In the beginning....

Azel was sitting in the sky above a rundown chapel. He was concentrated on watching a middle-aged man that was praying on his knees.

"So it's him." Azel said as his fingers played with a twig.

"What a selfless man. Most of the demands in his prayers don't concern him...the kids of the orphanage huh. That's an angle I should exploit." Azel assumed the look of a beggar with ragged and filthy clothes. He materialized at the chapel's entrance and then went in.

As he sat at the far back, several rows behind the middle aged man, he continued listening to the man's prayers.

"I don't understand why the higher ups gave me this mission. This will be way too easy compared to the men of the cloth I'm used to...hum, let's see...the mother was fifteen years old when she gave birth to him then abandoned him at this orphanage. She later died of pneumonia and is currently serving her eternal sentence back home. This calls for a tearful family reunion as the father, a paedophile and serial rapist is also serving his sentence back home. Compared to his parents, this man who never knew them is a Saint...well let's not jinx it. If he ends up becoming a Saint I may have to put in more work than necessary." He murmured.

The middle aged man, Mark Stewart, then finished his prayer, "...I will continue working as your faithful servant. May your will be done, Lord."

The man stood up and made his way out of the chapel.

On his way out, he noticed Azel.

Azel's attire suggested that he was a vagrant beggar.

Mark Stewart also noticed the string of beads resembling a rosary that the beggar was holding like a precious treasure.

Azel was playing the role of a believer who had come in quest for a quiet space to pray until he passed out because of hunger.

Azel's first contact with Mark had to be flawless.

Mark gave a gentle push to the beggar in an attempt to wake him up. It was then, now that he was so close, that a heavy foul odor assaulted him. It seemed the beggar hadn't taken a proper bath in...forever.

Nonetheless, Mark was undisturbed by the stench. Instead, a kind smile, reminiscent of an angel, appeared on his face. He said, "Wake up, friend. Don't die on me. Your prayers have been answered. The Lord put you on my path so that I can help you."

Azel was laughing in his head, "How pretentious! You think your Lord cares for me? He's the reason you're about to suffer for a lifetime and then forever. Hehe." He then weakly opened his eyes looking around like a man who had no idea where he was nor what was happening.

Mark helped him up, but the stench was starting to wear him out. He was human after all, besides having a copious amounts of tolerance.

Fortunately, the orphanage Mark worked at was just adjacent to the Chapel. It could be considered on the same territory. Roughly no more than fifty meters between them.

Azel was then given fresh fruits and some bran cereals. He made them think he had eaten until he was full.

Then he was brought to the shower room once he had gained some strength.

Evidently, he didn't need a shower. The stench he exuded was all an illusion. Nevertheless, he complied as he planned on keeping his identity as a beggar for as longer as necessary.

The new and improved Azel was now wearing acceptable clothes, his messy hair and beard had been neatly trimmed and combed by the Sisters and the foul odor had disappeared like magic.

Hearing the news, Mark who had been waiting for him, came to meet him.

"How do you feel friend?" Mark asked with the same kind smile.

Azel smiled then said, "I feel like I've been reborn."

Azel simulated his happiness to perfection, which was enough to fool Mark Stewart...or so he thought.