The Demon On My Chest: Waking Up

by Dan Farris

  “We can’t find Michael.”

  “Have you looked everywhere? Perhaps he went back to Heaven?”

  “No, he’s not there.”

  “Oh my, where could he have gone, then?”

  “I think that someone hid him.”

  “Lucifer?”

  “He’s too afraid of me. I don’t think it was a demon or angel that hid him.” A’isha appeared to be getting nervous.

  “Haven’t I been kind to you?”

  “Yes, more than kind.”

  “Haven’t I been merciful to your people?”

  “What are you getting at?”

  “Didn’t I warn you? I told you not to play me.”

  “Samael, I...”

  “Quiet, I’m not done talking! I warned you.”

  A’isha couldn’t maintain eye contact with Samael. “I…I love him. He came back to me! After all this time, he remembered me.”

  “He knows that Gabriel and the others have joined me. Did you tell him?”

  “No, no, I was beyond shocked when he appeared. He said The Creator suspected some of the angels were unhappy, and out of precaution, The Creator told him to leave Heaven for his safety.”

  “You’ve been playing me for a fool this whole time. Why shouldn’t I destroy you right now?” A’isha got on her knees.

  “Please, Samael, please, be merciful. I’m sorry, I love him. I love him. Show mercy.”

  “You fool. He doesn’t love you. He was using you. My kind, once we choose a companion, we don’t willingly leave them. He never loved you. If he did, he would never have left you. Now, where is he?” A’isha did not say anything.

  “Still protecting him? I think I can change your mind. Do you love your people?”

  “Yes, I’m responsible for them.”

  “Good.” Suddenly, all of the remaining jinn appeared before Samael and A’isha.

  “What is this? Why did you bring them here? No! No!” Yelled A’isha in horror. Samael stared at A’isha as he destroyed half of the remaining jinn. “No! No!”

  The few remaining were crying and screaming in fear. “Do you love your people?”

  “Yes, yes, I love them. Please, punish me for what I did. But not them, please, not them.”

  “You can still save them.”

  A short time, Lucifer returned to Samael. “Is it time to attack?” Asked Lucifer as he appeared through a portal. “Why are all these monsters here?”

  “This jinn, she knows where Michael is, she will take you to him,” said Samael.

  “Will you spare my people?” Asked A’isha.

  “Pray that Michael is still there,” said Samael.

  A’isha touched Lucifer’s shoulder, and they disappeared.

  A little time later, A’isha and Lucifer returned. The remaining jinn were on their knees, with Samael towering over them.

  “Where is he?”

  “By the time we got there, he was gone,” said Lucifer.

  “Gone?! Gone?!” Samael walked to the remaining jinn and began destroying them one by one.

  “Was I not clear? You don’t love your people; now watch them go to oblivion!”

  “Stop it, stop it! He wasn’t there!”

  “Because you warned him!”

  “No, no! I swear it!”

  “Then where is he? Where is he?”

  “I don’t know! He must have gotten worried and left! Please, stop, stop!”

  Lucifer laughed. “Your kind feared me and my brothers for eons. Now you see why we all fear Samael. Destroy them all, the mistakes,” said Lucifer.

  Samael finally stopped destroying the jinn. Only a handful of them was left. Samael turned to Lucifer. “Take her and the remaining jinn to your territory. They no longer have access to Earth. Put each of them in cages. Send word to Pursan and all the others. Make sure their armies are ready. Soon we attack Heaven.”

  “Finally!”

  “Make sure that no harm comes to this one.”

  “Come, you monsters.” Lucifer left with A’isha and the remaining jinn. Just as they left, Gabriel returned.

  “We found him, brother! He’s back in Heaven. He was on Earth; a jinn hid him in the Darkness. Those monsters.”

  “It’s time, Gabriel. Michael knows, and Father suspects us. Tell our brothers in Heaven to prepare. When you see Hell’s army at the gates of Heaven, you lead the attack from the inside.”

  “We’ve waited a long time for this. Soon, we’ll have our vengeance. Soon, this space will be made in our image.” Gabriel disappeared.

  Samael was now alone again at the Lake of Fire. A demon appeared in the sky, headed toward him. The demon landed and immediately kneeled. He was dressed like a soldier.

  “Uzza, have you come to challenge me?”

  “Of course not. Only a fool would challenge the mighty Samael.”

  “Then what do you want?”

  “I have valuable information. Information that may prove useful in overthrowing Heaven.”

  “Who was your king before I arrived?”

  “Lucifer.”

  “Have you shared this information with him yet?”

  “No, I just returned from Earth. When I heard that you had seized the throne of Hell, I headed straight for you.”

  “Speak.”

  “I was on Earth, seeking souls to corrupt and bring to Hell, when I came across a special human. This human had power in him, enormous power. I tried to seize him, but he cast me to Hell.”

  “Father gives his pets such power?”

  “Yes, but this was different. There were other humans there, crying out for our father, but this human, he sent me back down here all by himself.”

  “Father imbedded them with more power than you realize. But I’m curious. Return to Earth and bring this human to me. Let’s see what this power is you speak about.”

  “Will you give me the power to go back to Earth?”

  “Go, and return quickly. Do whatever it takes to capture this human. We attack Heaven soon.” Uzza disappeared through a portal.

  Chapter 30-Sean

  Sean was running in the Rainforest, being led by a jaguar. He was sweating profusely, breathing hard, but he had to find out what happened to Aadon and Persephone before it was too late. What’s stopping this jaguar from turning around and eating me? I wish it would slow down. I can barely keep up.

  As the jaguar and Sean ran in the forest, Sean realized they were nearing the Matis territory. When they reached the Matis’ village, Sean stopped walking and stood in shock. All the Matis were dead. Their hearts had been removed and their heads had been chopped off: men, women, and children.

  “No, no! What the fuck is this? Who did this? Who?”

  Sean fell to the ground and cried. The jaguar waited as Sean wept.

  “God, how can you allow this? Innocent people destroyed by evil!” I’ll make them pay. I’ll make them suffer. After crying on the ground for a long time, Sean finally stood up. He wiped his eyes and looked at the jaguar. “Let’s go.” The jaguar started running, and Sean followed. I’ll make them suffer. I’ll make them suffer. If God won’t do it, then I will.

  The jaguar led Sean back to the boat in which he, Aadon, and Persephone had arrived at the Matis village before returning back to the rainforest. Sean remembered how Aadon worked the boat, and he remembered the way back. He took it all the way back to the city and booked a plane ticket to Louisiana.

  When Sean got off the plane, he immediately drove home. All those people died for nothing. They’ll come for me. All I have to do is wait. I hope Aadon and Persephone haven’t told them about Mary Ann.

  Sean arrived back at his house, got out of his car, and slowly walked toward the house. It was raining outside, and it was night. When Sean opened his door, the old couple from the rainforest sitting on his couch.

  “See, Harry, I told you he would come back here.”

  “You two! What did you do with them? Where are they? And the Matis. You are fucking vermin. You slaugh
tered them! They were innocent! Why didn’t you take me? I was the one you wanted!”

  “You best calm down. You don’t want to give yourself a heart attack. That’s it, easy, easy. We wanted to take you, but after Nathaniel knocked you over the head, you vanished,” said the old woman. “You are powerful.”

  “Where are they?”

  “Do you want to see them? Why don’t you come with us?”

  “What do you want from me?”

  “The power.”

  “Take me to them and you can have it.”

  “Harry, call our family. Tell them we’re bringing home a special visitor.”

  Soon after the old man made the phone call, a nice red sedan arrived at Sean’s house. It was driven by a teenager. Sean and the old couple were waiting in Sean’s front yard.

  “This is him?” Asked the teenager.

  “Aren’t you proud of me?” Asked the old woman.

  “You two have done well. I’m Buford. Thank you for agreeing to come with us.”

  “Don’t thank me just yet.” Sean got in the vehicle, and they all drove off.

  As the car drove down the road, they were leaving Sean’s hometown. Houses and restaurants became more and more scarce, replaced by large tracts of land and large houses in the background. “We’re headed to Newboard?”

  “It’s where your friends are,” said the teenager.

  “Don’t you just love Louisiana? We’ve been away for too long,” said the old woman.

  They were in the car for over an hour. Sean had not seen another home in some time. When the car finally stopped, there a large tract of land, with a small stream in the front. Far off in the distance, was a large mansion. Leading to the mansion was a pathway, cornered by large hanging trees on each side. “Let’s go see your friend,” said the old man.

  They walked on the pathway and reached the house. It seemed as though it had been vacant for many years. It was covered in algae and it appeared to be rotting. Just in front of the house stood two large wooden crosses hung upside down. They were both on fire.

  Buford walked up the brief steps leading into the house. When he opened the door, several people came outside until they formed a circle around Sean. Some of them were even children. Some were dressed plainly in jeans and shirts, while others were dressed elegantly in suits and fine dresses.

  “You looked frightened. Don’t be scared, we don’t want to hurt you,” said the old woman. Sean looked at their faces and recognized several people he had seen around town, including some community leaders. Doctors, lawyers, business owners, and even some pastors. A few were carrying knives.

  “Misty? What the fuck are you doing here?”

  “I thought you were just some jerk that took me out on a cheap date, slept with me, and didn’t call back. But you’re special, aren’t you?”

  “What the fuck are you doing here? Do you know what these people did? They slaughtered a group of innocent people!”

  “Dr. Jones and his family? No, you mean those poor people in Brazil? I hate I missed that. Though, I’ve had some fun with the angel. We all have.”

  People continued to trickle out of the house and circle Sean until Buford came out of the house with Aadon. The people opened the circle, allowing Burford to lead Aadon to Sean. Aadon was naked, beaten, and bloody. His eyes had been removed.

  “Aadon! What did they do to you?”

  “Kid, is that… is that you?”

  “It’s me. How did this happen? You’re an angel!”

  “Yeah, I’m an angel, I’m not Chuck Norris. I’m not invincible.”

  “But these people--they’re just humans, how could they hurt you? How could they capture you?”

  “I don’t know, kid. Some powerful magic, I guess.”

  “Well, now you see, the angel is alive and well. We never wanted him anyway. It’s you we want,” said Buford.

  “You’re just a kid!”

  “Don’t trust your eyes. Do you like my home? I built this home over two hundred years ago.”

  Sean quickly whispered in Aadon’s ear, “Do they know about Mary Ann?”

  “No, your dead girlfriend is safe. I didn’t tell them anything. If you don’t have your powers figured out by now, then we are royally fucked. Tell me you do.”

  “I’ve been trying, but nothing. I don’t know.”

  “That’s good news. Maybe they’ll let you keep an eye. You can get an eye patch like a pirate.”

  “What are you two talking about?” Asked Buford.

  “Nothing,” said Sean.

  “Try to keep your secrets. Soon, we’ll know everything about you. The power you have inside of you? I’m going to rip it out.”

  “This guy is something, huh? Rip out what’s inside of you? He sounds like a bad informercial for an abortion clinic,” said Aadon.

  Sean continued whispering to Aadon. “Where’s Persephone?”

  “I don’t know; soon after these Charmed rejects captured us, she disappeared.”

  “Did whoever save me save her too?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “When one of them hit me over the head, someone saved me. Maybe they saved Persephone too.”

  “Kid, you saved you. I sensed it. After you were hit, you didn’t disappear.”

  “Then where did I go?”

  “You shrunk to the size of an atom. You didn’t know? What happened to you after you blew up to size?”

  “Gaia found me.”

  “Then she knows what you are?”

  “No.”

  “Great, this just keeps getting better and better.”

  “Can’t you do anything?”

  “Look at me, kid. You don’t think I would have done something by now? You think I like being here with my dick hanging out?”

  “Damn, then where did Persephone go?”

  “Enough talk between you two,” Buford said. “I’ll get the power from you before other covens find out about you.” Burford then addressed the people surrounding Sean and Aadon.

  “My family, the queen will be pleased with each of us; our territory in Hell will triple in size. I bless those who have been chosen.” The people carrying knives slit their own throats and fell to the ground.

  “Shit!!” Yelled Sean.

  Buford and the remaining people stretched their arms toward the crosses and began praying in the angelic language.

  “What do we do now?” Asked Sean.

  “Beats me. This is looking like the last rodeo.”

  I’ll find you, Mary Ann. Even in death, I’ll find you. Nothing will keep me from you.

  “It isn’t working. Why isn’t the queen answering our prayers? Does she require more sacrifices?” Asked Misty.

  “Enough sacrifices have been already given. I’m sure of it,” said Buford.

  “You said the queen told you to seize the power after we all felt it. But I haven’t heard the queen in some time,” said Misty.

  “Don’t question me, granddaughter! I know she would want us to do this. She has not forsaken us. Look at what we did to the angel. We must pray louder!” Buford and the others got on their knees and prayed even louder.

  “What’s happening? What are they doing?” Asked Sean.

  “Their power isn’t working on you. Is there anything funnier than a failed magic trick?”

  “It’s not working, it’s still not working!” Screamed Misty.

  “Bring him to me,” replied Buford. The people grabbed Sean and held him on the ground.

  “Get your hands off me!” Sean yelled.

  “Perhaps we overestimated you. Look at you, so easily subdued. Misty is right, our queen requires another sacrifice. When you die, your power will be ours. Someone hand me a blade,” said Buford.

  This is it. God, if you can hear me, please forgive me for my sins. I’ll find you, Mary Ann, I’ll find you.

  Sean lay on the ground, accepting his fate, when there was a massive ray of light .

  “The queen! She
has answered our prayers! She is here with us,” said one of the people.

  “That’s not the queen!” Buford screamed.

  “What is that then?” Asked Misty.

  The ray of light beamed so brightly that Sean closed his eyes. Then an explosion.

  When Sean opened his eyes, all the people were gone except himself and Aadon. Spots of blood dotted the ground where the people once stood. Aadon’s eyes reappeared, and all his injuries vanished. A golden robe appeared on him.

  “Feels good to be back,” said Aadon.

  “Why did you wait so long to do this?”

  “It wasn’t me, kid. I thought it was you.”

  Sean kept looking into the sky. “The light. Where did it come from? Did God save us?”

  “Naw, it wasn’t him.”

  “Another angel then?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Then what was it?”

  “Look who finally decided to show up. Here comes our savior now.” Aadon pointed in the direction of the pathway leading to the house, and Persephone walking towards them.

  “Persephone? What the hell happened to you?” Asked Sean.

  “Hello, Sean. I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “Aren’t you going to ask about me?” Asked Aadon.

  “You too, Aadon.”

  “What happened to you? In Brazil, where did you go?” Asked Sean.

  “The others saved me.”

  “You mean other aliens? How did they know you were in trouble?” Asked Sean.

  “I called them, telepathically. They sent a ship to rescue me.”

  “The beam of light was the ship?” Asked Sean.

  “Yes.”

  “How did you know we were here?” Asked Sean.

  “I tried to rescue you in Brazil. But wherever you went, we could not find you.”

  “Gaia,” said Sean.

  “She’s real, then? Did she give you any useful information?”

  “No. But how did you find me now?”

  Persephone touched the back of Sean’s head and removed a small device.

  “Ouch, that hurts. A tracking device? You put a fucking tracking device in me? When?”

  “I’m sorry, but after I realized how special you were, I couldn’t risk losing you.”