Book V: The Book of Baal
Chapter 3: The Mother of Demons
I was in Lucifer’s Palace and on the verge of destruction – to the great delight of all the fallen angels who were my former friends.
Yet before Lucifer could raise his hand against me I surprised him – pulling my captive forward, I pulled the shroud from Lilith’s face. Lucifer gasped and the crowd erupted in shouts of awe and curiosity. For Lilith, the Mother of the Children of Mu, now stood proudly before the group – she knew her presence was a reminder of ancient enmities and forbidden desires that had long simmered beneath the surface of celestial politics. Although my magical chains still bound her, pulsating with a cosmic energy to keep her subdued, Lilith remained defiant.
Lucifer, regarded the woman with a mixture of intrigue and possession. Upon seeing her face, he instantly transformed his appearance into the most pleasing version of himself – the Adonis of all beautiful creatures. His eyes, like pools of eternity, bore into her with a hunger that made even the bravest lumenarcs shift uncomfortably.
Amazingly, Lilith met Lucifer’s gaze and held it. It was clear she knew the stakes of this moment—her fate now tied inexorably to the Dark Prince – now her only hope against destruction. Seeing things play out according to my plan, I made a subtle gesture, releasing Lilith from her chains. As the magical restraints fell away, Lilith stood rose even taller, her posture regaining a measure of its former grace.
I’m sure the other lumenarcs were aghast that the mortal did not kneel before Lucifer, or that she dared to meet his gaze with a defiance that bordered on insolence. Yet I knew that I had picked my pawn well – for Lilith held within her a fortitude that allowed her to assert her own will even in the face of overwhelming power. [And I was glad that I was about to get rid of her!]
“Does she please you, my Lord?” I asked.
My question wasn’t really necessary for the look on Lucifer’s face told the answer — to the great disappointment of my now-jealous lumenarc colleagues. For Lucifer’s gaze still lingered on Lilith, with a hunger flickering in his eyes that everyone could sense. It was clear that he had always harbored desires for Lilith and that I’d hit the mark.
“I think you’ll find her most pleasing – for Lilith is willing to be the Mother of Demons for you, Lord. And will provide you with… whatever else you desire of her.”
Yet I wasn’t done yet, for then it was that I called forth my demons – the ghouls who immediately began to worship the Dark Prince, cooing at his every move.
Lucifer was surprised. I then proceeded to explain that I’d been working with the stolen souls for some time back on Terra.
“The process has been long and arduous, my Lord, and surely it would have been easier with you directing me.” I used my most subservient voice. “But thankfully, I finally discovered force Lilith to produce these demonic creatures. They live to serve you, Lord.”
Lucifer, begrudgingly pulling his eyes away Lilith, observed my gift. Each baal bore markings of their origin—ethereal scars etched across their ashen skin, remnants of celestial torment that fueled their loyalty and would bound them to Lucifer’s will [or so I lied]. Their presence in the throne room elicited a mixture of fear and morbid fascination among the assembled lumenarcs, who watched with a mixture of revulsion as the demons prostrated themselves before their new lord, their voices a cacophony of guttural hymns and whispers, proclaiming their allegiance. Lucifer observed them with a predatory interest that mirrored his own insatiable hunger for power.
Now confident in my safety, I watched with a smug satisfaction, until eventually my voice cut through the hall. “I call these demons the baals— they are born of celestial agony, forged in the crucible of my experiments. Can you feel the evil that oozes from them, Lord?” And before he could answer, I added my kill shot, “Perhaps a new cognomen is in order to mark the occasion?”
Though Lucifer already bore many names, I knew his ego could not resist another accolade. “What do you propose?” Lucifer’s sonorous voice echoed through Illusia, the assembled lumenarcs holding their breath.
“You shall be called Baal-Zebub,” I proclaimed boldly.
Lucifer was shocked by the suggestion, the weight of the title sinking in, whilst the crowd cowered – fearing backlash from Zebub Itself – whose aura was everywhere. But having prepared for this moment, I was quick to continue. “Sire, it’s a name for the ages and only you can hold it — for such a cognomen will honor your father. It will bind you together even more. And now you’ll be known for all time as The Demon Lord.”
The universe was hushed as all waited for Zebub to consider the proposition.
At last Illusia pulsated in approval — and Lucifer smiled, all too happy with his newest moniker.
“Baal-Zebub,” Lucifer repeated, testing the name on his tongue, his smile widening, his pride swelling.
[An interesting note: “Baal-Zebub” literally translates in your lesser language as “Lord of the Flies” or some even say “Lord of the Dung Pile” but we don’t need to tell Lucifer that].
Knowing I was safe, I watched as the new “Baal-Zebub” grew even more prideful, demanding all his subjects bow down to him as he basked in the glory of his name and his new toys. Yet Little did Lucifer know that both Lilith and his his demon minions were secretly under my control, their loyalty a mere illusion.
My visit to Illusia was brief by customary standards, a few years instead of the typical century. I enjoyed a brief period of celebrity on Illusian Isle, treated with deference and respect during my stay. Baal-Zebub was eager for me to continue my work in the Middle Plane, perhaps due to my hints that I was nearing a breakthrough in breaking the barriers between dimensions. Thus when my master suggested I return to Terra early with a full supply of <hellfire> I jumped at the opportunity.
“If you wish, my Lord.” I acquiesced.
I want to pause here to ensure you understand something. Is it clear to you why I chose the name Baal for the deity I created for Kane’s people?
What, you don’t get it? Oh, simple-minded generation, how long must I be burdened with you? Don’t you remember the plan? Do I really have to spell it out for you?
I created Yahway so his worshippers would eventually hate him — and by extension A’H.
I created Baal so that his worshipers would come to the same conclusion about Baal-Zebub — and by extension Zebub.
Humans are the key to it all!
Once I have you under my control AND you help me destroy the two original All-Powerful Ones (which only YOU have the power to do), then there will be a power vacuum that needs to be filled.
Hey, I wonder if there are any other qualified candidates? I think I know a guy – and I just happen to be available.
Hahahahaha
The Apocrypha of Azazel 