Gambit of the Faithful Son

 

Chapter 1

Long ago, a man named Sarael Domino, a devout believer in God; and a mystic, was trapped by the Devil in a game with his soul on the line. The devil wagered his own power and authority as ruler of darkness, for he craved an end to his own existence and saw a chance for his wish to come true in the young Domino. The Devil’s wish was granted, and he suffered a perfect defeat. As promised, the devil transferred his own life and power into a ring fashioned from the only metal strong enough to contain its power, Gehenna Steel. The ring was in the shape of a King Cobra that wrapped around the finger of young Domino. The ring granted Domino unnatural longevity that would only end after he transferred ownership of the ring to his chosen successor.

As time passed, Sarael Domino built a strong family that soon found that later went on to become one of the most influential in all turning points in history. Though they never allied with a single nation, they offered salvation and cruelty as they saw fit under the command of Sarael Domino. Then the ring changed hands to the next family head. This would continue for 10,000 years. When each former head passed, they ascended into heaven, for they wielded the power with just and righteous precision. This was because each successor was chosen from members of the family who had no interest in the power of the ring.

One such child was born to the family's main house in the year 2030. A boy named Joseph Exavior Domino. The family head before him often doted on the boy and saw him as a foolishly bright child; and gave him every advantage he could, while ensuring he understood the value of such resources; thus keeping him humble and meek. Joseph lived with his Aunt and uncle far away from the politics of the main house, and the family head visited him often, bringing gifts and knowledge that Joseph appreciated and did not take for granted.

One day, the current family head, Able Domino, named Joseph as his heir, and after notifying the family supporters, he set out for another visit to his grandson with a hopeful smile on his face.

Joseph was just leaving class at the local university, which he had entered into at age 15. Now 17 years old, he had a great idea of where he stood in the world and knew where he wished to be in the future. He was enrolled in multiple degree programs and was quite knowledgeable already, but his knowledge would not prepare him for the afternoon he was about to have. He exited the university and headed home, followed by 2 unknown figures, unbeknownst to him. He did not notice their presence, but they did not have good intentions. They followed him to a local coffee shop and watched as he grabbed a black tea from the counter.

Joseph entered an alley he used as a shortcut to take to his home street. Upon turning into the alley, the two unknown enemies attacked Joseph with great speed and force. Joseph dodged on instinct and used his knowledge of martial arts and Close Quarters Combat to defend himself. One of the cloaked figures pulled an unknown weapon from concealment and made several attempts on Joseph's life. Joseph fought and deflected each attack with ease. “Interesting weapon,” thought Joseph aloud as he grabbed and restrained the wrist of his attacker.

The assailant dropped his weapon and winced in pain, and then suddenly, the other attacker threw Joseph against the wall with inhuman force. As Joseph lay against the wall, preparing to meet his maker, the assailants were ready to end his existence when Able showed up, accompanied by two inhuman servants. “Hey boys, where have you been hiding?” asked Able with a smug expression as his servants restrained the attackers with unnecessary force.

“Grandpa,” said Joseph with relief.

“Sorry, my boy, I will explain after I take out this garbage. Gluttons, it's dinner time,” said Able. His inhuman servants roared loudly and began to feast on the flesh of his grandson’s attackers. They left no trace. Not even blood remained after they finished their meal.

“Sorry, Joseph, I knew there was going to be opposition after I named you my heir, but I did not think they would act so fast,” said Able as he coughed a little into a handkerchief.

“What do you mean? I am your heir now? Grandpa, this is just crazy. I am not qualified,” said Joseph.

“My boy, you are more than qualified. You are my direct descendant, you are well accomplished, and you are beyond gifted. Also, you have no interest in being head of our accursed family or the power that comes with it. You will do quite nicely,” said Able as he took a seat on a nearby bench after they walked out of the alley.

“Listen, I don’t have a lot of time. I need you to accept the role while I am here. I know you have other goals, but this path is not meant for those who have want of it. Only those who want nothing to do with this power have any right to wield it, for it is so corruptive that just a taste will drive lesser men mad,” said Able. “Please, my boy, will you take over from now on?” asked Able.

Joseph looked at the ring his grandfather handed him. The silver serpent glowed in his hand. Then suddenly more assailants surrounded them. “That power does not belong in the hands of a weakling?” said Johnson, an employee of the family who had learned too much for his own good.

“This is a family matter, Johnson. You may have married my youngest daughter, but you are still an in-law, and have no say in who I chose as heir,” said Able as his hands shook.

Johnson pointed the gun at Able and said, “Deny the succession, and I will let the old man live.”

Joseph looked at Johnson and recalled their complicated history and rivalry. He never understood Able’s favoritism nor the reason for his unnatural interest in Joseph’s life, despite the efforts he took to stand out. The beatings, the insults, and the constant ridicule that ensued at family gatherings born from the rivalry made such parties the bane of Joseph’s existence.

He looked at his grandfather and recalled all he had taught him. “My boy, sometimes, it is not knowing when to fight that is important, but instead knowing when to not fight. You have always ignored the insults and taken the beatings, even though I know for certain you could have picked those imps apart with little effort. You are far from weak. You have the best kind of strength. Don’t ever forget that you are better than anything they chose to call you,” a memory of Able running his hand through Joseph's hand while speaking those words echoed through his mind.

“I, Joseph Domino, accept this appointment of blood, with humility, wisdom, and grace,” said Joseph in defiance of Johnson. As if in response to his words, the ring changed into a King Cobra the size of a child's hand, and bit Joseph's hand; then it wrapped around his middle finger and resolidified as a ring once more.

Johnson grew sour with rage and indignation. “Why can’t you just realize you are not needed you insignificant piece of human trash?’ he said as he pointed the gun at Joseph with intent to shoot. He pulled the trigger twice, but the bullets stopped in mid-air just before hitting Joseph.

“That is cool,” said Joseph as he moved the suspended bullets aside.

Johnson tried to fire his weapon again, but it clicked, signaling an empty bullet chamber. “Now then, let’s fight this out in the ring. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” said Joseph as he moved with inhuman speed and beat the living hell out of Johnson. Johnson knew he did not stand a chance against his nephew; he retreated, leaving his hired guns behind.

“Coward,” said Joseph. Able coughed into his handkerchief again. “Grandpa,” Joseph walked to able and examined him to ensure his safety.

“I am fine, my boy. This body is just too past its expiration date to continue running things. I estimate I have a good two weeks left before my time runs out. I need to make sure you understand everything before then. That ring is both the blessing and curse of this family. We have been tasked with the Job the Devil abandoned. We seek out the wicked, and punish them. We are the rulers of what humanity thinks of as hell; though the truth of what the place actually is is not so black and white. The Devil was condemned to that realm until the day he could find one strong enough to oversee the suffering of the empty realm. That \individual was your ancestor. Fast forward to today, our family has managed to use the power generated from that dark realm in a positive way. For many years we have benefited mankind while quietly erasing evil from the world. But that ring has a huge price tag on it. You will gain unnaturally long life and unprecedented power, but it will consume you if you let your guard down even a little. That is why those who seek the ring's power must never be allowed to possess it. It is only safe to use in the hands of one who does not desire it,” Able explained.

“I have already transferred all of my assets and holdings over to your ownership, and I have appointed a servant I created to act as your guardian. The only thing that is left is to wrangle up the opposition. I know this is a lot to take in, but we need to move fast now,” said Able as a luxury car appeared to escort them to the main house.

“So, just keep living as I have, and the ring won’t affect me negatively? Sounds easy enough,” said Joseph with a smile that conveyed no anger or betrayal. “Honestly, old man, did you really think I would be angry over something like this? This may be a lot for the average worker to take, but this is Sunday Dinner for guys like us. You have my word, I’ll do my best,” Joseph reassured Able with a gentle pat on the shoulder.

“You are a lot like your mother. She was a laid-back soul too,” said Able as they entered the car and drove off.

20 minutes had passed, and Johnson had just arrived at his home where his wife, Christine, was waiting for news of his attempt. “What do you mean you failed?” asked Christine with anger. “Please spare me your bickering. We need to get ready to leave. I shot at the king and missed,” said Johnson with fear as he opened a safe and emptied the contents into a messenger bag.

“Running will do us no good. The moment you took your shot, you painted a target on our backs. We will be lucky if we make it through the night,” said Christine, knowing what awaits them.

“We have to run, what other choice do we have?” asked Johnson in frustration.

“I can talk to Joseph. Maybe if we beg enough, he will see fit to spare us,” said Christine, suggesting a route to their survival.

“After all we have done, do you really think that brat will forgive us? If he has any sense, he will kill me out right in front of the entire family,” said Johnson.

Suddenly, a loud bang on their front door echoed through the room, and they were soon swarmed by men with weapons restraining them. A maid with black wings protruding from her back and a black thorned halo entered. “You should have known this was coming,” the maid said with a grin.

“Of all that old man’s wretched creations, you are one of the worst, Lilith,” said Johnson.

“Your praise means the world to me, young master Johnson. Now then, shall we be off? The family head would like a few words,” said the maid, Lilith.

“If you think I am taking a knee to that ignorant brat, you have another thing coming,” said Johnson. Then, a bullet flew through his thigh. “That was not a request. You have been called for by the new family head. Know your place, worm,” said Lilith as two men adjusted the aim of their weapons.

“Lilith, please have mercy. We will come, just don’t hurt him anymore,” Christine pleaded.

They were then brought before the main hall of the main house, where many influential members stood watching from on high. Joseph entered the main hall after 10 minutes had passed, building the tense atmosphere with a scent of blood and fear. Able followed behind him. They took a seat at the main table in the hall and held court over the entire group with authority and grace.

“Young Master Joseph, I have brought your would-be murderer here as requested,” said Lilith as she forced Johnson to his knees. Christine stood beside her fallen husband with a defeated look on her face.

“I am rather new to this, so I am not sure how to proceed. But I do know that what you have done today cannot be overlooked,” said Joseph as two maids poured a glass of wine for Joseph and Able. “Grampa, I know under normal circumstances, we would leave such matters to the public authorities, but I have a feeling that would draw unnecessary attention,” said Joseph, assuming the reason for these methods.

“You were always too studious for your own good, boy. But you are correct; we need to handle this matter internally. The punishment should also fit the crime,” said Able, explaining his take on the situation.

“Please, Joseph, I know we have had our differences, but this is not what your parents would have wanted for you,” said Christine, pleading for their lives.

“I fail to see why you are so upset, Aunt Christine. You have no need to fear me. I do not intend to kill you. Your actions were limited to embellishment, record theft, and logistics manipulation. Having said that, I need to address Uncle’s crimes first, so wait your turn and don’t speak unless spoken to,” said Joseph with slight anger in his cold voice.

Christine bowed her head and remained on the ground beside her husband.

“Johnson, you have made an attempt on my life and that of my Grandfather. Your punishment is set in stone, but I do have one question: what did I do to make you hate me so much?” asked Joseph with a look of genuine sadness.

Johnson looked around for someone to lend a helping hand, but no family member in the room was willing to give him a second thought. Instead, they smiled at him with contempt. Johnson looked at Able and Joseph, and for the first time, he saw how much he had been led astray. “You know, this den of snakes will eventually suck the life out of you. They will act like supporters, but when your back is turned, that is when they will drive a knife clean through you. Are you sure you can handle the weight of the responsibility that now hangs around your neck?” asked Johnson with a nervous smile.

“I have a feeling I will be just fine, though I appreciate your counsel,” said Joseph with a blank expression. “For your crimes on this earth, I condemn you to death. Sentence to be carried out immediately,” said Joseph with a look of regret. Then, Demonic Creatures entered the main hall and began to devour Johnson, bone and all. Nothing was left after they were done. Christine screamed as she watched the man she loved be eaten alive by monsters of hideous creation. The maids held her back as the sentence was carried out.

Not a trace of Johnson was left. It was as if his very existence was erased then and there. Christine looked to her nephew and could not even whimper. “Now that that is settled, I am going to have to give my verdict regarding your actions. You have not committed any atrocities that warrant death, but you have aided Johnson. I know one must honor their husband, but you failed to call out his mistakes. Your actions also allowed him to make his attempt on my life and that of my grandfather, your father. While I do not intend to take your life, I must impress upon you the seriousness of what you have done. You shall be suspended from your position as chief logistics officer at the main company, and you will pay restitution to the families of the men who died at the hands of the gluttons who acted on your husband’s orders,” said Joseph without emotion or regret. “Naturally, I cannot live in the same mansion as someone who conspired with my attempted murderer, so I will have you relocated to a cottage on the outskirts of the city,” said Joseph as he took a sip of wine.

“I can see why you were chosen to lead us over me or my husband. You have shown a lot of restraint. The truth is I can hardly blame you for what has transpired today, for if our roles were reversed, I doubt I would act any differently. Is what I would like to say,” said Christine. “But in truth you should take my life as well, for I doubt I would have shown any bride you would have taken any mercy,” said Christine with a look of defiance.

“For what it is worth, Aunt Christine, I hope you are able to find peace in this life. I really wish that today had never happened,” said Joseph with a look of sadness. Joseph finished his wine as Christine was escorted out of the main hall of the mansion.

Lilith stepped forward. “Young Master, there is still the matter of who will take over Mistress Christine’s duties during her suspension,” Lilith said, suggesting the next item on the agenda.

“My first day as head of this family, and I oversee an execution and perform disciplinary actions on my relatives. If I had known this was going to be waiting for me when I got here, I might have opted for the bullet Johnson was offering,” said Joseph with a laugh. Able laughed as well.

“Same shit, different day. I suggest we have your cousin, George, handle her work for now. Christine can return to her position after her suspension has ended, if she still wants to work with us,” suggested Able. The room echoed with quiet laughter.

George approached. He was a young man in his 20s. Dressed in a suit and alligator shoes, he had a confident appearance. “I will be happy to take over her duties,” he said as he gestured with goodwill.

“Please do,” said Joseph. “Any other business we need to take care of before the next part of this meeting?” asked Joseph.

“Sir, Johnson had a sizable insurance policy taken out on you and the old man. Christine was named beneficiary. Shall we discontinue them?” asked one of the servants.

“No, leave it as it is, and continue to make the necessary payments on the policies,” said Joseph.

Able looked at his grandson in surprise of his generosity in spite of the attempts made on their lives. “It is all well and good to show kindness even to those who have wronged you, but don’t let them mistake it for weakness. Mark my words, boy, you need to be careful from here on out,” said Able as he coughed.

“I understand, Grandpa, and will file your concern away for further consideration. Still, I would worry about yourself,” said Joseph with a grin.

“You wise-ass. That last thing I need is you worrying about me. I am a dead man walking anyway. Let me enjoy these final days watching you take over,” said Able, raising his glass as he recalled the day his son brought Joseph home from the hospital.

Then, a banquet started; high-class dishes from every culture were placed on every table in the main hall, and servants and family members mingled and interacted as if nothing had happened- as if there had never been a single death in the house, though the exact opposite was the case. Countless atrocities had been used as punishment for similar incidents in the past over the years, and these vipers in human skin were dining in the room where they had occurred without a care in the world nor a shred of guilt.

Joseph noted the cold efficiency of the inner workings of the main house, and recalled that this was the reason he dreaded coming to the main house on holidays. “I guess this is my life now,” thought Joseph with regret.

The night continued, and once the gathering ended, the family toasted the new family head, and those who lived apart from the main house departed for their homes. Servants cleaned the main hall. Able was escorted to a room with a bed and TV to rest, and Lilith escorted Joseph to what would be his new room. “Young Master, I have been tasked with your care by the previous family head. Should you require anything, you need only ask. I am yours, and yours alone,” said Lilith as she opened a suite at the top of the mansion. “This suite should have everything you need. Servants are available 24-7 and we will begin your orientation tomorrow. After that, we will arrange your schedule around your education and discuss the rest of what is to come,” said Lilith as she stood by while Joseph took a seat on the black couch in the living room of the suite.

"Oh, just condemned a man to die, and ordered his death,” thought Joseph aloud.

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” said Lilith as she moved toward Joseph seductively. She wrapped her arms around Joseph and her black wings folded around them in a warm embrace. “This is not fair to ask of one so young. Still, you need to face what comes next. Just know I will be there with you,” said Lilith.

“I always thought you were just a cosplayer, but now that I look closer, you are not human, are you?” asked Joseph with a blank expression. “I am a creation of your grandfather’s. So to answer your question, I am not human; but you should know he made me with a specific purpose,” Lilith responded as she ran her hand along Joseph's cheek and walked around the couch to stand before him.

“Really, and what is that?” asked Joseph.

“I exist for you and you alone. Your protection, happiness, and well-being are my very reasons for existing. Even when you pass on that ring, I will remain by your side,” Lilith explained. “Your grandfather knew you would not have an easy time, so he set up supporters to make your transition into this new leadership role less difficult. As for my role, I am yours. Use me as a pawn, a toy, a lover, or as counsel; I am here for you in any capacity. I swear by my name, I will serve you alone for all time,” vowed Lilith with a look of devotion.

“If that is the case, then I have one order for you. Stay with me tonight; I do not want to be alone, but I don’t know if I can be with any of the other family members right now,” Joseph said as he leaned his head back. “Also, I know you have vowed, but I am still going to give this order. You can never betray me. Until my last breath, you will serve me. Am I clear?” asked Joseph with a small glare of determination.

Lilith’s heart skipped a beat, as if a long-held wish had finally been granted. She spread her wings and took a knee before her master and said, blushing with pride, “Yes, my prince.” As night went on, Joseph fell prey to nightmares, and once he awoke, Lilith was there to comfort him. But even with her good intentions, the den of snakes that the mansion had been for years was slowly changing, and not for the better.