“Hey man, we’ve got this.” Olivier slapped him on the shoulder and smiled, reassuring him, before taking the seat opposite. The girls sat by the window, talking to each other.
“Yeah,” Noland said, nodding. “I don’t like this though.”
Olivier cocked his head questioningly.
“It seems strange, doesn’t it?” Noland said softly, hoping not to arouse Achaia’s attention. He leaned forward, and Olivier did the same meeting him in the middle. “As soon as we move Achaia from the Vatican, all the static with the Americas, and the Charges being picked off left and right, terrorist attacks…”
“You think it’s Shael?” Olivier whispered.
“No, I don’t,” Noland said, shaking his head. “It didn’t start until after Achaia met with the council, and they ordered that we move her all the way from Rome to Moscow—.” Noland shook his head, trying to make sense of it all. “Why not a closer safe house? Why Moscow?”
Olivier looked at Noland as if that was a good point, but one that utterly puzzled him as well.
Noland looked out of the window, past Achaia as the train began to rattle and shake as it set off.
A voice came on over the intercom making the usual, start of journey, announcements. Emile and Amelia were in a different car. Noland knew Emile needed the break and rest, but he was used to having Emile’s senses around. Not having Emile to tell him something was off or about to happen, put Noland in a fixed state of hyper tension.
The girls were chatting lightly about Russia, and Yellaina was telling Achaia all about what Russia was like. Noland could tell, without Emile’s senses, that she was excited to be going home.
Noland refocused on Achaia’s face. She looked tired. Her eyes were heavy, a tiny bit bloodshot from crying, and she still had some bruises from the plane crash that hadn’t completely healed. She never complained about any pain, though. She powered on. Noland thought about what it might be like from her perspective. He couldn’t imagine never knowing about God, and Luc. About angels and demons, and the spiritual wars. He couldn’t comprehend what it must have been like to be suddenly thrust into this world.
He knew he hadn’t been the most compassionate or considerate. He hadn’t been thinking about her feelings, but about her safety. He knew he might not be great at it, but he decided within himself to try to be a little more forgiving. She was so strong, and had been adapting so well, he forgot how hard it must be, to take all of this in.
“What?” Achaia asked, bringing his attention back to their cabin in the train where Olivier, Yellaina, and Achaia were all staring at him.
“What do you mean, ‘what’?” he asked coolly, trying not to look embarrassed.
“You were staring at me like a creeper,” Achaia said, smiling. Yellaina laughed.
“Dude, you were totally zoned out,” Olivier joined in. “It’s about time for dinner. We should probably go to the dining car.”
“Right, yeah.” Noland stood up, and checked both ways from their door before moving out into the narrow hall.
Emile and Amelia joined the others in the dining car for dinner. Emile sat with Noland at a tiny table for two on one side of the train, while the others sat together at a table for four, farther up the line.
“Okay, I know what this is going to sound like,” Noland started, leaning forward with his forearms on the table. Emile could feel his conflict, confusion, urgency, and suspense. “Just hear me out, okay.”
“Well I’m intrigued,” Emile said, leaning forward, too, as Noland spoke more quietly.
“Okay. Before I start, I want you to tell me exactly what you felt in the council. Before Achaia walked into the room, and after.”
Emile raised his eyebrows in surprise. That had not been what he had thought Noland was about to say, or request. “Okay.” Emile thought back. The room had been dark, cold, and crowded. There was a lot going on. They had just announced that Shael had gone missing, but there was a lack of surprise for such an announcement. Emile had attributed this to the Nephilim believing that he had left voluntarily. There was anger in the room, and confusion, and relief. Emile had assumed there had been a great deal of Nephilim who had wanted Shael out of the picture entirely; they considered him a wildcard.
Then they had announced that his daughter had come to them, and that they were going to find out what she knew.
“Before Achaia came in, there was, I think, a normal and pretty expected reaction to the news of Shael’s disappearance. Ya know, being that most of them hated the guy, or at the very least, didn’t trust him. When Achaia came in, there was a sort of excited anxiety. I think people were curious about her. But they were also wary of her.”
“Did anything or anyone stand out of all of that? Mainly,” Noland looked over his shoulder and whispered, “Brother Joash. What was Joash feeling?”
Emile sat back, stunned. “Noland, what are you getting at?”
“The way he went at Achaia, it wasn’t just for sport. He hates Shael, everyone knows that. But it would be unwise to assume the daughter is just like the father without ever even speaking to her. And yet, he immediately tried to discredit her in front of the council.”
“I don’t understand.” Emile said, confused. “Noland, Joash has been a leader of the Nephilim for centuries—”
“I know.” Noland said. “But he isn’t God, Emile. He is fallible, biased, and in this instance, wrong. Achaia isn’t Shael.”
“What are you getting at though?” Emile asked, thoroughly confused.
“I think Joash knew Shael was gone. I think he was happy about it. I think he already knew more about Achaia than the rest of us, and he is hiding something. I think moving Achaia all the way to Moscow is Joash’s way of hiding it.” Noland’s eyebrows were knit so tightly together Emile could hardly see his eyes beneath them. His face was dark with confused concentration.
“But Achaia doesn’t know anything,” Emile said, dumbstruck for any other reply.
“I know,” Noland said, frustrated. “None of it makes sense.” He took a deep breath as the wait staff put their dinner plates in front of them. Once they left, Noland spoke again, quietly. “Why Moscow? Why not a closer safe house? When we tried to get Achaia there by plane, God delayed us, and prevented us from being blown up. As soon as Shael goes missing, and Achaia goes off the map with our plane crash, these terrorist attacks start happening, and there’s never been this many Charge casualties…” Noland looked down at his plate. “It all has to be linked.”
“Hate.” Emile said, looking straight at Noland.
Noland looked up at him, and cocked his head to the side.
“Joash. When Achaia walked into the room, he felt an overwhelming sense of hate.”
13
All Aboard
“Hell is empty
All the devils are here.”
William Shakespeare, The Tempest
When they went back to the cabin after dinner, they found the seats turned into bunk beds, with the linens made up for the night. Achaia lingered outside the room after everyone else went in. She let the door close behind Olivier, and slipped her phone out of her pocket. She tried to call Naphtali using skype, but got no answer.
Noland cracked the door open to check on her, and she held up her index finger to ask for one more minute. He nodded and shut the door, back.
“Hey, it’s me,” she said to Naphtali’s voicemail. “I was just wondering if you’ve found anything yet? Where you were? I’m on a train to Moscow now, with Noland and the others. It’s been a crazy few weeks. Call me back.” She hung up the phone, disappointment flooding her, more than she anticipated.
She decided to text him. Maybe he couldn’t talk, but he could text…
HEY. WRU?
BEEN TRYING TO CALL…
CALL ME!!!
…
Achaia watched the little dots that said Naphtali was typing, for three minutes before they stopped, and nothing came through.
Naphtali pushed on th
e pearly bars in front of him, opening the gates, and pocketed his phone. The best part of Heaven was no cell service. There was no creak of wear, or rust; a silent smooth hinge admitted him in. He closed the gate behind him, feeling like a rebel. Somehow, looking for help for Shael outside of Heaven hadn’t felt treacherous, but this… Naphtali prayed for forgiveness if what he was doing was wrong, but he also knew he couldn’t stand by and do nothing; not as long as Achaia needed a father.
Red light reflected off of the golden bricks of the empty streets and the cathedral-like buildings lining them. The angels in Heaven usually stayed very busy, there was typically a lot of hustle and bustle. Naphtali was caught off guard by the city’s silence.
The remaining Nephilim would be close to God, doing whatever important and high ranking tasks He saw fit. The Seraphim would be keeping an eye on the fallen Nephilim and their charges. With all the chaos below, Naphtali doubted if there was a single Seraphim left in Heaven, besides himself. Likewise, the Cherubim were probably busy keeping records of what all was happening below, and healing the wounded.
He imagined the lower two choirs were also deployed in response to all the terror on earth. Naphtali knew this was only the beginning, and yet it seemed like Heaven was already emptied, pouring out aid to the earth. He just prayed she was still here. Naphtali walked quickly and silently down the narrow golden streets, between buildings, clinging to the walls, in case someone were to appear and he needed to hide. When he reached her door, he knocked and prayed for an answer.
The door cracked open, and Naphtali slipped inside and shut the door behind him. Lailah stood before him looking only a little surprised. She was as beautiful as ever, though Naphtali hadn’t seen her in thousands of years. Her thick brown hair curled down to her waist, strung through with gold. Her fair clear skin was touched with a natural blush of pink on her cheeks. Her green eyes held flecks of gold and were fixed curiously on Naphtali.
“Naph?” She smiled and lunged forward to hug him. They stood in a small entry hall. Lailah wore a long white gown with a belt of woven gold thread tied around her narrow waist. Her feet were fitted with sandals made of the same golden thread, laced up her calves.
“Lailah,” Naphtali hugged her back and kissed the top of her head. “How do I find you?”
“As well as can be expected in such times.” Lailah pulled away.
“What are you doing home? The streets are empty.” Naphtali held her out at arm’s reach, and took in the full sight of her. She really was a sight for sore eyes, he only hoped she was willing to help him.
“He knew you would come. I was ordered to be here when you came.” Lailah said coolly, a sad smile played at her pomegranate lips. “But I know not why you come to me.”
“Shael needs help.” Naphtali said bluntly. He felt a twinge in his own heart as she flinched at the sound of Shael’s name. She frowned and looked down. “I wouldn’t ask you if I hadn’t already exhausted every angel outside of Heaven. No one will help me.” Naphtali heard the desperation in his own voice.
“Shael is prideful.” Lailah said sadly, her green eyes flashed with more gold. “He cannot think beyond himself, and he never learns from his many mistakes, no matter who he hurts in the making of them.” She frowned. Naphtali knew it hurt her to speak of him, especially to speak poorly of him, since she still did even that with love. “He sacrificed myself, Anna…”
Naphtali nodded that he understood. “But Achaia needs her father. If not for Shael, do this for his daughter.” Naphtali pleaded.
Lailah looked heartbroken and torn. “I have spoken to Anna. Only once… It is painful to look at her.”
Naphtali couldn’t imagine how Lailah felt. She had been betrayed, and watched as her soul mate had replaced her, and with a human.
“I will not punish them for Shael’s sins.” Her voice was frustrated, yet resolved. “Lucifer,” she spat the name, as if the sound of it were vile to her, “has taken him into the fourth circle.”
“Thank you!” Naphtali took both of her hands into his, and kissed them. “Your heart is as beautiful as it has always been, and you have changed fate with your kindness.”
“I only hope it is for the better,” she said sadly. As Naphtali went to release her hands, she grabbed at his desperately. “This is a suicide mission for you.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “Even I do not know what happens to angels who perish. Nathaniel…” Golden tears formed in her eyes, and Naphtali knew she still mourned the loss of her brother Nathaniel and his wife.
“I will not perish. I am going to fast and pray. I will be prepared. If I may go with your blessing?” Naphtali noticed how small her hands were in his.
Lailah kissed her thumb, and pressed it gently to Naphtali’s forehead. “Be blessed, and go.” She smiled sadly as Naphtali turned and left her, with what felt like small wings beating in his stomach.
“It can’t be time for bed yet,” Olivier said sitting on the left bottom bunk, checking his phone for the time. Yellaina sat back down next to him, where she’d been before, by the window. She dug in her bag for her toothbrush and folded up the table between the seats, to reveal a sink. Across from her, next to Noland, Achaia was also digging in her bag for the same purpose.
“Feels weird to be sitting here brushing my teeth at a sink.” Achaia said, as she put the paste on her toothbrush.
“You’ve not done much train traveling then?” Yellaina asked.
“No, my dad always preferred planes.” Achaia answered before putting her toothbrush in her mouth. That made sense to Yellaina. From what she’d heard, Shael seemed quick and efficient. Trains took too long, and had too many changeovers of passengers. They were more risky.
“I bet he misses flying,” Olivier said sympathetically. Achaia looked over at him and shrugged. “I don’t know what I’d do without my wings,” Olivier said, now sounding really distressed about it.
“Well then,” Yellaina said, after spitting into the sink, “don’t sell the angelic half of your soul.”
Achaia finished brushing her teeth and put her toothbrush away. “Switch me seats?” Noland asked, sliding closer next to her. Achaia stood, and Noland slipped behind her and took her seat next to the window. Achaia sat in the middle of the bed to avoid sitting on his pillow. Yellaina smiled as she watched them. She wondered if they even noticed how in sync their smallest movements were, when they just stopped overthinking them.
“I wish I could talk to him about it,” Achaia said softly.
Yellaina swallowed hard, and regretted her tactlessness. She watched Noland’s face drop as well, and knew the feeling resonated with him. Yellaina didn’t get along with her father, but at least talking to him was always an option. One she knew she took for granted.
“I just… it’d be nice to know what he had been thinking.” Achaia was looking at the floor.
“You can ask him,” Olivier said confidently. “When we find him, you can ask.” Olivier seemed so sure they would find him. Yellaina wasn’t so positive. She had seen the faces of the Nephilim council members. She was sure they weren’t going to back a search party. In this matter, they were on their own.
Yellaina looked back over at Noland who was finishing up brushing his teeth. Their eyes met for only a second, but she could tell he was thinking along the same lines.
Achaia was staring at the floor, when she spoke, “What’s your God like?”
Yellaina couldn’t hide her surprise. Achaia was looking back up, and around at each of them.
“I’ve seen your governing system, and I have to say, I don’t like them.” Achaia shook her head. “But I don’t really know anything about your God. I’ve heard of a guy named Jesus, who was what? Like a prophet or something?” Achaia was looking a little confused.
Yellaina couldn’t help feeling like this conversation was biting off more than one could chew, for bedtime conversation. “Well, Jesus is God.” She said simply.
“But I thought Jesus was a dude?” Achaia said confused. “Or
was that Peter?”
“Well they were both dudes.” Olivier smiled. “See, God really loves humans. Like, a lot. He knew things were going to get all screwed up when He gave them free will, so He came up with this plan when He made them: He would go down and be with them, to teach them and save them,” Olivier explained.
“God isn’t limited like us,” Noland added. “He is God the creator, and He is also Jesus, the man, who is the Son of God. Then He is also the Holy Spirit, who is ever-present. Three in one. All of them are God, and God is each of the three separate beings.”
Achaia was staring at him as if he’d lost her somewhere around the word “and”.
“Yeah it’s a bit confusing when you’re used to mortal stuff. Trust me, the spiritual world is complicated. It’s better if you just accept it. It doesn’t make sense to human science. But, you’ll see. It makes sense when you see Them. I mean, Him?” Olivier looked puzzled, then smiled. “He’s awesome.”
“Anyway,” Noland picked back up. “It made a lot of angels angry. Why would God want to be like the humans? Why would He become one of them, and put so much into saving something that had been so disloyal? They didn’t get it. But God loved humanity. He made all of this,” Noland gestured out the train window, “and yet, it was humans He had made in His image.”
“So, God looks like people?”
“Sort of. Yeah,” Olivier said, still smiling.
“And yet, no. Not really,” Yellaina had to add, squinting thoughtfully.
“So, God went through all this mess, and Jesus actually had to die. The humans killed Him,” Noland went on.
“Well, He let them, because it needed to happen,” Olivier added. “One sacrifice to save them all,” he added in his Mr. Movie-phone voice.
Achaia laughed, but shook her head in obvious confusion. Yellaina knew it was a lot to take in, and felt like they were losing her. “Basically, humanity had screwed up a lot, and Jesus took the punishment for all of them, so that they could still get into Heaven to be with God, because He really wants them there,” Yellaina tried to clarify.
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