Chapter 5:

The next few weeks soon proved to be hell on young Alessa. Ever since her performance that one week in the church her mother had been setting up even more tasks for her daughter to perform.

Alessa had no choice but to perform them. According the scriptures God's servants would be tested mercilessly. Alessa thought nothing of them.

That is until one particular day.

"Alessa, can you tell mommy about Incubus?" Dahlia asked.

Alessa tensed up. That one word sent a chill down her spine. "He he's a bad demon mommy."

"Yes I see. You believe Incubus is bad." Dahlia frowned for a moment.

Only for a moment though.

"Alessa, why do you believe Incubus is a bad angel?" Dahlia lowered herself to Alessa's level. Afterall kids were trusting of adults who didn't act too superior.

Alessa looked in her mom's eyes and gulped, "According to the scriptures him and Valtiel were once brothers. They were in fact one entity. Valtiel chapter 3: verses 7-13 state

When it came time for the Crimson One to bring forth his offerings they were deeply troubled.
"What troubles you Crimson One?"
"I am troubled by the world around us, and below us, and above us. I witness the sins of mankind piling up day by day. They are in need of salvation!" Valtiel cries out.
"Waste time not on such puny things. Have you not seen the women that grace the earth? Take unto you a wife or several wives. Sleep and breed with them. Make children of your own."
"Away from me!" Valtiel cried out.
"I will not partake in your sins of lust. If you wish to defile yourself then cast yourself away from me! I will have nothing to do with you!"
And then Valtiel and his brother split. For it is written that Valtiel and Incubus once shared the same existence."

Dahlia had to admit to herself that Alessa's memories of the scriptures were rather miraculous. Even so she knew that even if Alessa was the next incarnation of the Holy Vessel getting her to go along with it might prove difficult.

"Alessa, you're 7th birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. This will mark a very important occasion for not just you, but for everyone."

Alessa looked at her mom and gulped once more.

"Alessa, Mommy wants you to take your crayons and draw Incubus."

"But mommy!"

"Do it now!

"But why mommy? Incubus is not a God or angel! He hurts people!" Alessa tried to plead with her mom.

"You will do as I say!" Dahlia shrieked while slapping Alessa across the face.

Alessa held her cheek, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

"From the Crimson Tome: I shall bring vengeance and thou shall suffer my eternal wrath."

"You selfish girl!" Dahlia shrieked.

She grabbed Alessa by the arm and struck her across the face hard. Then she knocked Alessa to the ground and started to kick her hard against the ribs. Alessa tried to protect her body but she was too weak. The blows kept pouring down just as hard as always. Finally Alessa was able to muster enough energy to shout out

" Lama Lama Ad Betney!"

Translation: Why, why do you torture me?

Dahlia stopped herself and for a moment looked appalled at her own behavior. She helped Alessa up and mumbled "Go to bed Alessa."

Alessa was more than happy to oblige. Her young body hurt like hell, but she was glad to finally make it into her room. Alessa was in too much pain to change out of her clothes. She simply crawled under the covers and tried to go to sleep. Her attempts were marred by the pain her breathing caused her so she decided to quote another passage.

"My shell is damaged
Thou servant is in pain
Lord shall me the gift of mercy."

Although the pain didn't disappear completely it did subside enough for Alessa to sleep.