Zen's War: Captivity

Hours must have gone by, and here she remained tied to the bed. The so-called Messiah continued with his exorcism. She continued to try to resist, but the hours without water or food began to take their toll on her physically; while emotionally Sahara was beginning to reach her breaking point.

Joshua’s two disciples remained at the left and right of the king-sized bed, doing their master’s bidding. They did not lift a finger to help her, believing wholeheartedly in their leaders cause.

Within the room the heat was stifling. The sun was shining directly on the side of the house that they were in. The air could not circulate within the room. This was due to the fact that the window was closed as well as the door to the room. Her body was drenched with sweat causing her dress to stick to her. She felt at any moment she might lose consciousness. She didn’t know how much longer she could endure this torture.

She decided the best course of action was to pretend that she actually was possessed. She figured the only way that this exorcism would ever end, was if she admitted that a demon was inside of her. Her father and mother had taught her that lying was wrong under most circumstances. Only if it was a matter of survival was it permitted, and this was one such circumstance.

“Demon, come forth and reveal yourself!”Joshua screamed, his face turning red. Sweat glistened on his cheeks and forehead.

For a moment she wracking her mind, trying to think of the right words to say. She tried to think of what a good name for a demon might be. Eventually she decided to go with Beezlebub, since that was the only demon’s name she could think of. She had about angels and demons from her father. She had asked what the names of some of the angels and demons were. She could only remember a couple of the angels and demons names. One of the names of the angels was Raphael. For some reason one of the names of the demons that stuck out in her mind was Beezlebub.

She continued to thrash from side to side, as if she was actually being controlled by a demon.

“I am Beezlebub the demon. I am one of Satan’s best friends,” she said, conjuring up the most frightening voice she could. “I will release this child from my control.” Spittle flew from her mouth as she screamed.

Joshua looked at Sahara with a questioning glance. “No demon offers to flee from its victim so easily. How am I to know that you are not deceiving me?”

She made her eyes roll back so that only the whites of her eyes could be seen. “I cannot take your divine power anymore. I’m running out of strength. I need to return to my master.”

The man who stood to the left of the bed -- whose name turned out to be Paul -- suddenly spoke. “With all due respect, this exorcism has gone on much longer than most,” he said to Joshua, lowering his gaze, as if he was afraid to make eye contact with this God in human form.

“When I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut,” Joshua responded venomously.

“Forgive me my Lord. I realize that by questioning you I am questioning God’s will. Who am I to question God?” Paul said, apparently frightened of his master.

“This is not just any demon. This is one of the most powerful demons. He is the prince of devils and Lord of the flies. He was one of the seraphim recruited by Lucifer himself and was condemned to hell with him. He is second in command of Satan’s minions.”

Peter who was usually one to remain calm under pressure suddenly looked terrified. He had never faced such a powerful demonic entity before. Had Joshua finally met his match? “Master, do you think you have the strength to defeat such a powerful adversary?” Peter asked, seriously doubting his savior’s ability to exercise demons.

“I am a conduit for the Holy Spirit. There is no creature of hell that the army of Heaven cannot defeat. With the sword of Faith I will send this fiend of hell back to the fiery chasm from whence it came.”

Paul tried to think of what could be done to combat such a powerful demon. He finally decided to suggest the holy water that had been blessed by Pope Job himself. When Vatican City had been laid to waste the Pope had been forced to flee. Instead of abandoning his position he retained his post as God’s right-hand man. Due to his unwillingness to abandon his faith in the face of such God forsaken times, he was dubbed Pope Job; though some consider him to be the antichrist. “Master, may I suggest employing one of the best weapons in our holy arsenal?”

“You can suggest it, but I won’t necessarily use it; although, in light of our current circumstance I will definitely consider it,” Joshua answered.

“Do you remember that holy water that was blessed by his Holiness Pope Job? I have many times questioned its authenticity, but I believe it is time to test it,” Paul suggested.

“Peter, what do you think?”Joshua asked.

“It’s your decision. I have faith in your judgment.”

“I have to make all the decisions around here,” Joshua said out of frustration. “We might as well. I’ve run out of ideas.”

“Let me go and grab it. I will return shortly,” Paul said, then opened the door and went to collect the holy water. Moments later he returned holding a golden flask in his right hand, with a cross within the Star of David on the front. He swiftly threw the flask to Joshua, who caught it in midair.

“So what now? Are you gonna drown me with that so-called holy water?” Sahara asked, or Beezlebub rather.

“There is no demonic force that can withstand water blessed by the Holy Father. Not even the prince of demons himself!”

With that, Joshua unscrewed the lid of the flask and poured its entire contents on Sahara’s head, leaving her soaking wet all the while reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

“This child of God is now free from the snares of the devil. She is now fit to be a breeding vessel,” Joshua exclaimed, confident in the power of the holy water and its ability to repel demons.