Tera: (O.S.) "Lepin always told me that he didn't believe people were evil -- only broken and misguided. So he absolutely believed in redemption. He just didn't think the seraphim would ever allow us into Heaven. And not because they were personally opposed. He said it was because they believed in an even higher power and worried that allowing a sinner into Heaven would be seen as a challenge to its authority.

"One moment please."

The door basement door opens away from the stairs down. Tera steps out from behind it with his right hand on the knob, two of the DHORKS kids tucked under his armpits, one held to his chest with his left arm, and one crammed headfirst halfway into his mouth. He props the door open with his foot, spits the kid out into the crook of his right arm and holds him against his chest just like the one on his left. The kid sputters and wipes his face as Tera starts down the stairs.

Tera: "It's not the only reason I stuck around here after his death... But it is the reason why I probably would have stayed here anyway, even if I had such better options available."

They come to the base of the stairs and a hanging light switch. He holds up the kid in his left arm towards his open mouth, pauses, then leans towards the switch.

Tera: "Can you get that for me?"

The kid in his right arm scowls as the kid in his left reaches out and pulls the switch. The lights turn on.

Tera: "Thank you." (holds the kid up and engulfs his entire face in a big slobbery doggy kiss)

Tera: "Anyway, where was I... Oh yeah. So, uh... I live down here. And, until one of us can find a way to transport you to one of the safe portions of the Earth, it'll be your home too." (sits on the floor and lets the kids go) "There is a bathroom, over there in the corner. If you're wondering how a giant boofer like me uses it, the answers is 'with great difficulty'." (the two kids he'd slobbered head towards it) "There's nothing in the fridge, but I've still got some friends from the Lust ring I'm sure could help me fix that." (pets the other two kids' heads) "And, as you can see, there's a lot of scrap down here, so I should be able to put together some bunk beds before bedtime."

Tera sniffs and pauses. He holds his nose up and sniffs again, then looks off to the side as a shadow of movement disappears under a workbench.

Tera: "And while I'm at it..." (lies on his side and reaches under the workbench) "Maybe also a hutch for your new pet." (pulls a ball of blue fur with long ears out by the scruff) "Anyone ever wanted a bunny?"

DHORKS kid: "Umm..." (approaches and squints) "I don't think that's a bunny."

Tera: (pets the kids head) "Yeah, it's probably a sinner demon. But who's counting?" (to the 'bunny') "Don't worry, I'm not going to torture you or anything." (noses him) "But I can't risk you getting out and divulging what you've seen, so... Just try to relax while I whip up something more accommodating for you."

Tera pushes the 'bunny' backwards into his mouth until only his face and the tips of his paws are protruding, stands up and pulls up an old office chair to get started at the workbench.

---

Tera is © myself.

The "bunny" is ©  Devinox.

Lines by  DoesNotExist, colors by  GyroTech. Please favorite the original here.