The Demon in the Doll

Chapter 12

Hello. It's Wangtu again. You're probably glad to hear my voice. Don't get we wrong. Ted certainly has his charm, but compared to me, he's an absolute dullard. I am the star of the show after all. So, without further ado, let's continue with this tired little tale.

I sat at the table in the dayroom with King Chemosh and the boys. Deliverance was playing on the TV. We were at the part where Burt Reynolds shoots the hillbilly with an arrow.

King Chemosh said, "Damn, what a movie. I could watch this forever."

I said, "It's certainly memorable."

Three days had passed since we had torn Ted into pieces, yet Chemosh simply wouldn't go home. He wanted to torment Bundy further because of the serial killer's sassy nature. The king of hell could certainly hold a grudge. He was like a bulldog. Once he clamped his jaws upon his target, he simply refused to let go.

And I have to admit the truth. His obsessive nature was starting to grate on my nerves. For instance, this wasn't the first time he had seen Deliverance. God, no. In all actuality, he had been watching the film over and over for the last 72 hours. But what could I do? He was the boss, and it was my job to kiss his ass.

Octavian stepped into the room. "You're still viewing Deliverance? Give it a break already."

I looked at him sternly. "Why don't you shut the fuck up before your head ends up on the floor again? Nobody asked for your input."

Chemosh gently touched my hand. "Wangtu! Temper, temper. Remember that Octavian is one of us for better or worse." He looked at the demon. "What movie would you recommend?"

"Orson Well's directed The Trial based on the half-finished Kafka novel. It stars Tony Perkins. I kinda like it."

Nero said, "I've seen that film. It's pure trash."

Tiberius said, "It's pretentious and pointless."

I said, "That's the problem with Kafka. He's simply too Kafkaesque."

Chemosh said, "Octavian, have you prepared Ted for our latest assault?"

He said, "I gave him his uniform...if that's what you mean."

I said, "Did you apply his makeup?"

He sighed heavily. "I forgot. Let me go do that now."

Chemosh said, "There's no need. I'll put his lipstick on myself. It will give me pleasure." He looked tenderly at Octavian. "Are you a fan of Kafka?"

He nodded. "Yes, King Chemosh. I enjoy his work very much."

"And I suppose you like Camus?"

He nodded again. "He thrills me."

Chemosh smiled. "Oh! He thrills you, huh?"

"That's right. And I'm not ashamed to admit it."

"I bet Nietzsche gives you a hard-on, too."

"He does."

Chemosh said, "You know that they're all in hell, right?"

"I had no idea."

"I have the power to transfer you to their unit. Would you like to spend the rest of eternity speaking with your heroes?"