Evie just answered gently, “Have you been crying, Poisonous? Are you all right?”
Poisonous gritted her teeth. “Of course I’m alright, idiot! May you be raped and tossed aside, you worthless sack of human flesh...” The fury in her gradually became hotter, and her eyes turned to slits. A hard slap smashed into Evie’s face. A broad smile cracked her face as tears rolled down Evie’s. Slamming the door in Evie’s face, she stormed back toward the bed, and sat down hard. “That ought to teach her.”
A short time, later, the soft sound of words floated through the door into her room from the living room: Evie was praying for her. At first, she just ignored it. “What does her praying have to do with me? I have nothing to do with Lord Yehovah or the Spirit of Light.”
Yet, a powerful, yet gentle force slowly filled her room. Movement escaped her. Writhing and shaking proved fruitless. The power of the Spirit of Light fell upon her, first, restricting her movement, then, covering her with calm. All the immorality, lust and lasciviousness she’d inflicted upon human men and women paraded through her mind. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I’ve made their lives miserable.
Evie prayed for what seemed like hours, which in reality was only ten minutes. Poisonous lay there helpless, sobbing, confessing remorse for all the hate-filled deeds she had committed over the millennia. Then the prayers stopped, and in time, the heaviness left her. Regaining her composure, she exhaled a sigh of relief. I’m sure glad that’s over. A strange new feeling occupied her heart. She’d heard of it, and seen its effects. They called it... peace. Now it affected her. No, wait. This can’t be happening to me. The heaviness and tenseness left her body, replaced by lightness and calm. She and her fellow dark angels avoided these things, because they knew they would never experience them for eternity. Hope filled her, and she couldn’t deny it. If any of her old colleagues had seen her like this, they would torment her without mercy. However, none appeared, and the peace grew. It took great effort not to cry tears of joy.
* * *
She fell asleep from sheer emotional exhaustion, and woke with a start. Instead of lizard-like skin, long, hard, sharp fingernails and toenails, large undulating tentacles, there was only the pale, olive colored skin of a human female in shorts and a t-shirt. “I don’t recognize this place.” A few moments later, she remembered: she was in an apartment in Washington, D.C. with the former angel turned human.
After a while, curiosity again forced her out of her room. At first, she avoided Evie’s stare. Her body trembled as she looked back at the bedroom a few times; ready to bolt at a moment’s notice. A few moments later, she got up her nerve, she asked, “Are you going to pray for me again? Because if you are, let me know. That accursed Spirit of Light comes over me every time you do. I... I can’t bear it.” Tears fell down her cheeks. “The way I cry is pitiful.” Saying the words made her cringe. “I can’t bear these... emotions...”
“Don’t worry, Poisonous; you won’t be harmed by the Spirit of Light. You will, however, feel conviction. It’ll be hard on you, but I believe Lord Yehovah will show you why He’s convicting you.”
“I don’t like being convicted. It’s painful: it makes me feel like everything I do is wrong, when I have no problem with doing things that are wicked.”
“Don’t worry about experiencing emotions other than hatred and anger. The Spirit of Light is making Her presence known to you for the first time. Even having a body takes a little getting used to, but you’ll soon take it in stride. I had to learn to adjust to a body too.”
Evie came up to her and held her hand. “I’m sorry. I’m forgetting my manners. You’ve found your room, and you’ve stored your belongings in the chest of drawers and the closet. So why don’t you let me show you the rest of the apartment.”
Poisonous first recoiled at having a human touch her without her permission. Appearing thoughtful for a moment, she said, “You’re not going to retaliate for what I did to you earlier?”
“No, sweetie. Prayer works more powerfully that returning evil for evil.”
Poisonous didn’t say anything, grimacing at that remark. “That sounds like something out of Lord Yehovah’s book for humans.” The Bible on the table assaulted her eyes, and she jerked her head in the opposite direction and looked away, shuddering. Her attention re-focused on Evie, and she changed the subject, fast. “Evie, may I ask you a question?”
“Sure, honey. What’s on your mind?”
She grimaced again. “First, why do you call me ‘honey’ and ‘sweetie’? I’m not nice, or sweet. I’m a demon. Trying to make me sound nice and gentle is preposterous. I’m certainly not either of those things.”
“You may not believe this, Poisonous, but I love you.”
The words caused her whole body to recoil in revulsion. “You love me? I took great pleasure in tormenting you, and would still if this apartment weren’t saturated with the Spirit of Light. This room and your presence make me uncomfortable. I definitely don’t love you.” The next words spat out hot and with great anger. “I don’t appreciate being forced to live around you goody-goody angels. It’s sickening, not to mention, demeaning.”
“Poisonous, I do as Lord Yehovah directs me. That’s why I pray for you. I can’t help but love you. I can do nothing else, because my Heavenly Father compels me to.”
There was no retort for those words. Speechless for several moments, she changed the subject.
“Evie. Do your friends come her often…and pray?”
“Yes. Why?”
Poisonous looked away as her jaw quivered. “I didn’t like being forced to endure the Spirit of Light suffocating me like that, making me cry like a weak daughter of Eve. Is there any way you could not pray for me? I would really appreciate it. I can do many things, but I can’t overcome that Holy force. It outdoes me.”
Evie hugged her. Too late to avoid it, she didn’t fight it. In fact, in felt comforting. “I’m sorry. I—and my friends—will pray for you every time Lord Yehovah brings you to mind. His love compels me.”
The thought of more prayers made her grimace. “Well, I guess I can’t stop you, especially since the Light indwells you. But I can try not to be near you as often as possible.”
“Doesn’t make any difference: no matter where you are or what you do, my prayers will be heard, and you cannot escape their effects.” Compassion shone in her eyes. Evie went to the couch, and started praying again, concentrating on having Poisonous convicted of her evil ways.
For a brief moment, that foreign emotion called ‘hope’ came over hear again. She surprised herself and smiled. Then, regaining her composure as soon as she could, she shot back, “Well, pray as you must. I’ll still do my job as a demon, and do it well.”
“Praying is my privilege. Now, c’mon. You indwell a human body, and must be starving. I’ll make you some dinner —”
“Oh…um… I don’t think I could eat food. I’m not used to it.”
Before Evie could protest, she ran back to her room.
Three
Later that night, lying on her bed, Poisonous pushed on the mattress, which gave to her touch, and sprang back up when she let go. She rubbed hands along the smooth sheets. Sleep never took place as a dark spirit, but humanity had taken its emotional toll on her, draining her of the ability to stay awake.
“It’s not fair. They have no right to keep me here and make me endure the Light.”
Evie had gone to bed an hour earlier. The sounds of late night city traffic wafted through her window, punctuated by an occasional siren from a police cruiser or emergency vehicle. Darkness hid the world and her new surroundings from her. Attempting to sleep was futile: thoughts buzzed in her mind like moths around a light at night, so she sat up on her bed, crossed her legs, and pondered her situation.
“I sure hope none of the other demons are watching me. I’m sure I’d make them laugh.” Her situation struck her as a paradox, and evoked a twisted grin. “I’m sure I would laugh at me. I’m sure I look pathetic as one of those I’ve
tormented for a long time.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the irony of that thought.
Loneliness settled upon her for the first time in her existence. The landscape of the city with street lamps and nighttime traffic got her attention as an ache grew in the heart that only knew evil. Then a distinct sensation of not being alone crept into her consciousness. A familiar evil presence interrupted her thoughts.
“Poisonous. May I talk with you?”
No human other than Evie would call her that, and the voice sounded familiar. She had heard it herself not that long ago. The evil presence took human form, and pulled the chair away from the desk and sat down, turning to face her.
“VD! How did you manage to get close to me without being sent to torment and the agony of the fire?”
“You may not believe this, but I asked the Lamb Himself.”
Her jaw dropped. “But…but how…? Why…?”
“Very simple, my malicious girlfriend. I’m here to lend support.” VD smiled.
Poisonous got up and high-fived her old partner. “I will give you this: you obviously showed great determination to talk directly to the Lamb of God! Although I’m not sure why he let you do this.”
“You know, Poisonous—”
“Wait,” she said, shuddering, “Let me make something clear: should we be around other humans, and I am in human form you should call me Perri. Otherwise, if it is just you and I, you may call me by my proper name, ‘Poisonous.’” Her shoulders jerked up and down, conceding to her human form. “It’s better to deceive when you seem like one of them, and they must call me by a human name. I have many plans for using this flesh, even though I look like those I torment.” The irony shook her head. “Besides—I’ve already thought of a few ideas…”
“Ooh…you’re right, Poisonous. So, what made you want to pursue this course of action? I’m sure you have your reasons, but I don’t understand how it is more effective that just being a regular demon.”
Poisonous moaned and held her hands to her temples. “You and I have plagued mankind through the ages by twisting their view of love, sex and righteousness.” Her head shook with a sigh. “I used to take great satisfaction knowing that we did a lot of spiritual and emotional damage, but no longer. Don’t you see, VD? I have to try something different. I have to corrupt them as an agent of evil from the inside, so to speak.”
VD frowned. “Really?”
“Yes. The only bad part is, I’ve been made to live with a roommate who prays for me. In fact, she prayed for me today, and the Spirit of Light made me feel guilty for all the things I have done. It was awful. I started to regret ever being evil. I felt sad, for crying out loud. It was embarrassing.” Tears pooled in her eyes. Realizing what happened, her eyes averted VD’s.
“Poisonous! Are you crying?”
She turned her head towards VD, averting direct contact with her eyes. Her chin quivered as she answered in a very soft voice. “Yes...I’m ashamed of myself. I’ve never felt so... weak.”
Then her eyes locked with VD’s. “Please don’t think badly of me. I can’t seem to help myself.”
VD stared at her for a while, saying nothing. Then, “Well, you are in human flesh, and you’re always subject to the power of prayers of the Light. You can’t get away from those consequences. Besides, I’ve cried too: in fact, that day I talked with Evie.”
“Yes, I remember. I still don’t know what possessed you to do that.”
“She’s nice. I like her.” VD’s face brightened and looked straight into Poisonous’ eyes. “You know, just because you’re in human flesh doesn’t mean you can’t stir up trouble. You won’t need me to influence you…” VD stopped, winced and held her peace. No angels came to carry her off to the Abyss. A sigh of relief followed.
Poisonous, however, thought, “You know, you’re right, by all that’s evil. You don’t need to influence me. I can come up with all sorts of evil myself. You know what? I intend to do just that! They can try, but they can’t stop me from being evil.” A long and loud cackle echoed off the walls. “And by Lucifer, I’ll do it with a vengeance.”
* * *
Sunday, June 29th
1:47 pm beamed from the clock. She still tried to avoid Evie, who had come home from attending church. Pangs of hunger rumbled in her human stomach, no longer to be ignored. Evie’s previous offer to eat had been avoided, and she couldn’t… well, wouldn’t beg Evie to feed her. After all, she had her pride. She ventured out of her room, and decided to go out and get something to eat.
“Where are you going, honey?”
Vermin! “Oh, hi Evie! I’m just going to go out and get some fresh air. Been cooped up in the condo all day, and I thought I’d go out and take a walk. You know... explore my new world. D.C. is a fascinating city, you know.”
“Aren’t you hungry? You haven’t eaten since you’ve been here.”
“Oh…um... no. I’m fine.” Her stomach betrayed her and started to rumble.
“Was that you?”
C’mon Poisonous. Just make up a good lie. “Oh... that. I think I have something you humans...” It occurred to her: that appellation now applied to her current state. But she forced nonchalance, and said, “…um, I think I just have gas. I’ll be all right.”
“Are you sure?”
A thought crossed her mind for a second; then she pasted on a big smile. These humans had a saying; something about attracting more flies with honey than with vinegar. She walked up to Evie, and gave her a warm hug. . Just as long as she thinks I’m cooperating and—she mentally gritted her teeth—lovable. It was worth the pretense, because it distracted Evie from her real intentions, and her real intentions made her quiver with intense excitement. “Oh, yes, sweetie. I’m sure.”
Evie stared at her. “Wait. I thought you didn’t like those terms. Now you’re calling me the very things you disdain. Further, you just hugged me. What’s going on?”
“Oh, you know. There’s no point in fighting it. I might as well be nice. Couldn’t hurt.”
She hoped she hadn’t poured it on too thick. Walking out the front door, she went in search of something to eat as Evie stared at her, eyes squinting and eyebrows creased.
A short walk to the corner of K and Fifth streets brought her to what seemed to be a neighborhood bar across the street. “Now that looks like my kind of hangout.” She walked up to the doors, and read the sign: The Starlight Lounge. “Ah, I remember these.”
The doors opened, and sure enough, the women who worked there fed the fantasies of the clientele who wanted non-existent intimacy found in perusing those whom that they could not know. Such ‘relationships’ were always available—at least when this club was open—and they never argued, nor said ‘no.’ Pure unreality. “Yes. This is a Gentleman’s club.” Memories filled her mind with men upon whom she had plied lust, putting her at ease as soon as she entered the club.
A dank, mustiness permeated the bar, while the musty smell of stale cigarettes permeated the air in the building. Few lights illuminated the bar, engulfing the whole bar in semi-darkness. The ambience could have been intimate, but the patrons were the locals hanging out at their favorite watering hole, being titillated by unobtainable girls, and forgetting their troubles. Looking around, she saw no couples, and didn’t care. “Excuse me. What does a girl have to do to get some service?”
The bartender walked up to her, his attitude blasé. “What can I do for ya, hon?”
“Hi,” she said, flashing strong suggestion into his eyes. If I’m going to get anything to eat, I might as well take advantage of my powers of mind control. “Just look at my eyes…” Glowing red, she focused on his, and suggested he give her something to eat—for free.
Her efforts were not wasted. His stare alternated between her eyes and down her shirt. He offered a lewd smile. “Just tell me what you want and you got it…”
“Yes. What do you suggest a girl should eat?”
“Hold on.” He reached under the counter, prod
uced a menu and gave it to her.
The items on the menu might just as well have been hieroglyphics. She had not thought of eating food for so long, she was unaware of what kinds of things humans ate these days.
“What do you recommend?”
“We make a pretty decent hamburger,” he offered.
“What is that made of?”
“Ground beef.”
All right. I’ll take one of those.”
“How do you want it cooked?”
Anything bloody appealed to her, so she answered, “Just warmed up; not cooked too much.”
“Lettuce, tomatoes, mayo?”
“... and onions…and garlic…and Limburger cheese; in large quantities.” All these strong-smelling ingredients made her mouth water. Being familiar with the smell of human decomposition and other acrid odors, anything pungent appealed to her; and anything that heated her up, like pure unadulterated lust. “And add a lot of pepper sauce.”
A patron next to her had a laptop on the counter. What was on the screen looked like some sort of movie about psychopaths, which turned out to be a bloody, violent, gruesome film with a dark, ghoulishly macabre atmosphere. The movie made her adrenalin flow. In fact, she liked it so much that a broad smile covered her face. She saw him coming and tried to return to looking helpless and imploring. She had made him do her bidding thus far, and in spite of the fact he disgusted her, she continued the pretense. “Oh...hi again. You were saying…?”
He stared at her chest and lingered there a few moments before he spoke to her. “Would you like something to drink with your burger?” He looked at her eyes in those few moments when he was not taking in her charms.
Disrespectful vermin. She forced herself to calm down. “What do you have?”
He rattled off the choices as a well rehearsed dialogue. “We got yer standard Coke products, we got beer—bottle and tap, we got wines, and yer standard alcohol—”
Poisonous: A Visit To Earth (DC Angels Book 2) Page 4
