What would you do if you found out that you were the child of Lucifer and what is basically an immortal woman? Will you rale against Fate? Would you curse God for who your parents were? Would you face the oncoming battle for your soul with a smile? Would you curl up in a ball and hope that it was all a dream? That is the problem facing one young man as his reality changes.

---

Chapter 21
Dealing with family.
White Sands, New Mexico.

“Man talk about being hot.” I complained as I appeared on the mortal realm in the center of White Sands, New Mexico. I had always wanted to see the massive 145,762 acre park since I first saw it in the opening of the movie Convoy starring Kris Kristofferson. This gypsum dune field is the largest of its kind on Earth, with a depth of about 30 feet, dunes as tall as 60 feet, and about 4.5 billion short tons of gypsum sand. “But it is beautiful.”

“I’m happy that you approve Ashley.” Micheal said as he appeared beside me. “It does remind me of Sodom and Gomorrah following God’s wrath.”

“I would have thought that the Utah Salt Flats would be a better comparison Uncle Mike. I mean didn’t God turn that whole area into a massive pillar of salt.” I told him as I looked around.

“Only Lot’s wife was turned into salt. That was done as a warning to Lot and his daughters. As for Sodom and Gomorrah themselves. They were destroyed to the last. Think about it this way. God dropped a set of thermonuclear MERVs on the area.” Micheal told me bluntly. “That is the closest example I have.”

“Damn talk about getting pissed.” I chuckled only to see pain flash through Micheal’s eyes. “You were there. I’m sorry Uncle Micheal.”

“At least that time he held back. Ashley in your new life you’ll find that most angels have blood tipped wings. God does not send a devil to do his dirty work. When He wants to set an example. He sends an angel. Usually, it is one of his Angels of Death. Sometimes it is something small. Like a sniper in a church or clock tower. Other times it is a bomb delivered by a fighter jet or one of your modern bombers. For the really big shit though He uses an Angel of Death. As much as I hate to say this about a fellow Angel. Those boys and girls in Azrael’s crew tend to get carried away.” Micheal told me.

“Who?” I asked him in confusion. Mainly because I’ve never heard of an Archangel by that name. In everything I’ve studied concerning the religions of the world. The only one that I’ve found to give a name to death was the ancient religions of the Mediterranean.

“That would be me.” The voice sent a chill down my spine that not even the hottest fires in Hell could drive away. As I turned around I found myself face to face with an extremely beautiful man. I could tell right away that this angel wasn’t normal. The sheer power he radiated was godlike.

“Nice to meet you sir.” I crocked out around the lump that suddenly formed in my throat. I didn’t know whether to cringe in fear or jump his bones.

“I’m impressed Azrael. I’ve yet to see one of our brothers or sisters that has received even the minimum amount of respect from her.” Micheal chuckled.

“I doubt that brother. I can still see the fire of defiance in our niece’s eyes. Though unlike her father it is not one of rebellion but of questioned motives. I must say that I find her attitude refreshing.” Azrael chuckled. “I especially liked how she keeps thumbing her nose to those stuff shirted self-important Judges of the Dead.”

“Don’t encourage her brother. Lucifer and I have enough headaches because of her as is. Do you know how much trouble she has caused with her unilateral judgements? She has absolutely no respect for authority.” Micheal grumbled as I stuck my tongue out and blew him a raspberry. “See what I mean?”

“Uncle Mike if you want me to obey the rules. Then clean up your sloppy as shit operations. In the last fifteen days I have sent twenty-three lost souls to Heaven. While capturing fifteen escaped souls from Hell.” I told him bluntly. “I won’t even go into the number of lost souls that I found at places like Auschwitz, Dachau, Sevvostlag, Solovki, the Killing Fields of Cambodian, Srebrenica, Andersonville, and all of the other sites around the world where similar genocidal war crimes took place.”

“Do not blame your uncle or father for those lost souls Ashley. If you want to blame anyone for those Lost Souls. Blame me and my angels.” Azrael said quietly. “War and all of its facets falls under my purview.”

“Then I suggest that you get your shit together, buddy.” I snarled and rounded on the Archangel of Death. “Because there are far too many souls haunting those places for my people to clean up. We’re supposed to be hunting down escapees from Hell. Not deciding on where souls should be going.”

“I have to agree with her Azrael. Even my people have been overwhelmed with these tragedies. There must be a better way of dealing with your actions.” Michael told him coldly.

“That old saying of ‘Kill them all and let God sort them out’ is wrong Azrael. He doesn’t to the sorting. It’s me and my Hunters along with Michael’s people who do the sorting.” I told Azrael. “I don’t know how many ghosts my people have been forced to send to their eternal reward. Just to be able to capture one escapee. I won’t even go into the bullshit they have to deal with when they chase an escapee onto a battlefield.”

“I can only offer my apologies on this matter young Huntress. Before the advent of guns and the Industrial age of war. My people were able to keep up with influx. Mankind has been able to outstrip our capacity for collection.” Azrael told me as he looked out across the gleaming white sands. “Humans may blame me and my people for what happens during a war. The truth is they are the true masters of their own destruction.”

“As fascinating as this discussion is gentlemen. I would really like to get this little test over with.” I told them both.

“Agreed.” Azrael said with a smile as he waved his hand. To my surprise a Go board appeared along with three chairs, table, and three mugs of beer with an extra-large thin crust meat-lovers pizza. Azrael turned to me smiling. “I heard from Uriel that if I wanted to challenge you. We should play Go.”

“I would normally cry foal, but I did say that.” I chuckled before turning to Uncle Michael. “I thought that you would be my opponent?”

“I believe in a level playing field Ashley. Also, your father made a point during your little meeting the other day. If I were to test you for Humility you would fail before we even started. He reminded me that you were part dragoniod. Your very nature is to be proud, self-assured, and defiant of authority. To judge you for being yourself would be to judge you unfairly. It’s as the great bard said. Above all else to thy own self be true.” Michael said with a grin as he picked up one of the beer mugs. After taking a deep drink from the beer he sighed. “Truly the nectar of the gods.”

“I thought angels weren’t supposed to drink?” I asked in confusion as I sat down and with my own mug. After taking a drink I looked up at Azrael. “No offence to your tastes Azrael, but wouldn’t Lone Star beer be a better choice than Coors? I mean we are in New Mexico. This part of the country is kind of like Lone Star’s backyard isn’t it?”

“I’ll have you know young lady that is New Mexico State Fair Beer. I may not always appreciate a fine Scotch or Whiskey like your father, but I do know my beers. When it comes to beers, the breweries of New Mexico know how to deliver a taste that perfectly complements the easy-going lifestyle of its residents.” Azrael said before taking a drink of his own mug. “And at the top of the list of local favorites is the renowned New Mexico Standard Beer. This lighter, crushable brew is designed to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, reflecting the laid-back attitude that defines the Land of Mañana.”

“I got to say Azrael. You’re definitely not what I would picture as the Archangel of Death.” I said before taking a drink of my own mug. “Shall we flip for the choice of stones?”

“Not at all. I am a firm believer in chivalry. Lady’s choice.” He told me with a soft chuckle. “Besides I know better than to tempt Fate. Our sister is a fickle bitch at the best of times.”

“I HEAR THAT!” A feminine voice boomed before there was a flash of light and a second archangel appeared. Only this one was female and just as beautiful as any goddess. As I gazed at her curves I realized that I was having the same problem that I had with Azrael. I didn’t know which I wanted to do more. Jump her bones or run away in fear. She was dressed in a gray Gracian style dress that bared her shoulders while hugging a very feminine figure with the curves in all the right places. “Hello young Princess of Hell. I am the Archangel of Fate, Itherael, angel of the High Heavens and lore keeper of the Angiris Council. Wieldier of Talus'ar, the Scroll of Fate.”

“Oh man. Can this day get in crazier?” I grumbled before placing my first stone. “To what do I owe this visit?”

“Oh no, dear. I’m not here for you. I heard my Word used by this malcontent and had to investigate.” She said as a mug of beer appeared in her hand. After taking a drink she looked down at Azrael. “I must say brother. This is a treat. I had no idea that humans could produce such fine alcohol.”

“I keep telling you Itherael. You need to get out of the tower of yours more often.” Michael told her with a grin as Azrael placed his first stone. “If you really want to taste something amazing. Try the pizza.”

“Is that a Long Horn pizza’s carnivore?” I asked with a smile then placed my next stone. “Because if it is. You better leave some for me.”

“It is. Though how would you know about Long Horn pizza Ashley?” Azrael asked as he placed his next stone.

“Helga took me there following a capture last week.” I answered with a grin as I placed my next stone. “You know that a game of Go can last for hours?”

“Of course. This is a real thinking man’s game. According to legend two generals for Cao Mao, who was the first Emperor of Wei, played one game that lasted for three days. The stakes were quite high at the time.” Azrael said as he placed his next stone.

“What were they playing for?” I asked and set my next stone.

“The loser would have his head chopped off.” Michael told me as I took a drink of my beer. He timed his answer perfectly as I sprayed beer all over the front of Itherael. “Prefect.”

“MICHAEL! I’m sending you the cleaning bill!” She screamed.

“Oh, please Itherael. Just take care of it already.” Azrael snorted. “It’s not like you couldn’t see that coming.”

“Uncle Mikey that was wrong. You could have waited until after I swallowed for that joke.” I grumbled.

“That was not a joke Ashley. They were actually playing for their lives. I should knew. I was there.” Michael told me bluntly.

“Why in the world, were they doing something that crazy?” I asked in shock as I placed my next stone. I could already tell by the way the stones were falling that I would lose to Azrael. The best I could hope for was a tie. Now way was I going to beat him. He was just too good.

“For power and prestige. Simple as that.” Azrael told me as he placed his next stone. “Military commanders of the Wei Kingdom were some of the most respected men of their time. As the supreme general for the kingdom, they would be second only to the Emperor.”

“Okay I can see that, but why kill the loser?” I asked.

“Politics were very brutal in the ancient world. It was not uncommon for a king or queen to have an advisor beheaded before their court.” Itherael told me as she waved her hand in front of her dress resorting it to original condition. “There that’s better. Oh, and they were playing for more than the position of supreme general. The Emperor had also offered the hand of his oldest daughter in marriage plus her weight in gold to the winner.”

“Okay I can see risking my life for something like that.” I said and placed my next stone. “My question is why did they use a game of Go?”

“Ah yes. For that I have to give credit to the Emperor. You see the two generals in question were willing to wage war for the position. So, to prevent this Cao Mao invited both men to his castle. There he placed a Go board between the two men. Once they had taken their places at the board and made their first moves he gave them the terms of the game. When they went to leave the board Cao Mao warned them that should they not finish the game or play in interest. His archers would end both of their lives.” Azrael told me as he placed his next stone.

“Can you give me any other examples where a game was used to decide the fate of a nation?” I asked as I placed my next stone.

“Several hundred, my dear niece.” Itherael told me as she placed a plate with several slices of pizza next to me. “Though I believe that the poker games between Secretary of State Hamilton Fish and Ulysses S. Grant had the greatest impact on a nation’s future. They say that more foreign-policy decisions were made over a poker during Grant’s administration than any other in the history of this great nation.”

“I thought only Harry Truman played poker.” I told her.

“Not hardly Ashley. Of the American Presidents fifteen were known to hold a weekly poker game. I believe than it was Eisenhower that brought the game of golf to the office. Even though the stakes are not as high as they once were. A great many political decisions have been made on the golf links of the nation. How many were decided by a side bet between the President and his party is unknown. Even to me.” Itherael told me as she took a drink of her beer. “Though there is one decision that was decided by a game of chance that had more impact on history than any other.”

“What was that?” I asked and placed my next stone before grabbing a slice of pizza. “Damn this is good.”

“It was the invasion of China by Genghis Khan. I wasn’t there and neither was Michael, but according to legend Genghis Khan decided to invade China because he lost a roll of the dice to his brother.” Itherael told me.

“That must have been some roll of the bones.” I grumbled as I placed my next stone. “How many people died during his invasion?”

“No one really knows. I do know that my people spent four centuries cleaning up that mess.” Azrael grumbled and set his stone. Then to my surprise he waved his hand again and a tent appeared. I for one was grateful for the shade that it provided against the blazing sun.

Over the next four hours we sat playing Go while eating pizza and drinking beer. Our conversation ranged all over the place. We talked of politics, religion, sports, and how they were all interconnected with the way people viewed the world around them. As the last two stones were played I realized that I had forced Azrael into a tie. I had done the impossible.

“Well done Ashley. I have not had such a fascinating game in centuries. We really must do this again.” Azrael told me before turning to Michael. “Brother I must say. If our niece had not obeyed the Commandment of Honoring thy mother and father. She would surely have been raise amongst our numbers.”

“Even with having Lucifer as my father?” I asked.

“All are equal in the eyes of God, child.” Itherael told me with a smile. “And therefore, all are worthy of redemption.”

“Tell that me again when I’m knocking on the Pearl Gates.” I snarked.

“If you doubt us, Ashley. I suggest you ask your older brother and sister.” Michael told with a lopsided grin as he snapped his fingers and two unknown angels appeared. “Allow me to introduce them.”

“Hold on here brother. If anybody is going to introduce my child. It will be me.” Lucifer said as he appeared behind me. I was surprised as Lucifer stepped over and hugged the two angels. “It is good to see you two.”

“Hi dad.” The male angel said as he returned Lucifer’s hug. “I was hoping that you would have introduced me to our baby sister before now.”

“I agree with Stan, daddy. Why have you waited so long before introducing Ashley?” The female angel asked as she gave Lucifer a hug in welcome.

“You know the rules Angelica. I cannot summon you to earth or Hell. You cannot summon me to earth or Heaven.” Lucifer told my older sister with a smile. Then the meaning behind her name hit my funny bone. When I giggled my older sister gave me a death glare.

“Go ahead and laugh it up baby sister. Everybody else does.” Angelica sighed before glaring up at Lucifer. “You do know this is your fault?”

“How many times do I have to tell you? I had nothing to do with your mother naming you. If I’m not mistaken Angelica was a very popular name for girls during the eleventh century.” Lucifer told her with a grin as my eyes popped out of my head. Before I could comment Lucifer turned to my older brother. “As for you Stanislov. If I’m not mistaken it was Priest that named you.”

“Yo, you’ll get no argument from me on that account pops. Growing up in the tenth century with my name was a bitch.” Stanislov grumbled.

“Say, dad. Just how many children do you have?” I asked as I thought about the ages of my two older siblings.

“If we count the ones that didn’t join the ranks of immortals. We have twelve older brothers and nine older sisters, Ashley. We are the youngest.” Angelica told me as she gave me a hug. “Welcome to our ranks sister.”

“Thanks, I think. I do have one question to ask. How many of our siblings are like us?” I asked her and returned the hug.

“Only butthead over there and myself. The rest all refused their immortality. Mostly because of the times and places in which they grew up.” She told me. At my look of puzzlement Angelica explained. “For most us the idea of being immortal is considered a sin against God and man.”

“Okay I think I can get my head wrapped around that.” I told her then grinned. “Where are they now?”

“Heaven. Most of them were burned, hung, pressed, beheaded, or drowned after being convicted for being witches.” Stanislov told me with sigh. “I was there for one of our sisters’ trial. I should say torture. That was one of the reasons for me to join the eternal fight against ‘evil’.”

“And when you got to Heaven you found your sister there waiting for you?” I asked him with a nasty grin.

“How did you know?” He asked me.

“Simple. The real enemy isn’t ‘evil’ but the ignorance and hatred of man. It has been the cause of more pain, misery, and death down through history than anything God ever sent down from heaven.” I told him.

“I must say little sister. For one of the ‘damned’ you have a very strange outlook on life.” Angelica told me with a small smile.

“Wait until you have to deal with her when she hunting. Take some advice Anglica. Stay out of her way. Your baby sister has an extremely short tolerance for stupidity. If you doubt me just ask your Uncle Gaberial. Your Aunt Raphael spent five hours repairing her wings and other injuries from their little tussle.” Michael told her chuckling.

“You call that a little tussle?” Azrael asked with a chuckle.

“Trust me brother. I know my youngest daughter. It could have been a lot worse. I’m talking about a second Trinity site.” Lucifer told him.

“I’m not that bad.” I pouted before grinning at the looks that Lucifer and Machael were giving me. “I’m worse.”

“That’s better. There’s the Hellion that I have all come to know and expect when dealing with you Ashley.” Michael said with a chuckle.

“Glade to know that you have certain expectations when dealing with me Uncle Michael. Though right now I would like to know how you little test turned out?” I told him with a grin.

“To be honest, with you Ashley. You could have gone either way. There are times that even I find our way of judging souls to be far too black and white for my tastes. There certain actions that are classified as sins that damn souls to hell for no other reason than some priest or holy man said they were a sin. Then there are all those souls who don’t believe in our system or follow faith that does not adhere to our rules who are arbitrarily damned to Hell for no other reason than their belief. A prim example of this is you and your mother.” Michael told me.

“How do you figure that?” I asked in confusion. “I mean my mother believes in the Goddess Danu. Like the rest of her coven. As for me. I never followed any particular faith. We both know that I have no use for organized religion.”

“Exactly. Because both you and she did not follow a recognized religion. You were condemned to Hell. Never mind the fact that you are both dragonoids. Your people have no such religion or belief. Even though your mother and her people know that gods and goddess are very real. They refuse to accept their absolute authority. Mainly because dragons and dragonoids rival the power of angels, devils, and demons. Some of the older dragons are powerful enough to rival the gods. I won’t even talk about the power of a dragonoid.” Michael told me with a soft chuckle. “Or a half dragonoid, half angel. From what I understand they can beat the shit out of an archangel.”

“Damned straight they can.” Itherael said with a chuckle as she put her arm across my shoulders. “In many ways brother. I believe that our niece will challenge the foundations for a great many faiths.”

“I don’t care about that bullshit. I only care about being fair. The way I see things is simple. The world in not black and white. It’s filled with shades of gray. For example. I have a collection this evening. I know for a fact that the soul shouldn’t be in Hell. Yet she was sent there because she killed the five men who raped her. Men that escaped justice because they said she solicited sex from them. It was a case of they said, she said, the jury believed the men, and they walked away Scott free. Five days later she killed all five of them as they were attempting to rape another woman.” I told them with a sigh. “This all happened in eighteen-ninety-five. Until two days ago that poor woman has been trapped in an endless Hell loop not of her own making as she killed those men over and over. Until she figure out the key to her redemption. Yet she was turned away from the Pearly Gates because she still has the taint of sin on her soul.”

“What will be her fate when you return her to Hell?” Azael asked.

“I will leave fate to you three.” I told them with a grin. “Nothing says I have to return her to Hell.”

“The Law clearly state that killing is a sin.” Michael point out.

“That is just it Uncle Michael. The woman in question is Native American. She never followed the Christian faith. Yet your people sent her to Hell for following the faith of her people. She was never judged by the Great Spirit. Why should she be judged by a faith she never followed in life?” I asked.

“Ashley has a point Uncle Michael. She’s not the only one who questions our system. I know that I have turned a blind eye to a few of my own collections that were questionable.” Angelica told him bluntly.

“What about you Stanislov?” Michael asked my brother.

“I choose to remain silent.” Stanislov told him with a grin. “I really do love the modern world’s belief in Miranda rights.”

“Damned lawyers.” Lucifer grumbled with a smile. “I swear Mike. I don’t know which side has the bigger slim collection.”

“Oh, that is simple dear brother. Neither. All lawyers are snakes.” Michael smiled. “Speaking of lawyers. Ashley I have a favor to asked.”

“If you want me to collect a lawyer forget it.” I snarled. “They tie my people with endless appeals and demands for trials by their peers. Do know how much paperwork involved in with that shit?”

When my brother and sister heard my complaint they started laughing as they nodded their heads in agreement. Lucifer for all his hands off approach to raising me only grinned. Of all the gathered angels only, Micheal kept a straight face. I could tell that he really needed this favor.

“I’ll make a deal with you. If you make this collection. I’ll have Stanislov handle all of the paperwork. While Angelic can handle the subsequent trials and appeals. How does that sound?” Michael offered as my siblings cringed.

“Who do you need removed from the board?” I asked quickly.

“A London lawyer by the name of James Lithgow.” When Michael told me who he wanted me to collect. I almost shit my pants.

“Are you shitting me? The most honest lawyer in all of the UK, and you want him in Hell. Why?” I demanded.

“The man is far from honest. Though that is not the reason I need for your people to collect his soul.” Michael told me. “He is currently holding highly confidential information that must never see the light of day.”

“What information?” I demanded.

“I’m not at liberty to say.” Michael told me.

“Let me put it like this Uncle Mikey. You want me to collect this man’s soul. You tell me everything or get one of your people to do the job. My people are not and never will be Heaven’s hitmen.” I told him coldly.

“He is holding the secret to the Roseline.” Michael told me.

“Ah shit. He’s blackmailing your people with the secret for more time with the secret. You can’t remove him from the board without exposing the secret. Which is the location for the descendant of Jesus. Something that would prove that Jesus was a more than just the son of God, but a mortal man as well.” I said and quickly summoned up the situation for everyone. “When do you need this to happen Uncle Machael?”

“As soon as possible. It also has to be done by you and only you.” Macheal told me then explained why. “I need a party that is for all practical purposes a neutral party. Of all those currently available in Heaven and Hell. You are the only one who fits that criteria.”

“Why do I have a feeling that your sudden rush to judge me has something to do with this and a few other reasons?” I asked already knowing the answer. “I might be part of Hell’s power structure because of my father but I am also part of Heaven’s because of my ties to the Heavenly Virtues. You needed someone who can work with both sides simply because of their very nature. Someone who is of both Heaven and Hell. Able to walk in both worlds. Why not just have one of my brothers or sisters do the job?”

“Because we were all dead and judged before being accepted into Heaven. You were the only one who is alive at the time of their judgement.” Angelica explained slowly for me. “As such you can still move freely between the worlds of the immortal and mortal.”

“You needed a ringer to deal with the wildcards.” I gasped as I realized why the Heavenly Virtues had rushed to judge me. “While I have never broken the rules outright. My every nature condemns me to Hell anyway. Making me and now my people the perfect weapon for dealing with the elements of Chaos. While at the same time cleaning up the mess that is the metaphysical world.”

“Very good Ashley. You have seen the truth and need behind your Judgement. As a reward for your keen insight, I grant onto you the power for an Angel of Death.” Azrael told me just before he and Itherael disappeared.

“You know something. Just once I wish you would stick around and explain your little gifts. I’m get really tired of figuring shit out in the dark.” I grumbled as daddy, and Michael chuckled at my complaint. My brother and sister for some reason showed an uncommon amount of common sense by keeping their mouths shout and their opinions to themselves.

Chapter 22
Defusing a political bomb.
London, England, two days later.

I left Helga with mom as I headed for London. I can tell you now. Mom and Helga were pissed over what I was about to do. Not that I blame them. I’m a Bounty Hunter for Hell. I’m supposed to be hunting down escaped souls from Hell or finding ghosts that have avoided their eternal reward or punishment. I’m not supposed to be killing some asshole who is blackmailing Heaven for more time on earth. I would even be doing it now if not for one thing.

This man might be squeaky clean in the eyes of the human world, and the law. But he was filthier than a pig in mud as far as Heaven and Hell were concerned. I had learned there were two things you don’t screw with. The first of which is the Pope, but the really big no-no is the Magdalene Bloodline. Under no circumstances are Heaven or Hell to screw with the direct descendants of Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ. Even making a vailed threat to expose them is enough to get an Immortal Hitman after your ass.

Case in point someone like me or my people. It seems that the Lilium are only in Hell because of a loophole in the system. Not because they’re intrinsically evil, but because they have the power to judge the dead. A right that Heaven has claim for its own but cannot revoke in those who was very nature is to judge the dead. There are a few supernatural beings whose sole duty is to judge dead. Two of those are the Valkyrie and Lilium. Not surprising as they are both the same creature in the eyes of Heaven. The downside to being in charge of those powerful beings is dealing with their rather prickly temperaments. I swear nothing is more unpredictable than a Lilium or Valkyrie during her cycle.

“Come on shithead. Just go home already.” I grumbled as other car slowed down as it passed. I could tell that the man driving was checking me. When they stopped and rolled down the window I had had enough. “Beat fuck face. There is no way you can’t afford me.”

“Stuck up bitch. Who do you think you are?” The man snarled as he opened his door and climbed out of the car. “I’m going to beat some sense into your ass. Then when I’m done. I’m going to fuck that cute little ass of yours.”

“If I were you. I would get back in your car and disappear.” I snarled and bared my fangs. “I haven’t fed tonight and I’m hungry for rapist.”

Needless to say, the man took one look at my fangs and realized that Hell had come to earth. The speed with which he left the area was comical. “I do believe that poor man just had a code brown moment. Nicely done Princess. Thanks to you another soul has found his way toward redemption.”

“Don’t really care, sister.” I said as I turned to face the angel that had appeared behind me. “So, who are you?”

“I’m one of Gadreel’s subordinates, Lisiya.” She told me with a grin as she took in my outfit. “Might I suggest a change in outfits if you want to avoid the attentions of men in general?”

“Yeah don’t blame me. Blame the shitheads upstairs. You angels get to appear all modest and innocent when on earth. While those of us from Hell are stuck with being wet dreams for mortals.” I complained as I looked down at what I was currently wearing and sighed.

The sheer mesh short sleeve mock neck clubwear party bodysuit, fishnet tights, leather miniskirt, and thigh high spiked heel boots left nothing to the imagination. I didn’t know if I was dressed for a night of club hoping or working a street corner. Not that it mattered. No matter what time of the day it was when I appeared on earth. I ended up looking like I was on the prowl for sex. Which I found out was the way that I feed now.

It seems that part of a Lilium’s nature is to feed on the essence of men. Just like a succubus. My first time I almost took too much and turned the boy into a girl. As it is he now suffers from a major hormone imbalance. He looks more like a girl than a boy.

“Okay I’ll give you that.” Lisiya said with a giggle. “So why is the Princess of Hell stalking the corners of London? Surely it’s not to feed.”

“If you want to keep that pretty head of yours Lisiya. Don’t go sticking your nose into the business of me and my Hunters.” I snarled.

“If you’re working my area. I can demand answers.” She told me.

“Take the advice and walk away, angel. My Mistress doesn’t give out second warnings.” Mavis told the angel as she approached from behind me. “Usually, she beats the shit out of someone sticking their nose into our business. You and your sisters on the other hand are a totally different story. You idiots she actually hates with a passion.”

“I don’t hate them Mavis. I just can stand stupidity.” I told her with a grin. “Right now, I need to deal with something. So, fuck off both you.”

“No can do, Princess. I cannot stand back and let minions of Hell just run wild on my streets.” Lisiya snarled. “Not even a pair of Hunters.”

“Mavis have you taken care of your assignment?” I asked her.

“Tagged and in the bag, Mistress. I also sent three lost souls to their Heavenly reward per the new guidelines.” Mavis answered with a small bow.

“Good. Deal with this upstart bitch for me.” I told her as I pointed my thumb at Lisiya. “I got business to take care of.”

“It’ll be my pleasure, Mistress.” Mavis snarled and grabbed the angel by the hair. “Come with me bitch. Time for someone to teach you some manners.”

“Let go of my hair! How dare you treat one of the divine this way!” The angel screamed as Mavis dragged her off into the night.

“Go easy on her Mavis. No broken wings.” I called out as they disappeared. Only to hear Mavis chuckle. “I swear. Ever since I took over that girl has gotten more and more disrespectful of angels.”

“They only follow the example that you set, Ashley.” Uriel said as she appeared next to me. “Not that I can blame them. More than a few of our subordinates could use an education in humility.”

“Then why don’t you do something about their attitudes?” I asked.

“We really can’t. It’s that whole Heaven verses Hell thing. You know, good shall vanquish evil. It gives mid to low level angels an over inflated sense of righteousness. They usually end up getting their asses handed to them when they face off against any devil or demon that is powerful enough to reach the mortal realm on their own.” Uriel explained.

“Oh. In that case can you do me a favor and make sure that Mavis doesn’t go too far with her lesson?” I asked as I spotted my target finally leaving his office. “I’m kind of busy right now or I would hold it myself.”

“I’m sorry but I cannot let you remove James Lithgow just now. He still has a part to play in the Great Plan.” Uriel told me as she moved to stop me.

“Uriel I warned you and the rest of the Virtues to stay out of my way once already. You know that I have no problems with ending your existence.” I warned the archangel with a nasty grin. “By the way I have a feeling that this is one time that the Big Guy upstairs will be on my side.”

“What do you know that I do not girl?” Uriel snarled as she tried to summon her soul weapon and failed spectacularly.

“Let’s just say that he is trying to blackmail your boss for more time.” I told her and turned to follow James Lithgow. I was slightly surprised when Uriel didn’t move to follow me. I could feel the divine power that held her in place. It sent icy shivers up and down my spine.

I kept my distance from Lithgow as we walked down the street to the parking garage where he had his car. I watched as he entered the elevator and waited. When it stopped on the fourth floor I spread my wings turned intangible and flew up through the floors. When I reached the fourth floor I turned tangible and began my hunt. I found him just as he unlocked the doors to his car. I knew that now was the time. Even as I reached for Lithgow he turned to face me with a lopsided grin on his face.

“You can’t kill me demon. If I die. Then the secret of the Magdalina line will be released. Not even you can go against the wishes of Heaven.” Lithgow said as he stepped back from my attack. “I suggest you let me go.”

“You really don’t know who you’re dealing with shithead. The deal you made with Michael and Heaven doesn’t apply to me. Never did, never will.” I told him with a chuckle. “By the way. Did you know that both Heaven and Hell have the best lawyers? Those guys are always looking for the loophole.”

“There is no loophole in my deal girl.” Lithgow snapped. “It clearly states that no immortal being of Heaven or Hell can kill me or collect my soul. Do you see now? None of your attacks will have any effect. I’m immortal.”

“You think so?” I asked with a shit eating grin. Right before I reached into his chest and grabbed his soul. Still grinning I pulled my clenched fist from his chest dragging his soul with it. As I held his squirming soul I licked my lips with my forked tongue playing at the tips of my fangs. “I bet that you’ll taste yummy with a little ketchup or sprinkling of hot sauce.”

“How?” Lithgow’s soul asked as it tried to pull away from my grasp.

“Simple. I am neither of Heaven nor Hell. I am of them both. You see, I fell through the very loophole that you tried to exploit to gain your immortality. You know I have you to thank for my new existence. If it hadn’t been for your deal. The powers that be won’t have been forced to Judge me.” I told him just before I sank my fangs into the soul.

As I drew off his knowledge of the arcane and mystical. I learned where he had hid the secret of the Magdalene Bloodline. As the last of his knowledge seeped for the empty husk the soul crumbled to dust. With this feeding I know that I won’t have to hunt for several weeks. The sheer amount of masculine essence I had drawn off was staggering. It didn’t make any sense. It was as if I had just feed on the lifeforce of several dozen men. It felt like I had just stuck my fangs into a high voltage power line.

“Damn. I’ve never got a rush off of feeding before. What the hell was he?” I asked the empty garage air, not expecting an answer.

“James Lithgow was in truth a grand wizard. One who was several centuries old Ashley. The lifeforce you drained off was equal to that of two hundred men.” Uriel said angerly as she appeared behind me. “Do you have any idea of what you have done child?!”

“Yup. I hunted down, then claimed a piece of shit wizard in the name of Hell. Right before I fed on his ass.” I told her with a grin.

“DAMN IT! That man held the secret to the Magdalen Bloodline! A secret that Heaven has gone out of the way to hide for two millennium! Now nothing will stop that from being reviled! You have placed the coming Savior in dire jeopardy! He is not ready!” Uriel yelled at the top of his lungs.

“Not going to happen. That is one secret that will never get out. Not if I can help it.” I told her as I held out my hand summoning the files from Lithgow’s hidden safe. With the files in hand, I shoved all the pain, hate, and misery they represent into the spell that set them aflame. “For some strange reason. I think I can.”

“What have you done? Do you realize what those files represent? The sheer power of those files could change the world. How dare you destroy them.” Uriel snarled as she finally summoned her soul weapon. “I’ll kill you for you what you have done girl.”

“Don’t think so.” I told her with a grin as I dropped the blazing files. With a speed that I didn’t realize I had I drew my twin pistols. “I’ve been wanting to try these little beauties since I first manifested them.”

“Guns? What good are guns against an immortal?” Uriel asked as she raise her morning star into the on guard position. Only to drop the weapon as I put a bullet through her shoulder.

“I hate to tell you this Uriel. Handguns that are really soul weapons can do a lot of damage. Even to an immortal.” I told her and fired again. This time the bullet tore through her right knee. Shattering the bone in its passing crippling the leg. As she fell to the ground I kicked her morning star out of reach. I stood over the top of her with the barrel of my weapon just inches from her face. “This is the last time I’m going to warn you and the other Virtues. Stay out of my way. Next time I’ll send you straight to Hell on an express ride elevator.”

“How can this be? I thought your soul weapon was a double bladed spear.” Uriel ground out in pain.

“It is and it isn’t. You see Uriel I figured something out about soul weapons. They respond to their owner’s desires. You are hampered by your knowledge of weapons. I’ve been schooled in more than just melee weapons. Firearms are just part of the knowledge. If I want. I can make my soul weapon into a field artillery piece or a heavy machinegun. Even a man portable antitank missile.” I told her with a grin as the knowledge of what I just told her sank in. “That’s right Uriel. I can call on the firepower of a modern arsenal. By the way Uriel, just for your edification. I have shared this knowledge with all of my hunters. Do you still want to try me?”

“Where did you learn this forbidden knowledge?” Uriel demanded as she fought against the pain of her injuries.

“The same place anyone wants to learn something.” I told with a smirk as I turned to walk away. “The greatest deposit of infernal knowledge anywhere in the known universe, Google.”

-----TBC-----