Demon Gate: Beyond the 9th Circle: The Rapture Was Just The Beginning.

by Heath, Joel

  Spencer raised the radio to his mouth and pressed the talk button.

  “Gretchen, time to go, we're falling back to the Hummer.” Spencer ordered.

  A loud gunshot ripped through the air before Spencer’s radio squawked to life in reply.

  “Sorry, Spencer. Not going to happen.” It was Jessie, and she sounded concerned.

  “What’s wrong?” Spencer asked. It was a couple seconds before Jessie replied.

  “He’s by the front entrance.” Jessie replied, emphasizing the word ‘he’.

  “Just get out of there.” Spencer urged before he turned to Kortney. “Is there any other way out of here?”

  “There is one other way; it’s at the north end of the park.” Kortney said and took the lead. Vince covered Kortney as they followed Spencer north. Though she didn’t want to admit it, she was terrified and could snap at any second. That second came as they came to the main corridor leading out the main entrance.

  Kortney froze as the black-skinned demon fell into focus. The girl started to scream but Spencer covered her mouth hoping the prince had not heard. Spencer’s hopes were dashed when the demon turned to face them, and then it shrieked.

  Kortney took off like a rocket towards the north end exit; Spencer pulled the trigger on his M-249 releasing its fury on the prince who then moved into attack, it wasn’t until Vince raised his celestial sword that the prince turned away, searching for Kortney.

  Racing past several carnival rides Kortney noticed what looked like several people atop the tower-like attraction at the north end of the park and she started shouting and waving to get their attention. Fifty yards after reaching the carnival rides Kortney reached the base of the ride hoping it was a place she might find safety. Finding a ladder she began to climb as fast as she could.

  As she reached two hundred feet she heard a shriek from a hellish falcon, turning she noticed it was the Prince Class demon; he was airborne and he was headed straight for her, she was trapped and clinging on a ladders so she wouldn’t be able to evade the attack.

  The Prince Class demon latched onto the side of the tower and with one swipe, tore a gash in the side of the pylon , then reached inside and grabbed Kortney and pulled her out through the hole; tears of terror streamed down her face, she knew it was the end.

  Then a single gunshot ripped through the air from the vantage point of a ride called The Ninja. The shot struck the hellish prince, but it was too little too late. The shot was intended to distract the demon. Kortney manage to struggle free of the demon’s terrible hand, but she was unable to reach for the ladder inside the massive tower. Kortney’s hand slipped and she plunged two hundred feet to the ground below.

  As her life faded, she saw the demon flap its wings to gently land on the ground as it approached it let out a low growl then it grabbed her head and snapped her neck. The demon lifted its head to the sky and roared in victory before flapping its wings as it took to the sky. Spencer and Vince approached less than two minutes later to find Kortney’s lifeless body lying on the ground, blood trickling from multiple wounds, a pool collected on the pavement under her.

  Spencer said nothing as he worriedly looked up at the tower ride, there was a gaping hole, the structure had been compromised. It creaked as its strength waned. Spencer knew it would fail at any second.

  “Spencer.” Jessie called. When Spencer looked, Jessie waved him over.

  Spencer and Vince checked to see if the area was safe before proceeding to where Jessie had set up her shot.

  “We have to find an imposter before we go.” Spencer said.

  “We have to find that demon.” Jessie retorted.

  “Wherever the ‘Richard’ imposter is, I’m certain the demon will be too.” Spencer surmised.

  “Where will we look for him?” Gretchen asked.

  “The same place we first met him.” Spencer guessed.

  “Spencer, look!” Vince said pointing up at the top of the Falling Star. The ride was tilting to the southeast, wailing with a metallic death cry, eventually smashing into the pavilions to the south east of the Falling Star as it kicked up a massive cloud of dust.

  Spencer pulled out the detonator. Releasing the safety cover and flipping the switch. An explosion tore through the park as a fireball shot into the sky less than a quarter mile away. The explosion shook the ground.

  “Move it!” Spencer shouted pushing everybody toward the gate to the north. Passing through the gate, they ducked behind a building just outside the gate to protect themselves from flying debris and the think cloud of dust.

  When the dust cleared, they paused for a second before heading west; the sun would be down within a couple hours. Once again they had to dash to a safe zone.

  Finally they came to what looked like a manager’s parking area and the back way into the administrative offices. Spencer pressed through before coming to a wooden gate. Spencer kicked it open and the entire gate collapsed in a heap of broken, rotted wood. He pressed into the building and headed up the stairs with Gretchen, Vince, and Jessie. They directed Rodney and Halley to stay behind to cover the entrance.

  At the top of the stairs there was a door leading to a sort of reception area, then a door to the right and a door open straight ahead. Spencer headed into the open door to another office, off that office there was a short hallway leading to an elaborate door; this door did not resemble the gate outside, it had a blackened symbol burned into it. Spencer looked closer to see that the symbol was continuing to be burned upon the door as he watched. Was there an unseen force or invisible evil creature right there in the hall with them?

  “Why are we going in?” Jessie asked “Richard doesn’t seem to be in any danger.”

  “I don’t think ‘Richard’ is who he says he is.” Spencer revealed.

  Spencer reached down and grabbed the knob before turning it and pushing the door open. In the middle of the room was a dark wood desk, in the corner was a stained glass window and sitting behind the desk they could see the back of a leather chair.

  “What took you so long?” a voice asked. It was Richard, or at least the imposter.

  The chair slowly rotated counter-clockwise to reveal Richard. Vince was surprised, but Spencer was indignant.

  “Spencer, what’s going on?” Gretchen asked, she could see the look on Spencer’s face, and it frightened her.

  “I heard an explosion and I saw one of my rides collapse.” Richard recounted, he didn’t seem to genuinely care about the ride. He could feel Spencer’s eyes boring a hole though him.

  “Did you have any trouble?” Richard coyly asked.

  “What kind of idiot do you take me for?” Spencer spat.

  “What’s the matter?” Richard asked.

  “You know what’s wrong, you sent all of them out and let them die.” Spencer seethed.

  “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Richard innocently defended himself. “You must be tired, it’s getting late.”

  “Drop the act.” Spencer demanded, “Or I’ll do it for you.”

  “What act?” Richard inquired, he seemed confused. “And I’m not sure that I like your tone, young man.”

  “The real Richard is dead; I found his body in the park.” Spencer revealed, then briefly paused. “Does that need anymore clarification?”

  Richard looked down; a monkey wrench had just been thrown into his plans. For a second the charming look on his face slipped showing fury. Then he gained control of himself again. “You weren’t supposed to see him,” Richard admitted.

  “Who the hell are you?” Spencer demanded.

  “Who am I?” Richard asked shocked, almost offended that they didn’t know who he really was. “Haven’t you figured it out already?”

  Richard’s tone seemed almost mocking; he clicked his tongue “You seemed so clever.” Richard said as he stood, and as he did an evil aura began to fill the room and grow heavier, darker and more oppressive.

  “I am the great deceiver,” Richard
said as his façade began to melt away, “I am the Son of the Morning,” he continued, finally the image of Richard had completely melted away, in its place was a very charming, very attractive man, wearing a white suit with a red tie, a Rolex on his left wrist. “I am Lucifer.”

  “Satan!” Spencer corrected in fearful awe.

  “DON’T CALL ME THAT!” Lucifer spat with a voice that was like a violent volcanic eruption, spewing fire, and venom.

  “You have been a thorn in my side for far too long, Mr. Garza. I almost had you in Las Vegas, but then you had to ruin it.” Lucifer turned his venomous stare on Vince. “You gave him hope.” Lucifer glanced back at Spencer, “No matter, he is going to become a powerful general in my hellish army.”

  “The hell I will…no pun intended,” Spencer retorted, and Lucifer almost smiled at Spencer’s comment.

  “But the icing on the cake was you,” Lucifer continued, shifting his stare to Gretchen of all people.

  “That was pure luck that my soldiers missed you in Clovis, and Albuquerque, and Prescott.”

  Gretchen smiled, “Luck had nothing to do with it.”

  “Perhaps not,” Lucifer said before getting back to the matter at hand. “I would have had all of you by now if it weren’t for young Garza’s feelings for you,” Lucifer said. He was still unaware that Vince was able to summon the celestial sword but Vince was getting mentally prepared for an assault and trying to signal his friends to get ready. All he needed some some light and he could create the weapon.

  “I don’t get it. Why did you attack us?” Spencer asked.

  “Why did I attack you?” Lucifer mused as he walked out from behind the desk showing off his Italian leather shoes.

  “I wasn’t attacking…” Lucifer said sitting down on the front of the desk, “I was recruiting.”

  “Recruiting?” Spencer said as the worry continued to build. “What are you recruiting for?”

  Lucifer just chuckled. “What does it matter?”

  “You’re building an army.” Jessie declared, “It doesn’t make any sense, you already control earth; who could you possibly be planning to attack?”

  “Keep going, you’ve almost got it.” Lucifer encouraged with delight.

  Finally all the jagged pieces came together to form a perfect and clear whole.

  “God.” Spencer said, “You’re going to attack the gates of Heaven itself!”

  Lucifer scrunched his face and shook his head; he had a bigger plan in the works.

  “NO!” He shouted, “My plan is not so stupid, my plan was to systematically sweep over every single world in the heavens populated by men who worship God on my recruiting campaign. Then and only then, when I have gathered the full strength of my army, will I strike against God’s Kingdom, and right now all I need before I launch my attack is you, Mr. Garza. You and your strength.”

  “Why me, I’m nobody special?” Spencer asked.

  “Noah was nobody special and yet God chose him. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob all came from humble beginnings and had great potential. Just like you, but I will mold you into a weapon of darkness for my attack.”

  “So, it’s all about revenge.” Jessie said, “God cast you out, and now you want revenge.”

  “More than that,” Lucifer said turning on Jessie, “he denied me the glory that I deserved. He took away my rightful place in heaven, my kingdom, EVERYTHING!” Lucifer shouted, and then quickly regained his composure as he pulled something from the inside pocket of his silk suit jacket, it was a small sphere no more than a half an inch across; it was black, and smooth two holes, one on each side.

  “What’s that?” Spencer asked.

  “This is the beginning of your servitude to me,” Lucifer replied. “A sort of virus that will turn you into one of my demonic servants. It feeds on your strength, and the only way to undo its effects is … death. You would have to die before the change takes full effect.”

  Vince decided now was the time to act, in a single move Vince wrapped his fingers around the only shaft of light he could find, collected the light and the celestial sword coalesced.

  Lucifer gawked in confusion, “How did you do that?” Lucifer demanded, he was shocked that a mortal had learned about celestial weapons.

  “It doesn’t matter; we’re not going to serve you,” Vince shouted before taking a swing at Lucifer. The blade struck Lucifer across the forearm and the sphere in his hand dissipated. Lucifer held the wound and he glanced around at Spencer then Gretchen and then Jessie wondering who else was going to draw a celestial weapon.

  “You win this round, but I will see you all soon. Auf Wiedersehen’,” Lucifer said, Vince made ready to take another swing, this time he wanted blood, but before Vince could strike, Lucifer faded into a mist of darkness and disappeared.

  “Damn it!” Vince seethed.

  Spencer turned to Jessie, “We’ll have to hold off on your Prince Class demon, it looks like we have bigger fish to fry now.” Spencer headed for the door. Outside Spencer looked for the sun, it was minutes away from vanishing behind the horizon.

  “Spencer,” Rodney said, “We should get going soon.” Spencer nodded as Vince, Jessie and Gretchen emerged from the office. Spencer walked away.

  “Spencer,” Gretchen called, “Where are you going?”

  Spencer paused at the question, then stoically replied. “I’m not sure yet. But this place isn’t safe, we shouldn’t stay,” Spencer said and then resumed walking.

  Arriving at the Hummer, Gretchen could tell something was bothering him.

  “Spencer, what’s wrong?” Gretchen asked.

  Spencer sat down one a bench nearby.

  “He was trying to drive us apart to get to me,” Spencer said.

  “Well,” Gretchen started as she stepped closer, “You are pretty amazing.”

  Spencer stopped Gretchen, “What are you doing?”

  “How do you feel about me?” Gretchen asked, tear about to form in her eyes.

  Spencer paused for only a second, one that seemed an eternity. Was it a good idea to start a relationship with her? The devil was preparing to attack the gates of heaven, would they all be dead soon. Gretchen didn’t know if Spencer felt it was worth it, but then Spencer’s lips found

  Gretchen’s and they kissed.

  “I thought you didn’t care for me,” Gretchen remarked.

  “For once, the Father of Lies was telling the truth,” Spencer replied.

  Chapter 5 – The Storm Before the Battle.

  October 17, 2014 Six Months Later… Spencer hefted an M249 as he peered across a large train yard outside Ogden Utah. An eerie quiet hung in the air like terror that blended with the autumn fog.

  “Are you sure they’re here?” Gretchen asked leaning in affectionately close.

  “They’re here,” Spencer replied with certainty. Through the early morning light a wraith-like shape raced across the open train yard to a derelict train car. “There’s one of them.”

  “Where’s the other one?” Gretchen asked.

  “Maybe Vince or Jessie has spotted her,” Spencer hoped.

  “Next time we go demon hunting, let’s not chase them into a train yard.” Gretchen protested. The sound of several bullets ripping through the still quiet alerted Spencer and Gretchen to the impending danger, Jessie had spotted their quarry.

  “Let’s go!” Spencer loudly whispered as he charged. The hiding target drew a sword and bounded out of its hiding place toward the sound of the gunfire.

  As Spencer and Gretchen arrived on the scene, they saw Jessie and Vince weren’t alone. They had the thing trapped in a small gap between two train cars. A hive queen stood alone, she was caught in a pincer; on one side was Vince and Jessie and on the other was Spencer and Gretchen.

  Spencer looked around expecting to be skewered by the second hive queen, but she was no where to be seen, they had lost her. The queen noticed a gleaming sword in Vince’s hand so she turned to fight her way past Spencer and Gretchen only to have Spencer dr
op to one knee with his machine gun and unleash his weapons of fury upward towards the queen’s head, Jessie did likewise. The queen was left with no alternative so she leapt into the air and landed atop the train car.

  Spencer and Jessie didn’t miss a beat; their weapons followed the queen.

  Bullets rang out until a loud, thunderous gunshot ripped through the hive queen’s left shoulder, knocking her off the train car to the rock-strewn ground below and leaving a gaping hole in her shoulder. Now there was a train car between the group and the hive queen. Spencer and Vince raced around the train car to attack the wounded queen, however the wound was healing itself at an alarming rate, she would be back on her feet in mere seconds. Vince quickly stepped up to the queen and forced his shimmering sword’s tip into the queen’s throat. Within seconds the queen turned into a fine grey dust and blended with the rocks under her.

  Spencer turned to Vince, “I told you I should have been at the sniper rifle instead of Rodney.”

  “Where’s the other one?” Vince asked ignoring Spencer’s comment.

  “I didn’t see which way she went,” Spencer said “She couldn’t have gone far.”

  “Yes, that’s what concerns me,” Vince admitted.

  A voice erupted from the depths of terror to catch Spencer’s attention. “SPENCER!” It was Gretchen! Was she in trouble?

  Spencer raced toward the voice of his beloved. But just before he rounded the last corner a bright light exploded outward in all directions briefly leaving the silhouette of a woman across the train car.

  When the light lifted Spencer and Vince got their first glimpse of Gretchen thrusting a luminous sword toward the sky, a sword that was identical to the one Vince was able to create in moments of great need. Between them was a hive queen.

  The remaining hive queen tried to slink away in fear but she was caught in the middle. Vince and Gretchen shared a glance and silently communicated a course of action. Closing the distance, Vince and Gretchen raised their weapons and swung, the hive queen was caught in the middle, but only for a brief second. Leaping to the train car at her left she scrambled up the side of the car as both radiant blades connected. There was a momentary flash of brilliant solar white light. When the light lifted the second of the two hive queens was leaping from atop the train car and headed north, moving at superhuman speed.