Demon World

by Balvir Bhullar

  She didn’t like the knowing look that now lit his eyes, and that devil-may-care smile.

  ‘I stand corrected, you can dance...’ she said contritely.

  ‘The same goes for you, Ms Rogers.’

  Rowanne laughed quietly, wondering exactly how he passed his spare time - probably watching TV. ‘Assimilate information on humans.’ I make him sound like an alien! This caused her to laugh harder.

  ‘If you’ve quite finished with your one woman comedy show, then can I suggest we make a move? Otherwise, we are highly likely to bump into the others... Trust me, that is the last thing you’d want to happen.’

  Rowanne knew their situation was dire, but could not help herself as she asked, ‘Are you always this lively, or is it just being in my company?’

  Alexander had walked on ahead of her, but he turned around and waited for her to catch up. ‘Where do you want to go? I’ll drop you off.’ He looked tired.

  Rowanne felt exhausted suddenly and yawned. And no wonder, it had been one hell of a day. ‘Just take me home. Otherwise, I’m liable to fall asleep right here.’

  ‘Your home it is then. If you grab my hand, I can get you there faster than the snail’s pace we’re travelling at,’ he said accusingly.

  Normally she’d have gotten annoyed, but was past that point, and just stepped closer, taking his hand. She liked the look of surprise on Alexander’s face; she seemed to be doing that a lot today.

  Alexander didn’t waste any more time. His eyes blazed green, as he said, ‘One, two, three!’ On the count of three, they started to run at an incredibly fast pace.

  Rowanne watched the road before them blaze. Everything became a blur, and at one point she could have sworn that they ran across the Thames; well, it did have the paths crossing directly above the river like phantom bridges.

  She looked down and could see the river straight through the path, though how they didn’t just fall through was a mystery - it was the weirdest sensation. The bridge at least felt sturdy, even though it was seemingly made from nothing more than light and air.

  Alexander laughed at her petrified and slightly green expression. ‘Keep going, Rowanne. That’s it, we’re nearly there.’

  She looked at Alexander, but he was facing ahead again. ‘Easy for you to say. I keep expecting these paths to collapse beneath us like clouds — they look insubstantial!’

  ‘It depends on your point of view... If you close your eyes,’ Rowanne obliged him, ‘that’s right, and walk on them, then they feel solid enough, right?’ he asked.

  ‘I suppose,’ she agreed reluctantly.

  Suddenly one of the paths led to a tunnel, which they ran through. It began to spin fast as energy pulsed out of it, and a portal started to open up. She could see her living room at the other end of it. Oh my God, that’s amazing! she thought.

  Alexander and Rowanne burst through the portal, coming to a halt in her apartment. She turned her head to look behind, and was just in time to see the portal getting smaller and smaller until it vanished with an inaudible pop.

  She was panting as if she’d just run a race, and walked over to her sofa, collapsing onto it in an undignified heap. After all, who cared, it was only Alexander.

  Charming, he thought. She seems to switch from being elegant to the complete opposite in a blink of an eye. I wonder, if all humans are like this...

  Rowanne tried to sit up after hearing his inane comment, and cringed as he raised an eyebrow at her mockingly.

  ‘Now now, Rowanne. Don’t get up on my behalf. You lay there, relax. It’s not like there’s anyone to worry about here...’ he said, amused by her.

  Rowanne’s face flamed, and grabbing the nearest pillow, she threw it at his head. Alexander laughed as he caught it.

  ‘On a more serious note, would you like something to drink? Your body could go into shock as you’ve used a lot of energy travelling between worlds, as well as using the pathways. You need to refuel your body. I don’t know what the consequences will be in the long term...’

  Rowanne struggled to get up into a sitting position - it did feel as if her body were made of lead. Alexander went to her, and helped her to get comfortable.

  ‘Thanks. And I should be the one offering you something,’ said Rowanne apologetically, but he waved away the formality. She liked him better in that moment, and realised that he would always help her. ‘I’ll just have tea. Thank you,’ she smiled up at him warmly, and Alexander relaxed as he went into the kitchen.

  She looked at the clock; it was still quite early in the morning, and there were only a few hours left until she’d have to be at work. She didn’t have the energy to start an assignment, let alone complete it.

  She must have dozed off for a few moments, and slowly came awake as Alexander placed two steaming cups of tea onto the table.

  She shakily held up her cup, inhaling the scent, which was enhanced by a slice of lemon. ‘Hmmm, is it Earl Grey?’

  Alexander nodded. ‘Drink it slowly. Careful, it’s hot!’ He took a sip from his mug, before continuing, ‘Rowanne, I really need to get back. I’m expecting an important visitor tomorrow, and I need to get some preparations done.’

  ‘I understand. And thanks again, for coming back to get me. I know I’m not the easiest person to be around...’

  Alexander looked at her thoughtfully, and broke out in a smile, ‘Don’t mention it. I know you have a lot of questions, and if I had the time, I’d tell you everything now, but I fear we have to put it off for now. This is going to be as much of a learning process for me as it will be for you.’

  Rowanne looked at him questioningly, ‘In what sense?’

  ‘Well, for one thing, as a half demon, you are developing in exciting ways... just a little something to keep track of.’

  It sounded ominous to Rowanne. ‘Will I grow horns or turn into something resembling a monster?’ she shuddered as she remembered the Shadow men. She could not handle it if she turned into one of them, and her heart began to beat fast.

  Alexander placed a comforting hand on her arm. ‘Don’t think of them, you will definitely not change to that extreme. I think it’s more than likely that you’ll find yourself acquiring extra abilities. And I resent that last bit! Do I look like a monster to you? Or should I say, have I behaved monstrously towards you? After all, what constitutes a monster?’

  Rowanne smiled sheepishly as she replied, ‘Only when you have that extremely peeved look on your face! You’re right, of course, human beings are capable of becoming monsters. I guess it’s not about whether you’re a demon or a human, but rather the way in which you choose to behave that’s important,’ she added solemnly.

  Alexander put his cup down. ‘I really have to go now. Will you be okay by yourself?’ he asked seriously.

  ‘I’ll be fine, it’s nothing that a little sleep can’t fix. Goodnight,’ replied Rowanne. Wait, I meant morning, she thought tiredly.

  Alexander squeezed her hand affectionately before opening a portal. ‘Goodnight,’ he replied before stepping through.

  Rowanne watched the portal close out of existence, then dragged herself to the bathroom and washed her face and brushed her teeth; it brought her a sense of calm. She headed straight for her bedroom, and lay down on her bed, intending to close her eyes for a few minutes, but ended up falling asleep.

  Her mind was filled with a chaotic dream comprised of all she had experienced. She tossed and turned before finally settling into blissful oblivion.

  CHAPTER 20

  Thursday morning came sooner than Rowanne would have liked as she angrily grappled with her phone, trying to turn the alarm off, and in the process sent it crashing to the floor. Oh, that’s just great! Picking it up, she realised the time was seven am, and it had only been a few hours since Alexander had left her with a profound truth.

  Her world had been changed, turned on its head. And not forgetting the significant part — she was now a half demon. A demon! As much as she’d love to spend the time trying to
work it all out in her mind, she didn’t have the luxury, she’d have to go into work today.

  She headed straight to the bathroom for a quick shower, and then went into the bedroom with her head wrapped in a towel. Grabbing her laptop, she flicked it open and started to look through the various deadlines, and, when she was satisfied that all was in hand, she got ready for work.

  After drying her hair straight, she looked in her wardrobe and decided to go for a smart trouser suit in black, with a fitted waist coat, and completed the look with a white shirt.

  She walked barefoot into the kitchen turning on the coffee machine, as well as shoving a slice of bread into the toaster. Grabbing her breakfast when it was ready, she went back into the bedroom and placed it on her bed, then made the necessary changes to her assignment.

  She felt ravenous. Maybe it was due to the events of the previous evening; her body just needed food to keep going, never mind her mental state.

  One thing was becoming apparent though: she’d have to take time off work to actually consider all that she had gone through, and to figure out where her life was going. She thought she knew the direction her life was taking, and had been happy to be busy all the time; but at what cost...

  Rowanne didn’t really have any friends. She liked her work colleagues well enough, but she’d never really made any of them her confidantes. She occasionally went out as a treat — a treat!

  Before Alexander and Lady Enid, Rowanne had never really considered how alone she’d been. The two of them had changed her life, especially Alexander - who had literally transformed her into something else.

  She didn’t know how becoming a demon would affect her in the long term, but she also wondered what effect it could have had on Alexander. One day she’d build up the courage and ask him, no matter how difficult a subject it would be for the both of them.

  Then there was the question of the necklace. She’d spend her time off by visiting Grandmother Angelique to try to get to the bottom of the mystery, if it was at all possible.

  She left her dishes in the kitchen and went back into her bedroom to apply her makeup. She lined her eyes with kohl to bring out the intensity of the green, and they seemed to sparkle with a new kind of vivacity.

  It was strange, she didn’t feel at all drained. She had assumed she’d feel like one of the walking dead today, but instead, Rowanne felt alive and buzzing for once. She looked towards the kitchen and shrugged; maybe it was the new brand of coffee! She added a subtle pink lipstick and voila, she was ready. She stepped into her high heels, and put on her heavy winter coat - she’d definitely need it, the grey weather confirming her suspicions.

  She closed the front door behind her and headed into the glass lift, taking it down to the car park. Rowanne felt slightly on edge at the idea of going into work and seeing Alexander; it made her anxious, even though it had only been a couple of hours since she’d last seen him.

  Putting her fears to one side, she got into her car and turned on the radio to ease her anxiety. There it was, again; the knot in her stomach. She noticed something wink at her, and a moment later her necklace became warm. She knew it was glowing, and hastily shoved it under her shirt with one hand on the steering wheel.

  It always boded ill when her necklace did that, and combined with the way she was feeling, it made her think that something was going to happen today, something bad. She had faith in herself now, and listened to her gut feeling. Everybody had a sixth sense, or whatever they called it, that made them aware of danger, even if they could not quite put their finger on it.

  She drove past the river that had swollen overnight - it must have rained heavily. Not that she’d have known, being in another dimension or world — whatever it was! It didn’t make any sense. And no one would ever believe her; not that she had a wish to tell anyone, they’d definitely lock her up and throw away the key.

  I’m dealing with demons, thought Rowanne. It was so far outside the scope of her imagination. And she wondered how she could identify who a demon was. I’m one to talk; but then again, I know I’m not evil. Rowanne rebuked herself: being a demon did not automatically make them evil.

  She thought about Alexander and suddenly felt ashamed for having this train of thought: he was most definitely not evil, even if he was not human! The people who worked with Alexander, could they be demons as well...? Rowanne began to check people off her list: Lady Enid could be, as well as Driskell, and he could for all intents and purposes be a monster. Especially in the way in which he treated people, as if they were worth nothing, and beneath him.

  Even though Driskell had been polite in their last meeting, she still could not bring herself to trust him. And she didn’t particularly want to meet him again, but it would probably be more his choice than hers.

  Rowanne pulled up into the car park, parked in a bay, and noticed the other cars. Damn, they’ve all come in before me, she thought, panicking.

  As soon as she got out of the car, she was hit by how intensely cold it was as her breath fogged. Looking around, she noticed that all the trees had lost their leaves as they stood there ominously lined up together at the back of the car park. Shaking her head, she cleared it of morbid thoughts as she headed towards the fountain.

  She looked up as dark clouds raced by, promising the retribution of a heavy downpour later on. The air seemed to sizzle with an invisible current as if it had suddenly come to life.

  She reached the angel fountain and stood before it as it loomed over her in more ways than she could count. So, this is where it happened... she could not bring herself quite yet to say the word, although she congratulated herself for not falling apart and having a panic attack before it.

  The angel statue was sinister in the sense that it was a being of pure goodness frozen in the act of violence: its sword raised above a monstrous creature, who cowered beneath its wings. Rowanne pitied the creature - who was to say that it was evil? Both beings, as she could clearly see, had wings, so what made the one beneath the angel evil?

  Strange thoughts churned in her mind, and she felt her necklace glow in empathy with her. It took a lot of strength to walk away, but she wanted to put it behind her for now. Later, when she was ready, she would examine how she felt, but for now she was alright and that was enough.

  Rowanne walked quickly towards her office building - the sooner she was immersed in her work the better.

  She nodded at the security guard as she walked past reception, and headed straight for the stairs, briskly going up to the first floor. She went down the corridor to the office.

  She was still smiling as she stepped through the police cordon that gave way before her, as she entered her former ruined offices. She started walking towards her old desk, but stopped dead as she finally realised where she had ended up. Oh my God! How did I get here?

  She spun around to the door in time to see it close. Where a moment before it had been bright with the overhead lights, now it started to get dark, and the room seemed to be closing in on her.

  The lights flickered precariously, threatening to permanently go out at any second. The hairs on her arm raised up. Rowanne felt a coldness in the air as the temperature dramatically plunged. What the hell is going on here?

  She quickly went back to the doors whilst she could still see them, but upon testing them, found them to be jammed. She tried to nudge them open with her shoulder but to no avail. Where was her super strength when she really needed it?

  ‘Lillian, is that you?’ asked Rowanne. Perhaps she was trying to get her attention - but there was no reply. At this rate, I’m going to be late for work even though I’m at work! It was extremely annoying, to say the least.

  Rowanne decided to look for another way out. But the moment she went further in, she saw a flashing light, and a purplish glow started to emanate from it, and wisely she stepped back slowly. After all, she had no intention of staying to find out the cause, but to her dismay the flash encompassed everything around it in seconds. She threw up h
er arms to block out the light.

  Rowanne blinked a couple of times as light flashes danced before her eyes. She rubbed her eyes and ever so slowly the room began to come back in soft focus.

  She stood dumbfounded as Thomas walked through the locked doors. Well, a ghostly looking Thomas, as his image stuttered, flashing in and out of existence.

  ‘Thomas!’ yelled Rowanne hopelessly, trying to get his attention. And on reflection, it was pointless; after all, he was not really there.

  He proceeded forward, not even pausing when she called to him. The ghostly room as far as she could see was empty. She had a flashback to last Friday: she would have been outside in the car park at this time, so Thomas must have come in just after she had left.

  She observed him making the rounds, travelling up and down the office, checking that all was in order. The most disturbing part was when he walked towards her, and she quickly backed up, not wanting him to get close to her. But to her utter horror, he walked straight through her, eliciting a small gasp of terror from her.

  Rowanne turned around just as he walked through the doors that were now open. She wasted no time in getting out of the room and following him. She wanted to know what had become of him; seeing the ghostly image of him did not bode well...

  She was just in time to see him walk down the corridor. She ran after him, not wanting him out of her sight. And as he descended the stairs, she ran faster, heedless of her heels; they could not slow down this journalist once she had her mind set on something.

  Rowanne collided with a woman walking up the stairs. The woman thankfully didn’t fall back, but Rowanne on the other hand twisted her ankle, and would have fallen straight down the marble stairs, most likely to her death, if the woman had not suddenly grabbed her, thereby saving her.

  Rowanne sat on the stairs nursing her sore ankle. She looked up and noticed that the woman had been trying to get her attention.

  ‘Are you alright?’ asked the woman, sitting next to her.