DIALOGUE WITH THE DEVIL

Transcribed

By

STEPHEN BIRO

Copyright © 2013 by Stephen Biro www.unearthedfilms.com www.unearthedbooks.com

All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written

permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles

and reviews. For information about the author, please contact Unearthed Books or Unearthed Films.

ISBN-13: 978- 1489555397

ISBN-10: 1489555390

Artwork by Bob O'Brien

CONTENTS

Preface              A

Chapter 1: Into The Darkness              1 Chapter 2: I Am Not Worthy              3 Chapter 3: Call Me Lou              7

Chapter 4: Let’s Start From the Renaissance              15

Chapter 5: Your Shepherd Has Led You Off a Cliff              22 Chapter 6: Symphony of the Devil              32

Chapter 7: Magic… I Mean Miracles              38

Chapter 8: A Soul That Is Truly Worth Winning              43

Chapter 9: When the War Truly Began                            47 Chapter 10: This Is About Addiction                            55 Chapter 11: The Cathode Ray God              63 Chapter 12: Kick at the Cracks in the Wall              73

Chapter 13: Who Wants To Know They’re Damned?              77

Chapter 14: Enslave Others for a Dollar              85 Chapter 15: Killing Dogs For Their Bones                            93 Chapter 16: Altercations of the Mind              103

Chapter 17: Who is Damned and in League With Me              111 Chapter 18: As Far as Revelation is Concerned              116 Chapter 19: But the Road to Hell is Wide              134

Chapter 20: Let’s Get A Little Dangerous              141 Chapter 21: Waves of Unimaginable Agony                            151 Chapter 22: Do Your Worst              154

PREFACE

It’s been awhile since I opened the floodgates between Heaven and Hell. I released Hellucination: A Memoir about a year ago to critical praise from readers and fans alike. I’ve had several agents want to represent my book in Hollywood to be made into a movie. Who knows? If I am lucky, the movie is being made now and you will be able to see a visual interpretation of it soon.

My name is Stephen Scott Biro, and I have dealt with the Devil

for most of my life. I didn’t know this, or understand it, because I was in his camp for a long time. For those of you who have not read my memoir, let me do a quick recap. It will help you to understand why I can talk to the Devil, angels, and sometimes even the Lord Himself. I came to a point in my life where I began searching for God. I used massive amounts of drugs to peer behind the veil of reality in my search for Him.

What I found was the Devil, aka Satan, masquerading as God. I

know it’s almost too hard to believe, but I stand behind it. Hellucination will help you to understand why I can do this, who I am, and what I have been through and experienced. Searching for God, finding the Devil, and dealing with his manipulations and facades of the other side was wondrous. I cannot lie. I thought I was communing with God the whole time, but was easily set up by the master of all lies. Only after his temptations failed did the Lord give me a reprieve and show Himself to me. He sent me to Hell to understand the sins as he sees them. If it actually was Hell, then he wanted me to tell people of my insights into the consequences that choosing sin and turning away from him can lead to.

During the time I was fighting the forces of evil and trying to find God, my personality split. It can either be called the id, superego, and ego, or it can be called my personal angel, my very personal demon, and me. I would leave it as such, but sometimes either the Devil or the Lord can overcome the voices in my head. Don’t ask me why. I just know where this comes from. The Holy Trinity has a purpose. If we are made in God’s image, then we are split into three as well. The terrible thing is, I find that we are only split into the Trinity after we are saved. This is pure conjecture on my part, however. Amazingly, I find that the perception found in this quote from Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life rings true as well: “Matter is energy. In the Universe there are many energy fields, which  we cannot normally perceive. Some energies have a spiritual source which act upon a person’s soul. However, this soul does not exist ab initio as orthodox Christianity teaches; it has to be brought into existence by a process of guided self-observation. However, this is rarely achieved owing to man’s unique ability to be distracted from spiritual matters by everyday trivia.”

I have a unique perspective that some of you don’t. I’ve been to Hell, I’ve been manipulated by the Devil, and I have been saved by the Lord… but not in that order. I also have to say that I am not trying to convert any of you. Your path in life is your choice. Who am I to preach the word of God to you? I’m nobody, nothing… just a man with an inside track into the proverbial shit storm we find ourselves in. The battle between God and the Devil, you bet. But some of you are reading this to find out what the Devil actually says. For an understanding of the mind and the pitfalls we all face in our lives whether we want to or not. Others picked up this book to read about the Devil and what I have to say about him. Many more just want to see how psychotic I have become.

It doesn’t matter to me  why you bought this book. All that

matters is if you read it or not. Maybe it will help you to understand your mind better. Maybe it will help you to understand what the soul goes thru while living on this plane of existence. Either way, you are

here, and that is all that counts. Let me just reiterate to you what is going to happen. I can talk to the Devil, aka Satan or Lucifer. I also talk to the Lord, aka God. Jesus is my savior, who I have faith in as my sin sacrifice. I am saved. I’ve been told by both parties involved that I am allowed to talk to the Devil and that the Most Low is more than willing to talk to me, yet again on a one on one basis. Don’t ask me why I have been given clearance again to see, hear, and talk to these warring entities. I guess it’s because they all know me so well and because I have seen sights most mortals never will until the afterlife. Or it could be that the Devil figures most will think I’m full of bullshit. Or even because the Lord wants those who pick up this book to get an inside track into the machinations of the Devil as he competes for our souls.

The Lord gently calls while the Devil pushes hard. The world is becoming a mess because people don’t realize that in the war between Heaven and Hell, positive and negative, and the yin and yang… negative is winning. Hell is winning folks, and this book is to help some of you, if not most of you, understand the battlefield of the mind.

It is indeed a battlefield, folks. Sometimes it’s a battle of epic

proportions and to others it’s a blip on the radar, but it always goes to one side or another. Either the Lord or the Devil wins the day. So many people don’t understand that even a tiny win for either side can turn into a snowball that rolls off of the side of a mountain, gaining momentum and mass. A snowball that can destroy a person’s soul and send them into a life of regret, depression, and hatred for oneself, loved ones, and even total strangers.

This can and will be used as a religious book, a self-help book, an

understanding of psychology, and even, for some of you, a deep look into schizophrenia. You can call me whatever you want; a self- deluded fool, a Christian, a madman, a classic case of paranoia with schizophrenic tendencies, a visionary, or even a prophet of utter magnitude that can pierce to the heart of understanding. Either way, I really don’t care. I’m none of those things, but I could be some of

them, much less all of them. It will be up to you to decide. I already know this is going to get deep. I’ve already been told that this will help a lot of you understand where and what the Devil is doing to all of us. Some things are so simple that your eyeballs will probably bleed. It’s so apparent that your minds and souls will be blown away.

This tome, as I will call it, will be unnerving. It could be rather graphic and upsetting to some of you. Remember, I will be talking to the Devil. I will do my best not to judge people if he brings up specifics. I will do everything in my power to be Christ-like in my interviews with him, but I have no clue where it will go. The Devil likes to talk… a lot. Being a Christian, I will be bringing the Christian perspective into this. But we have to remember that he has dealt with all people, all religions and every facet of life. Neither you nor I will probably ever understand where the Dark One is truly coming from, so I will be asking specific questions as it goes along.

Those of you who believe, pray for me. Those of you who don’t, give me some breathing room. Either way, I think this dialogue will fascinate you. It’s not often that you get a person who says they have been to Hell, danced with the Devil, actually seen the fear of God, and truly believes it.

So let’s get to the root of the matter. Let’s get to the heart of

what ails all of us that we are never able to understand. Let’s explore our problems and what spiritual warfare truly is. Let’s begin The Dialogue with the Devil.

To My Wife

Chapter 1 Into The Darkness

How do I move into the darkness after being in the light for so long? I’m terrified of what I am about to do. Not frightened because I haven’t done it before, but because I’m doing it when my beliefs are set in stone. I just have to relax and let it flow over me. I’ve prayed to the Lord more times than I care to admit, and I hear the whispers of what I should do. But actually doing it… that is something else entirely. I’ve dealt with hearing the Devil for years now. Usually I push him back and take no notice, quickly asking for forgiveness if I succumb to the thoughts. But this… this is totally different.

I have been dealing with Satan for a long time. I didn’t know that He was manipulating me and pushing me towards evil. I just thought it was me the whole time, and I certainly didn’t think what I was doing was evil. I know different now. I’ve been told different now. Forgive me for being hesitant. If I didn’t know the Devil, and if I didn’t know that he knew me, it would be a different story. To be honest, I don’t know what will come up. I’m not proud of my early life. I’m actually deeply ashamed of it, and I know that the talks will push certain parts of my life to the forefront.

This is between the Lord and me. No one else. I might, and probably will, have to delete some of what is said about me personally. I would love for it all to be out in the open, but that would hurt others. Some of the sins that we carry in our lives can be talked about and confessed for our own good. Some sins need to be confessed to those we have sinned against in the name of a clear conscience. Then there are the sins that, if

disclosed, will just destroy someone that we love. We keep those to ourselves. Sometimes it’s the least we can do.

I know what you’re thinking. “How can you sin against another person and not tell them?” Well, whether it’s meant to hurt them or just to make you feel good about yourself, you’re destroying another person for your own sake. It might help you sleep at night, but you’re still devastating a loved one. I’ll put it another way. Let’s say your wife or husband puts on a pair of jeans and asks, “Does it make my ass look fat?” You’re going to lie. Do you need to hurt the other person, even if they do look fat in the jeans? Are you going to be honest and say, “No honey, you’re fat no matter what you wear?”

Don’t tell me you would. If you’re trying to keep the peace in the

household and not put down your significant other in a way that will haunt them for the rest of their life, you will say it looks great. Little white lies happen in our lives because no one can really handle the God’s honest truth. I wish we could, but we get ourselves into a lot of trouble trying to follow this simple aspect of God’s Law. Have I always followed this principle? No, and that’s when fighting, deception, and self-loathing happen.

I just had to get this out of the way because I’m going to be

interviewing the Father of All Lies. I know he is going to hit me in places I don’t want to talk about, but I will leave it open for discussion as much as I can. Just as long as it doesn’t harm my family, friends, or the people who know me. If he tells me something about my neighbors that I don’t actually know is true, I can’t write it. If he tells me that my friend’s wife is committing adultery with another friend of mine, I can’t publish that. It is just hearsay from the Father of All Lies.

I know the Devil. I’ve dealt with him all my life, and now I have

another backstage pass to talk to him one on one. I don’t want to deal with it, but I’ve been asked to… by Him.

So, let’s get this over with. I’m having a hard time admitting that I am

here, but I’ve been told no one else can be. Let’s finally begin, shall we?

Chapter 2

I Am Not Worthy

I’m trying to relax in the office chair in front of my desk, but I am a little worried. Actually, to be honest with you, I’m ready to shit my pants. I begin to breathe, a little heavily at first, not knowing what to expect. I let my thoughts go blank, and from the right side of my mind I hear “Don’t worry, Stephen. You were saved years ago. For now, you’re the only person who can do this. It needs to be done for those who need to know.”

I look around sheepishly and say, “Who needs to know? Why am I

going thru this again? I thought my last book was exactly what needed to be written. I don’t want to do this again. I can’t take it, Lord!”

“You were chosen a long time ago. You can get thru this without going insane just like you did before. You’re a conduit to the afterlife. I am sorry that you have to, but you can handle it like no other.”

“I didn’t choose this. I just wanted to…”

“Find God? You’re one of the lucky ones Stephen. You have been chosen; written in the Book of Life when you thought you were in the Book of Death. You have seen more than the fires of Hell son…you have dealt with the Devil himself. You have survived a tale that many men would kill for. You are an anomaly in this lifetime. You need to accept it and do what is asked of you.”

“But you don’t understand. I am not worthy. I am the lowliest of

sinners with a faith in Jesus as my Sin Sacrifice. That’s all I have. THAT’S ALL I HAVE! Do you understand that? I’m a terrible person. I try to be the best, but I fail miserably. I’m a fucking gentile. I’m not Jewish. I’m not one of the chosen people. I fuck up every day. I shouldn’t be in this

position, and I never should have been.”

“Even after ten years of contemplating your trials and tribulations, you still don’t understand who you are.”

“How can I? I’m a man. I’m human. I am filled to the brim with the

recklessness of a society of people who don’t see, don’t feel, and really won’t understand what it is that I know and have seen! I’m stuck in a world that doesn’t care. Those who say they do are ripping others apart, and those who pretend to be prophets are just making millions off of souls who are looking for answers. I’m not a prophet, and I’m no minister. I’m nobody. I’m not the mouth of God, I’m not the teacher of angels or men, and I am certainly not supposed to be talking to Satan as if I was interviewing a celebrity for all to know and hear.”

“You hear him all the time, don’t you? Don’t you also hear the Lord

and his angels daily? You hear us all, Stephen Biro, and there is a reason for it. There is a reason why you can still live life. We either manipulate or nudge you when you listen to us; even help you to understand your choices in life. You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last, but you’re in a position that you need to be in for all of us. What we are asking you to do is interview the Devil. A dialogue for the benefit of those who don’t know. A chance for souls to understand what is really going on.”

“No no no no nooo! There are better people on this planet than me.

I am an atrocious Christian. There are thousands of ministers and priests far more deserving than me. I can’t accept it.”

“You do not understand. These ministers and priests you talk about? The Devil knows them, but he doesn’t know them like he knows you. The Devil is not all knowing. He doesn’t know the future or who is in the Book of Life. But he does know you personally. He did everything he could to snare you from the Lord and failed. This not only gives him a chance to take your soul, but it also gives him an opportunity to redeem himself in the eyes of Hell’s elect!”

“So, you’re telling me that I’m fucking bait? You want me to put

myself out there, talking and rationalizing with Satan? Satan, who can convince me to give my soul to him or commit suicide? Even talk me into killing another human being? Maybe just bring myself a little bit

lower than where I am and try to rip people off, ruin other people’s lives, and go back to the animal state I used to be in before I gave my soul to Christ?”

“Ahhh, but that is why you have been chosen. You survived his

onslaught for months, even years, without even knowing what was going on. Not many have. Suicide, murder, neglect, and all of the truly soul destroying aspects of humanity… you have been able to bounce back from them all. Yes, you’re still a sinner. Yes, you’re still manipulated by his words in your mind. No, you’re not holy. You’re not a teacher, and you’re not a minister. Yet, you are in a position to listen to the Devil on a one to one basis because you have been doing just that for the last 11 years and didn’t even realize it.”

“I don’t want to deal with this. I don’t want to handle it. I am afraid

of my soul being corrupted, and I don’t need the temptation!”

“But you can deal with it. Not many can. Your soul is recorded in the Book of Life. You didn’t know until you believed and had faith that you were saved. You are what gives people hope; whether atheist, Christian, or even agnostic. You are who you are, and nothing can ever change that.”

“I can’t count on family or friends. I want to, but I’m always let

down. I can’t even count on myself. This is forever written in my book. All of my understanding is in my Sin Sacrifice, and I don’t care what anyone else thinks about it. Well, maybe the Lord, but I’m a gentile and this is all I have. No one can ever take this away from me. Not the Devil, my wife, my Father, or even my deceased Mother. This is all I have in my life.

Damn. When I see it this clearly, it helps me to understand that I am ready. I am ready for the lies, deceit, subterfuge, and deception now. Tell him I am ready!”

“This is going to be different, Stephen. He’s willing to be as honest as he can with you. He sees it as a game, and you’re the play toy that God is giving up to him. He doesn’t believe that anyone will take you seriously. He doesn’t care, but in the end he’s going to try to make you give up your faith and commit murder or even suicide. You’re his bull’s eye,

you’re his target, and you’re his prize. To be honest, he sees you as the one who got away. He wants retribution. He will never rest until you’re pulled into Hell with him. He knows who you are. He knows very well who you are. He knows your faults, sins, and weaknesses… and he has a vendetta against you.”

“Then why the fuck are you allowing this, no, WANTING this to happen?”

“Because you are saved, you have been thru this before, and you know what to expect. The Lord would not throw you into a lion’s den this deep if you couldn’t handle yourself.”

“Nice analogy, but still… I can lose my soul.”

“You’re in the Book of Life, and that’s all that I can tell you. Just remember that, no matter what happens with him. Even when he is at his most honest, always remember that you are dealing with the Father of All Lies. Don’t ever allow Him to take your faith and belief away.”

“You’re making me second guess myself! Hello?

Hello! Don’t leave me now!”

Fuck! I guess this is it. I need a drink.

Chapter 3 Call Me Lou

I went to bed after typing the last sentence because I didn’t think I could handle what was about to happen. I prayed and went to sleep. Then the nightmares came. I can’t remember them. They weren’t too bad, but certainly bad enough to make me wish I didn’t have them. This always happens when he begins to get closer.

The silence is overbearing. I’m sitting at my computer, writing away

and waiting… waiting for him to come. I really don’t want to see him anymore. Actually, I’ve seen enough of him for several lifetimes. I get up to turn off the light. Now only the glow of the computer monitor flows over me.

I sit back down at my desk. I bought it and the beat up leather chair

years ago so that I would have a real desk to begin writing Hellucination comfortably at. It fits snugly in the corner of the room, enclosing me in a blanket of work so that I don’t see anything beyond the screen and my fingers on the keyboard.

Ahhh, it’s starting now. I can feel the shivers run up and down my

spine. The dread is becoming apparent in my mind and soul. I don’t want to do this. I begin to hear Him speak, but I am wrestling with it. I even go back a couple of sentences to fix a spelling error just to slow it down. Now it’s fixed, and I’m right back to writing this sentence.

Fuck… He’s here.

I feel coldness enveloping the room, and my body begins to twitch ever so slightly. His presence glides into my office like a bird; flying thru the window and landing gently on the carpet.

“Hello Stephen. It’s been a long time… but not that long.”

The words flow around me. Slowly but surely they pound into my skull.

“I know you can hear me. You’re afraid to let yourself be totally open

to my presence. It’s to be expected after what you have been through.”

His voice washes over me. “I know you’re here,” I say as my body numbs and my hair stands on end. “I don’t want you to be, but I have to deal with it. What am I supposed to call you? You never introduced yourself to me on a first name basis. I don’t really know who you are.”

“You know who I am. In the back of your mind, you always have. In

fact, you listen to me every day.”

“No, I hear you every day. Listening to you would mean that I’m actually paying attention to you and not fighting everything you’re saying to me. What should I call you? If we are supposed to have a dialogue, or conversation, or whatever it is we are doing, I need to know.”

He begins to laugh. “You can call me anything you want during this. Satan, Lucifer, Little Horn, Most Unclean. Anything actually, but I would prefer something on a more emotional level. Something to ease your fears so that we can have an honest dialogue.

“But we’re not going to have an honest dialogue.”

“You know me all too well Stephen. I’ll give you that much. It’s a pleasure seeing you again without being hidden in your mind, talking in whispers, and trying to bedevil you. Bedevil, ha! Did you write that screenplay after what happened to you? We both know what you were writing about. How did you represent me? Oh, wait. I know that you know that I know. You called me Lou in that, didn’t you? Writing Lou instead of Lucifer gave a calmness to the screenplay. Helped you to write about me, didn’t it? That’s what I would like you to call me. Lou. It’s so much friendlier than Satan, don’t you think?

“Okay Satan. I will call you Lou, but how do I know you’re not just another demon masquerading as Satan? You could be asking me to call you Lou so I can’t call you out.”

“You will know. When it gets too heavy for you, the façade of

friendliness will disappear. You will call me by my rightful name for all to

see and hear. Am I a little demon pretending to be the Father of All Lies? Could be. On the other hand, I’ve been talking to you for years. You know me. You have breathed my ways and seen sights only I could show a mortal man; all for the explicit purpose of taking your soul to Hell. You know who I am, just as your body, mind, and soul do.”

“I don’t understand… but I do. I guess that’s where I will be for the rest of the book. I’m not happy about this.”

Laughingly, he says, “Happy? You have been dreading this for years now. You always knew you had to do it. You tried to put it off just like you did writing Hellucination. You still wrote it after ten long years though. I commend you for actually finishing it despite a tenth grade education and hilariously atrocious writing skills. I didn’t think you would ever be able to write it in its entirety. You surprised us all. He knew what He was doing when he picked you, but He thought you would finish it a couple of years before you did. Well, it’s out there now; telling people what you did, what we did, and of your conversion to Him.”

“You’re not saying His name, are you?”

“I’d prefer not. You know, Stephen, I’ve been following you rather closely since the last time we truly met. You are an enigma to me. I like that. Gives me something to shoot at… and you make such a perfect target.”

“Is the bull’s eye on my back, forehead, or heart?”

“Actually, all of them. But to be honest, which I usually never am, I’m shooting for your head. One bullet… or should I say one thought? One idea. Just one ‘what if’ can send your soul to Hell, or at least back in my camp where you belong. It’s not often that someone changes sides when they are so entrenched in my personal army of this reality. You were a perfect antichrist and didn’t know it. You had your little moral dilemmas of trying to be good to people while stealing from others. Cheating, lying, murdering; going against all of His laws and helping others to do likewise.”

“I’m still a sinner. Just because I believe in the Lord doesn’t mean that I become righteous in his eyes. I try, but fail constantly.”

Lou begins to laugh again. “I could say so much more, but I’m not

trying to put you on the defensive right now. In fact, I need to make you feel at ease  so we can talk in-depth. Personally and spiritually, with understanding and acceptance.”

I refuse to look behind me, because I know he is standing right there.

My skin crawls at the thought of his hand clamping down on my shoulder, but it doesn’t. It crawls anyway when I say, “I have to ask you what you are actually doing. It’s one thing for you to speak to me in my mind as my id, or personal demon. But actually coming out of the shadows and conversing with me this way? I have been told what you’re going to do, and I don’t understand it.”

“Well, Stephen, to be honest again… you’re not listening to me anymore. We were one before your trials and tribulations. My thoughts were your thoughts. Even when our thoughts didn’t quite line up, when I gave you an idea you would do it. That’s changed over the years, and we both know it. You bat my ideas away almost as fast as I give them to you.”

I stop typing and say, “How to deal with you is something the Lord

taught me.”

I can feel Him standing over me when he says, “You wrestle with me all the time Stephen. You’re a lot stronger now that you know the rules. I still get you on the small shit, but it’s never really a win for me anymore. Let’s just say that this is the reason why I am allowing this to happen.”

I want to clear my throat, but I don’t have enough phlegm. I take a

drink from the beer sitting next to me.

“Yes, you’re an alcoholic now. You drink every day to numb the pain of life. Well, sometimes it’s to numb it. Sometimes it’s just habit, something to do to keep yourself busy in these repugnant times. You know what it could be and feel shattered that it isn’t. You’re still smoking when I know He told you to stop. You still masturbate. You lie to make yourself feel important and to make others feel better. You still work on the Sabbath even though you try not to. Still confused over whether it’s Sunday or Saturday? It’s Friday at sundown ‘til Saturday at sundown. Two days, not just one. I could go on and on, but what’s the use? You’re strong in your faith and, well… this is just the beginning.”

I shake my head, flex my muscles just a bit, and retort, “That’s stuff I know. You can’t shrug my faith off in such a minimal manner.”

I begin to hear the laughter in his voice again. “Oh, I know Stephen. Let me get a little deeper into your bones so you don’t forget who I am and what you’re dealing with. I’ll be more than honest with you for the rest of the book, but let’s get this out of the way first, shall we? Are you ready?

I know that you want to die. I know that you don’t care if you die

from cancer, alcoholism, a heart attack, or any other disease. You are looking forward to death because you don’t want to be here anymore. You have seen Heaven, and you have been to Hell. By the way, nice job attacking Heaven the way you did. I still know it hangs heavy on your heart.

You have nothing left to live for because you know the rules. Not

many know them as clearly as you do. Yes, a lot of people have beliefs and hope and faith. But you’re different. You know that I truly exist. Otherwise, we would not be in this position. You know Him. Using the Bible, you have figured out what you have to know, and have faith in, to be saved.”

I feel him pacing behind me. I refuse to turn around and look at him as he goes off on me.

“You want to die, but I don’t want to let you. You know that I am the ruler of this world, and you want off. You want out! You want to go to Him and learn the reasons for what is to happen afterwards. But I am going to keep you here for as long as possible. In doing so, I’ll make your life as miserable as I can.”

I finally look over my shoulder and see only random shadows

crawling around. “But you can’t always make me miserable,” I say.

He begins to laugh yet again. I’m getting a little tired of the laughing behind my back, but I guess I’d better get used to it. “Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong, Stephen. You might be saved. You might even be a saint in someone’s eyes for your belief and faith. But those around you, those you deal with, are still in my camp. Your family, friends, step kids, and even your father. How many profess faith? How many have hope in what’s unseen? How many are off the path; already in my camp and

pitching tents? How many are convincing others to sin? Not in my name, but in theirs. Perhaps in the name of fame and fortune. How many are fucking people over for a dollar and not caring what it does to anyone, even their family? We have a lot to talk about, Stephen Scott Biro.”

I feel heavy breathing down my neck, but I know it can’t be him. He

doesn’t have a physical form anymore. At least that’s what I am hoping. I want to respond, but my mind is blank. Lou says, “I’ve been given this chance to recapture your soul. I’m giving you this chance to stand against me; to try to make the world a little bit more even.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I have been given the job of tempting and misleading the souls on this plane, and I am doing too good of a job. There is barely any fight left. Even the hard-core Christians are easily duped away from their faith in the words of the Bible. It is so easy now that I am giving you a chance, though I doubt many will hear it. That’s why we are talking. He thinks differently, but I know differently.

I want to hear scuffling behind me, but I don’t. All I hear is what is

being pounded into me.

“I’m going to tell you most of what you want to know about the deception of your mind and your society. Not everything, but enough to let anyone who actually reads this know who I am. I’m going to give you enough to make this book become dangerous to me, even tip the scales in His favor, but I know it won’t.”

I grab my beer and take a couple of sips, followed by a long drag off of my cigarette. I feel sick to my stomach. I wish I could throw up, but the sinking feeling just hangs over me as he continues. “You’re going to know the battle that every man, woman, and child goes thru in this life. I’m talking to you, and you’re writing it as we speak. I don’t care. Even if millions of people read this and it helps them to understand what I am doing to them, there are billions who won’t. Billions and billions of people born into a war they don’t know about. This is my battle. This is my stand. If I can change you, one of the few who have turned away from me and found Him, then nothing can stand in my way.”

I somehow find the ability to swallow and say, “You’re giving me too

much credit.”

“You don’t know who you are Stephen. I think you’re not giving yourself enough credit.”

“No, anyone can do what I have done,” I insist. “I’m not famous.

I’m not perfect. I’m an idiot; stupid and much more. All the faults you threw in my face earlier are absolutely true. I can easily accept that. I’m just a man who knows where he stands. And to be honest, I’m really nothing special. I’m just trying to make heads or tails of this thing we call life, and I have found myself in the middle of what seems like a lopsided war that I didn’t ask to be in. I’m just biding my time ‘til I get out.”

“Ha ha ha ha ha. Who says you didn’t know the score coming in? Who says you’re not famous and perfect, much less the opposite of being an idiot or stupid? That’s what you’re telling yourself. Doesn’t make it true.”

I turn around to look the Devil in the eyes, and he isn’t there. I say

out loud, “I saw my sins when I was in Hell. I took comfort in knowing them in the order that they affect me. I have taken steps to work on them so that they fall by the wayside.” I waited to hear what he had to say next. “Don’t you think I know that Stephen?” he whispered in my ear. “I’m working on the sins that were not a problem for you before. You have matured in your spiritual strength, but in doing so, you have laid bare the parts that you haven’t conquered. Although, I can say that you haven’t really conquered any of them. You have just set them aside; ready to jump back into when you need a security blanket. Something you are used to. New sins are like wearing a new coat. A little stuffy, a little tight, and you don’t feel comfortable in it. But your old sinner self can just

jump into what you feel best with while wrestling with the new ones.”

I feel the darkness shift out of my messy office when He says “We are going to have fun Stephen. It’s been a long time since we actually played together. I hope you have as much fun as I am going to.”

I stop and put my hands over my face, breathing slowly. I don’t want

to put my fingers on the keyboard anymore, but I have to. I don’t know what is going to happen. I don’t know how deep this rabbit hole is going to go. All I can do is pray to the Lord, ask for forgiveness, and hope that

whatever is going on is going to help someone out there. Even if it’s after I die, maybe this book will find itself in someone’s hands that needs it. I’m at a loss for words. I’m always at a loss for words… but yet I’m writing them. I’m going to sleep now. I have to try and process what has been said. He claims that he wants to bond with me and put me at ease… but I’m far from being at ease.

Chapter 4

Let’s Start From the Renaissance.

It was two weeks before I dared to begin writing again. I could always feel the tug of what I was supposed to do over what I wanted to do, but this was a little too hardcore for my tastes. It wasn’t like Hellucination. That was written over ten years. I was away from the daily attacks of the Devil, antichrists, and the possessed. I had time to think it through and come to grips with it. This is another beast entirely.

I feel him walk into the room. “Ahh, Stephen. You kept me waiting, but I understand why. You don’t know what’s in store for you. Being a mortal, with hopefully thirty more years to go, it’s nice that you’re actually apprehensive about talking to me. I like that. It shows a respect that I don’t get from many of you anymore.”

I puff on my cigarette, take a quick drink to calm my nerves, and say, “So where is this going? Should I turn on my mini-recorder, or will you just let me type out the conversation?”

Lou responds, “You can record, but you will hear only yourself. I’m on another plane, as you know, and speaking to you personally like I always do.”

I type out His words and look over my shoulder to see a blur of resonance. Not actual moving shadows, but something there… yet not there. “So let’s start,” I say apprehensively. “Where do you want to begin? What is most important to you? What is least important to you?”

Lucifer begins to laugh yet again. “I’d say we should start from the

beginning, but that would be cliché. Let’s start from the Renaissance. It was the easiest actual turning point for me in your society. The tide

turned because so many let go of religion. Renaissance humanism opened the door for me to step out of the shadows and into the light; to deceive those who wouldn’t admit that I was there. It was a glorious time because I was always there, cajoling and controlling. I watched the seeds of doubt that I planted gain root and grow to draw humans away from God, religion, and the basic tenants of faith.

“Please forgive me. I’m not a history scholar, and have studied

religion for only four years. I…”

“I know, Stephen. I know who you are and where you have been. I know you better than you know yourself. I might not see your future, but I will know immediately if I can change it. Let me just say that I am willing to explain the details to you in a roundabout way. I want your readers to truly follow what I have been doing to mankind for thousands of years.”

“But the Devil doesn’t show his hand and never tells us what is really

going on. Not even the Lord tells us. Why are you doing this?”

“I need a challenge,” he chuckles. “This is all getting too easy now. I am willing to give you the keys for two reasons. One, I don’t think that many people will read this book. Two, even the hard-core Christians are screwing up, forgetting what your Savior has told them, and wallowing in the Old Testament when a new one has been written specifically for the gentiles. I like a challenge. I like to fight, and when a soul that I can still take is in the balance, it tastes so much sweeter than a soul that’s in my camp already.”

I want to say “Whatever,” or blow it off, but the words stick to me

like superglue. No other way to describe it. So, I let him speak. The least you can do is let the Devil talk.

“It started in Italy, if you didn’t know, because the ideas sprouted

from ancient Rome and grew with the culture. At that time it was turning into a wonderful capitalist country. Merchants were coming to trade from all over the world, spreading their thoughts and ideas into a very small nation.

Then the Black Death happened. It was a little snafu for me because

more people held onto religion at the time. But that quickly changed.

One half of all of Britain died. Half of Florence died too, giving the Italian peasants and unwashed masses an opportunity to become wealthy landowners. That certainly made my job easier. This was an enjoyable period of my existence. The poor becoming wealthy overnight due to death. Families perishing. People not ready for real responsibility trying to become responsible with wealth. It was a good time for me, and I took advantage. I ruined many families who loved each other until I dropped a dollar in-between them. Murder and mayhem ensued. It was almost too easy, but I knew that this was only the beginning.”

I want to stop what I am doing and run away, but I can’t. I take

another drink and just listen.

Lucifer sits down calmly on the couch behind me. “Even the Churches were spoiled with money and gold. To say that I was forcing them… no, I shouldn’t say force… guiding them to the point where they let this happen would be an understatement. This was the beginning of the change, and I was more than happy to show them how to turn away from Him. It’s just so easy since I talk to the mind every day of your life. Sort of like a teacher that teaches what the students do not want to know. But, they’re still in my class; learning from my gentle manipulations and not truly realizing what is going on in their own minds.”

I feel an ache in my soul. Is this how it is going to be from now on? “Humanism really began to take off. I was worried for a time, since it

was based on morals and not Him. As it progressed, it took a human form that had absolutely nothing to do with Him. I was quite pleased with that. Art began to move forward, some religious in nature and some not, but those who paid for it were mostly religious. Nothing made my spirit rejoice more than when an atheist or agnostic painted the fresco of a church. It’s a wonderful thing to have believers look at art in their own place of worship that was painted by someone with no faith who just did it for the money.”

Lucifer begins to laugh again while I shudder, just wanting to run away. Fuck!

He is still laughing as he taunts, “We’re not even into the heart of it;

your society, life, and thoughts! You want to piss your pants, and all I am doing now is giving you a small history lesson. You’d better get a stronger skin boy. I haven’t even started.”

I slowly regain control and resign myself to typing his words as I am

supposed to do.

“At the same time, the scientific method crawled out of the woodwork. The ravages of this theory still make me smile. Some held onto their beliefs. I won’t say their names and don’t need to, but many were turned to me. It was close to a fifty-fifty chance of landing on faith and landing on none. I enjoyed this coin flip, and will take it no matter who the scientist or philosopher is.”

The Devil gets up and walks around the room, stops behind me, and

says, “It’s so much easier to have one come to the conclusion that there is no God through his own thoughts than for me to have to work daily on subtle infusions of ideas to create that doubt.”

I turn around and retort, “So, you’re looking for an easy way out. To let man choose while not really knowing the game they are playing.”

Satan leans in and begins to whisper in my ear again. “You don’t understand what is happening at this point. Men were teaching others to turn away from God and trying to give them the answers. Others believed but were not telling the world of their faith. It was a glorious time for me. Men were trying to display science and drop religion because they thought they had all of the answers. Even today they still try. They can’t realize that it’s all the same.”

I hear a shuffling behind me and say, “You’re moving ahead of

yourself.”

“Not really. Time is circular. What I am experiencing now was years past, and what I am dealing with now is your present. The only thing I have a hard time with is the future. I know you know this. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be talking. If I knew you were going to Hell, I would not bother.”

I take a bit of pride in knowing that the Devil does not know where I am going. It gives me a little hope, but I still have to think about the angel who said that I was saved no matter what. I want to mention the

small victory I get from this, but he cuts me off.

“I just felt pride well up in your soul, Stephen. I wasn’t expecting that from the words I just said. Point to you Mr. Biro. Feeling that emanate from you without becoming too inflated was interesting. Just enough to bring it to the forefront and slowly bring it back in.”

I hear Him sit back down on my couch. “You have been practicing mental gymnastics and spiritual exercises, haven’t you Stephen? I know you can hear them as you hear me, but they’re not allowed to teach you like I am. Maybe it is my own fault for personally teaching you back in the days. You would have made such a perfect antichrist, you know that? The guile, the manipulation of your own body over matter, the hatred to tap into without letting it overcome you. I taught you so many things that I teach no one anymore.”

I suddenly smell smoke behind me. I turn around to see a cigarette smoldering near my couch. I don’t jump up in a panic. I don’t even think twice about it. I just let him speak.

“You were supposed to be my false witness. I know you know that,

or you wouldn’t have taken so long to write that fucking book of yours; doing everything you could to NOT be the false witness. I’ve read it countless times. Not just when you were writing it, but when others read it too. It perturbs me. I will be honest… it pisses me off. It was set up so that you could have been the false witness. But instead you studied enough, considered it, and never said anything against the Gospels. You even wrote it in a way that those without faith or belief could read it without being turned off.”

Another faint chuckle behind me. “Huh. I never would have guessed,

but it’s a point to Him! I’m at a loss for words. I wasn’t expecting this to turn so fast in His favor. I know I’m not the only one to move chess pieces around the board, but I wasn’t expecting this.”

I begin to say something when I feel a mental push to stop. I don’t know where it came from, so I decide to stay quiet as He says, “There seems to be a pattern here. I think this game is going to be a lot more interesting than I thought. Here I was under the impression that I was just being given the chance to bring you down again. Take you to Hell.

Get you to commit murder or suicide. Maybe even get you to become the false witness as you should be. But there is far more here than meets the eye.

Don’t worry, Stephen. I am sure you will take your time getting back

to this. Time is not of the essence for me. The millennia I have to think about this in the weeks you take to get back to it should even up the game, even put it in my favor. I was not expecting this, and that is a thrill all by itself. This conversation is far from over. Ask me another question.”

“What else made you happy at this time, or at least gave you

something to think about?”

Lucifer replies, “The religious nature of mankind, at least on this main continent, was splitting. The Catholic Church was in upheaval, which made it so much easier for the taking. Lutherans rose up due to the practice of paying for absolution of transgression. Then Zwingli, More, and Calvin joined the fray. Slowly the Reformation took form, and different Christian beliefs emerged. I could not be happier with the splintering of the faith. This affected all of the countries in Europe slowly at first. Then it became a massive windstorm. Not only was I the center of that storm, but I was also the means to this end.”

My breath is shallow, and my mind is numbed by his words. I still

listen closely.

“This was a glorious battle that I won. Those in the middle did not know where to stand. Catholics were torn apart, not knowing where they should go. Follow the religion that my government says I should believe in? Follow who makes sense with the scripture? Follow Him, the sin sacrifice? Follow Mary and the saints? It was an upheaval in every way, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It took forever to change the indoctrination of the masses, but when it was finally settled, I couldn’t have been better off. One religion turned into five different derivatives, and I was more than willing to have fun with all of them.”

I hear the creak of his bones as he stands up to walk behind me. I close my eyes as he breathes, “I’m enjoying this, Stephen. I’ve wanted to unload for centuries now, and you’re giving me the opportunity to. Little

did I actually know that teasing you, screwing with you, manipulating you into attacking Heaven, possessing your friends, and trying to turn you into a general of Hell would give me such enjoyment… not to mention the pleasure of trying to procure your soul once again.”

I want to say something, but think better of it. He says, “You are

truly an anomaly. I know where you stand now, but I am being given this chance to change you. In doing so, I think the Creator is working behind the scenes. I’ve dealt with the bets before. Job, Eden, and such. I have always done my job. After all, it is a job. But you’re going to learn that, aren’t you? I know that you are tired now. I’m going to let you rest; not because I can’t talk, but because you’re human, and therefore weak in the reality of it all. Take some time. We will talk soon. I want you ready for the next chapter because I am not going to hold back. That is a promise.” Fatigue begins to wash over me. I want to refuse to stop because the Devil is telling me to, but my body can’t take it anymore. I turn to the computer and shut it off, but not because he told me to. I wanted to. I

pray that this difference is seen.

Chapter 5

Your Shepherd Has Led You Off a Cliff

I wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t think it through. All I knew was what I had been told. I have enough faith to deal with it. If you’re a fellow Christian, I’m sorry. You’re better than me. I’m the lowliest of the low. If you’re an atheist, in my mind you’re still probably better than me. I have opportunities to do better and don’t. I’ve made Satanists blush and say to me, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.” But in saying that, they have no clue what they’re doing. I have met many Satanists in my line of work. Most are stupid and just want to get their freak on. They want revenge if someone harms them. Not actual revenge, just the hope and dream of revenge. That’s what they do; dream, hope, and maybe even perform a ritual or two. Doesn’t make it happen.

They have the same ratio that Christians do when we pray. When you pray to the Lord, you’ve got a fifty-fifty chance. Same odds with the Devil. Fifty-fifty. What in the Hell is that worth??? I wanted these answers because I was talking to the Most Low. I figure he’s going to lie. Then again, he thinks he has won, so who knows what he is going to say? Fuck it. Let’s do this. We’re here, and I have to deal with it. So let’s have an answer, good or bad. I’m starting to both understand and take on my place in all of this. Let’s hope that I can stay humble, forgiving, and understanding… especially of myself.

I lean over, expecting a whoosh or a feeling or something. One doesn’t come. I just feel his arm on my back as he says, “So, you really want me to answer these questions? I know He told you to, and I know

you don’t want to. But for some odd reason, I want to. It seems like I am taking over the world. I’m winning the small daily battles with each person, much less the entire war. I guess what I am asking is this… will you do what you’re told from on high? Will you go to the end with me even though it could shatter you soul and drive you to suicide? That is a hugely probable outcome, you know.”

I meekly say, “Yes, I’m in it for the long haul.”

Lucifer says, “I will answer your questions then, even if you don’t like what you hear. I don’t care. You’re all too easy now. None of you is truly Christ-like. Most of you are desperate, empty shells that think you know what He wants but never come close.”

I take a deep breath and say, “What the fuck is really going on with

you two? I’m tired of fucking around. Our souls are in the balance. Time to either get off the pot and fuck off, or give us who are stuck in the middle a helping hand. What the fuck are you going to do? Either you think you’ve won, or you’re an asshole who knows that he lost and will say anything to pretend he’s won.”

I’m not necessarily expecting an honest answer from the Devil, but I

am hoping that he’s sure enough of his victory to answer. I sit in silence for an untold amount of time before my chair is spun around swiftly. All I can see is a haze. A haze that I don’t understand. My eyes try desperately to make sense of it but can’t.

That’s when he comes into view, slowly at first. I can’t make out his

form. He’s like a figment barely materializing, but whole all the same. All I can see clearly are his burning eyes. My mind wants to run, but I keep my eyes open.

He says, “No one believed you before. Not even the holy and self- proclaimed Christians who read your book. There is a reason why most of it happened in a drug induced stupor. I’m going to play with you, Stephen. It’s not often I get to toy with a person of your caliber that no one believes in. Being an anomaly is working against you.”

I take a deep breath and let it flow. “I’m not going to argue about my first book. I didn’t write it for you, I wrote it for HIM! I never cared who

believed and who didn’t. I wrote it because I had to. I did what I was supposed to.”

“But your book is not the nation-wide best seller as it should have been. Publishers and agents didn’t pick up your book because no one wants to hear about faith and belief from the bottom of that river where faith comes from. That’s where you’re at. You don’t pretend to be holy. You don’t pretend to know more than the rest… but you do.

You are not a multi-millionaire. You’re not a man people want to hear from. You’re not telling people that salvation means begging the Lord for money. You realize that the prosperity prayer is me in disguise. Asking Him for money is like asking the rain to not soak you.

I have to laugh at you, Stephen. I didn’t think this talk would veer

into this channel, but let’s go there. Let’s go into modern Christianity… modern televangelistic Christianity! Let’s open this can of worms. It will turn millions of people worldwide away from your book. This is what I like. This is where we are going. I fucking love this because they are going to hate it!”

I say, “Wait, Lou. I thought you were going to go over some history,

telling your details and giving us…”

Lucifer says, “No! This is going to happen on my terms. This is going to enrage people who follow these televangelists and force them to drop this book.”

“You do know I just wrote that, right?” I ask.

“Like I care what they know. I’ll be truthful once again. I’ll lay it on the line. Why? Because people don’t want to hear that they are following Satan when they think they are following God.”

The room is slowly becoming easier to bear. The intensity calms down. If I were talking to a normal person, this is when the honesty would come out. Maybe a dark secret about a sin or a major occurrence the person went thru. But this isn’t a person. This is the Devil.

I’m told the next question I must ask. “Too many people are begging

the Lord for money when I see children starving to death, countries dying, and countless wars. There’s no real help in sight. Yet others have more than any of these people, or even countries, and they are asking for

more money. They’re not starving! How can this be? What the fuck are they doing?”

Satan begins to laugh as he always does and says, “All of you are too fucking stupid. I have to laugh, Stephen. When I manipulate preachers and supposed ministers into getting rich pretending to do what is right, it makes me feel like the Most High. Jim Jones, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen, and even Jimmy Swaggert. All richer than most men on your earth, and all teaching against the bible. Not acting as teachers, but money magnets.”

Lucifer looks at me and says, “Before I show you how easily I am

destroying these so-called teachers of God and truly let you know the havoc I am wreaking from within, allow me to quote some phrases from your holy book.”

I say, “Wait, what? You’re not supposed to quote from the Bible!”

I feel his stare burning into the back of my head when he says, “Don’t you realize that I can use the Bible as a weapon? What’s wrong with you? You fucking naïve meat bag! There are enough confusing gospels in there that it has dragged people to Hell for centuries. Do you know how many people I’m going to make run for the hills and stop reading this book just by saying some scripture?”

“That’s not…”

“Fair? Fuck you, Stephen. I came into this thinking it was something different, but I’ve figured it out. Yeah, giving you easily misled monkeys a heads up seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“But you’re supposed to…”

“I never said I wasn’t going too. I will still let you know all. I’ll give you most, if not all, of the insights into my behavior that I promised. But I didn’t make that promise to you. I promised it to Him, and I will follow thru on that promise. But now that I realize what this truly is, I want to get rid of half of your readers right now. Quoting scripture gets rid of the stupid agnostics and atheists, and telling you about the televangelists worshipping money and fame and committing sins, especially pride, is going to knock out a lot of Christians.”

“But this was supposed to be…”

“Fuck you! I’m getting rid of the weak, the stupid, those following false prophets, and those with no belief at all. Humans afraid of a higher power but using their egos to inflate themselves and find holes in the book. It makes them feel better that they can have faith in themselves, which they never really have anyway.”

“But you just told them what you’re doing.” I said.

Satan says, “And that is why you don’t understand human nature. I am going to take advantage of that. By the time this book is done, almost everyone will put it down. They will burn it as an abomination. They will be hurt, exasperated, and disgusted with themselves. Most of all, they’ll be fucking afraid to actually find out all of what’s wrong in the world. That what they are worshipping is not God, but everything else EXCEPT Him!”

My office becomes heated again. I expect to be dragged down to Hell right this moment, but it doesn’t happen. Then he begins to quote the Gospels to me.

“Matthew 7:15 says ‘Beware of false prophets, who are wolves in

sheep’s clothing.’ Sound like anyone we know?”

“I could be misconstrued as a false teacher for what I am doing.”

Satan says, “There’s a big difference. You’re not telling people what to do, what to pray for, to go to your church, or to do this and not do that. You are also not giving them false hope. In fact, you’re scaring the shit out of them.”

The intensity in my office grows again. I am tired of gritting my teeth while writing this all down. “You have no understanding of eternity, Stephen, even though you have experienced it. You only have your mind, your beliefs, and whatever part of what you have seen that you can understand.”

I hunker down at my keyboard, ready to hear what the Devil has to

say. “Televangelists are my pawns. I don’t care who the fuck they are. Sitting in front of a fucking idol with your neighbors and pretending to get the word of God from it instead of the Bible is not fellowship. They’re preaching a watered down word in their golden coliseums for fear of frightening off any of that money. All of that is my doing.

Pride, ego, vanity, and greed are splayed out before everyone, and everyone accepts it! No man or woman of God should sit in first class or have private jets. They have no humility. They don’t understand what they are doing. Yes, some money goes to the needy. But having beauticians to do their hair and makeup for their television show, much less owning a fucking coliseum to promote themselves and make them rich beyond anything their congregation can even imagine, is more of the Devil than any of them realize.

There was a church I knew about years ago that took their donations

and gave them to one of their members to get them out of debt. Then they went to the next member, and the next, and the next. They were working on getting each member out of usury while still helping to feed the poor and clothe the needy. THAT is what a church should work towards. Helping everyone they can, not amassing personal riches. Taking limos to their churches and telling people to pray for prosperity is not of God. It’s of me. There is more than enough money to feed, clothe, and educate everyone. Yet millions are starving and dying of exposure. People are selling their souls to a banker for a measly education that will enslave them for the rest of their lives.”

I’m in shock. I want to respond, but my mind is blank.

“Creflow Dollar! How stupid can you be? Supposedly a man of God who teaches His principles, but he changes his name to the very thing he expects to get in His name. Did I not make it fucking obvious? Hello! I got him to change his name to MONEY! Joyce Meyer became a multi- millionaire selling  the easy words of God as gospel. Of course, her husband and all of her children are on the board of directors. She’s grooming her greedy sheep kids to follow in her footsteps. Preaching that by giving her money, you make God… not hope in God mind you, but MAKE God, give back tenfold in return. Joel Osteen. Aww, what a prize he is! Prosperity, money, power, and the good life are what God wants his flock to have… but only if they listen to him.

Suffering, calamity, hardship, and depression are supposed to allow a person to grow. But Joel will tell you that God does not want you to

suffer because you are one of his children. Billions are starving and dying every day. Are they not God’s children?

Benny Hinn marrying hundreds of people at the same time in a stadium. Eighty thousand dollar cars and mansions. Rob Tilton, Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, Mike Murdock, Jim and Tammy Baker… I could go on and on for a day or two. Do you really believe that God would bless those in leadership positions with lifestyles that totally contradict everything that Jesus taught? The men who led the first century church led by example. They were servant leaders. Ask yourself if any of the apostles would’ve chosen pricey homes in affluent areas for themselves. Would they have used the contributions and tithes of the people to do so? More to the point, would Jesus have done so?

How can you not understand that these ministers are of me when

they’re wearing twenty-five thousand dollar Rolexes, living in million dollar mansions as their summer homes, flying around in million dollar jets, and driving hundred thousand dollar cars to preach the word of God? I love the prosperity prayer. Nothing pisses Him off more than people asking for lots of money. It’s one thing to worship Him and another to worship money.”

I want to say something, anything, because some of these ministers

give people hope. But I have learned to shut my trap when the Devil speaks. When one is telling secrets, you always allow them to continue. If you speak, they could stop.

“They have not only diluted the gospel, but they have changed the words of the Bible to get this wishy-washy, watered down version to the masses. It always pleases me to allow TV ministers to dilute the words of the Lord. Not only does it corrupt their souls, but it allows them to teach, and their congregations to believe, false doctrine. It’s one of my greatest achievements.”

Now I have to say something. “That is a success, but you have many more, right?” I’m hoping he’ll change the subject.

He stops, and I can feel his eyes burning into the back of my head again. “Oh yes. Many great triumphs. But manipulating those ministers through greed allows all those who listen to follow them down the wide

path of destruction… and that destruction is eternal. THAT’S a triumph.”

With that said, the darkness disappears and the air returns to the room. I feel as if a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. He’s left me here to ponder what he said, but it’s too frightening to think about. I’m sure I will have bad dreams again tonight. Hopefully, I’ll get used to it…

I don’t get the chance to stand up before the darkness returns. My office begins to waver. My hair is standing on end. He is back. I decide against speaking.

He says, “You want to ask questions? Fine. Let’s get something else out of the way then. Let us give your so-called readers some meat and potatoes to chew on. Go ahead, Stephen. Ask me anything.”

I slowly get my nerve up enough to ask, “What is the easiest portion of your existence. What’s the hardest?”

The Devil spins my chair around again and looks me straight in the eyes. “Do you really want to go this route? Do you really want me to tell you exactly what was the hardest thing about being kicked out of Heaven was?”

The heat in the room feels like it wants to scald me as I return his

gaze. “Yes. You have to tell us or we will never know your pain. We will never be able to comprehend your existence.”

The Devil roared with laughter and said, “What? A ‘Sympathy for the

Devil’ sort of thing? It’s been written about before, and usually better than a third rate hack such as yourself can muster.”

“But this time it’s not made up by the writer. It is your actual reality. Your thoughts and feelings about what happened. Your perspective, not God’s.”

“I can see why He chose you, Stephen Scott Biro. You are a wily one,

aren’t you? Every time I think I have you on the ropes, not only do you shake them free, but you end up twisting them around me. I have noticed that I become a little submissive around you. I let you tie the ropes around me, but you don’t tie me completely. I can get out if I don’t feel safe enough.”

The shadows begin to dance  around themselves, and I hear the Devil’s thoughts in my own head.

“I underestimated you, Stephen. I have to realize who you are and what you have been through. I must remember that you have been through the stables of Hell. The soulless tried to tempt you with all of my blessings, and you came out the other side unscathed.”

The room begins to feel red. The heat grows exponentially as the air

is slowly sucked out of the room. He begins to gain focus and says, “Fuck you Stephen. Just because you’re asking me what I want to tell doesn’t mean I will tell it.”

I close my eyes as the darkness surrounds me. I try to focus, but I can’t. That’s when a thought strikes me, and I say, “I figured you wouldn’t talk about it. I’m sorry if it is so disturbing to you that you can’t share with us “meat bags.” It’s not often a pathetic creature like me dares to ask someone as infinite as you what the fuck happened. I’m sorry if you’re not obliged to say. I didn’t, and still don’t, know your boundaries. Sorry for testing them.”

Satan straightens up and says, “You fucking swine. You’re playing

with me on levels you shouldn’t be. Something tells me not to tell you what you want to know. But I always refuse that voice in my head, so I guess I will.”

My chair is shoved away from my desk. I look into a dark, black cloud and see those red, incandescent eyes boring into my soul. “I’m not doing this because of you or your petty games. I’m doing this for me. I want to share this with the living damned, whose lives are just a blink of my eye.”

The chair spins again and is thrust backwards. I have to hold my hands in front of me so I won’t crash into the desk. I feel his presence creep up behind me, and I hear the phrase, “Inspiration is something I usually provide, but this time you have inspired me. I’m not going to give you ‘Sympathy for the Devil.’ I am going to write the Symphony OF the Devil thru you, regardless of whether or not it can be used against me by God fearing people or in the court of God’s law. I’m going to give it all

to you. You’re going to write and transcribe it for me… He who is called Satan, The Devil, Lucifer, The Morning Star.”

Shivers run up and down my spine like wild horses with nowhere to

go.

“You, Stephen Scott Biro, are now the gatekeeper. My personal

stenographer. I know you believe that you’re saved and have faith. I understand. This is what the Lord wanted you to do in the first place, but it’s time I take it back and become the master of this domain again. You are the fly in my soup, the hair in my pudding, and I’m pulling you out. I don’t know why He wants you to do this, but after spending so much time with me, you’re going to end up ripping your eyes out and renouncing your faith. I’ve lost many men and women who were ten thousand times better then you. You’re nothing but flesh to be chewed up and spit out. I don’t know why you think you can do this, even with God’s blessing, but let me tell you this… many sheep have been taken to the slaughter. Many others have been castrated and thrown to the wolves. You are no better than them, and your Shepherd has led you off a cliff.”

I feel suction as the darkness leaves the room again. I’m stupefied

and weak. I don’t know what to do at this moment besides pray. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. I pray to God that my soul will be at rest in him and that my belief and faith are strong enough to deal with this. I didn’t know this is where it would go, but I trust God’s understanding. I just pray that what I am going through is worthwhile for others. If I do lose my faith, I want this to save others who are more worthwhile than me. I beg of God to help those without understanding to see as I do.

I’m going to bed now. May the sleep of reason and understanding flood my consciousness. As for the fear, I feel it’s worthwhile to fear. Besides, it’s not for my simple human ignorance to decide. Amen.

Chapter 6 Symphony of the Devil

Sleep did not come easily that night. I just tossed and turned for hours. My mind kept repeating the phrase; “I am going to write the Symphony of the Devil thru you, regardless of whether or not it can be used against me by God fearing people or in the court of God’s law. I’m going to give it all to you…”

The words kept bouncing around in my head. Fear replaced the

boldness I had going into this. My heart was a plaything that I had no control over. My pulse quickened, making my temples throb. Every time I tried  to slow  it down, my  mind  raced even more. Even  the  self- hypnotism that I use to calm my mind wasn’t working. I wanted to change the sheets due to the sweat and fear that dripped out of my body. The small fan in my room tried to cool me down, but it wasn’t working. Eventually, I was somehow able to fall asleep.

Slumber and wakefulness are two different realities that you are not

cognizant of. That moment of passing between the conscious and the unconscious mind is never known until you are on the other side. The shame of it is that you feel it when you’re conscious, but never unconscious. You never realize when you are move into the realms of the subconscious. Not until you are there. Then things change.

If you’re lucky, you have ten minutes of peace. Complete peace. You’re not dwelling in the conscious. You’re not dwelling in your subconscious. You’re in between worlds; in that section of reality we all strive for, non-existence. You know, the exact moment when peace,

reality, and even unreality mesh. It’s a moment to relish. We all go thru it. We all love it and chase it like a Buddhist master chasing Zen.

But we really don’t know if that moment between REM sleep, deep sleep, and falling asleep is a free fall between planes or just our mind shutting down to allow us the freedom of dreams. The kind of dreams that can work out problems, provide hope, and sometimes give us a fighting chance if we’ll follow them. This was not one of those dreams.

I felt the wonders of nothingness. Time and space had no meaning. Then my senses awoke. I began to smell, see, taste, touch and feel… but it was not normal. You never know this in the wake of the dream world though. At that time, it is your reality. It is who, what, and where you are. You don’t think it is in error. Since it is your reality, you allow it to flow through you.

I found my mother hooked up to tubes and struggling to live, yet wanting the release of death. She was in a hospital bed surrounded by beeping machines and a tray of exceptionally bad cafeteria food that she didn’t want to eat. I was at the foot of her bed, praying for her death. Not because I wanted her to die, but because I wanted the agony of her life to be over. She reached out to taste her food, refused it all, and told me that the apple juice is all she wanted.

I reached out to place a fork in her food and show her that it was

good. The plastic fork wouldn’t cut through it. I plucked a bunch of corn from her plate and said, “This is good, Mom. You need to eat.”

When the corn reached my mouth, the taste of six-hour-old food hit my taste buds. I stared at my mom, tried to chew the rubber gristle, and fought to swallow it as if nothing was wrong. But she knew what I was trying to digest for her sake. No matter what kind of happy smile I could make while doing it, I couldn’t keep the charade up.

When I swallowed this crap that those who are supposed to care

about the dying passed off as something to eat, she said, “Why don’t you try the fruit cocktail?” We both began to laugh because my mom knew I hated fruit cocktail. I watched her drink the liquids and tried to remain by her side, but it was hard. My wife stayed with her more than I did.

My mind snapped the day my mother died. I received a call from hospice, and they told me that no matter where I was, I could never get there in time. I relived the emotional trauma of having a nurse tell me, “You’re over two hours away. You will never make it, so you shouldn’t bother.” That no matter what I did, she wouldn’t be there when I arrived. She would be taken to the mortuary and I wouldn’t be able to see her, no matter what.

Shadows and clouds began to form around my mind. The fear of missing my Mother’s death was messing with me more than I knew. I began to pace, then walk, and then run. I began to beat down the walls of my house; fearful that no matter what I did, I would miss her just for not living closer. I confronted my fears and finally told my wife, “I have to go. I need to drive there to say goodbye to her.” She more than understood.

I fucking hate doctors and nurses. They don’t fucking know. I

jumped in the car after calling them. They had told me she was still alive. I drove an hour and called them again. They told me that she was still alive and waiting for me. I began to think she would make it. She would more than make it She would be alive for days. It was the end, but she had time to wait for me and time to pray with me. I thought they were wrong because she was still hanging on over four hours after they told me she would be dead. I knew in my heart that she would be waiting for her son. I felt good knowing that my mother was still alive, and the fact that the nursing home didn’t call to tell me that she had passed made me stupidly optimistic.

My mind began to race. I realized that I hadn’t eaten for about 24

hours. She was waiting for me, and it would take days for her to pass. I was driving frantically to her, but knew in my heart and soul that she would be there for me. I would love to say I did what any man would do, but I am not any man. I saw an all-you-can-eat KFC buffet, and I thought I had the time… the life to stop, grab something fast to eat, and still make it. My mom wouldn’t die without me.

Being the stupid mortal I am, I pulled in. Somehow I thought that

eating a bunch of shit would give me enough energy for days, maybe

even a week, by her side. I would make up the time by driving faster. It’s my mom. She wouldn’t die on me. The nurses told me not to come because she would be dead before I arrived, but she was still alive five hours later. So I stopped at the KFC buffet and ate like a fucking dog. I was there for five minutes, tops. They had the BBQ chicken, which not many do, and it always reminded me of her for some odd reason. I ate like a mad dervish and ran to my car. I drove for the next hour hoping she could die in my arms where I could pray with her and make things better.

I called the nursing home where she was dying, and they said she was

strong and waiting for me. Hope welled in my chest, and I began to do eighty miles an hour to get to her. They told me they were watching over her closely, and that they would call me if any change happened. They still told me I shouldn’t bother because when she died they would take her away. I drove even faster. Each mile, block, or mile marker gave me hope. When I finally pulled into Tarpon Springs, having pushed my car to the limits, I had not gotten a single call. I was exhausted but at ease. She didn’t leave this realm yet. She was waiting for me. I was so happy. I jumped out of the car, thinking I had made it. As I opened the doors and ran to her room, I saw here there… lifeless.

Anger at the nursing home and at myself began to erupt in my mind,

but I kept it down. I walked over to her slowly but in need. My hand reached out to her forehead. It was still warm, but she wasn’t breathing. I knew she died minutes ago. She had just left this world, and since it takes a body awhile to actually die, I knew she could still hear me. I began to pray for her. I began talking to her. Her body was dead, but the mind takes eight minutes to leave. I began praying harder. I told her everything I know she wanted to hear, and I begged the Lord to forgive her for everything she didn’t know she did wrong.

So there I was, praying over my dead mother because I stopped to eat KFC buffet thinking she wouldn’t die until I was there. I was selfish. I thought she would be around forever.

Darkness surrounded me as I prayed. I was suddenly in front of my

father. He looked like a young Clint Eastwood, and he always made me

smile. Not with his jokes or what he did, but because of how serious he always was. He stared at me and said, “You have failed me. You have never reached the zenith of what I expected. Why would you let me down in the most basic of father and son relationships?”

I was at a loss. He was never there for me. He had his own life. Why

would he say that? With that, his face ripped apart. He split into seven sections of horror and gore. I began to scream as his flesh erupted into shreds of living tissue. He screamed, “You did this to me! You failed me as a son, and now I am going to burn in Hell for all eternity!”

Shadows began twisting around him, ripping him to pieces and

pulling him down. I suddenly found myself twelve years old and impotent in the face of what was happening before me. My mind began to swerve as thoughts of my life belched forth into a horror I had no control of. The terror of watching my father pulled into Hell was numbed by the thought that my mother believed in Jesus, and thankfully I found him before she died.

I didn’t know what to do or say when the Devil set his hand on my

shoulder and said, “You have a lot of mistakes and corruption in your life. Your heart has a lot of heaviness and misery that I didn’t know about. It affects you on a daily basis. I work on regret and fear in humans, but some reason I didn’t see this in you. Don’t worry. I will take note of this. There are some things in the soul that even I cannot see. This is supposed to be The Symphony of the Devil, but maybe this is The Symphony of the Biro. When you learn about me, I learn about you. With every secret I tell you, you tell me something about yourself. I don’t think you realize what is really happening here. Why would you tell your secrets to the Devil when I am not your master? Why would you think that I care enough about you to tell you my secrets? What makes you think you’re alive and not on trial for your soul? You’re not the master here, and I am just a lowly servant.”

Fire began to erupt around me as I saw my family roasting in the

flames. As my screams began to wake me, he said, “Just because you were chosen for something, doesn’t mean you were chosen for everything.”

Pain wracked my body and soul. I tried desperately to scream, but nothing happened. I felt my soul being ripped apart. I could feel nothing anymore. That’s when my eyes opened.

Chapter 7

Magic… I Mean Miracles

I had hoped I wouldn’t be attacked in my dreams, but that was only hope. Deep down, I knew differently. But now it’s another day and another mind-fuck waiting to happen. He was already pacing and smoking away when I sat down before the keyboard.

He doesn’t say anything, so I spoke first.

“Do you want to tell us what made you proud? A point in this reality that gave the Devil hope? Not for us, mind you, but for you.”

I feel the power and pride emanating from him and filling the office

as he replies, “The Middle Ages. Those were my golden days. The Christian hierarchy began to distance itself from everyone, thinking they were better than any other believers. I didn’t have to do much, since mankind was as idiotic then as it is now. Somehow you always let ego and self-righteousness overtake the goodness in you. Yes, it was a fascinating time. I just had to step back and laugh. It didn’t stop there either.”

He sits on the  couch behind  me and  begins to relish the  facts.

“Those years made me giddy. I may have overcompensated a bit, but everyone from the rulers to the lowliest of peasants was talking about me. Everyone had me on their mind. The holy rollers of that age couldn’t go a day without blaming me for something. Who was I to tell them no?”

“Give me some examples…”

“I was the rustling of the leaves. I was a toad they came across in the garden or a horse that stepped on their foot. Even what came out of

their asses if they ate something rotten was a sign of my presence, and believe me, they ate rotten food all the time.”

I smell another cigarette light up behind me and think nothing of it. The least I can do is let the Devil bum from my pack. “There was this pastor who was obsessed with me. And when I say obsessed, I mean he took it to the next level. His name was Abbot Richalmus. He blamed every nuisance of life on me. I would go to him just to watch the hysterics and idiocy that became his life out of fear of me. He didn’t just keep it to himself. Oh no. He published papers and wrote articles on the trifles of living, thinking it was all me.

I would sit there in his room and watch him. He never knew I was there, even though he blamed me for everything. He would stand up and his shirt would make noise rumbling around his arms. He would scream out, ‘I know it is you Satan! Get thee behind me!’ He was so afraid that he couldn’t live a moment of his life without blaming me for something. He even wrote a book about the un-pleasantries of life and used me as the cause of his normal hardships. He would take his hand out of his coat and when it became cold due to the weather, he blamed me for making his hand numb. Once, he said ‘When we were gathering stones for building a wall, I heard the devil exclaim, 'What tiresome work!' He only did it to tempt us and make us rebellious.’ There was no noise but the Devil spoke out of it anyway. ‘While I pull my sleeve,’ he said, ‘a rustling is heard, and devils speak through this sound. When I scratch myself, the scratching is his voice...’ Eventually, especially in Italy, the Catholics became so fearful of every little thing coming across their path that they were exorcising everything and everyone that so much as farted. How could I not laugh at that that?

They blamed me for all of the succubi and incubi running around at

the time. We were a bit stronger in those days. They made us stronger by thinking about us constantly. Telling people that I was a succubus having sex with their husband went a little too far for my tastes though. They knew about other demons. Why did they think I was the homosexual? I like women. But to be fair, I have sent many a succubus to beguile men over the years. At this time, they were forgetting that there are millions of

fallen angels. We have not experienced the second death yet. Just because they followed me and fell from His grace doesn’t mean they are no longer there. It’s just the opposite.”

I hear the cigarette being snubbed out and another lit in its place.

“Miracles and witchcraft overcame this age. You couldn’t believe in one without the other, mind you. Believing that the Son of God performed miracles meant that those in darkness could perform witchcraft. Wasn’t that just the other side of the coin? There was a very real and violent competition between the ‘prophets and saints’ who performed miracles and the ‘witches and wizards’ who did the same things, but not in his name. It was hilarious. Christians believed they could make it rain, wear talismans, cure the sick, and use magic… I mean miracles with no repercussions. But if those not of the Christian faith did it, they were castigated as heretics and immediately killed by the Christians. I could tell this was going to be fun, and I was more than happy to be in the middle of it. I was exhilarated and, dammit, just infatuated with it all.”

The Devil snickers and says, “It became so bad, yet so good, that at

the tail end of the Middle Ages a philosopher named Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa wrote a book called De Occulta Philosophia. He said that Christians could dabble with the arcane in conjunction with their faith in Him. Even I couldn’t think that one up! But not black magic. Oh no. He called it ‘natural’ or ‘celestial’ magic. A perfect union with God through magic. Ha! I couldn’t pay a mortal enough to write that for me but, as usual, he came to me willingly. I’m getting ahead of myself though.

People in all countries began to fear witchcraft. It became a hot topic

and a part of everyday life. They were burning witches like crazy. It got so out of hand that a country or two had to eventually proclaim that witches were not real and that women charged with it could no longer be burned. What makes me laugh is that most of them weren’t even in league with me, worshipping me, or performing witchcraft at all. The women of each town got caught up in a finger pointing frenzy based on false accusations, hatred, and petty jealousy. I loved it! Sometimes there were barely enough women left to keep the town alive.”

I want to turn around and see the smile on His face, but I just sit astutely. I don’t want him to lose his momentum.

“By making people afraid of witches, the Church were also acknowledging that the ‘dark arts’ were as effective, or even more effective, than prayer at getting things done and achieving power. They inadvertently made witchcraft look attractive. They didn’t even know they were turning their own followers against themselves… and Him. People flocked to me but I ignored most of them. Why offer someone riches and luxury when they are giving themselves freely to me? I didn’t have to say yes to them. They did my job for me just by believing and turning away from God. They were mine once they did this, and it became reasonably fashionable to do so.

But you retarded chimpanzee’s thought you were being tricky. They

thought they could put one over on both of us by believing in Him but refusing to submit to His law. They wanted to play both sides. It was that whole Occulta Philosophia thing, but not as sophisticated at the time. They wanted riches and fame without having to work for it. They came to me in droves, and I was more than willing to promise them the world. Sometimes I even helped them out. Turn away from Him and I give you five bucks and you think you are on your way. But when you are sitting there promising me your soul with nothing in hand and I give you nothing in return, how can you start bitching or crying and telling me that it’s not fair? What the fuck is wrong with you? You turned away from Him. You turned to me, evil incarnate, and thought my bargains were going to be righteous? You didn’t listen to a word anyone said except that I can give you power, luxury, and all the other crap humans put into my mouth that I never said.”

The Devil begins to snort out loud. It’s an odd, disquieting sound.

His laughter is overbearing as he says, “Fools came to me and I dispatched them as fags to the fire. Coming to me for help is like setting yourself on fire and blaming Him for the flaming maelstrom you find yourself in. Yes, I gave some what they asked for, but not many. Usually His children who were saved up until the time or those in a position of power got a little bit of what they asked for when they begged me for

help. They had their moment, but then I had mine. A little bit of glory, a little bit of fame, a little bit of manipulation, and a whole lot of turning away from Him. When they come to me knowingly, they step out of his reach and leave it up to me. In those days, they thought of me as the Trickster, the Joker. They also regarded Him as a farce at the end. Not only did it make me stronger and more appreciative of the battle I was in, but it also brought me to a completely new understanding of what He wanted from me.

I turned away from Him because I didn’t know or understand at the

time. I realized that this was supposed to happen. He doesn’t let anything happen without His say so. I am not Him. I wouldn’t want to be, even though you’d think I would. His is a heavy crown, and I know my job. I’m his goof. I’m his servant whether I want to be or not. I am a pawn in a reality, His reality, which you cannot understand… but I do. I am here to test the souls to see if they have the metal to be one of His. I aim to manipulate and turn every one of you. This is my job, and I will do it to the best of my ability. I was the Morning Star, and now I am the star of the unworthy. I am not the judge. What I am is the vortex dragging each and every one of you who are not worthy of Him down into the pit with me. I have been cut off from His glory for millennia. I hate knowing that I am damned, but it is His game. Both of us testing souls and the life you lead. I just complicate things as much as I can. I know some of you are saved by faith in Him, but some of you aren’t. That means you’re mine… in a small sense. It doesn’t mean I rule over you in Hell. It just means that you join me where we are supposed to go.”

With that said, I felt him no longer. I think he said more than he was supposed to, but then again, I can’t be sure. Going over the words that were written above, I think this could be more of a manipulation than a confession. But the ending does sound truer than the lies I was fed earlier. We will see. I don’t know where this is going to end and I don’t know what will come of me. All I can do is pray. All I can believe in is that I have faith in Jesus Christ as my savior. Being a gentile, I have nothing more to count on. Amen

Chapter 8

A Soul That Is Truly Worth Winning

Before I can even sit down, the Devil says, “I noticed you named your personal demon Sutter Cane and your angel Sareil Grigory. How quaint.”

I compose myself and say, “You caught me off guard. I was just getting ready to…”

“Write? Before I go into any more of my history, let’s tap into yours. You can’t dance with me and not expect me to pick up on your own personality, much less your soul, can you, Stephen? So, tell me why you would finally name your so called ‘id and superego.’ Then I will tell you more of what you want to know.”

I find myself dumbfounded. I can’t seem to find words at first, but

then they come without even thinking. “I’ve been stuck with these entities since the day I began searching for God. Either my mind split into two other personalities, or I was given the helper talked about in the Bible. The demon that was running my life was cast to my left side, my personal angel was sitting on my right, and I was stuck in the middle. As I got older, I found them both to be helpers and a part of me.”

“Satan says, “Go on…”

“I always wanted to name them, but I was afraid that naming them would give them power over me. Later I realized that giving them names would not empower them. It would still be the same.”

“Intriguing. So, giving your personal angel and demon names doesn’t

scare you? By giving them names, you give them power over you. Sutter Cane? Really? The writer from John Carpenter’s movie In the Mouth of

Madness? It fits the demon that watches over you perfectly, but I never thought you would name him after someone else’s fictional character. I know your mind, Stephen, and I figured you would have a flair of your own. Something only you could come up with. Like this Sareil Grigori. Named after one archangel and a league of angels. Unique to you. So why name your demon after a movie character? I’m curious. I really want to know. Why?”

I take a deep breath and answer, “Because the character is fake. Because the movie is about his writings becoming reality, and that’s what I am dealing with. I try not to listen to him. Because he isn’t a true part of me, it was not worth my time to actually give thought to naming him. One of my friends brought up the name, and I decided it was a perfect fit. I didn’t have to think about naming him personally. Plus, it gave him what he was searching for this whole time; a name that was known but not used for anything more consequential than a horror flick. My personal angel deserved a real name that I personally came up with. Sareil might not be as loud as Sutter, but I have more confidence in his truth than Cane’s.”

I feel the Devil fidgeting around. I didn’t think I would ever hear that. “Well played, Mr. Biro. The things you say always amaze me. Yet again, I find your mind semi-worthy of this banter between us. No wonder your God choose you for the things you have done… and are going to do. You are truly my mortal enemy.

I know who you are. I did my best to keep you on my side. I guided you. I chose you. I spent a lot of personal time peeling you away from Him, but I still lost. In naming the entities that surround you constantly, you have managed to laugh your personal demon off into fiction. Yet by telling people that your personal demon is named Sutter Cane, and giving him the feeling of being honored, you’re placating his natural, baser instincts. On the other hand, giving your personal angel a true name gives him a personality that is truly his own and yours.

You’re going to be a soul that is truly worth winning. If I can turn you into the antichrist you are supposed to be, all would be right in my

world. What do you say? Riches, fame, fortune… everything that everyone wants. I can give it to you. All of it.”

I think for a second, then come full circle as clarity hits me. I say “No” as calmly and easily as the time an antichrist offered me a million dollars. It’s an easy choice for me. I want nothing to do with it.

The Devil stands up, walks over to me, and says, “This isn’t a deal that is frequently offered. You’re not bargaining with one of my subordinates. There’s no trickery involved. No bullshit claims. This is the real deal. This is a deal with the actual ruler of this realm. I could not have offered Him rule over this world if it was not in my hands. I will give you all. Everything you could want on the face of the earth. No more will people screw you over. No more will people rip you off and hurt those beneath you. I know that hurts you daily because you always look for a fair deal. You never find it because everyone works for me, especially in your industry. You work in the movie business. You deal with selfish, egotistical people who are willing to fuck everyone over for fame and fortune. None of them are doing this to help anyone but themselves. They all know full well that ripping you off causes a cascade of heartache and theft, turning people away from so called ‘honest’ people such as yourselves.”

The hair begins to bristle behind my neck. The hours of dealing with

people I trusted that ripped me off daily flood my mind. Finding people I trust only to have them slowly poison me and kill my business. Never having enough money to truly fight back. Lawsuits cost money, lawyers cost money, and I’m sick of it. I’m disgusted with so many of the people I work with. I’m tired of bringing people in as partners only to let them down because of the greed of someone above me. They are willing to destroy all of us without a thought about the families and people they hurt.

Ideas and thoughts do somersaults within my mind. Could this all be stopped? Would making a deal with the Devil stop all of the outrageous lies and theft? Could I finally pay people on time… and what they deserve? Would this deal help me to help everyone else I work with? For over ten years with  Unearthed Films, it  has  been a struggle against

greedy, selfish people. They refused to pay and never cared about me, my family, the people I work with, or their own families. They just left everyone destitute. If I took this deal from the Devil, would I become one of them? Would I not care what happens to the people underneath me? Would I be able to become famous or rich without stepping on people? Would I still be able to be honest after selling my soul to the Devil? Would I care about anyone but myself? I sit in total quiet as my fingers push the keys. I know he’s waiting for an answer, but I won’t give it to him.

Suddenly I hear, “I’m reading what you’re typing Stephen. I don’t

blame you for trying to figure it out, but you should listen to me. I have been kicking your ass since the day you were born. I made sure your parents were divorced. I made sure you had no hope growing up. I’ll be honest, I thought you were mine. I don’t know how or why, but you did change. You searched for Him, and you were very lucky to have him even answer you. He doesn’t do that much. I think it was a very personal choice He did, just because everything you were doing, and could have done, meant so much to me. The battle between Heaven and Hell is fought with nuance, but the nuance is lost on you. There are not many people whose fight is so drawn out.”

He’s pacing my office now. “I can offer you everything you want, but

I know your mind. You do not want to be famous. A little recognition is nice, but you get that already. You do not want to be rich, because you only see that as a problem. You just want to be able to live a life beyond paycheck to paycheck. You don’t even get that now. You just want to be able to live by hard work. You enjoy the adoration, but I know you don’t need it to be happy.”

As I hear him raid my cigarette pack again, he says, “You’re in an

interesting spot Stephen. I would hate to be you.”

I’m starting to get sleepy. I want to leave, but I can’t. I close my eyes and hear a very soft voice whisper to me, “Pleasant dreams Stephen.” I faintly feel a hand brush the hair out of my eyes as sleep overtakes me right there at my desk.

Chapter 9

When the War Truly Began

I wish I could say that I woke up the next day refreshed, but I didn’t. I really don’t know what is going on. Normally I listen to my internal demons and angels and think almost nothing of it. Actually, I just lied. I do think about it all the time. It’s harsher on certain days. My demons try to get me to follow them in sins of thought. I hear, “Damn Christ. It will be easier for you. You hate Christ, you hate God, and they hate you in return.” Every thought I hear from the other side, trying their best to make me blaspheme the Lord, is like having nails hammered into my eyes. Yes, I would normally say skull, but the eyes are more realistic. I fight the blasphemy inside my own head constantly. It’s disheartening, vicious, and tiresome.

The angels in charge of me usually just sit back until I ask them a question. Then they tell me, “We know those aren’t your thoughts. We know you are dealing with it. God loves you very much, and you are saved.” Those moments when they talk to me feel safe. Their hope and praise keep me going when the other side begins their wrath.

The voices have become weaker. When I say weaker, I mean that I

can handle it better. The blasphemy from the demonic side is rough, very rough, and it always catches me off guard when I am at my weakest. When no real thoughts are going thru my head. No omnipresent work or family life weighing down on me. Just a simple ride to the store or a calm and natural walk is when they attack me. I talked to a couple of rabbis about this and they told me point blank, “What’s in your head is in your head. You cannot be judged for thoughts, only actions.”

This didn’t bring peace to my mind, for I know my actions. I guess that’s why I am tormented every day of my life. Some days are easier, and some are horrendous. Either way, I have learned to live with it. That is… until I was told to write this book.

Sometimes I think I made myself crazy with all of the massive drug

use and splitting my mind into three separate entities to take the burden off of myself. I know what I have been through. I know I have seen sin for what it is. I know I was a pawn of the Devil for years. I also know that the Lord visited me for reasons that only He knows. I only have that to hold onto.

I’ve begun to feel a little more at ease when He comes. I always know when he visits me. The same shiver that runs up and down my spine every time tells me that he is here. He doesn’t touch me, and he doesn’t take any of my cigarettes. He just sits down and says, “The Greek times were especially good for me. They called me Hades back then. For some odd reason they referred to Him as Zeus. Those were easier days. They named planets and emotions as gods. I just sat back, enjoying it all.

I wasn’t ‘the Devil’ then. I was just ruler of the Underworld. I was the

master of the dead. Luckily, those of that time did not understand what the true Underworld was. They thought that me, Him, and Poseidon were brothers who drew lots for what we would rule. I still have to laugh at that. They gave the sea and it’s ruler a name, and I was more than happy to allow that to happen. I supposedly drew the lowest lot, so I was in charge of the Underworld, or Hell as you know it now. Zeus, or should I say Him, got the sky. Poseidon was the make believe personality of the ocean. They gave some actual angels names, but made up realms that they were in charge of. The reason for all this is quite simple. He wasn’t ready to lay down the law since mankind was still in its beginning stages. As we all know, He does have a time line.”

Satan settles into the couch before continuing. “It was nice. I was

benevolent. I was more passive, not actually told to ply mankind yet. But when people came down to Hades, I didn’t want them to leave. This was the beginning of the fight over who could get the most souls. It was in its infancy, but it began the war between me and Him.

At this time, humanity could cheat death. Those who ran amongst us didn’t know the rules yet. That came much later. You can thank your so- called scientists for that. If you weren’t told that you are going to get cancer, that your life can only last so long, and that getting old is inevitability… you would live longer. It’s amazing what the human mind can do to itself. I’ll let you know a little more about that later, although I might end up biting my tongue afterwards.

The Greeks wanted to worship me, but no one wanted to even say the name Hades. They were afraid to. They usually called me something else. They decided to name an aspect of life that they feared, and they called it Thanatos. They actually named an angel who visits all of your kind at the moment of death. You call him the “Grim Reaper,’ and he is very busy. Almost too busy now. Luckily the time that you inhabit is a very small percentage of ours, so he works constantly.

They also began to worship me as the god of wealth. This gave me

control of all of the wealthy, greedy, envious people. The ones who worshipped neither me nor Him, but the almighty gold coin that ended up slipping from their hands or being stolen. Like I said, this was the time that the laws were being written. I saw it coming, to be honest, but I was enjoying myself too much at the time to actually think of the plans He was making without my knowledge.

This is around the time of the Eleusinian Mysteries, as you humans called it. These initiation ceremonies helped those seeking the path to us, to find it. You should know much about this, Stephen, since you broke thru the barriers. But I digress.

The Eleusinian Mysteries represented the myth involving my

abduction of Persephone. Who is Persephone? I really have no clue. It could be  an angel  of His at the  time.  Not only where  the  humans knowledgeable about us, but they made so many fictional accounts of us to satisfy their needs that sometimes I didn’t know where I was going.”

Satan laughs and says, “It was based on a cycle in three phases: the

descent, the search, and the ascent. The main theme was the ascent of Persephone and the reunion with her fictitious mother. As you can guess, psychoactive drugs were used in these ceremonies. The descent was the

intake of the drug to go down into places humans have never gone before. The search meant searching for what you cannot find on the material plane. Then there was the ascent. This meant finding what you sought after, be it secret knowledge, wisdom, or understanding, and then bursting back into reality a changed and empathetic mortal. Psychedelics were made for a reason. They have been turning people to either me or Him throughout history. Luckily for me, I hold a lot of cards in this realm.”

I begin to say something, but he quickly shuts me down. “All in due

time, Stephen. I’ve only just begun to tell you the history. Where was I? Oh, yes. This is when religion began to take shape. Holy items, sacrificial lambs, religious festivals, psychotropic drinks, and priests telling what they learned on the other side to people in religious ecstasy.

To be honest, I was just amazed that the mortals figured out a way to visit. It was as if you were sitting on your sofa, watching people’s lives, and someone suddenly showed up out of nowhere in your living room asking for the keys to the universe. Asking what He was doing. Asking what was going on. It was quite the surprise, but I never got mad when I was intruded upon. Not at this time in your reality, but it began to push it in my reality. At first, I was more than helpful. How could I not be? I was actually thrilled when one of you little monkeys invaded my space… for the first couple hundred years. I never knew when you would be coming. But as the decades progressed, I saw the wheat wilt and the fruits get picked. I figured out the time that mortal man actually search for knowledge of us, the afterlife, and the questions of life.

I was still benevolent. I still didn’t know what He had in store for all

of you, or even wanted for you. I was just in control of one section, and that was your afterlife. It was not the flaming, torturous abyss you know now. To be honest, I am sorry for that. Then again, I kind of like it this way. It was on a schedule back then. I would have to deal with you monkeys at certain times. But as religion changed, laws were laid down… and they were laid down hard. Set in stone. No repentance, no change of heart, no chance except the sacrifice of those below you. Everything in Greece was upended and changed. I should have seen it coming, but I

didn’t. It was more of the same in some ways, but very different in others. He began to speak to a chosen people. Did I understand it? No. Why speak to one people, giving them laws, when the rest of humanity is still in the dark?

When the laws were written in stone, so much of the world was left

out. I began to leave the Greeks. I saw what He was doing, and it left the world open to me as he fixated on one tribe. This is when the war truly began. Honestly, I was confused. I didn’t want this to happen. I was satisfied with the monkeys worshipping me yet afraid to worship me. Greece was a small, distinct section of the world. I didn’t want to work this hard, but I was pushed that way. He fixated on a tribe and left me with the rest. I won’t go into the Bible right now. It’s all about this one primate tribe that no matter what he said, did, or cursed, would always continue to rebel against him.

I went my own way. Hades was dropped. No one preached fear of

Hell or the Underworld anymore, so I found other people. I found them all, and without any interference, it was easy to subjugate them. He was busy finding his messengers to teach humanity his laws, what to expect, and how to treat each other… in a horrific manner by the way. Meanwhile, I visited the rulers and people of the world. I tempted them and taught them the exact opposite of what He was saying. It was an easy thing, mind you. It was actually too easy. He chose a people and put them in their place, cursed them when needed to, and destroyed civilizations as warnings. In doing so, he figured this would spread all over the world. It did… to an extent.

These swine in human clothing were easily swayed towards other

trains of thought. To worship their ancestors for example. To worship the trees and grass. I lulled some into believing in reincarnation to the point that they wouldn’t help the poor, or even their families, because ‘they have a karmic debt to pay.’ They thought that people would be reincarnated as bugs, animals, and even people lower than them. And for the kicker, they would burn money so that  their family would have something to spend in the afterlife. They worshipped rulers, elders, and even kangaroos!

The Devil can barely contain his laughter. “This is when the lines were drawn in the sand. I realize what he was doing, and I wish him the best, but allowing me free control over the rest of the world was a mistake he can never take back. I have manipulated and guided thousands of tribes on every continent since then, and it can’t be changed. It is done.”

I don’t know what to say, so I let my personal angel speak thru me.

Would he know? Would he care? I didn’t know myself, so I let the words speak for themselves.

“What was your biggest triumph?”

Unexpectedly, I hear a giggle, a snort, and a chuckle all at the same time. “I have so many. Islam is up there, but let’s keep it in this time frame and keep talking about the Greeks. You see, He started to move a little outside of the boundaries… so I did too. I was becoming a little jealous, but not too much. I didn’t know the whole religion and worship thing he wanted to go with worldwide. He didn’t either, or else it was all part of some master plan I still don’t know. He started to mess with a different continent very slightly. Nothing like he was doing with the Jews at the time. So I peeked, took notes, and dabbled a little bit in this new race too. The Greek religion was still going strong at the time, so it was really just a curiosity. Like a foreign playground. New ideas and people that I didn’t really take notice of until He began playing with the Jews constantly. That’s when I made the conscious decision to say that if He was going to play there, then I would play here.”

I bite my lip as he goes on.

“Hinduism is tricky. When he went to that new continent I mentioned, He started what is called the Vedas. But the monkeys of this tribe were refusing to work with Him. That’s when I stepped in and made it so confusing for them that they couldn’t work with just a couple of commandments. Those were just being fashioned anyway. I clouded the priests’ minds. No matter what He said, they would not accept an easy answer. Hence forth, the contract between Him and them became longer, more intense, and more clouded with every step. This is when He realized that I was fucking with Him.

It wasn’t just one tribe, mind you, but hundreds. It was easy for me to step in and confuse most of them. Just like the Greeks, they knew of angels. They also began naming them and assigning them to all facets of life. This is when I stepped in. How many emotions do you have? How many animals are there? Planets, plants, stones… do I need to go on? Most of them already did animal sacrifices. It was a clusterfuck of unimaginable pretension, and since He was busy teaching that one very small tribe the actual ins and outs, I had the opportunity to shatter any remnants of something that could have been one religion into thousands.

Yes, there is a religion there that believes in one God. But due to my

influence, they actually named different aspects of Him. Shiva is the most venerated at this time, but add these and the confusion begins… Vishnu, Devi, Surya and Ganesha. As you know, I am the Trickster. Shiva can also be known as Rudra, since he was named at the beginning, but as time goes on, traditions are forgotten. I mentioned that Vishnu should be solitarily worshipped,  and  a battle began.  Vishnu became Shiva,  and Shiva became Vishnu. I’m sure you’re as confused as I was. This was before he set the laws for his tribe in stone, and this country of monkeys was never corrected. Why should it be? I knew what he was doing. He knew those rules would grow and spread all across the world, but these people are worshipping cows and refusing to eat meat! Any meat! All I have to say is one word. One glorious, tasty word. Do you know what that word is, Stephen?”

I think before replying, “I don’t know.” Am I being tricked? “Bacon.”

“Bacon?”

The Devil laughs. “Bacon. Glorious bacon! There is a whole country afraid to eat it.”

“But it says not to eat bacon in the Old Testament. So what about the Je…”

“Refrigeration? Trichinosis? If His followers were becoming ill and dying from eating pork that couldn’t be saved, cured, or cooked correctly, wouldn’t He say something to them?

I want to say yes, but I just let him go on.

“Back to Hinduism. I helped make it so confusing and so out of touch with what was going on in Greece that I think He actually gave up. The only bad part of all of this is that all Hindus acknowledge that there is no wrong way to worship or believe. All is right. I noticed this early, and changed it in the next phase of religion. I am not going to bring up Buddha now. It is too much at the same time. I know you have to sleep, and I am getting bored. So let us continue this tomorrow.”

Chapter 10

This Is About Addiction

That night never happened, or at least I don’t remember it. I just found myself in the same exact spot I was in a minute ago. Did I go to bed? I remember shuffling off to it. I think I remember taking my clothes off and lying down perturbed because of His ungodliness, but that was normal. I sat there staring at the computer screen blankly. I looked at the date. It was tomorrow, but I didn’t remember today. I had a fresh pack of smokes and a new drink in front of me, but I didn’t remember how they got there.

“Sorry, I want to move a little faster than you’re equipped to handle.

I hope you don’t mind.”

What do you say to Him? I’m already tired of him laughing behind my back and his smug responses, much less his threats. I know we’re still early in this, but taking time away from me? I light a cigarette and take a drink from my full glass. The whiskey was amazing. Upper top shelf, not the crap I usually buy for myself. He grins. “Again, I hope you don’t mind. I decided to treat you to one of the finer things in life since you’re an alcoholic now.”

I say, “I would love to say thanks, but I normally don’t take drinks from the Devil.”

He snickers and says, “Don’t worry, I didn’t pay for it. I just guided you to pay for what you wanted. It was very easy, mind you.”

“What? I can’t afford this. I always buy the cheap stuff.”

As I was expecting, he has a retort ready. “If you’re going to pay for cirrhosis of the liver, you might as well get your money’s worth. Like all

the poor people of the world spending money on tumors from their cigarettes. If you’re going to buy a tumor, cancer, lymphoma, or even emphysema, you might as well splurge on it. In fact, if all of you little monkeys just bought the good stuff, you might not even get any of the health problems you are so desperate to achieve. Slamming down a fifty dollar bottle of whisky in a night five times a week instead of five times the rotgut at ten smackers a piece would curtail your drinking quite a bit, wouldn’t it? But then again, moderation is for saps, isn’t it?”

Yet again, I am stumped. I turn around to look at Him, and there is

nothing. Then a hand is on my shoulder, giving me goose bumps and a quick understanding as I begin to flinch. Time snapped in my mind, and I see millions upon billions of people wasting away; drinking, smoking, and popping pills. Drugs and poverty… for God’s sakes, the poverty! What is going on? Then the wealthy began to float in front of me. They’re doing the same thing; trying to wash away the pain of neglect, time, age, and envy with expensive drinks and expensive drugs. Anti- depressants, uppers, and downers all being swilled in a never-ending vortex of self-hatred, self-abuse, and self-neglect. I can’t fathom it even as it washes over me like a tidal wave of regret.

I choke up and lift myself to a full upright position. After taking a

deep breath I ask, “Why did you just show me that? I wasn’t exactly expecting it. I thought you were going to talk about something else.”

I hear him move back to the couch quietly and say, “When humans

are young, they are still figuring out who they are, what they want to be, where they want to go, and what their goals in life are. This is when a lot of you choose to party. Not all of you do, but most of you find out that getting a buzz or getting fucked up is awesome. There’s no downside to it. You do not know the perils of alcoholism or drug dependency. You never think of the dangers of a drug that changes your mind; making the endorphins rush, stroking the synaptic resonance, and releasing, or even blocking, the serotonin. The drugs are fun. They change the way you feel.”

“So… this is your anti-drug rant?”

As if in ironic response, Lucifer lights a cigarette behind me. “No no no, Stephen. It is much larger than that. This is about addiction. I decided for you to see what you can understand, but it goes way beyond that. Gambling, sex, food, religion, jogging, gossip, government, leadership, news, football, basketball, baseball, concerts, reality TV, soaps, sitcoms… did I mention TV already? Let’s not go into TV just yet. Where was I? Oh yes. Greed, envy, pride, wrath, vanity, lust, and even sloth can be addictions. You strawdogs cherish these. You hold them up as something to worship and adore. All of you ants run after them and become exactly what you worship. You just endlessly chase after more of what you should only have in moderation. But none of you want that. You want it all, and I see it all. Sometimes I feel sorry for humanity, chasing after something that you think will make you feel good, only to get it. Then it’s either not enough and you want more, or you think there is something else that can make your life feel better or more significant.

I’m getting restless. “Where are you going with this? I know about addiction.”

“Oh, I know you do Stephen. What did you quit? Let’s see. LSD was more of His choice since you told Him you wouldn’t do it again after that whole meeting Him deal. What else? You quit cocaine. You did quit pot, although it’s more like extreme moderation now. I was as surprised at that as you were, but getting stoned and losing control of your mind will do that. Taking a hit or two off a pipe in social situations can’t even be called smoking pot. You quit being a john. You quit ecstasy, nitrous oxide, Xanax, and speed. I mean, getting in a motorcycle accident will do that. In fact, Stephen, you hit the wall with every drug, thrill, and sin that you quit. You chose not to ruin your life. You quit doing horrible things to yourself in the hope that the fleeting moment you once enjoyed could be yours again. You have learned a little bit. You’re still smoking and drinking though. But don’t worry, I understand.”

“Really? You understand what we go through?”

Satan says, “Very much so. Most of you are trying to hide your emotions from yourselves. Depression. Not achieving your goals. Not being the ultimate success that you envisioned yourselves to be when you

were younger. You chased after your dreams, but what were they? This is when I step in and take over. You see, your dreams are the dreams I put there for you. Fame, fortune, riches, beauty. Being a guitar god, lead singer, actor, model, rapper, movie star, director, business king, stockbroker, banker, or anyone in the financial industry really. Millionaire, billionaire, newscaster, sports hero, senator, soldier, congressman, congress woman lest I forget the female of the species, famous scientist, famous poet, minister, preacher, novelist…which, by the way Stephen, you’re trying to be… comedian, drug dealer, porno star. By the way, those last two are wonderful for destroying every life they touch.”

I hear him take a breath while lighting another cigarette. Fuck it. I

light one as well and reach for my drink again. “Stephen, all of these things are not bad in and of themselves. What I have been able to do with the stardom and riches you all fall for is a different thing altogether. Chasing after these things, and being envious of all who happen to have them, poisons the soul from the inside out. It makes it so much easier for the addictions grab hold. By chasing after the dreams of others, the mind poisons itself two fold. Misery and depression follow, and they don’t let up.”

I say, “But there is more to it.”

“Why yes, there is. I buy some of these people with fame and fortune. Some of them offer their souls to me for it. Some of them were already lost before they offered. Some of them had hope, but it was squashed. Coming to me was a chance at their dreams and desires. I gladly gave it to them. Not just because I owned their souls, but because of the minds they would depress and slowly destroy as they did anything and fucked over their fellow human beings to achieve that dream. One soul does not a winning game of chess make. But my strategy of misery and unfulfilled dreams creates a cacophony of despair. I win and slowly drag them down to Hell.

I know it isn’t going to have any meaning, but I say “That’s evil” anyway.

His laughter shook me to the core. “At first, I thought the greatest invention was alcohol. Then I thought it was when you monkeys learned to distill His plants into more potent forms of drugs. Believe me, I enjoy the guns and weapons of war a lot. You all started to make weapons to kill each other from farther and farther away to dilute the actual meaning of the death of another human being. Few things make me as happy. Ships, airplanes, tanks. These were all a part of my plan to make war, misery, and annihilation a lot easier for you to accomplish. You never even had to see the person you were killing. As I always say; out of sight, out of mind. But I digress.”

I hear Lucifer light up yet again. I turn to look at my pack of smokes, and he says, “Don’t worry. I’m chain smoking because I am getting to the good part. Ready? The most wonderful creation that I ever watched you humans create was… television. Radio was part of the process too, but not on the grand scale of what I needed. When film came out, I was amazed. I saw it for the potential it could have. I could see the future. It was a treat to go to the nickel movie theater and see a famous person act, but that was just the beginning. Television, however, was the invention of all of your lifetimes. Channels upon channels of content spewing forth into your living room. The inventor saw it as a teaching tool to help people learn and to grow. To see the things they have never seen before. But I saw it for what it was; a devilish device to sow envy, greed, lust, vanity, and most of all, sloth. I got you to sit there and stare at a glowing box that gives you the appearance of emotions and makes your mind think it’s actually doing something. You’re slowly programmed to want to be an actor or actress. You envy their money and notoriety. You’re told what to buy and what to want. I fool you into thinking that other’s lives are normal and your life is the farthest from it. So you want to emulate them. You want to be what you see on your cathode ray tube. When the television was invented, I heard Heaven cry out in pain. I heard angels gnash their teeth and demons squeal with glee. This was the beginning of a completely new adventure for me to revel in. At that moment, I saw the future for what it would become. Your computers followed like clockwork, but that’s for latter discussion. TV was now in all of your

homes. During the simple times, you could take it or leave it. Little did you know the damage it would do to your whole civilization or the misery that would be caused by those empty promises of fame and fortune laid out by that glowing box in your living room. Actually, every room of your house now.”

He snuffs the cigarette and says, “The TV generation really began in the early seventies. Not everyone could afford them in the fifties. But with each generation of monkeys staring at multi-colored boxes, the field of broken dreams became worse. I’ll be straight with you. You could go to Hollywood in the seventies and, with some talent, maybe get some parts on some shows and fulfill your dream of becoming someone. But more and more of you were programmed into believing that this was your calling. The envy, vanity, and greed driven into you from childhood put you in a trance. It became harder and harder to break into showbiz. Drugs and alcohol flowed to numb the pain of unfulfilled aspirations. It’s getting even worse now. “

I squirm in my seat. “I suppose there is more to it than this.”

He crows, “Lots more! Hippies, war, mother’s little helpers, feminism, and racism were all coalescing at the time. But it was the TV that was worshipped. That was my biggest stroke of luck, and mankind’s biggest downfall. Think of it this way, because none of you do. This invention was thrust upon humanity without anyone actually thinking about how it would change life as you know it on this planet. A few of you did, but it was heralded as a money making machine at the onset and all of you accepted it without any hesitation. Did you know that you can get cancer from lights directed at you constantly if they’re put thru a colored filter or lens? Did you also know that the TV showers you with lasers directed right into your eyes? They’re repeated so fast that it looks like movement. Television distorts your perception of the world. It’s detrimental to a thoughtful society. The wonderful thing is; you’re no longer a thoughtful society. You’re enslaved by a glowing box.”

I know that in a way, but it is another thing to have the Devil say it to you.

“Think of it this way, Stephen. Imagine if you did find out that it has been causing cancer. Brain cancer specifically, since the beams of light go right through your eyes. Imagine if you found out that this instrument has been consuming everyone who watches it with an altered perception of life. That it’s been causing manic depression in two thirds of all who watch it and laying waste to the hopes and dreams of a populace that only sees the shiny new cars they can never afford or the rock stars, rappers, models, actors, and stars that they can never be. Showcasing these rich and famous people to the population over and over and over again has driven most of them to worship idols and chase after things that they can never have. They wind up taking drugs, becoming alcoholics, getting depressed, killing people, and at worst killing themselves because they can’t have the things they see on TV!”

I sit there in total shock and just wait for him to stop laughing.

“Your society knows all of this, but none of you have bothered to open your eyes. You all sit in complete and utter darkness except for the glow of the tube. Why? Why would you not see this? Is ignorance bliss, or is it easier to feign ignorance? Knowing all of this as explained by me, the Devil, would your leaders turn off the TV and ban it? Would you all turn it off if you found out that this invention, laid out for all of you to enjoy, is the cause of most of your problems with suicide, homicide, depression, drug use and alcoholism? If a government think tank finally bothered to realize it, would they even be able to turn it off? Would you excuses for life be able to exist without it now?”

As I sit dumbfounded, the Morning Star yells, “Answer me!”

I try to stop typing but I can’t. I respond, “I don’t think it could ever be turned off. It’s too engrained into everyone’s consciousness. It’s become worse than what you are saying now with computers, internet, cellphones, tablets, and smartphones. It’s truly beyond stopping, and it’s just going to get worse.”

He walks over to me. I always flinch when I expect his hand to touch

me. This time, it does… but I don’t. He says, “At least you see. Too bad you watch TV with the wife all the time. Don’t worry. I’m here to tell you, as a friend, what they all need to know.”

“But you’re nobody’s friend.”

His hand lifts off my shoulder. He stops and says “You’re mine… for now. This is going to be a lot longer than you anticipated. Don’t worry. You will know when I’m your enemy again. Especially when you’re about to stick that knife in your throat.”

I suddenly become aware of my six-inch-long, skull-faced dagger that’s sitting two feet away from me. As I look around, I begin to notice all of the swords and knives hanging around my office as ornaments. About six in all. I quietly stand, reach for a garbage bag, and begin placing them quietly in the garbage. It’s not often that you get a heads up from the Devil. When he gives it to you, you might as well listen. Unless, of course, he has something different in store for me. Second guessing my second guesses. What have I gotten myself into?

.

CHAPTER 11

The Cathode Ray god

I’m just beginning to get up when I hear him say, “Sit down, I have more to say. Don’t you want to hear this?”

I thought it was over. I look at the date on the computer and it’s a day ahead… again. All I can say is, “Fuck. Really?”

He laughs that incessant laugh of his. In fact, he’s always laughing at

me, so I’m going to not write about it anymore. If you want to know when Satan is laughing, read between the lines. It’s getting redundant and I’m tired of writing it.

He says, “Have you ever seen Dallas? The TV show? Let me tell you

a little bit about it. J.R. Ewing loses everything through some outlandish plot twists. He is contemplating suicide when a spirit by the name of Adam shows him what other people’s lives would be like if J.R. had never been born. So far, It’s A Wonderful Life, right? There was, of course, a twist. Not only did the J.R.-less alternate reality give the non-Ewing characters a better life while dooming J.R.’s family to unhappy fates, but Adam is revealed to be an agent of the Devil himself. It turns out the Devil has had an eye on J.R. for some time and sent Adam to ensure that

J.R. did, in fact, kill himself. The series ends with a heavy implication that

J.R. has indeed committed suicide.

This wasn’t the first TV show to explain that we actually do manifest and pull you down to Hell, but it was the most watched. It took many by surprise since it was mainstream TV. I’d tell you who the exact writer was, but I don’t want to. You can find out for yourself. But I will tell you this much, one of my subordinates did actually visit the writer. He tried

to drag him to Hell for his sins and crimes against humanity. We almost had him. But, just like you did, he pulled back at the last moment and didn’t kill himself.

“That’s a good thing. Well… at least in my eyes.” I say.

“But not in mine. The demon pushed him before his breaking point. Younger demons often fall for this. They haven’t figured out the breaking point of humans yet and jump in ahead of time. He was able to say ‘NO!’ and pull back from the abyss. In doing so, he learned a valuable lesson. He decided to share that lesson on TV, and it was green lit by his human masters because they didn’t know where else to go with the show. It was on its last legs. That is why I let it happen, actually. Viewership was at its lowest. Not many were watching by this time, and I knew that those left wouldn’t take it to heart.”

I ask, “Then why allow it at all?”

“Because humanity will never truly realize what we are up to, even after over two thousand years of being preached to about it. And this is just the US of fucking A I am talking about. The rest of the world was just starting to go into the cesspool. I can’t help but laugh. Do you know where TV in the US began to slip, even while trying to pull itself out of the sinful whirlpool it was starting to find itself in?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s not talk about the commercials where cartoon characters were selling cigarettes or the roles that were forced onto women and men. Let’s not talk about rock & roll and the fifties now either. That’s a topic for another time. I’ll have fun with that one. It is so devious. Let’s just talk about the mainstream shows that changed life for everyone, the worship of socially acceptable idols, and what it became even though it was a lie from the very beginning. Let’s get to the heart of the matter and see where one man knew what I wanted and decided to start the downward spiral of humanity because fame and riches were on the table and in easy grasp. I’m sure you’re curious where this is going.”

Ok, so maybe I don’t know. I don’t say anything, so the Low One exclaims, “Bewitched! I bet you thought I was going to say The Twilight Zone. I can’t because a lot of the episodes were morality plays. I even

starred in a couple of them. Well, not me personally, but they nailed it on the head. Greed, envy, wrath, lust; all of the stories had an actual moral for the good of humanity. The fifties were still a time of knowing what spiritual warfare was. TV mostly kept you bags of pus in check with stories of bravery, honor, and the choice between right and wrong. Even the knock offs like The Outer Limits, which came years later, were still promoting morality and philosophical ideas. They weren’t just to entertain, but to help the people who watched the shows, stay ethical.

That all began to change when Harry Ackerman began seeing the

cash flow from Father Knows Best and The Donna Reed Show. He recognized the cash and prizes that celebrities, and soon to be idols of the Hollywood system, can generate. Fame and fortune is always a doorway for us to ease in… and we did.

Ackerman was very easy to manipulate. He had reservations about bringing witches to the forefront of humanity, but you know how it goes. A dollar is hard to put down once it is in your hand. So we allowed him, with a little bit of prodding, to come up with the idea of a witch who marries a mortal and all of the hijinks that ensued. Little did he know that bringing witchcraft into every American household was just a very small stepping stone toward much bigger things. This laid open the doors for the many magic based shows that Ackerman made even when he could feel a twinge of self-hatred for doing it. Inserting the concept of witches and warlocks into the trials and tribulations of a married couple sticking it out and making the best of it gave many people the desire to do magic, especially since it was shown in a positive light. It was innocent, but with a diabolic base that he didn’t understand at the time. He did once the merchandise, lunchboxes, and pajamas created a mini-empire for him though. He followed up with I Dream of Jeannie, realizing that having an unmarried couple where the woman was a magical being could bring naughty hijinks between Jeannie and that astronaut fellow into the story. Oh yea, he also played J.R. in Dallas. You meatbags have so much going on that it’s nice to see it all fold up into a nice, easily digestible package. Anyway, the Jeannie and astronaut teasing also brought the never ending mischievous loop of ‘man and woman want each other but never

commit’ to TV. But this was the early to late sixties, and they didn’t think a couple that everyone wanted to be together could handle the strain. So they were married, and that began the show’s downfall.

Making witchcraft and magic mainstream was very lucrative, and the

producer began to think about what should come next. This is when his heart began to bleed. He started to realize that since all of the sorcery and magic was shown in a comic fashion, people worshiped and wanted to be the characters from his shows. He began to see us behind the curtains, ever so slightly mind you, so he came up with The Flying Nun.

Even though Bewitched was still building, he thought that bringing

some Christianity in there while everyone was dropping acid, smoking pot, or killing people they didn’t know overseas could help. He went from black and white to color thinking that the moral lessons he was teaching in all of the shows would trump the damage he was doing.

“It didn’t really work. He produced The Monkees right after Bewitched.

The money and merchandise were flowing like the blood of a beheaded virgin. Earthly delights at his beck and call. He could see the pit, and The Flying Nun was a desperate attempt to stop himself from going down into it. Every day he woke up trying, but he just couldn’t stop his fall into the abyss. Eventually Jeannie died, the Nun fell out of the sky, and The Monkees ceased to exist just like you monkeys will. But he learned one wonderful lesson. Music and merchandise were what he needed to peddle unrealistic dreams of stardom. Then he threw up The Partridge Family all over American society. Not only did you swine gargle and swallow it, but you splashed it all over the innocents who didn’t even know who they were yet. Bewitched died about this time, but music began to be the domineering force in the market place. Cash, celebrity, groupies, and art intertwined into a self-loathing mess of greed, envy, and lust that began to shape you all into unthinking zombies. To say that it was a glorious time for me would be putting it lightly. It was the beginning of a new era. Musicians suddenly had to be good looking to sell their music. This was just starting, mind you. The posters, lunch boxes, and t-shirts didn’t just show who you liked, but who you worshipped. The days of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Credence Clearwater Revival were slowly going away.

Music was becoming more about what you looked like than what you played. Before, it was about the actual tunes. I didn’t hear many men saying they wanted to fuck Janis Joplin… even though she got as much as she wanted. See, there I go moving into the recording industry again when I’m not done with television yet. It was just a natural progression. We will talk about that later. Let’s finish TV, because there is a lot more you need to know. The new morals and idol worship began to strengthen and slowly grow out of control.”

I light another cigarette and inhaled. It feels good since my fingers are

beginning to get tired. I don’t care what he has to say, but as always, it’s easier to just let him say it. I’ve learned that much so far.

“Gilligan’s Island became a hit during this whole debacle, and not

many gained traction regarding what it was about. The seven deadly sins! Pride, envy, wrath, lust, greed, sloth, and vanity. They were all there. Gilligan was me, who would never let them off the island. Nobody was looking for it, but the producer was totally into it. Those were the good times. Producers knew what the writers were doing, and green lit it to show people what they needed to know. But the people never caught on. You couldn’t just come out and say ‘this is a morality play based on the seven deadly sins with Gilligan as the Devil.’ It was too far over all of their heads at the time.

And then there’s Howdy Doody. I know, Stephen. You have no clue where any of this is going, but that’s a good thing. Just continue to write my words.”

I let out a long sigh and start typing again as he holds forth. “Howdy

Doody was one of the first real golden idols America came up with. Yes, there was Superman, Tonto and the Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet, and other radio gimmickry that people wished they were. But Howdy Doody was an actual idol, not a man pretending to be another flesh and blood man. He was just a pile of wood and glue… children LOVED him. They worshipped him and spent millions of dollars to have him. To ensnare children in this way was a blessing in disguise. I usually just sat back, flabbergasted. Dolls, commercials, radio spots, public appearances,

and so much more. That’s when I knew that TV was truly a wellspring for Hell.

Teaching children to worship idols and to worship capitalism by wanting to buy his toys, lunch boxes, and anything else with his name on it was really the beginning of the end. Seeing humanity bow down to a wooden idol kind of gave me the willies. I began to prepare, with many demons mind you, those in charge of TV shows… especially the commercial side of it. That led the way into the early sixties and seventies.

Wait. Hold on. Did I even tell you about the fact that Howdy Doody

was made by one man, or about how his so-called keepers fucked him over? The creator of the puppet began to realize that all those involved were screwing him because of greed and envy. He quit and left the corporation high and dry. You know what they did? There is no way you can guess this. I was even shocked and appalled. The corporation that was running the show pretended to have Howdy Doody campaign for politicians. They even gave the kids a map of where this idolatrous little puppet was. If that was not enough, while on the political  trail, he decided to have plastic surgery. Something that was so new and revolutionary that it made the idol of millions of children alter his face because he wasn’t happy with it.

This was a knockout blow for me. Not only did an idol that children worshipped follow politics, he had his face altered because he wasn’t happy with himself. Do you even understand what that means? Plastic fucking surgery on a puppet that only children watched! Do you know how many children grew up in the fifties, much less the sixties, and had their faces ripped apart for the cause of vanity, envy, and pride? Way too many. I thanked those producers for being such envious, stuck up assholes. By refusing to give one man what he deserved, they brought plastic surgery and politics to children who didn’t know any better!”

“That’s really fucked up. I mean, they didn’t know they were fucking

with children’s minds?”

Satan says, “Of course not. They were just greedy pricks who never thought that what they were doing might ruin children’s lives. They just

thought they would be able to buy better cheese and have nicer cars by not giving a man what he deserves. Alas, the road to Hell is paved with good cheese and nice cars.

Howdy Doody was an all-out assault against children that led them

to worship an idol of wood. Some tried to replicate its success, but it just didn’t work. At this time variety shows like Jack Benny, Ed Sullivan, and The Show of Shows were still moral and just trying to entertain people in their homes. But game shows began to become the rage. Greed is something to worship, and when a couple of people were either picked out of an audience or thru the postal service and given the chance to win thousands of dollars, mankind’s greed took a step in my direction. Again, I was dumbfounded. Especially in those days, everyone professed to be a Christian. They never followed thru though. The greedy would either win cold hard cash  or become envious because, dammit,  they knew the answers to the questions. To be honest, it was like I was on crystal meth. The music, the films, and now everyone was starved to have a TV in their house so their neighbors didn’t think less of them because they couldn’t talk about This is Your Life or the new Jackie Gleason show. It was as if all that I was working for suddenly came to fruition. The holy bowed down to imaginary gods and envy began to run rampant in every household. Greed began to suck the souls out of everyone. I cannot even talk about vanity, much less the sloth of those who came home and flopped their asses in front of the TV. There is so, so much more, but I can only explain the beginning of it. To even talk any more about what you are watching and trying to make sense of would be a major waste of my time.”

I look behind my shoulder and see nothing. I say, “How so? I know it’s really bad, and I try not to watch much, but my wife enjoys it. And, honestly, sometimes it’s nice to turn off your brain and watch something stupid.”

“And that’s how I have you. Every commercial you see or hear tells

you that your life is not complete unless you eat a fried chicken sandwich. You will never be happy unless you buy this pair of jeans or shoes. This film will allow you to feel again. This beer will allow you to have fun,

because you are not having any. This tablet or phone makes you a part of something bigger than yourself. Buying this means you are not alone and people will look up to you because you can afford it. You’re the first in line to buy it, because your life is actually worth something. Do you know how many of you witless fools follow this? Almost all of them. Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m just working on this. I’m working on every fucking angle. The commercialization of television is one of my greatest triumphs. Millions of people, or billions to be honest, do not see it for what it is… blatant mismanagement of the human species. I told you and Him that I would be honest here. I do not think you meat bags will be smart enough to even listen. You’re too busy watching the tube to read this, so its knowledge never strikes home. You’re all too fucking stupid to know the truth when you hear it. You can’t accept it because doing so means you have to change an aspect of your life. Are you ready for the truth, Stephen?”

I begin to nod my head, and Satan says, “The television is a mind control device that has been implemented to corrupt and depress. To steal the freedom of humanity. To alter their perceptions in a way that is not only ungodly, but self-serving, egotistical, and narcissistic. To show false goals that can never truly be realized; only chased after like your puppy chases your neighbor’s car. To allow the thoughts of greed, vanity, pride, and envy to coalesce in the mind of each human. I won’t bring up sloth because it is too easy. Not as easy as lust mind you.”

This time I begin to laugh. “I already know this, but I still watch TV now and then.”

He moved closer and said, “You’re still sitting in front of the electric idol. Even though you are not worshipping it, many are. You are seeing the programming. Even if you don’t run out and buy that three level pasta maker, you are still at least becoming envious. Seeing the stupid paraded before you and making more money in one day than you see in a year certainly plays on your envy and greed. I will be honest again, which is not my forte. But a promise is a promise, though normally I spit on promises daily. The crap you watch is hollow and  self-serving. You cannot imagine all of the people falling for the commercials and

egotistical bullshit. They are so desperate to be overcome with a piece of plastic that they buy from China… or wherever the Hell it is from. Buying crap does not make their lives better. They know that, but they must follow the ideal of keeping up with their neighbors and peers. Humanity is stupid. Because of their hollow existence, they buy crap that fills their lives with shallowness and neglect of actual love, family, or hope. They know that something could fill that void in their empty souls. They’re so desperate, but they never see it for what it truly is. Friendship, family, love, and kindness are what they lack. Humanity has been taught for ages that crap they don’t need will fill that hole. Instead of putting forth the hard work that relationships need, they are more willing to try to find meaning in pasta makers and sneakers.”

I chuckle a bit, and he begins to scream even louder at me. I was not

prepared for that. I hunker down, ready for a spiritual chastising. “And you, Stephen Scott Biro. You watch the same shit they do, but you realize that all of this worthless shit is not what life is all about. In the meantime, you watch from your high horse as this crap is shoved down the throats of the masses. While they fall for the cuts, music, and jargon, you pretend that you do not need it. You don’t want to buy it. You see through it. You see it for what it is. But in the meantime, you are still being programmed. You still wish you had that car you saw on TV. You can be as smug as you like and think you’re better than the unclean masses that fall for it, but you still want that car. You’re awash in envy and pride, but you fell for it just the same. You’re in a third tier trap. Pride in knowing what it is when you see it, but not warning those who don’t know.”

I’m suddenly on the defensive. “But I have told people what you’re

saying. They don’t listen.”

I don’t hear the chuckle or laugh that I expect. I certainly don’t expect what he says. “Why do you think we are having this dialogue? Why do you think that I am telling you this in total honesty and benevolence? The people who actually listen to you are fucked up. Most are godless pieces of shit who can’t even think about what they want to eat at night, much less their lives and souls. It’s why I took this job of being honest and forthcoming to a maniac like you. Most Christians

would never listen to you. Atheists who are just curious might. Those in between may listen, but they are so bogged down with reality, family, and ideas that they will forget about it in less than a week. There is a reason why your society is plagued with confused ideas, government bullshit, and personal tragedy. It’s to keep all of you off kilter so you never think about one idea for more than a day. You never think about Hell or Heaven unless you really seek it out, and most of you don’t.

Your selfishness and pride in who you are and what you know does not stop you from watching the cathode ray god, does it? Wait. I can’t really even say that anymore, can I? Fucking ever changing monkeys.”

Chapter 12

Kick at the Cracks in the Wall

“I feel like I am on fire right now. What do you think Stephen?”

I say, “I think you’re on a roll, and I have no clue where you’re going.”

“Of course not. How could you know where I am going… except Hell that is. You know, I feel unlimited right now. I think I will begin to speak of things I wasn’t going to.”

Now my interest is piqued. “What do you mean? Are you going to talk about the fall? Your expulsion from Heaven?”

Satan says, “That’s exactly what I am going to do. I know you flesh

bags are not going to listen, so I might as well get this off my chest.”

“But everything you say and do is a lie. How can I expect this to be the truth?”

“You can’t, but telling you the truth is becoming more fun than I

expected. Going off on tangents that will create spastic confusion in the believers is more than enough to give me what I need. They won’t know what to think! You are going to become the biggest enigma that humanity will never know. You see, Stephen, there is a reason why you have been chosen. This isn’t going to help people now, but if you swine can survive long enough, your book will become infamous for its daring and balls to the wall audacity. I mean, think about it. You’re the Devil’s stenographer, and no one is going to believe you during your lifetime. But when they read it centuries from now, they will understand because life on earth is going to be two hundred times worse than it is now.

Everything I am doing is keeping me alive on this plane since we were sent here after the fall.”

I try to hold my tongue, but it finds its way loose. “You’re losing me. I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“That’s fine. Let’s go over what’s most important, the beginning of this war between me and Him and how it became what it is; this morality play you call life. Let me get comfortable so I can tell you what I want to. Then maybe you can understand.”

He sits down behind me, and I hear him draw a long breath. “I was

the most glorious, beautiful, and wise angel. He created me to be His right hand. The rest were made below me. I don’t know why He made me this way, but He did. Giving me such perfect and glowing attributes just made it harder to sit in one place for too long. I watched the other angels. Never once did they question, or even think about, their existence. Only His. At least, that’s what I thought for a long time. Then I began to think outside the box that I was expected to stay in for my whole existence. That’s when the troubling thoughts began.

Here I was, designed by a perfect creator. But as time went on, you

see, I began to notice that He wasn’t perfect. I saw the plans for one of His new creations, and I could see a fault in the underlying plan for this new project. Being as beautiful and hyper intelligent as I was, not to mention being second in command, I slowly gained the realization that I could usurp leadership from the manager of the whole damn thing. His laws and ideas were impossible to comprehend, much less realize, on Earth. This was my downfall. I was wrong at the time, which I see now, but I had to follow through and kick at the cracks in the wall He made. Even though the wall was ‘perfect,’ I could see the microscopic cracks and splinters. I decided to bash them, trying to break it and prove Him wrong.”

I don’t know how he’ll react, but I say, “To be honest, that doesn’t sound like a very good plan.”

“I never said it was, but I saw the schematics of everything. I saw the chips in the plaster.”

“What if this plan you saw was not the actual blue print, but something you were supposed to see?”

I hear anger welling up in Lucifer’s voice. “What did you say? That couldn’t be. He wouldn’t have allowed me to see them. I am a million times smarter then you, Stephen Biro. How dare you say that I fell into a trap that He prepared?”

“Wait, listen to me for a second. He created you, the smartest and

most beautiful of all of the angels. He gave you free will like he gave us. If the Lord is all knowing, omnipresent, all consuming, and can see into the past, present and future, did you not think that He was expecting you to move against his plans? Maybe even have a contingency for it? An alternate plan?”

“You know not of what you speak, Biro. Do you even understand

what I was trying to do? I was trying to discredit Him so that He would step down from His throne and I could replace Him.”

“And how would you do that?”

“Vilify God before all the angelic beings in the universe. Claim God and His government were subjective and unfair. I said that beings as superior as holy spirits did not need the law of God. It was unjust and restricted our freedom. I also said that it was impossible to keep from breaking His law. This propaganda of rebellion spread far and wide in the universe. I attempted to disparage Him, His laws, and His government in the eyes of the angels and all other intelligent forms of life. If I could turn the entire universe against Him, He would step down because of His kind, meek, and gentle nature. Then I could take over.”

“But that is not what happened. In fact, just the opposite. Don’t you

think he allowed it to happen for a very specific reason?”

“You would be wise not to piss me off too much, Stephen. I was in such a good mood five minutes ago. Let me get back on track. Then I will let you have your say, if you need it.” The lighter flicks. I smell the smoke from another cigarette that isn’t mine.

“All nature on the new planet you call Earth was in perfect harmony with itself and Him. But when I manipulated Adam and Eve into disobeying Him, I could claim power over the earth. He said ‘you can

have everything but do not eat of this tree or you will die.’ Some people say this was a lie, but He never said you would die immediately. He just said that you would die. I saw it for what it was. He loathes all of the wicked and suffering. Knowing who He is and what He wanted, I knew that this was my chance to strike. So I did. What happened then? He turned Earth into a fucking stage to make the entire universe understand the completely vile nature of sin. The purpose of this theatrical bullshit, with the souls of all His creations in the balance, is to show that men cannot “do their own thing” and disobey His law without causing misery, pain, death, and destruction. God allows me free run of the earth to cause all kinds of chaos. God must allow this. If He did not, I could accuse God of restricting mankind’s actions by not giving them options when they are supposed to have free will. Then, when things got worse on the earth, I could claim that it was God’s fault.

Some humans like to think that I am at fault for all of the natural

disasters that kill people and destroy cities. That is nature. What rises out of the ashes of the destruction is a test for mankind. Always has been and always will be. Some people love to blame me for cancer and illness. I do admit to messing around with mutations and such. But in the whole scheme of things, the natural order of all mankind is death. Whether slow and painful or quick and bloody, ‘it is appointed unto man once to die.’ Death is the period at the end of the sentence of your own life. What you do with that sentence is entirely up to you, but demons and angels do try to alter your lives with guile, whispers, and circumstances. It’s all a test to see who goes where.”

Chapter 13

Who Wants To Know They’re Damned?

“So Stephen, you’re noticing that I am allowed to attack your family. You figured I shouldn’t be. What do you have to say about this?”

“It just means that you’re afraid. You don’t want people to know about this book, what you have to say, and that you’re not the true father of it. In fact, attacking my family is just a move that you’re hoping will stop it. Seriously, I thought you were up for this. It’s not like I was the one desperately asking you to do it.”

“You can’t say that, Stephen. What if you are the modern day

equivalent of Job? What if I was allowed to fuck with you because God gave me the opportunity? Wouldn’t you think He was testing your metal? Don’t you think He, above all else, would want to put you through the wringer to see if you had the gumption to deal with your accuser… even if he targets your so-called family?”

“It’s not fair to bring innocent people into the fray.”

“But who says they’re innocent? What you do doesn’t make them good people. Most of your step kids hate you. You don’t like them for what they have done to you and your wife, but you don’t hate them. They sure do hate you though. Mainly for taking their mother away from them and helping her see the waste of space they are. She never used to tell them that they needed to be adults and work for their money. All they needed to do was scream like little babies and mommy would help them. But you stepped in and got dear old mummy, their bread and butter, to push them to grow up. They despise you more than anyone else on the face of the planet ever has. What’s it like to love someone that

brings so much hate into your life? You promised to be there for your wife. To take care of her and show her love. But she didn’t tell you that your marriage would be filled with their hatred. That by being closer to her, you would be even more reviled by her children than she is. Stupid little human beings need to lay blame on anyone but themselves. It makes them feel better about who they are. Were you warned about that? Did it ever come up in conversation?”

I say, “No, it didn’t. How was she supposed to know what her kids would think? Hell, we don’t even know what we are going to think as the years go by. Just because you are seeing the long term of humanity doesn’t mean that we, living the short lives we do, can see it.”

“Always the optimist, but I will change that. I know you hate your

life here. Whenever you sin, you hate it. When you look at the stupidity of humanity, you fucking hate that as well. Fleeting, egotistical bullshit that will never stand the test of time. How many people are actually working towards a goal of helping humanity after they die? How many people are even working towards helping people in the here and now? Humanity is fucked. You wanted to help, but you’re on the bottom rung. You fell into the game of trying to offer some form of hope and salvation to the worst of the worst. They don’t give a damn. I’ll tell you the absolute hilarity of it all. They don’t laugh at you. They actually listen as you tell them about damnation and salvation. Then they think about it for a bit and drop it as fast as they humanly can. Who wants to know that they’re damned? Who wants to know that they are insignificant pieces of shit in this universe? Even those who profess allegiance to Satan are just stupid little bitches that take advantage of others for their own gain. Nothing truly worthy of me. Just humanity fucking with humanity. You know some like this?”

“Yes.”

“As a man who believes, what are your thoughts about them? Be honest. I know you know a lot of them.”

I can’t tell if Satan is genuinely curious or just toying with me. “I find them stupid and uncaring. Taking advantage of people while hurting yourself at the same time is kind of evil yet laughable. Using people who

just want to be famous is such a small atrocity that you can only laugh at them when they’re so enthusiastic about it. Seriously, abusing someone who is damned and worshipping anything but God is a total waste of evil. I don’t find those people evil at all, just pathetic. They’re desperate to swindle a couple of dollars while trying to make people worship them as if they mattered in the cosmos.”

“Yes, and what else?”

“This just falls under so many different aspects of stupidity that I can’t mention them all. To be honest, you’re right about one thing. I do hate my life here. I try my best to help others. It always falls flat because so many people are greedy, egotistical, self-serving fuck ups. Doing my best to be an honest man fucks everyone due to the dishonesty of the assholes I meet. It’s a trickle-down effect. Finding honest people in this world is almost impossible.”

He says, “It sounds like you have been put thru the wringer. You

have to understand that I run this world. It was given to me to test souls. Most fall WAY short the mark. In fact, most are condemned to Hell before they are born. The Book of Life was written before any of you were shit into existence. The very few that are saved are known before they’re alive. I was made for a reason, and the reason is still pure. I’m here to be the prosecutor against your lives. To test you and try to turn you away from God. I have done a wonderful job of seducing you all into Hell’s doorway while you ask, “What happened?” The stupidity of the meatbag monkey is greater than you will ever know. Humanity is a lost cause. It’s a failure of profound proportions that even I weep for.”

I say, “I don’t think you weep for humanity.”

“Oh, but I do. Your self-serving, ideological selfishness is so easy to see that it disgusts me to the point of hatred. I do hate you all. I would wipe you from the face of the earth if I could. Let’s take you for instance, Mr. Biro. I wasn’t going to do this, but it follows the pattern and I am just going with the flow. Ready? You were a highly intelligent child. In school, you passed your classes not by doing the homework, but by actually listening to them. You became bored because memorization is not your forte. Problem solving is. Empathy was your gift, and

psychological studies were your strength, but you were ramrodded thru a public school system that did not care about what you could understand or even excel at. Your potential was dropped like a bad habit. All your society was trying to train anyone for was to work on assembly lines and say yes or no. The school was not looking for leaders. There was no interest in people who thought differently and could make the world a better place. They just wanted you to follow the line.

Your schooling should have been in psychology, theology, or even leadership. You have that skill set, but the masses do not want that. It was purposely set up a long time ago that people like you would fail. The schools were not interested in teaching those who should be leaders to actually be leaders. That was for the rich and affluent to achieve. Mind you, this school system of yours was made to destroy you on purpose. They don’t want critical thinking. They don’t want people to think for themselves. They just want good little soldiers who will listen to authority and do as they’re told. That’s the reason why you gave up. You saw thru it, but didn’t know what you were seeing thru at the time. You would have made a great leader. A perfect minister. Even a wonderful psychologist who could see into other people’s minds and yet not judge them. Now I know it sounds like I am trying to boost your ego, but trust me, humanity is too far gone for you to save. I know this book can help, but I’m counting on the stupidity of humanity. They’re too thoughtless now to read it. You were created to be a wonderful man and bring a positive force to all you meet. The society that was supposed to be there for you dropped the  ball due to their pride, greed,  and envy. They destroyed not only what you were made to be, but what billions should have been.”

I say, “It’s nice that you’re playing the ‘what could have been’ game

with my head, but we don’t have what could’ve, would’ve, and should have been. We just have what we have. We’re just trying to survive the onslaught of what you’re doing.”

Satan says, “I’m your fault. Well, not really you, but the pus bags that came before. I was waving a flag and yelling ‘Go mankind go!.’ I saw the original plans. I saw the fucking plans! I saw the beginning and end as He

had charted them out. It was wonderful and precise. Every bit of what you could all be was plotted out, and I relished it. I saw it for what it was… perfect. This was even accounting for free will. But no one on the other side thought that human free will would trump what He created, what He willed, and why He created you. After it was done, we watched you and your supposed free will destroy all of his plans for humanity. Then things began to change. It was slow at first. I didn’t want to be the prosecutor. I didn’t want to be the tempter. I didn’t want to be sent to Hell for believing in you, but I was. That’s when I changed. That’s when His plan went to shit and a new plan was formed. I didn’t have any say so, I’m going with it. I’m The Devil. I’m Satan. I will drag you into Hell because that is my fucking job. Was I created with this in mind? I don’t fucking know. I only saw the plans for humanity, not the angels. Is it a master plan? I don’t fucking know. All I know is that I’ve been cast aside and given orders to tempt, manipulate, fuck with, and drag you all to the abyss… and I am doing just that.”

“So you’re just doing a job?”

Satan thinks for a moment before responding. “You can say that. But it wasn’t always like this. I wanted all of you to succeed and do what He wanted, but you refused from the very beginning. To be honest, I hate all of you now. I will prosecute you to the fullest extent of His Law. For some odd reason, He gave me all of you to put through my tribulations. So many of you are failing. That is the reason I am talking to you. This book will not be read in schools. This book will probably be burned, banned, and shunned. It will be buried so that others will not think of people they worship and look up to as possessed, evil scumbags. Humanity is full of stupid people. Eighty percent would immediately bury this book after reading it… if they came across it at all. Fifteen percent would read it, think about it, and then bury it with the rest. Maybe five percent could read it, take it to heart, and understand what I am saying. Even then they would be afraid to tell other people to read it. Who wants their own idiocy and gullibility to come to light? Who wants to know that they lead sinful lives away from Him?

Nobody wants to hear about the evils that they do. Not one human wants to know that they teach their children the same evil that those outside of their house teach them. Everyone wants to be ignorant. They don’t want to know that my brethren are working not just to drag them to Hell, but to pull their family and friends down with them. Hope is something that is very easily destroyed. Faith may be a little harder, but if you attack it with enough dashed hopes and dreams it will slide away as well. Belief… now that is a lot harder. However, Stephen, it can be taken down. It’s why we are having this dialogue. It does not matter if it helps people to understand what is really going on. What matters right now is that I can harm your belief. I can drag it down to Hell with me. It is why I have this opportunity at full exposure. I have a bet with Him, and you are the perfect candidate. You are not holy. You are not perfect. In fact, you are the least of his disciples. But for some odd reason, you’re the bait. You are the worst of humanity, but yet you’re the best. The right to actually tempt your salvation is worth more to me than Job. He was perfect, a father many times over, and to be honest, I should have seen that coming. But you, Stephen Scott Biro, are worth more to me than he ever could be. Why? You’re a sinner. You work in the horror industry. You are borderline famous, but not truly notable. You have been ripped off many times, and it hurts you and the people you work with. You do your best not to cheat or steal from anyone, yet you are being cheated and stolen from constantly. You’re honest to a fault. You’re married to a divorcee with children who hate you. You know you should be doing better for mankind and helping those with emotional needs or theological questions. You know in your heart that you can help everyone you come in contact with, but it doesn’t happen.”

“It’s nice that you have me pegged.”

He smiles. “What I am saying is that when I saw the plan, I saw what you should be. I know it weighs heavily on your heart just like the rest. But I am not talking to them, I am talking to you. You could have brought so much peace and understanding to people. You are a horror fan, which I know you do not give a damn about anymore. You release films and music you couldn’t care less about. You do care about some of

your books, but then again, you write for the godless on occasion. Tell me, how is that Ultimate Cancer Joke Book coming? Run into a little snag?”

I say nothing.

“This is the only reason why we are talking. You are at the bottom of the barrel. You desperately wish you could fuck people over, but you don’t. You’re afraid for your life, but you don’t run away. You run a business that has been screwed over plenty of times, but yet you do your best to be honest and forthright. You walk along an edge of Christianity that not many tread. You will be quite a head on my wall if I can get you to renounce, or even turn your thoughts against, Him. Jumping from my ship was a surprise. I thought I had you. What is happening right now is a luxury. I don’t often get second chances, especially at someone so close to the front lines of Hell and Heaven. I would show you off as one of the lowest of the low that He said I could never get. You’re a bet Stephen. You know it now. I’m going to win, because we are not even close to finishing this book. I can only imagine what you’re thinking now.”

I say, “Actually, I don’t give a rats ass. I’m a poker chip between you

and God? Cool. We are all chips in the grand scheme of things. Isn’t that what this is all about? Isn’t this all a game? Who gets who? How many souls win and how many loose? What’s the total tally at the end? If the Book of Life was written before any of us were created, that either means that the game is already won or that those who were written in the Book of Life outweigh what you take and drag down to Hell, doesn’t it? It sounds like a losing argument. If you have seen the book and know who is going to be saved or cast out, isn’t this just theological masturbation on your part? Seriously, if you knew I was saved beforehand, shouldn’t you just drop it?”

Satan says, “I was not able to actually read from the Book of Life…

or Death. I don’t know if you’re Heaven bound. I guess that’s why this is so much fun. I don’t know, but He does. I don’t know who I can drag down, so I am allowed free reign to try. Who knows? Maybe He will get bored watching what He does and allow me to change it. All I know is that we have a bet for you. I’ve been given permission to talk to you and

get this book written. But in doing so, I’m allowed to alter, manipulate, and showcase the horror of humanity to turn you. I can take you from belief to faith, then from faith to an idea, and from that idea to cursing and denouncing any thought of Him.

Did I tell you too much? Is little Stevie going to cry? Is little Stevie

going to finally realize that no matter what he does, he’s either already condemned or forgiven? Do you understand that you’re just a little pawn in a game that you didn’t know about or commit to? Nothing more than a chess piece. You struggle with the whole ‘living and dying’ thing. You struggle to stay alive while everyone around you is willing to use you, starve your family, and laugh at your broken bones. Yet that reality you’re living in was already foretold. Already set in stone. Anything, and nothing, that you do has any effect whatsoever!”

I say, “Yeah. I knew that. Don’t care. He does what He does, and I don’t blame Him. I have to say though, nice try. Fatality is not my strong suit, even if I am in the middle of it. Just go on with what you’re saying. This is not blowing my mind or making me shiver in my boots. You’re just telling me what I know already. I dealt with that info years ago. You better come up with better shit if you want me to renounce anything. You have a long way to go, and I don’t see it happening.”

Satan’s eyes glint evilly as he says, “You’re more weighted down than

I thought. Build a house on sand, and it will come tumbling down. For some odd reason, yours appears to be on concrete. But don’t worry, I’ll tear your house apart… down to the very framework.”

Chapter 14 Enslave Others for a Dollar

I’m speechless and exasperated. I light a cigarette and just sit silently until the Devil decides to begin again.

“I’m tired of attacking you for the moment. Let’s discuss the wealthy that are destroying people out of greed, envy, and pride. Being rich carries the accolades of being a god in your world. They truly don’t understand what they’re doing as they enslave others for a dollar. Being desperate as you are to make ends meet, you don’t know the chicanery that is happening before your very eyes. You may not care, but so many of the empty humans can’t see it, much less comprehend it. You all are pawns in a game you can’t conceive of. The only things that matter to you monkeys are riches and notoriety. If you become famous, then fortune follows. But becoming famous means you’re trying to topple God and be worshipped yourself. Then pride, envy, vanity, and gluttony step in to eradicate the soul. You flesh pustules are nothing. You let a whirlwind of sins take over the personality and offer no remorse and no help except for their own benefit.”

I’m at another loss, but he continues. “Famous people are famous for

a reason. They act in movies, sing songs, and even tell you the news, but is that really why they’re famous? Most of the time it’s because they’ve been bought and paid for by my brethren and are too stupid to realize it. Here is a couple million dollars, do this and become a god. Bullshit the people are beneath you and focus on selling you crap they don’t need or want. Here is some hard cold cash to make up for deceiving your peers.

It’s a slippery slope they never escape from. I could begin to name names, but again, I don’t want this interview to become dated.”

I say, “Thank you… I think.”

He said, “The rich are scum in my eyes. They hide behind corporations, feeding their fat gullets with never ending riches and filth. Yet this world could feed, house and educate everyone. You know this. I have heard you say it many times. Greed has become the number two sin on earth. Pride in that greed barely overtakes it. Imagine if the rich, with their yachts and mansions and million dollar sports cars, all decided to work for the betterment of humanity. College was bought and paid for, housing was free, and food was available to the hungry. Healthcare? You call THAT care? So many can’t afford it, at least in your country, that it boggles the mind. What if everyone had access to real healthcare?”

“I say, “Well, people would say that is socialism.”

“When did that become a dirty word? Really, what the fuck is wrong with you Americans? When did public roads, libraries, police, and firemen become a threatening concept? Oh wait, I forgot. I made it that way by manipulating the weak minded into thinking it meant fascism or even dictatorship. You swine are so fucking laughable. I have a hard time bearing the idiocy of your stupid little country. Here, let me tell you a little secret. Ready? Your colleges were put together by rich people to make a lot of money. Your hospitals were put together by rich people wanting to make a buck or twenty. The food that you eat now is not grown by a simple farmer close by. It’s made by corporations, who make tons of money. Everything you need and want is made by the rich to fatten their bellies. They make sure their swollen bastard kids will be able to live in the lap of luxury. Meanwhile, their neighbors starve and die without even a moment’s thought about what’s been done to them.

You scumbag pieces of shit could have risen above all of this.

Everyone could be cared for. Everyone could have education, health, housing, and understanding of their different religions, thoughts, and ideas. The world would not only be a better place, but you could eradicate hunger, disease, homelessness, and even the waste of a human life if every person would just work towards a common goal But you

don’t. You do the opposite. The exploitation I have been able to pull off with all of you knows no bounds. The rich fall for it and condemn anyone not like them. The poor are desperate enough that finding a place to sleep or eat is all they can deal with. There’s so much going on that you can’t even stop and smell the roses. You are being bombarded with so many facts and so much news that you can’t even see the obvious ways I am dealing with you. My tactics are wide and devious. As your society grows, my influence grows twice as deep.

Don’t think you’re above it, Stephen. You’re enslaved. You didn’t

notice it when it happened, and you willingly signed up for it. It’s called Usury. In layman’s terms, it means that rich people allow you to borrow money. Doesn’t sound bad, does it? It sounds good that the rich allow people to borrow to buy cars, houses, food, and any other needs they have. Then they jack up the percentage on you if you ever make one late payment. Twenty-five to thirty percent, but it’s actually more than that. Late fees, termination, contracts that you signed off on and even paid on time; they can still raise the price without a peep from you. If you do speak up, you end up talking to someone in another country making seventy bucks a month. They don’t want to help you. Their seventy bucks has to feed their whole family. Their job is worth their life.

You’re enslaved to these nameless stockholders who don’t give a

fuck about you and know you as a number, not a name. They just see you as a slave. They couldn’t care less how you are living. Tell me, what did you owe your slave drivers ten years ago? Tell me. I won’t chastise you. I’ll just let you see the evil for what it is.”

He won’t chastise me? Uh huh, right. I say, “I owed them twenty

grand. I owe them about fifteen grand now because I am on a payment plans with supposedly less interest since our economy collapsed.”

“You have been paying them for over ten years and have only paid off five measly grand? My children are oppressing you beyond belief. The Bible clearly states that after seven years, all debts are to be forgiven and slaves can be freed. But that is not what your civilization has done, has it? I don’t even think the Jews do it anymore. Let me ask you this, what percentage does your bank say that you have for the house you live in?

It’s just simple math that has been twisted and controlled by the demons I sent forth. Tell me, the two hundred and twelve thousand dollar house you live in. Those six bedrooms to care for your family. What fucking percentage are you supposed to have?”

“Six percent.”

“So, in normal math that means your house costs you two hundred and forty thousand dollars? I mean, you take six percent, it’s easy math… what are you actually paying?”

“Four hundred and sixty thousand. The interest is paid up front, so

all of our payments are going towards the interest. Then, in the last five years, the payments will go towards what we actually owe.”

He says, “So you’re shackled to a bank. How much is your house

worth by the way? Oh wait, you said two hundred and twelve thousand dollars. You did buy after the collapse. What is it worth now? Let me guess, one-twenty. The bank doesn’t care what it is worth, just what you were willing to pay for it. You signed a contract stating that it was worth that and that you were willing to pay it. But if it’s worth a hundred thousand bucks, the company who signed it over to you just got you to pay what it was worth ten years ago. Maybe even more. No help, no kindness, no leeway. You signed a contract with them. Even though it’s worth pennies on the dollar, you are stuck with a house that THEY still own. If you knew how many of the damned were living to screw you over for a couple of dollars, you would have hidden yourself from society and probably shot yourself in the face.”

I say, “But wait, you’re telling me…”

“I am telling you that you’re fucked! You were ripped off for thinking that life is fair. You thought that if you did what was right to others, right would be splashed back all over you. But you forget that I am the master here. I have worked on enslaving you all since you were children. So many selfish scumbags refuse to see the horror of it all. I am more than willing to step in and take everything that is good and twist it into greedy, envious bullshit that you don’t see coming.

Think about it. Your parents had houses. They told you that you

need one to make money, to leverage, and to work the American Dream.

The whole time, your government was telling you that home ownership was the way to go and that it would lead you to financial prosperity. Meanwhile, I worked the banks, which are truly evil. The money hungry whoremongers behind them allow everyone to buy houses they already know they are going to foreclose on. The down payment is pure profit, because they’re going to take the house back from the unsuspecting fools anyway. It’s just too easy.”

“It’s just like the cars you finance. If you drive one off the lot it’s worth two thirds of what it was. But you still pay full price. Seriously. It’s not even a mile from the lot and it’s worth two thirds. Do you really think I’m not involved? This is just the very beginning. Who the fuck owns the world? It’s not people. It’s the banks that enslave you and force you to eat shit. I am sorry. I know slavery is evil in everyone’s eyes, but I do enjoy how the meaningless corporations have bargained you down and corrupted your souls to the point that you don’t even fight back. I will tell you the way to stop this bullshit. But again, I know your feeble minds. You would never do this because you are afraid of some stupid numbers that the banks hold over you. Sorry, you can’t get some worthless credit from a bank to buy an HD-TV and all the other crap you want but can’t afford.”

What he says next blows my mind. “Don’t pay your fucking

mortgage. Don’t pay your fucking car note. What would happen if you stupid chimpanzees refused to pay your house and car payments, or even your fucking cable bill, at the same time? If all of you told these greedy demonic motherfuckers to fuck off and alter those contracts you all signed thinking you were getting a righteous deal, shit would happen... and it would happen fast. Do you think they would kick everyone out of their house for not paying a single payment? What would happen to the biggest banks if everyone in America said ‘fuck you’ and refused to pay their September bill? The corporation would die. They would be desperate. They’d try to send all of the cops in the US to evict everyone. Every last one of them would probably be shot and killed. Imagine two months. What would that do to their stocks? Everyone in America just

saying ‘FUCK YOU, we need a break, and we don’t care if we get a stupid thirty five buck late fee.’

Imagine if you all came together and said ‘we’re not buying Nikes for a week unless all of the shoes are made in the US.’ Now imagine if you all told Old Navy to fuck off and refused to buy their clothes for a week or two until their shit was made in the US too? Let’s say you refused to even buy a stupid fart machine from Spencer’s unless it was made in the US. What would you think would happen? Shit would turn around. Maybe you could get a job. Maybe your houses wouldn’t be worth less than the paper the contract is printed on. Maybe you could actually take control, say ‘fuck this,’ and make it normal? Make it worth living for instead of being slaves to a society that has bellied up and just wants its balls rubbed.”

Satan says, “I’m not worried though. I know all of you measly scumbags won’t do a goddamn thing. You’re too busy watching American Idol and being split over meaningless government parties to actually see the ass fucking I am giving all of you. I’m fucking your President in the ass. I’m fucking the Republicans and Democrats in the ass. I’m fucking the doctor in that hospital near you in the ass. In fact, I am fucking everyone you know… and they love it. Instead of ever realizing that they have the devils cock in their ass, they just rape everyone else they come across while pretending to be their friend. They don’t realize that they’re just begging me to shove it deeper. I fuck them their whole lives, and you want to know when I cum? When they’re on their fucking deathbed. When they realize that they screwed people over, lied, and cheated their way through life. They refused to be good human beings, and they’re far outside of His realm. As they’re dying with my cock up their ass, that cloud disappears and they see themselves for who they are. They beg for forgiveness from their children, their family, their friends, and humanity but it’s too late. Their heart is beating slower. They don’t know who to pray to. They worshipped greed, pride, envy, vanity, lust, gluttony and sloth. They don’t know who the Lord is anymore. That’s when I cum. When they’re on their deathbed. There is nothing

they can do to stop it because they didn’t even bother to realize what they were doing.”

I find myself taken aback. I don’t like the slant his tirade is taking. “To be honest, everything that I, the Devil, the prosecutor and temper, am doing is almost too much to show you. It’s so easy. I’m just going to say this and that for a while. Maybe, if you’re smart enough, you will pick up my meaning. Ready? How many of you thought the world would end in 2012 just because some stupid Indians didn’t bother to circulate their calendar like all of the others? I’m going to tell you this point blank. We are looking at humanity surviving 100 more years. Then it’s over. Why? Water. Life giving water. I am not talking about disease, famine, rare earth minerals, or even energy right now. Just simple water. Yes, diseases will run rampant. Energy will not save you. You have already passed the point of no return. Famine will take its toll, and rare earth minerals will cause wars of unparalleled opportunity, but what it will boil down to is water… or bees actually. This is funny. The bee population is in severe decline. All of your money making corporations are destroying them with pesticides they created to stop the destruction of the plants. But yet, they are destroying the only thing that allows you to harvest the food you need to survive. Don’t worry, I’ll deal with Monsanto and those who alter His harvest for your consumption some other time. When the bees are gone and the water is dried up, humanity will be desperate. Wars will start, leaving billions dead. But it’s okay. Don’t worry. Your rich will survive for a little while. I understand that my children living and prospering is all you care about. They won’t be able to though. Not in the long run.”

I don’t realize that I’m biting my lips as hard as I am until I taste blood. He didn’t stop. “The children of the earth are mine. They refuse to admit they are owned by the Devil. Most don’t even realize it. But that’s the way I roll. The most convincing proof that I am here is proof that I am not. Even when they know I am here, I can still turn them away from helping the poor, their children, and themselves. They’ll go against everything they have read in the Bible and still feel as if they are saved. It’s one of my greatest tricks, ever. Let’s have some fun with your

government tomorrow. This is becoming fun. Let’s make even more people drop this book like a hot coal. Humanity is so stupid. Telling people that what they believe is wrong makes the weak minded run away faster than you can say, ‘what the fuck?’ On that note, I bid you adieu for now.”

Chapter 15

Killing Dogs For Their Bones

“Hello Stephen. I’m glad you finally came back. Took you a while, didn’t it?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. Just not used to hearing the truth from the Devil, so to speak. It won’t be the last break I take from you either. I’m only mortal.”

“But you’re not mortal. That’s another misconception all of you

monkeys run around believing. You were made to be eternal, but you think you are finite. You think that the day you are dealing with is so much more important than tomorrow, if you’re aware enough to think about tomorrow. You’re amazed at yourselves when you even think about the weekend. How many of you failed creatures think about a century from now? Wait, don’t tell me. I know you have. But you’re still stuck in the here and now. All of you are.”

I say, “I think about my life, my death, where I will be, what I have

done, and what I will do ‘til the end of my life here on earth. Doesn’t mean I don’t think about the here and now.”

“It’s a part of the trap. Sort of like the roller coaster of your lives. I

send you into a tailspin. I send people to destroy your life by promising them future riches, but I do it in such a way that they think it’s their idea and not a part of my deviousness.”

“I see it, but I don’t give up hope for the future.”

“Oh dearest, kindest Stephen. You don’t see it. I nestle in your brain just as I do with the rest of them. And since I am so deep, you don’t notice it until you think it’s your own thought.”

“So, you want to tell me how you’re manipulating all of us at the deepest emotional and spiritual levels?”

“You’re quick, Stephen. No, I am just stating the obvious as I usually do. I am not ready for that yet… and I know you aren’t. So let’s get back to what I told you I would speak about. Are you ready?”

I say, “No, but I go where you lead.”

He replies, “Good boy. So, your corrupt government or someone else’s?”

“The US Government.”

“Yours? Good. Republicans and Democrats… seventies or modern?”

“Neither. Go from the very beginning. I think it helps all of us.”

“You’re right. I didn’t feel like talking that much tonight, so if you’ll excuse me, I’ll keep it brief. The Puritans and Quakers where a boring bunch even though they were killing natives and ostracizing other religions. I turned them away from their belief in God by convincing them that they were doing His will while committing the most horrendous of sins in his name. Come to think of it, this is going to be fun. I’m going to take my time. Hope you don’t mind.”

He lights up a cigarette from my pack and sucks it in like a junky

telling his mother the truth. “It’s actually pretty funny. Let’s begin by laughing at the Portuguese and Spanish. At the time of the invasion of the Americas, they weren’t even actually reaching America! Nevertheless, they tried to plunder, slaughter, and conquer everywhere they landed. Both countries fought for whatever they thought was theirs. They landed on different islands and countries, dealing with the indigenous people and reporting back to their religious leaders. The ‘holy men,’ in turn, tried to figure out if the natives had souls and whether or not they would be saved if they converted to Catholicism…and if they could be conquered if they didn’t. If they turned down conversion and refused to allow the Europeans to float thru their lands, then a Just War was declared. You can imagine what happened to those poor people.

It became even worse as England, France, and the Netherlands heard

of the riches Portugal and Spain had been bringing home from the newly

enslaved populace. When one ship from Spain left, another from France came in behind it. It was a total cluster-fuck of established nations trying to steal from heathen countries. Then Northern European countries began settling along the eastern seaboard thinking it was Jamaica or some other little country that could be raided for goods and people. Slavery began to take hold as the so-called Christians began to see the indigenous people as a commodity. How different were they from the complete and utter heathens who did not even believe in God? Think about it. If you find a human being who does not eat, dress, worship, or have government as you do, they sure might seem like animals. And that is exactly what the so-called civilized ones thought. They didn’t respect the people they found. They may have played with the idea at first, but soon greed and envy, as well as vanity and sloth by those in charge, led them to enslave and steal from the “animals” that inhabited these insignificant little specks of dirt. They became a treasure trove that men were willing to die for, so they left soldiers behind.”

I say, “They truly didn’t believe that God works in mysterious ways?

That these people had a right to their land, much less their civilization?” “How could they? I was manipulating them from the very beginning.

The Catholic Church was almost its own government at this time, tearing

through countries like a scourge. When the explorers came across tribes who did now know their ways, it was either enslavement or a massacre that screeched to the high heavens. Look at it this way. If you were a Christian from a Christian land, you believed that He had showed you the way. He created YOUR people to be Christians. All of those He hadn’t were just fodder for those who believed. Nothing more than dogs in the wilderness. That’s what they became, dogs. You can kick them, you can beat them, you’re not them, and they certainly are not you. Animals they were, and always they shall be.”

He continues most gleefully. “Now let me get to the sixteen hundreds and the first colonies in America. The first one disappeared, then one was abandoned, and then one finally stuck. It was during these expeditions that the corporations began taking over the governments. You could say that they almost became human in their exploits, but you

know that now, don’t you. Company after company landed on the ‘American Isles.’ They didn’t understand yet that it was a huge continent. They battled each other and destroyed the native populace for spices, cotton, fur, and whatever else they could kill, rape or pillage. But they kept their Christian traditions the whole time. After all, they were just killing dogs for their bones. Some of the meat bag scholars refuse to admit to the Black Legend. Like most insufferable humans, they believe that you’re all righteous and honorable. You wouldn’t kill thousands upon thousands of people in a land that they had already conquered. A land that they thought of as their own because it was owed to them.”

I hear heavy breathing, and his footsteps are hitting the floor behind me a little stronger than they were a second ago.

“I don’t need to tell you about the Germans, Prussians, Mongols, or Russians right now. There’s more than enough filth to talk about with the Americans. The soon to be United States of America was fought over by countries that did not own it, but thought they did. If they killed enough to stop the other countries from invading, they could murder the indigenous people and claim this land. When they found out that they brought diseases with them, they used them as biological warfare to kill people that had only tried to help them adapt to and survive this new land. These invaders were sometimes even looked upon as gods. But even then, they slaughtered and raped everyone into submission everywhere they went. I do have to say, Christians of that age acted more like Muslims of this age… or should I say, every age.”

I say, “I thought you were about to talk about the sixteen hundreds.”

“Patience. I’m getting back around to that, Stephen. The Puritans gained a massive foothold in Massachusetts. The Puritans believed that Quakers were heretics. In fact, Catholics, Lutherans, Anabaptists, Antinomians, Quakers, Ranters, and anyone else who was not an Anglican was a heretic. Heretics were seen as blasphemers who put barriers in the way of salvation. They were also considered traitors to their country because they did not belong to the official state religion. This was also true throughout Europe in the century following the Reformation. Whatever religion the king chose became the official state

religion of his country, and all other religions and sects were made illegal. The ironic part is that the Puritans had left England because they were persecuted as heretics by the government.

The Quakers also ran away from the British rule of church. But when

they arrived in Boston, they found themselves outnumbered by Puritans who had made their religion the state sponsored religion of New England. It became a showdown between two Christian sects, and the Quakers were on the losing side. The zealots among them quickly found themselves tortured as punishment for trying to spread their religion. The Puritans bored holes in their tongues and drove splinters under their nails. Hot coals and whippings were in order for those with the biggest hankering for spreading their gospel.

“You usually don’t hear about these warring factions of Christianity

in the US.”

Satan says, “Yep. It’s always fun to trick different religions with the same meaning into torturing and killing each other. One of my greatest inventions was the word itself. Heretic. It still percolates now, and will continue to until the end of the world.”

“So,” I ask, “how did this continue?”

“Every country wanted a piece of the new world. Scotland, Britain, France, even the Dutch and the fucking Swedes jumped into the fray. There was much death and destruction. Of course I enjoyed it. I whispered into ears of the kings and queens, guiding them to mayhem. At the time, I didn’t care who won or lost. I just wanted the chaos to continue, and it did.”

I say, “There was a lot going on at this time, wasn’t there?”

“Almost too much. My favorite part of this whole brutal extravaganza was the Salem Witch Trials. It wasn’t just in the Americas either. Witch-hunts were everywhere. Everyone was afraid of me. They realized that I was on the loose, but didn’t really know what I was doing. It’s so much easier to convince a preacher that others are corrupted, possessed, and  should be killed than  it is to beguile them into sins themselves. It’s very easy to hold sway over leaders and convince them to torture and kill when their followers are right behind them, egging them

on with righteous indignation. If you think about it, what is more evil than a man killing another man over material goods, hurt feelings, or revenge? Maybe allowing a whole family, father and mother and children, to not only watch someone die but to be a part of it, screaming out in glee that the offender cannot be saved or forgiven by their Lord. Screaming for their damnation and absolutely willing to be a part of the murder they’re witnessing. Some truly Hell worthy sins are easily done. The petty sins of mankind are thrust into the realm of real evil when innocent others are brought into them. It’s sort of funny, don’t you think?”

I say, “What do you mean?”

“When people are in line to go to Hell, how many people jump in behind them and bring their family along for the ride into damnation? It’s a curious and intriguing aspect of human nature that I not only take advantage of, put slowly push the weakest minds into.”

I stop writing for a moment and lean back in my chair. “Are we really that easy? I mean, our minds are a playground of thoughts and ideas that we should be in charge of. We aren’t as far as I know.”

He says, “You’re a different case, Mr. Biro. You understand that not all of your thoughts are your own. You also recognize it when you see my cohorts, manipulating the people around you in the line to Hell. You see it and step out of line, but most don’t. Let’s put it this way. When a destructive thought comes your way and you know it’s bad for you, do you implement it? Do you act out on it? Not only are we playing with your addictions, which everyone has on one level or another, we are playing with your ego, self-preservation, pride, and self-worth. That’s not even taking into account yourself hatred, depression and anxieties about not being perfect, and fears of how people see you. These are just roller coasters of the mind that we love to make you ride. It’s easier than you can ever imagine.”

I say, “So is this just a game to you? I actually see it. I hate being a

pawn in a game where I know some of the rules, but have a hard time comprehending all the ways it is played in my life.”

Satan says, “You understand more than most, Stephan. Why do you think I’m bothering with you? You will see that this will live long past you. You didn’t just storm the gates of Hell. You learned more than most human beings on this planet. That is why it’s being given to you.”

I reach for my beer and say, “Do you want one?”

He says, “I don’t need to suppress my being with alcohol. I’m only smoking for your sake, actually. I don’t get anything from it, but my joining you in some form of human ritual that you replay every twenty to thirty minutes makes you feel more at ease.”

“Touché. I also noticed that you said you did not want to explain

how you manipulate us at the beginning of this chapter, and then flowed right into it.”

“You do notice things, even after the fact. I was going to go into the Spanish Inquisition after the Salem Witch Trials, but there’s something else I want to explore right now. It’s a very small piece of the puzzle I am fitting together for you. You do realize what I am working towards with this?”

I say, “Yes. You’ve told me. My damnation and getting me to turn

away from my Lord.”

His shoulders rise and fall as if he is laughing, but no sound escapes until he says, “There was a monk in the Czech Republic who was given the task that you are completing now. He was called Herman the Recluse from the Benedictine monastery of Podlažice. The monk began doing what we’re doing now, and with my threats and the knowledge of the battle between me and Him… exactly what I am telling you… he sort of lost his nerve.

He wasn’t up for the task. He couldn’t handle the unforeseen depths of my deception of mankind. He freaked out. He burnt the writings, which were basically the same book you are writing now. He turned from giving his fellow swine the knowledge I am giving you and began to work feverishly and incessantly on creating the Codex Gigas, otherwise known as ‘The Devils Bible.’

“I think I’ve heard of it. Would you mind…”

“Telling you more? I would be happy too. As you can guess, there is a legend to it that I like very much. The scribe broke his monastic vows and was sentenced to be walled up alive. In order to suspend his harsh penalty, he promised to create a book to glorify the monastery forever, including all human knowledge, in a single night. Near midnight, he became sure that he could not complete this task alone, so he made a special prayer addressed not to God but to the fallen angel Lucifer. He asked me to help him finish the book in exchange for his soul. The Devil completed the manuscript, and the monk added my picture out of gratitude.”

A cigarette lights up behind me. “As you can guess, this isn’t true. None of us would ever write a sentence from the Bible, much less whole passages. We did, however, get him to add magic incantations and exorcisms to it. We knew it would easily confuse people. It’s also filled with medical texts and history from that time period. He worked on it for over two decades. He felt he had to complete it as penance for doing what you’re doing now.”

I say “So you’re saying this book, this conversation we are having, is

the same as the one you had with him? That’s a little hard to swallow.” “It’s not exactly the same since he was in a different time period. He

couldn’t handle the knowledge. He hoped working on the book for twenty years would buy him forgiveness for the evil he allowed into his mind, heart, and soul. I must say, his drawing looks nothing like me. Then again, just as with you, I was behind his back while he wrote. That way I let the human mind see me as it will. Let me ask you a question, Stephen… how do you see me?”

I stop and take a deep breath. “Well, I would like to think of you as the demon character in Legend. But in all actuality, I don’t see you as human at all. I see you more as a fluctuation in reality; a shimmering of what should be there but should not be. Does that make sense?”

“It sounds about right. At least you’re not making it up and forcing

your mind to come up with something that’s not real. I like that. So, back to the thoughts at hand. You’re writing the book that should have been written in the thirteenth century. His mind could not handle it because

back I those days I was a lot scarier than I am now. Then again, that monk did not go through what you did; much less survive mentally after experiencing the existence of myself and God. It’s one of the reasons we don’t show ourselves completely like so many humans say they want us to. Imagine for a second that I showed myself in all of my unholy glory. Damnation. Realization of Hell and Heaven. That God is actually real, and that everything you have ever heard about religion and the afterlife is an actuality. Imagine the calamity! Imagine the saved and unsaved realizing that there is a record of everything they have ever done for the first time in their lives. Those that believe would suddenly be flooded with regret over every imaginable aspect of their life. They would find themselves fallen, full of sin, and truly deserving of Hell. Imagine if all of those preachers that spout the word of God found themselves at war with God for their interpretation of the good book?”

Think of all of those that are in the wrong religion and don’t know it?

When I say that, I’m just talking about those supposed Christian religions that believe in aliens and false prophets. What would happen if the world knew that what you call reality is just a testing ground for your faith and morality before the next step? How many people would give up hope and try to take the rest of you out? It actually happens every week. Mass murders happen for a reason. They can’t comprehend that it’s us pushing them to these extremes, but that’s what we do. Like a wolf who picks off the weakest sheep. Suicide is wonderful, but when you add murder, it’s even better. That kind of thinking makes people question their existence and loose hope in all of mankind. That is what we strive for. Not to just take one soul, but to take the souls around them. Just maybe, hopefully, the act can make  them question their Lord’s existence  in  their final moments of life. To have that happen is most gratifying. It can take a believer and turn them into an unbeliever as they lay there clutching their chest and their lifeblood pours out of their body. They wonder why God would allow them to be killed while their family is waiting for them. Why would He allow this when their life is not supposed to be over? They had such plans, and they were cut short by His rule. They will never see their kids grow up. They will never see their wife’s smile again, much less feel

her warm embrace. The shock and trauma can even cause them to curse God in their final moments of life. That is the exclamation point that we strive for. That is the icing on the cake in Hell. This is what we all crave, to take the believers down in that nanosecond where you humans cannot understand or believe we are doing.

I want to stop writing. I want to jump out of my chair, grab the Devil by the neck, and choke the shit out of him. I want to kill this evil fuck that has been telling me his secrets… but I can’t. I think he saw me type that last sentence, because he says, “I told you a little more than I should have. I was going to keep that until close to the end, but you know, I guess I have to give those that are still reading this something to think about. I guess we are done with government for now. We will get back to that later. Tomorrow, we will talk about a personal favorite subject of mine that I just briefly scratched a minute ago… suicide. I hope you’re up for it.”

My body began to feel heavy, and my eyelids wanted to close right there at my desk. I got up and stumbled towards my room, where my wife was sleeping. I laid down and hoped that he wouldn’t be in my dreams. I pulled the covers over my head and hoped the covering would protect me like it used to when I was a child. It didn’t. He was there, waiting for me.

Chapter 16 Altercations of the Mind

It was a flurry of images and regrets. My mind was as sharp as a tack even while unconscious. It was the Devil’s playground, and he hit me in every aspect and every respite. Regret for past deeds done wrong assailed me. My parents were in the background, but couldn’t help me to distinguish between fantasy and reality. I was lost in a maze of my own mind. No hope, just reaction. It was unsettling. When I finally woke up, I still dreaded this thing I call reality. I just laid there.

Even though my dreams were chaotic and nonsensical, they gave me

an escape I couldn’t get from drugs or sex. I was alive, yet unconscious. Horrific though they were, I would have done anything to stay in that realm. But the human body can only take so much sleep. Even though I tried, like I do every day, I woke up and began the dreary performance of life. Dealing with this and that. Small victories, but mostly defeats. Happiness was fleeting, and drudgery was the most stable part of my life. I had to wait until after midnight to confront Satan. I always had to wait ‘til the so-called witching hour to begin writing, and it was a long time from awakening to confrontation.

Everyone in the house is asleep except for the cats, who are fighting. Five fucking cats. Three are from step kids that took them in and then realized that they couldn’t take care of them… but we could. As you can guess, I don’t want five cats in my house. As I hear the screams of the smaller cats as the bigger ones torment them, I see myself as the smallest cat that the Devil is attacking. I arch my spine and raise the hair on my

body, trying to puff up and to show that I am bigger than myself, but it never works. He just laughs at me. The cats in the house calm down, and I can feel his presence all around me. I say, “So you want to talk about suicide?”

He says, “Not really, but I will. The murder of the self is a two-fold

act of thwarting Gods plan. It is murder first and foremost, one of the big commandments written in stone that someone didn’t bother to follow. Second, it is murder of the self, abolishing and destroying any and all plans that God has for your soul. Now I do have to say that some murders are a part of God’s plan. I don’t like saying it, but it’s a fact. War, famine, and even disease are part of it. Some of you would not say that famine and disease are murder, but there is food on this planet that can feed everyone. Someone is withholding food, not to mention vaccines to stave off diseases. That falls under the sin of greed. Some souls can’t be faulted for it, but some certainly can.

I hate going off subject, so let me jump back on track. Suicide is the one sin that completely disrupts Gods plan. It destroys the people around the selfish fool who took their own life. They’re not miserable any more. Those who survive, are left behind so to speak, are. They question life’s meaning and God in general. It is easy for us to cloud the mind of the depressed. We bully them with the facts and only show them one option for relief… death. Death of the body, but they don’t know that it’s also death of the soul. When we can cajole a soul into taking its own life, it is a victory for all of us. It trumps His plan because he made everyone with a specific purpose. Even the dregs of society that live in rat infested holes and beg for food and warmth are small tests of the soul. Who will offer relief and who will walk past them with a shrug?

I say, “So, you’re saying that God made people to be poor for their

entire lives and die of malnutrition or starvation? To suffer homelessness and even more? I don’t get it.”

Satan says, “You know, I can’t tell you everything. I want to, but the

reality of the situation is that mankind couldn’t handle it.”

I say, “Why not? I mean, isn’t that what we are doing isn’t it? That’s why you are talking to me, isn’t it?”

The Devil says, “Some things can be handled, but the truth of God can only be taken in certain doses. What if I tell you my truth? The truth of what I am fighting for. The truth about my war with God. Then we’ll let you and the readers that stuck it out this far noodle on that. How does that sound?”

“Are you afraid of telling us your truth?”

Satan says, “What if my truth was your whole truth? You are all just sickly, demented souls birthed on a planet that has been neglected by His word for millennia. Helping a Bible be written is a wonderful chance to actually leave you all to your own devices, mind you. Coming down for a couple of years only to have your own words misinterpreted and mutilated into the greed and envy that is injected into religion while knowledge is purposely hidden from people for ages. The Bible was in Latin for generations so that the common man could not read it. It was read to them by those who made a living off of it. You really think I didn’t have a hand in that? Just stop and think about it for a second. Really think about it.”

I try to get the conversation back on track. “So what happens with

suicides?”

“What do you think? They’re damned, plain and simple. You can’t take back killing yourself because you die in the act of murder. Murderers can actually ask for forgivingness because the act was in the past. A sin can always be forgiven… except while you are committing it. The man who curses God and then dies a moment later has no time to ask for forgiveness. That’s why suicide is the most luscious of sins for us. The sin born at the moment of your own death. There is no turning back.

I noticed you changed back to the original subject. Are you afraid to hear my truth? The actuality of mankind that I know you’re all afraid to hear?”

I reach for a beer, crack it, and say, “No. I already know it’s not something you’re going to tell me now. You will when you want to. I figured I might as well go with what you’re willing to talk about.”

He says, “A man after my own blackened heart. You are right, it will

come out when I so choose. I wouldn’t want to give away the cherry off

the top of the sundae, so to speak. So let’s talk about history, shall we? Let’s talk about the Khmer Rouge. It’s a smaller facet of what you and your readers want to know, but it is another thing that humans fall for and end up with genocide on their hands. No matter what you think, this is the same proverbial shit-storm that I dupe governments and so-called leaders into following.

Look at it this way. Communism was a great idea. Everyone working

for the greater good of everyone. But as it was set in motion, dictators, presidents, and the people in charge decided that they loved being in charge. They all turned into greedy assholes. It couldn’t work. Just as capitalism is not working because the greedy, self-serving scumbags don’t make as much as they think they should. It’s pretty easy to see that it’s going downhill. Greed is not something He made, but something mankind made important to themselves. Communism fell faster than capitalism for the single reason that those in charge refused to relinquish control. They refused to see their steady income, or should I say gold and riches, stop accumulating. It’s the same with a capitalistic society, but the peons… I mean workers believe the lies that have been drilled into their heads since birth. Unlike the commie way of life, capitalism spreads the false hope that everyone can make it. I know. So many of your Republicans, and even some Democrats, have dropped this book now. Sort of what I wanted. What person wants to hear that their beliefs and ideals are basically shills for the Devil?”

“No one.”

“Exactly! No one wants to know that his or her ideology is satanic. It’s like those stupid ass creationists telling people what they think of the Old Testament. They’re too stupid to realize that the New Testament actually abolishes most of the Old Testament laws. You can’t say you’re a Christian while following a Jewish Torah and not listening to Him. That just means you’re not representing it truthfully. Ask a Rabbi what the first chapter of Genesis reveals. You will get a totally different story than you would from a so called Christian. The Old Testament is Jewish, the New Testament is Christian. Not saying you should not read both, but making shit up and counting the names of people’s families in the Old Testament

does not mean the world is ten thousand years old. Seriously. God never said that. You’re presuming that. And to be honest, the lies from the creationist right are exactly what I want. Keep telling lies about what He made. Teach your kids the lies you figured out from the Bible and they will be forced to lie to other Christians about what He did. The Jews know it’s their Bible. It’s their Torah. Just because it says the world was made in seven days, it does not mean our days. The Lord made thousands of worlds before this speck of a planet. Eons before. So you count a day as the sun going around the earth. Why in the Hell would you think the Lord would measure time in the same way as a virus that spread across this planet He gave to it?”

“I actually agree with you on this.”

“Do you? You’re a spastic little hiccup who dares to ask me the questions humanity doesn’t, and you think you have it all neatly portioned on a little shelf? I was talking about the Khmer Rouge and their small attempts at social engineering. Let’s finally have some fun and talk about an easy bit of treachery from my end towards humanity. The Khmer Rouge began as very small political party that wanted the best for their country and people.

It slowly became based on xenophobia. The French got involved, but

education led to a destructiveness that they didn’t understand. I was focusing on two men. I don’t care who they are any more since they are where I want them to be now. It was too easy for me to insert them into the juggernaut of their government. I succeeded. All religion was banned. Any people seen taking part in religious rituals or services would be executed. Several  Buddhists,  Muslims,  and  Christians were killed for exercising their beliefs… and that was just the beginning.

Family relationships not sanctioned by the state were also banned.

Family members could be put to death for communicating with each other. Married couples were only allowed to visit each other on a limited basis. If people were seen engaged in sexual activity, they would be killed immediately. Almost all freedom to travel was abolished. All privacy was eliminated during the Khmer Rouge’s rule. People were not allowed to eat in privacy. Instead, they were required to eat with everyone in the

commune. All personal utensils were banned. People were given only one spoon to eat with. The government became their god. The law was forced upon them with threats of isolation, violence, and everything in between.

Ethnic cleansing was the order of the day. People were tortured and

killed if they choose to be an artist, film maker, or musician. Cambodian Christians, Muslims, and Buddhist monks were slaughtered for having opposing ideas. Murder even followed farmers for not farming enough. It was out of control. Subjugation of the citizens disregarded and stepped on what they wanted or believed in. I’d say I was busy there, but that’s putting it too lightly. Man killing man over ideas they made up in their heads is just too easy an opportunity to overlook, much less take advantage of.

It wasn’t just me at that time. I was working on the two in charge, but I had many of the fallen feeding the minds of those beneath them. It was the chain of command. Thousands of people a day were tortured and killed. By the time it was over, two million plus were sent to the afterlife. The beautiful thing is… most were not Christian! So telling you where they went is like telling you where the ball drops and falls on a roulette wheel.”

I say, “So, you don’t know where those of different religions go or if

they are saved?”

The Devil says, “I never said that. I just don’t know exactly. Mind you, I was born of the Christian base. I was part of the Jewish base, but was removed from them because He had something else planned for the Jews. I was not allowed to be the judgmental lawyer type for them after Christianity evolvled. I was pushed into the altercations of the mind when Christianity began to overflow. I have free reign to give everyone a way out of what he chooses. I understand why you children of God are pushed and shoved throughout your lifetimes. No matter who you are, you are still devastated. You’re screwed, annihilated to the point of giving up the goodness, spirit, and wholesome soul you all had when you were children. But the innocence of youth is just the folly of the young.”

“The testing of mankind is beyond your reproach, but it is left up to you to choose your side. Choose evil, or should I say…me. Me, not only having free reign over you, but all of those around you, doesn’t mean He doesn’t love you. The question is, do you have the love to answer back? Can the good person He created stand the test of time? The test of evil? Can you resist my manipulations? Will you be able to stand in the court of the Lord Almighty and not only tell Him the truth of your life, but do it in such a way that He forgives you and drops my charges against you? Will he allow you into his Heavenly peace and not cast you into the damnation that He created?”

I have no choice but to answer, and I answer confidently. “As a Christian, someone who actually believes, I have no other option left. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. He died for my sins. There is no other sin sacrifice. I’m not Jewish. I’m not chosen. I’ve been told that, as a Gentile, the only path I have, the only oath I have, is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I’m not a Muslim who believes in the Torah but thinks that Jesus was just a prophet. I’m not going to go into the Muslim faith. My mind is fragmented enough. I’m not Jewish, even though I respect them. I am not and could not be any of them. I envy them. It must be nice to be the chosen people. I’m not saying the Lord is a racist, but what the fuck? I can think that he gave them knowledge to pass on to the rest of us that eventually turned into Christianity, but they refuse to admit the Messiah is the Messiah. What are we supposed to think?”

Satan says, “So… you don’t believe in Him?”

“I never said that. I’m just saying that we are all stupid idiots down here. The different ideas, beliefs, and versions of God are fucking us up. I’m not saying it should all be easy. I’m just saying… fuck. I don’t know what I am saying anymore.”

Satan says, “I know what you’re saying. If He, the Lord Almighty,

made it a little more obvious, a little more sequential, and a little more personable for everyone, you would understand it more like you want to.”

“I don’t want to understand it more. Wait, that’s a lie. Yes I want to

understand it more. I believe that Jesus died for my sins, and that’s what

I’m counting on ‘til the day I die. But to think that I am saved while others who don’t believe in what I do are damned? I mean, how can I even be happy or feel safe if others are condemned to Hell for not believing in exactly what I do?”

Satan says, “You’re a whirlwind of thought, aren’t you? You are not

the first to question, and you will not be the last. I could say so much more, but I will leave you hanging with this thought. If you don’t think that the creator of the universe doesn’t have a sliding scale, then you’re mistaken. But that happens easily. You are human after all. You’re not omnipotent. You are not the judge. Trying to understand what happens to the soul in the next chapter just means that you’re not ready to know. I will tell you that you are close. Some of you are supposed to fall by the wayside thinking about the rest of humanity. If you knew the truth, which you are on the verge of really understanding, you wouldn’t be asking me, who is known to be the adversary, the One Most Low, for answers. But yet, I am giving them to you willingly.”

I said, “But why? What the fuck is going on here?”

He says, “Because I said so. I feel like we are going around in circles, even though we are not. We come back to this exact spot, and we should leave it at that. I know what you want to talk about for the next chapter, but we will not. I will talk about what I want to, and you won’t like it.”

Chapter 17

Who is Damned and in League With Me

I stop typing for a second, but the Devil won’t let me rest. He says, “I would like to talk to you more about your country and some of the very easy symbols I leave lying around. They are just so obvious, so anti-god, that only the most fringe of your society notice them.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, I don’t know. The pentagram in the middle of Washington DC for instance? I know, I know. They say it’s not completed, but it actually is… underneath the streets. I know that you can’t see it, but it is there. Let’s have some fun shall we?”

I hear him shift behind me. “The Washington Monument, the hexagram in the middle of the pentagram, the Templar crosses at the bottom of both. The obelisk even measures six hundred sixty six point six inches. Hello? You’re fucked and no one even notices it except for the crazy extremists. You’re afraid to see even the easiest of wonders. What the fuck has humanity ever seen? You want more? I’ll give you more, but I warn you again, you’re not going to like it.”

I want to look this all up, but he’s on a roll, so I just say, “Ok.”

“The square and compass symbol stretches from the White House to the Capital Building.”

“What square and compass symbol? What does that mean?”

Satan says, “The Masonic rights, rituals, and fun that they liked to inscribe into the cities they built. They never thought technology would showcase them for the world to see.”

it?”

“Those are just roads. And the pentagram wasn’t always satanic, was

Satan says, “You’re missing the point. As with all symbols that we

manipulate, they are working towards a certain knowledge and wisdom that I’ve been working on for decades. Can you follow me here, Stephen? Are you getting what I am saying now? Case in point, how many deities do you think have idols in the wonderfully perfect city your government is leading from? Three? Seven? Fourteen? How many glorious idols do you think are sitting in the capital of America?”

I say, “Fourteen?”

“Forty two. I’ll tell you some of the easy ones. A statue of Isis is on top of the Capital Building. Guarding the entrance to the same building is Nimrod, or Baal, in the likeness of the Roman god Mars, whom the Egyptians called Osiris. The entrance is indistinguishable from that of the Roman Pantheon, a building in Rome dedicated to all of the gods. Then it was snuck into your own capital. Imagine that. The central part of the Supreme Court building is modeled after the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It’s fit for people to worship not one god, but many, without even knowing it.

Even your idol of justice is molded after a Greek god. The

Smithsonian’s statue of George Washington was  molded after Zeus. Since no one knows what Zeus looked like, who is to say that the people who worship this idol, which many do by the way, are not worshipping Zeus? Let’s not forget the similarities that wonderful work of art bears to Baphomet. That distinct pose? Where does it come from? Who is in charge? I am, you little piece of shit! Ready for more?”

I begin to hold my breath when Satan says, “Do I need to bring up the all seeing eye? It’s my eye, idiot. It’s on your money, your buildings, and your clothes. It’s worshipped by your rock stars, your movie moguls, and your wealthy. I cannot even begin to tell you how often it is used by my children on your little ball of dirt. And yes, I can see exactly what you’re doing over there, Stephen. You’ve finally found a website talking about exactly what I’m telling you now. No, you can’t put the fucking URL in the book. The monkeys who care enough will just have to dig for

it like you did. Funny thing is, haven’t you noticed that you’ve having a tough time finding that kind of information these days?”

“I have. I used to be able to find hundreds, if not thousands, of sites that talked about satanic references and symbols. I looked up a lot of shit back in the day, and now I can barely find any of it. I find a lot of paranoid Youtube videos, but not the sites that had…”

“…the written word about it? Of course you can’t my mortal friend.

I have been working on having it all wiped away. Do you really think I would let my companies allow you to find the information I am trying to keep away from you? Did you really think I would let Google, Yahoo, and Bing offer you actuality and not commercialization? I am in charge of those people. All of these puppets are mine. Riches to bring warmth to the fires of Hell. It’s me, pretending to offer you choice and feeding you nothing but the same.”

“That’s really fucked up. Why would you…”

“Why would I not? You had your Oracle of Delphi. That was exactly what your kind created the internet for. But I stepped in and slowly turned it into what I wanted, an overabundance of news, gossip, advertisements, and sex that’s impossible to navigate. Try finding actual information that would not only save your souls, but help you to understand your reality. Tough? That’s because I gave some men millions of dollars to create search engines, businesses, and even news sites. You must know that. I am more than willing to give it to them since their hearts and souls are into spreading nonsense and misinformation for me. It was only the greediest ones who publicly said, ‘we will not use it for evil.’ I let them survive only to showcase them in the future. Not only are they evil in my eyes, but they will turn evil in your eyes as well. Some people will kill their mothers for a grand, but at least they will look into her eyes and turn the knife as her life slowly ebbs away. Others will stand on a pedestal and tell you that they are doing it for the common good. Yet billions of dollars are made on the backs of those who believe them.”

I say, “You were telling me about the symbols and idols in our civilization before. I know there is more to that.”

Satan says, “There is. Like that silly Ronnie James Dio hand sign that so many people associate with Satan. It used to be a symbol for warding off the ‘evil eye’ in Italy. Those who practiced the ways of the arcane did it here or there, but it really took off when Dio began using it. It slowly became so much more. My children took it up, looking at it as the sign of the horns. They noticed that it can even be construed as three sixes in their hands. It came to mean ‘metal and hard rock,’ but then it became of me.”

I say, “So it was innocent at first?”

“Isn’t it always? It’s what I do. I slowly take over a symbol and make it my own. Something so that others can see who is damned and in league with me. Even though it used to just mean metal, I took it over. Now you have no clue who is raising it for me and who is raising it just because they enjoy hard music. If you even knew who has sold me their soul, actually  I should really  say given to me, their soul to become famous, you would be flabbergasted. You’d shit your pants in amazement at who even mentions it and has songs about it. Let your silly readers look up musicians who have sold their souls. Let them wade thru the stupidity of what they have offered for some measly bucks, fleeting fame, and a trophy on their wall that they can’t even take with them.”

“I’ll do that on my off time tomorrow. You began talking about the

internet. Honestly, can this even fit in the book?”

“Yes. I will keep it as brief as I can for now. It really boils down to money and what humans are willing to do. If they’ll psychologically destroy innocents over the good ‘ol seven deadly sins. The internet is my playground. The ruler of the mind is at his best when everything, and I do I mean everything, is available to humankind at the click of a button. I never thought about it, but it could have been from Him. Honestly, I think He gave me this tool, or should I say weapon, to filter mankind out quicker since more people are being born.”

I say nothing.

“Not only do I get to make the rich fall faster with their greed and psychological torture, but it also gives those who would never have the ability to fuck over their fellow man opportunities that not only surprise

me, but that they don’t really understand. Nigerians ripping off Americans. Not bad in their eyes. Russians stealing from everyone. Taking money from the British is just the cost of the business. If a Russian pays for stolen merchandise, more power to them. Theft of everything: movies, books, software programs, cell phones rings, TV shows, websites, passwords, identities, cars, homes, emails, and chats. Oh, and… do I even need to say it? Because I will. PORNOGRAPHY! Fucking porn. Sex for money. Prostitution and whore mongering. Fame, fortune, fornication, and the desperation of humanity just doing what others want to see. Oh yes, Stephen. This is only the tip of the iceberg. I haven’t even talked about charities; feel good, bullshit emotion that does nothing for humanity. Well, it allows some to feel good for doing nothing. Oh yes, we will talk about the internet. Take a day off. You are going to need it.”

Chapter 18

As Far as Revelation is Concerned

“You took longer than a day to come back to me Stephen.”

“I know. Had some personal family problems.” I begin typing, and feel a warmth from behind me as he begins.

“Ahhh, stepkids. You gotta hate them back sometimes. No respect. They hate you because you’re not their father, but you’re still doing all sorts of perverted things to their mother behind closed doors. They hate you for changing the family dynamic so that their mother won’t give them everything they ask for, and for taking time away from them that their mother would have spent crawling around their feet, trying to make them love her and showering them with gifts so they won’t pull away as their minds grow older and their narcissism fully blossoms into self- hatred, then self-pity, then becomes focused on whatever it can.”

“That was a rather a long sentence. Are we really talking about my

step kids again? What about them?”

The Vile One says, “I know you don’t want to talk about your family any more. I also know that you don’t want to know about me sending my kind to manipulate them and destroy their lives. Especially your wife. You’re a good man, Stephen Scott Biro, but you’re not a fortress all to yourself. Since you became a stepfather, a business man, and someone people look up to, I’ve set battles and positioned all those around you to slowly chip at the walls of your fortifications and drag mud into your moat. When your walls are down, there will be nothing left of your psyche to protect you from me… or them. The rest of the fallen, who are

more than willing to fry in the eternal flames just to bring you with them.”

I desperately rub my eyes and say, “I know what you’re doing, always have, but can you get off of it for a little while. I’m not in the mood, and I am sure my readers aren’t either. How about I let you blow my mind, hurt me psychologically, baffle me with your theology, and whatever else you’re going to do to me in fifteen thousand words. Fifteen thousand from this point forward. Give me, give us, that much.”

My pack of cigarettes is gone, and I can hear my lighter behind me.

Then my smokes are thrown, narrowly missing me and hitting the monitor. I reach for them and begin my normal nicotine ritual.

“I know what you’re going thru. I really do. I also understand where

you are in regards to me. I will change that, but I will give you a little reprieve. Fifteen thousand words, but I get a whole chapter of just you. Believe me, I understand your hesitation. It’s like the second arm of a clock flittering away to a count down. We will count it down. Not a word more and not a word less. Agreed?”

I let out my breath and say, “Fine. Start counting.”

Satan says, “Perfect. Fourteen thousand, nine hundred and ninety- seven to go. Oh, wait, fourteen thousand, nine hundred and eighty-six. Fourteen thousand nine hundred and seventy-nine. Ahhhh, fourteen thousand…”

“You can stop that now. It defeats the whole purpose.”

“But I’m following the rules, aren’t I? If you think about it, the rules set in stone are rules that you cannot live by without breaking them constantly. The problem you are all facing is that you don’t know the rules that were giving to me, the ruler of this world, by Him up on high. You have no clue how far reaching they are.”

“I do. I just not try to think about it as much.”

“Fine. We will play it your way for now. Where was I? The internet? Oh yes, the filth mongering Whore of Babylon. Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and Abominations of the Earth."

“Where did that come from? The Whore of Babylon? You’re taking

me into left field with this one.”

He says, “But am I? We’re deep enough into your little book that I should get to the meat of the matter. I’m talking about the book of Revelation. You know, the end of your Christian book that so many people are so confused about? Don’t you think it is time I gave you some of the Biblical secrets that so many priests, ministers, and so-called holy people have been fighting about for ages? They’re still fighting to this day, and all too ignorant to read the bible and think about it beyond what some people said hundreds of years ago, much less thousands. You can tell a person is stupid if, when they tell you what the ‘Good Book’ means, they’re just parroting what was said years ago. It’s as if everyone is afraid to read the book with any new meaning.”

“But sometimes understanding does come from the past.”

The Devil says, “But yet, was the Bible not written for all mankind in all centuries? What was written and understood a thousand years ago can never be changed due to man’s incessant growing and reaching towards him? When a child reads the Bible, does it not change in their eyes as the reader becomes a teenager? He sees and understands more. What about a young man, a middle aged man, an older man, and even an old man? Doesn’t every paragraph change in light of the wisdom and knowledge that he gains as he grows old?”

“I agree with that. As I grew spiritually since the first time I read the

Bible, my understanding of it definitely changed. Passages that I didn’t understand then have deeper meaning to me than they used to.”

“So what is the problem with, as civilization grows, its understanding growing as a whole? That is a part of the secret I am giving you now. I told you I would give you the secrets to share. I’m definitely winning the soul count here. If this is checkers, then I’ve taken enough pieces to win a thousand times over. But that’s not the game I am playing.”

“So what game are you playing?”

“I told you, but I didn’t tell you everything. That is for later. Don’t worry. I will try to explain it for the feeble minded who at least had the guts and fortitude to finish reading this. I’m going to tell you the truth about the Whore of Babylon.”

“I thought we were talking about the internet?”

“We are. They’re one and the same.” “I’m lost.”

“As you should be. Here is the problem with you monkeys. Some of you read Revelation as if it was a part of history. Some of you pull it into the here and now, but don’t really read it with the bigger picture in mind. Think of it this way. When John of Patmos was experiencing the visions, or should I say hallucinations… actually, for your enjoyment, hellucinations… do you really think he understood and wrote down everything he saw? Do you think he witnessed it in its entirety and fully comprehended seeing the future? What he saw were allegories and visions that were shown to him in a way that he could grasp it at his time in history. He wrote what he understood in the only way he could.”

I don’t say anything, but I’m on the edge of my seat.

“Let’s start with one of the major challenges of Revelation. Anyone with any kind of discernment would have tried to decipher this. Many actually have, mind you. The Whore of Babylon is the internet.”

“The internet? That’s not what I’ve read.”

I can hear a triumphant smile in Lucifer’s voice. “Precisely! The Whore of Babylon emerged twenty years ago, and is getting stronger every year. I know, I know. Many so-called fundamentalists are screaming that it’s the Catholic Church because their heart resides on seven hills, or mountains depending on which Bible you read. But the Catholic Church is at its weakest point in history, and it becomes weaker every year. It has no say in government affairs now. No say in world commerce. Its handful of followers diminishes as each year goes by. No power resides there today. But it used to have power, and that is why so many blame them. So many think and hope that it’s the Whore of Babylon. It’s not. Those too ignorant and stuck in their own way of thinking will probably stop reading now.”

“So, would you be willing to hold off on trying to put down the readers long enough to explain this for me? Was it written by John the Apostle as some think, or was it a second person?”

“Gladly. Your last question is stupid. It’s not like John is a common

name, you know.” Satan seems a little disappointed when I don’t laugh.

“John of Patmos is called that because he wrote Revelation on the isle of Patmos. Not a big deal. It really doesn’t matter if every John in the Bible was a different person. If there was a Jesus that was picking vegetables in the Bible, it doesn’t mean that he was THE Jesus. Just like what you’re writing now. Stephen Biro is writing it, not Stephen King. If you released this with just ‘Stephen’ as the author, I doubt people a hundred years from now would think that other guy wrote it. But what about four hundred years from now? A thousand. Maybe then. But let’s get back to the subject at hand. You’re wondering why I am telling you that the Whore of Babylon is the internet. Let’s start from the beginning. She resides on seven hills.”

“And?”

“What do you think I meant when I told Him I came ‘from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it?’ It’s in Job if you didn’t know. Anyway, if I am master of the earth, then he plainly gave it to me. I get to walk all over it as you walk in a park. What do you think seven hills would be to me? In fact, what would seven hills, or even mountains, be to Him?

I venture, “Continents?”

“I knew I liked you. It’s not literal hills or mountains. It’s the continents of the world. Now, let’s look at the other parts just for fun and fancy. But first, a little Bible quotation. Hope you don’t mind…Revelation 17:2; ‘With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’

Now think about it. The internet has made the kings fornicate with

greed, envy, wrath and lust. To put it bluntly, to fuck everyone in every way. Not just sex, but money, wealth, power, and fame. To understand who the kings are, you have to understand that there are no real kings in your day and age. So who are they? Think about ‘the inhabitants, drunk on the wine of her fornication.’ Nothing would happen without the Whore of Babylon now. Billionaires become richer. Governments control people thru news. Media fame and fortune are at your beck and call now. Who and what are the kings? You don’t think they are the

measly presidents of your stupid little countries, do you? They can be voted out of office in a couple of years. That’s not a king. Corporations and military complexes are the kings now. Revelation 17:3; ‘and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.’ The seven heads are continents, and the ten horns are corporations and the militaries of certain governments.”

He continues, “Then Revelation 17:9; ‘The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.’ See?”

I’m confounded. “I don’t understand.”

He sighs, “Of course you do. Seven continents. The internet is in every country across the world. All of the so-called kings use it. They all glorify and worship her as they manufacture greed and bring it into everyone’s home. Fornicating with a computer. Masturbating and worshipping greed, envy, pride, vanity, and sloth. Everyone is sitting in front of a network of computers in every home, partaking in the lusts of the unsaved. Those who are possessed use it to drag the saved down into their murderous treachery not just because misery loves company, but because the damned love to damn.”

“Holy shit. So you’re telling me that…”

“You know exactly what I am telling you, Stephen. It’s the discernment that you are lacking. Let’s go one more. Revelation 17:15; ‘And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.’ The internet does take care of that Tower of Babel problem, huh? Revelation 17:16; ‘And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.’ Sounds like the so-called ‘kings’ turn off the Internet at some point; does it not? Think about it. If a government could turn off the internet, as well as certain corporations owned by certain kings, wouldn’t it plunge the world into total darkness? Banks, food, water, electricity, and even the precious entertainment that you waste so much of your life on would be gone. Why would they hate the Whore of Babylon? For the same reason they loved her. She gave all of

you little people a voice. In your world, power follows numbers. Those with the strength rely on her for supremacy. When they see you trying to appropriate their kingdoms of gold and authority, they’ll engulf you all in darkness, fire, and fear.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Well, I suggest you shut up and let me talk. You only have twelve thousand, nine hundred and ninety three words left.”

“Then I shouldn’t tell you to go fuck yourself?”

Lucifer says, “I would expect nothing less from you Mr. Biro. Now let’s move on, shall we? In the Bible, the number seven also represents completeness. It’s why you see it all the time. Seven represented the whole reign of the world when it was written. As you know, these little flesh bags did not know of the seven continents at that time. Lets say it was a lucky guess. Catholic apologists state that ‘seven hills’ could be ancient Rome. You’re forgetting the reality of the time you live in now. Your video games, via the internet, are now the biggest city on earth. Let’s laugh a little. Just think of the number of people on online games where they live, drink, sleep, eat, and make money. Tokyo, the most populous real city on earth, only has a little over thirteen million. If we bring in game consoles and websites that allow online gaming, we’re at over two hundred million people playing online games. I do believe that would qualify the virtual space that the horde of game slaves occupies as the world’s largest city. That’s why it’s called Babylon the Great. More people live their lives online than in your reality.

But people always want to bring up the literal aspects of whore. Ok,

what is the definition of a whore? Sex for money. Let’s bring fornication into the mix. Fucking someone. Does exacerbating all seven deadly sins on a daily basis not qualify as fucking the people who see it, think it, take part in it, and want more of it? I would figure more of you would be Amish by now, but it’s easy to keep you all asleep with the gadgets, money, and everything else I drive behind them.”

“But…”

“Quiet. I’m on a roll. What about the ‘clothed in purple and red’ part that so many construe as implicating the Catholic Church? You’re so

gullible and foolhardy. If you can understand that the Whore, the internet, is a false god that many worship, have sex with, pray to, work with, and can’t live without, then maybe you can understand why she is wearing purple and red. It’s for the simple reason that He commanded the wearing of wool and other cloth of these colors. The Whore of Babylon has not only altered God’s word in the inter-verse, which she owns, but she has learned to subjugate it with thousands of readily available religions and theories that subvert the true meaning of what He wanted. They confuse the souls of all who cross and become one with her. And, I am sorry to say, that is all of you. Hell, you wouldn’t be able to read this if you weren’t online. Even ordering this book means that you’re using the Whore of Babylon to learn about the shit your reality is. So without her, you wouldn’t even know the mess you are in.”

“I…”

“Shut up. Let me speak. ‘She possesses great wealth.’ No shit. ‘Golden chalice of abominations.’ Look in your simple searches. It’s not like that ever truly goes away. She’s been tracking you since the first day you logged on. ‘Mother of Harlots.’ Too funny. The Greek word porna was used for both mother and daughter. The King James Version of the Bible interprets this word as ‘whore’ every time it refers to the mother, but as ‘harlot’ when it mentions the daughters. I mean, come on! Porna in Greek… porno! Pornography. I am talking about over eight hundred and eighty million pornography websites, listings, and pages. I understand it’s not one sixth of the world’s women acting in pornography, but it’s going to get a LOT worse. Easy money. Sex was His gift, but it’s been used in so many bad ways that it shames him most of the time. Celebrity equals gangbangs for some very hurt women out there that just want to be loved. Their dreams of attention and money end with a cock in their asses. Men fall under its spell, daydreaming, wishing, and praying for the true animalistic sexuality they see through the glowing ray tube. Fucking their computers. And as it moves ahead, more women are jumping on board and letting the perversions of fantasy drag them down into what they think is normal. The whore’s greatest accomplishment… but I digress. Does the whore shed the blood of saints? Damn right she does.

Every Christian, or so-called Christian, that fucks over, kills, bleeds, or manipulates anyone on the other side of that screen hemorrhages.

Easy fact. Take some woman who made a porno in the seventies, the seventies mind you, for example. She is more than likely old and decrepit now. She might have even turned to God and given her life to him. An innocent sixteen year old watches the sex scene with her, jerks off for five minutes, and doesn’t understand what is going on. She is making him bleed. Video and film have their good points, but they definitely have bad points too. This is one of them. Committing an act of sin on film or video will allow that sin to transcend what the person finally becomes, and will count as a gray, broken hair on their head.

‘Reigns over kings?’ Like I said before, turn off the internet and see

how many of the so-called kings are willing to murder, corrupt, and set fire to the rest of the world without their subjects worshipping at their feet.”

I put my cigarette out and just sit there in astonishment. I don’t know where this is going next, and the Devil doesn’t make me wait long. “Let’s have some more fun, shall we? Let’s continue with Revelation, and I will finally reveal to you what you should have known all along. I know, I know. It’s a little late in the game. But if you read this before the game is over, then it’s never too late. I’ll start where it gets confusing. The first part, the seven churches of Asia, is easy to read and easier to figure out. But it wasn’t talking about seven churches of Asia since he was writing at a time after the churches of Turkey fell. Being human, John had to use his time period as a marker for visions and wisdom that he didn’t understand. But they were not meant for exactly that time. If you were a child, you would understand it more completely. Due to your adulthood, with its false ideas and blasphemies, it is hard to comprehend. Jesus always said, ‘Behold, the kingdom of God is within you.’ Hence, the churches he talks about, instructs, and condemns are spiritual levels that all within the kingdom of God go through. No one is supposed to get stuck in any of them, but you do. They are warnings for believers, not just churches even though everyone thinks differently. Each symbol of each church is different in their faith. He tries to warn us all of being

stuck in a belief or mindset that can corrupt the soul. I have to laugh. I always knew I would be a great minister of the word.”

I say, “You’re doing great.”

“I know I am… but it wasn’t supposed to be that way.” “Please, just go on.”

Satan says, “The seven churches are seven different traps and holding places for Christians. Until you get out of one, you can’t experience the other. Stepping into that realm of reality means that you have to deal with it. You do know what churches you are stuck in, don’t you Stephen?”

“Yes, I do. Thyatira and Sardis.” “So you do know. You realize…”

“The other two churches are for when you become older.”

“And that’s why you are writing this book. The oldest  so-called church is about lukewarm faith and what happens when flesh-bags get old. Damn, I should have stayed with my first job. Anyway, let’s jump to this. ‘To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.’ Overcome all of these obstacles, and you are saved. Well, at least from the Revelation standpoint. The New Testament, at its earlier stages, just says to believe and have faith in Him. But you will go thru these stages of life if you do that. Pretty simple.”

I hear him finally sit down. “Revelation four is more or less about the wonderment of Heaven and the people who the Lord chose to be with him. Even though they worshipped him, and would be willing to dedicate themselves to him, he took their understanding and wisdom as a good judge does. They were human at one time, but who were they really? ‘And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting.’ They were not really men, mind you. They were emotions, deeds, understandings, and virtues. Eighty in all and all in eighty.

I say, “So, you’re saying that all those that sat around the Lord’s

throne room were not human, but emotions and understandings?”

Satan says, “Of course! Men could not really sit in His throne room. They couldn’t help judge humanity. But the emotions, understandings,

and virtues could. He created them for you to encounter and to do your best to adapt and make a part of yourself. Imagine if you will that every good emotion, thought, deed, and virtue had a shape in the Lords courtroom. When a man or woman steps into that court room for judgment, those that the person understood, worked on, could comprehend, and tried to emulate stood up. The ones that they didn’t bother with sat down. It would be pretty easy to make judgment, wouldn’t it?”

Before I can answer, he says, “Then we find ourselves with this, ‘the

first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.’ It simply means that the first of his all-seeing eyes had the heart of a lion. He saw who was mighty of heart in his eyes. The calf represents the peacefulness of he who would actually turn the other cheek. The man was like them, but could see into the mind of all who came before him. The eagle represents the eyes of the Lord, which could see all of the workings beyond the simple into the complicated and the obtuse. An eagle eye, much less hundreds of them, could see the machinations and strings of my own personal traps and influences upon the souls who entered into the chamber.”

He makes himself more comfortable before he continues. “Let’s

jump to Revelation five: ‘…in the midst of the elders stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.’ It’s not seven eyes. It’s actually seven virtues. Knowledge, charity, will, diligence, patience, love, and humility.”

I don’t understand it, but I think I began to hear Satan cry slightly as he talks.

“Only the virtues could open the book. It was not a man who was saved or someone who received Gods favor. It was all Him. Every aspect of this trial had nothing to do with anyone but He who created us. John of Patmos could not understand what he was seeing, yet he saw it all. When He created you, He created you like Him. Most think these things are bound in threes. For Him; God the Father, the Son, and the Holy

Spirit. For humans; the id, ego and superego. In religion; the self, one’s demons, and their own personal angels. That was what mankind could grasp onto at the time, and still could barely grasp that. For the Creator, every emotion and feeling was a separate part of him. They were all in the judgment room as separate personalities, yet they were all a part of Him.

Don’t you understand? Only Him who hath understanding, the Lamb, could open the book. John of Patmos could not understand what he was seeing when he wrote ‘…For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.’ It was all about Him. The Lamb of God was slain for you. Sometimes the obvious is just so obvious. ‘And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.’ Knowledge, charity, will, diligence, patience, love and humility… these are the true kings in His eyes. The rest are angels, beasts, and so-called elders. The elders are what I am telling you about.”

The Devil stands back up. “Let’s be honest for a moment. I know you don’t expect me to, but you have to see and read this with the eyes of eternity and not just the eyes of present time humanity. Let’s first go thru the horsemen, shall we? Revelation six starts out with ‘And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.’

Now let’s jump ahead to, ‘And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.’ Sounds like it was already unleashed, doesn’t it?

‘And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say,

Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.’ How can you not laugh at that? He doesn’t want oil or alcohol to be hurt. Really? He doesn’t want Texaco and Maddog 20/20 to disappear. That’s fine. At

least you know convenience stores will still be stocked full of Budweiser in the end times. ‘And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.’ Let’s stop there for a second, shall we?

These are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first horseman

was let out to conquer. If he was never let out, nothing would have been conquered and all countries and people would be where they were. Pretty simple.”

He’s up and walking around again. “It’s pretty easy to see what’s important with the next horseman since red is the color of blood and violence. But the interesting aspect of horseman number two is in the line ‘take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another.’ When have you ever had peace? When have you not had bloodshed? When has someone ever not killed another? It’s true that some towns, villages, and even cities have not had a murder happen. But when has the earth not been awash in bloodshed, much less had peace? There is no peace. There never has been. Fights, turmoil, and the like are human nature. There was never any peace at any time since He died.”

I continue to type out his words.

“We already discussed how your precious petroleum and booze will be fine, so let’s move to the last one, shall we? You do realize that Death has entered into this so-called world of yours, don’t you? The sword can just be interpreted as weapons, but hunger and death by beasts? Those have gone on since the very beginning of time. Don’t you understand what this means? The Four Horsemen have already been released. Death, Famine, War, and Pestilence. They’re in all of your lives. It has already come to pass since the very first of you were born into this world.

Let’s continue forward. ‘And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and

avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?’ Not really Christian are they?” he says with a smirk.

“Instead of forgiveness, they want vengeance, death, and eternal damnation. To be honest, they all ought to be thrown into Hell as well. It goes against the golden rule. Judge not lest ye be judged yourself. They will be dragged into Hell for their spirits are not forgiving. Even if they led holy lives and were taken down for their beliefs, they wouldn’t be asking for retribution if they were truly holy. They would beg forgiveness for those who did not understand or did not know. Let’s not stay on this subject to long. Too many of your fellow Christians who want vengeance on those who harmed them cannot and will not accept the Lamb’s understanding and forgiveness. They will be led by the Lamb to slaughter. So next up is ‘And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.’

I have to say, making them put on white gowns and telling them that

they have to wait for their servants and brethren to be killed… well that just makes me smile. Most people who read this do NOT comprehend what it truly means. Let me put it to you this way. Those who are supposed to convince the Lamb to smite the people who did them wrong were supposedly holy on earth, but really became evil people in the afterlife. Just because you are in the throne room and under an altar, it doesn’t make you what and who He wants. Giving them white robes and telling them that all of their servants and brethren need to be murdered for what they are doing is a perfect end to His means. Think about it. As their servants  and families  are murdered, their lily white gowns  will become soaked in blood with each kill. When their lineage is decimated unto death, He will turn to each of them and ask, ‘Is this what you wanted? You wanted vengeance, and it was meted out on your own family. Bask in the blood of your children, wives, and husbands. Then tell me how you want more bloodshed.’

Just because you read a sentence in a book, it does not mean that the

sentence ends, mind you. Some interpret that being garbed in white

shows a spiritual conversion, but that’s not the case if they still want blood and vengeance. He tells you to offer the other cheek if you’re bitch slapped. If someone steals your shirt, offer him your coat as well. If you’re dead and in the Lords throne room, I suggest you forgive those who did you harm. You’re still in the courtroom. You have not been judged yet.

I get the feeling this rant isn’t going to end any time soon, so I light

another cigarette and just let his words wash over me. “Ah, humanity. You just refuse to live up to His promises and the knowledge that you were taught by Him who made me and you. Now, this next point will be a long one.” Looks like I was right. “I’m not going to explain sentence by sentence, but this is where you are in the timeline of Revelation. Now before you start shitting your collective pants, you have to understand that it is not written in perfect chronological order. It’s not a full outline or a timetable in exact reference to how it is supposed to be. Hence The Four Horsemen already released.

Let’s jump to the next verse, shall we? ‘And I saw another angel

ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.’

Come on. It was given unto him to hurt the earth and the sea! Now they say don’t do it? Looks like someone is not doing what was given to him. ‘Till some Jews had seals or tattoos on their foreheads? Why do they need to be branded like cattle for Him to know who they are? He should know who you are without a brand on your forehead. Then again, you ARE all cattle to us. Maybe I need to brand you all as well. Don’t worry, I will figure it out later. ‘And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed a hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.’

Yeah, the creator is a racist. What am I supposed to say? All Jews.

Nobody else. It plainly states that only twelve thousand of each Jewish tribe. I like that. Fuck the rest of you. Only a hundred and forty-four thousand. As for the rest… FUCK YOU!

I can’t help but laugh when I see so many stupid ass Christians saying, ‘Well, it’s Jewish people and only Jewish people. Only the tribes are saved, but they went to many different lands as it says.’ I mean, what if you’re number twelve thousand and one? Well, fuck you then! What if the twelve tribes of Israel are something different? What if we are all Israelites? All children of God? Sort of like dog breeds. I mean, I love German shepherds. If I created all dogs on this world but only wanted to offer second chances to German shepherds, wouldn’t you be pissed off if you were a Pekinese, Basset hound, or Saint fucking Bernard? Seriously, if he died for both Gentile and Jew alike, wouldn’t some other breed of dog, I mean human, be in the hundred and forty-four thousand?”

The floor trembles slightly as he begins to pace. “Let’s look at the

next verses and see what being one of the ‘branded’ means. It says, ‘And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.’

So, being a part of the one hundred forty-four thousand means that

you’re a slave. And if you read it correctly, you don’t have a memory until asked by a man who is hallucinating. You should get this, Stephen. It states specifically that you’re a slave tending to the Lord day and night. He feeds you, give you a fountain, which I am sure is His energy to live forever, and he will wipe away your tears. But then again, why are you crying? Is it because everyone else you knew is dead, tortured, and sitting in a pit in Hell? They’re not part of the branded, and you know not where they went. One minute it says that you shall not hunger; and the

next, He’s feeding you. You shall not thirst, but yet you never see the sun or feel its warmth on you. You shall serve him, day and night.”

I say, “Well, one minute it sounds good. The next, it sounds…” “Batshit insane? I mean, really? He gave you freedom of choice, but

you’re fucking slaves for all eternity if you’re chosen? Good thing it’s only one forty-four, right? I am sure He will have His favorites. He always does. Sometimes even I get pissed off at this whole thing. Freedom of choice, but he damns you if you use it. Do your best to follow Him and you can end up a seal-bearing slave anyway? I mean, what is the point of creating a world with so-called ‘damnation or salvation’ hanging in the balance of every soul only to give some souls better than average chances? Why make some souls beautiful and others ugly as shit. Some intelligent and others dumber than shit. Then, to round it all off, hatred towards what vagina you were shit out of and what piece of dirt you were shat onto. People shat out into Israel seriously have a better chance than anyone else? You have no choice of parents.

If you knew the deal, that being born Jewish gives you favors and

fucks you up at the same time, would you choose to be Chinese? You’d be aborted if you weren’t your parent’s firstborn. You won’t have easy access to Christianity, and you certainly won’t be Jewish. Knowing in your heart and soul that you had a much better chance of being condemned to Hell, how could you pick that? So the question is; why are there over two billion people in China and other Asian countries? Is it a lottery before you are born? Shit! I’m Vietnamese, a woman, and I’m going to be a sex slave with no hope of ever hearing His word! That sucks. What did you get? Fuck! I’m going to be born in Nigeria, where I’ll get aids and slowly die. But at least I’ll become a Jehovah’s Witness before I die in a tent covered in my own shit and piss. I’ll be close to being a Christian, but since I will be worshipping an alien, it’ll be close but no cigar. What about you? I’m going to be the child of a Hollywood actor. I will have no say in my life until they’re dead, and I will inherit their riches. Until then, I will be raised as a Scientologist. I will know

nothing about true Christianity, but will force my own kids to jump on the damnation train while basking in my riches.

As He says in the Bible, ‘I knew you before you were born.’ If He did, why would He allow you to be born like this? Ask yourself ‘why would you want me to be born just to go to Hell? Why would He allow me to be born just to starve to death? Why would He allow me to be born of a religion that He has condemned? Why refuse me and push me into Hell no matter what I do?’ Seriously, why?”

I hear Satan sit back down. He heaves a breath that tells me he’s

growing weary. “I’m done for now, at least as far as Revelation is concerned. I wanted to get it all done and over with, but it’s even too much for me. Let’s pick it up later.”

“Okay. I’m tired too.”

“I’m sure you are. Not only are you trying to handle my spastic ideas, you’re trying to keep your faith at the same time. You know, the Jews have it more right than wrong. I’m more of a lawyer that sits in His throne room and tries to persecute and prosecute all who come before us. I don’t judge. He does.”

I turn around as I say, “Wait, what?” He’s gone.

Chapter 19

The Road to Hell is Wide

I sit in the chair, nervous and apprehensive. I didn’t like where it was going last night, and I doubt I’m going to like where it goes tonight. He must sense my unease, because he begins with, “I do apologize for last night’s rant. I knew I was making you uncomfortable talking about your Lord like that, but sometimes it just sticks in my craw.”

I’m a little bit relieved, but still very cautious. “I can understand. I’m

sure most humans who have studied the Bible have questions and can be angered when they see it that way.”

“But it was written by a Jew for Jews of the time. When you read the

New Testament, Jesus never blesses just the Jews. He blesses all the people, gentile and Jew alike. So even with the Holy Spirit in the writers of the Bible, it’s still flavored with a sense of the superiority of one’s own race. My rant was more for your reader’s benefit.”

I begin to speak, but he cuts me off. “Just be quiet for a bit. The

Bible is an allegory to help mankind live better lives and learn spiritual truths. To take it all literally is a slippery slope that actually turns people away from the truth of it all. But first, let’s talk more of Revelation.”

Here we go again. I hunker over my keyboard, not knowing what he’ll say. “You remember the trials and tribulations you went thru to find Him?”

“Very much so.”

“Well, John of Patmos went thru the same thing and explained what he saw the best he could. But he had to frame a lot of marvels and wonders. Your world has over seven billion people in it right now, and in

two years it will be over 8 billion. When the angels begin to sound the trumpets, the world will start its upheaval. There will be fires, hunger, earthquakes, and locusts with scorpion tails sent to torment all of humanity except the hundred and forty-four thousand. Death will flee from them, and none will repent of their deeds. People repent of their deeds every day, as if you don’t know. The trumpets don’t happen all at once. It takes years, even centuries for all of this to come to pass. The environmental challenges your planet is going thru; earthquakes, floods, basically everything in Revelation is happening now. It will become more extreme as time goes by. When he talks about the locusts of the fifth trumpet, you will have to deal with bugs eating the food as the environmental changes cause certain populations to explode. Nuclear war will bring the fire, hail, and brimstone. This is the army of horsemen spoken of when the sixth trumpet sounds. Sorry if I jumped ahead. The first trumpet will be a solar flare, but it’s actually trumpets one, two and three. It’s all a part of the same incident.

The problem is, the visionary saw repeats of the end of the world.

The vials and trumpets are the same thing. Once this pile of rock begins to self-destruct, that’s it. I’m not going to go into major details about the war between me and Him. You already know about the Whore of Babylon. That solar flare will destroy her and lay waste to the great virtual city of Babylon. No one will be able to buy anything from everywhere like they used to. The Great Tribulation will slowly destroy everyone. That false witness, if you must know, is just another religion turning against Christianity and blaming all of its own woes on it. That will start a very nice war between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East.”

I’m a little confused. “You told me that you were trying to get me to be the false fitness.”

“Nice memory, but there is more than one false witness. There are thousands of them, but the Bible only speaks of two in Israel. Sort of like The Antichrist. A lot of people reading it think there is only one, but Second John 1:7 states ‘For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.’

I will have my dirty little hands on everything, but it says that I’m thrown down into the pit for a thousand years. Then the first resurrection happens, and I’m supposed to go to war again after losing the first one. Then I get to be sent to Hell again to be tormented forever. Gee, lucky me.”

I shift in my chair and ask, “So it’s part allegory and part reality, but interpreted as he could understand it?”

“Yeah. I mean, do you really think locusts are going to wear breastplates, sprout scorpion tales, and have hair like a woman?”

“Not really.”

Satan says, “Then take it with a grain of salt. Personally, I’m hoping that Jesus is not that hard-core. You know what I find funny? If Revelation is truly the future, then by knowing that future, you can change it. Every little meat bag running around on this planet has heard of Revelation. They know not to get ‘666’ stamped on their forehead or hand, thereby changing God’s will. That is, unless he knew of this and the change was taken into account. Look at it this way. Since you know the number of the beast, why on earth would you accept it? You wouldn’t. No one except for those clueless, deviant bastards that relish me and think I’m ultra-cool and fashionable would. Look at those fucking idiots with ‘666’ tattooed on their bodies. The whole point is for people NOT to know you’re in league with me. Anyway, when my so called trademark becomes the only way you can buy and sell, it’s going to be as simple as a credit card.”

“A credit card?”

“Yep. There are more numbers on the card than you know. The computer code behind it, the security code, the card reader line. Cash isn’t obsolete now, but it will be. We worked so hard on those little phones that steal more and more of your lives with constant distractions. Those will become the new payment method. As more and more people begin using them, you will have no clue of the numbers that will be behind and inside the payments. Humanity will actually have no idea when they take the number that was given to me. You won’t have to say yes. You will just have to say that it’s easier and more convenient to use

this technological marvel you are fascinated by. It will be that easy for you. I am the ruler of this world. Remember? It plainly says so in the Bible. I couldn’t have offered everything to Jesus if I wasn’t. None of you truly know the insanity you are in for.”

“You mentioned distractions. Is that a part of the ruse?”

“You’re quick. I give you that. Of course it is. The more demons I send to chatter in your heads and alter your thoughts, the more you believe that those thoughts are your own. We are working on more and more distractions so you don’t have time to think. Appreciate and come to grips with the predicament you’re in. We can't keep you from going to church or reading the Bible, but we can keep you from a relationship with Him. We have learned to keep you busy with the non-essentials of life and occupy your minds. We have learned to make you spend beyond your means and borrow from those who practice usury. We have managed to keep you all so filled with your own wants that you forget what is important. Families and friends fragment into a million pieces. Even your own homes turn from refuges into your own little prison cells.”

“That’s pretty harsh…”

He says, “But it’s only the beginning. We have learned to arouse and saturate your minds beyond normal thought by bombarding them with TV and radio where ever you go. Even in malls and stores there’s background music to hide your own thoughts and feelings. It gets worse once you know. Non-stop twenty four hour news cycles spread fear at the horror of what mankind has done, is going to do, and could do. That is the fear of life that we spread in a continual wave over all of mankind. It’s very effective in destroying peace and harmony. We have even invaded your cars with billboards. Your mailboxes are stuffed with contests, free products, and false hopes of lotteries and giveaways. They drop into your minds like nuclear bombs, shredding any chance of real hope and peace. Haven’t you ever noticed that when you go on vacation, you still come home tired and un-refreshed? It’s because we have all been working to strip your time of peace by filling it with concerts, movies, and sporting events. We have managed to manipulate all of you into

thinking that busy is good. That doing things is more important than resting and spending quality time with friends and family.”

I say, “So you’re working every angle you can to dumb us down, keep us busy, and keep our minds occupied. Don’t you think you’re taking it a little too far?”

“Not in the least. It’s our job to conspire against you. We’re supposed to tempt you into giving up your souls, your life, your family, and your salvation. Personally, I wouldn’t give a rat’s ass, but I’m just doing the job I was given a long, long time ago. I didn’t want to be a part of the plan, but one makes do. And to be honest, it looks like He doesn’t want all of you in the first place.”

“Hey, wait a minute.”

“I knew that would get your attention. Think of it this way. The path to salvation is narrow, but the road to Hell is wide. He knew most of you would not have the gumption and fortitude to be saved, yet He made you anyway. Think of Him as a kid with a playset. Personally, if I had been in charge of this morality play instead of Him, I would have given you all a fighting chance. Just one religion. Just one race with rules that are a lot easier to follow. I wouldn’t have had a book written that would cause wars, murder, and death in my name. But alas, I’m not the Creator. I’m just a pawn that he created to fuck with you all. I’m here to condemn and destroy those who are not saved for the amusement of the saved. To let them really feel special while their friends and family burn for all eternity.”

I don’t want to talk to him anymore, and I hope my slumped posture

discourages him from talking. No such luck. “I don’t think you realize just how many evil people there are on this plane of existence you call life. Cute, little folks with no conscience that sleep well at night after victimizing their families, friends, acquaintances, and people they don’t even know. More people worship money than Him. I’ve already talked about obvious signs in your world, but let’s do some more. I don’t want to get back on Revelation because frankly… it makes me sad. So what else can we talk about? The love of money! It’s the root of all evil right? Due to their recklessness, greed, and refusal to help the poor unless it’s a

tax write off, everyone in the world hates bankers now. They only cough up some of that filthy lucre when they absolutely have to. Even the billionaires, who  have more money than they know how  spend, are holding onto it for some odd reason. Probably just to get that monthly bank statement and have a quick orgasm. I do hear that some of them are going to get rid of most of it to charities after they die. It’s nice to know that they will only give it up when you literally pry it from their dead cold hands. The actual Wall Street in New York City is hilarious. They have this immense golden bull in the middle of the street. It’s supposed to be about bulls and bears, but where is the golden bear? I’ll tell you where. He’s dead on arrival. In fact, the golden bull is the same golden calf that condemned the Jewish folk out in the dessert with Moses. It’s all grown up now. None of you have forced them to take down their golden idol? Why is that? Oh, that’s right. Most of you worship the golden calf too. That’s why!”

I say “That one’s pretty obvious.”

Satan says, “Then why not get rid of it? Why hasn’t anyone made a flap about it? Do you realize that more of these golden bulls are showing up around the world at the epicenters of financial districts? And before you say it, I know it’s not actually gold. It still represents it. Speaking of false idols, what about American Idol? It says it right on the title card of the series. Millions of people bow down and worship these so-called ‘teen idols.’ People pay millions of dollars to vote instead of ending world hunger. Pity, isn’t it? People worshipping something without knowing it, then giving the producers money, and it’s perfectly acceptable. Damn, we’re back on TV again. It’s too large of a target to avoid. I really don’t want to talk about specific TV shows. Like I’ve said before, that would make this book that I’m giving you dated. It was fun for the older TV shows, but the recent ones are too numerous and expendable to be known a hundred years from now.”

“Um, thanks for that? I think.”

Satan says, “You’re welcome. I know about your body of work, and it is going to be a doozy. After you die, people will not know what to think of  you. Religion, horror, talking to Satan and  God, reworking Hell,

morality plays. The Christian right, the so-called left, and the religious sects will all denounce you. Secretly, they may still see the truth in your work. Centuries from now, scholars will pick apart your books and try to make sense of them. You’re the last male Biro on this planet. You choose not to have kids because you knew what you were dealing with. When you finally did decide to continue your bloodline, it wasn’t in the cards. Your family’s legacy ends with you. I guess that’s why He has taken an interest and picked this time to offer this to you. Still young enough to write ten to twenty more books that will give hope, guidance, and faith to most who read it. In fact, all of your so-called literature will be able to be read by atheists, my children, and those of various faiths. It may ruffle some feathers here and there, but it will become timeless as the decades move on. It’s a shame you don’t have a family who can inherit your body of work. But I guess that’s what this will be all about. That is, if the end of the world doesn’t happen too soon. Don’t worry though, you all have more time than you think.”

With that said; I save my work, lean back, and wonder what the Hell

will happen next.

Chapter 20

Let’s Get A Little Dangerous

The Devil is waiting on me when I enter the office, and I can sense him chomping at the bit. Something is on his mind. “Let’s get a little dangerous. I want to talk about religion again.”

“I don’t really want to.’

“Good things it’s not up to you. You’re just transcribing what you’re told to. I want to talk about the Muslims.”

“I would really rather you didn’t.”

I know I said that I wasn’t going to point out the Devil’s laughter any more, but this one is different. It’s a deep belly laugh that shakes me to the core. He’s getting a kick out of my nervousness. “Awww, Stevie. What’s wrong old boy? Don’t want a jihad declared on you?”

“Good point. I like my head, and I’d like to keep it where it is.”

He seems to tire of joking with me. “Don’t worry, Muslims only read this American gobbledygook if it becomes big enough that they can use it to create chaos in their own towns and cities. Fine, we’ll talk about something else for now. How about Catholicism?”

I don’t know what to say besides the first thing that pops into my

mind. “I know some wonderful Catholics that are really good people. I don’t want you attacking them or trying to make them feel bad about their beliefs.”

“I see. You have no problem with me talking about Hinduism or

even ancient Greek beliefs because you don’t know any people from India and Socrates and Plato are dead. Televangelists are okay for me to

shoot my arrows of reality at, but you don’t want me to set up Catholics and Muslims as targets?”

“The targets are up. They’re always up. I just don’t want you to shoot the targets so hard.”

“Fuck that. They can either come to grips with the Devil’s truth and try to fix their rotten religions, or languish in misguided beliefs that are pulling people to Hell.”

I give up. “Go ahead then. I can’t stop you.”

“Good. Where do I start? How about the Virgin Mary? First off, she should not be worshipped. Only He should be worshipped.”

“In my days of reading the Bible and figuring things out, I talked to some Catholics. They told me that they don’t worship the Virgin Mary. They pray to her for intercessions.”

Satan points out, “The Bible never says to do that. It never says to pray to her because Jesus is just too busy to hear your pathetic little prayers. The problem is, some sects of Catholicism DO worship the virgin. Some people might tell themselves that’s not what they’re doing, but it says to pray in His name, not in Mother Mary’s. The Catholics that have blended voodoo, hoodoo, and other breeds of religion into their Catholicism will be the ones who suffer in the long run… and I do mean the long run. That’s the biggest problem with Catholics. They don’t read the Bible themselves. They believe what has been hammered into them from childhood. They sort of forget that these rules of worship were instigated centuries ago when the Church was still having the rich pay for sin forgiveness, going after so called heretics to take their land, and meddling with Europe’s monarchies.”

“I’m sure there are always people going to extremes and not knowing God’s word.”

He begins to laugh and says, “A third of the so-called Christians on earth are Catholics. Most are very wrong, but no one ever says anything like ‘Why have one head when two or three would help the world so much more?’ I’ll just have some fun and blurt out a lot of what’s wrong. You and your readers take them as you will. Women cannot be priests. Back in the early days, women received no respect. They were lucky to be

able to pray to Him at all. In those days, the husband did the praying for her. It changed as centuries wore on, but still. Priests being celibate? Nowhere in the Bible does it say that. In fact, First Timothy chapter four says ‘Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; FORBIDDING TO MARRY, and commanding to abstain from meats.’ What brings men true happiness? A good family. A wife and children. How can you know uncompromising love if you don’t have a family to experience it with? That’s what leads to the whole child molestation thing they’re dealing with. Homosexuality was a sin in the Old Testament, and it was so important that your Messiah never spoke a word about it. When men who are fearful of their own urges crawl to hide themselves from society and give their lives to Him, then find that the urges never subside, all the kid licking and groping happens. Speaking of kids, what’s up with this whole no birth control thing? Jesus never mentioned it. The Jews did in the Old Testament, but that wasn’t between a man and his wife. It was more of an actual ‘do this because you were told to or die for not following instructions’ thing. Seriously, he was a lot hasher with his instructions back then; killing everyone who didn’t follow the letter of the law.”

I hear my lighter flare and the darkness in the room is momentarily broken.

He continues, “And what’s this about telling your sins to a priest or petitioning saints? First Timothy 2:5; ‘For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.’ How about John 2:1? ‘And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.’ Then James says, ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ But then, who is righteous in the Lords eyes? No one, but that’s neither here nor there. Then you have the Pope. It’s a democratic vote by people that are in line to be future popes. I can see nothing going wrong with that actually.”

Between snickers he says, “Let’s not stop there. The Catholic tradition says to call priests ‘father.’ Father Monohan for example. While Matthew 23:9 says, ‘And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.’ Then we have this good rib tickler. Catholicism says that Mary never had other children after the Lord Jesus. She remained a perpetual virgin. More from the Bible, this time Matthew 1 ‘Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not til she had brought forth her FIRSTBORN son: and he called his name Jesus.’ There is more, but I’m winding down this part of the quiz. Let’s see, what else? Purgatory, popes, and nuns. Come on! None of it is in the Bible. None. Worshipping images? It’s not like the Bible says not to bow down to idols. But it happens daily in every Catholic church, mind you. What is wrong with you people? Although, I do have to say that I love the whole mortification of the flesh thing a lot of Catholics do.”

“What’s that?”

Satan sounds excited to answer that one. “The act of punishing the flesh for the soul’s living in the flesh. It used to be big with the monks of old. Whippings, beatings, self-immolation, flaying of the skin. Christian religious groups often expressed the belief that the plague was the wrath of an angry God who was punishing his followers. In an effort to appease God, religious groups began punishing their own flesh to show God how deeply they regretted their personal failures.”

“Punishing yourself for being born in the flesh? You have no control over that. That’s fucking horrible.”

“But it’s more than that. Sins stack on top of sins, and no matter who the so-called holy man is, it doesn’t matter. Even now, do you know how many in the Philippines still flagellate themselves? Allow men to hammer nails into their hands and feet? How many let themselves be hung on the cross… well, A cross to be exact. The so-called ‘Mother Church’ refuses to condemn these rites. Oh yeah, they tell them they shouldn’t. But they just keep hammering nails into their hands on Good Friday, and the Pope does nothing.”

“I’m sure they have…”

“No, they don’t. Tell me this, Stephen. If you started a church in your town and the people attending began to whip, beat, and torture themselves in His name, would you stand idly by? Would you say, “Drive the nails deeper because it doesn’t please the Lord when they’re this shallow?”

Disgusted, I say, “Of course I wouldn’t.”

“Then why not condemn it? Afraid to lose all the Catholic strongholds in the Philippines? What about the other Latin countries who would pull away if you didn’t let the spectacle they’re so used to continue?”

As he snubs his cigarette, he leans back and grumbles, “I wish this futon was a bit comfier.”

I can’t help getting a little defensive. “I’m a bit broke now… as always, mind you.”

“Usury huh? Your fifteen year old loans should have been forgiven.

But as you know, my children love money.”

“Then why don’t you blame them for me having a cheap futon in an office that I can barely afford the payments on?”

“I do. I also blame you for getting into deals you couldn’t fathom when you were younger. But that’s the way of the world. Maybe I will get someone to follow thru for once, one of the many things you’re trying to accomplish.”

“Ummm. No. I don’t want your help. It always comes with strings.”

“Yes and no. My children run this world, and I know everything you’re trying to do. Some of it is honorable. Trying to be Christ-like is one of your endearing qualities, Stephen. Trying so hard while surrounded by evil and shame for what you are.”

“I’m not ashamed of who I am or what I believe in.”

He counters quickly. “Again, yes and no. Seriously, Stephen. In public settings, you say you met me and Him and then don’t know what to say. Sometimes I see you hold back. Others, I see you spit it forth like a cobra, not caring what others think. You wonder what some people will think of you. Others, you don’t care. But some you care enough about to

tell them point blank that there is a Devil, there is a God, and Hell exists. You desperately want them to know.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Then let’s just keep it at that. Writing Hellucination was a huge step in the right direction. So is this book. Writing a novel of this magnitude is a step into unknown territory for you. Some of the world’s great religions have started with less. You already stepped beyond the boundaries with your first book. I know it’s not easy. It wasn’t easy for a lot of people who dealt with me and Him on a personal level. It’s never easy when your worldview clashes with society. Not only telling people what they don’t want to know, but also trying to get them to take it to heart? You do realize that this book should be read by every living person on the face of this earth, right?”

“No. How could I know that?”

The Evil One says, “It should if only for the simple reason that people, or should I say souls, need to read my ramblings. Some of the points I make could give them insight into where I stand and the evil that is in men’s hearts. Learning that your beliefs are not in line with the Bible is uncomfortable. The stupidity and insanity of mankind is unrecognizable to most. When I pull that curtain back, it will be like a fire that sets their thoughts ablaze. They will question and doubt not only their beliefs, but also the realities around them. They’ll wonder about their lives, their faith, and their relationship with me and Him. Look at it this way. Ninety percent of the monkeys say they believe in a God, but how many believe the right way? Is there a right way? Some think there is not, but it’s in black and white. Anyway, I will see what I can do. And you’re going to fix up your office. Do me a ‘no strings attached’ favor… get a decent couch in here. Not for me, mind you, but for your so-called friends that come over. Futons are not something you should be dealing with at your age.”

My age, huh? “I’ll see. Can’t promise anything though.”

He says, “I know. You’re smarter than that. We will leave it there. Now, I have to get this out of my system and into yours. Let’s jump back to the Muslim religion… if you can call it that.”

“I erased your last diatribe about the Muslims.”

“I know. Why do you think I’m talking about it again? This shit has to be known. The people must be put in their place. If they all say they have faith in Him, then they can stand a little prodding and poking of their beliefs. Are they so weak-minded that they’re unable to handle biblical truth from one who is considered unholy yet was at His right hand for so long? One that not only knows his laws inside and out, but can walk around the laws, step outside them, and use them for their own good? His law may have been written is stone, but the word of the flesh is mine to manipulate. I use it to deceive those of you who either do not truly comprehend or have not read His word. Do you know how many so-called holy people die thinking that they’re saved when they haven’t even read His book? Anyway, let’s get into Islam. Have you ever read the Qur’an or the Hadith?

“No, I haven’t. I’ve read in several places that the English translation

isn’t even close to the real thing.”

“And the Qur’an is not even close to what is preached. They also believe that the Old and New Testaments are incomplete, that they’ve changed and been corrupted over time, and that the Qur’an is the complete and final testament of Him. They also believe that Mohammad was the final prophet, and that Jesus was just another prophet, not the Messiah. The Hadith is a book about Mohammad’s exploits. It’s supposed to help Muslims understand the Qur’an. It’s sort of like saying, ‘Oh, you won’t understand this holy book because you need this other book. Reminds me of Zeppo selling Groucho a book, then telling him he won’t understand it until he reads another book, then he wouldn’t understand that one till he read another one, and so on and so on. Stupidity has always been one of my joys in this world.”

Begrudgingly, I coax him into saying more. “Go on. I’m sort of stuck

in this. I don’t want any more, but…”

“Don’t bother. We all know you are in this for the long haul, even though it’s going to destroy many beliefs and shatter many faiths. So let me continue. The Hadith is an oral tradition that’s been manipulated by yours truly  and plenty of other politicians and merchants to benefit

whoever was willing to bend to us for money. It became so bad that, after a time, no one knew what was truth and what wasn’t. So several people in that section of dirt began to talk about the science of the Hadith. They were lucky to pull a man’s head out of a camel’s asshole and call it science, much less understand actual science. It was a buzzword from other countries, so they used it to make themselves sound right.

This was the beginning of the fracturing of their religion. I loved having my hand in it, and I use this to my advantage all the time. Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Hindu, and all the rest. Drop seeds of discontent, add racial stereotypes and prejudice, and give it a sprinkling of politics and government. It’s the perfect recipe for a shit-storm of war, murder, and death. I love my job sometimes. You can’t understand the Qur’an unless you read the Hadith, but the Hadith has many versions! What in the Hell can you come to grips with? You can’t. Then bring in the Sharia book, and you have a clusterfuck of magnificent proportions. The people who don’t, or even can’t, read all three books say, “Leave it to the scholars and they will let us know.” That leads the way to demons stepping into the mix, manipulating these so-called scholars into misunderstanding three books, when only one needs to be understood.”

I can’t believe I’m typing this again. Satan continues, “This is going

to piss every Muslim off. And when I say piss them off, I mean a future jihad against your ass, Stephen. Ready?”

I don’t say anything.

“I was the so-called ‘angel’ that appeared to Mohammed in the cave. Not really knowing the Old and New Testaments, he just figured I was Gabriel. I forced him to read. Well, to be honest, he couldn’t. Nothing is better than finding a so-called holy man and him lying to me the whole time. I allowed him to make up what was on the scroll while pretending that he was actually reading it. I knew where this was going, and I let it grow exponentially into oddities that even I couldn’t comprehend. I can’t see the future. I can see the past and the now. Only He knows all, but it was all in the cards so to speak. Therefore I allowed this man to think he deceived me.

It was wonderful. He didn’t want this made up version of the scroll, but he was insane with glee that I was before him and dealing with his wife. She tested the spirits, and everyone knows that if you’re going to test the spirits, you always talk to another person who doesn’t know the Bible. I had to do much prodding before he finally began telling people that he was God’s chosen. It doesn’t take much. Hell, I had you doing it for a bit, Stephen. But no, you just kept pushing towards God. You were thinking I was God at the time, which was wonderful. You were very energetic, but you wanted more than what I was giving you and wouldn’t stop until He stepped in. It ruined my plans, but that’s for another time. Back to Mohammad.

When he finally told everyone what happened to him, he was

laughed out of the town. Well, that’s putting it gently since everyone was a polytheist. He actually had to leave Mecca for fear of his life. He went to another town that just didn’t care… and thrived. At the time, so-called Muslims worshipped the goddess of the moon and Allah, who was a second tier god. To his benefit, Mohammad tried to teach that all gods that people worshipped were actually what he called Allah. Some called him Yahweh or any of the other names they called Him at the time. He had that going for him. It wasn’t what I wanted, but it didn’t matter because people change the words to fit their own interpretations. I like that. Islam means ‘submission to the Law of God as outlined in holy books around the world.’ Not just within Islam, but in all the religions that had been founded by the interactions of the so-called ‘One True God.’”

“You’re getting too heavy for me.”

Satan says, “I know, but go with it. You have to understand, this was many years after Jesus. It was to change the face of religion in that region forever. To do so, I had to meld what Mohammad was saying with the rituals that had been before. Hence the praying to meteorites, throwing stones at walls, and making pilgrimages that kill people and allow theft from those trying to be closer to Him. Then he reached Medina in 622 AD, He was extolled as a wondrous speaker. This city was corrupt and falling off the bone like rotten meat. He was invited to keep the city from

imploding upon itself, and he did. He stepped in and it became a theocracy. His personality, and an iron fist, changed the city into the index finger of Islam. It ran according to laws he made up when I supposedly forced him to read from a scroll he couldn’t read in the first place. Islamic law is actually Leviticus taken to the extreme. No forgiveness, and the death penalty abounds.”

I’m bent over the desk, tired and withdrawn. I don’t know what to

think. I don’t even know what I am writing anymore. Nevertheless, the Accuser relentlessly charges forward.

“Teaching that men were created out of blood clots. Killing Jews and other tribes for his own good. Or should I say his own riches? Pushing his religion on the unclean masses. Taking control of all aspects of society while humanity was just trying to grow into something better than itself. I couldn’t hope to go over all of the hatred, wars, and persecution. Women are considered lesser beings than the idiotic men and children that can’t read or make their own judgments but are willing to kill for an idea started by a tyrant. Not only has that idea flourished, but has drawn in close to two billion people. Most of them can’t even read the Qu’ran and say, ‘what the Hell?’ for themselves. You will see. When the final world war breaks out, it will happen in the countries who think their religion is based on truth and love and forgiveness. The rest think it is based on terror, humiliation, and the absolute subjugation of people who don’t believe what they do. I want to say more, but I know you’re tired Stephen. I will leave this specific atrocity for now.”

I look around my office and see nothing. No shadows, no alternate

realities… nothing. At last. I save the night’s conversation and get ready for bed.

Chapter 21

Waves of Unimaginable Agony

I was both mentally and physically exhausted to the point of not knowing when my head hit the pillow and when sleep folded its sweet caress of blissful unconsciousness over my mind. Of course, that’s when the dreams came forth.

Battles between angels and demons. A courtroom in chaos as higher

intelligentsia battled with words and wit, laying waste to the foundation of a language I barely know. I could hardly keep up as words were crucified and picked apart like a dead body being robbed of every shred of flesh by vultures. Every sentence of the battling entities was thrown before an all seeing Judge whose mind was already made up. But the charade of the trial was customary for the prosecutors and defendants. Disorder, confusion, and the bedlam of anarchy. The losing side was about to be cast out of what they held so dear, but in their minds they needed answers. They got their answers, but I couldn’t understand what was said.

It was moving too fast. My body couldn’t take it anymore. I woke up

with a feverish start and a sheen of sweat all over my body. I ran into the bathroom and drank from the faucet, gulping the fluoride-tainted water and knowing what I had to do. Flu season was open us, and I was in the grip of the sickness. It seemed that my body had taken on an unhealthy attitude towards my task. I stumbled to my office, sat down behind my computer, and began to write. I figured the Devil might actually enjoy this for the simple fact that I had no mental defenses in this state. I could feel the Devil sneaking words into my mind whenever I sneezed or had a

coughing fit. Blasphemies threw up in my mind as my body broke down. These repugnant vocalizations of things we would never say or feel are how He attacks some of us. When we are at our weakest, it’s the best time to alter our mindsets or have personal demons chant and yell what we find most disturbing. Some of us understand that those on the other side talk to us constantly and can explain it away as bad thoughts from demons. Sometimes, like with Tourette’s, no control or reason applies. I guess that’s the problem, the understanding that we forget. When you choke on your own phlegm you never say, “Praise God! I’m happy to be alive!” It’s usually the opposite… and I’m leaving it at that. There is no fifty-fifty. Sort of makes one wonder. I know that I sound insane, but what is a man supposed to do when he’s trying to not allow himself to be possessed by the demonic side that wants nothing more than to march him to the gates of Hell and cast him into the fiery depths. The road to Hell is strewn with promises that the denizens of Hell cannot keep, and the depths are choked with souls who were willing give up their salvation because they did not feel worthy.

Of course, it is when I am in this delirious state that He steps into the room and says, “I see you’re enjoying my perversion of the common cold. The cold is a defense mechanism that He laid out to build your immune systems. I have been able to hijack it for my own means. It gets stronger every year, doesn’t it? I’m sure all of you swine have noticed that by now. Twenty years ago, whatever made you sick was gone in three days. Then it was five. Then seven, ten, two weeks, and now three weeks. Your societies do help me out with your constant disinfecting and sterilized breakdowns of the viruses. Then they mutate into stronger, more resistant forms that survive year after year. The way it’s going, a superbug will eventually be unleashed to the widespread panic of every society around the globe.

When your bodies are not healthy and working properly, you don’t

feel good. You actually feel terrible. You can’t sleep right. You’re coughing, sneezing, sweating, and choking on your own bodily fluids. Your body functions are out of control. You are not in your right mind. You even, how should I put this… shit yourself. You take it as a

shameful personal failing. Only babies shit themselves. Sickness brings human productivity down by over forty percent and every one of you clueless little souls hate your lives at that moment. Some of you pray to Him for relief, but he doesn’t give it. He set up the order of nature and has to let it run its course. I know you’re all looking for miracles, but you’re not going to find them in Jesus’ face in a burrito or the chemical residue of water sprayed on tempered glass on the side of a building in the shape of the Almighty. No, when you see real miracles, they’re not going to just be miracles. It’s going to be the end of days. Those miracles will be violence, destruction, and the decay of humanity. You won’t hear trumpets blowing, but you will hear continents cracking and sea walls imploding.”

“You’re going off on a tangent. What about this ‘superflu’ you were

talking about?”

Satan says, “You will notice that as the years progress, the flu will get nastier and stay longer. The idea, or at least my idea, is that the superbug will be a viral strain that will leave you all in a continuous state of sickness. No one will be healthy. Imagine a world where every single one of you are inflamed, beaten, coughing, and retching. Living in a world of delirium and sickness where you all will not only pray for death, but curse Him every day of the rest of your life. Mankind enslaved to the mighty virus. Something they all thought they could control, defeat and even harness for biological warfare comes back to bite them in the ass ‘til the end of their days. Constant confusion and disorientation magnified by being sick, tired, and run down. The whole world would slowly fall into a tailspin and never recover. Industries will close down and whole societies will be cut off leaving no one to work. People will suffer in waves of unimaginable agony.”

“Well, isn’t that nice of you?”

“Fifteen thousand words are coming to an end, Stephen. I hope you don’t mind if I spend some time with my favorite writer for a bit.”

Chapter 22 Do Your Worst

My heart sinks. I take a deep breath…well, as deep as my sick lungs will allow, and let it flow out slowly.

“So, Stephen, let’s move back to your deepest regrets, your greatest fuck ups, and the people  you  trust trying to destroy you to elevate themselves. Isn’t that the most disgusting thing a human being can do? Constantly castrate a friend or someone they say they love and adore?

“I’m guilty as charged. I don’t think you understand what it is to be human. We all do that at some time or another.”

“I know, but let’s make this personal. I know women do this the

most. They have this overbearing need to make themselves feel better by destroying those around them, especially husbands and boyfriends. You know that whole equality bullshit is new. In the last fifty years to be exact. There is a reason why they were supposed to be the weaker sex. Emotions! Spastic, uncontrollable emotions that good men are trying to deal with and women think should rule over them. I feel this way, so I am allowed to take it out on the one closest to me but not the one who deserves it.

That’s the kicker, isn’t it? Women are so pissed off at their kids, but they’re afraid to tell them how it is. Only when the children are direct bastards and fuckheads do they get a little bit. But then the poor mothers have to pull it back and say ‘I’m sorry’ because they’re afraid of hurting their little feelings. They gave birth to them, and because of that they’re supposed to love them, tell them all how wonderful they are, and remind them how important and smart they are. If they don’t, their kids are

going to be swinging on poles or raping and murdering people in the streets. Let’s take you for example. Every time a step-kid gets in trouble, you’re on edge because you know you’re the only person your wife can take the anger out on. She won’t tell her children, ‘Fuck you! I don’t want to deal with evil, stupid motherfuckers like you.’ Who else can she take that anger out on after they finally move on with their lives? Only you.”

“You’ve brought all this up before. It doesn’t harm me. I understand

that the people in my life have to blame me for their own shortcomings. I don’t mind it. Hell, I do it myself when I have to. I used to worry about it, but not anymore. I love my wife with all my heart. We have our problems. Yes, family is one of them, but we are in this together.”

“Yeah, but you’re still dealing with it, aren’t you? Say one of her kids

murdered someone Jeffrey Dahmer style. She’s still going to take their phone calls and tell them how much of a wonderful snowflake they are. How smart they are. That they will be ok if they can just get over this hump of killing and raping dead faggots. They will be able to accomplish anything and everything they ever wanted to! Or is she going to be strong enough to tell them, ‘you’re a fucking piece of human garbage!’ and that she wants nothing to do with them?

You know that no matter what they do, she will always stand by their

side because the blood that they share means they take precedence over you. After all, blood is thicker than water. What do you have? Oh yeah, a piece of paper that says you’re married. The parents now-a-days have been told by enough TV shows and parent teacher conferences that all of their kids are smart, savvy, and so intelligent. No one is a stupid piece of shit that should have been killed when they were born.”

I finally break. “Look, I can agree or disagree with whatever you say about my wife and my step kids. I stepped in and I’m dealing with it. The only shit I will have to deal with is if she wants a divorce, but I won’t do it.”

“Awww, but she does. You don’t make as much as her. She makes

four times what you do now. It was even back in the day, but she has moved so far beyond you that she sees you as a nuisance. Not even a man. In fact, you’re in debt. That debt could have been erased years ago,

but you and her  are not working together with money or checking accounts. You don’t even know what she makes a month since she’s’ spending it on those brats that refuse to grow up. Your debt is small. The both of you could have paid it off a long time ago, and the money you make would have been extra. You would be very well off if you didn’t refuse to work together like a husband and wife. Sometimes you do, but in all reality, you don’t.”

“You’re not really pushing my buttons. I expected more. Attacking the easy targets in my life doesn’t show me any of that high-spirited Satanic bullshit you have been threatening me with. My wife and I are working together. We have good days and bad days. The one thing you’re forgetting about all of us is that we know life is a struggle. Marriage, work, family, and even friends. It’s all a struggle and… ”

“I haven’t even started. Let’s move on to your Mother. Not only was she afraid of life, she was depressed about falling into the human traps that are laid out for all of you. She married young in the good old days. She got a handsome man, but the only reason he married her was to get laid. He didn’t understand the repercussions of that physical melding of two people. She was too busy trying to leave her alcoholic parents to start life anew. She fell for the smart and dashing man your father was at the time, and they began their journey into the great unknown. Your mom was thrilled that she was finally away from her abusive parents, and your dad was happy because he finally had a pussy to pound. He joined the Air Force to get an education because they told all of the meat bags ‘that’s what good men do.’ Back then, they all believed it.

As the years progressed, your mother began shitting out dead babies

one after another. Your father began to hate her for all of the miscarriages. I was more than pleased to be in the middle as your father’s atheistic ways and your mother’s Christian beliefs collided and became a shambles. For every miscarriage, his resolve was that there is no God grew stronger. Your mother began to question His existence. It became a betting pool between me and a couple of demons. Finally, after faith was destroyed and belief in God was eradicated, you were born. You were lucky number thirteen, Stevie. When you were born, there was no

thanking God. There was just relief. Relief that your father could conceive and your mother could shit you out alive.

By this time your father was an angry, self-absorbed son of a bitch. He loved the son he finally got though. Fights, wrath, and anger were part of the daily schedule back then. You were too young to know what was going on, but the anger and frustration of growing up in that household started seeping into your mind. Neither of them knew who they were or what they really wanted out of life. You became a burden to them. A daily reminder of what was lost and what could never be achieved. It’s funny, neither of them knew that they actually could achieve what they wanted with you as a part of it, but that’s another way I work. Using the children as a wall. Showing the parents that this little shell of flesh and bone will impede what they want until they destroy the family for their own selfish reasons. But before that happened, your sister was born.

I want to say something, anything, to stop this. I can’t muster the breath, so the onslaught continues. “Don’t worry, little Stevie. This is what I do to all marriages. Have them plop out a child, and then make them wonder what life would be like without the other. I slowly destroy the family unit with dreams and fantasies of what freedom could be. It’s the easiest, most progressive weapon in Hell’s arsenal. It destroys over sixty percent of all marriages. Would have, could have, should have. The fantasy of not being told what to do for the family’s well-being. The fantasy of being single again. During all of these attacks, every demon knows to never show what happens to the poor little children in the aftermath. Just deluge the parents with fantasies of passionate sex, freedom, and being able to do what they want out of the confines of a marriage… and they all fall for it. I’m not talking about abusive relationships. Just feeding these stupid monkeys with fantasies of a better life, with no bad outcomes for the children of course, destroys the family unit. It also destroys the kids, especially if they are below the age of eight and are trying to make sense of life. The only thing they know is their parents, so when the unit is ripped apart, the child’s psyche goes with it.”

I look over my shoulder and see nothing. I prefer to think of the evil that was just flung at me as the same…nothing.

“Your Sister was born, and the family arrangement was forced to continue for another couple of years. You couldn’t notice, but their fights crept into your subconscious and disturbed you in ways that affect you even now. The divorce finally happened, and you and your sister were stuck between two selfish people who truly didn’t give a fuck about you. They were concerned with what they wanted, not what was right. This is the point when you can actually remember the horror and devastation that made you who you are. You don’t truly trust in people, and you never expect any help. When people tell you they will always be there, they let you down. When you trust the people you care about, it’s one of the most devastating things you can ever go through.”

I sit like a coughing, sweating statue as he taunts me. “You were stuck with your mother. She was at a crossroads. Spending the seventies trying to follow Buddha, do yoga, and party had its faults… and it shows. Depression and mania are not just words I came up with, but emotional states that I began to push onto the populace to destroy families, friends, relatives, and everything in between. The seventies were a wonderful time for me. So were the sixties, mind you, but the destruction of families here in the good ole U-S of A hit full swing in the seventies. You were special, Stevie. I knew what you could be, and I did everything in my power to stop it. You were supposed to be a leader, someone people looked up to. I destroyed it. As the years went on, I followed you and ruined every chance you had. Natural leadership, uncanny athletic abilities… I squashed them all. You were never a follower, even during the most downtrodden eras of your life. Even in your teenage years, you didn’t follow anybody. You just followed the road I set you on, trying to lose yourself in partying and silly metal music. I’ve always tried to squash that independence in you, but you still ran down your own path.”

“You’re not blowing my mind here.”

“Not yet. You picked up a motorcycle in high school when no one was even talking about it. You quit high school, but not because anyone in front of you did. You just fucking did. Why did you quit? Not because

you didn’t like school, but because you were failing due to days missed. You were passing by doing no homework and just finishing it in class. You passed every test the other swine were desperate over with flying colors, but you still quit because your grade point average was so low after missing school for days on end.

Here is the real reason you quit. You have been told all of your life that you can never go to college. Your mother, your father, and even your guidance counselor told you that. That pie in the sky, end-all-be-all educational institution that normal people have a chance at. The fact that you were poor never bothered you like it does most poor kids. But you were left with no hope because these adults, who should have known about loans and grants, refused to give you that information. Without that hope, you saw the big, ugly world for what it is. You decided to jump off into oblivion and make a run for it.”

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t know already. You’re going

to have to do a lot better than this. Seriously.”

“Let me finish then. At this time, I was working on your Mom’s desperation and depression. You did your thing working for drugs or rent or whatever. Meanwhile, I worked on all around you. It was a nice time. You were an atheist and your Mom believed but refused to talk to you about it. You partied your ass off. You got into collecting horror movies, and I saw my opening. A friend of yours lost himself in those films and killed an old lady. Stabbed her seventy-two times with a flat head screwdriver after you two watched horror films for a solid week. Adam’s virgin eyeballs had never seen anything like that before, but you showed him atrocities and opened the door for murder. You do remember that don’t you?”

“Yes. We were watching horror flicks like Evil Dead and Dawn of

the Dead. He would come over with pot and liquor. We would get fucked up and have fun watching FAKE horror films.”

“But you can never know for sure what will or won’t happen to a

mind when it’s exposed to that kind of violence, can you?”

“If I blamed myself for a friend breaking and entering into other people’s houses, I could never sleep. If I actually believed that a human

couldn’t make his own choices and that he become violent and killed somebody because of me, I wouldn’t be able to live.”

“But you did live. He did blame you. He even tried to get you on the witness stand, but your mother never allowed it.”

“I’m not responsible for anyone killing and stealing from others just to hang out with me. Just because we were watching horror films that I collected and had no idea he had never seen before does not mean that I gave him permission to kill an old lady and steal her car.”

“You’re not your brother’s keeper, but what if you were this time?

After he stabbed that old lady seventy-two times and totaled her car, he still came to your house and you guys partied. So, when you were sitting there with your fresh-from-the-kill friend, what did you watch?”

“I don’t remember exactly. It could have been Hellraiser, Phantasm

2, Street Trash, or anything of that nature. I didn’t know he was breaking in people’s back doors, rummaging through their stuff, stealing from their liquor cabinets, and stealing their change to buy pot this whole time. As far as I knew, he would just come over to my house and watch horror films with me.”

“You did notice all of the half empty bottles of liquor he was bringing over. You even said something about it yourself.”

“Yes, but I thought he was just snagging it from his house.” “So that makes it okay?”

“I never said that, but yes, I did think it was unusual.”

“Ha. To put it mildly. So, he stabbed that poor old lady seventy-two times with a screwdriver… did I mention that part already… and then sat next to you for a week drinking and smoking dope. What happened next?”

“Well, one night I was driving him home on my motorcycle. He

asked me if I could drive him to Michigan to stay with some family there. He said he would pay me, and I sort of laughed at him.”

“Why?”

“My bike would be lucky to drive a hundred miles. It wouldn’t make the thousands to Michigan and back.”

“He was getting desperate. You didn’t know that the police where at his house that same day questioning him. The old lady was one of his neighbors. He was stealing from as many neighbors as he could that week. He jimmied her lock with the screwdriver. When he found her asleep on the couch, it scared him to Hell and back and he stabbed her repeatedly. Do you realize how long it would take to stab someone seventy-two times, Stephen?”

“Yes, I do.”

“No you don’t. It’s an eternity. I know you counted, lifting up your hand and bringing it down, but you usually stop counting in the twenties as the sickness wells up inside of you as you imagine you friend being able to do that. But he still did it, and was able to sit next to you and watch splatter films for a couple of days before he was arrested. You’re very lucky he didn’t talk to you about it. I do know that his lawyer was trying to get you to testify for the defense at his trial, but you were underage and your mother told them ‘no’. You were off the hook. Sort of funny, they wanted to try to put the movies on trial. Not Adam, but the movies you were watching. They still did, and you weren’t a part of it. Don’t you think that’s funny, Stephen Biro, owner of Unearthed Films? Even after turning one of your close friends into a homicidal maniac, you run one of the vilest and most repugnant horror DVD companies in the world. You continue to sell disgusting horror films that would make most people weep. It’s okay. I know you haven’t thought about the shame and guilt that you feel over Adam in decades.”

“Touché Lucifer. I don’t blame myself for it. I don’t blame horror

movies either, mind you. I have thought this through for years. He attacked that old lady out of fear of being arrested, fear of being caught, and fear of what his family would think. For him to hack into her over seventy times, it had to be the fear and anger of her finding him stealing from her.”

“Then why steal her car afterwards? He flipped it less than a mile

from her house. Do you think it was the rush of murder that got him going? Was it the freedom of being a bad ass and taking a life that got his heart pumping?”

“I don’t know. I wasn’t there. I was not in his mindset. I don’t think I ever could be.”

“You’re right, but he was still sitting next to you for days after the murder, watching murder on the TV set. How much was he enjoying it? I’m sure he was tweaking out right there next to you, thinking about stabbing that little old lady over and over again while you sat there and enjoyed the chaos and slaughter on that little glowing box in your living room. Maybe you’re not at fault, Stephen, but maybe you are. Let’s say that you teach a person to smoke crack, and then watch their life spiral out of control. The person who taught them should take some responsibility for the lives they destroyed.”

“But I didn’t teach him how to kill. We were watching horror movies,

something people have been doing for over a century. Something I have been doing for years with close friends. We have fun sitting in the safety of our own house, watching fake movie magic and getting high. I can understand how I might share responsibility if I was teaching him to kill, how to stab a zombie in the face, or how to commit murder and not leave fingerprints at the scene. I didn’t though. I just wanted to show him how I escape from the stupid reality of it all.”

“But he didn’t escape from it, did he? He brought it home and killed

someone. How did you feel when he was arrested?”

“Heartbroken for the old lady. Unable to understand it. Ashamed when he was all over the news and my friends wanted to have an Adam BBQ at some guy’s house.”

“Your Mother did you a great service by not allowing you on the

witness stand when you were seventeen. Your precious horror movies would have been attacked in the major newspapers. You do realize that us talking about this is going to bring it up again, right?”

“I know. I’m not afraid. I’ve tried to look him up, but I forget his last

name. I couldn’t find anything.”

“He was underage at the time. I’m sure someone will find out about him now. It would make another book. From what I understand, he was committed to a mental institution. I’m sure the defense used the whole horror movie thing to his benefit. Do you think he regrets killing her?”

“I pray to God that he does.”

“Since we are on the subject of regret, let’s talk about your first wife. How did that work for you?”

“Terrible. I was an animal at the time. I just wanted to party, have a

good time, try to survive, and move ahead in this world. Drugs were more important to both of us than each other, and it showed. We stayed together more out of fear than love.”

“Well, at least you understand that much. Not many do. Anyway, how did that coke addiction work out for you? Where did that take you?” “Honestly, pretty far. I enjoyed it, but I could take it or leave it. Our friends at the time were selling it, so we were getting it pretty cheap. But she loved the X. Loved it. She had a good job, so she could afford it. I let

her buy it until it became a problem for both of us.”

“Drugs are always fun until they become a crutch for emotional and spiritual problems. Then they become the proverbial monkey on the back, slowly undermining what should be happening in a relationship and destroying you from the inside. That’s when the drugs take hold and never want to let up. Do you blame yourself for allowing it to happen for so long?”

“Of course. We fought many times to get away from it. Luckily for

us, she began cheating on me with our drug friends. When word got out, we were ostracized from the group.”

“So, she was unfaithful. What about you?”

“Yes, but never with anyone we knew.” “So that made it better?”

“No, it just didn’t bring drama into the fold.”

“You had your own addictive little monkey clinging on at this time… lust. I congratulate you for getting rid of it. Certain sins are really hard to quit. But when you try to slip it back on like a comfy old pair of pajamas, they feel itchy, worn out, and quite disgusting. Now you’re more apt to tear what used to bring you satisfaction off of your body and never put it on again. So you married her out of responsibility. The Bible may have played a small part too. After you two married, she told you that she didn’t love you. You reacted by buying her whatever she wanted, or at

least what she thought she wanted because everyone else had it. As we both know, it didn’t work out for either of you. After you got her to quit drugs, she kept sinking her toes back into the pool. This was after your ordeal with Hellucination. Good book, if I am forced to say so myself. I enjoyed the way you wrote about me. Anyway, you tried to be the good husband and she slinked off to do drugs without you. She was sleeping with your friends and they all knew it. But at this time in your life, you didn’t care. You forgave her, even when you had to speak to some of those adulterers to get them to stop calling her. I do have to admit, you took it with grace and style. Even when you asked her for a divorce, the first thing you asked her was ‘do you love me?’ After that, it was just a matter of pulling away the scab so the new flesh could heal. I do have to admit, Stephen, you forgave her even then. Why?”

“It’s simple really. She didn’t know who she was. She married me because she thought her family expected it of her, not because she loved me. I know in my heart that I devastated her when I was an animal. It’s my own fault for destroying that love. Then again, if I really think about it, there was nothing there for me to love. We didn’t see the world the same. We might have back in the animalistic days, but I changed and moved ahead as a human being. She refused and wanted to stay back where we came from. Am I saying I’m a better person than I was back then? Yes, and I don’t fault her for not growing when I did. Am I also saying that I’m a better person then she is? No. I have no clue where she is in life. I forgive her. I hope, when it comes down to it, she forgives me.”

“You know Stephen, I wish we were doing this back when you called

yourself an animal. It would be a totally different book than it is now.” “Of course. But then again, I didn’t believe in you or God at the

time. We wouldn’t have been talking in the first place.”

“So, what’s it like knowing that your Dad is an atheist and is just waiting to blow his brains out before he gets too old and decrepit?”

Even though I know I’m talking to Satan, the sheer cruelty dripping from his voice shocks me. “That’s a low blow. If you really want to know, it feels horrible. I mean, it’s my father. I know he looks around

this world and thinks he’s a self-aware virus with no hope in the afterlife. He refuses to see what I see. I’m just praying for a death bed conversion.”

“But you know that’s not possible. He’s told you since you were very

young that he’s going to put a gun in his mouth and kill himself. Your mother is already dead. Cancer took her in a five year fight. It lasted too long, but mentally, she left you a long before that. No hope. She refused to live. She just wanted to waste away, which she did. At least you find solace in the fact that she believed in something. Your dad doesn’t. What are you going to do about it?”

“Not much. I can lead him to water, but I can’t force him to drink. He lives life by his own rules. Sort of funny that he lives by the rules more than most people I know. It’s going to be a shame when he blows his brains out.”

“Sounds like you already wrote him off.”

“No, it’s just that I had to come to grips with it a long time ago. I told him I met the Lord and yourself and have been to Hell. I’m sure he’s read my book, but he doesn’t acknowledge it. I know he Google’s me since he doesn’t do much anymore. His body is slowly failing him, which for him means that he’s healthy as a horse but can’t swing a golf club or play tennis like he used to.

You’re really trying to push all of my buttons now, aren’t you? I see you working against my family now. My step kids, wife, and parents. Fucking with the ones who don’t believe, which is most of them, and driving them down a path of destruction. Trying to destroy what my wife and I have now. But I’m a rock. I can deal with what you throw at me. I could beg and plead with you to leave my family alone, but that is not your way. Besides, I only pray to God for relief and help. Even if you’re the King of this world, you’re still just testing souls to find out if they are worthy of the Lord until He steps in. Well, He stepped into my life a long time ago and created who I am now. You can’t change that. No matter what your diatribe to me is, you can’t pull me down to your level or destroy the hope I have in this life.”

“You’re right Stephen. I thought this exchange would go completely different. It’s still made you think about Adam, your Mom, your Dad, and your family. What this world should have been, and where you should be. Even then, it doesn’t really faze you. I guess I am just going to have to act harder on those around you. Maybe even take a different approach. You know, fame and riches have their own pitfalls, and nothing drags people down faster than those two. Maybe that’s my next step with you. The higher the pedestal, the farther the fall.”

“Whatever, Lou. I have a lot on my plate, and no matter what you

do, you can’t take my hope, faith, and love away.”

“But I can manipulate and destroy your hope in mankind, make you question your faith, and destroy the love you count on.”

“Maybe so, but you can’t take that away when it’s fixed on the Lord, now can you?”

“I don’t think you truly realize who you have been talking to this

whole time.”

“Oh yes, I do. I don’t think you realize who you have been speaking to this past year.”

“Oh yeah, who is that?”

I push myself back from the computer and defiantly declare, “I’m Stephen Scott Biro. You have been trying to manipulate me for years. I have seen your innermost workings in my own mind, and I called you out on them. You have tried to get me to kill myself, and I’ve seen through you. I have been to Hell, and I have been visited by the Lord. In my most ragged form, I searched for Him. I sought true reality about what and who I am. He answered and told me not only who I am, but what I am supposed to do. I am forever in His debt. This book was not for my benefit, but the benefit of others. They need to know the Father of All Lies who rules over this rock for the time being. You’re just the tester of souls, the lawyer of Hell. You ensnare humankind in the pitfalls and traps of the mind and our society. Your time is short, and you know it. I am not yours anymore. I am owned by The Most High, and my life exists to give hope to those that society teaches hopelessness to. Those you trick into worshiping idols of their own making. Those who don’t understand.

You can’t take this away from me. All you can do is sit back with your idle threats of testing me in ways that I can’t fathom. I am ready for that road. So do your worst, and let’s see if you can destroy my hope, my faith, and my belief. These are built on rocks in my soul. When the Lord put them in my heart, mind and spirit, He made it so that they could never be moved.”

Satan smiles broadly. “Thank you so much for the new bet. I don’t

think you realize the wager you just made with me. Me, The Devil, Lucifer, Satan The Deceiver. I take you up on this bet, so-called man of God, and I will see you in Hell when the time is right.”

With that said, the coldness disappeared from my office. As I finished typing this tome and wondered what I just actually did, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. I was close to panic, yet at ease with myself. I could feel my heart beat at an uneven rhythm, and I began to say The Lord’s Prayer. I easily memorized the words over the years, but I had to choke them out of my mouth at first. The steady pace of the prayer began to build and before I knew it, I was reciting it again and again.

I felt a calmness I hadn’t felt in years. I could hear my helper calming

me down and reminding me to focus on the Lord. He told me, “You will have to face him many times over. This was but the first of many. With the strength and wisdom of the Lord, you will not only overcome, you will be a guiding light for others to follow. Do not fret, for the love of the Lord is in your heart. He will always protect you from the reckoning of the Devil.”

I calmly breathed a deep sigh of relief and finally stopped writing.

AVAILABLE NOW

Soon to be made into a major motion picture

HELLUCINATION

A Memoir

Stephen Biro

A drug-fueled trip through the gruesome levels of Hell may sound like a fictional horror story to some, and since the traveler in question was movie distributor Stephen Biro, it could just as easily have been one of his film projects. But Stephen's experiences were the real, life-changing sort. They're also proof that the Lord does work in mysterious ways -- extending all the way to squares of LSD and nitrous oxide cartridges.

Armed with psychedelics, hallucinogenics and a brave desire to meet God no matter the personal cost, Stephen pushed beyond the boundaries of safe drug use. He took the most nightmarish of trips from a cramped one-bedroom apartment that he used for running his underground video business. With initial difficulty finding God in his altered state, Stephen instead encountered  depravity and grotesquery enough to make his soul weep, but he pushed on. And if that wasn't bad enough, his Hellish experiences bled over into his waking days, and his friends and acquaintances began identifying themselves to him as Antichrists, deities and other assorted beings from "the other side." Reality was blurring and shifting, and Stephen was run utterly ragged. Could he fulfill his quest to learn universal truths before his extreme drug use took its toll?

HELLUCINATION doesn't just bend your mind, it twists it, stretches it, stabs it, and tosses it on the grill!" -- Jeff Strand, author of the upcoming book, "PRESSURE" and "WOLF HUNT"

Biro writes passionately with a purpose… you may end up ripping your eyes out afterwards. –- CEO of Horror News.net

Stephen Biro’s Hellucination is a fascinating read. The book’s strength is that it works on whatever level you want to experience it on. If you’re just looking for a good story, it works. If you want to dig deeper into Biro laying his soul bare before you, he does. If you want to go even deeper and use it as a gateway to address questions about reality, both earthly and supernatural, you can. No matter what you’re into, there’s something here for you. -- Son of Celluloid

I can’t recommend the book highly enough. –- Left Hand Path

The fact is, though, that as bizarre and frequently filthy as this book can get, it really is a book about his finding salvation in the most unusual of ways. In

order to get there, however, Biro pushes the limits of his own consciousness  and this often becomes the focus of the book. Told in the first person, as if Biro was guiding you through a trip through his own memories, the book turns out to be part horror story, part psychedelic science fiction parable and part  morality tale but as bizarre as it all is, it’s never dull. -- Rock, Shop and Pop

This can be a truly frightening book, and it is most definitely not for the faint-hearted. Hellucination is so frightening in certain sequences, because when you read it, you have no doubt that it is honest and authentic -- David Jay Brown. -- Author of "Mavericks of the Mind" and "Conversations on the Edge of the Apocalypse"

It is definitely a book I would recommend with the disclaimer that it is not a light read, it is deep and serious and I often found myself taking a minute or two to reflect before moving on. -- Anthony Chavez

Hellucination is one of the rare page turners that will stick with you long after the books final chapter. It may not be a book for everyone but for those that are willing to open themselves up and get strapped in for a page turning decent into hell, you’ll be in for a ride. – Brent Lorentson Author of “Masters of Taboo”

It's a true page turning roller coaster ride that even the reader better be sure the seat bar is lowered and locked. Getting thrown off this beast of fire and steel before the reader reaches the end might just have far reaching consequences for their soul. -- Mitchell J. Hyman – Author of “Hitmen in Paradise”

This book grabs hold of you with fleshing ripping talons that bury themselves into your psyche and soul and take you on ride that overwhelms, delights and fascinates. –- Destiny West – Author of “Lamia”

COMING SOON

SATAN REBORN

Stephen Biro

Lucifer relinquishes the Mantle of Satan back to God. The Lord welcomes him into the fold of the Angelic where he once belonged. Hell and the job that Lucifer controlled needs to be fulfilled. The testing of mankind is tantamount to all that the

Lord created.

A mortal is chosen. Heaven and Hell protect us.

OCTOBER 2013

COMING SOON

PARADISE FOUND

Stephen Biro

When mankind finds the Garden of Eden. What will humanity do? What will the Angels speak of and the Demons wish? What will civilization do when there is proof of God?

When the Tree of Life is found. How can mortal temptation be resisted?

JANUARY 2014

Table of Contents

Copyright

PREFACE

Chapter 1 Into The Darkness

Chapter 2 I Am Not Worthy

Chapter 3 Call Me Lou

Chapter 4 Let’s Start From the Renaissance.

Chapter 5 Your Shepherd Has Led You Off a Cliff

Chapter 6 Symphony of the Devil

Chapter 7 Magic… I Mean Miracles

Chapter 8 A Soul That Is Truly Worth Winning

Chapter 9 When the War Truly Began

Chapter 10 This Is About Addiction

CHAPTER 11 The Cathode Ray god

Chapter 12 Kick at the Cracks in the Wall

Chapter 13 Who Wants To Know They’re Damned?

Chapter 14 Enslave Others for a Dollar

Chapter 15 Killing Dogs For Their Bones

Chapter 16 Altercations of the Mind

Chapter 17 Who is Damned and in League With Me

Chapter 18 As Far as Revelation is Concerned

Chapter 19 The Road to Hell is Wide

Chapter 20 Let’s Get A Little Dangerous

Chapter 21 Waves of Unimaginable Agony

Chapter 22 Do Your Worst