The Third Heaven : Apocalypse of Kings

by Donovan Neal

  “Omg Elizabeth isn’t this the best party ever! Mike outdid himself girl. Hey I think he’s inside. He asked about you, you know? He was wondering if you were coming. You should go find him, I’m sure he’s around trying to be a good host. I’m gonna get some of those vodka gummy bears. I’ll look for you inside.”

  Elizabeth nodded and took in the sights and sounds of suburban adolescence. She had worked hard to get her grades to where she could compete for scholarships. And now it was time to cut loose and relax. She deserved a break she thought. It was nice to actually fit in for a change. To not be teased by at least one of the Jefferson sisters.

  “Hey Audrey,” said Elizabeth.

  Audrey turned around and cupped her ear to focus better on what Elizabeth was saying. “When you see me inside bring me some of those gummy bears too!”

  Audrey smiled and sauntered back towards the front of the house.

  Elizabeth made her way around the pool, as various ones greeted her and smiled, and found her way to the back patio door and slide the glass door open. She entered the basement entertainment area of the home and several fellas were around a pool table talking smack to impress the girls who sat on bar stools nearby. Each young lady was sipping from a straw with their drinks in hand.

  Elizabeth saw a friend of hers named Carol and approached her. “Hey Carol, how d'you make out in Ms. Tess’s class?”

  “Sheesh that woman is no joke! But I survived with a B so I’m happy. How about you?”

  Elizabeth gave her a smile and side eye and replied. “A girl!” Carol frowned “Oh shut up. I knew I should've studied with you instead of Jan Simpson. That girl does not know how to focus, always talking about boys.”

  “That’s what you get...lol I told you to come by.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” she said.

  “So have you seen Mike he invited me and I wanted to make sure I let him know I was here and wanted to say thanks.”

  “Yeah, I think I saw him upstairs last by the DJ table they set up in the living room. Have fun girl.”

  “Yeah, you too!” Elizabeth made her way up the carpeted stairs and opened a door that lead into the kitchen. Granite counter-tops were awash with more gummy bears, fruit, nuts and booze. The kitchen and the adjoining rooms were open concept in design with ample room for lounging and dancing. And the invited guests took every opportunity to both lounge and dance. Several girls were dancing in the living room as coffee tables and other artistic platforms were moved to the ends of the room making way for a large area for people to show off their latest dance moves.

  Near the back of the living room was a DJ with several monitors, an iPad and other devices she simply didn’t recognize. Portable black speakers were set up on large silver tripods and Mike Gains was looking across the morass of people when she and he locked eyes.

  Mike smiled with the largest of grins and Elizabeth immediately became flushed. He motioned with his hand to come over and she traveled through the makeshift dance floor towards the DJ table and he hugged her.

  She nervously returned the hug. This feels nice she thought. Really nice. She quickly released him and reached over to speak into his ear.

  “Mike this is an awesome party thanks for inviting me!”

  Mike returned her attempt to speak over the music and said, “Cool, huh? Hey, I’m glad you came because you know, I put on this elaborate party just so I could get you to dance with me.” He smiled and Elizabeth drew her neck back and smirked rolling her eyes. “Riiight… nice line though. I do like it!” She couldn’t help but laugh.

  She then gave him a gingerly punch on the shoulder. He returned her beaming smile and leaned over into her ear. “So does that mean you would care to dance?”

  She looked at him with a smirk and shrugged her shoulders, “Sure.”

  Mike turned to the DJ and said something to him she couldn’t hear and captain of the football team took her by the hand and led her out to the living room floor to dance. The DJ slowed the music down and over the speakers Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” played and instinctively boys across the room reached out to their partner to dance: leading them to the dance floor while others left the area to sit on couches and watched those who danced. Mike looked down at Elizabeth and gazed into her eyes, “You OK?”

  “It’s just a little bright in here, and everyone’s looking at us.” She nestled her face into Mikes firm chest and Mike spoke.

  “Alexa dim the lights in the living room.”

  The room slowly dimmed where the staring eyes disappeared into the shadows and those dancing became mere silhouettes. “That’s better?”

  “Yes, much better” said Elizabeth. She allowed herself to be swept into the moment, swaying to the songs snap of acoustic fingers coming over the loudspeaker. She relaxed melting into the ambiance of it all. For here at the end of the school year, the boy she dreamed of holding her. Cradled in Mike’s strong arms, she was no longer the bullied wall flower of school but accepted by her peers.

  She sighed; it was truly “perfect”.

  Chapter Six

  Peace in Our Time

  Gabriel stood next to Jeremiah as each observed the spectacle which transpired within the throne room. For the Lord God Yeshua had taken the book from the hand of El and gingerly opened it to reveal its contents. For Argoth had transformed into a book of seals: a tomb that smoldered with the offenses of God. Yeshua then grasped the second seal and snapped it. The sound of thunder echoed across Heaven and when the Lord God Yeshua broke the crimson clay seal a mist of blood sprang forth, and from the vaporous cloud of blood there went out from the book a second rider who sat upon a horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

  He galloped across the skies of Heaven and left her shores trotting downward to the Earth below. Jerahmeel, Gabriel and those members of the Lumazi still Heaven-side watched as the rider raced through the darkness of space and descended to the realm of mortal men. The rider raised his sword above his head and when he did so he charged forward into Persia and landed atop the nation of Egypt and when he did so he stepped from off his horse and plunged his sword into the head of the Nile River. A red fog then wafted into the air and it billowed up in a concentric wave spreading out in all directions.

  Then the horseman raised his head and stood from where he had plunged his sword deep into the earth and when he did so; Marduk’s face could be seen. The great angel rose standing clad in blood red armor and spoke.

  “Members of the Horde hear me! Come all who would be free of the shackle of Lucifer! Come and see our failing leader’s blood shed!”

  And when he spoke, puffs of red smoke came from his lips like thunder clouds and the crimson clouds swept over the whole planet and smothered both angel and humankind in a cloud of rage.

  At first there was quiet but then small skirmishes broke out in small pockets in each continent. Violence spread like a virus to all corners of the globe as members of the Horde fought with one another. And Heaven watched from above as the Horde turned from fighting the forces of El that were planet-side and turned their swords one towards another.

  For all those angels who were indebted, discontent, and discouraged with Lucifer now found boldness to rebel against their king. The Horde engaged one another in battle; and as they did: men who were their proxies, commanded their armies to overrun the land.

  War broke out and spread like wildfire amongst the humans; from the Common Wealth of Europe, to the Arab League. Nation battled nation and smote their respective enemies with bombs and launched their airplanes and navies against one another: until the whole of the planet was engulfed in rage. A rage fueled by the forces of Marduk against the forces of Lucifer and his Anti-Christ.

  And Heaven looked on in amazement for never had any seen the likes of disunity that ran amok amongst their kind save the Great Rebellion against the Lord. And for a time Heaven had no need
to fight the enemy for the enemy fought themselves. Jerahmeel watched the dissension that rose between the members of the Horde and remembered the Lord Yeshua’s words to his disciples. “If Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.” And Jerahmeel knew that what he observed was the beginning of the end for his fallen brother; that soon there would be no line between the spirit realm and the physical. No demarcation between the realms and that open warfare was soon to come. That El in his mastery had unleashed civil war within the ranks of his adversary, and that soon destruction would follow.

  Gabriel also watched the chaos below and spoke aloud his thoughts to his brother.

  “Jerahmeel what should we do? We witness civil war among the Horde. Do we intervene? Do we move to advantage ourselves against them? For Michael is still away and searches for the Abomination.”

  And the Holy Spirit, knowing the thoughts of Gabriel’s heart, spoke to him and replied. “Nay my son, for this thing is of me, that all things might be fulfilled. But go thy way and make haste for soon I must call my children home. “Now go and gather thy brethren and bring me the Shaun-tea’ll and assemble them before me. And have Nephanos bring me the trumpets. For they shall be blown that my wrath might be fulfilled.”

  Both Gabriel and Jerahmeel looked at each other in concern, for the trumpets were the divine weapons of mass destruction that God had ordained would be used to bring judgment on Lucifer and the sons of man who rebelled against Him.

  “And what of me my king? What am I to do Lord?” said Jerahmeel.

  The Holy Spirit spoke and his voice rang powerfully in the ears of his servant.

  “Thou shalt go to the Seal of the Abyss and prepare to unlock he who dwells therein. Await my word, and when I give the command, thou shalt loose Abaddon that he might do my will.”

  And when those within earshot of the Holy Spirit heard the word Abaddon; each grew silent and looked knowingly at Jerahmeel. Jerahmeel frowned as he clutched the key to the bottomless pit that was draped around his neck; frowned because he knew that this day would one day come: frowned because if the Destroyer was released, the Earth would tremble. The head of house Harrada then swallowed hard and replied to his Lord.

  “As you command my king.”

  ✽✽✽

  Leto sat with his advisers in the situation room of the headquarters of the Commonwealth. He watched on large screen monitors as the armies of his allies marched into the cities of his enemies. Strafing runs from Tu -95’s carpet bombed Jordan and the surrounding countryside of Amman. Leto smiled at his generals and nodded in approval. “Continue in the advance towards the capitals of each rebel nation. You will halt when you are at the outskirts of each. Then I will inquire if these rebels will at last surrender or will they choose to be destroyed. I will be in my ready room. Call me when it is time to contact the rebel commanders.”

  Leto stood up to leave and his generals and advisers also stood, and he exited the room and entered into his private room. His room was furnished with the finest oak desks and plush with comfortable chairs and the flags of the former European Union and now the newly crafted flag of the commonwealth draped his office. He looked through his window to see the city of Brussels and its bastion of people. And when he did, he stared into the distance across the horizon. His mind occupied by the events of the war that now waged against the Arab nations.

  Leto was relieved to dismiss himself from the affairs of men. For, while the armies of men gathered and struck each other with missiles and artillery. The real war, the unseen war could now be attended too.

  “Ashtaroth, now that we have privacy. Show me Marduk.”

  Ashtaroth did as commanded and became visible to the human eye. “Lathum, show the young master what he desires.”

  Lathum, the Grigori assigned to Leto then took the book which floated near his winged shoulder and opened it. He tore out a page and threw it into the air. It rose until it hit the ceiling and when it did it became opaque and draped as a curtain over the entire room. Immediately the surroundings disappeared and in the place of chairs and desks were now angels with swords that hovered over and around the building. In the distance thunder roared and flashes of light blazed in the distance. Angels as numerous as the stars littered the skies and were engaged in battle. The realm of the spirit was now open for Leto to see.

  “Marduk” said Leto, “What is his position, and how fares my father’s forces?”

  Lathum replied, “The rogue principality hovers over Damascus young king. His advance towards Jerusalem has been stopped and his forces have been repelled. He now garrisons in Damascus. It is only a matter of time before he is destroyed. He is prevented from entering Israel by the Host to stand to his west whilst the Horde cordons him on all remaining sides. To risk entry into Israel is to risk a fight on two fronts. It would surely be suicide; for he would be destroyed either by the Host or by the Horde. He is a wandering spirit… he simply does not know it yet.”

  “Good.” whispered Leto. “Let my father toy with his nemesis. Are my people ready to commence with the destruction of the mount and to proceed to begin excavation of the weapon?”

  Ashtaroth replied, “All is ready my king. As soon as hostilities cease with the rebel kingdoms, we will begin at your orders.”

  “Well done,” replied Leto. “Tell my father that soon; his son will be ready to take up the mantle for which he has been called, and we will strike at Heaven. Soon we shall return recompense to those who have kept us underfoot, and soon… we will have our revenge.”

  ✽✽✽

  Marduk knew it was only a matter of time before his angelic soldiers would be overrun. He watched from a distance as many valiantly stood to keep Lucifer’s forces at bay from him: each willingly gave up their heart stones to dissolution that the true stead-holder to champion their dream of self-rule could be realized. But Marduk realized he had been played. Like a king in an elaborate game of chess; he had been slowly forced to move his forces into a position of weakness; for the Host was now at his back, and those members of the Horde loyal to Lucifer flanked him on all remaining sides. He contemplated on how he might move himself to a position of strength and called his adjutant to his side.

  Marduk eyed the activity from atop of Mt. Nebo. The ancient burial ground of Moses. From its vantage point he looked across the Jordan River to the land of Canaan. He could see the cadre of angels the Host had assembled to prevent invasion by a principality. Israel was a spiritual fortress, a land that was on lock down from any incursion, and only abandonment by the Chief Prince or El himself would allow the small country to fall. For buried deep under the

  Mohammedan shrine was a god-stone. Marduk knew that it was this stones proximity to Mohamed that had entranced the old prophet and granted him his night journey.

  “Mušḫuššu attend me.”

  Mušḫuššu had eyed his lord from a distance that he might minister to him if called and hovered towards him then bowed as was protocol. “My liege?”

  “You will take this message to the Chief Prince Michael. Give him word that I freely give intelligence he will want to hear. Let him know Lucifer seeks control of a God-stone that is buried deep under the prince’s very feet. Tell him to imagine what the Abomination could bring to pass if he discovered it. Impress upon him Mušḫuššu that Leto cannot be allowed to have it and that if he desires for it to remain undisturbed: he will come to my aid and help me oppose Satan. He will do this. Or he will witness a Nephilim become as God. Tell him this Mušḫuššu. If he desires its location, tell him to come. Now hurry and be swift to deliver the word; for I fear that soon Lucifer himself will come to lay claim to my head.”

  “But my lord,” said Mušḫuššu. “When I cross into the Holy land, the Host will surely accost me. How will I convince them that I have not come for the sake of mischief towards God’s holy people?”

  Marduk looked at his ring and removed the signet of his house and gave it to his servant. “Show them this. Thi
s will grant you passage to speak to the Chief Prince. Now be off with you now. Fear not if I am gone when you return but see to the mission. Lucifer has gone mad and does not realize that this Abomination he has created threatens not just one but two worlds. Go now and carry my words.”

  Mušḫuššu bowed and lifted himself to fly across the Jordan River into Israel. A mission he hoped would see the Host take a stand against the Anti-Christ.

  ✽✽✽

  Leto was seated at his desk when Lathum interrupted him. “Young Dragon, there is a word that an envoy of Marduk has been seen leaving the field of battle and has crossed into enemy territory.”

  Leto looked unimpressed and replied, “And what of it?”

  We… do not know my king… he is now out of our sight to know his coming in and going out.”

  Perturbed Leto replied, “You mean to tell me that my enemy has sent a message to—my enemy?” Leto then contemplated this action and surmised his opponent's plan… then laughed.

  “Marduk seeks aid. He realizes he cannot defeat us. Desperation makes one do reckless things Lathum. Fear floats in the air above Mt. Nebo, Grigori. I do not require your angelic eyes to know this. His actions are of no consequence for soon I will be given access freely to the Holy Land and that which they guard so fiercely will be denied me no more.” Leto sniggered.

  “I will soon be granted authority by the powers that are ordained by God himself: to rule his own people. They themselves will give me this right, what then can even Michael the prince of heaven hope to do? Marduk’s actions are of no consequence Lathum; for he can neither impede me nor interfere. For my father hast gone before me and hast prepared the Israelites to receive me. He has surely made a way and has prepared me a table in the midst of my enemies. Proceed with the principalities destruction and relay this development to my father. Michael of the Kortai is too late to stop what is in now in progress. Now do not disturb me until Marduk is within reach to be destroyed. For at the moment I must be about my father’s business.”