The Brimstone Door

CHAPTER ONE

 Make sure I am not disturbed, Lucifer ordered Arariel, seconds before he closed and locked the doors to his throne room with a wave of his hand. With it now sealed from unwanted visitors he stepped down from his throne to head towards his private office, a doorway appearing in the wall as he drew closer.

When he walked through the entrance, torches set around the walls of the dark stone room lit and filled the area with light, lifting a little of the gloom the place held. Their flames flickered as he strolled over to a large dark wooden table on which rested a rolled-up piece of parchment. Time to see what you hold, he said, picking up one of a pair of skull shaped bookends to set it at the left end of the scroll before starting to unroll it. Its mate he placed at the other end once the yellowing document had been completely opened. It had taken him three hundred years of searching to unearth its location, the last fifty of which started him doubting the damn thing still existed. Leaning forward slightly, he ran one of his fingers under the words as he began to murmur them in Enochian - the language of the angels. Pain and unwanted memories rose to the surface as he spoke, reminding him why he’d placed a rule upon himself to only use the language when speaking to his personal guard. Unfortunately, to decipher the parchment the rule was a barrier which could not be left in place.

An hour later the scroll had given up all the secrets it held, their value proving worth the time taken to find it. Shifting one of the skulls, he watched the parchment roll itself up to once again hide its contents from sight. The other one moved away, he picked up precious document and strolled through the new doorway which appeared and back into the throne room. Without breaking his stride, he walked over to one of the walls and placed his palm against it. A soft click sounded as he moved his hand away to allow a small door to open, revealing an empty space into which he placed the precious document for safe keeping. Once done, it vanished from sight leaving no indication the wall had been breached.

To finally be in possession of a solid lead meant instead of scattered searches going on within his realm, he could focus his efforts on one spot. With a click of his fingers he unlocked the doors, then called to his ever-present captain who stood guard just outside. Arariel.

My lord, he replied as he entered, bowing his head out of respect.

Bring Field Marshal Daxzus to me immediately

 As you order.

While he left to get the demon, Lucifer walked up the dais steps to his ebony throne and settled down to wait. Patience, so he’d heard, was a virtue. A pity he and virtues of any description were not good friends, so this one like the others he didn’t possess in any great measure. An ankle crossed over his knee, he tapped his fingers against it. With each passing second the small measure of patience he held, evaporated. About to go in search of them both himself, the doors opened and he watched Arariel shove Daxzus towards him. The demon possessing enough wits to drop to one knee in his presence.

My lord.

Stop all the current searches underway, then pick twenty of the strongest demons from the groups. Provide them with picks and shovels, and get them digging at the rock face on the right side of the Hell Mares stables. The second anything is uncovered you personally come and tell me. Fail to do so and the Hell Mares will have a new stable boy. Do I make myself clear?

Perfectly, my lord.

Then what are you still doing here? Get out of my sight and to fucking work.

Lucifer beckoned Arariel over as Daxzus hastily backed out of the room. While I wait for news, I require a distraction. Have three females brought to me. Make sure they are strong enough to deal with the demands I will make of them. Ankle uncrossed as his captain left to complete his order, he rested back and closed his eyes. After so long could things finally be working in his favor? If so it would make a refreshing change.

I have what you require, he heard a familiar voice call a short while later. Opening his eyes, he smiled at the sight before him. Arariel stood next to three women. His captain had chosen well.

They have been made aware of your requirements.

Excellent. Contact me through our link the second the field marshal returns with news. His captain dismissed, he closed the doors then escorted his companions towards the bedroom, disappearing into it through the doorway. Once inside the room it would vanish, leaving them free from distractions and interruptions to enjoy a few hours of pleasure.

~*~

It seemed even his high rank couldn’t prevent humiliation at the hands of their Dark Prince. It was bad enough being shoved into the throne room like a grunt demon. But being dragged away to that place in front of those beneath him by Arariel left him pissed off and with a shit ton of anger to expend. And he knew just who to unleash it on. Don’t argue, and if you want to stay alive don’t piss me off. Just take your damn tools and get to work.

Where? one of the demons asked as picks and shovels were tossed on the ground in front of him and the others. And what exactly are we looking for?

There always had to be one determined to push his luck. See the Hell Mares’ stables? See the wall of rock to the right of them? You start there and you don’t fucking stop until you find something. You do, and I will be the least of your problems. Is that simple enough for your pea sized brains to understand?

The demon’s face turned ashen seconds before he nodded then scrambled to grab a pickaxe, his companions wisely saying nothing and following suit.

Hour after brain numbing hour passed, the constant sound of metal crashing against stone driving him closer to the edge of madness. He needed a break, and it would be provided by two new female demons. His second in command told to inform him the moment anything was uncovered, he wrapped his arms around the women waists and ushered them towards a nearby cave. He had taken one step inside when he heard his second call him back. Talk about fucking impeccable timing.  With reluctance, he released his hold on the females before heading back to find out what had prompted the call.

You’d better have a damn good reason for stopping my break.

That good enough for you? replied the male, pointing forward.

Turning, he looked where the demon indicated and saw what seemed to be a partially uncovered door. Go to Lord Lucifer’s domain. Inform him we have uncovered what appears to be a door. The moment the male took off to fulfil his task, the fog surrounding Daxzuz’s brain cleared and he realized with a sinking stomach he’d failed to do exactly what he’d been ordered – and that was going to cost him. There was little he could do now, just try to attempt some damage control to negate the impending outcome when their ruler arrived. While he waited, his curiosity began to rise. What was a door doing in such a place? Edging closer he reached out his hand, his fingers barely brushing against it seconds before he shot backwards and hit a wall of jagged rocks. Head spinning it took a few seconds for his vision to clear. When it did, he found himself staring into the face of Hell’s pissed off ruler, and found himself wishing his eyesight was still blurry.

What part of ‘you personally come and tell me’, didn’t you grasp? Your error in judgment is going to cost you three days working with the Hell Mares

When the power holding him in place was released, Daxzus dropped to one knee, fighting back the urge to give into his own rising anger and say something which would lead to a worse punishment.

Get the rest of the door uncovered before you serve your punishment. A further error of judgement will see you stripped of your rank. Therefore, I advise you to tread with caution.

Once Lucifer finished talking, he risked a glance up and saw their ruler standing close to the door with one of his hands pressed against it. Whatever was held behind it looked like it was important to him, and that made Daxzus determined to uncover its secret. He became so focused on that he failed to notice their Dark Lord had moved and now stood in front of him. A mistake which earned him a swift shove in the chest, sending him backwards. Pain lancing though his back again as it hit rock.

And when you have completed your task, you will make sure this time to personally inform me. Unless you want to go back into the lower ranks? I’m sure there are a few who would love to see you there…and settle some old scores no doubt.

Struggling to shift his position, he managed to get to his knees. He had zero intention of creating any more fucks ups on his end. No, my lord. I will come to you the moment the door is cleared.  Once Lucifer had disappeared, Daxzus stood, his pain and anger blending together to create a whole new level of rage, which he intended to share with those around him. The show’s over, so get those sodding useless asses of yours back to work.

Once again the annoying sound of metal against stone sounded as the demons knew better than to argue, and got back to the task at hand. A low hiss of pain slipped from his lips as he eased back to rest against a large boulder. Arms crossed over his chest he stared at the ground as he tried to figure a way out of the mire he found himself knee deep in. He wanted power. He deserved it. So why in the fuck did it have to be so hard to get? It had been the same way when he’d been alive, and he’d hoped once arriving in Hell he could obtain it easily. He should have realized hopes didn’t grow in a place built on darkness and pain. His dog eats dog world had become a demon eat demon one. You have power. So why are you grousing? Being a field marshal gave him some. But he wanted more. He wanted the ultimate power - Lucifer’s. And he was starting to think the door could get him that.

What’s got you smiling?

He glanced up to look at the owner of the voice, and saw a young demon. One he knew held ambitions far above his status. None of your bloody business, Geph. Get back to work.

I know you are up to something. So, unless you want me to raise my concerns with Lord Lucifer, you’d better let me in on whatever you are planning.

The fool had balls, he’d give him that. Shame they weren’t going to save him. Go in there, he said, pointing to a nearby cave, and we’ll talk. When the idiot began walking towards it, Daxzus shook his head. The idiotic demon actually believed he would roll over, divulge everything? Proved he had no brains, so his death wouldn’t be a great loss.

Pain rolled through him as he uncrossed his arms and began to follow Geph. Small rocks of brimstone crunched under his boots as he walked. Each step forward brought the young one closer to his end. As he reached the entrance he paused, giving himself a moment to prepare for the carnage he was about to unleash. The only thing the young one would get from him was a painful death.

The sound of bones breaking and flesh being torn from a headless body drifted out of the cave as he walked away, leaving a trail of blood behind as it dripped from his fingers. Let the Hell Hound puppies enjoy their unexpected snack. Saved him the trouble of disposing of the remains.

He glanced at the black blood before lifting his right hand to lick it away. Once it was clean he did the same with the left. Why waste it? It helped ease the lingering pain in his back, and removed evidence of his actions. His slightly upbeat mood vanishing as the absence of noise reached him on returning to where the door was situated. Where was the annoying chorus of pickaxe against stone? He hadn’t given permission for a break? So someone better have a bloody good explanation for the silence. The sight which greeted him had him wishing he could go back and flay the dead body some more.  No holiday has been declared, so get back to fucking work.

We’ve finished, called one as the assembled group broke apart to reveal a now uncovered door.

I’ll be the judge of that. Striding between the two sections he reached his target. A close inspection showed raised images on the metal which seemed to run all the way to the base. There were a few small rocks still to be shifted from that area, but not enough to hide anything of significance. He was amazed the whole thing had remained undamaged after being hidden behind such a large amount of rock. His fascination placed to one side he looked it over again, this time searching for a way to open it. And it was then he discovered a problem. Knowing how their ruler hated them, he knew delivering what he’d discovered would go down about as well as a demon in Heaven. It couldn’t be avoided though. All he could do was hope whatever anger his report sparked didn’t get taken out on him again.

CHAPTER TWO

Flexing his shoulders, Lucifer smiled as pain from the scratches and claw marks he bore on his chest and back travelled through him. All of which were provided curtesy of his companions who had succeeded in fulfilling all his demands to the letter. With fresh clothing manifested on, he left his bedmates to enjoy one another’s company, his intention being to check on the prisoners held in his private cells to share his presently good mood with them by pulling out a few of his toys to torture them with. He didn’t want them to think he’d forgotten about them and their due punishments. To reach them he had to return to the throne room and access the doorway from there. The second he left his bedroom he detected Arariel’s presence outside the main doors as usual – and the field marshal’s.  Aware Daxzus would only bother him if it concerned his present task, he walked over to the dais then opened them with a wave of his hand. What is it? he asked as the two entered.

My lord, the field marshal has information regarding his assignment.

 Well? he demanded, glaring at the male who promptly dropped to one knee. What news do you have?

The door has been fully exposed. However, there is a… problem.

A problem?  You are well aware I do not like problems. They annoy me and cause pain for the one responsible for them.

It isn’t my fault, Dark Prince.

I’ll decide whether it is or isn’t once you’ve told me the form it has taken.

The door…possesses neither a handle nor a keyhole with which to open it.

What the fuck? How could he gain access to what rested on the other side if he couldn’t bloody well open it?  He had to see for himself. Discover if what the fool staring at the dark marble floor said was true. Just once I’d like things to be uncomplicated, he fumed as he strode past the two males and out of the room.

Demons scattered in all directions as Lucifer stormed through their ranks. He figured their moves were more out of the way of self-preservation than anything else. Proved some of them retained wits enough to protect their asses. His long stride finally brought him to the barrier between himself and his goal, and for the first time he got a good look at what he had searched so long for. Heaven, Earth, and Hell, he whispered, tracing one raised image of an angel being tossed from Heaven with his fingers. A visual reminder of what had led to him ruling the realm he stood in. You never cease to tire of finding ways to remind me of how you treated me so callously. Believe me when I say they are neither wanted nor needed. There was no time to focus on the injustice done to him, his attention should be fixed on the here and now. To that end he took a step back to confirm what he’d been told. His temper spiking as the truth glared at him. How am I supposed to damn well open it when there is no visible keyhole?

That is a problem.

He spun around and pinned the field marshal to the wall with a wave of his hand. It seems that whatever brains you possessed have vanished. My question was rhetorical, therefore it required neither an answer or your input. Get to serving your punishment in the Hell Mares stables. I’m sure by now they have a ton load of shit for you to shovel. Unless you want to continue and have me increase the time spent with them?

N…no.

Then be silent and get to your new duties.  As for the rest of you, he said, releasing his hold on the demon and striding away, get out of my fucking sight and go and do something useful for a change.

His walk back did little to cool his temper, but it eased it enough for him to come up with a possible solution to his problem. Just as he reached the outer doors to his private domain he came to a halt. Arariel, drag the seer to me. It’s time she earned the right to continue living.

Lucifer stared at the slight female in chains who stood a few feet from where he sat. No one is to enter while I am speaking with her, he ordered his captain before dismissing him with a nod of his head. Once he’d left and closed the doors behind him, Lucifer turned his full attention to the seer. Tell me, seer. How do I -.

Open the door once covered with brimstone? It requires a specific key. One only to be found among the race of humans.

Being interrupted usually cost the perpetrator their life. In this instance the seer’s words had, for the moment, saved her from that fate. Her answer though didn’t improve his mood. You have presented me with a problem, and you know how much I hate those. How am I to send out searches for the key when I do not know what they look like? Also, when they are finally located and brought here, how will they open the door?

"To locate them is a relatively simple task. The key is a vessel for a celestial light. One visible to creatures born of Heaven and Hell once night falls. Its glow so bright it can be seen cutting through the darkness. Once they are located, confirmation they are the one is