Daniel's Dangerous Dynasty

A mysterious blonde figure with black bird-like wings that come and go at will... has shown up by means unknown.
He was able to subdue Mina and Death effortlessly, and could more than likely overpower Daniel in the blink of an eye...

...so what's stopping him from doing so? And more importantly... why did he bow before Daniel and call him "Master"?

Mina and Death both sat on the couch inside Daniel's house. Mina had an ice pack on her forehead, and Death was just lying there on the couch's right arm, looking back and forth at Daniel, who was pacing in front of the couch with Dina cradled into his arms.

And in front of the TV, knelt the blonde-haired man, who said nothing more after they went inside by Daniel's request.

Daniel then looked over at the stranger, and asked, "Alright, so... now that we're not trying to kill each other... who are you?"

Immediately, the man spoke.

"I am Caim, my Lord. Former Angel of Heaven. By decree of His Grace, Lord Abba, I am now sworn fealty to you, Master, as your own Guardian Angel. By my sacred duty, neither you, nor your bloodline, shall be harmed in my presence."

"Wait... Abba? I've heard that name before, but never could figure it out. Who's this 'Abba' figure?" Daniel asked.

Caim replied, "Lord Abba is the Creator of Man, and King of Heaven."

"Hold on a second!" Mina finally said, before glaring at the angel. "You mean to tell me that He Who Stands Against Hell... basically sent the King of Hell one of his own angels to babysit him?!"

But Caim didn't reply to her. "Uh... hello, am I even here right now?!"

Daniel then asked, "Why aren't you listening to my wife?"

Caim then replied, "I am sworn to you, Master, and your bloodline. She does not carry your blood, and as such, has no hold over me."

Mina's glare only intensified, to the point a small huff of smoke puffed out of her nostrils. Daniel noticed right away, and decided to keep this from getting out of hand.

"Well, then, I give you permission to speak to her as if she were one of my own. No secrets. Just pure, honest, truth."

Caim bowed his head again and replied, "Understood. Then by your orders, Master, I shall now speak freely to her."

"Not gonna lie, the whole Master thing's starting to get old." Daniel thought to himself.

Then Caim looked at Mina for, supposedly, the first time since they've been there, and spoke to her. "I was sent here by Lord Abba to protect Master Daniel and his bloodline. However, I was not, nor am I currently, one of his own Angels."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Wait... you're an angel, but not an Angel of God?"

Caim nodded his head. "That is correct, Master."

"Then... that would make you a Fallen Angel!" Mina said; realization dawning upon both she and Daniel's faces.

Caim nodded his head again. "That is also correct, Master's Wife."

She deadpanned at him for that remark.

Daniel then decided enough was enough. "Alright, look. You can call me Daniel, and her, Pinkamena. Enough of the 'Master' crap, please!"

This time, however, Caim looked up at him with confusion. "But... to disregard your title would be an insult to your glory, Master Daniel! I can not do such a thing, for it goes against my very being!"

"Ugh... alright, fine. You can call me 'Master Daniel', and her 'Master Pinkamena', then. Any rules on that one?" he asked.

Caim shook his head. "Of course not, Master Daniel. Henceforth, I shall take note of this from now on, and address you both properly!"

"Alright, good. Now that that's out of the way, here's what I want you to do." Daniel began. Suddenly, he began to glare at Caim, and cleared his throat.

"I want you to go to this Abba person, raise your middle finger at him, and tell him this phrase in my own words: 'Go fuck yourself.' Then, I want you to dismiss me as your master, and go find someone else who actually wants an angel to babysit them!"

Caim's jaw practically dropped at that. "B-but... I can not, Master Daniel!"

Daniel sighed. "Like hell you can't! Listen. I don't know if he gave you the full story here, so let me elaborate. I'm the King of Hell! And in case you weren't here during the past eight months, he's really, really not been in good terms with us for negotiations or gifts, and kinda-sorta hasn't been for... well... ever!"

"What do you mean, Master Daniel? He has yet to have wronged you."

"Wronged me? Wronged me?! Death, here, hold Dina for me, please." Daniel offered his baby to Death, who took her into his arms. Then Daniel began lifting his fingers up to count.

"So you're telling me he didn't wrong me... and yet, eight months ago, he attempted to assimilate my world into his kingdom! He sent one of his horsemen to kill my mom and dad: one of which right in front of me, might I add! He tortured me! He sealed away Heaven from anyone who wants answers, so he's obviously keeping shit from us! He declared war on my Wife, and sent angels to threaten her, and her people! He threatened my family, dammit! Yeah, he's brainwashing so many people around here, but for some reason, I seem to be one of the very, very few human beings out there who can see right through his bullshit!" He slammed his fist on the wall. "So again, Caim, go to him, and tell him that sending me a little apology slave is far from being enough! And then, go on about your way!"

Everyone was silent in the room after that. Caim just stood there, staring blankly at him, while Death began to gently pat Daniel's and Mina's stirring baby.

Finally, Caim bowed his head and knelt down once again. "I... I understand your frustration, Master Daniel. In truth, I too, have questioned his judgement. It is why I have become a Fallen Angel, after all."

He then looked up at his angry master, and shook his head. "But I can not speak to him anymore, I'm afraid. It is not because I do not wish to, but rather, because he went silent after Armageddon has arisen. Only recently has he spoken to me, so as to speak me back to existence, and granted me a request... but once I've replied to him, asked him why he needed my services again, after what I had done, he was only silent once again."

Daniel's face softened a bit. "So he's giving you the Silent Treatment, huh?"

Caim nodded his head. "He is, Master Daniel."

Then another thought rose up. "So you said he spoke you back to existence?"

Again, Caim nodded his head. "Angels are very dangerous creations. When one loses their way, they are bound by law to remove their wings, then end their own lives, so as to prevent catastrophic consequences. It is embedded not in our minds, but our very beings."

Daniel rubbed his chin in thought. "And where do angels go when they are killed?"

"We do not go anywhere, Master Daniel. We are spiritual beings at creation, and bear no Soul within. In short, we enter the Void, where we simply cease to be."

"Damn... that's... that's actually pretty harsh." Daniel said with a nod.

"It is as it should be, Master Daniel. Furthermore, when a Fallen Angel who was granted a second chance fail to abide by their given duty, they, too, are to remove their wings, and end their own lives, so as to return to the Void."

"Wait, wait, wait... you mean you can't just run around freely once you're dismissed?" Daniel asked.

Again, Caim shook his head. "No, Master Daniel. If I am dismissed from your glory, then I am bound by law to return to the Void, and cease to exist henceforth, unless spoken back into existence by a god."

"That reminds me... what exactly did you do that made you become a Fallen Angel?" Daniel asked.

"I was given an order to subjugate the king of the last world to be brought to Lord Abba for reasons unspoken, but... instead, I sent the king on a different path, by his request. He and his most faithful disciple."

Daniel's eyes widened in realization. "Narnia..."

Caim nodded his head. "Indeed, Master Daniel. When Narnia fell to the rifts of Heaven, I fell with it. Having been found out of my deception, I was cast into the Void."

"And you just went without a fight? Just like that?"

Then, Caim shook his head. "I did quite the opposite, in fact. I was the Slayer of Armies... and so, I fought both Angel and Demon alike for my existence... however, in the end, Lord Abba arrived, and had to speak me out of existence before I could do any more damage."

"I see..." Daniel said, now feeling a bit more uneasy about the whole situation.

"Daniel? A word, if you will?" Mina asked, motioning towards the front door.

Daniel nodded his head and raised a hand towards Caim. "Well, listen, just uh... stay here for a bit, okay? I'll be right back."

Caim saluted him again. "By your will, Master Daniel, may it be so."

"Right, right..." he said, waving his hand dismissively. Then he and Mina went outside, and closed the door behind them.

Mina took a deep breath and sighed. "I can sense your unease, Daniel. You're conflicted."

Daniel nodded his head. "Yeah... I mean, I don't trust the guy, but... well... at the same time, I don't think I can just stop him from existing, either! That's basically worse than death, is nonexistence!"

"I know... but then again, he's only an angel, Daniel. Angels are basically living tools, and nothing more. They don't have a soul. They live off of pure obedience, and nothing more. But then, he's not only an angel, but a FALLEN Angel! A tool that basically said 'fuck it', and chose to do something else on its own will!"

"Yeah... that's kinda why I don't trust him." Daniel said, nodding his head.

She then looked towards the yard and shook her head. "Listen... if I were you, I'd just dismiss him anyways, and let his fate just take 'em. He's only a living tool, after all... but... I know you won't be doing that, because you actually have a heart that cares and bleeds out for others."

He looked over at her, and saw that she, too, was thinking heavily on this.

"Not to mention, you know he can't go to Hell with us, seeing how the Angels and Demons are under a lot of pressure right now with each other. There are still wounds from the war that are healing between us both. This means that this Caim fellow is your problem... not mine. And so, I won't answer it for you. Just... just promise me something."

"Yes, hon?" Daniel asked.

She placed an arm on his shoulder, and looked him in the eyes. "No matter what choice you make, just... just promise me you'll be very careful about it, and actually think strategically. Not with your heart, but with your head. Think everything through, from the advantages and disadvantages he can bring to us, and our family. Then, should you accept having him as your Guardian Angel, you'll have to keep a very, very watchful eye on him. After all, he deceived his master before... who's to say he won't do the same to you?"

Daniel nodded his head in understanding. "I... I understand. They're very solid points. I, uh... kinda wish I had more time to think this through."

"Well... we'll be in the Living Room. Take as much time out here as you need, and come back inside once you've reached a conclusion."

With that, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back in.

Daniel groaned and let out a deep breath. Lifting his left hand, he spoke to himself.

"On one hand, we can probably have someone to babysit Dina while I'm in Hell with Mina. After all, Death won't always be available once shit's cleared up everywhere."

He then lifted his right hand and added, "But on the other hand, I'm the King of Hell. A man who the DEMONS look up to. If they knew I had an Angel on my side, who's to say it won't make 'em feel like their king has betrayed their trust?"

Then he looked back towards his left hand. "One hand, we can have a very, very powerful ally on our side, in case some other crazy shit happens."

Back to his right. "Other hand, though, we'd have a very fucking powerful enemy if he betrays us. After all, he dealt with Death and the Queen of Hell like they were nothing! Not to mention, Mina killed Lucifer of all things, who was considered one of the most powerful Angels around... so by Chain of Power, that kinda... means he could very well be more powerful than Lucifer ever was."

Then to his left once more. "He can hide his wings so that even Death can't sense that he's an Angel... maybe we can convince him to keep them hidden, unless necessary. That way, if a Demon asks, he can just be... idunno... a cousin, or some shit? Or maybe just a sitter that we hired for Dina."

Right hand. "But he's basically a fucking robot. Chances are, his programming could prevent him from lies and deceit, which throws the left hand out the water completely in that regard."

Left. "He's under my control. This means I can probably rely on him to help me out with things that none of the others can help with."

Right. "Although... he seems kinda clueless about things. Like, fish out of water clueless. Plus, there's really not much that I need help with in that regard, since I've got the help of basically Death and the Devil."

He then lifts his hands up even higher. "So, it now boils down to two major things."

He shakes his left fist. "Sworn Protector of the Family."

He shakes his right fist. "Biggest Threat in Existence."

He then looked back and forth between his fists, then looked up at the sky. He glared and pointed his finger at it. "You know... I don't see what everyone else sees in you. I mean, why the fuck did you think opening Armageddon was even a good idea in the first place?!"

The wind only picked up slightly as a response, but no words to respond to him.

"Silent as always... just like you treat your servants, your people, and all that have questions. Pfft. Typical Royalty... hell, even the Devil herself at least has the courtesy of giving her people a straight answer, even if it's a simple 'no'! And so... well, I guess that answers it, then. Thank you, for once again being completely fucking useless!"

He tapped on the railing to his porch, before flipping the sky the bird, turning back around, and entering his house once again.

Upon entering, everyone looked at him in unison. Caim stood there, giving his awkward blank stare, as he awaited his master's orders.

Daniel then sighed, clicked his tongue a bit, and looked towards Caim.

"Well, Caim... I've reached a decision."

Caim knelt to the ground. "Then by your grace, Master Daniel, shall your decision be true!"

Daniel rolled his eyes and motioned his hand up. "Rise, Caim." He did as ordered, before Daniel continued. "Now... I don't trust you very much. Hell, I'm kinda hesitant to say I trust you even a little, but... well... at the same time, you've proven that you mean us no harm. At least, not now. And so, with that in mind... you can stay as our Guardian Angel."

"Yes, Master! I shall not fail you!"

"HOWEVER!" Daniel called out, raising a finger. "As King of Hell, know that having an angel by my side could pose a great risk. As such, you are to hide your wings unless it is absolutely necessary!"

"As you command, Master. Though in hiding my wings do I reduce my true power to a minimum, I shall only reveal them when ordered."

"Wait a sec... you mean your powers are handicapped when you hide your wings?!" Mina asked in shock, noting how he practically caught both her Cleaver and Death's Scythe without his wings even present at the time they first met.

He nodded his head at her. "That is correct, Master Pinkamena."

She blinked owlishly, before humming. "Huh... guess Death and I've gotta train more, then... no way in HELL am I gonna rest well after dealing with that shit... losing to a fucking angel who held back his true powers like I was some kind of fucking plaything... it's bullshit! It's... it's... well... oh, FUCK HIM! I'll fucking get stronger, and wipe that fucking expressionless fucker's face into a fucking paste of fucking fear! I'll be the one who teaches that fucker how to be afraid! I'm the Queen of fucking Hell, damn it! I killed fucking LUCIFER for fuck's sake! This is... this is fucking bullshit!"

Her thoughts turned to frustrated mumbling, and she folded her arms up, looking away with her face practically glowing red with rage and embarrassment.

While she grumbled on in the background, Daniel continued to speak to Caim.

"Okay, then... my wife's complaining aside, know that we don't trust you yet. However, we both share a common thing, in the sense that we are both shunned by Abba. As such, I will take your word... but with a grain of salt."

Caim stood upright and took a step towards Daniel. He then reached his hand towards the kitchen area, and a salt shaker immediately flew into his hands. Then he knelt before Daniel, holding the shaker up like it was some sort of religious artifact that was being offered to someone.

"What... are you doing?" Daniel asked, having lost all composure, and was now staring at him with complete, utter, confusion.

"I am offering you salt, Master, so that you may also take my word, as you have spoken." he replied casually... almost like he was certain that he was doing the right thing.

Daniel just stared at the shaker blankly, then heard the sound of laughter in the background. He turned to face Death and Mina, who were now laughing hysterically on the couch.

He shrugged his shoulders out. "Guys, what the hell! Little help, please?"

Mina shook her head. "Nope! As I said, he's your problem! Not mine!"

He looked back at Caim, who was practically ignoring the laughter. His eyes were closed, and he was kneeling perfectly still.

"You're... you're being serious right now, aren't you?" Daniel asked Caim.

Caim lowered his head even more, speaking as sincerely as usual. "Of course I am, Master Daniel. As you have spoken, you shall take my word with a grain of salt. And thus, as it must be, shall you have my word, alongside the grain of salt which you seek!"

Daniel then practically slapped his own face with his palm.

"Oh, son of a bitch..." he muttered, albeit too loudly. "He's not babysitting us! We're babysitting him!"

"Hmm... a son of a bitch would be a younger male dog. Master, do you also wish for a pet dog to-"

"NO! Absolutely not!" Daniel interrupted. He then rolled his eyes and took the salt shaker from Caim's hands, allowing the angel to rise back up, and look at him in confusion.

"Listen, Caim. It's been an... awfully long day, now. Too long, in fact. I'll explain the concepts of 'Figures of Speech' with you tomorrow, because as of right now, I'm exhausted, my wife is pissed off, and my daughter is spitting up on Death's robe right now."

Death's eye sockets widened and he looked down, only to find that, sure enough, Dina was spitting out a bunch of saliva and half-digested breast milk on his robe. "Eeeeew! Dude, why didn't y'all say anything?!" he whined, as Mina carefully took her daughter from his arms.

She only made goo-ing baby noises as a response, with a smile on her face, as she flailed her arms towards her Uncle Death.

Then Mina stood up from the couch. "Yeah... excuse us. We must be getting back to Hell, soon. It's been... a day, at least. Take care, you guys."

With that, she walked into the hallway, and used a door to teleport herself and her child into Hell.

Death groaned and stood up as well, with a huge white splotch on his shoulder. "Ugh! This is my favorite robe, too! Man, I'm gone, now. Y'all keep it real!"

With that, he vanished into a puff of black smoke.

Daniel then looked at Caim, who bowed his head. "I shall secure the perimeters, Master. None shall enter your sacred domain for as long as I keep watch!"

Daniel groaned, no longer even caring, as he waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. Just, uh, don't wake me up, please, unless it's urgent."

With that, he left the angel to his own devices. After all this drama, he had a bed that was practically calling his name, right now.