CHAPTER 5

 

 

 

THE UNDERWORLD was an incredibly beautiful land, vibrant and alive in a bizarre way. Brilliant flaming orange, reds, and silver-blues were offset by a thick blackness that permeated every alley, nook, and cranny. Minor minions and demons moved stealthily among the shadows, trying to maintain their anonymity and hoping the greater demons wouldn't notice them. Each inhabitant had a unique position in the complex caste system. Upward mobility only came at the benevolence or ambition of another, and there was little of the first in this realm.

Dis ruled the world almost benignly, as long as the inhabitants obeyed his rules, which were few. His prime directive forbade any demon from challenging his reign or power... not that they could. Few were that ambitious; even fewer were powerful enough to give him a good fight. Fortunately for him, the more powerful demons were female, and they seemed to lack the desire to rule in his place. Sometimes he thought they were a lot smarter than he.

Many demons and minions spent their entire existence plotting and scheming against each other to get close to him. Some wanted to move up the food chain, hoping to increase their influence or power; others wanted revenge for some real or imagined slight. Almost all were ambitious to some extent.

Many took out their frustrations on humanity, wanting nothing more than to make humans as miserable as they. To Dis, these demons were the most wretched of his subjects — but extremely valuable. By constantly creating "temptations" or "opportunities" to entice humans into disobeying his brother's rules, they kept the Underlord's coffers filled, and full coffers provided entertainment for everyone. Souls were necessary to relieve boredom. Bored minions and demons made for unhappiness, which in turn led to mischief. Dis didn't want that directed at him. Idle hands literally made work for the Devil and this devil would rather satisfy his lust than worry about "issues."

Saira had learned a lot about the Underlord during her previous visits. When all was said and done, he wasn't very complicated, making him fairly predictable as long as he wasn't provoked. Two trips to his world had answered all of her questions, at least until something new developed. Apparently, it had. Here she was again, trying to discover why she was pulled back into his domain.

*  *  *

Silent and invisible, Saira drifted around the preoccupied demoness who sat quietly in the overstuffed chair. Bright, wavy, red hair hung loosely around her shoulders, partially concealing two small horns protruding just above the hairline. Green eyes, the color of the clearest polished emeralds, stared thoughtfully into the flames of a fire burning inside a hearth tucked away in the corner of the dimly lit room. The index finger of her left hand tapped silently on the arm of her chair: the unconscious gesture of one lost in thought.

She appeared to be in her early twenties, by human standards, but Saira knew this demon was ancient. Although not First Born, her bloodline was almost as pure. Dis and the Twin's essences were strong in her, which explained the powerful tug Saira had experienced. So why, she wondered, hadn't she felt the demoness' presence before now? And why did she seem strangely familiar? Saira's musings were suddenly interrupted by a quiet but powerful voice.

"What do you want?" the female demon demanded, glancing around the room in search of the intruder. "I feel you."

Saira debated on whether to make her presence known or ignore the question. If she didn't answer, the demoness might decide she was just imagining her.

"I know you're here. Show yourself."

Saira decided to do as she was told, but only because her curiosity prevented her from leaving. She shimmered into view and settled lightly on the floor between the demoness and the fire.

"Who are you and how did you gain entry to my home without my knowledge or permission? Are you one of Father's spies?"

Cocking her head slightly, Saira smiled. First Born were always blunt, and demons were so suspicious. Apparently their offspring inherited those particular traits.

"No, and I don't need permission to be somewhere I'm not," she replied gently, not at all intimidated by the demoness' irritation.

The demoness frowned. "Stop talking in riddles. You're here uninvited. For what purpose?"

"I'm neither here nor there. I only appear to be here, therefore I need no invitation, and my purpose does not affect you, thus making it a moot point."

Shaking her head in frustration, the demoness started to stand but then apparently decided against it. Instead, she settled back in her chair, crossed her legs, and assumed a nonchalant demeanor.

"I see. So, this is how it's going to be. We play word games."

"I don't play games. You called to me and here I am."

"I don't even know you. Why would I call you?"

"Let's say it was your essence that beckoned to me. It's different from the others who dwell here. I was attracted to that difference. What is the phrase the humans use? Like a moth to a flame? At this moment you are my flame."

"Then as my moth, you realize you're taking a big chance. Your wings could easily be singed should I desire to do so."

Appreciating the warning, Saira laughed softly. "It's impossible to burn that which doesn't exist."

"Again the riddles, but I'm not fooled. You're real enough. If you didn't exist, we wouldn't be having this interesting little chat, unless of course I'm crazy. I assure you that isn't the case, although some would probably dispute that. So, assuming I still possess a reasonable amount of sanity, just who or what are you? And don't answer me with another riddle, please."

"That makes it rather difficult. How do I describe myself in a way you'll comprehend and yet not make it sound like a riddle? If I tell you I don't exist in the way all things do exist, you wouldn't understand and yet that's the truth. I'm of no world, no plane. My being has no substance, and therefore no barrier can stop me."

"None? I find that hard to believe. There are barriers to everything."

Saira was impressed. "You have a sharp mind. Perhaps there's one. The future keeps her secrets well. That's the one barrier I haven't been able to cross... yet."

"Yet? You say that as though you intend to try."

"The impossible is always worth the adventure."

"True. So what of the past?"

"The past is nothing to me. I go and come as I wish. I've been there more times than you can imagine. I need just one small thread from someone's life to guide me to the beginning of their existence and know of every sentient being that has ever crossed their path and those before them. It's like putting together pieces to a puzzle. Every life that touched them is a small part that makes up the whole of their essence."

"And what is it about me that brought you here?"

"You." Saira laughed. "You are the attraction. I'm curious why I've never sensed you before, and yet you seem familiar to me. You're newly arrived here, and yet you're ancient. You're a riddle, a mystery."

"I see, and am I supposed to make solving your puzzle easy or do you enjoy a challenge?"

Saira shrugged. "It's of no consequence. For me, one way is as easy as the other. I'm a good listener for those who wish to tell me their stories. To the unwilling, the information is available for the taking. Most never feel my presence. A few, like you, seem to sense me. That's a mystery I've yet to solve, since I possess neither a physical body nor emit any noticeable energy. Perhaps you have the answer."

"Not really. Like you said, it's a feeling, the sensation of being watched more than anything. One of those things you just know without really knowing why, if you see what I mean."

"As I said, a mystery yet to be solved. But not now. Today is about you. Will you tell me your story, or must I take the journey?"

"I would rather tell you myself. Have a seat. You do sit, don't you?"

Chuckling, Saira settled into a recliner. "It's the polite thing to do, isn't it?"

"I suppose. I'm new to all of this. Can I offer you something to drink, or are you not able to experience the physical since you don't exist?"

"I have a few senses similar to yours," Saira said, "and I appreciate many things in the physical realm. Unfortunately, eating and drinking aren't among them. The results can be rather disconcerting to some. Substances tend to pass through me and end up as a messy pile on the floor."

"I see. In that case, forget I offered. You can save that trick for someone else."

"Good thinking."

"As to my story, I hope you have a lot of time because it's a long one."

"Time means nothing to me. Otherwise, I'd take the journey to know you instead of listening to your tale."

"Right. I forgot about that. So... where to begin...."

Saira waited patiently while the demoness gathered her thoughts. She crossed her legs in human fashion, folded her hands on her lap, and leaned back in the recliner.

"I guess the best place is the beginning. As you probably know, I'm called Child. Demon Child to some. I guess this isn't only my story but also the story of mankind, in a way."

Saira's eyes widened slightly. "You certainly know how to grab someone's attention."

"My heritage," the Child replied wryly. "Anyway, before I was born I knew I was unloved and unwanted. I could sense it as I lay curled up in the warm belly of my mother. It was awkward, to say the least."

"I can imagine."

"I doubt it. You would have had to be there," the Child said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Dis fathered me. Shortly after my conception, I became aware of the world outside of Mother's womb. It was noisy and hot and exciting. I couldn't wait to experience all that it had to offer. Mother's and Father's voices were easy to recognize. Hers was husky and vibrant while his was deep and booming. It resonated through my entire being whenever he spoke. But Mother... when she laughed, I was happy, probably because she didn't do it often. Those weren't very happy times for anyone living in the Underworld."

"Why?"

"Many lives had been lost in a great battle."

"I remember. So you were born shortly after the end of the Great Battle?"

"Yes, and there were some who blamed Mother for the devastation."

"As I recall, there was enough blame to go around to many."

"There always is, isn't there? Too bad only a few acknowledge it. But I'm digressing. I was sure Mother would eventually come to love me. How could she not? I was her child, her daughter."

"I take it she didn't."

The Child snorted. "Not really. She wasn't what you call mother material. I felt a great anger when I was born."

She shifted as if suddenly uncomfortable but then settled back in her chair. Saira was aware of the deeply contained anger still seething inside of the Child. Although seemingly calm on the outside, she was a tortured soul hunting for a way to ease the pain of being deprived of her mother's love.

"I can't imagine what being born feels like, let alone knowing from that very moment that you are unloved," Saira said gently.

"Birth is painful. At least it was for me. Not physically, but emotionally. Thrust from my wet, warm world into the bright red glow of my mother's, I felt myself snatched up, bundled into a soft, dry blanket and handed off into large, powerful hands. Before I realized what had happened, Father took me away from Mother. I never had the chance to feel her touch or hear her voice, hear her first thoughts about me. It was the most important day of my life, and I was robbed of the most basic of needs. I never knew, really knew my mother until several millennia later."

"And your mother is?"

"Lilith, of course. I assumed you knew. You do know who she is?"

"Yes. So that's why you seem so familiar. Long ago, I followed her thread back to her beginnings. She's a creation of one of the First Born."

"First Born? You mean the Twin?"

"That's what you call him. He and Dis are First Born. Only a handful of them are still around. So, you're Lilith's daughter. She was pregnant with you when I left on another journey. I guess that's the part of you that seemed familiar to me."

"You should have stuck around. It got very interesting after that."

"So it would seem. Unfortunately, those were busy times for me." Saira momentarily thought back to the era of Lilith's creation. The Twin wasn't the only one experimenting with life. The worlds were evolving, and so were the inhabitants, thanks to other First Born. Shaking off the memories, she said, "Please continue."

"Where was I? Oh, yes, my childhood. My parents visited me whenever it suited them. Occasionally, Mother came to my room to ask my nursemaids how I was doing or if I needed anything. I don't know how much time passed before she actually walked over to my bedside, but I remember staring into brilliant black eyes and feeling lost. Then one day she smiled. It was faint but it made me feel warm and, at the time, loved. Soon I realized it was wishful thinking. Mother may have been fascinated by me, but she was incapable of real love. Satisfying her intellectual needs and sexual appetite was more important. It would be a long time before she experienced anything deeper."

"Love is a difficult emotion, especially for demons."

"Tell me about it. Father was no different, but I hated him less. Perhaps it's because I didn't expect very much from him. He had never shown any real interest in me. I was more a curiosity. After a few visits and instructions to my nannies, I rarely saw him, so I didn't miss his absence, but Mother... my mother... I so wanted her to love me, to feel her arms wrapped gently around me as she cradled me against her breast. I needed to hear the steady beat of her heart, feel the warmth of her breath as she leaned close to place light kisses on my brow or cheeks. The nannies were kind to me in their own way, but they weren't my mother. They weren't Lilith."

Saira knew exactly what the Child meant. There was only one Lilith. Loneliness was an emotion Saira understood well. She had experienced moments when she longed for the closeness of friendship. Unfortunately, her travels never allowed her to stay in one place for very long. Contact with others was fleeting at best... and so she remained silent, waiting for the Child to continue.

"I remember my first steps. From that moment on, none of my keepers could control me. I would make my escape at every opportunity and wander the Underworld. Everyone knew me and avoided me except for the few who wanted to use me for their own devious ambitions. They were the ones who encouraged me to be myself, to ignore the rules established by Father, and take the revenge I craved for the disservice done to my mother by Adam and the Twin."

"I see. Do you have a name?" Saira asked, wanting to distract the Child from the emotions rising to the surface. She already knew the answer but chose not to disclose the extent of her knowledge or her ability to read thoughts.

"Caelene. Mother named me Caelene."

"It's a nice name."

"Yes."

*  *  *

Caelene went on to describe how she had tricked Eve into eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge and then convinced her to get Adam to eat one. When Dis and Lilith learned of the deception, they banished her to the Netherworld for thousands of years. No one tampered with the Twin's experiments without Dis' approval. Although at odds, he still retained a respect for the genius behind his reclusive sibling. Only recently had Lilith been able to release Caelene from the "void of nothingness." Now free, she needed to decide her future.

Saira nodded in sympathy. She had always refused to visit the Netherworld. She thought it an empty space but now wondered whether she was mistaken. If Caelene had existed and survived there, perhaps others were suffering the same fate. It would be an interesting journey, but not today. Until she found a strong enough thread to lead her into that void, she would have to wait.

"It's an old story," Saira said. "Older than time itself, and the humans have rewritten the tale of Adam and Eve until it's more myth than fact."

"Maybe. Only time will tell." Caelene hesitated then continued. "I remember Mother's reaction when I first stepped from the mirror. She stared at me as if in awe. Later she told me what she was thinking and how she felt."

Saira politely listened while monitoring the Child's actual memories. Like a movie on fast forward, the images racing through the Child's mind filled in the unspoken words.

*  *  *

You are beautiful, Lilith thought, but received no answer. The Child had been a part of her for so long it felt strange when she could no longer feel her presence. Emerging from the Netherworld had changed everything. She could no longer mentally communicate with her child. Reaching out, she took her daughter's hand and turned her toward the mirror. She placed her hands on the Child's shoulders, and the two made eye contact with their reflections.

"Look," Lilith whispered.

The demonesses gazed into the mirror, mesmerized by the image staring back at them. Lilith towered over the Child by several inches. Where her mother was tall with long, dark hair, the Child was short with waist-length, wavy red hair. Lilith's skin glowed a pale golden white while the Child's was a faintly tinted rose color. Her brilliant green eyes met her mother's coal black eyes in the reflection in the mirror.

"Your hair. It's so long." Running her fingers across the top, Lilith noticed the small protrusions just above and to the right and left of her forehead.

Few from the Underworld had horns. Only those carrying the bloodline of the most ancient of demons had them, and even they had disappeared over time. The same would probably have happened to the Child's if she hadn't been imprisoned in the Netherworld. Then again, her sire was the eldest of the demons, and as his direct descendant, it was possible that she would keep them forever.

*  *  *

"I was stunned when I saw Mother after all those millennia. For the first time I realized how truly beautiful she was. With long, dark, shiny hair and black eyes, she epitomized the sultry seductress most demons envied or wanted. Even I appreciated the sensual aura that surrounded her. Lilith could have had any demon she desired if she had been ambitious."

"I can believe that," Saira said.

"When Father walked into the room, I was nervous, not sure what he would do or say. Mother had freed me from my prison without his knowledge, although he had granted her permission to try. I doubt he believed she would succeed. Anyway, he was very tall and muscular with dark red skin, the ultimate male, strong, virile, and arrogant. For the most part, his only virtues at that time were his deep affection for Mother and his sense of humor. Dis may be the supreme ruler down here, but he has a soft spot for Lilith. He finds it hard to refuse her anything, although he tries to bluff her into believing otherwise. Unfortunately for him, she knows him too well. His weaknesses give her the advantage."

"I imagine that must have frustrated him back then." Saira knew how much Dis hated to be "bested" by anyone.

"Oh yeah, constantly. Anyway, he stared at me for a few moments. I knew he was assessing my worth. Mother put a stop to that by threatening to show up at all of his orgies. She's good at thwarting him when she wants to. He quickly gave up and left."

Saira laughed. Taking on Lilith was never a good idea, even for the Underlord. "A wise decision, especially for Dis."

"Actually, I expected as much. She's very formidable when she wants to be, and at that moment, she was the loving, protective, powerful mother I ached for. I actually regretted having deceived her to gain my freedom."

"And does she know about your future plans?"

"No, at least I don't think so. Knowing Mother, though, she suspects something."

"You may be right. Even back then she was extremely intelligent for one so naïve."

Saira was about to continue when she felt a tug pulling at her. Something was happening elsewhere that needed her immediate attention. Reluctant to leave such an interesting woman, she sighed. "Someone calls to me. Regretfully, I must leave now."

"Is that how it works? These callings?"

"Unfortunately. They come when they come. If they're strong enough, my curiosity compels me to investigate. Do you mind if we continue with this later?"

"I also have things to do. Do you know when you'll return?"

"For you, it will seem as if I never left. I can return at this exact moment, so don't let me interfere with your plans."

Before the Child could reply, Saira was gone, leaving her alone with her thoughts and her memories and her plans. Caelene was glad her uninvited guest couldn't travel into the future. Putting those thoughts aside, she decided to check on her pet. Cerberus wasn’t prone to excitement but something had upset him, and she needed to calm him down.