Saira - TI5 (3 page)

Although she was more intelligent and less volatile than the other inhabitants of the Underworld, Lilith was still a demoness. Dis had made sure of that when he manipulated her genes and took away her humanity. Understandably, to survive in a world of demons, she could not live there as a human.... And then there was the Twin's insistence she return to Adam. Making her a demon insured her permanent status as the Underlord's consort, or so he thought.

Saira understood Lilith's craving for knowledge but wasn't sure if her decision to stay with Dis was the best choice. Still, returning to the mundane world of the Twin would have been just another form of hell, only worse. She was far too curious to accept a world that failed to challenge her intellect. At least with the demons, she would experience new adventures and new ideas. Demons and minions were so dysfunctional and cantankerous that they were, by their very nature, teachers of life. Perhaps it was their environment. Whatever the reason, some things could never be completely explained no matter how hard Lilith looked for answers.

T
HE UNDERWORLD was an incredibly beautiful land, vibrant and alive in a bizarre way. Brilliant flaming orange, reds, and silver-blues were offset by a thick blackness that permeated every alley, nook, and cranny. Minor minions and demons moved stealthily among the shadows, trying to maintain their anonymity and hoping the greater demons wouldn't notice them. Each inhabitant had a unique position in the complex caste system. Upward mobility only came at the benevolence or ambition of another, and there was little of the first in this realm.

Dis ruled the world almost benignly, as long as the inhabitants obeyed his rules, which were few. His prime directive forbade any demon from challenging his reign or power... not that they could. Few were that ambitious; even fewer were powerful enough to give him a good fight. Fortunately for him, the more powerful demons were female, and they seemed to lack the desire to rule in his place. Sometimes he thought they were a lot smarter than he.

Many demons and minions spent their entire existence plotting and scheming against each other to get close to him. Some wanted to move up the food chain, hoping to increase their influence or power; others wanted revenge for some real or imagined slight. Almost all were ambitious to some extent.

Many took out their frustrations on humanity, wanting nothing more than to make humans as miserable as they. To Dis, these demons were the most wretched of his subjects — but extremely valuable. By constantly creating "temptations" or "opportunities" to entice humans into disobeying his brother's rules, they kept the Underlord's coffers filled, and full coffers provided entertainment for everyone. Souls were necessary to relieve boredom. Bored minions and demons made for unhappiness, which in turn led to mischief. Dis didn't want that directed at him. Idle hands literally made work for the Devil and this devil would rather satisfy his lust than worry about "issues."

Saira had learned a lot about the Underlord during her previous visits. When all was said and done, he wasn't very complicated, making him fairly predictable as long as he wasn't provoked. Two trips to his world had answered all of her questions, at least until something new developed. Apparently, it had. Here she was again, trying to discover why she was pulled back into his domain.

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Silent and invisible, Saira drifted around the preoccupied demoness who sat quietly in the overstuffed chair. Bright, wavy, red hair hung loosely around her shoulders, partially concealing two small horns protruding just above the hairline. Green eyes, the color of the clearest polished emeralds, stared thoughtfully into the flames of a fire burning inside a hearth tucked away in the corner of the dimly lit room. The index finger of her left hand tapped silently on the arm of her chair: the unconscious gesture of one lost in thought.

She appeared to be in her early twenties, by human standards, but Saira knew this demon was ancient. Although not First Born, her bloodline was almost as pure. Dis and the Twin's essences were strong in her, which explained the powerful tug Saira had experienced. So why, she wondered, hadn't she felt the demoness' presence before now? And why did she seem strangely familiar? Saira's musings were suddenly interrupted by a quiet but powerful voice.

"What do you want?" the female demon demanded, glancing around the room in search of the intruder. "I feel you."

Saira debated on whether to make her presence known or ignore the question. If she didn't answer, the demoness might decide she was just imagining her.

"I know you're here. Show yourself."

Saira decided to do as she was told, but only because her curiosity prevented her from leaving. She shimmered into view and settled lightly on the floor between the demoness and the fire.

"Who are you and how did you gain entry to my home without my knowledge or permission? Are you one of Father's spies?"

Cocking her head slightly, Saira smiled. First Born were always blunt, and demons were so suspicious. Apparently their offspring inherited those particular traits.

"No, and I don't need permission to be somewhere I'm not," she replied gently, not at all intimidated by the demoness' irritation.

The demoness frowned. "Stop talking in riddles. You're here uninvited. For what purpose?"

"I'm neither here nor there. I only appear to be here, therefore I need no invitation, and my purpose does not affect you, thus making it a moot point."

Shaking her head in frustration, the demoness started to stand but then apparently decided against it. Instead, she settled back in her chair, crossed her legs, and assumed a nonchalant demeanor.

"I see. So, this is how it's going to be. We play word games."

"I don't play games. You called to me and here I am."

"I don't even know you. Why would I call you?"

"Let's say it was your essence that beckoned to me. It's different from the others who dwell here. I was attracted to that difference. What is the phrase the humans use? Like a moth to a flame? At this moment you are my flame."

"Then as my moth, you realize you're taking a big chance. Your wings could easily be singed should I desire to do so."

Appreciating the warning, Saira laughed softly. "It's impossible to burn that which doesn't exist."

"Again the riddles, but I'm not fooled. You're real enough. If you didn't exist, we wouldn't be having this interesting little chat, unless of course I'm crazy. I assure you that isn't the case, although some would probably dispute that. So, assuming I still possess a reasonable amount of sanity, just who or what are you? And don't answer me with another riddle, please."

"That makes it rather difficult. How do I describe myself in a way you'll comprehend and yet not make it sound like a riddle? If I tell you I don't exist in the way all things do exist, you wouldn't understand and yet that's the truth. I'm of no world, no plane. My being has no substance, and therefore no barrier can stop me."

"None? I find that hard to believe. There are barriers to everything."

Saira was impressed. "You have a sharp mind. Perhaps there's one. The future keeps her secrets well. That's the one barrier I haven't been able to cross... yet."

"Yet? You say that as though you intend to try."

"The impossible is always worth the adventure."

"True. So what of the past?"

"The past is nothing to me. I go and come as I wish. I've been there more times than you can imagine. I need just one small thread from someone's life to guide me to the beginning of their existence and know of every sentient being that has ever crossed their path and those before them. It's like putting together pieces to a puzzle. Every life that touched them is a small part that makes up the whole of their essence."

"And what is it about me that brought you here?"

"You." Saira laughed. "You are the attraction. I'm curious why I've never sensed you before, and yet you seem familiar to me. You're newly arrived here, and yet you're ancient. You're a riddle, a mystery."

"I see, and am I supposed to make solving your puzzle easy or do you enjoy a challenge?"

Saira shrugged. "It's of no consequence. For me, one way is as easy as the other. I'm a good listener for those who wish to tell me their stories. To the unwilling, the information is available for the taking. Most never feel my presence. A few, like you, seem to sense me. That's a mystery I've yet to solve, since I possess neither a physical body nor emit any noticeable energy. Perhaps you have the answer."

"Not really. Like you said, it's a feeling, the sensation of being watched more than anything. One of those things you just know without really knowing why, if you see what I mean."

"As I said, a mystery yet to be solved. But not now. Today is about you. Will you tell me your story, or must I take the journey?"

"I would rather tell you myself. Have a seat. You do sit, don't you?"

Chuckling, Saira settled into a recliner. "It's the polite thing to do, isn't it?"

"I suppose. I'm new to all of this. Can I offer you something to drink, or are you not able to experience the physical since you don't exist?"

"I have a few senses similar to yours," Saira said, "and I appreciate many things in the physical realm. Unfortunately, eating and drinking aren't among them. The results can be rather disconcerting to some. Substances tend to pass through me and end up as a messy pile on the floor."

"I see. In that case, forget I offered. You can save that trick for someone else."

"Good thinking."

"As to my story, I hope you have a lot of time because it's a long one."

"Time means nothing to me. Otherwise, I'd take the journey to know you instead of listening to your tale."

"Right. I forgot about that. So... where to begin...."

Saira waited patiently while the demoness gathered her thoughts. She crossed her legs in human fashion, folded her hands on her lap, and leaned back in the recliner.

"I guess the best place is the beginning. As you probably know, I'm called Child. Demon Child to some. I guess this isn't only my story but also the story of mankind, in a way."

Saira's eyes widened slightly. "You certainly know how to grab someone's attention."

"My heritage," the Child replied wryly. "Anyway, before I was born I knew I was unloved and unwanted. I could sense it as I lay curled up in the warm belly of my mother. It was awkward, to say the least."

"I can imagine."

"I doubt it. You would have had to be there," the Child said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Dis fathered me. Shortly after my conception, I became aware of the world outside of Mother's womb. It was noisy and hot and exciting. I couldn't wait to experience all that it had to offer. Mother's and Father's voices were easy to recognize. Hers was husky and vibrant while his was deep and booming. It resonated through my entire being whenever he spoke. But Mother... when she laughed, I was happy, probably because she didn't do it often. Those weren't very happy times for anyone living in the Underworld."

"Why?"

"Many lives had been lost in a great battle."

"I remember. So you were born shortly after the end of the Great Battle?"

"Yes, and there were some who blamed Mother for the devastation."

"As I recall, there was enough blame to go around to many."

"There always is, isn't there? Too bad only a few acknowledge it. But I'm digressing. I was sure Mother would eventually come to love me. How could she not? I was her child, her daughter."

"I take it she didn't."

The Child snorted. "Not really. She wasn't what you call mother
material. I felt a great anger when I was born."

She shifted as if suddenly uncomfortable but then settled back in her chair. Saira was aware of the deeply contained anger still seething inside of the Child. Although seemingly calm on the outside, she was a tortured soul hunting for a way to ease the pain of being deprived of her mother's love.

"I can't imagine what being born feels like, let alone knowing from that very moment that you are unloved," Saira said gently.