by L. J. Amodeo
Abigail hesitantly advanced toward Faith who continued to watch Freddie’s struggle under the Kerubic’s cleansing methods.
As Freddie came into view, Abby gasped at the sight of the battered angel. Quietly sobbing, Abigail placed both hands on one of the crystals, as if caressing the distressed angel. “Freddie, stop fighting them. Let them help you.” Her tiny voice pleaded with him. Faith put an arm around the girl’s shoulder, comforting her pain, as she watched her friend go through such extreme measures of pain.
The security door buzzed open and Matthew found the two girls embraced. “Um, am I interrupting something?” he chortled. Faith turned her head to smirk at Matt.
“Abigail is upset, Matt. This is very difficult for her to watch,” she spoke kindly.
“Hey, sorry Abs. I know you two were close,” he said.
“Are close! We are close, not were close. He’ll get through this, Matt. You just wait and see!” She sniffled, wiping her nose with the sleeve of her shirt.
“You’re right. I’m sorry for being an insensitive jerk. He will get through this and we’ll be right here waiting for him once he’s been cleansed.” Matthew squeezed the young angel’s elbow.
As the trio watched Freddie bend and contort, breaking and snapping bones in his human form, a voice boomed over ahead, “I summon the key.” Armisael’s voice echoed through their minds. Faith and the other angels’ breaths were caught in the back of their throats.
“Did Armisael just call for the key?” Faith’s voice elevated in panic. Matthew wasted no time and ran out of the observatory. Immediately, Faith and Abigail followed.
Armisael stood emanating over me. Nervously biting my nails, I had no clue what it was Armisael called me to do. Seeing Matthew run toward us followed by Faith and Abby, only made the pounding of my heart increase. I caressed my now larger belly as the three stopped dead in their tracks, staring at me, my stomach and then Armisael.
“Armisael, what are you doing?” Faith gritted at the archangel. Armisael did not reply. He spoke his words only through Faith’s mind, blocking out the rest from listening in. By the expression on Faith’s face, it was apparent that whatever the archangel said to her, she stepped away in a silent agreement with the being.
“Come, my dear. Your friend needs you now.” He sang, floating past the others as I followed him through the steel doors.
The sight of Freddie made me sick. Seeing my best friend in such a state frightened me, making me turn to leave the brightly-lit cavern. It was an underground cave with enormous lights and giant-sized crystals that shimmered and glistened above our heads. Each magnificent crystal reflected an array of colors, in beautiful showers of rainbows. The crystals gently hummed in serene harmonies, sending euphoric waves through my body.
Armisael carefully guided me back, positioning me in the center of the crystalline room. Immediately, I lifted my eyes to the magnificent waterfall in an assemblage of pastel-colored water streaming into a large basin the size of a circular pool. The basin was filled with ice water. Freddie’s body lay on a gurney-like table. His arms and legs were beaten and bruised, while his head snapped from side to side, maniacally baring his bloodied teeth at the healers. His unrestrained body remained immobilized, however, by something greater than chains.
Armisael carefully stepped into the pool and approached the frenzied angel, placing a hand above his head. “Fredrick, my son and brethren of our legion, your blood has been cleansed, and your demon extracted from your body. However, its dark energy still lingers inside your soul. You must release it—undo the markings of the beast or they will take you under once more. You, my son, must condemn them! Cast them back to their Shadow Realm before they pull you down, forcing you to join their Hellions. It is no life for a boy such as yourself. Cast them now or forever be lost in their servitude!”
Armisael’s arms lifted, calling the Kerubic Angels and White Knights to surround the pool of sacred water. Freddie’s body convulsed, feeling the energy of the Legions come together as Armisael chanted, “We cast you out, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every onslaught of the infernal adversary, every dark legion, every diabolical group and sect, in the name and by the power of all universal forces, we command you! Begone! We cast you out ancient serpent, by the judge of the living and the dead, by your creator—creator of the whole universe, by him who has the power to consign you to Hell, to depart forthwith in fear, along with your savage minions from this servant of the most highest omnipresent power. Begone!”
Freddie immediately lay motionless, his eyes closed. As Armisael chanted the last of his exorcism, Freddie’s broken body elevated, gradually and eerily lifting him to the ceiling, his arms spread apart and his palms turned upward. His head bobbed forward then back, and forward again. I cupped my mouth, squeezing my eyes shut, unable to watch as my best friend, bruised and frail, hovered in Armisael’s chilling, but culling ritual.
Suddenly, Freddie’s body fell onto the gurney. He lay slumped over, twisted and still.
“Go to him, Elizabeth,” Armisael insisted. I dithered momentarily.
“Is it safe?” I stuttered. The archangel nodded. I felt reassured that Freddie would not harm me or the child.
I stared at his bruised body, carefully removing and caressing the rumpled hair that stuck to his bloodied face. My tears fell onto his cheek, illuminating the skin beneath it, similar to a falling star. “Freddie, please wake up.” I sniffled, hoping to wake my best friend. “I am here like I promised. Open your eyes.”
Beneath his closed lids, his eyes shifted slowly. My heart jolted. I looked toward Armisael, again looking for reassurance that I wouldn’t be putting my child in danger. The archangel smiled.
“Open your eyes and look at me,” I insisted this time. “Freddie, I know you can hear me! Open up your eyes!” I had just touched his hand when a surge of energy charged through me like lightning. His lashes flitted and, after some struggle, he opened his grey eyes. I swallowed back happiness, relief, concern, and fear of the unexpected.
As Freddie’s eyes reflected that familiar look I adored day after day for almost a decade, I rested my forehead on his, weeping and overcome with joy. “Thank goodness,” I mumbled to myself. Freddie did not move or react to my trembling body or tearful eyes. He just stared, but deep down there lurked something different about him. Perhaps his transitioning would take some time. I wasn’t quite sure, but in my heart, I knew Freddie would overcome the nightmare he was going through.
“Freddie, please tell me you’re okay?” I asked, caressing his cheek. He looked into my eyes and gave me a small nod. “Good,” I replied.
His eyes shifted to my belly. I followed his stare. “Here, give me your hand. Touch it,” I said. Weakly, my friend lifted his hand, placing it in mine. I pressed his palm against the swell of my abdomen. His hand trembled, yet I pressed it down more firmly, feeling the baby move about inside me. Freddie’s eyes snapped up to meet mine, his mouth open in astonishment.
“Did you feel that? Isn’t it incredible, Freddie?” I whispered, crying stupidly. Freddie’s lip twitched, pulling back into a tiny smile.
“You really did it, Bethy. You changed the prophecy—but . . . not for us. For you. And Michael. I’m . . .” He gulped back a subdued sob. His eyes sagged, making him appear sickly and exhausted. “I’m happy . . .” Freddie looked away, his brow creasing in pain. Removing his hand from my belly, I instantly knew what he meant to say and felt the pain that struck his heart. I had hurt him.
Fighting to keep my emotions steady, I bent my head, feeling my stomach knot. My body grew cold, leaving me paralyzed at Freddie’s side. I grew hurt, bitter and sad that my closest and only friend couldn’t find it in his heart to be happy for me. Memories of us danced through my head. Heartbreaking, beautiful memories of our childhood, the falls, our lake. Not Lake Louise, but Rushford. The pain in my heart did not ebb, it only intensified as Freddie kept his back to me. Armisael’s touch comforted the agony which escalated i
nside me as the child stirred inside my womb.
“Get out.” Freddie whispered, keeping his back to me. I found his words hard to swallow. I loved him so much that it hurt me to breathe.
“Come my child, you’ve been through enough for today,” the angel harmonized. Before leaving Freddie, Armisael touched his shoulder and Freddie shuddered.
“You will find it in your heart to forgive her, Fredrick,” the archangel spoke to him before turning away, leading me out of the chambers as the injured angel wept.
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.
~ Albert Einstein
The sun was barely above the horizon, but cast enough light to give detail to the broken structures and crippled bridge. Pulling his jacket closed, Sebastian lit up a cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke from his lips. Maksim tucked his hands under his arms hoping to keep the biting cold from frosting up his fingers. “What we do for him?” Maksim was the first to break the silence in his heavy Russian accent.
“Don’t know. We’ll soon find out,” Sebastian said, inhaling another gulp of nicotine. The two men waited nearly an hour by Chambers Bridge before a tall figure strutted in the wake of the sunrise, his long coat flapping carelessly in the biting winds. Maksim snapped back to attention, squaring his massive shoulders and cracking his knuckles to loosen up his joints. Sebastian threw him a hostile glance. “No speak. You listen!” Sebastian instructed the Russian giant as he threw his smokes to the ground, crushing it with the tip of his shoe.
“Ah! There you are my Russian protégé. And who is this, Seb?” Luca grinned at them.
“Luca, this is my friend, Maksim Petrovskaia.” The men shook hands, but Luca’s grip was no challenge for the intimidating ex-con, who jerked his beefy hand away from Luca.
“Seb, I’d like to speak with you privately, if you wouldn’t mind?” Luca asked, smiling politely at Maksim, who stared impassively while rubbing his throbbing hand.
Pulling a cigarette from Sebastian’s chest pocket, Luca lit it, inhaling deeply then releasing a cloud of smoke in Sebastian’s face. “Your friend, is he any good? Can we trust him with our little secret, Seb?” Luca’s reserved whisper hissed in the young man’s ear. As icy as Sebastian was growing up, nothing compared to the bone-chilling effect Luca had on him.
“Yes, Luca. He is my friend and a good soldier,” Sebastian promised him.
“If you say so, then I trust you,” Luca replied, staring back at Maksim, who fought hard to stay warm in his thin leather jacket.
“Tell me what you’ve got. Have you and your gorilla found the girl?” Luca’s narrowed his eyes, waiting for Sebastian to reply.
Sebastian, instead lit another cigarette, puffing at it nervously.
“Seb, no need to get all worked up, it’s a simple yes or no. Did you find Elizabeth?” Luca asked again this time stepping within Sebastian’s comfort zone.
Sebastian stretched his neck and rubbed it before inhaling another long drag. “Yes. I know where the girl is. She’s east of Devil’s Thumb, somewhere in British Columbia.” He took another drag.
“Ah—The Flame. Now that wasn’t so difficult, was it? What of the other Trackers? Any word?”
Sebastian nodded nervously. “Dead. The doctor and his daughter, both found in the barn where they hold angel.”
“Is that so? And where, may I ask, is that angel?” Luca pressed a finger on Sebastian’s forehead.
“Not sure. Maybe with the girl. But too late for him. Doctor and girl already mark him,” Sebastian stuttered nervously in his thick accent, flicking the cigarette away.
“Then I guess my job here is done. You know exactly what to do, young Sebastian. Do not disappoint!” he chuckled, waving his finger in the air as he walked away and disappeared into the early morning dew that crept off the bay.
THE FLAME
I waited for news on Freddie’s recovery for most of the afternoon. Seeing him in such devastating conditions the previous day kept me worried and awake for much of the night. I’d battled with my own inner demons most of my life, but none that could compare to his.
My belly, unexplainably, had grown even larger overnight. Suddenly, getting out of bed was a struggle and somewhat of a chore. I wasn’t sure if the instant progression of my pregnancy was something expected, being that I carried the child of an archangel. The baby was growing rapidly, unlike the average nine-month cycle of a normal gestation. But then again, my pregnancy was far from normal.
I was grateful to be back in the comforts of Lake Louise. However, I didn’t have the energy to go on my daily walks, let alone runs. Instead, I decided to sit in my garden with my journal, hopelessly calling for my mom and Michael for guidance. Neither responded to my call. I missed my home in Caneadea, and the life I had before now. My journal was the only thing I had from my past.The life I so desperately wanted to leave behind almost a year ago at Houghton Academy, but now begged to return to.
As the evening cooled, I wrapped a blanket around my shoulders, securely tucking the journal under my arm. The pregnancy had become exhausting, and I wanted to do nothing more than sleep. Meanwhile, Faith and the angels stood several yards away, whispering to one another. Occasionally, Abigail or Faith would train their eyes on me and with a squeeze of guilt, I’d avoid their stares. Matthew never bothered to look at me; instead his head hung in despair.
I worried that something was terribly wrong, and it had to do with Michael. I dared not to interrupt the angels; I’d caused enough trouble in their realm, and fighting the urge to keep my mouth shut. Faith was the first to leave the group, making her way over to me. Immediately, I felt a rush of concern engulf my cheeks. I gave the others a questioning glance, but they all quietly walked away, instead.
“We’re going back to the Crystalline Caverns and then Abigail is returning to the Trinity. But first, we must secure the portals. There is chatter that the Watchers have located you, and we haven’t heard from Michael. It’s certainly not like him to do something like this. Wherever he is, it must be for good reason. He’s never once missed his mission or left his positions unattended. We have no choice but to step in and try to bring balance to the portals and multi-dimensional existence. There is word that the Trinity has called for Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael to join our legion, now.
“I don’t want to lock you in a room or tie you to the bed, but Elizabeth, you need to stay put. Don’t get yourself in any more trouble! Can you do that?” Faith’s mouth twisted in doubt.
“Yes. I’ll stay out of your way,” I whispered, tucking my chin to my chest. “I didn’t mean to be a bother for anyone. I . . . I only wanted to help.”
“That’s our job! You only need to follow our instructions. That’s it! It’s a simple request.” Faith’s voice was firm.
“Well, obviously, I wouldn’t get far, even if I tried,” I replied, pointing to my stomach.
Faith gave me one of her guarded looks. “I know you are still young, inexperienced and new to this life, but is it really so difficult to do as you’re asked? Beth, you’re carrying a Nephilim baby. We are no longer only protecting you. Our mission has shifted to protect Freddie’s child, as well.” The beautiful angel held me firm by my shoulders, giving her powerful fingers a quick glance. Faith abruptly released my forearms.
“Forgive me. I forget my own strength at times.” Her smiled turned warm, yet her words ran cold in my veins. The angels still believed I was carrying Freddie’s baby. I dared not tell them the truth. I feared that the council may already know and perhaps, that’s why Michael has been missing. I wanted so desperately to speak to my mother, hoping she would give me some answers about him. I prayed that he wasn’t hurt, in danger or even worse, condemned.
“Faith, I will do as you say, I swear, but please, the minute you find out anything about Michael, promise me you’ll let me know. I’m worried about him,” I stuttered, stroking my belly unconsciously. Faith’s
eyes lowered to my ballooned figure. I quickly looked away. I didn’t want to be an open book about my secret—or to have to lie about the baby.
“I will. Now go inside, have something to eat and get some rest. Your ankles are starting to look more like tree-trunks,” she smirked. I looked down at my swollen legs.
I retreated to my room. The silver moon cast a faint glow through the bedroom window. The weight of my belly pressed against my ribs, making it extremely uncomfortable to breathe or sleep on my back like I always had. I shifted to my side, rubbing the kicks and pushes of the baby’s feet and elbows against my womb.
“Sssh, little one. Go to sleep. Daddy will be home soon. I promise,” I whispered, to my unborn child. Without a pause, the baby’s strong kicks turned to gentle caresses. Miraculously, the form of a tiny hand pressed softly against my skin, pushing its palm against mine; only a thin layer of my flesh separated our touch. Struck speechless, I instantly knew that my baby understood me. Felt my pain; and missed its father. As tears streamed down my cheeks, I slipped my eyes shut. Bright flashes and soft humming gradually intensified as another prophetic vision flickered into focus.
THE TRINITY
Abigail rushed through the solid scrolled doors, interrupting the council; their faces peeved and irritated at her rude entrance.Breathless and flustered, she ran to stand directly before the chief council, splaying her hand across her chest to calm her breathing. “Fred . . . Freddie . . . the Kerubic angels couldn’t heal him. He . . . he’s transi . . . tioned!” Her blue eyes immediately pooled with tears. “And Beth . . . is—” Before Abigail could deliver her message, the bells sounded in urgency. Their music was deafening. Michael and Abigail sucked in a frightening gasp. Their faces paled, as their eyes widened in utter shock.
“Where is Elizabeth?” Michael violently shook Abigail by her small frame. “Where did you leave her?” His voice snapped louder—angrier. Abigail did everything she could to keep herself from breaking down. Erez stepped in and kindly, but with noted force, removed Michael’s grip from Abigail’s slumped shoulders. Michael’s face remained blanketed with terror.
