Lucifer’s Game 6/19/07
PROLOGUE
A slim figure trudged through the dark castle farthest down from earth, its warm atmosphere came from the red glow just around the blood red horizon. The dark figure walked smoothly with purpose aware with her surroundings and ready for the daily report. The marble black hallway glimmered red from the azure skies of hell. To her imagination she always thought that the walls were smeared with dried blood. Not that she would mind if it was.
Adjusting her arms from the heavy scrolls, she walked faster and looked outside the palace. The master called it a garden, she just called it a graveyard, with all the bones and dead grass littering outside she wondered if she should hire a gardener. Well, she’d thought of that many times but never got around to it. She boldly told the master what she thought about his so called ‘garden’, he laughed and added something in it so that it would make it ‘grander’, well in a sense it is grander. It was a water fountain, its waters too dark to identify its substance. It was entwined with blood red dragons with silver trimmings on its scale and it held an enormous clock with the same fashion. She admired how the dragons were fierce and has an aura of demand. The smaller dragons blanched off and spouted murky waters, their eyes blood red with hunger.
When her destination was found, she suddenly focused and stopped in front of a black marbled door trimmed with gold and silver. She unconsciously straightened her back, although one couldn’t see the difference from her posture from before. It looks just as straight. She’s been hoping the whole day that Lucifer would be in a talkative mood. She knocked on the door.
A smooth voice answered. “Come in.”
The tall figure came in, as smoothly as the voice that allowed her.
Lucifer’s bright eyes held hers and smiled, “Ah, I have a favor to ask of you,”
A chill crossed her whole body, she spoke before he could say anything else, “Forgive me highness, but would it be by chance about Ruby?”
His smile grew wide, his smooth skin not even creasing, “My, my, aren’t we sharp as always?”
The demon servant steeled herself; here goes his never ending game of who’s the sly master.
He halted and stared at her, waiting for her to say something in response. Ah, the infamous guessing game. The demon servant analyzed. She spoke clearly with confidence, “She slaughtered a boondocks village again, therefore causing an easy ripple from up above,”
“Quite right,” he answered, his golden hair glimmered as he moved. He lay on an enormous bed, which was covered in red silk with gold trimmings. The colors of blood. The servant wouldn’t be surprised if the curtains were dyed with actual blood. On the end of the room was a long arched window that showed the azure sky, almost the same as Lucifer’s eyes, except his is much, much deeper. The whole room was covered in different shade of red curtains but always had either a gold or silver trimmings.
He continued, “I want you to handle her for me,” he tossed a heavy scroll and the servant with already so many scrolls at hand, dashed for the right direction, and it neatly landed on top of the other documents.
“As you wish, highness,” She bowed deeply, and surprisingly the scrolls did not topple or fall off to the clean plush red carpet. Lucifer stared in slight fascination.
“By the way Amy Avnas, you should announce the game after several hours,”
“Me, highness?” She tilted her head, Lucifer knew that the innocent face was actually a face of pride.
“Don’t play coy,” He wasn’t angry, he is rather…amused. “It was your clever idea after all.”
“Of course, as you wish,” she slightly bowed.
“Here,” he threw a vial towards her and she caught it without fail the red liquid substance glimmered from dim light.
Near the Core a vast infertile land contained millions, if not billions of sweating bodies of numerous demons, their sweat glistened backs seemed bloody from the horizon’s red glare. In these plains it was not hot; it was merely stuffy, as if trapped in your attic on a hot summer day. Irritated, the demons began to growl with impatience, Lucifer’s Death Scythe called them. They called her that, but she has many names and faces.
Up to this date, nobody has seen Lucifer or his advisor. The last they’ve seen of them was over a thousand years ago. A direct summon from the advisor is a big commotion already. The demons have heard rumors that the advisor does go out of the castle, an assassin for the ruler, they say.
A clear voice crossed the plains with easy appeal, the thorn heads and normal human forms alike turned to the source of sound.
Standing on a boulder stood a lean female. Surely, this woman cannot be the advisor? They have heard rumors that the advisor is merciless, ruthless and kindles even. The huge crowd of demons rippled in doubt. Is this a joke?
Of course it’s not a joke. A cat slithered towards the figure atop the boulder. There’s a famous saying: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. The black cat made a bee line towards the figure. She wasn’t curious, she merely wanted her presence be known. She chuckled.
The woman stood straight but relaxed at the same time. She looks stern but lax, an air of authority surrounded her. But the cat knew that she actually doesn’t hold that kind of atmosphere around her lest it be needed. It mewled in front of the boulder and the woman glanced at it.
“Be quiet,” She said to the crowd with growing impatience. “A message from Lucifer,” The roars and uneasiness died. “A game will start,”
The cat blinked in interest. A game? Games are…fun. The cat thought in a wicked intent.
“For One-thousand Souls,” she said.
Now you got me, the cat thought. I’ll be incredibly fat this year, not that it matters, souls are easy to get anyways, thought it’s not the case for anyone else.
“And more,” she added. The demons were captivated already from the mention of souls. Souls are currency in the Near Cores. But a mention of another prize fully captivated them. “Tomorrow at sunrise all demons that participate will Arise,” The tense atmosphere is getting thicker, the excitement about to burst, but the advisor still said in an admirable sense of patience, “You will try to eliminate one another to get the grand prize. The trick is, to stay as long as you can out on the Surface,”
She dropped down to a crouch, “As you all know, when you are killed up there, you will comeback here nearest to the Core. Be sure that you will not die so easily, as it takes a long time to get back up there in the Game.” the intense hunger grew in the crowd, what is this extra prize that will drive them to play this game?
“Now then, the more kills the more fun. Isn’t that right?” Hundreds or maybe even millions of approval rose, when it died down, she continued. “You will all be given an equal rank in the beginning of the Game; your rank will steadily increase while you’re in the Game. Eliminate all opponents to get this,”
She held something in silver straps. The crowd rumbled in hunger, the woman smiled, “However, there are rules. If you dare break them, I will personally persecute you. Persecution to me does not mean going back here to the Core. No, my demons.” She oozed with menace that even miles away the demons can feel her killing intent. “Persecution means permanent death. No chances. You die in my hands, you will be nothing. Only feel pain for all eternity. And that is true hell.”
“Believe me, it’s not what you want at all. Now the rules are simple. Ganging up is fine, all fine.”
Suddenly a loud rumbling came from beneath the advisor. She crouched still as it rose higher and higher, forming into a solid block. When it stopped, she stood and crossed her arms. “No alliances. No massive deaths in one area. DO NOT let humans see you as a demon if you do, eliminate them. If you are caught by the authorities or by angels you are on your own. Do not leak about the Game to any humans. Anything else, look into this slab of rock here. Please read it carefully, if you cross these rules, you cross me. DO NOT harm angels until you are at your own peril,” Her wings shot out from her back and the crowd ached from holding their muscles too tight.
“Do not break these rules,” she whispered, but the whisper can be heard all over the Nearest Core, her wings black and red, glimmering. “Whence you are ready, go to Down Town Core you will be assisted by your fellow demons that knows details about the game. Be wise, my little deaths…” She grinned.
Then, she disappeared.
The cat already knew the rules, all by heart. She saw the papers not too long ago. The demons around her gathered towards the stone pillar that used to be a boulder. The cat crouched and hopped to Down Town Core.
The alley was comfortable, well at least to the cat. It crouched there patiently as the tick tack of some kind of shoes echoed throughout the dark walls of the alley.
“Here kitty, kitty, kitty,” A figure slowly stalked the alley way. “How do you suppose about this…Game?”
The cat did not answer and the figure crossed her arms irritatingly. “Well?” She blinked once and found a girl not too much younger than her. Drat, she did it again…She could never catch the cat transform into a human form. The figure’s face slowly looked at the girl’s brown eyes with her blue eyes.
The girl finally answered, “(Ruthie’s Angel name), I have a proposition for you,”
“Oh?” (Ruthie’s Angel name) said with slight interest. “And what is that, kitten?”
“A partnership,” The cat seemed annoyed by the nickname. “We avoid each other, try not to face each other, go on with the game until we have to deal with one another,”
“Sounds boring,” The cat agreed silently, but did not like the idea that she didn’t think of that idea first,”
“How about we use the Lesser Beings for our amusement?” The cat stopped, each devil radiated blood thirst.
“For war.” The cat was amused.
“Yes, for our war. A private one. You and me, final stage whoever’s last man stands, they are officially the winner,”
“I like it,” The cat smiled, and for a second her eyes slowly turned emerald green, its original color taking over after. “Prepare to lose. We try to get our henchmen kill the leader, which is…us.”
(Ruthie’s Angelic name here) “We can work behind the scenes, like chess pieces,”
They both started circling each other, a menace. “Game On,”
“Yes, indeed. Game on,”
They then went to their own separate ways. Both headed towards the registration center. Which is was one block down the alley. Of course, they almost met up, but they never forgot about their alliance. No meetings together.
The angel Kressen sat on the
The workings of a demon take quite some skills. Without the skills of persuading humans, a demon cannot live long. Demons feed from human insecurities, lies, anger, and basically any kind of sins that the human had made. Humans are imperfect beings, the demons are more so. All they do is make a small shove from the back and all goes from there.
To the angel, Kressen this wasn’t tolerable. He does not know why God has given permission for the most imperfect demons to continue to exist.
The girl was ashen white as the demon whispered in her ears, she looked like as if she was about to sob. Slowly, as the demon whispered more obscurities she shook her head and looked at the spit riddled sidewalk and stopped moving, her hands in her pocket. The girl has dark brown hair, and matching hazel eyes. She wore a plain shirt with a gray jacket and normal low cut jeans. The demon that surrounded her gave the angel a winning grin.
“Your kind will never win against ours,” The demon grinned wider with a smoky hiss. “Lucifer will win for all of us Demonity.”
The angel Kressen did not speak, his golden brown eyes piercing the demon’s red eyes. Angels are not to talk to demons directly unless threatened to do so, for their own protection. The demon is a class D-10. There are different kinds of class that an angel can measure by power. There are Demons A to F, each specified by unique powers with numbers. Ten is the lowest ability to one is to highest. A is the highest power and F is to lowest. Almost the same categories are made for Angels but less simpler. This is called the Nine Angelic Orders.
The first and highest of the Order is the Order of Seraphim which consists of Angels that are closest to God also known for their great capacity to love. The second Order is the Order of Cherubim, the Angels that are known for their knowledge. The third Order is the Order of Thrones, the make up God’s chariot. These first Orders are called the First Triad. They are the highest of all Triads.
Order of Dominions is the fourth group that oversees the other angels’ actions and duties. The Order of Virtues in which the angels had power to create miracles for the ones in need. Order of Power is in which they guard the first and second level of the White Grounds. These three Orders are considered as the Second Triad.
Order of Principalities is the angels that are in charge over the Earth’s nations. Orders of the Great Archangels are the soldiers and messengers of God. The Order of Angels is the ones who guards humans since birth they are the ‘watchers’ they never need to sleep. This is the third and final of all triads, the Second Triad.
Kressen belongs to one of the many angels that look over humanity. Anita Jasper is one of his charges. It is hard to say, but the demon and the angel seems to have equal footings, but if the angel concentrated he would have a bit more.
We’re like fools, the angel thought. Standing and doing nothing to the ones that we have been looking after. Not doing anything that prevents demons from doing more damage to our charges.
But the Above had told them that only their presence alone is enough for humanity to survive against evil. It not only shows that Angels are not weak, but the ones that are called imperfect beings such as humans are also strong despite their flaws. At that moment, the Angel sadly did not agree.
Are we not here to help? He asked and sighed inwardly. Our swords grow dull and arrows are bent while the demons strengthen their horns for the final slaughter.
The angel paused his thoughts. No. He denied. We are stronger than they; we cannot be defeated for the sake of our charges and of our God.
The human sharply swung her head up in defiance, her eyes flashing with determination. Her thoughts were clear to him. I will not fail myself just for a measly small problem. She started walking in a much straighter posture and clear strength. The angel has won the fight. He smiled, for the sake of Anita Jasper.
Yes, he thought. The Lord is right indeed.
The demon roared in anger and attacked the angel. But to his surprise the demon swung and headed toward the human, Anita Jasper.
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Hey, hey!” A forceful shove came from behind, a guard with black glasses and smooth tux frowned.
“You’re not allowed in.” The bald tux-man stated.
“I told ya, pal!” The man spat on the fancy side walk, “Da boss called for me, ya? So now here I am, kay? If I don’t go in there, she’s gonna pummel my face to yours, ya? I’m sure it’s gonna hurt a lot too, pal! You dunno how many faces she’s pummeled man! It hurts a lot, you know? Hurts so much that when she does it to me I don’t even feel it anymore, ya? So if you don’t let me in pretty soon, you’re the only one who’s gonna end up hurtin’ you got it, ya?”
“Go away. There is no way a runt like you would be summoned by the Ice Lady.” The bald tux-man towered over the other and he sneered.
“You know, man…It’s gonna hurt a lot.” The other was around the height of five foot six, not really a bad height. It’s just the tux-man was uber tall. “I’m tellin’ you this one more time, I have been ordered to come here y’know?”
“Look, I’m gonna say this one more time punk! If you don’t leave now I will pummel your face into the sidewalk!”
“The name’s Ash and it’s best not to forget it, baldy.” The shorter man raised his middle finger, despite their physical differences he doesn’t seem to care that the other can easily over power him.
“Irritating my guard dog, I see,” A cool voice came from behind the bald tux-man. “I knew I heard that irritating accent from somewhere,”
“See, baldy? What’d I tell ya?” The man named Ash was grinning now, his green eyes flashing. The other clenched his fist angrily.
“No need to fume,
“Sorry, boss.” The man with green eyes flashed a grin and started talking, “What business do you want with your humble server?”
The woman’s blue eyes grew harsh, “You were late, Ash. I prefer that I do not have to go down here and find you harassing my guard dog,”
“Pardon, ma’am. But I was not harassing your…guard dog,” He grimaced. “The butt head wouldn’t let me in!”
“I see. Well then Arnie, do not be a ‘butt head’ next time and do let the man in, hmm?” The woman’s blond hair ruffled slightly from the wind and it seemed to have crossed her. She angrily went back inside without waiting for the ‘Guard dog’s’ response.
“Lucky you didn’t get your face pummeled, you bald loobie.” Ash grinned, his short red hair ruffled. “See ya later, ya?”
Ash whistled a low tune, expressing his impressions of the shiny halls of RuneCorp, all the while rotating his body a whole three-sixty taking all the information in.
White marbled floor and expensive shining cement walls. Very impressive, he thought. He turned to the figure that walked with immense pride and beauty. She waited patiently for him, though he could see in her ice blue glare that she is getting impatient.
Women, I don’t get them at all! He grimaced inwardly, careful that the expression does not escape to his face…Or else the she devil’s gonna eat me, whole.
Walking briskly, he entered the elevator along with the Ice Lady. She bristled when he grinned at her, guess she doesn’t like him that much.
“So boss…what type of service would you like me to perform, ha?” Ash stood still when she did not answer; shifting in her presence is not good. Even if you have to ignore the worse itch, it’s worth not getting pummeled by her highness.
“Ash, my boy,” Her voice is pristine. You could tell her efforts are minimal. “I want you to create something for me…Something that this company has never ever seen before,”
“What would that be? You do know I cannot work on this alone, y’know? I might need some…” He trailed off.
“Do not worry your big head with mortals, Ash. I have infinite Souls in my disposal, I’m surprised you brought that up in my presence, it is already a silent agreement.” You could feel the cackle in the air, the witch with the “B” is offended.
“I’m afraid I’m not talking about that, ya?” A grin came to his face, “I’m getting old, y’know? I want some spice in my life. Though this smooth handsome face of mine does not look the least bit old, it’s the soul, y’know?”
“My dear Ash,” She sniffed and frowned, probably wondering what he was blabbering about, “What in Lucifer’s name are you crying about?”
“Well…” His feet shifted a bit and he froze. He looked up at the Ice Lady and she was just looking at him with puzzlement plastered on her pale face. “Y’know…demons can get lonely sometimes, ya? So I was just wondering…y’know…since you’re one from the Olde Legends…That there is such things as Soul Mates, yah?”
A peal of laughter came from the tall Ice Lady. Ash, however…was not fooled. He knew laughter does not necessary mean he is safe from her presence. No, coming here is a major risk that he had to take. His partner, Elisabeth died from Lucifer’s Reaper. He has no one else to turn to, demons need their Mates. Only strong ones can last eternity.
“Is that your request, little demon?” She smiled, her smile was intoxicating but it has no effect on Ash. After all, that is one of the reasons he lasted this long in Lucifer’s Game. He is able to deceive and is immune from being deceived. “If that is the case, I know of a girl that is your true Soul Mate.”
“Do they truly exist?” The demon gasped. “They are for real?”
“Stop repeating yourself, darling.” She looked almost bored. “Of course they exist. Only few can find their destined ones. Though I give you fair warning, my little demon.” Her slim pale finger pointed at him.
“Once you meet her, there is no turning back. Soul Mates are serious stuff, the greatest demons and angels fall because of these bonds,” she ruffled her white fur coat as they exited from the elevator into her spacious office.
She offered him a seat on her milky brown sofa and in a flash a glass of red wine sat rested on the ivory table. She poured herself a glass and sat across from him. Seems like the Ice Lady’s ready to get down chatting.
“Soul Mates…are downfalls for all creatures. They are…irreplaceable. A tease of God’s gifts. If you meet her, it will be your weakness. I recommend steering off this path, it is dangerous. Soul Mates should be forbidden in this land but alas, Soul Mates have their ‘purpose’.” She smiled wickedly, even though her words were warnings her actions make it seem like a dare. “Are you sure you want to meet her?”
“Of course,” Ash laid his back comfortable on the sofa and smiled. “I want some action in my feeble life, y’know? I don’t want to quit in the middle of Lucifer’s game, ya?”
Her peals of laughter rang out the massive marbled room, “Your love...Is ten floors down from my office. You will know her when you see her. Don’t tell me I warned you.”
He was gone before she finished her last sentence, gliding down the building for his Soul Mate.
The woman smoothed her blond hair and smiled sadly, “You can no longer exist when she cease to live. I would know…A cupid always know.”
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