Battle Angel

by Scott Speer

  Maddy was transfixed by the figure. She had seen an early mock-up of it, but not the finished product, because it came out right when her illegal save caused the huge scandal.

  She thought of kids taking her figure home with them after a family vacation, looking to her as some kind of hero.

  Maddy slowly backed away from the window. Her hand had made a clear print in the dusty glass. She turned and looked down the abandoned boulevard. There was no traffic; the street was still closed except to police and emergency vehicles. She walked into the empty street, stopping on the double yellow line in the middle at a portion that was cracked, probably from one of the earthquakes that had heralded the demon approach.

  She looked both ways down the boulevard and tried to imagine an Angel City without Angels.

  The night was quiet, the machines of the recovery effort at rest for the evening.

  It was a short walk down the Walk of Angels, past the checkpoint on Highland and the battle monument. Past the Temple of Angels, too. Her pulse quickened as she thought of what had happened there. But that was not why she had come.

  Her feet took her to the now-familiar spot of Tom’s memorial. His leather jacket still lay there below his picture.

  Maddy had always thought it was kind of silly when people talked to tombstones; she remembered from her AP English class that it was called apostrophe when somebody did that in a book or poem—but right now she was going to stop her scoffing. She looked at the picture, the jacket, the flowers, the candles. She found herself, desperately, moved to speak.

  “Talk to me, Tom. What should I do? What’s the best thing for me? Please tell me. You must have some insight there, where you are. . . .”

  Just a few yards away she saw a small child with a teenage girl. The child was lighting a candle and weeping before a picture of a couple, most likely their lost parents. Maddy’s heart panged for them.

  The girl turned and looked at Maddy. Her face looked beautiful lit up by the candle. Tears streamed down her face.

  The teen and the child exchanged a few hushed words before cautiously approaching Maddy.

  “I’m sorry for bothering you, Maddy. But my brother and I just wanted to say thank you,” the girl said. “I’m so sorry about your friend. I saw it on the news. But it means a lot to us that you Angels know what we’re going through, too. And that you’ll be working with the president to help.”

  “This is for you,” the small boy said. “You can use it for your friend. My mom and dad already have one.” He handed Maddy the candle.

  “Thank you,” Maddy said, flooded with feeling. “Truly.” She waved through tears as the boy and his sister walked away down the boulevard.

  • • •

  Maddy arranged to meet Jackson at the sea. Just west of Santa Monica, near the state park, the area hadn’t suffered any destruction. Tall, stony bluffs rose up from the sea as the waves rolled in against the rocks, sending fine sea spray up into the air. She wanted to clear her head, outside of Angel City.

  She arrived there early, and found that hers was the only car in the parking lot. Wisps of sand swirled along the asphalt in the breeze. Maddy walked to the wooden fence that stood above the waves, and then looked out upon the gorgeous emerald and blue Pacific Ocean.

  She heard the thrum of a powerful engine behind her, and then Maddy saw the telltale headlights of Jackson’s black Ferrari as it whipped into the parking lot. Some things never changed, she guessed.

  He stepped out of the car and walked toward her.

  “Hi,” Jacks said. He leaned in, and before she knew it they were kissing there, beneath the palisades of stone and above the water. After a moment, Maddy pulled away but still stood close to him. She looked out into the ocean, where the sinkhole once had been. Nothing remained of it now; millions of gallons of ocean had just filled it in. It was as if it had never been there.

  “It all seems too real now,” Maddy said after a time. “What happened. We’ll never be the same.”

  “I don’t want to be the same,” Jacks said.

  “I wanted to see it today.” She motioned out to the ocean. It shimmered under a soft golden halo as the sun began to drop along the horizon. “I wanted to see it in the full light. Not under the influence of them . . .” Her mind shivered as she recalled the image of the demons invading the sky, spreading darkness, violence, death. Spilling like ink across the Immortal City from the ocean and staining everything with their evil as they attacked.

  Jacks waited to let her speak. He knew her enough to know she would do so in her own time.

  “Jackson, you are wonderful,” Maddy said. “You are everything and anything I could expect a man, or Angel, to be. What happened in the Temple of Angels the other night, Jacks, was beautiful,” Maddy said. “I can’t even describe it. It was one of the most beautiful things to ever happen in my life. To us.” She looked at him. “I will treasure it forever.”

  Jacks took in a breath, waiting for the but.

  It didn’t come. But he knew what Maddy was about to say.

  “You were always stubborn,” Jackson said, with the beginnings of a wistful smile on his face. “You do understand what you’re giving up if you make the choice I think . . . I know . . . you’re making?” There was no anger in his voice, but it was clear that the last thing he wanted was to part from Maddy.

  Maddy nodded, fully accepting the gravity of her choice. “Yes. I understand. But, Jacks, I can’t go with you. I belong here. I have good to do here, in Angel City.”

  The waves below them rolled in, sea foam boiling up along the rocks and running back out.

  “Is it because of . . . him?” Jacks asked quietly.

  She looked out at the Pacific Ocean, thinking of Tom. “Maybe, partly. I can’t just leave his memory, Jackson. I’ll somehow be tied to it forever. It’s a part of me now, just like you are.”

  Maddy turned away from the glittering sea and looked back toward the Immortal City.

  “This city needs me, Jacks. And maybe I need it,” said Maddy. “It’s funny, I’d always dreamt of leaving. Just wanted to get away. It didn’t matter where, just not AC. But now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” She looked at Jacks. “I’m from this world. Angel City is my home.

  “President Linden has given me a chance to do good. To help the rebirth, starting from the ground up. And to help rebuild the people, too.” Maddy turned and looked back at Jacks, and then her eyes met the ground at her feet. She looked up again. “They might need me. And I need them.”

  For once, Jacks didn’t try to argue or fight. He just nodded.

  “I understand, Maddy.”

  “You do?” Maddy had expected a different response. But she had forgotten that she wasn’t the only one who had changed.

  “Yes,” Jacks said. A sadness weighed in his heart.

  “I love you, Jacks,” Maddy said, the same sadness filling her body and soul. “And I’m sorry. But I can’t go.”

  CHAPTER FORTY

  The occasion would be marked in the annals of Angel history as the last televised appearance of an Immortal. Rather than rolling out the normal fanfare—the bleachers of screaming fans, limousines, red-carpet interviews, security personnel, sports cars screeching to a stop in front of ballrooms, black sunglasses, black earpieces, frantic publicists, spotlights knifing into the sky, gifting suites, big forced smiles, fawning Botoxed reporters, surging masses of paparazzi, and, above all, the perfect Angels themselves, donning designer dresses and suits, waving to the crowds, endorsing products, plugging their reality TV shows, hiding their drug use—there was simply the calm backdrop of the beautiful green park in the Angel City Hills. Jackson’s mother, Kris, and his sister, Chloe, stood beside him, along with dozens of other Angels and Archangels. Archangel Susan Archson was there, standing next to David Sylvester, formerly known as Detective David Sylvester of the ACPD until
his formal resignation the day before.

  Jackson Godspeed stepped forward. Before he began speaking, he glanced quickly over at Maddy, who stood off to the side, separate from the main group of Angels. Jacks had asked her if she could be there for the occasion.

  “I am speaking for Angelkind throughout the world today, with one voice,” Jackson boomed through the microphone. “Gabriel and the Council brought the Angels out of hiding after America’s Civil War because he didn’t have faith in humanity to stop its bloodshed. He’d watched and judged humankind, and ruled that they were condemned to a relentless cycle of war. But he didn’t have the right to judge. Or condemn. And from this fatal trespass, the NAS was born. My father fought against this. And I ended up fighting it, too, even though it was almost too late when I finally woke up.

  “I’m not an Angel who thinks that we should never have come out of hiding. If you talk to most scholars of the Book of Angels, it was written that we would ultimately come to Earth as Guardians, so that humans could see that we truly exist. But it was never written that we would take part in humanity in the way that we have. Guardianship became twisted beyond its original purpose. And then we reached the crisis.

  “But against all the corruption and betrayal, there were many Angels who ultimately stood up as the dark days of the demons came. These Angels are heroes.

  “Archangel Mark Godspeed, someone I’m proud to call Dad, was one of those Angels. He sacrificed his life for the true Angel ideal, which, deep down, all of us wanted to follow all along. We knew we should be following it, but we didn’t know how. Not until it was almost too late. But it wasn’t too late.

  “I was able to become a true Guardian. All of us who took part in the Battle of Angel City were. It is the greatest gift that humanity has given us. When Gabriel fell, we were able to really see what we had become after the Awakening, after decades of Protection for Pay. It was like a veil had been ripped from our eyes. And suddenly, our true, original Angelic natures were returned to us. Our nature is one of service and love for humanity. It’s not tied to money, greed, or celebrity. Our true nature is selfless. Full of unconditional love.

  “I believe that the reason we came and made ourselves visible almost a hundred and fifty years ago was to learn this lesson from you. We were supposed to protect humanity, but humanity ultimately protected us from ourselves.

  “And now we have to leave. But please know that we will not be leaving you. We will no longer be visible, but that does not mean we will be absent. Miracles will occur, the old-fashioned way. The Angels will be present in the lives of humans, but as invisible helpers only. And not because we are being paid. But because we must help. Everyone.” His eyes sparkled. “The way it was meant to be.”

  He looked directly at the camera as his speech came to a close.

  “Thank you. I speak for all Angels here today when I say it has been an honor and privilege living among you in the Immortal City. Thank you. And goodbye.”

  The few photographers allowed at the event quietly took pictures as Jackson took a few steps back into the group of Angels, who were already starting to disperse.

  Although President Linden hadn’t attended the event, he had publicly stated his disappointment that the Angels would be leaving so soon after coming under the leadership of “someone we can believe in—Jackson Godspeed,” but knew that this was best for everyone, both Angels and humans.

  A balance could now be restored, one that had existed for millennia but had been overturned during the Great Awakening.

  A public outpouring of gratitude for the Angels had spread throughout the world. But there wouldn’t be a series of hours-long specials covering every aspect of the Angels’ lives as they got ready to go Home. They were leaving, quietly and humbly. The world mourned.

  Several Angels approached Jackson after his speech. Now that he was taking them Home, he had become quite in demand among all the other Immortals. He was still getting used to it, but he was handling it well. He looked over at Maddy and gave her a what can you do? smile, which told her he’d catch up with her when he was able.

  Archangel Archson and David Sylvester emerged from the crowd and approached Maddy.

  Susan gave her a big, long hug.

  “It’s so good to see you,” her teacher said. “And I’m glad you could make it for this. To see the Angels before . . . well, you know.”

  “Of course. I wanted to be here for Jacks. And for all the Angels.” Maddy looked around and noticed there were a couple of conspicuous faces missing. “But what about the others?” Maddy asked. “Like you-know-who, my old Australian friend?”

  Susan explained that not all the Angels were ready and willing to go Home. During the battle, Archangel Churchson and several Guardians, including the redheaded Emily Brightchurch, had absconded from the sanctuary and were still missing.

  “They probably don’t realize it yet, but they will be called Home,” Susan said. “Whether they want to be or not. Judgment will be fair but swift.”

  Maddy’s mind swirled with what that would even mean.

  “Detective Sylvester, you’re going with them?” Maddy asked. She hadn’t seen him since the final morning of the battle, when he had helped Jackson topple Gabriel.

  “Yes, Madison, I am,” he said. “And it’s just David now. I’m no longer with the force.”

  “It’s where he belongs,” Susan said. “With us. No matter what he may have thought about himself for so many years.”

  Maddy felt conflicted, a bit guilty, when Susan said where he belongs.

  “I meant nothing by that, Maddy,” Susan said. “I think what you’re doing is so incredibly brave. Maybe a bit stubborn.” Susan smiled a bit and searched Maddy’s eyes with hers. “But ultimately right. The humans still need heroes. And you can be their first one in the post-Angel age, as the Immortal City rebuilds.”

  “The people of Angel City already have a real hero,” Maddy said. “They will always remember Jackson Godspeed. Forever.”

  “They know what you did, too, Maddy,” Susan said. “And the things you will do, I’m sure. You are, after all, going to be special counsel.”

  Maddy blushed at the mention of the title, which was still taking her a bit to get used to.

  “Darcy has been calling like crazy,” Maddy said. “She wants to book my appearances as ‘the Face of the New Immortal City.’”

  Susan laughed. “Some things will never change, no matter how much the rest of the world does.”

  “I should probably call her back and tell her she’s going to need a new job,” Maddy said.

  Maddy looked over and saw Jackson across the milling group of Angels.

  “Would you two excuse me for a second?” Maddy said.

  Jacks was talking to an older Angel, who seemed to have some pressing matter to discuss. It was clear that Jacks was distracted and was looking for a polite way to get out of it.

  Maddy stepped up. “Excuse me, I’m so sorry to interrupt.” She turned to Jacks. “Jackson, I have an important question.”

  “I’m sorry, Archangel, but we’ll have to continue this conversation later, I have some pressing business with the special counsel,” Jacks said.

  He took Maddy’s arm and led her away.

  “Thanks for getting me out of that,” Jacks said. “Archangel Holyfield wouldn’t stop blabbering.”

  Maddy smiled. “Special counsel.” She shook her head.

  They walked off to the sidelines of the crowd, where no one would bother them. They had a view of the park in the Hills just above them.

  “Are you ready? To leave?”

  Jackson smiled at her. “I think we are.”

  Maddy noticed how often Jacks said “we” now when talking about himself and the Angels. She wondered how many leaders did that.

  “How does it . . . work? Your big departure . . .” Maddy felt
again like the clueless waitress, being introduced to all things Angel for the first time. Even basic things that most normal humans already knew. Except this wasn’t known to anyone.

  Jackson smiled, his eyes glinting.

  “It’s simple. When the world wakes up tomorrow,” Jacks said, “we won’t be here. Some things are better left as mysteries, Maddy.”

  He seemed . . . happy to Maddy. Better than the embittered Jackson, his wing injured and out of the spotlight. Better, too, than the self-centered playboy zipping around the Halo Strip in his Ferrari.

  Jackson had found his destiny.

  It suited him well.

  Beyond the light screen of trees, farther down the hill, Maddy saw the rest of the Angels walking to their waiting cars.

  “You should probably get going,” Maddy said. Her heart was racing, and she was practically breathless.

  Jacks looked down toward the departing Angels. “I probably should.”

  But neither of them wanted to say it. The final parting words. They lingered for a few more moments.

  At last, Maddy spoke.

  “Goodbye, Jackson,” Maddy said.

  “Maddy,” Jacks said. “I will always be with you.” He put his hand up to her cheek and rubbed away a tear with his thumb.

  His famous pale blue eyes sparkled, the way they had when he first started winning her heart, bit by bit. He was still the perfectly handsome Angel who had swept her off her feet, after all, even if he had changed so much during the course of the demon war.

  “I have to go now, Maddy,” Jackson said. He gave her a bittersweet smile. “No regrets.”

  “Jacks . . .” But there was nothing left to say.

  Jackson leaned down and gently pulled Maddy close to him. He pressed his lips to hers, and she felt the same blissful shock that had jolted through her the first time he touched her hand in the diner. For just that moment, nothing in the world existed except their kiss, their beings fused. Their entire history born into this act. Anything that ever needed to be said, or could be said, was said at that moment, silently, through the kiss.