Middle Demons (Angels and Demons Book 2) (23 page)

CHAPTER 46

After Shadow tossed his scythe, he immediately regretted it. He was sure Nightmare was going to turn on him. Fortunately, he still had Michael’s short blade under his cape. He didn’t have to use it. For once, Nightmare was true to his word.

“This is for every time that you beat me like the coward that you are. Now that things are equal, you’re going to learn how weak you really are.”

Nightmare ran in with surprising speed. Lucian struck but Nightmare ducked under the blow and stabbed at his father’s side. Lucian grabbed his side as it started to bleed.

“You merged my scythe with the berserker staff somehow. No wonder you were able to land a hit.”

“You can’t hide behind that. I haven’t even activated the berserker rage yet. That was just me kicking your ass.”

Lucian attacked with Damnation and Nightmare blocked with Rage. Both demons went flying backwards in opposite directions. As Nightmare rushed in again, Lucian hit Damnation against the ground and caused an earthquake but Nightmare saw this coming and jumped. When he landed, he rolled, planted Rage in the ground and used the momentum to propel himself into a kick that landed in Lucian’s face. Lucian started to bleed from his mouth.

“Now that you understand how this fight is inevitably going to end, I think I’ll speed things up a bit.”

Nightmare screamed out as he activated the berserker powers of Rage. He moved around Lucian slicing at every opening he saw. When he finished, he grabbed Damnation. Lucian fell to the ground in several pieces. Nightmare turned with both scythes on Shadow.

“Now it’s your turn.”

Nightmare spun both scythes but didn’t run at Shadow. Shadow gripped the hilt of his short blade under his cloak. Before he needed to draw it from his belt, Nightmare laughed.

“I’m just fucking with you.”

He tossed Damnation back over to Shadow. Shadow grinned. They both looked back at where Lucifer was frozen and saw a puddle of water. Lucifer was gone.

Even with four of the six major demons and all the remaining demons of Hell, the Dragon’s armies were prevailing. Leech and Murmur tried rallying their armies several times but the armies of the Dragon continued to seem endless and unlimited in number. As Murmur took on a fresh dozen berserkers, he called over to Leech.

“We need to go back down there and get Shadow and Nightmare! We can’t keep this up!”

“We can’t do that, Murmur. They need to take down the Dragon. If we die up here, we’ll go down fighting. That’s our only remaining option.”

Just as things became hopeless, the Dragon’s armies turned and retreated. Shadow and Nightmare teleported in. Leech stayed to talk to them while Murmur ran off to help the injured.

“He got away. Abaddon froze him and then left. I was going to take him down but Lucian got in the way and…”

“Please tell me you at least took down Lucian.”

Leech looked at Nightmare and Nightmare nodded.

“I sliced him up. No more problems from that asshole.”

“So where did his armies run off to?”

As if to answer Leech’s question, the sirens appeared.

“We’re here for Shadow, Leech, and Lilith. Queen Persephone has requested your presence.”

Nightmare clapped Shadow hard on the back.

“Go ahead. We’ll deal with the cleanup up here. See what the queen bitch wants.”

“Thanks for coming.”

“Thanks for not letting the sirens put us to sleep this time. Why did you want to see us?”

“I imagine the three of you know who you are now. Shadow isn’t the only descendant of a powerful being. All three of you are. You’re all my grandchildren.”

Leech awkwardly scratched the back of his neck.

“My queen, I’m not sure how much news reaches you here. Baal and Vixen have fallen. They killed each other.”

Persephone looked at the floor.

“I’m aware of this, young one. The sirens are my eyes and ears outside of this prison. I was able to watch their deaths. Abaddon is my only remaining child.”

Lilith looked like she wanted to say something but was wondering whether she should. She walked up to Persephone and gave her a hug.

“…But… at least you have a really pretty granddaughter. That should count for something, right my queen?”

Persephone laughed while tears streamed down her face.

“Vixen was right. You look more like an angel than any demoness I’ve ever met.”

Shadow put his hand on Lilith’s shoulder and she withdrew from her hug and sat back down.

“Grandmother, Abaddon didn’t even know who I was. Did his torture drive him insane? Does he not remember me anymore?”

“Have a seat, Shadow. I’m going to tell the three of you a story. I’ve pieced it together from conversations I’ve had with Abaddon, Cain, Baal, and Vixen. While they all hated their father, they used to visit me every now and then. None of them completely forsook their mother.

“What I told you before was true. Abaddon and Cain tormented Baal and he hated them. When Abaddon visited the heavens, he took his younger sister Vixen with him. Cain and Baal hatched a plan to have Abaddon imprisoned when he returned. Cain did it for the contested major demon spot. Baal did it because he hated Abaddon. Vixen found out about the plan but was unable to stop them. At the last minute, Baal pulled out and refused to accuse Abaddon of treason in front of the Dragon. Cain made a deal with Lucian to take Baal’s place as an accuser. The two of them accused Abaddon of treason and Lucian volunteered to take him to the lowest circle of Hell to be tormented.

“Cain later regretted this decision to betray his brother. Moved by pleadings from Cain, Baal, Vixen, and many tearful nights with me, Lucifer agreed to give Abaddon one night to roam the upper circles of Hell. That night, he met your Shadow’s mother and got her pregnant.

“When Shadow was born, Cain gave rings to both Shadow and his mother. They were rings of power, but they were also cursed with false memories. Cain loved his position and didn’t want to risk his spot as a major demon to save his brother, so he gave you memories of a father who loved you but who never actually existed.”

Lilith tried to hug Shadow but he pushed her away.

“I’m fine. Please continue, grandmother.”

“When Vixen returned to Hell, she was pregnant. She told me the father of the child was Samael, one of the Archangels. As Lilith grew, many of her older brothers and sisters began to be jealous of her beauty. She had angelic features that never appeared on the demons of Hell. Vixen commanded that Lilith be escorted by guards at all times. It wasn’t enough. Vixen’s other children attempted to have their young sister assassinated. Vixen was able to smuggle Lilith out of her palace and hand her off to a minor demon in Cain’s department who had always been loyal to Abaddon. Panic raised you as his daughter. When Vixen returned to her palace, she let her children assume that the assassination attempt had been successful. She only told you who you were shortly before she died.”

Leech put his arm around Lilith and expected her to start crying. She didn’t. She just nodded and rested her head on Leech’s shoulder. Instead of hatred, she now had mixed feelings about her mother.

“After all the issues between Baal and his brothers and Vixen’s new hatred for him, Baal renounced his siblings and his father. He only started contacting Lucifer again after he became a major demon and even then only on official business. He still visited me and shared his secrets on occasion. His most powerful son was named Malcontent. He shared everything with Malcontent, including how his uncle was imprisoned. Malcontent wanted to do what he could to save Abaddon but Baal wouldn’t allow it. He didn’t want to watch his son die in the attempt. When Baal made an offer to Malcontent after the trials to become a minor demon in his department, Malcontent turned it down and went to work for Cain.

“Malcontent turned his back on Baal in much the same way Baal renounced his family. He raised Leech without ever telling him his lineage. During the trials, Baal went to Malcontent and begged him to not poison his son’s mind. Baal wanted to make Leech an offer to become a minor demon after the trials. By this point in his life, Malcontent had realized that he wasn’t powerful enough to go down to the ninth circle and rescue his uncle. When he learned of Leech’s friendship with Shadow, he agreed to let Baal make the offer. He reasoned that the two of them might succeed where he knew he would fail on his own. He knew Baal would promote Leech and give him the weapons and tools he would need to become a powerful demon.”

Lilith finally let tears fall down her face.

“So you’re the keeper of family secrets, grandmother?”

“Yes, dear Lilith. Secrets are the only things that keep me alive and hoping for better a better world.”

“I have one for you then.”

Shadow and Leech looked at Lilith, eager to hear what she had to say. Lilith placed a hand on her stomach.

“Two of the demons from your stories, Leech and Lilith, fell in love. I’m carrying a child that will be 1/4 angel and 3/4 demon, just like his Uncle Shadow.”

CHAPTER 47

“Keep up, Remiel! We need to move swiftly!”

“Could there be a more annoying angel to guard? Keep in mind that I’m carrying all of the supplies. If your grandfather wasn’t…”

“Playing the ‘what if’ game won’t help you. My grandfather
is
the Archangel Gabriel. Stop complaining. You were an angel-in-training before this mission. Now you’re a minor angel.”

“A promotion so that I can have the honor of carrying stuff for you? I’m so grateful…”

Sarah laughed.

“Sarah, why exactly do you think you can stop Abaddon?”

“Someone has to try. He’ll remember me and I can talk him down. We can get him to stop destroying the earth.”

“Isn’t Earth dangerous? There could be demons around here…”

“I can deal with demons. They aren’t so terrible. There are a few demons I actually hope show up. They could help us.”

Remiel looked up to the skies.

“She didn’t mean that blasphemy, Archangels! Please excuse Sarah for her rushed words and incorrect thoughts!”

The earth began to rumble. The ground would shake and then go still for a few seconds. This pattern continued. Remiel covered his head and started to panic.

“The Archangels are going to strike us down for your blasphemy!”

Sarah drew her sword.

“That wasn’t the Archangels. I think that’s a…”

Sarah spun around and saw a giant approaching.

“Yup. It’s a giant. Satan has loosed his armies on the earth. We’re in trouble.”

The giant made his way towards the angels and crouched down when he was close.

“Goliath lost. Goliath hungry. Tell Goliath where other giants are then Goliath eat angels.”

Remiel pulled the bow from his back.

“I refuse to be eaten by something so stupid.”

Sarah pointed her glowing sword at the giant.

“What are you doing here on Earth?”

“Goliath hunt Abaddon. Tell Goliath where Abaddon is. Goliath no eat angels.”

“You
just
said you wanted to eat us.”

“Goliath did?”

“Yes, Goliath did. You said, ‘Goliath eat angels.’”

“Oh. Damn. Well… yeah. Goliath hungry. Goliath eat angels.”

Goliath opened his mouth wide and reached down to pick up Sarah. She struck his hand with her sword. Goliath howled and stomped, causing the earth to shake again. Remiel shot an arrow at Goliath’s belly. It made contact and sunk into his skin. He didn’t seem to notice.

“Why angels poke Goliath in hand? Goliath just want eat angels.”

“How many of you are there on Earth right now?”

“Eight.”

“Just eight?”

“Goliath only count to eight. Forget what come next.”

“Nine. Nine comes after eight.”

“Oh. Well nine then.”

“Are there more than nine?”

“Maybe. Goliath only count to eight.”

Remiel nudged Sarah.

“He’s an idiot. He doesn’t know anything and he’s trying to eat us. Why are you trying to question him? Let’s just kill him and move on.”

“Do you see how big he is? You go ahead and kill him if you think it’s so easy.”

“I’m just a minor angel with a bow. You’re supposed to be an eventual successor to an Archangel. I’d be honored for you to show me how it’s done.”

Sarah sighed. She knew Remiel was a combination of frightened and lazy. Sarah readied her sword and walked slowly towards the giant. Suddenly, there was a flash and Goliath’s left arm fell off. Blood spurted everywhere. Second later, his right arm fell to the ground with a thud. As the giant stomped with rage and fury before his head detached and rolled to the ground. Remiel looked shocked.

“You didn’t even touch him! That was amazing!”

“That… wasn’t me.”

Three demons made their way towards the angels. Sarah saw scythes, and knew they must be major demons. Remiel loaded his bow but one of the demons aimed two pistols at his head.

“Drop it.”

Remiel did as he was told and threw his hands up in the air. Two of the demons stayed back while the one in the center walked up to Sarah and kissed her. Remiel fainted from shock. Sarah put her arms around the demons neck and returned the kiss. Then she shoved him away and grinned.

“Shadow.”

“Sarah.”

“You can’t just walk up to me and kiss me whenever you want to.”

“I’m pretty sure I can. Leech and Lilith just watched me do it. Does your new bodyguard faint a lot?”

“He’s… not very good at his job. Don’t change the topic.”

“I owed you one. The last time you kissed me, it was without my permission.”

“Well I guess we’re even then.”

Lilith walked up to Sarah and hugged her.

“Guess what, Sarah? I’m half-angel. That means I’m the prettiest of both worlds.”

“You’re not half-angel.”

“I am. Vixen was my mother and Samael was my father.”

A look of concern appeared on Sarah’s face.

“Samael? I might actually believe that. He went a little crazy and no one knows where he is now. He’s no longer technically an Archangel.”

Leech holstered his guns.

“I have a very important question for you, Sarah.”

“Yes, Leech?”

“In Heaven, do they call me Leech the angel slayer?”

“No. No they do not.”

“Damn. I’m gonna have to try harder.”

“Why are the three of you here on Earth with scythes?”

Shadow laughed.

“We’re all major demons now. I’m sure you knew that we would be some day. We kind of took advantage of several situations that led to quick promotions.”

Sarah looked confused. Lilith decided to fill her in.

“Leech’s grandpa and my mother killed each other. Shadow became the major demon after his uncle. Leech and I replaced our fallen family. We’re up here looking for Abaddon and hunting the Dragon’s armies. We saw you and Shadow went on and on about how badly he wanted to kiss you again.”

Sarah blushed and Shadow looked outraged.

“That’s not what happened, Lilith!”

Lilith was oblivious to Shadow’s response.

“Oh! We can go on a double date! That would be amazing! Then Shadow can bang you and we could have more nephilim babies! That would be
sooo
adorable!”

Shadow looked at Leech.

“Her hormones are driving her insane again, bro. Will you…”

Leech put his arm around Lilith.

“Come on. Let’s give them some time to talk.”

Lilith whispered to Leech.

“Do you think they like the double date idea? I think they would make really cute babies…”

Leech nodded and pretended to listen as he slowly walked Lilith away from Shadow and Sarah.

“She’s pregnant and really hormonal. Please just forget everything she said.”

“Are you guys really up here hunting the Dragon’s armies?”

“Alright… that part was correct. We’re looking for my dad. He went insane after we freed him and I’ve heard that he’s attacking human cities and destroying everything in his path. The Dragon had the same idea… he’s looking for Abaddon as well. So while we’re up here... we figured we’d kill any berserkers, giants, imps, or whatever the hell else we run into from his armies.”

“We decided to look for Abaddon as well.”

“That’s great. We could use some help from the angels. How many armies did you bring with you?”

“When I say ‘we’ I meant Remiel and me. The Archangels wouldn’t agree to come down here and risk angels’ lives hunting a nephilim when they don’t consider the nephilim their problem.”

“Then whose problem is he?”

“You don’t have to convince me. I agree with you. I think we can talk him down.”

“I don’t know if that’s the case. He doesn’t even know who I am. Cain put false memories in my head. Apparently I met him for the very first time when I went down to the ninth circle to free him.”

“Are all six major demons hunting Abaddon then?”

“Nope. Just the three of us with our armies. We had to leave someone down there to run Hell. We couldn’t leave it wide open for the angels to invade.”

Sarah punched him in the ribs.

“That’s
not
why I was asking.”

“I know. I figured I would say it anyways. I don’t know who’s listening in on this conversation. Maybe the Archangels. Maybe just the two of us. I’d rather play it safe.”

“Haven’t you learned to trust anyone yet?”

“Speaking of trust… what were you thinking sending Azazel down to Hell to interfere with my plans?”

“I don’t trust Azazel. I just thought he could help.”

“He helped about the same amount that he annoyed me. He’s also vaguely threatened to kill several demons to get weapons back after he forged them.”

“He’s threatened to kill several angels for the same reason. I still thought he could play a role in helping you trick Satan. Was I wrong?”

“No. That worked out alright.”

“So what do we do now?”

Shadow grinned.

“You can march your ass back up to Heaven and get the angels to join with us. It’s going to take more strength than we have to deal with Abaddon.”

“You don’t get to tell me what to do!”

“It was a suggestion. Your alternative is watching me die.”

“Well I wouldn’t want that.”

Shadow looked amused.

“Really? Why not?”

“No special reason. I just don’t like watching death spread over the world. I’m an angel.”

“Bullshit.”

“I take it back. I don’t like guys who swear.”

“Bullshit again.”

Sarah grinned.

“Seriously though, I’m not sure if I can get all of the Archangels to agree that this is a good idea. That’s why I’m down here scouting alone.”

“You’re not alone. You have that fainting jackass that came with you.”

“And apparently three guardian demons.”

Shadow laughed.

“There’s no such thing. We were never officially here and we definitely didn’t save any angels. How many Archangels do you think you can convince?”

“Possibly Gabriel.”

“All you can give me is a maybe on your own grandfather? That’s pretty sad. Three of six major demons are here on Earth. We’re doing our part.”

Sarah started to look a little annoyed with Shadow.

“I’m trying to do my part as well. I don’t have the luxury of being some powerful hybrid. No one in Heaven fears me; I have to coast on the reputation of my grandfather.”

“So does Leech. It’s not so bad.”

“I’m going to tell Leech ‘the angel slayer’ that you said that.”

“Not a problem. I’ve said it to his face before. He knew I was joking around. Now if only you angels could learn to take a joke…”

“How many Archangels do I have to convince to join in with the three of you?”

“Three.”

“They won’t agree to that. They don’t see angels and demons as equals.”

“Use that silver tongue of yours to convince them. I know it’s pretty talented… it’s been in my mouth.”

“You liar! That never happened!”

Shadow laughed and Sarah punched him in the arm but couldn’t help but smile.

“Seriously though… the angels better fucking decide they’re in this as much as we are or we’ll continue to hunt Satan and Abaddon alone. I won’t be looked down on, not even from the assholes that live in the clouds.”

“I’ll do my best. Just one more thing before I go…”

Sarah leaned in and kissed Shadow quickly and then grabbed Remiel by the collar of his shirt and started dragging him away.

“Wait… what was that for?”

Sarah grinned back at him mischievously and winked.

“We were even and I wanted you to owe me one.”