by Dan Farris
“Speaking of people, it’s just you and him here?”
“Don’t you get any ideas. We have the occasional solider report, but we’ve closed ranks since Samael. Who can you truly trust these days?”
“Apparently, no one.”
“Since you don’t care about Pursan, maybe you can be of use. My spies have been watching you and him for some time. Is there anything he told you that you think I’d want to know?”
“Nothing comes to mind.”
“Are you sure? I’d hate to find out you were lying to me.” If she can read my mind, then I’m screwed.
Rebecca and Soolweawa sat staring at each other. “Tell me everything you know about Pursan,” said Soolweava.
Rebecca felt pain like she’d never felt before. “What are you doing? Stop, stop it!”
“Pursan can’t protect you anymore. Tell me everything.” No, no, I’d suffer forever rather than betray him.
From the distance, were footsteps. It was a woman running toward them. “What is it, my love? Is everything ok?”
“I’m sorry to bother you,” said the woman.
“You never bother me.” Soolweava grabbed the woman and gave her a long kiss.
“Now, what is it?”
“It’s your family. Your mother thinks something has happened to you. She’s ordered everyone to leave the safehold and find you.”
“They can’t leave! It’s too dangerous now. We can’t be found out.” Soolweava looked at Rebecca, and the pain stopped.
“Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back shortly.” A large cage made of fire and spikes surrounded Rebecca. “If you try to escape, the pain will be unbearable.” Soolweava and the unknown woman walked off, leaving Rebecca in the cage alone. I have to get out of here. Think, think.
Chapter 24-Rebecca
Rebecca sat in the cage for an unknown time, alone, when she finally saw someone walking toward her. When the figure finally approached, Rebecca realized it had no face, clothes, or genitalia.
“What are you? Did Soolweava send you?”
The figure with no face walked around the cage, and suddenly the cage disappeared.
“Can you speak?”
The figure slowly inched toward Rebecca, and it transformed into a very large man covered in animal skins. When it finally stood in front of Rebecca, a face formed.
“Achcauthilli?” Achcauthilli smiled.
“We meet again. Third time’s a charm, eh? Where’s that wrestle you owe me?”
“What are you doing here?”
“You know what I want. I want to wrestle you. Shall we begin?”
Rebecca did not move an inch.
“Aren’t you going to run? Or threaten me with retribution from your king, like last time?”
“No.”
Achcauthilli laughed.
“How the mighty have fallen. Things have not been going well for us since we last met.”
“Us?”
Achcauthilli’s face turned sour.
“Yes, here you are, kidnapped by one of your king’s trusted soldiers. Left in a cage waiting to be tortured. And me…well. Your king truly cared about you. More than my king cared about me. After your king found out I entered his territory without approval, he sent a message to my king.”
“And what was this message?”
“To hand me over. Then I started thinking: Samael has taken over Hell, why would Pursan worry about one soul entering his territory? You’d think he’d have bigger things to worry about. Then, it hit me--the kings do love their companions, don’t they? If my king weren’t so busy worrying over Samael, he would have figured it out too.”
The dumb brute figured it out. “I take it your king did not oblige Pursan, for here you are.”
“Oh, he was going to, but I escaped before he was able. And like you said, here I am.”
Rebecca and Achcauthilli stood silently for a few minutes.
“You think kidnapping me will get you back in the good graces of your king? Is that it?”
“Half-right. It’s time I serve a new king. I’m taking you to Pursan. Imagine how happy he’ll be with me when I return his beloved companion.”
“So you’re not here to wrestle me, then?”
“You’re my redemption. We both know what happens to humans that are not favored. After all, we’re still in Hell. I have to escape that fate.”
“I still don’t understand how you got here undetected. When Pursan finds out who took me, Soolweava and Dagon are through. How could they be so careless?”
“They weren’t careless. I’m just that good. We should get going before they return.”
“Where? I can’t go back home. And I don’t know where Pursan is.”
“By now, he’ll know that you’ve been kidnapped. I’ll find him. I always get my target.”
“Depending on your mouth and Dagon’s, we have to assume that others know that I’m Pursan’s companion.”
“Half-right again. If Samael knew, you wouldn’t be here. He’s taken the companions of all the kings. I’m sure Dagon hasn’t told anyone other than his companion about you.”
“The risk is still too high that in my attempt to return to Pursan, someone will figure out that I’m his companion, and I’ll end up right back here, or worse.”
“What do you take me for? I’ve been the top tracker in Hell for over two thousand years. No one is better at getting from here to there than me. You don’t think I’ve thought this out?”
“There, that’s the last of it,” said Achcauthilli.
“What is it? What did you do?”
“I’ve made us invisible. No human or demon can sense us.”
“Not even demons? How did you acquire such power?”
“A long time ago, I did something for someone extremely powerful. In gratitude, she gave me some power. I haven’t used it in all this time. We should get moving; it won’t last long. We must find Pursan before it wears off.”
I don’t trust this brute, but this may be my only chance of ever returning to Pursan. “You lead the way,” said Rebecca in Achcauthilli’s native language. Achcauthilli smiled and began running. Rebecca followed. If only he could fly like Dagon.
The two ran nonstop for what felt like days.
“Will you slow down?” Asked Rebecca.
“What’s the matter, you can’t keep up?” Said Achcauthilli sarcastically.
“Let’s walk, for a short time. There’s something I’ve been thinking about. How did Dagan find out about me? His companion said she had spies. Pursan would have known if we were being watched.”
“Not so smart after all. Isn’t it obvious? It has to be someone that you’ve come across in Hell. You’ve been here how long now?”
“About one hundred years. But I haven’t met that many since I’ve died.”
“Makes it easier for you to figure it out, then.” Who could it be? Alitash? Curtis?
“You know, your plan for finding Pursan is not very smart,” said Rebecca. “His kingdom is bigger than the size of Earth, and we’re supposed to walk around and hope we run into him. You said we didn’t have long before this spell wears off? And then what? Dagon must have scouts out looking for me by now. What if they find me first?”
“Yeah, so? Do you have any better ideas?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. Just because we don’t know where Pursan is…there is someone out there who does.”
“How can you know if you can trust them? Did you not hear what I just said? Someone you met down here betrayed you to Dagon. Should I rinse your ears out?”
“Rinse your brains out first. Just because we can’t trust this person doesn’t mean they can’t lead us to Pursan.”
“Who?”
“Agrippa. Do you know where he lives?”
“I’m starting to see why Pursan took such a liking to you. Yes, I know where he lives. Romans, all their homes look the same.”
“Good. Is it far?”
“Very far.”
&n
bsp; “How far is very far?”
“How can I put this so you’ll understand? From where we’re at now, it’ll take us a couple of months to get there.”
“Let’s get going then.”
Achcauthilli started running and Rebecca followed. I’m coming, Pursan, I’m coming.
Chapter 25-Samael
On the shore of the lake of fire, the flames cast Samael’s face in golden light. The swirling void of a portal tore through the air beside him, and Gabriel emerged from its depths.
“Let’s race. I bet I could take you. I was always quicker than you,” said Gabriel.
“Another time. Are we ready?”
“I’ve convinced the majority of our brothers to join us.”
“It’s time, then. I’ll call forth Pursan and the others to tell them the battle plans. If Father doesn’t know yet, then you can lead the attack in Heaven. While Father is focused on that, I’ll show up with the others and attack the gates of Heaven.”
“Or I could just open the gates and let you in?”
“Too risky. With such large numbers, Father would suspect someone in Heaven betrayed him. Go and prepare the others. We’ve waited long enough.” Gabriel stood still, looking down.
“What is it?” Samael asked.
“Excellent plan, but we may have a problem. Michael… He’s gone missing.”
“What do you mean missing?”
“I mean that he’s not in Heaven.”
“So? Is he a prisoner of Heaven? He can come and go as he pleases. He is the commander of Heaven’s army, after all.”
“Well, that’s the thing. Ever since the rebellion, Michael has never left Heaven.”
“Why would he leave now, then?”
“I don’t know.”
Samael took a few steps away from Gabriel. What are you up to, Michael?
“When you were convincing Michael and the others to join us, did you tell them that you had joined me?”
“Not until I was one hundred percent certain that they’d be amenable to the idea.”
“So Michael doesn’t know about you and the others? Maybe one of our other brothers told him? Maybe one of them told Father?”
“No! I trust everyone that has joined us. Father doesn’t know, Michael doesn’t know.”
“Then where is he?!”
“I’m not sure, brother, but if he does know, then Father knows. Maybe he grew bored with Heaven and took a vacation.”
“We need to find him. I won’t launch any attack with that unknown. Any ideas where he could be?”
“Michael and I haven’t been close since the rebellion. I’ll talk to our brothers who were closet to him in Heaven.”
“You do that, and afterward, I want you to search the entire space. Use that speed you’re so confident in. I’ll get Lucifer to search Earth. We will find him. And, Gabriel? Watch yourself. If you get any signs that Father knows about our plans, return here and we’ll regroup.”
Gabriel’s wings appeared, and he left in a portal.
A short time later, Lucifer, alone, came before Samael.
“You called for me, king of Hell?”
“Watch that tone; you know I despise sarcasm.”
“Forgive me. Old habits die hard. Are we ready to launch our attack on Heaven?”
“Not quite. I need you to find someone for me. Someone that may be hiding on earth.”
“Woe unto the creature that has the attention of the mighty Samael. Who is this person? Is it A’isha? She is beautiful, for a monster.”
“She doesn’t concern me. I need you to find Michael.”
“Michael? Why would he be on Earth?”
“We think he may know about our plans. We need to be sure he doesn’t.”
“This may cause some of the other kings... I mean, former kings to get cold feet.”
“That’s why you’re not going to tell anyone about this. I know I can trust you. Isn’t that right?” Samael walked up to Lucifer and stood inches away from his face, causing Lucifer to cower before him. Lucifer smiled nervously.
“Of course, I won’t tell anyone.”
“Because if you do, Hime may find herself in an unpleasant situation. Do I make myself clear?”
“Certainly.”
“Don’t bring any unnecessary attention to yourself. After your search is complete, return to me.” Lucifer disappeared.
Samael was thinking about Michael when A’isha appeared through a portal.
“Did you enjoy your time on Earth, outside of The Darkness?” Asked Samael.
“Yes, thank you for asking. It was strange, not only being able to roam Earth, but to not fear being destroyed by one of you.… Thank you for that, Samael.”
“Don’t thank me. We have an agreement, remember? Are your people still in line?”
“Yes.” A’isha started to look in every direction, but Samael couldn’t take his gaze away from her. I’ll give Father one thing: even his mistakes can be beautiful.
“What do you do here? In Hell?”
“I stand here, and wait for updates. Until I decide it’s time to attack.”
“That sounds terribly boring. Do I bore you?”
“No.”
“Good. I don’t think you can handle much more boredom.”
Samael smiled slightly.
“Why do you think the Creator loves the humans so?” Asked A’isha.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen anything special about them.”
“But he does love them. When they die, they go somewhere else. When my people die, we cease to exist. What do you think it feels like? Non-existence? Does it hurt?”
“I believe not. I believe it feels like nothing.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad, if you had nothing to live for. What do you live for?”
“Vengeance.”
“Ooo, that’s a good one. Until you came along, my people just lived for survival. We lived to live, if that makes sense. You’ve given us something else to live for.”
“And what is that?”
“Hope.”
“You know, you were right. This is boring, just standing by this wretched lake,” said Samael.
“What shall you do, then?”
“Take my hand.” Samael’s wings appeared.
“Where are we going? Back to Earth?”
“No, a brief tour of the planets and stars surrounding Earth. Now, take my hand.”
A’isha took Samael’s hand and smiled. “Hope. Wait, what if someone tries to update you and you’re not here?”
“We won’t be gone too long.”
Samael traveled through the Milky Way galaxy with A’isha holding his hand. A’isha eyes sparkled. “It’s wonderful. Just wonderful! It’s all so big, and so much life.”
“Did you think life just existed on Earth?”
“Yes. It’s all so…wonderful. Thank you for showing me all of this. I never imagined I would see such things!”
After quickly traveling the Milky Way Galaxy, Samael and A’isha returned to Hell. A’isha had a look of sadness on her face, her head titled downward.
“Are you not pleased?”
“I am. Thank you again. It’s just that my people have been trapped on Earth, in the darkness all this time, and there is so much wonder to been seen. And all those creatures we saw, what happens to all of them when they die? Do they go to Heaven or Hell? Or do they cease to exist?”
“They cease to exist.”
“So much life… Why is the afterlife only reserved for the humans? Samael, what are your real plans for my kind? After you take Heaven? I know what the other angels and demons want to do with us. Will you destroy us?”
“No, my fight is not with you.”
“What about the others? Will you let them destroy us, after we’ve served your purpose?”
Samael remained silent.
“Maybe I was foolish to hope.” A’isha turned away from Samael and stared into the lake of fire.
“What are you wait
ing for, then?” She asked finally.
“One of my brothers, very powerful, is missing. I can’t attack Heaven until I know where he is.”
“Who is he?”
“His name is Michael.” A’isha quickly turned away.
“You know of him?” Samael asked.
“He entered The Darkness, and my father sent me to greet him. We had never seen an angel before. There were so many of my people back then. When I asked him who he was, he told me his name. He said that he entered the darkness out of curiosity and to meet my kind. He said that we were not part of God’s plan.”
“Father’s plans are outdated. Well, is there anything else you know about Michael?”
“No... That is it. Thank you again.… I must return to my people now.” A’isha vanished back through a portal.
She’s hiding something from me, but what? Why did I take her through the stars? Can she be trusted? Why do I even care?
Chapter 26-Sean
“First class. Impressive, Sean,” said Persephone as she sat between Sean and the window on the plane headed to Brazil.
“I don’t think Aadon is happy about being in coach,” said Persephone.
“He’s an angel, he’s flown before,” said Sean.
“How can you afford all of this?”
“I’ve always been good with money.”
“Why didn’t you put me in coach with Aadon? You can’t be too pleased with how I’ve lied to you.”
“You did more than just lie to me. You’ve been playing me this whole time. That bullshit made story you told me about your parents, that was messed up. You should be an actor. I know you represent some kind of alien federation, but what else can you tell me about yourself? I won’t tell Aadon.”
“You won’t have to. He’s an angel, he can hear everything we’re saying now. I’m sure he’s listening in. How do you like coach, Aadon?”
“So that’s it? After all this, people have died! And you won’t tell me anything else about who you really are?”
Persephone leaned back in her seat. “Keep it down. I come from a planet much more advanced than Earth.”
“You said you’ve been on Earth a couple hundred years? So, your species doesn’t age? How is that possible?”
