Demon's Dream

by Laura Hawks

  Archanidou and Nana appeared in the reception chamber. They stood in front of the massive fireplace that was currently burning low, casting deeper shadows on the flanking gargoyle skeletons giving it an even greater eerie appearance. The abode was gloomy and the disposition of its owner appeared to permeate through his realm to make it more so.

  Shara entered the room and greeted the two beings, “Greetings, Archanidou, Nana. I’m sorry but Azamel is not accepting visitors at this time. I can inform him you were here and he can contact you when he is ready to see you.”

  “Sorry, Shara. You will need to have him come to us or we’ll go to him. Either way, we’ll see him now.”

  “Really, Sir. He gave strict orders to not be disturbed. I cannot go against them.”

  “I understand,” Nana replied soothingly. “However, this is extremely important and we won’t be denied. If you fear for your own safety in approaching him then point the way and we will take the brunt of his ire.”

  “If I point the way, I’m in just as much trouble if not more so than if I summoned him myself.” She sighed, resigned. “I’ll let him know but if he refuses then you must leave him in peace.”

  “Tell him we’ll not depart until he has seen us. If it takes an hour or a century, we will wait.”

  Shara frowned but nodded. “I will inform him of this.”

  “Shara?” Archanidou spoke up quietly. “Inform him that we bring good tidings and it will be worth his while to see us.”

  Shara hesitated a moment longer then inclined her head slightly. “I will relate that to him as well. Although, I suggest you sit and relax, for I fear it will be an extremely long wait.”

  Without further ado, Shara departed the reception area and made her way down the stone corridors to Azamel’s office. She paused outside the door. For the first time in longer than she could remember, she didn’t want to be here.

  Coyote had planned on getting the stone and taking a higher position within the hierarchy of the council. However, with the Gem of Avarice smashed into nothing more than a fine dust, his dreams of improving his situation were crushed as well and so were hers. Coyote had promised to love and take care of her once he had achieved his new position. Without it, there was no hope for them, for she was Mel’s servant and couldn’t leave the Nether Realm without Azamel’s express directives to do so.

  It wasn’t that she was in love with Coyote, or that she didn’t love Azamel as much as she did. She had her own reasons for wanting to leave, prior to Clarissa’s demise. It had hurt her to see him actually content with the Guardian wolf. It annoyed her that Clarissa could give him something she had been unable to, touch something within him which had been locked away so tight she wondered if he even had the capacity to care anymore. She agreed to aid Coyote, led him on only for the sake of not having to endure seeing Mel and Clarissa together.

  Since his return three days ago, she truly regretted her decisions. She actually wished Clarissa was alive so he would act more normal and not this brooding, dispirited shell of a man he had become. She looked at the door before she slowly pushed it a crack open to make her announcement. She remained in the hall, speaking through the cracked door, “I’m deeply sorry to disturb you, Sir. I know you didn’t wish to be disturbed under any circumstances, however, Nana and Archanidou insisted on seeing you immediately and to have me tell you they will search you out if you don’t go to them.”

  At first, there was no sound or movement from within the chamber and Shara wondered if he were even there. Then concern began to form and she worried he might be ill from lack of sustenance or proper rest. She was about to push the door open more to check on him further when he yanked the door open wide with a disheveled appearance and a snarled look upon his face. She immediately bowed, keeping her head low and backed up. “I’m sorry.”

  Mel only growled at her before he strode purposefully down the hall to the reception area, anger in every thunderous step. He turned the corner and entered the room, only to come to a dead stop. His mouth fell ajar as he starred in disbelief.

  Archanidou smiled at him, though she was talking to her companions.

  “See. I told you he would come. I told you he would be surprised.”

  No one moved or said anything as Mel took in what he saw, his face unable to maintain his normal stoicism as emotions flickered over his features. Finally, he clamped his mouth shut and focused on Nana.

  “Is this a cruel trick?”

  Nana however did not answer him other than to nod to Clarissa to approach him when she sent him a questioning look. Without hesitation, Clarissa moved in front of Mel and touched his heart lightly with her hand so he could feel her and know she was really there.

  “No trick,” she murmured softly.

  Still, Mel didn’t allow himself to fully believe what he was seeing, feeling. Yet, he didn’t want to give this up, even if it was nothing more than a mirage or lie. He placed his hand over hers as he gazed down into her sparkling emerald eyes. “I don’t understand,” Mel managed to say after what seemed like an eternity.

  Archanidou spoke up, “The Guardian has served her purpose. She shouldn’t have died for the cause because of the greed of one of our own. We should have protected her better than we did, we realize that now. We cannot interfere in the everyday events of the humans but we should be able to step in when it is not the way it should be to help set things right.”

  “I saw her die.”

  “Yes you did and she is, in a way still dead. The stone no longer exists and her duty has been fulfilled. Even though all these circumstances occurred, she still couldn’t be with you as I’m sure you realize. A human wolf doesn’t belong in this realm. However, since she is no longer part of the living world, she can remain here.” Nana quietly explained.

  Clarissa added softly, her eyes never leaving him while her hand remained on his heart, “If you want me, that is.”

  Immediately, Mel’s hand cupped her cheek, his thumb rubbing over her soft lips.

  “So much I wanted to tell you and I never thought I would have the chance. I love you. I want you with me forever. If you will have me.”

  Archanidou smiled as she watched them.

  “Nana and I will take our leave now. Mel? Please know she chose to be here with you. Trust and love her.”

  Mel looked up at both of them, his face glowing with happiness. “I promise you I will.”

  Clarissa pulled away from him slightly to face Nana and Archanidou. “Thank you both for everything.” Her eyes sought Archanidou’s. “Especially for this opportunity.”

  Archanidou stepped up to her and smiled. “Keep the dream catcher under your pillow for those good dreams.”

  She handed Clarissa a necklace with a green stone that almost matched Clarissa’s eyes. “Use this when you wish to visit your family again. Remember the warnings.” Archanidou looked at Mel then Clarissa once again. “Be happy, child.”

  Clarissa couldn’t resist and hugged the Goddess tightly. “Words can’t thank you enough for all you have done.”

  “Words are not needed when I can see into your soul. I saw the peace you wanted for the brothers on that battlefield. I knew how, for that one moment in time, your heart called to your own brother, saddened by the last words spoken on that final day and the regret you carried with you since unable to retract them. What you need to understand is Mel and Jes were never close or loving like you and Johann. Things between them will never change for the better, though we can always hope. Your business is complete now. Your mission fulfilled, your duty achieved. You should be rewarded for your service and I was determined you would be. I have attained that goal for you. I wish you only happiness hence forth.”

  Clarissa had tears in her eyes but she knew there was nothing more she could say which hadn’t already been said. She moved over to hug Nana as well, unsure if this was appropriate or not, she really didn’t care. The fatherly figure smiled kindly upon her as he gathered her in his arms for a very rare hu
g then pushed her softly back to Azamel.

  “You two have a lot to catch up on and I have punishments that need to be meted out. By the way, Azamel, you might wish to give Shara some well-deserved time away from this realm for her servitude and duty. She has been very loyal to you, despite everything. Reward her with kindness.”

  Mel gathered Clarissa back into his arms, not wanting to let her go even for a brief moment. He had already lost her twice, once of his own doing and once because he thought she was taken from him. He needed to feel her near him, resting his chin lightly on top of her head.

  “I will, Nana. Archanidou, I don’t know what you did but thank you. I owe you a huge debt.”

  Nana and Archanidou both departed leaving Mel and Clarissa alone. Clarissa turned in his arms and slipped her hands behind his neck as she softly played with the hair at his nape. “I was worried you wouldn’t want me.”

  “How could I not? I let you go the first time because I had to. We both had obligations and I knew you couldn’t remain here. The second time, in your apartment in Indianapolis was harder yet, although it was my own fault. I should never have visited you there. I just couldn’t stop thinking about you, worrying about you and do nothing about it. I knew my visit hurt you as much as it hurt me, maybe more so and I’m so sorry I did that to you. Watching you die though, that killed something inside me. I realized how wrong I was in not telling you what I felt about you. I have had a hard life but then we all have. I learned one thing though. You’re important to me and I don’t ever want to lose you again.” He paused a moment, before he continued, “What warnings did Archanidou refer to?”

  Clarissa grinned up at him as she listened to his words. “I figured you didn’t care or want me. I had seen how easily you seemed to block any emotions, how you could be so casual as if nothing means anything to you. I realize now it was a protective measure you use to keep from being hurt again. Archanidou told me about some of the things which happened to you with Nokomis and your mother and someone named Boralium. She meant I can become immortal with some demi-god powers. She gave me a woven treat I must ingest each day for seven days and I’ll be like my old self, not a dead spirit or something. I admit it was a bit confusing for me but that was the gist of it. If I forget and miss a day, I will be thrown in purgatory.”

  “Then I’ll make sure you don’t miss a single day until we know for sure you’re here to stay. What happened when Archanidou took you from the battlefield?”

  “She took me to what she called the Happy Hunting Grounds where my family awaited me. I had the chance to see them, to talk and spend time with them. I had the opportunity to tell them all the things I didn’t get a chance to do while they were still alive. Especially Johann. On the morning of their deaths, I was angry with him and wished him dead. I always regretted those words. I had the chance to correct that mistake.

  “When Archanidou brought me there, she told me I had three days to decide. I could either remain there with them or I could come and try to be with you but if you refused me I would go to purgatory to wander aimlessly for eternity. It was a tough decision because I didn’t really know how you felt. I took the chance and decided if you refused me, I would haunt you for eternity anyways.”

  Mel laughed, a deep rich sound so rare Shara came in to make sure all was well. She stopped dead in her tracks as she saw not only him laughing but Clarissa in his arms. Shara was confused and unsure as she stood stock still starring at them. “Sorry. I mean, I didn’t intend to interrupt. I just-” She looked back and forth between them, unsure of what she should do or say.

  Mel turned towards her, a smile still on his face and she almost didn’t recognize him. “It’s okay, Shara. I apologize for my manner of late to you. Please, forgive me? I’ll even let you go topside if you wish for a week or so.”

  Shara’s eyes widened. “Topside?”

  “You deserve it. You have been faithful and loyal. You should have a bit of freedom every so often.”

  Shara remained stunned then a smile brightened her features. “Thank you,” she said then ran from the room before he could change his mind.

  Mel turned back to Clarissa and pulled in her tighter. His lips lightly touched hers before he pressed harder against them in a searing kiss. She pressed her body against his, fitting perfectly within his arms.

  Bending down slightly, he scooped her into his arms, his mouth never separated from hers. He continued to passionately kiss her as he carried her down the hall and into his private chambers. He planned to show her just how much she meant to him so she would never wonder or doubt again.

  Epilog

  Ten years later…

  Shara ran into Mel’s office. “It’s time,” she proclaimed.

  Mel’s head jerked up. “You know what to do. Go now and bring him immediately.”

  Shara nodded and flashed out of the office. Mel stood and headed down to the guest bedroom he once gave to Clarissa when she first arrived. Zenthus stood outside the door, pacing as he waited for Mel to arrive. As Mel approached the head bailiff hunter, he could hear the screams from inside and he gave Zenthus a look of panic.

  Santanya, Mani’s mother, peeked her head out the door. “Will you get in here already? She is calling for you.”

  Santanya almost laughed at the stricken gaze Mel promoted on his features. She burst out laughing when he exclaimed he wasn’t ready for this. “Eons beyond time itself and you’re not ready to be a father. Azamel, if you’re not ready now, you never will be. Trust me, it’s a live and learn experience.” She grabbed his arm and jerked him inside towards Clarissa lying on the bed.

  He stopped only a moment to gaze upon her beauty. Round with child, his child, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever beheld and he wanted to remember this moment forever. Quickly, he strode to her side and knelt beside her, grabbing her hand. He leaned over and kissed her lips gently then her knuckles. He felt the air shift about him as Shara returned with Crow, God of Childbirth who would deliver his son. He was about to step away when Clarissa tightened her grip on his fingers and cried out again. Mel turned to Crow and snarled.

  “Help her already.”

  Crow shook his head as he continued to methodically prepare for the delivery. “New fathers are the worst,” he mumbled to no one in particular. “The child will come when it comes. It’s been that way for eternity and will continue for another eternity.”

  Crow moved to Clarissa examining her quickly. She was already dilated, the head starting to peek. “Seems the child is ready to enter this realm and meet his parents face to face. It is time to push, woman.”

  Clarissa did just as she was instructed and after several pain-filled minutes, she felt the gush of a child slip through her loins and cry out its first sounds. Cleaned up, Crow handed her the son she had carried within her belly.

  Mel peered down into the features of such an angelic face while he shook his hand behind his back to get the blood flow into it once again. Clarissa looked up at her husband. “Meet your son, Mel. Logan, this is your daddy.”

  Picking up the swaddled bundle, Mel held him tight as he gazed into his son’s face. “Hello, Logan. You will be strong and loved. I’ll make sure you know how much you’re loved. You will never be betrayed by your family.” Mel’s eyes glanced over to Zenthus and Santanya before returning to his wife. “I love you, Clarissa. You did good. He’s beautiful.”

  Clarissa laid back and watched Mel with the child in his arms. “Think you have to take some credit for him, my love.”

  Zenthus brought a chair close to the bed so Azamel could sit and hold his newborn while still being near Clarissa. Mel gratefully thanked him as he sat. After a moment, he leaned over and planted a solid kiss on his wife’s lips. “Thank you. For giving me love, showing me there are people I can trust, for giving me a son. Thank you for all this and more.”

  “You’re welcome. For all that and more. Always. Forever.”

  Ms. Hawks has always been interested in writing in so
me form or other. A few years back, she was involved with and then ran a Star Trek Interactive Writing Group which was successful for a number of years. Yes, she is a trekker and proud of it.

  She has directed tours around the country and continues to do so to pay the bills. Maybe one day, she can travel for fun and let the books she writes pay the bills instead. She can only hope.

  Some years back, she received her Master’s Degree in Ancient Civilizations, Native American History and United States History.

  It was at this time she got involved in role playing on FaceBook, which gave her ample opportunities to grow and hone her writing ability.

  Taking the leap forward, she decided to try her hand at writing a novel entitled Demon’s Kiss.

  A sequel to Demon’s Kiss, entitled Demon’s Dream will be released soon.

  She has a couple of other projects underway, including a new series that utilizes Native American history and mythos incorporated into her paranormal world.

  APPENDIX

  Pantheon:

  Name: Nickname: Realm:

  Nanaboojoo Nana High God: Protector of Humanity: Forests

  Geezhigo-Quae Gee Sky Mother

  Chipiapoos Chip God of the Dead

  Beloitah Goddess of Evil

  Malsumis Mal God of Evil

  Azamel Mel Demon Bashing/Demon - Judge/Executioner

  Coyote Trickster

  Archanidou Spiderwoman Goddess of Dreams/Dream Catchers

  Michabochel Micha God of Water

  Dahdahwat Dah God of Animals

  Ictinike God of War

  Deganiwada Degan God of Peace

  Hino God of the Sun

  Apisirahts Apis Goddess of the Moon

  Astaria Goddess of the Morning Star

  Hamedicus Ham God of Time

  Nokomis Goddess of Crops/Mother Earth

  Crow God of Childbirth

  Ockebewis Ocke Messenger God

  Manitumis God of Sleep

  Jes’Sakkid Jes God of Malignant Man