A/N: Howdy! I bet you're a bit confused about why there's an author note at the beginning of the chapter instead of the end. Welp, that's because in this chapter things are gonna start to sound a bit... Non-cannon... Why? Well, I have to develop the story somehow! Don't worry, I won't do stuff like this often and will only do it to develop the story. Anyways I hope you enjoy it, and I'll see you in the next chapter!
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A Month Later At Jerry's Workshop...
[Asher is lying down on his bed reading a book and listening to his radio. He's wearing his usual outfit along with his gas mask and silver locket around his neck. He seems to be reading "A Farewell to Arms" while listening to some relaxing music.]
Asher's Radio: ♫*Relaxing Music*♫
[Asher's room hasn't changed much, clean and organized. However, he seems to have added something new to it. On the wall above the side of his bed is a wooden plaque holding up a familiar-looking spear. It's the spear that Asher was impaled with during the Cleansing. You can tell it's the exact same spear because Asher's dried blood is still all over the tip of it. There also seems to be something engraved on a shiny piece of metal under the spear. It reads "I would sooner die a second time than let some fallen-angel-walk-the-nine-hells-fuck get the better of me. -Asher C. Burns" and the date "First Cleansing, 1943" beneath it. It looks like Asher is taking pride in the fact that he's still alive after getting impaled next to the heart and pinned to the ground. And judging by his mood, and the fact that he fixed the truck, he seems to have made a remarkable recovery. Asher continues to read his book peacefully enjoying the music. Until-]
*CLANG*
*POWER DOWN SOUND*
[Suddenly all the light on the ceiling and Asher's lamp immediately turn off. The room is pitch black. Asher lies still on the bed for a few seconds as if nothing happened. He then looks up from his book, which he can't read anymore, and looks around his room.]
Asher: Huh... The power went out...
Asher's Radio: ♫*Toreador March Starts Playing*♫
Asher: Yet my radio continues to play music... (In Head) I would get rid of that thing... But I'm scared It'll follow me...
[Asher then shivers.]
Asher: (In Head) I say that like it already hasn't...
[Asher closes his book and tosses it beside him on his bed. He moves to the side of the bed and sits up. He looks over to his radio, which is still somehow powered on and playing music. He looks at it suspiciously before seemingly remembering something. He reaches into his vest with his left hand and takes out a flip lighter. He flips it open and flicks it.]
*Flip*
*Flick* *Flick* *Flick*
*Click*
[The lighter flicks a few times before clicking and creating a small flame. The flame isn't large and barely lights up any of the room, however, it does grant visibility to Asher's maroon vest and the area around him. He looks around at what little he can see of his room, his eyes stop on his lamp next to his radio. He reaches over to the lamp and pulls on its chain.]
*Click*
[Nothing happens after he pulls it. He pulls the chain again.]
*Click*
[Nothing. There's no electricity. Yet the radio still plays music...]
Asher's Radio: ♫*Classical Music*♫
Asher: Hmm...
[Asher then looks over to where he believes his bedroom door is. He walks in that direction and eventually gets to his bedroom door frame. He feels around the wall for the light switch and eventually finds it. He flicks it rapidly.]
*Flick* *Flick* *Flick* *Flick* *Flick* *Flick*
[Nothing. There doesn't seem to be any power in the entirety of Jerry's Workshop.]
Asher's Radio: ♫*Classical Music*♫
[Yet Asher's Radio continues to play music...]
Asher: Hmm... Something ain't right...
[Asher is able to find his door. He grabs the door handle and opens his door to see the rest of Jerry's place. The lights in the hallway are off as well. It's pitch black. Asher waves his lighter around the dark hallway in an attempt to find anything.]
Asher: Hot damn... The entire place is as dark as fresh soot...
[He holds his lighter out in front of him in an attempt to see Jerry's bedroom door in front of him. He's able to see the closed door in front of him. It looks to be closed.]
Asher: Jerry? Jerry my friend? Are you awake?
*Clank*
Jerry: (Yelling From The Workshop) GODDAMMIT!!!
[A loud clang can be heard coming from the workshop followed by Jerry yelling loudly.]
Asher: Yea, he's awake...
[Asher steps out of his bedroom and into the hallway. He begins to close his bedroom door but stops halfway. He looks back inside and seemingly points at his radio.]
Asher: As for you- Don't mess up my room.
*Click*
[Asher's Radio then clicks and turns off all by itself. Asher stares at it wide-eyed.]
Asher: Tch... *Inhales Through Teeth* Don't like that...
[Asher then closes his bedroom door and walks over towards the large metal door of the workshop. He pushes it open. The workshop is just as dark as the rest of the building. The most well-lit and noisy room in the entirety of the building is completely dark and silent.]
Asher: Good grief... What the hell happened here?
Jerry: Asher?
[Jerry yells out from the darkness of the workshop.]
Asher: Jerry? What in the hell is going on? The entire workshop is as dark as my morals!
Jerry: (Sarcastically) Oh! You don't say!
[Asher steps into the workshop and attempts to look around by holding his lighter out in front of him. He can't see anything, not even what's in front of him.]
Asher: I uhh... I can't see shit!
Jerry: Yea, I fucking know that! Now get over here and lend me a hand!
[Asher takes a few steps into the workshop but still can't seem to figure out where Jerry is yelling from.]
Asher: Uhhh... Where the hell are you?
Jerry: Just listen for the sound of an Imp's livelihood dying right in front of him!
*Clang*
Jerry: DAMMIT!
[Another loud clang can be heard followed by Jerry yelling once again. Asher blankly stares into the darkness of the workshop before rolling his eyes. He slowly and carefully makes his way deeper into the workshop being careful not to trip on anything.]
*Clang*
*Rattle*
Jerry: SHIT!
[Asher continues to walk carefully through the workshop as another loud noise can be heard. It sounds like Jerry is having trouble with something. However, at least Asher can get a sense of where he is. Asher smirks.]
Asher: Jerry! Keep fucking up! I think I'm getting closer to you!
Jerry: Shut up Asher!
*Clank*
*Loud Clang*
Jerry: GOD FUCKING- *Incoherent Rage*
Asher: *Chuckles*
[He continues to walk blindly in the workshop following the sound of Jerry constantly fucking something up. After he takes a few more steps, he finds himself in front of the forge. It's been a while since Asher has taken a good look at the forge, but he easily recognizes it by the fake metallic teeth on the front of it. He waves his lighter around in an attempt to find Jerry. He believes the noise came from the forge but can't seem to find him.]
Asher: Jerry? Are you around the forge or are you the voice in my head?
Jerry: It concerns me that you believe there's a voice in your head, but yes. I'm to the left of the damn thing.
[Asher looks to the left of the forge and holds his lighter in front of him. He walks over to the left of the and looks around for Jerry.]
Asher: Jerry?
Jerry: *Whistles* Over here.
[Asher narrows his eyes and looks deeper into the workshop, he's able to faintly see Jerry beside the forge waving at him. Asher walks over beside him. Jerry is holding a wrench in his right hand and holding a metal panel on the side of the forge to the side. His left arm isn't in a sling anymore and seems to be working fine. He looks to have made a full recovery from his injury.]
Jerry: Do me a favor and hold your lighter over here.
[Jerry gestures at the open panel on the forge with his left hand. Asher does as he says and holds his lighter in front of Jerry near the open panel. They both look inside of the forge through the panel.]
Asher: *Impressed Whistle* Fucking hell...
[Asher whistles impressed by the innards of the infernal forge. There are a ton of pipes, valves, and other various things that make up the inner workings of the forge.]
Jerry: Impressed?
Asher: Yea... Definitely... Tell me again, did you make this thing?
Jerry: Most of it. My grandfather gave me a bunch of blueprints and said "Have fun!". I built my forge by hand, just borrowed some of my grandfather's designs.
Asher: (Smiling) Did dear old granddad have a thing for giving his forge teeth?
Jerry: It was a faze alright!
Asher: *Laughs* HAHAHA! Sure it was!
[The two continue to look into the forge before Jerry bends down and places the wrench on the floor. He then seems to pick up a large pair of blacksmith tongs with both hands.]
Asher: Damn, what the hell is that for?
Jerry: Hold your lighter inside the forge and I'll show ya.
Asher: Is it gonna bite me?
Jerry: *Groan* Just do it.
[Asher holds his lighter inside of the forge being careful not to touch anything.]
Asher: Shot in the literal dark here, does any of this have to do with the lights being out?
Jerry: Yes, it does. Now shut up and hold the light still.
[Jerry puts the tongs through the panel deep inside of the forge.]
Asher: Then can you tell me what the hell is going on?
Jerry: I will if you hold the damn lighter still!
[Asher grumbles and holds his lighter still so Jerry can see and do whatever he has to do.]
*Clink*
[A small clink can be heard inside the forge from where Jerry was messing around with the tongs. He seems to have unhooked something inside the forge. It looks like he unhooked a latch attached to a panel. He then grabs a handle on the panel and pulls on it. As soon as the panel opens up slightly, a bright light shines through the opening.]
Asher: What the hell?
Jerry: Save your remarks for when you see the whole thing.
Asher: Said the actress to the bishop.
Jerry: Goddamnit... Just, shut up and cover your eyes.
[Jerry pulls on the panel, opening it completely. A radiant, almost holy, light shines out of the forge covering the two demons in it. It's almost blinding, forcing the two to close their eyes and look away from the forge. The light seems to settle down after a few seconds, allowing the two to see inside the forge.]
Asher: Uhhhhhhh- What in the holy hell am I looking at...?
[Jerry smirks.]
Jerry: That my friend... Is a little piece of heaven.
[Behind the panel in the forge is something Asher never expected to see inside of the infernal contraption. There's a large glowing white crystal resting on an odd-looking metal frame above some white-hot coals with a few thick metal wires attached to it, it's around the size of Jerry's head. The crystal looks beautiful compared to the rest of the odd-looking objects in Hell. Almost like it doesn't belong here.]
Asher: A piece of- What?
[Jerry grabs the bottom of the large crystal with the blacksmith tongs. He lifts it up off the metal frame and carefully brings it towards him. They both take a few steps back as Jerry pulls the crystal out of the forge and into the workshop. It's no longer shining as bright as it did inside the forge allowing Asher to get a better look at it. The crystal is rather large with a light white color and a hexagonal formation. Around the size of Asher's head. There are a few crystals coming out from the base with a pointed edge, slightly glowing on the inside. The base of the crystal is glowing a bright white, not as bright as before but still bright enough that it lights up the outside of the forge and some of its surroundings. Jerry then carries the crystal over with the tongs towards one of his workbenches. He seems to place the crystal down on a similar metal stand to the one in the forge, just without the metal wires. As the crystal touches the stand Jerry lets go of it with the tongs and places them on the workbench next to it. Asher walks over to Jerry who seems to be inspecting the metal frame making sure it has a good hold of the crystal. Asher flips his lighter closed, no longer needing it because of the light the crystal is giving off.]
Asher: Soooooooo... What the fuck am I looking at?
Jerry: Didn't I just tell you?
Asher: NO!!! You said some bullshit that didn't make any sense!
Jerry: Alright fine, give me a second, let me at least turn the power back on before I start explaining.
[Jerry walks away from Asher leaving him confused.]
Asher: Turn the- WHAT!?
[Jerry walks out of the crystal's light into the darkness of the workshop leaving Asher alone with the crystal. He stares at where Jerry disappeared for a few seconds, completely confused.]
Asher: Eh- Ughh...
[Asher then looks at the crystal. He glares at it suspiciously as he takes some cautious steps toward it. He stands in front of the crystal and stares at it silently.]
Asher's Conscience: (In Asher's Head) Touch it.
Asher: (In Head) Shut up, I was already going to do that.
[Asher then carefully raises his right hand and points at the crystal. He slowly moves his hand towards it.]
Asher: Mmmmmmm-
[Asher pokes the crystal and quickly pulls his hand back. Nothing happened. He seems to have recoiled back out of instinct instead of pain. He must have thought it was going to shock him or something. Asher holds his right hand with his left as he looks, "scared". He looks at the crystal surprised before his eyes dart throughout the room around him.]
Asher: O-k then.
[Footsteps can be heard behind Asher, he turns around and sees Jerry walking towards him with a box in his hands. Asher regains his composure as Jerry places the box on the workbench. He takes the lid off and tosses it on the ground next to him. He then reaches into the box and takes out a small metal cylinder.]
Jerry: Ehhh... Nah, too small.
[He places the cylinder back into the box and takes out another one which is around the size of Asher's hand.]
Jerry: Hmmm... Yea, this should work.
[Jerry then grabs the metal tongs and walks away from Asher and the crystal back towards the open panel on the forge. Asher peeks inside the box Jerry brought over and sees various amounts of those metal cylinders. He has no idea what's inside them. He then looks back over to Jerry. Jerry has the metal tong leaning against the forge while he holds the metal cylinder with both of his hands. He holds the bottom of the cylinder with his left hand and grabs the top of it with his right. He then seems to twist the top of the cylinder taking the top of it off. Bright light pours out of the cylinder as he tosses the lid aside. He then reaches into the cylinder and takes out a much smaller but similar-looking crystal to the large one Jerry took out before. Jerry then places the crystal between the jaw of the tongs. He then raises it up and places it in the forge exactly where the larger one was before on the metal stand. While it is smaller than the other one it seems to stay in place. He closes the inner panel with the tongs and removes them from the forge. He then looks up towards the ceiling of the workshop like he's expecting something to happen. After a few seconds the lights in the workshop begin to flicker.]
*CLANG*
[Suddenly, all of the lights in the workshop turn on at once. The entirety of the workshop is now lit up as usual. Jerry looks around to make sure that all of the lights have turned back on.]
Jerry: Well... It's not a permanent solution, but it should keep this place running for a bit longer.
[He leans the tongs next to the forge and dusts his hands off. It's at this point he notices that Asher is glaring directly at him.]
Jerry: What?
Asher: "What?" What the fuck do you think what?!
Jerry: *Shrugs* Mmm-mm...
[Asher facepalms.]
Asher: I- Ok.
[He gestures with both of his hands at the large brightly glowing white crystal.]
Asher: What is- No.
[Asher crosses both of his arms and glares at Jerry.]
Asher: I'm going to try to take the calm approach on this one... I am the most confused I've ever been since I died. Actually, scratch that, second most. When I got impaled by a fucking angel was still more confusing than this shit. Can you please explain to me what the hell is going on?!
[Jerry lets out a tired sigh.]
Jerry: *Tired Sigh* Alright, where do you want me to start?
Asher: Start with the-
[Asher stops mid-sentence. He then looks down at the ground in front of him seemingly thinking to himself. He then uncrosses his arms and leans against the workbench with the crystal on it. He crosses his legs and reaches into his vest taking out a notepad and a pen.]
Asher: Why don't we start with the lights going out?
[Jerry stares at Asher confused.]
Asher: Eh- Are- Are you taking notes?
[Asher sighs and rubs his brow with his left hand.]
Asher: Uh- Yea... It has come to my attention that there is a lot I don't understand about Hell so I've started taking notes... I know it sounds dumb but I REALLY don't want to be unaware of something important and get impaled next to the heart again... So... Lights, what happened?
Jerry: Ehhh... Right... Yea... The lights...
Asher: Well, go on! Don't leave me in the dark! *Laughs* HAHAHAHAHA!
[Jerry rubs his brow and sighs as Asher laughs at his own joke.]
Jerry: *Sigh* Goddammit... Alright, the lights. If it wasn't already obvious, we lost power.
Asher: Yea, I noticed. My radio didn't seem to notice, but I certainly did.
Jerry: I have no idea what you mean by that, but good. So... Ya know that big glowing crystal I just took out of the forge?
[Asher points at the large glowing white crystal on the workbench right next to him.]
Asher: I'm assuming you're referring to this crystal? If not then I'd like to meet the other one.
Jerry: No, that one. Not the smaller one I just put into the forge.
Asher: Ok, neat. Soooo... WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY?!?!
Jerry: First of all, stop yelling. Second of all, I already told you what it is.
Asher: Wha- No you didn't!
Jerry: Yes, I did. I told you exactly what it is.
Asher: Alright then! Exactly what is-
[Asher gestures over to the glowing crystal with both the notepad and pen.]
Asher: -IT!
Jerry: It! (Pause) Is a little piece of heaven.
[Asher looks at Jerry silently, completely bewildered.]
Asher: Wha- What does that mean!?!?
Jerry: It means exactly what I said it is. That crystal-
[Jerry gestures over to the large glowing white crystal next to Asher.]
Jerry: -Is literally a piece of heaven. Literal heaven.
[Asher stares at Jerry even more confused than he was before.]
Asher: E- I- Uh- Fucking...
[The two just stare at each other silently for a fair amount of time.]
Asher: You're being vague on purpose aren't you?
[Jerry smiles and chuckles.]
Jerry: *Chuckles* Now you know how it feels.
Asher: *Sigh* Please, just... Explain.
Jerry: *Chuckles* Hehehe... Alright, I'll explain.
[Jerry walks over to the workbench where Asher and the glowing white crystal are. He stands on the opposite side of the crystal. He gestures towards it.]
Jerry: This crystal, as I said before, is a literal piece of heaven.
Asher: And by heaven, you mean the place that is all smiles and unicorns which neither of us has any chance of getting into?
Jerry: *Snaps Finger* Yep, that one. This crystal is full of pure light that shines across the heavens. Or, was... It's pretty much a tapped keg now.
[Jerry knocks on the crystal a few times before crossing his arms.]
Asher: I can't help but feel like you're lying to me.
[Jerry leans against the workbench and looks at Asher.]
Jerry: Eh, I don't blame ya. I mean, it's not like any of this is public knowledge. There are probably only about a thousand or so demons in Hell who actually know about these things.
[Asher looks at Jerry confused.]
Asher: Wait, what?
Jerry: These crystals-
[Jerry gestures at the crystal next to him.]
Jerry: There are only about a thousand demons in hell who know about their sheer existence and what they're possibly capable of. I just so happen to be one of them.
[Asher taps his pen against his notepad.]
Asher: Ok. Enough with the vague shit. Start with the long explanation so I can continue with my book.
[Jerry chuckles and shakes his head.]
Jerry: *Chuckles* Aren't you eager!
Asher: Don't confuse being eager with wanting to be aware of what I might just be forced to deal with in the next twenty-four hours.
Jerry: Alright, alright...
[Jerry stops leaning against the workbench and reaches for something besides it. He picks up a bottle of booze and opens it. He takes a long drink from it.]
Jerry: Ahh... Hmm... Where do I begin?
Asher: The fact that you need to get drunk to explain does not disfill me with confidence! HA!
Jerry: That one was a bit of a stretch.
Asher: My radio would have laughed.
Jerry: I still have no clue what you mean by that... But uh- The crystals...
[Jerry gestures over to the glowing white crystal with his left hand.]
Jerry: This crystal has been keeping my forge lit and my lights on ever since I started my business in Pentagram City eighteen years ago.
Asher: Wait. You use that thing to keep this place powered?
Jerry: Yea. How'd you think I did it?
Asher: Oh I don't know, the same way everything else in the city is powered like a normal person?
Jerry: HA! Nope.
Asher: So... This crystal is essentially a really big glowing rock battery?
Jerry: Pretty much, yea.
Asher: Ah... I see... So what exactly is it?
Jerry: I already told you. It's a crystal of light from heaven.
Asher: You say that like I should know what any of that means! For the love of God, please elaborate!
Jerry: *Sigh* More specifically, it's crystalized light from literal heaven. And I know you must think that sounds stupid, or complete bullshit. But it's all true.
Asher: Yea, you're right. It does sound like bullshit. So please do me a favor and shed some light on the situation for me! *Chuckles*
Jerry: *Groan* It's complicated, so I'm glad you're taking notes. Ya know how there's light in the sky?
Asher: Do you mean the light coming from the giant glowing pentagram? Yea, I do.
Jerry: No, besides that stuff. There's light all through hell, even on the lower rings. But the light that shines on the ring of Pride comes from not just that giant ass pentagram in the sky, but this shit as well.
[Jerry gestures at the crystal.]
Jerry: Or... At least I think it does... I'm not too sure... Anyways, this crystal is all the light that shines on the world of the living and manages to seep through the cracks into our little hell hole. In short, his crystal is that light. Just a solid version of it.
Asher: Solid light, huh? How the hell does that work?
Jerry: My grandfather told me that all the light that manages to seep through the cracks into hell condenses on the ceiling. After a long while, it crystallizes due to something pure being in an unholy environment. Once it crystals it breaks off from the ceiling and falls down onto the ring of Pride. And only the ring of Pride. This is a phenomenon that only happens on our o' so lovely ring of Hell. It all sounds like something you tell your grandchildren so they'll shut the hell up. So I'm not too sure if I believe him...
[Asher, who seems to actually be writing down everything Jerry is saying, comments.]
Asher: Well, considering that I'm in hell talking to a nine-foot-tall Imp about crystals of pure heavenly light, I'm inclined to believe the old geezer.
[Jerry takes a swig from his bottle of booze.]
Jerry: Everything sounds pretty far-fetched when you say it all out loud. I mean... Heavenly light seeping into hell and turning into a glowing crystal of light? It all sounds like something you'd hear from a druggie who's been running his high for three weeks... I wouldn't have been surprised if you started laughing when I told you what it was...
Asher: Again, considering my afterlife story... Heh... This isn't too far-fetched. (Pause) So...
[Asher points at the crystal with his pen.]
Asher: How'd you get this one? Mr. Crystal light from heaven?
Jerry: My grandfather gave it to me. He got a new one so he gave me his old one. Kind of a dick move when you think about it giving me his hand-me-downs, but I'm not complaining.
Asher: So your blacksmith grandfather, the guy who taught you everything you know, also told you about a weird legend that weird magical crystals of light fall from the ceiling of hell? (Sarcastically) No, that makes complete sense. I don't see a single flaw in that logic.
Jerry: *Chuckles* Heh. Yea. He was always a weird guy.
Asher: It sounds like the term weird is being used lightly in this situation... You're really telling me that this thing kept your forge burning which allowed you to do your work and give your workshop electricity?
Jerry: Yep.
[Asher looks over at the glowing white crystal.]
Asher: And you said that this one is empty? It doesn't look empty. Fuckers still glowing.
Jerry: It's got a little bit of juice left in it but it's not enough to get the forge running and keep the lights on. That's why we lost power. I tried starting the forge up while the lights were on so the thing conked out on me.
Asher: So... Just like a battery- You took it out and threw a new one in?
Jerry: Ya mean the small one I just put in? I mean, yea I suppose... But it's a small one so it's only gonna keep this place powered for at most a few weeks at least five days.
Asher: So it's only a temporary solution?
Jerry: Yea, pretty much.
Asher: Well then- let's go get a more permanent one!
Jerry: Huh? What are you talking about?
Asher: We need a new crystal right? Let's go get one.
[Jerry blankly stares at Asher. He rubs his forehead and lets out a long sigh.]
Jerry: *Long Sigh* If only you knew how fucking stupid you sound...
Asher: What? Did I miss something?
Jerry: Think back to what I said on how many people know about these things and where they come from.
[Asher looks down at his notepad.]
Asher: You said that only about a thousand demons know about them and they fall down from the ceiling of Hell on our ring. So can't we just go and buy a new one from someone who does know about them?
Jerry: That's- *Sigh* Goddammit. That's not how it works. You can't just go and buy a new damn crystal. Well... I mean... You can form a creepy underground market but these things aren't cheap.
Asher: Really? How much are they?
[Jerry points at the large one he took out of the forge.]
Jerry: A newly fallen one about this size is worth about four hundred-
Asher: Oh, well... That's not too bad-
Jerry: Thousand. You didn't let me finish. Two, hundred, thousand.
Asher: Holy shit! That much?! I thought you said barely anyone knew these things existed in the first place!
Jerry: Correct, I said about a thousand knew. But those few who do know about them really fucking want them... Especially those damn Overlords...
Asher: Why do Overlords want them?
Jerry: Oh come on, Ash that should be obvious!
[Jerry looks up at the ceiling of his workshop and starts monologuing.]
Jerry: Rich powerful Demon Overlords want the shiny glowing crystals so they can have them made into jewelry! Fucking royals... None of them could even comprehend what these crystals are capable of! I just use mine to power my damn house!
[While Jerry speaks, Asher grabs one of the small cylinders from the box Jerry brought in before and looks at it. It's about the size of a beer can and seems to have a little bit of bright light seeping through the lid. Asher looks at Jerry out of the corner of his eye and then back at the cylinder. He inconspicuously places it into his vest without Jerry noticing.]
Jerry: I've heard of some assholes using these things to do plenty of other weird shit like turning them into devastating weapons, or high explosive bombs, or starting confusing ass rituals with them!
Asher: Well... Shit, I guess...
Jerry: Shit indeed... If we don't get a new one that can power my forge for at least a few years... Well uh-
Asher: You'd be out of business.
[Jerry takes a drink of booze then sadly nods.]
Jerry: Yep... It's the sad truth bud.
Asher: Soooooo- What the hell do we do then?
Jerry: I'm uhhh...
[Jerry takes another swig from the bottle of booze.]
Jerry: I'm not too sure...
[Jerry stands up and walks away from the workbench towards the front of his forge. He stops in front of it and stares deep into its metal mouth. Asher follows and stands beside him looking into the forge as well. He's able to faintly see the light from the small crystal Jerry put inside the forge in the back of its metal mouth. Jerry stares blankly into the forge. He seems a bit defeated. Asher speaks up.]
Asher: So... If we can't buy one... Is it possible for us to find a new one of these things?
[Jerry lets out a depressed sigh and responds.]
Jerry: *Depressed Sigh* They don't crystallize everywhere on the ring of Pride... Only a few specific patches... Not to mention it takes tens, sometimes even hundreds of years for a crystal like the one I have to form. It's an incredibly slow process for a very rewarding outcome...
Asher: I see... Do you know where we can find one of the spots they fall from?
Jerry: Yea... There's one a few days from here on foot... That's the closest one I'm familiar with, deep in some dead forest full of thorns...
Asher: Welp!
[Asher closes his notepad and places it and his pen back into his vest.]
Asher: I'll start packing!
[Asher walks past Jerry and towards the metal workshop door.]
Jerry: Huh? What are you talking about?
[Asher stops walking and turns around to look at Jerry with a smile on his face.]
Asher: If we can't buy one, and I don't believe stealing one is a viable option, our only choice is to go and get a fresh one! Like picking an apple from a tree! (Slight Pause) A tree God told you not to touch! *Laughs* HA!
Jerry: Eh- Wait- Hold on a second Ash.
[Jerry looks at Asher confused.]
Jerry: Are you suggesting we go and just get a new fucking crystal?
Asher: Yep!
Jerry: Yo- You can't be serious.
[Asher responds enthusiastically and with a smile on his face.]
Asher: (Enthusiastically) As serious as I am an arsonist!
[Jerry just stares at him silently for a few seconds. He takes a sip from his bottle of booze and crosses his arms.]
Jerry: You do know our chances of actually succeeding in finding a decently sized crystal and making it back here alive is slim to none right?
Asher: Aye!
[Jerry continues to stare at Asher. He tilts his head a bit and looks up towards the ceiling of the workshop.]
Jerry: (In Head) Go and get a new one... Could we really do that? I mean... We have a truck now, so going to the area where the damn things fall will be short and easy... We'll also be able to get it back here quickly and avoid any scavengers who come after us... Ehhhh... For once... I think Asher might have had a good idea...
[Jerry looks back down at Asher. He takes a deep breath and exhales.]
Jerry: *Deep Inhale* *Deep Exhale* Fuck it. Why not?
[Jerry takes a big drink from the bottle of booze. He seems to finish it and toss it aside causing it to shatter.]
*Shatter*
Asher: I'm not cleaning that up, but I'm happy to hear that you agree with me!
Jerry: Mmmm... Plus, you're right anyways. If I want another crystal we don't have much of a choice than going to find one ourselves. I can't afford one, and I wouldn't know who to steal one from... So... Yea... Fuck it.
Asher: There ya go! That's the spirit! Why don't you smile? ♫You'll cherish the moment better!♫
Jerry: No. Now let's pack and get this shit train rolling.
Asher: YES!!! But I really think we should call it something else instead of just glowing crystal... *Snaps Finger* I know! Let's call it-
[Asher puts his hands together and slowly spreads them apart.]
Asher: Glow Stone!
Jerry: No.
Asher: Doesn't matter! I'm calling it that anyways! Now let's pack because we're going on a ♫Roadtrip!♫
[Asher turns back around and starts happily walking towards the metal door of the workshop. Jerry watches him walk away. He sighs.]
Jerry: *Sigh* Oh boy... Thiiiisssss is gonna be a long one...
One Hour Later...
*Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzip*
[Asher zips up a duffle bag on his bed. He's back in his room and he seems to have finished packing for his "Roadtrip". It's unknown what he has packed in his bag, but it's probably only the essentials. Clothing, alcohol, and cigarettes... He grabs the duffle bag's strap and tosses the bag around his shoulder.]
Asher: Alrighty! That should be everything I'll need for a week. Why a week? Because that's how long we're camping out for!
[Asher stands there silently for a few seconds.]
Asher: Why did I ask myself a question I already knew the answer to? Man, I gotta stop talking to myself. Right Radio?
Asher's Radio: ...
[Asher looks over to his Radio. It's sitting on his night table idly powered off. Asher looks at it suspiciously. He points at it.]
Asher: Don't mess up my room while I'm gone, alright?
Asher's Radio: ...
[Unsurprisingly, Asher's Radio does not respond to him. He blows some smoke out of his mouth.]
Asher: Hmmm...
[Asher stops pointing at the Radio and walks towards his bedroom door still keeping an eye on it. He grabs the door handle and opens the door all while keeping an eye on his Radio. He steps into the hallway and closes the door to his room leaving it empty. He then opens the door a second later and pokes his head back into his room. He threateningly points at his Radio.]
Asher: And stay off my bed!
[He then leaves his room and slams the door closed. He stands in the hallway and lets out a sigh as he scratches his head.]
Asher: *Sigh* Welp. I'm all ready to go...
[He turns and starts walking down the hallway toward the workshop door.]
Asher: Hopefully Jerry is as well.
[He reaches the workshop door and pulls it open so he can step inside. Inside the workshop, everything is lit up and the place still seems to have power. Towards the side of the workshop are Jerry and the truck. The truck looks to be facing towards a large metal garage door which must lead outside. Jerry seems to be loading the truck up with whatever the two need for their expedition. He picks up a large metal crate beside the truck and walks behind it. He drops it into the back causing the truck to bounce a bit before pushing it deeper into the truck bed. He takes a few steps back from the truck and wipes his brow.]
Jerry: Annnddd- I think everything.
[Asher begins walking over towards Jerry and the truck. Jerry notices him making his way over.]
Jerry: Your back. I'm assuming you've finished packing?
Asher: Yep.
[Asher arrives at the back of the truck and places his duffle bag on the truck bed. Jerry raises an eyebrow.]
Jerry: That's all your packing? For a week?
[Asher places both of his hands on his hip.]
Asher: Yep!
Jerry: Everything you need to survive for exactly one week, a.k.a. seven days, is inside that duffle bag.
Asher: Yep! Yep! Yep!
[Jerry glares at Asher. Asher is just smiling and staring innocently at Jerry. The two stand there quietly for a few seconds.]
Jerry: Can I look inside?
Asher: No.
Jerry: Well that just confirms my suspicions that you packed something dangerous.
Asher: Jokes on you! I didn't!
Jerry: Uh-huh. Sure.
[Jerry takes a quick look around his workshop, making sure he's got everything he needs. He then looks in the back of the truck. He looks at the contents carefully. There are a few wooden crates, the large metal crate he just packed, Asher's duffle bag, and a few other duffle bags.]
Jerry: Hmmm...
Asher: What's the matter?
Jerry: I still think... I'm forgetting something... Hmmm...
[Jerry scratches his head. He then snaps his fingers.]
Jerry: *Snaps Fingers* Oh! I know what it is!
Asher: You do? What is it?
Jerry: *Giddy Chuckle* Hold on a second.
[Jerry runs off away from Asher and the truck towards the metal door to the workshop Asher entered through. He walks into the hallway leaving Asher all alone. Asher raises an eyebrow a bit confused.]
Asher: Hmm... That was a bit odd...
*Loud Clang*
[A loud clang can be heard coming from the hallway where Jerry is.]
Asher: And that was a bit more odd...
*LOUD CLANG*
[Another louder clang can be heard from the hallway. Followed by one more loud clang.]
*Loud Clang*
[After that last loud clang, Jerry returns back into the workshop with a smile on his face. He's carrying something over his left shoulder. It's a large, long wooden crate that seems to be held together with a red strap. It's about the length of Asher and about twice as wide as his head. It's quite an interesting sight, one could only imagine what's inside of it. Jerry walks over beside Asher and places the large wooden crate into the truck bed. He pushes it inside next to the other contents of the truck.]
Asher: What's that?
Jerry: It's plan B! In the event, things just so happen to go sour!
Asher: Which they undoubtedly will.
Jerry: Especially with you being present bud!
Asher: Awwwww, you flatter me!
Jerry: So that should be everything we need. Any last-minute jokes or comments?
Asher: Nope! Ready for our roadtrip?
[Jerry stops smiling and regains his normal unimpressed expression.]
Jerry: It's not a roadtrip, Asher. If anything it's a business expedition.
Asher: A business roadtrip.
Jerry: *Groan* Oh boy... Just... Get in the damn truck. I'll get the door.
Asher: Aye.
[The two walk towards the driver's side door. Asher opens the door and hops in the truck taking a seat while Jerry continues walking towards a large metal garage door. He grabs the bottom of the garage door and lifts it up above his head revealing the dead forest outside of his workshop. He looks like he had a bit of trouble doing it since it looks rather heavy. Jerry then gestures outside with his head. Asher drives the truck forward and outside of the workshop. Jerry holds up the door with one hand while grabbing a lever on the wall with his other. He flicks the leaver down which seems to turn off the workshop's lights row by row. He then looks at his workshop one last time before taking a step outside and letting go of the garage door allowing it to fall and slam against the ground. He then grabs a large flat stone that seems to be fake and places it in front of the garage door, blending it in with the rocky terrain beside it. He walks behind the truck and steps up onto it before taking a seat on the truck bed. He knocks on the rear panel of the truck signaling to Asher he's all set. Asher knocks on the roof of the truck as a response. He then changes gears and begins slowly driving down a dirt road into the dead forest.
About Five Minutes Later...
[The two Demons are still both seated in the truck. They appear to be inside Pentagram City waiting for a stoplight to turn green. Asher is tapping his fingers happily against the steering wheel while some classy music plays from the truck's radio. Jerry is lying down on the truck bed with his head resting on his hands behind his head. His eyes are closed which most likely means he's trying to get some sleep before they arrive at their destination. Wherever that may be. Asher then stops tapping his fingers and sits there motionless. He then reaches back and opens the rear panel window.]
Asher: Soooo- Uhhhhh... I've just come to the realization that I haven't the slightest fucking clue where we're heading. Mind telling me exactly where we're going so I don't drive into some sort of cult compound?
Jerry: Oh, yea, uhhhh... Where are we exactly?
Asher: In Hell.
Jerry: I know that asshole.
Asher: Pentagram City?
Jerry: No shit. Where exactly in the city are we?
Asher: I don't know! I don't live in this shit hole!
Jerry: Technically ya do.
Asher: No, I live in a cave a few miles outside of the city with an overgrown Imp. Which I believe is better for my health than living in the city itself.
Jerry: Just look for a damn sign...
[Asher looks around at his surroundings for some sort of sign to indicate where they are. Jerry continues to lie on the truck bed with his eyes closed. As the two remain in the truck motionless, something flies above the truck. It then lands on a lamppost nearby. The creature is small with feathers as dark as night, royal purple eyes, and a crest of feathers on its head. The creature is none other than the Crescent Crow. The crow that has a murder grudge against Asher just because he threw some bread at it. It looks around at its surroundings, seemingly looking for something to scavenge. Most likely food. After looking around at the sidewalks and some of the trash bins, it notices the truck Asher and Jerry are in. It then notices Jerry lying on the truck bed in the back. The Crescent Crow tilts its head before narrowing its eyes. It seems to recognize Jerry from the one time it saw Asher with him. The crow then flies down from the lamp post and onto the roof of the truck. It walks over near the back of the truck's roof and looks down at Jerry. Jerry doesn't seem to notice the crow mainly because his eyes are still closed. The Crescent Crow narrows its eyes at Jerry before carefully looking around the back of the truck. It doesn't seem to find what it's looking for, but it does see all the bags and crates in the bag of the truck.]
Asher: Where the hell are all the signs? I can see four different posts where a sign should be but no sign! *Groan* I swear someone is going around stealing them... *Growl* *Tch* One day I'm gonna burn this city to the ground...
[The Crescent Crow's eyes widen. It looks down at the back of the truck looking for Asher's voice. It then quietly flies over Jerry and lands on a box in the back of the truck. It's at eye level with the rear panel window and can now see through it into the front of the truck. It sees Asher sitting in the driver's seat and immediately recognizes him. It angrily glares at him. The crow then stands there completely still for a few seconds. It seems to be thinking about its next move. It's the only crow in the area so calling its friends will alert the two demons of its presence. So that's a no-go. While it might be able to sneak up on Asher, attacking him while driving could get them both killed. It then looks around at the back of the truck a bit more. It notices one of the duffle bags in the back. Specifically Asher's. It hops off of the box and onto the duffle bag. It looks around on the bag for something. It finds what it's looking for which appears to be the zipper of the bag. It grabs the zipper with its beak and pulls on it, opening the duffle bag. It looks inside and sees a maroon collared vest. It then looks over its shoulder towards the oblivious Asher wearing the exact same vest, then back at the duffle bag. It moves the flaps to the bag aside and steps inside. It seems to nestle down into the bag underneath the flaps. The crow then grabs the zipper and pulls on it, closing the duffle bag completely with it inside of it.]
Crescent Crow: (Muffled) *Caw*
Jerry: Wha-?
[Jerry lifts his head up and looks around the back of the truck. Nothing in sight. Just the boxes and duffle bags they packed for the trip.]
Jerry: Eh... Nothing.
[He looks through the rear panel window at Asher.]
Jerry: Have you figured out where we are yet?
Asher: Not the slightest clue.
Jerry: Ya know you're a fucking- Wait... I know where we are.
Asher: Have you not been looking around with me?
Jerry: No. You're driving. Why should I help?
Asher: Fuck you, J.
Jerry: Mm-hm, right. Anyways, what you're gonna want to do after this light is to take a right turn.
Asher: Then what?
Jerry: Keep driving straight for eight hours.
Asher: *Clicks Tongue* *Deep Inhale* Shit.
Jerry: Yep. It's gonna be a loooooooooooonnnnnnng- drive bud.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: On a completely unrelated note, what do you prefer better? A woman who is an inch or two shorter than you or a woman who is tall enough to where you can rest your chin on their head? In no way is this going to be related to one of the characters in the fic. Completely unrelated question. Seriously. Heh... Heh-heh...