by R C Knight
A giant blade came swinging down towards Zane. He rolled quickly to the side and brought his sword up to block it. The weight of the blade kept him pinned to the ground. A Hell Hound came running down the alley and bit into his calf. He grunted in pain as he tried to shake off the hound. Damn it! A Berserker and a Hell Hound at the same time! Suddenly the Hell Hound released his leg. He looked down and saw a silver arrow sticking through the hound’s head. He looked up to the roof and saw an angel blow him a kiss as she ran away.
The Berserker took this opportunity to swing his other blade towards his leg. Zane pushed up against the original blade and leapt into the air. He grabbed onto the post for a sign that was sticking out the side of the building. He pulled himself onto the post and stood up. As the Berserker swung at him again, he jumped from the post with his sword out and cut off the Berserker’s arm. As he landed on the ground, he watched with delight as the demon shouted in pain.
The Berserker was a disgusting demon, its stomach hung down past its hips. The smell of the thing was horrific, overwhelming all of your senses. Although the Berserkers were ridiculously tall, they had grotesquely short legs. Which worked in Zane’s favor, as this demon was ridiculously unbalanced.
The Berserker finally stopped shouting and glared at Zane. It brought its blade up and thrusted it forward. He quickly charged the demon, he brought his sword up and ran it along the demon’s blade, angling it away from him. He used his momentum to slide underneath the Berserker, cutting it from front to back. Then he turned and cut through the demon’s thick legs. Once the Berserker fell, Zane jumped on top of its body and thrust his sword into its chest.
Riley looked down from the top of a building and watched as Zane killed the Berserker. “Damn, that man is an artist with a blade,” he murmured under his breath. Riley saw the Hell Hound enter the alley before Zane. The hound charged towards Zane and prepared to strike. Riley’s heart pounded in his chest as he jumped from the building, his daggers out and ready. He landed on top of the Hell Hound, plunging his daggers deep into the hound’s chest. The large beast wavered then fell to the ground. Riley pulled out his daggers and wiped the black blood off. He looked up at Zane, a smile on his face. “That was… was pretty awesome, right?” He coughed as he tried to pull air into his lungs.
“Awesome? That was fucking crazy!” Zane responded with a laugh. Riley nodded in appreciation and hobbled off while clutching his side.
Zane continued his assault while looking for survivors. Off in the distance he could see an angel knocking back a small horde with a shield made of light. His blade cut through the demons with ease, its holy light shining brightly through the onslaught. Zane was entranced by the elegance and ease the angel fought with. Watching this angel made him realize just how brutish he was when he fought.
Zane made his way through the village, saving the people he could and ending the suffering of those he couldn’t. He killed demon after demon, letting all of his pent-up anger and rage lose. He hadn’t felt this good in a long time. As he turned down the main road of the village, he saw her, the leader of the angels. Her golden blonde hair was streaming across her face. Anger marred her perfection, reminding Zane of the pictures of warrior angels he had seen in some old books his father had. The female angel had a thin blade of holy water streaming from her right dagger. The water seemed to extend the dagger’s cutting ability. Electricity crackled from the dagger in her left hand, shooting arcs of lightning like it was excited for the fight.
The angel clashed with the man from the roof. Holy shit, that’s Gideon. Zane realized as he finally got a good look at the man. Gideon was using a large black blade that had a faint red glow, almost as if the blade itself was alive. He didn’t seem to have any problems matching the angel blow for blow. In fact, it seemed as if he was toying with her to test her limits. Zane mustered his strength and prepared for an opportunity to join the fun.
Chapter Eleven
Earth
Aria ran headfirst into the horde, ducking and diving to avoid their attacks. She slammed her right dagger into the ground, flooding the area with holy water. The demons surrounding her howled in pain as the water burned them to ash, their black wisps floating away on the breeze. Hell Hounds swarmed her and quickly met the same fate.
Wave after wave of demons came after her, but she quickly killed them. Frustration filled her as she killed another group of demons. This is too damn easy! she thought as she removed her dagger from the electrocuted body of an Elite. Laughter filled the air, causing her to look up to the rooftops.
“You’re a bit small for an angel, aren’t you?” Gideon laughed as anger filled her face. He waved his hand through the air. “No matter, we’ll wrap this up quickly.”
Aria could feel the man’s presence, it felt like evil had blanketed the air and was trying to suffocate her. What is he? she wondered as she stared up at him. The man flicked his wrist, causing the ground to darken and crack. Heat radiated upwards as three Berserkers tore their way from the ground. Their stench filled the air around her, causing her to cough. “Let the games begin.” The man laughed as the demons charged at her.
Aria jumped backwards through the air, creating a cushion of space between her and the demons. “You think this is all it takes to get rid of me?” she shouted at the man as she flooded the ground with her holy water. The demons screamed in pain but continued their charge towards her. The holy water had burned off their skin, exposing their massive muscles. Shit, Aria thought as she prepared to attack.
Out of nowhere Kai came charging in. His wings were shining bright with fury as he slammed into one of the Berserkers, sending it into the remains of the bar. Aria took advantage of this distraction and swiftly moved behind one of the demons. She jumped into the air and shot a thick bolt of lightning through its neck. The demon fell face first into the ground then disappeared. The last Berserker swung its blade at Aria, frustration filling its face. She gracefully dodged the blade and rolled to the side. She quickly sheathed her daggers and held her hands out. A golden aura surrounded her hands as she summoned her holy light. The demon swung at Aria again. She deftly grabbed the blade and used the momentum to lift the demon from the ground and threw it into the building the man was standing on. The demon’s neck snapped as it landed, and Aria watched with satisfaction as the building tumbled to the ground. “That wasn’t so hard.” She smiled at the man mockingly.
Gideon stood up and brushed the rubble from his clothes. “Clever girl,” he chuckled as he oriented himself. “So, what’s been going on upstairs? It’s been so long since they managed to send someone here… Just checking in?” he asked rhetorically.
Aria pulled out her daggers and charged at the man. He threw his hands behind his head and drew out a large two-handed sword, blocking her daggers. The blade was black and double edged. It looked just as evil as the man felt. Aria jumped back in shock. “Who are you?”
Gideon smiled. “Oh. Your masters didn’t tell you? This will be more fun than I thought.” He laughed as he charged at her. Aria barely dodged the attack and attempted to counter it. Gideon’s boot caught her in the side, kicking her into one of the buildings. Her body began to burn with anger. No one had ever landed a hit on her. Her wings shot out from her back, their power emanating an extraordinary light. Aria ran faster than the eye could see, but the man easily dodged her attacks.
“Now, now,” he mocked. “Have they taught you young angels nothing? Anger makes you sloppy.” He took on a patronizing tone. Aria growled as she attempted to attack him again. He dodged her daggers, which was what she had planned on. She elbowed him in the jaw, causing him to fall backwards into a building.
Aria calmed her mind and retracted her wings. She squared her stance as the man regained his footing. He looked up at her and shrugged as a line of blood trickled down his chin. “Looks like we’re even.” He smiled as he brought his sword up. Aria surged her power into her daggers, frustration causing her daggers to burn brightly. They danced aroun
d the road; the sounds of their weapons clashing filled the air. Fuck. I’m in trouble, Aria thought in defeat as she matched the man blow for blow.
~~~~
Zane spotted his opening, mustering all the speed he could on his wounded leg, he rushed forward from the dark alley. He held his sword high and brought it down, being careful not to hit the angel. Gideon took a step back, causing the tip of Zane’s sword to scratch the side of his face. Gideon moved like he had anticipated the attack. Zane’s momentum carried his sword down into the ground, splitting the earth with a loud bang. Gideon laughed as his form turned into black smoke. “Well, this is no longer a fair fight,” he whispered as the black smoke funneled into the split earth.
The demons around the village began to retreat into the earth like their master. After a few seconds, it was like they had never been there. Zane found a barrel and took a seat, he looked around the destroyed city as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. He looked over at the female angel, she stood in the road staring at him, a look of confusion on her face.
“What just happened?” she asked.
“What? You didn’t know demons could do that?” She shook her head as she looked at the spot where Gideon had disappeared.
“Zane!” A shout came from down the road. “Bishop! Bishop is down!” Jackson came sprinting around the corner. “Come quickly.” Jackson turned and ran back the way he came. Zane jumped off the barrel and followed. Damnit Bishop! he screamed in his head as he ran beside Jackson.
Riley was bent over Bishop, holding pressure on his wound. Bishop’s armor had been removed to expose his bare chest. A pool of blood had formed underneath him; the bright red was a stark contrast to his pale skin. Zane fell to the ground next to Riley and assessed the damage.
“It looks like the sword missed his heart, but it went through his lung.” Riley looked over at Zane, his face drawn. “I don’t know what we can do for him,” his voice cracked as tears streamed down his face. Zane looked at Bishop’s pale face. Bishop nodded in understanding as a tear rolled down Zane’s face.
“Not you too.” Silence filled the deserted road as the two men knelt next to their dying friend. A peaceful calm filled the area as a soft light began to fill the road. Jackson placed his hand on Zane’s shoulder.
“We have company,” he whispered as he turned towards the light. The group of angels came running down the road. The lead female said something to one of the other females. She looked at Zane, sadness in her eyes.
“We can help him,” she said in a soft, comforting voice. The voice of an angel, Zane thought as he laughed with the irony of it all. He stepped away from Bishop as a female angel knelt next to him. She laid her silver staff on the ground and gently pushed Riley’s hands from Bishop’s wound. Her pale hands covered the wound and began to glow. The angel closed her eyes and spoke quietly. The light spread from her hands and into Bishop’s chest. Zane watched with fascination as the bleeding slowed and the skin began to knit back together. Once she was done, the only evidence of the wound was a faint pink line. Bishop coughed a few times and groaned as he squeezed his eyes closed.
The angel looked over at Zane, her blue eyes shining with relief. “He’ll be asleep for a while and there will be pain for a few days, but he’ll live.”
“Thank you,” Zane’s voice cracked as he bowed his head and wiped his face. The angel smiled with satisfaction and rejoined her group. Riley and Jackson looked at the angels in awe, disbelief filled their faces. “Well, this village is destroyed. I expect the villagers that survived will scavenge what they can and find a new place to live.” Zane winced as he put weight on his injured leg.
“You’re injured as well.” The angel walked up to him. “Let me help.” She knelt next to Zane, he lifted his leg so she could remove his boot and roll up his pant leg. He looked over at the lead angel as the female went to work.
“I’m Aria.” She pointed towards the female. “That’s Eliza, our healer, and this is Myra.” Myra smiled and winked at him. Aria pointed at the two males. “And this is Kai and Ryder,” she finished. Eliza tugged Zane’s pant leg back down and stood up.
“All done.” She smiled as Zane slid his foot back into his boot. Eliza walked over towards Riley next, who had broken two ribs when he had jumped from the building.
“Thanks,” Zane responded as he looked at the group of angels, uncomfortable with the way they were staring at him. “So, uh –”
“Why are you so different?” The one named Ryder shouted excitedly. Zane stared at the angel; his dishwater blonde hair was stuck to his head with sweat. As he looked over the group of angels, he realized they all had light hair and bright eyes. Weird, he thought as his eyes landed on Aria.
“Well, obviously, I’m not the only one.” He stared into her bright green eyes. “Why are you so different?” he asked, trying to divert the attention away.
Ryder looked back and forth between the two, uncomfortable with their invisible connection. “Well we have some questions for you. What –”
“Zane,” he interrupted. “My name is Zane. And I’m different because of Angels.” Aria stiffened at that comment, remembering Cordelia’s warning about a Nephilim. “I use the holy light that was imbued by the angels into the weapons for the Battle of Armageddon,” he continued as Aria quietly sighed with relief. “I’m able to use that power to enhance my speed and strength, but after a few large battles like this, the energy is gone, and the sword becomes just a regular sword again. A useless chunk of steel.” Zane looked at the angels and relaxed as the tension left their bodies.
“Can all humans do this?” Aria asked, a look of confusion on her face.
“I’m not sure. I’ve seen a few over the years. My father was the one who helped me refine the skill. But it’s something you’re born with, you can’t just train someone to do it,” he replied. “Look, not that I’m not enjoying our game of twenty questions. But we should really find some shelter for the night.”
“Oh, right.” Aria looked at her group as she nodded in agreement. “Why don’t we just go to that cave of yours?” Zane stared at her curiously, so she did follow me.
“That works for me,” he responded as exhaustion overtook his body. “Riley, Jackson, go through the village and see what you can scavenge. We’ll go get the horses and meet you at the cave.” Riley and Jackson grunted their approval as they went down the road. Zane knelt next to Bishop, preparing to pick him up.
“Ryder and Kai can carry him,” Aria interrupted as the two males walked over and picked up Bishop.
“Alright,” Zane agreed, too tired to argue. “Follow me.” He turned and walked out of the village. He stopped at the bushes and picked up the two blocks of C4 he had thrown there earlier. As he reached the cluster of trees, he let out a slew of curses. Aria looked around confused as Zane pointed at the trees. “I should have expected this! The horses are gone. Some of the survivors must’ve taken them. Damnit!” Zane kicked at one of the trees in frustration. “Come on.” He stormed off up the hill towards the cave. Aria and her team followed in silence.
As soon as they reached the cave, Ryder, and Kai gently laid Bishop on the ground. Eliza pulled a plush blanket out of her satchel and gently wrapped him in it. Zane smiled with approval as Eliza and Myra sat next to Bishop, watching over him like a protective mother. He turned and saw Aria standing in front of the cave. He walked up to her, “I’m going to go get some firewood.”
“I’ll come with you,” she responded as she looked back at her team. “Ryder, come here.” Ryder ran over and glared at Zane.
“What’s up?”
“We’re going to go gather some firewood,” she responded. “I want you to start putting up protective wards.”
“Are you sure you –” Aria waved her hand in frustration.
“I’m not a child,” she snapped. “I’ll be fine. We’re just getting firewood for Heaven’s sake!” Ryder looked at Zane with disapproval. “Just put up the wards.”
Zane watched
the angels with fascination. If he hadn’t known better, he would’ve thought they were just humans with the way they acted. Granted they looked too perfect to be humans. Ryder began to walk around the cave, mumbling something under his breath. Aria turned in frustration but smiled as she looked at Zane.
“Shall we?” she asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.
“Ah, sure,” he responded, unsure of her intentions.
Chapter Twelve
Earth
Aria’s body hummed with excitement as she walked with Zane into the woods. Collecting firewood was a simple task, but she wanted this time alone with the human to be able to talk candidly. She had a feeling he was uncomfortable around them.
“So, uh,” Zane mumbled. “What’s with that Ryder guy? Is he your jealous boyfriend or something?”
Aria laughed, the simple joy of it filled Zane’s heart with happiness. “No. He’s like a brother to me,” she responded seriously. “We grew up together, my mother put herself in seclusion after my father died. Since then Ryder has always looked after me like I was his little sister.”
Zane couldn’t help but feel bad for her as her face filled with sadness. Ironically, the fact that Ryder wasn’t her boyfriend made his heart skip a beat. What the hell? he thought as he looked back at her. An overwhelming sense of peace filled his body, for once in his life everything felt right. Zane stopped to pick up some wood as Aria kept walking, lost in whatever tragedy was playing through her mind.