Daughter of the Demon

By Churnok

Disclaimer

Maeve is my creation and is not to be used without my permission. All other characters are the property of DC and Warner Brothers and are used here for non-profit entertainment purposes only. Permission is given to anyone who wants to archive this story as long as they let me know first and give me a link to their site. I welcome any comments, questions, and/or constructive criticisms. This story takes place after Kid Stuff.

Old Foes and New Friends

Jason Blood sat on his living room couch and studied the antique chess set in front of him. Most people would swear that he was alone in the house, but those who knew his secret, knew that he hadn't been alone since the day he betrayed King Arthur to Morgan Le Fey, and Merlin bound him to the demon known as Etrigan. Merlin's spell would last until either Jason or Etrigan made amends by defeating the evil sorceress once and for all.

Needless to say, neither person was too happy about the arrangement at first, but they eventually came to understand and...Tolerate, each other.

Now they were settling a disagreement through a game of chess. Winner cooked dinner. In a fair game they were evenly matched, but when food was involved, the demon rarely played fair.

"Erigan, please stop doing that," Jason groaned aloud.

"Doing what?" Etrigan's deep voice inquired innocently from within his partner's head.

"I can tolerate your repertoire of Barry Manilow's greatest flops, but must you do to them what Jack Benny used to do to violin music?" the former knight said as he made his move. "Check."

"I'd stop trying to distract you if you would just let me make dinner tonight."

Jason watched as Etrigan took control of his left hand and countered his move.

"The last time we ate your Holy Chili I had to follow it with a whole bottle of Pepto-Bismol. The only reason I'm not dead is the fact that I can't die!"

"You exaggerate," the demon stated as Jason made his next move. "Besides, it was popular at the last Justice League potluck. Some of those heroes even had seconds."

"It was popular until the heat hit them, and the only people who could stand to have seconds were Superman, J'onn, and Fire. Dr. Fate had to conjure some magic milk for the rest of them, and a few tried to drink the coolant for the reactor."

"Ice didn't seem to have a problem with it."

"She couldn't use her powers for the rest of the day."

"Now you're just quibbling."

Holy Chili was so named for two reasons. It smelled heavenly, and in fact it was delicious, but once it hit the stomach, and the heat kicked in, an entirely different connotation of the word holy sprang to mind. It was one of Etrigan's favorite recipes because he loved spicy food, and he got sadistic pleasure from watching other people eat it.

"Look, the only way you're going to cook dinner tonight is by winning this game," Jason snapped as Etrigan made his next move.

At that moment a portal of glowing yellow energy appeared in front of the fireplace and the last person either of them expected emerged from it.

Instantly Jason was on his feet. The words that would transform his body into Etrigan's were already forming on his lips, but Morgan Le Fey held up her delicate hands and said, "Hold Jason. I did not come here to do battle, but to beg for your aid."

Blood hesitated and winced as Etrgan shouted in his head, "Jason, what are you waiting for?"

"After what you did to me," Jason said through clenched teeth, "what makes you think I would ever be so stupid as to help you again?"

"Because this time I'm not conquering a kingdom for my son," she replied calmly as she lowered her hands. The portal had dissipated soon after her arrival. "I'm trying to find our daughter."

Jason laughed in contempt. "The centuries have scrambled your brain witch! The only child you ever bore was that spoiled brat Mordred."

"That has changed," she stated. Her gold mask hid any expression she may have had, but her tone and body language spoke of sorrow and regret. "While it's true that you never sired a child with me while we were lovers, my daughter is of your blood. Yours and Etrigan's."

"That's impossible," Jason stated.

"She's telling the truth," Etrigan said in annoyance. "Can you let me kill her now?"

"Excuse me a moment," Jason said to Morgan as he walked out of the room. Once he was out of her sight and facing an antique wall mirror he addressed the demon. "What do you mean she's telling the truth?"

"While you were exchanging pleasantries with the enemy, I was reading her aura," the demon's reflection stated. Anyone else would have just seen Jason reflected in the mirror, but the Knight and the demon had learned long ago that they could use any reflective surface to talk face to face with each other. "Don't ask me how or why, but she does have a daughter who is also yours and mine, as humans see things. Now let me kill the witch so we can finally go our separate ways."

"Aren't you concerned about our daughter?"

Etrigan scoffed at what he considered an absurdity. "Demons aren't exactly known for our parenting skills. If the brat is old enough, and strong enough to run away from her over protective mother, she can live, or die, on her own. If it will make you happy, I'll interrogate the sorceress before I put her out of our misery."

"No, we may need her help as much as she needs ours to find our daughter. Besides, she might volunteer more information over dinner.

Etrigan gave his human partner a shocked expression. "You're going to cook for her?!"

"No," Jason said with a smile, "I forfeit the chess game. You may have the honor of cooking dinner."

It took a moment for the demon to fully comprehend Jason's words. It wouldn't be as satisfying as finishing her off, but watching that hated woman try to eat his Holy Chili would be a good consolation prize. He broke out in a grin. Then burst out in maniacal laughter that only Jason could hear as he walked back into the living room. It was all the knight could do to keep a straight face as he invited their old enemy to dinner. Morgan Le Fey was going to regret coming to them for help.

______________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, their teenage daughter had just ended her first bus ride in Metropolis and was staring at everything in amazement. She had seen images of this place in her magic mirror, when her mother was too busy with her decrepit older brother Mordred to notice, but that couldn't prepare her for the shock of seeing it in person. The sights, sounds, and smells were all so wonderfully different from the castle that she was overwhelmed with excitement. She was walking around aimlessly. Looking everywhere but where she was going. She was so focused on trying to see everything that she didn't realize she was about to wander into the street until a hand grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back.

"Watch where you're going," the owner of the hand said sternly once she was safely back on the sidewalk. She turned to scold him for handling her so roughly, but was captivated by his green eyes and the words died on her lips. "Are you alright?" he asked when her intense gaze began to discomfort him.

"Yes, sorry," she said as she snapped out of it and adjusted her large, dark blue, backpack. Like the clothes she was wearing, it had been created magically to help her blend in with the people of this modern world. "It's my first time in the city and I guess I was a little overwhelmed."

"Country girl huh?"

She smiled. "You could say that."

"Well I'm not much of a tour guide, but I could show you around," he said with a smile that she found hard to resist. Her mother had taught her to defend herself against all kinds of magic, but she had no defenses against this young man's charms.

"I'd like that," she finally said.

"Great. My name's Jimmy Olson by the way."

"I'm Maeve. Maeve Blood."

"Ahh, alright if I just call you Maeve?"

"If I may call you Jimmy," she replied. Not sure why her father's surname caused her new acquaintance such discomfort, but finding enjoyment in it nonetheless.

"Fine by me." He took her by the hand. A simple gesture of friendship that sent strange tingles along her arm. "I was just about to grab a burger and fries for dinner. You want to join me? My treat?"

"I'd be honored," Maeve said as she followed his lead. She had never had a burger before and she was eager to try one. Especially if it meant spending more time with Jimmy.

______________________________________________________________________________

The Diner was a simple hole in the wall place that most of the employees at the Daily Planet frequented because it was right across the street, the food was good quality, inexpensive and while there was a set menu, you could also special order your burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The two businesses had even managed to make a deal. Neither charged the other for delivery.

"Hey Jimmy," the black man behind the counter shouted as the two redheads entered. "Don't look now, but there's a girl on your arm."

"Be nice Joe she's a friend," Jimmy replied as they took seats at the counter. "This is her first time in Metropolis and I thought I'd treat her to dinner at the Diner."

"Nothing could be finer."

"Woo woo Chattanooga there you are," they sang together and then laughed much to Maeve's puzzlement. The servants at home had never bantered with her or her mother so the idea that servants could be friends with those they served was new to her.

"So how did a shy shutterbug like you have the guts to talk to such a lovely lady much less ask her to dinner?"

"Take our orders first wise guy," Jimmy replied while Maeve blushed, "and maybe I'll tell you."

"Your usual right?" Jimmy nodded. "And for the lady?"

Maeve studied the menu and her eyes found something in bold red letters. "What's the Diner Diablo?"

Joe looked at the menu and then back at her with raised eyebrows. "Girl that is the hottest burger in the city. If you can finish it, you get the meal for free and your name and picture on the Wall of Flame," he pointed to a row of five pictures by the door under the words Wall of Flame in letters made to look like fire.

Maeve smiled. She had always wanted to try something spicy but her mother had never allowed anything more than black pepper. She turned back to Joe and said, "I'll have that." She gave Jimmy a look of affection. "After what you did for me, the least I can do is try to save you some money."

Joe gave Jimmy a look. "Man, once I place your orders with the cook, you are telling me what happened." Joe turned back to Maeve, "how do you want that cooked?"

"Rare," she said as if it should be obvious.

Joe smiled as he wrote down the order and turned to the wall that separated him from the kitchen. "Yo Neal. Jimmy's here with a lady whose tastes are as hot as her looks."

"You mean…"

"Yep, we have a new Wall of Flame hopeful."

"And she's with Jimmy?"

"Yes she's with Jimmy," Maeve yelled in annoyance. She was beginning to wonder why these men found that so hard to believe. What sort of reputation did her simple escort have with ladies?

"Easy Maeve," Jimmy said as he put a hand on her shoulder. "The guys are just joking around because, well, I've never brought a girl here before."

"Yeah," Joe chimed in. "You must be something special for him to risk introducing you to us on a first date." Maeve blushed and Joe got back to business. "Now what will you two have to drink while you wait for that grease monger to cook your burgers?"

"Dr. Pepper," Jimmy said without hesitation.

Maeve studied the drinks menu. There were so many things she had never tried at home. Lemonade and iced tea were the only drinks that were truly familiar, but she left home for new experiences. Finally she decided to follow Jimmy's lead and ordered Dr. Pepper.

After Joe gave them their drinks, two other customers came in and he went to take care of them. It was one of the Diner's slow nights so the waitress that normally worked there had the night off. Maeve watched Jimmy take a sip through his straw and then did the same. Her surprise at the flavor and the feel of the bubbles showed clearly on her face.

"What," Jimmy asked when he saw her expression, "you never had a soft drink before?"

"Mother didn't allow me a lot of things that you probably take for granted," Maeve replied as if the statement left a sour taste in her mouth.

"Sounds like a hardnosed health nut."

"Among other things," she agreed.

"Let me guess, you ran away from home."

Maeve sighed, "I just couldn't live there any longer. Between Mother's strict lessons and her obsessing over my useless spoiled vegetable of a brother I was going to go crazy!"

"What about your dad?"

"He doesn't even know I exist. Mother left him before I was born. I hope to find him before she finds me, but I also want to experience as much as possible.

Jimmy though for a moment before saying, "you know, I work at the Daily Planet. If you know your father's name, what he looks like, and what he does for a living, maybe I can help you find him."

"Really?" Maeve said as her face lit up. "Oh thank you!" She threw herself at him in a hug that nearly knocked them both off their stools. Then she came to her senses and pulled herself off him almost as quickly. Looking away in embarrassment and saying to herself, "decorum Maeve, decorum," in her mother's voice. "A lady does not throw herself at a gentleman."

"Whoa." Joe said as he got back to them. "I leave for a few minutes and the redheads are putting the moves on each other. If she wasn't taking the challenge I'd ask if you two wanted this to go."

Maeve blushed furiously, but Jimmy just said, "Lay off Joe. She just got excited because I promised to help her find her father."

"OK Jimmy, I was just funning." At that point a bell rang and Joe turned to grab their orders. "One bacon and mushroom cheeseburger with chili fries for Jimmy, and one Diner Diablo for his lovely, loony, lady.

Maeve fought her urge to take offence and instead thanked Joe as he put the delicious smelling plate of food in front of her.

"Just let me know if I need to grab either the camera, or the fire extinguisher," he replied with a smile and went to deliver drinks to the other customers.

She followed Jimmy's lead, picked her burger up in both hands and took a bite. It was as if her taste buds had been asleep until that moment. The heat from the spices was like a warm fire in her mouth that spread throughout her body when she swallowed. Before she knew it she had devoured the large burger. She used a napkin to daintily dab the sauce from her face as her mother had taught her.

Joe whistled as he got back behind the counter while Jimmy just stared. "Man, the last person to win a place on the wall was Clark Kent, and he had to take a swig of 7up between bites." Joe turned to Jimmy and slapped him on the back. "Jimmy, you sure know how to pick 'em." He reached behind the counter and pulled out a digital camera. "Now smile for the camera."

Maeve was glad she had seen these devices in her mirror and knew their purpose. Otherwise Joe and the camera would have been blasted by lightning when the flash went off. It still caught her off guard though and she had to stifle a scream. Joe didn't notice, being too focused on checking the picture, but Jimmy did.

"What, never had your picture taken either?" he asked quietly.

"No, my mother believes that such devices are what corrupted my brother and lead to him being stuck in the state he's in. I think it was her fault, but I've never had the courage to tell her so. I've had my portrait painted at least once every year, but I've never had a picture made of myself this way." She turned to Joe and asked, "May I see it?"

"Of course. It's going on the wall so if you don't like it we can take another." He handed her the device and she quickly found the screen on which her image was displayed. It was incredible. Like looking at a reflection in a mirror that had somehow been frozen and shrunk to fit the tiny space.

"Not bad, for an ambush picture taken by an amateur," Jimmy said after he looked at it over her shoulder. He gently took the camera from her hands. "But how about we see what this camera can do in the hands of an artist."

"Artist my foot," Joe scoffed. "Boy gets a steady job as a newspaper shutterbug and he thinks he's the Leonardo De Vinci of photography."

Jimmy ignored him as he began giving Maeve directions on how he wanted her to pose for the camera and snapping pictures. Some were casual, some were silly, and a couple of them were flirty. The bell rang for the other order and while Joe took care of that, Jimmy showed Maeve the pictures. The number alone was a wonder to her. Just one painted portrait usually took hours, and often required her mother to cast a spell of immobility to keep Maeve from fidgeting. The portraits themselves were usually as dull as the process of making them, but these pictures took only a couple minutes and each one was exciting to her. She finally chose a funny one that showed her drinking her Dr. Pepper with a panicked expression. Jimmy handed the camera back to Joe saying," use this one for the wall and send the rest to my email. Oh and please delete them after you send me the copies OK Joe."

"Sounds risky," Joe said as he handed Maeve a piece of paper to write her name on. What if they don't get through the first time?"

"I'll take that chance."

"I read ya pal. I wouldn't want someone keeping a collection of my girl's pictures either. Shame to hoard such loveliness though."

"Just do it OK," Jimmy muttered.

Joe smiled and nodded, but Maeve cast a quick spell to make sure he did as told. She liked Joe, but her mother had taught her to be careful.

They ate their fries while Joe rang up the bill. Since Maeve had won the challenge, Jimmy was only charged for his own meal. Then Joe went to check on the restrooms so the two would have some privacy.

"So, where are you going to stay while you're in Metropolis?" Jimmy asked as he tried to get as much chili on his fries as possible before eating them.

"I don't know yet," she replied. She had figured out the condiment bottles and was dipping her fries in a mix of ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce. "I was hoping to find a hotel or something."

"Slim chance of that I'm afraid. There are a couple big conventions in the city this week. All the decent places are booked solid. What are left are probably firetraps where roaches and rats have turf wars."

"What's a convention?"

"It's where a bunch of fans of one sort or another get together to buy, sell, and/or trade stuff, play games, watch videos, and interact with people who are considered famous in the fandom. It can get a bit crazy at times."

"I hadn't planned on this. Is there anything I can do?"

"Well, you could bunk at my place if you want," Jimmy said shyly. "My roommate is off on assignment for the rest of the month and I could use the company."

"Oh, I couldn't do that. You've done so much for me already. I don't want to impose any further."

"Hey, what are friends for? Besides, it's just until you can find a place of your own or we find your father. If it makes you feel any better, I swear I'll be a perfect gentleman for the duration of your stay at my humble abode."

"Well, then it would be unladylike for me to refuse the offer of such a handsome gentleman." She smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek, causing him to blush.

When Joe came back he finally insisted on finding out how they met. After they told him and endured his comments, Jimmy paid the bill and escorted Maeve out of the Diner. As they walked to Jimmy's apartment Maeve held his arm and sighed contentedly. She had yet to find her father, but she felt certain she had found her knight. She only hoped Mother didn't kill him when she found out.