Chasing Hell

Chapter III: So Basically, They're Like Satan, Lucifer and Judas

CHAPTER THREE: So Basically, They're Like Satan, Lucifer and Judas

“What? Are you serious?” Errine exclaimed. She even stood up and gasped at what I said. Yes. I told her that Hell wants me. Now that’s dual meaning, and both are applicable to my situation right now. Errine said he’s dangerous, so that puts my not-so-normal life at the brink of doom. Just thinking about it makes me wanna pack my things and regret ever coming here.

“I’m so doomed. I never thought I would be in this situation. I mean, I was just pissed at him for snatching my schedule, that’s why I called him names. But really, I never should’ve done that. His arrogance and rudeness added to what I felt back there. I was late and stuck with that...ugh. I really don’t know what to do now.” I said downheartedly. It’s like my fruitful days in this world can be counted in my fingers.

“Hey, calm down. First of all, how did you two meet? Was it cool or the other way around?” she asked out of curiosity. I looked at her then pouted. But if I tell her, she might laugh at me. I mean, how Hell and I met did not really happened in a normal way. I just cussed and it’s so coincidental that his name was ‘Hell’. She might really laugh at me. And what happened earlier at the hallway when he snatched my class schedule was really humiliating.

“No way! That’s all you need to know, Errine. The other details were... Confidential!” I turned away from her.

“Oh come on now, Heather! Fill me in! I want every detail. From how you met. First conversation and such. I mean, Kohell wouldn’t want to have you if there’s nothing in you that triggered him. I mean, you’re beautiful. You’re actually fit to be a Vogue Model or even a Victoria’s Secret model. Look at you; you have a voluptuous body to die for. Physically wise, you are an epitome of a goddess.” I eyed her. Compliments won’t bribe your way to making me talk, brainiac! She’ll really bug me to tell her how Hell and I met. How my doomsday started. Oh please, thinking about it makes me insane. I mean, I only met him yesterday. He’s being rude and all, and now he suddenly wants me?

“You know... I’m really tired. I just wanna go to sleep.” I said and tucked myself inside the blanket. I know these things don’t usually work, but it’s worth a try. I really don’t want to talk about it. I’ve had enough of it for today. I’ve had enough of Hell for today.

“Nah-ah, Missy. You should tell me. You wouldn’t know you might need my precious help after all.” she said proudly.

I lowered the blanket and peeked a little, only half of my face’s visible. She’s crossing her arms on her chest like she’s some kind of a genie who just came out of a lamp. Well that’s quite the irony because right now, she’s sitting in an Indian position, right here on my bed.

I looked at her for a few sec. trying to weigh the odds of telling her. But then, I realized that if my life’s really in danger right now, might as well let someone know. In case one day, my body will be found lifeless, someone already knew who the suspect will be. Wait! Oh my gosh! Did I really picture myself.. DEAD?!

Oh no! Knock on the wood, airhead! Said my alter ego.

I hurriedly took off the blanket and searched for any wooden object. I found my mahogany night table and knocked on it three times and sighed. This is making me really insane.

“What are you doing? The door’s right there, Heather.” Errine pointed to the direction of the door. She has this funny face. She looks as confused as to why I knocked on the table.

“Nothing, Errine.” I answered, trying hard not to stifle a laughter.

“So.. Tell me all the details now.” she demanded as she moved closer to me. I let out an exasperated sigh. Looks like there’s no way getting out of this. She’ll keep on bugging and bugging me to death.

So I’ve got no other choice but to fill her in. I told her what happened, from the moment I stepped into the school’s red-bricked pavement. The moment I cursed and a hot guy who suddenly pops out of nowhere. The moment he rudely left me hanging after he said he knows where the dormhouses are. I really wanted to omit the hallway part, but hey, I think that that’s the most significant fragment of my doomsday. And so, with a heavy heart, I told her about the incident in the hallway.

“..That’s it. He was my classmate.” I said dryly. I took a deep breath after the whole storytelling I did. It was quite exhausting.

“Wait. You called him jerk, dumbass douche and a sucker?!” she gaped and her hands automatically sprung on to her mouth. She looked shock.

“Uhm.. Yeah. Why? I mean.. He pissed the crap out of me. And plus, he called me nut head! Yes, a nut head! Who, in their right minds, wouldn’t be pissed at that? He made fun of me in the hallway, while I’m on the verge of being late!” I exclaimed. Now that this somehow reminded me of the fresh incident, I feel like my blood’s boiling and is ready to evaporate! That bloody jerk’s now freely roaming in my nerve!

“Wow. Just wow.” she did a slow clap. Uh? Can anybody tell me what’s going on? Why’s this girl seems so amazed?

“What?” I asked frowning. My furrowed forehead had its easy way of telling that I don’t know what I said wrong.

“You’re the first one who stood up against the Satan.” she informed. I can see her eyes twinkling like she’s watching her favourite superhero fighting her ass off to save the world. But wait, first one? Just who really is this Hell guy and it seemed like everybody’s bloody scared of him?

“I really don’t understand why it seems like this is a big deal in here.” I c****d my head to the side. It really bothers me, like big time. I’m the first one to actually go neck to neck with him? Is he that scary? If he’s scary, then why would he want me? If he’s that popular in here and is living a celebrity-like life in here, why would he go for a commoner like me who just transferred? I’m breaking my head for this.

“Of course it’s a big deal, dummy.” Errine said, I just rolled my eyes heavenwards.

“Soooo... Care to enlighten me?” I said on pure sarcasm.

“All right. Here it goes. Kohell’s been around here for quite some time. He’s like a magnet who pulls ladies to swoon over him. He’s gorgeous, like abnormally gorgeous, I bet you know that. His handsome face is really a sight to behold. Not to mention he is darkly seductive in a way that one stare from him, your knees might go jelly. He is like a flame, dangerous. And girls are like moths. You know the logic on that part, right?” She tilted her head to the said. I just rolled my eyes heavenwards.

“Why are we talking about how inhumanely beautiful he is? Aren’t we going to talk about my life which is now hanging by a thread?” I asked in pure annoyance. I perfectly know that he screams of hotness and handsomeness.

“Chill, Girl. This information will be highly associated to how your life’s at stake...” I pouted. She continued, “Like you, I’m a transferee. I transferred here 2 years ago. Kohell’s already been ruling this campus when I transferred. But that’s enough time for me to know who he is. He was feared. He was looked up to. He has this very compelling aura which contributes to his very dominant and strong appearance. Like he’s some freaking god who dwells in this institute. If you’re an epitome of a goddess. He has good looks of an Adonis.” I raised a brow at what she said. God, eh? More like a douche bag who thinks so highly of himself. Bummer. Adonis? Fine, he is!

“Due to Kohell’s physical traits, he also has a huge ego. This can result for him to be very vain, arrogant and proud.” Oh come on! I don’t care if he’s gorgeous enough. I won’t let him walk all over me. Ha! It won’t happen. Ever.

“..Kohell has this so-called Coven in which he calls it The Devil Three. They’re group of guys who has one thing in common. They love to play around and have fun. The kind of fun in which one will end up crying while the other’s enjoying. If you’ll ask me, yes, they’re a bunch of jerks who shares common s**t. But no one ever dared go up against them.” Errine continued. What lacked here is a whiteboard, podium, projector and a microphone. Man! This sure is a lot to take up.

“So who’re in this coven s**t?” I asked curiously. So he has minions? Banana.

“Skye, a third year student. He’s cute but deadly. He broke countless hearts at the age of 13.” Errine said while crumpling the top sheet of my bed.

“Then there’s, Hunter, the youngest of them all. He’s a second year student. He’s not that handsome, but s**t, he screams hotness. If you’d ask me, he’s even hotter than Kohell.” she continued.

“Okay? So you like, introduced them as hot and all, I can’t seem to find the part wherein they’re dangerous.” I deadpanned. Okay. Yeah. I get it. They’re handsome, hot, maybe has fat bank account, witty and all, but I wanna know why my life’s in danger.“How’s my life in danger?” I asked impatiently.

“That, my friend, is for you to find out. I mean, no one knows what they’ll do. But one thing’s for sure, they’re a bunch of mysterious hot guys.” she said while crossing her arms on her chest.

“You said I might need your help in here. How can you help me?” I asked. But she just shrugged. I scrunched my nose and threw her the first thing I touched, the pillow.

“What?” she seemed shock.

“You acted so witty back there like you’ve done a massive research about them and yet you don’t friggin’ know how to help me?” I glared at her. I’m fuming to death. My life’s tilting on the edge of a blade right now, she oh so graciously offered her help but she doesn’t know what to do? I’m so screwed!

“I’ve never seen them in action, you know. But I promise, I’ll do what I can to help you.” she grinned. I just gave her a death glare. Looks like I can’t fully depend on her.

“So basically, they’re like Satan, Lucifer and Judas?” I said in pure sarcasm.

“More like it.” she answered. ”Listen, Kohell’s fond of making someone’s life miserable. Like really miserable. He’s manipulative, impulsive and very self-absorbed...” Yeah. He’s a conceited royal pain in my arsenal. ”If Kohell wants you, that puts you in a very crucial situation. But you’re gutsy and brave, I can see that. Plus you’re a transferee; he doesn’t know you quite well. So that, kind of puts you in a bit of advantage. Just don’t let your guard down.” She said breathlessly. I sighed after all the things she said, none of it really helped me on how to get away from this. I somehow regretted having huge guts and being the fearless I am back there. Look where it led me.

“Maybe it’s high time that someone will tame the devil.” She said then tapped my shoulder. Is she referring to me? How will I ever tame the devil if I don’t even know him that much? You know Errine, I’m also in a bit of a disadvantage in here, he just made his first move. And I don’t know what battle plan I’ll use against him. Or if I ever had a battle plan. Screw this s**t. I won’t let him see the worst of me.

“Thanks for the information. I guess that’ll be enough for now.” I said. She smiled and yawned. Though I don’t find it quite useful aside from the fact that she really praised his godliness, it showed a hint of danger in it.

“I better go to bed.” she yawned again before opening the door of my room. “Good night, Heavs.” she said. I smiled and then she closed the door.

I took a deep sigh and got out of bed. I decided to go to the balcony; I really need to breathe a little fresh air. It’s like my whole body’s being poisoned by the information I gathered from Errine.

The sky’s so black and the stars are twinkling gleefully at this endless darkness. Suddenly, all I can think of is those pair of dark eyes who really resembles this dark of a night. I gasped after the thought sunk. Why am I thinking about that jerk?

Just as when I was about to go inside, I noticed a shadow beneath the pine tree that’s not far from the balcony of my room. I suddenly felt chilly. The coldness that bites intensified.

I ran inside, effortlessly and double locked the door. I dived in bed and covered my body with the blanket.

It’s just an animal, right? Dang this.

My phone beeped and so I picked it up. It flashed an unknown number and so I opened the message.

“Wessler, I’m gonna collect debts soon. - H”

Oh no! So doomed! Just the initial and the hair in my spine spiked up. Where the hell did he get my phone number?

***

I’m walking my way through the sea of people. I am headed to the cafeteria because it’s lunch time and my tummy’s shamelessly thundering.

I got a text from Errine that said she can’t accompany me because she had to finish something very urgent first. And so I got no other choice but to eat lunch on my own. I was kinda hoping I won’t bump into Satan. I’ve been avoiding him for quite some time now. They say, the best offense is a great defense. In my case, avoidance will pretty much suffice.

After I stuffed my tray with food and paid for it, I looked for any vacant table. As much as I want to have someone to have lunch with, it’s hard. And right there, near the centre, was a vacant table. I hurriedly dragged myself towards it and sat on the chair with a smile on my face. Looks like Lady Luck’s smiling on me now.

My burger’s midway to my mouth when I noticed the eyes of those who sat across my table. I looked at them confusingly and then they looked away in an instant. I shrugged and was about to have a huge bite on my double layered burger when...

“Look who finally succumbs into the devil’s paws.” said a very manly voice. That enough to send chills through my spine.

Don’t look up, Heaven. Don’t you dare? Or else you’ll turn to stone!

Just where is Errine when I need her?

I started eating and pretended I didn’t hear him. The best offense is a great defense, marked that in my mind. I devoured my food and acted like I don’t get that eerie feeling of being watched by those dark eyes.

Someone pulled the chair that’s opposite mine and gracefully sat on it. I looked at him and apparently, I can’t look at him for more than a millisecond, and so I averted my eyes off of him. And that made him smirk.

“You know, you can’t avoid me forever, right Blondie?” he asked, no, more like he threatened. There’s really no hint of a question in there. I looked at him and his smug facade, I can tell, he’s really a conniving evil jerk.

“Who’s avoiding who?” I asked and my feeble attempt to sound innocent only gives it away. Jeez!

“Oh come on, Blondie. What are we, pre-schoolers? We both know who I am talking about.” He said while crossing his arms over his chest and he really looked hot though.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I deadpanned. Yeah. My attempt to pretend I don’t know really sucked. And have I told you I suck pretty hard on lying, too?

“Well, I would be honoured to refresh your mind.” he smirked and leaned a little bit closer. “Like I told you, Wessler, I’m going to collect debts. The kind of debt which does not require a single penny.” he then slammed his back on his seat and gave me an evil grin. I would pretty much willing to pay my own bank cash just to wipe that sly grin off of his face.

But I can’t let him walk all over me. I just couldn’t let that happen. If it does not really require a stash from my account, then what my oh so dear Dad taught me would be very useful now, self-defense. Having parents who are S.A’s might really come in handy, ‘cause they taught me how to fight. Let’s just see who kneels down at the end of the day.

I leaned closer and yanked him towards me and whispered on his ears, “Bring it on.” and then I stood up and walked away from them with a victorious smile on my face.

Just what have I done?

***

“Hurry up, Heavs. The ceremony’s about to start.” Errine said while lacing the brown boots she’s having a hard time to finish wearing.

“You’re sure the one to tell when you’ve consumed half an hour doing that.” I said after combing my blonde hair. I’m done fixing myself yet she’s hasn’t fixed her hair, it’s still on a messy bun.

“I just can’t... Urgh!” she groaned and decided to take it off and took her black boots and wore it effortlessly. I just shook my head.

“Okay. Let’s go.” she said excitedly.

“Uhh, Errine, your hair’s...” I twirled my index finger above my head signalling what mess of a hair she has.

“Just leave it be.” she said and grabbed my hand. Before i knew it we’re outside the dorm and I felt the cold biting. I almost forgot, it’s mid-September and the cold breeze of December was a little bit early.

She led me all the way to the... Mystic Woods. Oh my. What are we doing here? Well, we’re not really inside the treacherous forest, but we’re currently a few meters away from its mouth. Why would the ceremony take place in such bloody dangerous place?

I halted and she looked at me confused. We’re a few steps away from the flock of students who are eagerly chattering about something. And so I notice this is just about half of the population.

“Why are we here? Aren’t the ceremony supposed to be on a chapel, or where her body was found?” I asked in curiosity.

“This is where we found her backpack with traces blood on it. And... And we haven’t found her body.” she said in almost a whisper. I was dumbstruck. The body was not found.

“Wait. The body went M.I.A and you assumed she’s dead? Now that’s a bit alarming, isn’t it? What if she’s still alive and here you all are, celebrating her death with sky lanterns.” I said skeptically. I can’t actually believe they’re doing this. She might be alive!

“You don’t understand, Heather.” Errine said softly and with a hint of pain.

“Then make me understand. Because this ceremony of sky lanterns will be pretty much useless if she’s still breathing and is in one piece!” I said fuming. I might not have known Selene, but I pity her situation. She doesn’t deserve this treatment simply because they assumed she’s dead over bloody backpack.

“You don’t know the horrors lurking inside these woods, Heather. Just one wrong move on stepping inside, you’re good as dead.” she said in a serious tone.

“I just don’t understand. Then why is this dangerous place inside a prestigious school?” I asked in disbelief. I mean, why is it inside the borders of this school when it’s practically a threat towards the safety of the students? And have they searched for her body?

“Believe me, I really don’t know. Look, this may sound disturbingly weird and all but let’s just head on and pretend we’re not troubled by this. Because, I, too, am troubled by this sudden sky lantern thing.” she said then dragged me towards the crowd.

In an instant, we’re here in front of the crowd near the improvised wooden stage with a huge torch at the center.

“We thank you all for coming tonight...” I looked at the petite Asian-looking woman who’s holding the microphone right now. I assumed that’s Selene’s Mom. ”...in commemoration of Selene’s sudden loss, we, the family, decided to make it as a tradition to light up sky lanterns in honour of her loving memory..” Wow. You sure love her that you pictured her dead and rotting. This is unbelievable. ”.. I’d like to call on the volunteers to please hand over to the students the sky lanterns we prepared.” and at the side of the stage, a group of students started walking towards us.

“If you please, pair up as the volunteers hand over the lanterns and candles...” said the Asian woman. A nerdy girl handed me the paper lantern then handed Errine the candle.

After all of the students have something in their hands, the petite woman walked towards big torch at the center, accompanied by our principal, Mrs. Spencers. Mrs. Spencer’s holding a candle and Mrs. Asian petite woman (I really don’t know what to call her), is currently holding the sky lantern. Mrs. Spencers tilted the candle towards the torch and as the wick touched the fire from the torch, it embered with flame. Mrs. Spencers walked towards Mrs. Asian petite woman and lighted the sky lantern. And after uttering a few words which I presume her prayer, she let go of the lantern and up it goes to the dark sky. Mrs. Spencers walked towards us as Errine lighted up her candle from Mrs. Spencers.

“Please, light up all your candles.” said Mrs. Asian petite woman. And so Errine turned towards her left and lighted the candle of the one right next to her. And as the candles were gradually lighted, I felt a sudden uneasiness. This is all wrong.

“Let’s let God hear our thoughts and prayers for our beloved Selene.” and the place echoed with inaudible noise from the students.

“Dear Lord, please light up the way so as to grant Selene her redemption. I know she’s safe for now and please continue on making her safe.” I looked at her as she opened her eyes. She might be really close to Selene, and I really pity both sides.

She walked towards me and lighted the lantern. She held it with her free hand and we set it free on to the sky, just like where the other lanterns were bound to be.

I watched as the dark sky was being illuminated by the light of the sky lanterns. It’s beautiful. Like it’s the first time I saw it. As the lanterns soared up high in to the sky, I hope that if Selene’s still alive out there, she’ll see this and find her way home. Poor girl. There’s no justice in this.

I’m in the midst of appreciating this weirdness when I felt someone right next to me. I averted my eyes off from the sky and turned to face whoever that is.

Upon seeing those pair of dark eyes, all the amusement I felt went down the drain.

He’s here.

The Satan’s here.

I averted my eyes off of him and looked into the sky. The next thing I wouldn’t want is to lose at a staring game with him.

“Sky lanterns, huh? What a cool way to commemorate someone who’s been M.I.A.” he said with a hint of sarcasm. I looked at him. So I’m not the only one who thinks she might be alive.

“What do you mean?” I asked out of curiosity. If he thinks Selene’s just missing, I might as well want to hear why he thinks of it that way.

“Nothing. Come one. Let’s go somewhere else.” but before I could react, she grabbed my hand and eased his way out of the crowd of students.

“Where the heck are you taking me?” I struggled but he’s got a good grip on my wrist.

“Somewhere you might enjoy.” he winked at me and I sure as hell know that he has plotted his devilish way of collecting debts.

And before I knew it, I am inside... a dormhouse? With a strobe light, draft beers everywhere and scattered red cups. What are these uncaring jerkheads doing here and partying?

“Come on in. Let’s have some fun.” he said aloud but I can’t thoroughly understand him because of the defeaning music that sounded like a cable-car accident.

He dragged me towards the crowd of people on the dance floor. Oh god. This place smells like puke. Different scents mixed together got my nose itching. I better get out of here before I suffocate from mixed scents and beer.

I saw Hell dancing seductively with a brunette girl who seems to be enjoying herself while grinding towards the jerk. I grimaced at what I was actually witnessing...flirting.

I swum into the crowd of drunken people until I found a calmer place to settle and breathe. I saw a red cup of beer. It won’t hurt to drink a little, right? And besides I’m at a party so might as well act as if I’m up for this.

I took the cup and settle at a corner whilst observing pairs that are practically making out in the dance floor, on the stairs, on the couch or it’s safe to say, everywhere.

I gulped the beer and munched on the chips I grabbed from the table awhile ago.

I didn’t say that I love observing this kind of scenery because I really am a very keen observer, but this is all I got. Now I might as well be dubbed as a wallflower. Bummer.

I continued gulping the rest of the beer until the cup’s completely empty.

“Right. Now it’s empty.” I threw the cup on a trash bin. As I turned around, there’s a red cup in front of me. I trailed it. Hand. Arm. Shoulder. Neck... Face.

Blonde. His perfectly dishevelled hair is gorgeous. Its strands pointing in different directions. He has these aqua blue eyes that glow like sapphire stones. He’s unbelievably handsome. Like he’s much handsome than Hell. Now I’m comparing them?

“My hand’s close to being numb in here. Be a caring girl and take the cup.” he chimed. God! His voice’s so...*sigh*

With trembling hands, I took the cup.

Oh come on, Heather! No one can ever take away your throne of being queen in the land of droolers and swooners! My alter ego butted in.

“I’m Skye.” he offered her free hand. Skye? Now that’s quite familiar.

I put the chips down and took his hand before he could complain again.

“I-I’m Heaven.” I stammered. Jeez! This is weird.

“Nice name. So.,. Why are you here in the outskirts? Shouldn’t you be dancing all groovy in the dance floor?” he said after settling right next to me.

“W-Well... The air’s sickening me out there. You know, mix of premium perfumes and beer isn’t really breathable. I don’t wanna die of suffocation because of that. That’ll be a horrible and funny death.” I said while stating coldly on the crowd.

“Yeah. I agree to that.” He said.

“Which part of it do you agree? That this place’s really suffocating or that my death will be funny?” I looked at him. He’s now looking at me.

“That’ll be both.” he said then smirked.

We chatted for quite some time and I really enjoyed his company. He’s not boring and is very funny. I thought this will be a very boring party for me before he came.

Soon as we’re out of chips and beer he volunteered to fetch us some more.

I smiled at myself while thinking of how handsome he is. I giggled softly.

“So this is your description of fun. Sulking in the corner, giggling like the retard you are.” said a very familiar voice. I looked up to see those set of dark eyes. Yeah. It’s him.

“You we’re the one who left me hanging on the dance floor. I didn’t know your definition of fun would be practically flir—” I stopped myself from speaking when he pinned me to the wall and caged me inside his hands resting on the wall. The smell of his musky perfume was mixed together with his sweat. And honestly, the smell’s so enticing, I wanna grab a flask and scrape off all of his sweat and make myself a Hell’s Perfume.

He’s breathing deeply which means he just got out of the dance floor. His minty breath’s fanning in my nose and I swear, I’m getting too nervous at how close we are to each other.

“This is my kind of fun.” he inched closer and the next thing I knew is that a soft flesh rested on my lips. He...He’s kissing me.

I am in deep trance as I realize that the Satan’s kissing me.

So this is how it felt like being kissed by a Satan. It’s very...overwhelming.

And I kind of... liked it.