The Demon On My Chest: Waking Up

by Dan Farris

  “I do.”

  “It means you’re damned. You’re meant to go to Hell.”

  “It is the will of God.”

  “Screw that! Leave, go to Heaven. Go to Heaven!”

  The cathedral started shaking, and Father Adams lifted off the ground. “Sean, what are you doing?”

  “Go to Heaven, go to Heaven. Go to Heaven!” Father Adams disappeared.

  “She betrayed me? She betrayed me!” Sean awoke, Mary Ann was standing next to Uzza, holding his hand. A teal blue light radiated from Sean’s body.

  “No! You were supposed to stay asleep until I finished!”

  “You betrayed me!” Screamed Sean.

  Mary Ann released Uzza hand. “It’s not true, Sean. He kidnapped me. Forced me to be a part of his plan.”

  “Enough of this. You will give me the power, now!”

  “Shut up and don’t move,” said Sean.

  “Release me! Release me!”

  “What did you promise her?”

  “You do not command me! You are nothing but a human.”

  “Pain,” said Sean. Uzza began to grimace in pain.

  “I promised to make her my companion in Hell, if she cooperates. Now, release me, stop the pain!”

  “You killed people looking for answers. You’re responsible for the death of a good man.”

  “Are you going to send me back to Hell again? Do it! I’ll just come back. I’ll never stop coming for you.”

  “No, not this time. I want you to die…die...die.” Uzza’s body began to decompose until only his mouth remained.

  “No, this is impossible. A human can’t…” Finally, Uzza was completely gone.

  “You killed a demon, Sean. A demon.”

  “I loved you, and you betrayed me? Why?”

  “I’m sorry, I was scared. When the demon caught me, he was gonna send me to Hell. I told him I could convince you to willingly give up the power, and he was gonna let you go, I promise he would. And me, I would be safe, forever. I love you, Sean, but I didn’t want to go to Hell and be tormented. You don’t know what it’s like, always running, always afraid! He gave me freedom. He was gonna make me a queen of Hell. I’m sorry.” Mary Ann was crying.

  “You never loved me, did you?”

  “No, I still love you. I’m sorry, Sean.”

  “You bitch, I loved you. You betrayed me. He promised to make you a queen of Hell? Good luck with that.” Mary Ann got on her knees.

  “Sean, please don’t, please don’t.”

  “Goodbye, Mary Ann… Go to Hell. Maybe you can find another sucker down there.” A portal appeared below Mary Ann, and she fell into it, casting her to Hell.

  I loved you, I loved you. Then, Sean fainted.

  Chapter 33-Sean

  When Sean came to, Persephone was once again sitting in his bed.

  “Why am I not surprised you’re here?”

  “What happened? Where’s Mary Ann?”

  “She’s… gone.”

  “Did the demon get her?”

  “No, I got her. She… I… I sent her to Hell.”

  “The woman that you love?”

  “Yes, she betrayed me! Or maybe she was just trying to protect herself. I don’t know… No, no, she made a pact with that demon. I loved her, and she betrayed me!”

  “Okay, Sean, okay, where is the demon? Did you send it back to Hell again?”

  “I destroyed it.”

  “You destroyed a demon?”

  “You heard me.”

  “Impossible. Your power is …unspeakable.”

  “Why am I even talking to you? You’ve lied to me and manipulated me. No more secrets.”

  “Fine, no more secrets.”

  “Aadon said aliens are not supposed to be able to visit Earth because God keeps Earth protected. How are you here, then?”

  “We have an agreement.”

  “Enough riddles and vague statements! I just sent the only person I ever truly loved, the only person I ever cared about, to Hell. Now tell me the truth!”

  “A demon contacted the federation. He said that he would let us research the Creator’s favorite creation if we work for him.”

  “Work for him how?”

  “Give him information as to what’s happening on Earth, and alert him if we witness anything special.”

  “Why would a demon need spies? Why wouldn’t he just look at Earth himself?”

  “And why would an angel give a fuck about humans or what’s happening on Earth?”

  “Power.”

  “What is the demon’s name?”

  “He never gave us his name, but his power keeps God from knowing we’re here.”

  “So, he knows about me, then?”

  “He does not. He hasn’t contacted us in a hundred years, and we don’t know how to contact him.”

  “You’ve lied to me, tried to manipulate me, and you’re feeding information to a demon? Show me your true form.”

  “It would only frighten you.”

  “I don’t care, I want to know what you really look like before you die. It’s a shame you don’t have a soul. I can send you to your demon master.”

  Persephone stood up from the bed, and Sean’s door closed.

  “Sean, what are you doing?”

  “I won’t ask you again. Show me your true form.”

  “Sean, I can’t move! I can’t move!” A bright light came to Sean’s window, temporarily blinding him. When he was finally able to see, Persephone had vanished.

  I was so blinded by Mary Ann. I’ve been stupid for too long. No more trusting anyone again, ever. Everyone is only out for themselves. No more being manipulated, no more being weak. God has abandoned me…I don’t need anyone or anything. I’m not weak, I’m not afraid. I may never know how I got this power, but it’s mine. It’s all mine. I’ll destroy anything that tries to take it from me. It’s all I have now, it’s all I have. Amen.

  Chapter 34-Rebecca

  Rebecca was standing in the courtyard of Agrippa’s villa, alone, when Essie arrived.

  “Rebecca? I’m surprised to see you here.”

  “Hello, Essie. Happy to see you again.”

  “The feeling is mutual.”

  “Any issues getting here?”

  “Some demons stopped me on the way, but I managed. Look at you. You’ve changed. Your attire is lovely, sophisticated.” Essie walked around Rebecca.

  “Hell tends to do that to souls,” said Rebecca.

  “You carry yourself as if you’re queen of all Hell. Shall we go inside?”

  “Not yet. Let’s stay outside and catch up a bit.”

  “I’ve never met the king before; do you know why he summoned me here?”

  “Is that so?”

  “Is what so?”

  “You’ve never met the king before? Are you sure about that? Don’t you like the little city that Agrippa has built?”

  Essie looked towards the city. “Yes, it is something.”

  “I’ve met every soul down there. They all owe their loyalty to Agrippa.”

  “You mean the king?”

  “Yes, that’s what I meant. Thanks for correcting me. They owe their loyalty to him, don’t they? It is by his good grace alone that they are not all in eternal agony.”

  “They are lucky. So are we.”

  “What do you think would cause one of those souls down there to betray their king?”

  “I can’t think of any reason; the king has been more kind to us than God ever was.”

  “I can think of some reasons.”

  “Oh?”

  “Jealously, envy, spite.”

  “Such things would cause a soul to betray King Pursan? That doesn’t make sense.”

  “Put in its proper context, it will.”

  “Do you like stories, Essie? Let me tell you a story. Long ago, a woman died and came to Hell. Now, this woman had lived a harsh and brutal life. She was terrified when she died and came to Hell, as she should be. Then, she realized
that she wasn’t on fire and wasn’t in pain. This confused the woman. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. After walking around a bit in Hell, a nice young man came to her. This was no ordinary man. No, he was kind and sweet. He explained to the woman that she had been chosen by a king of Hell to not suffer. She didn’t believe the man at first, but he stayed with her awhile. Slowly, she came to trust the man. She came to love the man. But this story has no happy ending. Eventually, this nice sweet man left the woman, and she was devastated, heart-broken. For you see, not only did she love the man, she also had discovered his true identity. This sweet man that she had fallen in love with was actually a king of Hell. Then, centuries later, this king returned to the woman, but he was not alone. He brought another woman with him. Now how do you think this devastated, heart-broken woman felt when she saw how the king looked at this other woman? A look that he never gave her? I’ll tell you: she grew jealous, envious, and spiteful.”

  Essie’s eyes looked in every direction, and she slowly inched away from Rebecca.

  “What is Pursan going to do with me?”

  “You’re not going to deny it?”

  “You’re too smart for that, aren’t you?”

  “Do you realize what damage you have caused? You’ve threatened Pursan’s entire kingdom! You’ve threatened every soul in his realm. Your actions nearly caused me eternal torment!”

  “I don’t care.”

  “What did Dagon give you in exchange for you telling him about me? More territory? More power?”

  “He gave me a promise that Pursan would grovel before him. That the whore that seduced him would burn for all time. What’s so special about you, huh? You’re not that pretty. You were a whore. You may sound like a smart whore now, but you are still just a whore. A foul-mouthed whore! What do you have that I don’t have? I loved him first! Do you hear me, Pursan? I know you’re in there. I loved you first! Why didn’t you love me back? Why don’t you love me? You think she can love you better than me? No creature has ever loved anything more than I love you. Do you hear me?”

  Essie continued to scream until her lips slowly disappeared.

  “There, that’s better. Here is your punishment for your betrayal. Your territory is hereby taken from you. It will instead be given to the souls that were serving you, except Nathaniel, he’ll be sent to The Dome. But your old master, his wife and daughter, their eternity will be pure bliss going forward. How does that make you feel? What else shall I do with you?”

  Pursan came out of the villa. He walked to Rebecca and kissed her. “Words can’t express my love for you. And you, Essie. How could you betray me?”

  “I’m thinking of more ways to punish her. I have it!” Rebecca held her hands toward Essie and turned her into a necklace. Then, she put it around her neck. The necklace had two small eyes in the front; tears wept from it.

  “You didn’t want to see me with Pursan? Well, now you’ll see us together, forever. Welcome to the rest of your eternity.”

  “Remind me never to betray you,” said Pursan.

  “I will, and you should tell Agrippa to send for the council. I’ve enjoyed my alone time with you, but that brute has been gone some time now; he’ll return soon.”

  “Shall we tell the council who you really are when they arrive this time?”

  “Yes, though I’m certain they already know who I am, especially Stalin.”

  “After Dagon and Essie…I’m not sure if I can trust my council anymore.”

  “You can trust them. I’m sorry I made you question that. Every member of the council is smart and cunning; that’s why you chose them. No matter how perilous it looks, the smart move is to continue being loyal to the king who has acquired the most power in Hell: Pursan the cunning. Besides, they’re not delusion, scorned lovers like Essie.” Rebecca kissed her necklace.

  A little time later, Rebecca, Pursan and the rest of the council were waiting in Agrippa’s foyer for Achcauthilli to return. They had received word when he was near the city.

  “My king, a small matter of importance. My spies tell them that there is something unusual occurring on Earth. It’s not clear yet, but there is a power from some source that has been felt,” said Stalin.

  “What kind of power?” Asked Rebecca.

  Pursan quickly replied, “I’m sure it’s nothing. We have more important things to worry about. Earth is Lucifer’s domain anyway.”

  Achcauthilli entered the foyer with Soolweawa over his shoulder. His placed her on the ground.

  “That power you gave me came in hand. It wasn’t easy getting her through here, but that’s why I’m the best.” Pursan walked up to her and shook his head.

  “When Dagon told me that he finally found a companion, a new companion, I was happy for him. He helped me cement my power. I wanted him to be happy. I never assumed that his happiness would lead to my sadness. Do you know why I’m sad? Because my brother betrayed me!”

  “You are weak! All of you kings are. Look how easily you bent before Samael. You’re not even a commander. It’s time for this kingdom to have a king that’s worthy of the title!”

  “He isn’t weak,” said Rebecca. “Dagon is weak. He is weak, and he is a fool. What was his plan? The notion that Samael would have let a new king be crowned is foolish. That Samael would let a war occur, when he wants Hell united, is foolish. But then again, it was your plan, wasn’t it? Dagon never wanted to rule, no, he just was listening to his companion. His foolish, ambitious companion.”

  “If it wasn’t for this big idiot that saved you, I’d have you screaming in pain right now! It isn’t over. Dagon has already convinced others to follow us. Soon we’ll have enough numbers to overthrow you.”

  “How shall we use her to negotiate a deal with Dagon?” Asked Hatshepsut.

  “We should not negotiate with him; the king’s other soldiers will start to get ideas. Instead, we gather the king’s army and invade Dagon’s territory at once,” said Solomon.

  “That would send a message that would keep the other soldiers in line,” said Agrippa.

  “Yes, but like Rebecca said, that would bring attention. If Samael finds out, he may not be pleased,” said Stalin.

  “That’s a risk we’ll have to take. Better that than Dagon overthrowing the king,” said Solomon.

  “You didn’t answer Hatshepsut’s question,” said Rebecca. “Men, always rushing to war. We have his companion. Let’s use her. I propose we send a message to Dagon that we have his companion, and she’ll be tossed in the Bottomless Pit unless he disbands his army and meets the king at a place of the king’s choosing.”

  “What about the soldiers he convinced to follow him? The king can no longer trust them. They must be punished,” said Solomon.

  “We’ll deal with them after Dagon is taken care of,” said Hatshepsut.

  “It’s a good idea. It solves the king’s problem without alerting Samael,” said Stalin.

  “Stalin, I need you to make sure that knowledge of Dagon’s attempt at a coup stays in this kingdom,” said Pursan.

  “Yes, my king.”

  “Sire, it’s a sound plan, but remember that Dagon is a commander. If he attempts an attack on you, what should we do?” Asked Agrippa.

  “He won’t. Dagon wouldn’t risk his companion being hurt. Isn’t that right, Soolweawa?” asked Rebecca. Soolweawa remained quiet.

  “Agrippa, send the message to Dagon,” said Pursan. “Achcauthilli, you have proven yourself quite useful.”

  Achcauthilli kneeled before Pursan. “I exist only to serve you, my king.”

  “And you shall. Remain in Agrippa’s city. I want to keep you close by.”

  “Yes, my king.”

  Stalin’s spies conveyed Pursan’s message to Dagon. Then, Rebecca, Pursan, and the counsel all went to the outskirts of Agrippa’s city. They waited there for Dagon to appear.

  “What will you do to him after he surrenders?” Asked Rebecca.

  “I’ll get rid of him for good.”
>
  A short time later, Dagon arrived. Pursan then rose to his normal demon height so that he was nearly as tall as Dagon.

  “Is she safe?” Asked Dagon with weary eyes.

  “She is,” replied Pursan.

  “Can I see her?”

  “You may not.”

  “I’ve done just as you have asked. What now?”

  Pursan sighed. “Do you remember the first time we met?”

  “I do.”

  “Do you remember what you told me?”

  “I told you how powerful our father was.”

  “Yes, and you told me our purpose, about how we conquered other spaces. At the time, you were preparing for a conquest, if I recall. And I asked if I could come with you. Do you remember what you told me?”

  “I told you that Father only sends commanders to conquer, and you were no commander.”

  “Such a rough thing to tell a newborn. You also said that Father made some of us to lead, and some to follow, and that I was a follower. Do you still believe that?”

  “I stopped believing what Father taught us long ago.”

  “And that’s why you were able to follow me, after we were cast down.”

  “Yes.”

  “But your betrayal, it seems as though a part of you still believes what Father taught you. That some are made to lead, while others follow, and there’s nothing we can do about it. I trusted you, brother. I loved you! If I can’t trust Dagon, then who can I trust?”

  “These are unusual circumstances we are in.”

  “Have I ever lied to you?”

  “No, my king, you have not.”

  “So, you can believe me when I say that your companion will be safe and protected for all time. She’ll be given territories and souls to attend to her. But she will never be allowed to leave her territory. Never. And I’ll personally choose her servants and make sure that she never communicates with anyone but them.”

  “In exchange?”

  “I want you to give me the names of every soldier who joined you.”

  “And?”

  “And then I want you to go to Samael and tell him that you came to challenge him.”

  “He’ll destroy me!”

  “Yes, he will.” Pursan wept, and quickly wiped his tears away.