Archangel of the Fallen

by Devin Lee Carlson

  “Today’s unplanned second test-run assured it.” Brian held out the moonstone that housed the original White Ghost and his niece. “White Ghost meet White Ghost and Zoeree. Now make like a stone so we can get out of here.”

  “Freedom at last. You’ve earned a question, my liege, but then you already know the answer.”

  “I know the answer to both questions,” Brian said candidly. He would defeat aThorsis and as a Lighted One, he would also know how to help Zoe.

  The creature brightened, blinding its audience. As soon as Sabree could see again, the stars whirled together to form a mini cyclone until all, but one, remained of the cluster. The star plunged into the moonstone that twinkled once. Voices in the stone bantered back and forth, excited about meeting another White Ghost, one and the same.

  “Mission accomplished.” Brian spun on his son and glared. “Sorry, lad. Both White Ghosts, now one, belong to me. I will free White Ghost and Zoeree after, and only after I defeat aThorsis. Understand?”

  “Yes, Pop.” He stole a sideways glance at Ariane.

  “Same goes for you, Sis.” Brian then eyed Sabree. “Any complaints from you?”

  “None as of yet.” But, I’m not so sure how you will free Zoeree. She has no body to return to. None in the past.” He should have asked White Ghost that question instead of screwing up the one about Brian beating aThorsis. He had faith Brian would succeed, so that question had been wasted. Besides, White Ghost also knew the truth. That morsel of hope made his day, his life, the rest inside the portal. His smile reached his eyes until he met the somber looks on Ariane’s and Azrian’s faces. Best ask only one more question. “Shall we JLS the hell out of here?”

  “Aye. Jump aboard the Brian Express.” He held out his carry-all stone and smirked.

  This time, Sabree would get a turn to squeeze into the carry-all. A purple mist swallowed him whole.

  36

  Honeymoon: Total Recall

  T he White Ghost fiasco left Sabree at a crossroads. He paced in front of Brian’s desk inside the private library. Next to the cardboard color wheel, the stones were strewn across the desk, always lined up in the same order. But why? Sabree never got a straight answer from Brian which made him want to swipe them off all the more. The nagging frustration came not from Brian but from himself.

  Sabree had always been in control, self-reliant until the White Ghost disaster. Helpless, unable to save his wife and unborn child, he struggled with dishonor, a characteristic foreign to him. Unable to rely on Fallen abilities, he now understood what being human entailed. A life he never wanted. He also struggled with other uninvited emotions that left him feeling vulnerable. The all-knowing being imprisoned for eons deserved respect. However, the simplistic way Brian freed White Ghost amazed Sabree even more. As effortless as snapping a finger. Easy peasy to quote his wife.

  “Your eyes keep changing colors like a kaleidoscope-eyed monster.” Brian spun the color wheel and pointed at the turquoise strip. “Bingo, a match.”

  Sabree scowled. His hands interlocked behind the small of his back to stop himself from wiping the entire desk clean.

  “We need to talk,” Brian said as if he recognized the tension between them.

  Whenever Ariane spoke those words, Sabree longed to mist away. Avoid a lecture. “What did I do wrong?”

  “Knocked up my sister for one.”

  “I married her. That should count for something.”

  Like his son’s habitual eyeroll, Brian exaggerated the gesture as he leaned forward. “You’re supposed to be a romanticist, Sabree, but you failed big time. Ever hear of a honeymoon?”

  “No time for such indulgences.”

  “Aye, but you’re missing the point. I’m trying to help you out. I know my sister.” Brian stood, hands planted in front of the stones.

  Movement caught Sabree’s notice. He welcomed the distraction to avoid eye contact with those amber orbs aglow. No longer his mister sword, Spitfire jiggled as if ready to spring into action. A sure sign that Brian was serious. Best listen. “Too dangerous.”

  “Not if you take the thistle globe. Drop it inside your carry-all.”

  The globe slid across the desk. Could the Lighted One wannabe move objects at will now? Sabree ignored the ability and said, “Where shall I take her? How long?”

  “I’ve already picked out the perfect spot: a secluded island owned by a billionaire. He automated the entire island for the adventure of a lifetime. Only the richest of the rich can afford the place. You’ll fit right in.”

  “Nothing like White Ghost’s island, I hope.”

  “Paradise. The staff works behind the scenes, usually underground. It’s computerized like Jurassic Park minus the dinosaurs. Robots serve you. They issue your very own keycard to enter certain areas. Some are under surveillance, so you can’t mist to get around.”

  “Sounds intriguing. One condition—”

  “Name it.” Brian bobbed on the heels of his sneakers.

  “Our privacy is paramount, so rent the whole island exclusively. No other guests. I don’t want to contend with a bunch of spoiled rich humans.”

  “Since when?” Brian choked down a laugh. “Seriously? Ever hear of the pot calling—”

  “The kettle black. It’s an old saying that does not apply to me. I am not human.” Sabree paced again to help himself think. Perhaps a romantic escape from the archangel hype would bring him down to earth, so to speak. Pay attention to his new bride. After all, Ariane deserved a getaway too. In her condition, she appeared more human than ever. He would have to ensure her safety. “Where is this island?”

  “The Aegean Sea.”

  Greece. Brian knew how to push the right buttons. “Deal. But no side trips to your private little realm while we’re there. I want you on full alert in case I need your help. The globe might keep aThorsis at bay, but the Malakhim or Fallen might interfere.” Sabree paused. “How will Ariane get there?”

  “I’ll JSL you both. Just say when.”

  The idea of sharing one of his favorite locations with his wife stirred buried nostalgia. A happier time spent with his one human love, Zoe. Perhaps time alone with Ariane would pacify the shame that plagued him. “Ariane Rose, if you’re not busy, please come to Brian’s office.”

  “Be right there.”

  “Your sister will answer when.” So much for regaining control. Leave the decisions up to the missus. Speaking of romance, a certain question had nagged him of late. “Brian, how come you don’t have a love interest?” Like father, like son?

  “No time. No bites.”

  “If you aspire to be Timekeeper, then you’d best organize your time better.”

  “Why bother? I’ll soon be genderless.”

  Not a single comeback found its way to Sabree’s usually quick wit. Celestial beings like the Lighted Ones and White Ghost did not procreate with their bodies. They created life in other ways. Still a mystery to him.

  His mouth open, about to say something, Brian smiled instead when Ariane entered the room.

  Her arms crossed above her baby bump as she eyed them with care. “What trouble are you two brewing up?” Her feminine wiles and presence commanded notice.

  Sabree admired and hated that about her. When Brian nodded his way, Sabree asked, “Would you like to go on a honeymoon?” To his surprise, Ariane squealed and lunged into his arms.

  “Can we go now?”

  No time like the present. Sabree would thank Brian for his sage advice later. “Last one to pack has to carry the bags.”

  A whoosh of air windswept his hair. Before him, Ariane held a carry-on with her purse strapped over her shoulder. Brian stood beside her holding her suitcase and winked. Sabree dug into his pocket and pulled out the carry-all stone. “Even though your brother cheated, you win. Hand them over. I will shop for clothes when I get there.”

  Dropped off hours ago, Sabree savored the beach as he and Ariane strolled hand-in-hand. The island paradise enriched his soul to the core,
warmed his two hearts. The sand between his toes grounded him while an aromatic blend of hibiscus and brine breezed in his face. The aftertaste of nature, delightful as the aqua waters, sweetened the palate. Hoping she experienced the same pleasures, he turned to Ariane. The floral sundress reflected the honey highlights in her eyes. He squeezed her hand and pulled her closer. “You look lovely.”

  Ariane guided his hand to her belly. “Your son approves this island paradise.”

  The baby kicked. Sabree couldn’t help but smile. “What about you?”

  She slipped a hand under his unbuttoned shirt to caress his stomach just above his bathing briefs. “Alone in heaven with you, who wouldn’t love it?” Her fingertips circled the bare skin where an Earthling’s bellybutton should have been. Then her nails inched up his chest.

  The intimate contact warmed his groin. His mouth covered hers. The kiss intensified his desire. Their embrace eased when the sky and water ignited with a myriad of sunset colors. The mirrored reflection darkened as the sun dipped below the horizon and shadows encroached on all sides. A nudge from Ariane pulled his gaze to a section of fence on the dunes. Alarm lights flashed and a beep, beep, beep similar to a vehicle backing up honked.

  Out of the ground rose a private metal cabana. White drapes billowed, swept by the sea breeze. They blew apart to reveal a round bed topped with white sheets and pillows of all sizes. A small nightstand on each side balanced the bed. One housed a refrigerator stocked with their favorites from the forms they filled out on arrival. The built in jacuzzi that bubbled in front of the bed called to Sabree like a siren. He reached for Ariane’s hand. “Dinner can wait.”

  3 3 3

  Music woke Ariane from a blissful light sleep, the rhythm urging her primal instincts to move. The soft-white lights that encircled the cabana’s floor pulsed to the beat, illuminating a dim glow without brightening the secluded cabana. No one need see the shadows of their passionate throes.

  Entwined in Sabree’s arms, she rolled over to face him. Eyes the color of the Aegean Sea greeted her. She tingled all over. Her husband proved himself an excellent lover, with an unleashed appetite in paradise. She nuzzled against his chest. “Guess I dozed off.”

  “Briefly. Gave me time to admire how beautiful you are when asleep.”

  Another compliment? Sabree was full of them since they arrived. The cynicism in Ariane caused her pause. Did her beauty tarnish when awake, her tendency to speak without regret? Like now. “Am I’m such a monster while awake?”

  “Only Brian is the true monster. I love you inside and out.”

  As usual, he dodged the question by bringing up her brother. Was he afraid of her? He should be, because memories of the buggy bitch the future version had become still haunted her. Even tormented her brother, and worse yet, Sabree. Ariane shoved those reminiscences aside to focus on their honeymoon. “I’m starved. Let’s get dressed for dinner.”

  As if someone, maybe the staff hidden inside the control room, responded to her suggestion, the nightstand drawer nearest Sabree opened. He sat upright to reach inside, pulling out lightweight khakis and a white shirt. Then he handed her a black dress and heels and wiggled his eyebrows. “Shall we dance after dinner?”

  After settling into the honeymoon suite earlier, Sabree had shopped for a few outfits and then hung their wardrobes in the walk-in closet. Apparently, automation took over and delivered two outfits fit for dining to this cabana. Ariane imagined so many things going wrong. No way could a computer pick out the appropriate dress or suit for dinner and dancing. Had to be a behind-the-scenes person. She almost giggled aloud when fantasizing Sabree in a long silky negligee.

  Instead, Ariane fell silent. So strange to see him dressed in something other than blue jeans, a black shirt, and that long black duster he typically wore. While the casual outfit made him appear more human, he could not shed the freaky angelic glow. She sighed, regret in her breath. “They normally serve an exquisite buffet. Not this time. It’d be a waste of food for just one couple. Too bad.”

  Sabree led her away from the cabana. “I’m sure they’ll have a feast prepared.”

  Red snapper, lobster, and sweet desserts compensated for the lack of a buffet. During the meal, Sabree barely uttered a word unless the topic involved her twin. The color of his eyes brightened when he spoke of Brian’s transformation into an archangel, of the promises made. Remembrances of how close he and Brian had become in France, sounded an alarm. Bromance alert. Annoyed, Ariane ordered a second slice of cake.

  By all means she wished Brian success, but the Fates had shortchanged her in the distribution department. Being first born used to mean something. Whoopee, she inherited Turian’s anti-ness while Brian grabbed all of aThorsis’s Lighted spunk. Deep breaths calmed her as she pretended the last bite of red velvet hit the spot. She rubbed her belly. “Delicious.”

  No answer. Lost in another time, his gaze seemed lost to the dark horizon.

  The romantic setting overlooked the cove. Robots had groomed the white-sandy beach to perfection. Not a spec of seaweed or sea life littered the shore. Too perfect. Ariane emptied her wine glass as the moonlight shimmered over the waves breaking ashore.

  A whirling buzz alien to her ears disturbed the natural ambiance. She turned in time to nearly bump elbows with their server, a robot that bleeped its arrival and offered two glasses atop the tray. She stared at the automaton. After a quick review of the brochure, she knew more about the robotic server than she did her own husband. Sabree never shared anything about himself, the subject always turning back to Brian. Brian this, Brian that. Time to learn more about her mystery man. “Sweetheart, what are you thinking about?”

  As though caught cheating, Sabree fumbled with an answer. “Ah, nothing. Just enjoying the night air.”

  More lies, more buried truths. Perhaps she could woo a minor tidbit of information out of him while in his arms. “Care to dance?” Before he agreed, the same reggae tune playing in the cabana started where it had left off, disturbing the quietude sea sounds.

  They both glanced around. Uncanny how their every wish was granted within seconds. She took his hand as he led her to the ballroom. A keycard granted access. Why did every room have to be locked? Where did her brother find this place? Nerds Fantasy Island.

  The dancefloor brightened her mood. Strobe lights of soft oceanic hues pulsed to the music in random patterns. A cool mist rose from the floor, the atmosphere haunting. At first, she enjoyed dancing with Sabree, watching him let loose more than he did at the Halloween gala. Until the song faded, replaced by a slower tune. Wrapped in each other’s arms, Ariane braved a question. “You seem distant. What’s on your mind?”

  “I failed you back on White Ghost’s island.”

  Finally, Ariane felt as if she was getting somewhere. “I chose to go, to accept the risk.”

  “If not for Brian, we would all be buried alive. My son included.”

  “I get it. He saved us, but you don’t have to worship him every second of the day.” Too late, it slipped out. Ariane bit her tongue in wait of a reprimand. None came. Not even denial.

  “Brian should be revered. You must grasp the scope of his potential. He’s promised me my one true desire.”

  “What about me? Your son? Do your desires include us?”

  “Of course.” Sabree’s lavender eyes darkened to teal. “I want you both by my side.”

  Typical male answer. He never bothered to ask her what she wanted. She pushed away before the song concluded. “I’m going to the casino. No fun dancing all by ourselves. Too creepy.”

  Again, automation reacted to her wishes. Lighted arrows aligned the floor pointing to a double door that blinked neon letters: CASINO. Ariane’s heals clicked against the polished tiles. She slowed when Sabree rushed to the door and opened it with his keycard. Hers ready, she slipped it back into her wristlet.

  When the doors whooshed shut behind them, jazz played in the background, almost drowned out by clinking of coins as the rows
of slot machines came alive. A robot stood at one table. He shuffled a stack of cards like a professional dealer. Another stood at a roulette wheel. The room spun with the promise of excitement.

  “Gamble all you want. Brian’s treat.”

  She stomped her foot, but the clinking machines drowned out the thud. Sabree couldn’t shut up about her brother. “He’s a peach. Knows what I love.” This had to be Brian’s doing, not Sabree’s. Tears welled. Her vision blurred as she cruised over to one of the slots. She inserted her keycard and pushed the spin button. No one-arm bandits or coins in this automated, high-tech rip off. The rollers whirled and slowed to a stop, one at a time, coming to a rest on three sevens. Jackpot. Alarms and bells whistled.

  Sabree winced from the noise.

  Winning lost its sweet effect without spectators ogling over her victory. Automated robots, her husband included, gathered around. One bleeped a cheer. “I hate this place!” she screamed. She left the jackpot and ran for the door. “I’m going to the room. Alone!” Her keycard opened the door and she rushed off to the honeymoon suite. Once inside, she barricaded herself in the room by turning the extra deadbolt.

  A knock. “Ariane, what’s wrong with you? Let me in.” A moment later, his telepathic voice reached her mind. “It’s our honeymoon.”

  She placed Sabree on ignore mode, removed her heels, and threw them at the door. “I’ve got a headache. Leave me alone.” Would he dare break protocol and mist inside? The hallway signs indicated surveillance. She waited. No more knocks, no more pleading. Ariane sank against the door and cried. Alone on an automated island, all by herself, the honeymoon in paradise had lost its splendor.

  3 3 3

  So much for the honeymoon. Not even a full day and he blew it. Nowhere else to sleep, Sabree trudged back to the private cabana on the beach. He sat on the edge of the bed and leaned forward, palms supporting his aching head. Ariane’s lingering scent of perfumed lilies and bubblegum sweetness teased his nostrils. What had he done to push her buttons? Love making, check; dinner, check; then dessert, uncheck.