Chapter 30: The Problem with Pishacha

Bailey sat in the passenger seat of the truck with her head buried in one of Sam's many books. Attempting to ignore the demon king who remained silent, he felt an anxious energy swaying under his skin. Glancing at her from time to time as the city opened up around then, the cold frosty air promised snow as the pair drove towards the museum. Handfuls of bright, twinkling Christmas lights covered the city around them. It was the Holiday season but neither felt the happiness in the chilly air. Baal could just hardly see the top of the giant Christmas tree in the heart of the city.

"So, we're going to get your bike then you're just gonna let me drive your truck," she asked, though it didn't come off as a question more a statement. He nodded towards her, grunting in response which made her shut the book and let it drop to her lap.

"We're stuck together, so let's at least not fight,"

"I just grunted,"

"You know what I mean, I don't like you Baal," she spat. "You demons are all the same, I can't see why they trust you but I don't."

Baal winched at this, anger splashed through his veins. He knew it wasn't easy for anyone to trust him, he wasn't mad at her for that, but silently he wondered if she blamed him for the loss of her sons.

"Look, I wasn't stalkin' you," Baal huffed, "least, not the way you think."

"Oh? What were you doing?"

Baal felt eyes on him, not hers, but someone else's. He couldn't explain it as he shuffled uncomfortably in his seat, "look, you we're the new night guard. I assumed it'd be easier to get the paintin' on your shift opposed to anyone else's. I'm not some creep, I want to save this damn planet as much as the next guy,"

"Why do you want to save anything?" She asked, not acknowledging what he said fully causing him to clench his jaw in minor frustration.

"Cause I'm one of the idiots who live here, besides, I got people I care about too,"

Bailey blinked at him a few times but she didn't reply, knowing the demon was close to Sam who seemed delighted to be in Baals presence. The museum came into view, the two remained silent as Baal pulled into the parking lot across the street. His motorcycle still sat in it's spot, seemingly untouched.

He handed her the keys, she greedily snatched them up only for a knock on the window to startle the duo. A pair of detectives stood outside the door, the agents looked as if they had been just waiting for the two.

Baal opened the door, stepping out into the cold sunlight. Thankfully he didn't feel the chill as the warmth in his body ramped up, tugging his purple jacket off and tying it around his waist to let his body relax in the cold.

"Mornin' officers, something wrong?" Baal asked, eyes moving between the two. The man was smaller, but he held an air about him that reminded Baal of a wolf.

"Morning," Theo said with a smile.

"Good morning, sir. Are you Nahum Hoffman?" The woman asked, holding a clipboard in one hand as she read what was written on the paper.

Bailey hopped out of the car as Baal shuffled uncomfortably, his vessel's name. He hadn't heard it for a while, subconsciously fiddling with the DNR bracelet that was still strapped securely to his wrist.

"Am I saying that right?" She asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Yes ma'am,"

"And where are you from? Such an interesting name," Theo asked, eyes falling to Bailey who made her way to Baal. Watching with a puzzled expression on her features,

"It's Hebrew," he whispered.

"And is this your bike?" He gestured to the motorcycle.

"What's this about?" Bailey asked, cutting the man off.

"Bailey Gunnr, age thirty nine, widowed, your car is still here, is that why you came over here? It's funny, your car and your bike both seemed to really enjoy sitting here on the night of the break in,"

Bailey froze, she looked at Baal who looked at her. Both of which had nothing to say to this, the woman shuffled a bit.

"Yes well, me and B-- Nahem,"

"Nahum," Baal whispered,

"Yes, Nahum, went on-- a date on the night of the break in," she lied, placing a hand on the other's arm. Wincing at how hot his skin was to the couch, "and we...yaknow, got caught up with...being a couple," she laughed "with the whole dating, and kissings...and you...know," waving a hand in the air as she attempted not to fall into a rambling episode, making sure to lean on Baal as she did so.

"Right, you mentioned that to your manager, David, well my name's Theo and this is Dagmar, we just want you both to come down to the station and answer a few questions," the man said, his partner stared Stony faced at the two. Her eyes seemed to be settled on Bailey who felt panic rise in her chest,

"We can't do that," Bailey blurted out, "uh, see we have to go to a..." she motioned at Baal for help who looked confused,

"Funeral," he grunted,

The two FBI agents exchanged a look as Bailey's smile turned more nervous, "yes...a funeral," she said through gritted teeth.

"Who's funeral? We can drive you," Dagmar offered.

"Oh no it's...just,"

"Dog," Baal whispered,

Bailey shot him a look of rage, "yeah...best dog we've...ever had," she whispered.

"What was his name?" Theo asked, pulling out a notepad and starting to write what they were saying down.

"Cheddar," Baal said quickly, he'd never had to think so quickly in his life causing him to become uncomfortable.

"Alright, I think you both just need to come down to the station with us, hands behind your backs," Dagmar said with a roll of her eyes. Reaching to grab a pair of handcuffs from the side of her large belt.

Bailey groaned, Baal shook his head wondering how he was going to tell Sam they'd been arrested.

***

Bailey and Baal sat on the pavement in front of Theo and Dagmars car, the demon king's heat was harsh as rage rolled off of him, he was angry that they got caught, pissed that Bailey didn't want to give him a chance, frustrated that he was damned no matter what he did.

Theo clipped handcuffs on Baal, wincing at the heat that rolled off his skin.

"Are you sick?" The man asked, turning to his partner.

"Grab the thermometer," Dagmar arched an eyebrow at her partner, they shared a look before the other walked back to the car.

"I'm fine, just run hot," Baal whispered, anxiety spiked through his veins. "How many folks have you used these on?" He asked as Theo adjusted the handcuffs to fit.

"A lot, why?"

"You ever disinfected 'em?"

"No?"

Baal had enough playing nice, he was a demon, even if he turned a new leaf he didn't think his team would want him or Bailey being carted off to jail. Besides, the cuffs were probably intensely dirty, which Baal didn't like. Theo turned to talk to his partner as he took the thermometer from her, grabbing a second item from the woman as well but Baal didn't have time to think about it.

With a quick movement of his wrists the handcuffs whined under the heat and pressure before snapping, Theo looked back at him in shock. Dagmar looked equally as perplexed, Theo leaned down to pick up the handcuffs, dropping them quickly. The metal a shade of deep, angry red as they laid broken on the floor. Bailey couldn't stop the grin that swept over her face.

"W-well..." Theo whispered, glancing down at the two. "I only have two pairs on me, guess I'll have to make due,"

Baal hadn't expected what was happening next as Dagmar leaned down with her pair of long handcuffs, snapping one end of the handcuffs to Bailey's wrist and then to Baals making the demon blink in shock.

"What the hell? What kind of police handcuffs people together? This isn't a romantic sitcom!" Bailey shouted out.

"We're not police, ma'am. We're FBI, and our set of rules are just a bit different," Theo held up his badge, special agent Theodoric Rose. Dagmar held hers up as well, special agent Dagny Marshall.

"So, are you two going to get in the car nice and easy or should we call for backup?" Dagmar asked, arching an eyebrow. Baal glared but something caught his eyes, a small cloud of what seemed like birds was swarming rapidly towards them.

As the creatures got closer and closer Baal could make out their chattering voices, the harsh beat of wings, the angry red glint in their eyes. In the middle of broad daylight flew a group of Pishacha, with tongues long and lolling out of their jaws, rows of thorn sharp teeth stuck from their cherry red gums, their long horns and dark bodies glittered in the cool sunlight. Theo looked at the terror in the demon king's eyes, following his gaze to the skies and squinting against the sunlight.

"What is that?" He asked no one in particular. Dagmar looked up now too,

"That son of a bitch must be fearless to let those things out in the middle of the day," Baal gasped,

"What is that?" Theo said louder this time, turning to Baal who jumped up. Bailey was yanked up with him, letting out a gasp of pain and shock.

He didn't answer the agent as he raced past the two who drew their guns without hesitation.

"Wait!" Theo yelled

Baal turned to them, his eyes turned bright yellow as he growled out, "get in your car and drive, those things will pick your bones clean,"

Excitement and fear flashed over Theo's face, eyes wide, "you're...not human,"

"You got that right kid, now go," he snarled. Not waiting to see what the agents would say as he bound to the bike, Bailey stumbled after him.

"Slow down!" She shouted, trying to keep up the best she could.

"No time!" He shouted back, leaping onto the bike without a second though. He shoved his keys into the ignition but the way the handcuffs sat on him made it hard to move his large arms.

"Scoot!" Bailey said, shoving him away from the bike and taking her position in the front of it. He got behind her without question.

The bike roared to life, Bailey winced as her wrapped up hand made contact with the handles but that didn't stop her from pushing it to drive and kicking forward. Within seconds she could hear the screeching of the monsters, they dove at them with large hungry teeth. The bike shot like a bullet down the street leaving the confused and terrified FBI agents behind them.

"Drive away from the city! These things will kill and eat whatever they want!" Baal shouted over the wind that flashed through his ears, she nodded to him, slamming on the breaks causing the demon to nearly fall off. She glared up at the soot colored monsters, they reminded her of a gremlin only much darker with longer tongues.

"What are you doing?" Baal shouted,

"Turning around," she retorted, kicking forward with the bike. The monsters dove at them, Baal shoved her head down causing the woman to Yelp in surprise and almost crash.

"Don't do that!" She shouted, "I don't need you to help me," she shoved his hand away, getting control of the bike once more.

They flew past the monsters, onto a street that seemed mostly vacant. The pair continued to shoot down the street at great speed, the monsters formed into their flock above and hoovered. Baal watched them behind bright yellow eyes, his mind working quickly as he tried to recall how to hide from them. He could take them, but being attached to Bailey made it nearly impossible to do much. His mind raced to his brass knuckles he left in the car, grinding his teeth in frustration.

"Go into a garage," Baal shouted, it wouldn't stop them but it'd slow them down. Bailey's hair whipped into his face as he attempted not to hang onto her too tight. Mostly keeping his palms dug into her leather jacket, feeling awkward about putting his hands on her waist.

She drove down the street with narrowed eyes, turning sharp and quick a few times as she made for a small parking garage. The garage didn't hold many cars, it was attached to a small movie theater that seemed to be closed for the morning.

The woman took a sharp turn into the garage, Baal latched onto her to prevent himself from falling over as she drove to a stop. The area was vacant of any human souls, at least, for now.

"Okay," she kicked the stand up, getting off only to take half a step and get tugged back as Baal remained in his seat.

She tugged at the cuffs angrily, as if she expected to break them. Growling with frustration as she yanked her arm violently a few times ignoring the pain that shot through her wrist.

"Stop that, they ain't that easy to break," he grunted.

"Okay, talk! What are those?" She demanded, pointing towards the exit as she attempted to slip her wrist from the metal but it was no use.

"They're called Pishacha's, they're flesh eating demons. Think of em as minions of Lucifer, do you have any marks on you?"

"Marks? And that doesn't explain anything,"

"We don't have time to explain, those things will chew you up and spit you out before you have a chance. If you're marked then they're going to be after you and you alone, do you have any odd marks on you? Maybe it hurts or it's itchy?"

Bailey hesitated, the look of horror on her face was enough to tell Baal his suspicion was right. Dread flooded his system as she pulled her sleeve up to show the small red heart,

"That's...the devil's mark all right," Baals mouth felt dry as he let his finger brush over the red heart, his touch sent a spark over her skin which made her shutter.

"Wait, you broke the handcuffs, do it again! We can run easier if we're separated,"

Baal nodded eagerly, closing his eyes. Smoke flowed from his nose as he conjured the heat in his body, she let out a painful gasp which caused him to stop. The heat burned the metal but it also left a mark on her skin, she fought against the hot cuffs with a painful flash in her eyes.

"Shit, I'm sorry," he said, stopping the heat, wanting to place a hand over hers in comfort but keeping himself from doing so. Pulling a bottle of sanitizer from his pocket and rolling his hands together, the strong smelling liquid brought him a sense of comfort.

She rubbed her wrist with fear in her gaze as she looked up at him, it vanished in seconds, turning to rage.

"Just burn my hand off why dontcha," she growled thought he swear he heard a playful note in her tone,

"It was your idea," Baal defended himself. The chattering noise of the demons started to fill the air, their wings flapped loudly echoing in the closed off parking structure as they descended upon the pair.

"What do we do?" Bailey asked,

"We run, until there's a place I can take em out,"

"You can gank those things?" She turned to him with wide eyes. He shot her a grin, "I can gank those things,"

She returned his grin, turning and racing to the bike only to be pulled back as Baal went for a car.

"What-- come on!"

"The cars will be more protection, we should steal one," he said quickly

"How long will that take?"

Baal opened his jaw to speak only to shut it, nodding at her.

"You'll learn I'm always right," she said with a huff as the two made for the bike. She hopped on to the front, the bike roared to life as the monsters clawed into the garage.

Baal looked around them quickly, having left their few weapons in the car. Spotting an old tire iron he snatched it up, with a hard swing it met the face of one of the Pishacha, sending it flying backwards.

"Keep swinging," Bailey shouted, revving the engine. Baal climbed on, careful with his hands.

"Just grab me! I'm a woman, not a baby bird,"

He felt a prickle of embarrassment as he grabbed her waist and they shot forward. With the tire iron firmly in hand as they drove he used it to the best of his abilities to knock the monsters away from them as they shot out of the garage.

"You just need a place to toast them, right?" Bailey shouted over the roar of the bike.

"Yes ma'am," he shouted back, she nodded to him as the city around them woke up.

"Just call me Bailey," she hollered back, he smiled to himself, his heart on fire.

The pair moved through the bustling city, watching the flock of demonic creatures take to the skies. They were watching them patiently in the air, slowly Baal started to realize the monsters had little intention of attacking anyone but Bailey which filled him with anxiety. They drove towards the outskirts of the city, but the monsters flocked around the freeway exit blocking their escape as they clustered together. Cars honked angrily at the Pisacha who paid them no mind, laughing, spitting, moving in unison as they watched the two hunters panic.

"If those things cluster up too much it'll be impossible to kill," Baal shouted over the wind. Bailey hissed in frustration, turning the bike the opposite way now.

The duo went from one side of the city to the other but it was no use, no matter where they went the monsters trapped them from leaving. For a few hours the pair attempted to lose the monsters, weaving in and out of traffic, going into garages, anything to get them away but the monsters continued to follow, getting more aggressive the longer the day went on.

Bailey drove into a gas station, watching with narrowed eyes against the angry sun above as the creatures settled on top of the gas station's roof.

"Hurry," Bailey whispered to Baal who filled the tank in a rush. An idea started to hatch in her mind, though it was risky, at this point she knew people saw them. Noticed the flying devil's that clouded the deep blue skies. She eyed a man who was snapping pictures of the goblin like creatures.

They were off again after a few minutes, her hands cramped up as she made down the highway only to pull off an exit. She started to slow down now, she swore she heard Abel for a heartbeat as she flashed past a large skyscraper but didn't dwell on this.

Her eyes narrowed against the sun as they came up to a coffee shop. Baal blinked a few times as she pulled up,

"What--"

She jumped off, he had no choice but to follow her as she made for the entrance.

"Don't worry, I have a theory," she said, taking a seat in one of the chairs outside. Baal sat beside her, eyes to the skies but he could no longer see the monsters. Bailey picked up a pair of sunglasses someone must have left on the table, placing them over her eyes. A homeless man trotted past the pair, holding two half full coffees in each hand as he went.

"I think those things are trying to avoid attacking us around people," Bailey whispered, Baal leaned forward so he could hear her.

"At least, that's my thought,"

"They might be, Lucifer ain't stupid. Reckless maybe, but stupid He ain't,"

"If we can stay around people, maybe we can wait it out, or at least, get help," she pulled her phone out, scrolling through the contacts to find Abel's number.

A familiar voice broke the hunter from her scrolling, glancing up at the warm greeting.

"Bailey! What are you doing here?"

Her manager stood outside of the shop, holding a cup of coffee. His dark skin shone in the light, the hat on his head covered his rapidly balding head.

"Hey...Dave, you know, just...getting a coffee,"

Dave blinked at her, then to Baal before his eyes fell on the handcuffs.

"Are you alright Bailey?"

"Oh, do you mean the handcuffs?" She held them up, giving an awkward smile.

"They're--"

"Foreplay," Baal blurted out, causing Bailey to shoot daggers at him.

"Right, just, a sex thing. You know Dave, we really gotta go,"

"I thought you were getting a coffee?" Dave asked, he eyed Baal for a few seconds,

"We are that's where we're going!" She leapt up, causing Baal to follow.

"I'll see you around," she said quickly, ducking into the loud coffee shop.

"It's nice to see you dating again!" He called after her, but she ignored this as the strong smell of coffee raced over them. Walking past a bald man that wore an expensive suit with a tie that held a cartoon of a cat and mouse.

"Bailey, nice to see you," he said, nodding towards her.

"You too," she replied, turning to Baal with a glare.

"Don't help me," she hissed at him, "I can lie for us! And foreplay? Really?"

"Who was that?"

"Who knows, probably a Facebook friend,"

"What's wrong with foreplay?"

"Nothing! But don't just tell people were having foreplay,"

she waved a hand dismissively only for the loud clatter of claws against glass caught their attention.

The two turned in shock as one of the Pishacha stood outside, ramming it's small body against the glass door. Laughing as it did so, another one fluttered down as well causing the two to look at one another in shock. They vanished for heartbeat before reappearing again.

"How long do you think Abel can keep up that this is all fake?" Bailey asked as Baal snarled.

The people in the shop had fallen silent, watching the monsters attempting to smash the glass. Their sharp claws scratched at the door, grinning.

"They're gonna eat everyone in here if we don't do somethin," Baal snarled, slamming his foot into the ground, sending a wave of hot wind flying in all directions around them.

Bailey looked at him surprised, she had never seen a demon so determined to protect the innocent. He cleared his throat as if he was ready to make an announcement,

"Everyone!" She shouted, knowing Baals' voice didn't carry like hers. "Is there a back door?" She turned to the barista who had his phone up to record what was happening.

"Y-yeah?" He said,

Baal turned towards him, claws extending from his finger, smoke billowed from his nose.

"Get all these people out of here, unless you want to be Pishacha chow,"

She ordered.

"Fun first week," his coworker whispered to the barista. The man scoffed with a nod as his coworkers started to herd people into the back of the store.

"Who are you?" Someone asked as he filmed them, being shoved into the back with the rest of the innocent.

She smirked "Team Born Again," Bailey said with more confidence than she'd ever had. The glass shattered, the two side by side, Baal didn't even need to look at her as he handed the woman his tire iron. She held it tight with her wrapped hand, she now knew, as the glass covered the floor and shone against the vivid twinkling Christmas lights, that she could trust him. Chaos exploded around the pair as the creatures attacked.

"Keep 'em from getting past us!" Baal roared out, his horns exploded from the top of his head. Pain broke through his skull but this was ignored, he couldn't use his heat without hurting her. So he needed to find a new way to beat them down, Grabbing one and throwing it into another. The monsters let out painful gasps as they collided together, scrambling back with a huff.

They clawed into the building, laughing, chattering in an unknown language. Crawling on the walls and ceilings as they jumped at the pair. Bailey swung with all her might as one leapt down towards her, it let loose a yowl of pain as she smacked it back out of the window. It's blue blood dripped off her tire iron. Thankfully the creatures were small and light on their feet, making it easy for her to knock them around. The two fought their way out of the small room, Baal knocking the monsters easily away with his horns as they made for the motorcycle. Using them as if he were a Ram, hot blue blood fell over his face as his horns made contact with their small, hairy bodies.

Grabbing and throwing the monsters out of the cafe that got too close towards the back where the innocent had escaped from and into the streets, a car raced over one. Another was flung into a streetlight, shattering the front of it. Their blue blood stained the concrete, splattering against the windows of the coffee shop.

The people that had been inside the cafe stood just outside by an open alleyway, phones up, jaws on the floor as the two pelted towards the bike. The monsters started for the onlookers, causing Baal to stop and Bailey to be yanked backwards.

"Hey!" He shouted towards the creatures whose attention turned to him. He held up Bailey's arm, showing the mark. She squeaked in pain from the sudden movement but didn't fight it as the Pishacha's charged towards the pair.

Baals' eyes glowed, wind kicked around his body, muscles flexing and with a crack of his neck he shot fire from his jaw causing the monsters to screech in fear, flying back up into their flock in an attempt to escape the demon king. The sound of clapping caused Baal to look around confused before his eyes fell back on the onlookers, they were clapping for him.

"Baal come on!" Bailey yelled, yanking him towards the bike. He shook off the praise, following her now and leaping on the back. Grabbing her waist as she shot forward, the flock of Pishacha tore after the two. The game of cat and mouse bored the creatures as they broke the rules the devil had set for them. Letting out yaps of laughter as they went, cars honked, people screamed, but the monsters remained locked on them. Baal dug into his pocket, desperate for any weapon, cursing himself for leaving his brass knuckles in the car.

"We gotta get my knuckles," Baal shouted to Bailey, who shot him a look,

"That's the opposite way!" She yelled

"I ain't gotta weapon,"

"We have the tire iron!" She held it up only for one of the creatures to snatch it from her hands with a loud giggle. Baal punched at the monster, shooting hot flames from his gut, Flashing bright against the cold skies.

"We had a tire iron," Bailey laughed awkwardly.

She made a quick u-turn at a red light causing the sound of sirens to shout behind them making the monsters scatter. The police had already been alerted to the creatures flying in the air, but they hadn't expected the flock to be following behind the two.

"If those police start shootin' those demons ain't gonna take kindly towards it," he yelled to her, she clenched her jaw.

"Alright, I'll try to get back to the truck," she yelled back, zooming back towards the car the sound of more siren's exploded behind them as a few more cop cars took chase after the two.

"Sam's probably having a heart attack," Bailey shouted over her shoulder with a laugh.

***

Sam stared at the screen before him, he answered phones, sent messages, and attempted to keep Norma from cleaning up his work space but now he ignores the buzzing phone in his hand, Cain's name popped up on the screen but he didn't have time to think as he watched the clip of Bailey and Baal fighting Pishacha in the middle of a coffee shop. He sent Cain to voicemail, speed dialing Baal and held his phone to his ear, hoping, praying one of the two would pick up but to no luck.

What were they doing?

"Hey Sammy," Norma trotted into the home, her smile wide as she handed him a cup of coffee as well as the remote for the large flat screen.

"Did you see that police chase?"

"Oh no," he groaned, taking the remote and mug from the woman. His mind went to Bobby for a few heartbeats, silently wondering how the man had managed to handle him and his brother let alone anyone else.

"--The police seem to be following behind what looks like a woman and a man with horns, on a motorcycle. The odd flying Gremlins can be seen targeting them as they drive. The police have set up a road block not far ahead, hoping to stop the motorcycle--" a report said with wide, excited eyes. The camera showed Bailey and Baal rapidly making their way to the police lineup. The drone that followed the pair occasionally got knocked into by the Pishacha who's laughter caused the hunter to wince.

Cop cars covered the streets opening, guns drawn, everyone seemed more than ready to fire. He watched a short man and a taller woman standing in front of it all, he recognized them but couldn't place where he'd seen them. No time for that.

Sam knocked a few phones aside, picking up an old, flip phone. His heart sank as he flipped it open to a picture of him and Dean making faces while Bobby flipped them off.

"Let's hope you still have connections, Bobby," Sam whispered, he swallowed hard and scanned through the contacts before coming to a name with the words 'FBI NY' beside it. Placing the phone to his ear, eyes not falling from the news.

Hoping the rest of the group wasn't causing as much trouble, though he had to lie for Abel and Chamuel a few times that seemed to fall silent the past hour or two. He didn't have time to think as the person on the other end of the line picked up.

***

The wind whipped her hair back violently, her eyes focused behind the dark sunglasses as she ignored the loud booming voices that came off the police speakers,

"Pull over!" "Stop!"

"Police are so stupid," she yelled to Baal who was far more focused on the creature that clustered above them. The loud noise of the police vehicles caused the monsters to stay hoovering but their laughing could be heard everywhere.

She gasped in shock as she spotted the police blockade ahead, Theo stood at the front lines with his partner. His phone up to his ear, hands in his pocket as he paced.

"Baal we have trouble,"

Baal turned his attention to the police, mind working quickly as he attempted to come up with a solution before they got riddled with bullets. His heart leapt as Theo raised a hand, waving the police down. They all looked at one another in confusion as the bike tore towards them,

"Don't shoot! That's a direct order, let them through!" He shouted, Theo and Bailey locked eyes for a heart beat before she blew past the cars. Her heart pounding violently in her chest as they left the police behind them, the monsters rushed past Theo who watched them with wide eyes as they cackled their way after the pair.

Baal shot more fire from his mouth to keep them at bay but he could feel himself falling into exhaustion as his second stomach started to empty of the hot flames.

"We gotta do somethin' I don't got much firepower left!"

Bailey's eyes flashed to a large construction site, she revved the engine hard before taking a sharp turn into it. The bike screamed as she guided it towards the half built building,

"Bailey!" Baal shouted in terror as she entered the bottom floor.

The building had a few floors built before it broke off into the start of more levels. She gunned it up the stairs of the building, the creatures raced after her with great speed as the bike spluttered. She had only one shot, one thing she could do to get rid of the monsters.

"Baal," she called, he snapped his attention to her.

"I'm trusting you," she hissed, "when I let go of the bike, you get us out of harm's way. Can you do that?"

He felt a flood of joy spark through his veins at her words, determination lit up his features.

"I can do that ten times over," he roared, smoke flew from his nose. She nodded as the bike continued to climb until she came to the last floor. They were up high now as she drove, sucking in air and praying that everyone was right, that Baal wasn't evil, that he would help save them, save her.

She drove hard towards the end of the room that had a large opening, just big enough for the cycle. Baal understood immediately what was happening as the bike flew out of the building, Onto a long plank of wood before taking air. The monsters all dove into the bike, seeing their chance. Baal wrapped himself around her, leapt away, the claws of the creatures tore at him as he shot a blast of fire from his mouth. The hot flames hit the bike, burning the creatures until the fire hit the gas tank. There was a short, silent second where it all felt as though the world moved in slow motion before the tank exploded, sending bloody motorcycle pieces everywhere, showing the world below. The creature screamed in agony as they were eaten by the flaming hot fires of the explosion.

Bailey clung to Baal, the heat in his body wasn't as painful as they fell. She glanced towards where the explosion had happened, watching a few of the creatures fly away in retreat. The hair on their bodies ignited as their eyes bugged out at the sudden death of their friends.

Baal let out a roar of agony, blood showered over them as wings exploded from his back. He was silently thankful he'd taken the time to cut slits into his black tank. She grasped in shock at the wings, feeling relief wash over her. She'd seen Chamuel's wings and silently hoped the demon king had a pair as well.

He used the wings to lift them high into the clouds, Bailey glanced down in shock at how quickly they had raised up. Baal was panting, exhaustion covered his bones but he couldn't stop moving until they we're safe. He flew towards the truck, she watched the sun falling down behind the city and casting it's brilliant colors against the sky. Turning the scene to reds and purples, glancing up at Baal with wide eyes.

"I...can't believe you saved me," she whispered, he grinned down at her, hoisting her up so she could sit on his back, putting her hands on his horns. His body ached, he couldn't stay in the air much longer. He spotted an old junkyard, letting himself fly towards it and dropping to his feet.

He stumbled, groaning painfully as he caught himself. She leapt off of him, helping him stay on two feet as his wings pulled themselves back into his skin. He sucked air in as if he'd run thousands of miles, she rubbed his back lightly helping him sit on an old car.

"Are you alright?" She asked, taking a seat in front of him on the dusty floor below. He nodded to her, scrambling for his hand sanitizer. She watched him pull it off the purple jacket that still sat around his waist. Blue spots of blood dotted the fabric, his body started to relax as he rubbed his hands down. Wincing at the pain the alcohol in the sanitizer caused.

"What's with the jacket?" She asked, he held the small bottle out to her. He'd done this a few times, offering the sanitizer to her, usually she'd brush it off but when she accepted he felt a weight lifting from his shoulders.

"Belonged to my vessel," he replied,

"Why do you still wear it?" She tilted her head before eyeing the hospital band around his wrist.

"And what's with this? Kinda morbid," she reached forward and touched the purple band.

"My vessel," he started, his breathing coming easy now as his horns retracted into his head leaving stains of blood on his hair.

"He...attempted to take his life." Baal frowned, "so I came to him, told him, I'd take his soul and release it, letting it go to Heaven. He had cancer, and the guy was always in pain. In return, I got to use his soulless body,"

"I...didn't know you could do that," she whispered, Baal nodded, "only certain demons can," he coughed, blood splattered onto his hand. He brushed it onto his jeans, "So when I woke up as him well, the only things he had was this jacket, a shirt an' pants. I...decided to keep the jacket and band in honor of him i guess," he fiddled with the band around his wrist, his eyes troubled.

They sat in silence for a few seconds, Bailey digesting what was said to her.

"We gotta go, it's getting dark," she finally whispered, where had the time gone? She felt like it was only an hour ago that they had been cuffed together. Her wrist was swollen from it, but she couldn't complain as she looked over the other.

"Yeah, we gotta be careful. Them things will be back, till we get rid of that mark," she looked down at the heart on her wrist, frowning deeply.

"How...did he do that?"

"Lucifer don't need consent to mark ya, he can mark anyone. But only one at a time,"

He held his hand out to her, "may I see it?"

She looked into his cool blue gaze, she understood why Sam trusted him, why she needed to trust him. He wasn't just a demon, he was also human. She placed her wrapped up hand in his own, he turned it around a few times making sure not to harm the cuts the Howler had given her.

"It's not fully set," he whispered, "when it's set it's black, but it's still red,"

She blinked at him, standing up now though he still towered over her even sitting down. "Is that why it hurts sometimes?"

He nodded, letting his thumb roll over the skin a few times, "it's attempting to set into the bone. But I can...get rid of it,"

Excitement flashed over her features at the proposition of getting the mark taken off, "how?"

The look in his eyes caused her to lose what excitement she had, it was going to hurt and she knew that.

"How." She demanded, he pressed his thumb into the mark.

"Bailey, it's not gonna feel good," he whispered, "but if not now you...might be stuck with it forever,"

She nodded numbly, "do it."

He looked at her in shock, hesitating, "Baal do it," she said louder this time, nodding at him though he saw the fear in her gaze he knew he didn't have much choice. Once Bailey wanted something she didn't stop till she got it, he closed his eyes and let the heat rush through his hands.

She gasped as his thumb lit red from the hot fire, crumbling from the pain she screamed, her arm shook in his grip. She bit her lip, eyes screwing closed as she forced herself to stand still.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry," he whispered over and over as the smell of burnt flesh flooded the area around them until he pulled his thumb off. The skin where the mark had been bubbled from the heat, turning dark.

"Cain can fix that...I think..." Baal whispered, expecting her to be angry but instead she laughed. Pulling her hand out of his and rubbing it lightly.

***

The two walked down the street now, neither could hear the chattering laughter of the creatures as they moved. The sun had died behind the city, darkness settled and deep, angry clouds rolled in. The loud sound of a guitar could be heard somewhere, it was loud, echoing as though someone played it in a tin can.

Suddenly the hum of a harp blasted around them, both of them froze. They were only a few blocks from the truck in a small neighborhood, a few kids playing in the street lights still.

"Where is it?" Baal gasped, eyes moving from one apartment complex to the next before back to Bailey who was pointing. He followed her finger to a little girl, she sat on the floor in front of the apartments with chalk in hand under the streetlight.

Her brother, at least they assumed, was not far away chatting with the other boys. She wore the necklace around her neck, it's loud humming didn't seem to touch her ears as she drew on the floor. Baal and Bailey made their way to the girl, Bailey going down to the child's level.

"Hi,"

The little girl looked at her with a confused blink, her brown gaze moved to Baal and back to Bailey.

"You seemed to have found our necklace," Bailey said, pointing. The girl looked down at the necklace and back to Bailey,

"Finders keepers," she uttered, Bailey glared at the girl but Baal stopped her. She had been a mother but she was never great when it came to other people's kids.

Baal sat down with a huff, the little girl showed no fear as the large man smiled at her behind his bushy mustache.

"Is it okay if I color with ya?" He asked her, she blinked at him a few times and nodded. He picked up one of the chalk pieces, rolling it against the pavement.

"What's your name?" She asked him, ignoring Bailey.

"Baal,"

The little girl giggled, "that's a funny name,"

Baal chuckled, "I suppose it is, what's your name?"

"Jasmine,"

"Like the princess,"

She nodded with a smile, "well Princess," he started, drawing a round cat causing Bailey to chuckle, taking the chalk from him and adding whiskers to it.

"I gotta deal for you,"

Jasmine stopped drawing, she glanced up at him with a tilt of her head.

"Ya got any bullies?" He asked, she nodded. Baal reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, pocket knife. It wasn't large enough to do any damage, a trinket he'd picked up with his Vessel's name carved into the red plastic. He had seen it at a truck stop a few cities back and was so shocked to see his vessel's very unusual name written on a knife. In fact, it had been the only one.

"Your necklace, for this," he flipped open the knife, the blade was dulled out at the point.

"Baal you can't give a little girl a knife!" Bailey gasped, the little girl didn't argue.

"Oh, she's a baby but no one will mess with her if she's got this, what do you say, kid?"

She pulled the necklace off with wide eyes, she nodded in agreement.

"Smart kid," he chuckled, taking the necklace and handing it to Bailey. The little girl grinned, jumping up as she held the knife.

"Now be careful, princess. You got claws now but don't use em unless you need em,"

Baal got to his feet, brushing dust from his hands. The little girl hopped up and down, not saying goodbye as she raced towards her brother.

"Let's get out of here," Bailey murmured, tugging the man's arm. They turned on their heels, making way for the truck. Neither spoke as they walked. Bailey held the necklace up to the street lights. Suddenly they felt a shake and a loud boom, the Earth quaked under their shoes, both head's lifted to the skyscraper in the middle of the city. The windows had been shattered, raining glass below as giant, pure white wings filled the nighttime sky.

"Cham," Bailey whispered, about to run only for the body of a Pishacha to fly past them. It grabbed the necklace in her hand, pulling it upwards with a laugh. Bailey gasped, thankful Baal was still attached to her as his weight kept the monster from dragging her into the skies.

"No way! You shit head!" She shouted at it, pulling with all her might as a few more of the remaining demons flew over to help, all chattering and hooting as they tugged angrily on the golden charm. Baal grabbed Bailey from around the waist, hoisting her up and tugging. His strength outweighed the smaller demons who let go all at once.

Bailey screamed in shock as she and Baal fell to the floor, the Chamulet flew from her hands and landed with a tink on the floor.

"Get it!" She shouted, scrambling over Baal to grab it before the demons could. A flash of red flooded her vision as a fox leapt on the amulet.

"No!! Drop it!" Bailey shouted, she couldn't believe her eyes! A fox in the middle of New York! The animal didn't listen, it turned and pelted away from them.

Bailey groaned, letting her head fall to the pavement in defeat. The Pishacha laughed, causing her to get up, pointing a finger at the monsters.

"I'm going to hunt you fuckers down, stuff you, and put you over my mantel!" She shouted, but the monsters simply giggled as they took off into the sky. Baal got to his feet, brushing blood from his lip.

"We were so close," Bailey groaned, Baal patted her on the back.

"Least we know it ain't in the sewers,"

***

The pair finally reached the museum only to find the car was gone, Baal groaned inwardly as he kicked a rock.

"Must have towed it," he mused, Bailey sat down on the floor with a groan. Baal eyed the few cars that sat in the parking lot,

"They took my car too," she murmured as her eyes danced to the opposite parking lot.

"Guess we'll have to make due," Baal huffed, making his way to a large hippie van, Bailey got to her feet and followed close behind. The handcuffs dug painfully into her skin.

The car held a sign that read "for sale" in the window. Pulling out his phone,

"Are you going to hot wire it?" Bailey asked, Baal looked over the multiple missed calls, texts and voice messages from Sam but ignored them.

"Nope,"

He called the number on the back of the car, Bailey watched him for a few minutes, sitting down on the floor, silently thankful the cuffs were longer than the ones she was used too. After a few minutes the demon king sat down beside her, pulling up his Pokemon go app.

"You play?" Bailey asked with a surprised glance,

"Mhm, Instinct,"

Bailey pulled her phone out with a grin, "Valor!" Baal's smile lit his face as the two played their game together, Bailey leaned against Baal to keep warm. His body is a radiator against the cold air of the winter night.

After a half hour or so a man walked from the museum, he chatted with the pair before Baal handed him a wad of cash causing Baileys jaw to drop. With a few papers signed the duo was off, flying down the freeway towards Norma's house. Bailey behind the wheel, sunglasses still over her eyes as she drove despite the darkness of the night. Snow pelting against the front of the window.

"Hey, isn't that..." Bailey pulled to the side of the road next to the shapes of Donnie and Israfil.

"How much?" She asked, pulling her shades down with a wink.

Are you driving with sunglasses on at night?" Donnie asked with a laugh of relief as Baal tilted his head from around her. Dried blood caked his hair and lip.

"If I could move my hand more I'd drive," he laughed as Israfil yanked the side of the van open, beaming at the old shag run on the floor. "Wow! Where did you get this?" he asked as he hopped into the warmth of the machine. Donnie followed after, practically collapsing on the floor.

"Nice hippie sold it to us," Baal replied, waving a hand in the air.

"Why are you handcuffed together?"

Baal and Bailey shared a look, the brunette grinned as she turned her head to look at them.

"It's a foreplay thing, you guys wouldn't get it,"

Baal's face visibly lit up at the inside joke, Donnie scoffed as he shut the door behind him. The car roared as it took off back towards Norma's place,

"Straight people, so gross," Donnie jokes,

"I aint straight," Baal laughed,

"Baal's a bear," Donnie laughed, "Not an actual bear, Issy,"

"I don't think anyone in twenty thirty one is straight," Bailey chuckled.