Every Night
My maternal kept watch over us both as we slept. She'd seen years and years of my stupidity since I was young and had ensured my safety as long as she could until I grew up and went off on my own.
Victoria kept her head pressed to my chest and slept peacefully, breathing slowly as her ear lay against my heart.
I fell asleep soon after she did, unable to keep up with consciousness with how long I'd stayed up in the past two days. It's not that Victoria kept me awake to do stuff for her. Quite the contrary. In fact, she often tried to force me to go to bed if I showed any sign of tiredness.
I just spent so much time worrying about everything that I don't ever just calm my mind and stay peaceful. I always thought about finishing my work, making sure Victoria was happy, keeping watch over my maternal, protecting myself and Victoria while on the Surface, and ensuring that my department was functioning properly. It was too much on my mind, and I couldn't deal. So, my brain knocked me out cold to make sure I actually got some rest.
By the time we woke up, Mama Q had already begun preparing dinner for us. She rushed about the kitchen, grasping at different cooking utensils and pans as she attempted to make some kind of fancy meal for me and Victoria.
Victoria sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes with vigour as she worked to wake herself up after our long nap.
She tossed me a gentle smile before sliding off of me to approach Mama for a hug hello. The two embraced briefly as I stood to go to the bathroom and get refreshed before dinner. Victoria walked in after I finished washing my face, hugging me carefully from behind.
I dried my face off with a nice crimson hand towel hanging on a drying rod nearby. Victoria hummed softly as she leaned her head against my back, but moved her face away when I turned around in her arms. She sent me a glowing, sleepy smile. I pressed our foreheads together and held her close by her waist, swaying side to side gently.
"Had a good sleep?"
She stood on the tips of her toes to land a kiss on the corner of my lips. "Absolutely. As I always do with you around." We smiled like fools at one another before I moved away to get in the shower.
"You can take the sink and toilet if you want. I need to get clean after all that interdimensional travel we did yesterday." She nodded, kissed my cheek once more, and tied up her hair to begin the morning routine.
I stripped off my clothes and climbed into the large walk-in shower. I turned the water to as hot as possible and let it wash away all the grime remaining on my skin. As I began washing myself off with the lemon-mint scented soap, I became acutely aware of Victoria's gaze on me in the shower. It wasn't unappreciated or uncomfortable. I just wasn't quite used to getting this kind of attention from her when we were just innocent friends for the longest time.
She sighed at the sound of Mama Q calling her name about a phone call. Victoria rushed out of the bathroom, her feet thudding as she approached Mama Q. I continued my shower without a hitch, climbing out after finding that I hadn't prepared a towel for myself.
I closed the door with a soft thud, groaning at my stupidity.
Victoria's knocks followed my disgruntled groan of despair. "Honey, please let me in. I gotta go to the bathroom."
"I can't! I don't have a towel, Vic. Can you get me one, please?" She whined, but I asked again, stretching out the plea. "Pleeeaaassseee? I don't wanna walk around completely naked. It's uncomfortable!" Victoria grumbled, but relented, her feet thundering against the floor as she entered my room to retrieve a towel.
Once again my savior, Victoria knocked on the door again, mumbling that she has the towel and 'can I please open the door'. I cracked the door open just enough to pull the towel in. I locked the door right after the towel got inside.
The towel was wrapped tightly around my waist before I unlocked the door and let Vic come in. She shouted in relief when the applewood door was pushed open.
She shoved me out on her way to the toilet, which made me laugh loudly at her urgency.
As my feet landed on the carpet outside the bathroom, the door slammed closed behind me, and I heard the lock click into place. The sound of rustling clothes and the lowering toilet seat were all I heard before walking away to give my dear some privacy.
I headed into my room to get some clothes on so Vic and Mama Q wouldn't see me naked. (I'm a demon, not a savage. Also, I really wasn't comfortable with my two ladies seeing me in such a vulnerable state.)
When I returned to the living room, Mama Q and Vic were sitting together on the couch, talking quietly about something. I walked into the room, and their eyes shot up to look at me in surprise. They smiled nervously and waved me over. An eyebrow raised, I headed towards them, sitting between my favorite ladies. "What's up?"
Mama Q bit her lower lip nervously, and my heart plummeted. My Maternal doesn't scare, not for anything, and she definitely doesn't fear me or withhold information from me. So when she shot me that hesitant expression, I prayed that the issue would resolve itself quickly with no damage or struggle to either of my girls. Victoria didn't even look at me when I turned to her. She deliberately avoided eye contact. I turned to my Maternal, hoping there was truly no problem at all.
"Victoria told me she needs your services. Not as a romantic partner. She needs to get revenge on someone." My heart rate slowly decreased as my anxiety leveled out to calmness.
I turned to look at my girlfriend, my hands shaking as I tilted her face towards me. My voice broke when I spoke. "Victoria, why couldn't you tell me?"
Her words brought tears to my eyes, even though they were so quiet. She choked up while speaking. "I was scared you would leave me and take my soul, since I technically have contempt in my heart. I didn't want to make you mad… I didn't want you to see me as a bad enough person that I deserved to have my soul taken away…"
Mama Q took that as her cue to leave, and I only held back any movements until she was out of the room. Once I couldn't see her in the doorway, I heaved Vic into my lap and hugged her tight enough that she had to tap my arm to inform me about the oxygen loss.
She peeked at me through her tears. "I'm not bad, right? Please, Silus. I'm not bad, right?"
I clutched her closer and stroked a hand down the back of her head. "You're the only one worthy of Heaven, my dear. Compared to most angels, you are far more worthy. I would not take your soul. Not now, not ever." My words appeared to give her reassurance because she tucked herself against me and clung to my neck.
"Thank you. Oh god, thank you. I love you."
I shook my head, kissing her temple. "No need to thank me. I love you. You love me. That's all that's important right now, darling. Now. Who do you want to get revenge against?"
She stared straight into my eyes this time. No fear or hesitation. "The people who killed my parents."
This time, I choked. But more from shock than fear or pain. "What?!"
Vic grunted. "That's also why I was nervous to ask you myself. I don't know how this whole Avenger thing works. My parents were found dead in their home this morning. The police call it a suicide. I call bullshit. My parents have — had — too much to live for. They wouldn't have done that, Silus. I know so. They weren't close to me, but they were still my parents. I still loved them. If the criminals only have circumstantial evidence against them, they won't get punished for their crimes. I want them to suffer. I want you to make them suffer."
I set her down on the couch again and clutched my head. This was too much. It's one thing Avenging against distant, random strangers. It's another thing Avenging against the people who killed my girlfriend's mom and dad, both of whom I met as my human form, Silas Rogers. Victoria had introduced me to them as her friend, and that was the first and last time I met the Raos. But now…to think that I would have to get involved in Avenging their deaths…something about that ordeal made me nervous.
She sighed. "If you don't believe me, let me go with you and show you everything. Please. Silus, I know you're not sure about this, but I am. I know they need to meet justice. This is what they deserve for hurting my parents."
I nodded, rubbing my face. I sighed deeply. "Alright. We'll handle that later. I just. I need to think, okay? Will you be mad at me if I say no?"
With a soft, sad smile, she shook her head. "I'd never get mad at you, baby. Not for something like this. I'll maybe ask one of your colleagues. I need to see them punished, but I will never force your hand on them."
I couldn't help the smile that came to my face. I patted her cheek lightly, and we melted together in a soft, hesitant kiss. I could feel the nervousness burning in that kiss. We weren't as comfortable as we usually were. It was definitely because of the conversation of Avenging Victoria's parents. But it would pass. We'd had our arguments, but they always pass.
I understand why you must feel displeased with my hesitation. But you must understand as well that Avengers do not fight for the justice of those we know closely. It is considered highly biased activity if we kill someone based on a shared acquaintance's request. And as the demons going after unmanageable cases, we have to avoid bias at all costs. I'm just grateful that Victoria understood me and didn't get angry at my possible refusal.
But we put that past us. We wanted to enjoy the few days we had in Hell before returning to our usual mundane routine. So, like a good boyfriend from the lower circles of Satan's Kingdom, I took her to different places there. Places where I went after first arriving here, places my Maternal loves, places my colleagues and friends love, etc. I planned a visit to the Palace of Our King on the second to last day (to allow for enough time there) so that my darling human could meet the being that gave me new purpose after I lost everything during my banishment from Heaven.
Victoria questioned me incessantly, trying to learn as much about my home as possible. I couldn't fault her or be upset. She's just too cute! Besides, her eyes would spark with this beautiful childish curiosity that I almost never saw in her, and I yearned to make that look stay in her face forever.
I won't bore you with descriptions of the different places we visited because, to me, they're not at all easy to describe. Victoria could probably explain them better.
Instead, I'll tell you about the residence of Lucifer, our Great and Merciful.
It doesn't really look like any form of architecture found on Earth. After all, physics and science are practically irrelevant here. Instead, the entire palace functions and thrives like a machine, running completely off of Our King's life-force.
Contrary to popular belief, us demons don't take souls because we're dying. No, we take souls as energy boosters, just like how humans eat food for energy. We simply cannot live without consuming a soul; however, depending on the status, age, and power of a certain demon, our reliance on consuming souls changes. Lower demons will require more souls in a month than a higher demon working directly for Our King.
Imagine the most beautiful palace you've ever seen. Turn that gold and sunshine theme to darkness and blood. Imagine the largest building you've ever seen. Perhaps like the temple in Angkor Wat, but more of the building filling the gap. Or like the sky-reaching walls and echoing chambers of St. Peter's Basilica. (A hilarious irony, truly.) Better yet, combine all three previous ideas I described to you, and that is a fairly accurate illustration of Our King's Palace.
"Sweetie, am I gonna have to meet the big man today?" My darling had resumed her questions. Victoria clung to my hand painfully tight in her paranoia of entering this demonic temple to the Unnamable One.
I sighed. "Victoria, anyone who enters the Palace must, at least one, meet with the Darkest. He would expect that of us no matter who we are. But don't be afraid. The King of Demons though He is, He will treat you with gentile and respect. You are a guest in his home, and as such, he won't dare hurt you or intentionally aim to frighten you. Besides, you're a human. He sees all in this Palace, and He knows your fear. He won't do anything untoward."
She still whimpered like a traumatized pup, but she let me curl an arm around her and keep her closer, at least for her comfort.
The guards at the entrance to the Palace bowed their heads at me. I smiled and returned the gesture. They focused their attentions to my girlfriend, whose eyes anxiously flitted around to take in as much information as possible for her safety. We entered through the massive black iron doors, and took our steps inside the Palace. Victoria shivered as if she were in Antarctica, and I loosened up in comfort. Our King exemplified the best characteristics of the Angels, Demons, and Humans. He was perfect. I came here on my first day in Hell, pathetic and sobbing for my lover, for my friends in Heaven. He was the one to console me and offer me work in the Avenging Department, as a way to let out my anger and pain. I accepted without question. His smile stuck with me from then even until now.
I navigated the hallways easily, twisting and curling through the massive spaces and barely taking note of the complex monarchist French décor and furniture. Victoria's mind behaved exactly opposite to mine, earthy eyes straining to comprehend the wonder of all the glorious objects surrounding her.
The end of our journey brought us to the Throne Room, where the Great Learner judged all the souls and demons in His realm from His perch high above all. In fact, we'd entered right after a massive trial had ended, when many other demons milled around the massive space in preparation to return to their work. I believe the trial centered around a scandal where one of the superiors in the Pleasure Department had attempted to use her gift of persuasion and manipulation against one of the Advisors to Our King as a means to obtain a promotion in her department. This greatly displeased the Advisor and Our King, who saw fit to force the demoness to Court when she refused to comply at the first declaration of her trial. I know nothing beyond that.
Our King, in all His glorious Majesty, stood in front of his throne, his back turned to us. I cleared my throat hesitantly. "My Lord, 'tis I, Drakonsilus."
His Highness quickly ascended the stairs and sat upon the looming gold, red, and black chair. He smiled down at me benevolently, crimson and gold eyes glowing in the dim light of the room. "Welcome again to my home, my boy. I have missed your presence in these vast halls, Drakonsilus. Hopefully, you have not yet forgotten your oldest friend?"
I smiled back, a bit more at ease from his gentle words. I glanced at Victoria, whose eyes had doubled in size but watched the floor. Her grasp on my arm had tightened since we entered the palace, and her lips quivered. I stepped in front of her, blocking her view of Our King with myself. She released a soft sniffle, turning her face up to mine. I kissed her forehead. "He is kind, beloved. Stay here. I shall call you forward when it is time, yes?" My girl seemed to melt at my words, nodding slowly as the softness and confidence of warmth and love returned to her eyes. She kept her face down as I left to walk forward and kneel before my ruler.
He smiled wider when I opened my mouth to speak. "No, My Lord. I could never. You gave me purpose after my great loss. And now, I live free and wise. If I am so well, it is because of Your mercy and grace."
Lucifer laughed, a summery sound in such a lightless place. I gazed up happily, my own heart softening at hearing His elation. Those eyes once again peered at me with some kind of love, some kind of incomprehensible tenderness. His gaze flicked back towards my darling, who stood still with her arms clasped in front of her and her head hung in humility. "This must be the human woman with whom you've become so enamored. Quite a beautiful girl, I must say."
At the relief of hearing his approval, I stood tall and proud, holding out my arm for Victoria to come join me. "Darling, step forward. Our King would speak with you." I encountered a form of astonishment at my beloved's gait as she approached us.
I observe many things about my dear lady. Every time she does anything while I am without work or prior commitment, I endeavor to understand her better just by her actions. Her walk takes several forms. When she returned home from the outside world after something wonderful happened, she bounds in like a puppy, all effervescence and joy. She almost appears to skip inside. After a dreadful experience or day, she will trudge inside as if her whole world has collapsed around her. Some days, she will have experienced a wonderful peace and equanimity that causes her to float inside like a butterfly, eyes soft and sweet and distant. And other days, she will stomp or scamper inside as if she had been running from wild dogs to avoid certain death, clearly panicked by either her own mind or by an outside event.
If she walked in happy, I could expect lots of hugs, kisses, overall adoration, and lots of intense makeout sessions anywhere in the house. If she walked in sad, I could expect many tears and perhaps some mental breakdowns and panic attacks. If she walked in peaceful, I could expect the next few days to consist of nothing but complete doting behavior towards me, absolute pampering. And if she walked in panicked, I could expect extreme emotional meltdowns and swings.
I never anticipated this walk, full of ethereal grace and, for lack of a better word, humble queenliness. If I say I definitely expected this from my Victoria, my Maternal would scold me eternally for dishonesty.
My love stepped forward into my embrace, allowing me to place no more than a careful arm about her waist. She smiled at me expectantly. I grunted out a nervous laugh and gazed up at Lucifer, who'd begun to step down the stairs to His throne. Treading backwards to avoid collision with His Highness, I introduced Victoria properly.
"My Lord, this is Victoria Rao, holder of my heart, my darling." My King beamed at my love-entrenched words. My skin grew so warm with embarrassment under his gaze that I averted his looks and turned to Victoria, who addressed me with the most breathtaking, love-filled expression. I strived to not allow that face to weaken me. "My love, this is King Lucifer, Lord of Hell, Prince of Darkness, The First Light of this World, Satan."
At last, my darling set her eyes upon Our King, and her lips fell open in wonder. She released a few breathy sighs as she observed Him more closely. Her gaze fixated upon His face for several minutes, as if unable to understand whom she was looking at. She finally swung her head to look at me and murmur, "He's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. But I'm confused." Her enamored expression cleared slowly. "If He's the King of Hell, why does He look human?"
I sputtered pathetically, and Satan almost fell over from laughing too hard.
"Sweetheart, you can't just ask why the Dark Lord looks human!" She pouted at me and huffed at my bewildered, indignant tone.
"You're so not helpful." Victoria sighed, shaking her head in a dramatic fashion as she looked down at the hysterical Devil losing all breath and life on the floor because of a simple question from a simple human. Satan finally stood up, still snickering as he whipped tears away from his face with nimble fingertips.
He smiled affectionately at my girl. "Dearheart, I was the most beloved and the first of God's angels. I was adored by all in His Kingdom. My form was extremely consterning to humans, whose minds can only perceive so much of the wonder of God's power. When I fell and became the King of Hell, my form became even more inconceivable than it already was. If you were to regard me in my truest form, you would burn away like leaves in a firestorm. At least my demons could bear the sight. You wouldn't last even seconds in my presence."
She tilted her head to the side, clearly another query already forming in her mind. I could almost see the puppy ears drooping adorable on her head. "If you can do that, and all the demons are fallen angels, does that mean that Silus has a truer form beyond this one?"
Lucifer raised an eyebrow at her. "Silus?"
She giggled. "His name is so pretty, I didn't want to butcher it by saying it lazily or without care, so I gave him the nickname Silus."
My King smirked at me, and my desire to melt into the ground like an ice cube only strengthened from a weak flicker to a massive flame. He chuckled, nodding. "Somewhat. Each demon has a few forms, more or less depending on their role. I am King, and so my form is unperceivable. Drakonsilus is an Avenger, as I'm sure he told you. His work requires that he have several human and demonic forms. His highest is quite godly, if I do say so myself. He may not have had a very high ranking in Heaven, but in hell, he's exceeded expectations many times and I've promoted him several times, and I plan to continue promoting him should he continue to exceed."
She grinned at me then, all sugar and devotion and infatuation. "Will you show me your true form some day, honey? You don't have to if you don't want to, but I would someday like to see you as you really are."
Lucifer stepped back a few paces to give us our moment, and I knelt before her, trying to convey the same wondrous love of hers with my eyes and my words. My hands clutched hers tightly, and I promised in an entranced voice, "My love, I would bring God Himself down from Heaven if you asked me to. Call me dramatic, but it's true."
She guffawed lightly. "I don't need all that. I just want to see you, baby. Nothing more I'd want than that, okay? Not unless for an AMAZING reason."
I grinned. "Doesn't hurt to overachieve in a relationship, right?"
Victoria pulled me up, kissing my cheek. "It does. That means you have to pull bigger and bigger stunts to get my approval, sugar. One thing at a time, okay?"
My shoulders rolled in a light shrug, and I wrapped an arm around her, turning back to Our King. Victoria kept talking. "So what do we do now?"
He grinned. "You stay for lunch, my girl."
Victoria's smile widened devilishly, which caught His Highness' attention. The two stepped closer, and she hooked one arm through his elbow and the other through mine. "Your Highness, I'll only agree if you come up to my world for a visit. Waste a day with us. I promise, I'm a wonderful host. Nothing holy in my house to hurt you either!"
He cooed. "You are such a small human, and yet you take my arm and treat me like a friend. Do you not fear me? I have the power to kill you with nothing but a thought, you know."
She shrugged. "I mean, I fell in love with a demon. He can kill me, but he didn't. I know a bunch of his fellow demon friends. They all can kill me too, but they didn't. I mean, I've got a good bet with You. You could have killed me the moment I asked that question, but you didn't. I'm really not all that scared of the people Silus has introduced me to. So far, all of them are really nice. My belief is, you all like me too much because of how human I am. This is a cold place. I wanna be the warm blanket in this giant snowstorm."
The Prince of Darkness smirked at me over my girl's head, eyes sparkling with mischief like they used to. "Boy, where can I find myself another one of her, and when are you both free? She's just made me a wonderful proposition, and I intend to accept the offer. It would be a wonderful vacation, don't you think?"
I sighed and put on a brave face. I was going to regret this decision for all of eternity, bringing the CEO-of-sorts up for a little vacation to my house.
"You just have to let her come to you, Sire. And as for when, I've got all the time in Hell."
