INFERNO

Death

Yes. That's me. Most feared God amongst the humans. However, what humans dont understand is, I am a mere performer of my job. What they cant see is the fact that I dont enjoy the sobs and wails either.

Dont get me wrong. I love to hear people scream in pain. You can say I have a bit of sadist in me. It gives me immense pleasure to see people suffer for their sins. However, what I dont enjoy is the heartbreak I bring to your loved ones. Their wails and sobs make my heart bleed all over again. For, I am very well versed with the pain of losing a person that holds strings to your heart.

You see, I wasnt always this bad guy. There was a time I was like you all. Innocent, sweet, redeemable, lovable. A time lives ago. A time where my sweet angel was still mine and I didnt have to lose a part of me to just see her. Back then, I didnt have to wait one whole torturous year for few measly seconds with the angel who owns my heart and soul. The one who left me heartless and soulless. My angel. The Angel of Life as you all call her. Oh no, there is no irony here. Just the cruel game played by masters of our world. My punishment for going against them. They knew calling me fallen angel wouldnt stop me. So, instead they took something more precious than my life from me.

"Luce! You are dreaming already. There is still time to meet her," Satan, my loyal friend whispers, bringing me out of my trance. He is the only one who knows the real reason behind this madness we call a game.

"So how are the preparations going?" I ask adressing the group seated infront of me which includes my most trusted men. My lords and dukes. Each one of them with their own power and together, we are invincible.

Poieden, the one incharge of the game this year slowly stands adjusting his tunic. His creativity never fails to amaze me and to say I am curious about the arrangements would be an understatement. However, he said that he would reveal his creation only after commencement of the game. He has been using a whole dimension for constructing the game.

"Lord Lucifer," he adresses slightly bowing his head.

"It is ready. I would suggest to wait till the commencement of game but if you wish to look over it, I d gladly lead you to the dimension," he announces.

"Thankyou Poieden. That wont be necessary though. I trust your capabilites and as you suggested, we will all witness your magic only after commencement of game. I know you wont dissapoint me," I say making him nod his head. My mean dont smile. Compliments mean nothing to them. All these centuries they spent amidst the torture and trouble made them hard and unyielding.

"Luce, are you sure though. You remember what physician said right?" Satan whispers again.

Oh I remember alright. Every year, I conduct a game as we call it. The winner is presented with another chance at life. To every one who is looking fron outside, it looks like cruel source of entertainment. However, for me, its the only the thing that keeps me sane.

The hope of being in her presence one of these days serves as the only motivation that keeps me up and running. And, this game is the only way I could meet my angel. To present the winner of my game with a chance at life, she comes into my world. The light to my darkness. My elixir.

Its not easy though. Giving life to dead weakens me. Last year, meeting my angel took a real toll on me. The physician was so worried that he almost outed our secret to my men. Thankfully, Satan took care of it before it could cause any damage. However, my dear friend wouldnt stop nagging me about it.

"It doesnt matter Satan. You know it doesnt. Nothing does without her," I whisper back. If anyone hears me now, they would laugh at me. The world knows me as a ruthless monster and that is who I am. Not Satan though. His cruelty knows no bounds but by heart, he is more caring and understanding than every one I ever knew.

"So, my dear men, let the fun begin," I announce, raising from my throne and moving towards the main area.