VD started shaking.
“Now Ronnie, you and I are old friends. You’re going to have to trust me. Make up your mind to face Lucifer, and don’t let him intimidate you, no matter what. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“May I pray now?”
“Go ahead, Poisonous,” said VD, still shaking.
“Lord Yehovah, I’m grateful to feel so free of such a heavy burden. It’s too wonderful to put in words. Make my friend here know the same happiness that I do.” She paused, thinking. “Oh yes; if Lucifer gives her a hard time, could you please help her be strong? Thank you.”
She laughed as VD shook all the harder. “Oh, now. Don’t be afraid.” She put her hands on VD’s shoulders. “Lord Yehovah will protect you.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
Purpose and resolve gently radiated to her friend. “Yes, Ronnie. I’m very sure.”
* * *
Sure enough, the call came. “Virtue Destroyer!”
VD sighed. “I knew it was coming. Guess I’d better face the music.” She walked up to the throne, where a putrid, vile stench covered its owner. VD held her fingers to her nose. For the first time, the smell bothered her. “I’m here, Lord Lucifer. What do you want with me?”
Lucifer gave VD a wary look, but she didn’t care.
“Since when are you repulsed by evil?”
She said nothing and stared at him defiantly.
“I don’t understand why that blasted Lamb of God would let you talk with Poisonous, but her humanity and The Light are affecting your ability to be an effective demon. This isn’t good.” He shook his head, and sneered at her.
Her head shook too, but ruefully. “You are truly pathetic. I feel sorry for you; and so what it I enjoy talking to Poisonous? What’s it to you? You yourself know that I have permission from The Lamb, and you wouldn’t dare stop me. Maybe you would be wise, you fallen Light Bearer, just to leave me alone.”
Lucifer’s face contorted with rage. “The absolute insubordination!” he hissed. “Do you know what I could do to you?”
“Maybe, but I certainly know what I can do to you... ” The words came out of her as if someone else were saying them, “May The Lamb rebuke you!”
Lucifer’s face contorted as held his hands tightly to his ears. “Do not say those words again in my presence,” he yelled. “You sound like a traitor to evil.”
“Then may the Lamb doubly rebuke you.”
Lucifer doubled over and coughed as a bright ball of light hit him square in the chest.
“Well; looks like old Lucifer isn’t so formidable now.”
Lucifer skulked away, alternating between keeping his hands over his ears, and rubbing his chest.
She turned around to walk away, and stopped dead in her tracks. Two bright warrior angels stood before her. “Michael and Gabriel... the Archangels?” she said, still not believing her eyes.
“Yes,” Michael answered. “You’re not seeing things. It’s really Michael and Gabriel. You may want to think about the power of what you say. You’ve heard of the saying, ‘be careful of what you ask for?’ Well, keep in mind that those words are true: they’ll come to pass.”
VD still shook as they walked away. “Wow. The two most powerful angels in the Heavenly army.” She looked at herself, wondering if their swords had somehow sliced her to bits. After taking inventory of herself, her body remained intact. Then her words to Lucifer came back to her. “I don’t believe I said those words— to Lucifer nonetheless.” Not only had she said them, she meant them. Smiling broadly, she said, “I’m not the same old VD I’ve been for too long. Thank you, Lord Yehovah.” Walking away, she added, “and I’m glad.”
Twenty-two
Saturday October 4th
VD watched him leave his condominium, and wanted to be sure that she talked to him in a place conducive to conversation. She followed him to the Café Après, where he sat in a corner by himself, a cup of coffee in his hand, his head laid back against the back of the chair.
Now was the time. Her attire and makeup got a quick once over in the mirror, and the modest outfit she wore passed the test. Making sure everything was neatly in place, she turned and walked in Shane’s direction.
Pools of tears filled her eyes as thoughts of Poisonous filled her mind, but happiness overflowed from her heart in a bittersweet way. “If Poisonous has found happiness, then I want it too. I won’t give up until I find it for myself. It’s just too powerful to ignore.”
Shane sat at his booth, deep in thought. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she screwed up enough courage to talk to him. Well, here goes.
“Hi Shane. May I talk to you?”
He looked up, puzzled, “Do I know you?”
“Well…no, but you know a friend of mine, Evie Chen.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, have a seat. I need a break from my thoughts, anyway.”
“Thanks.” She sat down across the table from him, steeled herself and began. “Shane, my name is Veronica. You don’t know me, but I know you very well. In fact I’ve known you since you were a young boy of twelve.” She let that sink in. His body remained still, and the blank look on his face told her that she was not succeeding. Hoping he might have a clue as to who she might be, she steeled herself, and waited.
“I’m sorry; have we met before?” he finally asked.
“No. You would never have physically seen me before. You would only have heard me in your mind.”
Shane stared at her, wide eyed. She grimaced.
“What? Did I hear you correctly? How do you speak to me in my mind? Are you some kind of psychic or something?”
VD looked deep into his eyes. “I have spoken to you that way because I’m a... ” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’m a dark spirit…a ‘demon’ as you would say.”
Shane looked at her; his eyebrows furrowed and his head shook. Her heart beat faster within her chest, and her palms started to sweat. She had to convince him that she was real, and that he was not losing his mind.
“Who are you really?” he asked.
Not wanting anyone to hear the ugly parts of her life, she spoke softly again.
“First, no, you’re not under the influence of some bad hallucinogenic drugs. I’m known as Virtue Destroyer.”
“What? Wait…did I hear you right? Look, I don’t know about your kind, but I just want you to leave me alone: you and your friends.”
“I’m here on my own. I’m not here to torment you as I have in the past.
Shane shook his head. “This is just too fantastic to be real. You’re trying to tell me that I’m talking to a—”
Again, quietly, “Demon. Yes, Shane, I’m a demon, but I’m not here to torment you. Please believe me.”
“O-k-a-a-a-ay,” he said slowly. “You don’t look like one. You look like an attractive girl. But what do you want with me?”
She gave him a warm smile. “I know it’s hard to believe that someone like me really exists, and would even be talking to you, but I am what I say I am. All I want to do is to talk to you. I need some answers to questions that I believe you are also seeking. Since you’re doing the same, I figured we might...well...compare notes.”
Shane still looked at her, shaking his head.
“I didn’t expect you to believe me right away, so let me prove it to you.” All the events in Shane’s life that had drawn him into his lifestyle of promiscuity, from reading that first girlie magazine, to Gracie, were laid out on the table. She even recounted his recent encounter with Jennifer.
“You know about Gracie?” he asked, eyes wide open in disbelief.
“Yes, my old partner and I were both there when that happened. In fact, Evie is my old partner’s roommate. Evie has given her heart to…” What do you humans call Him? “... um... Jesus Christ. She’s much different than she used to be. I guess what started all of this was when Perri—who is a demon named Poisonous—came here to torment humans”
“Perri? I know a Perri. She and I ha
ve had meaningless sex together, but I still don’t understand. You’re saying she’s a demon? That’s too fantastic to believe; she didn’t act like a demon to me. At least I didn’t notice it.” He paused. “But what exactly does all of this have to do with me anyway?”
She figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. Give me wisdom, Lamb of God. “You see, Shane, I’ve watched you a lot lately, especially in the last three days. You and I are both reconsidering many things. You’re searching for answers, and so am I. I know my heart has always been dark, but I want to change. Perri is…well, she’s happy, and, I want that for me. Since you seem to be unable to figure things out right now, I figured talking about it might answer some questions for both of us. Besides, misery loves company, right?” The irony of her words made her roar with laughter. “Oh, my…it’s all so crazy…”
Shane smiled, and relaxed his body, then laughed as well, which bode better for the conversation. “I must admit: you have a point there. Ever since Gracie walked out on me, things have not been the same. I realize now that I really cared for her, and it has been bothering me ever since. I just can’t settle for meaningless relationships and living from one thrill to the next anymore.” Shane stopped, and stared at her. “You really saw me through all those wild and wooly times I’ve lived through?” He laughed again.
She didn’t laugh with him. Her heart ached even more, and she felt tears falling down her face. “Shane, you must believe me when I tell you: I’m truly sorry for all Poisonous — who you now know as Perri — and I put you through. My old lifestyle feels very empty and unappealing to me now. I look at Evie and Perri, and they are nowhere near as troubled as I am.”
Her tears started falling in earnest. Thick, sad emotion clouded her voice.
He smiled at her, offering sympathy by holding her hands. Her crying stopped, and her hand wiped the tears from her face. She took a deep breath and regained her composure. “I don’t know what to say to you about your relationships, but I have a feeling the answer lies with your relationship with The Lamb... your Jesus Christ.”
The mention of his name made her face beam. “He’s wonderful. Even though I’ve always tried to avoid Him before, I’m drawn to him now.”
Shane said nothing, scratching his chin. Then, smiling wryly, he shook his head. “‘Jesus Christ.’ It’s odd how I’ve bandied His name about for years, but have really had nothing to do with Him. You know, you couldn’t be as bad as you say you are. In fact, you seem very nice. You’ve certainly answered many of my questions. You and I are both seeking Someone to whom you are supposedly opposed.” His smile broadened.
The light went off in her brain. “Could the Lamb love me as well? Is it possible for demons to reconsider their path in life? All I know is that for the first time in a long time, I’m beginning to hope.” More tears fell from her eyes. “Well, I’m proud that my heart is changing. She put her hand on his. “Shane, thank you. You may not believe this, but you’ve helped me a great deal. I’m very grateful.”
“You’re welcome…I don’t know what I could’ve done for you, but if I’ve helped you, then great.”
Shane got up to leave. “I hope you find what you are looking for.”
His words rolled around her head for a moment. Gaining courage, she said, “It’s scary, Shane, but I can’t turn back now. I have too much to lose. I intend to find what I’ve been looking for.”
* * *
Monday, October 6th
Poisonous actually enjoyed her first day of work. The orientation went quickly and easily, and Cydnie’s friendly demeanor put her completely at ease. A short time after she started, angelic duty called Cydnie away, but she didn’t mind.
“Gracious! There’s a lot of interesting information here.” A book called The Psychology of the Criminal Mind caught her attention. Wow, I think I’ll start with this one.”
The pages quickly turned, and the entire book was digested in two hours. The book returned to the desk, and she leaned back in the chair. “Huh. Here’s another one. Hmmm…‘The Power of Emotional Healing.’”
“Gracious, this is wonderful. I should have done something like this a while ago. Oh well, no time like the present, as they say.” The entire day continued like this: reading and learning. In the early afternoon, conviction hit her square between her eyes, and she made the call.
“Haywood.”:
“Chief Haywood. This is Perri Loliyekar. I need to have a meeting with you, Agent Hightower and Attorney Ordman. We need to discuss my crimes and what should be done about them. Can we meet tomorrow?”
After a brief silence on the other end of the line, Chief Haywood said, “Certainly. How about ten o’clock tomorrow morning?”
“That will be fine, ma’am. I’ll be there.”
The clock on the wall read 9:26 pm. “Oh dear. It’s late. I need to get home.” Her belongings returned to her purse, the computer screen went dark, and she headed for the subway. Streetlights and shadows covered the street as she walked. Apprehension clouded her thoughts as she walked through dark sections of street. Her recent encounter with rape left had left her less sure of herself.
* * *
Dark Death watched her leave the office of Mighty Warrior Security office to head for the Eastern Market subway station. This was the situation he had been waiting for. The train tracks would be the perfect place for her to die. “I think it’s time a certain traitor to all that is dark and evil met an untimely demise. Demons that defect to the Light will ruin us. Well, this blight on the name of all that is insidious to the detriment of human flesh, and against the Light, will soon be removed.”
He went down the escalator, and waited until she arrived, where he would make an end of her.
Minutes later, she waited by the train tracks. No one else waited for the trains; all other people had left. She kept her eyes on the approaching train.
For a brief instant, she felt that familiar sensation whose scent was unmistakable. Dark Death had paid her a visit, but she never got the chance to see him coming. Unnnngh! The breath flew out of her lungs, stretching her diaphragm so hard she stopped breathing. Her body sailed off the platform, heading downwards into the track bed. Time suspended for that brief moment, as the tracks loomed closer. Crack! She hit the track with such force that it broke both of her legs and one of her arms. She went immediately into shock, unable to move. Spasms from the pain shot through her body. The train bore down upon her. Her heart raced furiously in her chest, to the tune of over two hundred beats per minute. The elevated blood pressure made her head pound. Ringing in her ears and dizziness overcame her. Then, bam! A blood vessel exploded in her head from the elevated pressure. To her, it felt like a huge hammer had just collided with her head. The world around her went quickly dark.
Separating from her lifeless body, she saw Dark Death, standing on the platform, sneering at her with disdain in his eyes.
“You will learn that traitors are not tolerated,” he growled. “I hope you find Hell comfortable.” He roared with laughter, and then flew away, never looking back.
A second later, Poisonous looked at her lifeless body lying there on the tracks. Her body was still part of her, so not wanting to see it crushed into oblivion, she carried it up from the tracks, and put it gently on the platform. Looking up, the familiar face of VD observed her with concern. “Poisonous, you’ve been killed. I don’t want to lose you to the Abyss.”
Snakebite flew in and landed near the body. “Poisonous, I’m so sorry. I guess I knew this day might come, but I’m not happy it has. I’m really going to miss, you, my love.”
“Ill miss you too, honey.” She hugged him for all she was worth, then turn to VD, and said, “I’ll always love you, my old friend. Find that peace that has been put in our hearts, because you don’t want to have to follow me to Hell.”
“I will, sweet friend. I’m so sorry that Lucifer has had you destroyed.” Tears fell down her cheeks while she choked out, “I wish you didn’t have to go…” then broke d
own crying.
Through thick emotion, she answered. “You know the lot of dark angels. We must suffer for eternity for our rebellion. I must go to the Abyss, to be thrown into the fires of Hell that burn forever.”
“It’s not fair,” wailed VD. “Please don’t leave me…”
Tears rolled down Snakebite’s face, as he looked at Poisonous sadly.
“I have no choice.” She expected, as in the case of the unfortunate soul from a couple of months earlier, to see angels carry her to her judgment before the Throne. Instead, two menacing creatures, like the ones she saw in her nightmares, pulled her to a very dark and foreboding place. As she floated away towards fiery eternal death, she called out, “I love you, both, very much,” then broke into deep, convulsing sobs.
“I love you too,” VD choked out through her tears.
“So do I,” added Snakebite.
Kneeling before Poisonous’ body, VD again broke into sobs. “Oh, please…please…can nothing be done for her?” The desperation in her heart spoke through inconsolable words. “Please, Lamb of God. I know I’m not worthy to ask, but have mercy on my friend. I miss her so badly…” Heartbreak once again gave way to heartrending, bitter tears.
Snakebite stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders. Her head lay upon the now lifeless body of her friend and ally, whose demonic spirit had just left her.
“Yes, Lamb of God. Please have mercy on her soul and those of VD and I,” said Snakebite.
The Light surrounded them with ever increasing brightness. A very tender, loving presence enfolded them with his love. Looking at VD he said, “Take courage, child. I have heard your cry, and promise you: Poisonous will not be lost. Do you not know that a broken spirit and a contrite heart I will not despise? Your sacrifice of pure love for your friend will save her.”
VD looked at the Lamb unashamedly through tears, and managed a weak, “Thank you Lamb of God. I am unworthy of your great love for me.”
Poisonous: A Visit To Earth (DC Angels Book 2) Page 26
