Empyreal

by Helsel, Spencer

  Dani shook her head. To think that all she saw was gone because of one angel?

  “Lucifer was defeated and was cast into Hell, along with his creations: the demons.” Gabriel told her. “The first demons, the first dark creatures born and bred for war, he made. We do not know how he made them, but they were cast down with him; bound to the place of torment by my brother Michael. They were never to be let loose again.”

  “I think the ones I’ve seen beg to differ.”

  “Their offspring thrive.” Gabriel corrected. “All creation begets creation. From the sharing of electrons that form elements, to the continuation of the species; everything wants to carry on their existence. The original demons begot more demons. It is those you face today.”

  “And then you left.” Dani reminded him. “You left us to fend for ourselves.”

  “We were failures.” He said. “We decimated Creation. We did nothing but destroy like impudent toddlers.”

  “You make it sound like you were children.”

  “We were children.” The statement took Dani by surprise. “We are not human. We were not born. We were created. We came into existence exactly as we remained; finished, never to grow older or wiser. Humans mature and learn. Angels do not.”

  “Wait, wait, wait, you’re telling me you were just kids? That you broke the universe…by accident? You slaughtered each other.”

  “And we did not understand that slaughter.” Gabriel told her. “We killed without remorse for we did not know remorse. We did not understand, the way a child cannot understand. My brothers and sisters perished and we cared not.”

  Dani imagined angels as fierce warriors; all-powerful and wise. But children? Angels were literally the children of God? The image of kids killing one another was so awful it made her sick.

  “God saw us blindly laying waste and His anger was fierce. He devised the ultimate punishment.” Gabriel’s squeezed his eyes shut. “He made us understand.”

  “He made you understand?” She didn’t get it.

  “Every horrible thing—every depraved act of murder, every life taken—God opened our eyes to it and forced us to witness what we did.”

  Dani put together what he meant. “God made you grow up?”

  “Can you imagine what it is like to take billions upon billions of lives and destroy everything and everyone you know, only to see every face and hear every scream for the first time—all at once? In one instant, He made us realize. Every weapon across Creation fell from our hands in horror.”

  Ethan’s words that night at the Hypogeum came back. We know that something happened to them; to the angels. I’ve heard some call it PTSD, or some kind of Heavenly shell shock...

  “So that’s why you left?”

  “We fled.” Gabriel corrected. “We could not bear to look at this one world untouched by our War. So ashamed of what we lost, many of us fled; seeking out another form of existence. I know not where. Some of us stayed, forcing ourselves to watch what humanity would become and what we failed to be. Even flawed,” a tear flowed from one eye, “you are more than we could ever be. I escaped here, to a fortress I built against the Devil; my own brother.”

  “Then you left the Song of Sacrifice,” Dani finished, “as a memorial.”

  “And as a warning to not follow in our footsteps.” He nodded. “Then the Numen appeared. They protected the gifted and other species left orphaned by our battle, but they took up our war and ignored our warning.”

  “Then angels didn’t create the Numen?” She asked.

  “No. We had no part in that.”

  Dani frowned. “Then why stay in Empyrean?”

  “It is my home.” The Archangel told her. “It is where my heart, my truth, still lies. Within its walls lies something special to me; a symbol of who I was.” He shook his head. “And I stayed to watch you: humanity. Your capacity for love is more than your capacity for evil.”

  “Tell that to the hundreds of wars, rampant racism and greed during our entire existence as a species.”

  “But there are the millions upon millions of good works humanity has done during that same time.” Gabriel said. “Those acts are countless. Selfless sacrifice. Kind words. Leaders who took people from slavery to freedom and those who took up the cause of love afterwards. Those give me hope.”

  He went quiet. Tears like sapphire flowed down his cheeks. He wiped them away.

  “I think we’re more failures.” Dani admitted softly.

  “I knew a human once; a failure. He sent his wife and children to face his punishment. And for that, I punished him. I hurt him as I hurt you. And then he understood what was meant of him. He changed. He became more.”

  “And I’m the same?”

  “The greatest of humanity were not those who were born great, but became great. A lowly born can be more king than those who wear a crown.”

  She knew she had to ask now. “What do you want from me? What am I supposed to stop?”

  He took her hands, but this time no images flashed through her mind. “You know things in the world are not safe, but it is more dangerous now than ever. You know of what I speak.”

  The Numen that died the night she came, Alecto’s talk of the fires of Hell burning brighter; she knew, but shook her head. “It doesn’t have anything to do with me.”

  “It does. Only you have a strength inside you different from the rest. You have within you the ability to stop this. You are not a failure, Daniella del Lucio. All your failure brought you here. You were chosen.”

  She pulled her hands back and stood. “I don’t want to be chosen.”

  “We cannot escape our fate.” The angel said from his seated position. “If God wills it, God wills it.”

  “Then God can shove it!” All her anger, all that drove her here, came out. Dani glared at the Archangel. “Where w as God when my mom started drinking? When people tried to kill me? This is why no one likes God. He’s a jerk, or He’s a kid with a magnifying glass only playing God. And me? I’m just me.”

  “That is why only you can succeed.” Gabriel seemed to expect her anger. For an angel, he wasn’t trying to be impressive anymore. Then he did something she didn’t expect. “Then I beg you.” He rose to his knees in front of her. “If all others demand, I only ask: I need you. I speak of darkness in the world, but it is not just in this world. It is here. It is in this city.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I am not omnipotent, but I feel that darkness has come to Empyrean. It threatens all life here. I cannot stop it, but I can help those who would. So I give you this warning: the enemy is in your midst. Those you care for are in danger. I have seen those I care for die in front of me. Do not allow it to happen to you.”

  Faces flashed through her mind: Nathaniel, Roxelana, Dink, Shea, Bouden, even Caesar. Mastema. Judah.

  Ethan.

  “Destiny is a path no one can force you down.” Gabriel told her. “Like it or not, you must go under your own free will.”

  “If destiny is a path, it’s a sucky one.” She hesitated before asking, “What’s my mission, then?”

  “I do not know.”

  “Sounds like a crappy mission.”

  “I cannot explain what I do not know, but I feel the darkness coming. I know it is within the city. I cannot go there.” His eyes drifted to her. “Only you have the strength to face what is to come. Return to the city. Be among the Numen. Trust that I know this much: when the final battle comes, you will decide the fate of everyone.”

  It wasn’t a mission. It was barely a direction.

  “When dawn comes, it will be the third day. You must make your decision by then. It will not be fair, but destiny is not a road. It is a choice of paths, Daniella.” Gabriel bowed his head. “Which do you choose?”

  As much as she hated it, the choice was pretty clear. She cursed under her breath.

  Part III Lightbringer

  Chapter Thirty-Four Dani set out the following morning as dawn came, h
iking down from the cave. She departed with a good-bye to Gabriel, but even before she was gone, she felt him leave. He disappeared with nothing but a whisper of wind.

  She hiked back down the Dalles into the forest, moving faster than when she came up here. She made her way through the forest, downriver and up the cliffs. A crowd gathered on the Hill’s side of the Vale Bridge; waiting for word just like the first and second Trials. As she passed near the bridge, she spotted Roxelana, Shea and Airlea in the crowd. The shock on their faces was easy to recognize. Dani kept going.

  Empyrean ’s Citadel was empty. The streets were vacant and eerily quiet.

  Until…“Dani?! Dani, is that you?”

  “Caesar?”

  Her friend swooped from the sky, pin wheeling down in an excited rush. She banked hard, her head plume extended brightly in a crown of feathers as she landed on Dani’s shoulder.

  “Oh thank God!”

  “Caesar!” she nuzzled the bird. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too! You don’t call! You don’t write! Where have you been?”

  “It’s a long story.” She said, stroking the bird’s neck. “Where is everyone?”

  “They’re in the Throne Room. The last Trial is about to be announced.” But Caesar wasn’t one to be distracted. “Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving? I was worried sick!” The bird nipped her ear a little.

  “Ow! What was that for?”

  “Not telling your best friend you were leaving!”

  “Okay, okay! Jeez! I’m sorry.”

  She huffed, flapping from her shoulder and sailing down to the ledge of a nearby well. She glared pointedly. “Well next time tell me when you’re about to sneak off. You gave me a heart attack! You nearly killed an endangered species!”

  Dani grinned stupidly. “I missed you Caesar.”

  “I missed you too, jerk.”

  Together, the two of them made their way to the Keep. Caesar glided overhead, flapping from one roof to another.

  “How much trouble am I in?” Dani asked.

  “ Your exit was somewhat nasty. The word ‘traitor’ was thrown around a lot.”

  Great. I can add that to list of ugly things people say about me. It was a long list.

  They came to the steps of the Keep and Caesar returned to her shoulder. “So arriving late to this meeting is probably not going to go well, huh?”

  “Understatement of the epoch, my friend.”

  She approached the closed, double-doors doors. Twin Gatekeepers moved to block her path.

  “What are you doing here?” one asked.

  Dani recognized the voice, but not the face. Where did she know that voice from?

  “I’m here to see the Elders.”

  “The Elder Council called the assembly to order.” The Gatekeeper said. “You may not disturb the proceedings.”

  “I’m not here to disturb, jack. I’m here because I’m supposed to be here.”

  “According to whom?”

  “According to me.” She put her hands on her hips. Caesar’s feathers stood on end threateningly.

  He balked at the sight of the bird. Then it hit Dani: the man standing in front of her was one of the men that attacked her. That’s how she knew him and that’s how he knew to fear Caesar. He was there.

  “You’re going to stop me?” she threatened. “How did that work out for you last time?” she stepped in, nearly nose to nose with him. “That’s right. I know it was you. I know you’re one of them. You’re scared. You’re scared because you know exactly what my bird can do.”

  Caesar nipped at him with her beak. He winced.

  “So if you don’t want a beating, I suggest you step aside.” He looked genuinely scared; shaking under his armor. “Or I can tell the Elder Council.”

  “They would never believe you.”

  “How about my Guardian, Mastema, then?” His name struck a nerve. “How about I tell him? How about at night, when you lay down to sleep and dream little rapey dreams, he comes to visit you? What do you think? Will your death be quick or slow? I’m betting on slow.”

  The Gatekeeper took a step back. “Let her through.” He told the other guard.

  “The Council has already—.”

  “I said let her through!”

  The other guard nodded. Dani stared the man down as she walked past him. As she did, she whispered, “I won’t forget this. Don’t think I’m done with you.”

  And she left him there.

  Caesar adjusted on Dani’s shoulder. “Nice threat.”

  “It wasn’t a threat.” She steeled herself for what came next. “Now here’s hoping I can sneak in without anyone noticing.”

  Both guards slammed their spear-butts down. The large double doors groaned with the sounds of locks and chains, slowly grinding open loud enough for all of creation to hear.

  The Throne Room filled with light as it spilled through behind her. Hundreds of Numen turned. The Elder Council all stood, Dani framed by the morning light in front of them. To one side, every Novice and Guardian inhaled a collective gasp. She could even see Mastema, Ethan and Kleos among them. To the other side stood Lady Alecto who looked on, pleased to see Dani.

  Caesar leaned down and whispered. “I think they noticed you.” ______________________

  “How dare you show your face here?” Elder Heman was quick to speak first. “How dare you disrupt the sacred traditions of this city?”

  The Throne Room emptied, save for the presence of her Guardian, Ethan and Nathaniel. Lady Alecto also elected to stay, but the powerful Fury made no effort to join the conversation.

  Dani said nothing either.

  “You make a mockery of all we are!” the Elder shouted. “You dare not face your second Trial and then you arrive as if that is somehow excused? Why do we not place her shackles now?”

  “Because she has done nothing wrong.” Elder Jeduthun said. “There is nothing in our laws demanding she participate in the Trials. It is simply unwise not to do so.”

  “Then she should not be allowed to participate in the third!”

  “Why?” This came from Elder Azariah. “If she wishes to attempt the third Trial, she should be allowed.”

  “The gifted rely upon us for protection. She makes us look like fools before them!”

  “Are you saying that one Novice can make us, the ruling body of this city, fools?” of course Elder Jeduthun came up with that quippy retort. “What strength does it show if we punish her, other than we are petty?”

  Heman began to speak, but then immediately stopped. He had nothing and dropped back into his seat.

  Dani smirked slightly. That’s right: sit down.

  Mastema stepped forward. “Elders, my charge may very well have made an unwise choice in her Trials, but it is neither punishable nor unreasonable. She perceived a threat. She avoided that threat. She has returned to attempt her remaining chance to join our ranks.”

  “And again I demand to know why she should be allowed?” Heman was not letting it go.

  Castus cleared his throat. “It is my understanding that the law does not speak to avoiding a Trial, but it does speak to allowing a Novice to attempt all three. Elder Atid, you are our Chief Chronicler. Am I speaking within the law?”

  Empyrean’s head librarian nodded. “That is the law.”

  “Then is the matter settled?”

  Clearly, it wasn’t for Heman. Dani telepathically told him to eat vomit.

  Castus faced Dani now. “You understand that by not appearing for your second Trial, you forfeit any chance at victory for it. You were declared a failure.”

  “I understand.”

  “And you understand that failure in this Trial will mean punishment under the law?”

  “I do.”

  He nodded, satisfied. “Novice Daniella, this has been a trying time for you, but you will be held to the same standard as all Novices and all Numen. No privilege will be awarded.”

  “At this point I don’t expect it.”
The biting comment made more than one Elder shift uncomfortably in their seats.

  “May I ask where you were? All Empyrean was searched, as was the Vale.”

  “I went to the Dalles.” She said.

  “The Dalles? Traversing the source of the Crystalline River is nearly impossible.” The Elder’s eyes narrowed. “And what did you see?”

  She saw the Archangel Gabriel. She saw her power frighten a being of Heaven. She was warned that something was coming and it involved her. She saw the founder of Empyrean look afraid as he spoke of the sins of the angels returning on their children. And whatever was about to happen, whatever they were about to face, was coming from within. Evil is already in your midst. Dani was the only one that knew.

  And she was going to keep it that way.

  “The Crystalline River falls from Heaven.” She told them. “It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.” She tried to keep her voice as sincere as possible.

  She glanced sideways as Mastema and Ethan. Both of them frowned. They could tell she was lying, but said nothing.

  “Then you are to be left to your lessons.” Castus declared. “We welcome you home.”

  “Thanks. It’s good to be back in the good ol’ C of E.”

  Castus frowned farther. The Council broke and left. She suspected many of them did not wish to be in the room with her.

  Lady Alecto approached. “Daniella, it is good to see you once more. When they told me you fled, I believed the worst. You renew my faith.”

  “Thank you…m’lady? Madam? I’m sorry, how do I address you?”

  “Anything is fine.”

  “Then thank you,” she said, blushing, “for before…at my house. You saved me.”

  “You were worth saving. I hope you remember that for the times to come.” Dani could hear a dark edge to her voice, but it quickly faded when the Fury smiled. “Your travels are such a whirlwind. You must tell me all about them.”