by Dan Farris
“Hey, it was her idea. Besides, I’ll get her eventually. There’s no way for them to run. Stop being such a prude. Let’s head back to the hotel.”
“What, enough killing for one night?”
“Nah, I need to take a shower.” She was sexy.
“You need to be careful, Sean.”
“They couldn’t harm me.”
“That’s not what I mean. You say you’re doing this because it’s God’s will, but the look in your eye back there when you made them kill each other… You’re starting to enjoy it. And now this with the woman…”
“Relax, you’re already dead. Stop worrying so much.”
When Sean arrived back at the hotel, Aadon stood by his room.
“Who’s that?” Luke asked.
“An angel that shouldn’t be here.”
“An angel?”
Sean got out of his car and walked up to Aadon. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Hi kid, happy to see you too.”
“I said what are you doing here?”
“I’ve been looking for you. Wasn’t too hard to find, I may be unable to sense you, but all I had to do was follow the trail of blood. You’ve been busy.”
“Doing the will of God. Now what do you want?”
“I heard about what you did. You killed a demon.”
“Yeah, so?”
“It’s a big difference between being able to temporarily subdue one of them versus killing one of them. That’s power that no human is supposed to have. Only my father and my brothers have that kind of power.”
“Well, looks like God decided it was time for a change.”
“No, kid. Whatever you are, this power you have, is not God.”
“You’re wrong, it has to be!”
“Who’s the ghoul?”
“He’s helping me.”
“Helping you how?”
“That’s my business.”
“I’ve come to warn you. My superior found out about you.”
“When you say he found out, you mean you told him? Pity, you didn’t get a chance to seize the power for yourself. Is that why you’re here? Have you come to finish what you started?”
Aadon took a step back. “There are things happening that a human, even a special one like you, would not understand. The boys upstairs are getting desperate. When my superior learned about you, he demanded I bring you to him.”
“Make your move then, Aadon.”
“I didn’t come for that.”
“Why? Oh, I get it, you still think you’ll somehow get the power for yourself eventually? Ever the opportunist.”
“When I return to Heaven without you, he won’t accept that, and he won’t send me back a second time. I’ll try stalling as long as I can, but eventually, he’ll come himself.”
“Let him come for me then.”
“No, you don’t understand.”
“I’m not afraid of him. I killed a demon!”
“You may have killed a low-ranked demon, but my superior is a commander. I’ve seen what they can do, kid. They can destroy entire planets for sport.”
“So?”
“Let me put in a way you would understand. Imagine you have to rate two chicks in terms of who is hotter on a scale of 1-10. That demon you destroyed is like a one, and my superior is like a 16. Do you understand? When he comes for you, there’s no escape.”
“He can try if he wants. I’m getting more powerful each day. It’s the will of God.”
“No! When my father finds out about you, he’ll destroy you.”
“He’ll send me to Hell?”
“No, he will destroy your soul. You will cease to exist, like the demon you destroyed.” I’ll never see Mary Ann again.
“But… I thought I was doing what he wanted, killing these evil people.”
“He doesn’t care about that, but he will care about the power you have. Be honest with yourself, kid. You’re not killing these people because you think that’s what God wants, you’re doing it because you’re in pain. I can tell.”
“What am I supposed to do, then?”
“Run.”
“Run where?”
“I don’t know. Leave Earth.”
“And go where?”
“All the planets like this in the Universe. You could go anywhere. And trust me, some of those planets got chicks that make Earth chicks look like dogs.”
“For how long?”
“Forever. You keep running. At least you can live your life.”
“Running is not living, take it from me,” said Luke.
“How would I live on another planet?” Sean asked.
“You say you have your powers under control? Shouldn’t be that hard then.”
“But Earth is my home. I don’t want to leave.”
“If you stay, you cease to exist. I have to get back; he’ll be after you. I can try to stall him a bit. Take care of yourself, kid.” Aadon vanished.
“What are you going to do, Sean?”
Sean looked to the stars. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m sorry I got you involved in this Luke. Thank you for all your help. Go to Heaven.” Luke disappeared. At least I did some good.
Sean went into his hotel room and sat on his bed.
God has forsaken me. I didn’t ask for this, for any of this. Sean began crying. And Mary Ann is in Hell, because of me. What’s the point of running? What’s the point of doing any of this? If they want the power, they can have it. I don’t care anymore. I don’t care.
Chapter 43-Rebecca
Rebecca decided to remain in Agrippa’s territory. She made her house and library appear on the outskirts of Agrippa’s city. Afterward, she told Stalin to follow her inside the library while instructing Achcauthilli and Pursan’s council members to return to Agrippa’s villa.
Rebecca and Stalin sat across from each other with blank faces at the short table in her library.
“So, this is how you acquired so much wisdom?” He asked.
“Do you know why I wanted to speak with you alone?”
“I am ready to be enlightened.”
“You killed a lot of people when you were alive.”
“It was a dangerous time for my state, a period of revolution and wars. I do not apologize for my actions. I made my state stronger. But you didn’t want to speak with me about my achievements on Earth, did you?”
“Did you make your state stronger? You caused the deaths of millions of your own people. But, to your credit, you also ruthlessly and brilliantly eliminated all of your rivals.”
“All for the state.”
“All for Stalin.”
“One and the same. I was what the stated needed. History has proven me right.”
“You’ve been in Hell only a few centuries, yet you’re advisor to the strongest king in Hell. How is that?”
“The king selected me to serve him soon as I got here. He saw value in what I was able to accomplish on Earth. Considering all the great people that came before me, it was an honor. We both have risen fast in Hell, my queen.”
“I’ve seen how much the king depends on you for information. He trusts your counsel almost as much as Agrippa’s, but Agrippa has served him for thousands of years.”
“Like I said, an honor.”
“You strike me as someone who considers every possible outcome and acts accordingly. Am I correct?”
“All for service to the king.”
“Have you considered what happens to you, to all of us, if Pursan is defeated?”
“With the new power the king has serving him, Rahab and the others, victory is assured.”
“You don’t believe that. Not one hundred percent.”
“I must consider everything, in service to the king.”
“That’s what I thought. If the king falls, what is your plan?”
“My plan?”
“Don’t play games with me. You’ve served the king well, but he left me in charge. If I feel you’re being
dishonest with me, then I have no use for you.”
“I understand, my queen.”
“Good. Now, if the king falls, what will you do?”
“If such a…tragedy were to happen, my only concern would be your well-being and safety.”
“Is that so? How would you protect me?”
“If the king falls, then every soul that he protects will be vulnerable. The other demons will seek out us out and do to us what God intended when he damned us to Hell.”
“The Pit then? Better to fall forever than suffer the eternal pain.”
“No, but we wouldn’t be safe in Hell if we remain. We would have to escape.”
“How? Where?”
“With power. More power then what the king has given us.”
“How do we acquire such power?”
Stalin smiled. “If the king falls, it would be negligent of me not to have such power, for your safety and well-being.”
“You cover every base. So where would we would go?”
“There’s a place on Earth, called the Darkness. The living can’t see it. It’s where lost souls go.”
“Is it safe?”
“Not entirely. Demons hunt the souls there and bring them to Hell. But, with the proper precautions, and with the proper connections, a soul can stay hidden a long time.”
“That doesn’t sound exciting.”
“Aye, but we’ll be free from the torment, at least for a time. If the king falls, that’s the best we can hope for.”
“Stay in Agrippa’s city until the king returns, and let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Keep me updated on everything that’s happening out there.”
Stalin got up and begin walking out of the library. “Fear not, my queen. The king will endure.”
I don’t trust him. If Pursan falls, he won’t owe any allegiance to me. I have nothing to offer him…but, I do have you. Rebecca looked at Grimmsil. “Will you protect me, even if Pursan is defeated?” Grimmsil nodded. “Can you speak?” Grimssil remained silent.
Rebecca was contemplating in her library when the front door burst open, causing her to jump from her seat. She looked at Grimmsil to make sure he was prepared for whatever came through the entrance. An unknown demon walked in slowly. He was beaten; one of his arms had been removed, and he looked weary.
“Don’t do anything just yet. I want to see who he is and what he wants,” said Rebecca.
“Who are you talking to?” Asked the unknow demon.
“Who are you?”
The demon laughed. “I am your king.”
“My king is Pursan.”
“Yes, Pursan the cunning. He’s no king. He’s a pretender. May I have a seat?” The unknown demon sat down at the table, and Rebecca did the same.
“I am Hell’s real king. Like it was always meant to be.”
“You’re… Lucifer? The Devil?”
“The one and only. And you are Rebecca, Pursan’s companion.”
“Pursan has no companion.”
“That’s not what I hear.”
“You’ve heard wrong. Looks like you’ve had a bad go of things lately.”
“You can thank your king for that. He betrayed me. I was preparing my army to go meet Samael when one of my generals decided to attempt a coup. I was in the middle of putting down the rebellion when Pursan and Salikethal arrived with their entire armies.”
“Samael sent them to restore order.”
“That’s what I thought, but Pursan had other plans. A plan that involved destroying the powerful Samael, but I’m sure you know all about this.”
“So, you joined him?”
“I wasn’t given the opportunity. After all my generals and most of my soldiers abandoned me, Pursan sent some of our long-lost brothers to destroy the remaining few soldiers that were still loyal to me. I barely got away.”
“Why are you here? You should be as far away from Hell as possible, if what you say is true.”
Lucifer laughed frantically. “Leave? Where would I go? You think Father would let me back in Heaven? ‘Hey, Dad, the prodigal son wants to return!’ I have nowhere else to go. Samael and Pursan have taken everything from me. My companion, my kingdom… I have nothing.”
“Why are you here, then?”
“I may not be able to hurt Samael, but I think I figured out how to hurt Pursan.” He stood up from the table and inched toward Rebecca.
“Appears as though his ambition finally got the best of him. Maybe he’s not so cunning, leaving you unprotected like this. I wish I could see the look on his face when he finds out about all the things I’m going to do to you.” Lucifer kept moving toward Rebecca until he was towering over her. “You don’t appear scared? You won’t enjoy what’s going to happen next.”
“Why should I be afraid of a loser?”
“What did you call me?”
“A loser. That’s what you are. You were thrown out of Heaven because you are a loser. The other kings of Hell turned against you because you are a loser. Your companion was taken from you because you are a loser. You lost your arm because you are a loser. The only reason why you’re standing in front of me right now is because you are a loser. When I first arrived in Hell, I was so scared of The Devil. How disappointing you are.”
Lucifer struck the table.
“Put him on his knees, where he belongs,” said Rebecca.
Grimmsil grabbed Lucifer and forced him to kneel before Rebecca.
“Brother? Good to see you back in Hell. How was the Pit? Do it then, end my existence! Father should have done it long ago. Well, what are you waiting for?” Screamed Lucifer.
“He’s waiting for my command.”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
“You can leave Hell at will, can you not? The only demon who has such power?”
“Like I said, I’m Hell’s real king. Now tell my brother to put me out of my misery. Do it!”
“Grimmsil, can you leave Hell now?” Grimmsil shook his head.
“It’s my father; Grimmsil and the others may be more powerful than me now, but they’re still cursed. Only I can grant access to Earth to my fallen brothers. At least that was how it was before Samael arrived.”
“How would you like to see your companion again?”
“What?”
“You heard me. How would you like to see Hime again?”
Lucifer tried to launch himself at Rebecca, but Grimmsil held him down. “Don’t you say her name, you hear me!”
“If I tell Grimmsil to destroy you now, what shall happen to Hime? Samael or Pursan will have no need for her.”
Lucifer bent his head and started to cry. “I can’t save her. Samael knew I could leave Hell when he took her, but I’ll never be able to find her. Never.”
“You won’t. But maybe a being more powerful than you may be able to find her.”
“He will listen to you?”
“He will, under orders of Pursan. He is mine to command. He exists only to serve me now.”
“What do you want?”
“I want to make sure that, should Pursan not prevail, we can leave this place.”
“If Samael defeats Pursan, no matter how cunning he is, he won’t escape Samael’s wrath. No one ever escapes his wrath, trust me.”
“You let me worry about that. Let me be clear: if I send Grimmsil to find your Hime and return her to you, will you grant me and Pursan passage to Earth?”
“I give you my word.”
“How comforting, a promise from The Prince of Lies. Open a portal out of Hell then.” Suddenly, Lucifer’s wings emerged, and a portal appeared before them.
“You first, brother. I’ll follow your lead,” said Lucifer.
“No, you stay here with me,” said Rebecca.
“With Grimmsil gone, who will protect you from me?”
“Go, find Hime, wherever she is. Bring her back here, and if any harm has befallen me when you return, then inflict pain on Hime like no soul has ever faced.”
&nb
sp; “I can’t control the actions of Samael or the others!”
“Well then, you best make sure that nothing happens to me while Grimmsil is gone.” Lucifer smirked. Grimmsil went into the portal and disappeared.
“This plan of yours… Did you think of it to save you and Pursan, or just you?”
“Which one of Pursan’s council told you where to find me?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Do you want me to ask you the question again?”
“How did you know?”
“Never mind that, just tell me.”
After finishing her conversation with Lucifer, Rebecca went to Agrippa’s villa.
A short time later, Rebecca sat in the foyer of Agrippa’ s villa. She was surrounded by Stalin, Agrippa, Hatshepsut, and Solomon. Achcauthilli stood behind her.
“Do we have any updates on the king’s progress?” Asked Rebecca.
“My sources tell me that the king has convinced the other kings of Hell to join him in his attempt to defeat Samael. Except Lucifer. He was overthrown, and is believed to have escaped to Earth,” said Stalin.
“The king will seize victory. I’ve never doubted him,” said Agrippa.
“And you two?” Asked Rebecca.
“And what?” Asked Solomon.
“Did you ever doubt the king?”
“Of course not,” replied Solomon.
“And you, Hatshepsut?”
“I was the first member of the king’s council, even before Agrippa. Since that time, I have never doubted him.” Rebecca looked at all the members of the council, none appeared nervous.
“I have received knowledge that one of you has betrayed the king, but I don’t know who.”
No one said anything.
“Does anyone want to confess?”
“How did you receive this alleged information?” Asked Agrippa.
“The how doesn’t concern you.”
“How do you know whoever told you this wasn’t lying?” Asked Stalin.
“I just do.”
“How did this person betray the king exactly?” Asked Agrippa.
“This person shared information with Lucifer before he escaped to Earth. Solomon, do you have any idea who it could be?”
Solomon stared calmly at Rebecca. “It was me.”
“Not so wise after all, huh? Then again, I always thought that was a joke. How can the wisest man that ever lived end up in Hell?” Said Achcauthilli.
