User blog:Gnomehunter/Day 14: Nocking at Heaven's Door

Write a story with an Angel-type monster

Nocking at Heaven's Door

'''Greta was set out from one of the many halls of Heaven, preparing for the list of targets she’d been assigned for the day. As she took aim from her perch high above the mortal realm, she fired a golden arrow. It struck a woman who had been working tirelessly for years, caring by herself for her family and running a small store. The woman looked up from her work and looked around in wonder at the sudden feeling in her heart. A customer was just walking out of the store, one who she’d seen many times but never managed to speak to outside of their transactions. She ran after him, and Greta watched the two speak, growing friendlier as the woman’s feelings finally managed to show themselves. She could see the outcomes already. The man would reciprocate and join her family, sharing the work of caring for their children and their business, and giving the woman color to her life that she had not felt since her husband passed away. '''

'''Next she took aim at a school age boy, and when he was struck he stood up from his seat and walked right over to his classmate, an Owl Mage who was dozing peacefully. He got her attention, and exchanged some words with her that caused the girl to shake off her drowsiness completely. He had been trying to talk to her for weeks, and now he finally found the courage to do so. The teacher struggled to pry them apart for the rest of the lessons, but when their day came to an end, they left the school arm in arm, the girl glowing with happiness. '''

'''As her final target of the day, she took aim at the man who she’d been charged with. His eyes were on a different sort of partner, but she was sure it should be no different than the others. She fired her arrow, and it struck him. When his work was finished, he ran out of the building, driving home as quickly as possible. When he got home ran inside, then ran back out and over to one of the houses across the street. He knocked on the door, and a Basilisk answered. As the man proclaimed his love for her, and a desire to spend the rest of his days in her company, she listened silently, her mask hiding the deep red blush that adorned her face. When he finished speaking, she reached out, pulling him into her arms and her coils, and dragging him inside before closing the door. Another job well done. '''

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'''Greta watched her target, this time from a much closer vantage point on the street. Taking the disguise of a mortal woman, she still drew the attention of several passersby, with whatever little time they had in their day. But she was focused on her job, and the particularly unscrupulous target she had been tasked with. She had tried to get a look at him, but he was secretive and highly cautious, hiring guards to watch his home and escrt him from one place to another. Leonard Marshall was a miserable bastard, enforcing unfair levels of taxes on the townspeople while refusing to use them for anything but his personal gain. His town was a blip on the map, not significant enough for the aid of a Kunoichi. '''

'''Thus, Greta had been relieved of all other duties, in order to focus on this one job. She knew she could have struck him with a golden arrow, but the problem was, there wasn’t a single person who could have possibly cared for him, even if he poured his heart out to them. “Ugh, what a horrible little man”, she muttered to herself. “Won’t even let his guard down for anything. How am I supposed to get at him now?” But an idea came to her as she was watching the procession of guards following Leonard. Later that night, as the guards changed, she followed one of them home. Nocking an arrow, she fired it so it lodged in the edge of his shoulder. He looked up, staring at his shoulder where the invisible arrow was lodged. He suddenly felt a profound sense of love for his wife whom he’d been hoping to return to. But as his pace quickened, Greta caught up with him from behind, getting his attention with a tap on his shoulder. “Sir please, could you spare something? The man turned to see a humble young woman, no trace of her heavenly origins. '''

'''“I’m sorry madam. But no one around here has anything to spare. Oh! If you come with me, perhaps my wife and I could give you something to eat, and a place to stay for the night. After that, I think it’s more likely you’ll find help by braving the forest than asking for it from the people of this town”.'''

'''“I deeply appreciate your generosity, sir”, she said, walking beside him. “But pray tell, what could have put this town in such a position where it’s more hostile than the forest filled with ferocious beasts?”'''

'''“Leonard Marshall, he’s the leader and a pretty crooked one at that”. Even those of us in his employ don’t fare much better than the rest of the folks who have to live here. And nowhere to go for miles”.'''

'''“How horrible! It’s almost enough to make someone wonder if there’s something to be done with him”. '''

'''“Oh I reckon more than a few are thinking of it. But he knows he’s not popular. That’s why he has so much security”. They arrived at the guard’s house, where she was treated to a meagre meal with his wife. They talked and laughed together in a way that the couple had not done in many years. Greta was glad to give them some joy from her presence. In the morning, before they were awake, she rose, left a bit of change and note of thanks, before departing. Over the next week, she followed the guard rotations, each time tracking down individuals, spreading joy to them and their families while sowing the seeds of discontent that many were already feeling. Marshall was a crafty man, but at last she had charmed enough of the guards, such that there was a whole group full of them to take the night shift. She approached the door where half of them stood, dressed in her full angelic garb. '''

'''“Halt!” A guard called as he spotted the human figure drawing near. But he froze when he saw the soft pink attire, the feathery wings, and the glow that surrounded her as she neared them. “An angel?” His partner stood up straighter, taking notice of the bow and arrows on her hip. '''

'''“A cupid, a servant of the god Eros. My lady, what brings you to our humble town?”'''

'''“Oh kind mortals, I have seen that you are dutiful and loyal to your work. But the man you serve has brought great sorrow to the people. They are tired, overworked, and unable to support themselves due to their ruler’s greed. How can They feel love in their hearts, for their families, for themselves, when they are barely able to survive?”'''

'''“With all due respect”, the older guard said, “that is not within our power to answer. I’ve seen many people try to leave this town, but there’s nothing for miles but the forest filled with beasts. I’ve seen many men come for work, and attempt to leave due to their horror at the conditions of his town. If there is a punishment for Marshall, it isn’t ours to deliver”. '''

'''“I understand your plight, and I do not judge you for trying to take care of ourselves. But now, I aim to deliver that judgment upon him. All I ask is for your assistance in carrying him to a suitable place. The guards whispered to each other, but Greta already knew they were indisposed to her suggestions due to striking them with arrows, and having conversed with them in the form of the mortal woman. '''

'''“My lady, if you have a solution, then I believe my colleagues will be more than happy to help”. He beckoned her inside, and they relayed the plan to the two guards on the inside. In hushed whispers, they listened, and assented to the plan. Then they told the guards near Marshall’s bedroom, and finally all six men were prepared. They crept into his bedroom, carefully extracting him from his bed and carrying him out the door.They followed Greta as she led them to the forest’s edge. '''

'''“My lady.” They protested. “The forest is too dangerous. And surely you don’t mean to leave him at its mercy!”'''

'''“Do not fear,” she said quietly. “I can assure you all safe passage. Besides, the denizens of the forest are not so dangerous as you might believe”. They followed her, and after walking far into the forest, they stopped. “I believe this is far enough”, she said, the men setting him down and looking around nervously. Greta led the guards back towards the town. On her way, she spotted a Mothman peeking out from a tree, watching the group. She waved the girl over. “I would like you all to meet someone”. When they saw the mothman, they panicked, but she held her hand up. “This girl is a mothman, a shy and timid creature who would not wish harm on anyone. Monsters of the current era do not desire to harm men, but rather, to love them”. One of the single men spoke up.'''

'''“If what our lady says is true, then, I would love to get to know you better”. He said to the mothman. She smiled and took his hand as the guards left the forest. Greta watched them go.'''

'''“May you both find happiness”, she said as they walked away, hand in hand. Then she turned back into the forest, locating Marshall where he was still slumbering like a log. '''

'''As morning came, Leonard sat up. He looked around groggily, but froze when he realized that he was not in his bedroom. '''

'''“How did I end up here?” He said, but went silent when he realized how much danger he could be in. Twang! Greta, watching from nearby, shot him with a black arrow and Marshall’s mood plummeted. Now on top of being confused and afraid, he was sad and lonely, all the years of never having even a friend to speak of bore down on him and he gave a cry of pure despair. He stood up and shambled off, barely aware of what direction he was going in. Buzzzzzzzzzz. He looked up at the source of the sound. A Honey Bee was flying through the trees, when she spotted him.'''

'''“A forest filled with beasts? Or...bees?” Greta tittered. '''

'''“Oh fair maiden!” Leonard called out, barely aware of her inhuman features. “My heart aches for love, and I feel terribly alone! Would you see fit to aid such a poor and wretched man such as myself?” His cries were pitiful, and Greta almost felt a bit of satisfaction for the misery he was feeling. But the honey bee, none the wiser, knelt down to comfort him. '''

'''“Oh sweetheart, you must have been awful lonely to come all the way out here. Why don’t I take you back to the hive and I can make you feel better”. She kissed him on the cheek and lifted him into the air, back to the hive. They spent hours together as the woman cured him of his loneliness, and over the next few days, Greta saw his surprise and unwillingness turn to genuine love, as he became used to his position and partnership with a drone. The queen bee, after learning of his former citizens’ predicament was more than a little displeased, but Greta intervened, and implored her to think about giving aid rather than retribution. A swarm of soldiers were sent to the town, where, despite the initial panic, the citizens discovered their visitors meant no harm. They rejoiced at the dethroning of the ruler, and discussion began with the town’s representatives and the hive. Soon the town grew in strength, the people nurtured by their relationships with the hive, the food gathered from the forest, and the benevolence of their new leader. '''

After a week of ensuring that the town was on its way to happier times, Greta made the journey back to her home, more than pleased with her work, 

---

'''As Greta was finishing her work for the day, one person caught her eye. He was an average looking man, worked as a public servant, and friendly with everyone. As she stared down at him, she found her heart beating faster. But why? She watched him going about his day, nothing out of the ordinary. But she wanted to know more about him. Returning to the hall, she failed to notice her friend Gloria calling out to her until Gloria was right next to her. '''

'''“Hey, Greta! What’s gotten into you? I was asking you how your day was and it’s like you didn’t even hear me?”'''

'''“Ah, I apologize, Gloria. I must have had something on my mind”. '''

'''“Oh? And what might that be?”'''

'''“Nothing important”, Greta mumbled. '''

'''Gloria watched Greta for days, wondering why her friend seemed so unfocused. She was spending more time out before returning from her work, and when she did return, she seemed to be thinking deeply about something. Gloria decided she was going to follow her and find out what was going on. After managing to find a day where she was less busy with work, she stealthily tailed Greta, reaching her hiding spot where she watched the human man go about his life. Gloria took one look, realized what was going on, and gave away her hiding place. '''

“Greta are you in love with someone?” Greta turned around in surprise.

'''“Gloria! What are you doing following me?'''

'''“I’m sorry Greta. But you were acting so weird and I just had to know what was going on. But oh, I’m so happy for you. You know if you want to confess to him that Lady Eros will be happy to release you of services”. '''

'''“Yes, well, I don’t know if I can do that”, she said nervously. '''

'''For a month, Greta attempted to carry out her duties, while keeping an eye on the man. It became clear to her sisters that he was not to be touched. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she nocked a special arrow in her bow and shot it at him. '''

'''Jon, the object of Gloria’s affection, was sitting in his home when he felt...feelings. A wave of powerful love, ecstasy, happiness and even other emotions he couldn’t quite identify. He sat in the chair, wondering what on earth it could be. '''

'''“Jesus Christ”, he muttered. There was a knock on the door. He lurched to the door, and opened it. There was an astonishingly beautiful woman standing on the doorstep, clad entirely in pink, from her long boots to an imitation of a jacket which gave him ample view of her chest and belly. She had a cute beret covering short black hair, and what looked like wings on her back. '''

'''“H-hello”, she stammered, my name is Greta, I’ve been watching you for a while and I wanted to convey my-MMF!” She was cut short when Jon reached out and seized her lips with his own, probing her mouth. She moaned and leaned into him. Jon found a moment of clarity, and picked her up, closing the door and carrying her inside and right to his bedroom. '''

“Were you responsible for these feelings I just had?”

'''“Yes, I hope they got through to you”. Jon dropped her on the bed and her heart beat faster as he began to undress. '''

'''“That’s good. Cause I have a lot of feelings right now that I hope to share with you”. --- Greta couldn’t contain her smile, cuddling close to Jon after he had given her the time of her life. Jon lay down next to her, still trying to collect his thoughts after such an amazing experience, and having heard Greta’s story. “So you’re an angel whose job it is to make people fall in love. And when you saw me you fell in love yourself? So now Your god has let you come down here so you can live with me?'''

'''“That’s correct”, Greta said. “And I think this has to be the best thing I could have ever done”. --- The sound of an alarm clock shattered Greta’s peaceful slumber. She opened her eyes, and scowled. Six months since she had descended to earth to meet her beloved and there was only one thing that could ruin her mood. She reached for it in the hopes of turning it off but her husband was already awake. So she wrapped her arms around him, using her wings as leverage. '''

“Sweetheart, I have to get up”.

'''“Oh, but it’s 6:30! On Valentine’s Day! Can’t we sleep in?” '''

'''“There was also a fresh load of snow last night. The roads need to be cleared so everyone else can enjoy their day, right?”'''

'''“I suppose”, she sighed. '''

'''“We can go out when I’m done with work, ok?” He kissed Greta and left. '''

'''When Jon came home, Greta jumped on him, holding him close as she pressed her soft lips against his. They stood there for a moment, before separating.'''

'''“Oh! Lady Eros made a call for my help! She’s been sending requests to those of us who’ve married to help our sisters since today is such an important day! It’s been so long since I’ve helped someone find love, can we do that right now?” Jon’s mind wandered for a moment, imagining what it would be like if one of his old bosses in retail sent him a call to come help the store just because it was a holiday. But it really wasn’t anything like that. '''

'''“I think we can manage that. How exactly do you plan to find the people who need your service?”'''

'''“Well since It’s not nearly as simple as flying to their location, I’ve only got a few people in this town”, she said as they climbed into Jon’s pickup. “I’ve got a list of targets, and however many I take care of, I’ll fire the list back to heaven so the others will know which ones to take care of themselves”.'''

'''“So you have a list...and you’ll just shoot it back into the air when you’ve done as much as you can?” Jon asked, as he drove through the downtown. '''

“Yep.”

'''“Well, I suppose that’s simple enough. Are people going to be nervous that you’re shooting arrows at them?” '''

'''“Well, I can’t hide my appearance as easily. But I don’t see why people should be so afraid! We’re primarily concerned with joining humans! We only sometimes join men with monsters”. After parking and walking onto the streets, Greta spotted a young man. “That’s one”, she said. She hid behind Jon, readying an arrow. Aiming carefully so most of her body was still out of sight, she fired, and it struck the man square in the chest. He looked up, and ran off down the street, a spring in his step. “Oh, how nice”, Greta mused. “He’ll be going to speak to see his wife”. Jon looked at her, and felt that he could almost see a faint glow around her. '''

'''“Looks like this is the kind of thing that really makes you happy”. '''

'''“Of course, to bring two people together…It never gets less exciting”. They spent the next hour walking the streets, Greta stopping when she saw a target. Two kids, a man and woman on a first date, two women who were walking hand in hand. All found their love blossoming or growing deeper. '''

'''“Don’t look now, but I think that guy to our right noticed you”. Greta tried to glance in the direction, and noticed a young man walking on the other side of the street. Their eyes met. She waved casually, and the man watched her for a second, before hurrying away. '''

'''“Last target”, Greta said softly. As the man hurried away, his weresheep companion called out for him to slow down. Greta shot the woman in the back, who paused, then hurried to catch up. '''

'''“Oh, Sawyer. Can we go home now? I really want to spend some time with you”. The weresheep said as she caught up to her friend.'''

'''“Linda what’s gotten into you? Augh!” '''

'''“That was sneaky”, Jon commented. '''

'''“I think they’ll find themselves much more satisfied by tomorrow”. She rested her bow and quiver, taking Jon’s hand. “And now I’m all done”. '''

'''After sending her report to Lady Eros, Greta sat down on the couch with Jon. “And now, I’d like nothing more than to spend the rest of the day with you”.'''

'''“I’d like that. And I have something to give you”. Jon handed her a small box. Greta opened it curiously, and found a small assortment of delectable chocolates.'''

'''“Oh! These are delicious!” She said, trying one. '''

'''“It’s typical to give someone candy or flowers on this day”, Jon said. '''

'''“That was very sweet of you”, Greta responded, cupping his cheeks and sharing a kiss. '''