CHAPTER 25

 

 

 

UNWILLING TO INTRUDE on her father during one of his infamous orgies, the Child waited until all of Dis' guests and sycophants had departed. Only then did she walk boldly into his abode, ignoring the furtive looks of the minions who faithfully served him.

"So," bellowed the Underlord, eyeing his daughter appreciatively. "Have you finally cut the apron strings to your mother?"

"There were no strings, Father, and you know it. Mother and I have an understanding."

"I see. An understanding. How civilized. And is that why you've come to see me now? Are we to have an understanding?"

"I think we understand each other quite well. Don't you?"

Dis laughed. She was definitely his daughter, a fact of which he was both proud and wary. The blood in her veins ran hot with power. Having the Underlord as her father would have been more than enough to make her a capable adversary. With his sibling's blood also in her veins through the Twin's creation, Lilith, it provided her with a lineage unique to any other living creature. She possessed a potent mixture of two of the most powerful beings in existence, creating infinite possibilities.

Had she been anyone else but his daughter, Dis would have immediately destroyed her, ridding himself of a potential rival. Instead he was curious: curious about her plans to dethrone him, of which he was well aware, and curious about his own feelings concerning her. The Underlord had many offspring, but none stirred his emotions like the Child. Then again, none of his wives had held his attention or affection like Lilith.

Like mother like child,he mused silently before answering her question. "Yes, I believe we do," he said, motioning for Caelene to sit. "I'm sure this isn't a daughterly visit. What can I do for you?"

He poured one of his favorite drinks, a cold Coke, and handed it to her. Sipping it, the Child smirked.

"You can be so human," she said, indicating the beverage.

"I can be a lot of things." He was amused at her observation. "When I want."

"A warning, Father?"

"Why would I need to warn you of anything?"

"Why indeed," Caelene said, enjoying the verbal duel but realizing it was going nowhere.

Dis sat down across from her, crossed his legs, and relaxed against the backrest. His brightly polished burgundy hooves glistened, reflecting the dancing flames from within the fireplace. Reaching down, he flicked a small object off his right hoof.

"It's so hard to get good help these days," he said absent-mindedly. "You'd think after all this time my staff would be able to keep this place clean."

Caelene shrugged. "You want the impossible. The Underworld isn't any different than other realms."

"Ah. The voice of experience. And just how much traveling have you done since your release?"

"You're getting old, Father. You forget that I spent an eternity observing worlds."

"I don't forget anything, daughter, but observing isn't the same as experiencing, now is it? Enough of the verbal sparring. Why are you here?"

"And I was just beginning to enjoy this little duel. Perhaps another time. I want to talk to the Twin."

Dis stared at his offspring, his chocolate brown eyes giving no indication of his thoughts. If the Child had been able to read his mind, she would have had the satisfaction of knowing she had jolted him from his normal complacency. Fortunately for Dis, he was a master at concealing both thoughts and emotions.

"And why would you want to do that?" he asked, his deep baritone voice indicating nothing more than curiosity.

"That's my business."

"I see. Then I guess this little chat is over."

Now it was Caelene's turn to be surprised. She had expected her father to show more curiosity. Disappointed, she realized that if she left now, the topic could never be broached again. Once the Underlord dismissed something, it became a dead issue. She sat silently, battling over her desire to confront the Twin and her reluctance to open up to her father. Dis watched his daughter's face and knew he had won. Although she would have appeared stoic to anyone else, he was a master at reading expressions. Lilith was the only person who had managed to frustrate him. He never knew what she was thinking or feeling unless she wanted him to. Thankfully, Caelene hadn't inherited or learned that particularly unpleasant skill.

"I have questions," the Child blurted out and then bit her lower lip, regretting the temporary loss of control.

Dis smiled faintly. So old and still a child. But a dangerous one. "What questions? Perhaps I can answer them."

"You can't."

"Can't, or you just don't want me to?"

Caelene hesitated before answering. It was true Dis could probably answer her questions, but she wanted more. She wanted to meet the Twin, the creator of her mother, to understand what type of person her uncle was, to know the one whose blood ran through her veins.

"Both. You could probably answer most of my questions, maybe all, but you can't give me the one thing he can."

"Which is?"

"The personal experience. The one-on-one, face-to-face feeling you get meeting someone for the first time."

"That's it?" Dis knew there was more, but really didn't expect the Child to answer his question. He was surprised she had given him that much.

"That's it," Caelene said, aware that her father wasn't fooled by her lie.

"What makes you think he wants to see you? I imagine you're not one of his most favorite people, even if you are kin."

"I'm not asking permission, Father. I just want to know how to reach him. I can take care of the rest."

Dis threw back his head and laughed. The sound carried to all the corners of the Underworld, causing its inhabitants to stop what they were doing and listen. It was rare that anything amused their master to that extent.

"You certainly have courage, even if you don't have a lot of sense. Even if I told you, it wouldn't help. No one sees him unless he wants them to... well, except me," Dis said, smirking. "Blood trumps blood."

The Child thought about those three words and smiled. It was the key she needed.

"Don't be so quick to assume things, daughter. Your blood isn't pure. You would never get past the barriers, even if you knew where they were."

"Then why don't you tell me, if it's so impossible."

"I'm tempted, if for no other reason than to see you try," Dis said, intrigued by the thought of Lilith's child confronting her mother's creator. It certainly would stir things up in his world.

"Will you help me?"

"I'll think about it."

"When will I know?"

"When I tell you my decision, no sooner. Now, I think we have enjoyed each other's company enough, don't you?"

The Child knew she wasn't getting anything more out of her father. She would have to await his decision. She hoped he would tell her, but if he didn't, she would find the pathway on her own.

"As you wish, Father," she said, reluctantly.

Rising, she placed the glass on a nearby stand and departed, leaving her sire both amused and contemplative. Perhaps that was why he hadn't noticed the arrival of another during his chat with his daughter, or perhaps the energy emanating from two such powerful entities masked the arrival. Once Caelene was gone, though, he immediately sensed a presence.

"Traveler," he boomed, his voice deep and commanding. "Show yourself."

Saira complied immediately, but wasn't intimidated by the Underlord. It was more a sign of respect for a First Born. As powerful as Dis was, he had no power over her; no one did.

"Underlord," she said, tipping her head to acknowledge his position.

"It's been a long time, Traveler. What brings you here uninvited? Are there no others more interesting that call to you?"

"Apparently not. Would I be here if there were?"

Dis motioned for her to sit. "It appears today I'm going to be plagued by females. All I need now is for Lilith to show up, and my day will be perfect."

*  *  *

Saira had a premonition that his day was about to become just that, once the demoness learned of her daughter's desire to meet the Twin. At this very moment, one of his less-than-loyal minions was scurrying off to inform her of the meeting between the Child and her father. Dis had long ago realized that many of his followers had grown fond of his ex-wife and had switched allegiances, and he was aware of who they were. Instead of replacing them, though, he found it amusing to let them be since Lilith had no intention of ever usurping his power. Besides, if the news brought her back to the Underworld for the occasional visit, he didn't object. She was still the most fascinating and beautiful demoness he had ever met and perhaps the only person he had ever really passionately loved.

"So, again, why are you here?"

"At this time I can only guess, but I imagine such a momentous meeting between you and the Child is enough to attract a lot of attention, if it were known."

"I'm beginning to think everything that happens here is known," the Underlord growled. "Whatever happened to privacy? One would think as supreme ruler of this realm, I, at least, could have some."

"One would think," Saira agreed, smiling slightly. The Child was right. Dis could seem so human at times. "I apologize for the intrusion, but as you know, I go where I must."

"Yes. Yes. We've done this before. I guess I should be happy that Lilith was your last attraction. Otherwise, I fear I would be plagued regularly by your visits. Do you still not consume food and liquids?" he asked unexpectedly.

Surprised at the sudden change of topic, Saira shook her head. "Time changes many things, but that's one thing that even it can't alter, although I sometimes wish I could sample such things as food and liquid. Perhaps then I would understand your cravings for such human things as Cokes."

Dis smirked. "A small weakness. Nothing more."

"But a huge confession. The Underlord isn't supposed to have weaknesses."

"Everyone has weaknesses. It's what makes life worth living. I just happen to have fewer than the rest."

"Fewer than the Twin?"

Dis stared at her for a few seconds, contemplating the question. "I guess that would be a matter of opinion. Contrary to what many think, my twin isn't perfect. His little experiment with humanity proves that."

"An experiment with which you interfered."

"My interferenceoccurred afterthings started to go wrong. Lilith had already evolved well beyond his expectations. She would never have survived in that stagnant world he created."

"Are you so sure, Underlord? Would she not have helped Adam to evolve faster? He was suffering his own growing pains."

"True. Why do you think my twin wanted her returned? He knew she was necessary to complete his experiment. She had exceeded even his expectations, but he was hoping that in time Adam would catch up."

"He would have," Saira said.

"Yes, but at what cost to her? How long was she expected to wait? Should she have sacrificed her own principles to suit my twin's needs?"

"You sound so sanctimonious, Underlord. Surely you don't want me to believe your reasons for abducting her were pure?"

"Pure?" Dis threw back his head and roared his laughter. "Of course they were. Pure lust. Pure envy. I coveted my brother's creation, and I enjoyed messing with his mind. Having Lilith satisfied both. She was perfect. Beautiful, intelligent, and innocent. It's an irresistible combination to someone like me."

"Only it backfired, didn't it? She challenged you in ways no male or female ever had, and she grew to know you better than you know yourself. You're lucky she never wanted your throne."

"That was never a possibility," Dis replied. "Like I said, she was perfect. Lilith was many things, but she was never that ambitious."

"Unlike the Child."

The remark brought Dis' thoughts back to Caelene's visit.

"So it would seem. My daughter obviously shares more of my traits than her mother's. One day, she'll be a force to be reckoned with."

"Are you worried?"

Dis shrugged nonchalantly. "Not really. All things are eventually replaced by something or someone else. I would hope that one of my blood would become the next Underlord. Caelene would be my choice. At the moment, though, I think that's highly unlikely."

"And her wish to meet the Twin? Are you going to help her?"

"She's within her rights to demand it. It's not within my power to grant such a meeting. Only my twin can do that."

"But you can show her the way."

"Yes."

"Then I'm done here," Saira said, rising from her chair.

Dis nodded his understanding. Once Saira had her answers, she had to move on. "Until the next time then, Traveler."

"Until the next time," Saira said, and then she was gone.

*  *  *

The Child paced back and forth impatiently. Waiting was never one of her outstanding qualities, even though she had spent an eternity trapped in the Netherworld. If Father didn't give her an answer soon, she'd have no choice but to search for the path on her own.

"I see patience isn't one of your strong points," Dis said, walking in unannounced.

"And knocking isn't one of yours."

"Like daughter like father, wouldn't you say?"

Caelene couldn't argue the point so she ignored the comment. "Have you made your decision?"

"Yes, although your mother isn't going to like it."

"Mother has nothing to do with this."

"Lilith will think differently. You just make sure you tell her this was your idea. I don't want that demon spitfire nagging me for the next thousand years."

"Please, Father. Don't tell me you're afraid of her."

"Trust me, daughter. Lilith is the one person that no one should cross. I may be the Underlord, but she's more than capable of making my life pure hell."

Caelene snorted, but suspected Dis wasn't exaggerating. Lilith was a force unto herself when she was angry.

"Deal. If Mother finds out, I'll make sure she knows I forced you to help me."

It was Dis' turn to snort, but then he gave Caelene precise directions to the gateway to the Overworld.

"Remember. Just because you make it to the gateway doesn't mean you'll gain entry. Only my brother can open it."

"And you."

"I don't need a gateway. As twins, we have a connection that prevents exclusion. He thinks of it as a curse." Dis laughed. "I've always thought of it as a great way to annoy him. Dropping in uninvited so frustrates him."

"I know the feeling," the Child said.

"I'm beginning to," Dis replied.

"Point taken, Father. Next time I'll be sure to announce myself."

"Make certain you do. I've been extremely tolerant of the continuous comings and goings around here. My patience is at an end."

The stern look in the Underlord's eyes was enough to tell the Child that he was serious. Her father had mellowed over the ages, but she wasn't fooled into thinking he had grown weaker. Dis was more powerful than ever because he had learned to control his anger and focus only on those things that were real threats to him or his domain.

The Underworld was like a well-oiled machine. Each minion or demon knew his place and what was expected of him, and as long as they did their jobs, their master overlooked the mischief they managed on their own.

Turning, Dis left the room without saying another word.

The path to the gate would have been confusing for anyone. Only because of Dis' precise instructions was the Child able to reach the gate leading to the Overworld. Even though her sire had told her that it was unguarded, she was still surprised when no one challenged her at the entrance. She quickly found out why.

A large golden arch glistened in the bright light surrounding it. Through the archway, Caelene could see shadows moving around but nothing specific. She touched the invisible barrier with her fingertips and was immediately propelled backward. Stunned, she approached it again and leaned forward, trying to figure some way to breach the barrier. Hesitantly, she touched it again only to find herself once more on her butt several feet away.

"I won't be stopped, if that's your intent," she said aloud.

"You will never be allowed to enter here," a deep voice replied. "Go home."

The Child recognized that voice. It was so similar to her father's, it could only be the Twin.

"I don't want to enter that place. I've come to talk to you."

"And what made you think I would talk to you, Child? Haven't you done enough damage?"

Caelene was surprised that the Twin spoke so bluntly, but without animosity. She had been sure he would still be angry with her for corrupting Eve.

"That was a long time ago," the Twin said. "I've changed."

"Have you?"

The laughter that followed made her uncomfortable. It sounded so much like Dis and yet held nothing more than humor. "Alright," Caelene said. "All things change. I've grown older and wiser."

"And more ambitious. But that's not my problem, is it? It's my brother who needs to keep an eye on you, not I. What brings you here?"

"I wanted to meet my mother's creator. I think I'm entitled."

"You're entitled to nothing from me. I had nothing to do with your conception, even if you are the offspring of one of my creations."

For the first time, the Child sensed she had hit a nerve. Although almost imperceptible, she still noticed a slight change in tone.

"I'd say that makes you partially responsible, whether you admit it or not," she said.

"Go back to where you came from, little girl. I don't have time to mince words with the likes of you."

It was Caelene's turn to laugh. "The likes of me? What are you afraid of, uncle? That I might take you away from another one of your experiments? Surely you can spare a few moments for your own niece. I'm sure you must be a little curious about me. After all, it was your tinkering that made me possible."

"Do you think your petty efforts to anger me will get you what you want? I know exactly what you're trying to do, and it won't work. Now go away before I'm forced to send you back to the Underworld."

"Do it and I'll just come back, and I'll keep coming back until you talk to me. You know what I'm capable of."

"Yes, unfortunately, I do, as well as everyone else. You ruined one of my greatest experiments."

The Child snorted. "It was ruined before I came along. Mother is proof of that."

"Thanks to my brother. Had he not interfered, my children would still be here."

"Children? They were your creations, not your offspring. Besides, the way I hear it, Mother was already unhappy."

"She would have adjusted."

"Mother would never have adjusted as you so quaintly put it. She wanted nothing more than equality, and you denied her that."

"In time she would have received it."

The lack of emotion in his tone told Caelene that the Twin was growing bored with the conversation.

"In time? She was Adam's equal the moment you made them. All she asked was that Adam treat her that way."

"Adam needed time. She should have been more patient. I would have given her what she wanted, eventually."

"Eventually wasn't good enough. Mother needed your support then. Had you been there for her, Adam would have accepted your word. She asked so little of you, and yet you failed her. Because of that, you failed Adam and humanity," the Child said boldly. The Twin's growing impatience didn't intimidate her.

"And when," the Twin said, "did you become humanity's champion? Because of your interference, I banished Adam and Eve from Paradise. You stand there and judge me as though you had no fault in any of this. If you'd minded your own business, my chil... my creations would have evolved and been happy."

You just don't get it, Caelene thought. "They would never have been happy in your perfect world."

"We'll never know for sure, will we?" the Voice said.

The Child knew he was right.

"It would seem we're at an impasse," the Twin said, "and I really don't need to waste words on a child. You know nothing about experiments. They take time. Go back to your home and grow up, little girl. Only then will I be willing to listen to your ramblings."

Furious at his dismissal, Caelene was about to respond when she suddenly found herself back in her living room in the Underworld. Dis was standing in front of the fireplace. Caelene started to speak, but he held up his hand.

"Wait," he said.

Although she wanted to rebel, her instincts told her to obey. The Underlord nodded his approval and then looked past her right shoulder as if waiting for someone. Within seconds, the air shimmered and Saira appeared.

"Somehow, I knew you couldn't resist this one," Dis said and then chuckled.

"You're beginning to know me too well, Underlord," Saira replied. "How are you doing, Caelene?" She moved to stand next to the small demoness.

"Great, an audience. Just what I need."

"I suggest you get used to it." Dis smirked. "Or stick to a very mundane existence. So, daughter, how was your little visit with my twin?"

"Pfffft! I think I would have been better off not meeting him. My expectations were greater than the reality."

"Aren't they always?" Saira said.

"He talked to me like I was a child."

The slight stamp of her small hoof amused Dis, but he knew better than to remark on it. "He does the same thing to me," he said. "You would think he was the elder."

"I thought he was. Everyone thinks he is," Caelene said.

"Everyone may be right. Neither of us knows for sure, and personally, it makes no difference to me. I just make the claim that I'm elder to irritate him. I enjoy bringing some excitement and controversy into his life. Now it looks like he has someone new to keep him stirred up a little." Dis laughed at the thought. Knowing how focused his brother was on his experiments, Dis found it satisfying to know he had given him such a legacy.

"Well, if I have my way, it'll be more than a little. No one treats me like he did. And if he thinks sending me back here is going to stop me, he's got another thought coming."

"Leave it alone, daughter. Now isn't the time to take him on."

"You doubt my powers?"

"No. I know you're powerful, but I also know my twin. You're not a match for him... yet."

"Is this wise?" Saira asked.

"Wise, Traveler?" Dis thought about it for a few moments. "Perhaps not, but wisdom and truth can follow different paths. You, better than anyone, know this."

"I know that you're playing a dangerous game. One that may have bigger consequences than even you can imagine."

The Underlord shrugged. "You know me. I never plan for the future, only for the moment. It's today that matters, and today isn't the right time for the Child to test her powers."

"You talk about me as if I didn't exist," Caelene said. "I will not be treated like a child by you either."

"Then don't act like one," Dis said sternly. "I'm your father, but more important, I'm your master. You will do as I say, or I'll send you back to the Netherworld. Do you understand, Caelene?"

The use of her real name by Dis surprised her and reinforced the seriousness of his words. But more convincing than the words was the look in his chocolate brown eyes. The fires of hell burned brightly, making it difficult for even her to meet and challenge his gaze. Before her stood the real Underlord: high demon of the Underworld, lord and master of his domain. Only once before had she aroused his wrath, and she had paid dearly for it. Now wasn't the time to challenge him. She bowed her head. "As you command... sire."

The words left a bitter taste in her mouth, something of which Dis was well aware.

"Good." He nodded his approval. "You know your place. There's hope for you yet."

Turning his back toward the Child, he winked at Saira and then once again assumed the serious, stoic face of supreme ruler.

"Now, I have more important matters to attend to. If you two will excuse me, my guests are waiting." He strolled to the door and looked once more toward Caelene. "You may be of my blood, but don't make the mistake of thinking it gives you any advantages. I'm aware of your powers, Child, just as you are aware of mine. Disobey me on this matter, and I'll destroy you. Even my fondness for your mother won't stop me. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly." Caelene's eyes flashed rebelliously.

The Underlord stepped through the door and left.

"Arrogant bastard," Caelene said.

The booming laughter from beyond the room made it clear he had heard her.

Saira watched in amusement while the demoness angrily paced back and forth. As a child, Caelene had experienced the unforgiving wrath of the Underlord. As an adult, he had made sure she remembered the lesson.

"This isn't over," she said.

"I don't imagine it is."

Glancing at Saira, Caelene frowned. "Have you ever met the Twin?"

"No. His is a path I've been unable to follow."

"And yet you found Father."

"The Underlord has never been reclusive. He enjoys life too much. Many threads lead to him."

"Surely his threads must connect to his brother."

"They do, up to a point, but they stop at the gateway to the Overworld."

"How can that be? Time has no barriers. There's no physicality to it. Besides, Father doesn't have any problems crossing the gateway."

"I suspect it has to do with having the same blood. Whatever the reason, it has nothing to do with the threads."

"Well, there has to be another way through the gateway, and I'll find it."

"I believe you," Saira said, and she did. She also knew she would be there when the Child broke that barrier. Interesting times were ahead. "When that moment comes, I'll be watching."

"I'm beginning to understand Father's frustrations," Caelene said. "Having you drop in uninvit —"

Before she could finish her sentence, Saira was gone.

"Hell! I'm beginning to appreciate humans more and more. At least they have an excuse for their rudeness."

Caelene walked to a small red cabinet near the fireplace, opened its door, and peered inside. Several shelves held shiny red cans covered with a thin layer of frost. She grabbed one, closed the door, and sat down in her favorite chair. After popping the top, she took a few sips and leaned back, staring at the Coke label.

"Like father like daughter," she said and then giggled. Contrary to how it seemed, the Child looked forward to an interesting and exciting future.

*  *  *

Saira touched the familiar thread and smiled, knowing a new story definitely was brewing. It was only a matter of time before she returned to see how it ended. Until then, the present awaited her return, for already the past called to her with a compelling tug.
 

The End