Fallen

by R C Knight

  “Zane just got lucky and cut it off,” she responded before Zane could say anything.

  “Is that so?” Michael looked at Zane then over at Aria. Aria met his eyes, a fierce look of determination on her face.

  “Yes, it is. It was quite the feat actually.” Aria smiled tightly as she looked over at Zane. “Now, if you don’t mind. I’d like to get the hell out of here.”

  Michael nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. “Very well.” Aria and Zane stood next to Gideon as the angels formed a circle around them and began to chant in Enochian. Zane’s eyes grew wide as sigils formed on the floor and a bright light filled the room, encasing them with holy light.

  ~~~~

  “Where the fuck are they?” Bishop shouted as he paced along the deck. “It shouldn’t have taken this long.”

  “Calm down.” Mikayla stopped him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m sure there’s a good reason for the delay.” Bishop slowly nodded his head.

  “Right,” he responded. “Zane probably decided to kill all of the demons by himself.” Bishop chuckled as he looked out at the ocean, the orange rays of the setting sun reflecting off the water. A bright light illuminated the worn deck of the ship. “Thank God!” Bishop shouted as he threw his arms in the air.

  A circle of angels appeared on the ship, Aria and Zane stood in the middle next to a body. “What the fuck happened?” Bishop yelled as he ran over to the group. Blood was dripping down Zane’s right arm; his face was pale, and he was leaning on Aria for support. Aria looked just as miserable, her face covered in cuts and blood seeping through her shirt. Michael and Gabriel stepped to the side, allowing Bishop to come through. He ran up to Zane, wrapped his arm around his back, and pulled him off Aria. She sighed with relief as Zane’s weight was lifted from her. “You two have a lot of explaining to do.” Bishop scolded as Mikayla and Keira came running up to the group.

  Keira gasped as she saw all the blood soaking through Zane’s shirt and down his arm. Mikayla went straight into doctor mode and began barking orders at everyone. Jackson came running over and helped Bishop carry Zane to the medical quarters. Mikayla looked over at Aria. “What happened?”

  “It’s a long story,” she sighed as she watched the guys take Zane below deck. “Go, take care of him.” Mikayla scrutinized Aria’s appearance.

  “And what about you?” she asked with concern.

  “I’ll be fine.” Aria gestured towards Laila. “I’m sure she’s just dying to fix me up and ask me a million questions.” She chuckled dryly as Mikayla noticed Laila, Michael, and Gabriel.

  “Oh, of course!” she stuttered. “My apologies, I forgot you were here.”

  “Don’t worry.” Michael chuckled. “You’re concern for your friends is admirable. Now go take care of Zane. Laila will tend to Aria then we will send her down to check on him.” Mikayla nodded enthusiastically as she slowly backed away.

  “Of course.” She glanced at Aria then quickly turned and ran to the stairs, disappearing below deck. Laila gently grabbed Aria’s arm, causing Aria to jump and pull away. A look of concern crossed Laila’s face as she looked at Aria.

  “Sorry,” Aria mumbled. “My adrenaline must still be high from the fight. I’m still on edge.” Laila narrowed her eyes as she scrutinized Aria’s face. Aria lowered her eyes, staring at the worn deck of the ship.

  “Well, I need to examine you and draw some blood for testing,” Laila said matter-of-factly. “Is there a room we can go to for privacy?”

  “The Captain’s Cabin should be fine.” She pointed towards the door.

  “I’ll follow you,” Laila responded, her musical voice calming Aria’s nerves.

  “Gabriel and I will stay here with Gideon. Laila has put him in a deep sleep, he shouldn’t be waking up anytime soon.” Michael looked at Aria, his knowing eyes drilling into her. Aria nodded as she led Laila to the Captain’s Cabin. They entered the room and Laila examined their surroundings. She stared at the hammock, watching it sway with the ship.

  “Well,” she sighed as she looked around. “I guess we’ll have to use the desk.” Aria walked over to the desk and helped pile the books and papers to the side. “I’ll need you to undress.” Aria froze, her hands trembling. “Aria,” Laila paused, searching her face. “You need to undress for me to examine you.”

  Aria nodded as she reluctantly pulled off her shirt and stepped out of the loose pants. Laila gasped as her eyes fell upon all the cuts scattered across her body. “What happened?” Aria clenched her jaw as she laid down on the desk, her body shivering from the cold.

  “It was just a fight with demons, nothing special.” She kept her voice void of emotion. Laila couldn’t believe her eyes; cuts were scattered across her entire body. Dark, purple bruises lined the inside of her thighs. Laila looked at Aria’s face, noticing her swollen lips and eyes among the many scratches. She kept her jaw clenched and avoided Laila’s eyes as a tear silently rolled down her cheek.

  “I’ll make this quick,” Laila spoke softly, tears forming in her eyes. She placed her hands over Aria’s stomach, her hands glowing bright with holy light. She spent several minutes running her hands along Aria’s body, healing all the cuts. “Okay.” She tried to make eye contact with Aria. “You can get dressed.” Aria sighed with relief as she got up and quickly threw her clothes back on.

  She sat on the desk, her hands trembling in her lap. Laila gently grabbed her hand and looked at her face. “I know you don’t want to talk about it right now.” Laila paused, searching her face with pleading eyes. “But I am always here for you when you decide you are ready.” Aria nodded as another tear rolled down her cheek.

  “Now.” Laila pulled out a needle and multiple vials. “I need to take some blood for testing. Is that alright?”

  “Do what you must,” Aria sighed. Laila pulled out an elastic band and wrapped it around Aria’s bicep.

  “Clench your hand for me.” Aria did as she was told and watched as Laila wiped the crook of her arm with a cool washcloth. She slid the needle in with ease and attached one of the vials to it. “Okay, you can unclench your fist.” She relaxed her hand, watching her bright red blood fill up the vial. Once the vial was full Laila quickly changed it out with another one.

  “So.” Laila smiled up at her. “Tell me about this human friend of yours. You seem awfully protective of him.” Aria’s face lit up with a smile as the image of Zane’s face filled her mind.

  “He’s become a good friend.”

  “Uh, huh,” Laila replied, a look of disbelief on her face. “Well, I suppose I’ll find out the truth eventually. Remember Aria, you’ve never been able to lie to me.” Aria sighed as she looked around the cabin, avoiding Laila’s gaze.

  “There’s nothing going on, Laila.” Aria’s face fell in defeat. “He’s a human after all, and someday I will be forced to leave Earth and return to Heaven.” Laila frowned as she looked at Aria’s face.

  “Well, I’m excited for you to return. It’s been awfully quiet without you.” Laila responded quietly as she slid the needle out of Aria’s arm and rubbed her hands together. “All good. Hopefully I’ll be able to make an antidote soon. Eliza hasn’t told us anything. We’re still trying to figure out what she was given to make her go crazy.” Laila shook her head sadly. “It seems like Heaven has slowly been falling apart since you left.”

  “I wish there was something I could do,” Aria responded, sadness in her voice.

  “You’re doing everything you can down here.” Laila comforted her. “Besides Michael’s on to something, and hopefully it’ll provide the answers we’re looking for.” Laila packed the vials into her bag. “Shall we?” she asked, holding her arm out to Aria.

  “I guess,” Aria sighed as she got off the table. “I wish you could stay.”

  “So do I,” Laila mumbled as they walked out of the cabin.

  ~~~~

  Michael and Gabriel stood protectively over Gideon, making sure he didn’t wake up. “She’s hiding something.�
� Gabriel said with frustration as he turned towards Michael.

  “I know,” Michael responded calmly as he watched Laila and Aria disappear into the cabin. “But I’ll let her keep her secrets for now. We have more important matters to attend to right now.”

  “I suppose you’re right,” Gabriel sighed, looking across the boat at the blue water. “It sure is beautiful here.” He smiled as he watched the fading sunlight dance on the water. Michael nodded in agreement, staring out at the water with him.

  “We’ll need to keep a close eye on that human,” Michael commented. “There’s something different about him.”

  “Of course,” Gabriel responded. “I’m sure Ryder will be more than willing to send us reports. Especially if it concerns Aria’s safety.”

  “Yes. He has always looked out for her best interests. It’s obvious she’s grown attached to this human. I fear she’d be more than willing to hide something important from us if it could endanger him.” Michael looked down at Gideon, examining the severed arm. “I know that isn’t a clean cut with a sword. It looks like it was torn off. Which would have been impossible for Aria or Zane.”

  Gabriel nodded, confusion on his face. “I don’t know what would happen to make her think she couldn’t tell us about it.”

  “If I were her, I wouldn’t trust anyone on the Counsel.” Michael sighed as he ran his hands through his hair. “We have a mole in our midst and no clues as to who it could be. Right now, it’s safer for her to keep to herself.” Gabriel looked at Michael, his face filled with sadness.

  “After Lucifer fell, I never thought I’d see the day where we couldn’t trust our fellow angels again.” Michael’s eyes echoed his sadness.

  “I know.” They stood over Gideon in silence, staring out at the water. The cool breeze rustled their golden robes. Michael smiled as the smell of the ocean filled his nose. “I’ve missed this.” Gabriel nodded in agreement.

  They turned quickly as the door to the Captain’s Cabin opened. Aria and Laila slowly walked out; their faces drawn. They walked up to Michael and Gabriel, schooling their features to hide their emotions.

  “Did you get everything you needed?” Michael looked at Laila.

  “Hopefully,” she responded. “I won’t know until we get back and I can start running some tests.”

  “Very well.” Michael responded as he turned towards Aria. “Aria, we have another mission for you.”

  “Whatever it is, I promise we’ll get it done,” Aria responded dryly.

  “We’ve been doing some research,” Michael replied, waving his hand towards Gabriel. “And we believe that whatever the demons have done to block our communication is also stopping us from sending down a large group of angels.”

  “So.” Aria looked between the two of them. “You want me to find out what they did and destroy it?”

  “It’ll entail more than that, but essentially yes,” Gabriel replied. “We’ll send you more information after you’ve had some rest. Just know, that whatever you need, we will provide. You aren’t alone in this.” Gabriel looked down at Gideon. “Hopefully, this little shit will be able to give us more information. Although I highly doubt it.”

  “You’d have better luck getting information from a mute than from him,” she retorted as she glared down at Gideon.

  “Yes, well we have to try,” Michael replied with frustration. “Anyway.” He looked at Laila. “You should check on Zane so we can leave.” Laila nodded and looked towards the stairs to the lower deck.

  “I’ll take you to him.” Aria grabbed Laila’s hand and led her below deck to the medical quarters. The room fell silent as they entered, Zane was laying on a table with his shirt off. Mikayla was throwing away some bloody rags while Keira was filling a bowl with clean water.

  Bishop and Jackson stood quickly, “We’ll just step outside for a minute,” Bishop commented as he pulled Jackson out of the room. Zane looked over at Aria, she simply nodded then sat down on the chair by the door, avoiding his eyes.

  “Is it alright if I heal him?” Laila asked softly.

  “Of course!” Mikayla beckoned her over as she set the new washcloths down on the table. Zane quickly grabbed one and covered his silver tattoo with it. Laila reached the table and looked down at him, examining the damage to his right shoulder. She placed her hands over the hole, the light from her hands filled the small room. Zane sighed with relief as the wound healed.

  Laila glanced over the rest of his body, healing the various cuts and bruises as she went. Zane shouted in pain when she grabbed his burnt arm. “How did this happen?” she asked as she leaned closer to his arm, examining the welts.

  “Apparently, some demons have acidic blood.” Zane grunted as Laila twisted his arm to look at the other side.

  “Interesting.” She gently laid his arm down and proceeded to heal it. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” She sighed with exhaustion as she finished healing his arm. “Is there anywhere else?”

  Zane sighed with relief. “No, that’s everything.” He crossed his arms over his chest, keeping the washcloth in place.

  Laila narrowed her eyes as she scrutinized his face. “Very well.” She turned and looked at Aria. “I guess that is everything I can do right now.” Aria nodded and stood up as Laila focused on Zane. “You somehow managed to tear every muscle in your body. I did what I could to mend the tears, but you will need to rest for a few days before you’ll be completely healed.” Zane nodded with understanding, avoiding Laila’s green eyes.

  “Thank you so much.” Mikayla smiled at Laila. “I had no idea how I was going to fix that hole in his shoulder and still keep his range of motion intact.” Laila nodded, a small smile on her face.

  “It was my pleasure.” she turned towards the door. “Now, I must get going.” Laila followed Aria back to the deck where Michael and Gabriel were waiting. Aria turned to Laila, who quickly pulled her into a gentle hug.

  “I’m always here for you,” Laila whispered into Aria’s ear. She pulled back from the hug and looked directly into Aria’s green eyes. “Always.” Aria nodded as Laila joined Michael and Gabriel, forming a circle around Gideon.

  Hey!” Riley shouted from the helm. “Before you go, I have just one question.” Aria looked over at Riley with disbelief. “Why are you guys so big?” he asked, pure curiosity in his voice. Michael laughed as he looked him over.

  “Because we are Archangels. We are the oldest of our kind, and therefore the biggest.” He smiled as he looked over at Aria. “Aria,” his green eyes stared directly into her own, “be careful of who you protect. You cannot allow your personal feelings to cloud your judgment.” Aria solemnly nodded her head.

  “I understand,” she mumbled.

  “Good.” Michael responded sternly. He looked her over, a soft smile appearing on his face. “It was truly good to see you again.” He nodded at Gabriel and Laila. They began to chant, sigils formed around them as a bright light encircled them. They disappeared as the light dissipated.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Earth

  Darkness filled his mind. Zane watched in horror as all of his friends were slaughtered in front of him. All he could see was their bright red blood pooling on the ground. Their bodies strewn across the battlefield. His eyes fell on Aria’s pale face, the light fading from her once bright green eyes. Lightning illuminated the dark night. He could feel the darkness spreading throughout his body. Power emanated from every cell, he felt like he could fight forever and never be tired. He laughed manically, forgetting why he had ever been afraid. He found the pools of blood exciting instead of horrifying. His power grew as the darkness spread. Another flash of lightning illuminated the night as his eyes turned pitch black.

  Zane bolted upright, his heart pounding in his chest. “Fuck!” he shouted as his body screamed in pain. He looked around, his blurry eyes taking in his surroundings. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he realized he was in his Captain’s Cabin. What the hell is wrong with me, he won
dered as he stared out the window, watching the moonlight dance over the dark water. A soft knock drew his attention to the door. “Come in,” he shouted; his voice hoarse.

  The door slowly opened as Aria poked her head into the room. Her golden blonde hair was shining in the moonlight, a tousled mess from sleep. “Is it alright if I stay in here tonight?” Her voice wavered as she examined the room. “I can’t seem to fall asleep in my room.” Her green eyes met his, uncertainty and fear escaping them.

  “Of course,” Zane responded without hesitation. Aria stepped into the cabin; she was wearing a long t-shirt that fell to her knees. She glanced around the room, her eyes searching for a safe spot. Zane shifted on his hammock and pulled back his blanket. “Come here,” he beckoned her over. “You can sleep next to me.”

  Aria sighed with relief as she walked over to the hammock, gently laying down next to him. “Thank you,” she whispered as Zane wrapped the blanket around her.

  “Anything for you.” Zane pulled her close to him, keeping his arm wrapped her around her waist. “You’re safe with me.”

  “I know,” Aria whispered as she closed her eyes. Zane smiled as her breathing became even and relaxed. He stared at her face, relishing how peaceful she looked while asleep. He knew it would be a long time before he’d see that peaceful expression during her waking hours. I’m going to kill them all for this. Only then will she be safe. He sighed as he pulled Aria closer and rested his head above hers. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, the scent of the ocean with a mix of cinnamon filled his nose. He smiled as he recognized that scent as Aria’s unique signature. He drifted off to sleep, his mind calm and quiet from her presence.

  ~~~~

  The morning rays of the sun filled the room, Aria woke up with a scream, her body trembling with fear. Zane’s eyes bolted open as he pulled her into him. “Shh.” He looked around the room, his eyes searching for danger. “You’re okay. It was just a bad dream.” Aria trembled, her breathing fast and uneven.