Devil with Blue Eyes

Taylor looked into the mirror, his soft blue eyes gazing up at the two little horns peeking out of his blonde hair. A smile made it’s way across his face and he reached back and grabbed his tail, tucking it into his pants and shifting a bit ‘til it was comfortable. He had been summoned to the neutral ground of earth to meet with a representative of heaven. He was pretty sure he knew why, and that brought an even bigger grin to his face. “Ike!” He yelled, “bring me some ice water!!!” He then turned away from the mirror and looked over at the bed, “Hey, Trix, what shirt should I wear to meet Miss Goodie Goodie Amy?”

“Why wear anything? You look good enough to eat the way you are.” She purred, her long, black curly hair spilling over the pillow. She raised an eyebrow and reached over to the table, picking up a long, leather whip. “Why don’t you just stay here with us? You don’t need to meet any of those boring old biddies.”

He laughed, walking over to the bed, “I’m gonna do you a favor and not tell her you called her that. Besides, she may be a thousand, but she looks like she’s eighteen.” He grinned, leaning down and pulling her towards him. Her lips had formed a pout and he kissed them before yelling at his brother again, “Today! Isaac, you cretin! It’s hot down here, just in case you forgot!!!”

The room was dark, lit only by candles lining the stony walls. In it’s center, a large bed, high off the floor. As Isaac walked in, Taylor rolled his eyes, “Here ya go, Tay! Ice water in Hell, what do ya think of that?!” He smiled.

“Well, it’s what we’ve all been wanting!” Taylor said, feigning excitement and taking the glass from him. Isaac’s eyes had drifted to the beauty in the bed, her black leather outfit showing all but the very most private parts of her. Taylor tipped up the glass and drank, loving the soothing effect the water had on his parched throat. Hell may have been his home, but it was still no picnic to live there. It was hot and gaseous and was populated by some very unsavory characters. Still, he ranked high enough to have two lovely servants, Grim (no last name needed) and Beatrix Evil. In their humanly forms they were shapely young women, one a bit of a dominatrix, tall with a head full of long dark curls, the other shorter, lighter and much more officious, but what a pair they made. While they may have been servants to Taylor, they bent him to their will quite often, and he enjoyed it to no end. Isaac continued to gaze at Evil and she opened her legs to make him suffer even more. As his eyes lit up and he reached his hand out to touch her, Taylor reached over and pulled his pants open, spilling the icy remainder down his brother’s tighty-whities. As Isaac flinched, trying to empty his underwear of the quickly melting cubes, Taylor and Evil shared a wicked chuckle. Taylor dropped down on the bed, tossing the glass against the rocky wall and loving the sound as it shattered. Evil draped the whip around his shoulders and pulled him closer, pressing her full, red lips against his.

“What the hell is that little dance, Isaac?” Grim asked as she trotted into the room, her hooves crunching the glass underfoot. She had a clipboard in her hands and a pen behind one lovely pointed ear. Like Taylor, she had horns, but a honey colored, silky fur covered her from the hips down. “Taylor! Why aren’t you in the Misty Woods meeting with that angelic bitch Amy?! If you’re late, she’ll make a big deal out of it with Val, and that’s all we need!” She said, putting her hands on her hips, and a scowl on her face. “Where’s that rotten Zac?” She said, looking around her.

“Right here.” A deep voice mumbled. The tall, blonde boy shuffled up, eating a Twinkie and wiping his hands on the Black Sabbath t-shirt he wore. Grim turned and glared at him.

“I thought I told you to make sure Taylor got to his appointment on time! No sex for you tonight!!!” She spat, pulling the pen from her ear and marking something down on the form.

“Awww, it wasn’t my fault! He was messing around with that Ashley chick, then Jezebel came in and they got into some kinda cat-fight and I had to break it up.” He said, holding up his arm for her to see, “See? One of ‘em scratched me.”

“Hmmm…wonder which one it was? Maybe the one with the claws?!!” Grim asked, one eyebrow raised. She then turned to Taylor, “Are you sure they’re your brothers?” She asked, looking over at the two boys.

Taylor sat up and pulled the girl onto his lap, “Yeah…” he said, taking his finger and flipping the small silver ring in her nipple up and down, “we all signed the papers and we all got to be rock stars. I’m just smarter and better looking than them.”

Grim looked into his blue eyes and he looked into her brown, “I’ll say.” She said, and then he watched the large brown eyes turn small and black as she shifted into the form of a long, willowy brown rat and scuttled up onto his shoulder, the clipboard and the pen falling to the floor.

Taylor looked over at Evil, still lying seductively in the bed, “You coming?” He said to her.

Taylor raised an eyebrow, looking her up and down, “Hmmm…maybe I could just leave in a little while…” he turned back toward the girl. Zac began to protest and if not for the bite to his ear, Taylor would have continued to ignore his brother. “Ouch!” he cried, rubbing the tender lobe. Grim began to scold him in little squeaks and twitters. “Alright, alright!” He said, standing up. Evil pouted, but turned very quickly into a silky black rat and joined her other half on Taylor’s shoulder, leaving her skimpy outfit lying in the bed.

The sun shone bright through the leaves of the trees, leaving little circles of light dancing across the ground in a clearing of the forest known to the inhabitants of the nether regions as the Misty Woods. It was one of a handful of places on Earth where angels, devils, and other such beings could meet without fear. It was deemed a neutral area and no fighting was allowed at all. Amy stood, the feathers of her wings glistening in the sunlight as well as the halo around her head. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she paced back and forth, looking every now and then at the sundial that sat amidst stones and a ring of daisies in the middle of the clearing. “I knew he’d be late. He’s always late.” She muttered. “Bet if it was Val he was meeting he wouldn’t be late…” She continued to walk back and forth, back and forth. Finally, she heard the sound of someone walking through the dry leaves on the floor of the woods and looked up to see Taylor stop at the edge of the clearing. She turned and stood, her hands on her hips, “Where have you been? Do you have any idea how long you’ve kept me here?”

Taylor stood in the shade of the trees, his hand shading his blue eyes. The sight of Amy, dressed in a very sheer white gown, beautiful white wings and a very pissed off look on her face was almost enough to make him walk out into the bright sunlight, but not quite. “Nope.” He called, folding his arms and leaning against the tree next to him.

“Nope, I have no idea how long I’ve kept you here.” He said, stepping slowly into the clearing, squinting his eyes. Then a grin crossed his face, “But, I’m hoping to keep you here a little longer.” He said, stepping up very close and touching one of the feathers that ruffled in the slight breeze.

A pout formed on his lips and he stepped closer again, “I’m not going to hurt you.” He said seductively, stepping behind her and moving in close to her ear, “Unless you want me to…” he whispered.

Suddenly, she fluttered her large wings and Taylor found himself being pushed backward and his hair and clothing being blown as if by a strong wind. She spun around and pointed her finger at him, “Stop all this nonsense! We’re here to talk about Ashley and you know it! Now let’s get to it! The Creator is not happy about any of this anymore than Val is!”

Taylor pulled a pair of sunglasses out of the pocket of his jacket and put them on, relieved to keep the bright light out of his sensitive eyes, “Val’s just mad ‘cause it wasn’t her.” He stated, a smug look on his face.

Amy’s mouth fell open and her hands went to her hips again, “Taylor! Valerie is the Creator’s right hand here! Hurry, say a prayer!” She said, crossing herself and placing her folded hands in front of her face, silently mouthing words to herself as Taylor looked on.

“Are you finished?” He asked momentarily, “Because, I have things to do.” He said, looking down at his watch.

She looked up at him then, noticing his blonde hair shining in the sun and the aqua of his eyes as well. She shook her head, thinking it a shame he’d turned to the dark side. “Taylor, Valerie is very upset. Ashley is her daughter, and the thought of one from the light being taken…down there…well, if you don’t bring her back, Valerie is going to be very very angry and if she tells—“

“Who’s she gonna tell?” He interrupted her, “Is she gonna tell the Big Cheese?” He pulled the glasses down on his nose and looked at her with enormous eyes, “I think Ashley likes it where she is. If Val wants her back, she knows where to find her.” He said. He then stepped up very very close to her, his body nearly touching hers, his eyes moving up and down her body, “You know, I don’t much like the sunlight, but daaaaaaamn, that little dress there—well, it shows every curve.” He moved in even closer and looked up at the halo above her head, “Don’t you get tired of being good all the time?” He said, and he took his finger and flicked the golden ring, smiling at the tone it produced. The long tail that had remained hidden in his clothing slithered out and wrapped itself around her leg. Suddenly, Amy’s eyes widened and she gasped, then backed quickly away from him.

“If you want to keep that hideous tail of yours, you’ll take it off my angel.” Val’s voice filled the air.

Taylor closed his eyes for a moment to compose himself, then turned, a smile on his face, “Hello, Valerie.” He said, and he bowed low, pulling his tail back into his pants as discreetly as possible. “What brings you here on this beautiful day?”

The look he received from her was enough to make him step back. “Where do you think you’re going?” She said, grabbing his tail just as it was about to disappear into it’s hiding place.

“Did you bring my daughter back with you today? Because that is the only thing that is going to save you right now.” She began to twist the long, pointed appendage into a knot, much to the dismay of it’s owner.

Just as she was about to pull it tight, Amy approached her, “Val, this is the neutral ground! You can’t hurt him! It’s not allowed.”

Suddenly, two rats scurried out of Taylor’s jacket, one running up to his ear and trying to comfort him, the other jumping to the ground and turning into her true form. “That’s right! It’s not!” Grim stomped one tiny hoof on the ground and placed a hand on her furry hip.

Val released her grip on Taylor’s tail, causing him to nearly fall over. “Ah, I wondered where your little lap dogs were.” She said, pulling her wings back in. Amy had backed up, not liking rats in the least.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Grim smiled.

“I’ll bet a little touch of lightening would sting though.” Valerie threatened. “Look,” she said, turning her attention back to Taylor, “I just want Ashley back and we can all call a truce. I won’t tell the Creator you took her, everybody’s happy.”

“Yeah, everybody but me.” Taylor pouted. “I was supposed to be a rock star, not the butt of every second class sitcom and high school joke in the world.”

Evil turned at once into her womanly form, “Aw, my darling…” she cooed into his ear as the two angels looked on. Taylor sniffed and pulled her closer as Valerie rolled her eyes.

“Why can’t you people ever wear clothes?” Valerie lamented. She stood for a moment watching the display in front of her, then turned to see Amy, her head cocked, looking on as well, taking it all in. “Alright! That’s enough of that! So, what’s your beef? You think you got shafted by the Dark One?” She shook her head, “Shoulda thought of that before you signed on the dotted line, buddy.”

Taylor turned to her, “You know, you people should show a little mercy now and then! I was thirteen years old!!!”

“Yes, the magical number. That’s why you got to be the heartthrob.” Valerie pointed out.

“Yeah, and that’s been just peachy.” Taylor said, pulling away from Evil and straightening his clothes as she stepped behind him, concealing her nudity from the shocked eyes of Amy. “Look, bottom line—you want Ashley back? I want to renegotiate my contract. You help me, I help you. That’s the deal, take it or leave it.” He crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes at her. Grim put her elbow up on his shoulder and a smug look on her face, her pointed ears moving slightly, listening to what was being said.

“Ha! You want a comeback!? A Hanson comeback?! Good Luck!” Val laughed. “Maybe if you changed your name and dyed your hair so no one knew it was you!”

Taylor threw his hands up, “Whatever. Me and Ashley have a little date, I guess this meeting is over.” He turned and started to walk away, leaving Grim and Evil facing the two heavenly beings.

Amy stepped a little closer to Grim, peering at the little silver rings threaded through her nipples, “Did that hurt?” She asked.

Amy wrinkled up her nose and backed up again, “Oh.” Was all she said. She then looked over at Val, “He’s leaving. You better go get him.”

“Dammit!” Val stomped. Amy’s eyebrows peaked and her eyes widened. “Go get him.” She huffed.

At once, Amy spread her wings and flew over them, and soon was standing in front of Taylor. Grim and Evil looked at each other. “That was cool.” Evil said, her hands on her hips. Grim nodded in agreement.

Taylor turned back to look over his shoulder at the others, then back to the Angel in front of him. “I didn’t come here to be insulted.” He said haughtily.

“All you need to do, is bring Ashley back, and then Val will help you.” Amy said, placing her hand on his shoulder and gently turning him back toward the clearing.

Taylor laughed, “You’re pretty good at lying…for an angel.” He eyed her and they began to walk back, “I think though, that Val will help me, and then I will give Ashley back to her. That’s the way it works.” He said, picking a daisy as he walked past it and handing it to her as they approached the others.

“Thank you.” She blushed, smelling the sweet flower, and ruffling the feathers of her wings.

Val grabbed the daisy and handed it back to Taylor, “Don’t try any of your charms here, it won’t work. Now, I want her back.”

“Fine. You know what to do.” Taylor said, rubbing one of his horns and looking at her over his dark glasses.

Val stepped up very close to him and he could see fire in her eyes, “You touch one hair on her head, and you’ll be demoted so far down in that place, you won’t be able to get a crowd of shoppers to listen to you at a mall while you hand out free money.”

Taylor swallowed, “Well,” he said, “that’s not that much different from my current situation. So, I’ve got nothing to lose.”

“Oh, you have no idea.” Valerie said. She then sighed, “Alright, who did you sign with?” she asked, backing up and looking at him.

Taylor looked at Grim, “Um…” she said, thinking, “if I remember correctly, and I always do.” She added. “It was with a Mr. Black.”

“I should’ve known.” She chuckled. “Well, I guess we’re just going to have to pay ol’ Robbie a visit.” She said, straightening her halo.

Taylor turned to Grim and Evil, “You girls go torment my brothers for a while, I’ll be home in a little while, hopefully, with a new outlook on life…” he said, kissing Evil while his tail snaked out again and wrapped around Grim’s waist, pulling her close.

Amy watched, then turned around and looked at her own backside, “How come we don’t have those?” She asked.

Valerie sighed, and looked from the strange threesome in front of her, back to the girl beside her, “Because they are the sign of the devil and we do not want anything like that. You have beautiful wings and the gift of flight and a bright halo over your head. You are one of the favored ones.” She smiled at the girl. “Alright, now you go back up and stay there until I get back.” She looked over at Grim and Evil as they turned back into sleek rats and scuttled away into the forest, “And stay away from that riff raff. Don’t ever trust any of them.” She whispered. Then she faced Taylor, “Now then, let’s go see some folks in the honorable business of robbing musicians of their souls….”

Amy watched as Taylor and Val turned and walked across the field together, Taylor continuously poking his wayward tail back into his pants.

Isaac and Zac sat across the room, watching Ashley. She sat in a chair, silver chains around her wrists and ankles. She stretched her wings out, trying to shake the dust and dirt out of them and the golden halo over her head sat at a distinctly crooked angle now.

“Hey Ike,” Zac spoke up, “do ya think it’d be okay to touch her? I mean, it’s not like Tay’s gonna know or anything, y’know?”

“Hmmm….” His older brother looked back and forth around the room, “Jez isn’t around. Besides, she can’t stand Ashley anyway, at least when it comes to Tay being around her. Go ahead.”

Slowly, Zac walked across the dusty room toward the captive angel. Suddenly, she looked up and pulled her wings around her, her frightened eyes peeking out over the top of the once white feathers. “So, Angel…did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” He asked her with a grin.

“I didn’t fall, I was stolen by your evil brother!” She spat. “If you let me go, I’ll be sure and put in a good word for you with my mother.” She said, parting her wings just a little.

Zac looked her over closely, leaning in close enough that she could feel his breath on the back of her neck. Gently, he placed his hands on the tops of her wings and ran them down to the tips. “You know, these are the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen…” he said seductively.

She pulled them up closer around her again, “Stop that! It’s not allowed!” She scolded him.

Zac turned toward Isaac and chuckled, then back to the young girl, “This is hell, everything is allowed. In fact, it’s encouraged.” He said, his nose touching the back of her ear. “I won’t hurt you…” he whispered.

“That’s what Taylor said just before he grabbed me and brought me down here and tied me to a chair! There’s no sunlight! No clouds!” She cried.

“Yeah, but up there, there’s no Zac.” He stated, and then he ran his lips across her neck and up her ear. It was almost imperceptible, but she laid her head back ever so slightly, allowing him to kiss her cheek.

Amy stood for a moment, watching the lovely backside of Taylor as he walked away from her, “Why am I thinking these strange thoughts….” She wondered. When the two of them were out of site, she looked back toward the forest. She could still hear the tiny, quick movements of Grim and Evil as they skipped over dried leaves on their way back to wherever it was they had come from. Suddenly, a thought came to her. If she could follow the two of them back to their home, perhaps she could rescue Ashley herself! And see for herself what “down there” was really like.

Taylor and Valerie stepped out of the forest and directly onto a busy Los Angeles street. To the passersby, there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary about the two, their true physical natures being unseen to the humans all walking about, doing whatever it was humans did all day. After walking only a block, they came upon a large, cold looking building, “Island Def Jam”, the large neon sign on the side of the building flashed. “Well, this is it.” Valerie said. “Now, we just have to find dear Robbie…”

Inside the building, a large desk was set up and a lovely young woman sat there, looking at them. “Yes, may I help you?” She asked politely.

“Yes, Kenari.” Valerie said, looking at the name plate on the front of the desk. “We’re here to see Mr. Black.”

A tiny smile graced the young woman’s face before she answered, glancing first at Taylor, then back to Val, “Mr. Black sees no one without an appointment.”

Val stepped closer to the woman and Taylor watched as she spread her wings, “Oh, he’ll see me.” She said.

Kenari stood and to Taylor’s amazed eyes, two little horns appeared and she raised an eyebrow, “Why are you here?” She asked, glancing over at Taylor, then back to Valerie.

“Well,” Valerie said, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back on her heels, “It seems that this little one is unhappy with the deal he made with Mr. Black and he’d like to re-negotiate.”

Kenari chuckled and sat back down in her seat, spinning it and placing her feet up on the desk, stiletto heels on her feet and black silk stockings on her long legs, “Mr. Black neverre-negotiates. Never.” She said.

Valerie leaned over again, “Well, he’s going to reconsider this time because this little asshole has kidnapped my daughter.” She spat.

Kenari sat up quickly and turned to Taylor, “What?!” She said, glaring at him.

“You heard her.” Taylor said with a smirk, “I’ve got her little Ashley, and I’m gonna keep her until I get a fair deal from you guys. You screwed me over.” He then stepped behind the desk, “I haven’t had too much fun with her yet…” he said, rubbing his hands together, “but give me a few minutes and I can give her the time of her un-life.” He leaned down and ran his finger along her jaw line, then ran it down her neck.

Kenari cocked her head and looked up at the boy beside her, his full lips and his blue eyes, “You know, Mr. Black is not going to just give you whatever it is you’re wanting free of charge. You always have to pay.”

Taylor smiled sadly and whispered in her ear, “I already have.” He then kissed her ear, humming a charming melody as he did so.

Valerie was actually impressed. It was usually hell, literally, to deal with these creatures, yet Taylor seemed to have tamed this one with ease. Kenari spun around in her seat again, now facing Taylor, “I’ll see if he’s in.” She said, her face so close to his manhood he could feel her breath through his pants. She then stood up slowly, her body just barely skimming his as she stepped past him and went through the large, black door behind them.

Grim and Evil slipped through a small door and Amy barely made it through behind them, losing a few feathers in the process. To her eyes, it was very dark and there was a smell that she definitely did not like. She looked ahead into the darkness but couldn’t see the pair anymore. She noticed that if she held her head down a bit, her halo produced enough light for her to see her way down the long corridor she was in. At last, she came to a fork. She listened carefully, trying to decide which way to go. To the left, she could hear many voices, some not sounding happy to be there. To the right, quiet murmuring and…… video games? Silently, she followed the sound ‘til she found herself in front of a number of doors. One was cracked open, and inside, she could see the two boys she knew as Taylor’s brothers. “Dude!” Isaac sputtered, “You’re cheating again!!!”

She closed her eyes for a moment, folded her hands saying one last prayer, and darted past the door to the next one. She pressed her ear to the door. Inside, she could hear a very quiet voice, humming the tune to “Amazing Grace.” Her eyes lit up and she pushed the door open to find Ashley sitting there, preening her wings, a tiny smile on her face. “Ashley!” Amy hissed, rushing over to the girl. “Are you alright? Oh my heavens, your mother is SO worried…” she said, pulling on the chains.

“Amy?! What are you doing here?” Ashley said, sitting up and looking about the room.

“Yes! We must hurry though! If they catch me…. well, I don’t even want to think about it!” Amy said, pulling harder on the chains and finding them extremely strong.

“Oh, but I’d like to think about it. I could think about it for eternity.” Both the girls turned, aghast at the site before them. There stood Jezebel, her own wings not of white feathers, but of a black leathery look. Much more like a bat than a dove. And the smile on her face showed two tiny little fangs.

“And eternity can be such a loooooong time.” Evil’s voice came from the adjoining doorway where she now stood as well, Grim behind her with a scowl on her face and a hand on her hip.

“Ah, we meet again.” Mr. Black said from behind his massive desk, his hands folded in front of his face.

Val watched the exchange with narrowed eyes and nodded when Mr. Black acknowledged her presence, “I see you’ve brought back-up this time.” He grinned.

“Hey, a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do.” Taylor stated, placing his hands on the desk.

Robbie slowly spun back and forth in the chair, his eyes not leaving Taylor’s now. “I hear you’ve…abducted one from the light.” He said.

“Yes, and she seems to be having a lovely time.” Taylor said, glancing over at Val.

Now Mr. Black looked up at the angel before him, “Hello, Val—it’s been a while. How have you been?”

“Well,” she said, tapping her foot, “I’ve been pretty good until one of your little pricks stole my daughter.”

She watched as a smirk stole over his face as he tried not to laugh, “I’m so sorry.” He said, “I’m sure we’ll get her back, unharmed.” He then looked back to Taylor, “Won’t we?”

He was met with a pair of cold eyes, “Oh, I think something can be worked out." Robbie stated, getting up out of the chair and stepping towards Taylor. “How exactly did you manage to take an angel down there anyway?” He asked, leaning back against the desk.

“I’d like to keep that to myself, if you don’t mind.” Taylor said back. “Look, I don’t want anything that’s not owed to me anyway, alright? You follow through with our original deal, and I let her go. It’s as simple as that.”

“Let’s see…” Robbie said, holding out his hand. A paper appeared there. He looked down at it, “It says that in exchange for your souls, you and your brothers will become rock stars.” He then looked up at Taylor. “Is that the way you remember it?”

Taylor narrowed his eyes at the man, then placed one hand on his hip, “…Yeah…” he said carefully, “pretty much.”

Mr. Black sat the paper down on his desk, “Did you get to play to sell out crowds in London? New York? Chicago?” Taylor didn’t answer. “Did you have thousands of women and girls wanting to have sex with you?” Again, Taylor didn’t answer. “Did you sell out arenas all across the country?” Taylor just gave the man a blank look. “Well, did you? It’s a yes or no question, Taylor.”

Taylor sighed, and looked over at Val for a moment, then back to the man in front of him, “Yes, but—“

Mr. Black held his hand up, “You’ve just answered the question. No buts. You got what you signed for. If you wanted more than that, it was up to you. You could have done all the things they asked of you—you’re a good looking kid, you could have milked it for all it was worth. You could have danced, and churned out the hits, but you wanted to do it your way. Well, guess what? Nice guys finish last and the ones with scruples finish right behind them. You made your bed, now go on back down there and sleep in it.” Robbie said, walking back and sitting back in his chair smugly.

“It’s not fair.” Taylor said softly, “We were in it for the music. We didn’t want all that other crap. We just wanted to make music.”

Suddenly, a tiny little devil, looking very much like Justin Timberlake appeared on the man’s shoulder, playing a violin, “Are you done?” Mr. Black said. “Because if you are, then we can all get back to our business.”

Taylor stood up tall, “No, I’m not done. Are you telling me you aren’t gonna help me? We have an album in your vault. Release it. Let us do some shows. That’s all we’re asking for.”

“The album sucks.” Robbie said. “Besides, Island Def Jam is not really my business any more. I was Mercury, remember?”

“God--!!!” Taylor yelled, his temper flaring, “It does not SUCK!!!” He said, lunging at the man. At once, little Justin yelped and disappeared in a tiny little puff of smoke. “I want my album! Those songs are MINE!!” He said, grabbing the man by the shirt.

Robbie laughed, not phased by the boy, “Technically, they aren’t yours. You sold them to us back in 1997. Along with Mmmbop and all those other gems.”

Taylor pulled back, a defeated look on his face and tears in his eyes. Even Val was beginning to feel sorry for him. “Robbie,” she said, “I just want Ashley back. Who do we need to talk to at Island Def Jam, that has the power to do this?”

He chuckled, “Well, now you’re talking about someone over me.” He looked over at Taylor, “Look, kid, why don’t you just cut your losses, and go on about your business? You still got a few fans out there. Just be satisfied. You want my honest opinion? You’re good. Way better than all the crap that gets the awards and the numbers and stuff. You don’t want to get screwed worse than you already have been. Go home.”

Val stepped over, “That’s not an option. I want her back, he wants a new contract. Who do we need to see?” She said, leaning in toward his face.

Robbie shook his head, “Alright, alright. Go back out and tell Kenari…” he hesitated, looking over at Taylor, “…tell her you need to see Vincent.”

Vincent looked into the huge, gilt mirror on the wall of his office. Reaching up, he stroked the two horns on his head and raised one pointed eyebrow, turning as he saw the lovely Kenari enter in the reflection. “So, Kenari, my little chickadee, what brings you to see the Vin Man this lovely day?”

“Um…well, sir. There’s someone to see you.” She said, her heels clicking on the black marble floor as she stepped toward him.

“Oh really?” He purred, edging up closer to her, his own cloven feet making a similar noise.

“Yes. I’m not sure if you remember him or not…” she said, turning her head as he kissed her neck. “Taylor Hanson?”

Vincent pulled back, again raising that eyebrow and fingering the pointed goatee he sported on his chin, “Has he been bad?” He grinned lasciviously, rubbing his hands together.

Kenari cocked her head, “Well, yes and no.” She stated, running her finger along the gold nameplate on his desk. “He’d like to re-negotiate his contract.”

Suddenly, a booming laughter filled the room, “I’m sure he would!” Vincent howled.

“Do tell?!" Vincent said as if she’d just told him she had a juicy bit of gossip.

Now Kenari wrinkled her face and bit her bottom lip, “Yes, uh, it seems he may have…made off with an angel.”

“Yes, well, it seems Mr. Hanson felt he could get some heavenly assistance if he had something to bargain with.” Kenari said lightly, hoping to keep him in good spirits, “It’s really sort of funny when you think about it.” She said, backing up one more step.

“Yes, well, I certainly hope she has remained that way.” He said, narrowing his eyes.

Kenari swallowed, “Oh, I’m sure he knows better than to actually…. do anything to her…” she mused, a tiny hint of doubt in her voice.

“Ha! I know what he does down there with my baby sister and that rotten Evil! I never should have let those two get together, let alone put them in charge of him…” he spat, circling the desk and plopping down into the chair. “I’ve underestimated that boy since the beginning, but no more. Send him in!” Kenari turned to go, “Wait!” Vincent said. Kenari turned back, “How do I look?” He asked.

Taylor sat in the hard chair, looking at the huge black marble pillars lining the hallway. Many other hallways branched off the one they sat in, each looking as large and impersonal as the next. Val watched him—his foot tapped the floor incessantly and his tail continually curled, then straightened, curled, then straightened, like a cat’s. Both of them looked up when Kenari stepped back into the room. “Mr. Vincent will see you now.” She said to Taylor. Val stood up, “Oh, I don’t think he expects anyone else.” She said.

Valerie looked at Taylor, “Well, we’ll see what you can do for yourself in there. I may not even be needed.” She said, sitting back down and crossing her legs, then fingering the delicate gold sandal she was wearing. Taking a deep breath, Taylor stepped over to the door, then pushed it open and disappeared inside. Val then jumped up and went straight to Kenari’s desk, “Well? Was he angry? Is he going to hang him or what?” She blurted. “Damn it all to hell, if he kills him, I’ll never get Ashley back!” She hissed.

Val sat on the side of the desk and pulled the halo down from her head, and gazed into the golden glow. Kenari stepped around so that she too could see what was happening inside the room. They watched as Taylor stepped up to the desk and was met with a pair of dark eyes. “I hear you want to re-negotiate your contract?” Vincent said.

Taylor furrowed his brow, “What do you mean, ‘No.’? I haven’t even told you—“

“No. That’s all. Just no. It isn’t done.” Vincent said, placing his hands on the desk, “And, you are to release the angel immediately.”

Both the women gasped as they heard. They watched as Vincent stood up, towering over the boy, seeming to grow taller. He stared down at the boy, his long pointed tail making a whip-like sound as it cut through the air. “Any last requests?” He boomed, his breath like a hot wind, blowing Taylor’s hair away from his face and causing him to squint his eyes to keep them from watering.

For a moment, he was struck dumb, then Taylor spoke, “Grimmy says ‘Hi’.” He said. “You know, you two have a certain resemblance to one another…” he said, looking down at the hooves peeking out from the designer suit the man wore.

Jezebel smiled at Amy, her eyes twinkling. She licked her lips, then stepped a little closer, “So, what have we here? A matched set, it looks like.” She looked over her shoulder at Grim and Evil, “We could use them as bookends!” She laughed.

Evil stepped into the room, a look of glee on her face and her hands clapped together, “Taylor will be so pleased!!!”

Amy stepped between them and Ashley, “Why don’t you let her go, and I’ll stay in her place? I’m actually a higher ranking angel—“

“Bullshit.” Grim said, clicking into the room. “You might be an angel second class to her fourth, but she’s got the pedigree.”

“Listen,” Amy pleaded, “Taylor could really get into trouble for this. Val is not going to just sit back and let him keep Ashley. Eventually, she’ll tire of trying to deal and call for outside help.” She looked from one of the creatures in front of her to the other, “She could even call on the Creator.” She said dramatically.

Suddenly, all three of them looked up warily. Jezebel crossed her arms over her chest, her long red fingernails tapping on her arms of the same color. “If Val could call on the Creator, she already would have.” She smiled, her white fangs showing, “Lying is not your forte.”

“But of course.” Jezebel said, raising her eyebrows. Then her eyes twinkled and she smiled a wicked smile, “You just sit down there next to her very peacefully, and when Taylor gets here, he’ll decide what he wants to do with his little bonus!”

Amy slowly spread her wings out, her eyes darkening, “I will not sit here and allow you to keep the daughter of one of the Creator’s favorites!”

Jezebel shook her head and looked at Amy, pity in her eyes, “Doesn’t it bother you, that the Creator even has favorites? I mean, isn’t that just sort of…against everything you people stand for?”

Amy looked back at her, confused for a moment, “I didn’t really mean favorites. It was just a figure of speech. We just have a kind of class system there and the older ones are just a bit higher ranking. And Valerie is just one of the highest ranking. That’s all I meant.” She said softly, her wings coming in a little closer to her now.

Grim looked over at Evil, a look of relief on her face. She wasn’t sure exactly how much power Amy would have in the nether regions and she didn’t want to find out. “So, Amy,” she said, stepping up looking into her eyes, “is it fun living up there?”

“Of course it is! Heaven is an amazing place!” Amy said, her halo brightening up the room.

“Yes, I’m sure it is amazing,” Evil said, taking her hand, “but, is it fun?”

Amy folded her hands in front of her as her wings settled back at her sides, “Not everything is about fun. There is much work to be done in the world, and we must do as much as we can to help.”

Evil smiled at her, “Well, after all that work, do you get some time to yourself? To sort of…cut loose?”

“Oh, well that is just wrong!” Jezebel exclaimed. “What you need is a union!!! That’s what we have! Would you like us to help you get one started?”

Vincent looked down at Taylor, “Yes, have you been enjoying your time with my sister down there? Because, depending on what happens in the next few moments, it may be the last experience you ever have.”

“Um, actually, we’ve had a lot of fun together.” He smiled. Vincent did not smile back. “She’s very bossy, though. It’s sort of…endearing.” Taylor raised his eyebrows, looking up at the man towering over him.

Vincent narrowed his golden eyes and backed up a little. “Yes, I seem to remember her liking things to go her way. And have you enjoyed the company of the beautiful and talented Evil?”

“Of course she is. So what exactly is your complaint, ungrateful one?” Vincent asked, sitting back on the desk, picking up a particularly wicked looking letter opener.

Taylor swallowed, “I’m not ungrateful for the company of Grim and Evil. Quite the contrary, they are probably the reason I’ve made it this long without coming to you. I just…” Taylor looked down at the floor for a moment, seeing his own reflection in the polished marble. He then squared his shoulders and looked back at the man, “I just think you didn’t hold up your end of the bargain we made.”

“You signed with Mr. Black, you have no bargain with me, therefore I have not broken any promise to you. Now, skedaddle on back to your little partners in crime and release the angel immediately, and I may forget this happened.” Vincent said, cleaning underneath his nails with the shiny dagger.

“Mr. Black said you own the contract now and that you were the man to see. I wanted to play music, not just sit around with my thumb up my ass for years while every no-talent asshole who can dance and do what they’re told gets to be heard and seen on every TV show and radio station in the world. You got my soul and I got nothing in return.” Taylor said.

“Nothing!!!” Vincent bellowed. “What do you call #1 in twenty seven countries? What do you call meeting Cindy Crawford? What do you call Grammy nominations?”

Taylor spat back, “I call it hard work!!! Me and my brothers had to give up everything for that! You didn’t give us anything! We had to work for it, and when the second album was finished, you did nothing for us! It came and went while those other guys got all the airplay for songs they didn’t even write! They didn’t play! They just cashed checks and toured and sold millions and millions of albums!”

Vincent crossed his arms over his chest, looking bored. He reached up and stroked his beard. “You know,” he said, “you’re right. We’ve treated you badly. I’m so sorry. And to make up for it, I’m going to offer you a deal, Taylor.”

“We’ve already got a deal.” Taylor sighed, “All I want is for you to hold up your end.”

Taylor looked up at him suspiciously, “Yeah? Well, I’ll have to ask my brothers before making any new deals—” he started.

“That’s the beauty of it!” Vincent said, standing back up and putting his arm around Taylor’s shoulder. “You don’t have to ask them, because they aren’t included! This is all about you, Taylor. You are the star after all, everyone knows it. It’s time you left them behind, they’re just holding you back. They are the reason you’re not the star you were meant to be.” He raised his hand in the air and a thick ream of papers appeared in it, very ornate script on the cover and a red seal. Vincent held it up in front of his chest and looked at Taylor, “For you, a very special solo offer.” He smiled, and produced a quill pen, it’s feathery tendrils moving from the air that they breathed.

Outside the room, Valerie and Kenari gazed into the golden circle, watching, holding their breath to see what Taylor would do…

“What’s going on over there?” Zac said, his thumbs moving with lightening speed to control the characters on the screen in front of him. Isaac looked away from the game and looked over at the door Grim and Evil had just passed through. “I hear voices.” Zac added.

Isaac stood up, “I don’t know. It’s probably Jez checking up on Ashley.”

Now Zac threw aside the control and stood up, “I don’t trust her to ‘check up’ on Ashley. She’ll turn her into a frog or something.” He said, stalking towards the door. Isaac shrugged and followed.

Upon entering, they saw a curious sight; Grim sat at a table, drawing out something as the two angels looked on. Ashley had to strain against the chains around her ankles to see what was going on, but she was managing. “You see, this way, it’s all fair. No one gets to be Creator’s pet, everyone is treated equally, no mandatory overtime…” She looked up at the two angels, her pointed ears turning this way and that as she explained the premise of a union.

“So, you just do whatever your contract says, and then the rest of your time, you just do whatever you feel like doing?” Ashley smiled.

Suddenly, Evil stood up straight, “There. It looks great, doesn’t it?” she said, backing up. That was when Isaac and Zac saw Amy and her newly pierced belly button.

“Oh my God, who are you?!” Isaac gasped. Zac looked from one angel to the other, shaking his head.

“Ashley doesn’t need rescuing.” Zac said, stepping up beside her and stroking the silken feathers of the younger girl’s wings. “She likes it just fine down here, don’t you?” He asked her.

Amy looked at the girl. “Uh, well, it’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be…” she stuttered.

Taylor smiled, thinking of all the groupies he’d have to himself. The fact that his parents wouldn’t be there hovering over him. No Zac to tease him about every little mistake he made, or speed up the beat on a song whenever he felt like it. No Isaac watching his every little move and judging him for it, or rambling on about nonsense during interviews. He’d be the only guest on the seat next to Jay Leno, or sitting there next to some sexy actress. He’d know the underwear being thrown on the stage was for him and him alone. No more having to change the melody of a song because his brothers didn’t agree with his superior musicality. It would be a wonderful thing.

Valerie sighed. She could see the wheels turning behind those bright blue eyes and she was pretty sure she knew what his answer would be.

Taylor looked at Vincent. The man held his future right there in his hand. He reached over and took the pen from his hand and Vincent placed the tome on the desk. “Just sign right here.” He said, pointing to the line on the cover. He then picked up the dagger, “And then, we’ll seal the deal, and you’ll be on your way to stardom again.” Looking down at the paper, he paused. In his mind, he saw Isaac’s face as he tried to teach Taylor to play chords on the guitar. He saw Zac shaking his head as he tried to explain Algebra to him that just wasn’t sinking in. And he saw all three of them, singing together in their basement and in their car, and in lonely hotel rooms. He laid the pen down on the desk. Vincent looked at the boy, realizing he’d lost him.

“I can’t do that. I’m not a solo act and I don’t want to be.” Taylor said.

Vincent crossed his arms over his chest. “Fine. Go burn in hell then, because you’re original contract is still in effect.” He then shooed him away as if he were a fly too close to his plate. “And, I’ll expect that angel to be released, in her original condition, within the hour.” He then stepped behind the desk and plopped down in his chair as the papers suddenly burst into flame. “Kenari!!!” he yelled, and the doors flung open. “Make sure he goes straight down. No stops on the way!” Vincent raged. Then to Taylor, “And don’t you go anywhere once you get there—you can run, but you can’t hide! I’ll deal with you once you’ve done what you’re told, and don’t get any ideas. You just think it’s hot where you are! You’ll find out what hot is!!!”

Kenari jumped up, hoping her boss hadn’t seen her looking into the gold ring Valerie was placing over her head. “Yes sir!” she barked, and she took Taylor by the arm, pulling him toward the elevators and pushing the down arrow. She looked over at him. The gleam was gone from his eye and she found herself wanting to hug him, but knowing it was not a wise thing to do. Vincent was angry and crossing him would do her no good.

“Well…no. I mean, they scared me and stuff!” Ashley said, pointing to Jez. “But, Zac was nice.” She said, looking at him lovingly.

“Hmph.” Amy said, glaring at him. “I’ll bet he was. I’ve heard about men…” she said.

Evil slinked over to her, “You’ve only heard about them?” she said, shock in her voice.

A “ding” rung out and they all looked up to see the red, neon arrow light up.” Grim smiled, “I think we can help you…”

Valerie stood, her hands on her hips, looking into Vincent’s office. “Well?” she said, “Did you get her back?”

“You’ll have her back before lunchtime.” He muttered, slamming the dagger in the drawer of his desk and kicking it shut again.

“How do you know that? He can’t be trusted.” She said, walking into the office.

Vincent’s brow furrowed, “I’d think you’d be busting a gut right now, Val.” He said. ”I offered him his dream, and he turned me down.”

Valerie sat on the desk and fluttered her wings, “Yes, well, I have to admit, he surprised me a bit there. Still, he took my daughter, and until I have her back, I think I’ll keep my eye on him. Besides, he still needs to be punished. It’s the law.”

Vince rolled his eyes, “You people and all your rules and regulations. What do you want me to do, spank him? I think he’s feeling pretty punished already. Let’s see if he brings her back and then we’ll do what’s necessary.” Suddenly, a bright white light poured in through the doorway and both Valerie and Vincent fell to their knees…

Taylor stepped out of the elevator, and without even looking at the rest of them, he walked into the next room and flopped face down on the velvet covered bed. Evil rushed to his side, “Oh, precious, what happened?!” she asked, lying beside him and stroking his hair.

Amy gazed into the other room, wondering what was going on. Beside her, Grim placed her hand on her arm, “Perhaps you can help him.” She said, her eyes wide and doe like. In her mind, she was tabulating exactly how many points she’d gain by turning an angel to the dark side. Pulling Amy inside, she shut the door and with a click, locked all the others out. For a moment, they stood in the darkness, listening to what the other two were saying.

With a catch in his voice, Taylor turned over to face the dark haired beauty, “It’s over.” He said. “I have an hour left, then they’re gonna kill me or something…cast me into the fire…” he said sadly, touching one of her dark curls. Grim shook her head and joined them, leaving Amy to watch.

“Taylor,” she said, pulling his chin up to look at her, “you’re far too valuable to be cast into the fire. You have charisma Mick Jagger would pay for.” She then sat down next to him, “Don’t worry.”

“You didn’t see the look in Vincent’s eyes. He was seriously pissed.” He said.

“Isn’t he your brother?” Evil asked. “Couldn’t you like, get him to go easy on him?”

“Well, I’ll do what I can.” She said, thinking. She then turned to Taylor, “But, if you only have an hour, let’s make the best of it.” She said slyly. She stood up and walked over to Amy, pulling her into the light, “Taylor, Amy is here to see you.”

“Already?” He said, standing. “They said I had an hour.” He said, looking at Grim and Evil still sitting on the bed.

“She’s not here to take you, Taylor.” Grim said. She stood up and walked over to him, whispering into his ear, “She’s never touched a man before. You have one hour, make it count.” She purred.

His lip curled up on one side as he looked at the beautiful woman before him. Her skin was porcelain and her eyes bright with curiosity. Behind her, the soft white feathers of her wings glistened and above her head, her halo glowed a bright light as he looked at her. His eyes stopped at her navel, “When did you get that?” he asked with a chuckle.

She smiled despite herself, “Just a little while ago. Do you like it?” she asked.

Her eyes lit up, “It is?” she asked, gazing down at the sparkle of the silver.

“Very.” He said, taking another step. He could smell her now—it was the smell of rain in spring, or sugar cookies at Christmas time. It was the smell of goodness. He looked back; Grim had a musky, earthy scent and Evil an enchanting smell like incense. Looking down at his watch, he sighed. One hour…it was all he had.

“Stand, and tell me why this situation has not been resolved.” The voice said.

At once, Valerie and Vincent both raised their eyes to behold a woman, her hair pulled back elegantly, her large brown eyes looking upon them. She wore a sparkly white dress on her tall thin body and she had a distinctly French accent. “I don’t like being deceived, or having the truth kept from me.” She said, one eyebrow raised and crossing her arms over her chest.

Evil waved her hand over the candles beside the bed and they blazed into life, then calmed to a warm glow. Grim lay back on the bed, pulling her soft, fur covered legs up onto it and making room for the other two. Taylor closed the gap between he and Amy. Slowly, he brought his hands up to her face and placed his lips softly on hers. He opened his eyes to see hers staring back at him. “Well, was that a bad thing?” he asked.

“I don’t think so.” She said tentatively. “It didn’t feel bad…” she said, touching her lips with her fingertips.

“Well…did it feel good?” he asked, pulling her ever so slowly towards the bed.

“I think so.” She said, her eyes not leaving his. He stopped beside the bed, and pulled his shirt off, tossing it to the floor, then sitting down on the side. His hands wrapped around her small waist and he pulled her close. He leaned in and ran his tongue across her stomach as she pulled in a breath.

Kenari tiptoed back to her desk and sat, stretching her neck as far as she could to see what was happening. It almost made her wish she had a halo of her own. She smiled at the thought. “Hmmm…what is Celine Dion doing in there with Val and Vince?” she wondered. “Oh well, I guess they’ve moved on to another contract.” She muttered to herself and she looked over at her computer and began to play solitaire.

“So, you gave him the choice to sell out his brothers and he refused?” the woman said, her eyes on Vincent.

“And he and his brothers only want to play music? They aren’t into the whole decadent lifestyle and drugs and such?” She said, looking down at the file in front of her.

“Well, no more than any other boys of that age. They are all decadent creatures.” Valerie grumbled.

The woman closed the file and stood up, “It looks as though we’ve come to an impasse this time. Valerie is angry, as she should be, that he took her daughter. And that is something that cannot be merely forgiven.” Valerie smiled, looking over at Vincent. “But—” she started again. “As far as we can tell, he has not harmed her in any way. And that will work in his favor.” Now Vincent smiled. “You, Vincent, have tried twice now to entice him to truly come over to the dark side, and frankly, in my eyes, you have failed. He doesn’t really belong here, and keeping him here is just not logical.”

Vincent bristled, “But, I got his signature—he gave it willingly, as did his brothers.”

“I’m glad you understand.” She said. “Now, I am releasing him from his contract—“ Valerie started to say something, but she stopped her, “I am releasing him from his contract, as well as his brothers, but any and all previous deals are off. His fame will be only to a tiny few whose lives he’s touched. His records will sell on the merit of their quality and not because of any radio or television persons who are in your back pocket, is that understood?” she said, looking at Vince.

“Very good.” She said turning towards Valerie. She looked over at the clock on the wall, “If he has not returned here, with Ashley, within 37 minutes you may ask for whatever punishment you deem appropriate.”

“If that is what you want, yes.” She answered. Vincent glared at Valerie. “I believe your sister has had dealings with the boy. If he harmed her in any way, would you not want the same thing?” she asked him.

“Well, I don’t know. He’s sort of good for business…” he looked thoughtful. “Besides, I don’t think we have to worry about him hurting Grim…”

“Careful, Taylor. You don’t wanna get the bunny kick.” Evil chuckled. Amy watched it all with fascination. “Are you having fun yet?” Evil asked her.

“Yes, I believe I am!” she said, and then she got up on her knees and spread her wings as far as they would go as the other three admired her beauty. Taylor sat up, running his hands up her stomach and around to the small of her back. He leaned in and kissed her pink lips as his hands slid down, slowly, till they rested on her rear. Amy looked down into his sparkling eyes, seeing not evil as she’d expected, but a charm and a sense of joy he got from touching her.

“I don’t know. I’ve never done anything like this before.” She smiled, noticing a tiny drop of sweat make it’s way down his forehead and into the curve of his eyebrow.

He smiled his blue-eyed smile at her, “Well, how about if we just go nice and slow, and if you want to stop, at any time, you just say so. How’s that sound?”

Amy looked down at the other two women, both seeming to have felt something rapturous at the hands of the boy before her. She’d always thirsted for knowledge of humans and their ways, and though technically, Taylor was no longer human, he was the closest thing she’d come to in her centuries of existence. “Alright.” She said softly and she watched him as his hands came back around to her front.

Zac stood next to Ashley, watching Jez as she eyed the door Taylor had just gone through. Isaac stepped over to her, “You know Taylor’s got a weakness for those angelic types. Don’t take it personally.”

She looked back at Ashley, “But, they’re just so…boring. What’s the attraction? He’s got a tail, I’ve got a tail. He’s got horns, I’ve got horns. I know WAY more interesting things to do with what we’ve got than them!” she spat.

“I’ve always wondered, how come he’s got those things, and me and Zac don’t?” Isaac questioned her.

“It’s because he signed first. He gets the punishments, he gets the rewards.” Jez said, touching Isaac’s soft curls with her long red nail. “Of course, because you are a band, and part of the same family, his triumphs and his defeats are felt by you two as well.” She said, her golden eyes meeting his. “Don’t you get jealous of him sometimes?” she said, her dark eyebrow arching to a point. “I mean, he’s always having fun with Grim and Evil—” she started.

“We have fun, too.” Isaac smiled. “We’re just not as…accountable for it.” Now his grin widened, taking over his whole face.

Jez’ mouth curled up on one side and she looked at the boy in front of her. He wasn’t quite as spectacular as his younger brothers, yet she noticed, he’d definitely come into his own since his early days of fame. Gone were the braces and the hair he’d fought with every morning. In their place was a beautiful, straight white smile, and darker, soft curls over his tan features. A very nice looking young man she noticed. “Well then, as long as no one is holding you accountable for anything you do here…” she said, moving closer to him.

Valerie sat, perched on the edge of Vincent’s desk, her arms crossed over her chest and her eye on the clock that ticked away on the wall. The Creator stood in the center of the room, a pair of headphones covering her ears, her eyes shut as she listened to the music pouring from the CD player in her hand. Vincent watched her as she slowly pulled them away from her ears. “So, this is what he’s been working on these last two years or more?”

“It’s lovely.” She said, then her dark eyes met his, “Do not try anything, either of you.” She said, then looking over at Valerie. “They’ll make it on their own, for good or bad. Am I understood?”

“Yes.” Both answered at once. Then Valerie spoke up, “It’s been 23 minutes. Where are they?”

“Well, that gives him another 14 minutes before he finds himself at your mercy, if I remember correctly.” She answered. “Until then, we do nothing.”

Four more minutes passed, and then a sound entered the room. It was a voice, angelic in it’s purity, and yet, despite the words, all in the room knew exactly it’s purpose. “Ungh..oooh God….” It breathed. Valerie’s mouth flew open, and Vincent’s eyes lit up. Within moments, Kenari’s voice came over the intercom, “Um, sir, Mr. Hanson is here to see you. Would you like for him to wait until Ms. Dion leaves before I send him in?”

“That will not be necessary. Please send him in immediately.” A lovely voice answered her. Kenari looked up at the group before her. Taylor stood and beside him was Ashley, slightly scuffed but looking healthy still. Grim was with them as well, her little tail wagging behind her as she prepared to see her brother. And last, Amy, her cheeks flushed and her great wings fluffed and blowing gently in the breeze of the room. With a nod, Kenari opened the door.

As they stepped into the room, the two angels at once dropped to their knees. Grim looked over at Vincent, who nodded, so she too lowered herself. Taylor’s eyes landed on the woman before him. She had an aura about her, almost a glow coming from the white dress she wore, yet there was no source of light anywhere in the room, save the slightly tarnished halos of the angels beside him. He joined the others, yet, he was not able to take his eyes away from her. She smiled down at him, “So, you are the source of all this turmoil on heaven and earth.” She said, holding her hand down to him. He took her hand and she pulled him to his feet, “Stand before me.” She said, and she motioned for the others to stand as well. She then looked over at Ashley, “Have you been harmed?”

Ashley stepped forward as Valerie’s eyes took her in, tears glistening to see that she did indeed seem to be still in one piece. “I have not.” She answered reverently.

“Very well, you may join your mother.” She was told. And she ran to Valerie who hugged her not only with her arms, but with her wings as well. Valerie began to question the girl quietly about her adventure, making certain Taylor was not deserving of any sort of punishment.

“I have nothing to say. I did what I did. I don’t deny it.” he said, looking down at the floor now.

Now, the Creator turned her great eyes to Amy, “And you?” she said. “How are you involved in this?” she asked knowingly.

Timidly, Amy looked up into the face before her, “I...I only wanted to help. I thought I could bring Ashley back and all would be right again…” she uttered.

“You know what you have done. And you shall pay accordingly. Do you protest?” She asked.

“You are forgiven.” The voice said, kindly. “And you shall be given a new task. One that you are perfect for…” Amy bowed her head and backed up to stand next to Valerie.

“Um, well, actually, I had hoped to ask my brother to take mercy on Taylor.” She answered.

“It is out of his hands now.” She was answered. And with a wave of her hand, Grim was dismissed and she quickly joined her brother on the other side of the desk. Now only Taylor stood before Her. “You—“ she said sternly. Taylor looked up at her, fear on his face. “seem to be a failure as a devil, my son.” He was relieved. And then she continued, “And yet, you are certainly no angel.” She leaned in to look directly into his eyes. “Your contract is not going to be renegotiated.” She watched as his shoulders sagged. “Do not fret. It has been cancelled altogether. You are free. Free to choose your own path.” As a smile started to form on his face she cocked her head, “You shall be judged on your choices, so choose well, for not only you, but the fates of others, including your brothers ride on what you will do. There is always an easy way, which is not always the right way. Be careful how you choose.” And with that she backed away from him and the room darkened as her light faded from it.

Taylor lay on the couch, his arm shielding his eyes from the bright light of the lamp next to him. He tried to remember his life before and how simple it had been. How had he gotten himself into this situation, he wondered. He’d had it all; a successful music career, fans who adored him, a family that doted upon him, and a god given talent that had always been there for him. Now, he was nineteen years old, a husband and father. He and his brothers’ career had stopped as they battled their record label over creative differences, money issues, and respect. His family barely spoke to him and his fans had labeled him a sinner among other things and placed much of Hanson’s problems squarely on his shoulders, all for one night of passion. He heard his young wife enter the room, tip toeing to keep from waking the baby. They'd hardly had more than four hours sleep at a time since his son had been born and it had been hard on both of them. They’d fought and hurt each other over and over and still, he wasn’t sure they were going to make it. Yet, he loved his baby like he’d loved no one before and he knew he’d do whatever it took to be with him. He pulled his arm down and looked over at the tired girl in front of him. She may have only been eighteen, but her face showed the wear of someone much older. They’d fought that afternoon and she hadn’t spoken to him since. Slowly, she walked over and sat down on the couch next to him. Their eyes met, but before any words were spoken, they both heard the tiny sound of laughter coming from their son’s bedroom. Taylor watched a smile bend the edge of her lips, then she shook her head and lay back against him. “You know, I’m just dying to know what makes him laugh like that when he’s all alone in his crib. Is he dreaming some wonderful dream?” she asked.

Taylor smiled back at her, glad the ice had been broken, “I can’t imagine.” He answered.

“Maybe, yeah.” He said, “It looks like we’re out of our contract with the label. It’s too early to say, really, but maybe soon we’ll be able to put the album out…”

In the nursery, a baby boy lay in his crib, smiling up at the beautiful face of his Guardian Angel, her wings spread protectively over him. On the railing, two tiny creatures danced, their little clawed hands interlocked as they entertained the child. Grim and Evil visited the baby as often as they could, considering both Taylor and his wife had pet dogs there that would have loved nothing better than to bring in trophies of the two rats they’d seen in the house. Everyone knows rats are horrible, dangerous things. Amy smiled, listening as Taylor told his wife the news. She’d prayed that the music would be given back to him, and it sounded as if that would be happening. Soon…