Vanson's brows furrowed in irritation as he sat in the dark room, holding a strange-smelling candle, while his friend passionately babbled absurd words and pranced around a geometric drawing on the catacomb floor littered with more strange-smelling candles and shiny rocks. He claimed he had discovered the secret to summoning demons, and intended to make one his slave on this special night where the constellations where set just so. For a moment, Vanson considered risking the wrath of the Watchers and eating him.
A flicker of red light in the center of the drawing caught Vanson's attention. The dancing man began to twirl more feverishly and shout his commands more firmly until the flicker became a rift in space and a ruddy hand reached through to grab the edge. Another hand appeared, then a head, and finally the rest of its winged body stepped into the mortal world.
"And now, demon, thou shalt do mine bi—auck!" the man was cut short as the demon suddenly grabbed him by the throat. Vanson dropped his candle and took a subconscious step backward.
"Somebody didn't do their homework," the demon chuckled.
Vanson closed his eyes against the shrieks and sickening crunches as he tried to motivate his feet to flee.
"Oh, not so fast there," the demon said and whipped a length of chain from his arm. It caught around Vanson's neck and wrapped around his body, stopping him short. "You're dessert." Vanson struggled against the chains, but the demon was much stronger and managed to pull him back. His nose wrinkled as he sniffed the man. "You're not a human."
"Not anymore. I'm a vampire," Vanson said through clenched teeth.
The demon frowned deeply and stared at Vanson for a moment. "Killing you wouldn't be difficult, but I'm still hungry. Thou shalt do mine bidding."
"What?" Vanson asked.
"The first one to get the words out makes the contract," the demon said with a cruel grin. "Either serve me, or perish. I'm not asking for much. Either bring me food, or I rip your soul from your body and torment it for as long as I see fit."
"What happens to the 'food' I bring you?" Vanson asked warily.
"They pass on to heaven or hell immediately after eaten. Their fate is considerably less painful than yours."
"Except the ones who go to hell," Vanson countered. He choked as the chains tightened.
"You try my patience, little parasite. Serve me or no?"
"Fine," Vanson gasped through clenched teeth.
"Glad we could reach an understanding," the demon said as the chains vaporized into dark puffs of smoke. "Find me a meal, parasite."
"My name is Vanson," the vampire growled. "What are you called?"
"Bahelzuul," the demon rumbled deeply with a twisted grin.
Written for Artober.
Before anybody freaks, Bahelzuul has Barbie doll anatomy. No nipples or external genitalia.
