Chapter 4: Soul
Soul.
No one really knows what it is
Except as an intangible consciousness that exists in us.
They say that a soul makes us human
Giving us a sense of right and wrong.
Some believe that it is connected to the spirit world
A world beyond our living world
Where you can go to paradise
Or to hell.
This is a conduit
A key to unlocking the mysteries of life and death.
Control the soul and you control life.
Izumi hears a roaring sound coming from the front yard. She runs out, seeing Edward staring at a gigantic three headed dog with enormous fangs. The environment has changed completely with fire and brimstone everywhere. Izumi grabs Edward, narrowly avoiding the gnawing teeth of Cerberus. Izumi holds Ed in her arms as they run through the fiery, sandy depths of this strange new world. Izumi is frightened at the sight of mountains of people screaming in torment and black winged beasts poking them with pitchforks. Izumi holds her head against Edward's, hugging him tightly, wanting to get him out of danger when a giant devil with goat legs and a pitchfork stands in her way. He is over 50 feet tall with a muscular upper body and animalistic pupils. Izumi smells the aura of death around him, knowing that his presence means bad news.
"Izumi Curtis. Give me the boy and I will let you live."
"Never! I won't let you take him", shouts an angry Izumi.
"I can give him what you can't. I can give him control over his incredible powers. He will be a huge asset to me", says the devil.
"Why do you want him!"
"Know this, Izumi Curtis. If you give me Edward, I shall give you back your son."
"The answer is still no!"
"You dare defy me? Me, the mighty Lucifer!"
"Leave us alone!"
Lucifer picks up his pitchfork and tries to impale Izumi when a barrier appears from nowhere. Lucifer looks into Ed's eyes, as does Izumi, observing that his eyes are now filled with arrow crosses with crowns on top with snakes in the shape of a question mark. Lucifer's face is now pent up with rage and he lunges at the two humans when they suddenly fade out.
Izumi and Ed are back inside the house. Ed's eyes have returned to normal and Izumi is relieved that they are both in one piece.
Meanwhile, down in hell…
Lucifer looks on from down below, seeing Izumi hug Edward compassionately, glad to see that he is okay. Lucifer is sickened by the display, but quickly regains his bearings and ponders, rubbing his chin gently.
"You shall be mine, Edward. You will help me rule the universe."
Next Chapter: Power