“Do not peg me for a fool by mentioning the word ‘holy’ you mindless simpleton!” Asmodeus growled. “The walls have seen more horrors and atrocities than Hell itself otherwise, had these grounds been so holy as you put it, neither you nor I would be allowed entrance so let us not fool ourselves shall we?”
When the human nodded his head frantically, Asmodeus’ smile returned. “Good. Bring me two humans: one male and one female….I am a bit undecided in my predilections this evening. And before you ask, all I ask is that they are physically desirable and at some type of disadvantage. I need my bargaining chip in order for them to play. And please don’t be too long….I don’t think you will like to push my buttons tonight.”
The cleric’s eyes widened while olive skinned grew paler by the second. “I will be back shortly sire,” he stammered as he scurried out into the hallway, slamming and locking the door behind him. Asmodeus sauntered over to the king sized bed he insisted the cleric have installed for him and stretched out onto the plush gold comforting….and to think this was only the beginning.
Once I am inside the sacred site, I have to note how impressed I am with the humans and their ability to preserve a memory. Images representing Saint John and his vision of the end times decorated the cave, along with lit candles and various other items that represented Christian devotion. Somewhere within these walls of rock the Seal had lied protected and undisturbed and it is with great hope that there is something-anything that could help me figure out more about the Seal and the powers that it threatens to unleash. I would have probably been better off simply asking one of the monks who resided in the neighboring monastery, but then again they vowed a sacred oath to protect the Seal, and to discover that they have failed in their sworn duty would do more harm than good. Besides, Grim is taking the heat for it but still…
Just then I could feel dear old dad siphoning information from me. I don’t understand why the control freak has to be this invasive. I know he is in no position to just ask me but he still has other methods I am sure he could have used other than outright invading my privacy. The psychic connection is weak, but I grant him entrance. I needed him to see first -hand that I am doing everything in my power to set him free so that things can return to normal; where he can be free to exact torment on those responsible for his current plight; and then I can go back to…whatever the hell it is I was doing before.
I come across a fissure that is a foot wide but six feet deep on the abandoned side of the cave where no forms of décor were laid about. I can smell the incense and the residue of Blessed Water that had been sprinkled about to ensure that no demon could cross the barrier and capture the Seal. They should have taken more protective measures to protect the Seal from humans. I kneel down and gently brush my hand against the cold stony surface before inhaling the vague human scent that had been left behind and mixed in the debris that dusted the surface. Hmmmm… I think to myself.
The human is sick; dying to be exact, of some sort of cancer. That in itself is an excellent clue provided that every Catholic priest that I encounter is not afflicted with cancer. I sniff the tips of my fingers again. The cancer signature is strong, leaving me unable to pick up anything else about the culprit other than his pending death. So he made a deal with a demon in hopes of cheating death. At what one point did he not get it that making deals with the fallen only sends them straight to my father’s doorstep? I scan around for any other form of tangible evidence before concluding that the scent is the best that I can get right now. Mary McFarland informed me to use the blind spots to find Asmodeus, but the old windbag failed to realize that Asmodeus is not the only demon who could shield himself from my detection. There are hundreds of the Fallen brethren who could do that, and right now there were too many blind spots shielding wicked secrets and conspiracies and I do not have time to investigate every single one of them without wasting precious time. Someone should be able to tell me more about Asmodeus and what I may be up against, and no I am not going back to Nak-he has done enough and I don’t want to have to kill the insolent bastard for another round of disrespect.
Grim isn’t the only one who can call in reinforcements.
Chapter 11
I transport myself to a small African village in the Sudan. The midday heat would be considered unbearable to most humans, but for me it is like spending the summer in the icy lands of the Antarctic. I don’t even break a sweat as I stroll down the walkway that led to the small community of peoples whose heritage has almost become long forgotten. Here is where all of the answers to my questions may be found. The individual I am seeking is a fugitive on the run from the U.S. government. For what, I will get to that later, but he is my most trusted ally when it comes to demon hunting…and one that I will keep as far away from Grim as possible. He is of the Fallen breed but not in the sense of disobeying direct orders from On High: he just kind of came down to earth for a visit and never went back up to check in. He can no longer transform himself into a being of Light like his heavenly brethren, but thankfully he wasn’t cursed like Asmodeus or imprisoned deep beneath the surface of the Euphrates like his other brothers. He is pretty much a hero without a home; and a few years ago he became a friend…and something a little more meaningful…
Of course I have not been able to see him much thanks to Grim and it is a good thing too…the last time I was romantically involved, well…you know the story. ..I ended up in the Abaddon Pitts and the guy tortured for an eternity. I am not trying to go down that route again. I bypass a few scattered bushes, and a few dwellings made of mud and brick. Children had come out to play, while the women sat outside busying themselves with domestic issues such as pottery, and the stitching of clothing. Thankfully none of them could see me, but the Sudanese are a spiritual people. They could sense me. The way their heads looked up in my direction, and one man began to shout in his native tongue; children stopped chasing after the ball they were playing with…oh yeah….everything stops when Death comes to visit. I materialize in the middle of the square, and instead of the blue romped, I donned my black leather. There is no point in disguising who and what I am.
“Death walks in the flesh!” An elderly man that sat hunched by the stoned well yelled in his native tongue.
“Dominion!” A woman cried out hysterically as she ushered her children into their small dwelling.
Just then, the village became filled with cries of terror at the sight of my presence and I had yet to speak. Imagine if Grim made an appearance, I think to myself feeling slightly amused and annoyed at the same time. With Scythe in hand, I lean on the weapon for support, my gaze surveying the rattled village people. One would have thought it was an invasion the way that they scattered. Fortunately I am not here to collect anyone-at least not today, although there are a few individuals who were days away from gasping their last breaths.
Just a hundred feet or so ahead of me, in a secluded mudbrick abode surrounded by a thicket of bushes, emerged the very being that I needed to see: Domino. He must be the guardian of this humble little town because I did hear a woman call out his title or former title which is Dominion. I am guessing since he is on the run from both human and demon, these humble folk offered him a place to stay in exchange for protection. I am wondering if this little community could be spotted on a map. While the rest of the world seemed to be evolving, by the looks of it, nothing has changed within this community in centuries. I know that I am foreign to all of the inner workings of the human world but I do know what a car is, and a cell phone, and that thing known as the internet. But these people…I doubt even knew what a car looked like.
Domino had dimmed down most of his ethereal glory; instead of being greeted by a blinding light and the traditional angelic warrior garb, he wore simple white robing that did little to cover that 7 foot muscled frame of his. His skin had darkened some to a golden bronze; and his long chestnut brown hair had been braided into thick bands of cornrows, giving him a more rugged appearance. His full lips widened into
a huge grin; a grin that did more than leave my knees a bit weak.
“Sin, daughter of the Grim Reaper,” he said warmly as he approached me. “What brings you here?”
“I am sure you have heard of my promotion,” I say carefully.
“I see…I knew that the instant you manifested the Scythe and sent my people into an uproar,” Domino replied with a smirk. “What happened?”
I give him a rundown of everything that transpired, including the info on Asmodeus. At the mention of the demon’s name, his eyes flared with anger and the peaceful demeanor he greeted me with all but melted away.
“I knew something was up,” he said, his eyes focused on mine. “I sensed a transfer of power and then recently I was given word that Michael had mounted an army. So what brings you here to me, Sin? You do know that Grim would not approve of you seeking my help.”
“At this point Grim has no say so in this matter. I am all that he’s got,” I say confidently straightening my shoulders. “I came to you because you are the best demon hunter there is; and with so much demon activity taking place already, I don’t know where to begin. From what I know Asmodeus is a strong entity; and according to Mary, I am “the in between”-
“Mary? As in the Virgin?”
“No, Mary McFarland…some old witch who owed my dad a favor. She said I was the “in between”; the being between the light and dark due to me possessing a mortal soul and all of that jazz.”
He glances at me, curiosity and intrigue filling his colorless eyes. “So you are asking me to accompany you in this quest to find Asmodeus? You? I have heard about your exploits in Hell, one of them landing you in the Abaddon Pitts and-“
So along with many other things, gossip spreads fast, even in Hell. How he knew about that tragic point in my life seriously made me reconsider even asking for his help. And with standing there with his face bright with amusement did not help.
“-That was years ago Domino! And you aren’t the only one whom has demonstrated a severe lack in faith in me,” I add pointedly. “But I would think that Grim entrusting me with his powers is a sure enough sign that there must something in me that even the real Angel of Death has faith in. There are hundreds of entities that he could have called on for this quest, but he came to me-“
“-Alright, I get it Sin and I am sorry,” he says with a sigh. He takes a moment; I suppose to reflect on my proposition. He scans our surroundings, and what remained was a ghost town. The inhabitants had completely disappeared into their homes, hoping to escape my presence.
“Nice town,” I say after a beat. “Very welcoming.”
He chuckles lightly. “They are spiritually awakened. This village is not unfamiliar with the spiritual and supernatural world. They welcomed me with open arms, and in exchange for their hospitality, I act as a guard for some very ancient….and important relics.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Really? And what kind of relics is it that you guard?”
He smiles slyly. “Something that archeologists have scoured the planet searching for, and nothing you need to worry about just yet my dear.” He turns to face the dwelling that had been his home for however many years.
“So are you going to help me or not?” I demand.
“Forceful aren’t we?”
“Well I don’t exactly have a lot of time…”
“If I accompany you on this quest I will have to abandon these people for a short while, leaving what I guard vulnerable to falling into the wrong hands…”
“So that’s a no?”
“No-at least not a definite no.”
“So do you want me to hide this relic that you guard?”
“No! You are not supposed to know of it’s existence Sin.”
“Then why don’t you-I know who can keep it for you until we return!” I say, knowing just who to contact. He would be more than delighted to act as a temporary guard of whatever it is that he has in his possession.
“Who?” He asks inching closer than what is healthy for both of us.
“Uh… Alexander. He can keep it.”
“Cain?” He exhales in disbelief. “The arrogant and murderous Cain that faced serious persecution from both realms?”
So he knows Alexander’s real name…interesting.
“Uh last time I checked he seems to have his temper under control and he was given a second chance.”
“Hmmm, I doubt a second chance is really what it is,” he mumbled to himself.
“He is the best option; otherwise…Grim may not make it. I really need your help Domino.”
“Ock Sin! Fine, but do note that should anything happen to that artifact-“
“Grim will have his head on a silver platter. Trust me.”
Domino gave me a puzzled look before disappearing into the secluded house, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the square. He emerges almost as quickly as he left with a large box, covered in white linen. I stare at him and then the box but don’t bother to ask about the box. An elderly man with a missing left foot, and an intelligent stare emerged from a nearby dwelling. He said something in his language to Domino, and Domino responded in kind. The two went about this conversation for a few minutes before the man returned to his home. Before disappearing into the ether, I ask about the elderly man.
“That is the village elder, Usar. He did not like the fact of me leaving, especially with what it is that I guard.” Domino informed me taking one last glance at the village.
“Oh…”
“I explained to him that the item is safer with where I am going in the event the village is raided before I return, this is regretfully a hundred times more important.”
There is nothing more for me to do other than nod, and I cannot help but feel a sense of appreciation for these people. It is with great hope that one day I too can live a simpler life and not one filled with chaos and brimstone. I take Domino’s hand and in an instant, we are gone. Cain is definitely in store for the surprise of a lifetime.
Chapter 12
We traveled through the shadows, another ability that awakened in my psyche. Manipulating the darkness is definitely something that will come in handy when I confront Asmodeus and whatever entities that are acting as his accomplices. Traveling through the shadows is similar to using an underground subway system: it is a faster and stealthier method of transportation where I do not have to deconstruct myself to a molecular form or open hell portals. It is also allows Domino to travel undetected.
We arrive just outside of Alexander’s or Cain’s penthouse suite. With Domino standing so close me I am not sure if it is the cool air that permeated from an overhead vent or his presence that prickled my skin. He smells like everything masculine, with his rich spicy scent that ignites a flame that I vowed to never light again…which is why I need to remember why I am here: Cain.
I can detect his presence along with that of another…and unfortunately the second presence is female. Domino gives me an uneasy look, and I know he is all too aware of the activities that are taking place in that apartment. Loud cries of ecstasy could be heard in the hallway without the requirement of supernatural hearing. Whatever Cain was doing in there, he was doing it well. Out of courtesy, I leaned against the woodened frame of the door to give Cain some time to finish the act, but after ten minutes, I resigned my fate to Cain being extremely pissed off at me. I hit the door with several hard knocks. The moaning comes to a halt and Domino’s eyes widen in amusement. Yes this is going to be good. Cain is going to verbally assassinate me in 5, 4, 3…
His heavy footsteps beat like a drum against his linoleum floor. My heart drops to my stomach. Why did he have to exercise his pelvis now? …2, 1… He swings the door open and glares at me with so much intensity the atmosphere around us changes to icy cold. I swallow thickly.
“Wrong time?” I croak.
His eyes become narrow and I see a large blue-green vein pulsating against his jaw line. “What do you think?” He refuses to release me from his stare, and Domino cal
mly leans against the wall.
“Well, I do apologize for just popping up at a time that is clearly inconvenient,” I stutter. I break away from Cain’s menacing scowl and glance over at Domino who is still holding onto the relic. “I have something I need for you to guard until we get back. Domino won’t tell me what it is and-“
Cain steps into the hallway, dressed in nothing but a pair of heavy grey sweats, his face expressionless as he finally acknowledges the fallen entity that stood before him. Both of them, perfections of immortal beauty shared a silent exchange that I could not decipher.
“So you are Domino, former leader of the Dominion…” Cain’s tone has a bit of bite to it, and I make a mental note to ask about that.
“Indeed I am,” Domino replies, his tone equally as cold and deliberate. “And you are the first murderer-“
Before Cain can reply I jump in between the two. I need both of them alive and whole and whatever this is between them can wait…at least until Grim is free. “Let’s focus on why I am here Cain,” I say firmly.
Cain slowly returned his gaze to me and replied, “Why are you here Sin? Instead of gallivanting around shouldn’t you be on your search for the Seal? Grim is definitely a fool to entrust the likes of you on a quest so imperative-“
“You know what? Fuck you Cain and your self -righteous attitude! If you are so fucking holy then why aren’t you sitting high above next to the throne of Grace instead of depending on my father for your survival?”
The entire hallway became engulfed with silence so thick I could feel myself suffocating.
“What did you say little girl?” Cain challenged.
“You heard me Cain,” I say. I can feel the temperature in the room rising, and my muscles tensing for a potential attack. I know exactly where my dagger is hidden and if Cain doesn’t retreat soon, I may have some explaining to do to Grim. “Fuck you Cain. I came here to ask you to watch whatever the hell that is in Domino’s possession since he is hell bent on ensuring its safety before helping me track down Asmodeus. I did not come here to be subjected to your condescending opinions and accusations.” I exhale sharply, forcing myself to remain calm. I did not come here to fight the first born of the human race. I came here because I needed his help, but from the looks of things, I may have to try another direction. “You know what? I don’t need your help…” I turn around and face Domino whose expression is just as stunned as Cain’s.
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