Sacrilege

SACRILEGE

NICOLE N. KING

Sacrilege

By Nicole N. King

Copyright 2013 Nicole N. King

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CREATURES OF THE DAMNED

This notice is to be read by all Damned creatures of Pearu.

As of Apros 30th, 1945—The Gates of Pearu will be closed and all Damned Creatures of Pearu are hereby debarred from entering the mortal world. Any creatures of the Damned found outside the Gates of Pearu entering the world of mortals, shall be sentenced to death and their souls obliterated. This ruling has been created due to the Damned interference and impersonation of one Adolf Hitler.

Due to his role in the killing of innocent mortals and the assassination of Adolf Hitler, Echidna Zobyverth Korfmann and his army shall be sentenced to death by the hands of Zeus in front of the Gates of Pearu. The continuing search for dethroned queen Eris is still underway. Any creature found aiding and abetting Eris will be found as a betrayer and sentenced to death.

With Regards,

Kavos Priam

King of Pearu

Prologue

October 31, 1947

It was once written that if a Creature of the Damned was seen in the world of mortals that the God Zeus would descend and convey a fate worse than death. Many of the Damned no longer believed in this myth, but there were some who had been around longer who knew that there was such a punishment. Out of that group only one decided to defy this rule.

Kithara moved silently through the night cloaked in its darkness. The boots she wore crunched in the brown leaves that had fallen due to the nature of this season. By now everyone would have learned that the Gates to their world had been broken and someone had escaped through. Kithara found little relief in the fact that it would take them a while to discover who or what exactly had gone through the Gates to the mortal world. By that time she would have done what she came here to do, despite the fact that tonight she might be meeting her end. The orange glow from the streetlight irritated her eyes as she averted her eyes away from it. Being in mortal form did its job in helping her blend in, but that doesn’t mean that being in this form didn’t frustrate her. She felt confined in this mortal form, not to mention every brush against her arm made waves of disgust roll through her.

Since it was what mortals called Halloween, the streets where filled with groups of them as they dressed in vibrant colors, carried little weird shaped bags, and yelled something about a trick and a treat. A few of them had come up to her handing out paper flyers or something sweet smelling wrapped in colorful plastics, but she simply kept walking. While she might have disliked the smell of their kind, that didn’t mean she wanted to remove them from existence like those from her world seemed keen on doing. Maybe that’s why she picked her. At the thought of her a smile came to her lips. A male mortal dressed in a black costume, with weird shaped pointed ears on his head, took her smile as interest in him as he opened his mouth to speak to her. Kithara sent a glare to him that crushed any form of words he was about to say. The mortal glanced off as she made her way past him, her thoughts once more turning to the person she was doing this for. She didn’t have many that she could trust these days except her. There had been a time that when she had no one. When not only her kind, but her parents had turned their backs on her. It was by the graces of whatever superior being that she found herself in an unknown land and in the presence of someone who had been inscribed in her head as the enemy. A week living with her had showed Kithara that this enemy had done more for her than her so called family had in a lifetime. It was then she pledge her loyalty to her. It was that moment that brought her here.

Kithara finally arrived at her destination. Staring up at the sign, she felt a sudden surge of fear. She would have to act quickly. The moment she revealed any magic from their world, they would know she was here. Kithara entered the hospital quickly and headed for the steel doors that would take her to the floor she needed to be on. A smile came to her lips at the invention of the elevators that the mortals had laid claim to not knowing that in another world veiled within theirs, they had already existed. The doors closed her in as she stared at her mortal reflection in the doors. She was pretty by mortal standards so no wonder the male had taken interest. All too soon the doors opened and she was out of the confined spaced.

Since it was almost midnight, the floor was silent. The only sounds came from the tapping of keys on the computer and the beeping of monitors in the different rooms. Kithara headed down the hall with purpose. A nurse called out to her but she ignored her and kept walking. She was close now. She counted the numbers to the doors in her head until she came upon the one that was needed. Pushing open the doors, Kithara entered the room and pulled a chair behind the door. The nurse by now would have called security and they would be up any second. Turning around she stared at the clear boxes filled with sleeping baby mortals. They were all hooked up to various wires as they fought for their chance at living in this world. Maneuvering through them, she ignored the slight whines coming from some of them until she found the one she wanted. Staring down at the baby, she allowed her finger to stroke the baby’s smooth skin before quickly pulling away. The baby’s heartbeat was slowing down and soon its soul would move on to another realm. Kithara could hear the faint sounds of security as the baby’s heartbeat was finally reaching its end. It was time.

Reaching into her coat, she removed the silver box from her pocket. It gleamed in the light as the faint hum of magic pulsated around it. She experienced a sudden slight of hesitation. What if the child is left alone in the mortal world? What if she was discovered by one of her kind, or worst the Gods? No, that wouldn’t happen. She said someone would come for the child. Someone would take the child back to their world, where its true identity will remain hidden until time. She had told her this. She trusted her. At ease, Kithara released the latch and flipped the top up. Running footsteps sounded in the hall as a bright light filled the room. The baby’s heartbeat had finally reached its end. Kithara removed the ball of light from the box and held it in her hands. The soul of the child burst from its chest as she quickly replaced it with the glowing ball of light. As the old soul of the baby disappeared so did Kithara.

Teleporting back and forth between states, she released the same amount of power to throw anyone who was watching off her trail. Exhausted she landed in the middle of desert. Releasing that much power had taken a lot out of her. Pulling herself up into a sitting position she stared up at the night sky.

Well wasn’t that impressive.

Kithara turned around with quickness expecting to see one of the Gods or worse Zeus himself. But what she wasn’t expecting was the creature in front of her. Kithara had no idea who this creature was or what she was doing outside of the Gates. The creature stood six feet tall in mortal form, clutching a silver staff as she stared down at her. Something wasn’t right. Kithara tried to back pedal, but found herself trapped in the sand. Trembling, she stared up at the figure in front of her.

Who are you? Her voice quivered. The creature was surely from their world, and yet, she smelled different.

The creature smiled but there was no warmth to it. I should be asking you that, Kampe. She smiled down at her. With a wave of her hand she said, Reveal yourself.

Kithara tried to fight the change as a final act of disobedience but she should have known better. The creature’s smile proved it. The mortal skin began to fall off as her true self broke free.

That’s better. She said with a smile. Now tell me what brings you here.

Curiosity.

Curiosity She questioned with a raise of one of her elegant brows.

Yes, mortals. They fascinate me. Even as the lie rolled off Kithara’s lizard tongue, she couldn’t help the bitter taste the words left. Mortals did the exact opposite.

Before Kithara could blink, she found herself gasping for air as the creature’s hand clenched tightly around her throat. It would be wise if you do not play with me. Someone helped you get through those Gates and not just anyone can possess that type of power. She ended with a sinister smile. So again I ask you, what are you doing here?

Kithara stared at the creature as it soon became clear why she was here. This creature was a supporter of the dethroned Queen Eris. Unlike the others, this creature had some rank. It was enough for the Queen to allow her to enter the mortal world alone. It was enough to send a chill through her. The creature raised an eyebrow waiting for her answer. She knew others in her position would reveal their secrets to her immediately as a favor of freedom. But Kithara knew that there was no way she was going to survive this encounter, so why give up any information at all.

Kithara felt her lips curve up into a smile as she gave her last act of defiance. Go ahead and kill me. But take caution that the same fate awaits you much sooner than you think. Your end is near. In time you will be nothing more than a pawn in Eris’s games.

The creature’s features changed into one of rage as Kithara felt the power radiating through her. She gave one last glance up at the night sky before feeling the cold blade slice cleanly, removing her head from her body.

Part One

O

F

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S

AND

D

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Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever Gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

Invictus-by William Earnest Henley

ONE

New York City

May 14, 1964

Life has lost its meaning.

Life was once said to be one of Creator’s greatest gifts. A gift so precious that he bestowed it upon the creatures he created, sharing it with the world. Yet mortals discard it every second of the day as if it were nothing more than trash. They were an ungrateful kind, but still an intriguing one.

The sound of a nearby trashcan being knocked over woke me from my thoughts. Peering down into the dark alley from the roof I was perched on, I watched as two mortals entered. They were male and female and didn’t appear to be any older than twenty. The male who was dressed in a gray tweed blazer and blue pants, backed the female until her back was against the brick wall of the nearby building. His brown hair was cut down short close to his head and his body reeked of cigarettes and cheap cologne.

But I wasn’t here for him.

I switched over to the female who was sighing in contentment. She wore a yellow penciled dress covered by a white flowered cardigan that didn’t seem to agree with the cold weather. From my spot on the roof, I could see the sudden chill bumps gracing her legs and arms. Her blond hair was held down by a green headband as it fell down to her shoulder. Two glistening diamond earrings hung from her ear as her gloved hands gripped the male shoulders. The male whispered something to her and she threw her head back in laughter. I tore my eyes away from them to the watch on my wrist. It was time.

Turning my eyes from the watch back to the alley, I watched as the male hands reached up to the grasp the girls neck. She smiled at him, her blue eyes glowing despite this darkness. She liked him. She trusted him. It was her mistake. The male let out a menacing growl as he snapped her neck. Her body slid down the brick wall as the male robbed her of her jewelry and money. He took one more look at her body before running out the alley, a smile on his face. Standing up from my crouched position, I waited until the faint footsteps of the male disappeared before jumping down. I landed on the ground, the noise disrupting the now silent alley. I walked over to the female and crouched beside her body. She was still warm. Closing my eyes, I placed a hand on her chest.

Rizay

The females body trembled as a golden light burst from her chest. It rose and hovered above her body. Reaching into my coat, I removed the silver and blue box and opened it. The light floated towards the box filling up the oval shape until it was all in. Closing the box, I latched the lock and tucked it back into my coat. My attention turned back to the now cold body of the female. Though she had the form of an adult female, she was still just a baby. I could smell the youth that was still humming through her body. She was done and injustice and I wanted nothing more than to track the male down and rip out his larynx. But that wasn’t my job. I was a Reaper. I took souls, not lives.

Releasing a sigh, I reached over and closed her eyes. I needed to get out of here. Standing up, I turned and made my way out the alley leaving behind a lifeless body.

The streets of New York were filled with mortals as they made their ways to and from social gatherings that were being held in the wee bit of the night. I tuned out their sounds of laughter, talking, and music as I walked through the crowds. My mood was still a bit dampened from not being able to save the female. I never understood why I was this way. I was from the world of the Pearu. We were outcast creatures of the Damned who fed on the sadness and evil of mortals. We lived for their destruction and in the past we often caused it. But despite the death of the female, I got a rush from her killing. I reveled in it. It was the part of me that reminded me of who I was. But then there was the other part of me, the part of me that knew that this was wrong. A part of me that felt sympathy for them. A part of me that wanted to know more about them. It was a part of me that I kept hidden and would have to remain hidden. If anyone from my world were to find out the way I felt, I would be ridiculed. I would become an outcast. I would be sentenced to death.

I guess I should have been thankful to be a Reaper. It was a job most creatures of my world would kill for. Being a Reaper meant I was allowed to be a part of the King’s circle and live the life of an elite. It also meant that I was able to leave our world and travel to the mortal world whenever I wanted. It was the only perk I loved. My world suffocated me, whereas the mortal world was like stepping into the pages of a fable.

Pushing away the depressing thoughts, I continued to make my way through the streets of New York. Within minutes I had arrived at my last destination. I stood outside the building for a few seconds taking in my surroundings before pushing open the glass door. The lobby of the apartment building was one of lush. The carpet was a wine red as cream sofas and armchairs sat around the room. In front of each sofa was a glass coffee table covered with a centerpiece of flowers. The wallpaper was also cream colored and looked as if it had just been applied. And in the center of the room were four elevators, but I would not be taking them.

Sir, can I help you?

I turned my head to the left at the voice. A male in his mid-forties stood behind the security desk. He was a bit of an overweight mortal whose stomach was bulging so much that I could see it peering through the slit of his uniform shirt. There was also a creamy white stain just above his breast. He had a bald spot in the middle of his head as hair clamped to the sides of it. In the midst of his black hair I could spot a couple of gray ones. In his hand he held a sandwich which appeared to be the culprit to the stain on his shirt. His eyes however held a slight fill of fear to them as they roved up and down my body. While he’d probably had seen some crazy sights before here in New York, my outfit of choice however took first prize. I was dressed in a turquoise blue cotton blazer jacket that buttoned all the way up to my high collar. My legs were covered in a pair of black jeans and on my feet were a pair of black boots. Across my chest hung a gold rope belt that was looped two times ending with the gold claw clasping my left shoulder. My demos rested against my back strapped in its pouch, its blue handle illuminating.

The clerk swallowed at the sight of my sword and grabbed his phone. But at the sight of my eyes on his, he took a startled step back. His breath caught as he stared at me his mouth ajar. My eyes were as black as a pit that often made mortals feel as if they were falling into them. I tried not to make contact with mortals but every once in a while someone would grab my attention. I was just thankful they would never get to see my true eyes or else they would really lose it. I was a Hell Demon. I was the type of demon that mortals didn’t fear since myth puts us unable to leave our world. It was somewhat true.

I gave the male one more glance before walking off in the directions of the stairs instead of the elevator. Though he was frozen in fear, I didn’t want to take the chance of him breaking out of his trance and stopping the elevator if I got on it. The last thing I needed was to attract attention from the Gods by killing one measly mortal. No, the stairs was my best bet.

I opened the door that led to the stairs and started to climb. I took each floor without breaking a sweat like mortals would. I finally arrived on the fifth floor. The hall was quiet though I could hear slight snoring coming from one of the rooms. I made my way down the hall until I came to the room I needed. Reaching out a hand, I wrapped it around the doorknob and closed my eyes. I let my senses brush out my mind into the room as it began to paint an image of what was happening on the other side of the door. There was a female standing in the middle of the room dressed in a white robe. She held a crystal glass filled with wine in her left hand as she talked into the telephone device attached to her ear. She spoke in a harsh voice to the person on the other line. The smell of fear from the other person on the line made my body tremble with pleasure. No, this isn’t right. I shouldn’t be taking pleasure in this.

I stepped back from the door and opened my eyes. It was obvious the person on the phone was terrified of the female in this room. Not that I could blame them if I were mortal. The female had more anger and hate in her than I’ve seen in a mortal female in a while. However, my interest in her didn’t matter. It’ll all be over soon.

I took a seat outside her apartment door and waited. It wasn’t long before I heard a hard thud inside the room. Pushing up from the floor, I wrapped my hand around the door handle and opened the room door. The living room was empty though there were faint signs from where the female had paced back and forth. I continued through the apartment until I found her. The female lay dead against the bathroom floor— her blood coating the tiles. She had been so busy yelling on her phone that she didn’t notice the floor was still wet. Walking over to her, I spoke the words to call forth her soul and placed it in its box. The process was over and I exited her room and headed down the stairs. I entered the lobby once again but this time the male was alert. He stood staring at me, waiting for the chance to see my eyes again, but I kept walking. Once I was down the street away from prying eyes, I teleported.

A field of wild grass and a manmade dirt path greeted me as I reappeared. I took a second to check my surroundings for Norjels. Norjels were fallen angels that were trying to earn their wings back by guarding the entrance between the mortal world and Pearu. As I sniffed them out, one dropped down out of a tree in front of me. Five more jumped out of their hiding places, forming a circle around me. Their bodies were formed like mortals, but their backs were bent from all the bowing they had done in honor to the Gods. Their eyes no longer held the blinding light that angels were born with, instead they were dimmed. Shredded gray wings clung to their backs as they move around me. While they no longer possess the physical appearance of an angel, they still had their strength.

The Norjel, whom had jumped down first, thrust his illuminating blue spear at me as the rest of them followed suit.

Reveal yourself. He hissed.

Really Yaetis, must we go through this every time.

Do not speak my name as if you know me! And yes, we must go through this every time. Now reveal yourself, Aristaeus.

So you can call me by name, but I’m forbidden to call you by yours?

Yaetis let out a hiss as the others followed him.

Okay, okay. I laughed. Lifting up my hands in surrender I said, I’ll reveal myself.

Closing my eyes, I called forth my true face. The line that separated my mortal form from my true form began to tremble around the edges as my true self threatened the barrier that kept it from the surface. The slight gasps and trembling of metal alerted me to the fact that the change from mortal to Damned had been successful.

My eyelids parted as I stared through cracked eyes. The field had gone quiet and I knew it was because of my true face. No matter how many times the Norjel’s saw my true face— every revealing was like a fresh nightmare to them. I wasn’t offended though. I knew what I looked like to them. I had seen it for myself plenty times. I had the face of a mortal but the features of a demon. My face was covered in outlined scales and my eyes were a slant shape that was void of lashes. In the middle were my eyes that resembled broken glass and when I opened my mouth, sharp teeth were displayed.

Yaetis swallowed tightly. Okay, you can change back now.

The transition this time was much smoother and worked calming Yaetis down. Stepping to the side, he allowed me to past as I gave him a nod of my head. Behind me I heard whooshing sounds and knew that they had returned back to their posts. I started down the dirt path as a boom sounded alerting that I had now left the mortal world. We didn’t have to worry about mortals discovering our world since only our kind could enter. I continued up the dirt road until I reached the red barn nestled in the middle. Two bodyguards stood on the outside imitating a pose they had often seen mortals do at nightclubs. Unlike with the Norjel’s, I didn’t have reveal my true self. They were from the world of Pearu, and like all creatures of the Damned, we could see right through mortal forms.

They opened the doors for me as I stepped into the room. The barn had been transformed into a safe haven for those who’d been outcast from the world of Pearu. The first floor of the barn was a bar and on the second floor were small apartments were the outcast lived. The tables were filed with the usual outcasts, as they sipped out of the clay filled mugs and enjoyed a performance by a band of Chimera.

I made my way to the bar and plopped down on the seat. Os’mar, a one eyed Minotaur, was the bartender and owner of this place. He’d been banned from Pearu sixty eight years ago during the time the Damned were sentenced to live only in their world. Os’mar had been a worker of Zobyverth Korfmann, an enchidna that led the mortals to one of the most gruesome killings of their century, the holocaust. Zobyverth and his army had been executed outside the Gates of Pearu by the King of Gods, Zeus. Os’mar for some reason had been spared by Zeus, fueling rumors that he’d been the one to betray Zobyverth. While King Kavos abided the rules Zeus set for our worlds, he didn’t not abide the same kindness he showed to Os’mar. Kavos ordered the death or imprisonment of Os’mar. Os’mar had suffered some bruises and lost an eye, before escaping. It was only by the grace of Zeus, that he was able to survive outside the world of Pearu. With the closing of the Gates, Os’mar was granted the position as Gatekeeper between the both worlds. So far he’d done a great job at keeping everything in line.

Spotting me at the end of the bar, he made his way towards me.

Aristaeus, already done for the night?

He grabbed a clay mug off the rack and filled it with the green colored liquid I’d begun to love. He placed it in front of me as I threw it down my throat and waited for him to refill it.

My list only had a few names on it tonight. Is the mortal world finally starting to grow a conscious?

Os’mar scoffed. Yeah, and Zeus will bless me with a new eye. You’re ready to cash in?

Yeah.

I reached in my jacket and removed the box that housed the soul. I slid it across the counter to Os’mar.

Give me a second.

Os’mar disappeared in the door behind the bar as I took it upon myself to refill my liquid. As I drunk from the clay cup, an arm roped itself around my neck. I didn’t bother to be alarmed because I already knew who it was.

Aristaeus, were you really going to ignore me? You know how I get when you ignore me.

Placing my cup on the bar, I turned to stare at Lilith. Lilith was one of the most beautiful creatures of the Damned I’d seen. I use to wonder what she did to find herself outcast, but then decided it didn’t matter. I had once thought myself to be in love with her, until I discovered she was true to her species.

You were entertaining guests. I know how you get when you’re interrupted. I said removing her hands from around me. I picked my cup and continued to drain the contents from it as Lilith plopped down on the stool beside me.

You’re the only male Damned I’ve seen that can stomach Kampe blood.

Don’t I feel special?

Come now Aristaeus, this cold act of yours doesn’t fit you. Stay the night with me.

Os’mar arrived back at the bar just in time to save me from executing a Succubus.

Here you go Aristaeus. Two million dragon scales.

I took