Daemon Spawn: The Romance

Even with its scent heavily masked with elderberry and incense, Kara was not fooled.

"Step out of the shadow, monster," she said.

"I feel that's an over exaggeration," a low, demonic voice said. Then it towered over her, bulging eyes and muscle, saliva dripping from its two-inch razor-tipped teeth.

"Am I to believe that you've somehow changed your ways?" she asked, not at all convinced.

"It sure would be easier if you would," it replied.

"What do you want?"

"A truce," it said, taking a step forward. In its lethally clawed hands it held something. It was small and fragile, glinting in the moonlight.

"A jar...of strawberry preserves?" There was more than a hint of disbelief in Kara's voice.

"Your favorite, yes?" the devil replied, "And with no added sugar."

"You think to fool me with jam?" Kara said. But she couldn't take her eyes off the jar.

"Well, no. I was hoping we might just bury the sword."

"Just like that?"

"It's not like we haven't been at this for centuries," it said. "I'm not getting any younger, and we're obviously at a stalemate."

Kara raised an eyebrow. It was true that the two had been fighting for what mere mortals would call lifetimes. Of late, they had alternated victories, with neither really taking a clear advantage.

But long ago she had sworn an oath to vanquish the evil beast and all its minions, once and for all. It had destroyed cities, slaughtered thousands in its wake.

"I abhor you and all that you represent," she finally said, "I will not rest until you are utterly wiped off the face of the Earth. You and your foul underlings, and any who might worship you."

"Ouch," the beast said, clutching where its heart might have been if it had one, "That hurts. You're a cold, cold person, you know that?"

"And you're a hellspawn, with the sole purpose of destruction. You and I may no longer be at the peak of our strength, but I have more than enough will and power in me to keep on thwarting your vile plans."

"Oh, come on," the beast said. "Let me spell it out for you. I've met someone, okay? I think she really likes me and..."

"You what?" Kara said.

"I've met a woman," it said. "She runs the community garden down on Bleaker. She's gentle, and kind, and I think she really..."

Raucous laughter rent the air. Kara doubled over, fell to one knee. With one hand on the ground she steadied herself, while she held up the other in front of her.

"Wait, wait," she managed to say between gasps. "You're saying you're in love with a mortal woman?"

"I don't think it's that funny," the demon said. There was a tinge of hurt in its voice. "I thought you would be happy for me."

"Happy...for you?" Kara managed to get control of herself and stood up. "After all you've done, after all the death, I'm supposed to be happy for you?"

"Haven't you ever asked yourself what you would do if you didn't have to do...this?" The demon waved its large arms around.

"No," Kara said. "There will always be evil to oppose."

"I suppose that's true. But I've decided, I don't want to do this anymore. I want to settle down. Maybe get a cottage at sea level, get married, raise a family, watch my children, I don't know—play soccer. Win a trophy. Stuff like that."

"You're serious." Kara's eyes widened. It wasn't often that the unbelievable made her pause, but a devil wanting to be domesticated did.

"I am," it nodded, sending its long dark dreadlocks whipping up and back. "I don't see any future in this ongoing battle between good, you, and evil, me. Most beings in my profession don't live as long as I have. They never pause to think about old age or retirement because they never get there. I've been thinking about both lately. A lot."

"And you truly love this..."

"Mabel," the beast said. "Yes. I do. I mean, she has her little quirks, obviously, but who doesn't? She has this nasty nail biting habit I'm hoping she'll give up, but I mean..." It gestured away, pointing into the darkness, said, "Mote," before pointing at its right eye and saying, "Beam."

"Very well." Kara said. Without another word, she turned and started to walk away.

"Wait. What?" It was the beast's turn to show surprise.

"I will give you a respite of fifty years," she said over her shoulder, "That should give you more than enough time to get this, this, dalliance, out of your system. When the time is up, I will find you and I will finally dispatch you utterly."

"Okay," the beast said. It looked down at the jar of jam still in its hands, "I was hoping we could just be done with it, but 50 years is better than nothing, I suppose. Don't you want this?"

"Enjoy," Kara said, "We will meet again."

"What about you? Aren't you going to take a break?"

"Farewell," Kara said, waving without turning. A few more steps and she disappeared in the darkness.

"Who was that?"

The demon whirled around to find a beautiful maiden standing behind it with her hands on her hips. She didn't look happy.

"Oh, Mabel. You startled me."

"You said you were going to the market," Mabel said, taking its hand, "That was hours ago."

"I'm sorry, I must have lost track of time. It won't happen again."

"Come along, then. You know my parents are anxious to meet you."

The beast let itself be led down the cobblestoned street. Turning its head, it looked back to where Kara had been. Then, with a sigh, it said:

"Yes, dear."

_{Image source—Pixabay}

This post is part of the five minute freewrite hosted by @mariannewest. In all, twelve previously unused prompts were used and can be found in italics throughout the story.