by Rue Volley
“How could I not. I was allowed to come here with his blessings, and I have you. I’ve realized love, and experienced a bevy of emotions I never understood. How is that not miraculous for one such as me?”
“Some might say you got the short end of the deal, Angel man.”
“But I am not some, and neither are you, and for me, that’s enough.”
“How do you manage to put me at ease when we have hell itself knocking on our door?”
“Because I believe enough for the both of us.” He bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. “You trust me?”
“More than anything.”
“Then let me keep you safe. If we fall, and you’re captured, all is lost.”
“Don’t even say that.” She jerked away and pressed her fingers to his soft lips. “If anything happened to you I’d go off the fucking reservation. So you better make sure you come back to me in one piece.”
“I will do my best.”
His carefully chosen words didn’t escape her. People talked about war, but it was just a word until someone you cared about entered it. Her chest ached, and her heart raced. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her head to his chest, absorbing his warmth, and the distinct scent of male, sun, and something she couldn’t put her finger on
“I will keep you safe, my love.”
“I know. I’m worried about who will be keeping you safe.” She wanted to anchor him to her and ask him to stay. But she knew better. Running away wasn’t an option in this case. The threat would only remain, and the demons would continue to come for her. She could feel the pull to the higher plane. Tilting her head back, she saw the translucent blue-tinged light around his head
“Wow.”
“They summon me. Are you ready?”
She glanced down at her black boots, torn blue jeans, black tank top and gray hoodie. “I don’t think I’m dressed to meet royalty, but otherwise, sure.”
Tingles broke out over her body as they appeared in a meadow. “Should I feel like my body has been loaded with pop rocks?”
“Give it time, you’ll adjust.”
“What is this place?” The brilliant fields of brightly colored flowers and tall, lush green grass stole her breath
“I believe your people once referred to it as the Elysian Fields. It’s one of many crossover points in Heaven.”
“So I’m just going to wander around here and wait?” she huffed
“No, you’ll have an escort,” a deep voice sounded behind them
She turned and took in the man dressed in white. Power radiated from him. Like the sun, she had a hard time at him directly, so she lowered her gaze
“Who is that?” she whispered
“She is safe with me, Yophiel. Godspeed.”
He nodded his head. “You will be safe with him.”
“Please be careful,” she whispered
“Always.” Yophiel disappeared, and she blinked
The man stood beside her, but she hadn’t seen him move. Even with her senses. Is that what it is to be an Angel? The only ones she’d ever been around were fallen, watered down version of their original glory
“Walk with me, Heavenleigh Spirit, we’ve much to discuss.”
“Listen, we don’t have to do the get to know you bit. I know you don’t want to be here with me, and I don’t want to be here with you. Let’s just stay in our own space—”
“Silence.” He lifted his hand, and she stopped in mid-sentence. “Be still. You have many questions, and I have answers.”
She gasped. She thought her inability to see him in detail was a response to her demon blood, or an intentional reality tampering, but now an insane thought had formed in her mind
“God?” With the realization, the blur lifted. Instead of an old man with white hair depicted in many religions, he was young, and dare she say, attractive. His white blonde hair fell over a pair of wide, bright blue eyes. He reminded her of sunshine, and happiness. A smile crept onto her lips. “Wow. You’re nothing like I expected you to be.”
He laughed. The deep sound echoed in the empty space. His voice didn’t match his face. It was ancient and deep. “Many people see me many different ways. All of them are correct.”
With his high cheekbones, full lips and slender frame, he reminded her of someone she knew
“Why are you here for more?”
“Come.” He nodded toward the field and began to walk. She fell in step beside him, feeling more at peace than she ever had in her life. “Why couldn’t I see you before?”
“Because you weren’t looking, I can only be seen clearly by those who truly seek me. As in life, the more you to come to know me the clearer the vision will become.”
“Whoa.” Her head spun. “I feel like I’m going to be in a state of shell shock our entire conversation.”
He laughed. “You amaze me as well.”
“Me?” She placed a hand on her chest. “No, I’m a mess.”
“Perhaps.” He smiled kindly. “But a beautiful one for sure. You were one of my most stunning creations. Unique unto yourself, you have the potential to unite so many.” He shook his head. “But you were misused. I am sorry for the pain this life has brought you.”
“Wait, I wasn’t a mistake?”
“No, you were lovingly made, by your parents and myself.”
“I don’t understand, why? You hate my father.”
He sighed. “I do not hate any of my children, but I do hate the things they do at times.” He shook his head. “There is good left in your father, though he fights it, burying it beneath the atrocities he commits. When Lailah left, I had hopes she would influence him.”
“But she didn’t?”Heavenleigh asked, starved for more of her parents’ story.
“In small ways, none big enough to change anything. Until now. You stopped a war.”
“I’m pretty sure I did the exact opposite,” she scoffed
“Without Lucifer’s backing this is nothing more than a flash in the pan. Had he gone through with his plan, I do believe Gabriel would be playing his trumpet soon.”
“Wow.”
“You matter more than you could ever imagine and you are loved. I never held a magnifying glass up here in heaven and played a game of make Heavenleigh dance.”
She winced. “You heard that, huh?” She thought back to the rants she’d had directed toward him growing up
“I hear everything. You didn’t let your anger rule you. I was worried at times. But I can only guide, not interfere.” He held up his hands
“When did you ever guide me? I was alone and lost.”
“Lailah has been with you every step of the way. She is your blessing.”
Her jaw dropped. “You choose her on purpose.”
He shook his head. “She volunteered in her own way. Her love for Lucifer was always great. When he left, he took some of her spirit with him. I was not surprised when she choose to follow him.”
“I’m sorry, you’re seriously mind fucking me right now. Wait.” She slapped both hands over her mouth. “I did not mean to say that Oh my Go—no, scratch that one too.”
He threw his head back and laughed. The bell-like sound was contagious, and she joined him. Love and acceptance wrapped around her, healing old wounds. I was never a mistake, and the things I went through weren’t a punishment. Sweet relief broke over her and tears flowed from her eyes. He opened his arms, and she went into them willingly. This must be what it feels like when your parent first holds you after birth. Over the past few months, she’d begun to realize just how wrong she’d been about so many things. Some of the realizations were painful. Others were life changing. Walking around believing you were the scourge of the Earth because you never fit with anyone and couldn’t conceive God purposely having a hand in your creation had taken a toll. She stepped back out of the shelter of his arms a new woman. The missing pieces of her life had been filled in
“Will I remember all of this when I leave?” The thought o
f returning to the cycle of questioning her existence made her heart bleed. It was a fate worse than death
He inclined his head. “The things I’ve said are for you and you alone. Your parents have their own journey, do you understand?”
She nodded her head. “Yes.” She swiped away the tears with her fingers. “I don’t know how to thank you,” she whispered
“Even when you were at your lowest, you were never alone. Every tear, every disappointment, and every set back, I was beside you lending you courage and strength to keep going, and try again.”
“Why? I never asked you for any of that?” Her anger at him seemed pointless and wrong now
“Because you believed, and I love my children. I only need a small opening to begin to work in your life. You gave me that.”
“My mother always talked about you with such reverence and respect, I knew you couldn’t be all bad. I just didn’t understand my circumstances.” She shook her head, awed once more
“Let me show you more. There are many beautiful places here.”
“Will I end up here?”
He met her gaze. “I don’t know, will you? That choice is up to you.”
“It’s really that simple?” she whispered
He chuckled. “The concept is yes.” He began to walk once more, and she followed knowing her life would never truly be the same
* * *
Dressed in black leathers, and a black breastplate to protect him from sharp claws, Lucien stood with his long black sword in his hand. The handle felt good in his hand. It’s been so long since I spilt the blood of an enemy. He’d gotten soft, waiting up in his tower like some sort of prince, while the others did his dirty work. It was a mistake he wouldn’t make again. Night stepped up beside him, and he took in her armor. Made to fit her body, the silver armor molded to her frame. Carved with Enochian symbols, it offered extra protection. A metal belt hung low around her hips with the symbol for a warrior on the center, and a number of knives as a fall back, should she need it
“Are you prepared?” he asked shoving his concern down where it wouldn’t impair his judgment
She lifted her broad sword. A faint blue glow surrounded the blade. “May God guide my blade in battle and help me cut down the wicked.”
“I love it when you talk righteous.” He winked, trying to offset the tension. “If I fall, I want you to leave, Night.”
“No.” She narrowed her gaze.
“I won’t take you until you agree to this. You keep your promises. So I know if you say you will, it’ll happen.”
Her eyes flashed gold, and her dusky pink feathers ruffled. “Fine, I agree.” She gnashed her teeth, and he felt her fury like an invisible fire spreading over his body
Content with her response, he gripped his sword tight. “Then, we leave.”
He willed the two of them into the belly of the beast, the center of hell. Lava pits bubbled and popped. Smoke rolled up from the reddish orange pools. Lucien stood at the foot of his monument. He climbed up the platform with Night to his right. Whispers rose. Black shadows began to creep up
“It seems some of you are mistaken about who runs this domain. Allow me to make myself clear.” He snapped his fingers. A group of ten fell to the ground, screaming in agony as they burned from the inside out. Another five were pinned to the wall as slices appeared on their flesh at random. He saved the best for last. Twenty began to shake. Their mouths opened in silent screams as their flesh peeled back from their skin, inch by inch. He set the torture on a loop
“If you’re not with me, you’re against me. So pick a side fast. If you go to Judas, be sure you kill me because I’ll make what you see now look like a walk in the park.”
His gaze swept over the crowd. Bodies began to edge back. Others remained rooted to the spot
“Send a message to your…boss. Hell is coming from him, and its bringing reinforcements.”
He lifted his hands and made a perimeter around the faithful. The flames licked the body of those straddling the line. Shrill screams began
“There’s a certain tone people make when they’re being tortured. It’s a bit like music to my ears, after all this time. Doubt me, and you’ll be the one up in never-ending flames. I’ve been too long away from the things I’m best at. It’s time for the King to mingle with his subjects again.” With a thought, he brought them all to the war room. “Gather the faithful, and make sure no traitors are among you, or I’ll hold all of you personally responsible.”
“Yes, sire,” they muttered tripping over their words in their haste to please him
“When I return we march and reclaim this place. Look sharp, and be swift. Spread the word.”
Once more Night went with him back to Purgatory
“Where is your army?” Michael scoffed. “Have they all forsaken you? Have your brute ways lost their persuasion?”
“Their gathering, you pompous asshole,” Lucien sneered. Being this close to his brethren made his skin crawl
“Things are desperate indeed when we once again work with this most unclean creature,” an Angel said somewhere in the sea of wings
“Name calling serves no purpose. I believed you to be better than that. Where’s your compassion, Raphael?” Layla said
Her quick defense filled his chest with pride
“I believe you have enough for all of us, sister,” Raphael said
“I do not miss this hypocrisy among ones who are deemed most holy, and charged with the protection of Father’s kingdom, and the guidance of humans,” Layla said
“How dare you,” Camael said. “You leave us to go with this one, and come back and propose to tell us how to behave?”
“I stepped down when I could no longer fulfill my duty to my father. Can you say the same? Have I spoken out of turn? I well remember the things that go on in this garrison. No longer must I hold my tongue to keep the peace among us. Beware what you say to me.”
“Be at peace, sister,” Michael said. “Our quarrel is not with you. It seems there have been some pluses with your…change in station.”
“Always the suck up,” Gabriel said. “It is good to see you again, sister, though I must say your new form is…quite interesting?”
She laughed. Lucien relaxed. Of them all, Gabriel was the only one he could still stand
“It is good to see you as well without your mouth to your horn,” Night said
“It was a close call,” Gabriel said
“When will this army be ready?” Camael asked
“In due time, did you have a pressing engagement?” Lucifer asked
“Petulant,” Camael muttered
“Perhaps a neutral conversation would be best,” Death said appearing beside Night.
“Are you to march with us?” Michael asked. “Have the horsemen been called?”
“You know as well as I do, the day I ride in with those three is the end of everything we know. I was sent to make sure you play nice. I see I arrived not a moment too soon.” Death glanced at Night. “Shiny, it’s a good look on you.”
She shook her head. “I missed out on so much cleverness when I was an Angel.”
“Yes, your brains aren’t quite wired for human humor,” Death grimaced
“If we should fall—”
“Don’t even say it, Layla, Lucifer, you either. I will watch over Heavenleigh as I always have, but I feel confident neither of you will be perishing tonight.”
Death’s words gave Lucifer comfort. To get his wife back and reconcile, only to have her ripped away to a place he could never follow would be devastating. That was the trouble with emotion. They were messy, unpredictable, and at times impossible to control. He glanced at his wife out of the corner of his eye, careful to watch the other Angels. He didn’t trust them not to double-cross either of them. They’d all been longing to get a piece of him for years
When the air around him threatened to break in half from the thick strain, Lucien called uncle. “It’s time I gather my army,�
� he said
Getting into hell wasn’t easy if you weren’t welcome. Part of him wanted to let them battle his protection spells and booby traps out of spite, but he needed them. He’d learned not to bite the hand that fed him, until he was badass enough to take them head on and no longer needed them. He guided them to the war room packed with demons. The Angels appeared. His minions hissed and crouched, ready to pounce. Lucien held up a hand
“Today they do our bidding,” Lucien said. He shot Michael a look, daring him to defy him in his own domain, where they were vastly outnumbered
The war room was a giant warehouse like structure filled with an endless amount of weapons. He was somewhat of a collector. They didn’t’ make medieval torture devices like they used to. Luckily for him, he’d kept the originals. His minions stretched as far as the eye could see. Michael remained silent, and the other Angels fell in line behind him. A well oiled machine, their formation was flawless, and impressive. The light bounced off their shiny armor and the power they generated pulsed in the air
Gasps and whispers filled the air. He controls the Angels?
He smirked. I’m back on top. “Where is the traitor?” Lucien said turning to face his people
“In the city, sire, he calls out for a battle to decide the ruler,” Hitler said
“Let’s not keep him waiting then.” He turned to look at his wife. “Layla, I want you at my back, you’re the only one I trust.”
“Always, my love.” She lifted her sword, and he turned leading them out of the war room into the pitch black darkness lit only by the pools of fire. He made the pools flame, lighting the dark spaces where many hid. Incinerating the cowards gave him great pleasure. The traitors scurried forward to relay back to their new leader, and he let them. Like rats on sinking ships, they would all perish. They entered the underground city where he led the ones who were being good boys and girls. He hissed at the sight that greeted him. Judas stood in the middle of the city with one foot on his toppled statue, like a fucking god want to be
“I’m glad you joined me, Lucifer. The time for change has arrived.”
Lucien’s jaw tightened. There was a decent sized following beside him. How the fuck did this happen?