by J N Moon
It smoked...I tried again.
“Hurry up boy, you can’t have your dinner until you’ve got that fire going.” he chuckled. Stopping, I turned. “Yeah, next time you’re going to implant some crazy powers into me, let me know first! Crikey, I’ve just drunk wine for the first time in years, it was all I could do to control my bodily functions.”
“Ew, I hadn’t thought of that. All right then!” he sniggered, looking at his expensive carpet.
Again, I pointed, fire...nothing. “Some help would be...”
“Geez, kids...” He put his food down in a huff, walked over with purpose and pointed his finger. Immediately, flames shot out, setting the logs ablaze. “All right? Tomorrow you’ll try. We can’t have you out in the world until you use the gifts that are your birthright. Now, let's eat.”
My hands gripped the chopsticks awkwardly. My stomach twitched, not used to being able to eat. When I was first turned, I’d been left for dead and had no idea what was happening to me. After days of illness, I’d tried to eat, but the results had been violent and messy, to say the least.
Looking at Bael, he raised his eyebrows, nodding, his mouth full of food. Tentatively, I took a mouthful. I could feel the weight of his stare upon me. As the vegetables hit my tongue, warmth rushed through me, infusion of gentle spices, crunching...relishing every moment. Deep fried bean curd...like heaven, literally, in my mouth. I ummed and ahhed as I ate, stopping to take a sip of the Chinese lager he’d bought to go with our meal. Here I was, a vampire-cross-demon sharing my first meal in years with the King of Hell, my dad. Life didn’t get much more surreal than that, or so I thought.
Consumed in that simple pleasure, I drank some more beer and stretched out my legs again. “Thank you. You have no idea what that means! I may’ve been human for a time, and a demon before, but I see demons eat and God knows I missed eating. Actually, it was one of the hardest things. Especially when you’re out hunting and scents of food, of beer, waft over you. Your mouth waters like crazy knowing you can’t have it...like it’s forbidden. Sometimes I used to — in the early days — go to a cafe and just sit with a cup of fresh, steaming coffee...I don’t care if that’s sad. Shit, now I can drink coffee?”
“I’ll make it. Columbian Ok?”
“You're kidding me. That’s my favourite!”
“Hum,” he said looking around. “Mine too!”
Calling to him from the living room — I couldn’t be bothered to get up, I was so comfortable where I was — “It’s weird. You’re my dad, but you don’t look any older than me.”
“You’re crazy right? I look younger than you! Well, we’ll pass for brothers on a night out then!”
A pang of doubt stabbed in my stomach. I didn’t want to lose my friendships. In fact, I was determined not to. I’d make them see, just like they did when I was just a vampire. Like they did with Marcus, a blood-sucking Nephilim.
“So, your brothers, then,” Bael said, returning with freshly ground coffee, placing the cup on the coffee table in front of me, my eyes transfixed on it like a child. “I’d better tell you about them.” He took a sip and sat back, balancing the cup and saucer in one hand. “They’re all over the world, spread out to keep you lot from getting back together.” His eyes gave me the once-over. “Oh, they’ve not done well. Not as well as you, anyway.
“So, Lucifer. The strongest before he was killed and his soul, before being destined to a human, was a film star in the late seventies. He had it all: wealth, fame, houses, women...men. Now, though. Now, he's mortal,” Bael’s voice dropped, sneering, “Now, he’s a bloody manager in a cinema in L.A.!” Shaking his head, he went on, “Beelzebub was the CEO of a fast food giant, now, he runs a nightclub. Though, I like Tony, I do, but come on...” Horrified that he had to reveal this all out loud, his voice was grated. “Leviathan was a brilliant musician in an up and coming band. Now he’s a personal shopper. Mammon was a banker. Now, a criminal in cyber. Amon worked his way in the military to become an officer. Guess what he is now?”
Gulping before answering, I felt sorry for Bael. But why the Council had done this, I suspected they had good reasons.
“Security guard?” I offered nervously.
“Bouncer, and a religious one at that. But, Belphegor. Belphegor is the only one who stayed consistent. He’s a bum, a junkie, but actually a talented artist who rarely uses his gift. Spends his time getting high...a loafer. He was always a loafer as a demon, thus as a human. To be honest, I don’t hold out much hope for him. So, you see, you've done better than any of your brothers. Oh, I know you were a failed artist, but I’ve seen the work you did since. A few years back when that Nephilim Marcus turned heel and started drinking blood. That work is exceptional, and who knows,” his voice getting louder, “Maybe you’ll do the same again. Express your anger, your emotion, through art.” Puffing his cheeks, he blew air, looking somewhat unhappy. I didn’t blame him, they sounded like a bunch of losers.
“Cybercrime, though. I guess he's rich? Where are they?”
Shuffling in his chair, he cleared his throat. “All over. Lucifer lives in Sun Valley. Appropriate for the Morning Star, I guess. Belphegor lives in Australia. Mammon is in London. Leviathan is in Cape Town. Beelzebub, Chile, and Amon in Mexico. And you're here in Bath, of course. Your souls were separated as far as possible to try and prevent them — all of you — from ever getting back together, and it worked so far,” he eyed my reaction carefully.
“So, you want me to travel all over the world?”
“No, I don't. You're my son, now possessing my powers. Your powers. I have a gift for you, though. You won't get it today.”
Splaying his left hand, he pulled off an ornate chunky ring and showed it to me. It had some kind of strange pentagram etched on a stone, jet I imagined, and the fixing around it had engraved strange writing. “The ring of Solomon. With this, you can travel wherever you want at will. It holds a wild energy. You have to learn to tame it. You'll take it if I deem you ready. We’ll see over the next few days.”
Taking a deep breath, I asked, “Why don't you get your sons? I don't see why you need me.”
“Brothers. You have a bond; a soul bond that I don't. I have tried in the past, but it seems you might have more luck. Of course, you might not, but that's the risk we have to be willing to take.”
“I can't just materialise there and say, Hey! You're a Prince of Hell. Come join me!’”
“You're not always the brightest are you, you nugget? No, you can't. You'll have to assess them, find out about them, then let them know who you are.”
Raising my eyebrows at his outburst, I laughed. Bael really was used to getting his way. But I was curious, of course, to meet my so-called brothers. As for the ring, well, it was a progression from ending up in time portals lost and trying to fathom the way out. I could go anywhere.
“Can I time travel with the ring?”
“Definitely not. Ah, I know what you’re thinking. If you try, you might end up stuck in a loop or, worse, scattered in pieces throughout time. It’s for moving now in this time but it has many other secrets. Tomorrow, I’m going to take you out to teach you how to use your new abilities. In a few days, if I deem you worthy, I’ll give you my trust — this ring. Now, though, do you still sleep? I only ask because I don’t. Though sometimes I get into bed for the feeling, the memory. It's relaxing. Or for sex, obviously.”
“I do sleep, yes, but I need to hunt. As incredible as it was to eat, my body’s craving blood. I don’t want to start a war here, so I’ll leave for Bath. I didn’t realise my kind were so territorial. I’ll think about your offer.”
As I stood, grabbing my coat, Bael did the same. “Not so fast, boy. First, you’ll stay here. I’ve got more than enough of everything. Secondly, I’m King, so you can hunt where you like, and as you suggested, I should join you. I intend to. Thirdly, it’s not an offer for choosing. It’s your destiny, and you will fulfil it. Now, I’m sure you’ll want to get some personal effects, bu
t see” — he held up his hand — “we have the ring! You can experience it. I’ll just need an address or a memory, either are preferable. Ok?”
“So, I can’t go out without Dad. Is that what you’re saying?” I sniggered.
“Exactly. Good, you learn fast. Must take after your old man," he roared.
“If I was a Seraphim then what were you? Something higher? And Lucifer. He was an Archangel. We’re all descended from angels? From heaven?” Frowning, I found this all very unlikely and brushed my hair out of my face. Jesus, I hadn’t had it cut in a year. Everything grew like weeds as a vampire.
Walking and talking, I put on my leather jacket. It was a comfort for the fact that it had been the only consistent thing in my life over the past few years. I always had a warm sensation putting it on.
Bael noticed this. “I like to your style. That jacket looks good on you. Me, well, I started off a god.”
I raised my eyebrows in shock.
“Yep, that’s right. A pagan god of agriculture and fertility. My dad was El, High God of Canaan, Lord of Life, ruling death and rebirth. El fought Mot, otherwise known as Death to you, my dad lost. He was killed. Heaven decided to make me a fallen angel. Now, King Solomon had other ideas and the power of demon, King of Hell, was bestowed on me.
“Most of you are all fallen angels, rebelled against God, and were cast into Hell to become it’s seven Princes. And for that, you should be glad. It probably sucks to be a lesser demon. Well, especially serving under me!” he laughed.
That was something to think about: we were all angels before we fell. I remembered, I’d never forget the Seraphim that came to wipe out the evil that spewed from Hell after Marcus became the half-Nephilim, half-vampire creature. Seraphim had lit up the sky, blinding us. Heat from their light had been so intense, sweat poured off my body. More like a nuclear explosion. But then, angels were warriors, they took no prisoners. Fierce and unfeeling. At least the fallen ones had some semblance of emotion, but that’s why they’d fallen. It was deemed a sin to consort with lesser beings. It would be cool if this were true, but I highly doubted the validity of any of it. It kept me from harm right now, and Bael was funny. I liked him a lot.
Blood & Kings
We wandered around the area. Clifton is similar to Bath in its affluent architecture, and before long, I sensed the presence of evil. I turned to Bael, widening my eyes. He nodded slightly and quietly we crept, following the rank scent of malevolence. I stole a glance at him, he was surprised. This creature, this woman, was the picture of good. Alluring, even. She was walking away from us, so we quickened our pace until I approached her.
“You sure?” he whispered. “I mean, I can usually tell, but I’m getting nothing from her.”
I didn’t bother to reassure him. I knew what I knew because I am a vampire. I can sniff out your deviance however well you think you’ve hidden it.
She was lithe and neatly dressed. I guessed about thirty years old. Hammering hard, my heart thundered in anticipation, and I wondered what vile sin this seemingly attractive woman was immersed in.
Curving my lips like a mask, my eyes shone with the promise of life, a hint of sex. I cleared my throat to grab her attention, but Bael spoke first, “Excuse me. I’ve just a bought a house up there, but I’m still finding my way around. Could you tell me where the nearest post office is, please?” His voice was so English, so polite, I had to bite my lip from laughing. The perfect gentleman...
I gazed at her intently, and as her eyes locked onto mine, she couldn’t look away. Sometimes I don’t mesmerise my victims I get them cold. It depends on what I feel from them, but Bael was here, and I wanted him to know the power of the vampire, that my kin deserved respect from demons.
Smiling, I held out my hand. In her trance, she took it. I led her off the street, down an alley. Then I backed her against the wall, my breathing synced with hers. A slight shimmer broke out on her forehead, her body hot with excitement. Turning my head slightly to see him, his mouth a huge smile.
“Don’t mind me,” he grinned.
So, I took her slowly. Her heart pounding quick and loud, adrenaline shooting through me. As my lips brushed her skin, she sighed, trembled, her body burning with lust. It occurred to me to screw her. My body yearned for it, but I didn't yet know her crimes. If they were as bad as I thought, I'd be repulsed after. My teeth punctured her flesh. She whimpered. Then, like the dead who she would soon meet, she was completely still as I drew upon her life force.
Her memories, emotions bolted through my mind as my body frenzied in bloodlust and passion fought my mind with the cruelty she had done. All too quickly it was over, and I dropped her, hazy, satiated but yearning.
“I thought you didn’t kill them.” Bael’s usually coarse voice was high with shock as I dropped her body like a sack of potatoes and it thudded on the ground.
I said nothing for a moment, overwhelmed with disgust at her crimes, and licked her blood off my lips.
“I don’t, but she was cruel.” As I looked at the dried-out corpse, I wrinkled my nose in disgust. Obviously we have to get rid of the body, but corpses repulse me in an extreme way.
“Don’t worry. I’ll deal with that. Hey!” he grinned suddenly. “You’ll be able to do this soon!” Before I could ask what, he fixated on the body and snapped his fingers. It whooshed into flames then disappeared into dust leaving only soot on the ground.
Smiling like a fool, Bael said, “That was intense, I enjoyed it. Makes me wish I could do it but blood, meh, you have to be a vampire for it. I hate the taste of blood. Too much copper.
“Well, what next? You going to drink another? Or do you want some lessons from the King of Hell? Smiting, why don’t we start with that?”
Smirking, I nodded. I was pretty sure I was seeing a side of Bael that few had, possibly not even himself.
"I'd definitely like that, but first —"
He held up his hand. "I see. I can feel that lust coming off you." He smirked. "I know just the place and the women, though they are demons. Ever had sex with a demon, Anthony? Or should I say, Asmodeus?"
"Apparently, if Rachel was one."
"Well, she wouldn't have been like these, I can assure you. You'll be quite safe in drinking their blood now. It won’t change or harm you.
“A boy's night out, then. Let's take a trip to the Sin Bar. One of mine, actually."
“I’m not sure. I want to wait until I find Rachel, hard as that is.”
“Yes, I can see,” he sniggered. “But you must face the possibility that you’ll never get her back. You can’t live your life in maybes. Besides, you’re the dark Prince of Passion, not of chastity!”
Huffing, I knew he was right. Hell, Rachel had left me for some half-vampire, half-demon, nine-foot tall, goth douchebag, so I probably was being futile. But now I had this power that would work on her, surely? If I only knew what she had been, that would help. I didn’t want to go to a brothel, though. That’s not my idea of fun. But then I hypnotised my victims, didn’t I? Which is worse, maybe.
Looking up, Bael raised his eyebrows. “Well, then, come to a decision? Managed to justify your now supercharged libido without compromising your future with your possible girlfriend who I know left you?”
“Let’s go, then,” I said as I shrugged my shoulders. “One thing, though. Why? What’s the endgame for you getting all your sons back together?”
Smirking, he answered, “That much potential, you lot. Each one carrying one of the seven deadly sins into the world. Much fun, I think. Oh, I don’t want to destroy mankind. I can’t live without it, nor could you. But times have got sterile, diluted. Too many supernaturals are blending in, not using their full potential. I get it, we can’t take on the human race, and neither would I want to. I mean, that would be too much like a grind, but bring back some mystery. Humans today are too cocky. Time to put them back in their place: behind us. Make them afraid of the night again!” he laughed.
Whatever, he was from a di
fferent era, for sure. Me, well, when I was human, I certainly didn’t believe in the supernatural. As he’d said, though, I was on this path whether I liked it or not, so I decided to be all in. Would I find Rachel? Bring her and Nathaniel back? I was determined, but how they would react to that and to me, I didn’t know. Except for Nathaniel, of course. Bael was right there. He would relish the idea of me being the Demon Prince.
So, we went to the Sin Bar, tacky as it sounded. It was more Victorian opium den, laced with beautiful, ethereal looking men and women lounging around. Their glazed eyes and pearlescent skin gleaming under low lights, chiffon drapes hanging from the ceiling. Predictably, humans, vampires, and demons smoking bongs whilst they indulged in erotic deviance. Oddly, this didn’t stir me in any way. In fact, perhaps because it was so cliché, boredom hung over me. Even when approached by a stunning vampire woman and a male demon, his forest green eyes piercing through me, immediately, they were all hands, touching.
“Ah, you only want what you can’t have. I see...” Bael tutted, shaking his head. “This generation, there’s really no pleasing you is there? Drugs, alcohol, sex...It’s all here, but you look like I’ve taken you for a night out in a library. Well, don’t mind me. There are private rooms if you prefer. I’ll be back in an hour.”
Blankly, I stared at him, unfused by the groping prostitutes. Drugs really weren’t my thing. But as I was grabbed gently, my hunger churned, stomach rumbling. Were we allowed to feed on these creatures? Were they here by choice?
I decided to find out. Running my hair back with my fingers, I looked at the demon, then the vampire, and held out my hands. Their lips curved wide as they led me down the shadowy corridor that Bael had taken, and into a room filled with things I’d only read about.