Post by Krähe on Dec 26, 2018 21:25:17 GMT -5
No matter what language they were singing in christmas carols were christmas carols. The swell of joy and the magical faith of the season that seemed to saturate most traditional songs was unmistakable.
Krähe did his best to ignore the music and everything else that could possibly remind him that tonight was Christmas Eve. Including the snow he was brushing out of his hair. Snow was the same no matter where you go too.
He headed through the freshly falling snow towards the familiar sight of a small bar. Lately it had become very familiar as it seemed like all he did was train all day then do his best to drown out the season with whatever he was drinking that night.
He was determined that tonight would be no different than any night before. Other than the fact that he would only be stopping for a few shots, before heading to the church.
“Elp! Sooomebody an-anybody elp!” The breathless bellow was just heard over the sound of the traffic. The slightly slurred words had a vague English accent to them, and as he drew closer to the bar the sounds of a scuffle and grunts in the alley became clear.
It was none of his business if a bunch of drunks wanted to get in a fight, but the sound of a pain gasped and a frightened plea to stop had Krähe dropping his hand from the doorknob. He couldn't even say at what moment he had decided to step into that alley, and he couldn't say it was purely out of the goodness of his heart.
The truth is he’d had this rage building up him, and that alley presented the perfect target for it.
It was easy to see once he stepped in that this was no drunken brawl, and even easier to tell just who was attacking who.
A slightly portly man in a noticeably outdated trench coat was floundering about on the ground. He was somehow managing to miss most of the vicious kicks aimed at him by the dim thuggish figures of his attackers.
It was one thing to pick on an older male that was likely drunk on top of being past his prime and out up shape. It was a completely different situation when taking on someone that's business was violence, and had a body that was sharpened for it.
It was only a matter of minutes before the youths were running off in a kick of snow and curses. Leaving only the sound of Krähe's breathing and the older man's light moans, as he began to pull himself off the ground.
Seeing that the man was going to be ok Krähe let out a sigh and a grunt. “I take it you're ok, so it's likely best for you to make it somewhere safe for the night. Merry Christmas.”
“WAIT ZACHARIAH! Ouch, yo-you can't just leave like that. I just found you!” This was said breathlessly as the man comically scrambled to his feet while groaning.
The use of his name brought Krähe up short, though it wasn’t all that odd for someone to know who he was with Valor gaining in popularity.
“I don't think I would call this finding me, and I have things to do people to insult. Good night.”
The man rushed forward with surprising speed to latch on to Krähe's arm. The contact raising Krähe's brows, he couldn't quite decide whether the man was brave, a fool, or just drunk. He was banking on the drunk part, and while typically he didn't tolerate such contact...he also didn't truly have it in him to shove the man away. Especially not on Christmas, the guy had obviously had a rough enough night as it was, and he wasn't going to add to it by shoving him into the snow.
As if seeing the thoughts work through Krähe's head the man gave him a brilliant smile. One that had Krähe sighing, because he already knew his plans had just been changed. He would blame his mother for this, but he never blamed his mother for anything.
“Ok old man, I give. Why were you looking for me?”
The older man seemed almost giddy, as he pulled out an actual handkerchief, and carefully dab the blood away from his split lip.
“Why I've been assigned to be your angel my boy...well kinda angel. I haven't gotten my wings yet.” He looked completely crestfallen for a moment, but only for a moment. He jumped back from his despair with another joyful grin.
“That's where you come in my boy. Tonight we are going to give you a miracle and me my wings. You have been long overdue for a miracle.” He said this all with a matter of fact tone, as he tucked his handkerchief away.
Krähe on the other hand stared at him completely dumbfounded, his mouth slightly ajar eyes full of shock. Then he was laughing helplessly full blown belly laughing till he was grabbing his side.
The angel merely waited patiently for him to compose himself.
Soon he was breathing harder, but had a wide grin on his slightly reddened face.
“So you're my angel, is your name Clarence?” He said in a voice devoid of mockery, and full of good natured amusement.
The situation was after all uncannily similar to George’s situation in “It's a Wonderful Life”. Except Krähe had no intention of jumping off a bridge. No that would be a bit pointless for someone that was already dead, and simply waiting for whatever divine power there was to realize it to. No suicide was too fast Krähe preferred a path of personal destruction for his sins.
The angel looked at him with a very patient look. He obviously wasn't offended in the least by Krähe's mirth, but rather pleased by it instead.
“No Zachariah, my name is Bob. A pleasure to meet you sir.” Bob's voice was a warm oddly comforting roll of sound with a slight British accent.
Most of everything he said was lost on Krähe who was trying not to fall back into a fit of laughter.
With a deep breath and nearly inhuman effort he managed to control himself. The man may be insane, and he had undoubtedly interrupted his not, but for the first time in a long time Krähe was wearing a genuine smile.
Besides that the man couldn't be left to wander in his current state...he would keep an eye on him just for a little while. Just to make sure the angel would be safe for the night. He soothed himself by saying it was more for his own amusement than anything, but he knew it was a lie. Crazy or not the man was a human being, and he deserved for someone to treat him like one...especially on Christmas Eve.
While these thoughts raced through his head Krähe brushed the snow off himself and then Bob. “So an angel named Bob trying to earn his wings huh? Sounds like it could be amusing if nothing else. Let's go get a dr- on second thought maybe you’ve had enough for one night. I saw this little diner like place down the road that makes a good stew, let's go there.”
Turning he began to make his way out of the alley, pausing only briefly to glance at Bob over his shoulder.
“You ok to walk Bob?”
Bob was already catching up with the taller man's stride.
“Oh yes, those ruffians didn't get much of a chance to kick me while I was down.” He praised and blustered in what was apparently his typical upbeat theatrical tone.
It brought another smaller smile to his face, and it took actual effort to wipe it back off. His mother would have loved this, and old Bob would have found himself not only a hot meal, but a warm place to stay for the night plus whatever spar cash she had.
He shook his head at the thought. His mother had always gave everything she could and more. It's a Wonderful Life would forever be her favorite movie, and Clarence her favorite angel.
Funny how he hadn't thought about it in what feels like ages.
They made their way down the snowy street towards the diner. Krähe paused long enough to meet the eyes of a man bundled in five heavy coats, and hand him off a few bucks with a smile, before continuing on his way.
“That was very nice of you Zachariah.” Bob praised him jovially over the sound of busy traffic.
Krähe gave him a sidelong look and a small scoff. “For what the money? A lot of people will give him money tonight.”
The “angel” gave him a small knowing smile, and replied in a much calmer voice. “Yes a number of people will give him money, but not many people will acknowledge him as a human.”
Krähe’s movements became slightly sharp and jerky as he walked up to the diner door. The comment obviously touching a nerve.
“No, not everyone will treat him as a human, but he is one. Sometimes treating a person is worth far more than money, and it is the least any of us can do…” With those slightly terse words he jerked the diner door open, and motioned for Bob to step inside.
“Come on Clarence, it's much warmer inside than outside.”
Bob merely side as he stepped inside, obviously not surprised by Krähe's antics. “Bob Zachariah, my name is Bob.”
Krähe grinned as they quickly found a booth and settled in.
“Fair enough Bob, to be honest I'm not much of a George anyways. He was a good hero though, I'll give you that. One of my mother's favorites…” He trailed off, and was relieved when the waitress came to take their order.
After giving his he turned his attention to the window, and noticed a scantily dressed small feminine figure on the corner.
The girl couldn't have been more than nineteen, and was obviously shivering in the cold. Mother pulled their children away, covering their eyes, while they passed. The women's faces were turned towards her with a sneer, and most men either ignored her completely or leered. Their hands reaching out to grab at her cold body as they passed.
“George may have been a very good hero Zachariah, but he was a fictional one. You are human my boy.”
The words had Krähe scoffing again.
“Yes I am human, and I am not a hero. Not of my story or anyone else's, and anyone that thinks otherwise is doomed to be disappointed.” He turned his attention away from the girl when their food was delivered, and ordered another bowl of stew to go.
They both ate their stew in silence for awhile, and Krähe surprised at how much he was enjoying his so called angels company. Maybe even he didn't even really want to be alone on Christmas.
As he ate he tried to push Bob's words from his head, tried to numb himself from thoughts of the young woman and old man, and of course the memories that those thoughts dragged along with them.
He pulled on layer after layer but still the words echo in his head.
‘Not many people will acknowledge him as human.’
Those words echoed in his head digging deeper and deeper, along with an echo of his own.
‘But he is human…’
Krähe was actually surprised from his thoughts when Bob gave a small burp. With a slight blush the man dabbed his mouth with a napkin, and politely excused himself. Shortly after the waitress dropped off Krähe's to go order and the bill.
They left the diner minutes after only to find that the night had grown even colder. Despite the cold Krähe had a job to do tonight, and the night was only growing later. They only had a few blocks to walk to the church, and if Bob decided to tag along he would have to keep up.
First things first though.
“Not a word Bob.” Krähe tossed over his shoulder while walking over to the young prostitute.
At first you could see her bracing herself at his approach. A nervous shaky smile tugged at her hot pink lips, but the smile didn't even try to reach her eyes. She was freezing on the inside, but obviously even colder on the outside.
Krähe stopped in front of her, and immediately shrugged out of his heavy outer coat. Carefully switching the stew from one hand to the other, and then helping the young woman slip it on. She complied likely more out of shock than anything, and starred even more dumbfounded when he handed her the stew.
One scarred hand slipped money in the coat pocket and ruffled her hair, before he walked away without a word. Bob quickly catching up behind him sporting a wide grin, but not saying a word about the good deed.
They traveled at least a block in silence before Krähe himself broke it in an effort to put his restless thoughts to rest.
“I make an donation to the church every year. It's a tradition my mother started when I was a kid, so I do it mostly for her. I figure this year those two needed it more than the church, and shit like that makes my mom happy…”
He trailed off as the church came into sight, but Bob wasn't content to let him get away with silence this time.
“You know Zachariah, maybe the people that need you the most don't need or want a hero. They need a catalyst. They need someone that sees them as human. Not despite their flaws but in large part because of them.”
Krähe didn't say a word, but he did stop to hear what Bob had to say. You could almost see him absorbing each vowel to be processed in the turning wheels of his mind.
He looked towards the church and cocked his head to the side in deep thought, and then with a grunt he continued striding towards the church.
Whatever conclusion he has come to seemingly cementing into a new resolve as he opened the door.
Bob however paused to stare up at the starry night sky before stepping in.
“Don't count us out just yet boys. I think we just had a breakthrough.” With those hopeful words the jolly odd man followed Krähe inside. Seemingly happy with even the slightest possibility of a victory.
[Off Camera]
Krähe did his best to ignore the music and everything else that could possibly remind him that tonight was Christmas Eve. Including the snow he was brushing out of his hair. Snow was the same no matter where you go too.
He headed through the freshly falling snow towards the familiar sight of a small bar. Lately it had become very familiar as it seemed like all he did was train all day then do his best to drown out the season with whatever he was drinking that night.
He was determined that tonight would be no different than any night before. Other than the fact that he would only be stopping for a few shots, before heading to the church.
“Elp! Sooomebody an-anybody elp!” The breathless bellow was just heard over the sound of the traffic. The slightly slurred words had a vague English accent to them, and as he drew closer to the bar the sounds of a scuffle and grunts in the alley became clear.
It was none of his business if a bunch of drunks wanted to get in a fight, but the sound of a pain gasped and a frightened plea to stop had Krähe dropping his hand from the doorknob. He couldn't even say at what moment he had decided to step into that alley, and he couldn't say it was purely out of the goodness of his heart.
The truth is he’d had this rage building up him, and that alley presented the perfect target for it.
It was easy to see once he stepped in that this was no drunken brawl, and even easier to tell just who was attacking who.
A slightly portly man in a noticeably outdated trench coat was floundering about on the ground. He was somehow managing to miss most of the vicious kicks aimed at him by the dim thuggish figures of his attackers.
It was one thing to pick on an older male that was likely drunk on top of being past his prime and out up shape. It was a completely different situation when taking on someone that's business was violence, and had a body that was sharpened for it.
It was only a matter of minutes before the youths were running off in a kick of snow and curses. Leaving only the sound of Krähe's breathing and the older man's light moans, as he began to pull himself off the ground.
Seeing that the man was going to be ok Krähe let out a sigh and a grunt. “I take it you're ok, so it's likely best for you to make it somewhere safe for the night. Merry Christmas.”
“WAIT ZACHARIAH! Ouch, yo-you can't just leave like that. I just found you!” This was said breathlessly as the man comically scrambled to his feet while groaning.
The use of his name brought Krähe up short, though it wasn’t all that odd for someone to know who he was with Valor gaining in popularity.
“I don't think I would call this finding me, and I have things to do people to insult. Good night.”
The man rushed forward with surprising speed to latch on to Krähe's arm. The contact raising Krähe's brows, he couldn't quite decide whether the man was brave, a fool, or just drunk. He was banking on the drunk part, and while typically he didn't tolerate such contact...he also didn't truly have it in him to shove the man away. Especially not on Christmas, the guy had obviously had a rough enough night as it was, and he wasn't going to add to it by shoving him into the snow.
As if seeing the thoughts work through Krähe's head the man gave him a brilliant smile. One that had Krähe sighing, because he already knew his plans had just been changed. He would blame his mother for this, but he never blamed his mother for anything.
“Ok old man, I give. Why were you looking for me?”
The older man seemed almost giddy, as he pulled out an actual handkerchief, and carefully dab the blood away from his split lip.
“Why I've been assigned to be your angel my boy...well kinda angel. I haven't gotten my wings yet.” He looked completely crestfallen for a moment, but only for a moment. He jumped back from his despair with another joyful grin.
“That's where you come in my boy. Tonight we are going to give you a miracle and me my wings. You have been long overdue for a miracle.” He said this all with a matter of fact tone, as he tucked his handkerchief away.
Krähe on the other hand stared at him completely dumbfounded, his mouth slightly ajar eyes full of shock. Then he was laughing helplessly full blown belly laughing till he was grabbing his side.
The angel merely waited patiently for him to compose himself.
Soon he was breathing harder, but had a wide grin on his slightly reddened face.
“So you're my angel, is your name Clarence?” He said in a voice devoid of mockery, and full of good natured amusement.
The situation was after all uncannily similar to George’s situation in “It's a Wonderful Life”. Except Krähe had no intention of jumping off a bridge. No that would be a bit pointless for someone that was already dead, and simply waiting for whatever divine power there was to realize it to. No suicide was too fast Krähe preferred a path of personal destruction for his sins.
The angel looked at him with a very patient look. He obviously wasn't offended in the least by Krähe's mirth, but rather pleased by it instead.
“No Zachariah, my name is Bob. A pleasure to meet you sir.” Bob's voice was a warm oddly comforting roll of sound with a slight British accent.
Most of everything he said was lost on Krähe who was trying not to fall back into a fit of laughter.
With a deep breath and nearly inhuman effort he managed to control himself. The man may be insane, and he had undoubtedly interrupted his not, but for the first time in a long time Krähe was wearing a genuine smile.
Besides that the man couldn't be left to wander in his current state...he would keep an eye on him just for a little while. Just to make sure the angel would be safe for the night. He soothed himself by saying it was more for his own amusement than anything, but he knew it was a lie. Crazy or not the man was a human being, and he deserved for someone to treat him like one...especially on Christmas Eve.
While these thoughts raced through his head Krähe brushed the snow off himself and then Bob. “So an angel named Bob trying to earn his wings huh? Sounds like it could be amusing if nothing else. Let's go get a dr- on second thought maybe you’ve had enough for one night. I saw this little diner like place down the road that makes a good stew, let's go there.”
Turning he began to make his way out of the alley, pausing only briefly to glance at Bob over his shoulder.
“You ok to walk Bob?”
Bob was already catching up with the taller man's stride.
“Oh yes, those ruffians didn't get much of a chance to kick me while I was down.” He praised and blustered in what was apparently his typical upbeat theatrical tone.
It brought another smaller smile to his face, and it took actual effort to wipe it back off. His mother would have loved this, and old Bob would have found himself not only a hot meal, but a warm place to stay for the night plus whatever spar cash she had.
He shook his head at the thought. His mother had always gave everything she could and more. It's a Wonderful Life would forever be her favorite movie, and Clarence her favorite angel.
Funny how he hadn't thought about it in what feels like ages.
They made their way down the snowy street towards the diner. Krähe paused long enough to meet the eyes of a man bundled in five heavy coats, and hand him off a few bucks with a smile, before continuing on his way.
“That was very nice of you Zachariah.” Bob praised him jovially over the sound of busy traffic.
Krähe gave him a sidelong look and a small scoff. “For what the money? A lot of people will give him money tonight.”
The “angel” gave him a small knowing smile, and replied in a much calmer voice. “Yes a number of people will give him money, but not many people will acknowledge him as a human.”
Krähe’s movements became slightly sharp and jerky as he walked up to the diner door. The comment obviously touching a nerve.
“No, not everyone will treat him as a human, but he is one. Sometimes treating a person is worth far more than money, and it is the least any of us can do…” With those slightly terse words he jerked the diner door open, and motioned for Bob to step inside.
“Come on Clarence, it's much warmer inside than outside.”
Bob merely side as he stepped inside, obviously not surprised by Krähe's antics. “Bob Zachariah, my name is Bob.”
Krähe grinned as they quickly found a booth and settled in.
“Fair enough Bob, to be honest I'm not much of a George anyways. He was a good hero though, I'll give you that. One of my mother's favorites…” He trailed off, and was relieved when the waitress came to take their order.
After giving his he turned his attention to the window, and noticed a scantily dressed small feminine figure on the corner.
The girl couldn't have been more than nineteen, and was obviously shivering in the cold. Mother pulled their children away, covering their eyes, while they passed. The women's faces were turned towards her with a sneer, and most men either ignored her completely or leered. Their hands reaching out to grab at her cold body as they passed.
“George may have been a very good hero Zachariah, but he was a fictional one. You are human my boy.”
The words had Krähe scoffing again.
“Yes I am human, and I am not a hero. Not of my story or anyone else's, and anyone that thinks otherwise is doomed to be disappointed.” He turned his attention away from the girl when their food was delivered, and ordered another bowl of stew to go.
They both ate their stew in silence for awhile, and Krähe surprised at how much he was enjoying his so called angels company. Maybe even he didn't even really want to be alone on Christmas.
As he ate he tried to push Bob's words from his head, tried to numb himself from thoughts of the young woman and old man, and of course the memories that those thoughts dragged along with them.
He pulled on layer after layer but still the words echo in his head.
‘Not many people will acknowledge him as human.’
Those words echoed in his head digging deeper and deeper, along with an echo of his own.
‘But he is human…’
Krähe was actually surprised from his thoughts when Bob gave a small burp. With a slight blush the man dabbed his mouth with a napkin, and politely excused himself. Shortly after the waitress dropped off Krähe's to go order and the bill.
They left the diner minutes after only to find that the night had grown even colder. Despite the cold Krähe had a job to do tonight, and the night was only growing later. They only had a few blocks to walk to the church, and if Bob decided to tag along he would have to keep up.
First things first though.
“Not a word Bob.” Krähe tossed over his shoulder while walking over to the young prostitute.
At first you could see her bracing herself at his approach. A nervous shaky smile tugged at her hot pink lips, but the smile didn't even try to reach her eyes. She was freezing on the inside, but obviously even colder on the outside.
Krähe stopped in front of her, and immediately shrugged out of his heavy outer coat. Carefully switching the stew from one hand to the other, and then helping the young woman slip it on. She complied likely more out of shock than anything, and starred even more dumbfounded when he handed her the stew.
One scarred hand slipped money in the coat pocket and ruffled her hair, before he walked away without a word. Bob quickly catching up behind him sporting a wide grin, but not saying a word about the good deed.
They traveled at least a block in silence before Krähe himself broke it in an effort to put his restless thoughts to rest.
“I make an donation to the church every year. It's a tradition my mother started when I was a kid, so I do it mostly for her. I figure this year those two needed it more than the church, and shit like that makes my mom happy…”
He trailed off as the church came into sight, but Bob wasn't content to let him get away with silence this time.
“You know Zachariah, maybe the people that need you the most don't need or want a hero. They need a catalyst. They need someone that sees them as human. Not despite their flaws but in large part because of them.”
Krähe didn't say a word, but he did stop to hear what Bob had to say. You could almost see him absorbing each vowel to be processed in the turning wheels of his mind.
He looked towards the church and cocked his head to the side in deep thought, and then with a grunt he continued striding towards the church.
Whatever conclusion he has come to seemingly cementing into a new resolve as he opened the door.
Bob however paused to stare up at the starry night sky before stepping in.
“Don't count us out just yet boys. I think we just had a breakthrough.” With those hopeful words the jolly odd man followed Krähe inside. Seemingly happy with even the slightest possibility of a victory.
[Off Camera]