Azrael also found himself saddened by what he saw as Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door started on the jukebox.
“Any ideas where –” he began, overtaken by a blinding light.
It wasn't long before the light faded and all the people in the place were standing perfectly still.
“We have company,” said Samael in a serious in tone.
Suddenly, everyone turned in unison and faced the angelic duo, their eyes opening and blazing brightly.
Azrael tipped up his bottle, drinking what was left.
“So, who do we have the pleasure of meeting us this fine day?” he asked, slamming the bottle down. “Uriel is normally more formal with his entrances, wings and all to be on display.”
“Everlastingly indecorous,” the entire bar spoke at once, unblinking.
“Well it’s obviously a higher up,” Samael said. “I can tell by the big words.”
“Samael,” the crowd replied, “silence yourself before we see to that task ourselves.”
The angel recoiled from the Chorus, but Azrael leaned forward to fill the space with his massive self.
“I’d like to see you try,” he said. “Now stop wasting our time; who are you?”
“Very well Azrael,” the gathering said. “Two have come from the Third Circle to parley with you. Glória in excélsis Deo.”
There came another blinding flash which didn't stay long, sweeping into three nearby bodies while the rest of the customers resumed their activities, none the wiser that they had just been possessed by angels.
Foremost was a large man with a lumberjack beard, dressed in tight jeans and a plaid button-up that strained against his burly body. A curvaceous blonde woman stepped up to his side, teasing her short cropped hair while barely contained in her equally short crop top.
Off to the side, no more than ten feet away, was the last; youngish man in overalls and a white tee, his ethereal eyes peering at them all with an odd expression of wonder.
“I thought you said there were two of you here?” asked Samael, warily glaring at all three archangels, but more so the woman. “Guess I'm not the only one who wanted to try new things”
“Samael, hush,” Azrael advised, making a shushing noise. “There are only two archangels here. I can sense them now that they split up. Michael’s there… and Raphael is in your lady friend.”
He glanced toward the third, finding an almost innocent quality about him.
“It's this one,” Azrael said, pointing, “that I don't know.”
“Who he is should be of no matter to you,” said Michael in a deep country voice.
“We have come to talk about the happenings in this world,” said Raphael, obviously frustrated with the clothing his host was wearing. He was constantly having to pull her top down to avoid exposing herself.
“Matters of great importance,” said Michael, “and details of an impending attack.”
Azrael continued to watch the last person, trying to recognize the essence contained within it.
“An attack by Dajjal?” asked Samael. “Where?”
“Paris,” said Raphael.
“Then are you planning to stop it?” Samael said, actually hopeful that the archangels were at last doing something. “Help us intervene?”
“No,” said Michael, causing everyone including the last angel to look his way with surprise. “The archangels shall not do what they are not ordered to do…”
“Then why have you even come?” Azrael asked, flustered by his brethren.
“I merely said that the archangels would not be intervening… directly,” Michael replied, a mischievous smirk shifting his beard. “On the other hand, you three shall be taking action after Paris. We cannot play our hand just yet.”
Samael rose.
“Us three?”
Azrael knew what Michael was talking about, stepping forward.
“So we are to stand by while thousands are killed?” Azrael asked Michael, striding over to the angel in overalls.
“Yes. If we acted now Dajjal would alter his plans again and we cannot afford to be in the dark on both that front and on the side of the reapers.”
“So, brother,” Azrael said directly to the smaller angel in front of him, looking down imposingly as he spoke “Tell me: who exactly are you and how do you know so much about this demon’s plans?”
GAGE PACED AHEAD of the Council, all seven members congregated at the table ahead of him, deep in an assortment of discussions.
Behind him, seated close to the windows were Ty, Adrienne, and Joey, inaudibly speaking to each other while all waited for the arrival of the latest field report from France.
Gage was impatient and getting fidgety. Unable to take the quiet anymore he looked up toward Evans and saw the vampire already staring at him, eyes begging for an intervention. Walking up to the table, Gage noted Evans had gotten rid of his old, ragged clothes and was now dressed in more respectable fabrics. However, he still managed to give off an everyman vibe that people, and apparently monsters, could relate to and connect with.
When Gage got to the table, Evans looked utterly relieved.
“Ya look like you're keeping well, David,” Gage whispered, folding his arms across the smooth tabletop as he leaned forward a bit. “Things going good since earning that seat?”
Evans chuckled, the tips of his fangs visible. He made some quick side glances down both ends of the table.
“As well as can be expected,” he replied back in a low voice. “It’s been surreal to say the least… and different than expected to say the most.”
“Whatcha mean?” Gage asked with a bit of confusion.
“I've only been at this a little while and while I'm sure it'll eventually be second nature – or I'll just become numb to it – but it’s all of these endless debates! Gage, they're enough to drive the sanest person absolutely mad. I’m managing to keep my wits about me, though I sort of miss the days where I could make an informed decision and then just act on it – without the need to analyze the verbiage and punctuation for hours.”
“That's government for ya. I bet you're thinkin’ about bleeding each and every one of them dry already, aren’t ya?” Gage asked with a grin.
“W-what?” Evans said in shock, a look of comprehension filling his face when he realized Gage was being facetious. “Your sense of humor may drive me insane faster than any of Drogir’s rants.”
They both laughed as the chamber doors creaked opened, heavy footsteps following.
All eyes watched as a trio of men marched into the room, decked out in full combat uniforms. Gabriel was leading them, helmet in one hand while giving his bald head a rub with the other. He flashed a smile toward Adrienne as he passed and she blushed.
“I've always liked that one’s teeth,” Joey said to lighten her embarrassment. “Don't worry, I’d have blushed too.”
“Shut up!” she hissed as Nathaniel walked by, keenly rubbing his hands together while a silver memorial bracelet on his left arm glinted in the afternoon sun.
Bringing up the rear was a new Journeyman most of them hadn’t seen before. The operative was handsome, with a bad -boyish quality to him, prominent once he took off his helmet and swiped a gloved hand through his spiky black hair. Neck tattoos rose out from his uniform’s dark collar and out from his rolled up sleeves, hinting that he was covered with ink.
“Who’s that?” Joey asked softly, nudging Adrienne with his elbow. “He’s fucking tall.”
The man overhead Joey’s whispers and shot a gaze in his direction, smirking while adjusting his M4 assault rifle.
Adrienne looked up as he walked past, recognizing him from the personnel dossiers she had reviewed in the days following the team’s rescue from Rennes-le-Château.
“That’s Sean Dean if I recall,” she said, “one of the elite guys originally out of Santa Monica. He’s been reassigned to help us with these last missions. Ralph, the U.K. guy, was originally supposed to be here, but since his accident he’ll be ou
t of commission for a while. Gabriel and Nate are also going to be sticking around to help us.”
“Nathaniel,” Joey corrected her. “Trust me, already made that mistake. So, back to Sean Dean. Four-by-Four seems like a cocky one.”
“You already have a nickname for him? Geez, but yeah cocky would be the understatement of the century from what I’ve read.” Adrienne watched as he took position between Gabriel and Nathaniel, towering above them by at least six inches. “Rightfully so, I guess. He’s efficient and deadly at what he does – mainly firearms and incendiaries.”
“I could tell by the rifle, it has a grenade launcher mount. So he’s a pyrophile, too? Gets better and better.”
“If you say so dummy,” Adrienne snorted, indicating they should listen in as the meeting began.
Gage moved away from Evans at the table, scrutinizing Sean’s height and build compared to his own as he walked past, joining his group by the window.
“I think that fucker has me beat by two inches,” Gage moaned, collapsing into the chair.
“Better than seven,” Joey added with a little giggle. “But I bet you’re taller lying down …”
Gage didn’t have to say anything to that, just smiling with a wink.
“Welcome gentlemen,” Jane said as she stood. “Your service to the Order has always been exemplary and is much needed during these dark times. As you know, we have summoned you here to deliver updates on the demon activity in France personally since we have uncovered cracks in our communications systems that could expose things. We also need to discuss our next steps, so let us get to it.”
Jane took her seat and Gabriel stepped forward.
“Thank ya, ma’am,” he said with a casual nod. “So, as of our latest sitrep we believe there is an attack imminent on Paris within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Our defense measures have detected a huge spike in entities roaming the streets and those we've spotted and captured were placing blood wards along various streets and buildings.”
“Blood wards?” asked Tyrol with concern on his face. “To what end?”
“We don't yet know what these are for,” Gabriel said, frowning. “Some of the symbols are ancient and incredibly complex, but since it's happening at such a fast pace we feel something’s gonna come to a head real soon.”
“Nothing ever good comes from using blood magic,” Tyrol continued. “Jane, this concerns me greatly.”
“As it does me,” she replied. “Please, carry on.”
“We came back here via the fastest method of travel possible,” Nathaniel picked up, “but it is the recommendation of our squadrons that we return to Paris with all three airships to counter the threat. Something big is about to go down and we need to depart. Now.”
“Do we need to issue an evacuation order for the city?” asked Allete, “In order to keep casualties to a minimum?”
“Yes,” said Sean, his voice similar to Marcus’ in depth. “Although it's going to cause a panic if not done properly and we don't want to tip them off to the fact we are aware of so much.”
Allete nodded, glancing over to Timothy.
“Leave that to us,” he said and they both rose, immediately leaving the meeting.
“Ya should also mobilize some of the European Field Journeymen to help combat the tide,” Gabriel said gravely. “No matter how we slice this, there's gonna be some bloodshed over there and we need all the help we can get.”
“Sounds like we have a plan,” said Jane to the nods of those before her. “Very well, I believe we are all in agreement with what has been discussed and all know our parts in what is to come. Godspeed everyone on your way to the airships and beyond. It's time we brought this fight the Noctis for a change.”
Gabriel, Nathaniel, and Sean turned and started to depart, as did Gage and his team. Before the operatives made it to the door, Jane’s voice stopped them, something in her tone having Gage already preparing himself for a fight.
“Gage,” she said, “the department heads have insisted that you are not to go on this mission.”
Everyone groaned.
“Not this again,” he responded. “We did this once when Fenran banned me from goin’ to rescue my own girl! Always debating and stopping progress; so those people even know where their loyalties lie? Do they want the demons to win?”
“Gage, trust me I am on your side,” Jane pleaded, redness showing in her face. “But to their point you would be taking the treasures you have right within the reach of Dajjal.”
“I'm not bein’ kept away from this apocalypse the closer we get to ending it,” Gage said calmly, though whether by his underlying tone or the expression on his face, Jane knew he was deadly serious. “Dajjal would have to rip these suckers off my cold, dead body piece by ever-lovin’ piece and I don't plan on that happening any time soon. So be sure to tell these clowns that Gage Crosse says they can stick –”
“Councilor,” Ty cut in just in time. “Dajjal has no idea we even have the scythe, so we would be one up on him on that front. If we can get close enough to him and get the Crown off…”
“Then we may be able to stick it to the demon once and for all,” Joey said enthusiastically. Catching Sean looking his way, still smirking, Joey turned to look out the window and Adrienne snorted again.
“Gage...” Jane was flustered trying to appease all sides, “the wishes of the departments…”
“Do not outweigh the wishes of the Council,” Evans stated to the surprise of all.
“I'm perfectly clear on their wishes, Jane,” Gage said coldly. “I'm just choosing to ignore them.”
Jane shook her head and there was a slight hint of a smile amidst the motion.
“Well, as I said earlier then: Godspeed.”
With that, Gage stormed from the chamber, saying something about giving his crew a call; everyone else fell in behind.
Jane slumped back in her chair exhausted.
“I really don't know how to handle that man.”
Quileth was staring at her with his yellow eyes wide, already holding out his hookah’s end piece.
“This helps me…”
COLD WAS THE night as the Odyssey hurtled through the dark sky with the Homer and Iliad close behind, clouds crashing like rough waves upon their hulls, lustrous in the light of the waxing moon. Far below, the Celtic Sea had yielded to the English Channel, the fleet crossing over into France a short time later above the seaside resort town of Granville.
Gage was in bed, though most definitely awake. It had become one of the places he found the greatest comfort these days – the long hours and stress, exaggerated by fatigue, holding onto him as tightly as he had his hefty arms locked around Adrienne.
“Ya think this is almost over, darlin?” he whispered into her ear, which was just a couple inches away from his lips; he didn't waste the opportunity to kiss her lightly there.
“A big part of me says yes,” she replied optimistically, stretching while letting out a small yawn. “The rest says I really hope so.”
Gage grabbed her hand as he chuckled, looking down at the hex nut ring he had given her for their engagement.
“I think I can agree with either part of ya there. Now, if we do manage to end the apocalypse tonight,” he said, rubbing his thumb on her ring, “let’s be sure to seal this deal first thing after it's all done.”
She smiled at the longing in his voice, moving her hand up to tease his hair.
“It's a done deal,” she replied, then fell silent as a whiff of his enticing scent caught in her nose.
UP IN THE GALLEY, Ty and Joey were sitting around the dining table – the only two in the quiet room. Joey had become hungry, which was as consistent a thing with him as breathing was. He drug Ty up with him for company, invading the pantry for anything edible that didn't require cooking.
Ty rubbed his eyes before replacing his glasses, watching as Joey tore into a packet of cheddar cheese crackers, chased by chilled orange juice in a tall glass.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself,” Ty said, cracking a half smile to try and hide his nervousness about the oncoming situation.
“I'm trying,” Joey answered. “Though to let you in on a little Mosley magic, I'm a nervous wreck inside.”
“Well you manage to cover it well, man,” Ty said in complement.
“I think being nervous keeps us grounded,” he replied, nodding. “It lets you remember that you're still human and not a cold, heartless machine – though wouldn't it be awesome to bust out some cyborg weapons in these battles…”
Ty shook his head as Joey started making gun signs with his fingers, pretending to shoot them complete with ‘pew pew’ sounds.
“You're always so cheerful, too,” Ty said. “I really don't see how you do it.”
Joey paused from his snacking and looked directly at Ty; there was something in Joey’s gaze that looked deep, far more serious than Ty had seen in his brief time knowing him.
“Cheerful, happy, free,” he said. “It's all the same thing when you boil it down and just try to make the most out of the situations life throws your way.
“We’ve been through so many missions – Gage, Ady, and I – not even counting the ones my dad and me were on prior to that. Although the stakes for this one are much higher than those, I don't find myself any more nervous than for the prior missions. I think that’s because, like I said, it makes me feel alive and not complacent.
“You may or may not know this, but I used to be a cowering mess in the face of fear – all the damn time. Now, I think since Marcus told me not to fear the unknown and to live for the moments in time we have together, that I draw my strength to carry on from that. Not to mention all the hate that is slung our way, and the losses too. There are always going to be forces out there to make you feel weak and make you doubt yourself. It's time we said no to them and show them how wrong they actually are.”
To his words Joey saw a fire kindle behind Ty’s glasses, like something deep and powerful had been sparked.
“You know, that's just what I needed to hear, Joey,” Ty replied. “I… I see that my brother found himself one hell of a guy. You'd never think that the guy right here in front of me, eating crackers and drinking orange juice, could sway me. I tell you Joey, I'm so happy that Marcus had you and that you were able to show both him… and me things I didn't realize had always been in front of me, bringing us a little closer before the end. Much love, Joey. For that I'm forever grateful.”
Then Hell Followed (Journeyman Book 5) Page 18