Ariel Rising

by A. J. Sparber

  Lana rolls her head back and laughs out loud. “From that moment on, whenever I was around Ari, I tried really hard to never turn my back on her!”

  We all laugh until we cry. There isn’t a dry eye in the room.

  Tal stands up. “I think a round of brandy is in order.”

  “Excellent idea,” Davin says.

  As the brandy flows, the conversation turns serious. Davin, Tal, and Seto theorize about the tactics they think the Zon will employ. Lana and Ella seem to agree that the Zon will fail because their position on Earth is built on treachery and deception. But it’s Reyna who startles me with her clarity.

  “The Zon have one advantage that will prove difficult to deal with,” she says.

  “What is that?” Tal asks.

  “They will have several billion innocent hostages.”

  The air suddenly feels thick, as I ponder the enormity of the task we face. It’s not as simple as finding and destroying the Fallen. That’s a very achievable goal. Keeping humans out of harm’s way is another matter entirely.

  Tal stands and stretches. “We are being picked up at first light. I think we should get some rest. And please, do not worry. We will devise a good strategy. We will not fail.”

  “I’m sorry,” Reyna says. “I didn’t mean to be negative. Casualties will be inevitable. But we will prevail. I know we will.”

  “She’s right,” Ella says. “If there’s one thing I know about humans, it’s that they don’t go down without a fight. We just need to make them see who the enemy really is and then we turn several billion hostages into several billion angry allies.”

  “I hope you’re right,” I say.

  “I know I’m right,” Ella replies, as she and Tal head toward the bedroom wing.

  I think each of us is a little apprehensive. Trouble is brewing and, except for Dad and Lana, no one really knows the whole story. No one.

  Chapter 28

  Davin and I stand on the beach, as the transport carrying our friends accelerates away with a whoosh.

  “How do you feel?” he asks.

  “After two nights in the sanctuary, it feels good to be in the open air.”

  “When my parents designed it, aesthetics were not a consideration.”

  “Clearly. But it did serve its purpose. We should thank your parents. Do you think they know we are committed?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “There is no way to communicate with them?”

  Davin shakes his head.

  “That’s too bad. I’m sure if they knew…” I pause, unsure of what to say. I don’t want to make him sad or uncomfortable.

  “Their last visit was forty-five years ago.”

  “Oh.”

  Before I can say more, Lana emerges from the house with a tray of beverages and pastries.

  One of the things I love about Davin is that when there is something on his mind, he usually doesn’t mess around. The instant Lana takes a seat at the table, he gets straight to the point.

  “Tell me about Cylar.”

  It’s not a question.

  “There is a bit of a backstory to this. May I…?”

  “By all means,” Davin says.

  Lana shifts in her seat, sitting upright and facing Davin. “As you know, the fallen Warriors who survived the rebellion went into hiding—with their children.”

  Davin nods.

  “In the confusion, one child became separated from his parents—”

  “Let me guess,” Davin says. “Cylar?”

  Lana nods. “His mother was killed in the rebellion, but his father—Seth—survived. Before Seth escaped to Earth, he found Cylar and they established a relationship.”

  Davin winces. “Cylar then became a conduit between Olympus and the Fallen?”

  “Yes. As a Sage, Cylar was able to travel freely between Olympus and Earth. He was a spy.”

  “But he wasn’t actually Fallen.” Davin says.

  Lana nods. “Seth was able to manipulate Cylar into doing his bidding. He was a fool, but he never truly renounced Paradise.”

  “How do you know all this?” I ask.

  “Dad is very resourceful. Not much gets past him. He discovered the connection while visiting Earth.”

  “How did he manage to travel to Earth without the Olympians knowing it? You can’t just walk through a portal anonymously.”

  “Dad did not use the portal. He traveled from Paradise,” she says.

  “Silly me,” I reply. “How does one travel from Paradise?”

  “Typically, you go when you are summoned. A portal appears, a messenger beckons, and you enter. Dad has special privileges, though. He can come and go as he pleases.”

  “Interesting,” I say. “So, are there more spies on Olympus?”

  “Not that we know of.”

  “So, you were monitoring Cylar’s actions?” Davin asks.

  “I was stalking him.”

  “And he was stalking Ari and me?”

  “Yes.”

  “And everyone came together on Corbal.” Davin takes a deep breath. “Why do the rebels want us dead, Lana?”

  “Because they are afraid of you.”

  “Why? Why are they afraid of us?”

  “Because of who you are and what you represent.”

  “Can you just spit it out?” I ask.

  “Ari, Dad is not like other angels. We are not like other angels. And we can add Davin to the list, now that you’re committed.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “We are…” She pauses, as if searching for the right words. “Royalty. We are the Royal family.”

  “What does that mean?” I ask.

  “Our grandparents rule Paradise.”

  “They are gods?”

  I steal a glance at Davin. He’s taking it all in, but he looks a little incredulous.

  “Yes. But it’s complicated Ari. And it’s best if we let them explain it to you.”

  “And when will I be meeting them?”

  “Soon.”

  “Peachy,” I say. “So are we all related? Davin and I aren’t cousins. Are we?”

  Lana chuckles. “No, Tink. Our grandparents had two children. Our mothers were not related to Dad.”

  “So who was the other child?”

  “Dad had a sister. Her name was Chari.”

  “Was?”

  “Before the mortal worlds were created, there was a coup. Our family was attacked. Chari was killed.”

  “She wasn’t invincible?”

  “She was young and not very experienced. She was not able to defend herself. After she died, Grandmother decided to keep her soul hidden.”

  “Where is her soul now?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “This is really weird, Lana,” Davin says.

  “Tell me about it,” Lana says with an eye roll.

  “If our grandparents only had two children, where did the other angels come from?”

  “Paradise is a planetary system. The outer planets were seeded with life, much as Olympus and Earth were. The other angels evolved.”

  “Do our grandparents have names?”

  “Calypso and Rafaíl.”

  “So Davin and I are like you and Dad?”

  Lana smiles, wryly. “Dad and I are the same. You and Davin are something entirely different.”

  “Meaning…?”

  “You are more like our grandparents.”

  “We are like gods?”

  She clears her throat. “Yes.”

  “Um, uppercase or lowercase ‘G’?”

  “It’s a matter of opinion, I guess.”

  “A matter of opinion? Really? Lana, there is more to this. Isn’t there?”

  “Yes, but I really can’t tell you. Actually, there’s a lot I don’t even know. Our grandparents will tell you. Soon.”

  “Um, are Davin and I taking a trip to Paradise?”

  “That is the plan. Yes.”

  “Have you been there?”

  �
�I have. Once. And please don’t ask me to describe it because the words do not exist. It is perfection, and it’s simply indescribable. That’s all I can say.”

  Oh boy. How does one even prepare for something like that? I turn toward Davin. He shrugs.

  “So you altered your DNA records to hide what you are?”

  Lana purses her lips. She is considering an answer.

  “I did.”

  “That was pretty sneaky. I’m surprised at you.”

  She gives me an innocent smile, causing me to roll my eyes.

  Davin sits up straight. “Tell us what you know about the rebellion, Lana. Are there things you can add to the official record? Things the Elders did not disclose to us?”

  “There are. The rebellion would have been suppressed had the Serafeím helped. Had they not fallen. My father tried really hard to control them, but he couldn’t.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask.

  “Dad stood alone in challenging the rebel Warriors. The Serafeím disobeyed Dad, they refused to help, which caused more Warriors to rebel. Things got out of hand.”

  “Your mother was a rebel,” I say softly, stating what I already know to be true.

  “Yes. When she couldn’t convince Dad to join her cause, she became furious. She tried to kill me. Dad—”

  “He killed her. To save you. I’m so sorry, Lana.”

  “Thank you. But I was a baby. I never really knew her. As I grew older, I hurt only for Dad. Never for myself.”

  She has tears in her eyes. I feel bad for her. “Why did she rebel?”

  “She did not want me. According to Dad, she felt that I was forced upon her, that she should have been given a choice. She just couldn’t deal with it.”

  “Why did you allow everyone to believe you were orphaned?” I ask.

  “Dad thought I would be safer if no one knew I was his daughter. If the Fallen knew who I really was, they could have used me as bait.”

  “Even though you’re more powerful than other angels?”

  “There are ways to suppress our strength. It’s not easy, but it can be done?”

  “How?” Davin asks.

  “Argolinos.”

  “What’s that, Lana?” I ask.

  “A very rare Olympian mineral.”

  “Explain,” Davin says.

  “If you place us in a space sealed with ground argolinos, we cannot absorb the Essence. We are rendered powerless.”

  “Kryptonite,” I mutter.

  “Precisely,” Lana says. “The Fallen have been stockpiling the mineral on Earth for centuries.”

  “Cylar?” Davin asks.

  “Yes, over the years, he managed to smuggle a large quantity of argolinos to Earth,” Lana says. “The Fallen have several containment units scattered around the Earth.”

  “Angel prisons?” I ask.

  “Yes.”

  “The angels we’ve lost over the ages. They are in these prisons?” Davin asks.

  “I’m afraid not. Captured angels are held until they become weak enough to be killed.”

  “How many angels have been lost?” I ask.

  “Twenty-eight,” Davin replies without hesitation. He is angry. He didn’t know about this.

  “So, if we are put inside one of these units…” I pause.

  “There is no escape, unless you are rescued from the outside,” Lana finishes.

  A shiver runs down my spine.

  “Okay,” Davin says, “let’s change the subject. We can get back to this later. Why did the Serafeím fall?”

  “After my mother died, the remaining Warrior rebels escaped. My father tried to stop them, but there were too many. He gathered the Serafeím and ordered them to go after the rebels. They refused.”

  “Why?”

  “My mother was Serafeím. When my father killed her, the others accused him of treachery.”

  “That’s horrible,” I say. “Dad had no choice.”

  “True,” Lana agrees. “And the others paid for disobeying him. They paid dearly.”

  “What happened?” Davin asks.

  “A messenger was sent from Paradise to meet with the Serafeím. She informed them that their behavior had been offensive. They were given a choice…repent or be punished.”

  “And they did not repent?” I ask.

  “No. They were banned from Paradise and bound to the mortal world for one million years. And then, right in front of everyone, the messenger announced that Dad would be rewarded for his valor, his loyalty, and his sacrifice.”

  “Ooh. That must have been really awkward. What was the reward?” I ask.

  “He was promised a true love…and you, Tink.”

  “Um, can you elaborate, please?” I ask.

  “Of course. The messenger said that Dad would find a true love, a soul mate. Their union would produce an extraordinary daughter who would grow into a powerful angel, the most powerful angel of all. And when she came of age, she would find a soul mate of her own, bind with him, and change him. With honor and grace, they would shine as brightly as a star, vanquishing evil, and presiding over all angels.”

  “So, Davin and I are parts of the promise?”

  “Yes,” she says. “The most important parts.”

  I’m not sure how I feel about this.

  “So we had no choice in the matter? We were destined to fall in love?”

  “Tink, that’s not the way things work. You chose to fall in love with Davin. And once you did, you were destined to transform him. Do you understand?”

  I sigh. I’m still getting used to what I am, and sometimes things feel a little out of control. “I guess so. Did the messenger say anything else?”

  “No. She left.”

  “How did the Serafeím react?” I ask.

  “They accused Dad of treachery, and then they left.”

  I sigh and blow out a deep breath.

  “Where did the Serafeím go?” Davin asks. “When they stormed the portal, we were completely unprepared.”

  “They built an enclave on an island called Melori. As time passed, their bitterness grew. They sought out and organized the fallen Warriors and the Zon. When the first Earth portal was opened, the Serafeím orchestrated an assault. A fierce battle ensued, and many escaped.”

  “I know,” Davin says. “I was there.”

  “You were there?” I ask, with a gasp.

  “Yes.”

  “But the Elders were already gone. Right?”

  “Correct.”

  “Let me get this straight. There are aspects of the rebellion that you never knew about. Why weren’t you told everything?”

  Lana clears her throat and answers. “The Elders were under orders, from Paradise, to be as discreet as possible. The children were to know only enough to be able to defend Olympus.”

  “That’s crazy,” I say. “If there was full disclosure, the children could have hunted the rebels before the portal was built. And we wouldn’t be in this mess.”

  “Calm down, Tink,” Lana says. “We can’t change the past, and getting angry will not change anything.”

  I shake my head and sigh. “You really didn’t know, Davin? You didn’t know where the Fallen were hiding?”

  “No. During that era, Olympian technology was not very advanced. Think of Earth during the early twentieth century. We did not have scanners, nor did we have transports. Searching was tedious and slow.”

  “The battle must have been terrifying,” I say. “Were there many casualties on our side?”

  “No. It was a rout. The problem was timing. Before we could mount a counterattack, many had already escaped.”

  A chill makes me shudder as I try to imagine how horrible it must have been.

  “The million years should be up,” I say. “I assume the Serafeím have not repented?”

  “It was up twenty-two years ago. Dad went to Earth and met with Janus, the rebel leader. Janus was unrepentant. He mocked Dad, calling him a fool, and telling him that Paradise had abandone
d him.”

  “Sounds like a nice fella. How did Dad react?”

  “Dad told Janus that he would never lose faith and that the reward he was promised would come to pass. That very night, he met your mother. Four years later, you were born, Tink.”

  “Does Janus know about me?”

  “Yes, and apparently it’s driving him crazy. He harbors much ill will toward our family.”

  “Why?”

  “Dad and Janus were once close friends. Janus was in love with Chari. When she was killed, Janus needed someone to blame. So he blamed Dad.”

  “What kind of angel is Janus?” Davin asks.

  “Prostáti.”

  “What about my mom and Ella?” I ask. “What kind of angels are they?”

  “I’m not entirely sure. I suspect they are very powerful. Dad will be able to provide an explanation.”

  “So, Davin and I are more powerful than you and Dad, and that’s why Cylar tried to kill us?”

  “Cylar tried to kill you before you changed Davin because, together, your power is…well, it’s immeasurable. And it changes everything.”

  “If Davin and I are so powerful, why don’t the Fallen give up?” I ask.

  “The hubris that caused them to rebel will not die easily,” Lana says. “Reyna was correct. The Fallen believe that we will not want to put humans in harm’s way.”

  “But we can’t do that, Lana! Millions could be killed.”

  “Some will die, but there is no other way. The Fallen cannot be allowed to enslave the Earth. We will do everything we can to minimize casualties.”

  “Lana, why can’t Paradise simply end this? Why can’t our godly grandparents end this?” I ask in exasperation.

  She leans on the table and locks eyes with me. “Paradise places a great deal of importance on free will. We all have choices to make. We always do.”

  Davin gazes intently at Lana. “And that’s why you allowed your best friend to be used by Cylar. You made a choice. But why not just kill him? Why did you use Reyna?”