Yes you do.
She couldn’t believe what she had just heard in her heart.
“But I rebelled against you, and followed Lucifer into exile on the Earth. I am a traitor, and traitors are sentenced to death.”
You see child, a broken and contrite heart, with sorrow for sin and thoroughly penitent, I will not despise.
She couldn’t answer. She just sobbed, unable to stop, and started smiling and sobbing at the same time. A while later, emotionally and physically exhausted, she fell into her bed, and fell soundly asleep.
A while later, after the newly minted believers had left, Evie walked across the condo, and looked into her room. “Keep after her, gracious Father. Break her stubborn heart, and let your love fill her.”
* * *
Seventeen
Monday, September 22nd
Poisonous woke up the next morning, at first, a little disoriented: her heart ached within her, and she didn’t know why. Then she remembered the powerful presence of The Light, and how Evie and her friends who had just given their lives to The Light had almost prayed for her to receive the Light herself. The thought froze her to her bed, overwhelming her for several moments. Then she got out of bed a little bit at a time, willing herself not to break down and cry again. Discouraged, and feeling helpless, she didn’t know what to do. However, her close friend Snakebite came to mind. Taking her smart phone, she dialed his number.
“Hi, gorgeous. What’s on your mind?”
The sadness spilled out of her in a rush that she could not hold back.
“You’ve got to help me, Snakebite,” she choked. “I’m a prisoner in this condo, and The Light is beginning to get the better of me. I can’t take it any more; the next thing you know they’ll make me a follower of the Light. Please help me, Snakebite. I’m going to lose my mind if I stay in this condo much longer.”
“Is there any way you can move out of that condo?”
The sigh left her; long and loud.
“I’m afraid not. I can move about as much as I wish, but I must live here. I can never tell when Evie and her friends with the Light in them will be here.”
“Why don’t you stay with me a few days?”
Perking up, she answered, “Yes! That’s a great idea. Just because I live here, doesn’t mean I have to stay here all the time. I’ll be right over”
About forty minutes later, she knocked on his door.
“Well, hello, you wonderful specimen of evil. Come in.”
“Thank you Snakebite…” she paused and looked down, tears forming in her eyes. “Could you just hold me…please?”
His arms wrapped around her, she started shaking uncontrollably, and started crying again. A great effort, she forced herself to stop crying.
“Forgive me for being so weak. I know it’s the power of the Light. I need to stay away from it for as long as possible.”
“I understand, and you’re very welcome here. Truth be told, I value your company.”
“Thank you Snakebite; I love you too…” Gasping at the faux pas, she wasted no time saying, “Do you see what I mean? The Light is making me weak. Demons who do their job well don’t love. We lust, yes; we’ll have sex at the slightest provocation, yes; we may even trick someone into thinking we love them, but ‘love’ is not in our vocabulary. Do you see how bad off I am?”
“Yes, I do,” he said, smiling wanly at her.
Suddenly brightening, she said, “I know what. In fact, I have an idea. I’m going to go out and break up some relationships with these starry-eyed human lovers.” The wicked grin returned. “Yes-s-s-s. Anything hateful would make me feel much better. You, of course, may do as you wish. Just don’t be obligated to do what I do. You must come up with your own plans.” Luckily, Snakebite followed her without her having to ask him.
Poisonous walked up New Hampshire Avenue beside Snakebite, sniffing for any signs of intense human attraction. The scent led them to DuPont Circle, where many young people had gathered. One couple in particular, caught her eye. Situated on one of the benches that surrounded the Rear Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont memorial, they talked as if they were still infatuated with each other. By the looks of it, they had been dating for a while. Positioning herself next to them on the bench, she broadcast strong suggestion to the young man.
You are tired of her and her possessiveness. You want to break up with her.
The young man’s expression changed from happy and animated to stern and solemn.
“Kate. There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“What, Doug? Why so somber all the sudden?”
“You are very possessive, and you need to stop, or we need to break up.”
The young woman stared at Doug, unbelieving. “What?! I am not, and you know it. Our relationship has been one of mutual respect and understanding. Where did you come up with that ridiculous idea?”
“It has been on my mind throughout this relationship,” Doug answered. “I don’t like it, and it needs to change.”
Kate regarded Doug with utter disbelief, and countenance tightening, slapped him hard across his face.
“You take that back, Douglas Edwards. That is untrue and unfair.”
“I will not take it back,” Doug answered, rubbing his cheek. “It’s true.”
Kate’s eyes glistened as she stared hard at Doug in disbelief.
“Well, if that’s the way you feel, then this relationship is over. You are a cruel, unfeeling jerk, and I want no part of your world.”
Kate got up and huffed off, heading towards the entrance to the DuPont Circle train station.
Poisonous, in the meantime, smiled a self-satisfied grin. “Yes-s-s-s. So much for ‘true love.’ It falls apart so easily. Return to the way you were before.
Doug opened his eyes wide, and said, “What just happened?” He looked around, and realized Kate was leaving.
“Kate! Wait up. Where are you going?” He got up and ran after her.
“Kate. What’s wrong? Why are you leaving?”
“Don’t talk to me, you loser. Go away and leave me alone.”
“But Kate. What did I say or do to make you so angry?”
“You know very well what you said, and I don’t appreciate it. Now leave me alone, or I’ll call the Police.”
Doug stood still, dumbfounded. “I don’t understand. We had such a good relationship. What on Earth happened?”
Saddened and confused, tears fell from Doug’s eyes. “I don’t know what I did, but it was awfully stupid. Kate is such a great girl. I can’t believe I just chased her away.” He called up a TNC car, not wanting to have to confront Kate again on the train. Moments later, the car arrived, and drove away with Doug.
Recovering from being doubled over from laughing so hard, Poisonous smirked. “Love is truly nonsense. I’ll stick with unadulterated lust. No feelings to get hurt. No broken heart. Just pleasure. Now that’s more like it.” Feeling better about things, she spied Snakebite wreaking the same havoc with another couple’s relationship. “Oh, good. He took my hint.”
“That’s it, Kerry. You’ve been nothing but a flirt since I met you, and now it’s gone too far,” said the young man.”
“But David,” said Kerry, “I don’t flirt with anyone but you. How can you say such things? Please don’t leave. We can work out whatever issues we have…”
David just walked away, putting up the palm of his hand toward her. “Talk to the hand, you selfish man-chaser.” David continued walking towards the DuPont Circle metro station, while Kerry sat, mouth agape, the reality sinking in. Tears streamed down her face. Her smart phone came out of her purse, and she dialed the number.
“Peggy,” she choked, bursting into tears. “I can’t believe it: he broke up with me because he thinks I’m a flirt. I don’t understand it; I really don’t. One minute we were happy, and the next, out of nowhere he gives me this disapproving look, and tells me I flirt too much. Then he up and walks away. I’m so heartbroken.” The
person on the other end of the line responded, and Kerry said, “Yes, thanks. I’ll be there in about thirty minutes.”
When Kerry left, Poisonous walked over to Snakebite and said, “Oh by all that is evil: we have ruined two perfectly good relationships. I feel like celebrating. How’s about we head to a good bar, where we can drink some strong alcohol?”
“I’m all for that,” answered Snakebite. I know a nice rooftop bar on K Street with a stunning view of the city. Comfortable, cozy, with a good way to enjoy a summer evening.”
“Ooh. That sounds like fun. Let’s go.”
“We will, but it doesn’t open until four o’clock.’
“So what can we do in the mean time?” She asked.
That certain gleam in his eye returned. “Oh, I can think of a very intimate, pleasurable way to spend a couple of hours.”
Her blood began heating up. “Ooh. Take me to your apartment.”
Later, Poisonous held Snakebite in her arms, and said, “You know, Snakebite, I really do love you. I know it’s not like demons to do so, but I can’t seem to help it. You’re so nice to me, and you treat me like a lady all the time; in fact, since I first met you. Even though you’re not allowed to encourage me to do evil, or participate in my schemes, you go along with me when I do.”
“You don’t have any other lovers?” Snakebite asked.
“I did, but I no longer have any interest in pursuing them. I’m sure we’ll be friends, but that’s all.”
“I confess that I love you. Something about you appeals to me on a deep level: much deeper than lust, or seeing who can win a fight. You’re truly a friend, and not just a casual roll in the hay.”
“You realize that this whole thing may be a result of the influence of The Light on me?”
“Yes, but I’m not afraid. The Light brought you into my life, and I’m glad it did.”
“Oh, kiss me, you handsome man.”
And they did; tenderness and compassion filled each kiss.
A while later, Poisonous found her friend and lover’s arms wrapped her. A gentle kiss landed on his lips. His eyes fluttered open, and seeing her, Snakebite smiled.
“Hi, Poisonous.”
“Hi, Snakey, honey. You have worn me out. I say we go to that rooftop bar on K Street, and relax and enjoy ourselves.”
“Capital idea. Let’s.”
A few minutes later, she and Snakebite sat at a comfortable lounge chair, she sipping on a strong and spicy Bloody Mary with extra hot sauce, of course, while he sipped on a spicy concoction of Jalapeno vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice.
“You know, Poisonous: it’s nice just to relax and have a pleasant conversation with a wonderful woman.”
Misty eyed, she responded, “I find it wonderful that someone like you makes me happy, for the first time in a long time.”
“Here’s a proposition,” Snakebite said. Why don’t we take a vacation from evil, and just hang out with each other; I’m not encouraging you to do evil, so what do you say?”
“Snakey, honey; you took the thought right out of my brain.”
Poisonous and Snakebite walked into his apartment. Her shoes flew off her feet, and some comfortable clothing replaced the formal dress. Snakebite settled quietly into the living room and luxuriated in the comfort of his couch,
“Would you like another drink? He asked.
“Yes. Could you make me another Bloody Mary?”
“I’d be more than glad to. One Bloody Mary coming up.”
Snakebite came back and set her drink before her, then sat himself down.
“You know,” she said, “there is a meeting of demons at a church of false religion tomorrow at seven thirty p.m.; would you like to attend?”
“Oh, yes. It’s time I got a good dose of evil thoughts, before the Light takes over me.”
“We’ll do it then.”
* * *
Tuesday, September 23rd
Poisonous had relaxed and had a pleasant conversation, after having caused more relationships to break up. Looking at his watch, he noticed it was seven o’clock in the evening. She looked at him adoringly, and said, “You are such an amazing reptile.”
Smiling he answered, “Why thank you. You are a very lovely lust nymph yourself.” Then his expression turned serious.
“What’s the matter? I didn’t say something wrong did I?”
He laughed. “No, dear friend of mine. However, we have a few minutes before we leave, and we need to get a few things taken care of.”
“Really? What? Do I look alright?” She had made sure her natural self looked as evil as ever.
“You look just fine; but you have been exposed to the Light, and demons can smell emotions miles away. I need to inject you with some venom, which hopefully will obliterate the smell of the Light. Deception and Lies are my specialty. I should be able to do this with no problem. I can’t guarantee that the Light will be completely gone, however.”
“That’s okay, please do it. Just do me one favor…”
“Sure. What’s that?”
“Turn into a snake like you did the other day when we had battle.”
“As you wish.”
As she watched, he transformed into a large, poisonous snake, and crawl towards her. She shook with anticipation as he got nearer. Then, he arose from the floor, and stood up as he made a circle with his lower body. Fangs bared, he bit her directly in the neck. As she shuddered from he sheer pleasure of the experience, more evil filled her heart, for which she was thankful.
“We need to do one more thing. As you know, demons also smell emotions and feelings, so we need to hypnotize each other to forget how we feel…”
Her eyes glassed over. “Must we?”
“Yes, Poisonous, you know better than I that we must. Any positive emotion such as love they’ll notice right away, so we must temporarily erase our minds of how we feel about each other.”
Sighing, she said, “Yes. I agree. Do what you must.”
“Now listen carefully, because this is a bit tricky: you will need to tell me that we are only acquaintances. When we leave the gathering, you will tell me to return to the way I was. When you’re done, you must tell me to do the same.”
“Okay. But I’ll miss you.”
“And I’ll miss you too, but hopefully nobody, not even we two, will know that.”
“Alright.” Looking straight at Snakebite, with eyes glowing red, she said, “Snakebite, we are only acquaintances. We are going to the gathering of demons, and when we leave, I will tell you to revert to the way you were. Then you’ll do the same for me. Now tell me what I just told you.”
He did, and the both left for the gathering on Sixteenth Street.
* * *
The darkness that hung in the air around Lucifer grew darker, tainted with the profound wrath emanating from his inner being. His anger grew along with his temperature, and finally, he could stand it no more.
“Damn that Poisonous. She has gone completely soft under the influence of the Light. Who ever heard of two demons being in love with each other? It’s not only absurd, it’s a positive blight on all who call themselves dark angels.”
Fuming for several minutes, ranting curses, and burning holes in everything around him, even the expensive desk in his office, his anger would not abate. Finally, he looked at his personal aide, and snarled, “Get me Dark Death. I have a mission for him. Be sure he comes at once, or I will send you both to Hell immediately.”
The aide bowed low, said, “Yes sire,” and left in haste.
A few brief moments later, the aide, and Dark Death bowed low before him.
“What may I do for you, my Lord?”
He answered, spitting out the hatred filled words with the fierceness of napalm, burning everything they touched. “What you may do for me, fool, is eliminate the thorn in my side named Poisonous. I want her dead, and her spirit in Hell forever. Do you understand me?” His glare blistered with equal ferocity as his words.
“Yes, my Lord. Right away.” Dark Death bowed low again, and took off towards earth, aiming for Washington, D.C.
“He’d better succeed, or there will be more than just Poisonous in Hell…”
For the first time that day, his face suddenly brightened. “Oh, this is delicious. Before we sacrifice the lamb, we need to fatten her up a bit. He turned to his aide again.
“Alert the seven spirits of murder and violence to indwell a particularly unsavory soul, and have them encounter Ms. Poisonous. Do it quickly!”
“At once, my Lord”
* * *
Poisonous and Snakebite flew over the western part of the city towards the church building on the corner of 16th and P Streets, N.W. The congestion in the streets of the city had dissipated, leaving only a remnant of the commuters travelling in their cars. A few pedestrians crawled the street like small squadrons of ants. Some of the locals and even the suburbanites gathered in clubs, restaurants or special interest groups. The rest disappeared into the Subway stations, using the Metro train, and perhaps the commuter trains that left from Union Station to head to their homes.
Poisonous looked over at Snakebite, flying beside her.
“Say, Snakebite: do you know who of interest will be attending this meeting? I’ve heard that Politically Correct, the Prince of D.C. will be heading the meeting.”
“I know of no one else of importance, although occasionally some messenger from Lucifer arrives and gives a ‘pep talk.’”
She nodded her acknowledgement, and continued towards the meeting. As they got nearer, she could feel the heavy, dark cloud that arose from a large crowd of demons, hanging like a pall in the early autumn evening. Moments later, she and Snakebite landed, and walked into the hall through the front doorway, as landing in the middle of a large crowd of demons might cause one to land on top of one of them. The main foyer was brightly lit, although no human souls indwelled the place. The lights in the main auditorium of this church had been extinguished. She found the darkness comforting, and allowed her senses to be on extra keen, especially her sense of smell, and perception of emotion. All the emotion in the building reeked of anger and murder and she felt right at home.
Poisonous: A Visit To Earth (DC Angels Book 2) Page 21