After-Life

Chapter 26. The Prince of Darkness

The water tank at the top of the drinking tap bubbled lazily as the host of officers standing guard outside Valentine's holding cell, mulled around uneasily. It was no secret that the satanic follower unsettled many he came in to contact with, not so much because he seemed threatening, but more so because of how peaceful and tranquil he became after being detained. Officer Danver had been the first on scene after the infamous branding ordeal in 2021, he still remembered the sanguine calmness that had taken over Valentine after he had permanently scarred Kristoph Grayson.

As Valentine hummed sweetly to himself in his holding cell, Officer Danver shuddered and approached the administrator at the desk.
"I don't get it. He gets a fresh chance of freedom and goes for Grayson again! I suppose it's true what they say about heavy metal, it is the work of the devil."
He shuddered as a chill shiver shimmied up his spine. He couldn't quite place it, but Danver was certain that Valentine was surrounded by a host of demonic energy, and it was giving him and his team a constant feeling of uncertainty. Subtly, Danver touched his chest where a small cross pendent on a chain hung under his shirt. It was a small piece, but it provided him with a sense of courage.

Asmodeus rolled his eyes at the officer, "I like humans. I really do; but there are some that just... eugh." He appraised Officer Danver from the Shadow realm and murmured under his breath; "I would love to know what he would make of his Lord and Saviour's plans to obliterate him and all he knows and loves. Somehow, I don't think that small pendent he's holding would offer him much comfort, as the heavens descend upon him."
Thet shook his head, "it might not, but he's a regular attendee of his church and he volunteers at a food bank for a local charity, so he holds on to hope. It's a shame really, he'd normally be top of the list for pearl gate entry rights."

"N-N-Normally?" Kristoph shivered and blew into his hands. The shadow realm had not been designed for those with beating pulses, instead it offered the living a chance to entertain the idea of what meat must feel like when it's placed inside a refrigerator. It was like a chill blaster. It was a fascinating spectacle though, to be there in a room crowded with so many people yet be invisible to the naked eye.
"Yes, normally;" Thet smiled and conjured a robe for Kristoph and the rest of the Dark Omens band members who had reluctantly agreed to join their friend, as he faced off against Valentine. "Before we enter that cell gentlemen, there are a few things I need to bring you all up to speed on and I fear it won't make for pleasant hearing."
"Lay it on us," Eric rippled his shoulders, while wrapping the robe tighter around his broad torso, finding it was surprisingly warm. "I always find it best, if there's bad news to be shared, to have it dealt swiftly. Like ripping off a plaster. Sharp sting, but it's over and done with quickly. Sometimes I yell it out loud, just for the effect."
"Very well..." Thet grimaced as the intrigued faces of each of the grown men in front of him, looked up expectantly. Clearing his throat, Thet spread his arms wide and in a voice that thundered around them, expressed; "THE RAPTURE IS NIGH!"

The effect of these words was tremendous. Thet groaned with instant regret as Jésús whimpered and crumbled to the ground like an accordion, while Pete started to cry out and scream.
"So, we are all going to die?" Adrian gasped, as he stared wide-eyed at Thet, who was busy attending to Jésús.
"Not if we can help it," Asmodeus anxiously responded; as he held his hand firmly over Pete's mouth.
"Right. How exactly are you planning on stopping the grand plan and schemes of the almighty?" Eric croaked, as he shook his head in bewilderment.
"With him!" Asmodeus flourished his arm over at Kristoph, "and Mab... if she pulls through from her injuries, that is."
Kristoph blanched, "you expect Mab and I to face off against God?"
"Not God," Thet sighed, exasperatedly, as he helped Jésús back to his unsteady feet. "His son... and one of my sisters, apparently."
"Of course," Kristoph's voice had reached a whole new octave as he stared bewilderedly at the reaper; "because Mab and I did so well against a demi-god, it makes sense to match us up against the Son of God, and... a reaper's sister?"