Fallen Divinity: Descent into Hell, #2

Chapter 1

The pad of his thumb was rough against my cheek as he brushed away a tear. I know exactly how you feel.

I leaned into him, more desperate than I’ve ever been before for his warmth. On tiptoes, my lips swayed toward his. I poured power into a ward that circled us, and moved to steal the kiss I’d been dreaming of. Not a quick press, but a mingling of our hearts.

He closed his eyes, a smile tugging the corner of that mouth. I closed mine and moved to bridge the last bit of distance between us.

Thank you for coming! The shout had us startled and moving apart. My guard took their places around me.

Aradia, Abaddon hesitated outside of the ward I’d created. Your father is making some sort of announcement. We should find out what’s happened.

I have to agree with the asshole, chimed in Sabnock from her perch atop the railing.

The sky twinkled full of stars, the same constellations that I used to admire from earth. It was just a dimension away, a quick hop and we could hide away, find a place to finally enjoy each other fully. I yearned for more time. Thoughts stirred of using my powers to provide it, of being frivolous. But that’s not who I am. Isn’t life sweeter because of its fragility? We cherish time because of the way it decays; ever moving forward to leaving the rest of us to fall to dust.

I stared into those golden flecked eyes and reached for the emotion he had hidden there. His fingers tightened on my back as we nodded, an unspoken agreement between us. We will make time later. For now, we had a duty to Hell and to all of the Demons here. Fingers danced across my back before interlacing with mine as we made our way back into the throne room. The sweeps of gold adorning the columns caught the remaining candlelight, making the room look as if on fire. Fitting for Lucifer’s throne room.

The crowd was making their way out. All of the decorated people were pushed from the room by Lucifer’s guards. Though they wore various degrees of outrage, some were clearly more concerned with free drinks than the potential of danger. I couldn’t help the eye roll I cast their way. At least they were wise enough to keep their silence. Ah, the privilege to be able to value a frivolous display over your own safety. I wondered, Dad wouldn’t end this party on a whim. What could have happened?

When we had planned this event it was made clear to all of us that this was about reclaiming unity. The unity of our family and our people. With the threat from the Angels gone, the Demons needed this victory party to establish hope; the heir to the throne had been returned as well as the power for the kingdom that I and my Diana represented. We could overcome the loss of life from the great battle by being inclusive in the victory; creating a sense of purpose for every Demon, regardless of power or strength. You are only as strong as your weakest link.

I stood under the last of the falling confetti, letting the enchanted shards of gold lay on my skin before they teleported back to the ceiling to begin their journey anew until the enchantment wore off and they disintegrated to dust. Asmodeus squeezed my hand, gaining my attention.

He tilted his head, drawing my focus away from the marching throngs of people as they left to where I found Lucifer in the chaos. His clenched jaw was the only visible sign of his agitation as he sauntered to his throne and draped his body across it. Diana fiddled with her nails, seemingly oblivious to the deterioration of the festivities as she sat in her throne beside him.

Studying her and the disinterest she projected, I felt a warmth settle through my skin as my power surged and the scene before me fell away.

I clutched Asmodeus’ hand. We had frozen mid-step when the vision absorbed us. Both of us awkwardly placed our raised feet onto the ground with a glance at each other. Tightening my grip, I worried briefly about the content of the memory, but all of my thoughts collapsed when a child’s giggle filled the air.

The thud of the past me’s fist hitting the sigil over her heart as she slid on her knees before my parents, passing Asmodeus and I stole my attention. The corners of Lucifer’s eyes crinkled as he fought to suppress a grin. Diana, though, was having none of it.

Is that the way our daughter, who will one day reign over Hell, behaves in the throne room?

This young version of myself had the grace to sheepishly study the floor, clearly grasping for the appropriate words of apology in her mind. I could almost hear the gears turning as her body finally skidded to a halt.

Lucifer failed to contain his humor, letting loose a string of laughter before attempting to disguise it under a few fake coughs as Diana turned her glower at him.

Diana rose from her throne. The ceremony, the meaning behind this room, and all that it could ever stand for, she said as she paced before all of us, that is what must be celebrated and remembered when you walk across this floor. There are no clutter or decor on display. Only the sigil, the sigil that represents your lineage. She pointed to the empty space on the other side of Lucifer’s elaborate throne. That is where your chair will sit one day. He is the ruler of all of Hell and one day you will be too. Own it.

Her small body trembled, but the expression on my younger-self’s face was solid. Furrowed brow met a grim line of a mouth, she nodded once before lowering her head.

Diana strode to her throne, resting a hand on its back. You are dismissed, my child.

The younger me stood instantly. Mother, father. I love you and will make you proud. Then she ran from the room so quickly I wondered if I had always been that fast. Was I using my powers as a child?

Lucifer rose. She’s only a child, my love. There is no need to be so hard on her.

She is the first and only child of her kind, Diana snapped back. Her eyes flashed under knitted brows. She must be prepared. There is so much that is possible, I fear for her.

Look at everything accomplished; at all you’ve become.

That is where my fear stems from. I’ve grown so much. A triple goddess, now. The power, the responsibility that comes with it is overwhelming-.

Yes, Lucifer cut her off. He wrapped his arms around her, a gentle squeeze stilling her squirming curves. You are astounding. And our daughter will be as well.

"How are you not full of worry?"

She takes after you. Did you see how determined she was when she left here? Those adorable little combat fatigues?

Lucifer, Diana pressed her face into his chest. What if she becomes a triple goddess and more?

That would be astounding!

Would it? I can barely go anywhere anymore with all the attacks on my person. If she is more, what kind of life will she lead?

A magnificent one because you are her mother. Diana, goddess of the moon and the hunt, of children and childbirth, and now of the crossroads and the underworld. Lucifer brushed a finger across Diana’s lips before kissing her deeply. She is lucky to be your child, but not as lucky as I am to be your consort, for having you in my life. Together, we can achieve anything.

I hope she gets her unwavering optimism from you.

He nuzzled her neck, No, she gets my militant scheming. Brushing his lips to her ear he whispered, And clearly my sense of humor.

Diana smacked his arm before extricating herself, "I am funny!"

The vision of Diana chasing Lucifer around their thrones disintegrated as I stepped through it. Asmodeus remained in step with me until we stood before my parents. He squeezed my hand before releasing it so we could pound our fists to our chests as we knelt. The habit had been ingrained in me since childhood, a chorus of thumps followed mine as my guard knelt at the foot of his throne. I could still hear the ghost of my childish laughter ringing in the chamber.

Has so much changed since then?

I rose and asked, What’s the matter, Father? Sidling up beside Lucifer to lean against his chair I added, "All that time spent planning this soirée and you

just cancel it on a whim?"

It pains me to end it this way, he answered distractedly. I followed his gaze; together we watched the last guest as they were pushed from the throne room.

It was the same man who’d stopped me earlier. What’s his name again? Gremory? Gomory? Something like that.

I studied his smug face as he stared back at us, arguing with the soldiers until finally he was shoved from the room. The doors were closed and barred behind him.

Habit had my ward encircled us before I realized that Lucifer and I had that in common. Trust few, watch your back, and loneliness is better than death.

Lucifer signaled for my guard to rise. We waited as he gathered his thoughts. His mouth opened, closed, then he finally said, It’s Zaphkiel. She’s dead.

Abaddon burst forward, the protocol for the moment forgotten in his shock. I only just left her. I’ve been working on her myself. It’s not possible.

Lucifer raised a hand, quieting Abaddon so he could speak. It was your Legion that informed me. They came here to report to you, Abaddon. I took their message and sent them back to guard the scene.

If I may leave, Abaddon asked as he fell to his knees before us.

I will accompany you in a moment, my voice rang through the empty hall. Tell us what you know, father.

She was found in her cell. He ran a hand across his chin, his thoughts shifting across his face. "The two Demons that were guarding her are dead as well. Presently, it’s unclear who the guilty party is."

Asmodeus strode up the steps of Lucifer’s throne to stand beside me. His fingers brushed mine. How can we assist?

Lost in his gaze I nodded before shaking myself. Father, we will look into this matter. She was our charge, it’s our duty to uncover the cause of this loss of life.

With a huff of breath, Lucifer looked heavenward. I was hoping you’d volunteer. The effect this will have on our newly discovered peace with Heaven could be detrimental. Leaning forward, he rested his elbows atop his knees and tented his fingers under his chin. This needs to be handled delicately. With how things ended with the war, Aradia, you have won us some favor with the Angels. The only one they could trust with this investigation would be you.

We begin immediately. I motioned to my guards, my friends. Sabnock, take Vine and see what the rest of Abaddon’s Legion have to say.

Fists collided with their chests before-snap-the two disappeared.

Running my fingers up Asmodeus’ arm, I met his gaze. Go with Abaddon to The Pit. Do not enter the hallway or look upon the horrors just yet. Talk to the soldiers that found them and make sure everything is secure. I’ll meet you there shortly.

Of course, Asmodeus nodded to Abaddon and snap they were gone as well.

Father. I laid a hand on his shoulder to stir him from his thoughts.

How did I manage it? He smiled up at me from his seat on the throne. Diana turned then, to study us both. She came alive, in a flurry of movement as she stood and scooped us up into a group hug.

You are suffocating us, dear. Lucifer joked as Diana’s frame shuddered with emotion.

It feels as though nothing happened. As if we haven’t been separated for centuries. I don’t know if that should fill me with joy or dread. Releasing her hold, her tear-stained face broke my heart. "How can all of that time, that pain, mean nothing?"

Lucifer brushed a tear from her face before delicately kissing her lips. It meant everything.

"But you two, you can look at each other and still just understand. You get each other in a way that just makes me feel left out."

He cupped her cheek, rubbing at the tears with his thumb. She shuddered under his touch as a blush heated her cheeks. Too much had changed since I was a child in this home. They had both softened in the centuries that we’d lost. The contrast of who they’d been in my memory and were here now had me bristle.

Darling, you noticed my discontent? Lucifer asked her.

She nodded. I could hear you grinding your teeth down the hall!

It was the clenched jaw for me, I chipped in.

Lucifer draped an arm around my shoulders. Both of you know me so well. You see yourself as being on the outside of our family, Diana, but you know us just as well as we know each other. You knew there was something more, you knew that Aradia was making it possible for me to voice my feelings by sending away her guard. You know us, my love. All of time could not change who we are to each other.

I... maybe you’re right.

I took her hand. Mother, we’ll feel more complete with time.

My dear daughter. You’ve lost more than me and you’ve already recovered so much. When I look at you I feel I have no right to this anger I harbor.

You have every right to it. We’ve all have suffered in different ways, we all have the right to our feelings, and to heal in whichever way works best. A blush heated my face as I thought of Asmodeus, of how everything else was inconsequential around him.

Smiling, Diana sniffled. I have a wonderful family. Releasing my hand, she rubbed at the tears on her face. "Now, go on darling. Tell Aradia about that creep."

Creep? I looked between my parents.

It was just something odd that didn’t sit right.

I waved him on. Out with it.

That Gemory, the Duke, said something while we were celebrating. It was right before Abaddon’s Legion interrupted us to report what happened with Zaphkiel."

My fingers itched to reach out, to grab a hold of his words, and tap into the memory that he described. Clenching my fists at my sides I reigned in my desire. Save it for the crime scene.

Lucifer shook his head as he fell into his seat. I feel childish, it’s probably nothing.

Father, the word was filled with impatience.

We were talking about the battle with the Angels. He spoke as if he was there but I swear I can’t recall seeing his insignia on any of the Legion soldiers that were present, lost in thought he paused. I was being congratulated on our great victory and said something along the lines of Hell being no match for Heaven when he said, ‘Could Hell withstand the weight of Heaven and Earth?’ Before I could demand his meaning I was interrupted by Abaddon’s Legion.

I rubbed my hands along my thighs, that guy made my skin crawl. He stopped me when I entered the ball. It rubbed me the wrong way too. I, it’s just...I don’t like that guy.

Neither do I, Lucifer agreed.

You can’t kill someone because you don’t like them, Diana chimed in. But you can most certainly question them.

Send your guard, I nodded to my parents. Retrieve him. I will question him with Abaddon.

I will do so now. We will get to the bottom of this.

Together. With a grin I stepped away, my body filling with the familiar tug of energy before transportation. No one can hide from Judgment.

Snap. Pop. The air settled around me and I released my power, just a trickle of it, as it begged me to use it.