A Literal Devil

Alan was trying very hard to keep composed, and even so his mouth hung open as he gazed out over the other passengers. No one else was reacting to this.

“Close it up darling, before you swallow a fly” the figure tittered to herself as Alan tried to collect himself

He started with the obvious “You’re not human”

“Very good Darling, the eyes work I see” Her yellow reptilian eyes rolled “You’re not stupid, so let’s not pretend you are, you must have an inkling of what I am.”

“Yeah starting to rethink my conversion to Buddhism” Alan said as he stroked the prayer beads around his wrist eliciting laughter from the fiend in front of him

“Darling one thing I can assure you is you needn’t concern yourself of being on the right team, you humans will never get it right” She shifted her weight and leaned in toward Alan “No Darling, your soul isn’t in question, I’m here to give you something.”

“Give me something? What no deal? No bartering?” Alan allowed himself a small chuckle amongst fearing for his life

“Alan dear, what could you have that would interest me? No this is a gift, I am granting you the power of influence over the people around you.”

“What? Mind control?” Alan scoffed

The demoness frowned “No dear, something more subtle…more fun than that. I’m giving you the ability to turn things your way. To make people question their judgment, change their minds, and change how they feel in a moment. It's subtle sure…but I’m sure you find in the right hands…your hands that it is quite potent”

Alan was a mess of emotions but tried not to show it on his face as he asked “Why me?”

“Because Alan, despite what you may think most what we below and those above do is watch you mortals run about, and we need entertainment. But to answer the question you are really asking…because Alan you’re the type of person who asks “why?” instead of saying “no”.” She grinned showing each one of her razor-sharp teeth

“If you don’t like it simply don’t use it, it will come to you naturally how to do it. But..if my inkling is right..” She looked the 26-year-old man up and down, a predatory gleam in her eye “You won’t last 24 hours”

Suddenly Alan felt the bus jerk and his eyes snapped forward. The woman was gone but he heard her voice trail off in his mind

“Your stop, enjoy the gift Alan”

And as if fleeing from the excitement rising in his own stomach, he leapt from his seat to get off the bus.