Not What It Seems
Chapter 12

“Are you sure it was your brother’s presence you were feeling?” I asked as Vudu walked over and sat down in the chair across from me.

“He’s been a constant since the day of my creation.” He explained. “There’s no way I could mistake that feeling.”

I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees, showing I was ready to listen. Vudu’s guise faded and his original demonic form became present in my home. The look he originally had actual emphasized his facial features and showed more in his expressions, I didn’t expect that from something that looked close to a skull.

“My brother is a bit of a loose cannon.” He explained. “I can’t tell you if he’s going to be just a troublemaker here, or if he’s here to cause a lot of damage. He’s always been like that since I was created. I don’t know why he’s here. I wish I could tell you more, but there’s only so much I can guess before actually talking to him.”

I pressed my hands together and brought them up to my lips as I thought. “And you think he’ll talk to you?”

“That’s what I would like to think.” He slouched over.

I let out a sigh. “So, this could either be just a simple pass by, or a ticking bomb. Best keep our guard up.”

Vudu nodded. “I agree, but I’ll replace out more once I can talk to him. He’s probably passing through doing his job.”

“Job?”

“Yeah, job…” He let out a strained groan. “Ripper is part of a team of demons that search for that pure soul I told you about. There are several around the world that search for them for Xegon.”

“Pleasant name.” I commented.

“Name one demon who has a pleasant name.” He challenged. “But yes, his name is Ripper, and he’s the best one on the team. He found the last pure soul. He knows what to look for and how to bring them in.”

I tapped my fingers together. “Do you think anyone here could have that pure soul?”

He was silent for a moment. “Possibly, but I’d be able to see the differences that could potentially point them out. The difficult thing is that we can’t be completely sure someone has a pure soul. Only Xegon can truly tell, and with him being trapped in Diab, he has to depend on demons like Ripper to replace them.”

A feeling of dread filled my chest. I was scared to ask this question, but I didn’t know Vudu’s intentions when it came to his brother. “And, are you going to help him?”

He opened his mouth but didn’t answer. His eyes went down to the ground. He didn’t know how to answer. At least what I could tell said that. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. I let out a sigh and stood up. I was tired and wanted to sleep.

“Wait, Firefly.” Vudu stood up and followed me.

I ignored him and continued towards my bed.

“Firefly,” he called. “Zeriah, hear me out.”

I stopped suddenly and turned towards him. “Vudu, I understand. I really do. You have your loyalties, but I have mine. I’m going to protect my friends, my town from things that could put them in danger.”

“Zeriah,” he sounded defeated. “It’s not because I’m loyal to Xegon or my brother. I am conflicted. I don’t want anything to happen to this town.”

“Because we’re your toys?” I countered. “Or better yet, your pets.”

“No.” He shook his head. “I care about this town. I care about…”

I glared up at him. “I thought demons didn’t have those sorts of feelings.”

“Maybe, but I’m different.” He said while placing a hand on my shoulder. “I do care. I just don’t know what to do. It depends on him. We just have to wait and see. If he’s not here to cause harm, then there’s nothing to worry about. If he’s here to harm, then I will protect this town. I’ll protect you.”

I pulled away from him. “Vudu, I’m not asking you to protect me. I just don’t know how well I can trust you with this. He’s your brother.”

“My brother and I have never fully got along.” He explained. “I’m not asking you to trust me, but I am asking that you not throw me under the cart yet. Let me replace out what I can before we do anything, alright.”

I stared into his inverted eyes. They looked sincere. “Alright, replace out what you can, let me know.”

He smiled. “Thank you, Zeriah.”

I pushed away from him and walked towards my bed. “I’m going to bed. I’d suggest you let me sleep, otherwise you may be expelled from my home and allowed to never return.”

“I understand.” He nodded. “Enjoy your nightmares.”

I rolled my eyes. “Sweet dreams.”