Nephilim

by Christopher Charles

  “Sir, if you think I’m ready then I will be ready. This is the path I have chosen and if I am to make my father proud then I must follow in his footsteps.” He stood up and nodded to Sean to be excused. Making his way to the library, Andrew pulled a bible from a shelf and sat down. He began to prepare himself for the biggest fight in his life so far.

  Sunday seemed to roll around quicker than usual. It was already late into the evening and was coming up to 10pm. The alarm had gone off signifying it was time to suit up and head out. Andrew had just finished getting off a video call with his mum. He liked to talk to her before a mission and it was slowly becoming routine. She kept him focused and at ease.

  The four boys met Coach in the armoury. He was already geared up and ready to go. Whilst the rest of them got ready, he quickly went over details with them and made sure everything and everyone was on point.

  “Errrm Andrew, for this plan to work I need you in plain clothes. Turning up in the lobby dressed in full tactical gear might alert the enemy to our true intentions. The rest of you hurry up and get into your gear.” Once again they huddled in and started off the routine prayer. But this time, surprisingly he was interrupted by Andrew.

  “You mind if I take this one Coach?”

  The group looked surprised but Sean smiled and nodded, “Go ahead kid.”

  “Lord today is an important step for us.

  We have come this far and been through so much

  I know that you would not bring us this far to fail you.

  For you would not put more on us that we could not bear

  I ask that you protect us tonight and cover us

  In the Blood of your son Jesus Christ

  For what we do is for the glory of your kingdom

  And Father…if you are up there watching over us

  I hope you are proud of me.

  In Jesus name we pray…”

  “AMEN!” they all shouted and entered the Hummer. Sean started the engine up and set off.

  “This must feel like déjà vu huh A.R?” said Josh.

  Andrew laughed, “Yeah a little. Let’s just hope we don’t have any unexpected surprises this time.”

  Nerves were high as usual but the feeling in the truck wasn’t one of fear. Sean looked at the rear view mirror and studied the boy’s behaviour. They didn’t seem frightened, more focused. Josh was surprisingly reading a bible, which was a first for him. Jamie was silently enjoying some music from his Ipad. Adam was busy researching conspiracy theories as usual on the computer. Everyone seemed relaxed and ready. It helped put Sean at ease too. He didn’t feel like he was jeopardizing their wellbeing or sending them into a situation they weren’t ready for.

  It was coming up to the two hour mark and they were only a few minutes away from their target. Andrew got out the truck a few yards down from the car park. He waited patiently on a street corner for the rest of this team to get into position. Because walking into The Windsor Lodge lobby wearing a combat suit wasn’t very subtle, Andrew was dressed in jeans and a jumper, all black and wore a black overcoat. Although dressed casually he had two handguns concealed in a holster underneath his jacket, just in case.

  Following the plans laid out, the security guards in the car park were quickly incapacitated and Sean drove the hummer up to the top floor. Using sniper rifles and tranquilizer darts, Josh and Jaime simultaneously took out both guards patrolling the rooftop of the Windsor Lodge. Adam then fixed the zip lines up quickly and efficiently and all 3 made their way across from the car park, landing on the neighbouring roof silently and covertly. Once on the roof they gave the a-ok to Sean, who was manning the computer in the Hummer. His voice then came over the ear piece to Andrew.

  “Ok. A.R the boys are in position. You ready?”

  Andrew took a deep breath and exhaled, “As ready as I’ll ever be sir.”

  He quickly made his way up the large stone steps and walked through the courtyard. It was ghostly quiet and a breeze blew strong through the intricately cut shrubbery that surrounded the foreground. His eyes were greeted by the large glass panels. As he pushed the revolving doors, he suddenly froze and shuddered. Sean could tell something was wrong by the vital charts showing on his monitor. Andrews’s body heat and heart rate had increased almost instantaneously.

  “A.R, what’s wrong? Talk to me.” ordered Sean

  A cold sweat ran down the side of Andrew’s face. It sent a shiver down his spine and a feeling of darkness felt like it was surrounding him. He could hear his own heartbeat drumming loud into his ear, causing all other surrounding sound to be drowned out. Again Sean tried to talk Andrew out of the trance like state he was in.

  “ANDREW! Come in, what is your status?”

  The loud voice of Coach Stevens shook Andrew back into reality. He looked around as if re-establishing his whereabouts.

  “Coach...” There was a long pause, “I can…feel him.”

  Sean could tell that these new senses that were awakening inside Andrew were overwhelming him and tried to keep him calm and focused.

  “A.R listen to me and focus on my words. If you can sense him, it means he can sense you. Don’t let your senses become overpowered. I understand that you’ve never felt this type of sensation before but you need to focus.”

  “I’m trying sir…but it’s like a blast to my sinuses. I can’t concentrate. The sting is such a foul smell of decay and sickness.” snivelled Andrew.

  “Look in your right inside pocket,” instructed Sean. Andrew fumbled clumsily inside his jacket before pulling out the old photo of himself as a baby, his father and Coach Stevens.

  “You are your father’s son, Andrew. Now focus and make him proud.” ordered Sean.

  Andrew stared at the picture long and hard. Slowly his senses cleared and he made his way through the revolving door and into the lobby. He took in the magnificent surroundings and grand décor of the building. As he observed the Lodge’s interior the night concierge and security instantly confronted him.

  “Sir the building is closed to the public at these hours. Unless you have an appointment, is there something we can help you with?”

  Before he could speak, Andrew was interrupted by a voice that echoed from a few feet above them. Looking up he saw the ever imposing, authoritative figure of Leslie Eza, stood at the top of the first flight of steps.

  “He’s here to see me.” He said with a wicked smirk on his face. Every guard seemed to be under his mental control and carried on with their patrols as if nothing was happening. Slowly, step by step he made his way down to the lobby until he was face to face with Andrew.

  “You are dismissed gentlemen.” He gestured to his staff and they exited the lobby. Andrew was left alone. Leslie looked him up and down slowly and sniggered to himself.

  “So you are the one that defeated Anak aye. Tisk Tisk. What a joke. I guess now they’ll know to never send a half-breed to do a real demon’s job.” Andrew kept silent but his gaze was unwavering.

  “So where are your friends, Mr Robertson? Or shall I call you Andrew? What would you prefer?” teased Eza.

  “I don’t need my friends to defeat you.” proclaimed Andrew

  Mr Eza let out an evil cackle that was sharp enough to break glass. The noise echoed through the great hall.

  “Boy do not overestimate your abilities. You may have defeated a Nephilim but I am far from a mixed species runt. You stand in the presence of a true blood you little whelp, have some respect.”

  Sean was listening from the Hummer and commanded the boys to get moving whilst Andrew kept Eza distracted. He knew that he was buying them as much time as possible

  “That’s it A.R. keep him talking.” commanded Sean. Andrew could hear him through the headset and carried on taunting his foe.

  “So what makes you so different? You seem to think you’re so important but all I see is just another demon pawn in my way.

  You just dress better I guess.” taunted Andrew. Visibly he could see his words were having a grea
t affect on Eza’s attitude.

  “You know nothing of respect you crossbreed juvenile. I shall have great fun in dispatching you with ease.” He licked his lips and then paused. His tone suddenly softened. “Or you can join us? Embrace the true power within you and claim all the earth has to offer that rightfully belongs to us!”

  “Us?” questioned Andrew.

  “Yes. I and you are one in the same Andrew. When God created the universe WE were the rightful heirs to everything he owned. Then for some outlandishly bizarre reason, he created the disgusting, repugnant human race. A decrepit, weak and altogether pitiful species…and gave them EVERYTHING! He even had the audacity to order us to serve them. Ludicrous! We, the highest of the angelic host, now degraded to mere servants…a universal atrocity! Everything on this earth is rightfully ours…and we shall claim it all…by force if we must.”

  As he ranted on, Adam, Josh and Jaime had already made their way inside the building. They were currently on level 10, in the room above the vault. Using the snake camera from within the room, they viewed the corridor and counted 5 guards.

  They couldn’t afford to alert anyone, especially Mr Eza to their activities. They decided to run an alternative plan. Jaime took the laser cutter and carefully cut a hole in the wall, big enough for them to climb through.

  The wall he was cutting lead into a meeting room that was above Leslie Eza’s office. Once in there they began lasering through the floor to gain access to the office. The whole time Andrew stood before Eza, he could hear the conversation going on between his friends and his coach via his ear piece. He continued to wind Mr Eza up and keep him occupied.

  “Hey I’m sorry to hear about you not getting what you wanted Leslie, if that is your real name. But if you ask me, you sound like a big baby that’s throwing a tantrum because you can’t have your way.” smiled Andrew, “But you have something that I want, and I plan on taking it, whether you like it or not.”

  The demons face erupted in anger, “You insolent little bastard. You know not of who you speak to because if you did you would hold your tongue and address me in a manner that befits the right hand of Lucifer himself! I will have your head boy, and I will parade it on a stick once I’m done for the entire universe to see…including your father.”

  Andrew’s expression changed. “I suggest you shut your mouth demon.” His fists began to clench as the anger in him began to surface.

  “Did I touch a nerve there half breed? Are we still having daddy issues,” sniggered Leslie.

  Andrew began to grit his teeth and breathe faster. His emotions were getting the better of him and he was becoming increasingly more agitated. “You know nothing of my father; he is nothing like your kind demon.”

  “Au contraire Andrew, your father is just like us. For he too could not resist the sins of the flesh and the lust of the female specimen,” laughed Leslie.

  “My father is nothing like you. He loved my mother.” Shouted Andrew.

  Eza continued to provoke him, “then where is he Andrew? Hmmm? Where is your beloved father now?”

  The rage inside him had reached boiling point and he charged at Leslie. He threw punch and kick after punch and kick but to no avail. Swinging wildly made it easy for Leslie to dodge every attack.

  “Look at you. So easily wound up and emotionally led. Typical human filth. Makes me sick.” said Eza.

  “I’m gonna kill you” screamed Andrew, again charging at his enemy in an attempt to hit him. Leslie was too fast though and avoided all the attacks then proceeded with his own and hit Andrew in the chest sending him hurtling through a glass panel and outside into the courtyard. Leslie nonchalantly walked through the shattered glass pieces, observing the damage.

  “Now look what you made me do. You’re ruining my building.” With a wave of his hand, the glass miraculously refitted itself into position and once again looked brand new. Andrew slowly gathered himself and stood to his feet. He grew more and more frustrated and lashed out uncontrollably. Leslie took advantage of his emotional state and beat him down with ease. Sean was monitoring both situations from the Hummer. Because the boys were wearing their special suits, he could see what they were seeing through his monitor but Andrew was in plain clothes so he couldn’t view his current situation. All he could do was listen and check his vitals on the computer.

  The boys were doing well. They had succeeded in gaining access to Eza’s office. Skulking around silently they headed straight for the portrait. Josh went to move the frame but it was embedded to the wall.

  “Shit!” he shouted.

  “What’s wrong guys?” quizzed Sean.

  Josh sounded frustrated, “Coach your hunch was correct, there’s definitely something behind the picture. Only thing is the frame itself is embedded into the actual wall.”

  The boys fell silent and awaited for a command from the leader. After a few seconds, coach’s voice came over the headset.

  “Scan the picture with your infrared vision. It might pick up a hidden switch or electrical charge. There must be a way to access it.”

  Josh and Jaime both switched their optics to infrared and examined the framework for a few seconds.

  “Aha!” expressed Jaime with joy. Part of the framework appeared to be hollowed out and filled with a switch. Jaime fiddled with it and pressed down. The picture frame slowly churned as electric flowed through it. The cogs and nuts inside began to activate, pulling the picture apart to reveal a safe. The boys high fived each other but there celebrations were cut short. Josh examined the safe.

  “Guys, this looks like a retina scanner. Shiiiiit!”

  Adam looked over the safe intrigued. “Hand me the laser cutter please.” Josh passed it over and Adam careful cut into the safe. Sparks were flying everywhere as the intense heat of the laser bore through the dense metal. Adam cut a hole big enough to fit his hand in. He shone a torch inside the safe and slowly reached in and removed the ring.

  It was a beautifully designed gold signet ring. It had ancient text inscribed into the hoop of the ring and on the front was the same 6 sided star used on the Israeli flag.

  “Bingo,” smiled Adam.

  Sean could see from his monitor the boys were successful in their mission and ordered them to return to the truck. He then turned his attention back to Andrew.

  “A.R come in. How you holding up kid?”

  Andrew gradually pulled himself up off the ground and got to his feet. “I’ve felt better sir.” He replied.

  “Well the boys have the ring and are currently making their way back to the truck. You need to get your head in the game if we’re going to get out of this alive.” explained Coach. “Now listen to me carefully. Whoever this guy is, he’s powerful and clearly a higher ranking demon than Anak. It seems he has encountered your father too but nevertheless he’s manipulating you and using your emotions against you. Don’t fall for his words. I taught you better than this. Keep a clear mind and focus on your opponent. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes.” said Andrew stubbornly.

  “Yes, what?” questioned Sean.

  Andrew took a deep breath and calmed himself knowing that what he was being told was the correct way of handling things.

  “Yes Coach.”

  Eza looked on, oozing with self confidence. His slow methodical yet casual walk exemplified his attitude towards Andrew. “You’re quite a tough one aren’t you? You would have made quite the Nephilim I must say. A shame, I’ll have to kill you instead.”

  Andrew composed himself and brushed off the dirt off his clothes. “I’m just getting started Mr Eza.” He removed his jacket and dropped it on the floor. Taking up a fighting stance, he began to bop loosely up and down. Then to antagonize Eza further he gestured with his hand for him to make the next move.

  Eza laughed, “You do have some guts. I’ll take great delight in ripping them out.” He charged at Andrew and the two engaged in hand to hand combat. From the car park Sean used the digital binoculars to watch the brawl taking
place in the courtyard entrance. The pair were an incredible sight to behold. They moved with unmatched grace in technique but ferociously in speed and power. Blow for blow they exchanged defence and attack. Eza goaded Andrew whilst they battled, trying to gain the upper hand.

  “You really think you have a chance. Against me?! I have been here for aeons. Commander of the Imperial Blackheart Legion. I have been in countless wars you couldn’t even fathom youngling.”

  “Well it seems you’re getting a little rusty in your old age aye.” remarked Andrew. “Why don’t we step this thing up a notch.” Tapping into the angelic spirit within him Andrew began to glow with a heavenly aura. In this form his vitals were unreadable by the computer, and Sean had no way of knowing how his body was coping.

  “You think you have power boy! I will show you power!” barked Eza. A deep growl resonated from his demonic soul and roared out into the air. His skin became totally black and hardened like an armoured scaly epidermis. The whites of his eyes transformed to a yellow and the pupil morphed to become cat-like in appearance. Ripping off the top layer of his suit Eza revealed his bare torso. His actual skin looked like an armoured breast plate. The connective tissue between his muscles was also visible and looked like dark black leathery strands. As he clenched his fists the knuckles on his hands protruded and became sharp and jagged.

  “You should feel honoured you insolent brat. Not many have seen me in all of my true gloriousness. It will be the last thing your eyes observe before you die. Now bear witness to the unparalleled power…of Azazel!”

  The name was caught by the ear piece in Andrews head and instantly sent a shiver down Sean’s spine.

  “Azazel!” he whispered to himself. “Shit this is bad!”

  Now realising the seriousness of their situation Coach instructed the boys to hurry up and make their way back to the truck.

  The boys were finishing up as they began to make their way back to the skylight window. Adam was the last one left in the office and before he left, his sight caught view of the electronic tablet from the cabinet in the office.