, the people they save, and watch as the community gets better with his help." Malachi smiled. "You big bad demon you. Even now I can feel the repercussions of your actions affecting the nun you are currently hijacking, and her faith is being restored. Speaking of which, you have about 2 minutes left with that body before the power of her faith kicks you out. Gotta run, see you later Sally."

"It's Salazar you winged freak!"

The whole conversation had been witnessed by the nun. There was a real angel in front of her, and the demon controlling her had done the Lord's work. If this wasn't a sign of God's work, then nothing was. She could feel the power filling her, and the bonds between Salazar and herself were failing. He had just enough time to get outside before he was thrust out of her body to land on his ass on the sidewalk.

The clock began chiming midnight, and she saw the demon sitting on the ground beside her."You really aren't what I expected demon. You aren't such a bad guy."

Salazar began to growl and his brother walked up beside him. "Another failure I see. Let's go. There’s someone that will want to see you." He yanked Salazar up and held him by the arm as they disappeared.

Authors' Note: I guess we should get writing on this story before you guys catch up. Hope you are all liking it. Let us know what you think.