Chapter 6: Satan Strikes Back!

Moments after her journey comes to an abrupt dead end, Monica learns of Balthazar's true intentions.

Mere seconds after receiving that shocking, saddening news, Monica couldn't help but hear a nearby fit of maniacal evil laughter. Just to her left, in fact. And speak of the devil, Balthazar was standing right there, not even trying to hide the fact that he was the one cackling.

"B-Balthazar..." Monica's voice trailed off as she noticed the silhouette following him. "Hey, it's that shadow again!"

"What on earth do you mean?" Balthazar asked knowingly.

"...You really haven't noticed that inhuman shadow that's been following you this whole time?" Monica raised a light brown eyebrow.

"I honestly don't know what you're talking about," Balthazar replied, looking around as his shadow quickly morphed into a more natural shape.

"Oh, spare me your lies. I know what I've been seeing these past couple of months, and every time that shadow pops up next to you, something odd happens that only serves to pad out my journey." Monica glared at her friend. "If you by any chance have anything to do with all this, then I suggest you kindly f**k off!"

"Fine. If you insist." Balthazar casually walked backwards until he seemingly disappeared into the shadowy corner.

Without warning, however, he popped up from the darkness right behind Monica and slapped her rear end, causing her to recoil as she stumbled, accidentally falling onto the floor as she scooted away from him. Balthazar couldn't help but adopt a goading grin as he slowly stepped after her, his scarf blowing epically in the breeze from the nearby vent.

"And there it is again. And this time, you somehow teleported or something," Monica pointed out. "Seriously, what's the deal?"

"Oh, nothing. Just teaching you a lesson or two about rejection," Balthazar spoke calmly.

"Rejection? What do you- oh, you're still mad about the time I turned down your invitation to the dance, aren't you?" Monica pointed an accusing finger at him.

"Nice deduction skills, Monica. Just so happens that intelligence is a trait I happen to admire in women." Balthazar acidly clapped his hands. "I figured I'd get back at you as much as possible until you gave in and saw me as your savior. I used black magic and a few blood rituals to bring all those creeps and criminals into our path, and my demons were responsible for shoving you down that staircase and downing Trevor's fighter jet."

D-Demons? Wait a minute, he doesn't mean...? Monica panicked inwardly.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Balthazar was a satanist. It all made perfect sense, considering his attire and those demonic shadows she kept seeing. Not to mention that slice mark across his palm that never seemed to heal, and the pentagram necklace he always wore ever since she first met him.

"So seeing how your donor's been decimated now, I propose a deal." Balthazar extended an uncut hand to shake. "If you swear to love me and stay with me for the rest of your days, then I will give up a kidney to save your life. Satan knows everything, so I know we're compatible... in more ways than one, I might add."

"You'd have to be out of your mind to think I'd ever agree to that bullshit!" Monica snapped, holding back tears. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna head home!"

---

She managed to step into the nearest elevator and head back downstairs without him following her, but as soon as the doors opened at the lobby, she found him casually resting in one of the armchairs. Upon seeing her, Balthazar practically sped over and attempted to capture her with his bare hands. Monica screamed and attempted to escape, but was quickly pinned down on the rug right by the fireplace.

"You think I'm just gonna let you say no to me again?!" Balthazar angrily asked, his voice having dropped a threatening couple of decibels.

Monica remained silent as she weighed her options, before her eyes darted down towards her ex-friend's neck. Spotting the pentagram glinting there, she used her free arm to reach for it and yank it off before he could stop her. She quickly tossed it into the flames behind her, which prompted Balthazar to climb off in a panic.

"No... NO!" he screamed, trying to grab the pentagram, but only burning his hand in the process.

Cautiously rising back to a stand, Monica watched as several demonic silhouettes surrounded him and the fireplace, whose flames seemed to violently react to the religious necklace having been tossed into them. Some nearby pieces of furniture caught on fire, which managed to encircle Balthazar before he could escape. Not wanting to see anymore of this, Monica ran off and headed towards the closest train station, leaving Balthazar behind to be confronted by his infuriated demons.

---

She managed to make the entire trip back home with thankfully no interruptions, and even the train that had been stopped during the trip to Manhattan was up and running again. When the excursion finally came to an end, Monica hurried back to her mom's diner and rushed upstairs without greeting anyone. She shut the door to her bedroom and crashed face down on the bed as she began to bawl her eyes out, remaining there until well after it got dark.