The Devil May Care

Synopsis:

Every human was assigned a Guardian Angel to protect them, and similarly, each human was also given a Guardian Demon.

How the system actually worked? Only the Celestial Councils knew.

When we came to, no one knew how we died. All we knew was that we were not fit for Elysium, we somehow got chosen from forever wandering the dangerous planes of Purgatory, and our transgressions were not severe enough to warrant eternal condemnation.

Those who chose rehabilitation would only face a finite sentence of torment, after which they'd get a fresh start at reincarnation.

Those who opted to become Guardian Demons had to prove their aptitude for spreading chaos. This way, they'd enjoy a better existence in Hell. However, failure as a Guardian Demon would result in becoming one with Hell.

Meaning, they would either be tortured for eternity or become food or become part of the infrastructure.

Many chose rehabilitation because they couldn't be bothered to do the leg work and they truly trusted the system even if they remembered jack-sh*t.

But me and my small group? We chose the latter.

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Chapter One: I Chose the Wrong Guy

Everything looked perfect on paper!

He was a guy in his late thirties with an old cat, he lived alone, his fiancée just died, and he hated his career. A guy like that would be easy to influence and frighten.

However, as soon as I arrived, something inside me clicked.

Was it sympathy? I was not sure.

Hunter had been dialling his fiancée's phone for the past six hours just so he could hear her voice again. The sun had long gone, and with how empty his kitchen had been, I doubt that the guy had eaten properly in days.

Silently, I checked out his home and realized that other than the altar that he dedicated to his fiancee's ashes, everything was covered in dust or remained untouched.

I doubted that he had left the bed since. He was starting to smell stale and he was still wearing what I would guess was a funeral outfit.

Usually, a guy like him would already have a Guardian Angel by now. After all, this guy was not terrible.

He had always been kind to others, he had always given his best, and he was destined to do great things that would either help humanity or doom them (not too sure about what that was since I was not privy to that information).

Anyway, that was why I chose him. A guy like him would guarantee me an excellent position in Hell. If everything went according to plan, I could be a Duchess.

However, my motivation wavered as soon as I saw his sorry a**. With how he was going, he could be dead tomorrow. And you know what that means? Mission failed.

"Mreowm?"

I let out a sigh before turning around to face Chewy, a Maine Coone with patches of orange, brown, white, and black fur. Despite its enormous size, Chewy had a striking appearance with its long, shiny fur and large green eyes.

As I gazed at Chewy, the cat tilted its head and its pupils dilated. I couldn't help but feel a wave of warmth and affection wash over me, but I knew that as an aspiring Arch Demon, I had to suppress my fondness for cute animals.

"Mreeooowmm?" Chewy padded closer to me, its large paws gently tapping against the wooden floor. Its body trembled as it purred like an engine. When Chewy rubbed against my legs, my willpower snapped, and I sat on the floor to pet the creature.

"Who's the good kitty?" I cooed as I rubbed its ears. "You are! Aren't you the handsomest kitty ever?! Super handsome. Heart breaker. Yes, you are!"

Chewy closed its eyes and smiled happily - which of course, got my eyes to tear up because I couldn't handle his cuteness.

I wonder if there were cats in Hell? I sure would hope so once I became an Arch Demon.

I didn't notice when Hunter had entered the kitchen nor how long he had been standing there. However, as soon as the lights flickered on, I froze on the spot and gaped.

I wasn't sure if Hunter was able to see entities or spirits. I never read that part of his profile. I was far too excited about this job to bother reading the rest.

I swallowed hard as I gazed at Hunter. He had dark wavy hair, large hazel eyes that were framed with thick lashes, an angular jaw, and broad shoulders. I hated to admit it but he was not terrible to look at.

"Chewy, what's up?" His voice sounded hoarse from dehydration and crying.

Chewy looked at me and then back to him. "Mreowm?"

This earned me another glance in my direction.

Can he see me? Oh no, please no.

He squinted as if he was trying to make out what he was seeing.

"Oh, you're hungry." He concluded as he walked passed us toward Chewy's bowl of food and water.

I sighed in relief. Although a part of me was disappointed that he was unable to see me. I didn't know why since that would make my job much more difficult.

He filled the bowl with fresh food and water and sat on the floor while Chewy ate. For what seemed like hours, he said, "Luce, if that is you here right now, I'm sorry."

He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to save you. I'm so sorry."

Chewy paused from eating and nuzzled against Hunter. With a small smile, he whispered, "Well, I guess I have to stay a little longer for you buddy. If I leave you all alone, Luce would never forgive me."

"Mreow," Chewy answered and went back to eating. With a heavy sigh, Hunter got up and made food out of whatever he could find in the freezer. Once he was done eating, he stripped off his clothes, got to shower, and went to bed.

Chewy followed him into the room and nestled at his foot. I stood by the door and watched both of them fall asleep. At least tonight, I didn't have to worry about the human dying far too soon.

Once he began snoring, I tucked him in and turned off the lamp. A small act of kindness would surely go against my reputation but as long as no one was watching, then I had nothing to worry about.

However, the Heavens must have heard me because as soon as I turned around, his Guardian Angel was leaning on the door frame with a lopsided smirk on his face.

"Take a look at that. A Guardian Demon caring for a human. I sure have fierce competition."

Ah f*ck. I scowled as I folded my arms to my chest. First day on the job and I already royally screwed up.

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