by Darcy Town
Helion nodded, strangely comfortable with the Archangel and Primangel. He had none of the shyness Furcas expressed around them. He smiled and looked at Andrealphus. “You look at Belial now as Lucifer looks at Ladriam.”
Andrealphus realized it to be true. “Lucifer, what do you feel for Ladriam?”
Lucifer soared lower. “Love, perfection, happiness, peace.”
Andrealphus nodded. “Then yes, but there is something else.”
Lucifer closed his eyes. “Desire.” As he said it, the feelings came alive, potent. He dropped to the ground in front of Ladriam. He pulled her away from Belial and swept her into his embrace.
Andrealphus did the same of Belial. He grinned and jumped into the air with her to show her what falling felt like. Their laughter followed their flight into the sky. Helion trailed the pair, reveling in their glee.
Lucifer and Ladriam were alone on their planet. He brought her close. He trailed his lips across her cheek, inhaling. He kissed her neck softly and spoke into her hair, “I want to be one again.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I want to join you.”
Ladriam’s eyes flamed red. “I want nothing more than this.” She leaned into him and their lips met in a kiss. Their hearts pounded in unison, fast with elation. She buried her hands in his wings; her fingers trembled. She nipped his skin with her teeth.
Lucifer grinned and carried her to the ground. He kissed her cheek. She sank her teeth into his shoulder. Ladriam sat atop him and scratched at his chest lazily. He grabbed her hips and looked at her body, puzzling over and enjoying the sight. They gazed over each other’s features trying to figure out how to combine.
Ladriam smiled. “What should we try first?”
Lucifer sat up. “More of this kissing and closeness.” He placed her in his lap and held her tight. She wrapped her legs around his waist. She brushed against his pelvis and they shuddered in pleasure. She looked down then back up into his eyes. Lucifer smiled. She smiled in response.
Lucifer pulled her closer and slowly pressed into her. She gasped and he shuddered. Hunger overtook their features. He thrust harder. Her eyes rolled back in her head. He dug his fingers into her skin, pulling her ever closer, burying himself deeper inside her.
Ladriam held on to his wings for support. He bit her chest with each thrust; she scored his back with her nails. Around them, chemicals combined and multiplied. Bacteria formed on the surface of the planet; it grew into dirt and moss, sprouts and molds.
He flipped her onto her back and drove her into seedlings and grass. He flapped his wings, pressing himself further into her, tearing up the ground beneath them. She cried out. Vines and trees burst out of the ground as an oxygen rich atmosphere surrounded the planet.
The others watched from space. They stayed far enough away to not be influenced by the desire of the two below, but close enough to see the change in the planet.
All were awestruck, except for Paimon. He took mental notes and named the new things created on the planet. He felt none of the feelings of wonder that the others experienced. He found the activity of the two below curious at best.
Lucifer kissed Ladriam as she raked her nails along his shoulders. He arched his back and thrust faster and harder, sending cracks across the ground beneath them. She wrapped her legs around him, pressing herself against him. Their moans turned to cries and they sang out together, voices intertwining in the agony of ecstasy. Their skin glowed; the colors mingled until only white light remained. They shuddered together. He collapsed onto her.
They panted as they lost their mutual glow. Lucifer looked into her eyes. She smiled and they gazed at the planet around them. He spoke into her hair, “You are the most wondrous thing, Ladriam my love.”
Ladriam laughed. “As are you, Lucifer Morningstar.”
Lucifer brushed her hair back. “Morningstar?”
Ladriam pointed at the sun. “You shine as the stars do, the first, the brightest to herald the greater light.”
“Then you are my Evenstar, the darkness to my fire.” Lucifer lay back on the grass and drew her to him. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes; her hand rested on his stomach. He stared at the forming sky; his heart was overwhelmed with love and affection. His skin buzzed and he ached. He had felt nothing more exquisite in his existence. He held her as the Archangels touched down on the planet to explore the new creations.
Whoa. If Dahlia had a body, she would have been blushing from head to toe. Uhm, sorry you had to see that. I think.
Furcas laughed. Already saw it before, remember. Sex was not something hidden, Dahlia. We rejoiced in your joy. It was miraculous and to us a kiss was no different than sex, we didn’t know.
It was her turn to laugh. So Andy and Helion weren’t kidding. We did create life.
Just wait.
***
Lucifer entered Furcas’ house. Helion and Whitney slept in an overstuffed chair on the ground floor. Paimon had not yet come down to unlock his room for them. Helion’s eyes popped open at Lucifer’s entrance. Lucifer stood without moving, lost in thought. Helion set Whitney aside and jumped to his feet. He faced him. “I know what you promised Belial and I will not let you do it.”
Lucifer nodded. “We will discuss this another time, Helion. Where is Paimon?”
Helion pointed upwards stiffly. “Top floor.”
Lucifer passed him by and ran up the stairs. He stopped at the top room and knocked, there was no answer. He pressed his ear to the door and heard muffled crying. He willed the door to open. He walked into the baby room. “Paimon?”
Paimon lay curled up on the floor under one of Furcas’ baby quilts. His bare feet poked out one end.
Lucifer knelt by his side and nudged him gently. “Time to rise.”
Paimon shook his head. “No.”
“Furcas, Dahlia, and I need you.”
At the mention of Furcas’ name, Paimon lifted his head from the floor. The circles under his eyes were dark and bruised; tears streaked his face. He saw the violin in Lucifer’s hand and froze. Lucifer put Gaea’s halved seedpod into Paimon’s hands; it disappeared into his skin. Paimon’s body lit up and he looked at his hand thoughtfully. “This is a strange experience.”
“What is it like?”
“I can see his injuries overlaying my body, it is a dual vision.”
Lucifer examined Paimon, but he did not appear any different from his perspective. “Can you tell what his status is?”
Paimon nodded, engrossed in himself. “This is bizarre.”
Lucifer helped Paimon to his feet. The quilt dropped to the floor, Paimon held on to Dahlia’s teddy bear. He wore one of Furcas’ shirts. Lucifer took Paimon’s free hand. “We do not have time to waste. Come.”
Paimon blinked and shook his head. “Where’re we going? What are you doing with that?”
“To the surface. We are going to reap what the angels have sown. Gaea needs their life-force for Dahlia and Furcas.”
“Are we going anywhere in particular?”
Lucifer thought it over. “Somewhere populated.” That was as far as his thought process had gone.
Paimon wiped his eyes and smiled. “Can I choose?”
Lucifer nodded. “It makes no difference to me.”
***
As Ladriam slept with her head on Lucifer’s shoulder, Dahlia and Furcas transitioned to Furcas’ memory. He hovered over the planet with the other Archangels. Green growing things covered the earth below them. The angels descended.
Paimon landed in a forest-ringed meadow and forgot Furcas existed. He dropped into a crouch and stared at the plants. He sniffed them, rubbed leaves and petals between his fingers. These new things were complex; rules existed in them, layers with function and purpose. His eyes caught on another plant, then another. He ran from item to item, intent on knowing them all. He must understand it all.
Furcas followed Paimon to the ground. He landed on soft grass and moss, stunned by the sensation. Overhead Berith, Andrealp
hus, Helion, and Belial soared onwards.
Furcas wandered through the grass. He followed the unfamiliar sound of running water until he came to a stream. Soft mud lined the bank; it looked comfortable so he sat down. He dipped his feet in the clear water and enjoyed the sun as it hit his shoulders. There were so many beautiful things to see here. He smiled and took it all in. Rosebushes lined the bank, covered in rosebuds. He reached out and touched a flower; the rose opened gray and lavender. His pupils dilated as the scent washed over him. A melody escaped his lips, a song meant for the rose.
Paimon whipped his head around at the sound of Furcas’ voice. His calculations ground to a stop, jarred by the notes of a new song. He sniffed the air, catching Furcas’ scent on the breeze. His eyes narrowed. That guardian’s melody interrupted his thoughts. He scratched his fingers through his long, tangled hair, irritated with this state of things. He stalked to Furcas’ side. He crouched down next to the angel and stared at him with unblinking jade-colored eyes.
Furcas was unaware of Paimon’s presence. He was too caught up in the petals and scent to notice him. He reached for the stem and caught his finger on a thorn. He stuck his finger in his mouth as it healed. He saw movement in his vision—Paimon. He jumped up in shock and fell backwards into the stream. He landed on his butt and stayed there.
Paimon made no move to help him up. He cocked his head, bit into the rose, and swallowed the flower Furcas adored. His eyes traced over Furcas’ body, gauging his reaction, trying to figure him out.
Furcas stared, too petrified to react.
Paimon ate what remained of the flower. Despite the new living creations around him, he was stuck on this simple-minded, two-winged angel, unable to move on until the puzzle he represented was solved. He bit down on the thorny stem and chewed. This thing in front of him would not be organized. There were variables he did not understand. He could not bend or shape Furcas’ mind. His fingers twitched, wanting to poke and prod at the angel until he became measurable. He leaned towards Furcas, thinking of grabbing him and forcing him to make sense.
Furcas saw something unfeeling in Paimon’s expression and it scared him. He slid away through the stream. Shivers ran through his body; trembling that had nothing to do with the cold water.
Paimon noticed his trepidation and frowned.
Andrealphus landed in the water next to Furcas and broke the spell. He held fruit and looked at Paimon. “I already tried those flowers. These are better for that activity I think. Just my opinion though.” He tossed Paimon a fig.
Paimon ignored the fruit and scrutinized Furcas. He crept closer. Furcas quailed and inched backwards.
Belial and Helion sat on the opposite bank of the stream and shared in Andy’s fruit. They were silent, but between them dialogue occurred. Belial tasted a berry and Helion knew what it was. Helion touched a velvety leaf and Belial smiled at the sensation. Their movements were coordinated, their emotions and thoughts blurred between them and they stayed engrossed in their own world.
Andrealphus sat beside Belial and took her right hand in his own. Both twins smiled at him, though what Helion felt and what Belial felt differed. The twins marveled in their first dissimilar sensation. Andy let them fall back to their silent dialogue, content with being near her.
How does the whole sibling thing work, Furcas? Why do they exist that way?
You want to know that now?
If not now, then when?
Good point. Well…Lucifer was created first. Then he made Michael, the first Archangel. He went on to make six more with guidance from Him, each representing an aspect of the Primangel. These are the originals. If He liked the design of one Archangel, another angel would be created in the same way, though perhaps with a few changes and only two wings, not Archangel. That is a sibling. They are not the same as the regular two-winged, slightly different due to their status as siblings, and yet still part of the greater choir.
Did every Archangel have a sibling?
No, Andrealphus has no sibling. Barachiel has no sibling.
And the twins? Belial and Helion?
An experiment I think. They came from the same mold, created together at the same time, not separate.
Do you have a sibling?
No and yes. The angels, those of only two wings, were created in batches produced at one time. Many were created at once. I was created and had myriad siblings. We were linked through the same Archangel, yet none of us were brothers. Helion and Belial were part of my batch.
This was how all angels were made?
Yes, except for the sibling angels, we were all made together in groups.
But you did not look like the others?
Correct.
Why?
Furcas frowned. Ones like the twins and myself were made early in small batches, before the mass produced ones came out. I believe Lucifer had leeway to make us as he saw fit, designing new patterns to keep himself content. Later this was no longer his task and the copies came out, many angels of the same mold, created at once, all looking the same. In some ways, Belial and Helion were the first example of the copy angels that would come.
So who was the Archangel that you linked to?
Barachiel, though almost all fell under him at that time.
Was it bad?
No, it was peaceful. We guarded and maintained.
What did you guard?
The songs, we kept them pure and safe through repetition.
Why are they important?
I…do not know.
Andy, Helion, and Belial burst out laughing, drawing Dahlia’s attention back to them. They threw ripe fruit at each other and laughed as it splattered them with sweet juice. Helion dove into the stream and the others were quick to follow.
Berith came over to the stream with a giant stick in hand. He batted at bushes and rocks with glee. He saw Furcas sitting in the water and hauled him to his feet. He set the angel down next to Paimon and sat on Furcas’ other side. His enormous wings shadowed them both. Berith had no desire to eat things like the others. He stabbed the mud around him, creating finger-sized holes in the earth.
Paimon ate the rosebush down to the ground. He stared at Furcas out of the corner of his eye.
Furcas tried to ignore the disturbing scrutiny. He stared at the light on the water. He bent over and looked into it. He caught his reflection and smiled.
Berith leaned over and shared in the view. He batted at the water and made the image change. The pair laughed together.
Paimon tensed. This change in Furcas’ face made things worse, more engrossing to him. Each new thing Furcas did made the boy harder for Paimon to quantify. He moved away from the angel, unable to take his eyes off him. He scrabbled up into a tree and sat by himself in the shadows. He ate leaves and bark, his teeth gnashed together as he pondered.
Two new two-winged angels dropped out of the sky with whoops. Uriel dropped on his brother Berith. Startled, Berith jumped up. Uriel held on and laughed. He hit his brother in the head.
Gabriel landed beside Furcas and knocked into him. The pair slid into the water. Furcas recognized his friend and smiled. He grabbed Gabriel’s hand, pulled him to the bank, and showed him flowers. “Look at these, Gabriel!”
Gabriel looked at the colorful objects, then at Furcas. He did not understand the appeal, but this was usual. His best friend confused him often. He looked away. “Where is my brother, Furcas?”
Furcas pointed into the closest tree. “There.”
“Thank you.” Gabriel walked to the base of the tree. Paimon dropped to the ground beside him. The brothers shared a perfunctory nod. Paimon broke into a lecture on things newly created, giving names, and explaining their purpose. Gabriel listened without speaking.
Paimon found in his brother what he needed, a methodical mind that made sense. It was an organized mind, a utilitarian thing. Gabriel’s presence blocked out the nonsense and chaos that Furcas emanated. Furcas sat a few yards away and stared at the grass.
Uriel and Berith wrestled across the ground. Helion dove at Uriel and the two broke off in swings, punches, and laughter. Uriel tackled Helion. “Where is Belial? I heard of his new wings! I want to see his new wings and congratulate him!”
Helion pointed.
Uriel’s eyes went wide.
Belial tackled Uriel. “Uriel!”
He jumped to his feet. “Belial? What is this?”
Belial twirled. “The Primangel of matter did it to me!”
Helion tried to wrestle with him. Uriel pushed him away, disinterested. He took Belial’s hand, touched her skin, and sniffed her hair. She laughed. He smiled and pulled her close to him. “This is different.”
She hopped from foot to foot. “She will make you this way too if you ask it of her!”
“I do not know if that is what I want.” He ran his eyes over her body. He did not know what he wanted, but he wanted something. He touched her wings. Her eyes went soft and she purred. Beside her, Helion stumbled. Uriel gasped and pulled her to the ground. He pressed her into the grass. She laughed and did not resist. Uriel’s breath hitched, and he rolled on top of her.
Andrealphus picked Uriel up by his wings and tossed him at Berith. He enfolded Belial with his arms and lifted her to her feet.
Uriel pushed off his brother and ran back. He reached for Belial.
Andrealphus pulled her out of his reach.
Uriel and Andy’s smiles faltered. They stared at each other in confusion. Belial looked at Andy and Uriel, baffled by their behavior. She wanted to play.
Helion swept down, grabbed Belial, and pulled her away from both of them. He landed behind Berith. Berith stabbed at the ground with his stick, unaware of what had occurred.
Andrealphus leaned towards Uriel. “Odd.”
Uriel’s eyes followed Belial and Helion. “I want.” The feeling made him sway. He had felt nothing like desire before. Until now, he had been content, happy. He watched her, uneasy.
Andy’s eyes snapped back to Uriel. Fear and possession battled for dominance. He did not want another wanting or having her. “She is mine.”
Helion watched the two warily. Belial frowned at his feelings. He buried them, hiding his feelings from his twin.