Winter Nights of Hell

Chapter Four

The Crimson Lord

                                                     

AI-Generated Photos by Me Via NijiJourney

(Crimson Lord to the Left & Astaroth to the Right)

                                                                             

 

 

             

Enoxon and Kurai had guided me back to the house that I woke up in. It was a quiet road home. After feeling drained by this demon, I was exhausted and hurting. Everything was sore between Enoxon's magic from the previous day and the demon's attack today. I still had a million questions to ask, but I couldn't bear to bombard these two who just went out of their way to save a stranger. 

Back at the little house, I woke up in, I sat on the couch, pulling my legs up to my side and leaning my head back against the cushions. Their home was surprisingly clean, if this was even their home. It could be just some random cabin; I have no idea. It was a cute little house, though. The outside porch had a love seat, and anyone could tell that whoever lived here took care of the area. Several plant pots lined the front of the porch, making it feel homey. Granted, only a few plants were alive during this harsh weather. The inside of the home was magical, honestly. I didn't get a good look at it when rushing out, but it was gorgeous! The living room was stunning, a gentle starry-blue theme almost. Not something I'd expect from the underworld. As soon as you walked inside, the room was lined with books on the other side, surrounding a round window that looked over and down a hill, where one could spot a bank of frozen water. In front of the bookshelves was a rounded couch lined with cushions and blankets and a fluffy ottoman in the middle. Off to the side was a fireplace, and above the fireplace was a picture of a large castle. They even had an indoor tree with, surprisingly, red leaves. It felt like a cozy indoor cabin. 

After Enoxon sparked a flame in the fire, I slipped off the couch and sat in front of the fire, freezing my touche off. The flames danced and flickered around inside the fire pit. Watching the fire warmed my body and put me at ease. I pulled my knees close to my body, resting my head on them, and stared into the fire. Kurai and Enoxon were off in the kitchen, stating they were making breakfast for us. I wanted to ask questions, as I needed clarification about why I was there. So many unanswered questions. 

There was then a knock at the door, and it slammed open, causing me to jump and let out a shriek. 

"Enooxxxxon?!" A voice sounded out loud, rather angry. 

"My Lord," Another voice sounded behind them, "I highly doubt that he knows anything; he's rather… What you call an 'airhead.'" 

"Airhead or not, Astaroth -" The man froze when he and I locked eyes. Eyes cold as ice, almost as though they were piercing right through anything. "What is that?" His tall, well-built body and pale complexion complimented those cold eyes, making them almost shimmer. Above his sharp face sat two perfectly in-sync black armored horns with white tips. 

"I believe that is what we call a Human, My Lord." The second voice sounded.

"Oh, is it? Is that what a human looks like?" His tense body was decked out in long black clothing lined with red and white. 

His appearance was very intimidating. A long black coat with white shoulder pads and tassels, a messy white button-down shirt underneath that exposed the top of his chest. Above his jacket and connected to the tassels was a medium-length black cape, decorated on the bottom with one long white swirl, almost resembling waves. On the front of his cloak was a red gem that held onto what looked like a red handkerchief lined with white. 

"My apologies, My Lord," The background character murmured, bowing his head. 

"Tch," The 'Lord' scuffed and stomped into the kitchen, where Kurai and Enoxon were. 

"Greetings, Miss," The second voice approached me. "My apologies for the Crimson Lord. He's a bit… Well, angry at the younglings," This man, a tad bit shorter than the 'Lord,' approached and offered a friendly smile. "If I may ask, how are you today?" 

I looked over this man's shoulder into the kitchen, where I heard lots of yelling. I couldn't make out the words of anyone, as they were all arguing about something. "Um, are they ok?" I asked the man that was now extending a hand out to me. 

As soon as I took his hand to help myself, I read over this man. Quick-witted and intelligent, that's what I got from him and his 'get up.' He seemed to be a responsible and kind soul or demon - if that's what they are now. His features were as stunning as those of the Lords. His hair cascaded down, almost as long as mine, to his backside with a beautiful and soft flowing texture. It looked as though he deep-conditioned his teal-blue hair and took care of it - that's how perfect his hair was. With cascading features, I took in his hair's gray-teal color and characteristics. Got to say, I was jealous. I must learn his secrets. He wore black trousers and a black long-sleeved vest; underneath the vest was a gray patterned shirt nicely tucked into his blazer. His shoulder pads were like raven feathers sticking out, with bone-like features pointing down on his arm. Icy-blue gems mixed with the bone-like accessories on his shoulder and around his neck. 

"You must be the one they call Snow, correct?" He questioned me, ignoring my question about the screaming and hollering from the kitchen.

I winced when I heard a crashing noise from the kitchen but turned my attention back to the teal-haired man. "My name is Snow, yes. It's a pleasure to meet you… Um..." 

"Ah yes, I am Astaroth. Demon of Asturdorm and Duke to the Crimson Lord," He extended his hand to greet me.

Awkwardly, I shook hands with this demon man and forced a smile. "Are we sure they're ok?" I asked. 

Astaroth's eyes lowered to the demon marking on my arm as our hands clicked. Eyes the color of amethyst, he seemed genuinely concerned about the marking as he gently pulled my arm out and ran his hand across it. A frown appeared on his face. His eyes were so gentle and full of worry that they made me even more embarrassed, and I could feel my cheeks warm. I secretly blamed it on the fire next to me, wondering if he could even notice my pale skin. 

"My Lady, were you ambushed by a demon?" Astaroth asked me, his voice lowering. "Did Kurai try to attend to you?" 

Still embarrassed, I gently pulled my arm away from him and held the marking with my other hand downwards. My cheeks still flushed with pink, I answered him, "I... Um, it was. I left this home and went into the woods when I saw a mountain village. I attempted to make it to the mountain village, baffled about what was happening. When I was in the woods, someone began to talk to me, and I replied, hoping it was something friendly," I blabbered to him quietly, "I thought I could fight it off, but… The rock failed me, and the demon dug its claws into me, telling me I was marked for death." 

"Oh my, what a story," Astaroth replied gently. "If I may ask, how did you escape? Did you end up fighting this demon off?" 

I shook my head and told him about the celestial-like wolf that swooped in and saved me. I described her blue-black fur and even detailed the little stars I could make out that lined her fur. She had white eyes and even that of a crescent moon on her head. "Have you heard of this wolf?" I asked him.

"I've heard stories of a creature that would guide souls home, but no one has seen it for a long time. Are you sure this is what you saw? Perhaps it was something else, an illusion from the demon blood that spilled into your veins?" 

"... I don't think so; she was there. I could hear her voice and feel a strange presence bouncing off her - She saved me. That was when Kurai and Enoxon pulled me out of this dark-shadowy land and back into the, well, I guess, underworld land." I turned away from the duke, my back now towards him. Now not only was I telling stories that he (or anyone) that matter of fact believed. Perhaps I was just going to be classified as a crazy person.

"If you say that you were saved by the Celestial Wolf, my Lady, then I shall remember that," He said with a friendly chuckle. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must bring the Crimson Lord back down to a rational level." That said, Astaroth turned away and walked into the kitchen ever so calmly. There was instant silence in the kitchen and a flash of red, and I could see the first man and the Duke, Astaroth, returning from the kitchen.

"We shall be departing, Young Miss. We hope to see you again," Astaroth called over his shoulder, and with a blink of an eye, Astaroth and the Crimson Lord disappeared into thin air. 

Stunned, I stared in complete disbelief. I could talk with the duke, but the Crimson Lord treated me like a threat to him. Then again, if I was honestly a threat, he would've made that clear to me by approaching me and stating something. At least, I figured he would. Maybe he was intimidated by me! That's got to be it. The thought of a big, scary prince being scared of a white-haired human girl made me giggle, and a smile played on my lips. I then lowered my gaze to the marking Astaroth ran his fingers over, shuttering slightly as I thought of his soft touch. I then felt my cheeks turning somewhat pink again, that smile still playing on my face as I stared at the wound.

"Wow, ok!" Enoxon's voice chirped in. "What an interesting show we had for you today, Snow!" The white-haired sorcerer popped around the corner and into the living room, surrounded by books. He was holding a platter with a lid on top, setting it down on the ottoman in the middle of the floor just behind me. "It seems you made a liking to Astaroth, didn't you?"

"What?" My head shot up, and I stared at the sorcerer with embarrassment. "That's outrageous; he just happened to be the kindest of you demons." I huffed quietly, turning away from him. 

"Astaroth has that charm on people, humans, and demons," Enoxon explained as he sat on the couch, reaching for the food platter before him. He took the lid off, letting out the sweet and aromatic smells of the food he had made. It smelled of maple, chocolate, and bacon - a typical breakfast. "A human breakfast for a human woman," He offered, patting the couch and grinning widely. 

Staring at the food, my mouth began to water. A simple breakfast, that was for sure. I was relieved because it was just human food and not some weird food made from an octopus or something or whatever demons ate. I could feel a little bit of drool escape, and I quickly wiped it away. "May I have some?" I asked him quietly as my belly rumbled.

"As I stated, a human breakfast for a human woman," Enoxon repeated, motioning to the food on the blue ottoman. 

Smiling, I giddied over to the food and placed it on a cushion on the floor. Since Enoxon sat the food here, I'd treat it like a table. I crossed my legs, facing the fire, and my shoulder facing Enoxon. I took small bites to enjoy the flavor dancing around inside my mouth. Oh, it felt like forever since I've eaten! This was delicious, too, with bacon, chocolate chip pancakes, and some strawberries. This was heaven! Well, I guess this was Hell, but Heaven! 

"It seems you're enjoying it," Enoxon chuckled, sitting back on the couch and leaning back. 

"Mmm, thank you, Enoxon. I appreciate it, really I do," I told him, bowing him even so slightly. "Where is Kurai? I must thank him too." 

Come to think of it, I didn't hear him from the kitchen anymore, nor did I see him retreat to the living room.

"Ah, the Crimson Lord took him back to the Asturdorm Kingdom Castle," Enoxon sighed, shrugging his shoulders. He removed his sorcerer hood and released his snow-white hair into the wild. His hair was relatively thick and messy but looked like the nice-messy. "Do you mind?" He asked me as he began to take off his wizard coat.

Embarrassed, I quickly looked away, assuming this man was stripping before me. I ate the bacon, murmuring, "Oh, so good!" I couldn't help but peek over to him, but under that robe of his was just simple clothing. It was just a white shirt, a simple and thin white button-down shirt, and some thin black pants. The amber-red pendant around his neck was not removed; it sat still like the aquamarine jewel hanging from his ear. He looked completely different, but I assumed even sorcerers got tired of wearing heavy clothing.

I finished the food while peacefully watching the fire as we sat quietly. The home was quiet, Enoxon was now reading a book, and I finished my meal. Warmth rested inside me as I felt at complete ease. It was nice, especially knowing Enoxon wasn't a demon - I could feel even better. Strangely, I felt safe with him. Perhaps it was because he was a magical human, but still a human. 

"Thank you," I quietly said to him again as I stood up and returned the plates to the kitchen to rinse them off. In the kitchen, it seemed like a disaster happened. I'm assuming that between their arguing and fighting in the kitchen, some things were thrown against the wall or at each other. A few pots on the ground, I went to pick them up and wash them in the sink. It was the least I could do because he went out of his way to make breakfast. After finishing the dishes, I returned to the living room, where Enoxon had dozed off. The sorcerer looked so peaceful, with the fire bouncing lightly on his pale face, shimmering in his white hair. The round window behind him brought moonlight into the room, lighting up the dark that the fire could not reach. Out of generosity, I went for a blanket and gently sat it on the white-haired wizard. He instantly cuddled up with the blanket and almost looked like a sweet child - adorable. With absolutely no hesitation, I reached and brushed a strand of hair off his face, which caused him to shuffle a little. As I turned around, I felt his hand reach and grab my arm, and he hugged it like a child would hug a stuffed animal.

I was frozen with even more embarrassment now. I tried pulling my arm away, but Enoxon held it tighter. I was grateful he hadn't grabbed my bad arm. Continuing to pull away, I ultimately failed. His grip was surprisingly firm. Sighing, I sat on the couch while he held my arm like a stuffy. I wasn't tired, but I also couldn't get away. I glanced at the book on his lap and picked it up with my free hand. Better make the best of it. 

The title of the book read, Soulkeeper, Memories of Lights Hope. 

I opened the book to see what this sorcerer could have been reading. As soon as I opened the open book, I felt a strange feeling flow through me. It made me feel at ease and calm. The book was empty, though, with no words on any pages. How could anyone be reading a blank book? As calm and at ease as I felt, I was still confused. When I raised my head, the room went empty, and I was surrounded by darkness again. Was this an after-effect of the poison from the demon? Something felt different, though, like I could still feel the ease here. Such calming effects shouldn't have been brought into the shadows.

A golden blaze emitted from the book I was holding and flowed into the shadows. I looked up at the image and watched as pictures began to form. Two people, male and female, and it looks like a small one, perhaps a baby? The mother and father went two separate ways, leaving the baby in the middle. When the baby was left, a shard of darkness surrounded it until a dazzling blue light came around and up to it. Then a second dazzling blue light, both started dancing around the golden outline of the baby. Eventually, the blues faded into the golden baby, and the baby's designs began to turn blue rather than gold. Once the golden baby's outline turned dazzling blue, another red color appeared with the baby. The dark red color picked up the baby and began to carry it off, red and blue intertwining. The dark red outline of a human brought this baby to a white outline of a circle. The baby was passed through the ring by the dark red shape, and it appeared on the other side as a white outline of a baby now. From gold to blue, to red, and directly to white… The white outline of the baby was then picked up by two more outlines of people, both of all four colors. The two new figures' gold, blue, red, and white outlines eventually flowed into the baby's outline, causing the baby to have the same outline as the other two figures. With that, the baby turned the same size as the outlines of all four colors over time. It was strange to watch this unfold, but it was neat that a story could be told this way.

I was interrupted when I heard the door bang open. I jumped and closed the book immediately, the pictures fading away. I was brought back into the living room reality that I was left alone in with the sleeping sorcerer. In front of me, with the door open, was a relatively rough-looking Kurai who was breathing rather heavily. 

"That damn Astaroth, thinking he's so damn funny," He muttered under his breath, slamming the door behind him as he did. "I cannot believe he did that!" Kurai groaned. His clothes looked somewhat rattled, and he seemed highly agitated. His fluffy fox ears were flat against his head, and his teeth and hands were clenched. "What? Ever seen an angry Nogitsune?! And why the hell is that ass of a Sorcerer lying to you? Wake the hell up, Enoxon!" He angrily yelled over towards us.

Enoxon's body began to stir, his arms still wrapped around my one arm that he used as a pillow and a stuffy. "Huh?" He murmured sleepily, blinking his eyes free of sand and letting out a huge yawn.

"I cannot believe you sold me out to him!" Kurai snapped. 

"What?" Enoxon asked, confused and still holding onto my arm.

"You SOLD ME - get your hands off the girl and focus on me!" Kurai fussed. 

Enoxon looked at me and shrugged, resting his head on my arm. "Nah. I'd rather not; her arm is squishy."

 "Excuse me?!" I exclaimed, ripping my arm out of grip.

Enoxon sighed, rolling his eyes and standing up. He dusted off his pants quickly, as if there were anything on them, and reached for his robe. "I didn't sell you out to anyone, Kurai. Don't blame me. You know He's always been much harder on you than he has me, and he already knows you can travel through the realms when not even He, the Crimson Lord himself, can."

"You told him that I brought back the girl?! She was your idea when you saw the portal reacting!" 

"Portal?" I questioned him.

"Ah, you weren't supposed to know that. Ok then, Kurai," Enoxon sighed and put his hands out, hoping to calm down Kurai. "I may have twisted some things around, Kurai. But," He offered a genuine smile and tilted his head slightly to the side, "I can't imagine Astaroth punished you that much! The Crimson Lord loves you!" 

"I want to know more about this portal," I said. "At Abigail's Tree? Or, I guess, the Blind Banshee's Tree?" 

Kurai groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing. "Enoxon, I hate you; you know this, right?" He muttered.

"When we figure out what exactly made the portal trip and how it reacted, we can tell the full story to them. For now, it'll probably be hazardous for them to know, especially since we're supposed to be on lockdown by Them," Enoxon explained himself to Kurai, finally relaxed that Kurai had calmed. 

"Who are 'Them'?! What is this portal?!" I questioned, raising my voice a bit. 

"The Celestials don't watch us like you think they do, Eno, and you know that," Kurai replied, crossing his arms.

"It seems that their punishment made your anger subsided too. You seem a bit more tuckered out from the 'punishment.' What did they make you eat, Coconut Frog? Maybe some Fried Stew of Trout?" He teased the seemed-to-be bipolar Kurai.

I sat in silence with them, Kurai not wanting to reply. He flopped down on the couch, careful not to sit on his fluffy black fox tail. The sound of fire crackling filled the silent air as I took in the little bit of information they were giving away without meaning to give it away. From what I've gathered and what they've shared, there is the Celestial World, which is similar to heaven if there is an Underworld. We have the human world and a Shadow Realm, which I disappeared into when the demon-haunted me. 

"You know, Kurai, The Celestial World has us pinned to chains right now. One wrong move from you, and you'll be sent to the Shadow Realm... Well, you know. This was why Zarall and Cassielle have been sent down here."

"Whatever. I'd rather be sent to the Shadow Realm than not have the freedom to do what I want," Kurai blubbered, dropping his head in the palm of his hand, eyes locked on the fire dancing beside him.

Enoxon sighed, "Well, yes. I'm sure all of us want that but after the disappearance of the reaper, who knows what the hell is happening with all the lost souls? It seems they're just roaming the underworld now, freely."

I coughed softly, "Reaper?" I repeated.

"The Reaper is designated to collect the souls of humans who have passed. They are in charge of guiding souls and watching the lifelines of humans, demons, and angels. Essential person," Enoxon stated, changing his focus to me. 

"I see. And you said they've disappeared? Are you sure? It doesn't seem like many lost souls were here; I've only seen one Soul of the Damned," I questioned him curiously. 

"The underworld goes on for about ever," Kurai explained. "A lot of these lost souls are spread out. Asturdorm is not the only place that rules - it's the Largest and Most Important Rule area, but not the only one. A lot of demons prefer to be on their own or to be somewhere else."

"Right," Enoxon agreed. "So many years ago, the underworld lost its reaper. No one knows what happened to them except the reaper themselves. When the reaper went missing, the Gods of the Celestial World stated that the underworld could not run independently. The reaper was not to be here - whether a new one is to be born or created, they will not be created here - where they have been created for… Well, since the beginning of time." 

I listened to his story, curious now. What was the story of the missing Reaper, and where were they? Frowning, I lowered my head. "So you're telling me that so many humans have lost their lives, and their souls are doomed for eternity?" I murmured, wondering what would happen if I died. Would I just be stuck in that Shadow Realm, trying to find a way out but finding nothing except dark? How could they just stand by and let this happen?! A human shouldn't have to suffer in the afterlife! 

"Not exactly," the Nogistune replied, turning his head and providing me his full attention. "You see, ever since we were put on lockdown, the Celestials created their ruling. However, their ruling isn't… Exactly… The best? I guess you could say it like that. They are unsure how to guide souls into their afterlife, which you would think of as Celestial Spirits; they'd be outstanding. However… Their judgment is blinded by their personal preference. For example, suppose a Celestial Being saw an impure human being. In that case, they'd be seen as a mistake and thrown into the demon world - and then they'd be lost forever."

"Wow. So, either way, an impure human is sent to its eternal doom? That's ridiculous!" I exclaimed, immediately jumping onto my feet and pacing. "Any human should be able to prove themselves to go to the Celestial World. If they can't prove themselves, they may stay in the underworld, but regardless, that's absurd! I've made so many mistakes in my past!" Anger began to build up and wash over me, hands clenching tightly as I thought about the demon that attacked me. Maybe that demon was done wrong by the 'heavenly gods!' "Should I be a lost spirit in hell, too, for my mistakes?!" 

"Have you been impure?" Enoxon questioned.

"What? No, relationships are stupid," I growled, gritting my teeth.

"Then I'd say you're-"

"NO!" I snapped, turning on him quickly. "NO one, and I mean no one, should be thrown into the middle of the darkness because of mistakes! Stuff happens!" 

"You're uppity about it," Enoxon murmured.

I stared coldly at him. "That's like saying if you accidentally blew up a town or something because it was full of, like, bad guys or rapists or murderers, you should be thrown into an eternal world of darkness!" 

"I mean," Enoxon held out his hands and bounced them as if it were a scale.

"Everything happens for a reason, Enoxon. Like you're reasoning for bringing me here to this underworld. You said I triggered a portal? At Abigail's Tree?" I demanded from him, crossing my arms and tapping my foot. "I'm demanding answers, now and finally." 

Kurai's eyes grew wide with surprise, and he quickly avoided my gaze. "You're a lot more angry than I was when they brought me to the castle," He murmured.

"You tried to kill Enoxon because he made fun of you - I'd shut it," I threatened him. I've never stood up for myself like this before. I kept to the shadows and away from groups or people because I hated causing problems. However, something about this conversation bothered me. To think that people would be damned to an eternity of darkness because the Celestial Spirits didn't know how to guide them. They needed to figure out how to rule a Spirit. Imagine being some of the strongest Celestial Spirits and not knowing what to do with a soul. That was annoying. 

"Shut it?" Kurai mocked me, his eyes closing with annoyance and his teeth gritted together, almost forming a smile but not quite there. 

"What, will you try and kill me next because I made you angry?" I could not stop. I was now 100% annoyed and upset.

Kurai pushed himself up, approached me, face inches from mine, and muttered, "Keep in mind what kind of position you are in here, human." His voice was low and full of rage. The eyes of this Nogitsune began to change into that fiery-amber glow again. 

"Give back my dagger, and we can see who's in the worst position," I replied to the fox creature in my face, "Cat." 

With that, I immediately felt the warmth of something pressing against my stomach. I knew precisely what Kurai had done: to unleash the fire-claw-like things he had when attacking Enoxon earlier that day. 

"You might want to rethink that, human scum," He growled, his sharp teeth now bared together and his eyes full of rage. 

Enoxon then separated us between Kurai and me, "And with that, we should call it a day before someone gets hurt, heh." Enoxon had a hand a few inches away from me and another resting on Kurai, giving us a slight push away from one another. 

 However, my lavender gaze did not break from the wrathful Kurai. We stared at each other briefly before he turned his head away. 

"Whatever," He muttered. Fire disappearing from the Nogitsune, Kurai pushed his hair out of his eyes. Then, he proceeded to leave the room upstairs. 

I watched him until he was gone from the room, disappearing up the stairs.

"That was weird," Enoxon murmured. "I've never seen him withdraw like that. Way to show who was alpha!!!" He exclaimed excitedly, turning towards me. "He's never . . . ." His voice trailed off when he noticed I began returning to the room I had woken up in.

"I'm going to take a nap," I announced to him.

"Um, ok. I'll just… Be here!" Enoxon called up the stairs.

Annoyed, I made my way up the large round staircase and down the hall to the bedroom I had initially escaped. I had much to process and was exhausted, especially after the argument with Kurai.