A/N - It just occurred to me that I could have posted this first, prior to the last Raising Hell piece I posted the other day. Doh. lol Doesn't matter, I suppose. :) Thanks for the comments on the last RH related chapter. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm intending to post the prologue of RH next. - Laura

Raising Hell - Conception of the Future

Something was not right.

She could feel it in her bones, in the heart which continued to beat within her chest.

Snow White was listless, restless and preoccupied. Both her work and marital activities were suffering. Time had passed since the Prince and Princess of Pain had last coupled together, but ever since that passionate night the Lead Cenobite's wife had noticed she had begun to feel strangely ill; something which was unheard of amongst Cenobites. All strength in her body had fled from her, and nausea and fatigue had become a regular occurrence.

Leviathan had called for them soon after Snow White's health had begun to deteriorate, as if by sheer coincidence. Perhaps the behemoth could shed some light on the situation.

All was quiet within the Labyrinth, save for the legions of damned souls howling and screaming in agony as Xipe and Snow White calmly walked the stone pathway which guided them to the all powerful deity they and the legions of Cenobites served, honoured, worshipped and looked upon as a father.

Leviathan; the God of hunger, flesh and desire – an almighty idol which swirled in the dark grey skies above the maze of the Labyrinth, turning ever so gradually on its axis and strobing its dark beam of luminescence all around akin to some otherworldly lighthouse, and a loud ongoing hum, never ceasing, sounded every few seconds.

The multi-faceted behemoth of the hellish dimension was mysterious, exciting and frightening all at once, often reducing His inhuman Cenobitic children and creations to awe-stricken wonder, with His favoured son and daughter – Xipe Totec and Snow White – being no different, and as with most Gods, He was aware of all manner of knowledge around Him.

Which was why He had sent for His most valuable and treasured creations.

Something was happening. Something...strange, something almost...terrifying. Leviathan had known for some time, yet had kept quiet on the matter. But now, the God was finally breaking His silence.

The corridors of the grim Labyrinth were abuzz with idle chatter of the lesser Cenobites, all theorising as to what was afoot, and what this meant for them, as Leviathan had finally spoken and summoned forth His favourite son.

For Xipe and his young consort however, the brisk walk toward the very locality of their Lord and master was a mixed jumble of emotions. Both felt the tell-tale stirrings of dread, fear, determination, confusion and a many manner of other human emotions that they still continued to feel even through their Cenobitised state. Despite this, Xipe's eyes shone bright with the anticipation.

Now within the presence of the perpetually swirling entity, Xipe immediately knelt before Him upon the stone catwalk which lay beneath them. His anxious wife followed suit, marvelling at her husband's lack of fear and servitude. Examining his face and taking note of his calm features and eye movement, Snow White could tell Xipe had been summoned many times before, possibly thousands. She, on the other hand, had only been summoned a handful of times. It was mainly only Xipe whom Leviathan chose to speak to most of the time, being that he was His most cherished son and chosen Leader, and the Prince of Cenobites.

To be summoned before the revolving diamond was a high honour, and the ultimate privilege. Though Snow White could not stub out the all too human feeling of anxiety within her belly.

"My Lord?" Xipe called out, bringing his arms about his chest in a typical gesture of salute. "You have summoned us, and here we stand, patiently awaiting your word. What say you?"

What happened next was enough to chill the red fluid within the veins of any Cenobite whom were in listening distance. The very sound of Leviathan's voice; loud, bellowing and commanding in His favoured children's' minds as He spoke telepathically.

"Xipe Totec, my favoured son, and his sweet bride; do not fear, for I have only blessed news to bestow upon you."

Not all Cenobites possessed the ability to speak to their God in this fashion. It was a feat only mastered when of a certain level of development or age. The only individuals to master this form of communication was Xipe, his wife, and certain members of his Gash. His own handmade pseudos were considered still too immature, and too human, to be granted such a gift.

The Prince of Pain and his consort shared a look of uncertainty between them, before Snow White's gaze settled upon the diamond deity floating above them and she soon fell into a peculiar trance-like state. For some reason, the idol had chosen to speak only with the Princess of Cenobites, which confused Xipe further.

As Xipe watched her with growing confusion, the features of his wife however were pinched with a mounting concentration for what seemed like an age...and soon her onyx eyes flickered open, and a look of pure understanding and realisation flooded her face. "Of course. How could I have not noticed the signs sooner?" she gasped.

A small squeeze of her hand reminded her of her husband stood beside her and none the wiser to what was just revealed to her. Soon, she heard his concerned voice inquire of her. "Snow White?"

As Snow White's hand left the warm grip of her consort's and involuntarily went to her stomach, she finally broke the silence which was filling the void.

"I'm with child, Xipe; the first full-bred Cenobitic child to ever be born within this realm. You're going to be a father." Snow White's gaze fell from the floating diamond behemoth before her and settled onto Xipe's questioning features, her red rose lips curling into a sweetly determined smile toward her husband.

"A child? My wife is with child?" Xipe's features only creased more with confusion. "How? Why? I thought it impossible for a Cenobite to conceive?"

Snow White rubbed her abdomen in a slow, soothing circular motion. Indeed, there was evidence of a tiny swelling. But how could this be?

"We were chosen," Snow White explained, her eyes still looking into her husband's. "Normally, according to our Lord, Cenobites cannot conceive, though only on rare occasions can they create a child together. But our child...our son..."

"A son? This child is a boy?" Xipe murmured, coal eyes still fixed upon hers.

"Yes. He is not just any child. Not only is he a miracle, he...he is our saviour..."

"Saviour?" Xipe spluttered. "From what, prey tell?"

"Leviathan remained silent on the issue," she sighed. "But there is a future threat which looms. A threat our son can deliver us from. Till the time comes, all we can do is nourish him as he develops in my womb, care for him and tend to his needs as he grows from a helpless infant to full-matured man."

A deeply, pleased murmur rumbled through both their minds, the sounds of their God's approval loud and clear. "You please me well, my Favoured creations." the God bellowed heartily to them both, His voice sounding like that of an approving father. "Though a long and trying assignment you will soon face. I have no doubts you will excel as parents to this special child. Be aware though; there are those who will try to relieve you from your responsibility, those whose souls are twisted in jealousy and resentment. Be mindful of those who would snatch away your obligations without a mere hint of guilt. Now go forth, prepare for the coming of your child."

Snow White's hand still lingered to her not yet evident but growing abdomen as she and her husband absorbed what had been revealed to them and, without another murmur, left together. With Leviathan's ominous warning wearing heavily in their minds, they walked the corridors of the Labyrinth under the quiet scrutiny from many of their Order who lined the stone walls, both were silent and neither spoke for the length of their journey back to their chambers.

Parents.

They were to be parents to a child who was a miracle prophesied to save their realm in the coming future, from a deadly threat which the God would not indulge, only that it was coming. This kind of honour, as far as they were aware, had never been bestowed upon any other Cenobitic couple in all the history of the Labyrinth. Xipe was aware he was of course the favoured son, but never had he dreamt this possible; to be the father of such a special being, to raise him and ensure his destiny.

This was very big even for him. For them both.

He then turned to his wife who was the one carrying their very future. She looked as if she were carrying the weight of the entire world on her shoulders, never mind a forming fetus. A frown creased her beautiful but brow-less pallid face, and her ebony eyes were void of awareness. They were near enough blank. She looked to be miles away. Obviously, she was deep in thought over her impending motherhood, of raising this special child. What this would mean for them.

Having been aware of her thoughts Xipe smiled down to her and squeezed her hand.

"Snow White?"

It took a moment or two, but eventually Snow White broke free of her musings and her undivided attention was given to her consort. Both stopped, just a few yards away from their chambers, whilst Snow White gazed up into Xipe's questioning eyes.

"What is it you're thinking about, my Queen?" the Prince queried as his leprous hand caressed her cheek.

Speech was something that the Cenobite mother-to-be was undoubtedly lacking in. All she could do was place her rouge lips to her husband's own blue tinged lips in a gentle kiss, which he gladly returned. It was a great source of comfort to the both of them, her especially as her thoughts continued to mull over her condition – over her special pregnancy and their equally special unborn son who was continuing to grow and mature within her womb.

After her lips prised from his, Snow White looked up determinedly into Xipe's coal eyes. Then finally, her lips gave way to speech. "Xipe, my husband, I feel somewhat unprepared..." she confessed, her sensual voice now a whisper. Her eyes then left his and settled upon her stomach, which she again touched reverently with her free hand. "I have no doubt whatsoever as to your ability as a father to this child. Your insights and teachings are very impressive. But what of I?" Her tone now sounded somewhat frantic as she stared up into his eyes again. "What if I fail him? What if I fail my own son..." She stopped for a second before correcting herself; "...our son? I come no where as experienced or as confident as you my darling. What sort of a mother would I make?"

In an attempt to calm her worries, Xipe placed a finger about her lips and traced along the scarlet rim slowly and gently. It was something he always did to console his wife when ever she felt unsure or lost. While she purred at his cold but gentle touch, the pin studded Prince spoke. "My sweet consort, I have no doubt in my mind, my heart, and my soul, that you would make a fine mother. A wondrous mother. You must not doubt yourself, as to doubt yourself would be to doubt me and what I've striven to teach you since your arrival. And since we were married. Never doubt me, my dearest wife. Never doubt us."

He looked down, staring at her abdomen as both his hands then cupped themselves around Snow White's small but growing baby bump. He smiled softly, having sensed his unborn son within. It didn't take him long to conjure up a telepathic awareness with the tiny one. At once, Xipe could tell that all was well with the baby.

Looking up into her eyes once more, Xipe continued. "Presently, our son is healthy...and content. I can feel it." He inhaled deeply. "I too have my doubts in my abilities as a father to this child, but regardless of our feelings we must strive to ensure his health...and his destiny."

The cold caress of his hand made Snow White shudder intensely and her eyes gazed into his. "Thank you my dearest husband." she said. "I shall attempt to calm my worries concerning my impending motherhood."

Whilst this conversation had taken place, the parents-to-be were completely unaware of the shadow of a woman who stalked close by. A pair of dark eyes which were ablaze with burning fury and jealousy had been observing them from a safe distance since the consultation with Leviathan...also listening to every single word that had been spoken. None of this was music to the individual's ears, and her anger of this news and obvious jealousy over the stunning consort to Xipe Totec certainly knew no bounds.

"Damn you, Snow White!" Angelique, the former demon Princess, cursed under her breath.