Post by Bene Elohim on Feb 8, 2024 15:10:51 GMT -8
~{Somewhere in Atlanta}~
Countless hours spent in the service of making sure that this was perfect. Hundreds of small events taking out the forces of one Devil or the other and what little downtime the man called Sathanas had, he spent alone in the solitude of a locked-down hotel room.
And then it happened.
On the 3rd of January, Danielle Anderson had somehow learned the truth. He had been so careless, and of course, he knew now that counting on that idiot Valdemar to clean up the mess may have been one of his bigger mistakes.
One way or another, Danielle knew that he had been the one that killed Markus Rael.
Markus Rael and Joshua McBride.
Both dead at his hands. Two fathers who were taken from a loving daughter. Two women who were robbed of the men they loved. Yet it didn’t concern him at all.
In fact, Anthony would have been content to ignore her completely and continue with his objective... until she had brought up the pale gothic doll that someone had lost. This roundabout led to the realization that the original Harbinger had survived. Backed up by a picture with the week before time and date stamp.
She was alive. And she was a method to strike directly into the heart of Lucifer once and for all.
And then it all had crashed down. Lucifer discovered the shocking revelation and launched into a tirade against the Anderson woman. She, like all the other cowardly pissants of her species, recoiled from the assault.
But Anthony wasn’t about to let that take away his one chance to strike at Lucifer’s very soul. So he took it upon himself to communicate with her via direct messages.
A C @lostxson
Little girl.
It was fairly late, a quarter until ten o’clock. He’s been paying attention to her hours of activity and online on Twitter. She should be on… and then he saw the ‘messaging dots’ pop up.
Danielle Anderson @semperfairy95
Um, yes…?
He was quick to respond.
A C @lostxson
Meet me.
Simple enough. This was met with a very fast reply.
Danielle Anderson @semperfairy95
No way! Lucifer said he’d hurt Leina!
A scoff escaped him as he pressed on.
A C @lostxson
He won’t if he never knows.
His eyes watched the messaging dots move along the screen.
Danielle Anderson @semperfairy95
...he won’t know???
And he responded in kind.
A C @lostxson
No, and I would never hurt your daughter.
Her reply was very swift and her writing a bit erratic, maybe even angry.
Danielle Anderson @semperfairy95
You took Markus away! How do I know you won’t take Leina away?!
Lowly, a growl escaped him. He was going to keep it short and simple.
A C @lostxson
Do you want an explanation for my actions? I need to know what you know.
There was a brief moment of silence. No messaging bubbles, no Twitter activity.
And then…
Danielle Anderson @semperfairy95
...Okay. There is a warehouse in Raliegh. I’ll get you the location. Meet me there.
As Anthony dropped the phone onto the makeshift table, he placed both hands on it and blew out a deep breath. All he had to do was show up and explain that he had thought Markus knew where the men were holding Melissa Reed. He didn’t know Markus had no idea where the location was when the band turned down the gig to perform at the “party”, but Anthony hadn’t believed him.
Nevertheless.
In a week, it would all be over.
**
~{Lord Apollyon’s Hell}~
~{Philadelphia, Pennsylvania}~
~{Lord Apollyon’s Hell}~
~{Philadelphia, Pennsylvania}~
The man who considered himself to be the only logical and rightful ruler of Hell sat behind his desk, overlooking the papers on those who have undergone the re-education process and were ready to serve him properly.
A hundred souls, all violent sexual offenders, serving out their penance before the Devil. Nearly two dozen of them trained by Sathanas before his departure. Sure, they weren’t on the same level of skill as Anthony was, but they would be more than enough to neutralize Lucifer and hunt down his former Angels one by one before taking out the Demons.
After that? In a fight of that sheer number, Anthony didn’t stand a chance.
As he sat there, counting the number of ready able bodies and running the numbers for a final confrontation with his former Right Hand, the elevator rang out its arrival and the doors opened. Valdemar lifted his eyes from the papers to the elevator doors just as a woman of perhaps twenty walked in.
She was dressed as if she were any other secretary on the planet. Her blonde hair up into a business-like bun, wearing a pantsuit and pair of comfortable shoes. The illusion that she was just some nameless employee vanished, however, when she whispered.
Woman: “Lord Apollyon.”
Lord Apollyon: “What is it, Minerva?”
Minerva: “There’s a young man at the door who says he has a delivery?”
Lord Apollyon: “Do we have anything scheduled for today?”
Minerva: “Yes, Sir.”
Lord Apollyon: “Then why are you bothering me with it?!”
Minerva: “You wanted to be informed whenever anyone enters the building, sire… and with Sathanas still being out there somewhere...”
Lord Apollyon: “Anyone… suspicious… Father dammit. Now, get the hell out! I am busy.”
The woman dropped down into a low bow and immediately began to back up through the opened elevator doors. Once she was inside, she straightened up but kept her eyes downcast. Once she reached the bottom floor, the doors opened into a lobby like any other major commercial company in the world.
A man wearing a uniform that said “Westward Construction” on the breast and wearing a black “Westward Construction” hat low over his head stood with his arms folded over the handle of a dolly.
Minerva: “You can go ahead and take that into the storage room. Basement level 3. It’s the only other button in that elevator.”
The man looked up without revealing his whole face. Little tuffs of brown hair stuck up around the hat and the hints of a beard were revealed. She had never seen Samayaza of the Twins Watcher Corps, but he wasn’t about to take any chances.
Samayaza: “We’ll have two people bringing the shipment next week. It’s too big for one person. Can you mark that down for me?”
The woman flashed him a smile and walked around behind the huge desk grabbing a clipboard.
Minerva: “Names?”
Samayaza: “Samantha Hess and Monique Terrel.”
The woman took down the names and tossed the clipboard back to the desk. She looked up, flashing the man a smile and nodded.
Minerva: “Just tell whoever is here to check the clipboard.”
He gave her a warm half smile, that she could barely see as he tilted the dolly backward and wheeled the four three-foot-tall drums into the elevator. They had ordered industrial cleaner, no doubt for whatever Valdemar was using in place of the cabins.
What they would get however was anything but Industrial cleaner.
**
~{The Maverick Compound}~
~{REDACTED, New York}~
~{The Maverick Compound}~
~{REDACTED, New York}~
The warehouse was much nicer on the inside. That was intentional. The appearances were supposed to be deceiving. By the time Johnny had arrived with all of the wayward souls cast out of Hell, rooms had already been prepared for all of them by the Hoodie Ninjas. Comfy beds, nice furnishings, and even some video games set up for the kids courtesy of one Ollie Maverick. There was a big open space with a few cots where some of the Hoodie Ninjas actually slept on occasion. There was a fully stocked kitchen and pantry, a workout area, and enough open space for the kids to run around and burn off energy. Most importantly? It was safe.
Johnny Maverick: “Well?”
This ‘Well?’ was mostly directed to Xaria Linette, hopeful that this living arrangement would be acceptable for her and their children Christian and Jacques. The thirty-three-year-old Frenchwoman looked upon the new changes made to the warehouse she’s been to in the past. Their sons were amazed by the rearrangements, their eyes lighting up with delight.
Christian Linette: “This is great! Merci, Papa!”
Jacques: “Yeah, thanks, dad! Wow, it’s bigger than the estate!”
The seven-year-old twin boys moved on ahead to check out the video games available to play. From the Super Nintendo to the Nintendo Switch. The Switch was a system the both of them once owned… before their home in Malibu was destroyed in the explosion. At the moment, they focused on the positive, the new, eager to start a round of Mario Kart 8: Deluxe Edition.
Pénélope Linette: “Hey, wait for me!”
Giggling with glee, the four-year-old daughter of Martin West and Xaria Linette chased after her older half-brothers.
However, Xaria was unmoved. She didn’t seem to be entirely responsive to the improvements. Noting the silence, Chelsea Pryce stepped forward and placed her left hand on Xaria’s right shoulder, giving it a light rub.
Chelsea Pryce: “This will make a nice headquarters for us.”
She glanced back to her newly-engaged fiancé and smiled.
Chelsea Pryce: “Thank you for doing this, Johnny.”
It wasn’t the first time she’s been here, but Maricela Reyes was fascinated by the renovations. She began to explore, her hazel green eyes shimmering softly.
Maricela Reyes: “It’s like a blank canvas that’s waiting to be painted…”
She hasn’t been able to really indulge her artistic mood in quite some time. The day after New Year’s, she saw a doctor within [REDACTED], New York to better treat the scarring on the left side of her face, her arms, and her hands. With Xaria, Johnny, Chelsea, and Martin’s financial assistance, they’ve organized physical therapy and a great recommendation to see a dermatologist to fully repair her skin.
It was the least they could do for Maricela after she protected the kids that night at the carnival.
Yet Xaria was still without words, her only movements the rising and falling of her chest to simply breathe… Then her breathing became a little heavier before she covered her face with her hands and quietly sobbed.
Of everyone to leave Hell that Monday night, she was the only one who left without a lover…
Johnny started to say something, but instead just put his hand on Xaria’s other shoulder.
Johnny Maverick: “Do you want to be shown to your room? Take a minute to yourself? I can send someone to call you for dinner.”
There was a genuine kindness and sincerity in Johnny’s voice. Xaria was the mother of his children. She was very important to him. Lightly, she nodded and quietly sniffled. She lowered her hands down to her sides, her mascara running slowly down her face. Chelsea looked to Johnny to lead the way, taking a small black cloth from her back pocket and handing it over to her. Xaria accepted it and began to wipe the mascara from her face and around her eyes.
Xaria Linette: “Desolé…”
Chelsea Pryce: “It’s alright, hon. Just relax.”
Johnny Maverick: “Katsuo, can you grab Miss Linette’s bags please?”
One of the Hoodie Ninjas nodded and picked up the luggage Xaria had brought. It was the first time anyone in the room save for Martin had heard Johnny address one of the Hoodie Ninjas by name. Even Chelsea was surprised. Johnny used his hand on Xaria’s shoulder to gently guide her to her room. There was a nice soft bed and a vanity with a lit mirror.
Johnny Maverick: “And you have nothing to apologize for, Xaria. Do you need anything? Water? Tea? A snack? A hand grenade? A map of Tanzania for some reason? You say the word and I’ll make it happen.”
Johnny was doing his best to try and bring a little levity to the situation but not too much. He wasn’t trying to make light of what happened. The Hoodie Ninja Johnny had previously referred to as Katsuo entered, set Xaria’s bags down, and left without making much noise or really even being noticed. Xaria looked to Johnny and Chelsea and lightly shook her head. She drew away from them, stepped into the room, and softly closed the door behind her. The Stiletto Knife frowned a bit before she faced her fiancé.
Chelsea Pryce: “Right now, all she needs is time… We’ll be here when she’s ready.”
Johnny bites his lip a bit, unable to come up with anything to say. The two of them nodded before they departed from her bedroom door.
A door that was mostly closed for the next few days. Outside of spending time with her kids, Xaria didn’t leave her room for anything. There was a bathroom attached, so there was no real need to leave. She hardly ate outside of her time with Christian, Jacques, and Pénélope; she would eat when she was in their presence.
Then one evening…
In the children’s room, Maricela and Penny were drawing. The Latina Artist had extended her art supplies for the little girl to use. She was very happy with the Crayola crayons and the small hardcover multimedia drawing pad. It’s able to handle the roughness (and smoothness) of crayons, even in the hands of someone so young. When Maricela realized her bottle of Bolthouse Farms Multi-V Goodness drink was empty, she sat up.
Maricela Reyes: “I’m going to get another drink. Do you want something to drink, Penny?”
The little girl didn’t even have to think about it.
Penny Linette: “May I pwease have fruit punch?”
Maricela Reyes: “Claro que si.”
Penny Linette: “Cla… clay-ro kay see!”
A soft giggle escaped Maricela’s lips.
Maricela Reyes: “You’re getting there!”
With a smile, she walked out of the room to retrieve drinks for both of them. Martin entered and immediately hunkered down to sit next to Penny on the floor. He grabbed a coloring book from the vast array of them that Johnny had provided before grabbing some crayons of his own and joining her in making some art. Though his art only involved having to color in the lines.
Penny Linette: “Daddy? Is Unca Johnny gonna hurt the turtles?”
Martin West: “...what?”
Penny reached out and grabbed one of the coloring books. This one was themed after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She opened it to an uncolored page with a picture of Shredder and several members of the Foot Clan. Martin pieced it together in his head. He had watched the original Ninja Turtles movie with Penny once. Shredder had a warehouse full of ninjas. That was not a normal thing. Martin was so far removed from normal by now that it barely registered. He chuckled and took the coloring book from her.
Martin West: “Nah. I know Uncle Johnny is a little weird, but Chelsea doesn’t trust him with sharp objects, so I doubt he’d be able to wear this get-up, little one. What are you drawing?”
Penny Linette: “Oh, phew!”
She’s clearly relieved that her favorite turtles were not going to be harmed by Johnny and his Hoodie Ninjas. When presented with the question, she focused on her picture and smiled. As she held the picture up to her dad and began to explain, the door quietly opened and Xaria stepped inside.
Penny Linette: “I’m drawing a picture of Mikey and his Dollie.”
Upon hearing this, Xaria was initially hurt. Lucifer and his Dahlia, his late wife. The only woman he truly loved… Her daughter hadn’t noticed her yet, so she continued to listen.
Penny Linette: “Before we left, Mikey told me his Dollie was talking to him. She asked him to do whatever it takes to protect me, my brothers, and mommy.”
From hurt to astonishment, Xaria’s facial features changed to express this. She was trying to wrap her head around that: a conversation between her daughter and her former Lord Lucifer. It took place before they left Hell, but she didn’t recall this. She did, however, begin to realize that he was spending a lot more time with her kids before the events of that horrible Monday night…
Martin was perplexed by this discovery. He took a closer look at the drawing when his daughter handed it to him. The male stick figure, Lucifer, had white angel wings. The female stick figure, Dahlia, was wearing a black dress. There were blue dots around Lucifer’s eyes, depicting him crying, and Dahlia wore a happy smile on her face.
Penny Linette: “Mommy!”
The Shepherd of God looked up to see the mother of his daughter walk over to them. Xaria smiled softly at Penny before she looked at Martin.
Xaria Linette: “May I see…?”
Martin West: “Of course.”
Handing the picture to her, he watched as she studied the drawing very carefully. Slowly, tears began to form in her emerald green eyes.
Xaria Linette: “Penny, sweetie… do you remember what else Mikey told you?”
The little girl nodded enthusiastically and folded her hands on her dress-covered lap.
Penny Linette: “Mikey said he didn’t want to fail again. He couldn’t protect his Dollie, so he wants to pwotect us. He wuvs us, mommy! He l-o-v-e-s you! I can always hear it in his voice. That’s why I know he’s gonna come back.”
Xaria’s eyes widened, and at that moment, so did Martin’s. Penny’s biological parents turned to look at each other as the shocking revelation waved over them. The only reason why Lucifer broke his promise wasn’t because he wanted to go back to his old ways.
‘Whatever it takes.’
He only hurt the one he loved because he wanted to protect the one he loved.
Martin West: “Xaria…”
Xaria Linette: “He… he did what he did for me… for the kids…”
Her lower lip quivered before she pressed it up, forming a thin line on her lips. She moved to pick up her daughter in her arms and kissed her all over her face. Penny threw a giggle fit from the immersion of kisses.
Penny Linette: “Mommyyy!”
Xaria Linette: “I love you so much, my sweet little baby girl…”
Martin rose to his feet to join in their embrace. With Penny looking elsewhere, the tears spilled down Xaria’s eyes. They needed to return to Hell as soon as possible!
‘Mon Seigneur… I-I hope I’m not too late…’
