by Judi Calhoun
I didn’t tell Jake or Peter about my latest dream where I died. If they knew, they would never let me be the bait. I did not want their protection. I had a plan…my own directive, I would save mom and put an end to Ian’s murderous, rotten life forever. Besides, I wasn’t even sure that dream qualified as prophetic. Dad being killed all over again? There definitely wasn’t any chance of that happening again.
It was close to midnight when we met at the trailhead in the parking lot at the Nature Preserve. The moon’s fullness was waning, and yet it fashioned some really long shadows between the tall structures of trees.
My mind kept flashing images of mom’s dead body. I pushed them down, hardening myself to stay strong and focused on rescuing her alive. In spite of hearing repeatedly that Familiars are hard to kill, I wasn’t worried at all about how I’d kill Ian. There would be a way and I was determined I’d find it.
Something stirred in the woods.
“It’s Jake,” Peter said. “With his army.”
They appeared one by one, short and tall, girls, and boys, in full leather, holding swords, gathering in the darkness between the moonlit hazy trees, with a different kind of light…spiritual and powerful. I lost count at thirty, but there were more. I had no idea how Jake and Peter had pulled it off. It was amazing to see so many Slayers all in one place.
I felt empowered. Our group was a commanding and deadly force, armed with pneumatic Triune power. What evil power could ever stand against us?
The smile on my lips faded fast. Wasn’t each of these Slayers someone’s son or daughter? Any of them could die here tonight. They came because of me, willing to lay down their lives, and they didn’t even know me. Another knife slid into my punished heart. I grabbed my chest. How can I risk their lives? No, I cannot let that happen.
Without Jake even realizing it, his plan was a perfect way for me to get down that hole, kill Ian, and save mom. Sure, I would probably die in the process, but I would take out Ian first. That was a promise I made to myself. Nobody else had to die.
I spied Gauge studying me, a puzzled expression on his face, as if he knew my plan. I quickly glanced away and stepped toward Jake, he had been talking with Nate. When he saw me, he sidled closer taking my hand. His warmth filled me with peace. I was grateful that he was with me.
Now I worried that this might be the last time I would feel his hand in mine, and that thought made me cold. I shivered and let go. No distractions. Stay focused.
A female scream distributed the quiet night. Mom! I started to bolt. Jake swung himself in front of me. His hand caught my arm and he drew me to his chest. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“That was mom.”
“He’s playing with your fears!” said Jake. “They know we are here. I can feel it. He has an army ready to attack.”
“Jake’s right,” said Peter. “We switch to plan B?’
They both nodded.
I struggled to free myself from Jake’s grip. He was strong, really strong, and I was not going anywhere, yet.
Switching to Plan B meant Jake, Peter, and Nate charging the portal and the rest of us standing around playing a waiting game. That was not acceptable to me, because I needed to get into the Labyrinth to save mom.
“Let me go, Jake.” I begged. “Please, I have to save her!”
His arms wrapped around my back. “I know what you’re trying to do. I’m not going to let you kill yourself.”
I gasped. He had figured it out. I glanced at Peter, Gauge, and Nate, they all knew about my crazy suicide mission.
“Why are you so bent on getting yourself killed? I can’t protect you, if you don’t let me. Can’t you see that I love you?”
My body went limp. I stopped struggling. I love you, his words repeated in my brain. His eyes searched my face for the positive response he was hoping he would get. I stood very still staring up at him frowning, my lips slightly opened saying nothing.
It was right there in his brown eyes. He had spoken what his heart had longed to say. It was the truth. I knew it. He loved me. I should be happy. If only tears would just come and blind me, so I didn’t have to see the pain of rejection on his face. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I slipped free from his arms. He uttered a low gasp as I bolted.
I ran. I wanted to keep running until I reached the end of the earth, or found a volcano, to throw myself into like a vestal virgin appeasing the gods of heartbreak. Making the hole in my wounded heart even bigger. A dozen knives wedged inside. I should be dead from this agony.
Jake and I had been physically and mentally connected since the night I’d met him. My silence was rejection, as if by saying nothing I had said, I do not love you. Now the tears came hot as they ran down my face.
I bent over; my hand touched a gravestone, fighting the urge to crumble on the ground. I loved him. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to say it, because if I did, he’d do everything in his power to stop me from risking my life, and I couldn’t have that kind of interference.
I walked blindly until I reached Binco’s grave. The eerie green light burst upward from the top edge of the granite. The portal into hell was open. A voice came from the light. “We’ve been expecting you.”
I was about to dive inside, when a strange, whispery voice called my name from the shadows. Dead leaves rose up, twisting and flying in an unnatural pattern. A ghost, the same one that Jake and I had seen during the day we had driven to the cemetery to check out the Binco’s gravestone, which was a portal into the Underworld. He stood beside the monument, a grey mist of a figure.
“Who are you?” I asked.
His voice was muffled and unfriendly. “The gatekeeper. You are welcome here, but they are not.” He pointed to our army, which looked like a mass of giant shadows standing between the trees. Jake was right, they knew about the Slayers.
When I turned back, the gatekeeper was gone. I heard the sound of many claws striking solid rock and wings disturbing the air. Black swirls started appearing between the graves. As they stopped spinning, they became demons, hundreds of them, a militia, as Jake would say. Their black eyes watched me, perhaps remembering the day my sword had once sent some of them back to hell for more punishment.
I was surrounded.
I heard Jake’s voice cry out. “On my count!”
“ONE.”
Every demon seemed to turn from me to stare at Jake as he counted down.
“TWO.”
They had no idea what they were about to face. They didn’t seem at all ready.
“THREE!”
A great roar went up into the night sky. The Slayers advanced on the hideous legion of devils, while the demons stepped forward toward the fast moving storm of blades. Shrieks of hatred were shut out by louder chants of the name of Yesher. High-pitched cries, blades cutting, and wails were heard, as chaos and fighting erupted all around me.
“Fire!” I called to Emet. My sword flared up immediately. The jewel on the end of the hilt sparkled almost black when the green light hit it. I sprang with astonishing speed, plunging Emet into the closest demon’s chest. The white flames consumed him, and not one shriek was heard.
“Ancient Fire,” said Peter, now beside me. “So very cool!”
There was no time for talking as a demon pounced on Peter, his claws ripping into his armor. “Peter!” I screamed. He did a full revolution in a blur, and then drove his sword into the demon’s face, killing it instantly. That’s my cousin.
I had a clear shot at the portal. I was about to run when Emet sent me a warning, behind you. I felt something pounce on my back and small claws wrapped around my neck. A Runt demon was on my back, snickering in my ear, its goblin fingers strangling me. He squeezed tight, blocking off my air supply. I did not want to drop Emet, so with one hand I dug into its disgusting flesh and struggled to pry him from my throat. My head was growing woozy. I needed air!
Everything was turning white. Oxygen. I need it NOW! Suddenly I wasn’t fighting anymore, I was dying.
“
Yesher.” I whispered the name that brought the power. It was just enough to charge me with strength. I raised my blade to my own throat and cut like I was cutting off my own head. It felt very wrong and very freaky, but it worked. The Runt screamed and let go. I ripped the rotten thing off my back and flung him to the ground. I bent over, panting hard, trying to catch my breath, watching as the Runt’s dark eyes studied my sword.
“Slayer has fire,” he said, nervously backing away. “Not good.”
“Not good for you,” I said. My blade slashed through him and Emet consumed him in flames, a cheap, demon barbeque.
A hideous scream jolted me. Mom!
I didn’t even think. I just acted. I tore my shield from my arm and staggered backwards as it smoothly transformed into a steel shelter. I didn’t wait. I dove head first into the green light. As I jumped, I caught a glimpse of Jake. I thought I heard him call my name. I wasn’t completely sure.
We fell, Emet and I, past bone, rock, roots, all things dark that lay beneath the earth. I saw the ground coming up fast, too fast. I braced myself for the pain. I slammed onto the teeth-jarring stone floor. The strap on my hilt broke and Emet went spinning off somewhere. After a moment or two, I rolled off my flattened shield and got up on my feet.
It was exactly like my vision, except for the pain in my shoulder, leg and jawbone; that, and the stench that made me want to puke.
I turned in a slow circle, taking in the entire, dark labyrinth. It was a large chamber, with high archways leading off into passages of blackness. In the center was the throne of the King of Death. Where was mom?
Something the size of a small human hung from a rope, wrapped in an amber cocoon dangling five feet above an open pit. At first, I thought it was a giant amber bat. Then, I shuddered, to think it might be some poor creature suffering Belial’s punishment.
I moved closer to the edge of the pit, listening. Sensing. The abyss seemed to be breathing. Something really nasty sent up a mist, a vapor that drifted toward me, lingering as if watching, then wafting around me, sending chills and I backed away.
“Hello, Shonna.”
The air suddenly changed. I recognized the cold voice of the Prince of Darkness, Belial. The corners of his mouth were drawn back into a wolfish type grin. He inclined his head. Death marked his black eyes as he stepped from the shadows.
“Where’s my mom?”
“Your mother,” he chuckled, “she’s hanging around. We’ll get to her later. It’s been a long time, what four years?”
“Five, I think.”
“I do remember the funeral. You didn’t see me. I was watching you. I was enjoying your grief,” he said calmly, as if we were two old friends catching up on old times. “I’d like to introduce you to your new father.”
Ian materialized directly across from me, wearing a black suit with a white carnation in his lapel, that same smug grin on his face. “Your mother and I tied the knot last night,” he said. “It’s too bad you missed it.”
I gasped. “No.”
“Au contraire, Mon petit fille,” said Ian.
Heat flushed my face. “I’m not your little daughter!” I snapped.
“Oh, but you are, and it’s all legal.” He reached inside his jacket and produced a marriage certificate; mom’s shaky signature was on the bottom. I tried to snatch it from him, but he jerked it back, fast. He laughed and moved a little closer to me. “Here is the best part, the man who murdered your father,” he pointed at himself, “marries your mother, then kills his only daughter.” Now he was really laughing.
He had just confessed to murdering dad. I should have known he was the Familiar with a knife. Anger rose like flames of hatred. I reached for my sword. Where is it?
“Are you looking for this?” asked Belial pointing to Emet. He lay on the ground next to a Runt demon. I still hadn’t learned anything from Ariel’s very first lesson? Keep track of your weapon at all times.
Belial gave the order. The Runt picked up my sword. I could almost feel Emet cringing as unsanctified, murderous hands touched him. Smoke started rising from the Runt’s hands, and he whimpered in pain.
“Fire,” I shouted.
Emet ignited and consumed the Runt in flames. “That’s what you get for touching my weapon,” I yelled. “Anyone else want to try?”
Belial sneered, backed away from my sword, and sidestepped toward me. “How dare you throw warnings in my house!”
“How dare you take my mother!”
Ian pulled his knife. “Let’s kill her now.” His dark eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Patience, Asmodeus,” said Belial. “Patience, all in good time. We have her right where we want her now. Let’s not be too hasty.”
“Where’s my mother?” I demanded.
“I told you. She’s hanging around,” He glanced toward the creature dangling from the rope. I caught a glimpse of her brown hair. To my horror, I realized that mom was inside that cocoon, hanging like meat on a hook. That old familiar anger, like a snake charmer’s oil, was seeping inside me. “Take…her…down!”
They ignored my demands. Ian took a red silk necktie from his pocket and began to clean his blade. I gasped when I saw it, I remembering Mr. Kellogg. His eyes studied me until recognition lit up his face. “So I was right!” he said calmly. “You were in Kellogg’s house that night.” He smiled with menacing amusement. “Come on, tell me the truth little Bee. You enjoyed watching me kill him?”
“You are insane!”
He sidled closer. “Perhaps. Does that frighten you?”
“Not at all. EMET!” I shouted. Instantly he was in my hand. It felt good to have him back. “Fire!” I raised Emet to strike. Ian had vanished along with Belial.
A loud distracting thud filled the chamber. I turned to see... Jake. It looked as if he had accidentally fallen, along with a Dreader he was fighting. They continued stabbing and hitting one another. I ran to him. Emet easily took out the Dreader.
“Jake!” I threw my arms around him. “You’re bleeding. Are you alright?”
“Oh, what a heartbreaking scene,” said Belial, now reappearing and chuckling, slightly. “The boy hero comes to the aid of his Slayer girlfriend, too late I might add, but how delightful for us, because now it appears we have all of you; the hanging mother and the emotional little faith-warrior and the hero boyfriend, demon Slayer. So which one of you shall die first?”
A ridiculously large number of demons stood directly behind Ian and Belial; way too many to fight off. Ian split Jake and I apart. Immediately he covered my mouth and brought a knife to my chest, demanding I toss Emet into a bag. I could almost feel Emet cringe as I deposited him into that cold, dark place. I watched helplessly as the demon Lorcan tied Jake’s arms behind his back.
Now I knew that fighting my way out just wasn’t working. It came down to my intelligence against his. How shrewdly could I bargain for mom’s life? I struggled to speak, or yell or bite his hand. None of it was working.
“Let’s hear what she has to say,” said Belial.
Ian reluctantly yanked his hand from my mouth.
“I’ll make you a deal,” I said. “Let mom and Jake go…take me.”
“Why don’t we just kill all three of you since we already have you?” said Ian.
“Shut up!” snapped Belial. “Let her finish. Go on.”
“That’s all, really,” I said. “You must know if you kill us, Yesher will immediately take us out of here.”
“And all of hell rejoices,” said Ian.
“Enough!” snapped Belial. “Do you have a real deal to offer me or not?”
“After Jake and mom go, you can do whatever you like with me.” I cringed at the thought of my own words.
“No,” yelled Jake, struggling against the ropes trying to untie them. “Shonna, don’t do this!”
“You will willingly lay down your life?”
I nodded.
“I’m afraid that’s too easy. I am not interested in making another martyr. Th
ere is however, another way,” he said. “A better way.”
“Shonna, listen to me,” Jake pleaded. “Don't do something crazy. You can’t save your mother this way. Belial is a liar. You know that, why would trust him?”
“Somebody, please, shut…him…up!” snapped Belial. A demon used what looked like magical duct tape across Jake’s mouth.
“All deals are off the table,” I said, pointing at Jake. “If you hurt him.”
“He’s giving me a headache,” Belial complained. “Don’t worry, nothing will happen to your precious.” He slithered closer, circling and studying me. Bile rose up at the thought of remaining his prisoner. I bowed my head, fighting the nausea, taking deep breaths, and trying to look normal.
“You will sign my contract in your own blood?”
This was his signature move that Ariel had warned me about. Belial snared more victims this way. They were legally bound by the wicked terms of his bogus contract, ignorantly assuming they had ended forever the hope of eternity.
“Um...I can’t.”
“You mean you won’t,” said Belial.
“I’m bound by blood. I cannot sign away what I don’t already own. My life already belongs to Yesher.”
“How touching!” sneered Belial, “I’m all aflutter. You stupid humans are all the same, fool-hearted Knights quick to give up this world, rich with material possessions. For what, I ask you? So, you can carry a sword, protect a few unworthy souls, who, by the way don’t even care about you, Shonna? That’s the cruelest part of all. You do service for ingrates. Look at you. You are so young! Why would Yesher choose to end your life at such a tender age? Knights in His service, what a joke!” His cold hand wrapped around my arm, sending chills through me. “You must think. Think about yourself, Shonna, What do you want? I can give you everything. Tell me, what has He ever done for you.”
“You want the short list or the long one?” I asked. “He gave me His name and His armor which is much more powerful than any of your weapons!”
“Shut up!” His rage seemed to be reaching the boiling point. “You forget, young Slayer, I hold something you want.” He glanced at mom. “So you’ll do as I say, understood?”
Ian cleared his throat. “Why bother listening to this gooey sentimental crap any longer. Let’s just kill them now, Master.”
“You’re the Prince of Darkness, doesn’t that status mean anything?” I interrupted. “Frankly I’m surprised that you would even need a signed contract. I’ve seen your demons torturing people all the time, just for the fun of it.”
He smiled, leaning his face close to mine, much too close. I could feel the pull of his evil power reaching inside me. “My dear, little ignorant mercenary, without a contract, I can only play with these worthless fools, but give me their signature in blood, and I have complete rights to their miserable, cursed souls for all eternity,” he whispered.
I wanted to remind him, eternity would be short for him, but I thought better of it, not wanting to agitate the lunatic any further. I decided to keep him talking calmly, long enough for me to come up with a plan. I took a few steps back. “When I surrender my powers, you’ll be hurting Yesher.”
He cocked his head to one side, gazing upward. “Really tempting. I do love to hurt Him. No.” He shook his head. “That’s not nearly good enough. You see, Shonna, the truth is, I have seen your future, and I just cannot allow you to fulfill your destiny. It’s your blood on the dotted line, or it’s the end for everyone you love.”
He snapped his fingers and the flapping pages of an aged contract materialized in his hand. “I’ll give you a few minutes to read it over.” He handed me the brown papers with old English lettering. “Never sign anything before reading it. I want you to know exactly what you’re getting into.” He spoke in a bizarre businesslike manner. “While you read, I’ll just wake up your mother.”
Belial snapped his fingers again and the cocoon vanished, re-materializing at his feet. He raised his arms to chest level standing over it. He whispered, and green light fell from his hands, exactly like the green light over the A.E.B. gravestone. The light surrounded the cocoon until it burst open.
Mom, dressed in black lace, lay on the broken shell. She blinked several times, gazing around the chamber. She was bruised, and her forehead cut and bloody just like Peter had said, nothing more. When she saw Ian, her eyes went wide. She sat up quickly.
“Good morning, little spouse,” he scoffed, leaning over her to touch her hair.
“Mom,” I sank to my knees, sobs building in my throat. When her eyes met mine, she latched on to me “You’re alive!” She was trembling all over. “Oh God, your alive! He told me you were dead. I was so scared…”
I wrapped my arms around her. “It’s okay. I’m okay mom,” I shook my head, “I am so sorry.”
She began to cry. “No, Shonna, I should have listened to you.” We held onto each other, weeping. After a few minutes I helped her stand, she glanced down at the ring on her finger. “Am I... married?” she asked softly.
“Yes,” Ian announced, loudly. “We didn’t get to have our honeymoon yet.” He winked at her.
“This happy little reunion is making me ill,” said Belial between clenched teeth. “Read the contract and sign it NOW!”
I held the papers with surprisingly steady hands. What did it matter? There was no way I would break my covenant with Yesher. I read the last line. I give up my soul to Belial.
“I can’t sign this.”
“Then you die,” said Belial. “Your mother goes first.”
He wrenched mom from my arms.
* * *
Chapter 25
