by Susan Reid
Drakael remained passive, but his eyes blazed more intensely as his stance changed to defensive.
“Both of which you have done a lot of in your existence so why seem affronted about it now?” Drakael calmly stated.
I glided towards him in one swift motion. Heat and power began to build up beneath the surface of my flesh at his audacity to pass judgment upon me in my own domicile after relaying this favor. He watched me closely, but he didn’t move. We were a few feet away from each other now but his expression still remained inert, hiding any pending reaction and intent of his own.
“I’m not going to do your dirty work for you. If you want to save them— you have just as much power and authority to… release them yourself.” I stated harshly and looking him directly in the eyes now.
He paused for a moment, “Even if Elohim asks it of you?” He then said.
“Don’t play that card with me when he has the power to save them himself!” I spat.
“Of course he has the power to save them himself, but he requests it of you, and he has his reasons.” Drakael said.
Though I hated it, I knew he could not lie. He was a messenger, and if he said Elohim requested it, then he had.
I went through my typical range of emotions starting with ire and working my way down to annoyance and finally petulance. I sighed, my mind trying to work through the request and the outcome of getting something I wanted out of it too. Keeping my eyes on him, I reluctantly pulled my wings in slowly, but they remained folded against me as I paced backwards away from him towards the ledge. I turned to gaze out towards the darkening skies in the distance, once again. Drakael didn’t move, but I felt his own gaze on my back.
I took a long pause on purpose to make him wait. “I’ll accept this task, but I request a concession of my own.” I then began as I thought for a moment.
“A concession? I thought you gave sole allegiance to Elohim?” He then pointed out. I turned my head slightly, “Does that mean I have no right to ask for something in return?” I asked. It was silent for a moment. “Alright, I will pass along your concession. What is it?” He replied. I took a moment before I began. I knew that I had to word this carefully. “I will do this but only if I am able to introduce myself to her in the mortal realm in my flesh form before everything happens.” I then said.
There was initial silence, “For what purpose?” Drakael finally asked. “As a simple messenger, that is none of your concern.” I stated without looking at him. “I know you. You mean to influence her? Charm her? I can relay the request but there are no guarantees.” Drakael replied with suspicion.
“Does that bother you?” I asked turning around to face him fully now with a raised brow. “Why would it bother me? I don’t understand why you have to be so difficult at a time like this.” Drakael replied, his expression seeming confused.
“I’ll wait but you have only a few seconds to relay my humble request.” I ignored his comment.
Drakael sighed, and I heard the rustle of his feathers as he moved, “This isn’t a time for a test of wills or a wager for competition, especially when there is no comparison between us.” Drakael began but his words trailed off as he paused, his face intent with attention. I knew what he was doing.
“What is the purpose Cam`ael, really?” Drakael then asked.
“Who is asking?” I replied watching his expression now.
“I already know that you would not answer if it were my question.” Drakael replied.
I instantly became humbled and at the same time I wasn’t sure what I would say. What was my intention? I didn’t want to lie or ruin his faith in me if he had any left at all for that matter and I had to admit; this took me off guard. In the end, Elohim always wanted an honest answer no matter what it was, this I knew for a fact. I hated that I had to relay it through a third party instead of being able to address him directly…like I used to do.
I didn’t want Drakael to know anything about my feelings and intentions; they weren’t his business or concern. I thought for a few moments, turning away from him again so I wouldn’t have to look at him when I finally spoke, “Contrition.” I determined. I didn’t hear Drakael make a sound for a long while, and I wondered if he had left when I turned around to check. He hadn’t.
“Your request is granted on three conditions.” He finally then said holding up three of his thin fingers. That answer literally surprised me, and I waited anxiously for those specific conditions knowing that Drakael could not lie or twist the message he was given to convey to me.
“The death of the divine ones in his possession must be done by your hands first before this meeting is to take place. Second, you are not allowed to deceive her by any means in order to lie down with her, which includes any use of magic, powers or manipulation upon her or others. And third, you are not allowed to reveal what you are to her or anyone else verbally or physically including what I am while we are both there. As far as dealing with others of your kin, the call is yours.” He finished and with that he grinned big.
I scowled at first.
Little did he or any on his side realize that I didn’t have to physically lie down with a woman to partake in or give pleasure, and I don’t think he mentioned that as being forbidden? And he didn’t specify that if she guessed what I was on her own, that I couldn’t verify it.
But did I want her to? How could I explain that just because I was a Demon…I wasn’t that kind of Demon? It wouldn’t mean or make any sense to her anyway.
I then grinned to myself, and he could only look at me with wonder and suspicion, “By any means Cam`ael. That means, however, you typically engage in physical or ethereal contact with women sexually.” Drakael clarified as if he read my mind.
“And if she offers herself to me first?” I smirked just to provoke him.
We both knew that more than likely; she would, and he knew why. With my being a demon, I knew Drakael hated that I wasn’t cursed to look like a horned animal, a terrifying beast or an abomination that many people assumed demons looked like.
Truthfully, many of the dark fallen did resemble those things…but I was an exception. Being beautiful and striking had truly been my curse and Elohim had his reasons for my own particular punishment.
“That is why you want to meet her in person. I knew it! I told Elohim, but he has already made his decision.”
“Was it his to have you shadow me as well?”
“I have to go anyway. Shadowing you was an extra task I volunteered for.” Drakael replied smugly.
“How about volunteering to go with me to locate those divine chosen? I could use a decoy…or bait.” I offered with sarcasm and a smile.
Morning Star’s territory and domain is infested with negative, forbidding vile and evil energy with millions upon millions of dark fallen in all forms swarming around— not to mention of course Morning Star himself. Drakael wouldn’t stand a split second of a chance at survival, and he knew it too, which is why he said nothing.
“I didn’t think so.” I flatly noted with a raised brow of mockery at his cowardice.
Though I was grateful for receiving permission, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t tell her what I was let alone having to kill any divine ones myself first. If it was to test my loyalty and obedience, Elohim already knew he had that from me so what was the point?
Well, past Drakael spying, I guess I had no problems with any of those conditions; after all… she still had her own free will and choices to make too.
“So what are your restrictions?” I then asked him with a nod of my head in his direction. I was irritated already but more with him because I didn’t need a background babysitter as if I possessed no self- control or discipline when it came to mortal women— Well, I’ll give him that concern but the idea of it being Drakael of all angels had me seething.
“I am not allowed to reveal or offer a hint as to what you are. That is something she will have to realize and see on her own, which I doubt won’t take long given your…
subtle and benevolent demeanor and attitude.” Drakael gave a side smirk of sarcasm.
I exhaled sharply and slowly to audibly display my annoyance with him, but it only made his grin widen.
“Maybe you should focus your energies and concerns on other divine chosen…you know either watching them die or be taken?” I then commented.
He shook his head in disapproval, but I didn’t care.
This time he whipped out his pure white plumes in preparation to fly away without another word or comment regarding my last remark.
I scowled at him.
“You’d better make sure you don’t leave any of your stray feathers behind, and I mean that.” I pointed at him and then the ground.
“Are you sure you don’t want to keep any in remembrance?” Drakael smiled as his wings flapped, and he began slowly ascending into a hover.
“I still have plenty of my own.” I said flatly in a warning tone.
Drakael chuckled, “Still obsessively the cleanest of them all Cam`ael I find that an amusing yet an honorable irony.” He commented.
Forget unleashing darkness unto him, needing to assuage myself by lunging for and beating the holier-than-thou shit out of him with my bare fists was maddening.
Just then a growing, loud rustle and flapping of wings were swiftly approaching, and I stiffened for a moment, my guard rising. I glanced out into the distance and recognized the signature. I immediately relaxed.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stick around a bit longer?” I flatly stated with an impish grin of my own this time.
Brown-nosing coward, I thought to myself awaiting his action or response. Drakael’s eyes widened for a moment, he knew who it was too, and he wasted no time flying without a word and leaving a rush of cool wind swirling briefly behind me.
V: Cam`ael:
Closer the immense shadow grew as it made its way towards me. My eyes glowed intensely, illuminating several yards ahead in front of me, and I saw Rahab gliding towards my dwelling. His bright, yellowish orange eyes were glowing as well. He must have news; otherwise, he always waited for me to summon him first.
Rahab was an extremely large fallen one. His body was massive in girth. He was built with the bulk of several muscled beasts. He had been cursed with complete onyx flesh nearly from head to toe and his hands resembled that of a dragon, curved fingers with wicked sharp obsidian talons that served as deadly weapons on their own and sharpened needle-like teeth to match. His strength was unparalleled and he was fierce in battle, though not too bright he remained both a loyal good friend and ally to me continually since the beginning. No one ever suspected him; he blended in perfectly physically among the worst of the dark fallen ones, which made him an excellent spy.
I stepped back to allow him a wide berth. He landed in a crouch giving the solid rock a slight tremble once he touched down. He remained crouched on one knee with his head bowed. The claws and fingers of both of his hands were caked with a fresh, thick dark substance, and he was sweating. I smelled blood…foul, rotten and putrid, and it instantly incensed me inside. “Lord Cam`ael, I bring news.” His said with his head still bowed before me. His voice was low and deep.
This I hated and I told him so repeatedly. It was hard to understand him now and then hearing him speak through his teeth, and his voice rumbled like distant thunder at times so he could never quite whisper well, “I told you about that Rahab. I am no one’s lord.” I stated and meant it.
He looked up at me and grinned, “You are mine whether you like it or not. Humor me my friend; you still retain light in you. Therefore, I don’t see you as any less.” He then said as he rose to his full height. I sighed and rolled my eyes. ‘Please ignore and forgive him Elohim, his words are not my idea or preference.’ I spoke an internal brief prayer.
“Is it okay to speak aloud?” he then asked unsurely.
Though I glanced around and tuned in my supersonic hearing towards the distant horizon, the shadows in between, the ground below and all around the mountainous areas where I made my domain, I heard nothing to give way to any hidden ears. I opted that we communicate telepathically anyway though, just in case, especially if Drakael remained hidden somewhere not far off, as I believed he would do.
“Keep the conversation safe when we speak of Morning Star and anything regarding our plans, just in case. There’s a lot of activity out there right now. Are you sure you weren’t watched or followed?” I relayed to him telepathically, while scanning the distance beyond. He turned to glance back at the view behind from where he had just come as well then shook his head no. “No, I am sure of it now but a few lesser servant demons did attempt to follow me a ways back, and I had to…I mean I…” He replied. His facial expression conveyed chagrin and frustration as he looked over his blood-caked massive hands with talons splayed. I knew why he was apologetic. I cringed as some of the dark, foul blood that dripped from his hands fell and permeated the rock beneath his bulk. The rivulets left fissures of smoking, acrid tendrils behind since it could not withstand the elements within the rock, which consisted of light.
I needed to magically scrub the ground around him clean with light, and not so much just because it was dark fallen blood either. Seeing filth, a mess or disorganization of any kind was my biggest annoyance, and pet peeves, it absolutely drove me insane.
He hung his head and stared down at the dark wisps curling upwards from the stones’ surface for a moment in sincere shame and regret. I held a hand up to stop him from having to continue to say it. Past the tell-tale signs and evidence, I already knew what he was about to confess to me.
“We all have to do what we have to do.” I told him.
He raised his head, straightening to his full seven-foot height, about two inches over mine.
“I was actually going to say that I apologize for not taking the time to clean up before meeting with you and leaving this mess.” He smiled mischievously.
Though the thought of him leaving a mess, not to mention the vile blood of another dark fallen staining any part of my dwelling made me recoil internally with aberration; I could only shake my head and laugh at his candor.
“No apology necessary.” I told him.
“I will clean it all up; I promise.” He then said as he glanced around at the mess he hadn’t intended to make at his feet.
“Don’t worry I’ll take care of all of it.” I assured him.
He hesitated and then nodded.
“There’s been a lot of preparations and celebration going on lately. Morning Star seems very sure of himself, or at least he seems to think he has a fool-proof plan. I heard a lot of whisperings, but they were all speaking in codes, so I couldn’t really get much information.” Rahab began to explain.
“I figured as much. Just don’t get yourself caught or killed my friend; I don’t want to lose you for any reason. If things become difficult and dangerous; backup if you know what I mean.” I replied.
He nodded.
“I took the longest path here and some extra detours to make sure I was no longer being followed or watched.” He then said.
I scanned the distance and horizon and listened to all sides just to make extra sure as did Rahab. There was no present threat because wide rivers of light feeding off of the Infinite waters crossed through all the living forests that surrounded my dwelling far below. The other dark fallen and shadows could not pass or touch anything here without my detection. If any beings I didn’t recognize ventured too close, I could easily call upon the waters below and simply wipe them out of existence in the blink of an eye.
I only allowed my closest comrades to pass, and I knew of their arrival ahead of time. Those that didn’t know me wouldn’t dare to take the chance because I wouldn’t hesitate, and they never knew what, how or from which direction that power, or I would be coming from until it was too late.
“What did Drakael want?” Rahab then snarled.
Rahab did not like Drakael at all for most of the same reasons that I didn’t. Drak
ael’s calm arrogance and always speaking as if he were admonishing us no matter what the situation was had been the main reasoning. I didn’t care for Drakael either obviously, but we were allies, working for the same cause and if Elohim granted Drakael the permission to interact with and summon me, it was a good thing…for us, especially so I tolerated him for now.
I sighed.
“Nothing really, just an exchange of information— more so for me though.” I told him.
“Oh, well that is also what I bring too. Of course, you know she lives after all, that is a good thing.” He began.
I nodded with a half-smile.
“The group that summoned Baal is actually several, rock groups making up a music show. They’ve been putting up advertisements for a performance near the place where she attends school. Morning Star plans to influence and gather through the music and get humans to unknowingly walk into a portal leading to the spirit realm. There will be another open gateway at the concert that leads directly to his dominion. He’s been amassing an army of beings he’s created and calls dark divine to counter Elohim’s chosen, but the goal is to acquire the girl.” He then said to me.
I shook my head.
Dark divine warriors? So that was why he was kidnapping so many chosen before their deaths. He was either forcing by fear and pain or convincing by indulgence and greed to get them to choose darkness.
What was Morning Star planning? I could spend all daybreak and night trying to guess but feeling as if it were obvious and right in front of my face. He was far too clever and sneaky for even my assumptions. He always used humans to carry out his dirty work and this was no different, but it certainly was elaborate. But now why does he want her, in particular, so badly for himself that he was willing to set up this plot, involve so many high-ranking demons, and take the time to train and control divine dark ones only to risk himself of Elohim’s swift wrath and rage?
Her value was beginning to intrigue me now.
She was of some great level of importance to both the side of dark and light, and I wanted to find out why.
