Inferno of God

8: In Which Baal Makes a Universe Altering Mistake

"Have you learned any new folk music, Master Satan?"

He slowly looked up from his light meal of brown rice, and to the goat esque figure across the table, "Yes, indeed I have, I'll show you after dinner."

Baal smiled politely, "Thank you, I'd like that."

They continued eating in silence, with Satan left alone to feel uneasy about his new title. Though there was an unexplainable part of him that wanted to simply allow his friend to continue using it, there was an equally unexplainable part that couldn't bear it, meaning when he finally brought it up, it almost felt like his voice was doing the action for him. "Must you call me that? It makes me feel much more pretentious than I would like to."

"Really?" Baal considered the statement, "then what would you suggest?"

"How about just Satan."

He frowned, "No, goodness, no. You mentor me, I must have a proper title to call you by. Something like that would just seem disrespectful."

"I don't mind, besides, our relationship is hardly intensive enough for me to deserve the same title as Master God."

Baal set down his fork firmly, "I know, but it doesn't feel right to me, if you don't like Master, though, what would you suggest? You must have some ideas."

Satan digested the question, "doctor perhaps, or professor?"

"No, They don't really fit, I'm afraid, yes, I think of myself as your student, but also your follower."

He began to grow frustrated, but as always, kept his patient demeanor, "Well, if that's how you feel, what would you suggest?'

Baal paused, "how about lord? It suits you."

He took a bite of fruit, considering it, "yes, alright, I quite like lord." He then stood up and began to clear both of their dishes, "come now, how about I show you that music."

Weeks later, the two of them walked slowly down the street to Satan's house in complete silence. Although such a thing was normal in moderation, this time it was almost deafening, as none of Satan's normal comments made an appearance.

"Are you alright, my lord?" Baal finally asked, "you've been awfully quiet this evening."

Satan turned to him, "Yes Baal, I'm fine, just a bit tired, that's all."

"Oh, what happened?"

He smiled in a way which showed an odd mixture of pride, compassion, and concern, "Are you free this evening? I'm afraid it's rather private, so perhaps I could tell you over dinner."

Baal shook his head, "as much as I would like to, I have quite an urgent appointment at Master God's court in a half hour, and I feel I should arrive early so I know what's going on."

Satan released a breath, "I see, well, this may not be as formal, but I suppose I will just have to whisper it in your ear."

He laughed, "Is it really that important?"

Satan's demeanor grew stern, "Yes Baal, I believe it is," and at that, he leaned down under his horns, cupping his hands over one of his animalistic ears, "I offered Eve the fruit today."

"Really?" asked Baal, much too loudly. Satan gently shushed him, but he continued nonetheless, though thankfully, more quietly, "so soon?"

"Yes, I felt the operation was most successful."

"What was Earth like?"

"Well, Heaven is mainly the color white, correct?"

"Yes."