Angels and Magic

by E. J. Bennett

  The busy streets of New York provided ample cover for them as they made their way through the city.

  "Alright, here's what we're going to do, we know that Lucifer frequents the clubs of New York. He's a creature of habit. We're going to hit the clubs, not to party..." Jason started, staring pointedly at one of the angels, he nodded solemnly.

  "We are going there for reconnaissance. Do not attack until absolutely necessary is that okay? I'll establish a psychic link between us all for communication purposes in case we need to split up" he finished and waved his hand smoothly. Suddenly, she was aware of the thoughts of the person who stood closest to her. It soon fell silent however. One of the first things they'd been taught at Karmani was how to quiet their thoughts when a psychic link was in effect.

  "We good?" Jason asked without opening his mouth, and they all nodded.

  They searched the night clubs that their Intel had told them was a usual hangout point for Lucifer and his angels.

  The demons at the first two clubs they entered, refused to speak and Jason slew them all singlehandedly.

  As they entered the third night club, a demon instantly caught sight of them and took off. Without a moment's hesitation, Ariel went after him, pushing through the throng of intoxicated humans dancing to the loud techno beat the D.J was playing.

  The demon ran to the back and burst through the door, running a fast as his legs could carry him. As he ran he looked back occasionally to find out if he was being followed. The area behind him was clear.

  He did not spot the figure running on the rooftops.

  As he got towards the end of the alleyway, he paused suddenly as a figure landed in front of him. He turned to run away in the opposite direction, but Ariel simply stretched out her foot and he tripped over it, hurtling to the floor and landing painfully.

  Soon the other's arrived as Ariel stood watching the demon.

  "Nice work Ariel" Jason said and she beamed.

  He looked at the demon and picked him up, lifting him off the ground, then he let him go and he crashed to the ground once more.

  "We're looking for Lucifer" he said simply

  "Who?" the demon replied and a swift boot to his face from one of the angels sent blood spilling out of the demon's mouth.

  "I don't know, I don't know" he said staring at them with his teeth bared.

  "What did you say?" Jason asked, and opened his palm. A sword materialised into his hand and glowed an eerie blue glow. He walked towards the demon and lifted it, ready to strike,

  "I'll ask one more time"

  "I. Don't. Know" the demon replied stubbornly and Jason brought the sword down, stabbing his thigh. The wound glowed and the leg exploded, turning to ash.

  The demon screamed grabbing the stump that had once been his leg.

  "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, The Fidi, the Fidi. It's New York's number one supernatural hang-out spot. It means "the serpent". It's so exclusive, humans can't even see it." the demon begged and gave them directions to the club.

  "See, was that so hard?" Jason asked and turned to the others,

  Let's move he said psychically and they all began to walk out of the alley.

  Suddenly, Jason turned and a knife appeared in his hand, with lightening quick movements he tossed the knife towards the demon and impaled him in the chest.

  The demon screamed as the wound began to glow. As they watched, he burst into flames, and settled as ash.

  They exited the alleyway and headed towards the club Fidi.

  ***

  The club loomed in front of them in all its splendor. Humans passed by it without as much as a second glance and the team of warriors waited till the coast was clear. They passed through the veil and entered the club. The giant logo of a snake glowed eerily at the entrance.

  Anybody looking at that moment would have seen a group of people simply vanish into thin air.

  The club was filled with various characters and lots of demons. Immediately they caught sight of them, they all took to their heels, leaving via various established exits that littered the club. Before long, the club was empty.

  Ariel and two of her comrades returned after having chased several departing patrons. They had not caught any of them.

  "So, what now?" She asked, looking at the empty club. She could feel her anger rising. Maybe it had not been such a good idea partaking in the mission...not that she'd had much of a choice in the matter though.

  "We have to keep looking. We'll find him...we..." Jason never finished his statement.

  Thick black smoke suddenly erupted out of the ground in front of them and they jumped back, weapons appearing in their hands as they did. The entire club shook slightly as the new arrival made his presence known.

  As the smoke cleared, a suave looking man stood in front of them. He had a sinister look about him and had on a long, black coat. As he caught sight of them, he smiled, winking at Jason.

  "Hello" he said smiling and Jason shifted slightly staring daggers at the man,

  "Lucifer"

  Ariel's eyes widened in surprise at Jason's single utterance. This was the first fallen angel himself? The ruler of the underworld? She shifted slightly as a strange feeling took root in her chest. What was happening?

  "So, I heard you've been looking for me" he said, staring at Ariel. She returned his stare coldly, still feeling that odd sensation in her chest.

  "Yes. You killed the angel Noelle. We've come to take you in."

  Lucifer laughed out loud and snapped his fingers. Small puffs of smoke appeared beside him and settled to reveal several demons, armed with glowing hatchets and swords.

  "You're welcome to try" he said, moving backwards as one of the demons rushed towards Jason. The latter evaded the attack and stabbed the demon who exploded behind him.

  The others sprang into action instantly as Lucifer sat down and watched, smiling calmly.

  Ariel turned as a sword swooshed past her head. As it returned, she caught the hand and smashed it against her knee, breaking the bone in half. She retrieved a small knife tucked in her back and stabbed the demon in the neck. As the demon exploded, she kicked the ash into the face of one of the demons, as he raised his hands to his face, she was upon him instantly stabbing him in the chest. Her rage boiled within her, gradually gaining control and she struggled to stay centered...and alive.

  Jason ducked as one demon charged at him, the demon sailed over him easily and as he landed, Jason's sword penetrated his forehead incinerating him instantly. As he turned, he saw one of his lieutenants fall and dived toward the demon who killed him, tossing his sword in the air as he did.

  He tackled the demon to the ground and punched him severally, then he lifted his hand, catching the descending blade and impaling the demon completely with it.

  "Enough!"

  Jason turned and caught sight of Ariel. She was kneeling before Lucifer, seemingly unable to move. He got up and looked around, his other lieutenants were dead and only Ariel remained. All the demons Lucifer conjured had been slain.

  "This...girl...she's fascinating wouldn't you say" Lucifer said lifting his finger. Ariel was levitated in the air as he did. She struggled to move, but she was held immobile by forces she couldn't shake.

  "Let her go!" Jason screamed and tried to run towards Lucifer, he struck an invisible wall and fell backwards. He got up and struck at the invisible barrier repeatedly, seething in anger.

  "Trust me, I fully intend to let her go" Lucifer said making a come hither motion with his hand and smiling as Ariel floated toward him. He put a finger on her forehead and closed his eyes, smiling.

  "Daughter of Gaia." he said simply, and then, she was free. She glared at him, seemingly marvelling at the amount of power he possessed.

  "I wanna make you an offer, Ariel...is it?"

  She didn't react, just stared at him,

  "I want you on my team. Infact, you are the exact kind of person I need. You're not afraid to make the hard decisions" he said.

  A
s Lucifer spoke, she felt that sensation she'd been feeling, take root and intensify. She couldn't explain it, but she felt drawn to him somewhat and she couldn't explain why.

  "Think about it. Did you really do anything wrong? Yet your mother and the council of snobs sent you to Karmani to suffer. They never were going to send you to the abyss, it was just a ruse to make you feel grateful for getting sent to Karmani instead. They lied to you" he finished and she stared at Jason. He looked at her imploringly. He shook his head, mouthing 'don't believe him'. It seemed the barrier blocked their psychic link as well.

  She got up and shook her head, walking towards Jason. What was she doing listening to the master deceiver himself? Was she stupid? She'd already made an epic mistake once.

  Was it really a mistake or did those people deserve what they got. She was taken aback by the voice's point.

  She looked at Jason and then back at Lucifer,

  "I would never lie to you. With me, you will be truly free" he said, spreading his arms and sitting back in his chair,

  The sensation suddenly exploded in her chest and settled. Her mind was made.

  She walked towards Lucifer and stood by his side.

  In his invisible cage, Jason screamed, begging her not to go with him. She saw him, but she couldn't bring herself to care. It was like something had broken inside her. She'd been mistreated and chained for long enough. It was time for her to be free.

  As Jason watched, petrified by what was happening, Lucifer and Ariel vanished.

  ***

  Ariel watched from the shadows, breathing evenly and watching the man as he walked past. He seemed so confident, so sure of himself. The fool.

  She'd been watching him for a while and she knew his entire schedule by heart. She marvelled at the length humans went to get what they wanted. Since she'd arrived in the underworld, by Lucifer's side, she'd been given one job. It was a job Lucifer told her was more important than any other. He smiled and told her he'd been waiting for someone like her to carry out this most important of tasks.

  She was given the task of collecting all the human souls owed to Lucifer.

  She scoffed as she thought about the number of humans who had brokered deals with the devil, exchanging their souls for wealth and power. She scoffed, greed was the main flaw of mankind. She knew a lot of them never considered that their actual souls would actually be taken and she was happy to be the one sent to retrieve the prize.

  Her mind wandered for a bit and she wondered what he said he was going to tell her. Since they'd arrived, Lucifer had been hinting at telling her something important, once she was able to collect all fifty souls he was owed for that month. So far, she'd collected forty nine.

  The fiftieth had just walked past her.

  She levitated up the side of the building, landing on the roof as the man walked. She knew exactly where he was headed. He had acquired a taste for bondage and sadomasochism and was headed towards his favorite club through an alley.

  She watched him turn into the alleyway, looking left an right.

  Should have looked up too bud she thought dryly and jumped down.

  The man looked terrified as she landed noiselessly in front or him.

  "Hello. I've come for your soul"

  "My what?" the confused man stammered and she rolled her eyes and placed her palm on his chest. He promptly began to convulse as she ripped a glowing essence from within him, putting it into a special marked bottle.

  The man fell to the ground, dead.

  ***

  "That was the last one sire" Ariel said presenting the bottle containing the soul while on one knee.

  Lucifer stared at her, smiling. He had not been wrong, but then again, he never was, she was perfect for the job.

  "You've done well Ariel" Lucifer said and got up, helping her to her feet. He tossed the bottle to one of the demons and smiled down at her.

  "Now, my Lord...I..."

  "I know...I know...I'm Supposed to tell you something" Lucifer said waving a hand easily.

  "Hold your horses" he added, smiling

  Ariel bowed, not wanting to offend and cause him to change his mind. The way he spoke of it had piqued her interest, and she hoped it would explain why she felt drawn to him.

  "How's your mother...Gaia?" he asked suddenly and she looked up, curiously.

  "Oh, yes...you can't answer that...you've been by my side" he said, laughing and thumping himself on the forehead.

  "What did she tell you about your father?" he asked again, turning and staring at her intensely

  She started to speak, but stopped.

  There were a lot of things her mother had told her and a lot of things she could ask her mother about, but there were only two things her mother never talked about. One of them was in relation to the circumstances that surrounded her birth and who her father was.

  All her life she'd always felt like something was missing and it had annoyed her greatly that her mother chose to remain silent about it, increasing the curiosity she felt exponentially.

  "Nothing, I presume" Lucifer said when her silence had drawn on for a while.

  She nodded. She knew nothing about her father, her mother had made sure of that. She felt anger burn in her chest, she didn't will herself to calm down. Lucifer had told her to embrace the anger, feed on it.

  "She's told me nothing about my father. Why do you ask? Do you know who he is?"

  Lucifer smiled and nodded

  "In a matter of speaking. Yes."

  "I don't understand...you know him? How? Who is he?" Ariel asked, feeling hope brimming inside her. Finally she would know about that part of her history everyone seemed too eager to keep her from.

  Lucifer turned, admiring the walls of his throne room before he spoke,

  "I know your father Ariel.." He turned to her,

  "...because I am your father"

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The atmosphere was tense and the hate, palpable as Ariel sat at the round table surrounded by demons and fallen angels who made up Lucifer's inner circle.

  Ever since she'd found out that Lucifer was her father, three things had happened. She had begun to loathe her mother for hiding such a vital information from her, what had she been trying to protect her from? It wasn't like she hadn't found out eventually anyway, because she had. Secondly, her devotion to Lucifer and his course had increased and she had grown through the ranks and was now a general of the underworld's army and Lucifer's right hand. She was revered all throughout the underworld and feared by all.

  The third was the reason they were all gathered now.

  The angels had declared war on the underworld. The message had come in only that morning and they had arranged a conclave to decide on the best strategy of defence.

  "The best defence, is a good offence" One of the demons said, smoke escaping from its nostrils as it breathed.

  Ariel nodded, agreeing with him. Who did the angels think they were to threaten them with war? If they wanted a fight, they were sure going to get a fight. The anger was a strong part of her now. She had let it grow and nurtured it. As it turned out, she was half angel half goddess, she wasn't quite sure what that made her yet, but she was certain it made her powerful. If the anger let her tap into that power, then so be it, she thought.

  She looked over at Lucifer where he sat watching them deliberate. Her father. He looked so calm and self-assured and she couldn't help admiring him. He had taught her a lot since she'd gotten to the underworld, a lot of things that had let her know that she had been holding herself back all this while. She had been letting people push her over and that was unacceptable.

  She'd unleashed her true personality, the one she'd been hiding inside her because she did not want to offend the other gods and embarrass her mother.

  "So, we take the fight to them? Is that what you're saying?" She asked and the demon nodded looking round at the others, they all nodded agreeing with the demon's suggestion.

  The Meeting ended soon after
the conclusion and the generals left to prepare the demon soldiers for the celestial confrontation.

  "Ariel" Lucifer called as she made to leave the room and she turned, bowing,

  "Let's talk for a minute" he said as the room gradually emptied.

  He stared at her for a while even after they'd been alone for more than 20 minutes. Then he spoke, smiling slightly

  "So, how do you feel?"

  She looked confused and arched a questioning eyebrow

  "Sire?...I'm not sure I follow"

  "I mean, how do you feel? We're about to be attacked. You're going to meet a lot of your fellow students from back when you were in Karmani. I've got to know that you're ready for that"

  Ariel nearly smiled at his question. She paused and thought for a while. She knew she was going to see some familiar faces at the war front. But that just made her anticipation grow even more. What had they ever done to and for her besides make her life unbearable? They'd been nothing but mean to her throughout her stay at Karmani and now, this was going to be an opportunity to get even. She would relish the look of surprise on their faces when she took their pitiful lives. She felt her anticipation grow rapidly.

  Then the image of Jason entered her mind and she faltered as previously unacknowledged feelings began to come to the surface. She remembered how he had helped her when others had been mean to her during the training. She sighed deeply as she remembered the look on his face when she'd chosen to go along with Lucifer. She'd made her decision, if they met on the battlefield, she was sure to stick to her guns. She couldn't help feeling slightly sad at the prospect, but she could deal with it if the time came.

  "Yes sire. I am completely ready for it. The thought of meeting them there is more of an inspiration than a deterrent, I assure you"

  Lucifer looked at her with a lopsided grin in his face and she bowed slightly, sensing that he was done questioning her.

  As she exited the room, Jason's face returned to her and her heart clenched tightly in her chest. She shook her head. She had abandoned that life the moment she'd chosen to side with her father and there was no going back to it. She was determined to lay waste to anyone who had the misfortune of being on the wrong side of her blade.