Aunt Rose gave Michael the once-over, then said, “Just so you know, I never heard the rule you can’t take off your skirt on the porch.”
Kyle interjected, “Are we going to talk, or stare at his bare legs? You two, sit, be cordial or be off.” Kyle sat down. “I just want to relax.”
Reggie sat next to Marcus.
Michael quickly stepped over to her. “Reggie, you should sit beside me.”
“I’m fine over here. We’re all on the porch, so it counts.” She whispered to Marcus, “At least he can say my name now.”
Michael sat likewise. “Ah, this is very nice sitting outdoors such as this.”
“Really?” Kyle asked. “I’d think with all that training you would have had enough of the outdoors. How is it going?”
“Strategy today, Daddy,” said Reggie. “No action.”
“Well, strategically, you should try to find Marybeth in one of those prisoner camps,” Kyle suggested. “I don’t have any idea where they are.”
“Michael does,” Reggie said.
Kyle turned to Michael. “You know where they’re keeping the people they arrested?”
“I do,” Michael answered. “The camps are well-guarded and isolated. We will need many men to free those from one camp.”
“Then we’ll go get them, and do it as soon as possible,” Kyle said.
“We cannot,” Michael replied. “We must acquire and train them. Then we will go.”
“That will take time,” Kyle argued. “We don’t have time.”
“Yes, we do,” Michael assured him, folding his hands. “If we go in ill-prepared, we will lose. If we go in prepared and too soon, we still lose. We must free only those who do not follow this Devante... thank you very much, Marcus.”
“That’s bullshit,” Kyle complained.
“‘Bullshit?’” Michael repeated. “Reggie, you must mark that on your list of things to teach me.” He turned back to Kyle. “You must not argue with me, Kyle. I know you are wise, but on this subject I am wiser. Those of true faith will remain in the camps; those who are blind will fold. Let time weed out the true believers for us. Then there is less chance deceivers will enter our camp.”
“You have a point,” Kyle said.
“The plan I have discussed with Reggie is to assemble our army from freed prisoners. Devante is preoccupied with building his believers at this time. But he will move on to those he calls the non-believers. I know this Devante who has entered your world... thank you very much, Marcus.”
Marcus turned to Reggie. “What have you been up to?”
Reggie shook her head. “Nothing.”
“I’m confused,” Kyle said. “Is Devante out to destroy the world or take it over?”
“In Devante’s mind taking it over is destroying it,” Michael explained. “We are not experiencing God’s plan. That is not set for many, many generations. Yet, when the doorway was opened for Devante, he seized it… thank you very much, Marcus.”
Marcus glared at Reggie.
Michael continued, “By entering our world... thank you very much, Marcus... he has a chance to subvert God’s prophecy by falsely fulfilling it himself. It has been Devante’s strongest desire to kill all of God’s life ever since he was cast from heaven.... thank you very much, Marcus.”
When Reggie snickered again, Michael turned to her. “Why is it you find humor when I am about to detail the prophecy?”
“Sorry. Go ahead.” Reggie wiped away her smile.
Michael tried to continue. “Devante... thank you very…”
“Stop that!” Marcus snapped.
“I mean no offense, Marcus, I am simply acknowledging due responsibility to you in the fashion Reggie has taught me.”
“I think…” Marcus gave a wink. “You’ve been misled.”
Michael scolded, “Woman.”
“I hate when you do that!” Reggie griped. “Just list the prophecy.”
Michael looked at each in turn. “Devante is fulfilling his own prophecy, his own agenda by methodically executing each step of the real prophecy to completion.” Michael’s expression turned solemn. “The steps are: one, the arrival of the antichrist; two, the continuous destruction of Babylon by the elements; three, the growth of belief in the false prophet and the rapid growth of his armies; four, the death of kings and corruption of power; five, persecution and martyrdom of holy men and the rise of false prophets. The final debacle sets man against man and the destruction of millions by famine, plague, natural catastrophe and military slaughter of the innocents. Then the great battle, the fall of Satan.” He took a breath. “And finally, the rebirth of earth into the Promised Land.”
Kyle looked at Michael. “So Devante is indirectly fulfilling God’s overall plan in the exercise of its opposite, his self-fulfilling prophesy”
Michael answered, “And I am here to aid in that final battle.”
“But.” Kyle held up his hand. “If this wasn’t God’s plan, and Marcus rushed Devante into the world prematurely, how does that affect the final battle? The Promised Land?”
“Only God can rebirth the earth. Devante cannot. But, as I said, God has no intention of doing so for a very long time. But the end, brought on by Devante and man, is nearing, and God has decided to step in,” Michael added. “However, there will come a turning point for humankind, one which may be too late.”
“The great battle.” Kyle whispered. “If we lose, there’s no Promised Land.”
“No,” Michael answered. “No Promised Land. If we lose, God will destroy the earth altogether, damning Devante again and sending his damned souls with him to hell. Or God will abandon man. Thus causing the creation of... hell on earth.”
Calizza Plains, CA
Devante stomped into the tent and snatched the phone from Todd, hissing under his breath, “I don’t appreciate being summoned from my lectures for this ridiculous device.” He shook the phone in Todd’s face. “Now, clear the tent!”
He held the phone while Todd shooed everyone out, then sat and placed it to his ear.
“You have a problem,” Leonard told him on the other end of the line.
“Why are you using the telephone to communicate? I told you I would contact you.”
“Because, Devante,” Leonard said curtly, “we have a problem. That little freeze that gripped Russia and China, also froze their defense system and locked us in as a target, and others as well. We are a big bull’s-eye now. ”
“I don’t understand.”
“Your fire from the sky has nothing on a barrage of nuclear weapons,” Leonard said. “Their nuclear weapons are locked onto targets in this country.” He paused, and then laughed bitterly. “Believe me, Devante, your little Chicago fireworks have nothing on what their nuclear arsenal can do. When they’re launched, full force, most of the people over here, whether they believe in you or not, will die. And it won’t matter if it’s by accident. Dead is dead.”
“I cannot have that,” Devante wheezed. “Their hearts are not yet mine.”
“Exactly. And we’ve tried on this end. At first we thought it would be a good idea to release the information. More people would flock to the camps, realizing the camps would be their best hope. Until we realized we can’t control what gets set off and what doesn’t. We tried to run interference, maybe re-routing them via satellite, but, let’s face it, it’s hit and miss.”
“So these weapons are set to go off?” Devante asked. “And they will strike where I am?”
“Most likely, yes.”
“You mentioned re-directing them. Do you have designated spots you wish to see obliterated? Places with mass non-believers?”
“Devante!” Leonard raised his voice.
“Why do you shout? Don’t do that again.”
“You’re not listening.”
“I hear every word.”
“No, you don’t.” Leonard was adamant. “We don’t have much time here. Three days. Then they’ll go off. We can’t stop them. We can’t contro
l them at all.”
“No.” Devante smiled. “You forget once again to whom you speak. I can control them.” Devante hung up the phone.
Seville, Ohio
Michael stuck his head into the shower stall and the spray of water touched the bridge of his nose. “It tickles,” he said as Reggie worked the taps. “How clever, this stand-up bathing.”
“Very. Enjoy.” Reggie stepped back from the stall. “Get in.”
“How long do I bathe standing up?”
“Um... uh… until the water gets too cold.”
“I see.” He stepped in as Reggie opened the door. “Where do you go? You must stay by my side. We must not separate.”
She sighed, folding her arms to her chest.
“So you’ll stay?”
“Okay,” Reggie conceded.
Michael stepped all the way inside the shower and slid the door closed. Reggie, not caring much about bearing false witness to an angel, quietly slipped out and turned down the hall to the bedroom. Marcus was reading on the bed.
“Hey,” she whispered then lunged onto the bed next to him.
“Hey.” He set down his book and leaned into her, sniffing. “You smell good.”
“I just showered.” Reggie lay on her stomach.
“It took you long enough.”
“Sorry. Gave shower instruction 101 to Michael.” Reggie inched closer. “How are you?”
“Better, why?”
“Well, Seth is sleeping.” Reggie traced tiny circles on his chest. “It’s quiet and I thought maybe you might need to take your mind off of everything.”
“Reg,” he spoke through a swallow, “maybe we should lock the door.”
“Yeah. We may not have much time.”
Jumping from the bed, Reggie did a mad dash to the door as Marcus took off his shirt. Just as she touched the button lock, Michael walked in.
Marcus plopped backwards and Reggie shrieked.
“The water ran cold. I am done,” Michael announced, stepping further into the bedroom. “This body is tired. It is time for sleep.”
“Yes it is,” Reggie said as she pulled at her hair. “Hey!” she exclaimed as Michael sat on the floor. “What are you doing?”
“Why is it you are in this room?” Michael asked.
Reggie stuttered, “Um... Uh, bed.” She winked at Marcus. “I mean sleep.”
“Then I shall be here as well.” Michael tapped the floor. “A covering, please.”
“No.” Reggie climbed back on the bed. “You have your own room.”
“Another room is mine?” Michael stood up. “Is it the room I awakened in?”
“Yes,” replied Reggie.
“Let us go.” He stepped to the door. “Reggie, come, you must sleep with me tonight.”
Reggie snickered.
Marcus did not.
“Marcus,” Reggie whispered, “He’s speaking figuratively. No, Michael, I stay here.”
“Then so will I.”
“No, you have your own room,” Reggie insisted. “You sleep in there.”
“And so shall you, Reggie. We must not part. The mind gathers strength while it sleeps. We are to be as one. Our minds should be close at all times. This will be important when we battle together. We must be close to share each other’s thoughts.”
Reggie laughed. “Right. While we sleep. Michael, I’m no Einstein, but I doubt our minds will work better if we’re in the same room twenty-four-seven. I really doubt that.”
“You’ve never slept with an angel, have you?”
“Can’t say that I have.” Reggie looked at Marcus. “He’s speaking figuratively. Gees.”
Marcus pouted, knees to chest, his head shaking in disbelief.
“Sorry.” Reggie held up her hand. “Michael. I’ll stay here.”
“I insist,” Michael stood bold.
Reggie exhaled loudly. “I refuse. Are you going to make me?”
Michael stormed over to the bed, placed his hands on her hips, lifted her up and tossed her over his shoulder. With one hand holding her legs and the other firmly planted above her backside, Michael moved to the door.
He turned to look back in the room. “Good night, Marcus.”
Marcus, with a final shake of his head, shrugged and plopped backwards into the pillow, listening to Reggie bickering all the way down the hall. After a final minor explosion, it stopped. Marcus doubted she would be able to sneak back down.
He picked up a book next to him and forced himself to read. After a page or two, he felt suddenly claustrophobic and decided to go browse the fridge downstairs. He put his tee shirt back on, slid off the still-made bed, and walked into the dark hallway. He looked up at the ceiling and thought of Kyle on roof-watch. He felt guilty that he hadn’t taken any watches yet. He supposed Kyle remembered the disastrous hunting trip they’d taken, the only one ever. And he knew Kyle didn’t want Marcus armed any time soon.
He walked down the hall and lingered at Michael’s bedroom door. Closed with no lights under the jam. He started stomping for all he was worth. He heard rustling movement inside. Taking a deep breath, he lifted his hand to knock. He couldn’t. He clenched his fist and turned away. It was bigger than the two of them, he thought, an important heavenly reason they would not be together tonight. Marcus would not intrude.
Moonlight lit Michael’s crouching form, staring down at her sleeping on the bed. He put a lock of his hair to his nose and inhaled, then did the same with strands of Reggie’s. Then he felt the respective textures of both.
“So sweet,” he murmured to himself. “So different is woman, no feature is the same,” he added in awe. “She is unlike any I have ever fought beside and yet we are to be as one side-by-side in the greatest battle of earth’s time.”
Michael moved his hand lightly over her form and down the leg closest to him as if in scientific study. “Her legs are too small for speed. And her skin is too soft to endure. She is not big of stature,” he whispered, his face contorted in confusion. He touched her hand as it lay on the pillow, then arose and lay down next to her. He placed his hand over hers and it disappeared in the moonlight. He lifted her pinky finger. Buried between his fingers, he fondled it with childlike wonderment. He touched this strange animal, examined it. Then he slid his fingers up her hand. As he reached for her arm, Reggie opened her eyes.
“Michael?” she said groggily. “Why are you touching me?”
“I am learning you, Reggie.” Michael lifted her arm and pointed to a scar, long and on her elbow. “This wound. From which battle did you acquire it?”
“Michael, goodnight!” She pulled her arm away, lifted the covers over her shoulders and rolled the other way.
“Goodnight, Reggie.” Michael replied and got off the bed to retrieve his spot on the carpet. He leaned against the wall and watched Reggie until his eyes no longer could stay open.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Washington, DC
No newsmen, cameramen or workers were present in the broadcast studios at Rockefeller Center, only Leonard, General Admen and one other. The three worked the signals, trying to break through, hoping to get another broadcast out. They had gotten a few out in the past week, but Tim the engineer left early that morning for safer ground.
“We have a signal.” General Admen pointed to Leonard and handed him the mike.
“My fellow Americans.” Leonard spoke slowly into the microphone. He read off his notes, beginning his speech with a believable sincerity, complete with the proper number of emotional voice tremors. “We have put forth all efforts to stop the impending destruction. Our allies are praying that we can stop this offensive that threatens our planet’s existence. We’ve sent experts by the score, but to no avail. Ground Zero approaches with each passing moment. We’ve arranged to make room in our shelters for our allies. Rescue ships and planes are en route as we speak to transport those we can to the safe ground of America.” He paused, and then continued. “As those of you in the camps know, you are on safe grou
nd. And those of you who have not made it to the safe areas, I urge you to do so at this time. Devante has assured me that he will not allow us to be harmed. He will protect us. I must give my faith to him because, at this darkest hour, he is our only hope. Share with me in my belief that his goodness will see us through. As I leave the airwaves, I wish all of you luck, and pray for each and every one of you. Thank you, and God Bless mankind.”
Leonard watched General Admen until he motioned the signal was disconnected.
“Good job,” General Admen said.
Leonard tossed his notes. “Yeah,” he grunted. “Now let’s just hope Devante pulls through.”
Seville, Ohio
“Reggie... Reggie.” Michael walked quickly behind her. “Reggie.”
Reggie whirled around. “Michael. Please.”
“Where are we going?” Michael asked. “You said you needed to walk.”
“I lied.” Reggie opened her front door. “I needed to stop hearing your stories.”
“Why?”
“You want to know? You go on and on, Michael.” Reggie tossed her hands up. “You’re supposed to be training me to be this great warrior. To fight with you, right?”
“Yes.”
“So when does the training start? This is your fourth day here. And all I’ve done is listen to your stories. Your tales of wisdom. Angels who did this, angels who failed to do that. You keep telling me it’s important and I keep hoping all this knowledge will mean something. If not, I’m going to be pissed.”
“It will and...” Michael held up his hand. “Today we move to more into intense physical training.”
“Thank God!”
“I will.” Michael nodded. “But maybe, Reggie, your mood is not the best because you did not pull the sword from the ground today.”
Reggie bobbed her head and rolled her eyes. “No shit! I’m supposed to be a warrior. I don’t even have a sword! You make things worse by saying, ‘try’ and I stick my hand in for nothing.”
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