“I do not wish to dwell in the dark seas as a lonely, pathetic monster.” A large teardrop fell on Gadreel’s head drenching her wild curls and flattening them against her scalp.
“Please do not weep. I did not mean we would abandon you. I am certain we shall live near a shore somewhere close to you. We shall always see each other and spend time together. It is what Satan desires most of all: for the fallen angels to come together.”
“Is that what we are? Fallen angels?”
“We are angels who fell from grace.” Gadreel smiled, but there was no joy behind her smile.
“I do not feel like an angel.” He extended one of his tentacles and caressed Gadreel’s head and body. Although he soaked her with saltwater dripping from his appendage, she appreciated his show of affection.
“You shall never be alone, Fornues. You must not fret.” Gadreel patted his tentacle. “I am curious to know what the others are doing at this moment. I shall leave you now. When the sun sets, we shall begin our journey.”
“I am most grateful to you.” Fornues withdrew his tentacle. “I shall remain in the shallows near the shore, but I shall be able to hear all that is spoken, for my hearing distance reaches many miles. I can also communicate with all of you. It shall be as if I were right there.”
Gadreel nodded and left to rejoin the others who were seated under a group of coconut palms farther up the beach. Lilith was bragging about her bravery during their trek through the desert.
Lilith caught sight of Gadreel approaching and when she was within earshot she continued her boasting. “I rescued Gadreel several times. She was a great burden; her weakness and incompetence nearly killed us on many occasions.”
Gadreel frowned. “I recall saving you on at least one occasion.” She sat on the ground.
“We have not heard your story, Satan.” Lilith ignored Gadreel and gazed at him. “Where did you land? How did you come to find Fornues and Dagon?” She tilted her head to one side to listen.
Satan smiled and recounted what he underwent after his fall.
Chapter 15
Lucifer’s Fall
“I was renamed Satan, for I am now the adversary of God and the holy angels. When I fell from Floraison, the mutation––which had begun with the injury inflicted to my chest by Michael’s golden spear––continued to evolve. A burning sensation throughout my entire body caused me much grief.
“Four of my wings fused together to create two large ones, which became dark, leathery, and hideous as the white plumage burned away. The third pair of wings was ripped from my backbone, and I howled in anguish and pain.”
Samael sucked air through his teeth and winced.
“Intense pain boomed in my skull,” Satan continued. “My hands flew to the throbbing areas on my head, and I felt two sharp projections protruding through my scalp!”
Lilith narrowed her eyes and shuddered.
“The lower part of my spine pulsated,” he said. “The pain was hard to bear. I yelled for mercy but knew no one would hear me. I attempted to examine my rear, but it was difficult to see the area causing so much agony. Reaching toward the pain I finally understood what was happening to me. I had sprouted a tail.
“I hit the ground with an explosion, creating a huge crater and dust cloud. I was weakened by the fall, the injury to my chest, and the excruciating and shameful alterations to my body. The pain consumed me. I was in and out of consciousness for several days and nights.”
The fallen angels around him stared as he continued to tell his harrowing account. Except Lilith, she looked down and away, her shoulders slumped.
She rubbed her bosom. In Floraison he was a Seraph, a prince––second only to God. He lost everything for her ambitions. She tightened her fists and trembled. She would not be consumed by what she did, or obsess over her shamefulness. She did what was needed. They had ornate titles, but they were mere slaves to unjust laws. She would not allow this fitful fever to destroy her. What was done was done. It was time to press forward. She would bury this useless sentiment deep in the dark crevices of her psyche, never again to cause remorse.
“When I became conscious, I was horrified and ashamed.” Satan lowered his eyes. “I lay exposed and vulnerable, covered in soil. The sun’s brilliance hurt my eyes, reducing them to mere slits and attacked my new, strange red skin and black wings. It drained me of vital energy.
“I scanned the area around me, trying to identify where I landed. I plodded around. Every step, twitch or shift sent a surge of pain throughout my body, but I refused to remain still any longer.
“I saw mountains covered in vegetation and tall trees on all sides. I stood in a flourishing valley with opulent green growth, but could not get relief from Gabriel’s brilliant star, whose emissions assaulted me.”
Satan lowered his head and closed his eyes. Lilith glanced at him and her lips trembled but remained composed. Gadreel and Dagon exchanged anxious glances. Samael placed a hand on his shoulder, urging him to continue.
“I thought of Lilith.” Satan raised his head and gazed at her. “By the end of the war, there was only chaos for the rebel angels. I was defeated by Michael and procured for judgment. I lost sight of her and my other generals. After my capture, it was all a blur, and the next thing I knew, I was pitched out of paradise. I thought only, what has become of my Lilith? I assumed she must have suffered the same fate as I, and I was determined to find her on this new planet, but first, I understood, I must survive.”
Lilith’s eyes flashed with seduction as she smiled at him. Samael sulked.
“I decided to make my way to the mountains,” Satan said. ‘It was quite a long distance, and I struggled in my weakened state. I had to rest often. I wished to shout, but I could not fetch enough air into my lungs. My chest was a fiery desert. I endured, and fought my way through overgrown vegetation and across steep rocks. I struggled, dragging my feet as I progressed through the jungle, scraping and tearing my sore skin along the way.
“I came to a large circular opening in the ground and stopped short of falling in. I heard a whistling sound coming from the hollow. A loud, fearsome blowing sound followed. I retreated a few steps and waited for some terrible creature to arise from the underground void. I wondered how I would battle such a beast in my pathetic state. Nothing surfaced.
“I stepped toward the edge of the cavity and peered in. What I saw appealed to me. It was an area shielded from the fierce rays of the sun. I was determined to progress into the hole. I flapped my two large wings, but it only caused me pain. I learned it would be some time before I could fly, for my wings were damaged and weakened by the fall and the sun’s powerful rays.
“I lowered myself into the large chamber. Once at the bottom I noticed another opening, which led into a cave beneath the Earth’s surface. In the main passage of the cave, it was a few degrees cooler, and the sun’s rays did not invade it fully. The beauty inside captivated me. Again, I thought of Lilith and how she would have enjoyed what I saw.”
Lilith clutched his hand. Samael looked at her and then at their interlaced hands and scowled.
Gadreel looked panicked as she stared at Samael. His behavior was odd. Was he jealous? Was he so blinded by his lust for Lilith? She shifted on the ground and looked at Satan attempting to focus on his words. Even so, there were flickers of pain and disappointment in her eyes.
“The walls of the cave appeared as though someone or something had carved artistic designs into them,” Satan went on. “Distinctive cone-shaped formations hung from the ceiling of the cave, like giant icicles of rock. Towers of funnel-shaped stones on the cave’s floor stretched upward. Some formed hands whose fingers reached to the sky from underground. Small windows created by collapsed areas in the roof allowed some light in, but the cave remained cool and dim.
“I began to heal in this subterranean world. Already stronger, I wandered farther into the huge cavern and came across a large, fast-flowing river. I realized that the roar and gurgle of the river echoe
d in the cave and was the menacing sound I had heard when I stood above ground. It was a beautiful sight. I imagined when I found Lilith, we could settle there.”
At these words, Samael’s expression darkened, and he gave an almost inaudible whimper.
“I saw that the mighty, noisy underground river traveled far into the cave,” Satan said. “I decided it would be best to continue following it to see where it led me. I hiked for miles. I came upon a tight passage that descended steeply. I fell and slid fast down the dark watery tunnel, howling the entire way.” Satan’s neck flushed red and he chuckled as he looked at the ground.
Dagon laughed to himself. Smiling, Gadreel glanced at Samael, who gazed at Lilith. Satan and Lilith exchanged affectionate smiles and he continued.
“The passage was long but eventually opened into a wide domed room. I spouted out and rolled a few times before finally stopping. I lay flat on the ground, gasping. My heart pounded. Rays of light forced through openings in the ceiling of the cave. I was amazed the gleam of Gabriel’s star reached so far. The beams of light shimmered on the sculptured rocks, giving them the appearance of being set ablaze.
“An animal I had detected earlier lurking nearby revealed itself to me and proceeded in my direction. I wondered if the animal had been tracking me all the while. The large beast was covered in thick, black fur. It stood on its hind legs and stared at me from a few feet away. The beast had a large, round head, with ears set far apart on its crown, and long, curved, pointed claws. However, I experienced no fear.
“The animal came closer. I stood my ground and permitted the beast to get within reach. I was as curious about it as it was about me. There was a white crescent-moon shape on the beast’s chest. I thought perhaps I should have a marking such as this, unique to me, so as to never be confused with any other creature.
“The animal came close enough to smell me. Still, I remained motionless and observed it, eager to know more about it. The large, hairy creature did not seem threatening. It sniffed me and licked my face.
“The animal whimpered and staggered backward as if displeased by the taste of my flesh. The beast moved further away, pawing at its mouth as though putting out a fire on its tongue. It appeared to be trying to remove the taste left in its mouth by my blood-colored skin.
“I sensed the beast’s fear and repulsion and became infuriated by it.” Satan clenched his fists and flared his nostrils. “I underwent a strange sensation in my fingers. When I examined my hands I saw my nails growing at alarming speed. They became like the creature’s claws––sharp, powerful, black, and curved.
“The process was painful, and my breathing became erratic and fast. I glowered at the beast, my menacing horns targeting it. My chest heaved with rage. The animal growled and stumbled backward. I was offended by it’s loathing of me.”
Lilith’s face flushed with shame for she had offended him in the same way the beast did.
“I crouched forward, claws spread. The beast snapped its jaws several times and swatted the ground with its front paw while blowing and snorting in an attempt to intimidate me.
“Gnashing my newly pointed teeth, I lifted my gruesome talons and lashed at the animal’s face and neck, causing large, bloody gashes. The animal began salivating, roaring, and circling. I bashed the creature’s arms and shoulders with my powerful tail, to show that I was in command. I charged and rammed my horns into its chest. The beast fell to the ground, rolled and then hobbled away in terror, whimpering in agony, its face, neck, and upper body a bloody mess.
“I realized I was quite strong and held power I did not comprehend fully. I understood I must learn to uncover these strengths. Thus I, and not God’s humans, could subsequently reign over the animals on Earth. I vowed to teach them all––including Adam––who is truly master of this realm.
“I carried on with my inspection of the cave, feeling robust and more powerful with each step I took, having learned already I could thrive in darkness. I scanned the area and once more turned my attention toward the river with its roaring and whistling sounds that reverberated off the cave’s walls and ceilings.
“I was fascinated by this underground world and wished I could share it with Lilith. She had been on my mind since I crashed to Earth and after seeing this magnificent underworld, I missed her even more.”
Lilith leaned her head and rested it on his shoulder. She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it. Samael clenched his jaw. Dagon saw her act of affection and glanced at Gadreel with a how-about-you-and-me smile. She twirled her hair several times and tucked it behind her ear.
Satan continued, “I summoned Lilith saying, ‘Lilith, where are you? Come to me, my beloved, find a way to get to me.’ My heart thumped.” He faced her. “Did you receive my thoughts?”
She smiled. “I did sense you were summoning me, my love, on several occasions.”
“It is true, for she told Samael and me of this.” Gadreel nodded. Satan kissed Lilith’s forehead and continued his account.
“I resolved to enter the river. Wading across it, I noticed the water was quite warm. A short distance in, I was amazed when the river’s force knocked me off my feet and transported me above the rushing waters, like a leaf carried away by the current of a steam. The river lugged me through dark tunnels and passages, eventually dropping me in a cascade, which poured into a large underground lake, far below the Earth’s surface, where the sun barely penetrated.
“I rode the waterfall and plunged into the deep lake, and the waters enveloped me in intense heat. Holding my breath, I sank deeper toward a bright, red glow below me. The water became hotter as I dropped closer to the burning radiance. Then I heard a loud, piercing sound, which alarmed me.
“I gasped underwater, and my lungs began to flood. I looked to the surface, now so far away. I flapped my wings and ascended. When my head emerged above water, I coughed and wheezed, finally inhaling long and deep. I climbed out of the lake, and stood immobile on its bank.
“I honed in on the sound I had heard in the depths of the lake. I still heard it, though not as clear as when I was deep underwater. The penetrating shrill sound was strangely familiar––although I did not understand how, since I did not recall ever hearing anything like it before––but the image of Fornues’ eyes appeared in my mind. I trusted the sound would lead me to my brethren and eventually to Lilith.
“It was difficult to leave my new subterranean domain, but the vibrating sound in my head persisted and beckoned me to follow it to its source. I committed to follow it, wherever it led. I departed the cave fully restored and was able to take flight. I flapped my wings at great speeds, and they accelerated me through the skies toward an unknown destination, where I was convinced I would find some, if not all, of my allies.
“After a lengthy period of stifling sunlight hours and well-received nights, I arrived at the freezing upper atmosphere of the arctic. The sound became louder and more intense, pinpointing the location of the source. As the shrill noise became clearer, I recognized a distinct quality about it. It was a cry for help, and I knew who did the beseeching.
“I came to rest on a small glacier, and summoned my friend. ‘Fornues, show your face, come to the surface where I may look upon you.’ He shot from the water with tremendous force, causing great waves around him. An immense wave crashed into the small glacier where I stood and knocked me off my feet. As the water drained away from the ice mass, it dragged me into the freezing sea.
“Once more, I was sinking. I had never experienced cold such as this; it penetrated my very essence. Immediately ice crystals began to form on my wings. I began to beat them fast and exploded out of the icy waters. From the sky, I scanned the area and spotted another glacier much larger than the previous one. This glacier’s surface rose above the water and stretched sky-high, similar to an ice mountain.
“I perched on the towering glacier and finally got a good look at Fornues. I stared at his monstrous form in amazement.
“Then I heard his vo
ice in my head.
‘Is it you, Satan?’
I assured him it was.
‘I am an inept monstrosity. Look upon me. It would have been best if God had decided to end my life in Floraison!’
“I told him it was hard to believe he was my friend. Were it not for his distinctive hazel-green eyes with their drooping outer corners and voice, I would not have believed it. I assured him that useless he was not. I knew his appearance and strength would be especially beneficial to my purpose.
“He was relieved to know that his monstrous form would be of assistance to me. He told me he desired to continue to serve me on Earth as he did in Floraison. I was pleased to hear of his loyalty, and I vowed I would make good use of him.
“From below, another familiar voice asked, ‘Would you have use for me as well?’ I looked down from my perch on the iceberg and saw another being in the water. ‘Is that you, Dagon?’ I asked, noticing he had transformed into a half-man, half-fish sea creature.
“Dagon had also heard the sounds emitted by Fornues. I requested that Fornues continue his shrill sounds in the hopes that the others, too, would hear it. I sensed all of you, and I wanted us to be reunited. We are stronger in numbers.
“I took flight once more and led Fornues and Dagon in the direction where I intuited the rest of you were. I flew through the air, while they followed closely behind in the waters below. Thus, we travelled for many dawns and moonrises until today, at last, we found you.”
Chapter 16
Fornues’ Curse
“I have learned much from Satan’s account of his fall,” Lilith said. “Perhaps we should all tell our stories. It may prove enlightening.”
“That is a great idea.” Samael puffed himself up to tell his story next.
Gadreel glared at him, still hurt by his display of jealousy earlier. “It is a wonderful idea. Dagon, perhaps you should give your account next. I am certain we are all curious to learn how you came to be transformed into a merman.”
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