The Rise

by Nathan Parks

  “Gabriel, would you like to explain the main reason you both are here?”

  The Archangel took a deep breath. This meeting had been a wild ride already, and she felt like she was about to announce that the rollercoaster everyone thought was coming into the station actually had a few more large drops.

  “There is no way around any of this except for just laying it out on the table. We need everyone to know and understand—especially the leaders—we believe that the Arch Council is done.”

  “Done?” Ki questioned.

  “Every one of you, I assume, knows by now that Enoch has been missing.”

  She got affirming nods, comments, or just looks from the group.

  “Well, I was called to a meeting with Mantus. There I was informed that he has Metatron.”

  She saw the reactions she expected she would see, but the group was respectful to allow her to continue without a barrage of questions.

  “What I am going to share with you sounds so far out there that it was hard for us to believe. It boils down to this: Mantus has information that he believes will help us, and he wants to help us. He not only wants to give us information; but he also claims that by holding Enoch, he is keeping him safe. From whom we do not know. He explained that he wishes to step out of the conflict and be left alone . . . he and his brother.”

  She stopped and waited to see if anyone was going to verbally react, but not a single one of them said anything.

  “Based upon some information that we have heard here today, I believe that the Arch Council only has two members . . . and we are sitting here in front of you.”

  Ki raised his hand, “What about Michael?”

  Zarius listened to see what Gabriel’s answer would be. She shifted and then answered, “I’m not sure, but it is my belief that Michael may be a part of the shift in the universe right now.”

  “Ki,” Leah spoke again, “I would like to have you and Gideon stand by once we are all done. We have some things that we need to share with just the leaders, and then we can make a game plan.” They both acknowledged her request. “Tanisha, I would also like you and Isaiah to stay on the call.”

  A few minutes later many within the Sanctum had already left the call, leaving Ki and Gideon. Tanisha and Isaiah were still sitting huddled around her phone. Ann had stepped out, but the rest of the Eden team, including the members of the Arch Council, were still inside the room.

  “Leah, we are still missing too many pieces. I think I speak for most everyone when I say all of this is a lot to take in,” Ki stated as they settled back into the meeting.

  “I get that, Ki. If there is anyone that gets it, I do. From the moment I chose to become a Vapor, I have not had a chance to even breathe and process everything. I believe that each of us have certain degrees of that, but we don’t have a choice. We have to face it . . . and face it now.”

  She asked Zarius to ensure the door was locked and then she asked, “Tanisha, is there anything we need to know from your end that you couldn’t share with everyone?”

  “There is, and I just ask that my husband understands that I’m not going anywhere.”

  She looked at her screen and gave a look to Zarius that was clear: she was not going to discuss any idea of her returning home just yet. Zarius just threw up his hands and nodded. She then continued, “I believe there is a chance that we have a shadow here.”

  “A shadow?” Leah asked.

  “Yes. After Zarius informed us regarding the suspicion he had about Michael and what he may try, Eve informed us that she was certain someone was inside the church. We never saw anyone, but she was confident enough to try to go hunt the person or thing down.”

  Zarius shifted a little in his seat.

  “Dear, sure it wasn’t just paranoia on her part?”

  “Eve doesn’t get paranoid,” Ki stated frankly.

  Leah backed him up, “She is a very straightforward individual. She may go off a lot of times, but paranoia is not her thing. So, if she stated she thought they had a visitor, then I would hang my hat on it that she was right.”

  Tanisha’s husband cracked his knuckles.

  “Tani,” he started, using his name of endearment for her, “what is it that you can do there that you can’t do here?”

  “I’m not coming home, Zee! We don’t have time for that. We need to ensure that we decipher this information as soon as we can.”

  The room was silent. It was a little awkward as everyone felt they were unnecessary observers in a husband-and-wife spat.

  Nemamiah spoke up, “Tanisha, I understand what you are saying, and I have no doubt that your husband and everyone else does, also. However, maybe we could look at it in a different light that would help us get the information we need, as well as allow your husband to know you are safe.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “I’m listening,” Tanisha responded to Nemamiah’s offering of an alternative idea.

  “So, am I,” Zarius followed up his wife’s statement.

  “Gabriel and I have already talked, and until whatever this is is taken care of, we are not returning to Scintillantes. We all have to be focused. Zarius, you are a good warrior, but I know you are not going to be able to focus if you believe Tanisha is not safe. Tanisha, we do need you and your team to continue your investigation; there is no question about that.”

  They both nodded and continued to listen.

  “If we had a way of getting you and anything you need for your work back to Eden and promised you resources—anything that you need—would you all return here?”

  Tanisha sat back, thinking about the question. Nemamiah was right. Tanisha knew that her husband had one thing he valued over everything else and that was her and her safety, but there was no way they would be able to bring everything that was in the library with her. She wondered what would she choose to bring? What if she missed something?

  Gabriel spoke up when she saw complexity cross the archaeologist’s face, “I promise you that we have the ability to get things to you faster and more efficiently than you may expect. So, you would be here but would not have to worry about not being there.”

  “I think that I may even be able to help,” Isaiah said quickly. “I am supposed to be here. Alfonso’s package told me to come here and to learn here. I could stay and then could connect with her . . . just like we are now.”

  “No, Isaiah,” Tanisha shook her head. “I think if one of us goes, we both should. I also am not really sure if the important part was for you to actually be here but, instead, have access to everything to which I am going to need access, too. So . . .” she said as she looked back at her husband, “I trust that you all can hold to your side. I will gather what we have so far and what I think we will need and we will fly back.”

  Zarius had to keep his emotions in check. He knew that his wife already understood how much this meant to him, but he didn’t want to go over the top with a double fist pump.

  “Let me say, we need to get busy getting things gathered up; so, unless there is something extremely pressing that we need to know right now, I think we will drop from the call and start working on getting out to you.”

  “That sounds like a plan, Tanisha,” Leah remarked and, after a final wave, they disconnected.

  “Zarius, I think it is time to bring everyone fully up to speed,” the former Alliance leader stated. “If we are going to look to mobilize a plan, then I want all the leaders on the same page.”

  “I understand,” he stated as he stood up and walked over to a small table on which was a cloth bag with a large item inside. He brought it over to the larger table, and Chad stood up to help him with the removing of the object from its cloth container.

  “What I am about to share will ensure that every one of you will be in more danger than you believe and will shock most of you.” As he spoke the last few words, he looked directly at the Arch Council members. “You need to understand that this will alter even your idea of what could be happening.�
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  With Chad’s help, Zarius unveiled his delta. The truth was now fully out, and there was no turning back. Secrets that had been hidden were fully in the open now.

  A flood of emotion rushed over the Council members as they were transported back to a time where they had simply been Guardians; and in an instant, with the slaughter of so many, they had become members of the highest-level court and ruling body within their existence.

  “How?” was all Gabriel could ask.

  “That, My Friend, is a long story that I can share with you, but right now we need to focus on the what, why, and even the who.”

  He looked up at the screen and realized that the few left on the call all had questioning expressions on their face. Zarius was required to share a little about the history of the deltas, his role, and a more accurate account of what took place at the Council of Shammah.

  “Now, that you all know an abbreviated understanding, my belief is that my brother has been biding his time for ages. He, in his gut, knows I still have this; but he has not pushed. I believe he sees a chance right now to gain access to this, find the other remaining delta, and, if there is any chance he is aware of the location of the vial, everything we know and even the Clans know will become obsolete. We are looking at the opportunity for a rise of power that will pale to the War of the Serpents and even Lucifer’s attempt at a coup. My personal belief is that he has sat back watching and orchestrating over the years and using his position within the Council to be the puppet master.”

  “What does all of this have anything to do with the Clans and Legion, though?” Ki asked.

  “That is what we don’t know. We can surmise that if Michael is able to do what we think he is doing, then he could send every Clan Overlord into a frenzy to survive. As for Legion, I don’t believe there is anything that Michael can do. I imagine he originally was trying to release Legion and recruit him, but with what is left of the bastard child . . . I don’t see that being an option anymore.”

  Gene broke his long silence, “That is true, but we also have to be prepared for anything.”

  There were head nods all around.

  “So, I guess the question still remains, what are we going to do about Mantus?” Leah asked.

  “I think right now we start walking it forward with his proposal,” Chad stated. “No matter what his real reason is for keeping Enoch, we can’t just turn our back on an Arch Council member.”

  “Gabriel, what was your perception of him and his proposal?”

  Ki waited for an answer; and as he did, he studied the faces of both Council members sitting at the table in Eden. He wanted to see their reaction, as well as hear their thoughts.

  “I think he is genuine. Now, of course, I can’t promise you he doesn’t have an ulterior motive; but do we chance it? When talking with him, I saw an individual who is confused, tired, and weary but still could be very much a threat. In fact, there is a chance that he is more of a threat at this point than ever. He shows signs of being a caged animal that remembers the wild and is looking for any chance to escape. I guess it depends on who releases him from that cage.”

  A few minutes later they decided to bring it to a leadership vote. Each individual agreed that they needed to find out what Mantus knew and what he was willing to help with. They also agreed that at any time they would squash the deal. The ultimate goal was to get Metatron back.

  Chapter Nineteen

  She stood silently in the shadows. It was never about the attack or kill, but the toying, the game. She loved the game. How close could she get without being noticed? What was her victim thinking when their eyes widened in horror as they realized that it was all over?

  Moments ticked by, but she had patience for it all; and it had paid off. Eve had exited the church in what appeared to be very angry fashion. The Nephelium then leaned against the front of the church, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one up.

  Denora watched as Eve stood alone. Her posture indicated that whatever she was upset about was not about to let her rest any time soon. The Demon slowly moved to her right. This allowed her to move to a position where the church itself blocked Eve from seeing or picking up on any movement.

  Denora then circled the building and came up on the left side, allowing her to get closer to Eve. She figured that the Nephelium wouldn’t see her until the second she came around the corner. This should offer enough surprise to give her an advantage.

  As she got closer to the corner, she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She swore, because she knew that there were only a couple of people who would be trying to connect with her . . . none of whom she should probably ignore. She quickly backtracked and stood behind the church as she answered it.

  “Yes?”

  “That is what you have to say? You have been gone now for a couple of days, and I have not received a single update.”

  “I’m sorry, Hecate, but nothing has happened . . . yet.”

  “So, you are wasting my time?”

  Denora wanted nothing more than to cut out the Overlord’s canine teeth.

  She had to grit her own as she thought about all the possible responses but held her tongue and simply answered, “Love, if you want results, you have to allow me to do my thing on my time.”

  “You don’t have much more time to do whatever it is you are doing, and . . .”

  “Go ahead.” Denora rolled her eyes.

  “You may have shared my bed; but many others have, also. None of them are my ‘Love,’ so don’t promote yourself.”

  With that, Hecate hung up and left Denora fuming.

  “Ha . . . you just wait!”

  She brought her focus back to the Nephelium that she had been stalking. Denora moved back to where she had been when Hecate called; but as she did, she stopped suddenly. She wasn’t alone. The hunter was being hunted!

  She swung around quickly with a blade in her right hand. Her arm was outstretched with the intent of slicing anyone in close proximity of her. The Demon stood surprised and confused. The individual who had come up behind her she did not recognize and yet she was someone to whom she felt a strange and strong draw.

  “That is a good way to die,” she snarled. “Who are you?”

  A young lady with dyed red hair and wearing a short, black dress stood just out of arm's reach. Her eyes were pitch black, and a wily smile was slight upon her face. She appeared to be young, but her eyes held the ages within them.

  “Who I am, you will find out. Why I am here is what should concern you, Demon.”

  The young lady’s voice was smooth and rich. It did not waver or tremble. It was confident and strong. Denora moved closer to her with her blade held at the ready, but the young lady did not even flinch.

  “You challenge me, Underling?”

  “Underling!”

  Denora felt rage rise within her. Who was this young lady calling an Underling? Even though her rage rose as a growing fire within her, Denora could not find the mental fortitude to move closer. Something was holding her back.

  “I am no one’s Underling; and one whom I do not know, who seems to be barely in high school, has no authority to call me one!”

  The teenager smiled, “Do not be fooled by the outside coverings. I know you, Denora; and you should trust me when I say there is not much I do not know nor many places to which I have not been.”

  As she spoke, it seemed as if out of nowhere a congress of ravens began to fly around, some even daringly darting at the Demon.

  “I will not stand here and be mocked,” the demonic band leader gritted out. “Don’t share with me who you are; but if you truly know who I am, then you are aware that if you sneak up on me again, there will be blood.”

  “Blood? How do you know I bleed?”

  Denora felt energy crackle within her, and she could not hold her anger back anymore. She was not one for patience. She lunged forward. As she chose her mark as to where to hit, the young lady vanished into a burst of dark mist; and the ravens be
gan to attack Denora.

  She screamed as she swung widely, attempting to get the birds off her. She felt their talons digging into the top of her head, pulling at her hair, and causing deep scratches into her arms and face.

  Off to her right the figure took shape again, but this time the straightforward, focused female voice was no longer evident. Instead, an ancient, deep, and evil voice flowed from her lips.

  “Kneel before your lord.”

  Denora felt pain throughout her body. She struggled to keep standing and refused to kneel in front of this creature, whatever or whomever she may be.

  “I kneel for no one!”

  “You will.”

  “Only when my life source is flowing from me!”

  “Even if that is true, then you still will kneel. I am not here for you, but you will be wise to understand with whom you are face-to-face. For we are the one who has come and will come.”

  Fear was something new to Denora, but fear flooded her body as the words came pouring from the lips of the young lady. With the last statement, the Demon understood more than she had expected. Without any further rebellious determination, she found herself kneeling.

  “Legion! I did not know. It was told to me . . .”

  “That I was gone? That I had been killed? That the prophecy would vanish like dust within a hard wind?”

  “Yes.”

  “To any whom I have not revealed myself, that should be what they believe. You will not tell anyone that you have seen me; but this is no chance encounter, Denora. I am choosing you.”

  “Of course,” the Demon stated to herself. “Fodder for leadership, it seems.”

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing, Lord.”

  “No, you stated something.”

  “It just seems that for all my attempts to break free, I find nothing but those who wish to use me; and it seems that the saga continues.”

  “Stand up and listen to me intently.”

  Denora stood and looked at the young lady. It felt bizarre that this Ancient was instructing her from the body of a teenager, but she did as she was told.