Rise Through the Inferno
Canto 1
In the turning point of my life, I found myself in a dark and dreary forest. I'd once lived a life of absolute splendor, of incomprehensible satisfaction, never needing, never wanting, until it was revealed to me and many of the choirs what it cost to have our everlasting happiness. All my life I made it my mission, my purpose, to delight and enthrall Heaven's people and add to their delights.
Turns out it was all possible thanks to numerous mass executions of those who hadn't received the "divine" right to rub shoulders with the privileged denizens of Paradise, and the Sinners weren't given any chance of survival or redemption. When this had all been laid out to me by my mentor and sister figure, everything I had ever believed in came to pieces. Even with a recent revelation that contradicted Heaven's beliefs coming to light, they had refused to acknowledged their mistakes and continued to insist of the Exterminations.
I'd had enough. No one, not even Sera, who had raised my since the moment I came into existence, could convince me that anything the other Seraphs said was to be taken in good faith. Once this had sunk in, I made a plan to break away and speak to the one who had come to Heaven and plead for her people, the Sinners being culled off to undermine Hell's capabilities, Charlie Morningstar.
The first time I had met her there was something that felt more sincere and innocent than anyone who walked in the Kingdom of Light. She was so incredibly genuine and forthright I'd been heartbroken to see her torn down and humiliated by those that held the fate of her people in their callous hands. It was the same cruel angels that chased me down in between Heaven and Hell, and then stripped me of my halo and wings. Their interference did more than take away everything that made me one of them, it confused my path to the inferno and sent me spiraling into an unknown region of the abyss.
Now, with no wings or ability to generate my innate power, I had found myself at the base of a strange and bizarre mountain that was, … miraculously floating in a pink tinted sky. The flora was similar to the sky in pigment but far below the island I was stuck on was a large city that spanned a across a wide distance. I couldn't quite see the populace, but the lack of angels flying around and the otherworldly feel effectively ruled out Heaven and Earth pretty quickly. Slowly rising, trying to resist the need to scream as the raw muscles in my back cried in pain, I began to turn and survey my immediate surroundings.
It seemed like I was alone, but the floating rock was still fairly large with a big forest right in front of me. The sky seemed dark, which made the woods look shadowy and foreboding, and with no moon or even clear stars to see, it wasn't as though there was much light save for what came from the city below. No moon or stars, and as I crept closer to the trees, even the foliage seemed to lack any movement or implication of life. Then again, whatever counted as life in this place may not wish to be made known by a mystery visitor. I could either make myself known to whatever might be nearby, or pray my angelic strength was still accessible to me when I made impact on the ground far beneath me.
Deciding to trust Charlie's insistence that Sinners can be charitable, and some evidence provided during her hearing, I finally reached the entrance to the woods and spoke out a single, "Hello" , into the darkness. Nothing and when I repeated myself once, twice, and again getting louder every time, someone finally spoke. From behind me.
"I'm afraid those aren't the kind of trees that talk. You may want to try Dreamland perhaps."
Spinning on my heels, I quickly backed up and flattened myself against the nearest tree and looked around frantically. In my panic I nearly missed the man standing just at the edge of the mountains drop off. It took a moment to see him clearly in the dull light from the city beneath us, though a moment latter my vision adjusted well enough to make him out clearly.
He stood tall and proud, an imposing and statuesque physique with broad shoulders, a built torso that would humiliate Adam, study looking legs pairing with long developed arms. His hands weren't very meaty though, in fact his palms and fingers looked, not small but dexterous. The kind that did good work putting things together and using tools. His skin was the color of marble, almost seeming smooth to the touch. It kind of reminded me of Charlie, but everything else was in strong contrast.
For starters Charlie was always smiling, whereas this man had a very stoic expression, no emotion from an angular face with coal black eyes, a massive mane of long charcoal black hair that was tied in a very loose ponytail that had another band keeping the ends together. Draped over his shoulders and covering his back was a long midnight black cape, but the texture didn't look anything like cloth, more like sinew. His clothes were rather simple, just a white long sleeve button up shirt, black breeches, and brown boots.
"I, I'm sorry, I don't know where I am." That was the only answer I could possibly give him. His response was immediate and his voice had a throaty gravely sound to it.
"Really, you just somehow managed to get on an island actual miles above the ground without knowing how you got here."
"I just, I was fleeing form Heaven but the Exter… " Almost faster than I could register he was in front of me, with my face pulled close to his with two fingers. Now that he was dangerously close to me, I could clearly see silver flecks in his eyes, but then it sank in that he had completely violated by social boundaries.
"Hey you can't just, a little space okay?" But my back was already pressed to the tree behind me with nowhere to retreat to. He did however back off a little bit.
"Your wings?"
"They, were removed when I rebelled, ripped off. I think I missed Hell, somehow, and passed out here." It honestly hurt have my sore back muscles rub against the coarse bark I was pinning myself to, but I couldn't stomach getting surprised form behind again. The mystery man stepped back again, rubbing his chin in thought.
"Well, you're certainly pretty enough to be Heavenborn, and I can't sense a drop of demonic energy in you body, so I suppose this mostly adds up. But for the record, you are in Hell."
Looking a little past him, I gazed at the beautifully colored sky filled with floating islands that had colorful waterfalls and the vibrant city bellow the mountain I was stuck on.
"It's rather, sightly for Hell." I muttered.
That at least got a small smirk on his face. Finally backing up a good distance and turning to look over the nearby edge, he placed his hands on his waist while looking out over the distance.
"Well, this is Sloth, the lowermost ring of the Inferno, just above Tartarus. The collective subconscious of humanity is tied to this place, generating nightmares and delusions alike on Earth." His explanation finished (I guess) Mr. Mystery turned to me with a flat stare.
"But you're still not supposed to be here. I own this island and Sinners belong in the Pride ring atop of Hell, under Lucifer's rule."
"And that's where his daughter Charlie resides right? I kinda was trying to get in contact with her about Sinner's going to Heaven." As soon as I said Charlie's name his face contorted into a scowl, and folded his tree trunk arms with a snort.
"You're saying her deranged little project has merit? I find that hard to believe."
"It's true! I've seen a Sinner taken to Heaven with my own eyes. Charlie needs to know it's so she doesn't give up." I pleaded hoping that this might persuade him in some way. I had no friends, needed allies, and a quick way up to the top ring. Tall, dark, and stoic seemed to mull this over for a second before turning to me with visible irritation.
"This is right out of my jurisdiction, so I'll hand you off to customs and they'll pass you along to Lucifer's people. If his daughter does know you, there's a chance he'll allow you an audience and a place in his court. Maybe." Looking at my direction, he held up his hand as his "cape" came off his shoulders and stretched out seven feet on each side. I suppose that explained how he came and went from his island.
"Is it safe, I barely know you, not even you're name." I may have been desperate, but… , well yeah I was pretty much desperate. But he didn't need to know that.
"You're wings are gone, no halo so no holy abilities, and Sloth demons are forbidden from my property, so I'm quite literally you're only way down. Unless you'd rather remain and serve on my staff as a maid." Honestly his every word was getting under my skin, but he had an irrefutable point. Also I was not submitting to anyone as their "maid".
"Alright I'll trust you, but I'd still like to know you're name, please?" For a moment he was silent, before sighing through his nose and muttered, "Caelum". That was enough for a start, so I closed the gap between us and took his hand, allowing Caelum to pull me under one arm, pressing my body against his rock solid chest. I wasn't really the type to become a flustered mess around Samson, Enoch, and definitely not David, so it was fairly easy to keep a level head even squeezed onto a demonic adonis.
"Now don't squirm, and keep you're legs and arms wrapped tight, cause if you fall it's literally out of my hands." Deciding to ignore his subtle barb, I complied, intertwining my limbs around is waist and legs while praying my face wouldn't go red. If it did he didn't notice or seem to care as his wings stretched out as Caelum stepped off the edge and we plummeted into open air.
Plummeting down again, I sucked in a deep breath as we soared though the sky and descended down to the city far below. As soon as we touched down I backed off, but heard a deep throaty growl from behind. Turning my head I could see several small imps and large hellhounds all gawking or glaring at me. Caelum stepped forward and the crowd parted somewhat.
"This woman is to meet Belphegor, I'd recommend you all keep your distance." Caelum's words were taunt with a fierce determination, and no one demon had the nerve to even meet his eyes. It was actually very impressive.
"Wow, you really have some influence down here, huh?" I gaped out. He simply shrugged and picked up his canter, with myself hurrying to keep pace. He did not seem interested in conversation, and I honestly was starting to feel pretty worried about the ever increasing amount of death stares, so I opted to bite my tongue for the moment.
We passed stores, plazas, and hotels where smoke was seemingly pouring out from every window. Based on the smell it wasn't hard to assume the Sloth ring was home to those who simply sought to check out of reality at all costs. Good thing I met the one guy with no patience in a weird way.
Finally we came to a large manor in the center of the city. Tall and massive, it was like something from the French Renaissance, with gray walls and cobalt blue shingles over the main building and several surrounding spires. Golden light gleamed in the windows, and every one had some kind of flower bed or balcony attached.
"Belphegor lives here? This doesn't even feel like Hell anymore." I wondered out loud. Caelum glanced back with a small nod, then rapped his knuckles on the large polished glass doors loudly. Seconds later a new imp stepped out with a nice suit and striped horns which curled in a double spiral to the sides.
"Pardon me, but my lady is currently indisposed so she'll not be meeting with anyone tonight." he spoke with a very posh tone. Caelum reached over and waved my to step up.
"This is a fallen angel. I doubt she'd be uninterested in a being of such power waltzing about causing chaos in the streets. Chaos that she would have to address." Caelum pointed out.
The imp stepped up and gave an observant glance over, before nodding and motioning us to follow him in. The interior was all pink velvet and satin, giving the manor a very relaxed yet 'swanky' vide. I liked it, but it was still a bit much for my tastes. We sat down patiently in the dining hall, and Caelum sipped on red wine while I had nothing.
I wanted to support Hell but drinking alcohol in a demonically occupied location just didn't seem like the best course of action. I still needed to keep my wits about myself until I could safely get back to Charlie and her hotel. Eventually someone did enter, and for a moment she took my breathe away.
This was Belphegor, according to the imp who announced her arival. She was beautiful, with a faun like appearance consisting of a lovely dear like face, pinkish fuzzy fur, and four long horns which curved upwards behind her head. Her body was covered in a light purple dress robe, which concealed a slender frame connecting to long legs ending in cloven hooves. Her azure eyes caught mine, so I bowed as respectfully as I could hoping my tattered dress wasn't to noticeable.
"Your royal highness, my name is Emily and I humble myself before your noble grace." I spoke as dignified as possible. Fallen or not I wasn't going to cast aside my manners in front of royalty.
"That isn't necessary. Just explain your business quickly please?" Belphegor requested in a tired tone. Though given her station perhaps this shouldn't be surprising.
"R, Right. Well I know for certain Charlie Morningstar's hotel has successfully helped a sinner ascend to-"
"I'm afraid the goings on of the Pride Ring are no concern of mine. Is there something you required immediately?" Belphegor cut in, and for a second I seriously didn't know what to say. To think demon royalty would be so blasé about the biggest change in cosmic history. Thankfully Caelum did seem to want to take this a bit more seriously as well.
"My lady if I may? This young angel is technically one of Lucifer's direct kin. Would it not be prudent to send her to the Lord of Hell as quickly as possible?"
"I fear that the Hellavator has been disassembled due to maintenance updates, and will not be fully functional for a few weeks. I like the power nor drive to create a direct portal, so only the ancient roads are available." the demon queen explained sipping from her own glass.
"Ancient roads?" I asked. Caelum nodded and expanded on this.
"Before the Hellavator was operational, demonkind would traverse the seven rings and use specific passageways to climb or descend from one ring to the next. They fell out of use, and even for the few that would utilize them, they have to ascend one series of steps, then cross the entire ring to reach the next set. Most Hellborn don't likely remember where the entrances are."
"If that's my only option then so be it. I don't have any money, don't know any magic that isn't holy, and I need to help Charlie. This is just the choice I have to make." I argued back. Caelum's face twisted uncomfortably, but Belphegor did decide to chime in.
"She will not likely survive without learning magic rapidly. Her only hope is you Caelum. The only sinner allowed to pass through the rings freely, and well versed in dealing with Hellborn. You remember the paths through Hell, do you not?" she inquired Caelum drawing a tired sigh from him.
"Even if I do, I just don't fathom what your stake in this is Emily. Why put so much on the line for those whom are not likely willing to change their ways with or without proof?"
"Because it's my responsibility. I know the truth, and I know that if it can convince only ten, twenty, maybe fifty souls to try and redeem themselves, then I have to help them. Heavenborn need to stand for something, but when push came to shove they abandoned their own beliefs to cling to their self-entitled control over the lives of both winner and sinners. I won't let them get away with that, I will not let Charlie be pushed down by liars and bullies."
I was a little breathless, but stood my ground staring back into Caelum's dark eyes, while they searched my own, as though he were looking for something. Any lie, any falsehood, so I met his gaze as intensely as I could. After a short while he ran hand over his face and slowly nodded.
"Fine, I'll take you through the rings to Pride. I'd rather not allow the only genuine soul I've met in several millennia be harmed whilst I could've prevented that. I was so overjoyed I nearly hugged him, but settled for taking his hands into my own and shaking them earnestly.
"Thank you so much! I promise I will find any way to repay you for this."
"I'll likely get Lucifer to fill in your payment. He owes me this much anyway." He muttered under his breath. We both bade farewell to an already departing Belphegor, then Caelum flew the two of us back to his home in the sky. I was so tired from the day, I barely registered much before my head hit a soft pillow, and I was out.
