Death’s Kiss

This story is by Crystal Johnson and was part of our 2017 Fall Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.

Death’s Kiss

By

Crystal Johnson

The day I died is the day I lived. How did I live, you ask? She happened. I lived in darkness. The shrills of tortured souls, pierced my ears intertwined with the howling of the wind. The stench of decayed bodies polluted my senses overshadowing the smell of pine needles.

Who am I, you’re wondering? I am evil incarnate, the real deal. I make the boogeyman look like Santa Claus, oops my bad, wrong season. The demons here, masquerading as humans, sickens me. I almost threw up thinking about it. They magnify Demonology and Satanism like it’s a lifestyle choice. Well…damn…at least I try to have some standards.

Let me tell you about the day that led to my rebirth, and of course its a beautiful day in the neighborhood according to Mr. Rogers, not! Like any other day I’m collecting the weary souls of the terminally sick, and boom there she was, the most beautiful angel I’ve ever seen, like she just descended from heaven wearing a ribbed turtleneck with faded jeans, and riding boots. Man I’ve never seen anything like it. Oh shut up I know what you’re thinking, a chick knocked the badass out my swag. Hey don’t judge me, I may be a death angel, but I do have feelings. Where was I oh yes, the super hot angel, her name is Juliana. I call her Juju because she’s sweet as Jujube candy and her aura is so euphoric, she makes this fall season feel like spring.

Dude you’re on a mission, there’s no time for love, but in my heart as dark as it is, it still beats after being shattered. Maybe she’s my chance of redemption, ugh, who am I kidding I’m doomed for eternity. The moment she looked at me with those beautiful brown eyes I knew right then I had to have her.

“Having some trouble?” she asked.

I wasn’t until now. Staring into her eyes, I’m completely paralyzed like she has this invisible lasso to hold me in place. Earth to Kyle, she asked you a question.

“It seems my brain is out to lunch right now.”

“One of those days huh? I’m Juliana.”

“Hi, I’m Kyle.”

Sweet Jesus she’s smiling at me, am I blushing? I can’t blush. I’m a Death Angel.

“So Kyle, what’s a death angel doing out in broad daylight?” she smiled.

What the hell! Damn she’s observant.

“Are you afraid of me?” I asked.

“Should I be?” she replied.

Oh she’s sassy as all hell, and I like it. Come on Kyle, get a grip she can’t possibly see you like that.

“Don’t worry Juju, I don’t bite…much,” winking playfully.

“Juju?” Raising a brow at me.

“Yeah, like Jujube candy.”

Geez her laughter was like an angelic choir. Her dimples, oh man, I got it bad. Snap out of it, you’re on a mission.

“It was a pleasure to have met you but I have to go.”

“Will I see you again?”

Whoa! Did I hear that right? She actually wants to see me again.

“I’ll find you.”

“Well, see you around.” She waved.

Pulling the hood up on my jacket, the air was snappy today, and I knew deep in my gut something was coming.

“Kyle!” Demon yelled.

Shit what I do now? I can never have a day of peace and quiet. Now I understand human parents who are impatient with their kids.

“Yes, my Lord.”

Lord Douchebag.

“I have a new mission for you,” sounding sinisterly.

Yeah I bet you do, you prick.

“Who am I collecting?”

“A human seer.”

Oh man, this can’t be good.

“What’s her name?”

“Juliana.”

This some bullshit, I just met the woman of my dreams and now I have to collect her soul, talk about grabbing the bull by the balls.

“Does she pose that big of a threat?”

“I will not take any chances, Kyle.”

I have to warn her.

“Oh and Kyle.”

“Sir?”

“Do not fail me!”

Nice pep talk, asshole.

Ugh daydreaming again, come on Kyle snap out of it. You got a job to do, can’t piss off Lord Douche. Oh snap, Juju is at Barnes and Noble today. I’ll just drop in on her.

“What are you reading?”

Damn that’s a really big book. How can she sit there and read without blinking? It just baffles me.

“Homer’s The Iliad.”

Oh yeah a classic I can relate to.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Sure, pull up a chair.”

Not sure how to tell her about the situation. Dammit! Why everything has to be this effing hard. Times like this, I wish I were a kid with no responsibilities.

“Listen there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Like what?” Without breaking from the book.

“You know I’m a Death Angel, right?”

“Right.”

Here goes nothing. Please don’t hate me for this.

“I was sent here to collect your soul because you’re a seer.”

“Wait a minute…what?” Dropping the book.

“Fear not Juju, I have no plan to collect your beautiful soul.”

“I do not understand.” Looking confused.

Shit, I’m going to pay for this dearly, Lord Asswipe will send another reaper to take her. I have to protect her.

“Listen, you need to find a place to hide. There will be others to pick up the chase now that I failed my mission.”

“Why would you risk your life to save me, I’m just a frail human woman?”

I felt a lump in my throat. Do all human men go through this when they’re around the woman they’re pursuing? I’m so out of my element here.

“Your life is now my priority, Juju.”

Hopefully that can appease her nervousness.

“What about you?” Her voice filled with panic.

The concern in her eyes for me shattered the last wall around my dark heart.

“I’ll be fine.”

I’m lying my ass off, God how can I help her? Then I got my answer and it won’t be easy.

“I know you’re hiding something else from me.”

Damn that woman intuition. She’s way too observant.

“I’ll figure something out, don’t worry I will protect you.”

I can tell she’s not buying my logic. Crap, I’m going to have to do something, that’s going to wreck my vacation plans.

“Why are you here, Kyle?” the Angel’s voice laced with impatience.

Nice to see you too.

“I’m here to speak with the big man.”

He said, “You know, he will not see you.”

“Please, this is a life or death situation!”

My voice filled with desperation. I’m pleading with him with my eyes, hoping like hell he can see how important this is. He stares back at me for a moment, not moving.

Then he sighs. “Just wait here.”

Boy I’m sweating bullets here, so this is how it feels when people are being interrogated, but for Juliana I’ll walk through fire.

“Kyle.” Angel called.

Oh boy, here comes the lame excuse to not see me.

“Yes.” I said nervously.

“God will see you now.”

Oh shit! I mean shoot I forgot where I was.

“Thank you very much.”

Thinking of Juju.

“Don’t just stand there, child. Come in and tell me what you’re in need of.”

Wow his voice is soothing, and his benevolence is beyond astounding like you can’t help but stare in complete awe in his presence.

“You probably already know about the contract on the seer.”

“Yes, I know.”

“I’ve come to ask for protection for her.”

“You love her don’t you?”

There’s no use in denying it.

“Yes sir, I do.”

“Tell me son, what are you willing to do to save her?”

I fell to my knees in complete submission.

“Sir, I’m willing to sacrifice my immortality for her.”

I can’t believe I just said that with a straight face, I hope he can sense my sincerity. If anything happens to Juliana I will never forgive myself.

“Rest your mind son.”

The moment he spoke those words, I felt his hand on my shoulder and the sheer pain of my immortality being stripped.

“Is she safe now?”

“Fret not my child, my will is done, and no one will do her or you harm.”

I can finally be with her as a man.

“Can you send me to Juliana please?”

“Blessings to you, my son.”

This must be Juju’s house.

“Juju?”

Please be here. Please be here.

“Kyle.”

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, are you?”

“I will be.”

She knew I did something crazy because the look on her face said I’m in the doghouse.

“What did you do?”

Dammit.

“I…um…I gave up my immortality.”

“What! Are you crazy?”

“Yes, I’m crazy, crazy for you. I love you Juliana.”

Did that just come out of my mouth? The next thing I knew, she lunges herself in my arms and plants a passionate kiss that would make God blush.

“I take that you love me too.”

“I couldn’t imagine loving anyone else.”