The Demon On My Chest: Waking Up

by Dan Farris

“Why?”

  “Just needed to decompress, I guess.”

  “You seem so mature to be so young.”

  “In more ways than you know,” said Sean seductively.

  “I normally don’t date guys as young as you. Hey, I just noticed that you have dimples.” Check and mate.

  “I hate talking about myself. Your turn. How long have you been single?”

  “You don’t play around, do you? The waiter hasn’t even brought our food out yet. Right to the point. I like that.”

  “My motto is if a person sees something they want, why beat around the bush?”

  A short time later, after they had finished dinner, Sean and Misty sat in his living room.

  “I’ve never been with a black guy before.”

  You grew up in the deep south--how surprising. “Maybe it’s time to expand your horizons.” Sean placed his right hand on Misty’s thigh.

  “Do you have something to drink here? Like some wine?”

  “I have some water. I don’t drink alcohol.”

  “Really? What do you do to relax, then?”

  “This.” Sean leaned in and started kissing Missy. “Hmm, I like how you taste. Can I taste some more of you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Let’s go to the bedroom. Take my hand.” Misty held Sean’s hand as he led her into the bedroom.

  “Now what?” Asked Misty.

  “Get on the bed and lay back; I’m going to taste you some more.”

  Misty lay down, and Sean pulled off her shirt and panties. Blue, my favorite color.

  A few hours later, Sean was on his knees praying.

  “God, please forgive me for the sin I just committed, and all the others I committed. Thank you for loving me, even though I fail so often. I love you, Lord. Thank you for not letting it happen last night. Please, please, don’t let it happen tonight. In your son Jesus’ name, amen.”

  Sean got up from the floor and lay down in his bed. Why do they always get upset when you ask them to leave? Still, she had a nice ass, especially for a white girl. I have to see her at least a few more times. Lights on, T.V. on, Netflix on, hopefully nothing happens tonight. Maybe I should go back to school next semester; I haven’t found any answers up here. What was I thinking? Besides, it hasn’t happened since I talked with Father Adams. Maybe God finally answered my prayers. Sean closed his eyes and started to go to sleep.

  After a few minutes, Sean opened his eyes. Fuck! Okay, it only lasts a few seconds. It only lasts seconds. God, protect me. God, protect me. What is that?!! What the fuck is that?!

  A dark figure that resembled a shadow slowly crawled towards him. This is it. Do it, you asshole, come get what you’ve been after all these years. Father, please forgive me for my sins and accept me into your kingdom.

  At that moment, the dark figure was on top of him. Sean thought he could make out a face in the figure. This has never happened before. Why is it still here? What the fuck do you want?! What the fuck do you want?! Sean’s bed shook. The figure touched Sean’s face, and then vanished. Sean could now move and sat up in his bed.

  What the fuck was that? The bed was moving, that thing came right over me, and it-- it-- it touched me. I felt it; it touched me. It’s never been this bad before. No pull from within; it touched me. My bed moved. God. Preachers, doctors, therapists--no answers, and now this. God, why are you letting this happen to me? Haven’t you let life fuck me enough?

  Sean remembered something from his childhood. “Sean, be a good boy and remember to keep it a secret.” Tears rolled down Sean’s cheeks. God, why are you letting this happen to me?

  Chapter 2-Rebecca

  Where da fuck am I? I can’t see shit. What’s that fuckin smell? Smells like ass mixed with rotten eggs. Where’s that sick muthafucka? He didn’t wanna pay so he pulled out a fucking knife. He must have drugged me…shit, he took my fucking clothes too! Ouch! My feet… feels like I’m standing on rock. I bet that bastard fucked me, Ima have to get tested now. David said he screened that muthafucka. Why did I ever get with him in the first place? He don’t do nothing but take all my fuckin’ money anyway.

  “Hello! Is there anyone out there? Hello, anyone?!” Rebecca began to walk, unable to see. Where da fuck did he take me?

  As Rebecca continued walking, there was a child crying. “Hey! Stay where you are. I’m coming to you!” Rebecca ran toward the noise until somehow, in the midst of the total darkness around her, sat a naked girl, curled up on the ground, crying.

  The girl looked as though she had just reached puberty. She had an angelic face with hazel eyes. Her skin tone was the same as Rebecca. But, unlike Rebecca, she had a slender physique.

  Rebecca approached her, and the girl’s tensed up. “Who-- who are you?”

  “My name is Rebecca; do you know where da fuck we are? How did you end up here?”

  “I don’t know. I just remembered walking home from school when a man I never saw before stopped me. Then I woke up here.”

  “Fuck! We gotta get da fuck outta here. Come on!”

  “No, my parents told me not to trust strangers.”

  “Look, little gull, I’m tryin’ to help yo’ ass. You wanna keep sitting here or go home? Now, what’s it gonna be?”

  “Okay, but promise you won’t hurt me.”

  “Promise.”

  The girl wiped the tears from her face and slowly got up. She was taller than Rebecca. “I’m Tash.”

  Rebecca grabbed the Tash’s hand, and instantly, Rebecca was now able to see everything around her, like someone had turned the lights on.

  There were no grass, trees, or buildings. Only a slight fog that stretched over endless plains, as far as the eye could see. The ground looked like the outside of a volcano. Above her, the skyline was dark red, but there was no sun or moon. Where da fuck am I? Rebecca slightly trembled.

  Tash embraced Rebecca, hugging her tightly. “Where are we? What is this place?” Tash cried.

  “You see all this shit too, huh? I don’t know, but we’re gonna get da fuck outta here.”

  “Aren’t you afraid?”

  “Hell yeah, I’m afraid, but being afraid ain’t gonna do shit. Now, let’s go.” Rebecca took Tash’s hand and continued walking, unsure of where they were headed.

  “Stop crying, we’ll be alright. You gotta be strong. The muthafuckas who put us here gonna get what’s comin to them, you best believe that. They fucked with da wrong bitch.”

  “Can I ask you something? How old are you?”

  “Seventeen. How old are you?”

  “I’m thirteen. You’re just seventeen?”

  “Yeah, but a bitch had to grow up quick.”

  “Why do you keep referring to yourself as a bitch?”

  “Because that’s what I am, and I’m not one to fuck with, understand?” Tash nodded.

  They continued walking, and everything around them looked the same.

  “Someone is coming,” said Tash.

  “How da fuck do you know that?”

  “Look, over there.” Far ahead of them, in the fog, a figure ran toward them. “You think it’s someone coming to help us?”

  “We’ll see. Get down and don’t say a fuckin’ word.” Tash got behind Rebecca and kneeled down. This muthafucka betta not be crazy.

  The figure drew closer to them. It was a very large, barrel-chested man, covered in animal skins. He was handsome, with no hair on his head and a square chin, and he had a sly look about him.

  “Who da fuck is you?”

  “You must be American? I love capturing Americans; you all have a certain arrogance.”

  “Did you hear me, muthafucka, or are you deaf? I said who da fuck is you?!”

  “You don’t have any clothes on; aren’t you going to try to cover yourself up in front of me? Yet, here you boldly stand.”

  “Why, haven’t you ever seen titties and ass before? Now who da fuck is you?”

  “I’m Achcauthilli.”

  “A-what? What da fuck kinda
name is that? And why are you dressed like that? You look like one of em fuckin wrestlers that be on T.V.”

  “A wrestler? I like that. Would you like to wrestle me? I’m very good at it.”

  “Step back, muthafucka, or I’ll fuck you up.”

  “Will you now? What about the girl kneeling behind you? Maybe she wants to wrestle me.”

  “You lay one hand on her and I’ll fuckin kill you, try me muthafucka!”

  “Oh, I will try you. After I drop you off, I will. And how can you kill me? Don’t you know where we are?”

  Achcauthilli only stood a few feet away from Rebecca and Tash. He took one step toward them, and Rebecca clinched both her fists. Come on muthafucka, come on.

  “Achcauthilli, you sure know how to ruin all the fun, don’t you?” Said Tash. Tash came from behind Rebecca and stood next to her. Achcauthilli immediately kneeled to the ground, face down.

  “Alitash, please forgive me. I didn’t know it was you. What are you doing in the unclaimed lands? This is no place for you.”

  Tash walked to Achcauthilli and rubbed her hands over his head. “Are you telling me where I can be?”

  “No…of course not! Forgive me.”

  “Good boy. Now run along. I’m sure you have souls to capture for your king.”

  Achcauthilli got up and smiled at Rebecca. “Next time we meet, perhaps I’ll get that wrestle.” Then he ran past them.

  “What da fuck was that? How do you know that crazy muthafucka?”

  “No, you’re asking the wrong questions.” Tash snapped her fingers, and suddenly, she had on clothes. She wore an elegant white dress that stopped just above her knees and black high heel shoes.

  “How da fuck did you do that?!”

  “Still asking the wrong questions.” Tash walked around Rebecca, circling her several times. “I’ll answer the question that you haven’t asked. That man who pulled the knife on you. You thought you got away, but he caught up with you. You put up a good fight, but I guess you just weren’t strong enough.”

  “What?!”

  “That man, that ‘John,’ he killed you. You died. And in case you were still confused, this isn’t Heaven. You went to Hell, my dear.”

  Chapter 3-Samael

  “Zethera, listen to me, these life forms are not to be taken lightly. Do you understand?” said Samael in a language not found on Earth. Samael towered at nearly twenty feet tall, but it wasn’t only his height that gave him an inhuman appearance. His features were so handsome as to be otherworldly, accentuated by his tanned brown skin and powerful build. “A good ruler never underestimates the enemy. You know that, my love. Haven’t you learned anything about me the last thousand years?” Asked Zethera.

  Zethera was a half-foot shorter than Samael and her otherworldly beauty rivaled Samael’s; she had light purple skin, long red hair, and a powerful, feminine body. The two looked like humans, but were much larger. They were on the planet Lidethera-- a large, lush planet, with a large sun and two moons, located in a galaxy far from Earth and ruled by a very technologically advanced species. Samael and Zethera were surrounded by green fields, beautiful flowers, and large trees. Samael wore only a dark garment that reached from just below his navel to just above his knees. Zethera had on a glowing red garment that resembled a dress that stopped just above her knees. Behind them was a wonderful palace that would equal the size of a small city on Earth.

  “Yes, but a good ruler also heeds advice from a trusted advisor,” said Samael.

  Zethera smiled. “Trusted advisor? Is that all you are: my trusted advisor? Come here,” she said, before pulling Samael’s head down to kiss her. I love this creature, thought Samael.

  Zethera continued, “I know how to deal with artificial intelligence. They are no different than any other life forms that my people have conquered. We’re the strongest empire in this galaxy for a reason.”

  “Just be aware that this entity has decimated every foe in their wake as they’ve set out to conquer this galaxy. They’ve already conquered many of your vassals and allies. Now, they’ve set their eyes on Lidethera itself.”

  “You worry too much. Always so serious. Remind me why I ever fell in love with you in the first place? Wars, threats, conquests…let’s talk about something else. Will you be at the banquet tonight?”

  “I hate banquets.”

  “I know, but the senate… You know you have to make appearances every so often, to ease fears that I’m spending too much time with an alien.”

  “Fine, only for you.”

  “Will you do anything for me, Samael?”

  Be strong, thought Samael.

  “Anything within my power.”

  “Even this?” Said Zethera, placing her hands inside Samael’s garb. “There, now you’re within my power,” said Zethera in a seductive tone.

  Stop, stop, stop… thought Samael. “I’ve waited long enough. I want you now, right here in the fields,” said Zethera.

  Samael grabbed Zethera, placed his hands on her backside, and kissed her. I want you too, thought Samael. Zethera’s hands were still inside Samael’s garb when he slowly laid her on the grass. No, it can’t be.

  “I can’t explain it now, but go inside the palace and put the guards on high alert. Tell them to ready your spaceship.”

  “I’ve never seen you look like this before.” Zethera stood and slowly walked away.

  “Gabriel,” said Samael in the angelic language. Gabriel had tanned brown skin like Samael and was just as tall, but his lean, hungry build was unlike Samael, who was pure muscles. He had on a fine blue suit similar to attire on Earth, absent a tie, with dark shades and reddish-brown shoes.

  “What a beautiful planet. All due to the glory of our Father. Hello, brother,” said Gabriel as he stared at Samael.

  “What do you want, Gabriel? What are you doing here?” Did Father send him?

  “The mighty Samael, never one for small talk. Always strict and to the point,” said Gabriel with a grin. “How long has it been, brother? Since the rebellion? Before the Big Bang, when Father had to remake everything? Where have you been? Not Heaven. Perhaps Hell? No, no, Lucifer would have gone whining to Father about your conquest of Hell. Remind me why you left again?”

  “You ask me that? You know why I left.”

  “I miss them too. But after the rebellion, with two thirds of our brothers either destroyed or cast into Hell, Father was…careful.”

  “Careful? Is that what you called what he did? Careful! He betrayed us, all of us. You can justify what he did, but not me. Never. My…tell me why you’re here.”

  “As you like. Father sent me. I’m sure you know that he knows about your meddling in this planet’s affairs. Did you think you could keep it a secret? He also knows about your interest in the queen of this planet, this Zethera. Both violations of Father’s express commands. But, after seeing her, I can’t blame you.”

  Samael rushed toward Gabriel and lifted him off the ground. “I know his commands. You forget who you are talking to, Gabriel. If Father does anything to her, I will see Heaven bur--”

  Gabriel interrupted before Samael could finish. “I know, brother. It wasn’t a threat; I wouldn’t dare threaten the mighty Samael. Funny that the humans think Michael the strongest of us.”

  “Humans?”

  “Father’s favorite. Father made them in our image, though they are less impressive. Much weaker. Thank Lucifer for that. Native to a planet that’s trash compared to this one.”

  “Is that why you’re here? To tell me about Father’s new pets?”

  “Will you release me? You know I mean you no harm, and I did not intend to upset you.”

  Samael released Gabriel from his grip.

  “I’ve been protecting you from Father’s wrath since you left. Not just me; I’m not the only one in Heaven who still loves you and knows you actually won the rebellion. You’ve never interfered with any planet or species since then, so we convinced Father to turn a blind eye. He has not bee
n so kind to our other brothers that left Heaven; he cast them into Hell. Though, there is only one Samael. Exceptions are necessary.”

  “I never had a reason to get involved.”

  “So why now?”

  Samael looked toward the palace.

  “I understand,” Gabriel said.

  “I won’t leave her, Gabriel, never. Go tell Father that. I won’t leave her. Nothing will keep me from her.”

  “No need for that. I convinced Father to let you stay with her, as long as you don’t break the most important command. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you what that is?”

  “How did you do that?”

  “All you have to do is prove you’re still loyal to Father.”

  “How?”

  “A life form is on the cusp of attaining the technology to enter into the other spaces. You know Father can’t allow that. Not since the rebellion. This happens every so often; a life form gets so advanced that they acquire this technology. By the look of it, the species on this planet isn’t too far from attaining the technology themselves. You best make sure that never happens, for their sake.

  The first time this happened, Father sent one of our brothers to simply eradicate the life form. The next time it happened, Father commanded that the both the species and the planet they inhabited be destroyed. Now, whenever a life form develops this technology, Father commands that the entire galaxy they inhabit be erased from existence. That’s why I’m here. I convinced Father to let you destroy the galaxy where this life form has emerged.”

  Damn him.

  “Why does he even let life forms develop this technology? If it’s happened before, why doesn’t he just destroy life forms that appear to be headed in that direction early in their evolutionary development?”

  “Why did he let Lucifer get so far in the rebellion? You know him; he works in mysterious ways. I’d thought you’d be happy about this. An opportunity for you to do what you love: destroy. Think about it, just one tiny galaxy. Then, you can be with your Zethera. Through evolution and genetic engineering, her species stop aging once they reach their physical prime? They are immune to ailments? Well, you can be with her a long time. As long as you don’t break the most important command.”