Robert and Lucas guided Jay and Mike, the ice-sculpture woman, towards one of the trees. Jay was only mildly surprised when the tree spoke up.
"I see the party got the people's attention." - Said Father Maxwell.
"Yup." - Said Lucas - "And, well, I kinda brought them here because I figured you'd not be as... annoyed at this whole true believer thing as I am."
"Per my religion, I must forgive them, child. They know not what they do." - Said Father Maxwell.
Jay spoke up.
"Yes, well, the Purifiers are still there, and we wanted someone else's opinion on this whole issue. I heard you are the leader of this one church. Not to mention, being neither a demon-changed not an angel-changed, you don't have a dog in this fight per se."
"I am still a friend of demon-changed and angel-changed." - Said Father Maxwell. - "But if you wish for an interview, I will gladly give it. I only wish I could talk to the Purifiers, or at least their leaders..."
"This is actually a great idea! I'm pretty sure you can beat them hands down at any debate." - Said Lucas - "I could get their leaders for you."
"I want them to understand." - Said Father Maxwell - "I do not want to 'win' a debate. But if it comes to this, if they do not understand, I will try to 'win' it, yes."
"Is that all right with you, Jay?" - Said Lucas.
"Sure. I'll interview him while you get the pastor."
"Agreed." - Said Maxwell.
"Okay. What's the name of the leaders and what do they look like?"
"There's just one. Edward Duke. Did you ever watch 'Jesus he knows me' by Genesis? He looks like the middle guy from the end of the video. George Costanza physique, normal height, Drew Carey glasses."
"Edward... Duke?" - Said Lucas. - "That's a ready-made joke..."
"Yep."
As the two began the interview, Lucas flew to the place where the protest was being held.
"Mr. Duke, I presume?" - Said Lucas dryly as she landed in front of him. Half the people kneeled before Lucas - which actually offended her more than if they had hurled insults at her, but she had to let it slide for now.
"Yes. What is an angel that should serve the Lord doing aiding these demons?"
Twitch.
Lucas took a deep breath.
"I am a free-lance translator. See, David, I came to make a proposal."
"Edward."
"Really? You look so much like a David to me." - Ahhh, that felt good. - "Anyways. I am here on behalf of the priest of this church to propose a televised debate of sorts. It will take place right now if you accept it. Follow me and I will take you there. What say you?"
Edward paused and pondered his odds. The demoness was certainly scared after the Purifiers attacked her. She was certainly an emotional wreck. This sounded like an easy win, ona that would get him quite a lot of attention, too.
"Very well. I will debate the demoness, then. Lead the way, angel of the Lord."
Twitch.
Father Maxwell had finished his interview, and Mike had set up a microphone on him when Lucas arrived with Edward. Lucas looked like she needed some three pounds of Valium, but was keeping her cool nonetheless. Without a word, Lucas gestured Edward into the clearing, the camera already on him. Lucas proceeded to make her way outside the camera's view.
Edward turned to the demoness in his usual "pastor exorcizing demons" pose, but calmly.
"So. I am here, demoness. Shall we debate?" - Robert flinched at his pose and at being called a demoness.
"Actually, it is I that wanted to talk to you. I am Father Maxwell."
Maxwell. I'm debating Maxwell. - Thought Edward, too busy processing that to bother processing the fact that a tree talked to him. He knew Father Maxwell - a well-respected man, and one heck of an orator who - he was pretty sure - could wipe the floor with him. And the camera was already on him. No escape. - Crap.
Outside the view of the camera, Lucas waited for Edward to look her way. As soon as she was sure he could see her, she waved to him, smiling.
She tricked me. That bitch tricked me. - Edward thought.
Lucas proceeded to leave and keep on walking around, her sword again taking the form of a baton, and she seeming quite content with herself.
Twitch.
Edward took a deep breath.
