The next morning was hectic as everyone prepared for the departure. Adrian sat cross-legged on his suitcase as he watched Valerie and Michelle prepare breakfast for all six individuals. It amused him to watch Valerie, who was obviously not used to having to prepare breakfast for more than three people, order Michelle around the kitchen to bring her certain food items she required to create an . . . what did she call it? . . . an omelet? Poor Michelle looked so frustrated that she might actually just sit down and cry. What a glorious way to spend your morning!
Valerie turned to Adrian, who was now twiddling his thumbs as he observed the morning's hassle with a small hint of amusement in his grey eyes. "You know, if you're bored, there's this amazing thing called helping," Valerie told him through clenched teeth. "I'm sure Michelle and I both would appreciate my help."
"I'm quite content as I am, love," Adrian taunted her. "As for Michelle, if she's not willing to help me with what I ask of her, then why should I help her?" He watched as Michelle stared at him in horror before turning three shades of red with embarrassment. She turned away and began beating the eggs in the bowl, adding different vegetables into the mixture.
"Hello. I'm Zack."
Adrian jumped in surprise as little Zachariah approached him carrying a small, red truck. "Hello," Adrian replied quietly.
"Who are you?" Zachariah's innocent curiosity was almost too adorable as Michelle watched through the corner of her eye.
Adrian wasn't sure how to respond to the little tyke. "I'm . . . your Uncle Adrian," he told the child.
"Okay." Zachariah looked down at his toy truck,then back up to Adrian. "Would you like to play with me?"
Adrian made sure no one was looking before he whispered, "Maybe later, little one. Go find your dad." He gently ushered the child toward the living room. Adrian breathed a sigh of relief as he thought no one had seen him.
Michelle had seen the whole thing, though. She smiled to herself as she thought of how impossible it had seemed for Adrian to have a heart for children.
"Could you please refrain from disturbing my son's mental health for at least another few years?" Valerie called over her shoulder, turning a few knobs on the oven.
Adrian chuckled low. "Whatever you say, love," he taunted viciously. When Valerie didn't respond (besides pausing slightly), he grew bored and focused on memorizing the pattern of the ceiling tiles. Crack, wedge, crack, crack, bumpy spot, more bumps...
I see you're in one of your moods, Adrian. Michelle kept focusing on pouring the egg mixture into a pan while she conversed with the man. The ceiling pattern isn't really all that amusing enough to hold your attention. By the way, no one else did see you be nice to Zachariah. No one else besides me, that is.
Too bad you saw that. Now you have to die, he joked. He grew serious in a moment's time. Why are you acting so differently now? It seems as though you don't want to be near me or think of a way out of this.
Michelle paused, thinking about everything they had done in the past. She usually did help him with his schemes. Michelle stirred the omelet. To be honest, I've thought of several ways out of this deal, but none of them would work unless I end up with more powers.
Adrian paused for a moment and Michelle swore she could hear the little gears turning in his head. You'll have to tell me some of your ideas when we're alone. If you do have more untapped powers and we're able to unlock them, then maybe we can sneak our way out of this predicament. For the first time since they met, his devilish grin didn't cause her to worry. It actually made her glad and feel a little more rebellious. She was done taking orders from Satan now . . . but she would still have to take a few more to keep away the suspicion.
"Good morning, everyone." Satan walked in, carrying Zachariah on his shoulders. "Is breakfast ready?"
"It will be in a few minutes," Valerie told him after inspecting the omelet Michelle was cooking. "Would you mind setting the table . . . if it's not too much trouble?"
Satan sat Zachariah down in his highchair. "Never too much trouble for my daughter-in-law."
As he began setting out plates and silverware, Michelle scowled in jealousy. Of course, he allowed Nicky and Valerie to be married, but not her and Adrian. What was the difference between the two couples? As far as Michelle knew, Satan had only allowed Nicky to marry Valerie because Nicky was the favorite between the three sons. As Michelle's anger grew, a very strange occurance happened.
"Michelle?" shouted Adrian, rising to his feet.
Satan turned to find Michelle had completely vanished. "Michelle, where are you?"
Nicky ran into the room. "What's going on, Dad?"
"Michelle's disappeared into thin air!" he exclaimed.
Everyone began searching for the girl, but to no avail. Poor Michelle, however, had never left the room. She stood there in amazement, watching as everyone searched desperately for her. She, in the meantime, was trying desperately to make the invisibility stop. It was an odd sensation, especially since she could walk through objects. She drew close to Adrian, attempting to touch his cheek. She felt it for an instant before her hand glided through. Please stop, she begged her new-found power.
It did stop, and Michelle nearly collapsed as the power had left her too weak to stand. It was Adrain who caught her and sat her in one of the chairs. "What happened, love?" he asked her.
Michelle gestured with her hands and Satan handed her a pen and paper so she could reply. Wearily, she wrote, I'm not exactly sure what happened. One moment I was standing there, the next minute I was invisible and could pass through everything like a ghost.
Nicky glanced over at his father, worried for his half-sister. If her powers continued growing as quickly as they were, she could very possibly suffer a brain overload. "Dad?"
Satan swallowed. He didn't like this one bit. He couldn't risk Michelle's life by keeping her around Adrian, especially if Michelle was able to be controlled by him. However, he had to allow Michelle the chance to regain her soul. This was the last time she would ever have the opportunity. Maybe the sudden power increase meant the peace between the two planes was nearing. "Well, Michelle, I guess you're getting those powers Pop was talking about. We'll all have to help you learn to control them now, won't we?"
Both boys nodded, but it was Nicky who gave her a hug. "Michelle, you're finally getting powers like ours, just like you've always wanted!"
Michelle smiled, gently patting him on the back. If she were permitted to speak, she would have told him how happy she was. Everyone could tell she was happy by the wide grin on her face and the tears forming in her eyes. She was also casting a knowing look to Adrian, who was thinking the same thing she was. We have a lot of work to do, he told her. We don't want you randomly disappearing and we definitely don't want it to wear you out. Adrian sat next to her as Valerie brought the food over to the table and everyone sat down to eat.
We also have to make sure that any other powers I gain are not deadly or uncontrollable, I added. I don't want to accidentally hurt anyone.
Understood. Adrian straightened himself in the chair and looked down at the omelet on his plate in disgust. "Do I want to know what part of an animal that came from?" he asked, forcing a small smile out of Michelle.
"Just eat it, son. You'll need your strength," Satan told him as he dug into the omelet.
Adrian picked at the food, watching as everyone else ate it without complaints. He glanced over at the pitcher of orange juice and winced in thought of swallowing the liquid. "Nicky, you don't happen to have any Peppermint Schnapps, do you?"
Michelle choked on her eggs as Nicky shrugged. "I'm sorry, Adrian, but I don't drink."
Adrian let out an exasperated sigh. "What kind of Hell is this place?"
If you think Earth is your own personal Hell, Adrian, then you'll never survive Heaven. Michelle took a small sip of her orange juice before she glanced at him. Compared to Heaven, Earth is paradise.
Adrian growled under his breath as Holly led them through the gates of Heaven. Michelle had been right so far . . . and they weren't even inside yet. Adrian glared as curious eyes peered over fences to stare at him. He was having enough trouble as it was without their eyes goggling at him. The bright light hurt Adrian's eyes and the clean, cool air was choking to his blackened lungs. The air was cool, but to Adrian seemed icy, and he shivered violently as his father knocked upon the golden door of a white house exactly identical to all the others. You could have told me to dress a little warmer, love.
You didn't ask, Michelle replied. Plus, I did mention that everywhere is colder than Hell.
Opening the door slowly, Crystal allowed the three guests to enter.
The first to enter was shorter, but not short, with twin pointed horns and graying hair. He had a kind, if not devious, smile, and handsome glittering eyes. Pointed ears protruded from the sides of his head, and he held out a clawed hand in greeting. The second one to enter, with her usual attire, could not be mistaken for anyone other than her best friend. The young man trailing behind them . . .
Melody blinked . . . and blinked again . . . and blushed . . . and tried not to stare.
But he was most certainly one of the most attractive young men she had encountered in a long, long time.
His piercing grey-blue eyes seemed to look straight through her. His nose was straight, his skin smooth and pale, and his face framed by wild yellow hair. He was very, very tall, definitely over six feet, with wide shoulders and a slender frame. He was dressed in black, from his long boots to his neatly gloved hands, and seemed to be shivering ever so slightly. Melody couldn't help but wonder what she had been so worried about.
Michelle could see the curious look in Melody's eyes and knew she was in for a big surprise. Melody stepped closer and took in the sight of Adrian as Crystal introduced the two. Melody glanced into his icy eyes and looked down immediately. Forcing her lovely hazel eyes up, she held out a soft, delicate hand, a peace offering of an angel. He paused for a split second, then took her hand, pulled her forward, and as his other hand flew up to cradle the back of her head, he kissed her quite passionately considering the shortness of their time spent together. Melody was too stunned to react, as was the rest of the family, Michelle not included as this was part of the plan. Finally, his father gathered his wits.
"Adrian." No response.
"Adrian." Still, nothing.
"ADRIAN!" Satan slapped his eldest across the backside of his head.
He pulled back after his father hit him in the back of his head, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and looked rather pleased with himself. Melody couldn't even function, the terribleness of the situation was so gripping. Her mother stood, horrified, and her sisters seemed stuck between yelling and laughing hysterically.
Just when she thought the moment couldn't get any more tortuous, he opened his mouth and spoke.
"What? We're getting married in less than a month, I think I was entitled to that," he snapped. "Besides, I've been trapped in a flask with fucking Cassius for three years; I'm ready to screw the next cadaver I'm alone in a room with."
Melody had never experienced a more awkward silence. Crystal and Satan seemed to clear their throats at the same time.
"Why don't you unpack upstairs, Adrian, dear, and we'll prepare dinner?" Crystal said quietly.
Adrian lugged his suitcase upstairs, Michelle following close behind with her own. Unable to trust Adrian to remain alone for ten minutes - or less, for that matter - Satan assigned Michelle to stay in the same room with Adrian at all times. This meant they would be sharing the same room and, to Michelle's horror once they entered the bedroom, there was only one bed. She nearly dropped her suitcase on the floor as Adrian plopped down on the bed. I'll take the sofa, Michelle said quietly as she sat the suitcase down near the edge of the bed.
Why don't you hop on the bed, love, and get comfortable? Michelle glanced over at Adrian's inviting smile and she could see the color in his eyes darken at the mere suggestion of his words. There's enough room in this bed for two.
Michelle flushed. I think not, at least for the moment. I'm going to go check on Melody to make sure you haven't done any major damage.
Forget about the girl . . . stay with me. Adrian's smile was definitely as charming as Michelle remembered when he was in one of these moods. Come on, love, join me.
However, it wasn't going to seduce her this time. As much as I like you, Adrian, Melody is my best friend and I care too much for her to get hurt. I'll be back as soon as I know she's okay. Michelle left their room and walked briskly over to Melody's door and knocked. "Melody," Michelle whispered. "Melody, it's me, Michelle."
Melody's sisters, Harmony and Peace, were quick to open the door and allow Michelle entrance. "Melody is slightly suffering from the shock of the moment," Harmony told her as they led her to the balcony, where Melody was staring off at the horizon.
"Melody?" Michelle quietly approached her friend.
"He's terrifying! That was the most horrible, awful, painful moment I've ever experienced in my entire life! And in front of mother!" squealed Melody, tears springing to her gentle eyes. Her hands flew to her mouth, hovering about her cheeks as she quaked with fear. Harmony and Peace might have been mischievous little sisters, but they could see when their sister honestly needed comfort.
"I'm sorry, Melody. I should have told you how crude he can be."
Melody turned to Michelle. "It's not like he's ever been crude to you. He would never . . ." Melody stopped before she revealed too much to her sisters.
"Melody, he's not that bad, and I'm sure he was just joking!" Peace said tenderly, taking her older sister's hands into her own. She was the youngest, with long, light brown hair and kind brown eyes in a round face.
Harmony, however, was unable to contain herself. She burst out laughing, much to her sisters' displeasure. "Oh, he is funny! I hope he stays with us!" she gasped through her laughter, light blue eyes bright with merriment, her short dark hair flying about her clever, heart-shaped face.
Peace growled softly. "I didn't like him much. He's very crude," she said decidedly, reaching out to hug Melody.
"He can be even worse, depending on his mood," Michelle told them honestly. After going up to Earth when he told her not to, Adrian had been absolutely furious. He forgave her, of course, but the anger in his eyes was worse than anything she had ever seen.
Harmony grinned. "I liked him. I don't think he was serious, anyways, but he looked like fun. I like him," said Harmony, just as decidedly.
Peace sneered. "I think he looked awful; wicked, mean maybe. He's dangerous, and I don't think Melody should have to marry him." Harmony shrugged and stood, turning and skipping from the room, her feathered white wings fluttering in the cool breeze. Peace, Melody, and Michelle started.
"Where are you going?" Melody asked, and Harmony turned and smiled before vanishing from the door.
"I'm going to talk to him! I really don't think he's evil..."
Michelle darted after her, whispering furiously, "Harmony, no! You have no idea who you're messing with . . ." She watched in horror as Harmony approached his door.
Adrian felt an eerie peace as he unpacked, and decided to attribute it to the light-headedness which accompanied the terrible altitude. Shaking himself, he paused, hands hovering above the small-ish case of personal belongings. He never needed a change of clothes, since he could quickly and easily pass his devil power over them and change their style, their cleanliness, anything he desired. He could conjure various items of which might be of use, such as a hairbrush, a toothbrush, cloths, and other objects he considered trivial but worth keeping around.
His case was filled with things he couldn't conjure, such as booze (food substances were foreign to his hands, though he could multiply or transform what he had), an extremely powerful cursed dagger which had once been the tip of the spear used to test the blood of the Son of God, some magazines of questionable content, and an old, tattered Devil's Bible that spewed a nasty black mist upon contact with the air.
He had just been contemplating slamming the case shut and making a run for it when the door opened with a slight creak. Adrian turned to see a young, blushing angel with short, dark hair and mischievous blue eyes. She smiled and waved shyly.
"Hi A-Adrian, I'm Harmony, you know, Melody's sister," she stuttered, taking enough small steps forward to be able to shut the door behind her. It was a brave move, coming to his room alone, but her hesitant motions revealed her uneasiness. Her smile was light, but her face was worried. Adrian fought the rising tide of temptation rather unsuccessfully. The bitterness of his future was making his decisions more and more rash recently, not that he particularly cared, though he usually left others to take the blunt of the punishment for his cunning and wicked actions.
"Harmony, a pleasure to meet you," he purred, walking confidently towards her. She looked alarmed and took a step back, but did not flee from his presence. She was so human in her fear; his appetite flared, though he was conscious that she had no soul for him to devour. But, he had other appetites of which she could satisfy, as his body demanded.
He stared into her eyes and took her small, slender hand in his own, and lowered his mouth to it, his cold gaze never leaving hers. She seemed transfixed, almost hypnotized, trembling and fearful and yet unable to escape. Lips just above her quivering hand, he opened his mouth and licked, from her middle finger's knuckle to her wrist, where he placed a tender kiss. She felt faint, her knees nearly buckled. Harmony's face paled and then flushed deeply; she was flexed, ready to run, and yet unable to move.
Laughing to himself, Adrian swept to her neck, alternatively biting and licking the silky skin. Finally, as if waking from a dream, the young angel wrenched herself away, cast him a horrified look, and fled from the room. Adrian laughed darkly, running his tongue along his rather sharp teeth. You know, Michelle, if you were jealous, you could have just told me to stop.
Michelle removed the Invisibility Robe. It was her who had slipped into Harmony's mind just enough to loosen Adrian's power over her. Who knows what would have happened had she not intervened. You and I both know you wouldn't have stopped if she couldn't pull away. You have enough sexual appetite to lay a thousand women and still not be satisfied and you expect me to let you two continue? Michelle stepped closer to Adrian, finally facing up to him for the first time since he had left the flask. Do I look like the sort of woman who would let you do that to the poor girl?
No, Adrian replied softly, taking a step toward her. You look like the kind of woman who has experienced love and now it pains her to know her love is going to be married to her best friend instead . . . but, why?Adrian was now close enough to Michelle to pick the hint of lavender up and he inhaled the scent completely. He looked down at the girl, his smile turning a bit on the viscious side. Why is it you are planning to just sit back and watch as I marry some other girl who I do not love and she obviously does not love me at all? Do you care so little about me and your friend?
Michelle stepped back as fear settled into her heart. I care very much about both of you, Adrian. If you would just . . .
You've been hiding the truth from me, Michelle. Adrian had her backed up against the door, which he locked at that moment to prevent any interruptions. I know you can speak perfectly fine, epsecially when I heard you speaking with Father before the flask was even open. He watched with pleasure as Michelle swallowed hard and, even in the breezy atmosphere, beads of perspiration began to form on her forehead. However, I waited and bided my time, waiting for you to tell me yourself. That last stunt was the last straw. I've loved you more than anyone else in the entire three planes . . . and yet you hid so much from me. Why?
Michelle was nearly in tears as Adrian pressured her for an answer. Finally, she replied, Do you really want the truth, Adrian? Alright, here it is. Because I gave you the Hand of Lucifer when it was meant for me, my soul was going to rot in Hell. That was why I came up from Hell to look for you; it was the only chance I had to regain my soul. As long as I got back the Hand of Lucifer, you didn't hurt me, and I reported your actions to Nicky, I would regain my soul. Adrian's temper flared, but Michelle continued. However, once I was up there, I was aiding you in your attempt to create a Hell on Earth, which hindered the deal I had made with your father . . . especially since I was spending more and more time with you.
Michelle blinked away a tear before she went on. I did realize I couldn't let you take all those souls . . . they didn't deserve to be killed because you wanted them for yourself. So, I returned to Hell moments before you and Nicky were hit by the train. As you underwent the transformation to Satan, I was able to convince you to give the medallion to me so no one could harm me. If it wasn't for me, you would be the ruler of Hell on Earth. After you had been defeated and Nicky returned the flask to his father, I had to serve Satan for two years as punishment for helping you.
When Heaven suggested a marriage between an angel and one of his sons, the only choices were you and Cassius. I wanted the chance to see you again, but I wanted you to be free even more. I begged Satan to release you and I even offered my soul in exchange for your freedom. She refused to look up as a gasp escaped Adrian's throat. No one would have expected her as to go that far for Adrian. In fact, Adrian didn't think his own father would even make such a deal. Satan reluctantly accepted, but there was a condition set on the soul-exchange. If you were to go through with the wedding, I would regain my soul, but continue this lifetime alone as I would find it impossible to love another after you. If you were to back out of it due to my closeness or if I ever spoke a single word to you, I would lose my soul forever and I would be tortured in Hell for all eternity while you returned to the imprisonment of the flask. It was a choice between your freedom versus my one moment of pleasure with you before we both became miserable for eternity. To me, the decision wasn't difficult. I loved you too much to let that happen. I'd rather me suffer for the rest of my natural life than both of us suffer painfully for the rest of eternity.
Adrian was too stunned to react at first. She loved me too much to leave me in the flask . . . He glanced down at the amazing woman in front of him, surprised at how strong she had been for the last two years. She had sacrificed her soul to gain his freedom . . . and here he was treating her like . . . shit. His expression softened and he placed a gentle hand on her cheek. "You did that . . . for me, love?"
She nodded and the next thing she knew, she had been swept into Adrian's warm embrace. No one's ever done anything like that for me before. He lightly kissed Michelle's forehead as he held her close. He never wanted to leave this woman, ever. She had done so much to make him happy and free, and soon it would be his turn to do the same for her. He tilted her chin slightly and claimed her mouth gently with his, feeling the pleasure ooze from her essence. He massaged her back with his hand while he cradled her neck with the other. I love you, Michelle, and when this is over, you and I will rule over all.