Against the Fallen

by Devin Lee Carlson

  “Show off.” He huffed out a breath to announce his exasperation. “Merde, we’re so doomed.” His tone exposed annoyance laced with trepidation.

  At first, the Caderen denied a truce until the elder listened to Sabree’s justification. Integrity, however, won out because Cayiel held himself responsible for the mutinous attack on Abyss and me. He probably agreed to hold this meeting to learn of our future intentions for the Fallen. At my suggestion, one not taken as negative, Ariane stayed home. God help us if Cayiel found out she carried Sabree’s child.

  My brows gathered when Sabree smirked. “Your knowledge of Fallen history surpasses everything known about my own past. Must be too much exposure to the portal and ancient scrolls.” What Sabree failed to mention was how my genius disturbed him to a small degree. I shrugged the thoughts aside when the doors rumbled.

  “Enter,” a voice commanded from inside.

  “The Great and Powerful Oz calls upon us.” We stepped through the doors. I whistled softly and spoke telepathically to Sabree. “Wow, standing room only.”

  Members of various clans sat around the long table, not one seat left unoccupied. Many dignitaries stood along the walls. This obvious intent sent us a bold message: neither of us were welcome nor should we get too comfortable.

  “You may think it rude, but I expected nothing less from my clan.” Sabree nodded respect to Cayiel who sat at the head of the table in front of a 120-inch projector screen.

  “What a backdrop.” To show respect, I bowed my head slightly. The dark contrasting screen drew attention to Cayiel’s ashen skin, white glistening hair, and luminous gray eyes—zombie eyes.

  Sabree pointed out the visiting clans to my mind, snorting a dismissive chuckle at Gibyss and Euriel, both of whom he had dealt with in the past. Euriel’s twinkling eyes made me flinch, and when he leaned into Gibyss and whispered in his ear, pointing at us, my gut churned. That damned rogue tried to steal my sister’s head. Seemed so long ago.

  Apparently, they weren’t the only DanJal surprised to see Sabree alive. Rumors of his death and resurrection had rung true. I could only imagine the gossip amongst the clans. Abyss’s reputation as a blabbermouth made her the go-to person for the latest scandal. And regret I did for letting her stay with us. I hoped Ariane kept the news about the baby to just us three.

  Cayiel interrupted the murmurs. “Brian, please accept my sincerest regret of the attack you suffered at the hands of the Caderen.”

  “Regret because you lost the battle?” My eyes darkened as a hush fell over the room. “Let’s move past that.”

  “As you wish,” Cayiel said, bowing his head. “You mentioned that Loree warned you about a Malakhim attack.”

  Biting on my lower lip, I stepped up to express genuine concern. “Aye, she said they were coming to destroy the Fallen. All of the clans.” If any of them found out that I rescued Sabree from death for selfish reasons, my popularity, if any truly existed, would diminish. Nerves on the rise, my posture relaxed when I sucked in a deep inhale.

  “You have been misled.” Cayiel stood to express his sincerity. “I have spoken to the Malakhim envoy last week. They wish to release our bondage and allow us passage home. I agreed to meet with you to hear your side and inform the others of the Malakhim’s genuine intentions.”

  “Are they granting you wings? Can’t navigate the portal without them. Are they the ones who exiled you in the first place?”

  “Madness. Of course, they’d grant us wings.”

  The twisted frown on Sabree’s face revealed that he suspected Cayiel’s years on Earth had dulled his judgment. The little time I spent with Sabree made him too easy to interpret. Reading the edge of his mind also helped.

  Sabree said, “How would it benefit us to deny your return? Once upon a time, I wanted to go home. Brian can’t go because of his anti-ness.” Then his mind spoke to me alone. “I still want to return, Brian.” Whether true or not, and without realizing it, Sabree ruined our only chance of persuading the clans to snub the Malakhim offer.

  “That’s it then, Brian and Ariane will forever be imprisoned on Earth,” Cayiel said, raising his voice. “They fill us with lies to prevent our departure, so they can rule over the clans with their heightened powers.” He glared at Sabree. “You may stay with them.”

  I shot Sabree a quick glance, my eyes expressing dismay. “Sabree’s wrong. We are not imprisoned on Earth. You are. The Malakhim will destroy you. I’ve said my piece and now it’s up to you to decide.” My elbow nudged Sabree. “Let’s go.”

  Following a curt bow, he spun around and scrambled after me. The abrupt exit caught him off guard. More than likely, I forgot to reveal half of what I had planned to say. Why the sudden retreat? Simple distaste for the clans?

  “Wait up,” Sabree said. “What’s wrong?”

  I spun on my heels and grabbed him by the shoulders to avoid a collision. Together, we twirled around to face the hall leading to the elevators. “I told them all they need to know.”

  A voice called out from behind. “Brian, please wait.” Cayiel exited the double doors. He said nothing until he stood a few feet from us. “Prove we can trust you and we will consider your warning.”

  “How do you propose I do that?” I asked in a low growl.

  “We know of your dealings with Eric Tripper and find it difficult to trust anyone who bargains with the avenging slayer.”

  “No bargain took place. He threatened us, so I struck a bogus deal with him to buy us temporary peace of mind.”

  “Then kill him.”

  “What?” Certain the blood rushed from my face, my darkened eyes searched his.

  “Kill him.” His point made, Cayiel walked back through the double doors.

  The request, however, came as no surprise to Sabree. He held his tongue until the doors closed. “We should've done that long ago.”

  “You’re still hot because Eric used you as target practice.” I grumbled a curse as my gaze focused on the doors. Once again, the army blocked our entrance. “I can’t do it.”

  “Let me.” Sabree had no association with the mortal. Seeing the reflection of disappointment in my face, he suggested an alternative suggestion. “You’re rich, hire someone.” Every idea turned out to be a no-win scenario. Sabree stared at the doors and said, “Guess they’re at the mercy of the Malakhim then.”

  Before we entered the hall leading to the elevator, someone else exited the conference hall. “Wait,” a masculine voice called out.

  I groaned. “Now what?”

  “Gibyss,” Sabree said, “An old friend of Turian’s. Abyss’s brother.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  Much like Turian, Gibyss never asked, only demanded what he wanted. I stroked my chin as my gaze took in the bold immortal. “What’s one more?” I muttered.

  Sabree slapped Gibyss on the back. “Abyss will be delighted to see you.”

  “Don’t count on it. She never forgave me for helping Turian, even though I forgave her for trying to destroy him.”

  After Sabree flashed me a warning glance, he locked eyes with Gibyss to initiate a telepathic conversation. The immortal blinked as a sign of affirmation. Neither one meant for me to be in on the conversation. Neither one realized I could listen in on their private thoughts. Always to my advantage, I’d keep it that way for as long as possible. My mind tuned in to their frequency.

  Gibyss’s eyes formed slits. “I may become tolerant of Brian despite the negative gossip. Perhaps even grow to like him. Unlike his uprising father, he has a quiet strength within him, a gentle and vigilant soul.” He slapped Sabree’s shoulder. “By the way, rumor has it that you died.”

  “As you can see, I’m still here.”

  “Odd, but I can no longer sense you. Your aura is invisible.”

  Sabree found it unusual because he had relaxed his wall of defense to let an old friend in. The ill effects of time traveling back to life set off an alarm. Sabree shuddered as he pulled his collar higher. />
  The elevator door opened. I stepped in first.

  “Care to join me, Sabree?” Gibyss asked telepathically.

  Where to? I asked myself.

  “What harm can a mister’s race against Brian’s speed do us?” Sabree smiled first at Gibyss and then at me, raising his eyebrows up and down. “Gibyss is a mister like me. I’m dying to see Abyss’s expression when she sees him, so if you don’t mind, we’ll mist home.”

  “See you there, but don’t keep me waiting. Beep, beep.” Bugger. The damned elevator ride would add minutes to the race. No prayer of me winning now.

  3 3 3

  Misting into the townhouse, Sabree lowered his guard to see if Ariane could detect him when they entered the lab. Minus the usual reaction, he spoke instead. “You were right as always. The meeting was a waste.”

  Startled by his voice, Ariane dropped her notebook, her gaze landing on Gibyss. “Who’s he?”

  Abyss squeaked and rushed by Sabree with outstretched arms. “My brother. What are you doing here?”

  Feeling overlooked as if a ghost, Sabree opened his mouth to speak his mind until he spied the joy widening across Gibyss’s face. Moments like this made him miss his own family. Some of them he had not seen since the exile.

  “What happened to ‘how wonderful to see you,’ dear sister?” Gibyss asked, embracing her. His peridot eyes brightened when his gaze locked on Ariane. “I’m Gibyss. I represent the DanJal clan. Euriel stayed behind to wrap things up at the Caderen base. He’s flying the private jet back with the others.”

  Something Gibyss said sat wrong with Sabree. “Mortal transportation over flying? Euriel’s up to no good.”

  “You associate with the crazed executioner?” Ariane asked. She looked at Sabree with an accusatory glare and then cocked her head to peer behind him. “Where’s Brian? I don’t sense him at all.”

  “Guess we beat him home,” Sabree said. His smile faded when he realized he couldn’t sense him either. Did Brian go back underground, which would explain his inability to detect him? He took advantage of Gibyss trying to explain his relationship with the on-again, off-again DanJal rogue, Euriel, and left to search for Brian. Maybe the prankster had his guard up. The townhouse came up empty, so without bothering to alert the others, Sabree misted to the Caderen to see if Cayiel had detained Brian.

  He materialized in front of the rock formation that screened the entrance to the hidden bunker below. Keen eyes scrutinized the disturbed sand around the outside of the elevator. Something red caught his eye and he stooped over to pick up a dart half buried in the sand. Holding it to his nose, he sniffed the dried dust clinging to the metal point. Sabree recognized it right away—Brian’s blood. He spun in place, his gaze scanning the nearby desert for foul play.

  “I thought you left,” Cayiel said from behind.

  Merde. Sabree flinched, having never heard the elevator door slide open. He thought fast as he shoved the dart into his pocket. “Brian never came home. Is he inside?” Foul play was involved, but he had no idea who to implicate.

  “Brian left with you.”

  “Gibyss and I misted home.” Owed to three millennia of camaraderie, however cautious, Sabree knew Cayiel spoke the truth. He promised to kick himself later for leaving Brian behind, too eager to see Abyss’s reaction to her brother’s surprise visit. For now, he held his tongue and mentioned nothing of the dart. “He must have had somewhere else to go.” But where? If not for the dart, he might have concluded Brian had entered the portal. “Pardon, but I must go,” he said and bowed before he misted.

  Sabree materialized inside Brian’s bedroom seconds before Ariane and Gibyss walked in. “Watch it!” he yelped, his hands reaching out to steady himself. “What are you doing in here?” He glared at Gibyss and his eyes burned as they pooled with suspicion.

  “I thought you went missing too.” Ariane pushed him aside to search the room. “Did you find Brian?”

  Sabree recognized her puzzled expression. She probably wondered why a scowl shrouded his face. “Bad news. I found this.” He held up the dart. His hand shielded it when Gibyss closed in for a look. Should he trust their newest team player who also happened to be chums with Euriel? He handed it to Ariane. “Besides Brian’s scent, I smell Eric all over it. Guess he didn’t appreciate the bad check. Left no evidence of where he took Brian. Despite our blood-tie, I cannot sense him.”

  Gibyss rubbed his chin. “Could be coincidence. Euriel might be involved. Why else would he volunteer to come along, and insist on piloting the private jet instead of flying himself? I heard rumors that my clan scheduled a meet with a human bounty hunter. Ten to one, it’s the human you speak of. I might have an idea where they took Brian. Stay here,” he said as his body dissolved into mist.

  Hands on hips, Ariane glared at Sabree. “He’s Euriel’s BFF. I don’t trust them.”

  One of the few DanJal clan members Sabree did trust, Gibyss placed him in a quandary. Could he rely on the old acquaintance enough to let him go alone? Sabree hesitated before he answered. “We were close once. I trust Gibyss.” Sabree hoped he wouldn’t have to eat his words.

  21

  THE ANTI-BEING

  M ore than once, four metal walls, a stainless-steel tray filled with instruments, and the IV drip attached to my arm came into focus. However, this wakening seemed different. I was more alert, strapped to a cold metal table. A severe case of déjà vu reminded me of the cell the DanJal had imprisoned me inside their California basecamp. An uncontrollable numbness compressed body and mind. I peered down my nose to check on my lower half and released a breath. Someone had dressed me in scrubs. A low rumble to the right caught my attention.

  The room vibrated as the walls pulled apart to expose an entryway. I groaned when Serine stood in the entrance. The déjà vu blew out of proportion.

  She paused to ask the tech if he secured the restraints. Only then did she walk in with a smile carved across her face.

  “We have to stop meeting like this.” A nervous chuckle, my own, replied for us. “How long have I been here?”

  “A few days. My superiors kept you heavily sedated during the tests to validate your immortality. To confirm you are the anti-being.”

  “Anti-being? Tests? You mean torture.” Still, I could only recall a wee bit, most of the tests dreamlike. Seems my existence as an anti-being ordained more suffering than not, if only to keep empathy with mortal beings in check. Yet, where was my share of mercy?

  Serine draped a towel over the instruments. Her chest rose, her lungs drawing in a long breath before she spoke. “The purpose of torture is to keep the victim conscious while digging for information. We kept you heavily sedated, pain free, so we could work in peace. Because you wear the amulet, extra precautions were necessary. Would you be willing to expose your wings before—” Serine caught her breath and said no more.

  “Before what—before you try to kill me? Well, let me save you the trouble—you can’t! Nothing can destroy me.” Even the pesky archangel admitted he was incapable of the task.

  “From what I’ve seen of the results, the tests conclude you speak the truth.” She cast her gaze on the tray. “The DanJal council has threatened to turn you over to the Malakhim when they arrive, which is why we didn’t remove the amulet.” She picked up a tablet. “I think it’s a mistake.”

  The only way to remove the amulet was to amputate my arm at the wrist. Lucky for me, the Malakhim wanted it intact. “You’re right,” I said. “They can’t kill me.” I tried to distract her long enough to find a way to escape. “Do you still want to see my wings? Unlike the Malakhim, I have four of them. All are black.”

  At first, excitement filled her voice. “Nothing would give me more joy…” Then her brows knitted together, and her tone darkened. “But I’m not that naïve. You’re taking advantage of my curiosity. There’s no escape.”

  A different approach might improve the hopeless situation. “When will the Malakhim arrive?”

  “Soon, but
not until the DanJal elders question you.” Relaxing her posture, she rolled the cart out of the room. The door rumbled shut.

  “Wait!” My cry bounced off the walls of the empty room. The IV drip of anti-vamp venom tasked my system. A high-pitched sound drowned out my pleas. I scanned the walls and ceiling for the source.

  A speaker overhead crackled and then chirped with an intermittent buzzing. Barely able to focus, I craned my neck to listen. Did it broadcast the Malakhim’s arrival? Let them come, because I refused to take this crap lying down. My breath hitched. Although the anti-vamp serum sedated me, more pumped in by the minute, a new way to escape came to mind.

  A theory I had been toying with but never tested—Jonathan Livingston Seagull (JLS). The ultimate rate of velocity where I’d arrive at my desired destination by mere thought alone; however, the anti-vamp serum might impede my escape. Should have tested it long before anyone kidnapped me. The unique story about a seagull who quested absolute speed had sparked my interest. “To fly as fast as thought, to anywhere that is, you must begin by knowing that you have already arrived.”

  Laughter bounced off the walls. “JLS aka Brian. Hasta la vista, baby,” I hollered at the door. No breath came from my exertion. The air grew thick, difficult to breathe. I squeezed my eyes shut to concentrate on my bedroom with me sitting at the desk. The walls closed in, the lab whirling into a dark vortex as I raked over the details of the decor and the familiar odor of ozone that leaked from the printer.

  Instead, a musky caramel sweetness assaulted my nostrils. The whirlwind launched me into multiple summersaults until I landed in a chair without the restraints and IV. I inhaled another whiff and slowly opened my eyes, fearful the attempt at arriving somewhere by mere thought alone had failed. Not quite sitting on the computer chair, I fell on my ass when I shoved away—away from Sabree’s backside propped on top of my desk.