The Crystal Lake

by L. J. LaBarthe

  “I will, too.” Adramelek stood up. “Wait here for me to get back, Ondrass.”

  “Oh, all right,” Ondrass said, affecting a heavily put-upon sigh. “If you insist.”

  “I know, it’s a great burden to bear, waiting in this palace,” Adramelek said. “I’ll be back.” Then he vanished.

  “Come, Gabriel, let us leave as well,” Michael said.

  “Right,” Gabriel agreed. He placed his hand on Michael’s shoulder and moved them both to Belle Coeur.

  “I was hoping you would bring us here,” Michael said as they emerged on the sandy beach. “I fear that I feel most keenly the need for some introspection and quiet discussion on the matters we are dealing with. I do not want to risk any of my Venatores or the good shifters who live in Yerevan overhearing us. And I did not wish to have any of our own Brotherhood listen in.”

  “Ah,” Gabriel said, “you want to talk about our three little angels, yeah?”

  “Yes. Gabriel, tell me truly, how long have Asaf, Vel, and Camael been involved with humans?”

  Gabriel thought hard. “Asaf and Vel, on and off since the Flood. Once those waters receded and Noah beached the ark, they helped with resettlement. Camael, like I said, he’s been up in Heaven for centuries. I thought he was adjusting to the modern world pretty well. Now, I’m not so sure. And I thought, considering that Asaf and Vel are here pretty regularly, they’d be more used to how people live and love here, too.”

  “Hm.” Michael tapped his left index finger against his lips. Gabriel watched his lover, taking in the subtle play of emotions on Michael’s handsome face as Michael mulled over what Gabriel had just said.

  “What are you thinking?” Gabriel asked after several moments.

  “I fear that Asaf and Vel particularly may be a liability.” Michael sighed, his expression sad. “I do not know that sending them back to Heaven would help, for as Raziel said, God is not seeing anyone. I fear that those of our kind who have never left Heaven would not see the problem that is the attitude of these two angels. And yet, we have neither the resources or the time to spare to illustrate to them just how misguided they are and how wonderful humanity and this planet is.”

  Gabriel echoed the sigh. “I see. I can’t deny that they’d be first in line for some education, but beyond sending them to Penemuel, I don’t know what else to suggest.”

  Michael nodded slowly. “Gabriel, what about Ishtahar?”

  “What about her?”

  “She has lived on this planet since the days of Eden. She has seen every facet of the faces of humanity. Would she not be the perfect soul to teach them the truth of the wonders of creation?”

  Gabriel blinked. It was a good idea and he could see how Michael had thought of it. “Aye, I think that’s a grand idea. And she could get the boys to help out, too.”

  “You speak of Hiwa and Ahijah?”

  “Aye. All angelkind know the Nephilim who’ve survived and hidden themselves have been forgiven and pardoned by God, yeah? Yeah. So if Asaf and Vel were to spend time with Ish and the boys, they’d see all the different perspectives. Maybe have Camael go with ’em when he’s finished moving Liam and the kids around.”

  Michael’s smile widened. “A most satisfying solution. We will order them to do this once we have spoken with Ishtahar and the boys.”

  “I’m glad we sorted that one,” Gabriel said, pulling Michael into his arms.

  “As am I. Now perhaps before we visit with Ishtahar, we could spend a little time together?”

  “I hope you mean intimate time together,” Gabriel said.

  Michael blushed. “Yes.”

  “I love the way you think,” Gabriel said and kissed him. Michael wound his arms around him, and Gabriel hummed into the kiss as Michael returned it with enthusiasm and passion. Around them, the sounds of birds and the sea was a serene soundtrack for their love, and Gabriel slipped a hand beneath Michael’s shirt.

  “Let us go indoors,” Michael thought to Gabriel. His mental voice was slightly breathless.

  Gabriel grinned into the kiss and moved them straight to their bed, using his power to get them naked at the same time. Michael moaned loudly as they connected with the mattress, and Gabriel pressed him back, nipping at Michael’s lower lip as he caressed Michael’s side.

  “Gabriel… I want you. A very great deal.”

  “I want you, too, solnyshko.”

  “Now. Please, Gabriel.”

  Gabriel groaned softly and used his power to slick his cock. He moved, settling between Michael’s thighs, and lifted his lover’s legs to his shoulders. Then he slowly positioned himself and pressed into Michael’s willing body. Michael moaned loudly, arching into the penetration, flexing his muscles around Gabriel’s cock, and Gabriel saw stars behind his eyelids. He kissed Michael harder, with no finesse, as he wrapped one hand around Michael’s cock and began to stroke.

  “Gabriel. Gabriel, da bao. I love you.”

  “Love you, too, my Mishka.”

  All too soon, Gabriel felt his orgasm building, coiling low in his belly as he thrust hard and fast into his beloved. Michael’s cock was slick with precum, and Gabriel broke the kiss, arching as he drove his hips forward hard and came. A moment later, he felt the slick slide of come on his hand as Michael followed him into orgasm.

  Slowly pulling out of Michael’s body, Gabriel then flopped onto the bed, lying half on the mattress and half on Michael. “That was amazing,” he said.

  Michael chuckled quietly, and he ran a hand down Gabriel’s back. “It is always wonderful with you.”

  Gabriel rolled onto his side and ducked his head to press a kiss to Michael’s shoulder. “You’re so adorable.”

  “So long as you do not tell anyone else this,” Michael said, rolling over to face Gabriel.

  Gabriel cupped Michael’s cheek. “It’ll be our secret. Let’s go take a shower then visit Ish and the boys.”

  “As you say. Are they in Brazil?”

  “Aye. Remi thought it would be safer to have her stay in the Nephilim community there than in their home in New Canaan.”

  “He is, I fear, probably correct.” Michael sat up. “I will be very glad when we have restored the Grail to its rightful home.”

  “Yeah, about that.” Gabriel sat up as well. “Where, exactly, do we put it when we get it back? I mean, there was a fake at Saint Catherine’s monastery, and we don’t know yet where Joseph hid the real Grail. So, when we get it, where do we put it?”

  Michael looked at Gabriel in surprise. “I confess that I do not know. Perhaps Raziel will be able to shed some light on the subject when he returns.”

  “I hope so. ’Cause I have no bloody idea.” Gabriel thought about it. “I mean, we could put it in Saint Catherine’s, but would that be the best thing for it? It’d be bloody awesome if we got some guidance on that at least. I mean, God hiding from us and the rest of the Brotherhood is one thing, but this is a question that I reckon none of us will be able to answer. Should we put it in a museum? I don’t think so. Or the Vatican? Why limit it to one religious institution? I don’t know, Michael, and I don’t like not knowing. And this is kind of important.”

  “I do not disagree, da bao.” Michael stood up and walked around the bed to take one of Gabriel’s hands and gently tug him to his feet. “We will consider our options and discuss them with Raziel and Uriel when they return from Britannia. For now, let us bathe, visit Ishtahar and her sons, and proceed with the tasks we must finish before Raziel’s return.”

  Gabriel twined his fingers with Michael’s. “Aye, you’re right. Okay, let’s go get clean. I suppose we don’t have time for a quickie in the shower?”

  Michael looked amused. “I am afraid not.”

  “Oh well. Later, then?” Gabriel looked at Michael hopefully.

  “I am sure that we can find time later,” Michael said. He went to the shower recess and turned on the faucets. “For now, let us merely clean ourselves and then dress.”

  “Okay, oka
y. I’ll be good,” Gabriel said.

  “I pray you will not always be good,” Michael deadpanned, and Gabriel laughed, lightly slapping Michael’s ass.

  “With as sexy an ass as yours on offer, no way am I being a monk, baby,” Gabriel said.

  Michael flushed slightly. “As you say.”

  ISHTAHAR DRIED her hands on a dishcloth as she listened to Michael explain his idea to her. Gabriel, seated at the plain kitchen table with Hiwa and Ahijah, watched the two Nephilim as they listened. It was impossible to tell what they were thinking; they kept their expressions neutral.

  As Michael finished, Ishtahar smiled. “You wish to have these three angels come and stay with us here for a time. Will they find being in a community made up of Nephilim—who they have all their existence believed they must kill—difficult?”

  “That’s my concern,” Ahijah said. “If they’re having trouble dealing with the concept that humans can be happy even if they’re poor, how will they cope here?”

  “I confess it may be difficult for them to adjust,” Michael said.

  “But I’ll order ’em to keep their weapons sheathed and behave themselves,” Gabriel said.

  “Will that be enough?” Hiwa asked.

  Gabriel looked over at Michael. “I honestly don’t know,” he said.

  “But I fear that if we do not try to help them understand the complexities and wonders of creation, their attitudes may grow worse,” Michael said.

  Hiwa stood up. “Ahi, let’s go outside and talk about this,” he said.

  Ahijah got up, pushing his chair beneath the table. “I know Mama will say yes, because she always does,” he said. “But she can’t be everywhere all the time. So Hiwa and I need to discuss this and see if it will work out.”

  “I understand,” Michael said.

  Ishtahar watched her sons leave the house, and then she turned to Gabriel and Michael. “They are familiar with humanity, these angels, yes?”

  “Aye,” Gabriel said.

  “And so what is needed most is to broaden their understanding?”

  “Aye, I think that sums it up. Also, they could help with chores here and keep an eye out for any information about the Grail. Not that I reckon there’ll be any, but it never hurts to make sure.”

  “I agree. My sons may think me a soft touch, as they call it, but I feel that as I have been given a second chance for happiness, so should all. It would be my pleasure to host these young angels and show them the wonders of life,” Ishtahar said.

  “You honor us, Ishtahar,” Michael said.

  “It is an honor for me to serve,” she replied. “In the evenings, they may talk to me of their concerns, for I am certain they will have some. About the missing Grail if nothing else.”

  “Aye,” Gabriel agreed. “And they might open up more and more to you as time goes on. I reckon they’ll say stuff to you they wouldn’t to me, ’cause I’m their CO. They wouldn’t say it to Shateiel, either, ’cause he’s my second in command.”

  “I thought of this myself,” Ishtahar said.

  Hiwa and Ahijah returned then.

  “What have you decided?” Michael asked them.

  “We’ll allow it, as long as they promise on pain of punishment in Hell that they won’t hurt or attack or insult any of the Nephilim here,” Hiwa said.

  Gabriel whistled. “That’s harsh.”

  “So is what many of the people here have lived with, Gabe.” Hiwa ran a hand through his short, blond hair. “Life here is good—now. It wasn’t always. These Nephilim have been persecuted for millions of years, by angels, by demons, and by humans. They’ve earned their peace and quiet.”

  “What if we agree, but instead of Hell, they face Tzadkiel in his role as Archangel of Judgment?” Michael countered.

  The two looked at each other. Hiwa shrugged and Ahijah grinned.

  “That works too,” Ahijah said.

  “Then we are in agreement.” Michael sounded relieved. “They have things to attend to, but I will ensure that they are here in a few days.”

  “That will be fine,” Ishtahar said.

  “As you say. Thank you, all of you,” Michael said.

  “Aye, it’s real good of you to agree to this,” Gabriel said.

  “If they stick one toe out of line, though, you can bet we’ll be yelling for you,” Hiwa said.

  Gabriel gave him a salute. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He stood up. “Mishka, we should get back to Yerevan and see if our Archdemons have had any luck. And then give Camael, Asaf, and Vel their orders. And then see what Liam’s learned.” He sighed. “Never ending, this.”

  “As you say,” Michael said. “Then perhaps we may have some dinner.”

  Gabriel laughed. “You in the mood for food, huh?”

  “No, but I believe that I be will later,” Michael said. “We will see you soon, Ishtahar, boys.”

  “Boys,” Hiwa said, rolling his eyes. “We’re all grown up now, Uncle Mike.”

  Michael ruffled Hiwa’s hair. “You will always be boys to us, Hiwa.”

  “Don’t appeal to me,” Gabriel said as Hiwa straightened his hair and turned to him. “I’m with Mishka on this one. Be good, kiddos. Take care of your mum.”

  “We always do,” Ahijah said.

  “Good. Well, we’ll see you later,” Gabriel said. He rested a hand on Michael’s shoulder.

  “We look forward to it,” Ishtahar said.

  Gabriel gave her a wink, and then he moved himself and Michael back to Yerevan.

  Chapter Eleven

  “WHEN WE go out into the vicus, I want you to keep your eyes and ears open,” Raziel said. “Uri and I will go and take a look around, and the rest of you go with Angelique. Angelique, I want you to pretend your sole purpose in life is to shop. Haggle with people, buy things, and see if you can find out what the opinions are of the residents here. Uri and I will nose around to see if we can find Joseph’s house.”

  “And if you can’t?” Angelique asked.

  “Then we’ll do it the other way,” Raziel said.

  “He means magic,” Uriel supplied.

  Angelique rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I figured that, Uri. Why don’t you do that right from the start?”

  “Because I want to use our power as little as possible. While we haven’t detected any demons, I do not want to invite trouble.”

  Angelique nodded. “All right. I understand that, I guess. But what are we going to do when it’s time to leave?”

  “We will leave the same way we came,” Raziel said. “We will pack up our wagon, bid farewell, and ride out. Then we will travel until we reach a forest and find a clearing, pack up what must return with us, and teleport.”

  “Yeah, I get that part.” Angelique stood up, adjusting her stola so that she didn’t trip over it. “But it took all you Archangels, Shay here, and Agrat to move us. You can’t keep in touch with everyone back in our present—so how are you four going to move us back?”

  “She’s got a point,” Uriel said.

  Raziel pursed his lips. “She does, and I do not think any of you are going to like my answer.”

  “So you have thought about it, then?” Lily asked.

  “Oh yes, in detail.” Raziel took a deep breath. “We’ll move in stages. We’ll jump in five-hundred-year steps. It will take us four trips to do it.”

  Danny whistled in surprise. “That’s a risky way to do business, isn’t it? What if we find ourselves jumping from a forest into the middle of a factory or someone’s bathroom?”

  “That is why I will select an area that remains untouched land.” Raziel spread his hands. “It is the only way to be certain.”

  “I could teleport forward and get the rest of the Brotherhood to lock on to you guys and help bring you all back,” Uriel suggested.

  “It would not work,” Raziel said. “Reach forward. Can you feel any of them?”

  Uriel’s brow furrowed as he concentrated. His expression grew concerned and then worried. “Fuck.
”

  “Nothing, correct?”

  “Not a damn thing.” Uriel shook his head. “Fucking hell, Razzy.”

  “I know. So we’ll have to do it in four jumps.”

  “We’re going to be totally fucked when we get back,” Uriel pointed out.

  “And that is when the rest of our choir will help sustain us while we recover,” Raziel said.

  Agrat heaved a sigh. “This is going to be one of the hardest things we’ve ever done, you know.”

  “I do.” Raziel shrugged. “But we will do it because we have to.”

  “Indeed. I do not want to live the next two thousand or so years all over again to catch up to myself,” Shateiel said.

  “And Michael would never forgive us if we didn’t get his Venatores back,” Agrat said.

  “Michael worries too much,” Angelique said. “He’s going to give himself a dozen ulcers, and then he’ll tell us that he’s named each one after us.”

  Uriel and Raziel laughed at that, Shateiel grinned, and Agrat chuckled. “He loves you, in his own unique way,” Agrat said. “He thinks of you as akin to grandchildren.”

  “That would make Gabe our granny.” Angelique began to laugh as well. “I can’t imagine him in a dress.”

  “I’ll have you know that in his female form, Gabriel is a very attractive woman,” Agrat said, chuckling again.

  “Well, well.” Angelique pursed her lips. “I’ll have to ask him about that when we get back.”

  “Oh, Jelly,” Lily said. “Can’t you keep your mind on the job?”

  “Of course I can, babe. It’s just a nice distraction so I don’t think about those fucking millions of what ifs that I have rattling around in my head thanks to Raziel’s description of how we’re getting home.”

  “Good point,” Lily agreed. “Okay, let’s all imagine Gabe as a woman.”

  Danny laughed. “Am I allowed to imagine this, too?”

  “Why not? I’m feeling generous today,” Lily said grandly, and he laughed.

  “Thanks. You’re the best wife ever.”

  “I disagree. Agrat is the best wife ever,” Shateiel said.

  “Can we not play the-my-spouse-is-better-than-yours game?” Uriel demanded. “You’d all lose anyway, because I have Raziel and none of the rest of you do. Now let’s get off our asses and get to work.”