January twenty-fourth, eighteen ninety six

New Orleans was a city bustling with jazz, energy and a uniqueness in comparison to other states in the U.S. The annual Mardi Gras festivals were complete with parades, good food and celebrations that lasted for several months of the year. The city lay near the Mississippi River. The French Quarter was the heart of New Orleans, known for Creole, Cajun and Spanish architecture and a unique blending of culture. Old fashioned cars with extra wheels on the sides were forms of transportation and newspapers were circulated widely. Other areas of New Orleans consisted of murky swamps, peaceful bayous, and densely wooded areas. At night, fireflies, alligators, deer and other wildlife would often come out in the safety of the dark.

Men and women would wear a variety of different clothing to suit their needs. Farmers would wear overalls, checkered shirts and straw hats. The women would go about their days in light-colored cotton dresses, leggings and shoes. Fancier folk would wear tall top hats, suits with bow ties, shiny black shoes, pants and the occasional a stylish cane. Upper class women would wear colorful dresses, high heels and round hats with flowers and sequins on top.

Sounds from jazz bands and lively music would fill the air, often in the mornings and evenings. Rhythm and blues, jazz, swing and a bunch of different genres would merge together and evolve into a new kind of music. At the tall white Imperial Theater building, performers would awe the audience with their dances, musicals and songs. It was the passion for the arts, music, food and life that brought a variety of people together in an otherwise segregated world.

And what a segregated world it was.

African Americans and Native Americans were treated as lower class and segregated from the dominant white-skinned folk every day. Signs labeling "white" and "colored" glared accusingly at people's faces in bold letters at every door, drinking fountain and entrance. The rich had it much easier than the poor, who roamed the streets and begged for food. With money, mansions and material goods, the butter and egg men brushed aside the sufferings of the poor, the different, the strange…anyone who didn't quite fit in. Men would often stay out late in bars, flirting with pretty dames or getting zozzled after drinking too much giggle juice.

Women worked in second class jobs that paid less than male-dominated jobs. They were the housewives, secretaries, teachers, cooks and maids, among others. The unfortunate ones were often prostitutes or homeless. Men were expected to provide for their families and demonstrate their strength and intelligence. Women were expected to care for their children and support the goals of their husbands. Only a handful of women were lucky enough to have equal standing with their partners, let alone have good husbands. Those who were homosexual or queer practically didn't exist at all in the mainstream public eye.

On the surface, the Crowley family appeared like any other family. A Caucasian French man by the name of Louis Francois Crowley worked as an accountant in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a tall man with hazel eyes, a thin black mustache and short black hair, always neat whenever he was at work. His face was round and thickly shaped. Like many individuals, he freely smoked both indoors and out. He would go to church every Sunday morning, proudly carrying a leather-bound Bible in his hands and thanking God for the life he had.

It was sometime many years back that he met a lovely woman.

Not just any woman…but an exotic beauty rarely seen by the city folk. Her name was Loretta Duvalier. Her skin was dark brown, reminding him of rich chocolate or coffee. Her eyes were brown, full of soul but also deep with hidden secrets. Long curly black hair framed her face and her fingernails were unusually sharp. She wore long dresses of various colors: green, pink, red, purple and blue.

But the most noticeable feature was her smile.

That warm, bright smile. She would wear it in public every day, no matter the circumstances it seemed. Whether she would be laughing with her friends over martinis and wine or being threatened by nearby police for exposing too much skin, she nearly always managed to stay poised.

However, she did have a feisty nature about her…she was not to be pushed around.

The two of them met and got to know each other.

"Ah'm Loretta," she said, her voice southern with a Haitian dialect.

"Louis," he said, as they shook hands. "Would you like me to buy you a drink?"

"No thanks," she replied. "Ah' overdid it several days ago. Ah ain't goin' though 'nother round of throwing up like dat."

Louis laughed softly. He made an attempt at flirting.

"J'ai la chance de m'asseoir a cote d'une belle dame."

She smirked. "Ne pousse pas encore ta chance."

"You speak French too?" Louis asked in surprise.

"Oui. Also some Creole, some Haiti too."

About a year later, they were off to be married. Many people, including Louis' family, questioned him about his decision to go through an interracial marriage. Louis explained that many people sought foreign "exotic" partners for excitement.

A few family members broke contact with him, saying Louis would be "wasting his time with raising a black hybrid child." Louis released his thoughts and worries to his new wife. She said if she were strong enough, she would "whoop the racy ass of whoever said such a thing."

The "opposites attract" saying definitely applied to this relationship. Loretta would make life fun for Louis, while Louis would be there to support her in times of trouble. Louis still worked as an accountant, and moved upwards to manager. Loretta started off fairly well in her job as a French teacher. She even was able to work part time at a local hotel. But as the times got rough, she would later work in secretary jobs and…at her lowest point, as a prostitute to make ends meet. But that was years down the road.

As one might expect, both partners settled down. Loretta was still feisty but she became calmer and more nurturing to her husband's needs. Louis treated her fairly for the most part. Only the occasional drink and argument would get both of them rifled up. Louis was a kind-hearted man and Loretta enjoyed his company very much. Their honeymoon was romantic and spectacular…they went wild in their cabin right near the bayou in the woods. It was a perfect seclusion area. The cabin served as a summer home of sorts. Even the forest and bayou came alive in celebration. Fireflies dotted the darkness like shining golden stars, and crickets chirped their melodies unseen in the grass.

Loretta's pregnancy went as well as anyone would expect: moaning, throwing up, along with a sudden craving for chocolate and strange foods. Louis began hunting in the woods, which became a favorite pastime of his. He was somewhat shocked that Loretta enjoyed venison so much.

Then again there were many things he didn't know about her.

Including one day where he was stunned, and intrigued…if not a bit repulsed at what he discovered.

It explained her absences at certain times throughout the day. The way in which she didn't feel completely at home in church. The reason behind the added jars of spices she lined up in orderly rows in the kitchen cabinets.

"What is that over there?"

"What?" she asked.

"That book you hold. It's not something I'm familiar with."

Loretta glanced over toward the book and back at him, taking a deep sigh.

"You know well that Ah'm a believer in Jesus Christ like ya and much of ma family," she said.

"Yes, I know, darling," Louis replied. "But…what is that strange book you have there? The one with the symbols all over it."

He pointed to a book of rituals on the bedroom dresser.

Loretta decided to tell him the truth.

"Dat is a book of Hoodoo myths and Voodoo rituals. Ah figure Ah should tell ya now that we're together. Mah Creole family and ancestors came from Haiti, another portion of mah family were Native American. They immigrated here to the U.S. in search of a better life, like how your people came from France and Canada. Mah mother, Antoinette, she is a renowned Voodoo priestess, directly related to Marie Laveau."

He raised his eyebrows. "A crazed killer to slaves?"

"Nah, nah!" she denied. "Marie was a Voodoo herbalist, midwife and priestess. She conducted ceremonies and healed people. The myths about her being evil are just a misunderstanding. She was Catholic, too and mixed the two beliefs together, like me."

"S-sorry. Wait...you attend those ceremonies too?" Suspicion sparked in his narrowed eyes. She might as well have said that she had been to the moon in a past life.

She briefly looked off to the side. "Yes, while you're busy at work. Ah'm hopin' to be like mah mother and follow in her footsteps."

He questioned her more. "So you don't do any sacrifices nor any kind of so called black magic?"

"We only do humane animal sacrifices every few years," Loretta explained. "And we always honor God, the saints and Bondye."

"Say what?"

"Bondye or Bon Dieu, da main creator deity in Voodoo."

"Oh."

"Legend said that Marie had supernatural powers. Indeed, Ah witnessed mah mother communicate with the spirits when Ah was really little. She led the ceremony and she felt enlightened. She was almost as good as Marie herself, just less magical ability. All da ceremonies we do, all the rituals, we do for healing ourselves and each other. Magic is either good nor evil…it all depends on da person weildin' it."

"Balderdash," Louis scoffed in disbelief. "Magic isn't real. You should know that. And even if it was, why don't you have any magic?"

"'Cause Ah was born dat way," she replied, hiding the fact that she did have magical ability. "It's a varied as genetics and eye color."

Louis stared at her neckline, at a pair of black strings that hid a necklace underneath her maroon cotton dress and the usual Christian silver one she always wore. The spiral heart-shaped symbol of Erzulie Mansur, the Loa who represented maternal love.

"Just…don't get into any trouble," he said, his tone hidden with a hint of warning. "I don't want you abandoning our ways for…something else."

It was clear that he placed Catholic beliefs above any other faith. For the first time, Loretta felt a shift in the interaction between her and her husband. It wasn't like an argument or anything bad. It was more like…a distance, a gap. Her culture was something that Louis would never fully understand. A part of herself that only she knew. For him to appreciate it was practically impossible.

Loretta nodded. "Ah sure will."

It wasn't long before she was nine months pregnant. The baby was finally coming. Louis did his share in providing them with money and good food, always caring for Loretta whenever he could. A baby shower was held first in Louis' parent's home in Canada and then in correlation with Mardi Gras. Loretta gave extra offerings to the deities and supported her community in any way she could.

After praying to God and the saints, Loretta embraced her husband and smiled in pure bliss. Their wonderful biracial family was on the way.

"Will it be a boy or girl?" Louis asked.

"Not sure dear," she replied. "If it's a girl, Ah'll name her…let's see. There's Alice. Clementine. Anastasia. Agatha. Susanne. Oh, how 'bout Aphrodite?!"

"That sounds like a beautiful name," Louis said. "But if it's a boy…Kyle. Robert, maybe. No, too simple. Carlon, Roscoe, definitely gonna have Roscoe in his name."

"No, Ah've decided. Abigail. Perfect!"

"Louis the second."

She scoffed and blew a raspberry. "You're an unoriginal dapper doofus," she teased.

Louis playfully poked his finger into her chest. "Edward. Edward Roscoe Carlon Crowley. That's final."

"A blabbering mouthful!" she responded, playfully pushing him onto the bed.

"Oh, you wanna play this game do you?" he asked with a smirk of his own.

He paused.

"As tempting as it would be…no more sex until after the child is born," he added. "Or better yet none for a while."

She swayed her hips and batted her eyelashes. "From the look in your eyes, Ah can tell you're desperate. But yes, it's smart to hold off."

"How about a smooch instead?"

She cupped his pale cheeks and kissed him warmly on the lips. "Don't mind if Ah do."

In mid-January, Loretta got some bad news from the doctor.

"Smoke has lingered in your body for a while," he said, "and appears to have entered near the placenta. Hate to say this, but your baby might not make it."

Loretta gasped in shock, Louis' hand firmly on her shoulder.

Her brown eyes were already gleaming with tears. "W-why? Is there anything we can do?"

"If you wait too much longer, your child will run out of oxygen. Best case scenario is to do a C-section."

"It's too early. Let's wait for a little while longer," she pleaded.

"Not too long," the doctor said. "It's risky."

Loretta and Louis prayed and sobbed hard as the week went on. Soon, the twenty third of January had come to an end. Loretta prayed to God that her child would be alright. The moon seemed to shine brighter upon her face. She stood in front of an open window overlooking the city lights.

Loretta went down to the library room and, after pressing a certain book, a secret door swung open. She walked through into a small room, where an ancestral altar stood.

The table had a white cloth on it and two candles at the back corners. Pictures of saints, Bon Dieu and her ancestors were arranged in different spots. There was a picture of her and her mother Antoinette at a ceremony. Antoinette's cousin had grown up on a Native American reservation and was forced to convert to Catholicism. If he were still here, he could tell the stories of African American and Native American slaves briefly working together to endure the harsh conditions they lived under.

In the center of the table lay a light gray bowl of salt water and another green bowl with different kinds of dirt, including dirt from a graveyard.

Loretta used smoky incense and salt to consecrate the objects and then honored her ancestors. She usually did this by sitting quietly in meditation, asking for their guidance. A large backpack and container held more ritual items, and a few were in her pockets.

After she was finished, she gathered some red and black candles and arranged them in a circle. Using her finger, she traced glowing white outlines on the floor of Papa Legba's elaborate symbol. The tops of the symbol looked like husks of corn. She lit the candles as she went around the circle.

Afterwards, she gathered a bag of candy, some old toys, and coconut oil, as she didn't have the actual fruit. After placing the objects around the circle, Loretta invoked Papa Legba, the Loa of the crossroads. He was the bridge between the world of humanity and the other world. He was always called on first in every ceremony.

"Papa Legba, bridge between here and the other world, I, Loretta Crowley, humbly ask for your guidance." She sat and meditated, thinking positive thoughts.

She opened her eyes and stood up as she felt a shift in the space. A life size flaming white X appeared in the room and out stepped the spirit. He was an old black man with thin white curly hair covered by a straw hat. He had a hairy white beard and mustache. He was dressed like a peasant in overalls, brown pants and a white top. He held a wooden cane in his left hand and a cigar in his right. Kindness and wisdom radiated from his dark eyes. At one point, his eyes glowed an ethereal silver.

"Greetings, mortal Loretta Crowley," he said in a voice that sounded ancient and timeless. He spoke in Latin, Creole, French… then back in English. "Any items you've misplaced? Keys, food, clothing…I'll be happy to find them."

Loretta shook her head, tears pooling in her eyes.

"There is one thing Ah'm about ta lose forever, and that's my child!"

Papa Legba looked concerned. "Oh my, that's sad news indeed."

"What should Ah do? My baby's drowning in mah smoky womb."

Papa Legba took out one of the candies in the plastic bag and popped it into his mouth.

"Cherry-strawberry," he said, licking his lips. "Haven't had those in forever." He picked up a ball and tossed it up and down, catching it.

Papa Legba looked back at her and tossed the ball aside. "Back to the topic. Praying to God and Bon Dieu won't be enough. If your child stays in there much longer…"

He paused with a sigh, putting his pipe into his mouth and letting out a puff of smoke.

"Da doctor said da too," mentioned Loretta.

"Well, there are a few of us Loas that can help out with that," he suggested. "You're affiliated with Oshun, right?"

"Yes," Loretta said. "Loa of love, beauty, and rivers. Now, Ah turn to Erzulie Mansur."

"Sadly, not the right ones. The war Loa of iron, Ogun won't be of much help either."

Loretta had an idea. "What about Yemaya, Mother of da Seven Seas? Could she help?"

"If you had a safer childbirth, then yes, but in this case…"

He paused. "Let's find out for sure."

Two x shaped portals appeared, one pink, the other blue. From the pink one stepped Erzulie, a black woman wearing a pink head covering. She looked like the Black Madonna, as many people referred to her as.

"Loretta Crowley," she greeted. Loretta bowed in respect. Always being prepared, Loretta fished into her pocket and pulled out some silver heart-shaped pendants. She handed them to Erzulie, who examined them in approval and appreciation.

"So… ya can't help me save mah baby?"

Erzulie looked at her sadly. "I'm afraid not. I only deal with relationships, wealth, and good luck."

Yemaya stepped through the blue portal, a dark skinned woman wearing a pearl necklace and a blue dress that glistened like fish scales. Loretta greeted her as well and gave her a necklace made of dove feathers. Her eyes were vast as the ocean, her necklace white as the moon.

"Always a pleasure to see you, Loretta," she said.

A green shaped x appeared and the Loa of herbs and trees, Loco peered out. He was a black man who wore loose brown clothing and a crown of leaves on his head. His wife Ayizan was busy conducting a dive ritual in the great outdoors.

"Quite a big crowd here," he remarked to Papa Legba.

"Appreciate all of ya coming," said Loretta, as she offered Loco a sacred rattle and a fresh apple. "And Ah thank ya deeply for contacting your fellow Loa, Papa Legba."

"You're most welcome. But know that I don't do this with everyone."

Loco took a bite of the juicy apple. "Fresh and tasty as eva. Papa Legba said ya was in trouble?"

"It's mah new born baby, he or she is close to dying. Can ya save it?"

Loco looked at her with sad eyes. "Ah'm afraid not. Mah herbs usually only heal outside wounds and mixtures of herbs require time for mortals ta make."

Loretta sighed in defeat. "Thanks for tryin' anyway."

"Ah wish you da best of luck," Loco finished before he vanished into the closing green portal.

"It is getting crowded in the mortal realm," Yemaya remarked after looking around. "Best we go back as well."

Erzulie agreed. She gave Loretta one last kind look, before they stepped through their portals. The pink and blue x gateways vanished.

Papa Legba scratched his beard in thought. "Hmm. You do appear to be at a pivotal crossroad in your life right now," he mentioned. "Pun intended. You have several options at this point. First, you can let nature take its course and continue your life with your husband. Second, we can help you have a second childbirth that will be safer. In both cases, you current child would die."

"Anything else?"

"Well, there is a third option, albeit, a risky one. With my permission, which you have, I will allow you to contact a few other Loa who can alter the fates of the near dying. Baron Samedi, for instance…"

He waved his hand.

Another X shaped portal, (this one colored dark purple), opened up to reveal a tall dark-skinned man with a dark blue suit, top hat and square-shaped sunglasses over his eyes. His top hat was decorated with small skulls along the rim, along with white v shaped designs. His pants and polished shoes were black. His face was painted like a skull, with a small dark x on his forehead. At times, his face would morph into a real living skull. The man's hair was short and dark. He was standing at the other side of the portal, leaning against a gravestone and drinking a bottle of rum. A large unpeeled banana stood erect from underneath his pants. He swayed his hips and it moved.

"Lovely," Loretta scoffed in disgust.

"Don't mind him," said Papa Legba, with a roll of his eyes. "He's suave and has an obscene sense of humor."

"Can you save mah infant?"

Baron Samedi looked over and Loretta thought that she was looking at a living skeleton. "Did someone call me?"

"Yes," said Papa Legba. "This mortal, here, is losing her baby. She wants to know if you can somehow save it."

He peered through the portal and glanced around the room. "I don't see anybody dead or dying. She's not even at a cemetery!"

"Not so loud, sir," Loretta said in a whisper. "My husband's asleep."

"Asleep so deep, huh?" he asked, stepping forward. "What happened? Did he wear himself out with the thrusts or were you the one on top?"

He chuckled as he took a bite out of the phallic shaped banana.

"Now's not the time for jokes, Baron," Papa Legba chided. "Please answer her question."

"Okay, okay," he said, holding up his dark hands. "Whatever ya say, farm boy."

"Excuse me?"

He turned to Loretta. "I deal with the dead, tombstones and the spirits. If you wanted to speak with one of your ancestors in person, I could allow that…"

He put his arm around her and winked. "…after a dance, perhaps?"

"No thank you," Loretta replied, stepping away.

Baron Samedi sighed. "I don't really deal with unborn infants, love. From the looks of it, your child won't last much longer."

"Like Ah don't already know dat," Loretta cracked, trying not to break down.

Papa Legba sighed. "Okay then. Here comes the risky last resort."

Loretta straightened herself up. "Whatever it is, Ah'll take it."

"Are you sure? You'll be dealing with a powerful malevolent Loa…"

"Just please summon him. Ah'll do anythin'."

A pause.

"You misunderstand. We Loa are requested to only bring healing and light to humanity. But, seeing as you are in desperate need…" replied Papa Legba, his voice full of regret.

"Oh I know what it is," Baron Samedi chimed in. "You're going to summon your other aspect, aren't you? The dark sorcery master."

"Huh?" Loretta asked.

"He means my darker twin brother, Met Kalfu," said Papa Legba. "A Demon of Crossroads. If anyone can change fate directly, it's him."

"He's the one to turn to if you want immediate results," said Baron Samedi.

"But, he's a trickster, like me…" Papa Legba replied as another X portal appeared, this time it was black and red. "…and the one who can bring demons in. There are always catches involved. Be warned."

"Hello Papa Legba!" called a low voice as a dark hand pointed to Baron Samedi through the portal. "Come ta kill someone new, today?"

In stepped Kalfu, and Loretta's neck hairs immediately stood on end at his evil presence. The Loa's appearance looked nothing at all like Papa Legba's.

Kalfu stood tall, muscular and imposing, wearing a blood red suit and necktie. His skin was dark brown. His top hat, decorated with dark flowers and feathers, was blood red as well, on top of his long dreadlocks of dark hair. His forehead was decorated with small white beads. The necklaces he wore were made of bones. Dark pants covered his legs and his shoes were black. Two imposing bull horns made of fire stuck out from his head on either side of his hat. Sharp white teeth, a forked tongue, glowing red eyes…all added to his demonic appearance.

"Oh for fucks sake, Kalfu!" Baron Samedi roared in anger as Kalfu laughed. Loretta almost fell backwards. If Louis woke up and discovered this, he'd turn her in as a Satanic witch.

Baron Samedi growled as he stomped toward the trickster. "I've had it with people comparing him…" he pointed to Papa Legba…"to that American Horror Story villain! I'm not a killer. I merely guide souls to the afterlife and comfort the dying and grieving. He's just the gatekeeper between worlds, a messenger for Bon Dieu and Damballah."

Damballah was a supreme serpentine deity, the creator of the world, along with his wife, in folklore.

Papa Legba looked upset as well and nodded in agreement to Baron Samedi. "Yes Kalfu, our images have been commercialized and portrayed as demonic for far too long. We don't take souls, though we all want to be treated with respect and honor. The only real demonic one here is you!"

"Yeah, and look who gets all da jazz in popula culture. Entertainin', if not insultin' at times," Kalfu scoffed. "But Ah sense Ah'm not here ta argue with ya two…"

He rapidly turned to Loretta and licked his lips. "Who's dis pretty piece of meat?"

Loretta shuddered out loud and took several steps back. Papa Legba appeared protectively beside her, giving Kalfu a harsh glare. "Loretta Crowley, of New Orleans."

"Ah yes, so many mortals from New Orleans. Ya have mah rum ready?"

Loretta gasped. She had forgotten to prepare some in case Papa Legba invited him in.

"Ah won't kill ya…dis time," Kalfu replied to her. Papa Legba sighed and conjured up a bottle of rum mixed with gunpowder. Kalfu greedily took it and gulped down several mouthfuls. Loretta made a face.

Kalfu continued.

"Y' remind me of 'nother lady…a royal queen, if Ah ain't mistaken. Her head got shrunken and her little son…what's his name? Duvalier…Facilier, Dr. Facilier, dats da guy. Ah was like, "your son will be da most feared Shadow Man someday, and he'll be rich, too." Ha! She accepted da deal but didn't know that her son can't even do magic on his own! He'd have to rely on his "friends from da other side," to do his work. Oh how fun it is ta mess with y' people."

"Enough!" Loretta said, taking a breath, clearly impatient. "Any of ya, please…help save mah dyin' infant!"

Kalfu sneered. "Y' must be really desperate to want me ta help," he replied. "Da survival of ya baby. That will be assured one hundred percent. Da question is…"

He leaned in dangerously close…"what are ya willin' to give up?"

Loretta took a breath. "Several years of mah life."

Kalfu feigned a gasp and looked around. "You're husband's comin'!"

Loretta yelped while covering her mouth and stood with her back against the wall.

Kalfu laughed. "Dat priceless look on ya face, oh Ah got ya good."

Papa Legba held a pitchfork at Kalfu, the tips cracking with electricity. "Do you want a jab full of hot blinding light?"

Kalfu waved his hand and the pitchfork vanished in flames. He clicked his tongue a few times. "Empty threats to a fellow immortal. Oh wait, why am Ah talking to mah-self, anyway?"

"Enough games, brother," Papa Legba warned. His low growl consisted of the sounds of a dozen angry dogs.

Kalfu only snorted, smoke shooting from his nostrils like a bad-tempered bull.

With the loud snapping sounds of bones, Baron Samedi yawned and stretched. "Well, in that case, I'll just take my leave. Don't wanna be around with Legba arguing with his opposite for a while."

He turned back to Loretta, "I'll have some time to decide your passage to the hereafter. I have all the time in the world but as for you…just enjoy your life while it lasts. Farewell lovely lady."

With that, Baron Samedi walked through the purple portal and vanished.

Kalfu chuckled and turned back to Loretta, sharp teeth showing. "Several years of ya life, you say? It don't always work like dat. In fact, ya often don't know what will be the result when it comes to me. Ya baby could be handicapped. Bad luck could follow ya around, ya husband might become homeless and drunk, who knows? Either way, ya'll owe me somethin' in da end."

"So, you just gonna curse me and mah family, just so mah child can live?"

"Can't tell ya exactly, but somethin' like dat."

Loretta sighed and thought for a moment. "Mah family and Ah will deal with it. Help save mah baby."

"So…it's a deal then?"

Eerie red light illuminated his face as he held out his right hand for her to shake. His hands consisted of sharp claws and Loretta felt like he wouldn't hesitate to use them on her.

Papa Legba stepped in between them, glaring at his brother. "You will not drag that mortal into your schemes. Save her baby right now, or I'll send you back."

"Jokes on ya, farm boy. Ah control the crossroads too," Kalfu stated. "Ah could just…invite some friends over ta party?"

"None of your Petro "friends" are allowed in this realm. No shadow demons, no voodoo imps, no one. I will personally bring the Rada along to stop you. We all know that you'd be outnumbered and out matched."

Papa Legba's eyes glowed silver, a dangerous look on his wrinkled dark-skinned face. "Are we clear here?"

Kalfu shrugged, his red angry eyes briefly showing a sense of defeat. "Clear as crystal. Ah'll save it."

Loretta already felt exposed and vulnerable under his bloodthirsty stare. She tried to look braver.

Kalfu walked over to Loretta, who now stood poised. He closed his eyes and red voodoo symbols hovered in the air. The entire room became pitch black. Neither Loretta nor Papa Legba could see anything except the symbols. Seven leaves appeared in the air and moved around in a glowing circle. Kalfu waved his hand and the smoke in her womb vanished. When no one was looking, Kalfu grinned mischievously and pointed a finger at Loretta's belly. A jet of red light pierced through harmlessly. The dark energy traveled through her body and consumed the growing curled up baby inside. The newborn's eyes briefly glowed, a lively spark ignited in the growing being.

Opening his eyes, Kalfu swiped his claws forward and scratched Loretta's belly for good measure. Loretta flinched and yelled out in the dark. She could see Kalfu licking his bloody claw tips with a long black tongue. Loretta tried not to faint.

The darkness and the symbols dissipated. "It is done," he said. He walked back toward the portal.

"What did you do?" Papa Legba asked, suspiciously. Kalfu always liked to cause trouble, but more often than not it was done to teach people harsh lessons.

But what did it mean?

"Ah saved her newborn's life," Kalfu replied, turning to Loretta. "Ya welcome, mortal."

He spread out his arms for his dramatic exit. "Dis is goin' ta be very entertainin'!"

He stepped through the black and red X with an evil laugh and vanished.

"I've always hated him," Papa Legba sighed, straightening his straw hat. "Sorry about all that. Hold still."

He walked over and instantly healed Loretta's bleeding cuts with a trace of his fingers.

"Hopefully, this will be enough. We help for the good of the living and dead alike. You've honored us and your ancestors well, so if you ever need advice, feel free to request our help again."

Loretta lowered her head in thanks to Papa Legba.

Tears sprang from Loretta's eyes, but these were a mixture of sadness and joy.

"Hey," he said, pulling Loretta in for a close side hug. "Things will be fine from here." Loretta briefly shut her eyes and smiled at the comforting gesture. He let go.

"Good luck, Loretta," he said. "And remember, no matter what happens, love and light will always shine on." A colorful dog appeared next to the Loa and rubbed his legs with its head. He bent down and pet the animal, who wagged his tail and led the way back through the portal.

After the final farewells and thanks, Papa Legba tilted his straw hat to her, and vanished. The portals and magic faded away and the room grew eerily quiet.

Wasting no time, Loretta hurried back to the bedroom. Thankfully, Louis was still in bed.

"I heard noises," he grumbled. "Is everything alright, dear?"

"Yes, things will be fine," Loretta assured, hoping her words rang true. A rumble of thunder boomed in the distance.

"From the haze of smoke, life shall ignite

By Kalfu's might, and Vivienne's light

Death and life unite

Crossroads of destiny doth say this

Be wary of things amiss

A clever mind, not unkind,

A sin behind the grin."

The chanting echoed in her dream and mind, even as she woke up. In just a few minutes, the words faded from her head.

It was then that the sharp pains kicked in. It was just as bad as those of childbirth… the relentless jabbing of really bad cramps. Sharp shocking pains filled her abdomen and lower back.

Loretta yelled at the sudden discomfort. "Yaaaaaaahhhhh!"

Louis jolted upward with a start at the sound of her scream. The clock read two AM.

"Sweetheart, what in heaven's…"

She interrupted him with gasps. Sweat already dotted her forehead. "We have to go to da doctor. Now!"

"What? Why?" he asked, helping her up. "Let's get dressed…"

"No time!" she called.

"But surely you aren't giving birth? It's two weeks early."

"Ah just know we have to go. They can save mah baby!"

Louis didn't question her further and supported her as they made their way to their long old fashioned red vehicle. Lightning illuminated the sky while thunder drummed to the constant splattering beats of rain.

The couple were soon at the hospital. Loretta was on a hospital bed, wheeled into an emergency room. Louis waited anxiously in the waiting room. After giving her medications and calming her though her wails and pained sobs, the nurses wheeled in surgical tools. With careful cuts, they sliced open her abdomen horizontally. Red blood filled the cut line, flowing out in crimson tears.

A stillborn mess plopped into the nurse's light blue gloved hands. It was the baby, with light brown skin and wisps of thin dark brown hair. There was a faint pulse. In a swift motion, the thin wrinkled umbilical cord was cut. A tense pause.

Then as the clock struck three am, the baby let out a gasping cry.

Loretta sobbed in triumph and relief.

"Date of birth: January twenty fourth, eighteen ninety six, three AM," one doctor wrote down.

The baby was washed and then carried off to the emergency unit.

The next day, Loretta and her husband were allowed to see their baby. They cradled him in their arms and he appeared calm.

"Yes, it's a boy indeed," Loretta said. "Ready to finalize da name?"

"Not yet," Louis replied. "Edward doesn't fit quite right. I was thinking Gabriel."

A few months later, their boy was ready to go home. He had progressed very well, though a few doctors were concerned that he would experience developmental problems and mental disorders.

"Premature birth increases the risk of disabilities and mental disorders," the doctors explained.

Most of them, however, assured them he was perfectly healthy.

The baby was strapped into a backseat as Loretta and Louis drove home. They drove in their old fashioned red Ford motor vehicle with wheels that bumped over a dirt path. A series of cries ensured. The baby had a light blue outfit on and a little stuffed deer in one of his hands. It was a source of comfort in a strange new world.

"It's okay, little one, we're almost home," Loretta assured, admiring the bright blue sky and puffy clouds.

It was on the dirt road that Louis said with a relieved sigh, "Alas! He lives!"

Loretta repeated the cheer happily. "A sweet vengeance on death and despair! Tormentor of sin and evil. Our son is a survivor. He needs a worthy name. Mythical, even."

"Mythical name? Like Greek?" he asked.

"Yes."

The crying continued.

In a strange jinx moment, several minutes later, both parents glanced at each other, light bulbs going on.

They said one name at the same time:

"Alastor."

A flash of brown suddenly leaped in front of their line of vision.

"Louis, watch out!" Loretta called, too late.

"Whoa! Whoa!"

Louis slammed on the brakes with a screech, rapidly spinning the steering wheel.

The car hit something solid with a thud. A loud bark, a glimpse of dark antlers.

And a horrific splatter of blood against the windshield. The red slowly pooled downwards against the glass.

Loretta and Louis stared in stunned disgusted silence. Loretta cupped a hand over her mouth. "A deer, oh mah lord!"

The crying had ceased. Babbling soon came from behind them. Loretta and Louis turned toward the back, eyes wide…

Baby Alastor was cooing with a clap of his little hands.