"I must say, this is quite irregular." Harold shook his head as he raised an eyebrow at the goblet that Azrail placed in his hand.

Azrail smiled. "I'm afraid many things around here are, as you put it, 'quite irregular.' "

Harold pushed up his coke bottle glasses and grimaced as he took a whiff of the brown liquid. His head reeled back, and he shook his face in disdain.

Azrail walked over to a grinning Abraham. "You're sure? He appeared, just like that?" Azrail whispered without hardly moving his lips. All while he kept his eyes on the newcomer.

Abraham shrugged his shoulder while he chuckled. "Heh, how would I know? He certainly wasn't around when we were fighting, but I didn't just outright see him show up." he whispered back.

Harold's ear twitched, and he turned a stern gaze over to Abraham. "Have something you'd like to share with the rest of us young man?"

A shiver went up Abraham's spine. "Sorry sir! Won't happen again!" He said as he immediately straightened up.

Azrail rubbed his chin as he gave a sideways glance to Abraham. With his lips just barely split open he subtly whispered, "He certainly does seem to have a hold on you."

Abraham sneered over at Azrail, but a quick glance from Harold and Abraham's expression turned blank.

"He reminds me of an old teacher of mine," he admitted as he took a step away from a crumbling wall. "The same one who helped me down the path that got me my blessings."

"You don't say," Azrail mused out loud as he closed his eyes.

"There's no need for slouching or mumbling around here!" Harold commanded as his eyes zeroed in on Azrail. "It's unbecoming, and a sure sign of laziness and social degredation!"

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It was obvious that Harold's words held power. They flew out with an aura of command that made it only natural to obey them. However, Azrail just smiled and continued to lean against the wall.

"Well now, Harold, was it?" Azrail asked.

"Huh? I, urr..." The simple question seemed to fluster the man as he pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at the beginnings of sweat on his forehead. "That is to say, it's Mr. Wormer to you!"

Azrail nodded his head as he slowly opened his eyes. "Apologies Mr. Wormer. It seems we have gotten off on the wrong foot." He cleared his throat as he took a step towards Harold Wormer.

He extended his hand as he added, "You seem to know your place, and have an instinct for what the place of others should be."

Harold grinned at the compliment. "Why, it seems you can see things pretty well yourself," He happily grabbed Azrail's hand and shook it as he let out an awkward laugh.

Abraham sneered at the two of them, but as Harold turned to look at him, Abraham looked away and started to whistle nonchalantly.

"As such a wise and learned man," Azrail began as he took his hand back. "I am sure you can respect my position."

Azrail cleared his throat as he straightened his robe. "You see, I am a professor of some renown. I specialize in history, but of course my knowledge extends far beyond just one subject. I think we could do some good work together here."

Harold's expression fell immediately. "Oh," he said in a defeated tone with a hint of annoyance. "You're just another teacher."

Harold let out a sigh as he put his fists on his hips and shook his head. "I'm afraid we have no openings in our great institution at this time. You'll have to find a job elsewhere."

Azrail smiled. "Ah, I think you misunderstand me, you see..."

"I should've known," Harold interrupted. "You even look like a hippy. Probably have some nonsense teaching method that'll revolutionize the classroom. Well listen here mister! We're in the greatest country in the world, and we don't need any of your wacky theories corrupting the youth. A good, firm paddle will do a lot more good than whatever cobwebs are rolling around in that head of yours, got it?"

Abraham couldn't help but snicker.

"That's it young man! Go write I will respect authority on the blackboard a hundred times." Harold said firmly as he turned to Abraham. "Well, what are you waiting for? A red carpet? Hop to it young man!"

Abraham hung his head as he said, "Yes sir..."

He started to walk away, but then stopped to ask, "Uh, sir. Do you know where a blackboard is, and I'm guessing I need some chalk as well?"

"Show a little initiative!" Harold groaned. "Surely you can be industrious enough to find these things on your own?"

Abraham shook his head and walked away. He acted almost more like a beaten dog than a man.

"And you! Don't think I haven't noticed your slouching, now sit up straight!"

The hollow king had been off to the side, but at the chastisement of Mr. Wormer, his back started to creak as he straightened up on the spot.

Azrail raised his eyebrow again. "You certainly do have a way with command."

Harold rubbed the back of his neck. "Haha! I suppose I do at that." He let out another awkward laugh.

Azrail nodded as his eyes studied Harold. "You know, you actually remind me a bit of this sergeant I used to know. You see, he also liked to..."

"Look, I thought I already went over how I feel about your gobbledygook?" Harold's expression immediately fell and turned to resigned irritation, as if he'd been forced to listen to Azrail's rants for years.