Inception (The Reaping Chronicles, 1)

by Haviland, Teal

  Reminiscing made her mood light, and she began to feel even happier as she neared New Orleans and sensed Phalen. She hadn’t seen her since they crossed over from Corstorphine, back into the human realm, and she’d missed her.

  Gabrielle appeared in front of Phalen’s smiling, bubble-blowing face. She still seemed content with the appearance of the fair-haired, blue-eyed beauty that she created the first day they came to Earth together.

  “Hey, sister! Ready for a little treasure hunting?” Phalen asked as she gave Gabrielle a hug.

  “You bet!” Gabrielle answered in an unusually jovial tone and then started walking down one of the city’s now darkened, deserted alleys, whistling as she did.

  “Whoa, sister … what’s with the merriment? Did I miss the news flash that we’ve won the war, or what?”

  Gabrielle just looked over her shoulder and smiled, then resumed whistling.

  Phalen materialized right in front of her. “Gabrielle … this is about the human, Lucas. Isn’t it?”

  Gabrielle stopped whistling. The concern in Phalen’s voice had opened up that door and let the damn voice of reason out. It told her that the worry in Phalen’s voice was warranted, which she knew without the reminder.

  “Yeah …” she responded, “and don’t do that again. This alley might look deserted, but it’s still New Orleans with a lot of humans. All those humans have a set of eyes.” Gabrielle dematerialized and rematerialized deeper within the shadows between the buildings. It was a humid late September night, and there was electricity in the air, warning of an approaching storm. Phalen’s concern is what dampened her mood, though. And Gabrielle was sure, if she could have seen her own expression being reflected back, she would have looked as if she’d been defeated in some major battle, waiting to find out if her life was going to be spared. It was a quick shift from the happiness she was feeling moments before.

  Phalen manifested in front of her again.

  “I thought I just told you not to do that!”

  “Well … you just did it!”

  “I made sure to put up a veil before I did it so no one could see.”

  “Then they wouldn’t have just seen me, either, because so did I.”

  “When did you receive the ability to veil yourself so thoroughly? And why didn’t you tell me so I wouldn’t worry about needing to do it?”

  “Amaziah bestowed it on me right before I came to meet you. I haven’t had the chance to tell you, yet.”

  The two angels stared at each other, Phalen’s brows pinched, apparently from concern and irritation. Again, Gabrielle thought of how much she liked and respected Phalen for not being intimidated by her. Phalen eyed Gabrielle, but her eyes and brow gradually relaxed.

  “Hey, I’m not going to go blab about your thing with Lucas, you know. I just don’t want to see you end up down here permanently … if you know what I mean. Partially because I’d miss you too much, but mostly because I don’t want to fight you. Especially since, even in that weakened form, I’m pretty sure you’d still school me in combat.”

  “I could never hurt you, Phalen.”

  “Hmm … that’s both a relief, and very scary.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you said you wouldn’t hurt me which is, of course, a huge relief. Because you and I both know that, even stripped of most of your powers, you’d still make easy work of me. But the very scary part is that you didn’t say you weren’t willing to be cast from Heaven for this human.” Phalen paused. “Gabrielle … you’re not willing to fall for him … are you? And I mean the end of you being you kind of fall.”

  “I know what you mean, Phalen, and I want to say no. But … I am having a more difficult time keeping that line in view every moment I spend with him.”

  Phalen began to aggressively pace back and forth across the width of the alley. “You’re starting to make me mad, Gabrielle. And what makes me even angrier is that I can’t fight you about it! I should tell Amaziah about this. Then, he could force you back to Heaven. But … that wouldn’t do any good, because you have to come back to Earth as The Angel of Karma.” She stopped pacing and glared at Gabrielle with narrowed eyes. “And both of us know you’d be able to find plenty of reasons to have to come back. Wouldn’t you?”

  Gabrielle didn’t answer. Phalen was right about everything. But what really got to her was that Phalen cared that much about her. She’d grown fond of Phalen but had no idea that she felt so strongly about their friendship, too. Phalen’s habit of calling her sister suddenly took on new meaning and importance to Gabrielle.

  Phalen leaned against the brick wall of one of the buildings, looking defeated.

  “Hey …” Gabrielle said, “I promise to be careful. Okay?”

  “Can you promise to leave him alone?”

  “No … that’s something I can’t promise. At least, not right now.”

  They looked at each other for several long moments. Gabrielle couldn’t take the sadness and concern etched into Phalen’s expression anymore.

  “Hey, where’s that offer of gum you’re becoming famous for when you want to lighten up a situation?”

  Phalen looked at her a little longer before answering. “Sorry … I’m not feeling very bubbly right now.”

  After walking the rest of the way through the alley, across a street, and into another alley in silence, Phalen finally spoke.

  “So, tell me who, or what, are we meeting down here again?” Phalen handed Gabrielle a piece of gum as she popped a piece into her own mouth.

  “Guess not feeling bubbly didn’t last very long,” Gabrielle commented. Phalen responded by sticking out her tongue. “We are here to talk to Ka’awa.”

  “Yeah … that’s right,” Phalen commented sarcastically. “A demon. Or at least, a half-demon. What kind of evil little sprite is he mixed with? And can you tell me why we are talking to a demon about this?”

  “Because this particular demon has an interesting ability. Concerning which of the Gentry he is mixed with, I don’t know. I don’t particularly care. He’s just someone who might be able to help.”

  “How so?”

  “There are things he may know, if we can actually get it out of him, that Yahuwah won’t because of the deal Yahuwah made with Ramai. Ka’awa seems to have inherited a talent from one of his parents … an extremely powerful one. He’s a very proficient Seer. Though, he still may not know anything about the Book.”

  A look of understanding washed over Phalen’s face. “Gotcha.”

  “Ahh … Gabrielle, so nice to finally meet you.”

  The voice came before Ka’awa’s physical body appeared in front of them, blocking their way.

  “Ka’awa,” Gabrielle came to a stop.

  Gabrielle and Phalen stood across from the rather menacing, smiling figure. Ka’awa was tall, thickly built, and definitely looked like a demon even with the glamour concealing his appearance. His hair was black and slicked back; his eyes were a strange mustard color that seemed to glow faintly. She wondered if the strangeness of his eyes had anything to do with him being a proficient Seer of the world and what happens in it.

  Lightning briefly illuminated the darkness of the alley but had done so just long enough for Gabrielle to notice the light reflect off a black stone pendant hanging from a leather strap around his neck. Something about the piece of jewelry sent off alarms in her mind.

  Is it an amulet?

  Her concern worsened when he noticed her focus on it and then quickly moved it under his shirt.

  “I have heard so much about you, Gabrielle,” he stated. “Your incredible powers are spoken of in the Underworld and Shadow World in great detail. I have often wondered, hoped really, that I would one day have the opportunity to address you personally.” Ka’awa’s smile took on a harder edge. “
It would entertain me to find out who between the two of us has more power.”

  Phalen’s posture immediately switched into a fighting position. Ka’awa simply winked at her, which Gabrielle could tell didn’t faze Phalen as she blew and then sucked back in a bubble. Gabrielle wondered why he thought he might be a match for her. His hand absently moved to the pendant as if he was reassuring himself it was still there. The motion sent a fresh wave of concern through her, furthering her interest in the stone.

  Gabrielle smiled and put her hand on Phalen’s shoulder without taking her eyes off the half-demon. She suddenly wanted to know more about his parents, sensing he was more of a threat than anyone thought.

  “Yes, Ka’awa, I would be quite entertained by that, myself.” Gabrielle felt Phalen’s body return to a more relaxed position under her hand. “This is not the time for games, however.”

  “Of course, Gabrielle. How, exactly, can I be of assistance to The Angel of Karma?”

  “I bet you already have that answer, Ka’awa.”

  He smiled larger and chuckled. Both were unfriendly.

  “Ahh … I see my reputation reaches even the loftiness of Heaven.”

  “It is known.”

  “Well, I will try to stay out of my normal habit of riddles and games … for you,” Ka’awa stated in the most believable tone that Gabrielle thought he was capable of, though she knew it was far from the reality of his true intentions. Seeming to know he hadn’t fooled her, he chuckled and winked again, this time at her. “I believe you are looking for a certain book. Is that correct?”

  “It is.”

  “Yes, the Book of Barabbadon. It seems it’s a very popular artifact as of late. Many have come to me to find out the location of its resting place.”

  “And what have you told the others?”

  “The same thing I will tell you.”

  Ka’awa paused for what Gabrielle suspected was dramatic effect, though she wondered if he was accustomed to some form of payment at this point in return for the information he was about to divulge. Gabrielle simply raised her brow. She had no patience for his games, and even if Ka’awa thought he could defeat her, he seemed to think twice about testing his theory.

  What stories had he heard about my powers and abilities?

  He nodded his head once and continued. “I’ve told everyone that if I knew where it was, I would have already retrieved it myself.”

  She had figured as much, but there was something in his eyes, a quick flicker, that he was holding back.

  Why had he remained in this city for hundreds of years? It’s near one of the Gates of Hell, but there are many of those.

  Ka’awa’s attention was diverted toward the sound of jumbled conversations and laughter that spilled into the alley when a back door to a bar opened. Gabrielle followed his gaze. As the door closed, Gabrielle recognized the female demon who stood in the doorway and locked eyes with her.

  “Mara …” Gabrielle said absently. “Interesting.”

  “Yes,” Ka’awa responded without looking away from Mara. “Interesting. It would seem that I am a popular … artifact this evening. If we are done here, Gabrielle, I have other matters to attend.”

  “Thank you for seeing me.”

  “Oh, it was my … pleasure, Gabrielle.” He kept his attention on Mara but continued to speak. “Sorry I wasn’t able to spend more time getting to know you, Phalen. But there will be other times for that in the future.”

  “Great,” Phalen said under her breath. “I can’t wait, creepy dude.”

  Gabrielle smiled but continued to watch Mara.

  Phalen seemed just as interested in the female demon. ‘What do you suppose she’s up to, sister?’

  ‘Hmm?’ Gabrielle pulled herself back from her wonderings. “I don’t know, but I sure would like to.’

  “I’m sure you would,” Ka’awa responded, even though she hadn’t been speaking aloud, “and, I could tell you, but I won’t.”

  Gabrielle felt jealousy creep into her as she remembered Mara pawing Lucas, wondering how far their relationship had actually gone. She didn’t like to think about him being intimate with her.

  “I need to talk to you,” Mara said to Ka’awa, keeping her eyes on Gabrielle.

  “I know. I’ve known for quite some time that you were trying to find me. It certainly took you long enough. You’re not very resourceful, are you?” he asked with a cruel smirk.

  Gabrielle wondered what he knew about Mara.

  “Unless, of course,” Ka’awa continued, “you have someone else helping you. Can’t you do anything without your friend?”

  Gabrielle could see Mara’s jaw clench as she glared at Ka’awa.

  “Aww … did the truth sting, Mara?” he asked smugly.

  “Maybe,” Mara said, “that’s what I want you,” Mara looked back at Gabrielle, “and others to think.”

  There was little doubt, even with the limited time she had to observe them, that there were no warm fuzzies between these two. No loyalty among the Fallen, I guess.

  “No, Gabrielle,” he responded to her thought. “There isn’t.”

  Gabrielle looked at Ka’awa and made a note to block her thoughts better around him. Apparently, being a Seer wasn’t the only thing he’d inherited from his parents. He also had quite a knack for mind-reading.

  He smiled as though he heard that, too.

  Gabrielle continued to study Mara. She hadn’t been around her long enough to really look at her, to read her for a sense of something—anything—that might give her a clue about why Mara seemed so interested in Lucas. As the seconds passed, the tension grew. Mara seemed over-reactive, her eyes flicking at even the slightest movement from Gabrielle or Phalen.

  She’s ready for a confrontation; that much is clear. And I would love to give it to her.

  “That would be entertaining,” Ka’awa chimed in.

  It isn’t likely to happen here, Ka’awa, so don’t get your hopes up.

  After that, Gabrielle ignored him. But he gave an exaggerated pout to show he heard her anyway. She wasn’t worried for herself if a fight broke out, but she wanted to make sure that Phalen wouldn’t be harmed if the edgy demon misread a movement and decided to attack. And she didn’t want Ka’awa to jump in, either.

  She was about to try to ease Mara’s mind and leave when Phalen made a move toward Mara. In response, Mara immediately called up a Dither Sword.

  “Whoa! Easy, little she-demon. I come in peace … well, with a piece of gum, that is.”

  Gabrielle had a hard time keeping her laughter contained.

  Mara looked at Gabrielle with a confused expression and must have seen the amusement that she was trying to keep in. She straightened her body, and the Dither Sword vanished. She scowled at Phalen for a long moment, head slightly cocked.

  “You mean I have to introduce yet another poor soul—well, not in your case, you’re soulless—to grape bliss?”

  Mara’s expression turned to a mixture of agitation and confusion.

  Phalen cracked a broad smile and handed a piece to her.

  “Seriously, try it. It will make you feel better. And you look like you need to feel better.”

  Mara looked at both Ka’awa and Gabrielle before she cautiously took the gum from Phalen’s hand, chewing it slowly as she scrutinized Phalen.

  “Anyway,” Gabrielle interrupted the lingering silence, “we have things to do.” Gabrielle nodded to Ka’awa. “Mara,” she said as both a hello and goodbye in a particularly unfriendly tone.

  Mara nodded once in response, returning her gaze to Phalen as soon as she did. Gabrielle saw Phalen blow a bubble, then suck it into her mouth. One of the biggest smiles moved across her face as soon as the gum was back behind her lips and she could resume chewing. Again, G
abrielle had to keep her laughter contained. As they made their way back out of the alley, Phalen looked over her shoulder at the two demons.

  “I think Mara liked me, sister. This bubblegum is a great ice-breaker, don’t you think?”

  “Yeah, sure. Just don’t try to use it as a peace offering in any actual battles.”

  “I’ll be too busy kicking demon butt to offer gum.”

  “I would love to know what Mara is up to, and what it has to do with Lucas.”

  “You sure it does have something to do with him?

  Gabrielle thought before answering. “No, I’m not, and I’m not going to find out tonight. So,” Gabrielle hooked her arm around Phalen’s, “let’s get back. I want to get tonight’s work over with so we can get to the next stop of the evening.”

  Phalen’s eyes lit up with anticipation. “Fantastic! Where are we going after you finish the karma bit, anyway?” She blew a purple mass out of her mouth.

  Gabrielle poked it with her finger, popping it. It covered the entire bottom half of Phalen’s face. Gabrielle received a smile and a hard thump on her arm in return.

  “Okay.” Phalen began pulling gum off her chin. “Seriously, where we going?”

  Gabrielle was looking forward to what she had planned. She had a surprise waiting for Phalen. One that Gabrielle felt the young angel would be particularly happy about.

  “You’ll see.”

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Gabrielle ~ Changes

  “Sheridan,” Gabrielle said when arriving with Phalen from New Orleans and their visit with Ka’awa.