by Dahlia Lu
“So he doesn’t want to harm your son?”
“I do not believe so.”
“That’s strange,” Chevalier said. “What do they want then?”
“He came to visit me,” Trent informed his father. “He said he’s going to go back to sleep.”
Lucifer nodded. “I hope that it is true.”
†††††
Kali hid beneath the blanket, blushing terribly. Lucifer was chuckling. He tried to lift up the coversheet, but Kali was pulling hard on it. He rested his head on his elbow, staring at her.
“You screamed pretty loudly.”
“Did not,” she argued.
“Oh? I could use magic to replay-” Lucifer teased. Such a thing was not one of his abilities.
“Please! No!” Kali sat up instinctually, protesting. The coversheet formed a puddle around her hips. Lucifer wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her breasts.
“Caught you!” he said. He closed his mouth over her left breast and pushed her down against the soft linen. He gently sucked on it while the other hand cupped her right one.
“Lucifer!” she yipped. “It’s daylight!”
“And?” he said, indifferent.
“I…” she blushed. “I’m not used to…”
“There isn’t an inch of you that I haven’t seen,” he said in a charismatic tone. “There isn’t an inch of you that I don’t love. Kali, why are you still shy with me?”
She bit her lower lip, looking into his eyes. They were so beautiful… too beautiful. Lucifer took her little hand and placed it against his bare chest.
“Touch me,” he said. “Feel me.”
His skin was so soft and the muscle underneath it was so hard. Kali slowly pulled away. He caught her hand and placed it over his heart. Kali was breathing heavily. She slowly explored his body. It was so beautiful, as if he was a marble statue that came to life. His shoulders were so broad and wide. His chest was lean and dependable. His abdomen was hard with muscle. She could even see the soft blue veins beneath his pale skin.
“Kiss me,” he demanded.
Kali placed her hands on the sides of his head. She looked at his beautiful face before pulling him to her. She gave him a gentle kiss at first, and then her tongue shyly entered his mouth. His lips were warm and soft. She wrapped her tongue around his and dueled with it. Lucifer kissed her back passionately. His left hand was groping on her right breast. Her flesh felt soft and warm.
She broke the kiss. “Lucifer! No!”
He grinned deviously. “Too late,” he said, and then he claimed her lips with another kiss.
†††††
Arvin passed through the invisible force field and flew across Heaven’s boundary. The clouds were beneath his beautiful black wings. I have forgotten what this place looked like, Arvin said to himself. He dived down into the clouds and halted when he saw the vision of the tall mountain in the distance. After he had confirmed it as the right place, he flew past the clouds toward the mountain top.
Arvin landed in a field of violet flowers. He scanned his surroundings as forgotten memories flooded back.
“What are you doing here, Arvin?” Archangel Michael asked. He appeared in front of Soren, following his voice. “This is Heaven’s ground.”
“I know,” Arvin said. “It’s good to see you again, old friend.”
“I can’t say the same. Why did you cross Heaven’s territory? It can’t be because you miss me.”
“And if I say that is the case?”
“Unlikely, Arvin,” Archangel Michael said expressionlessly. “Your devotion is solely reserved for Lucifer. How is our brother?”
“He’s better than ever,” Arvin grinned. “He is so well that he is thinking about overthrowing Heaven once again. I’m with him all the way, of course. I haven’t had the exercise in a long time.”
“Lucifer is planning to overthrow Heaven again?” The angels whispered to one another.
“Lucifer would never. Not again,” Archangel Michael replied.
“He has sent me here to inform you of his invitation. Very shortly, there will be a war between Heaven and Hell. I am looking forward to fighting you, old friend,” Arvin laughed. He turned around to fly off in the opposite direction.
“Arvin, wait!”
“I have delivered my message,” Arvin said as he flew away. “Farewell.”
The angels watched as the demon left their domain. “What now?” an angel asked Michael. “We cannot allow a war to happen again. It would upset the balance.”
“Of course not,” Archangel Michael said, “We must prevent this war from happening. It is hard to believe that Lucifer still hasn’t given up on the ambition of ruling the three realms.”
†††††
Arvin appeared from a summoning circle beside Acelin, who was watching Kali from his usual tree branch through a pair of bewitched eyes. Arvin followed Acelin’s gaze. That woman was holding the prince in her arms. What a cheap smile, Arvin thought. Acelin was somehow captivated by her cheap smile. Arvin sighed.
"Aren’t you supposed to be asleep?" Acelin asked.
"No,” Arvin shook his head. "I have one more thing to do before I sleep. You should come with me.”
“I said no.”
"You will very soon, Lord Lucifer, too. When the two of you wake up thousands of years from now, you will thank me.”
Acelin turned toward Arvin. "What did you do, Arvin?"
"We are sacred, Acelin. The bond between us is more important than any mortal woman.”
Acelin looked to Kali then looked back at Arvin. "What did you do, Arvin?" Acelin repeated.
"You will thank me,” he was finishing his sentence as he disappeared.
†††††
Archangel Michael arrived on Earth with the other angels. They took on mortal appearances and walked among them on the streets. The people crushed about with their lives, completely oblivious to their presence.
"Lucifer is living on Earth,” one angel said to Michael. "A low rank demon confessed to us.”
"Why is Lucifer living on earth?" Archangel Michael pondered.
"He has taken a mortal bride,” the angel replied.
"Lucifer had taken a mortal bride?" Archangel blinked. "Are you sure? The arrogant Lucifer? He has been looking down on mortals even before he became a demon. Why would he…" Archangel Michael chuckled. "He has never failed to surprise me.”
"The mortal woman also bore him a son.”
“That is surprising news,” Archangel Michael gently laughed. “I wondered what kind of woman she is. I may pay her a visit first. Lucifer…I wondered if it has been too long since I last seen him.”
†††††
Lucifer stepped out of the shower and discovered she had already fallen asleep on the bed. He came to her side and gave her a gentle kiss. "You couldn't wait a couple minutes for me?” he asked in a soft voice. "Next time I won't let you sleep that easy.”
Lucifer stood up straight and left to go into his son’s room. He was also sleeping. Bi lay next to him. He patted the boy’s head. Chevalier stood at the door, looking at him. "You look very happy, Lucifer,” Chevalier said.
"He is beautiful, isn't he?" Lucifer referred to his son.
"Yes."
"His appearance may be mine, but he clearly has Kali's heart.”
"He inherited the best from you two.”
"If he was born from another woman, I doubt I would have this much affection for him. He is precious to her, so I cannot help but love him too. This child is the product of our love.”
"You're supposed to love your child regardless,” Chevalier said to Lucifer.
"Is that true, Chevalier?" Lucifer eyed Chevalier, "You love the boy because he is Kali's, don't you?"
"I also love Bi, Lucifer. Life does not always follow your logic. The love for your child should be unconditional.”
"I never wanted a child,” Lucifer confessed. "Any offspring of mine will grow up to rival
me.”
"What kind of thinking is that?"
"Have you forgotten who I am?" Lucifer asked. "I am Lucifer, the sole sovereign of Hell. Mortals want children to carry on their legacy after they die. However, I can live forever. An offspring is unnecessary. But…when I mistook Kali's child as yours, I was immensely jealous. I thought to myself, why it is that she's carrying your child? It was supposed to be mine! That was when I realized my deep feelings for her. When Adria asked me if there was a possibility that Kali was pregnant with my child, I was stunned. It had never crossed my mind before, because our kind rarely reproduces. Procreation was never intended for us. I wanted it to be true so much that I feared I might be nurturing false hope. I would fall into despair if it weren't true. I had never felt so anxious to find out the truth. In the end, Kali's child was mine. The woman I love has my child.” He bent down to kiss the boy’s forehead. "He is our son.”
"Why are you telling me this?" Chevalier asked. "How insensitive of you Lucifer, the happiness that you have now was supposed to be mine. Is it the right thing to do to rub it in my face?"
"I had never had this feeling before,” Lucifer said in a sad tone. He lowered his eyes. "It might come as a surprise to you, but I do have fears. I fear losing him. I fear of losing her even more. An eternity is a very long time to be alone. It was okay before, I enjoyed being alone. However, now that I have been exposed to this sort of happiness, being alone for an eternity is a frightening thought.”
Chapter 25: Will Never Regret
Archangel Michael, along with the other angels, kept watch.
Lucifer and Kali were holding Trent's hands as they walked down the streets. They pulled him up every three steps and let him back down again. The boy had a still expression on his face, but now and then revealed a little smile. They reached the Zoo's entrance and bought five tickets. Chevalier arrived with Bi very soon afterward. Trent left his parents' side and ran to Bi. He grabbed her hand in his. Kali gently smiled and looked up at Lucifer. Lucifer’s face was expressionless. He had detected an unearthly scent.
He held Kali closer to him.
"Is something wrong, Lucifer?"
"No,” he said swiftly. He turned to face Chevalier, who was already in a defensive stance.
'Stay here with them.' Lucifer said to Chevalier. 'I'll find out what is going on.'
"Kali?" Lucifer tapped her shoulder and kissed her cheek. "I'll be right back.”
He headed off by himself.
Kali felt a strange aching in her heart as she watched him leave. She drew in a deep breath and it hurt even worse. She reached out to Lucifer, but he was already gone. Chevalier caught her hand instead.
"Kali?"
Her heart clenched with a sudden ominous feeling. She knelt down to her son and embraced him tightly. “I love you, Trent. You won’t forget me, will you?”
"Show yourself!" Lucifer demanded. "I hate hide and seek.”
The angels faded into view. They stood before Lucifer in human form.
Lucifer was surprised but not intimidated. "The angels of Heaven, why are you here?"
"You know well why we are here, Lucifer,” the Angels said.
"Arvin,” Lucifer concluded.
"Correct,” the angels replied. "He had sent us a message from you. Is it true that you are planning to overthrow the Heaven once again?"
"I did not send such a message,” Lucifer said.
"Lying Demon!" The angels accused. "We went to Hell and saw your army mobilizing. Why did you sent us a declaration of war and then deny it?"
That couldn't be right. Lucifer thought. His army in Hell couldn't mobilize without his consent. If the angels spoke the truth, then Arvin must have done this. But why? Why would he mislead the angels into thinking he wanted to overthrow Heaven? What did it have to do with Kali? Arvin knew the Angels couldn't withhold him for long. Lucifer's power was unrivaled unless he was…
But he doesn't usually get involve.
"I did no such thing,” Lucifer repeated his assertion.
The angels summoned their weapons. Their true forms emerged from their disguises as their enormous pairs of white wings spread out for many yards to their sides.
Lucifer smirked.
"I admit there are many of you,” Lucifer said. "However, never forget that I am Lucifer!"
He transformed into his true form as well. His eight layered wings were just as beautiful, no, even more stunning than theirs. His angelic blue eyes glowed as the power of a true demon surged through his body. He had suppressed his strength in his mortal body, fearing that he might harm Kali by accident. It was a good feeling, to feel powerful again.
†††††
“Your name is Kali?” Archangel Michael asked.
Kali turned around when she heard the question. A beautiful, angelic man was standing before her. Chevalier could sense a massive source of energy coming from him. He stood defensively in front of Kali and the children.
“He is not here to hurt us,” Kali said to Chevalier. She could tell by the look in his eyes. “Are you a demon?” she asked, judging from his beautiful appearance. So far, all of the demons she had come into contact with possessed unearthly beauty.
“No,” Archangel Michael answered.
“I am mistaken, then,” Kali said.
“May I have a private talk with you?” Archangel Michael asked.
“I'm sorry but that's not possible,” Chevalier answered for her.
Kali tapped on Chevalier’s shoulder, telling him that it was okay. “I would love to.”
Kali and Archangel Michael found a bench to sit on while Chevalier and the children watched from afar. Archangel Michael gave Bi a gentle smile and she returned it with a brighter one.
“Are you Lucifer’s woman?” Archangel Michael asked.
“I am,” Kali confirmed in a soft tone.
Archangel Michael nodded. “I see.”
“Why did you want to talk to me?”
“I was informed that you drank a demon's blood,” Archangel Michael said. “Are you aware that you have committed a serious sin? You may possess eternal youth. However, it comes with a high price. You are condemned by Heaven and Hell. When you die, your soul won’t even be accepted in the realm of the dead and will forever linger in this world. Why did you do it?”
“Many years after I met him, Lucifer told me the truth about the consequences,” Kali said. “I know that it comes with a high price, but it is a price I am willing to pay.”
“Why do all mortals want to live on forever?” Archangel Michael asked, disappointed by Kali’s answer.
“The thought of living forever never crossed my mind. It is natural for humans to die. Every one of us has to die someday.”
“Then why?”
“You think I drank Lucifer’s blood out of greed?” she asked. “That I wanted eternal life at the cost of my own soul? I didn’t have a choice when he fed me his blood. Even if I had a choice, I would have done it all over again. I was pregnant with Trent at the time. He was only six months old and not matured enough to enter the world. Soren, I believe you know him, wanted me and the child dead. He was a powerful demon and I didn’t have the strength to fight him. I was severely hurt and was forced to go into premature labor. I faced death in the eye and told him to back away. I couldn’t die until I gave birth to Lucifer's child. I didn’t mind dying if I gave birth to a healthy baby. I knew I was dying, but if I died, what would happen to my unborn child? I couldn’t take him with me! I begged Lucifer to save our child. He was also desperate to save the two of us. From the look in his eyes, I realized that it was his last option. I drank his blood willingly, trusting that he will give me enough strength to get through this. I did what any mother would have done to save her baby! I wanted to see my child before I died. What happened to me was the last thing on my mind. If you want to condemn me for my greed, I have nothing to say. I will take all of the blame, but please, Lucifer has nothing to with this. I forced him into it!”
Archangel stared at the girl. “You did that because you wanted to save his child?”
Kali nodded. “There isn’t a day goes by that I do not cherish him. Like Lucifer said, he was the only thing that truly belongs to me in this world. He cannot be taken away from me or torn from my arms, even by death. Isn’t that what every mother wants, an immortal child to love? But that also means I cannot be like every other mother. My child does not need to eat or sleep. Even as a baby, he refused to be breastfed. He does not need anything from me, and I felt rejected. Every day I worried that he would have no memories of me when I’m gone. I saw my shortcomings and I didn’t want him to forget about me. He could live on for centuries, even millennium long after I’m dead. My greatest fear was that he would not be able to remember he has a mother. I brought him into this world, but that was just about the only thing I could do. I cannot help him walk his path, and I cannot follow him forever. The day my son was born, I knew what my mother had felt when she gave birth to me. The woman gave me life, but I never had a chance to meet her or to miss her. I think being forgotten is a very cruel fate. Still, I told myself that I have fulfilled my purpose by bringing this child into this world. I am truly blessed. I would have been happy even if I died five years ago,” she turned to face Archangel Michael. “Is that the answer you came here for?”
Archangel Michael shook his head. He bent over and kissed her on the forehead. “You are a very special child, Kali. If you hadn’t taken Lucifer’s blood, heaven’s gates would have gladly opened for you.”
Chapter 26: Sleeping Beauty
Lucifer grunted. There are too many of them, he realized. They knew they couldn’t defeat him, so why were they still attacking? Could it be that they were trying to distract him from Kali? They wouldn’t do anything to her, he knew that. But why?
Archangel Michael appeared in the sky. “It has been a long time, Lucifer.”
