Testing Faith [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

‘I know what I’m doing.’


The defiant thought came in the absence of Mika, that wonderfully interesting witch. She was partially to blame, or so Nadine told herself. The world had opened itself anew to her after meeting Mika and learning all a bit about her past. The thought of magic drew on the thoughts of vampires, which led her to wonder what else was out there in the world.


Somehow, she stumbled upon demons. It was through a story about the Mark of Cain being linked to vampires, and Nadine wondered just how vampires even came into existence. She hadn’t let her sire live long enough to ask him.


The internet provided many false details and ideas, but one thing kept cropping up: the Keys of Solomon.


Nadine scoured the world for them. She wouldn’t settle for Latin translations, but sought out Hebrew—that would be the language, if they were real.


Such was how the red-headed English woman ended up sitting on a bed in a hotel room, holding out a copy of a very old book, and reading aloud the Hebrew. She looked as if she could have been reading any old story from the casual way she had positioned herself, with one hand on the bed to lean against, and a simple black halter dress on. Her legs were crossed at the ankle, and one high-heeled shoe dangled off the upper foot.


Before her were lit candles, black, surrounding a glyphic design made of powdered silver with a touch of her own blood mixed in. Surrounding that, was salt. She wasn’t taking any chances if she summoned a demon who was unwilling to work with her. She’d send it right back into hell.


~***~


College towns had one distinct disadvantage: Father Michael never had the same flock.


There was also one advantage: college towns attracted a rather eclectic group. Not just humans, but all sorts of non-humans flocked to them. They could blend in easier in a young and ever-changing environment.


Evening was dawning on the college town, and Michael could hear the whoops of celebration that Friday night from students out to enjoy the weekend. Saint Mary’s church was shutting down for the night, and Father Michael was the last one there, going about and making sure everything was locked up tight, and all the lights were off. ‘Have to save electricity.’ Churches did not make money.


Frustrating reality.


Someone was even talking about using the building to host a haunted house this Halloween to make a little extra. Then the idea of a Hell House came up, and the debate was endless.


Michael just chuckled to himself as he thought about it then, wondering what place either truly had in this holy building. The brown-eyed man supposed this ancient building would be a nice haunted house.


‘If the stained-glass were lit up just right….’


And again, he chuckled and shook his head, flicking off the lights to his office. His priestly garments were already hanging up in there, leaving him in the casual clothing that let him slip out among the student easily—dark jeans and white polo top.


He shut and locked the door behind himself, and then strode into the actual chapel room and started for the main doors to exit the church.

 

[JujuBee]

Damn he enjoyed their screaming. The pleading of those who'd just arrived in hell. They always looked so surprised when they arried, wondering why exactly they were the ones who'd been shipped to the underworld instead of heaven.


It always went so many ways. The person could begin crying, pleading for their lives.


'Let me live! I'm a good person! I don't belong here!'


Or they could get angry.


'I don't fucking deserve this! Get me out of here!' They would demand, their eyes filled with fire and their bodies rigid with anger. Though a few seconds later their voices would become shaky.


But in the end- no matter what way they went about their first introduction. They always pleaded for their life.


Always.


Cian sat lazily on his large bed, smoking a cigarette. The bed shifted behind him and he didn't bother turning to look at the woman who was sleeping. She was alright. More on the boring side but he'd gotten out what he'd needed. That was all he was truly worried about. He stood in all his glory walking over to one of the windows and staring at the new comers as they went to their punishment. The torture he'd gone through when he'd first arrived. A smirk came to his face and he chuckled. Oh such fun. Maybe he'd go see it. The tearing of limbs, the blood... Oh yeah- today sounded like a perfect time.


He frowned when he felt the familiar tingle in his hands and growled. He shut his eyes, feeling the wind rush him. Can hated being summoned. It truly got on his nerves. It was always some group of children doing it for laughs or that one lonely person who wanted revenge. Never any fun.


When he stopped, he opened them up.


Now standing in the middle of a hotel room he scoffed, fixing the cuffs on his suit as he looked around. Whenever he was summoned he'd always appear in his usual 3-piece black suit. Never did he go out without it. This was business. Not some causal party.


"You certainly could have chosen a nicer spot. You know us demons like to be pampered." He said lightly, his eyes finally landing on the woman before him. His eyes widened as he made an approving noise. "Your looks make up for it though."


+ + +


Mika sat on a bench, staring at the small building before her. She didn't really know how long she'd been sitting there but it must have been long enough. Her lower back had a dull ache and her butt protested ever slight shift she made in her seat. Due to being alive for so long, time hadn't really been a thing that bothered her. She'd grown used to it and could sit somewhere for days. It didn't bother her. Sometimes she'd forget to actually get up and do something. But this time she had an objective.


She needed to find someone. A man in particular. He was the Pastor of this church. She sucked her teeth, a look of disgust on her face at the thought of her needing a priest for this problem. She hated priests. She hated churches. She hated people that went to them. All of them. Piteous fools who didn't know how to think for themselves. Mika never thought she'd ever have the need to be near one but here she was, sitting in the dark waiting for a man.


Her eyes flickered up to the door as she saw it open and a man come out. She stood, her knees cracking loudly and her backache slowly fading. Shoving her hands in the pocket of her jacket, she walked over to the man, her heels clicking against the ground. She stopped across the street, biting her lip as she felt the discomfort of being so close to such a holy place. It'd taken all that she had to be as close as she was before. This was truly pushing it. But she had to do this. She wouldn't let Nadine go along with what she was doing. It was too dangerous and someone would end up getting hurt sooner or later. She chose that person to be the demon- not Nadine.


"Excuse me!" She called out to him, hoping he'd hear her. "Sir! Pastor... Fierro! Pastor Fierro yes?" She asked, looking at him with wide eyes. "I apologize for taking up your time right now. I'm sure you wish to go home but would it be too much if I asked for your assistance?"

 

[Lucyfer]

For all of her defiance, Nadine truly hadn’t known what to expect. There was talk of Lucifer being a demon, an angel, beautiful and terrible to behold. That was the common story, that demons were once angels, but there were other tales out there. Since some held that humans could become angels, so went the stories that humans could become demons.


Then there were all those inhuman depictions of demons. Goats seemed rather popular to mix up in that. So, Nadine was pleased to see the figure before her didn’t look too…goaty. He wasn’t the blonde beauty that decorated the covers of the Lucifer graphic novel, but he was certainly no eye sore.


“Well, thank you,” Nadine said to his compliment, uncrossing her legs and standing. This had been the only hotel with wooden floors. All the others had carpet, and that just didn’t work for summoning a demon. She did tend to stay at much better places. She had acquired some wealth over the years through investments. Lost some, too, but that was part of the game. “Pampering comes later, if you’re willing to deal with me.”


Human manners weren’t in her best interest. Normally, she would have offered her hand to shake, but she didn’t want to reach across the salt just yet, “I’m Nadine Tucker,” she introduced, “and I’d like you to stick around for a bit,” she did allow a pause, just to see how the wheels of his mind might turn, or if another comment might escape him. Whatever the case, she’d go on to say, “I’m trying to acquire knowledge of the world and all those lovely things humans shouldn’t know about. I’m willing to cut a deal for it, but I imagine it will be quite the time commitment on your end.”


Her soul didn’t matter to her. She was living under the assumption she was already damned, if she even had a soul.


~***~


Father Michael heard the clicking of heels, but didn’t think to turn around until the woman actually called out for him. ‘Pastor?’ Most just called him Father. He did not recognize the voice as he came to a stop and turned around. He did not recognize the face, either, so he wondered how this woman had come to know him by name.


‘We do have a website, I suppose.’ Michael couldn’t remember if his picture was on the website or not. He decided to assume it must be as he painted a smile on his lips.


He was struck immediately by the woman’s forthright confidence. Though her face played up the role of wide-eyed, pretty, innocent girl, he could see through it to more. Whatever she was about to ask him to do, it was not going to be some easy confessional, or even the less-than fun Last Rites.


It was also not going to be something he could say no to. “I do not believe it would be too much,” he said, “And you may call me Michael if that is more comfortable for you, Miss,” he didn’t yet know her name, though his mind continued to go through all the people he’d ever seen. “What is the matter that I may be of assistance with?” He wasn’t sure if she would tell him there, out on the sidewalk, but he hoped so.


It wasn’t like anyone was paying attention to the pair. They all had their own places to be.

 

[JujuBee]

Cian made a small noise as he looked around once again, not necessarily paying the woman before him any mind. He went to take a step before he realized just what was around him. A growl let his lips as he stared down at the salt. His dark eyes flickered up to the woman as he scowled. So this definitely wan’t one of his usual summonings. There were no scared teens. No vengeful person wanting someone dead. No this woman meant business and despite the feeling of excitement that bubbled inside of the demon, he was still a bit upset over the salt.


“Nadine Tucker…” He said, looking her up and down as she stood, licking his lips. Oh yes, he wanted her in hell with him once all of this was done. She seemed like the type of woman who wouldn’t bore him.


“You wish for me to stick around? I can certainly do that cupcake.” He purred at her, crossing his arms as he tilted his head just a bit. He blinked in surprise when she said humans before grinning. He should have known when he first got here. Of course she wasn’t human. She looked too beautiful and inviting for her to be simply just a human.


Cian nodded his head. “What is the cut?” He asked, his facial features one of seriousness. He wouldn’t tell her his name yet. HE’d let her know if he decided to help her out.


+++


Mika let out a sigh of relief as he spoke cordially with her. Due to what had happened to her before, she’d always been a little wary of pastors. They bothered her to no end. But she felt as though they had a valid reason. This one though, she’d need to make sure he didn’t suspect anything of her if he were to take this case. She didn’t want a rerun of her early life.


She sent him a small smile, shutting her eyes as she counted to ten in her mind, taking a deep breath with every even number. When she opened her eyes again, she felt a lot calmer. She glanced around, not necessarily wanting to do it here. Too many people. That and the presence of the church was beginning to bother her even more. It was about to be something painful and she refused to sit here and deal with the pain when she didn’t have to.


She looked down the street, letting one of her delicate hands, slip out of her pocket and point to the small cafe just down the street. “May I buy you a cup of coffee? Tea? We can discuss it there if that’s alright with you.” She said, forcing herself to send him another small smile. So far she’d been doing good. She just had to keep going. “I don’t necessarily feel comfortable speaking to you out in the public like this…"

 

[Lucyfer]

Nadine knew that if this were a mortal man, she’d have him wrapped around her fingers. Another meal, left sated in a bed, despite not getting what he came after. Nadine had killed one person, and one person only—her sire. She never killed her food, though she did still take from the vein.


He was upset about the salt. Nadine was pleased that had actually worked, and answered his query, “My soul is up for grabs,” Nadine spoke with confidence, even if doubt still lingered about its presence, “Though I already assume that isn’t enough considering the likely length of this contract, so I am up for negotiations about other aspects of this deal.”


Nadine had no idea what demons wanted, though she doubted she’d agree to all of it. Was escaping hell not enough? She’d always thought even demons suffered there. A new soul and a long vacation from hell sounded like a potential treat. “So, what is it you would like out of this arrangement?” Nadine inquired, eyes remaining steadily on him. She did wonder if she might be able to hypnotize him like any human.


~***~


‘No, something is off.’ Michael deduced. His years of seeing troubled teens and college students told him this was no light matter at all. He steeled himself for bad news and a bad situation.


“I can buy my own beverage,” he said, dismissing the idea. He assumed, of course, she was one of those poor college students who really didn’t have the money to buy someone else a drink, “I appreciate the offer,” he added, and then took a step towards that place she gestured to, “I would be happy to speak with you there. They do have a really good mango bubble tea,” places were trying to cater to the influx of foreign students. Bubble tea was a sinful delight of that.


He would then turn fully towards the place, and asked, “What is your name?” She already knew his, but he didn’t have a clue who she was. His mind had given up trying to figure it out and decided he honestly didn’t know her. The website must have given him away to this woman, though he wasn’t sure why he was picked out to approach.

 

[JujuBee]

Cian made a small noise at the offer, biting his lip in thought as he stared at her.


Her soul? That was all she was offering here? Sure, that’s what he usually went for but this one… She wanted more than what the others wanted. That meant he’d be wanting more himself.


“Yes, your soul will suffice but not for all of it.” He spoke slowly, nodding his head. “You are much more than human. You are supernatural just like I am. That makes your soul all the more fun if you even have it left. So just in case you do not have it my next demand is quite simple- You.” He spoke with a small shrug.


“Once this is all done and over I will give you one more year left to live on Earth. Once that year is up, you will come and live with me for the rest of your days as my faithful little pet. You would look absolutely adorable in my maid outfit.”


+++


Mika shrugged when he rejected her offer for buying the drink. That suited her. She didn’t really want to buy the man a drink anyway. It would be like… Helping him out or something and helping out a church was not what she wished to do. If she had her choice- churches would be demolished and the people who belonged to them, dead.


She followed him, silently staring at the ground she walked on. Her stilettos being the noise between them until he asked her what her name was. She glanced up at him, biting the inside of her tongue. Did she truly want to tell him? He’d remember her more easily if she told. She didn’t want him to remember her no- She just wanted to be another person he saw here and there but never truly got to know.


“My name is Mika.” She spoke before she could stop herself. She sighed, upset with herself for actually saying it. “Mika Winslow. It’s nice to meet you.” She said softly, opening the door for him and walking inside once he was in. She turned away from the counter, instead going to sit down in the corner booth. She'd wait for him to order his drink and come sit with her. She didn't like eating or drinking too much. She didn't need it and never really saw the need to pretend to eat and drink.

 

[Lucyfer]

Apparently, her soul was even in doubt to the demon. Nadine wondered what that meant. Did she near to fear his request if her soul was already spent in making her immortal?


And she did dislike his request. The way her nose wrinkled showed it. She visibly balked at the idea of being turned into someone’s pet, even if it bought her an extra year. ‘With all that knowledge, there might be a way to get out of the deal.’ Fair point, thoughts, fair point.


Not that she’d mind a little fun, but she’d never been the eternally subservient sort. “We both have some idea of what eternity is,” she made sure to catch his gaze. Hypnotism only worked if she had eye contact, and she intended to try and persuade him out of this idea, “As good as I’d look in that outfit,” no need for modesty here. Her voice now held a purr to it, “and as much fun as we’d have, I think we’d both get bored with that idea. Let’s not have it be forever and save ourselves the grief, hm?” She might be able to pretend to enjoy being subservient for a little while, but forever?


God no.


~***~


Michael couldn’t help the chuckle that came. His mind immediately went to ‘Mike and Mika.’ and it amused him. “Sorry,” he said, not certain how to explain his amusement, “I like your name,” he admitted, “I haven’t heard it before,” that was true. “It’s good to meet you, Mika.”


She opened the door for him, “Thank you,” he said to her as he walked in, and noted she didn’t wait with him at the counter. He wondered briefly if he ought to get her a drink, or ask if she would like anything, but when the barista asked what he wanted he decided against it.


A part of his mind reminded him that not all entities that walked earth, enjoyed these sorts of things. “I would like the mango bubble tea,” he said.


“Sure, Father,” he was far too well known at this café.


Michael waited until his drink was made, and then he took it and went to sit across from the woman. He made sure to suck down one of the bubbles before setting it aside and then taking a deep breath. Again, he mentally steeled himself as he asked, “So, Mika, what is the problem?”

 

[JujuBee]

Cian stared back at her, a grin on his face as she noticed the way her nose scrunched up. She didn’t like the idea. Good. He liked to watch his summoners squirm with his odd requests and she was no exception. His grin only grew wider as he saw the way she blanched at his request and a small sniper escaped his lips.


He noticed that she was trying to catch his eyesight and decided to play along with her, staring into those beautiful eyes as she spoke. Now she held a different kind of air. Was that purring he detected? Was she actually purring at him? He smiled and let out a laugh.


“Oh no darling,” He said, shaking his head. “I want you for eternity here. I’ve learned plenty of things so I can garnet you won’t be bored of me.” He said with a snicker. “When I’m finished with you after the first year, you’ll be begging me to stay.”


He made a small noise. “But if we do bore of each other I can simply let your soul go with all the others to be tortured.”


She wasn’t going to win this. He refused to back down on this offer.


“Take it or leave it kitty cat. I want to know if you’ll accept that before I even begin to think about accepting whatever it is you wish for me to do.”


+++


She glanced up at him when he laughed, giving him an odd look. She felt a bit offended. Was he laughing at her name? She scowled, looking away from the man. Of course he was. Just another thing to add to her list of reasons why she didn’t like churches. Her anger faded though when he told her that he liked it. She sent him a small smile, “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you as well Mike.”


She nodded her head and scooted into the seat with a soft sigh. She glanced out the window, wondering if this was study the right thing to do. If he found out way more than she planned it could certainly turn into something of a nightmare for her and did not wish to have that. Looking out the window, her fingers tapped on the table before her as she contemplated just up and leaving right then and there when he sat down with his concoction.


She looked up at him when he asked the dreaded question. She took a few minutes to collect herself before looking into his eyes.


“I have a demon problem."

 

[Lucyfer]

It had been worth a shot, Nadine consoled herself. If it had worked, vampires would have been tricking demons for years. ‘Damn it.’ Hands were tied, then. It was go with this deal, or send him back and try to summon someone else who might not be as willing to play ball.


A hand went to her hip as she did, briefly, consider doing just that. However, her mind went back that to the possibility of getting out of the deal via whatever she learned. If it wasn’t possible, well, he was likely making a better offer than most demons. Painful torture was worse than this sort of torture. “Well, they say one should have a lawyer when talking with a demon,” it was a comment more to herself than to the demon.


“Very well. I’ll accept your terms.” There was a grudging respect in her tone, but the games would not be over, not till her very soul was extinguished. She imagined the demon wouldn’t easily give up, either. “And I’ve laid out what I want. Knowledge of heaven, hell, and all those things that roam the earth,” in a word, what Adam had supposedly gained when he bit into the apple. She already had the immortality Adam had foolishly left behind in the garden.


~***~


They sat in silence for minutes, and the priest wondered if he should say something in that silence. However, he was used to silence. He heard it a lot in the confessionals. So, he waited for the confession.


It wasn’t quite what he expected, but he was also not surprised. “Ah,” not what he wanted to deal with. “I see,” he took up his cold drink again and sucked down another bubble with the delicious mango drink. He set it aside, nodded, “Well, what sort of demon problem?” He inquired, and the decided to elaborate, “Possessions are the…well, norm,” it was odd saying norm since demon problems were still relatively rare, “but I’ve also witnessed demons upon the earth, and I’ve had boggarts mistaken for demons, so a bit of an elaboration helps me, to help you.”


He tried to sound friendly, while at the same time pragmatic. The more information he had, the more useful he could be—if he could even help.

 

[JujuBee]

Cian watched the woman before him, staring at her with his dark eyes. He smirked at her small comment though said nothing, choosing not to reply to it. As if a lawyer would help her deal with him. He was a demon. He didn't care about what he'd lose. He didn't necessarily have anything left to call his own.


'But I'd have her...' He thought as his smirk turned into a grin. 'I'd have this pretty little pet who would do anything I wished for her to do. This makes me very happy...'


Cain smiled at her when she accepted. "Joyous!" He spoke happily. "You've made a smart choice pet. A very smart choice. Now... If you could please get rid of this damn salt so we can actually have a discussion?" He asked, looking back down at it. "It's truly getting on my nerves not to be able to move around as freely as I wish to move."


+++


Mika sighed, resting her cheek against the palm of her hand as she looked out the window.


"My friend is in a bit of a phase at the moment..." She muttered softly. "She's trying to... I don't know- find out as much as she can about the world? It's weird to be honest. But she's resorted to wanting to summon a demon who can help her out with this. I've tried telling her that it's not a good idea but she won't listen and I'm sure-" Mika stopped, pulling her phone out and checking the time.


"I'm positive she's summoned the demon by now. No possession whatsoever. Just summoning to get what she wants. I need help getting rid of him before this all gets too crazy."

 

[Lucyfer]

She was none too pleased with the fact he was going to start calling her ‘pet’ immediately, but it was a minor thing. Nothing to throw a fit over. She’d been called much worse things, anyway. Leech was top among them. “I’m sure it is,” and Nadine did walk closer to the salt circle, but she did not immediately move to destroy it, “But first I’ll need your name.”


Nadine knew that demons were not like the fair folk, but names still had power. Nadine had been unable to summon any particular demon because she didn’t know the names. It was also names that were used to get rid of them, “And then what name you would prefer to be called, if your real one is an issue to use,” just in case, and to show she would be amenable to keeping the secret.


God only knew the sorts of folk they’d run into in this world. Some secrets were worth hoarding. After all, wasn’t that her intent, anyway? Secrets and knowledge? She ought to show herself capable of that much.


~***~


The demon problem was unlike any that Michael had heard before. He had heard of people attempting to summon demons, but it never amounted to anything. This time, it felt different. It was the confident way that Mika spoke about it that changed his mind. She wasn’t some panicking mother or friend, but she had herself composed.


She already knew it had happened. “We don’t have much time then,” the priest said. “If you want no harm to befall friend.”


If this friend was summoning a demon to use, that would typically involve a contract. Contracts were tricky to break—humans and all other creatures that walked this Earth, were given the free will to make their own mistakes. Contracts were a rather binding, damning mistake to make. “Where is your friend?” He’d never had to deal with this before, but he’d read about such things.

 

[JujuBee]

Cian stared at the woman before him, a small smirk playing at his lips. His eyes flickered down towards the ground. His tongue flicked over his lips in anticipation of her getting rid of that damned circle and let out a low growl when she did not destroy it. His eyes flickered up to hers. He took in a deep breath and shrugged. “My name?”


He let out a small yawn and stretched, letting his eyes roam around the room once more. “Ms. Nadine wishes to know her demon’s name.” He said, his voice slightly taunting. “You’re even asking if I prefer a nickname?” A small chuckle left his lips. “Amazing. I have never heard of something like that before. I will tell you.”


He paused slightly, looking at her. “My name is Cian. Can Van Der Woodsen at your service.” He said, giving a mock bow as he grinned up at her. “Now destroy this damn circle before you piss me off.”


+++


Mika nodded her head. “I don’t want any harm to come to her. She’s had too much and this obsession of hers is getting worse.” She said with a small sigh.


Mika knew that her best friend Nadine had been through a lot. Hell- Mika had been through a lot herself. But that’s just how life was for them. But Nadine wanting to contract a demon wasn’t what she thought of as a good idea for Nadine’s thirst for knowledge. This would simply end in someone getting hurt or it could result in death. Though if she were to choose it’d be the former.


“Last time I left her, we were at home together. But I know she wouldn’t summon a demon in our home. She’s smarter than that. If I’m right she’s still in town just… A hotel maybe? I know she’d been looking at them a lot lately.” Mika said, talking more to herself now then to Mike. She bit her manicured nails, a look of worried thought taking over her facial features. She pulled her phone out once more, dialing a number. “Maybe if I called her? She would tell me? I don’t know.”


If Nadine wouldn’t tell her… Mika would just have to sniff the girl out. Literally.

 

[Lucyfer]

Nadine wondered at the people who had summoned Cian before, if they didn’t even think of nicknames. Clearly they hadn’t read the chapter in the bible about Legion. Nadine smiled as the name was offered, and laughed as some of his anger came up about the circle of salt after his ever-so polite bow.


With the toe of one heeled shoe, she broke the circle and scattered the salt, “Lovely to meet you, Cian, you can step out now.” It was then her phone rang and she frowned, the joke dying on her lips. She walked over to it and picked it up, noted the name on the caller ID. “One moment,” she sighed before she clicked the button to answer the phone, “Yes, Mika?” She answered, shoulder hitting the wall near the bed.


~***~


Father Michael’s expression was sympathetic as he listened to Mika explain that her friend had been through a lot and didn’t need any more harm. ‘That’s all she’ll get with a demon.’ But some people just didn’t care, or didn’t know. Mike never was certain if it was apathy or ignorance.


“It’s worth a shot,” Michael nodded when Mika thought to call her, and he leaned back in his chair. He didn’t dare to speak when the phone was against Mika’s ear, but he did go back to his drink to finish it up. He tried to think of what he might need to pick up from the church. ‘If this Nadine even tells her….’ That was the question of the hour, it seemed. Michael hoped that she would, hoped that neither of them would be too late.

 

[JujuBee]

“Thank you pet.” Cian said, taking a step away from the destroyed circle and sneering at it. He truly couldn’t stand when people knew about the circle of salt. It bothered him to no end. He stretched a cheshire-like grin coming to his face as he looked around once more.


His eyes flickered over to look at her when he heard the phone ringing. He hated those cellular devices. They were annoying little things. Though he had to admit they did have a good purpose if used correctly.


“I will sit here and wait until you are finished speaking with whoever it is that you have on the phone. I’m a patient man.” He spoke, glancing up at her as he sat down on a chair in the corner of the room. Leaning back into his seat he huffed, crossing his arms.


Mika? A girl… Woman? Maybe his next toy after he grew tired of little miss Nadine here? He chuckled at his question. Something told him that he wouldn’t tire of the girl in front of him for a long time.


+++


Mika breathed out a sigh of relief when her best friend picked the phone up.


“Naddy.” She spoke, the relief sounding through her voice. “Nadine, where are you right now?” She asked, biting her lip as she stared down at the table in worry. “You haven’t done what I think you did… Did you? Please tell me you didn’t.” Despite asking the question she had a feeling that Nadine already had. The woman was too independent, always doing what she thought was best with no second thought.


She glanced up at Michael and sighed. He didn’t look like too much of a priest. Especially with the way he was drinking that drink. A look came to her face as she looked at the drink but didn’t say anything to him. The priests never really looked any different from the everyday people. But they were different. They gained blindness followers all in the name of a book that Mika cursed. They could sway the opinion of a group with a few words. But now was not the time to ponder over why she hated them so much. Nadine was more important.

 

[Lucyfer]

Nadine kept an eye on Cian when he claimed to be patient, as she heard Mika’s voice on the other line. She kept herself from pacing the room through sheer force of will.


Mika’s tone was not encouraging. Nadine put one hand to her hip. “I did, and I was successful, thank you,” Nadine answered that question of Mika’s first, making sure to sound appropriately irritated with her friend for nto agreeing with her decision. “I’m not at home if that’s what you’re worried about, and I understand if this means I have to move out. I can get my things and go.”


After all, Cian might be a patient man, but Nadine wasn’t. If she’d been patient, she would have let years enlighten her to the secrets of the world. As it was, she wanted to get out there, and learn, with Cian as the ever-so patient guide. ‘Going to need a name for you.’ Something that would annoy him, just a little, since he was insisting on calling her Pet.


~***~


One-sided conversations were always interesting to hear, but so far his side had the expected commentary. Questions. He could not hear the answers, and he was trying to pretend that he wasn’t listening.


How could he not be eavesdropping, though?


Even as his eyes wandered about the art on the café walls, or focused in on individual faces, he was listening and trying to hear. He could hear the tone of the woman on the other end—irritated. No doubt there had been a fight on this subject, and all of Mika’s words had gone unheeded. It made Michael’s heart ache, that a friend could care so deeply for another, and yet have all that concern go ignored.


A ‘slurp’ noise escaped the drink, and he looked down, a bit startled, and then sighed as he realized his drink was empty. ‘Darn.’

 

[JujuBee]

Cian glances up at Nadine, sending her a smile when he notices her looking at him.


“My pet already can’t keep her eyes off of me… Already so well mannered. Makes me desire to take you back home with me now. You’d certainly enjoy it.” He says, stretching.


He listens to her conversation and cannot help but chuckle. She’s talking about him though it seems like she wasn’t the only one who knew of her plans. The other person- a woman from what he can tell listening to the voice- is not pleased with his pet. Not at all. It makes Cian a bit giddy inside. He’d ruin their relationship. Whatever it was. He’d make sure Nadine would severe any ties with any loved ones on Earth. That way she’d have to go to him.


He had no plans on truly teaching her what it was that she wished to possess. Sure he’d teach her something but everything- No way. He was out here to have fun. Speaking of fun, he certainly was’ going to have it just sitting there waiting for her to finish her conversation. He sighed, standing up and walking to the door.


“Until later darling.” He called back to her, opening the door and making his way out.


+++


A growl ripped from Mika’s throat at Nadine’s answer. She did not care that the very man who could kill her with no hesitation was sitting across from her. Nadine had all of her focus.


“Fucking… Dammit Nadine!” She hissed into the phone, glaring at the table. “Why would you do this?!” She sighed, trying to calm herself enough to continue talking.


“You’re not moving out. I refuse to leave you alone with that little ass of a demon you’ve decided to bring out. Just- where are you now Nadine?” She asked once more.


Her fingers tapped erratically on the table, making loud clicking noises with each nail.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘Deep breath.’ Nadine wanted to comment on Cian’s words, but didn’t want to speak to him while on the phone with Mika. Decisions, decisions.


The commentary was only in the roll of her eyes and the pointed look away, which caused her to miss Cian rising. She did hear his declaration of ‘later’, and turned around to see the door shutting, while Mika raged on the other line. That deep breath came out as a frustrated sigh. ‘Perfect.’ “I’m not staying where I am,” clearly not, she was going to have to find the demon. Or summon him again and lock him in a room of salt.


That wouldn’t go over well, she imagined. Hopefully he wouldn’t be hard to find. “And you know exactly why I did this,” they had this conversation already. “I’ll be back home before morning, then. Why, do you want to meet the ‘little ass’ before?” She made it sound like a joke, doubting very much that Mika ever wanted to see the demon. Room arrangements might be a bit difficult to figure out. Nadine suspected she’d have to share.


‘Really might not be so bad if he’s….’ She shook her head to remove the thoughts. ‘Later.’ If he was so interested in carnal pleasures, he’d have to satisfy her other desires. She could use a reward system if he wanted to be lazy about it.


~***~


Nadine had clearly gone ahead and summoned the demon. Michael set his empty cup aside and watched the expressions of Mika, no longer trying to hide the fact he was paying attention. ‘Great.’ He was going to need to grab a few things, holy water top on the list, and salt. He wasn’t sure there was salt in the church. Might have to run by a grocery store.


He looked down to Mika’s tapping finger and frowned. He rose, chair screeching as he did so, and held up one finger. He didn’t go far, just to the counter. He leaned over it and spoke to the barista, “This is going to be an odd question, but you have salt in bulk, don’t you?”


“Yeah…why?”


“I’d like to buy some. Bit of a…strange emergency,” he knew if he said ‘demon’ everyone would think he was crazy.


The barista arched an eyebrow, “Uh, let me go check with the manager.” Michael nodded, and the barista walked off to do just that.

 

[JujuBee]

Mika was fuming as Nadine spoke. Of course she’d done this. Of course it had worked. Why couldn’t this one thing go wrong for her? WHY?! Did Nadine not know what this was going to cause? She’d just created something that Mika was sure to become a disaster. Somehow, Mika knew she’d be the one having to help solve it as well as clean it up once it was all done and over. Damn it.


A growl ripped from her throat when she Nadine tried to joke with her. Too soon Nadine you little- Mika took a deep breath, trying her best to calm down though she knew that would most likely not be happening for a while.


“I swear to you Nadine if you purposely bring it around me I will do my best to kill it and then you will be next.” She said, her voice cold. Of course, Mika would never kill Nadine. No- She loved Nadine too much. Though she wouldn’t mind doing just a little damage.


Grabbing her things, she stood up from the seat, her eyes roaming over to Mike. Briskly walking over to him, she stood beside him to let him know that it was time to move though she would patiently wait for whatever it was he was waiting for.


—+++—


Cian on the other hand couldn’t have felt more alive. While he did love being in the underworld where his kind was, he couldn’t help but love this human world more. They were all so precious, and meek… So full of nothing. So easy to persuade with this and that. Truly a beautiful thing. Can enjoyed corrupting them the most. Whispering dark suggestions and words into their ears, watching their faces become replicas of those who did evil before them.


Can loved waiting until the moment they died and seeing their reactions in his home. It made him giddy. Polished shoes seemed to echo across the side walk as he walked down it, one hand shoved in pocket while the other swung back and forth lazily. Dark eyes roamed, flickering to the faces of the weaklings he’d just been thinking over. A small smirk came to his face and he winked at a pair of young woman. All the while he made sure to leave his scent so they’d be marked as his. They blushed and spoke animatedly about him once they thought they were far enough. Of course he’d heard every bit and piece and figured they’d be lovely additions to his group of pets.


A grin came to his face. Oh how he’d missed this. Oh the fun he’d make up for it.

 

[Lucyfer]

Michael waited patiently for the man to return with the manager, who gave the Father a once over, then nodded, “Yeah, we can sell him salt. Ehm, go to the back and get one of those round refill containers. We can sell that for $10, if that’s okay?”


Michael nodded, “That will be just fine,” he was certain he was being charged too much, but dire times called for it. He dug into his pocket to fetch his wallet as Mika came to join him, and gave over the ten dollars.


He could hear the voice of this Nadine still chatting on the other end of the phone, but from Mika’s face, it wasn’t going any better than before. The man returned with the blue salt container, and Michael took it from him, “Thank you,” and he put it under his shoulder before giving a nod to Mika to let her know they could lead, and he’d be following her direction. He hoped that she had figured out where to find this Nadine by now, or had some idea of a direction to head.


~***~


Mika’s expression was too easy to imagine, but Nadine’s amusement died at the threat that passed Mika’s lips. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to live with you, then.” The demon was obviously part of the deal now. “I suppose we’ll—” there was a knock on the door and Nadine gave it an irritated look.


She spoke to whoever it was rather than Mika, “The room’s occupied.” She put ‘do not disturb’ on the doorknob already.


Thinking that would be enough, she turned her attention back to Mika, “I’d much rather we have this discussion in public,” the idea that public would prevent from Mika from harming either her or the demon, “It’s not—” this interruption was not a knock. This interruption was the door opening and a stake firing at her from a stake crossbow, and hitting her shoulder.


The phone dropped from the shot of pain that went up her arm, and her eyes widened in surprise. There was no cry of pain, for it didn’t register immediately. Nadine knew to take advantage of those moments. “Found!” She didn’t know if Mika was still on the other line or not, but she wouldn’t be for a moment longer. Nadine dug her heel into the phone, and then lunged at the poor hunter who was trying to reload.

 

[JujuBee]

Mika sighed in annoyance, looking over at Mike. She nodded her head in response and turned, walking out the door. Whether Mike followed her or not was up to him. She stood outside and strengthened her senses, trying to pick up Nadine’s scent. It was very faint- med in with the hundreds of other smells that permeated the air but for now she’d go off of what she had.


“She’s not at our house, I know that. She’s smarter than that.” She mumbled over to Mike off the phone. She thought of all the different motels she could have possibly gone to and began walking in the direction of them. She’d go to each one if she had to. She had no problem doing that.


She let out a small groan. “You want it in public so I don’t hurt you as much.” She retorted though there was a small hint of teasing in Mika’s voice. “But fine we can do that-“ She heard something that sounded like a banging over the phone and her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She heard a bunch of swooshing and more clatter and couldn’t help but feel the pit of her stomach fester with worry. “Nadine?”

“Found!”

​

With that the phone went dead. Mika could feel herself beginning to panic once more. “Nadine? NADINE!” She screamed into the phone, her eyes wide with worry. Whipping back, she looked at Mike. “We have to go, now.”


Without a second’s hesitation, Mika was running down the street, desperately trying to pick Nadine’s scent out of the whole bunch.

 

[Lucyfer]

Michael nodded as Mika explained Nadine wouldn’t be found at the house. He listened to the one-sided conversation as they walked outside, and frowned a bit as something public seemed to be agreed upon. ‘That won’t work so well.’ He ought to tell Mika that, but he didn’t want to speak and be overheard by this Nadine.


Suspicion would be bad.


Then something strange happened over the line, as indicated to him by Mika’s reaction. “What’s the matter?” The name was screamed, and Michael felt himself go pale. ‘What happened?’


Michael got not answer, but an order before the vampire started to run. He was glad he’d always chosen to take care of his body, as much as he took care of his faith and his mental health, but even then he couldn’t match a vampire’s speed. He could keep Mika in sight, though, since she had to periodically get her bearings about direction. He followed without complaint, his own concern driving him forward.


He didn’t need chaos to break out in his town because a demon got loose.


~***~


As a rule, Nadine didn’t kill.


Nadine had spared other hunters after leaving them broken, instead. A man with broken legs couldn’t hunt so well. A spinal injury also kept them off her back.


The crossbow lay on the ground near their feet, as she pushed the human against a pillar and held him off the ground by the collar of his shirt. She knew he wouldn’t be alone, so she remained attentive as she demanded, “Who are you, and who are you with?” Her green eyes were fixed on his own gaze, and held it easily.


He was fighting the hypnotism, but he didn’t have the willpower to overcome her. Considering it was her preferred method of dealing with people, she had enough practice to overcome most humans. “I—I’m Brandon Trent,” he answered, then bit the inside of his cheek and looked up.


Nadine still had one hand free. She reached up and entangled it in his hair, pulled his head down, his gaze right back to her. “How many are hunting me?”


“Five.”


That was really all Nadine needed. She didn’t need names, just numbers. “Five besides you, or five including you?”


“F-five besides.”


“Good boy.” She dropped him, and sent a kick at his legs as soon as his feet touched the ground. He fell forward as she stepped aside, and went to pick up his own weapon. A stake was loaded already, and she fired it at the back of his knee. He screamed out, and she broke the crossbow before walking off.


She pulled the stake in her shoulder out with a deep breath, winced, and broke it before tossing it aside, too. ‘Of all times.’ Five hunters to find, and a demon to find as well. Five hunters likely somewhere nearby, or near her home with Mika. She wasn't sure how far Cian might have wandered.

 

[JujuBee]

Cian was on top of the world. His walking hadn't necessarily changed to anything else but this was truly wonderful. It had been way too long since he'd been up to the world. He always spent his days in hell torturing people and while that was a wonderful pastime- It got boring. So having that woman summon him for something he didn't plan on doing was music to his ears. It was like stealing candy from a baby.


A small tune was whistled out of the joyous demon as he shoved his hands into the pants pockets of his suit.


"Gonna raise hell... Gonna raise hell..." He sang to himself, a snicker escaping his lips as a grin came to it. Though it would only be a few seconds later when the grin would be wiped off completely.


"We've got one." A voice said. Dark eyes flickered over to a table. There stood two people- one standing and the other sitting. The one sitting- a man looked up at the woman. "Got one?"


The woman nodded. "Yeah, Brandon stated it over the speaker but he's gone quiet since then. We need to go. I turned the tracker on for him and I've pinpointed a location. I want to get there before this vampire does something to him." She spoke. The man seated nodded his head as he stood. "Let's go."


Cian's feet turned quickly, his mind already on Nadine. What had she done? He needed to get to her before they did. He wasn't going to let them just take his pet like that, no- He had way too many plans for her. Waving his hand nonchalantly he created a series of obstacles for them which would give him enough time to reach his destination. Nadine had a lot of explaining to do.


---++---


Mika stopped at the corner, her hair whipping around as she looked side to side. Nadine's scent was stronger but she was still having just a bit of a time trying to really pull it out from the others. It was... Left! She had to go left!


Mika looked back and waited for Mike to catch up. She hadn't meant to just leave him the way she did but Nadine was in trouble and she'd be damned if she didn't find a way to help her.


"Something's happened to my friend if you haven't already been able to tell." She explained as they ran. "We have to get to her."


Mika wondered if it was a good idea bringing Mike along like this... Only time would tell.

 

[Lucyfer]

Blood was an easy scent for a vampire to track, and Nadine could soon scent Mika over all others. ‘Close.’ Her head turned in that direction, and just as she considered going after Mika, she caught that of Cian.


It wasn’t as familiar to her yet, but it was inhuman enough to stand out. She hesitated a moment, debated direction, and decided that since Mika was already well on her way to finding her, Nadine could go to Cian first and make sure the hunters hadn’t figured out what he was yet.


‘Or that this isn’t his doing.’ That thought came second, the reminder that many stories told of how demons found loopholes in deals or otherwise, didn’t perform as desired.


She walked along the sidewalk and found herself a little bit aways from a park when she encountered Cian, a scowl on her lips, “Perfect timing to leave on your end, Cian,” it came out as a hiss, the thought he was responsible almost fully embedded in her mind at that point. The walk and the pain in her shoulder hadn’t exactly helped. Not to mention, all the strange looks she got from the few humans she had to pass, who were too stunned by her determined walk to bother stopping her or calling 911.


She didn’t honestly know how else she could have been found. Nadine and Mika had been doing so well at staying under the radar!


~***~


“I can tell…that much…,” Michael was panting a bit, but he nodded and brushed a hand by his dark hair. “Keep going. I can…I can follow,” barely, but he was managing it. He didn’t have any idea the direction to head, but he could tell that the vampiress did.


Supernatural senses, no doubt. He knew they had them, knew they were rather strong and quite useful. He wasn’t sure just how she was doing it, but he understood that he shouldn’t question her sense of direction right then.


They needed to hurry, and he was more than willing to tag along in this instance. He was paranoid about what may have happened, if it involved a demon.

 

[JujuBee]

Sure Cian was slightly worried over what was going on. Had he been summoned for some reason? Why would there be those damned hunters here in the first place?


‘That little bitch is probably someone who affiliates with them…’ He thought, a growl erupting from his throat. If that had been the case when he finally got her down in hell he’d make sure that she suffered. He’d do her worse than any other little bastard down there.


His fists heated up as waves of anger crashed over him. He could feel his power tingling to be used, to rid of all this excess energy.


Taking a deep breath, Cian calmed himself. Now was not the time. Especially with those hounds being in the same town as him. That would be a joy trying to get away. He soon was able to smell Nadine and that sadistic smirk of his came to his face. He would see which side she was truly on. He grinned at her annoyed face and automatically could tell that she had nothing to do with this. The next thing he noticed was her shoulder.


Eyes widened slightly and he let out a whistle, pointing at it. “Geez, those hounds mess you up that much? I thought you would have been able to handle yourself.” He said, pointing at it. “In that case I certainly did leave at a good time.”


+++


Mika ran towards the park, Nadine’s scent getting stronger as she went along. She would stop and wait for Michael every few seconds. She twitched and tapped her foot- just jittery all over.


“Come on…” She mumbled, watching him catch up before bursting out into a sprint once more. This time she wouldn’t wait for Mike. Her worried expression turned into one of relief when Nadine’s petite form came into view and she pushed herself to run faster.


“Nadine!” She shouted, colliding into the woman and completely disregarding the man that stood next to her. She hugged Nadine tight in her arms, feeling tears prick at her eyes. Though Mika would never admit it, she could be a very emotional person despite all the years she’d spent on earth. She pushed Nadine out arm’s length, her eyes widening in worry.


“What the hell happened to you?!” She asked, looking at her shoulder. “What’s going on? I heard the noise and then the phone just disconnected and I was so worried Naddy I-“ She broke herself off, pulling Nadine in for another tight hug.


“You are such an idiot.” She mumbled.

 

[Lucyfer]

Cian’s sense of humor was not at all appreciated at that moment. Her fangs bared themselves, hunger and anger never a good mix. Bloodloss was not helping her at all in the department of hunger. ‘I can handle myself just fine when I’m not surprised.’ It was on the tip of her tongue to say as much, and on the tip of her nerves to act and show him.


‘Wonder if demon blood is any good.’ The thought abolished itself as she heard the rushing footsteps of Mika, and she turned around just in time to be crashed into and brought into an embrace.


“Ow.” Mika was clearly oblivious to the harm she was causing to the already injured vampire. Nadine didn’t attempt to answer until Mika pulled away, looking her over. Nadine felt some guilt stir at that concerned look, “Just hunters, Mika,” she said, not wanting Mika to think the demon did this…yet. She wasn’t completely certain he wasn’t behind it, based on his reaction. “There’s five others yet to—ow.” Again with the hugging and the squeezing and the shot of pain through her arm.


Over Mika’s shoulder, she saw a man walk to join them, holding salt under his arm. Nadine immediately squirmed out of Mika’s grip, but before she could complete the action she considered, the man dropped the salt and raised his hands in a surrender posture. His foot, however, went to rest on the salt container so that it wouldn’t get away from him. Beneath his foot, though, it’d be rather hard to use. “I, er, come in peace?” Mike said, motioned to Mika without letting his hands drop to his side, “I’m with her. You must be Nadine.”


Nadine stepped back from Mika, understanding the purpose of the salt. She narrowed her eyes on the woman, demanding an explanation without asking.