by Piper Stone
For multiple disasters? What have you been drinking, girlfriend?
I wanted to snatch the little voice from my head, pounding her into the floor. I swore under my breath, laughing softly afterward. I certainly knew the other passengers would be glad to see my ass getting off the bus.
In truth, I couldn’t wait either, although I hadn’t thought any further about my actions than getting on a bus for Georgia. Seeing my father was the only thing that made sense. I would force the truth out of him. All his posturing over the years, the asshole had to know something. He had to know the truth.
The moment the bus stopped at the station, I was on my feet, moving quickly toward the front. My skin crawled, every nerve ending on fire. Being close to home was sickening but also telling. Something horrible was happening and I was a part of it.
By the time I stepped off, the wind was whipping from all directions, thunder rolling in the distance. With six dollars in my pocket, there was no way I was calling a taxi. I absolutely refused to call my parents. I was simply going to show up unannounced.
One way or the other.
A flash of lightning spiraled across the sky followed by a second and third, the vibrant hue of neon blue more terrifying than the actual strike. The turbulent atmosphere was only getting worse. I was barely one hundred yards from the bus station when the skies opened up, spilling rain in buckets. That didn’t matter. I would get there one way or the other.
I heard the raging thunder all around me, booming louder and louder but I kept one foot in front of the other, trying to stay as close to the main road as possible. Getting lost wasn’t on the agenda.
Another lightning flash, eerier than the ones before, now tinged in shades of crimson. Malevolent. The word filtered in and out of my mind. Puddles of water pooled on the sides of the road, literally turning the pavement into a river only ten minutes later. I could barely see, the wind whipping debris into my eyes, sticks hitting me from right and left.
I heard another noise and stopped, jerking backward as a vehicle roared closer. Then slowed down. Another wave of fear washed into me as the large truck pulled closer, a window rolling down. “Miss, you can’t be out in weather like this. Come on, get in.”
His kind face was all I needed. Maybe there were good people after all.
As I jumped inside, giving him a polite smile, the singsong voice became ominous.
Good versus evil.
Good versus evil.
Good versus evil.
* * *
“I think we’re here, little lady. This has to be the place.”
“I’m sorry?” I whispered, trying to open my eyes.
“You’ve been asleep for a little while. I think this is the church you were talking about.”
I looked over at him, finally able to remember his name. “Thank you, Frank. I appreciate this.” I shifted into a sitting position, offering the towel he’d loaned me.
“I think you should keep that. I hope you have something dry in there. I’d offer you one of my tee shirts, but I think it’s a bit too large.” He grinned, his gray eyes twinkling.
I tried to smile again but my nerves had kicked in, leaving a lump in my throat. “I’ll be fine. I only have six dollars, but you can have it.” I fumbled to pick into my pocket, every part of me shaking.
Frank leaned closer, shaking his head. “No need. You could use that. I wish I could help you more. I think you could use a break.”
“You have no idea how much help you gave me. You are an angel.”
Beaming, the huge grin crossed his entire aging face, smoothing out the lines. “That’s mighty nice of you. Take care now.”
I watched as he pulled away, a part of my longing to race after him, begging him to take me anywhere else. Being here was cathartic but I also experienced what could only be called a significant increase in evil, as if it had followed me all the way to my hometown.
Turning, I lifted my gaze, staring up at the church I’d left far behind. The rather plain-looking building I’d left before held a different appearance. More regal in nature, although there’d been no significant changes since I’d been gone. I took a deep breath and walked up the stairs, hesitating before pulling the door handle.
The quiet calm was somewhat rewarding but the chill remained as I stepped forward. I clutched the towel close to me, wiping beads of rain from my face as I headed into the sanctuary. I hadn’t stepped foot inside in months and the last time had nothing to do with worship.
Memories of the fire three years before rushed into my mind, unsettling images that had certainly opened up my mind. I could still hear the howling wind, the clamoring of the doors from the turbulence. The lights were on, but no one appeared to be inside, but I knew my father would be here, planning for a sermon on his version of the end.
I didn’t have to wait long before he appeared, whistling as he entered the sanctuary from the hallway leading to his office. The light and bright song meant he was happy, perhaps content that the world seemed to be collapsing around him. In a few seconds, he stopped short, very slowly lifting his head.
He stood as if in shock for a full ten seconds before taking small steps in my direction.
“Sadie? Is that you?”
“It’s me, Father.” I remained where I was standing, my throat tightening.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I issued the single word then laughed. “Everything, but you already knew that. The End of Days are coming. Isn’t that what you’d say?” I yanked the shoulder strap of my bag, the weight suddenly very heavy.
“Well... Do you mean the disasters? Yes, a sign from the very heavens.” He swept his arm toward the ceiling then turned his attention to the brightly lit cross hanging above his pulpit.
I snorted, the sound echoing.
“Are you here to repent your sins, daughter?” he asked in a forceful manner.
“I’m not the sinner. I believe you are.”
“How dare you! I am a man of God!”
“You’re a liar and a cheat, Father,” I countered.
I heard the sound of clapping from off to the side and every molecule in my body was jazzed, the sound jarring.
The clapping continued as my father craned his neck to see who could be blasphemous enough to discount him. As a man walked out of the shadows, my father’s physical reactions were extraordinary.
He was terrified.
“Out, you beast!” my father screamed, backing away as he pointed in the direction of the visitor.
I held my breath as the man approached, his uncanny resemblance to Christoff undeniable. Even though I wanted to back away, even to run, I was locked into position by some unseen force.
The visitor flanked my side, tipping his head in my direction. “You are even more beautiful than Christoff described. I can see why he’s so enamored by you, sweet Sadie. Delicious. Absolutely delicious.”
“Judas, vile son of Lucifer. Leave this place or you will burn in hell for all eternity!” My father’s face was beet red, his entire body shaking in a manner that couldn’t be natural.
“You seem to forget that I’m already there,” Judas countered, smiling in contentment.
I remained frozen, unable to speak. What in the hell was going on? Why was he here?
Judas took swaggering steps closer, whistling the same tune as my father had while he scanned the church. “Nice place you got here, although could use a little sprucing up.” He threw his hand into the air and immediately several of the pews shot toward the ceiling, hanging in midair for a full minute before crashing down, splintering into hundreds of pieces.
“No. No!” my father wailed, continuing to move backwards.
“James Mullins. I haven’t seen you around the old joint for a while. I guess that deal you made with Lucifer stuck. Huh?” Judas laughed and shot me a look. “What, you don’t know about your... father and the glorious deal he made?”
I was able to narrow my eyes, trying to do anything to brea
k his hold on me.
Judas sniffed before taking two giants leaps toward my father, who cowered from the action. “Why don’t you tell her the truth, James?”
“Tell her what?” My father’s voice was strained, his eyes like saucers.
Judas twisted his hand again, sending another two rows of pews slamming against the wall. “Next is going to be your cross if you don’t start confessing.”
My father stood silent, mortified.
“Okay then, allow me to start. See, your father gave his soul to the devil, which would be my father, almost thirty years ago. In exchange for all the wealth in the world, he would do anything, including pledge his allegiance to Lucifer and the dark kingdom. Isn’t that correct, Daddy-o?”
I swallowed and managed to take two steps closer, listening to every word. While I wished this wasn’t true, I knew better. I knew exactly what kind of man my father was.
“You. You. You. You...” My father’s face was pale, pasty white. He gripped the back of a remaining pew, taking gulping breaths.
“Don’t hyperventilate on me now, James. We’re just getting started. Tell sweet Sadie the rest of the news.” Judas leaned against one of the pews, folding his arms, his entire body relaxed. “Do I need to teach you a lesson in obedience, James?”
“What do you need to tell me?” I asked through gritted teeth, advancing two additional steps.
My father shot me a look, one reeking of despair. “No-thing.”
Judas yawned. “Very well.” Flinging his wrist, he grinned as the massive cross toppled over, tumbling to the floor with a horrific bang.
My father fell to the floor, immediately starting to pray.
“Oh, Jesus. Oops. No pun intended. That’s not going to help.” Judas moved back in my direction, shaking his index finger. “You see, my brother told you a magnificent story about three sons and three keys and the right to ascend to the throne. Didn’t he?”
“Yes, all crap,” I snapped.
“Such a delightful girl. I will enjoy breaking you. You know what? I think I’ll make you my concubine.”
“Over my dead ass body!”
Judas lifted his eyebrows, a quick flash of anger rolling into his expression. He quickly shut it down, grinning once again. “I would be a good little girl if I were you. I’m trying to help you out by giving you the truth.”
I hissed and the second Judas’ back was turned, I was able to shift my duffle, quickly unzipping the flap.
“Where were we? Ah, yes. The truth. Why don’t you tell Sadie that she isn’t your daughter, that she was given to you to take care of by Lucifer himself and that she’s the creation of the great goddess of fire.”
I heard the words but there was no way they could be true. “What?” I found myself walking even closer to the monster. “What are you saying?”
“Isn’t that right, James?” Judas demanded.
His entire demeanor as well as his outer appearance changed, his skin reddening, his arms lengthening and claws where his fingers used to be.
“Tell her!”
“Yes. Fine. That’s the truth!” My father began to weep, sobbing uncontrollably. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!”
I stumbled backwards, my entire childhood flashing in front of my eyes. Everything made sense. All the anger and the nasty words, the huge bank account my father had and all the dreams. I was exactly the woman Christoff said I was.
I was the damned.
The spell broken, I took off running, almost making it to the door before unseen hands yanked me back over twenty feet, an arm wrapping around my throat.
“Not so fast, sweet girl. You and I are going to get to know each other.” Judas lowered his now human face toward mine, breathing across my cheek. “Yum. Yum.”
“Let. Go. Of. Her.”
Christoff.
I would know his booming voice anywhere. A swirl of wind pulsed through the church, the front doors blown open. From where I stood, captured in Judas’ hands, I could see the bold flashes of lightning crisscrossing the sky.
Christoff entered the church, taking long strides, his eyes pinned on his brother. “I said. Let. Go. Of. Her.”
Judas laughed, dragging me even closer and pressing his lips against my cheek. “I don’t think I can do that, brother. You see, I’m going to take her as my queen. I found the key.”
Christoff narrowed his eyes, a smirk on his face. “There are no keys, brother. It’s all a lie fabricated by men from centuries ago to ward off evil. There is no other who can take the kingdom but the firstborn son of Lucifer.” He gave me a longing look, our connection stronger than ever. “And Sadie is my queen.”
I managed to slip my hand into the bag, wrapping my fingers around the carved surface. Powers. Could I really have some magical powers?
Throwing both arms into the air, Christoff smiled as the roof caught on fire, flames overtaking the structure within seconds. “This place is blasphemy.”
The wind grabbed hold of the rafters, jerking them off as if matchsticks, debris flying into the air.
Judas kept his hold, although he yanked me back several feet.
I heard footsteps, my father racing forward, rushing past us until he was face to face with Christoff. In his hand was a dagger similar to the one within my grip, the one I needed to protect myself. “You will not do this!” my father screamed as the rain pelted down, splashing against the floor and every surface.
Another round of lightning followed, dazzling in a color display, the fire raging.
I took my chance, twisting then jamming the dagger into Judas.
His eyes opened wide as he staggered forward. “What have you done? You bitch!”
My father’s roar drew my attention, the man lunging forward, the dagger ready to pierce Christoff.
“No!” My yell filtered into the air, booming even over the roar of the fire and wind.
Christoff maneuvered easily, grabbing my father around the throat and positioning the dagger at my father’s heart. “You will die, old man.”
There was no reason for me to feel compassion toward someone who’d tormented me my entire life, but I couldn’t watch him die.
“No. No! Don’t do this, Christoff. You are good. You are a decent, amazing, and wonderful human being. Please don’t do this. Please don’t succumb to the darkness.” A swelling of my heart, a reeling of my mind took over everything, filling my heart with joy and peace.
And love.
There was no reason for me to love Christoff, this monster sent from hell, but I knew in my soul this was the right thing. This was everything. He wasn’t the beast he believed himself to be.
I could tell he heard my words, his mouth twisting as rage enveloped his beautiful features.
Bellowing, Christoff transformed, raging toward the heavens, his entire body shaking from the extreme force. “This will not happen.”
“Please, Christoff. I love you. I. Love. You.”
The entire building began to shake, statues crashing, windows breaking and Christoff changing back to his human form. He tossed my father aside, taking giant strides and striking Judas. Lifting his arms, he closed his eyes.
Then there was quiet.
And peace.
And love filtering into the structure.
I felt heat from behind me and turned, watching in awe as Judas lifted his head, giving Christoff a nod of respect. His entire body shimmered, fading away until there was nothing left.
Still shaking, I inched closer, every action tentative.
Christoff’s head was lowered, his breathing labored.
I cupped his face, rubbing my thumb across his lips. “I do love you, Christoff, no matter who or what you are.”
“I failed,” Christoff said quietly, his shoulders heaving.
“No, you have won,” I stated, moving onto my tiptoes and kissing his lips. When I leaned back, I could see the tears in his eyes. I’d never been so touched, my heart broken into so many pieces.
There was ano
ther unearthly rumble.
“Thou hast followed your heart, son. You have broken the curse, eliminated the prophecy, at least for now.”
The voice was just as husky as Christoff’s, just as demanding.
I moved beside Christoff, gazing at the man standing in front of us. Broad shouldered and exactly the same height, his gray hair and beard was unexpected, but his dazzling blue eyes were exactly the same.
“Hello, child. I’ve worried about you all these years. I honestly thought you’d be well taken care of. I was wrong, and I do apologize.” Taking my hand into his, he pulled my knuckles to his lips, pressing them against my skin.
“Father. What are you doing here?” Christoff asked, placing an arm around me in his usual protective mode.
“Lucifer.” I issued the single word without thinking.
“Stopping the madness,” he responded to Christoff before turning his eyes to me, “and yes, my child, but you say that as if I’m going to burn down the church.” He threw his arms back and I braced for an explosion.
Nothing occurred.
“I’ve been given a bad rap, I assure you,” Lucifer said with a lilt in his voice. “Cain was correct. There were never any keys issued by saints. Only God. His command? Love. He believed that there could never be love in the dark kingdom. He was proven wrong not once, but twice and the two of you are proof. Oh, and free will.” He took one of Christoff’s hands and one of mine, placing them together. “The kingdom belongs to you, my son, when you are ready.”
“And my father?” I asked defiantly. Even though I’d learned the truth, the man had raised me as his own.
The look in Lucifer’s eyes moved from distaste to compassion. He gave me a gentle nod. “You are wise beyond your years.” Leaning down, he lifted my father into a standing position. “You are free of your chains to me. You never belonged in my kingdom. Give the people of this earth what they deserve. Faith.”
It is said somewhere that love conquers all. I would have never believed until this moment. As Lucifer disappeared, sun trailing through the broken building, I would forever believe in the capabilities of every human, good or evil.
And of love.
Chapter Sixteen