The Demon On My Chest: Waking Up

by Dan Farris

  Damn him. Father expects me to obey him like a good soldier after what he did. What if I refuse? Who could defeat me? I’ll remind them who conquers. Besides, seems like I still have friends in Heaven. Gabriel wouldn’t lie to me. No, no, Zethera will be caught in the crossfire. I won’t risk her getting hurt.

  “Tell Father I accept.”

  “Excellent. Now, about this banquet?”

  “What about it?”

  “Heaven is terribly boring, and other then our brothers, I only interact with humans, and they are not impressive in the slightest. Not like the species that dominate this planet.”

  “No, Gabriel. Return to Heaven and tell Father I accept.”

  “Please, brother, we were not made to idly sit by. Let me come to the banquet. You owe me. Should I remind you of Loloplhyisian?”

  Loloplhyisian. He’s always throws that in my face.

  “Fine, but you mustn’t tell anyone our true nature. All they think is that I’m a long-lived alien.”

  “You can count on me. Should I change my attire? This outfit I’m wearing, it’s what Father’s pets wear on Earth.”

  “No, keep it, even though you look like a cilbut.”

  Gabriel laughed, “A cilbut? No one has called me that in a long time. You lead the way, then, and at this banquet, make sure I’m seated by a creature that looks like your Zethera.”

  “Some things never change. Sure, Gabriel, sure.”

  That evening, after the banquet, Samael lay in bed with Zethera in her royal bedchambers. Zethera wore a purple night gown.

  “Your brother sure was popular tonight. Everyone at the banquet adored him. Charismatic and funny, not sullen like you.”

  “That’s Gabriel.”

  “What exactly did he want, my love?”

  “My father, he wants me to prove my loyalty.”

  “Why did you ever leave him in the first place?”

  “You know I can’t tell you that. It’s forbidden. But he did something that I can never forgive.”

  “Why can’t you forgive him? He’s the Creator. Hasn’t it been long enough? Eons, you say? That’s a long time to stay upset.”

  “To you it would feel like eons. I and my brothers, like Gabriel, experience time differently from other creatures in this space. To us, it feels like yesterday.”

  “You’re forbidden to do a lot of things, aren’t you?” Zethera placed Samael’s hand on her inner thigh. Careful, careful.

  “What do you have to do?” She asked.

  “Destroy a galaxy.”

  “Why would he ask you to do such a thing?!”

  “Father sees a threat. After you defeat this artificial intelligence, I’ll make sure that my father never sees this planet as a threat.”

  “But he created everything? How can he be threatened by his own creation?”

  “Sometimes the puppet destroys its master. I’ve seen it before. Seen it too many times to count.”

  “I knew you were powerful, but to destroy an entire galaxy… Do you yield such power?”

  “Yes, and I won’t be gone too long. Remember, this artificial intelligence was also created by another life form. That life form now ceases to exist.”

  “But you haven’t left my side in a thousand years. Take a beacon before you leave, in case I want to talk to you.”

  “No need. Just call my name, and I’ll hear you.”

  “When will you leave, then?”

  “In the morning. Make sure you hold off on the attack plans until I return.”

  “Of course, my love. Well, we must enjoy tonight then.”

  Samael leaned down and kissed Zethera’s soft lips. Careful. Samael tried to dislodge before Zethera gently pulled him on top of her. I should stop now; I can’t do this. Zethera placed Samael’s right hand on her backside and his left hand on her breast. Stop, stop now. Father will find out. His commandment. But she feels so good, it’s been so long. I want to enter her now; I have to have her now.

  Zethera removed her purple garment, exposing her naked, perfect body, and resumed kissing Samael. She placed her hands between Samael’s legs, gently bit on his right ear, and whispered, “I love you. I want you inside me now.”

  Chapter 4-Sean

  An hour had passed; Sean was still sitting up in bed, trying to comprehend what had occurred. It was well past midnight.

  Why? Why is this happening to me? Because of the pre-marital sex? No…this has been happening since I was a child. But tonight, this felt different than all the other times. Of all the shitty people in the world, why me?! I won’t let this thing control me anymore. I’m tired of being afraid. I have to figure this out. What haven’t I done? I’ve prayed countless times, read my Bible, dropped out of law school, and sought out people of faith, but nothing! Haven’t I exhausted every resource? Sean stared at the picture of the cross in his room.

  Wait a minute. That group. What was the name of that group on Facebook? Sean reached for his phone and logged into his Facebook account:

  Plane travelers: Do you experience sleep paralysis, night terrors, and have trouble sleeping? Science can’t explain the supernatural. Connect with others, you are not alone.

  Wow, this group has over a thousand members, from all over the world. Shit, some of these women are gorgeous. Stay focused. Are these people crazy, or are they like me? Fuck it, what have I got to lose at this point? Wait, a few of these people are local. Wow, look at all them. Is this what you want me to do, God? Reach out to these people?

  That evening, Sean walked inside a small bar that was located downtown. Persephone-bar owner, April-pharmacist, Kevin-works at Lowes, Diana-retired, Luke-not sure about him? Good for him, people give out far too much personal information on Facebook anyway. Persephone, April, Kevin, Diana, Luke. Okay. Why did we have to meet at a bar? A bunch of people crowded in a tiny place solely for the purpose of drinking alcohol. What could be more ridiculous? But better than meeting at Barnes and Noble, I guess, especially for the purpose of this meeting. I wonder if Persephone is single. From her Facebook profile, looks like she’s Hispanic or something. I bet she’s a freak in bed. Stay focused, Sean, stay focused.

  When Sean entered the bar, Persephone was serving drinks to the bar patrons. She was very beautiful, with long dark hair. She had numerous tattoos that covered her arms and several ear piercings. The bar was dimly lit and nearly empty, and Sean could tell it had recently been remodeled.

  “Sean?” Asked Persephone.

  “Yes, I’m Sean. Persephone, right?”

  “The others are in the back corner sitting at a table. I’ll join you guys after I finish up here. Do you want anything to drink?”

  “Back there? Oh, I see them. And yes, I’ll take some water.”

  Persephone grinned. “Water, huh? Okay, one water coming right up. I hope you like tap.” Whoa, she’s sexy and fine.

  As Sean neared the back corner of the bar, four people were seated at a table. April was nicely dressed and appeared to be very uncomfortable. Luke looked like he was very young, barely out of high school, and he was wearing his work uniform. Diana appeared to be in her early sixties. She was the first to recognize Sean, greeting him with a smile. Kevin had a long, gray, un-kept beard, and was a few inches taller than Sean. He had on a black leather jacket with insignias.

  “Sean, Sean, come here and give me a hug,” said Diana. “Good energy, good vibes. There’s a good flow coming from you, Sean. You have a good spirit. Sit down, sit down. We’ve been waiting for you. Luke was just telling us about his girlfriend.” Sean sat down next to Diana.

  “Ex-girlfriend. She wouldn’t even call it that; to her, I’m just some guy she went out with for a few months,” said Luke.

  “I told the kid, it’s time to move on. No broad is worth this much trouble,” said Kevin in a tough, raspy voice.

  “How long has it been since you stopped seeing her?” Asked Sean.

  “A year,” replied Luke. She must have been great in bed to have you this strung o
ut.

  “I think I have to agree with Kevin. Maybe it’s time to move on. Have you seen anyone else this past year?”

  “No, I tried to a few times, but I can’t get over Jasmine. I can’t stop thinking about her. Even when I’m not thinking about her, I’m thinking about not thinking about her. What’s sad is that she’s seen a ton of guys since me. She was always free with her body like that. But me, I’m like a love-struck puppy.” No wonder she dumped you; no woman wants what’s easy. The less you care, the more they care.

  “Aww, poor thing. Don’t worry, Luke, the universe has a way of working everything out. This Jasmine just wasn’t in your destiny. What do you think, April?” Asked Diana.

  “I’m married. I prayed for God to send me a good man and he did. Put your faith in him and he will work everything out.”

  “I prayed to God to take this pain away a thousand times, but I don’t think He’s listening,” said Luke.

  “Is someone having problems with the ladies? I bet it’s Sean,” said Persephone as she neared the table. “Here you are, one glass of water.”

  “Water? What’s wrong with you, kid? This is a bar. You got a problem with drinking?” Asked Kevin.

  “So that’s what this place is. I was wondering about that. I have nothing against drinking, I just don’t like to do anything that dulls the senses.”

  “I’ve had three glasses of Jack already. Do my senses seem dull to you?”

  This guy is an asshole. “Oh, so you’re always like this. I wonder what you’re like when you’re not drunk,” said Sean.

  “What? Look here, pretty boy, you got something to say to me, you say it.”

  “I think I just did, old man,” replied Sean. Can I kick this guy’s ass?

  “Easy, guys, easy. Both of you have good vibes. There is good energy from both of you. Remember, we all have something in common, that’s why we’re here,” said Diana.

  “Yeah, guys, calm down. Tell me some more about how I need to get over Jasmine. Anything, just take it easy, jeez,” said Luke.

  Sean stood. “No, this was a bad idea. I don’t know you people. I don’t know why you guys came here, but I came here for answers. Not to get into petty fights or talk about ex-girlfriends. You people can’t help me. I’ll keep looking.”

  “Oh, I’m not so sure about that, Sean. We all came looking for answers. I have an idea, if you all will indulge me,” said Diana.

  “What idea?” Asked Persephone.

  “Pull up a chair and I’ll tell you. You too, Sean, sit down,” said Diana.

  What the hell. “Okay, I’m listening.”

  “Thank you for not leaving, Sean. Such positive energy coming from you. Whatever has been happening to us, each of us since childhood is supernatural. Can we all agree on that? So, the answers that we seek will not come from the natural.”

  “What do you mean? What are you saying?” Asked Sean.

  “I’m saying the answers that we seek will not come from this world, this plane. We have to seek our answers in the other planes.”

  “What you’re saying is dangerous. I don’t know about you people, but whatever comes for me, it’s not good. Logic follows then that wherever it comes from is evil. I’ve done research; even if there was a way to reach into the other planes, this sounds like witchcraft. Evil stuff,” said Sean.

  “He’s right, the Bible talks of this. God does not want this,” said April.

  “If God is real, then he allows this to happen to us. Unless you want to keep living like this, keep being tormented every night, afraid to go to sleep, feeling like you’re dying, then I’m open for other ideas. I know why you all joined the Facebook group. You thought you could live with this, but something happened to each of you recently, didn’t it? Something that never has happened before? It came for you, but this time was different.” Sean looked at Diana’s eyes and the eyes of everyone at the table. Each of them started looking in every direction and begun moving slightly in their seats. They all appeared to be shell-shocked except Diana. Kevin seemed as though he was ready to run out the bar at any moment.

  “How would we do what you’re talking about?” Asked Sean.

  “I’ve been trying to connect to the other planes myself, but I’m not strong enough. Maybe, if we all try together, then we should be able to make contact and finally get some answers. Perhaps, we can end our torment. What do you all say?”

  I know witchcraft is wrong, and forgive me if this is against your will, God, but what happened last night, all of it... It has to stop. I don’t know if this will work, but I need answers. “I’m in,” said Sean.

  Chapter 5-Rebecca

  Rebecca stared at Tash with wide eyes. It couldn’t be true. She couldn’t be in Hell.

  “Dead?! No, you fuckin lyin’ bitch, I ain’t dead! You hear me? I’m not dead!” Rebecca fell to her knees, screaming and crying. I’m not dead, I’m not dead, I’m not dead.

  “Look around us. You think this is Earth?”

  “He…he...he drugged me! That muthafucka drugged me, and I’m seeing shit! Yeah, that’s it. None of this shit real. You ain’t real, that fuckin’ wrestler not real, none of this shit real.”

  Tash, grinning, moved toward Rebecca and slapped her.

  “Ouch, you fuckin’ little bitch! What da fuck is wrong with you?!” Rebecca moved to hit Tash back, but just as her blow was about to land, her body went numb.

  “Thought you’d be used to getting slapped around. Did that feel real enough real to you?”

  “What da fuck did you do to me?! I can’t fuckin move!”

  “You didn’t think I would let you hit me, did you? No one has hit me in a long time.”

  “What da fuck are you? Are you...the Devil?”

  “Do I look like Lucifer to you?”

  “I don’t fuckin’ know! I don’t know shit anymo’! Is this…Hell?” Rebecca could suddenly move again.

  “Yes, it’s Hell.”

  It’s true, that muthafucka really did kill me, and I went to Hell. Fuck. “What da fuck are you?”

  “My name is Tash, like I told you.”

  “You’re the Devil, fuckin’ playin’ games with me.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Are you a demon then?”

  “It really doesn’t matter what I am. What matters is that you follow me.”

  “Follow you to where?”

  Tash smiled. “Let’s go.”

  “Do I have a fuckin’ choice?”

  “Sure, you can say no. Then, I’ll have to make you follow me. That’ll be fun. That’s a thought. Say you won’t follow me. Say it.”

  “No, no... I’ll follow you.”

  “You’re no fun.” Tash snapped her fingers, and Rebecca had on clothes.

  “I believe those are the clothes you were wearing when you were murdered; it’s not really my taste, but it suits you. Let’s get going, and try to keep up.” Tash started walking, and Rebecca cautiously followed.

  I’m fuckin’ dead. A life of shit, and now I’m in Hell. Didn’t even believe in God. Now, the Devil looks like a little girl and he’s fuckin’ with me, and I can’t do shit. Fuck me.

  Tash and Rebecca walked for hours. There were no buildings, cars, roads, trees, or grasslands. Only an empty barren wasteland, mountains, and hills. Everything appeared to be made of the same rock-like substance that formed the ground.

  “Can we take a break? I’m getting ti’ed.”

  “No, keep moving.”

  “I’m getting ti’ed? Hey! If I’m dead, then how come I’m getting ti’ed? I don’t have no body, right? That don’t make no fucking sense!”

  “Clever observation. You’re smarter than you sound, aren’t you? I’ll answer your question with another question. How can souls feel pain?”

  “I don’t fuckin’ know.”

  “Of course you don’t. But, when I slapped you earlier, it hurt, didn’t it? If I were to, I don’t know, set you on fire right now, it would hurt. Trust me, it would hurt a
lot. If it didn’t, where else would God send the bad people like you?”

  “Yeah, but it doesn’t make no sense.”

  “You should have read your Bible more when you were alive. It gives graphic details on the pain the dead can feel. It doesn’t have to make sense to you; it’s the way it is. Souls experience some effects of the living. But, not all effects are bad, that I can tell you.”

  “What da fuck is that?!” About one hundred yards ahead of them, was a large structure resembling a wall. As they grew nearer, the structure appeared to be made of the same substance that made up the ground, though it was smooth as if the rocks had been ironed. The structure reached high up above the ground into the sky as far as the eye could see, and as they grew closer, Rebecca could not tell where it began or end.

  “That’s where we are going.” Tash pointed to a large split in the wall. When they reached it, the split opened outward, and Tash entered, followed by Rebecca. The split closed behind them as they entered. Once inside, the landscape was just like the outside: endless plains of nothing, with mountains and valleys on the horizon.

  If I’m really dead, then this muthafucka the Devil playin’ with me. All this shit she’s shown me. What da fuck do I do now? Where da fuck is she leadin’ me?

  “Open that door back, you muthafucka. Let me outta here. I’m not goin anywhere with you. I don’t care if you are the fuckin’ Devil!”

  “Are you refusing to follow me anymore?”

  “Fuck you! I’m not goin’ nowhere else with you. Try me, try to fuck with me and see what happens.”

  “I know what the king wanted, but you refused to follow me. I had no choice; you were out of control. Oh, this is going to be fun.” Tash stared at Rebecca with a wide smile.

  “Alitash! I knew that was you! Stay there, I’ll come to you!” Said the unseen voice.

  “Who da fuck is that?”

  “An old friend. Curtis.”

  After a short time, Curtis was walking towards Rebecca and Tash. He rushed toward them and kneeled down before Tash. A very short man, his skin was pale and oily. He had short curly hair, and rotten teeth, and he was very overweight. He wore suspenders with no undershirt.