Hellbound Second Advent

by Decoyar Brown

  Claudius sulked and looked away.

  “But how am I gonna get there?” Peter asked.

  “Leave that to me.” With both his hands, Gedulah crossed his fingers and stretched his hands forward with his palms out. “I’m the one who closed the Hellgates, remember?”

  “Oh, so you can open and close the Hellgates?” Zack asked.

  Gedulah’s smile was assertive and then he nodded. He looked at his brother and said, “Peter, I must warn you that going to Sheol will make you vulnerable. You can die there. You’re not protected by the Almighty’s grace when you’re there.”

  “I know,” Peter’s eyes were low from sorrow.

  Gedulah said, “You can leave early in the morning. A few hours of sleep should give you back your full strength.”

  Peter nodded and went to his room to sleep.

  The next day, Peter strapped on his boots and pulled on a pair of black cargo pants. He buckled the straps on his black armored vest that was under his black and red coat. He sheathed his sword and tucked his pistol in his waistband. He headed downstairs and saw that everyone had gathered in the hallway.

  Claudius walked forward and stood before Peter. “Dad…” He had sorrow in his eyes.

  Zack said, “Peter, are you sure about this? You know I can accompany you. I have the experience. I was a marine before I joined the Order. Being a marine is like being in hell.” He chuckled after his last sentence.

  Peter smiled and shook his head. “It’s okay, Zack. I’ll be fine. I’ve been fighting these demons since before you guys were even born. I can handle it.”

  “Peter, please be safe and bring back my son in one piece.”

  “I will, Ella. Thank you.”

  “Before you go,” Ella said. “I made something for you.”

  She went to the living room and brought back his black coat.

  “My favorite coat? I can’t believe you still have it.”

  “Yes, of course. Was I supposed to throw it away?” She giggled and shook her head. “Take it for good luck. I also modified it for you. On the inside, on the left side, I sewed in a holster.”

  “Thank you.” Peter smiled and admired the texture of the holster inside the coat. It was black and a mustang’s head was carved on it. He noticed another metal piece that was shaped like the grooves on a plastic box cutter by the neck of the coat.

  “Hey, Ella. What’s this for?” Peter asked.

  “That’s for your sword. The metal has magnets on the sides to hold your sword. It should be strong enough to hold it. Instead of the sheath, I added it for easy access.”

  Peter placed his pistol in the holster and the sword in the metal piece. “It’s perfect. That’s very thoughtful of you—and very creative.” Peter gave her a hug.

  “Well, gang, we gotta get going,” Gedulah said. “Time is of the essence for Peter.”

  Dawn walked up to Peter. “Please be careful. I’ve seen how you handled yourself before, but I’m still worried.”

  “Thank you. I will try to be careful.” Peter touched Dawn on her shoulder.

  “Dad, please come back soon. There is a lot I want to talk to you about. And we didn’t have any time to hang out yet.”

  They hugged for a few seconds.

  Zack said, “Peter, I’m not good at sad farewells. I’m just going to wish you good luck. Please prevent the tower from rising.”

  Peter nodded and smiled.

  “Okay, bro. It’s time to go.” Gedulah rested a hand on Peter’s shoulder, and his wings emerged. He wrapped them around Peter, and a bright light sparked before they vanished.

  Peter and Gedulah appeared outside an abandoned church by the Hudson River. The grass was high above his knees and had lots of weeds.

  “Why here?” Peter asked.

  “Just follow me. You will see.” Gedulah walked to the east side of the church, and Peter followed.

  Peter tried to see what was inside the church but the broken windows were covered with boards. He could hear rodents and other animals inside.

  They came to a stop and Gedulah used his foot to brush away some dirt and dried grass. Gedulah stooped down, opened a wooden door, and took out a golden crucifix. It was eight inches long and had colored gems running down the middle, from top to bottom.

  “What is that?” Peter asked.

  “This is a key.”

  “Well, what is it for?”

  “Just be patient and watch what I’m doing.”

  The angel walked closer to the building and waved his hand over a dirty part of the wall. A cross-shaped opening was revealed that the crucifix could fit in. He placed it in, and a slight tremor occurred below.

  Peter backed away when the ground opened. A muddy, three-foot wall rose out of the dirt.

  “Okay, now I will answer your questions. Unfortunately, this is the best I can do to get you into Sheol. This is a one-way ticket. Behind this wall is a dimensional egress.”

  “You can get me into Sheol—but you can’t get me out?” Peter asked.

  “Not really. You just can’t use this door to get back out.” Gedulah removed the crucifix from the wall. “But this can help to get you back. This is the Key of Cronus. When you find the boy, just raise it above you—and it will show you the way out.”

  Peter took the heavy crucifix and put it in his jacket pocket.

  Gedulah said. “Wait. Give the key back to me.”

  Peter handed it to him.

  “I forgot to tell you about a special feature of the key. The Key of Cronus can transform into a ball of energy, which will make it easier to carry and hide from your foes.” Gedulah focused, and the cross slowly levitated. It began to rotate in his hand, and a small boom lashed out with a flash of light. A golden light sparkled from the transformed key. It was round and the size of a marble. It fell back into Gedulah’s palm. “Here,” Gedulah said.

  “Even though it’s small—it’s heavy. How do I change it back?”

  “Just concentrate on changing it, and it will do the rest.”

  “That easy, huh?” Peter smiled and focused. The ball sparked again and transformed into the cross. He focused again, and it transformed back into the shimmering ball.

  “Amazing.” Peter put the ball in his pocket.

  “In Sheol, you’re vulnerable. You’re practically human there. You will have most of your agility and strength, but you can be injured or killed.”

  The Demon Slayer nodded.

  “That ability you used against Gabilon, can you use it again?”

  “If possible, but it will leave me vulnerable after I use it.”

  “Okay. I will give you some holy relics to assist you.”

  Peter’s look was perplexed, “What do you mean?”

  Gedulah reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small necklace with a ruby orb pendant. “This is called the Amulet of Kismet. It will boost your abilities and slowly replenish your strength. You will never be hungry or thirsty when wearing it. It will heal any wounds you have. You’ll be faster and stronger. You will be able to stay in your angelic form longer, and it will not make you weak after you use it. How long did you say your angelic transformation lasted?”

  “About five minutes.”

  “The Amulet of Kismet will triple the time. Be careful not to lose it. It is very valuable to me.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” Peter placed it around his neck.

  “This is called Blackheart.” Gedulah offered a small black rock that was shaped like a heart. It was the size of a tennis ball. “I know it doesn’t look like it, but it’s a fruit.”

  Peter took it and looked at it. “A fruit?”

  “It’s from the Garden of Eden. The fruit will replenish your health and heal any fatal wound instantaneously. I can only give you one. I know I gave you the amulet, but if you’re injured and not healing fast enough, use it as a last resort.”

  Peter thanked him and placed it in his coat pocket.

  Gedulah reached for the axe on his back. “Las
t but not least—I’m going to lend you Redemption. The nine lords of hell are powerful, and you might face a few of them. I’ve already destroyed Bolverk, and Stagness is here on earth. You killed Grephen—so that leaves us only six remaining. Redemption shall assist you if you run into them. It is easy to use…” Gedulah paused and looked around.

  Peter looked at him puzzled and then asked, “Are you ok?”

  “Do you feel that?” Gedulah backed away from Peter and looked around slowly.

  “Feel what? I don’t feel anything.”

  Gedulah looked up. “You can’t tell me you don’t feel that … strong presence … look up!”

  Thunder roared, and lightning splattered above them. The dark clouds began to part, and an object shot toward them.

  “Look out!” Gedulah screamed.

  Peter and Gedulah jumped backward as the object collided with the ground. When the dust settled, there was a huge crater.

  They walked toward the crater steadily. They looked inside and saw a strange weapon.

  “What is that?” Peter asked. “It looks like a scythe.”

  Gedulah jumped into the crater and he slid down to the object. “It is a scythe.”

  “What’s that doing here? Who you do you think it belongs to?” Peter followed him.

  “I don’t know, but it looks familiar.” Gedulah touched it. “It’s from Kether! This is the Scythe of Judgment. It seems our older brother wants you to borrow it.”

  Gedulah struggled to pull it out, and when he did, he handed it over to Peter. The black scythe’s heel was shaped like a dragon’s head with a long, sharp blade in the mouth. The body was long and curved slightly with the texture of a crocodile’s tail. The Hebrew word for crown was carved on the base. On the tip was a spear’s head.

  Peter said, “So, this is Judgment—the first weapon that was forged before the Great War in heaven. Why would he lend it to me?”

  “I guess he wants to help us. Kether must realize that Heaven’s sake depends on the boy’s safe return.”

  Peter tried to get familiar with the scythe by swinging it around. It was a bit heavier than Redeemer, but he knew he would get used to it.

  “All that you have should be enough to aid you on your journey.” Gedulah said. “I’m sorry I can’t accompany you, but I send someone in my stead.”

  “Who? Are you saying that someone will accompany me?”

  Gedulah smiled, reached in his pocket again, and pulled out a platinum wristband.

  “What is that?” Peter put it around his wrist

  “It’s called the Summoner. I have a special guest inside of it.” Gedulah’s smile was cheeky. “Go ahead and press the button on the top.”

  Peter pressed the button, and fog began to pour out of it. It floated before him, and the upper part transformed into a male figure. The man looked like a genie with his bottom half covered in smoke. He had three pairs of brown wings, and his eyes were white. Blue tattoos glowed under his eyes and ran to the side of his head. His hair was long and silver. He wore a golden vest.

  “Terrence? Is that you?” Peter asked.

  “You recognize him, I see.” Gedulah smiled.

  “Nice to see you again, Demon Slayer. I can’t believe you recognize me in this form.”

  “How could I not? You look the same except for your clothing and your hair color. I wouldn’t have guessed you were an angel.”

  “Terrence will be your guardian angel. Anything you wish to know, he will tell you. He will guide you through Sheol.”

  “Really?” Peter chuckled.

  “Yes, Demon Slayer. All you have to do to summon me is press that button on the bracelet. My stay is temporary, but I will try to be precise with my answers.”

  “Thank you, Terrence. I’ve never seen an angel with six wings before.”

  “These wings are here for more than making me look fabulous. I will leave that story for another time. I will retreat for now. Whenever you get lost or have a question, just summon me.”

  “Thanks again.” Peter nodded.

  Terrence transformed into a puff of smoke and retreated into the bracelet.

  “Well bro, I guess this is farewell for now. You have a little less than forty-eight hours to find the kid.”

  “Okay. What do I do now? How do I get into Sheol?”

  They walked over to the wall that had rose up earlier.

  Gedulah pointed at the wall. “Press your hands against the wall.”

  Peter walked toward the wall and pressed against it. “Like so?”

  Gedulah nodded and smiled. “Be careful. The ride is kind of bumpy.”

  Peter pressed harder, and the wall began to crack. Bits and pieces fell into the mud. Peter pushed, and the wall broke away in front of him. The ground collapsed, and he fell down.

  Chapter 18

  In Hell

  Claudius, Zack, Dawn, and Ella sat around the dining room table. Ella looked at them and could see the uneasiness in their faces. She saw that Claudius sat at the head of the long table while everyone sat on each side of him, seeming to want to take control of a summit. He looked lost and didn't know where to start.

  “We just can’t sit here,” Claudius said.

  “What do you mean, sweetheart?” Dawn asked.

  Claudius looked in her direction, “I don’t think it’s right for us to sit here and do nothing while my father is out saving the world. There must be something else we can do.”

  Ella said, “I don’t know what we can do to help. Everything is up to your father, Claudius.”

  “I just feel useless. My father is doing everything he can to help, and I don’t have any way to support him. My powers are growing stronger with the Glove of Xerox and I didn’t get a chance to show what I got.” Claudius looked at the glove on his right hand. It had grown halfway up his forearm. “Each day, it seems to change. It’s growing in power and length.”

  “In length?” Zack asked. “What do you mean?”

  “The glove is changing shape. Look.” Claudius pulled up his sleeve. The leather glove was plastered in a magnificent gold and red metal.

  Zack felt the power just by grazing his fingers over it. “Whoa. So this is the Glove of Xerox?”

  “It is cool and all, but it won’t even come off.”

  “What! It won’t come off?” Dawn got up and walked over to look at the glove. She tried to take it off, but it wouldn’t budge. “Maybe your uncle can remove it. He’s the one who gave it to you.”

  Claudius agreed. “Indeed.”

  Ella said, “Is it a weapon?”

  Claudius nodded.

  Ella chuckled. “You guys are so unusual. I can’t believe the things I’ve seen and heard from you all.”

  Claudius smiled.

  “I know how we can help,” Zack said. “We can start taking out the Order’s knights one by one.”

  Everyone looked in his direction.

  “You want us to go back?” Claudius said.

  “Of course. What else can we do to help your father? Who knows what scheme the Order is cooking up. We need to go back and destroy their headquarters before they make the first move.”

  Everyone was silent for a moment.

  “Zack is right,” a voice said in the hallway.

  Everyone turned around.

  Gedulah walked toward them and said, “We need to strike before they do.”

  Zack said, “So what do you suggest? What should be the first move, Paul?”

  Gedulah took off his coat, put his axe on the wall, and sat down with them. “I think we should take out the knights first. Draw them out and deactivate them. I cannot terminate a human—so killing them is out of my jurisdiction.”

  Zack said, “You have so many rules and regulations.”

  “Of course. I’m an angel. We’re only supposed to destroy evil and protect humans at all costs. The Naraka Knights are human beings controlled by demons. I can only destroy the weapons, redeeming them of their sins.”

  “I don�
�t know about you, Uncle, but if they try to harm me, I have to protect myself to the extreme—including my friends and family.”

  “Do what you must to protect yourself—that’s okay with me—but be warned. The Almighty has consequences for those who commit a sin—and more significant ones for murder.”

  “So all that Bible talk about going to hell or heaven is true?” Ella asked.

  Gedulah rested his hands on the table and stared at her. “What do you believe?”

  “I’ve been told that God will return to this world and destroy evil—and all the wicked and nonbelievers shall perish in hell, burned to death by Satan’s hand.”

  “Do you really believe that, Ella?” Gedulah asked. “Do you really think a father would punish his children by burning them or destroy them for their sins? Would you do that to your son if he disobeyed you?”

  “Well …”

  Dawn said, “I’m a Jehovah’s Witness, so my views are a little different,”

  “What do you mean?” Gedulah asked.

  “I’ve been taught that Christ will return, and when he does, the dead shall rise from the grave and be granted a second chance to live for another two thousand years.”

  “I’ve heard that before,” Zack said. “I’ve heard that Christ will return to cleanse this world after Armageddon, and a limited few … I think it’s about 144,000 will rule in heaven with Jesus Christ.”

  “It’s funny how everyone has their own beliefs and views about religion. But when it boils down to it, it’s the same God,” Gedulah said. “It’s the same creator, but people invent different rules.”

  “So what’s the truth, Uncle?”

  Gedulah said, “Right now, that’s not important. Where do you think Peter is now? Why is he going through the things he’s going through? With everything that’s been happening, what do you believe?”

  Everyone looked at each other with confusion. They remained silent before Ella responded, “I don’t know how to answer that question right.”

  “Uncle, how do I get this glove off?” Claudius wanted to change the subject.

  Gedulah looked over at Claudius. “Why do you want to take it off?”

  “Because it feels as if I have a cast on, and it itches like crazy.”