Redemption

The sound in the distance was incessant, and wasn't dulled even when Emrys pinned their one remaining ear back. As a leading member of the forces of hell, it wasn't as though Emrys really needed sleep. Some nights though, there was so little to do that Emrys could put their head down and relax.

But something somewhere was crying and screaming, and it kept Emrys tense. They rolled over and opened their eyes, not seeing much through the darkness. There was no movement out there, certainly nothing to suggest any kind of commotion. In fact the forest was oddly still. So Emrys pushed themselves to their feet and decided to investigate, making peace with the fact that they would get no rest on this night.

They followed the noise with a silence that only a demon could master. They found the source quite quickly. Someone had wrapped a baby in a mess of blankets, placed them in a cardboard box, and left them in the middle of a forest clearing. Emrys stood over the child and the crying faded away, replaced with coos of curiosity.

"You shouldn't interfere," cut a voice through the darkness. "It'll be taken by the elements soon enough, and the other humans will have to suffer the consequences for leaving it here."

Emrys knew the voice well, but they didn't turn their head to face the owner. They took a moment to process the words before replying, cursing Kalidas for speaking in English. It was just like the guy to interfere in Emrys' affairs. Kalidas just couldn't bring himself to leave Emrys alone. It was strange, almost obsessive. And it always seemed to end poorly.

"And help you improve your numbers?" Emrys growled. "Come on, Kalidas. I have no reason to help you out."

"But abandoning a child is a major sin," Kalidas whined, stepping into view. "Especially if it dies. Imagine the promotion I could get for taking that information back to the boss."

"You won't be getting any other promotion," Emrys replied with a low tone. "This little one hasn't done anything wrong. I'm going to return it to the mortals."

As a judge of the hells, Emrys had the power to decide who exactly would be sent into the fiery depths. As a spy for the boss, Kalidas benefited from bringing back information on sinful activities. This often put the two at odds with each other.

"The mortals have already decided that they don't want it," Kalidas replied, brushing up against Emrys with narrowed eyes and a wide grin. "Just leave it here."

"No," Emrys snapped back, teeth glinting in the dim light. They fished the baby out of the box so it hung securely in the blankets. All four of Kalidas' eyes widened momentarily before rage flashed through them.

"You're a demon! You shouldn't be interfering!" Kalidas said, the frustration more than apparent in his voice.

But Emrys ignored him, turning their back and walking away.