// - R e i s a n
[I have lived one thousand lies.]
Wafts of noxious smoke drifted along the deserted alleyway. Rats scurried out of sight as a lone tomcat, aged and battle scarred strolled along, searching for its next victim. But even the cat, regal as he was, backed away from the sight of a lone figure, hood drawn over his face, eyes glinting in the pallid moonlight. The figure snarled at the cat, causing it to dart away into the shadows, meal forgotten. A single doorway was at the end of the ally. Caked in years of grime and sludge, the small steps leading to the solid door looked as though they had not seen a person on them for many years. Snarling once again, the figure took in the irony. // Of course this is where Lucifer would be residing. At the back of a strip club. Lucky bastard // He thought with a snicker. The figure was none other than Reisan. Former leader of the Angels. The right hand of God. He was also the first to fall from grace. And fell he did, hardest and longest of his three brothers who were also Archangels. He bore the curse marks of the hardest fall. Worse even than those of Lucifer who was the first to fall. Clutching at his chest, over his heart, Reisan relived the feeling and pain of his fall. Even though it had happened thousands of years ago, he felt as though he had only just hit the ground. God ensured severe punishment to those who fell, in a hope it would provide those with similar ideals to those of the brothers what would happen to them. The fall had broken every bone in his body, the first stage of his curse was he had to endure the pain of healing. Lying in the ground for well over a thousand years, Reisan could feel as every bone clicked and shifted back into place. But he was strong and every pain he felt made him more determined to see the other Angels slain by his own blade. Feeling for the hilt of his sword, strapped to his back, a sense of calm drifted over Reisan. He sought pleasure in killing, always had. For many years he had proved a reliable assassin to kings and queens. A fearless commander in every known battle from those on horseback against the Vikings in England, to those in Germany in more recent years, using machine guns. Gently revealing a small section of blade, Reisan felt the quick sing of his blade resonate through him, singing a tune which only he knew. Everans was the name to which his blade responded. Long ago had he learned he commanded the element of fire. In combination with his heavenly sword, Reisan was able to call upon Finarc, the sword flame. He was unbeatable in battle when he used his elemental skills. Reaching a closed fist towards the door covered in colourful fungus he gave a hard knock. Looking at his boots which were slick with grime, he noticed the bottom of the door appeared to be rotting away. // One. Two. Three // thought Reisan in annoyance. He had heard no-one shift around behind the door. Anger ran through him, slowly at first, like someone pouring cold honey, then it turned into something more. The cold heat of fury lanced through him and his eyes flashed red. His fingers grew hot and small flames licked their way across his skin in a deathly dance. Taking a step backwards, Reisan lifted one boot clad foot and kicked the door inwards with a force that not only sent the door flying open, but caused it to fall completely off its groaning hinges and onto the floor. Inside, the small section of hall he could see was also covered in fungus, this time a black variety. “Lucifer. Keenan. Lucas. One of you had better fucking be in here. Or heads will fucking roll I swear. Everans has not seen blood for many years and she longs for it.” Reisan yelled into the seemingly empty building, rage evident in his voice. Eyes probing in the darkness for a sign of movement. Reisan was startled when somewhere a little deeper in the hall, someone started to clap. In his furious state Reisan growled and unsheathed Everans, ready to face whatever or whoever was coming towards him.
“Now, now Reisan. Is that any way to greet a friend?” A smooth dark voice curled towards Reisan from the black depths, followed by an evil laugh which can only be likened to the sound of nails on a chalk board. There was only one possible being in the entire universe which sounded like that.
“Come out where I can fucking see you Lucifer. Or heaven fucking help you Everans will see your head roll.” Snarling, Reisan adjusted his stance, lifting his sword higher in the cool night air, catching the reflection of the moon so Lucifer knew he was serious.
“Heaven help me? That’s a nice one. Now come inside before you catch your death old friend.” The voice turned into a strikingly handsome figure, dressed in an expensive black suit.
”Don’t flatter yourself Lucifer.” Reisan mustered every ounce of controlled rage and coldness into his voice. Stepping into the dank hall, Lucifer gestured him to follow. ”You had better have a fucking good reason for bringing me here Lucifer. I’m supposed to be killing some fat old bastard who stands in the way a Cuban drug lord as we speak.”
A cold laugh escaped the lips of Lucifer. The sound that chilled people to the bone and the melody that haunted mothers as they tucked their children in at night. ”You’ll see Reisan. I can make it worth your while. Just follow me and listen.”
The words touched Reisan’s ears with all the delicacy of someone pouring acid on him. Shaking off the feeling, he was aware that the heavy beat of techno pounded through him and vibrated the walls and floor. Ahead, there was a door. // Cast iron by the looks of it. But not too solid Everans can’t cut through. // Reisan thought with a scowl. The vibration of heavy bass only grew heavier as they dawned closer to the door. Extending a pale hand, Lucifer grasped the handle. A sprinkling of frost shot over the metal. Raising his head over his shoulder to peer at Reisan, Lucifer shouted over the music “Welcome to Eden brother.” And with that, the hinges of the door groaned and the two Fallen Angels were hit by the full power of the bass which the door had partially held back. The smell of sex, sweat, alcohol, smoke and latex was heavy in the air. Wrinkling his nose in disgust, Reisan strode after Lucifer, swamped by a mass of moving bodies clad in scraps of material not fit enough to be called clothing. Women ground against men in actions they thought sexy, while men drank and lured women into rooms, obviously not for a chat. Letting loose the chain on his inner demon, women turned to gawk at the magnificent creatures that stalked past them. Partially naked whores danced in time to the music, grinding against poles or the walls of their cages. // Of fucking course Lucifer would be running a whorehouse. // Reisan thought to himself with a bitter tang coating his mouth. Weaving through the mass of bodies, Reisan strode over to where Lucifer sat. Beside him lounged a familiar figure, clothed in what appeared to be the latest fashion and the prettiest of the whores either sitting on his lap or giving him a massage.
“Keenan you son of a whore. Its been centuries brother!” Clasping his forearm in greeting, Reisan took the seat to the other side of Lucifer.
”Yes it has been Brother! Although, if my memory is correct, its been exactly 300 years since you saw me.” Called the rough voice of Keenan.
”Oh yes Brother. And I remember seeing you much the same as now. Drunk and covered in whores.” Scowling, Reisan felt uneasy. Why had Lucifer called his younger brother here too? And if Keenan was here. Where the fuck was Lucas? Turning towards Lucifer, Reisan called to him above the music, “Why the fuck have you brought me here Lucifer?” Reisan’s temper was just about ready to explode. If this was Lucifer’s idea of a joke, Reisan was far from laughing.
”Since when do I ever bring you places for no reason Reisan? I brought you here for a proposition.” Somehow, Lucifer found no reason to raise his voice above the pounding bass. It cut sharply through and whispered in Reisan’s ear.
”Speak up Lucifer. I have not time for your fucking games.” Snarling, Reisan gathered himself, ready to get the hell out of this place.
”What if I told you Reisan, I knew how to free you from your curse. And start the final war with God?” The Devil smiled, his lips curving in a way which portrayed a dark secret. One which only he knew. And for once, Reisan shut up and looked blankly at Lucifer.
”I swear Lucifer, if you’re fucking lying to me right now. By the end of the night there will be little left of your club. And for you of that matter. Now speak up before I let Everans have some fun.” Sliding smoothly back in his chair, Reisan met the black, soul-less eyes of Lucifer, awaiting with open ears what the Prince of Darkness would say next.