An Unholy Redemption Chapter 13.1 cont

“Perhaps they want to believe in something other than a God who isn’t evident in a sick world?”

“Don’t you see Luther? That’s why God gave us faith, because when we hold on to our beliefs and faith it reminds us and keeps us mindful of God and what love is.”

“Love!” Lucifer snapped. “A word so overindulged. It serves nothing or nobody, it’s like a sickness causing people more pain than any amount of evil in the world.”

“Which one are you, Luther? Have you never been loved or did you lose a great love?” Lucifer’s anger and impatience started to grow as he found it hard to find an answer to John’s awkward question.

“You’re right. I don’t know love, but that’s only because I don’t want to know it. If I had my way I would wipe its very name from the minds of man until it is never spoken about again.”

“Luther, you were hurt weren’t you? You must have been to hate love and God so much.”

“I have never been hurt, it is my decision alone to be hateful and evil.”

“What do you mean?”

“This!” In one sudden movement Lucifer was on his feet with his hand around John’s throat, throttling him. Looking down at John’s frightened eyes, Lucifer started to smile. “You see John, I choose to do evil. That is what I am. I am every man’s darkest fear and I will see my will be done on earth.”

“Please!” John managed to croak as he struggled against Lucifer’s grip, pulling on his arm he lifted Lucifer’s sleeve to reveal the angel tattoo. At once John’s eyes were no longer frightened. Lucifer was confused when John gave up the fight and started to smile. He released his grip slightly and asked, “Why are you smiling?” Coughing, John struggled to speak. “It’s you! The one I’ve been waiting for.” He took hold of Lucifer’s hand. “Bless you. Please do what must be done. Into your hands I commit my soul.” This brief moment gave Lucifer time to reflect: if he saved this man John would tell people about the glory of God, which is something he did not want happening. The other choice was not to save him and suffer the consequence of staying a man. His made his choice without hesitation.

“I do this for me John, not for you and certainly not for God. I do it so that I can be released from my punishment.”

“Whatever the reason, your choice will be the right one in God’s eyes, thank you.” He closed his eyes, “Let it begin.”

Lucifer closed his eyes and concentrated on his power from within. “I call upon my power and the word from when time begun, assist me now.” The red glow started beating from his heart and made its way around his body until his hand, which was covering John’s face, started glowing a bright red. The red mist made its way down his arm until it finally encapsulated both his and John’s bodies. Time and eternity had now come together in Lucifer’s mind and they were breathing the same rhythm of life. Lucifer breathed in; John breathed out. Now they were as one. In that moment, Lucifer’s light entered John’s heart, causing him to gasp in a mouthful of air. He opened his eyes and looked up at Lucifer and the light emanating from him.

“You are the one, thank God for his mercy –”

John suddenly groaned in pain. Lucifer broke from his concentration and looked down. John’s whole body was now surrounded by a bright white light and his face was shining with a light that hurt Lucifer’s eyes.

“Thank you,” John said as Lucifer’s eyes met his. John took hold of his hand and said, “You see I was right, God does care”. John’s hand fell by his side as the white light left him, leaving only Lucifer’s red aura alight in the room.

“What are you doing?” Mary had rushed into the room on hearing John’s cry, startling Lucifer who turned to see her rushing towards him. Mary’s presence instigated a retreat of Lucifer’s red glow and as his light was fading, Mary took hold of his arm. “Get your hands off him.” Lucifer pulled his arm away from Mary’s grip, but it was too late. Lucifer’s receding power had pulled some of Mary’s life force with it into his presence making him feel even sicker than he had before. “John, John, wake up.” Mary was shaking John’s shoulders as David and Ruth entered the room. Lucifer stepped slowly back from everybody and watched with terror as part of Mary’s blue light aura forced its way into his body.

“Luther what were you doing? Why did he cry out?”

“We were just talking about his life when all of a sudden he cried out. That’s when I got up to see if I could help him. Then you came rushing into the room.” They all looked at one another to see who believed him, but concern for John took over.

“I’ll call an ambulance,” David was on his mobile phone, walking out of the room to get a better signal.

“Thank God, he’s still breathing and he has a pulse, although it is a very weak one,” Mary said. Lucifer was now sitting back in the chair holding his arm and watching everything go on around him.

“The ambulance will be about ten minutes,” David said, returning to the room. “How is he Mary?”

“Unconscious, but he is still alive.”

“Are you all right, Luther?” Ruth was looking at Lucifer who was still looking dazed and puzzled at what had just happened. Had he saved John or had his energy had the reverse effect and ultimately harmed him?

“Just a slight pain in my arm. John must have pulled it a bit too hard when he was having his attack.”

“Don’t worry about him!” Mary was angrily looking at him, “John is what matters to us, so get him the hell out of my sight.” David turned towards Ruth. “Darling, I’ll take Luther home out of your way. Stay with Mary and go with her in the ambulance. I’ll come and pick you up later when I hear from you.”

“Okay I think that’s a good idea. See you later, darling.”

“Come on Luther, let’s get you home. Things are a little sensitive here at the moment.” Still confused, Lucifer looked up at David who was beckoning him to go with him. Nodding, he stood from the chair and made his way to the hallway. “See you later Luther,” Ruth called out behind him. Lucifer didn’t respond and Mary didn’t even turn to see them leave.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Luther?” David was holding the car door open to let Lucifer in.

“I am fine, just get me away from here!”

“Okay, I was just asking, there is no need to bite my head off.”

“One day maybe I will,” Lucifer said quietly under his breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, I was just thinking aloud about what had just happened.”

“Yes I hope for Mary and Ruth’s sake that this is the day when John will finally be at peace.” As they were driving home, an ambulance shot past them going in the other direction.

“That will be for John. I hope God will take care of him, as well as of Mary and Ruth.”

“Don’t hold your breath. God never keeps promises.”

 

Mary and Ruth sat holding each other in the back of the ambulance as it headed towards the hospital with its blue lights flashing and siren sounding. “Is he going to be okay?” Ruth asked the paramedic as he was wiring John up to a heart monitor. “Well, he’s unconscious but stable. The doctors at the hospital will be able to tell you more.”

“It’s going to be okay, Mary. Even if he does die, his pain will be no more and he will be free. If I’m totally honest, I hope he does quietly pass in his sleep.” Mary broke into a flood of tears. She realised that her sister was right and she thought that only God would know what was best for him now.

 

“Can I get you a drink of anything Luther?” They had both arrived back at David’s house and were sitting in the lounge.

“Get me a whisky!”

“Are you sure? Don’t you remember the effect whisky had on you last night?”

“I don’t care. I want one and I want it now.”

“Okay, would you like ice?”

“No, just a full glass of whisky.”

“Tell me Luther, what really happened back at Mary’s house? Why was Mary so angry with you?” He handed Lucifer the glass of whisky.

“I guess she just panicked after hearing her brother cry out and seeing me next to him. It must have looked suspicious. But I was only seeing if I could help him.” Lucifer searched David’s eyes for any signs of disbelief. “Well thanks for trying to help. I’m sure when Mary’s calmed down she’ll appreciate what you did. I am just going upstairs for a quick wash and change. Will you be all right?” Lucifer looked at him with an air of contempt.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Help yourself to whatever you like.”

“Just leave the whisky bottle; that will be fine.”

Lucifer watched and waited as David left the room and the sounds of his footsteps had drifted into the distance. “Well Michael, I’m alone at last. Where’s my reward?” Nothing but silence. “I know you’re there Michael. Show your face, you’re always there. I did what you and the Most High wanted, now where’s my reward?” Still nothing. “What do you want from me? Do you want me to close my eyes, get on my knees and pray to the Most High? Where are you?” His furious outbursts were met with nothing but silence. Then he remembered how he previously thought about saving John and then returning to angelic form and taking his revenge. “Come on Michael. I didn’t mean any of that. I was just playing with you. Now give me my reward.” Nothing.

 

“Hello Mary.”

“Hello doctor, how is he?” John’s specialist had walked into the waiting room after examining John.

“Please sit down.” Mary gripped Ruth’s hand tightly as the doctor started to talk, fearing the worst. “He’s slipped into a coma. At the moment, he’s on a life support machine. It seems like his whole body has just shut down for some reason. Did anything happen?”

“No, he just cried out then fell unconscious.”

“Strange. Well, your brother is in very safe hands. My team are some of the world’s best and will stop at nothing until we find an answer. I know it’s hard, but try not to worry. We’ll all be working on him round the clock. I must get back, but I’ll let you know if there is any change in his condition.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Mary and Ruth watched the doctor disappear down the corridor. Mary turned to her sister.

“Why don’t you call David and get him to come and pick you up? There’s no point in both of us being here.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind staying. David is big and ugly enough to look after himself.”

“No, it’s fine. Please go and call him. I’ll come and get you if anything happens.”

“Okay, I’ll just go outside and call him. Get us a coffee from the vending machine. I won’t be long.”

 

The sound of the phone ringing in the corridor disturbed Lucifer. He listened to David as he answered it. “Hello Ruth, how is he? Really, did they say what caused it? Okay, give me twenty minutes and I’ll be there. Ruth before you go remember he’s still alive and while he’s still alive, there’s always hope. Love you, goodbye.” The living room door opened and David entered. “That was Ruth. She says that John’s in a coma. They don’t know what caused it but at least he’s still alive. I’m just going to pick her up. Do you want to come along for the ride?”

“No, I think I’ll stay here with this whisky bottle.”

“Okay, but promise you will be here when we get back. The brotherhood have charged me with looking after you. See you soon and don’t go anywhere.” The front door slammed behind him.

“Do I have anywhere else to go?” Lucifer’s shouted sarcastically as he left, a quiet voice above him started to speak, “Do you have anywhere to go Lucifer?”

“Michael, how good of you to join me. I think you know the answer to that question. I don’t.” Michael had now appeared in his full glory and was floating above.

“You are exactly where you are supposed to be for this exact moment in time, so everything is going well and all according to God’s plan.”

“Yes, I know I am not in control. I’ve heard it all before. Now tell me what happened: did I save John or not? I was interrupted by that interfering Mary. I don’t know if I completed my work or not.”

“You did exactly what you were meant to do, no more, no less.”

“Stop answering me in riddles, will he live or not?”

“He will live and the Most High is most pleased with your cooperation.”

“I don’t want to please the Most High. I certainly do not want his acceptance. Now Michael, down to business. When you’re ready, I’ll have my reward for saving John.”

“My dear brother, did you not realise that you have already received it?”

“Is that some sort of joke? Because if it is, I’m not laughing.”

“No Lucifer, I am not joking. You have already been rewarded for your work.”

“So where are my wings and my freedom?”

“Nobody mentioned that your reward would be the same as before.”

“I assumed it would be, because my ultimate desire is to be a fiery angel once again.”

“I am sorry you thought that brother, but the Most High decided on a much more special reward, one that will enable you to rediscover yourself.”

“Rediscover myself! What do you mean? I know who I am. Damn you and the Most High with your mind games. What is this reward that is so special?”

“Do you not feel it? Your reward is now running through your veins, slowly finding its way around your body until you finally accept it. Then and only then you will allow it to enter into your heart, look.” Lucifer looked down to where Michael was pointing. The arm Mary had grabbed was now glowing a bright blue which was pulsating all around his arm.

“What trickery is this? How can this be? What have you done to me?”

“It is a token of the Most High’s love for you. It will remain there unseen until you decide to tap into your own energy. This is when it will reveal itself again. Lucifer, it is up to you whether you decide to accept this gift or not. Until then it remains a permanent reminder. Goodbye, my brother.”

“Wait! A reminder of what?”

“In time you will know, in time.”

“Come back, Michael, come back here and explain yourself!” Michael had vanished and Lucifer was left in the room, surrounded by nothing but silence. He looked down at his arm. The blue light had vanished. What could have that meant? He decided to try and access his energy to see what would happen. Cautiously, he closed his eyes and began to slow his breathing. It was not long before he was at one with himself and his red aura was illuminating his whole torso. He sat in this quietness for a while before opening his eyes to look at his arm.

“Come on, Lucifer” he said to himself. Opening his eyes, he looked down to his arm which was alive all in a perfect crimson red, and relief calmed his mind. “You see Michael, my power is still strong enough to withstand anything the Most High imposes on me, look!” He held his arm aloft to show it to the heavens in all its glory, then to his horror the blue glow started to appear much stronger than before, and this time it was interacting and intertwining with Lucifer’s own red energy like smoke, slowly working its way up his arm. “No! This can’t be, I won’t let it happen.” He tried to fight it, but the more he fought it the stronger it became. Lucifer switched off his own energy with an angry cry causing both colours to disappear. Feeling stunned and confused, he jumped to his feet and shouted at the heavens. “I hate you, do you hear me? I hate you!” His cry was so loud it startled some birds in the tree next door which took flight at hearing his screams.

 

Back at the hospital, David had arrived to pick up Ruth. “Hello darling,” Ruth had turned to see David walking up the hospital corridor towards her.

“How is he, Ruth?”

“He’s still stable. They’re carrying out blood tests and will be doing some scans later.”

“How’s Mary coping?” They both looked through the glass window to where Mary was sitting next to John’s bedside holding his hand. “She’s okay and she is very strong. I think she now accepts that John is finally going to die and there will be no more pain and suffering for him.”

“Good,” David said quietly. He tapped gently on the window to draw Mary’s attention. Her electrifying blue eyes were magnified by the tears inside them. She raised her hand and waved to David and he responded with a gentle caring smile. “It’s going to be okay,” he said through the glass.

“I don’t think she can hear you, David.”

“Yes she can, look.” Mary nodded and mouthed, “I know, thank you.”

“Come on, let us get home. I’m tired and I told Mary that I will relieve her tomorrow morning. She’s going to spend the night with him. You don’t mind bringing me here before going to work?”

“Of course not.” Ruth tapped on the window to wave goodbye. Mary looked up and blew a kiss to them both then returned her attention to John, gently stroking his hand.

 

Lucifer awoke to the sound of the front door opening. He had felt drained and lethargic after his experience and had fallen was asleep in David’s favourite chair.

“Cup of tea anyone? I’m gasping.” Ruth was putting her coat on the banister and calling to them both.

“I would love one thanks, dear. Do you want one Luther?”

“Yes, with lots of sugar.”