War of Wings

by War of Wings (ARC) (epub)

  “Ah, you must be the famous Michael. I’ve heard so much about you.” Gabriel thought Abbeus seemed rattled but was trying to hide it.

  “Yes, I am. I’ve heard nothing about you. How does it feel to be the only member of the seraphim to betray the living God?”

  Abbeus looked shocked that Michael had the nerve to speak to him that way. Abbeus was preparing to say something, but the seraphim were naturally reserved, so it took a while. His upper two wings stiffened, and his chin lifted further. Before Abbeus could respond, Gabriel broke in.

  “My decision was not based on Saraquel. And I appreciate your offer, but I must respectfully decline.”

  “I am sorry to hear that, Gabriel, but I am sure you will think otherwise in the future.”

  “Time will tell who will think otherwise,” chimed in Michael.

  Abbeus turned to him with his feathers standing straight up. He lowered his face down to Michael’s. “It did become very cumbersome to constantly praise God when He treated others like they were more important, and I am sure you will experience much of the same. Worshipping Him is a bore and a chore! No one is important to Him for long.”

  “I would guess He knew what you would become,” said Michael. “In fact, I’m certain of it.”

  Abbeus shrugged the comment off with contempt. He stood straight again, regaining his composure the best he could. “He will regret He showed favoritism when He had the throne. Oh, and Michael, if you still believe that I am the only one of the seraphim to, how should I say it, alter my way of thinking toward God, then you are more naïve than I had imagined.”

  As Abbeus stared at Michael, there was a look in his eyes that Gabriel had seen before when Azrael stared at Raphael. It was a dark, penetrating look of anger without a shred of forgiveness. It made his stomach crawl.

  “If that is so, then I feel sorry for them as well,” Michael said. “Now, are we wasting our time, or do you know how we can find Lucifer?”

  “I would recommend that you join us before it is too late, but from your disrespectful tone, I fear it may be too late for you already, archangel. I will summon Lucifer. May I ask what this is regarding? I feel I must ask considering the rather large weapons the two of you have decided to grace us with.”

  “I would prefer to speak with Lucifer about the matter,” said Gabriel.

  Abbeus paused. “I assume this has something to do with our precious virtue, Arrayah. Let me oblige you.” He flew off in the opposite direction.

  “I never met an angel above me that I couldn’t stand and had no respect for—until now,” Michael said.

  “If you liked him, you will really love Lucifer. Try not to be too smitten.”

  “I can’t wait to meet him.”

  “I’m not sure yet what I’m going to do, but I will do my best not to put you in harm’s way.”

  “We are already there. Just be ready for anything, Gabriel, and try not to lose your temper. You must disguise your feelings for Arrayah, or they could be used against you.”

  Gabriel realized that despite everything he couldn’t wait to see her again although confronting Lucifer was more important at the moment. “I will do my best.”

  After a while, they saw Abbeus returning with three other angels. Gabriel’s blood began to flow like a wave crashing against his heart. He was an instant from storming Lucifer when he noticed one of the three walking with him was Arrayah. He clenched his fist and hid his fury to his best ability. His fingernails sank into his palm.

  Their eyes met across the distance, and he noticed that she was wearing many more jewels than she had before. His heart plummeted. She looked so beautifully innocent yet so corrupt. Who was she, really? He still felt he knew.

  “Lucifer is watching you two stare at each other. Quit, Gabriel.”

  Gabriel snapped his eyes over to the grand angel. Lucifer, ever the consummate performer, approached the warriors with the same personable welcome he always bestowed. The third angel was Saraquel, who seemed to be mimicking Lucifer’s walk and posture.

  “Gabriel, it is so nice to see you again,” Lucifer said with a grandiose gesture of welcome. He wore an impressive new grey cloak that swung with the movement of his body. Gabriel wished it would cover the obnoxious jewels on his chest armor. “I regret that I was unable to speak with you the last time you were here. However, the past is the past. Let’s discuss our future.”

  “Hello, Lucifer. Hello, Arrayah.” He concentrated his look on her. A coldness he had never noticed surrounded her. “Where’s your sister?”

  “She’s giving a speech by the river behind us.” She held his stare for a few more seconds and then looked away.

  Michael stepped forward and gave Gabriel a quick, stern look before addressing Lucifer. “The future looks dark for you and your followers, Lucifer. You should ask God for His forgiveness now, and maybe He will show you mercy.”

  Gabriel had never seen an expression of surprise on the great cherub’s face, but Lucifer looked momentarily taken aback at Michael’s boldness. He eventually smiled. “Michael, what a pleasure. I have longed for a chance to speak with you. I have heard of your undying faith in God. It is admirable.”

  “The pleasure is all yours,” said Michael.

  Lucifer studied Michael’s armor and remarked, “Dux Bellorum. I have no doubts you are indeed an excellent war leader.”

  “Your compliments are as hollow as your empty heart, Lucifer.”

  “Oh, but I have a big heart, Michael. I care about you as well. I do not mean to be so blunt, but did you know that you are one of the very few who is unable to accept the fact that God is not who He claims to be?”

  “That’s a lie.”

  “I, too, was disheartened, more than anyone, but we all had to accept the truth. Now it is simply time to do something about it.”

  “You will soon see that your influence is not as mighty as you believe, dear Lucifer, and your plan to exalt yourself will come crashing down quickly and painfully,” said Michael. Gabriel didn’t like where the conversation was going. It was too fast. He wanted to be alone with Lucifer to confront him without endangering Michael. Every time he looked in Arrayah’s direction, she had her head down almost as if she pretended not to be there.

  Lucifer laughed and looked at Abbeus and Arrayah. Abbeus smiled, and Arrayah stayed silent and didn’t make eye contact with anyone. “Forgive me if I disagree,” Lucifer replied smoothly. “And this is not about exalting me. It’s not about me at all. It’s about every angel in Heaven.”

  “We both know that it is about you. I just want you to know your side is the minority. You may have angels too scared right now to oppose you, but you will be surprised at the loyalty to God in the end,” Michael said.

  “My intention is not to frighten. It is merely to inform. I don’t expect your mind to grasp the overwhelming evidence I have against God, but if you would like, I can explain it to you in simple detail,” said Lucifer.

  “I’ll pass.”

  “I would hate for you to miss out on such a grand opportunity, but it seems that you have made up your mind. I would love your loyalty to shift. I will give you far more to believe in and many rewards for doing so.”

  “I believe in the true God, and your lies will not be forgotten when He returns to His throne. I would never follow you, Lucifer.”

  “I am sorry to hear that.” Lucifer then turned to Gabriel. “I have very high hopes for you, so I hope you didn’t come here to disappoint me as well. Where do you stand?”

  “That is what I came here to discuss. May we speak away from all of these angels? Perhaps we should travel back to Heaven.”

  Gabriel felt safer on common ground. Arrayah started to step forward but didn’t. Gabriel felt in his heart she was not on the side that she wanted to be. Something held her back.

  “I don’t believe going back to Heaven will be necessary,” Lucifer said. “I have something to show you if you would be so kind as to humor me.”

  “Lead
the way,” Gabriel said. As Lucifer and Gabriel opened their wings, Michael started to follow them, but Gabriel made a quick motion with his hand in Arrayah’s direction. He wanted Michael to stay with her. Michael understood and turned back.

  Lucifer led Gabriel out of Terra’s atmosphere. “Try to stay close,” he said as he pierced through deep space. Gabriel could barely keep up. Terra grew tiny behind them and then almost disappeared. He felt the temperature drop more and more as they traveled away. After a while, Lucifer slowed down, but they had covered much distance in a short amount of time. They were approaching another planet, which hung in space like a dusky red ball.

  “Everything you see around you belongs to me, Gabriel. What is visible is barely a speck of what is around us. The vastness is past your comprehension. Billions upon billions of stars, and I know everything there is to know about each and every type here. I would like to give you this red planet as a symbol of what I can offer you as a leader in my ranks. Red is symbolic of the passion our new Heaven will need. It is symbolic of the new life I can give you. Is there anything you would like to know about all of this?”

  Gabriel realized he no longer needed to stay calm. It was finally just the two of them. “I know all I need to know. I know none of these planets are yours to give. I know you will pay for all you have done.”

  “When I saw your sword, I feared you didn’t really want to speak in private about my offer. It is a mistake to challenge me, Gabriel. I can take away life just as quickly as I can give it.” Lucifer’s tone was new and different. It was something beyond threatening.

  Gabriel didn’t know what he meant, but he didn’t care. “You are the one making the mistake. God will not let you get away with this.”

  Lucifer stiffened his shoulders. “Oh, really? Where is your mighty God? I don’t see Him. Does that sound like a God who cares? Does that sound like He is even in charge? He has left, and you have no idea where He has gone!”

  “I am not here to discuss God. I have come here for Arrayah, not for you or anyone else.” Gabriel’s flapping wings felt three times heavier than normal. “I won’t let you take her down with you.”

  “Arrayah came to me before she even met you. She had questions your feeble mind could not even form, let alone answer. I merely gave her the information she yearned for. Something you could never give her.”

  They were very near the red planet, and Gabriel stopped following him. “You filled her head full of lies, Lucifer!”

  “Your God is the one who is full of lies! Anyone who worships Him is a fool, and I will bow to no one, nor will she.”

  “Leave her alone, or I will make you, you worthless cherub!” exploded Gabriel.

  “How dare you threaten me, lowly archangel? I have been exceedingly generous with my offer to you, but my kindness has its limits. You have no idea the power I possess,” growled Lucifer, his face darkening and his hair curling back from his forehead.

  “For the last time, tell Arrayah of your deception and let her go!” His body wouldn’t allow a louder yell. His voice cracked.

  “If it weren’t for me, Arrayah would have never even spoken to you. You met her because of me, you ignorant fool. You actually thought a virtue would care for you? She will never leave me for a pitiful archangel!” Lucifer laughed and faced Gabriel with his arms spread, daring the archangel to come at him.

  Gabriel didn’t hesitate one second.

  Gabriel unsheathed his sword from his hip, and the blade sparked on its metal scabbard. He rushed Lucifer at full speed and swung with all his strength, putting his entire weight into the blow. Lucifer lifted his armored forearm and, impossibly, stopped the blade’s advance as it crashed down. It was like striking one of the seraphim statues—there was no give whatsoever. As the metals clashed, more sparks lit up space like a heavenly fireworks display.

  Gabriel was in shock that Lucifer could block such a blow, and it slowed his reflexes. Lucifer grabbed him by his chest plate and started to spin him around. After one full revolution, Gabriel head butted him in the nose and tried to struggle free, but it only infuriated Lucifer further. He launched Gabriel toward the red planet with such force that the sheer velocity and pressure prevented him from opening his wings as he pierced the atmosphere. He plunged through space like a stone through water.

  He hit the ground with enough power to cause a massive crack. A huge cloud of red dirt flew up, blinding him, and he could hear the fissure ripping through the surface of the planet, slowly at first and then faster and farther away. Though he could barely breathe, Gabriel forced himself to roll to the side in case the crack opened up beneath him. Lucifer torpedoed down to land no more than ten feet away from Gabriel. Another dust cloud blew up around him, and a second crack leaped along the ground, but Lucifer kept his feet. His tall, lean body loomed over Gabriel’s face, blocking the light behind him, and his armor sparkled even through the dust cloud. Gabriel’s wings felt broken though he knew they couldn’t be.

  “You give this message to Michael. If he dares to oppose me, I will destroy him. The same is now true for you. Arrayah will be right next to me when I overthrow God. I will make her my highest angel, and she will forget you ever existed if she hasn’t already, you pathetic worm. She is probably laughing at you right now.” Lucifer turned his back to fly away, snapping his wings back out.

  Gabriel pushed himself shakily to his feet and charged at Lucifer with all his remaining strength. Lucifer spun at the last second, his wings whipping around, but it was too late. He turned to meet Gabriel’s thick shoulder right in his stomach. They shot into the air with the blow, but Gabriel couldn’t believe the resistance that was still coming from the lean angel. He had never dealt with such strength in all of his thousands of matches.

  Lucifer stopped their movement in midair and again took hold of Gabriel. He dashed forward with a loud downward flap of his massive wings and threw him with a vicious grunt. Gabriel hit the ground with such force that an enormous quake split the surface where the first fissure had started. He split through the planet’s initial wound and kept going, the throw sending him deep into the ground. He could feel rock breaking against every inch of his body as he plunged. He could hear the crack ripping through the ground off into the distance. It kept going like nothing would stop it. Gabriel tried to hold to consciousness, but as he felt his body slowing its descent, rock now wedged tightly all around him, and everything went black.

  Awareness came back gradually and painfully. He slowly opened one eye at a time and had to jar his arm free to wipe the dust from his eyes. His whole body felt devoid of moisture. An eerie silence surrounded him, and his whole body was lodged in rock except for his free arm. Not the best situation, he thought. An intense soreness made him realize he may have been there for some time. He began to fight his way up and out of the crevice, using his free arm to drag himself and knock the rock loose around him until he could scramble upward.

  When Gabriel emerged, he was covered in rubble and dirt. As he licked his dry lips, he found his entire face was blanketed with a layer of dust. He had never been so uncomfortably hot or beat up in his long existence. He peered over at the extensive crack his body had made and could not see where it ended. Lucifer was nowhere to be seen.

  Gabriel decided to head back toward Terra but did so slowly and stiffly. His legs felt like boulders, and he thought they had the worst of it until he opened his battered wings. Even short flaps felt like someone was pushing down on a handful of bruises with each motion. The feathers that covered them pointed in different directions now. Though he wouldn’t normally care, he couldn’t help reaching back to brush them into place when he realized he would see Arrayah shortly. At least he hoped he would. Lucifer could have taken her far away by now.

  He shook the red dust out of his hair and beat it off of his palms, wondering how he could have let Lucifer get the best of him. How could he be that powerful? It was unbelievable. That type of strength was not angelic.

  As Gabriel mov
ed through space, he heard a faint whistle. Someone was near. It was the sound angels made when they were in distress or simply needed to summon someone. He calmed his nerves, flew toward the sound, and tried to return the signal but found his lungs could scarcely draw enough breath. A few minutes later, he saw Michael flying his way.

  “Gabriel!”

  “I’m so glad to see you,” Gabriel said with all the energy he could muster, which hardly amounted to a whisper. “I need you to fly me back to Terra. I have to get back.”

  “You look terrible, brother. No chance. I need to get you back to Heaven as soon as possible. There will be another time to finish this, I promise.” Michael started to put his arm around Gabriel, but Gabriel attempted to pull back. It was a feeble effort.

  “It may be too late! I need to get her. I can handle him. I just need another shot.”

  “I know, and you will have your chance. But not today. Right now we must get home so you can heal.” He put his arm around Gabriel more firmly but not enough to hurt him and started to help the battered angel fly. After a few hundred miles, Gabriel was finally able to fly on his own as his body healed itself. With much convincing from Michael, he realized he was in no shape to challenge Lucifer again. Not right now. It was a long way home from the red planet, and at the pace they were going, it seemed to take an eternity. It gave both of them plenty of time to think. When they arrived back in Heaven, they aimed straight for Gabriel’s home so he could recuperate.

  “I guess I should have had a better plan, huh?” Gabriel gave a painful chuckle as they walked through the gate of the Great Mountain.

  “You are the only angel I know who would make jokes after something like this.” Michael tried to keep a straight face but had to laugh.

  “What’s Heaven without laughter?”

  “Laughter heals everything. We’ll talk later,” said Michael in a gentle voice. “Get some rest, Gabriel.”