Metamorphosis

We land. Abel whispers something to Munin. Munin nods and turns around. Munin lifts me up and throws me over his left shoulder.

[Munin] We are about to pass through the entrance of the Byblos. Do not move till I tell you to.

I can only see the floor and the back of Munin's feet. The floor looks like it is covered with tiles. The tiles have lists of names on them. We take a few turns and reach a door. Munin knocks on the door in a specific pattern and the door opens. The room is filled with candles and there is a small bed on our left. I hear a thump and I can only assume that was my body hitting the ground.

[Munin] Gula, we are here.

[Gula] We'll be a bit late. Morpheus is running late.

[Munin] I'll move him on the bed.

[Gula] Don't drop him on the bed. It's not that tough. Cimeries, are you hungry?

I try to speak, but it's useless. I move my fingers.

[Morpheus] Apologies for the delay. Gula, nice to see you. Munin, my greetings.

[Gula] Let's get this over with. Lord Morpheus we've had some setbacks

[Morpheus]  I've been informed.

Lord Morpheus hands to Gula a small pouch.

[Morpheus] I trust you are aware of the ramifications of overuse.

[Gula] I am. Munin, the knife please.

Gula kneels in front of me, extends my arm and slits my right wrist. She places a cup under my palm to collect the blood. She then stands up.

[Gula] Cimeries, your hunger is a mask for your thirst for blood. You are both vampire and human. We need to prolong your state, and then kill you.

She slowly starts cutting around my eye exposing my eye ball. She murmurs in some language I do not understand. Once she is done with both eyes, she fills her hands with sand from Morpheus' pouch. She blows the sands over my naked eyes.

[Munin] How long till I can get out of here with the carcass?

[Morpheus] Eager and demeaning.

[Munin] With all due respect, dream man, I am the one walking out of here with the only proof that can have all of our arses in close proximity of Lucifer's dick. So I am sorry if I demeaned your precious human race.

[Morpheus] You are in a difficult spot. I'll excuse your outburst.

[Munin] Yeah, yeah. Even you have skeletons in your cupboard Dreamy. I know of what I speak, to put it in the style you seem to like.

[Gula] It's getting close.

A sudden rush of air goes through my lungs and I start to cough. A dark cloth appears in front of my feet.

[Morpheus] Cimeries.

I do not even try to reply. I touch my eyes and see that I have eyelids.

[Morpheus] They are there. You are in my domain.

Bullocks.

[Morpheus] We are pressed for time Cimeries. This was not what was planned for you. Some of your decisions had to be taken into account. You are, from now, a member of my realm.

My money's on nightmare.

[Morpheus] You're whatever you need to be. You'll spend some time here in the Byblos. Care must be taken so as to not disrupt the daily running of the Byblos.

So I get to play the ghost in the attic.

[Morpheus] Of sorts.

Am I to take directions from you now?

[Morpheus] Directions ... no. But I will overpower you.

If memory serves me correctly, you'll also be able to know my whereabouts. Did not imagine you'll ever end up Lucifer's bitch. Congratulations on the upgrade.

[Morpheus] You haven't changed.

Thanks. Now what.

[Morpheus] That is Gula's concern, not mine.

He extends his right arm and his left arm disappears inside his dark cloth. Suddenly a familiar smell. Soft, sweet and full of memories, it leaves me motionless.

[Morpheus] You'll be needing these.

He gives me a pair of sunglasses.

[Morpheus] These used to belong to a nightmare of mine. It was something I wanted to keep to remember him.

You seem rather attached for a simple pair of sunglasses. In your case, this means he was something more than just a nightmare.

[Morpheus] He was my creation.

All of them are. This one was something special.

[Morpheus] Yes. He was a part of me ...

That you killed.

[Morpheus] All things move towards their end. For that, Cimeries, you can be sure.

I felt like I was chocking and I cough up a mouth full of blood in Gula's face. I could see Munin leaving the room holding my body.

[Gula] Easy. You need to rest.

Why am I drinking blood?

[Gula] We could change you into a dream. But we cannot make miracles.

My head feels like it's going to explode and I'm tired. I need some sleep.

[Gula] You can't sleep. Lie down, wear you sunglasses and try to relax. Tomorrow's a long day.

Friends in need ...

Seth keeps picking into his right pocket. Every dip of his hand comes back full with nuts. He keeps breaking them in his mouth spiting pieces left and right as we walk.

Seth?

[Seth] Yes.

My memory's a bit flacky. Is this the right way to The Byblos?

[Seth] We can get there from here. We are to make a stop on the way. You are to acquire some help.

Help. I do not recall asking for help.

A loud cracking sound makes Seth stop in front of me. Head to the ground. Takes a deep breath and spits on the floor. I look down and I can see more than just pieces of peanuts. The empty shells are covered in what seems to be a blend of mucus, saliva and glowing peaces of enamel from his teeth.

[Seth] What you recall and what you might think you need are something we will not get into right now. You WILL need help and you WILL keep your mouth shut during our journey.

He turns around and stares at me. He is in my face and under different circumstances I would have punched him in the teeth.

Understood. Do I get a last wish?

[Seth] Speak.

He is still in my face, which is now covered in his spit.

What's a guy like you, the third son of Adam and Eve, the one person who got into the Garden , doing in a place like this, under the ranks of Lucifer?

He pulls away. Turns his back to me and takes out another hand full of nuts.

[Seth] I am acting out of my own free will. That is all you need to know. And all that you will infer.

Cracks open another nut and spits.

Free will! People did tell me that you were a bit slow, but not like this. Free will, oh you almost made me laugh.

[Seth] You got your question. Shut it.

He might be working with Lucifer, which in itself is strange. Or there have been changes since I've been gone. Bloody changes.

We keep walking until we reach the end of the park. It's pitch dark. We climb over the park fence and into the street. Over into an alley and down through a basement. The door opens and I start feeling dizzy.

[Seth] Deep breaths Cimeries and do not worry. It's just a vortex.

Vortex, think of a door that leads to the "other side". There is no bright light, or pink ponies with flowers and all that. It's just a door. A door that only some can see and even fewer can enter.

We are greeted by two men. One looks like a university professor from the 70s. A light brown jacket with elbow patches, a yellow shirt and of course sandals. The second one, who is a bit taller, has a raincoat on. An old raincoat that seems to have seen more bad weather than what it was intended to. He also wears a pair of sunglasses and a hat. I guess he is the dramatic one. The "professor" speaks up first.

Welcome.

That is usually followed by an introduction.

[Seth] Surprised you did not recognize them. This is Hugh and ... what was your name again?

Hugh, the "professor", starts laughing. So does Seth. Raincoat man stands still for a moment. Extends his arm for a handshake and a rather weak voice states

You can call me Munin.

Come again? Hugh and Munin? You must be crazy to pick up those names.

[Munin] We did not pick them.

[Hugh] Pardon my brother. He got up on the wrong side of his bed this morning. It is us Cimeries.

Seth? This is the help?

[Seth] Yes. I am done here.

Who is taking me to The Byblos then?

Another nut cracks and the spit lads on my shoe.

[Seth] They will.

I think that will not be wise, Seth old boy. If some unfortunate accident should find me, Lucifer will be after your head.

[Seth] There are no accidents. My arrangement with Lucifer ends here.

[Hugh] Come on, we've got some talking to do on the way to the Byblos.

Seth walks away, eating those damn nuts.

[Hugh] So Cimeries, how have you been?

At the moment I am not sure if I am alive, dead or undead. You?

[Munin] Manny was a prick. I'm almost glad he's gone.

[Hugh] We'll get to see him again brother. At the waiting line. I am sure at this point in time expressing your feelings to him will bring out the most enjoyment for you.

Enough with the smalltalk. What the fuck is going on?

[Hugh] That would be a question for my brother.

[Munin] Fuck you Hugh.

You girls can have your foreplay later. Talk.

[Munin] After you defeat and the trail Hell took on a new face. Lucifer was, more than ever, stronger and more ruthless. In fact nobody made a sound after your verdict was announced. Everyone was expecting a little kiss between you and Death. But that did not happen. People even started guessing excuses to back up Lucifer's decision. The truth was, and still is, everyone else got it right up the arse while you got Earth.

Can we skip to the part that I do not know about. And by the way, Vlad seems to be a counterexample of what you just told me.

Hugh pulls up a little box from inside his jacket. Nothing special about the box. Old, wooden and banged up like as if some kids used it as a football.

[Hugh] Saddly, you are wrong Cimeries.

I pick the box and open it up. There is an old knife, rusty on the edges and a handkerchief. The same ones that Vlad had back in his pub.

[Munin] Look under the hanky.

Vlad's ear and Dierdre's heart.

I feel hungry. Can we grab something to eat?

[Munin] Nope, no time.

[Hugh] It's the human flesh Cimeries. Manny's blood is still with you.

[Munin] So for those under Lucifer's direct rank, they all went to back to hell, as raw material for new tricks for human souls. For the people under Dantes, Lucifer left it up to him. This of course left hell with two rulers. Lucifer and Dantes. Everyone else was below them. Dantes was very keen on the idea of ruling half of Hell so he got down to business. Lucifer on the other hand took a more passive stand. He slowly left everything to his subordinates. Dantes took notice of this fact and started to talk and handle business with each of Lucifer's pawns.

And slowly took them on his side due to his charming and delightful character.

[Munin] Yes. Dante is now, or more correctly, again looking for even more power.

[Hugh] It is however interesting that Seth has been involved in all this.

He was just a taxi driver.

[Hugh] Yes, the facts do point towards that direction. Why would he though?

[Munin] Cimeries? Any ideas?

I am not playing this game. You are here to help. That does not mean that you are not here to lso confuse and misdirect. Hugh, you are thought and I will listen to what you have to say. Munin you are memory and you can give me information of what happened. But never, and under no circumstances are you to assume that I take your word as law or even God send. I'll use and even abuse your information any way I see fit. We are not friends. We are not enemies. Each of us provides information to the other and even provokes thought.

I take a pause and I stop walking. They both move a couple of steps in front of me and turn to face me.

So let me say this again. We are not friends. We are not enemies. We simply landed on this story next to each other.

Hugh looks calm and at the same time I can see that he is uncomfortable. Munin is totally blank. He simply stares at me without giving me any sing of agreement or even disagreement. I take out a cigarette and start walking.

Munin, where has Lucifer been traveling the past year. A summary would suffice.

[Munin] He has been spending a lot of time around Hell. Alone. Walking up and down without paying attention to what was really going on around him

[Hugh] Tell him about your gap.

[Munin] Hugh, beyond the fact that you are an arrogant little prick, you also have the manners of a brainless whore.

I did ask for a summary and it was to your discretion to decide on the pieces of information that the summary would include. On the other hand since your brother is so eager to get on my good side, what is this gap of yours?

[Munin] The only side that my brother nows about is the one you wipe off after a good morning visit to the john. Ass kissing brain monkey. Next time try giving him a blow job that way you will be sure he likes you.

Munin....

[Munin] Sometime ago, right about 2 full moons in your calendar, I was on my way to see Odin. I was passing from Effrul and the for no logical reason I decided to take the long tour through the Tombs. There I saw Lucifer standing on the hanged tree and again for no reason at all I went up there to great him in person. He did not reply back. It was not Lucifer.

What do you mean?

[Munin] That was not him. I do not know how. It was a sense of his presence. But he was not there. No communication, no sense of his surroundings. Nothing.

I see.

[Hugh] I thought ..

[Munin] Really, you did think did you. Well that is a start.

[Hugh] That is what makes you look petty and I might even say stupid, brother. You cannot see a situation for what it is and take charge of the situation so as to gain a strategic position in the argument and effectively win.

[Munin] Yes, transform myself, mold me to everything that I should be so that I can crawl out of a situation like the snake that I am.

[Hugh] The role of the suffering hero usually goes hand in hand with idiocy.

[Munin] You little ...

SHUT IT. In the name of fuck. Do I need to get you a babysitter? Lucifer can be in more than one place at at time. Especially when the places he is at are in Hell. But to appear with no communication and senses? Wherever else he was at the time, that must have sucked a lot of energy from him to bring him to that state. And Seth. That still does not fit. Seth, of all people.

[Munin] Fuck you. You little piece of shit. Monkey spank mixed in with spit and blessed by the holy loser of them all.

[Hugh] I rest my case. You are an airhead, a jog full of adrenaline and nerve endings that lead to bones and not a brain.

Munin jumps over me and gives Hugh a taste of his knuckles. Hugh falls on the floor and immediately bounces back up with a kick to the groin. As soon as Munin folds in half, my nose acts as the air bag in the collision of my face and Hugh's punch. Munin kicks my feet of the ground and I find myself staring up at Munin while I can see Hugh's leg landing on my chest. My blood paints Hug's toe nails red.

[Munin] Red toes suit you. Now you even look like a little whore.

Hugh starts laughing and relaxes his leg. I grap his foot and twist it off me. I take out the old knife from the wooden box and cut off his Achilles tendon. Munin stares at me at first and then jumps in for more. He manages to grab my hand and twists my wrist so that I let go of the knife. He restless me to the floor and gets on top of me. The first punch makes me swallow a tooth, the second breaks my jaw, the third obliterates my nose and I can taste mucus down my throat. The fourth blow goes to my left eye and the final blow to my right eye. They both swell up and I can see nothing. I hear a voice that is not Hugh's or Munin's.

Is he dead?

[Munin] Yes.

I think I can move. I try to move my right arm and I feel Hugh's leg stepping on it.

[Hugh] He managed to die before he got turned by Manny.

The voice speaks again

He goes with you Hugh, to Hell.

[Hugh] He will, he will. My brother needs to go verify something first and for that, he'll need the human shell.

[Munin] I am here for my visit.

[Hugh] I am here for company, is that ok ?

Only Munin goes in. I'll get Kabniel to help you out with the body.

[Munin] That would be of great help. Thank you Abel. How's are the human souls these days.

[Abel] They never change.

They start to move me. I can feel a cool breeze on my face which is comforting. The screams that I can only guess come from below me are a bit disturbing. The line to the gates of heaven is close to the line of your city's famous nightclub. Maybe a bit more dramatic but the idea is the same. Able is just the door man.

[Munin] There's Manny.
[Abel] Yes I've been informed.
[Munin] MANNY, KEEP YOURSELF FROM HARM!
[Able] Munin, keep it to yourself.
[Munin] I could not resist.

Munin puts his hand on my face and using his small finger's nail tears my eyelid open and I can see. He then pushes gently and tilts my head towards the gate below. I can see Manny, I an also see Vlad and Dierdre. Although they've both been here before, Vlad seems to be scared and protective of Deirdre. I tried to close my eye but I couldn't. Munin is on to some of his stories to Abel. Abel voices the occasional "aha" or "yes" just to show him that he is listening. Munin does a good job keeping his mind on his queue. Munin starts laughing and moves his hand only to point my head to a different direction. A direction that helps me see another familiar face. Anna's here. She is on the queue waiting for her fate.

[Able] Welcome to Heaven.
[Munin] We've been doing this for so long Abel. It's just not funny, or smart anymore.
[Abel] I guess certain things from your work become your nature.

I think I know what Abel means. That makes this the second time I agree with an angel. That cannot be a good sign.

Death of a Human

Moonlight and moisture make the wall glitter as if I am about to pass
through a schism between worlds. Climbing is tricky business, but I
make it to the top. Gasping for air, I can't see the end of the wall on
either side. Fog has covered everything. Hopefully, the floor is not too
far down. My legs are not what they used to be.

Dropped like a stone. An army of a million ants is walking up and down
my feet. I am lying on wet earth waiting for my body to come to its
senses. Finally I am up. Dusting myself off, I can hear leaves
moving.

I have no money and I am out of cigarettes.

[Manchester] I have no need for that.

Voice comes from a different direction. Leaves keep moving. There's
more than one of them around. Maybe I am dinner.

Things will run more smoothly if you had the balls to face me.

[Manchester] All in good time, all in good time.

Manchester, I'd love to stay and play. I've got things to do and
people to see.

[Manchester] Insulting me on my own grounds is not something I take
lightly. Human.

Oh, did I hurt your feelings Manny?

[Manchester] You are not the demon you used to be. You are but another
ring on my food chain.

From the sound of your voice, Manny, I would say that you are even
scared. I guess I never realized that vampires do keep some of their
human features. It makes so much sense, don't you think? You get to
keep those features you hate and despise on what you were, and now
eat. He does work in mysterious ways. Then again, He might not.

I can hear armies moving, but I can see nothing but fog and rays of
pale light.

[Manchester] ENOUGH!

Two lines, one on the left and one on the right, of what I can only
guess to be Manchester's followers.

[Manchester] I am getting the nail. What you can decide is if I will
be getting fed as well.

I take out a cigarette and light it.

[Manchester] You said you had none.

I lied.

I take a drag and swallow hard.

[Manchester] Time's up.

It's my nail.

[Manchester] It's dinner time.

Did not even move. Closed my eyes and waited. It's pitch dark but I
can smell leaves and strong perfume. And blood. Back of my throat
clear pungent taste of blood. Open my eyes, Manny is on the floor and
Lucifer is walking in circles over his carcass.

[Lucifer] He's dead.

He was careless.

[Lucifer] You are stirring things up. More than what I anticipated.

I was not aware you had plans? Should we go back and run through that
scene again?

[Lucifer] Cimeries, do not TEMPT ME!

Got a light?

[Lucifer] Rhetoric was never your strong point.

Not intentional, honest. I keep forgetting your other names. Your
offer still stands, I assume.

[Lucifer] No, circumstances have changed.

So why am I not dead?

[Lucifer] Never said you were alive.

You're here, and I am not in Hell. So what is it that you want from
me?

[Lucifer] You are in a predicament, you already used Dante's nail on
Manny. Nice move by the way. Manny was so much into himself, he did
not notice your sleeping the nail along with the cigarette in your
mouth. However, you are still bound with Dante. If my sources are
correct, you even asked rewards.

Don't treat me like a bloody novice. Your head on a plate was the
extra bait I needed to re-enforce his belief in me.

[Lucifer] That's a really "political" statement Cimeries. And what is
it now?

Way I see it, you either destroy me here and now, or use me.

[Lucifer] I cannot destroy you, Cimeries.

Oh, your index finger got a cramp, or something?

[Lucifer] Seth will take you to The Byblos.

What am I, your understudy?

[Lucifer] One needs to know his enemy as good as he knows himself.

Who is my enemy?

[Lucifer] Heaven ... and Hell. Ready for a revolution?

Decisions

Back on the train again. Back to the mirror city. The next stop's
platform is packed. Rush hour. I get up and grab hold of the railing
over my head. The smell of overworked, half drunk, sweaty filth gives
me a headache. The stench is pungent. I am getting dizzy.

[Lix] Can't stand the smell? But this is your kind Cimi.

Twelve already?

[Lix] One way or another. This is professional Cimeries. Not here. I
think you'll like the place. The Egyptian Avenue. Now.
Ah, back to the magnificent seven.

[Lix] I had to convince Dante. Thought a bit of the dramatic would get
you in a more reasonable mood. Seeing old friends, in old hangouts,
that should stare some emotions. You are human after all.


Must have fainted. I am sitting on one of the chairs with a teenage
face as close to my nose as a cold virus.

[girl] Sir, sir are you alright?

Yes, I'm fine. I must have dozed off. Sorry.

[girl] Dozed off! You fell faster than a tonne of bricks.

I'm a bit short on vitamin C then. I'm fine.

[girl] This is my stop. Take good care of yourself. Bye.

Bye
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I pass though the cemetery gates. The orange and purple lines in the
sky are a fitting background.

[Guard] Closing in half an hour sir. Better make it quick.

Do not have the nerve to respond. I play the typical saddened
relative. Keep my eyes to the ground and agreeably shake my head.
There's simply too many memories. I stop and try to breath. Keep the
rhythm steady. Bastard, why here.

						source

The first small tunnel comes up. I can see the shadow casted on the
floor. Deep breath and look up. Graves, Celtic crosses and angel like
statues around. The old marble along with the green and black lines
that swirl around it make me feel uncomfortable. Sterile yet dirty at
the same time. The small hill in front of me is covered with dark green
grass. The little tunnel in its middle is short and dark. On the other
side the Circle of Lebanon.

Pitch dark. No breathing. There's the light. It's a small tunnel and I
almost died. Immediately I realize, if this bring me close to being dead, then
the day will end young with me dead anyway. Somehow that puts me at
ease. The Cedar of Lebanon sits in the middle of the circle. A circle
filled with doors each of which holds some of the most known and
aristocratic families. Dead. Food for the snakes, worms and foxes that
have made this place into their habitat. The cedar at the top. A
symbol for peace, immortality and tolerance. Irony? Or is it me.
HahaHAHAHAHAHAHA.

[Lix] So, I was wrong. You are a heartless bastard even as a human.

Ah, the messenger. Should I piss my pants now or wait for the encore?
[Lix] Cimi, we have missed you.

I try to get my pack of cigarettes from the inside pocket of my
raincoat when the flattering of wings, so loud I thought my eardrums
will explode, stops me.

[Manchester] This are my grounds.

I see we have a host.

I turn around to get a better look.

I do not mean any harm Nosferatu. Just reaching for a cancer stick.
The big bad bat sniffs me like I'm breakfast.

[Manchester] Keep in mind Cimeries. This is but a meeting, not a war
ground.

I am not the warrior you might assume that I am. This is just a meeting.

[Manchester] Lix. Your services are no longer required here. Make your
way out and keep your hands to yourself. I am in a foul mood and
dinner tonight was not satisfying.

[Lix] Well understood your grace.

[Manchester] Cimeries. I'll walk with you.

Much obliged, but I do not know exactly where we are going!
[Manchester] Patience.

We start walking. Silence. I can even hear the noise made by the fire
eating away the cigarette paper. Manchester walks next to me. He is no
longer a bat, but a human.

[Manchester] It's been sometime since we crossed paths.

Yes. I never had anything against you, Manchester, I just did not like your kind, that's all.

[Manchester] I know. Still one has to respect a worthy adversary, and,
call me Manny.

As you wish. I have a question, why the tour?

[Manchester] Necessary. We need a bit more time. Waking the dead is
not as fast as it might appears.

Not enough alarms clocks going around?
[Manchester] Humour of that caliber, diminishes my respect for you.

Been walking around with this suit for too long, you get to behave like it. But, I am preaching to the quire.

[Manchester] That I accept.

We stop. It's now pitch dark. We are in front of a grave but I cannot
tell which one.

Are we to part company here, or joined by someone.
[Manchester] The latter. For what is about to transpire, we will need
someone as witness. Someone that we can trust. Someone that can see
through the, pardon the expression, politics.

The spark of the lighter followed by the little light from the flame gives enough light to read
the first name written on the grave.

Funny. Real funny, Karl is the witness. This should be interesting.
[Manchester] Typically I do not play host, Cimeries. But this. This I
could not refuse.

It must be hard to refuse, after all you have been favoured by some of the parties involved in this meeting.

[Manchester] DO NOT PLAY WITH MY TEMPER HUMAN.

Easy on the phlegm there batman.

[Manchester] I WILL BE FEEDING ON YOUR FLESH

[Karl] That is not allowed. You are a host, not the owner. You are
providing a service and that service rules above all. Stand down.

Manchester stands down. I can feel his rage. Makes my heartbeat louder, faster.

[Karl] Cimeries, as a guest you should be careful. There are rules and
I will enforce them, but that does not mean that I cannot interpret
those rules as they fit me. No more outbursts gentlemen. We have
business to attend to.

We walk towards the Egyptian Avenue. As soon as we reach the entrance
Manchester whispers something to Karl. Karl agrees. Manchester says
his goodbyes and flies away.

It's only fitting that the host is a well known cover artist.
[Karl] It takes a cover artist to act as buffer between a traitor and
a born looser.

One man's traitor is another man's unspoken hero.

[Karl] Do not flatter yourself Cimeries. You first, I'll follow. Keep
your hands out of your pockets and keep to the path.

It's along corridor. Feels like I am in a boarding school and I am
heading to the headmaster's office for a beating.

[Dante] Cimeries, what is your answer.

Yes, but under a new condition.

[Dante] This is not a negotiating table.

Lucifer's been knocking at my door. Looks like we have a clash of interests.

[Dante] Really.

I thought this was a meeting without any bullshit ...oh sorry, politics.

[Karl] Language ...

[Dante] Name your price Cimeries.

I'll kill the kid. That task has become more challenging since our last meeting. So, I need my old armour back and weapons.

[Dante] Not that easy. Demons can only master that equipment.

I am sure you have already thought of a solution for that.
[Dante] and ...

Once the kid is dead, I want what you owe me.

[Dante] You've gone completely daft. You can never return to what once
was. You know that.

That is not what I had in mind. You owe me Lucifer, Dante.

I can hear Karl moving his feet. Dante must be equally surprised.
Dante walks in a circle, thinking. Or at least that is what he wants
me to assume.

[Dante] That, is not what I expected. Somehow I do not think this is
revenge. Nor unfinished business. You are not that stupid to believe
that killing Lucifer will get you anything more than just a line in
the history books. What do you really want Cimeries?

I told you. I need an answer, now.

[Karl] Dante, you must provide an answer. You also hold the right to
withdraw your proposal. In that case Cimeries cannot ...

Save your breath Karl. We know.

[Dante] I want the last feather from his wings. The last hair from his
head and his light. These shall also serve as proof of his death. In
case you fail Cimeries?

In case I fail Dante, you will have other things to worry about. It is the "get away free card" that I am giving you that you should consider seriously.

[Dante] This is our agreement. Karl seal it.

Sealing of agreements between demons was easy. You share blood. Sealing
an agreement between a human and a demon requires flesh and a nail.
The demon's nail cuts the human's flesh.

[Dante] You can pick the area.

Side

I keep the nail.

[Karl] It has been agreed. Cimeries, you must leave now. Dante you
must pay the toll to the host.

[Dante] Payed. You can collect your armour and weapons now if you
wish. Karl knows where they are.

Will do. Dante, till next time.
[Dante] Till then.

Karl grabs my arm and pulls me out of the avenue. I cannot look away.
My eyes are pinned to the place where Dante was standing.

[Karl] Cimeries, it's over. Follow me.

We walk back to the Circle of Lebanon.
[Karl] Sit down here. Rest for 5 minutes. Then we go see Douglas.

Douglas. Hahahah, this place still maintains a sense of humour.
[Karl] For those of us still here, time is all we have. Humour is an
unavoidable result. Regardless of how good or bad it might be.

Another cigarette gives my body enough time to recuperate.
Let's go.

[Karl] Douglas, Douglas.

[Douglas] Hello. Karl nice to see you again. Cimeries pleased to meet
you.

[Karl] How are the dolphins.

[Douglas] Good, they send their regards.

Can we get on with it ...

[Douglas] Certainly. The tombstone here, on the left side, has this
mark. Below this line you can use the nail you just got and write the
number to open up the grave. Everything is in there. You can verify
that now if you want.

The number Douglas....oh wait, 42?

[Douglas] Always nice to meet a fan. No. 29

Sure. No need to check it now. Karl which way out.
[Douglas] In a hurry, oh come on, stay a while. You might like it!

[Karl] Over that wall. That leads into the park. From there it should
be easy.

Do not get me wrong, you are both good company and all, but I've got a dinner appointment.

[Karl] Goodbye Cimeries.

[Douglas] All the best and good luck.

Luck has nothing to do with it.
[Douglas] I meant the dinner.

Oh, thanks.

The Burden of Life

The garbage truck noise from outside does not just wake me up, it adds to the headache. The smell of garbage in combination with the acidic taste at the
back of my throat is all I am going to have for breakfast. I need to make a
decision, fast, and I need to check on some facts.

Getting up is easy, staying on my own two feet is more challenging. The phone
rings. The heavy slavic accent is enough to understand that this is Anna.

[Anna] Mark? Are you awake?
Yeah
[Anna] You sound awful. You have to come by the office, the editor wants to see you.
Be right there, I'll get coffee on the way. See you.
[Anna] Mark wait. There's a message for you.
Go on.
[Anna] It was a man's voice, he said "The wind is shaking the barley".
I asked his name, he told me "The Dubliner".
Thanks Anna, it's an old friend, he is trying to be cute. Don't worry.
[Anna] Mark, be careful.

There is no Dubliner. Coffee in one hand cigarette in the other, the only part
of the day worth waking up for. The trip to the magazine's office gave me enough time to prepare for Nick the Editor.

Anna, is he in.
[Anna] Yes but he is on the phone. Wait... You can go in now.
Hi Nick.
[Nick] Mark, you pervert, you did it again. Your piece on College sex
parties was a thrill. They all loved it.
Thanks, does that mean that you are increasing the limit on my expense account.
[Nick] Mark, I said it was nice, I didn't say it's up for a Pulitzer.
We really liked the piece and we want it in ASAP it's just that some of the board thought
the details wanted a bit more, shall we say, polishing up. We would like to attract
a broader audience.
Oh, the board. Yes. Any suggestions?
[Nick] Yes, yes. Here I have a copy with some markups and some ideas. Have a look.

He hands me a print out that looks like a punched-out, mouth-bleeding monkey spit blood on the page.

Well, I see the board has put some thinking into this.
[Nick] Mark, do not take this personally we are all professionals here.
When do you need this back.
[Nick] Knew you'll see it the right way. We are off to the printers at 8pm sharp.
If you take all the recommendations as is, you can give it to Anna at 8 and
she'll take care of it.
Got it.
[Nick] Also, there is this story down south, back of a pub, rape murder and the like.
Though it would be your cup of tee. What to you think.
South ha, haven't been there for a while, might be fun.
[Nick] Excellent.
I'll get out of your way Nick. Thanks
[Nick] It's all good, mate. It's all good.

Anna is seating on the desk, acting all proper and work worthy. As soon as I close
the door she jumps out of her chair, walks in front of me and whispers.

[Anna] Ladies room, now.

Anna is a fine piece of arse. The combination of a meeting in the ladies room and
her arse wiggling it's way there is just too much. As soon as I open the door a
firm slap in the face proves to me that coffee and cigarettes wake you up in
the morning, but a slap really kicks you of your feet.

[Anna] You are a bastard. You are a heartless piece of shit.
So we have met then.
[Anna] Don't play macho with me. You disappeared for the whole weekend. I was waiting for
a call. The weather man said it was going to be sunny and I wanted to go out.
We did not have plans for this weekend.
[Anna] You are an idiot. I even called your place.
I was out.
[Anna] Sure, you went out. Dragena saw you up in the colleges again. You were up there
fucking little bitches, you bastard.

Another slap accompanied that firm tone of voice.

I went up there as a favor to a friend that helped me on the piece about colleges.
I told you last week, remember.
[Anna] I can't believe I am in the same situation again.
I was not fucking anyone, I was up there as a favor to a friend.
[Anna] Shut up. Your excuses are pathetic. You think I am as stupid as your little
college bitches. Fuck you.
Listen I am a mess already, Nick threw another bomb at me right now and wants it
in by 8 and I have to go see "The Dubliner". I'd like to talk about this,
but this is not the time.
[Anna] Of course, now it's not the time. Suddenly "old friends" are popping up left and right
and you have to go do favors.

She comes closer, I am betting she is going for a knee to the groin. I am too tired to react in
any other way other than letting this show reach its conclusion on its own.

[Anna] You smell like shit.
Bad night, had a couple of drinks, went down the wrong pipe, then they came up again.

She smells me like a hound dog, checks me up top to bottom. She pushes me to the wall.

[Anna] Are you on meth again?
No, just whiskey. Don't ask me how much, I can't remember.
[Anna] You are a filthy slob.

Her lips touch mine, she bites really hard while her hands unbuckle my pants.
The conniving whore uses her mouth to figure out if I've got another woman's sent on my dick.
Can't really complain though, she is good at her job. She gets up.

[Anna] You might be telling the truth, but I am still mad. Are you going to stay in the office
to finish the piece?
Actually, I need to go check this message you took. I was thinking I could also
cross reference a tip I got last night about this story down south.
[Anna] Nick gave it to you?
That is what Nick thinks. Could you be a dear and help me out with the edit. It's in red.

She smiles, takes the print out and kicks me in the nuts.

[Anna] You are an incorrigible bastard.
Love you too honey.
[Anna] Do not call me that.
I'll drop by tonight, we'll go to dinner.
[Anna] Can't do it tonight. I've got an old friend and I am doing him ... a favor.

She closes the door and I fall to the ground gasping for air. As soon as I can breath and
stretch my back without fainting from the pain, I drag my arse across the room and wash my
face. As my hands move down carrying the cheap towels that do not absorb water, they simply
push water like a car whipper, I take a look at my reflection. Shit does not describe it.

The door opens and Carrol, miss perfect suburbia, walks in.

[Carrol] Wrong bathroom pervert.

I close my pants, reassuringly smile and turn towards her.

I beg to differ, dear.

---

The repeated sound of the train while crossing the bridge is soothing. Almost like a lullaby.
The view is remarkable. Seen it a thousand times but it's always been at times of trouble or
distress that the repetitive becomes clear, untainted and real.

On one side of the river the majestic, tall skyscrapers. Clean lines, clean glass that
reflects an image of its surroundings. That is what one first experiences. The reflection is
the trick. Show them a wavy image of their city. The part at least that was designed with the
same idea in mind. A perfect silver city. An image, show us an image and hide the real
picture. Whatever that is. I hate the corporate type, the style, the aromas, their rituals.
Still, you can't make the whole circus run without them.

On the other side, "down south". Small houses, old, dirty roads, people in the streets,
voices. No reflection here. Mind you they have their own suits, aromas, style and rituals.
After all humans like herds. Don't like these parts either. "Keep it real", is now a slogan.
They are all immersed into their own perception of what others have dictated them to do. The
few exceptions, on either side of the river, struggle to either show off they are not part of
the mold or pretend they are part of the mold so that they can live in peace alone. Free will.
He left them free on this rock and they copied every little detail of what defines Heaven and
Hell. And they scare them into believing that once they die there is a worse, and a better,
place that awaits. Ha ha. HA HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAA.

[Passenger] Oe, you, shut the fuck up.
Ha ha, oh. Thinking of a joke a mate told me before getting on the train.
[Passenger] Well shit sherlock you got it, congrats. Now shut up we got kids here and you
scaring them.

He had two kids by his side. One of them looked frightened the other kept smiling at me. The
kid started advancing slowly and playfully towards me. The man, looked like his father, pulled
him from his coat towards his right leg.

[Passenger] Don't, you hear me. Or I'll slap you till kingdom come.

I smile back at the kid and walk away.

---

Out of the train station and the smell of the street hits me. Wakes me up like nothing else. I
take a pick at the little paper Nick gave me for the address. Bleeding moron, "back of a pub"
he says. It's the "Rat and Parrot".

Before going in I clip the journalist ID card on my coat's pocket.

[Bartender] Oy mate, we closed.
I am not here for drinks, I'm here about some rape or something?
[Bartender] You vultures smell misery a mile away and need to put in the papers.

He spits on the floor.

[Bartender] The govner is in the back. Ask' im, I just work ere.
Thanks.

It's a heavy dark red door. No label on it, so it's either the bathroom or the managers
office, either way one of two jobs that I have in mind will get done. The knock on the door
gets an immediate reply "Come in". Laughingly I think to myself, this better not be the
toilets.

Hallo, I am a reporter and I was send here on accounts of an incident that took place last
night behind your establishment.

The old, squeaky chair turns slowly and to my surprise, McManus.

[McManus] Well well, Mark is it.

He smiles and gets up, walks towards me, extends his right arm for a hand shake and closes the
door with his left.

You are "The Dubliner", you wanker.
[McManus] How they hanging boss?
Barely. What brings you done here?
[McManus] Been ere for bouts a year now. Pubs me life mate.
Can't take the whiskey out of an Irish man, aye?
[McManus] Sit, want a glass?
Sure, give me your best
[McManus] Only the best in me pub, govner. hahah
So, what happened here then?

He hands me the glass of whiskey takes his and sits on his chair.

[McManus] Boss, I ain't the kind with words. Something happened ere last night. The Red White
and Blues came and did their dance. Before that me and Deirdre cleaned the scene.
She hasn't left your sorry arse yet?
[McManus] We the best drinkers and the best lover boss.
What ever helps you sleep at night.

We touch glasses and drink the whiskey like it's a shot of water and bang the glasses down on
the desk

Why did you wait for something to happen to contact me?
[McManus] Me woman set me straight. Friends like you was the first thing to go.
And now?
[McManus] now's different. Deirdre started taking pitures and then started picking up shit.
Then she nailed me to the wall and whispered your name. It's all it took.
Oh, she does have a voice then. Were are the photos and the memorabilia?
[McManus] In me drawer.

He takes out a wrapped cloth, half soaked in blood, and unwraps it slowly on his desk. An
old knife, rusty on the edges, small red pieces of meat. Seem like pieces from human organs
and a handkerchief. McManus picks up the handkerchief and holds it tightly in his fist.

Nice collection you got there mate.
[McManus] Aye.
Rape my arse then. Someone killed the woman.
[McManus] The woman is dead, yes.
You got my attention McManus, whoever did this he knew what he was doing.
[McManus] You getting sloppy there govner. It knew what it was doing.
Fair enough. I recognize the knife, it's the little human steak tips that confuse me. It's
been some time since my last anatomy class.
[McManus] Getting old are we. Placenta ring any bells?
Did she gave birth?
[McManus] No.
Then I'd like to use a life line and open fist number one.
[McManus] Nothing too interesting, just a hanky, with a monogram.

He opens up his fist. Like a rose opening its petals in spring. The monogram is in the
bottom left corner, but the wrinkles make it hard to read. I try to take the handkerchief from
his hand. McManus closes his fist sharply.

[McManus] Cimeries, I am a changed man. After the shit hit the fan back home I cut a deal.
I know. I heard something about it.
[McManus] I did not sell you out. Dante and his labrador gave me a choice. I could stay under
Dante's rule and work for him, or I could turn human.
But that was not exactly what you were offered...
[McManus] You are a cunt. No. If I stayed in Hell, Deirdre dies.
If you became human, Deirdre lives and you get to hear her speak.
[McManus] Yes, me and only me.
So when is little McManus Jr going to meet the world.

McManus breaks into tears. Never seen one of my warriors, let alone my second captain, the one
demon who has survived the most along my side, break into tears over words.

Easy, I was just trying to let you know that you decisions are your own and there are no hard
feelings.
[McManus] I know. I know. Deirdre can not have kids. Dante made sure of that after we both
became human. After she gave her speech and gave me the only ear that listens. He raped her.
Over and over again. I was tight down and I could hear her screams. But that was not enough.
He then took her womb and threw it to his hell hounds for an appetizer.

I got up and filled the two glasses with more whiskey. Gave him his glass. He started coming
around. He looked up at me, smiled and raised his glass.

[McManus] To the old days.
No, I can't drink to that mate.
[McManus] That is all I have left Cimeries.
Not true, Vlad.
[McManus] Haven't herd that for a long time.
I know, been there, fuck that. Consider that my toast.
[McManus] Don't you want to see the monogram.
JS?
[McManus] You saw it you old cunt.
Just the first letter, the second was then easy to guess.
[McManus] Hope I do not see you again Cimeries.
Keep hoping.

I smile, turn around and start walking towards the door.

[McManus] Feed my curiosity, what's next?
Vlad, you were never curious, nor an Irish.
[McManus] You were never a reporter
I am off to see a couple of people about a baby.
[McManus] Fuck off Cimeries.
Ditto Vlad. Bye Deirdre.
[McManus] She says to watch yourself.
I'll do my best.

Cheers

Smell of stale beer, tobacco and burned cooking oil coming from the kitchen.

Single malt, no ice, make it a double Kevin.
[Kevin] Haven't ordered that for some time Mark.
Yeah, is Mary still working?
[Kevin] Yeah, what can I get you?
Steak, rare, baked potato bacon on top.
[Kevin] One cholesterol shock, coming right up.

So, Lix is with Dantalion and Dantalion wants me as a cleaner. Jenavive and Gregory Staughton, who the flying fuck are these people? Need to find out about Jenavive and Gregory.

Thanks, Kevin give us the hot sauce as well and fill us up again.
[Kevin] You got it mate.

Once more from the top, good old Dante has the ability to grand me passage
to Hell as a guest. Lix is his little errant boy. And I have to kill
the little monkey? Why? Any old demon can fart and the kid is as dead as
stone. Historically there was only one case that rendered the need for a
human cleaner. Have we come full circle? That does not make sense, the
signs are not there. Not that I had a look out for this sort of thing,
but one cannot miss the signs.

[Lucifer] No, you cannot miss them.

I spit out whiskey on the bar. I've lost count so this could be the 20th
glass of whiskey, but still, wasting whiskey like this is a sin. Kevin
looks pissed at first then a sudden glance from Lucifer and Kevin sits
down.

I could say it's pleasure ...
[Lucifer] Attitude, does not fit you. A glass of the 56 Château Mouton Rothschild.

Kevin looks stumped. He just stands there and blinks.

[Lucifer] Second shelf, third one from the right. Thank you.

Lits a cigarette, takes a sip.

[Lucifer] Nice little wine, the specific year is not that great mind you, but I have a sweet spot for people who get what they want. I assume you've already seen your old friends?

I would not call them friends, what is it that you want Lucy?

The whole place stands still, like someone pressed the pause button on the VCR. The well dressed, well groomed man turned to the familiar angel with wings of fire.

[Lucifer] Have you forgotten to whom you are speaking to?
No, this human form does not sit well after some glasses of whiskey. Will this excuse help you sleep soundly tonight, Lucifer?
[Lucifer] Stubbornness was one of your weaknesses Cimeries.

The whole bar disappears, I am sitting on a table in the middle of an endless void. I feel rejuvenated, happy even. He sits opposite me sipping wine.

[Lucifer] I am a man of reason Cimeries. The last time we conversed was after your trial and for matters unpleasant. Do not take my patience and understanding as defeat.

Fair enough, I expect you to return the favour though.
[Lucifer] Agreed.

I was already offered a get-in card by the bell boy, is the owner then offering me repatriation?
[Lucifer] No. What I am offering is entry to The Byblos.

There is nothing in that library I haven't read.
[Lucifer] The whole of the Byblos.

I mean no disrespect Lucifer, you are in no position to provide that sort of passage.
[Lucifer] What is, or what is not, my position is not concerned here. What is, however, important is what I am offering to you.

And the Devil never lies, right?
[Lucifer] You are becoming a monkey but that is to be expected, time is a merciless enemy.

Indulge my curiosity, if you will, but isn't it written that entrance to the other half of The Byblos can only be granted by Him or someone in His command?
[Lucifer] You are right, who is to say that I am not in his command.
I must be going nuts. Did I hear you correctly? You are in His command?
[Lucifer] There is nothing wrong with your hearing, it's your ability to reason I am starting to question.

Fine, let's reason together. For you to utter such a statement might mean that you have been acting all along knowing that you are but His pawn. In this case we are all leaving the biggest hypocrisy in the cosmos.
[Lucifer] Plausible.
On the other hand, you are playing with Him letting Him think that he holds all the cards and that you are working with Him only to turn the tables at the last minute and show us how the student has outwitted the teacher.
[Lucifer] Plausible.
You are lying, getting me into The Byblos is something you can arrange, somehow. Letting me die there is something you merely will allow, leaving Dante with his pants down and your dick in proximity of his arsehole.
[Lucifer] Enticing.

That small smile, that grin makes my heart pump faster. A small pulsation sends every hair on my body in a short, sharp and uncontrollable waving motion. The way that each of his expressions unveil the sinister nature of his being is what made me believe in Hell, believe in what we did and the role that we played. Believed that Lucifer was the only one that could bring all the demons together again and march against the silver city. But I am letting my emotions get the best of me, something that Lucifer will definitely pick up on and tare me to shreds with. I compose my self and reply

So that's a no then.
[Lucifer] This conversation is amusing, but, I've finished my glass of wine and I have other endeavours that require my attention. Cimeries, you have till next week to decide.

A week for my goodbyes is it?
[Lucifer] Cimeries, our decisions shape who we are. Our actions show what we are. The agreement between decision and action defines ones heaven ... or hell.

Goodbye Lucifer.

[Kevin] Mark, MARK.
Ha, what?
[Kevin] Wake up mate, we are closing up.
Yeah, right. How long was I out?
[Kevin] Hour or so.
Whose glass is this?
[Kevin] What glass?
This one here, the wine glass.
[Kevin] You do not expect me to know each glass being used in the bar, do you. Shit, I've been in this business for a long time, but not that long. Someone left it on the bar after last calls. Relax, go home, get some sleep.

Yeah, relax. Get some sleep.


Concentrate, left leg first, right leg second, repeat. Been walking for twenty minutes now, don't feel cold anymore, don't feel anything anymore. Ah, getting the right key for the right door usually takes some time. Got it. As soon as my head touched the pillow, an uncontrollable explosion rooted in my breadbasket redecorates my room in a carroty colour. The taste in my mouth and the smell in the room are one and the same. I've made my bed, now I have to lay in it.

The Party

It's 11 pm. My body aches all over, bloody virus. The cold water reassures me that I can at least feel temperature changes. I take a peek at my reflection on the broken mirror. Red eyes, black eye-bags and a face pale and agonizing as if I just escaped Death. Though I would not wish that sort of predicament on anyone; Death is beautiful and reasonable, trying to out play her game though ticks her off.

Coat, cigarettes no need for a wallet, no money. As soon as I open the door the skin on my face reminds me again how cold feels like. It's freezing and I have a long way to walk.

---

It was about a month ago when I found a note on the door

Got a package for you, come pick it up.
-- Paul

Paul lives in the basement along with all the other creatures in the building. On first sight, Paul looks like he is one stick short of a bundle, a closer inspection reveals a resourceful and cunning character with a few skeletons in his past. He passed me a security envelope with padding, yet there was no indication that the envelope's contents was something fragile or even something of rigid form. Opened the envelope and a distinct aroma penetrated my nose. I know that smell.

"Friday 19th, midnight at the first church, top floor, tallest steeple.
-- L. "

Paul was trying to take a peek.

[Paul] All that fuss for a letter? What is she, married?
It's not that kind of an acquaintance. An old friend being mystical, that's all.
[Paul] Is your "friend" a reporter as well?
No. Listen, I'm exhausted, I'm going upstairs. Thanks for the letter and everything.
[Paul]What are friends for.

This is probably that old cunt, Lix. Midnight, top floor, tallest steeple, yeah that's him. Wind was his thing, the steeples were always a bit much but he kept doing that ever since he found out that Freudians always attributed phallic subtexts in such architectural structures. The cherry on the cake, of course, these steeples were predominantly found on churches. Old bastard. But, that smell. It can't be the πόνος. Humans can't smell or taste it. Sniffing the note frantically all the way up the stairs made me feel like a bloodhound. Yes, that is the smell it's for sure. The old bastard managed to give me a whiff of the brown powder.

Πόνος, pain, comes in small leather bags, brown and powdery. The condensation of all fear, despair and pain inflicted on human souls trapped in Hell. Think of it as cocaine for demons, the kicker, you can't die. After all death has a different meaning in hell, hahaha. Aw the memories, the parties with wine flowing, and I mean the good kind not the red grape juice these monkeys consider wine. Dancing, of course, and the dresses. I'll never forget lady 'Ashtart's dress in Dantalion's "Feast of Fools" party.

Her form almost human with a dark knitted dress the pattern of which one could only make out by going closer. So close in fact that you were really playing with your luck, or to put it another way, Dantalion's patience. They were something of a pair back then. Screaming faces, actual human skin, interconnected with a fine thread made out of eyelashes. While moving further and further away, still trying to grasp the design, a bigger picture unveiled itself. The whole dress, from a distance, formed the shape of a human skull. Her breasts, two eye-holes, the thin slim lines below her thorax formed the cheek bones and her mount of Venus the middle of the mouth. A mouth that spanned all the way back to her buttocks. Even though she might have gone through more trouble than usual to dress for this occasion, the lady was one who knew how to draw attention.

It's as if I am there now. She passed by me, her aura warm and spellbinding, winked at me and dropped a small leather bag in my hand whispering "North balcony". There overlooking Effrul with hot air rising, distant screams and with the smell of despair devouring us, I first tried the nectar. Bitter after taste and the feeling of a million ants crawling through my nose and into my lungs. We could barely stand up and so we used each others bodies as support. That feeling of freedom, untouched and unscarred by anything. That is all I could remember; the next morning I was found at the gates of my mansion, torn to shreds with my nose broken and my jaw semi-detached to the rest of my skull Dantalion's sign carved on my chest was all I needed to understand that the events transpired in a manner that was not noble enough to convince Dantalion of my innocence. Then again I cannot even convince myself. As it turns out, I was the fool at that party.

I better stop reminiscing. Why Lix why now? It's not that I was hiding from him or that he does not have the means to find me if he wanted to. Is he just getting lonely being the only one who came out clean after the whole mess of war? Feeling a bit feverish, must be coming down with something. Better close the window there's a draft in here and that won't do me any good.

---

Now I know what they mean with "I'm freezing my bollocks out here". Need to plan this walk of mine. First stop at the corner shop "New Delhi". Looking around in the shop for 5 minutes just to get my bones warm. A flock of students barge through the door. Half of them are drunk, the rest stoned, maybe even both. The short, body-building-druid stares right at me.

[druid] Hey, you. Yeah, you. What are you staring at?
Nothing, just looking for some chocolate that's all.
[druid] Bullshit, you are staring at me. Want a piece of me fuckhead? Ha!
Would never dream of it, man. Sorry.
[druid] Yeah, you walk away fuckhead.

Closed the door and went along my path. Jumpy little shit, but I can barely keep my breath steady with this virus of mine and I've got this party to go to. Next stop the liquor store just before the bridge. Better make this a long one, it will be windy across the bridge. Stole a small bottle of bourbon, that should keep me warm. Half way across and we are out of bourbon, ah this petty shell of skin is useless. Crossed the bridge, a coffee house and a liquor store. I am feeling a bit Irish.

Finished the large plastic cup, feeling a little better. Now I am smack in the middle of college town. Hate this place. Know-it-all boys and girls on a Friday night out for a good time. They are all the same, same clothes, same attitudes, same cliche chicken-out-of-an-egg-but-things-he-is-the-master-of-the-world philosophy. The only reason I really hate them is because I am just another pile of flesh like them. Wouldn't mind being their guardian back home; fuck around with their heads make a little chicken soup, hahahaha.

Next turn, the first church. Building is old, but well maintained, after all it's the parents hard earned money that pay for the tuition and the maintenance of these buildings. This is the best degree money can buy, right! Pissheads. The first building the settlers made, of course, was a church; a replica of what they left behind. Pathetic really. They build and worship the one idea that leaves them broken down and paralyzed against everything that He wanted for them. Need to find the entrance.

Two men in black and little plastic headphones in one ear, stop me.

[doorman] Where are you off to old timer?
Gentlemen, I have a meeting in this very building and my friends are not the kind of people who like waiting.
[doorman] Old man, you smell of whiskey and you look like you crawled out of a morgue. This is a university building and tonight it's the welcoming party for new students. No invitation no entry.
Feast of Fools, how fitting.
[doorman] What was that old man?
Nothing, don't mind me I tend to think out loud. So I guess I have to show you some ID then.
[doorman] Oh you are a reported. Jesus Christ man, say so. They told us one of you guys would cover the event and I had my eye out for ya. But you didn't look the part mate.
Yeah, caught myself a cold. Thought a little whiskey would do the trick. Know what I mean.
[doorman] That I do, that I do. No alcohol inside though mate, sorry.
No worries mate, it's all gone.
[doorman] Welcome to the party, second floor, in the auditorium.
Thanks


That wasn't that hard. There is probably another pair of apes on the second floor and they are expecting me.

Hallo lads, I'm the reporter covering the event. Thank you.

Second time's a charm. Fuck, it's like kindergarten in here and no alcohol. Shit. It's 15 minutes past 12 need to get out of here. Ah yes, the toilets need to get some of that coffee out anyway.

[kid] Awesome party, eh?
Yeah, having fun?
[kid] You bet, college is like, cool. Everyone here is like me. And the chicks are like, awesome. Cool.

If he says like and cool one more time I'm going to shove his own pecker in his mouth and use his balls as decoration for his earrings.

College, you can't beat the experience.
[kid] Yeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, woooohooooow.

Of course, how else would he have made an exit; a testosterone filled pointless scream of absolutely nothing of essence or value. Ok, there's the window and it leads to the fire exit. A bit of exercise will do me good. Shit it's freezing outside. The higher I climb the stronger the wind, my bones are starting to complain. Finally top floor. Looks deserted. Two chairs and an old, burned out candle.

What now Lix?

Why did I even say that out loud. Throat is pretty dry and itching, like someone is scratching it with his nails from the inside. Started coughing, harder, harder. Cover my mouth with my hand, blood. Shit, not pneumonia, not now. Coughing is getting harder, deeper, I can feel my stomach convoluting, I think I am going to throw up.

[Lix] Hallo Cimeries
Never thought I would see you coming out of vomit, let alone my vomit Lix. My name is not Cimeries.
[Lix] Hm, that is interesting. I've seen the insides of your, lets call it body for now, and you are right, you are not Cimeries. But then you got the note and you came here.
I'm in no mood for games Lix. In fact, the only mood I am in is the one where my hand crashes your skull against the wall.
[Lix] Easy there Cimi.

I jump up and grab him by the throat.

I told you, you spineless traitorous pile of nothing, I AM NOT CIMERIES.
[Lix] Chill man, ok. Don't kill the messenger.
You are still playing games with me. The worst I could do is to irritate you. What do you want.
[Lix] Is your cold better.
Once you got out, yes. What do you WANT?
[Lix] Listen I have no time to explain the series of events that led to this meeting. Things are not as you might imagine them.
If I have to listen to one more cliche out of your mouth I think I am going to be sick again. And this time something else might show up.
[Lix] I have a favor to ask. In fact, Dantalion has a favor to ask.
Can't get his woman's legs to the "closed for business" position and now he is asking for help?
[Lix] Now now, things have changed, I told you.
Keep talking fart face.
[Lix] Don't tempt me Cimi. There is a kid we want you to take care of.

He smiles as he pours wine into two glasses

Me, carry a killing in the name of Dantalion. Shit, you are a bigger idiot than I thought. Have you become as light headed as the wind you master?
[Lix] Don't play with ME.

The candle is lit. Fire, from the master of wind?

Who is here with us Lix? Stop breathing heavily and imagining how you would kill me. It appears I'm too valuable to be wasted on your wrath just cause I ticked you off.
[Dantalion] Lix, leave us.
Oh my old friend Dante. Here to finish off what you started?
[Dantalion] Cimi you were a strong warrior and a fair Marquis, I know you still got the brains, don't try to trick me.
For the second time tonight, what the fuck do you want? Have all demons become gutless gits?
[Dantalion] Silence. I will not tolerate your mouth again.

The room goes dark, even the candle's flame weakens. He is taking up all the room and all the air around us. I am chocking, I am dying.

[Dantalion] Now that I have your attention. Cimeries, you have still a soldier's heart and the mastery of war tactics. The task requires a human with both of these virtuous. You will kill the daughter of Jenavive and Gregory Staughton.

He drops me to the ground. The first breath fills my lungs with dust. He circles around me.

So, what is in this for me, your ever lasting gratitude?
[Dantalion] Cimeries, you are an arrogant prick. Your life.
You must really think that all this time with this monkeys has made me retarded. My life! Let me guess you are threatening me with death, you will send me to Hell? Is that it? Hahahhahahaha
[Dantalion] You can't blame me for trying. The moment was fitting. Haha, Cimeries I offer you passage to Hell, a get-in card. Under my protection.
As a demon?
[Dantalion] No, I am not the ruler of Hell, yet. With the proper arrangements you will be able to visit and stay as long as you like, as my guest.
A position to make such an offer. Who did 'Asthtart sleep with this time to get your sorry arse crowned as ruler and commander?
[Dantalion] Ashtart is of the past. My friend we are here to talk about the future.
No longer pussywhipped, I see. Well, a rather enticing offer to nothing but a mere human.
[Dantalion] Your answer Cemeries ...
Could you spare a cigy?
[Dantalion] Still smoke I see, same brand?
Yes, thanks.


The smoke fills my lungs, buys me some time. Actually, gives me time to test Dante, he is poking around in my head. It has been a long time since I played the game with a demon, let alone Dante. Need to corner him fast, or at least, buy some time to think about this. If memory serves me right, these kind of offers come in pairs.




Dante old boy, give us the night to consider. You will have my answer by tomorrow noon, warriors honor.
[Dantalion] Cemeries you are trying my patience.

One more drag from the cigarette, a long one.

If a 12 hours delay is too much of a disposition I am sure there are plenty of your followers who would jump at the opportunity to mark the future of your kingdom. After all not everyone is doing this for their soul.
[Dantalion] You have 12 hours.
You are most kind, old friend.
[Dantalion] Sleep well.

Cold again, the candle's off and the room has that same aura of a deserted attic. That was a rather peculiar party. Sleep well, he says. Bastard. He is toying with me, once again I have to face the sound of the war drums while Dante gets to sit up high in his throne. Last time I could have gone against him and I could have won. Need to think straight. Need a drink.

On my way out one of the black-dressed ape-guardians tries to start a conversation. Fame you see does that to apes. His black coat hangs from his broad shoulders with the inside pocket swinging freely as he moves his hands back and forth. War stories you see, or should I say, door stories, dull, pointless and exaggerated to the point were I want to laugh in his face. Fat wallet. Monkey was too concentrated on his banana to notice me taking his wallet. On the first occurance of a small pause I act and bring the converstaion to an end. Went accross the street, bought me a packet of Luckies

It's time for a trip to O'Malley's