13154/In a Dilapitated Church

In a Dilapitated Church
Date of Scene:	30 April 2021
Location:	A Church
Synopsis:	Kurt Wagner meets Lucifer Morningstar and a debate of Faith ensues. They're then briefly joined by Tandy who may or may not be amused.
Cast of Characters:	Nightcrawler, Lucifer, Dagger

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Nightcrawler has posed:
It's late in the evening, bordering on night. It's raining outside, and there's a thick cloud cover, some thunder, and a bit of lightning that flashes now and again as well. But the weather is not a thing that ever prevents Kurt from coming to pray. In fact, there are very few forces that could likely keep him from visiting the church on the regular basis that he does.

He arrived at the church not that long ago, complete with the smoke tendrils of atmosphere from the Brimstone Dimension and the telltale sound of his teleportation as well. Not to mention the smell of burning brimstone itself. He always arrived at the back of the church, and that was no different tonight. He walked up the aisle of the church, his tail lightly swishing behind him, until he reached the altar. And there, he made the sign of the cross upon himself before lowering to his knees. He folded his hands together, then bowed his head to pray.

Lucifer has posed:
There's something about the scent of brimstone. It can linger in the air, oh of course it would get weaker and weaker as moments ticked on but to someone who is so very used to that scent - it's not something they're going to miss anytime soon.

All Lucifer was doing was strolling down the street, minding his own. Getting a bit of fresh air for the evening, knowing his club was in good hands when he left it. One cannot party all the time, of course and as the owner he doesn't necessarily have to be there twenty-four seven. It was nice to get out, stroll the town, meet a stranger - that sort of thing. So the oddity strikes him, and since he has little better to do - he shifts and makes his way towards the church itself. A look left and right before stepping through the doors of and then walking in.

The immaculately dressed in a black suit and tie man seems to let his eyes dart around. Feeling as though he may be struck down any moment. Of course, that wouldn't look too good for the mortals now would it daddy dearest? Then he spies the one at the altar with his blue fur, kneeling and praying. He just smirks and moves as silent as he can to a pew and settles down. Content to watch for now.

Nightcrawler has posed:
Lightly, Kurt's tail swishes from side to side behind him, the movements of it slow and steady. He remains kneeling there at the altar, and whatever he has to offer up to God, is between himself and God. He remains kneeling for what might be long minutes, and then he murmurs, "Amen." His hands part, and he lowers his hands to his thighs in order to let them rest there. They're not normal hands -- they only have threefingers instead of the usual five. But then, he's not particularly normal himself -- blue-skinned, a tail, glowing yellow eyes, that fuzzy coat of fur, and his pointed ears. Yet Kurt has come to terms with his appearance some years ago.

One of his ears flicks back at hearing the door of the church open, and he lifts his right hand to lightly pull his fingers through his hair. He shifts his weight back, settled more on his heels now. He wears a pair of black slacks, and a dark green button-up shirt. He is calm and at ease, relaxed. The church is a place that he comes to often. Shifting his weight, he rises to his feet before turning and spying the man in the suit, his glowing yellow gaze taking in the man's appearance. He inclines his head towards the man, and then softly says, "Guten abend." 'Good evening', in German.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer tilts his head just so, taking in Kurt's overall appearance as he stands and turns. Those yellow eyes hard to ignore - but then so is everything else about him. Not that Lucifer is making judgments, oh no, he would never. He's seen much worse come out of the pits of Hell itself. Wrinkling his nose some, his lips curl into a smirk and he inclines his head to Kurt before responding in kind, and in German. "Guten Abend. Findet dich die Nacht gut?" (Good evening. Does the night find you well?)

After that he stands and walks closer to Kurt and to the altar itself, looking up at the cross beyond on the wall. The church itself has likely seen better days, but it's still standing, which could likely do wonders to a person's faith in the sense of keeping it in tact. If a building made to honor god stands tall, so too can those who enter and pray here. "Nicht dass es wichtig wäre, aber sprichst du Englisch?" (Not that it matters, but do you speak English?)

Nightcrawler has posed:
There's a slight flick of his tail before it resumes the slow and easy swishing of it back and forth. There are many oddities to his appearance, and Kurt is aware of each and every one of them. Even the pointed teeth that show slightly when he speaks. He notices the smirk that the other wears, and he tilts his head faintly to one side. There's a smile that finds his features, and he inclines his head towards the man. "Die nacht findet mich bisher gut ... und für dich selbst?" he asks, curious. 'The night finds me well, thus far... and for yourself?'

There's a brief glance that he casts towards the cross, and then he returns his gaze back to the well dressed man. He has more faith than a person like him ought to, or so others have reasoned. "Ja, I speak English as well. German is simply the language I learned first," he says, a smile coming to his features with relative ease.

Lucifer has posed:
"Most believe that German is a harsh language. I actually find it to be rather intriguing." Lucifer comments, then shifts his gaze to the blue-furred man standing next to him. "Are you the one responsible for the scent in the air just outside the church?" Asking it plainly, because he's curious and because there's no one else around. It's up to Kurt to answer it truthfully, lie, or just not answer at all. "I have to commend you to keep up with your faith...I would believe most in your shoes would be cursing God, not praising Him."

Nightcrawler has posed:
Kurt Wagner tilts his head a touch to one side, and he gives a small nod. "It can be such. It is a very gutteral language," he comments, a thoughtful tone to his voice. He lifts his right hand, slightly adjusting the collar of his shirt before his hand returns to his side. "If you mean the sulphurous odour of burning brimstone, then ja... I am responsible for it," he admits, inclining his head slightly towards the man. There's no explanation that he offers for it, though. "My apologies if it is offensive. It tends towards being unpleasant to most," he says, a small smile coming to his features. One of his eyebrows quirks up slightly, and a smile tugs a bit further at his lips. "One in my shoes?" Kurt asks, a flicker of curiosity to his voice. "I was born looking the way that I do. What I chose to do with the life that I was given was my choice, as was my faith," he answers, a smile touching at the corners of his lips.

Lucifer has posed:
"Oh. Not at all. I am likely one of those rare people who finds the scent..." Lucifer takes in a breath and lets it out slowly as if to prove a point and then continues, "welcoming." A pause as he considers and then, "It reminds me of home..." That smirk ever present. "And one who can bring forth that scent, in whatever manner, then walks into the house of...him..." No, it's not capitalized. Honestly, the man with daddy issues will likely never admit it to be such... "It's... intriguing. How you can have faith. But you're right. You were given free will...as was everyone else...so whom and how is up to you." Then he turns more towards Kurt and offers his hand, "Aber wo sind meine manieren? Erlauben sie mir mich vorzustellen. Ich bin Lucifer Morningstar. Und du bist?" (But where are my manners. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lucifer Morningstar. And you are?)

Nightcrawler has posed:
One of his eyebrows quirks up at the comment, and he inclines his head slightly towards the man. "Most find it much less so. I have grown accustomed to it," Kurt says. He breathes it every time he teleports it, and that's sometimes multiple times in one day. And he breathes it even more if he happens to stay within the Brimstone Dimension for longer than just a few seconds in passing.

His head tilts a touch to one side at the man's words about the church, and there's a flicker of a smile that touches at the corners of his lips. This is an implication that Kurt has faced many times before. And he's been outright accused of it before as well. "And yet... here I stand, within the house of God, able to partake of my faith," Kurt says, lifting one of his hands to make a gesture that indicates himself. "There is no riddle behind having faith. God lifts away the burden of my sins, absolving me of them, and so I give him thanks for that," he says, a smile touching at the corners of his lips. Among other things. He steps forward and extends his hand to accept the one that's been offered, shaking it. Many things can be in a name, and so he does his best not to jump to any conclusions at the one that is offered to him. If he suspects anything, there is no sign of it. "It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Kurt Wagner," he says, giving a small nod, a smile coming to his features.

Lucifer has posed:
"No. God put forth rules in such a way that you could be fearful of a certain destination if you perform acts that go against those rules. But it isn't as black and white, cut and dry as the church makes it out to be. Every religion gets a part of it wrong." Lucifer spits out. "Every. Single. One." He offers. "And he doesn't want you to know that. To believe that. He just wants you to come in here and offer up prayer that he is the absolute, and only his way matters, and that you wish to be forgiven....but then what will you do? Strive to not do the sin again? And what happens if it's the sin or a bad ending?" There's a shrug of his shoulders then.

"Faith is fine to have. Revolving that faith around some rules that were claimed to be brought down from a mountain on tablets that if you break them you're going to spend your eternity in hellfire and damnation is just....stupid. There's a lot of gray area. He just doesn't want you to know that. Because he's /jealous/ and /selfish/." Those blue eyes seem to flicker with something, something within the pupils that look like flames dancing in the depths of their darkness. "So, Kurt Wagner, what was it that was so horrific and vile you've had to come absolve yourself before him once again? To give yourself a clean conscious."

Nightcrawler has posed:
There's a slight flick of one of his ears, and the man tilts his head slightly to one side. "I don't fear Hell. I simply have no desire for my soul to end up there and be in torment for all of eternity," Kurt says, inclining his head slightly towards the man. "Nothing is ever as black and white as what rules might make them out to be," he comments. The man's vitriol towards religion is noticed, and Kurt finds it interesting given that the man stepped into the church. There is a smile that comes to his features, and the serenity of it might well seem at odds with the pointed teeth showing in his smile. "If it is a choice between sinning or allowing something bad to happen to someone who is innocent, then I know the choice that I would make. Every. Single. Time," he says, his glowing eyes a touch brighter at that. His sins are seldom for his own benefit and most often to save others. To protect others.

"And what does He," and here he pauses, lifting his right hand to gesture heavenward in implication of God, "have to be jealous or selfish of?" His tail continues that lazy swishing back and forth, no sign of agitation to be seen within it. He tilts his head a touch to one side, studying the man for a moment, and there's a smile that tugs at the corners of his lips. "My sins are between me and God, and I absolve myself when I feel need of it," he says softly, inclining his head towards Lucifer. "God grants forgiveness to those who ask for it, to those who unburden their sins to him, to prevent one's soul from ending up in eternal torment. To sin does not mean to spend eternity in hellfire," Kurt says, his tone thoughtful.

Lucifer has posed:
"I would suspect that someone who can bring about the scents of brimstone, wouldn't fear Hell..." Lucifer offers and then gives a shrug of his shoulders. He listens, as well, as Kurt talks his way through understanding nothing is black and white. Shades of gray. There's the religious aspect to some of it, and then he admits that between chosing the sin or the or allowing something bad to happen. He knows what he would choose. Lucifer likely knows too. "Of course. So you sin, willingly and knowingly, because in the back of your mind you have this space reserved as some kind of safe haven. You can just commit the sin because you know your god will absolve you." A pause. "But do you really know that? Do you know that god will forgive you of your sin if you did it willingly. Knowingly? If the idea of sinning is to do it because you'll be forgiven anyway...when does that become just another excuse?"

"And he has plenty he thinks he needs to be jealous of. Selfish about. Other gods, other beliefs, religions... other things that make this entire world tick. It maddens him...and there's not a thing he can do about it because he gave you all free will." The Devil grins, and then looks around the church a moment before looking back to Kurt once more. "Right. Because Hell doesn't keep a record of such either. There's no way the Devil knows just as much as god does. Right?" That smirk turns into a grin and his eyes, those ocean blues, flicker with someting fire-like. Black in nature. Then he blinks and it all seems to turn back to complete normal.

Nightcrawler has posed:
There's a slight tilt of Kurt's head, and a minute flicker of his pointed ears. He studies the fellow for a moment, and then he gives a small shake of his head. "Hell is not the only place such a smell can come from. It is atmosphere," he comments, but elaborates no further than that. One of his eyebrows quirks up a touch, and his yellow eyes are a touch brighter. "I sin because to let bad things happen to innocent people would be the greater sin. Should I let children be tortured because they are different or should I do what I can to set them free and return them to their families? If there is a thing that I can do to stop it, then that is a thing that I should do, regardless of the consequences that I might have to face because of my choices. Does it excuse my behaviour or the fact that I sin? No, it does not. They are my choices, and I make them willingly, knowingly. I serve my penance. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He will forgive our wickedness and remember the sins no more," Kurt says, perhaps speaking at a bit more length than he may have intended when he started. His tail swishes yet, from side to side, the movement of it just a bit quicker than what it had been.

"There is only one God that I worship and only one God that I have faith in," Kurt says, his hands moving to be together before him, one resting atop of the other. There is naught he can do or really offer about God being selfish about his children's beliefs. He can speak for his own beliefs, and that is all. He tilts his head a touch to the other side, and then he gives a faint nod. "Perhaps Hell does keep records, perhaps it does not. This, I could not speak to," he says. He'll admit the possibility, at least -- he has no reason not to. "And if the Devil wishes a soul, and God wishes that same soul, then that would be a curious matter that is, at that point, out of the soul's hands in regards to resolving," he adds, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Dagger has posed:
The doors in the back of the church creak open slowly in the inky darkness to reveal Tandy Bowen as she steps through and dressed in her pure white costume with the sword cut out through the front. Her thick blonde hair is sprawled across her shoulders and the gleam of the cresent moon is over her eye. As usual when she steps out of the dark, there is a low hungry rumble in the air from her protector is always vigilant and watching from the shadows.

As her light brightens around her body, she turns her eyes upon the new face that is Lucifer before she glances over towards Kurt curiously. She narrows her eyes a bit as she clears her throat. "Who's our guest, Kurt?" She asks as she lobs out a small ball of light before her so that it gives her some visibility as it hovers before her.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer listens to Kurt as the man dribbles on and on once more. It's impressive, really it is, to denounce someone's faith, to their face, inside a church and NOTHING seems to move them. Lucifer stands there, silent and stoic, for a lingering moment before he simply lifts his shoulders in a shrug. "There was a time, so long ago, that I would have agreed with you. Even joined your cause. Unfortunately, that ended in catastrophe and damnation for me, so...there's not much more I can do. Perhaps your god will accept you in the end of it all." He grins. "Cause if the Devil can't muck with your head and stir your faith, I do wonder who or what could."

This is said, and then they're joined by another. Lucifer's gaze shifts to take in Tandy, a tilt of his head given. The light they bring forth is impressive, but it's not like he's going to shy away from it. "Well hello." He offers and then steps towards Tandy, offering a hand. "Lucifer Morningstar. Just having a little chat with your friend here I hope..." He waves his other hand a bit. "We didn't disturb you or anything."

Nightcrawler has posed:
As there comes that creak of the doors opening, Kurt's glowing yellow gaze turns from the man to the woman who enters. There's a warm smile that comes to his features at the sight of her, and he inclines his head towards her. "Meine dame," he greets her, his tone holding warmth in it as well. Then he tilts his head a touch to one side, perhaps considering if there is more that he should say or not.

Then his attention turns back to Lucifer, and one of his ears flickers a little bit. "My own path might end in catastrophe and damnation, yet. There are days that are unwritten, and with them there are likely sins awaiting their own choices and their own penance afterward. Only God might know if He will accept me or not," Kurt says, a smile touching at the corners of his lips. "This was nearly a path I chose, when I was younger," he says, lifting his hands to gesture at the church around him. To be a Preacher, a Padre, a Father. "Did you expect that my faith would be rattled so easily, Lucifer? I took a path to save people in a different way, instead of taking the spiritual path, but I have never wavered in my faith to God," he comments. The swishing of his tail, back and forth behind him, has returned back to that typical pace it has, a relaxed and steady metronomic motion.

Dagger has posed:
Squinting her eyes at the smooth talking Lucifer, Tandy watches him for a few moments as she makes her way to Kurt's side. She gives him a glance over at his monologue, then looks back towards Lucifer. "Ah. You two are talking religion. You a sinner seeking some type of redemption?" She asks the new face.

The ball of light follows after her, then flickers away as she reaches out with her hand to snap her fingers around it. "Father DelGado has not been around in some time so I don't know if there is anyone around to hear your confessions." She gives a glance to the mutant. "Unless you're doing that right now to Kurt here."

Lucifer has posed:
"So many people's faith can be rattled so easily, Kurt. It's just the way it goes sometimes. It makes my existence here...fun." Lucifer offers while watching as Tandy joins Kurt's side. "You may or may not be surprised how many people can have their faith shaken by just a little sprinkling of doubt here and there. Certain truths brought to light." The Angel speaks before giving a shrug of his shoulders. "You, however, were an even bigger delight to speak with. Yes. That unwavering faith is certainly a spectacle to behold."

His attention goes to Tandy then and at her questions, he actually gives a genuine laugh. "My dear, there is no redemption for the things I have done. God does not want me amidst his flock in Heaven, and if he had it his actual way, I wouldn't be walking around Earth either." A smirk then. "No, no my home has been and shall always be where the damned suffer for eternity. It's just....boring...after so many millenia..." Pausing a moment before, "And Kurt here has already silently offered his confessions to those who may decide to hear it. I was merely...educating."

Nightcrawler has posed:
There's a nod from him, to Tandy, and a smile again. "Yes, we speak of religion," Kurt says, unapologetically. It's as much a part of him as his fur and blue colour and everything else is. One of his eyebrows quirks up slightly, and then he gives a small shake of his head. "I am not qualified to take anyone's confession, meine dame. Only those who wear the cloth can do so," he says, giving a small nod to her.

His gaze turns back to Lucifer then, and he tilts his head a touch to one side. And then he nods. "It can be, that is true. And I don't fault you for trying. How else is the mettle of someone's faith determined, after all?" he suggests, a smile touching at the corners of his lips. Then one of his eyebrows quirks up slightly. "Perhaps there will need to be occassions for other conversations to be had. The last time I spoke of religion was when the man-ghost sought to kill me. But he presumed I was the son of Satan at worst, and a demon at best, and attempted to invoke the 'Vade Retro Satana' on me. Needless to say, it did not work," he comments, spreading his hands as though to indicate himself. "Such conversations are always interesting," he says, a smile coming to his features.

Dagger has posed:
"So, you're from New Jersey or something?" Tandy says as she folds her arms over her chest as she squints at the man, then glances to Kurt again. "Well, you two.. have fun with this." She says with a tilt of her head, then starts over towards one of the walls where there is a large box set up full of clothing and unperishable foods. She digs around to pull out a box of crackers and a bottle of water, then pulls out a thick hoodie made of flannel, followed by a pair of jeans.

"I gotta prepare for my usual night out on the town." She calls over towards Kurt as she pulls the jacket over her body, then steps into the jeans and hikes them up and over her leotard uniform. She draws the zipper upwards, then buttons it. She digs the box of crackers open, taking out a few and popping one into her mouth.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer gives a slow nod of his head. "I surely do not mind talking of religion. These types of debates are...almost healthy in a way. No one is condemning the other, we're just talking things out." His lips curl into a smirk as he tilts his head just so. "And your strong willed grip on your faith just might earn you points with your god. Who knows." This and then he watches as their new companion walks over to grab things out of cupboards.

"No. Not from New Jersey, but I suppose from what I hear that's close enough I guess." This offered and then Lucifer shrugs. "Shame you won't be staying. Round two might be even more interesting than round one. Though... I might also need to be stepping off for the night. Go see how things are doing back at my club." This offered, but he gives no further information than that. "Shall I leave you two be then?"