She stared at the windows as they blackened and cracked. The smiling bears and bunnies that were painted on the glass converged into multicolored goo and slid to the ground. Her existence was tearing at the seams. She could feel it pulling against the dual reality. Celeste remembered that Daniel was making tea and would be back at any moment. How much time had passed here?
She focused her energy, staying in this moment. She would tell Daniel everything, but right now she needed to see this. The roof to the building collapsed, sending up a huge wave of debris. All that remained standing was the concrete walls. Where the hell was the fire department? Had no one noticed the billowing cloud of smoke from the end of the street? Celeste paced back and forth at the end of the sidewalk. The constant pull on her body was mind numbing. The pain was increasing by the second and Celeste was seriously rethinking her stay. She pressed her eyes together. A soft moan rose from the building. No. It can’t be, she thought. Her mind had to be playing tricks on her. Then she heard it again.
She didn’t want to open her eyes. What bloody scene awaited her? Were there more children that were trapped in other parts of the building that managed to escape? It took everything she had, but Celeste finally opened her eyes. The scene blended in her vision, the smoke and collapsed building a dull grey and brown. A quiet shuffle sounded from the front door as the tiny figure emerged. Celeste gasped and backed away as the image came into focus.
Inside, she had only seen the side of the young girl’s face and hair. But now Kiwako was in plain view, walking from the front door. It wasn’t so much that she was completely devoid of clothing, or that the girl’s skin was dewy and fresh that mortified Celeste. It also had nothing to do with the fact that Kiwako’s hair was perfect and flowing, despite the fire. None of that mattered at this moment.
She gaped in horror at the flames that grew from the girl’s fingers.
It snaked along her arms and sprouted from her back to join with the fire that was eating away at the building. Kiwako smiled down at the budding fire, as a mother would look holding her infant. She whispered something, and the fire subdued. The flame pulsed, and then crept beneath the child’s skin. Every vein glowed amber, and then finally disappeared. Kiwako walked through Celeste and wandered down the narrow path to the main street. She continued on until she faded into the alley. Celeste stared at the girl for several minutes, her hand glued to her mouth. The world faded and crumbled, threatening to deflate. It was time to go. She squeezed her eyes shut and sought the comfort of her room.
* * *
Celeste finished her story and then looked to the floor. The room was so silent, that she was afraid to breathe. It felt good to finally get everything out, even if Daniel called her a nut and left. She was getting ready for him to walk out when he finally responded. “This vision you had, the one from a few minutes ago,” Daniel paused and then added, “Were there two girls?” He placed emphasis on the word ‘two,’ his eyes intense. She gaped at Daniel, unable to process what was said. Celeste had told him that the vision involved a fire and an adoption center, but she never mentioned the girls. Or the other thing she wanted to lock out of her memory− forever.
She tried to keep her voice steady, “Yes,” she paused. “But, how─” her words stuck in her throat and she narrowed her eyes at him. Daniel rubbed his face and stood. He paced the floor, and then chose a spot next to her. His hand clasped hers and he sighed. “Because I have seen it too, Celeste.” His words swept down her body like a cold winter breeze. It was not possible. How could Daniel have seen them? He was never there. Worse, he had seen Kiwako and he knew. Daniel knew her secret from all those years ago. The very secret that even now, she couldn’t believe it was true. She was terrified, because the very moment she allowed that fact to be a reality─ whatever it was that was trying to break her, would win.
That girl had been her.
Her tea cup shattered on the floor as Celeste jumped to her feet. She spun toward the hall, but Daniel was on her in seconds. He flipped her around to face him. His words came swift and frantic, “Please, don’t leave. I didn’t mean to scare you.” It took her a full five seconds to digest what was said before she melted to the floor. He hadn’t realized that Kiwako had been her. Maybe he did know and he didn’t care. It was all too much. Why was this so important to her? Who the hell was this guy and why did she care about what he thought?
Daniel helped her up to the chaise and sank to the ground in front of her. Celeste heard her mother’s voice then─ soft yet clear, we can never be sure of why, but the red string of fate chooses those that we are destined to meet. Celeste had been a child at the time and never understood what Mama had meant. Those we are destined to meet. Celeste stared into the fire with Daniel, neither of them willing to speak.
* * *
9 John
Michael’s gaze hardened from across the table at John. Finally, he spoke, “You’re sure that you want to do this.” It was said like more of a statement. Michael knew John’s answer before he had said it. Nodding his head, John rolled up his sleeve. The first sign of uncertainty flicked across Michael’s eyes before he spoke, “Ur─” John jumped up and grabbed Michael’s shirt pulling him inches from his face. “Never call me by that name again. What’s done is done,” John growled. Gabe was half a second away from John when Michael motioned him to stop. “Gabriel, it’s okay. Leave us.” Gabe didn’t budge. “You deaf or something pooch?” John spat. Michael materialized next to John and re-directed Gabe’s blow into the wall. He frowned and shook his head at John. “Must you always provoke him?”
He turned to Gabe and gripped his shoulders. “You can stand right outside of the door. We need to do this alone, you know that.” Gabe nodded, glaring at John. Finally, he dusted off his jacket and smoothed back his hair. Gabe sauntered over to the door, looked back and then sneered. His middle finger raised in salute to John as he walked out the door. If John had his full potential back, Gabe wouldn’t have even looked at him funny, let alone talk back. It was a hefty price to pay for his fool’s errand. Eventually the wards would fail and she would revert.
All he was doing was buying time. How long would it last this time, weeks, possibly months? It used to last years, but lately he was barely able to make it last an entire year, if that. The deaths had already begun. He hated to admit it, but time was running out, for the both of them.
The decades that passed only weakened his abilities. Soon all of his powers would fail and he would be no better than a human─ the lowliest of creatures in the realm of The Arc. Once part of the Messiah’s Archangels, John was in league with the highest battlefront known to The Arc. The lines between Heaven and Abyss were battled over long before the fluke of Man. Messiah had indeed created the spark that ignited life, however, as with many things, such creations had consequences and the ability to do and think as it wished. It was a flaw that John never understood. If Messiah wanted such creatures to love him, why had he not just made them obedient? This must be the cost of unconditional love, he guessed. John knew about the balance, and that there were many realms. Each as powerful as the next, which meant there were other higher powers. Somehow, all of them managed to come together and co-exist. At least, they had been. Until recently. The multiverse was very real, and it was the only thing keeping him alive.
John had once been a General of Light, which made him privy to private talks with Michael. They had spent many evenings within the Ethereal Planes talking about where it all began, and if there would ever be peace. He had laughed when Michael responded, I hope not, we’d both be out of work. It was a different time, and a distant memory. John’s human emotions were beginning to get the best of him. The thought of not being beside his brothers in battle against the ever-growing Abyss, would have never crossed his mind before he fell.
Michael’s boots clicked across the concrete, silencing the last of John’s regret. He had a new destiny now, a woman he deeply cared for, and an idiot plan to save her, no matter the cost. The c
reep and tingle started along John’s back as Michael’s true form burst from the human shell. John wasn’t sure whose body Michael was borrowing this time, but he seemed attached. He had been in it now for almost thirty years. The most he usually spent was ten, and then the human’s life was restored to the life stream of souls and reincarnated.
Michael must have had his reasons for staying in this one for so long, but John decided long ago to stay out of Michael’s affairs. He knew that most humans Michael picked were usually on the brink of dying or about to commit suicide. The bargain was made that they would be returned if they changed their mind after six months. Fully healed and restored to a full-term human life, up to but not exceeding, one hundred years. Once a soul has wandered in the Æther, however, they rarely return to the realm of humans. He knew of only two that had.
John fought back a scream, his human body pummeled with emotions. His eyes could handle more than a normal human’s at least, but it took every ounce of his strength to keep them open in Michael’s angelic form. His short, dark hair extended past his waist and was replaced by the lavender-white. The markings of protection snaked across Michael’s body. Each charm flashed an instant before the next and then wrapped him completely before fading away.
He gripped John’s arm and a blinding light appeared as Michael began the incantation. Excalibur manifested before him. The years had done little to its beauty─ it was the same as the day it had been forged. It’s smooth, silver body was long, light, and perfectly balanced. At the very end of the spiraled handle, was a single blood gem the size of a half dollar. It was simple in its elegance. John assumed that it had been destroyed ages ago during the first purge in heaven─ a time when the traitors had been cast into the Abyss. That was, until Michael performed the first binding ritual with John some years ago and he saw it for himself. It was the first ritual of many to follow, but the thought of being so close to finding the cure for her, after only a few thousand years, was intoxicating.
The pain seeped down John’s entire body, white hot pokers to his bones. The world blinked from normal existence, to being in-between. John fought to draw breath as the pressure built around his lungs. Traveling through dimensions took a toll on any being, unless they were designed for it. His angelic form had been long gone.
It took all his strength not to be ripped apart. Most humans were guided and protected by their guardian to the other side. John didn’t have that luxury, especially since what they were doing would cause them both to be banished to the Abyss forever. Those that chose to disobey were punished swiftly with a half-life. When the world would end, so would he. It was the sad truth, but he would sever his wings again, if it meant he could keep her from the final fate. The last trace of The Great Divide pressed in upon him, sending hairline cracks along his ribs. John roared, clutching at his sides. Then, the pain left as soon as it had come. The Æther welcomed him, caressing his body and soothing the effects of the binding spell. He forgot everything, his mind wandering to the comforts the Æther had to offer. John’s beaten form faded from the world.
* * *
10 life lessons
She was aware of the warmth seconds before her eyes opened. Daniel’s hand rested comfortably on hers, his heat rising along her arm to her face. She flushed and quickly pulled her hand away. They had spent the night holding one another next to the fire.
Sneaking away, she crossed the hall to the kitchen. She grabbed her phone and then frowned at the blank screen. John hadn’t called all night. What the hell was going on? Did he really want her to marry him? Maybe he was seeing someone else.
“Hey you,” Celeste jumped at Daniel’s voice. “Hey,” she blurted out, feigning a smile. He stared across from her, his eyes searching hers. Her gaze dropped, and she felt her face grow hot.
“Everything okay?” He asked, stepping toward her. She nodded and took a step toward the hall. “There’s another bathroom down the hall. You’re more than welcome to it.” He smiled and nodded, “Yeah, I can definitely use a shower after last night.” She stood awkwardly for a few seconds and then stepped around him. “I’m going to grab a quick shower.” She hesitated, and then added, “You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like.” She didn’t give him time to answer, and rushed back to her room, quickly closing the door.
What was that? What if John showed up and saw some other car here? She decided that she didn’t care. She felt lonely and afraid─ and right now, she really needed a friend. Celeste stripped down and walked over to the library behind the fireplace. She pulled at one of the books and a hidden door fell open. It was a bit dramatic, but it tickled her to death to have something so secretive built into her space. The enclosure had doubled as a safe room in case of a break in. The entire space looked like a natural hot spring. The floors and walls were made from stone. Usually, she preferred to sit in the shower and then soak in the tub. The tub was built lower than the floor so that she could just step down into it. It was controlled by a remote that was built into the wall next to the sink. Today, she just wanted to sit in the shower and let the multiple shower heads work their magic on her body.
She swept her hair up into a bun and then sat down. The pressure and heat was amazing. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was at times. Her father definitely loved her, and it showed in every way. Maybe she should just talk with him about John. Maybe he would actually offer advice this time instead of lecturing her. She needed it, and soon. She was quickly running out of ideas as to why she should stop seeing him and go for Daniel. She instantly felt guilty for thinking that. He was going through something, she was sure of it. If only he would just talk to her instead of ignore her for days on end.
She leaned back, and closed her eyes─ letting the warmth wash away her anxiety.
* * *
After getting dressed, she walked out to the living room. Daniel was wrapped in a towel sitting on the couch. He stood as soon as she walked out, looking extremely uncomfortable. “Hey,” he said, “sorry for the nudity, my clothes─” “Are probably filthy.” She finished for him. “No worries, I’ll take them to the washer. She walked back to the bathroom and grabbed his clothes from the floor. His cologne rushed up to her face. It was fresh, and earthy with the unmistakable muskiness that only men could manage. She shoved her perverted thoughts aside and quickly walked them to the laundry room. She removed his keys, wallet, and badge from his pants and then tossed them all in.
“I was just about to come and warn you about that.” Daniel said behind her. She jumped at his voice again and they both laughed. “Sorry,” he said after a minute, “I keep doing that to you.” She waved her hand and laughed, “It’s no problem. I’m just not used to having someone around very often.” He looked at her and frowned. “I thought you said that you have a boyfriend,” he said. Celeste turned red and looked away. “Yeah, his line of work keeps him really busy. I usually see him once every other week.” Daniel’s face darkened. “What did you say he does again?” “I hadn’t said,” she said defensively but then said, “He’s a sculptor and painter.” He nodded his head, “So…an artist?” She nodded, feeling really uncomfortable in the small space. “I noticed the ring earlier, aren’t you guys living together?” Celeste shook her head, absently spinning the ring on her left hand. “John doesn’t like living with other people. He uses his space for working.” She didn’t like the look that Daniel gave her after she said that. She bristled, adding defensively, “I know what you’re thinking, but he gets in these moods and just needs some space when he works─ you know?” The last word came out far too quiet for her liking. Even she was beginning to see how weird all of it sounded.
He walked into the room, his eyes practically glowing. She knew that he had a dark side, even from the small amount of time they had spent together. But this was cop mode. So this is how he got when things were serious. Her body shivered. “So he’s an artist that lives alone, and tells you not to come over, but only sees you every other week?” She shook her head up an
d down lamely. “Surely, you can see where I am going with this, Celeste.” She looked at the wall, unable to meet his eyes. “You’re a smart woman, smarter than you let on.” Daniel’s hand nestled against her cheek, it felt cool and soft. She should have pulled away right then. She shouldn’t have looked up into his eyes.
Every part of her knew that she should stop letting him get so close. Whether it was the lack of sleep or loneliness, she didn’t know why, but at that moment her lips found his. She explored him tentatively at first, and then melted into him as he pressed against her. All she could feel was his mouth on hers, soft and insistent. His hands slid from her face down to her waist and he moaned softly, pulling her in. Nothing felt more right than this moment. Her hands found the back of Daniel’s head and she pulled his mouth down to her neck. She tilted back and sighed as his mouth found the dip between her neck and shoulders.
John’s face flashed in an instant and she ripped herself from Daniel. It wasn’t right, and she knew it. She needed to tell John how she felt, and give him a chance to explain. Maybe this all wasn’t as cut and dry as it seemed. She couldn’t just throw away what they had built over the last two years. Things felt nice with Daniel now, but she hardly knew him. It was all so damn confusing. Why did it feel like her and Daniel belonged together? This wasn’t her. She was the good girl, the one that had her life together and knew what she wanted. She needed time to think, and more importantly, to talk with John.
“I can’t.” The words fell heavy from her lips. She wanted to continue kissing him, wanted it so bad that it hurt. But Celeste knew it wasn’t fair to either John or Daniel. It was just her being selfish and lonely. His voice came out raw and barely above a whisper, “I know.”
They stood frozen, neither wanting to move. Finally, Celeste turned to him and smiled. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. It’s not fair to you, or John. Just─” she paused, searching for the right words, “Give me some time to talk to him, and think,” she said. Daniel nodded across from her and left the room.
Hell's Gate: Awakening - Book One Page 10