maskormenace | video; tv broadcast

[ It's Saturday afternoon when the video finally airs, and unfortunately, Castiel looks a combination of uncertain, tired, and purely annoyed. He stands remarkably still, behind a podium in something that resembles a church. Or what a church would be if it was a television show. ]

Uh — [ Is there an echo in here? ] Hello - again. I'm Castiel, and this is... I'm not going to read that.

[ Which immediately prompts a cut, and Castiel is then sitting in a small room behind a desk with a wide shot of bookcases behind him. He looks a little more comfortable than before, though less than pleased that he's being forced to read from the stack of papers he's holding in his hands. Briefly, a letter rolls across the screen, and by the time Castiel's face is in view, he's frowning. ]

And I'm supposed to answer that? It's not relevant to any of this, and I-- All right. [ He looks directly at the camera. ] No.

I apologize for any discomfort you might have felt in the unintentional murder of that animal, but they do not go to Heaven. A soul is required to reach the Heaven you and countless others are familiar with. I suppose one has never asked if they rest elsewhere, and I would... like to believe that to be true. But no, it doesn't go to Heaven. [ This is awkward, so he just gives a short, very strained smile.

Annnnnnd moving on. The next question comes in the form of a phone call, and Castiel squints, recognizing the voice. ]

Who is this? [ There's a slight pause. ] Implying that you don't care means you should consider ignoring it. The belief that there is something more does not necessarily ensure the details are always correct. But I think that their... intention is in the right place. Find something you can put faith into, and never doubt that. You remind me of-- [ The video immediately cuts (yet again) to a waiting screen with the logo of the church, and when it finally returns to Castiel, the tie he wears has been pulled loose. Even his hair looks wild. He reads the next question slowly. ]

So, is everything the good Book says true or what? I don't understand. What specifics are you asking me to answer for you? Please send something else that isn't so generalized. Or badly written. [ He shuffles through the papers like he hasn't just insulted anyone and glances at the camera again, beyond it to the people who are there but unseen. ]

A-- what? A scam? They are legitimately trying to reach others through... All right. I suppose soul winning does sound-- We should still help them. [ His attention focuses on the people who may (or may not) be listening instead of those he's arguing with. ] If anyone is willing to help, someone is in need of money to spread the work of the Lord.

Don't worry, Okugbe Edekie. You will get what you ask for even if —

[ And with that, the network immediately ends the broadcast, flashing up ways to contact Castiel with other questions or concerns they might have. Thanks for tuning in! ]