Chapter Eighteen

Three more days until we brought Lucifer to Earth.

It felt colder today than usual too. I wrapped my cloak around me tightly, curling up on Asmodeus' bed and refusing to move. I still didn't want to leave. My heart was pounding in my ears half the time and my back hurt like hell. My whole body just felt too weak to really do anything.

All I could do was think and that was the last thing I wanted to do, but I knew it had to be done.

Michael wanted me to kill everyone. Asmodeus, Beelzebub, Zeke, Dustin, Akira. Everyone. Why would you place that much responsibility on an eighteen-year-old-- soon to be nineteen-year-old? Sure, that's probably how things went way back when, but this was the 21st century! I couldn't even turn my homework in on time, let alone save the entire planet from a cult of vengeful angels and demons!

My shoulders literally ached from the burden and it didn't help that Michael hadn't even hinted at how this was possible. How could I possibly do anything to stop them? All they had to do was pick me up and I was out of submission.

I probably needed my powers, whatever those were, but Michael never told me what those were either and his stupid gift was useless because I still didn't get what it was. Everything still seemed the same.

Then there was the fact that I didn't even know if I could do this.

He was asking me to kill the only people I've ever spoken to my entire life. He was asking me to kill the guy who said he loved me. How could I bring myself to do that? After what Zeke and I have done together? The thought was physically painful and just made me whimper more as I curled into myself, gritting my teeth.

What was I going to do?

How was I going to stop them from bringing Lucifer to Earth and save them at the same time?

I tried to tell myself the idea was idiotic. They betrayed me. They turned me in. They were using me.
But I couldn't hurt more than half of them. Stephen and Cain were an easy exception to that because I wanted to kill them, but Zeke? Dustin? Akira? Heck, I'd have trouble fighting off Asmodeus just because I felt sorry for him-- and he was at least two feet taller than me.

Why me?

Why did this have to happen to me? Part of me was a little happy that Michael told me the truth, but... I couldn't call him what he really was to me. To me, he was Michael. To me, he was an Archangel. To me, he was no father.

I heaved myself up out of bed after my stomach growling finally cut through my thinking. I crept to the door, peering out into the empty main chamber before slipping out and heading for the cafe. My back still throbbed and ached. I felt like someone had just jammed something into my spinal cord.

I walked into the cafe, sighing in relief to see that it was empty. Of course, that didn't last long as I sat down with my food and the door opened. My heart sank at the sight of Stephen walking in casually until he saw me and straightened with a wicked smile. I ground my teeth together and looked away from him.

"Are you snubbing me, Matt?" He asked, feigning surprise as he came over and sat across from me. I was about ready to lose my appetite. I snorted in response and nibbled on the end of a pretzel, looking anywhere, but at him.

"You should enjoy what little freedom you have while you still can," Stephen drawled, resting his chin in his palm as he studied me, "Asmodeus is far too lenient with you than I'm going to be. I'll make sure to keep you tied up in my room."

"Won't that make the Sisters suspicious?" I muttered sarcastically. Stephen's smile turned evil.

"Oh, no, Matt. You don't understand. See, once Lucifer is released, I will have full reign over my own damn country. The Sisters you know will be dead." He explained as if it were no big deal. I glared hatefully at him as I dropped my food on my plate.

"You won't be releasing Lucifer and quite honestly, I'll make sure to kill myself before you even touch me." I spat. Stephen smirked.

"You won't die that easily. Trust me."

"You piss me off, leave me alone." I snapped, getting up to leave, but I felt Stephen's grip on my wrist, making me gasp as he whipped me around so I was pressed up against him. I fumed and tried to shove him back, but he kept his arms firmly around me, his eyes locked with mine.

"I'll be asking for a favor from higher up. After all, how can you be my blood bank if you die with the first bite?" He asked, his voice cold enough to send an aching shiver up my spine. I stared at him before gritting my teeth and spitting in his face. He hissed, his fangs flashing as he let go of me to stumble back, wiping his face off.

I whipped around to leave, but he stuck his foot out and tripped me, only to catch me around the waist and heave me back. I only managed a yelp as he slammed me backwards onto the table, sending bolts of agony through my back. I whimpered, squeezing my eyes shut before peeking them open to see Stephen hovering over top of me, his eyes narrowed.

"I'm going to sew your lips shut," He started, his voice heated with rage, "I'll sew every one of your fingers together. Hell, since you like piercings so much, why don't I just pierce your lips together, hm? A bunch of little silver hoops, just like the ones in your ears." He reached for my ear and I gasped, sensing his intentions.

I'd had enough pain from one piercing ripped out and I wasn't about to have another. I twisted my head and bit him hard on the arm, sinking my teeth into his skin. Stephen snarled, his green eyes flashing to red as he hissed, grabbing a handful of my hair and pulling. I kept my teeth on his arm, feeling tears burn my eyes as he tugged harder on my hair.

I finally swung my knee up between his legs and he howled, ripping his hand out of my hair and tearing his arm back. I expected him to fall over as he let go of me, but instead, threw his fist right into my cheek so hard, I swore I heard a crack as I fell off the table and hit the floor.

I felt blood pooling in my mouth and parted my lips, watching the gooey strings of blood fall to the floor, creating a small red puddle. I ran my tongue along my teeth, but none of them had fallen out. I looked up with a glare past my hair as Stephen cupped himself, leaning against the table, seething with rage.

"And I'll be sure to break those fucking legs of yours, Matthew." He hissed, his fangs bared. I smirked at him anyway, feeling blood ooze down my chin as I managed to stand up. I wiped the back of my hand across my mouth, then spat at Stephen's feet.

"Not if I break yours first." I responded. Stephen glared at me and opened his mouth to speak, but the door to the cafe opened and I was actually relieved to see Asmodeus walk in, his eyes narrowed.

"Hey, leech, leave." He commanded. Stephen stiffened for a moment, like he was debating whether to make up an excuse or obey. He decided safely on the latter, casting me one last glare before leaving the room. Asmodeus watched him go with a glare, then looked at me. He rolled his eyes, walking over and snatching a napkin out of the dispenser.

"You have a big mouth and a stupid mind. A bad combination." He muttered, taking my chin and wiping blood off my face. I frowned at him.

"It's his fault."

"His fault," Asmodeus mimicked, making me scowl, "This isn't grade school, angelus."

"I know, it's some big huge paranormal war between Heaven and Hell. I'm some kind of key to it, you guys are gonna use me, then throw me out for Stephen to gather up. I know the drill." I replied flatly, shoving his hands away from me.

Asmodeus frowned, studying my face as I rolled my tongue over my teeth to double check they were all still there.

"Sit down, angelus."

"Is that an order or suggestion?" I asked, but plopped down in a seat anyway to massage my jaw. Asmodeus rolled his eyes and did the same, propping his feet up on the table and folding his hands in his lap. We were both silent for a while before Asmodeus spoke.

"Angelus. You and I are similar in the fact that we got sucked into something we wanted no part in." He said at last. I raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a compliment?" I asked. Asmodeus smirked.

"Take it how you interpret it. Anyway," He went on, glancing up at the ceiling as if he were also trying to grab the attention of a certain Archangel, "I was never interested in this war. I was only dragged into it because I had nothing else to do."

"You didn't want to try with Michael again?" I blurted. Asmodeus blinked, then stared at me for the longest time. He must have figured I was still lying about knowing what happened between them, but now that I knew, I could easily bring it up. Asmodeus frowned now.

"Angelus. What are wings to you?" He asked suddenly. I frowned, shifting uncomfortably under his intense stare.

"Uh, big feathery things that help you fly?" I asked hopefully. Asmodeus smirked at that, then shook his head slowly as he stared up at the ceiling completely now, folding his hands behind his head.

"They're so much more than that. Wings are our power source. Wings provide us with status, power, confidence. Hell, it's as much a vital organ to you as your penis, angelus." He laughed, making my cheeks burn as I gave him a sour look.

"What are you saying?" I asked. Asmodeus smiled for a while longer before it slowly melted away as he spoke.

"Wings are beautiful things. As I said before, they provide you with a sense of power. They contain abilities that would otherwise be lost. The colors and sizes determine who you are. The confidence is built from how the wings have helped you overtime, what they've done to bring you in such high regards. Try having all of that sliced away and not in one slash of a sword. Wings aren't just connected by flesh, but bone and magic. It makes it far harder to cut through, making it far more painful." He explained calmly.

I felt my back tingly at the thought as I nibbled my lower lip remembering what Beelzebub had told me about Asmodeus' wings. They sounded a lot more important the way Asmodeus was describing them. I tilted my head.

"Michael didn't do it because he hated you." I tried, but Asmodeus barked a bitter laugh as he glanced at me.

"Oh, don't get me started. Michael did it because he hated me. He did it because I betrayed him."

"You didn't betray him."

"He doesn't seem to think so."

"Try telling him--"

"What'd you think got my wings lopped off in the first place, angelus? After losing such an important part of myself, there was only one thing I had on my mind."

He didn't need to say it. The word hung in the air like a thick, dark cloud that suffocated the oxygen out of the room.

Revenge.

"But, that's what gets everyone in trouble," I pointed out, making Asmodeus give me a droll stare, "It's true! Michael thought he was getting revenge by attacking you and you think you're getting revenge by attacking Michael. It's just a vicious cycle with no end. You're getting caught in a bunch of bullshit with people around you pressuring you to keep going. I don't even think you really want to hurt Michael."

Asmodeus didn't respond. He studied my face before looking away with a faint smirk.

"I don't want to kill Michael. I just want him to feel the same kind of pain I have. It's only fair. An eye for an eye."

"Dude, if you keep that up, you won't have any body parts left to make a philosophical point." I snorted, making Asmodeus laugh out loud. I huffed, but smirked anyway until Asmodeus sobered, still faintly smiling as he gazed at me.

"You know, you're nothing like him." Asmodeus said after a while. I blinked, caught off guard, before I realized who he meant and shifted a little.

"Yea, I know I'm not incredibly drop dead sexy or all-powerful with mood swings like a girl on her period." I answered. Asmodeus laughed, sitting up and shaking his head.

"No. You've inherited the attractiveness just fine. The mood swings, Thank God, you opted out of those. No," Asmodeus said as he sobered, "You're far too optimistic, in a weird way. You're nothing like Michael personality wise... Although, sometimes, when I look at you, you're the spitting image of him." I grimaced.

"Good or bad?" I asked. Asmodeus shrugged.

"Take your pick, little lamb." He responded, reaching to one of the overturned plates I had earlier, picking a pretzel off and popping it into his mouth. He licked his lips, glancing at me. I looked away uncomfortably, then looked back to see him continuing his meal.

"Asmodeus?" I asked.

"Hmm, little lamb?"

"Say... Say Lucifer didn't make it to Earth. Something happened, like maybe Michael came and stopped you guys. Would you be pissed?" I asked. Asmodeus paused, staring straight ahead thoughtfully before he smiled, sticking the pretzel between his teeth and snapping it in half before looking at me.

"Sure. We all would. Lucifer promised us freedom. Promised us power. 'Course, it wouldn't be his fault, now would it? It'd be the fool who got in our way, but I don't think you need to worry about anything, little lamb. By Friday, we'll have our ritual prepared." He answered.

I tried not to show my disappointment, but I didn't stop there because now I had something to latch onto.

"How does this ritual work? You're not gonna cut my wrist again, are you?" I asked, feeling dizzy just at the thought of more blood drawing. Asmodeus shook his head, twirling a pretzel around in the ranch spilled on the table.

"No. We have your blood. It's still useful. We will, however, need the blood of each member of the ritual. Thirteen people, thirteen bowls of blood, thirteen candles, thirteen incense sticks of rose. You, however, must remain absolutely still where we place you." He explained. I frowned, scrunching up my nose.

"Why?" I asked. Asmodeus smirked.

"So Lucy can get a good look at you when he breaks free. I think you missed the part where he takes you." He replied, rising to his feet. I felt a shudder of fear go through me as I shot to my feet.

"What?!" I demanded angrily. Asmodeus nodded calmly.

"When Lucifer breaks free, he'll need power and pure energy to be able to maintain his Earthly form. And the only truly pure person within the area just so happens to be you. Sucks to be a virgin, now doesn't it?" He asked with a smirk, then turned and headed for the door, but I bolted after him.

"No! I don't want some freakish strange guy touching me! Over my dead body!" I protested. Asmodeus snorted, flicking my in the forehead when I tried to step in front of him, making me glare at him. I followed him out into the main chamber, opening my mouth to argue when I saw it.

My eyes flashed and moved to the side to see the main chamber door wide open. My eyes widened and I quickly looked at Asmodeus, who didn't seem to notice and was more preoccupied to getting to his room. I shifted, paused in place as I stared at the door, freedom just beckoning to me. I glanced at Asmodeus, then back at the door.

If I could just get away, that would leave them with twelve people to do the ritual on Friday. They wouldn’t be able to do it if they were missing one person. I looked back at Asmodeus as he pushed the door to his room open wider, muttering something about obnoxious angels before I made my decision.

I took off for the door, hearing Asmodeus ask for me, then turn around and bark my name.

“Lamia!” He shouted, his voice echoing off the walls and blasting into my ears, making them ring, but I didn’t dare stop now. My feet slapped the stone flooring as I practically flew up the steps, the cloak flying behind me as I ran, breathing hard.

My back started to crack and ache in pain, but I blinked past it quickly as I ran past the stone pillars in the long, wide hallway. At the very end, I saw the door that led to the chapel in the old wing. It was closed, but I’d have plenty of time to fling it open and run out.

I’d bolt out of the hallway and into the chapel, then out of the old wing and into the cold autumn air outside. I’d probably freak people out. They hadn’t seen me in what? A month or two? What did the others tell them happened to me anyway? That I disappeared? Killed myself? Was kidnapped?

I shook it from my head, deciding to waste my thoughts on it later. Right now, my intention was to run and run as fast as I could. My legs wobbled, but I stayed upright as I pumped my fists at my sides. Sweat ran down my cheek as I came closer and closer to the end, the doors almost within my reach.

The entire time, my back screamed in pain. I felt like something was ripping my skin and breaking my bones. It hurt so much I had to bit down on my lower lip to keep from yelling out in pain. Blood ran from the puncture in my lip from my tooth, but I ignored it as I came to the bottom steps of the stairs.

My heart was racing, my breathes coming out in harsh pants as I went to go up the stairs, but something darted out from behind one of the pillars and heaved me up around my waist over their shoulder. It took me a moment to realize it was Stephen and I screamed, slamming my fists into his back.

“Put me down! Put me down! Fucking let go!” I snarled viciously, clawing at his blazer, kicking my legs to try and get him in the face, but Stephen only snarled back at me, his fangs bared in irritation as I heard Asmodeus’ voice carry down the hall, booming like thunder.

“Cunnus! Irrumator!”

I assumed those were curse words in Latin, and I flinched at the force behind them, but I wasn’t about to give up. The door was right in front of me, the steps waiting to be trampled. Stephen had a tight grip on my waist, but I managed to rear up and slam my fist into the back of his neck as hard as I could. I heard a crack and he barked in pain, letting me hit the floor as he fell to his knees.

I started to scramble toward the door, my heart thumping in my ears as my back cracked and tore. I didn’t bother to bite back the screams now as I slumped to my knees in time for Stephen to grab my ankle and rip me backwards. My knees bled, scraping the floor until I fell on my side, only to roll onto my stomach.

I tried to push myself up on my hands and knees, but the pain in my back spread as I felt something sharp ripping my skin. I whimpered and sank to the ground, curling up and pressing my forehead to the floor. I dug my nails into the cracks between the stones on the ground as I heard Stephen curse and call out to Asmodeus, but I couldn’t hear what he was saying. I was screaming far too loud to even hear his muffled voice.

I squeezed my eyes shut and gritted my teeth, my hands curling into fists against the stones as I curled into myself. Agony tore up and down my back, my voice bouncing off the walls and making my ears rings. My heart felt like it was pounding in my throat now, threatening to pop out my mouth as I wailed. Tears involuntarily squeezed from my tear ducts, streaking down my face and falling to the floor, darkening the stones beneath me.

I felt like I was being torn apart from the inside out!

What the hell was going on?!

It hurts!

Make it stop! Stop!

Michael, please! Help me! It hurts! I can’t breath! I can’t think! I can’t…!

My train of thought was lost as something sharp tore through my back like a dagger being sliced against my bare skin. I screamed as something forced itself from my back, tearing my cloak and flying free. Something heavy and thick that made me curl up tighter. I felt another sharp rip in my skin and I choked on a sob, feeling something hot and wet oozing down either side of my nose, falling to the stones.

I choked and gasped for air, my back feeling heavy for a couple more seconds before the weight lightened. I panted for air, finally slipping onto my stomach, my head resting on my arm, my legs tangled together in my cloak as I watched a sea of red pool at my fingertips. I felt myself trembling, my breathing becoming faint, my heart now gently throbbing somewhere in my head.

What… just happened…?

Michael…

Asmodeus…

Zeke…

Someone…