“He was bold enough to make an attempt on Michael’s life?” I ask in disbelief. Whoever this Asmodeus is happens to be a serious threat to Grim’s well-being and the entire spiritual order as a whole.
“Well why haven’t the angels been notified of this traitorous demon?”
“Ah you forget young Reaper, they cannot see into the depths of Hell just as the demons cannot see into the far reaches of the Light. That is where you come in. You are the key to the in-between…”
“The in-between?”
“Yes, the grey area between life and death. You have mortal blood in you but you are not mortal and are thus able to navigate between the Light and the Dark.”
“So what about this Asmodeus? What does he have to do with Grim?”
“He has the Seal. That is all I can tell you. Asmodeus has the Seal…”
In a flash I kick past the stones that surround her and grab her by her frail shoulders, forcing her to look at me. “How do you know this?” I demand, shaking her.
“Unhand me!” she shrieked snatching away from me.
I released her immediately but do not step away. She glares at me through her hostile, cat-like eyes, her pale skin growing paler by the second; a sign that she was losing strength.
“ I am a child of absolute darkness now and I see things that other entities do not,” she seethed. “And I owed your father this act of gratitude-“
“-Well where is Asmodeus?” I am losing patience with this wretch of a woman and I do not have time to play 20 questions when Grim is nearing his end.
“I cannot see where he is. He has shielded himself…” Her image then became distorted as she quickly began to fade. “Look for the blind spots…any area that you cannot look into you will find him there.” And then she was gone, leaving me alone in the home of whom I have concluded to be an apprentice witch.
I need to find out more about this Asmodeus demon and I needed to find out more fast. Gabriel told me to call upon him when I needed his help and right now, I needed his help. But I would have to meet him in a location that would be a little more accommodating to an angelic being, and no I am not talking about a church either.
Father has taught me well…
During my years as a fledgling reaper, I watched my father command the lower legions of Hell with a cold iron fist. Demons from every order, nightmarish creatures that would make any human’s blood run cold with terror, and other horrifying entities that savored the agonizing screams coming from the countless and seemingly infinite masses of human souls that were brought down on a daily basis bowed their heads in respect for my father. One would have thought that Grim himself was the ultimate ruler of Hell when in reality he was nothing more than a gatekeeper. Being raised in the belly of the beast, I learned the truth of many sought after biblical secrets that theologians of today would sell their very souls to have access to; I have personally known the “gods” and “goddesses” who once paraded the earth fooling the human masses and placing themselves on thrones of manmade glory….but I have also learned the truths of angels, The Watchers as they are sometimes referred to, and as I stand high atop the mountainous peak of Mount Sinai, just above the first ring of clouds that blanketed the atmosphere.
My locs blew against my brown skin as I waited for the messenger angel to make an appearance. I didn’t know how much longer Grim had, but now that I had a name of the entity responsible, there was still hope…some hope. I look across into the distance and down below at the scattered vegetation that barely covered the dry, desert lands that sprawled before me. And to think, this is where the early battles between what humans consider to be good and evil began. Imagine if today’s generations knew where the Garden of Eden had moved to...
Just then a growing orb of gold light appeared in front of me, slowly taking shape into a familiar human like form. Gabriel. He opted for a more transparent shape this time, and I guess that was his way of telling me that he had very little time, so I went straight to business.
“Who is Asmodeus?” I demand, tapping my foot anxiously.
Gabriel’s colorless eyes widen at the mention of the name responsible for Grim’s current state of misfortune. “That name is never to be spoken in the presence of a spirit of light!” He exclaimed hysterically.
“Well how else am I supposed to ask you?” I retort. I know, I know I am dangerously teetering on the edge of being smite from on high for my disrespectful tone, but Gabriel should understand. “Well?” I demand once more. Gabriel gave me an uneasy look, his expression solemn and full of concern.
“For you to come to me with that name brings me more concern for not just you and your father but for the fate of humanity. How do you know it was he who has done it?”
“Let’s just say a little birdie told me,” I reply holding Gabriel’s stare.
“We cannot see into the dark realms,” Gabriel informed me. “Well , at least most of us were not designed for that purpose. But, there are a few such as your father that were created to thrive in those realms…However, if what you say is true, then I am afraid this is more than just Grim’s fate on the line. This will be the start of another war between the heavenly armies and the legions of the underworld. You have to get the Seal and bring it to Michael and soon Sin.”
“You are not telling me much of anything Gabriel! Where is that demon? The entity that informed me of his hand in the matter said something about blind spots…that wherever there is a blind spot, that is where he is located. She also said that he made an attempt on Michael’s life-“
“The archangel Raphael banished that dark entity into the deserts soon after the offense to stop a war that was sure to come and it is in the deserts through which he roamed until someone summoned him and rendered him assistance. I do not know his location but I will inform Michael and the others of what he has in his possession and they will scour the planet and help you find the seal…but Sin I must forewarn you…” Gabriel drew in a deep breath before continuing with his warning, and I can only hope that what he is about to say cannot be any worse than what it already is. “You must defeat this entity, and by defeat you are to destroy him. You are stronger than what you think you are, and stronger than what any of us could have guessed. Destroy him and stop the war before it is time; find the seal and save Grim…” And with that he faded away into the heavens leaving me right where I started from: nothing.
The sun had just begun to set, and as I look over the horizon I witness for the first time ever a battalion of angels, their wings spread in luminous glory, eyes ablaze, and several chariots of fire with horses with hawk like wings made entirely of fire preparing for battle. And in front of the multitudes of warrior angels stood Michael in all of his splendor. Gabriel was quick in spreading the word, and in that moment Michael’s eyes met mine before he and his entire army vanished from sight. So that was a warning….
The game had definitely changed: now the entire fate of the world rested in my hands. Not only am I expected to rescue my father and at the same time become accustomed to the newly acquired powers that come with my new promotion, but now I am supposed to track down and kill a demon that is eons older than myself and equipped with equal amounts of experience and return the seal to its rightful owner. Now is definitely a good time to become an alcoholic…and Grim better give me at least a damn thank you card for all of the crap that I am about to go through.
Thanks Grim for a normal life…
Thanks to the powers that be for choosing Grim as my father…
And thank you mother for not being smart enough to know that you were in the presence of the Angel of Death during a moment of carnal weakness.
Now to find that demon….
Chapter 9
The moderately warm temperature of the island is something to be savored. I had finally changed out of my leather get up and into something a lot less conspicuous which happened to be the royal blue romper pants outfit that the talkative sales associate I had encountered a few days ago pi
cked out for me. I matched it with a pair of gold gladiator sandals and tied my dreads high above my head in a massive bun. Hopefully, people will be more interested in the sights and scenery than a green eyed black woman whom happened to be the Angel of Death. The Seal had been hidden here in the Cave of the Apocalypse during John the Apostle’s stay on the island. It was here he had the vision that is written in the Book of Revelations as told in the Christian bible, and it was to him the Seal was given for safe keeping until he finally met my father and was personally escorted into the pearly gates ( and yes Grim will personally escort the chosen souls if asked) .
It has been quite a few years since I had been anywhere near the Aegean Sea. The last time I crossed the Mediterranean Sea, I was in pursuit of this former of a former mafia boss who refused to accept his fate. He had caught Grim off guard whom was busy with another uprising that had taken place between the usual suspects: the Harpies and the Gargoyles. Rico, as was his name, used this opportunity to flee and by the time Grim had realized the bastard had escaped, he had already made his way topside and had made a surprise visit to his ex-girlfriend. Not only did I have to mentally incapacitate her to the point where she was committed by the state into an asylum, but I had to drag this imbecile kicking and screaming all the way back to Hell. Of course, that made me the laughing stock of Grim’s legions but whatever…. As I stare off into the mountainous regions in the distance, on the highest point of the island in the town of Chora lies the fortress of what is known as the Monastery of St John, I reflect on how nice it is to be in this serene environment and make a mental note to return when Grim is reinstated in his rightful position.
I bypass a family of tourists, Christian pilgrims to be exact and based off of the info that I siphon from them as I pass by, they are hoping to catch a glimpse of the visions that John received so that they too may have some sort of evidence that the Island is truly blessed by On High. Whatever floats their boat, I think to myself as I try to not look as threatening as I normally do when I am patrolling the lower realms. The mother, a dark haired Greek woman in her late fifties smiles warmly at me as I walk by, and I return the sentiment. She is one of the few lucky humans fortune enough to maintain their youthful looks without surgical and artificial enhancement. Her rosy cheeks and bright brown eyes are full of wonder, excitement and hope, and the mark that all humans are born with is practically glowing. She is saved and so are the other members of her family; and more than likely will not meet neither myself or my father when the time comes, but one of the many guardian angels. Good for her and her family. To some degree I wish the rest of the world could be like her and then maybe Grim could have served a different and much happier purpose.
I continue my journey through the town of Chora, the combination of delicious smells from breads and pastries being baked in the local bakeries tempted by senses, reminding me that while on the earth realm I would need physical nourishment. Being what I am does not require much food, but duly note there were days when Grim would completely forget that my mother was human. There are plenty of moments in my adolescent years where I starved damn near to the point of death all because dear old dad decided that it would be in my best interest to understand human suffering. Someone should have called the child protective services on his old tired ass…as a matter of fact where the hell was my guardian angel at considering I am half mortal-or at least was half mortal? Before I can continue with my walk down a Prozac worthy memory lane, I reach the grotto where the entrance to the Cave of the Apocalypse and hope that I can find the answers that I am looking for.
Grim watched with his last ounce of energy as his daughter entered the cave and smiled to himself. He was proud of her and always had been but had never found the courage to show it. Being the Grim Reaper did not leave room for any type of affection, not even to his own child, but as he remained bound high above the earth’s peak, he allowed himself to take pride in probably the only thing he did right in his world: Sin. He knew she was on the right track although his diminishing strength did not permit him to watch her as often as he would like. His brothers on both sides of the veil were preparing for war but Michael would not tell him exactly what the catalyst was. It surely could not be the Seal, at least not yet; and he could sense the increasing activity coming from the higher ranking demons in Hell that something was up. But what?
He closed his eyes and tried to focus on his daughter’s whereabouts, and fortunately she was mentally broadcasting, literally screaming to the world in her mind what a piss poor father he had been. Yeah some of his teaching methods were a bit unorthodox, and yes he should have kept in mind that she had a mortal mother and that he should have fed her more often, and sending her to the Abaddon Pits was a bit…extreme. However, Hell is no place for the weak or the weak minded and he needed her to grow some balls quick, otherwise she would have been another tormented soul under his charge. Yet, still whenever he was free of this horrendous accusation , he would set her free into the world to figure out her own path. She had been an unsanctioned prisoner long enough, and after the Seal’s recovery there would be nothing else for her down where he resided.
He sifted through her mind a little more and he knew if probed too hard she would become aware of his mental invasion and would completely shut him out, leaving him without much to do other than await his verdict. Excellent, he thought to himself, she visited Cain…Nak must be dealt with for his insolence…and what does she know about Asmodeus? What does he have to do with anything? Outraged and confused he forced himself deeper into her mind and surprisingly she did not pull away, kick him out and then lock him out. She remained open and even recalled the meeting with Mary McFarland. That old windbag…so it is Asmodeus who is responsible for framing me?! I will personally rip his wings from his spine and feed them to one of my Harpies before I slice his head from his shoulders with my Scythe… He pulled out of her mind and settled back into his, boiling with rage and the desire to inflict pain and suffering on every level of Hell imaginable. Asmodeus, the bastard! Ock! And I know his miserable ass isn’t working alone. Come on Sin, find Asmodeus so you can find the Seal and set me free and then together…we are cleaning house from top to bottom and my poor misguided brother of the morning star would just have to understand.
Grim took in a deep cleansing breath before slipping into another state of unconsciousness. Time was running out and not just for him but for both of them and the cave was not the final piece to completing the puzzle. He cast his vision to the heavens, the first ring and could sense the growing tension building in the higher realms. An army was forming, and he sighed in frustration, knowing just who is responsible for leading the charge. If they would only set him free for 24 hours, he could prove himself innocent. But then this fight isn’t really about him: it’s about Sin. Sin is the key to everything, and the only thing he could do was hope that he had taught her enough to make it through this challenge.
Chapter 10
Asmodeus gave his human servant a smug grin upon hearing the news of Grim’s daughter assuming the position of the Angel of Death. Grim must have been truly desperate to choose his clumsy, illegitimate daughter as an heir to his powers…he thought to himself. Interesting… Inside the single room hidden behind the protective walls of the Vatican, Asmodeus would shortly take on the role as the Pope. He would disguise himself as a human-the same human that has been making the rounds at various churches pretending to be a humble servant of the On High, only to return to these same holy grounds and kidnap and torture the current Pope to the brink of death, just so that he may steal his identity for the purpose of the pending week’s events. With the Seal in his possession things would most certainly go his way, leading him to his self- proclaimed right to rule the earth realm. All of his brothers would bow before him and the human populations would worship him. He would be god. He glanced around the room, his human slave cowering before him, the fool. He bit off more than what he could possibly chew with the bargain; the moment the human opened
the undocumented and final book of the Apocrypha, a book authored by one of the original Fallen , an opportunity opened for Asmodeus….and this time, he would not fail.
The Seal is nothing more than a 3X3 parchment rolled into a cylinder and held together by a heavenly binding that can only be broken by the Lamb. Asmodeus frowned at the thought. Only the Lamb is found worthy enough to break the Seal to unleash the first horse of the apocalypse-unless…. He folded his black wings behind his back and stood to his full height of 6’7”, the only thing covering his body is a thin strip of cloth that hung loosely over his waist. Being in the earth realm awakened his senses to desires he had thought were long forgotten and the longer he remained in the earth’s sensory environment, the more he craved. And, speaking of cravings…residing in this holy penitentiary has proven itself to be a major inconvenience to his physical needs. He knew that within the walls of the city he would not find a woman or a man that would be willing to sacrifice their souls for a night of pleasure with him, which meant two things: either he step outside of the walls of the city or he has his servant bring the fun to him. He decided to go with the latter.
“Slave,” he demanded in a hard tone.
“Yes Asmodeus?” The ailing cleric muttered as he approached the demon cautiously. He ran a trembling hand through his thinning black hair as he tried to avert his eyes from the cold and calculating stare of Hell’s most notorious demon.
“I need for you to bring me a few special guests for tonight,” Asmodeus smiled wickedly.
“Uh but Asmodeus non clerics are not allowed beyond a certain point. There are cameras everywhere and this is holy ground-“
With one flick of his wrist he slammed the cleric into the neighboring bookshelf, knocking over an entire row of books including a couple of Bible’s, and the lamp that had been sitting on the night table next to the shelf. The human groaned but managed to quickly gather himself to stand on wobbly feet.
Sin: Daughter of the Grim Reaper (The Reaper Series Book 1) Page 6
