The Creation: Chaos Rising

by Art Gulley Jr.

  "I'll say," Gianni cried. "Not only is this woman a confirmed recipient of Divine power, but she also appears to be in direct contact with Heavenly beings."

  "Or demonic," Tullis cautioned. "We've never determined the true nature of this Gabriel character, nor what his purpose is. All we know for certain is that whenever we've investigated a suspected Manifestation, he's there."

  "No, he only appears at the confirmed ones," Gionni contradicted the Cardinal. "And it must be noted that in every instance he's gone through great lengths to avoid confrontation with our people. Considering his apparent abilities, this leads me to believe that his intentions are not evil."

  Dresden regarded Gionni through skeptical eyes. "Are you saying you think he's some type of angel?"

  "I won't go that far, but he could be some type of…guardian sent to look after the Divine recipient."

  "If that's the case then why run from us?" Dresden pressed. "If he is one of God's agents then he obviously knows who we are. Why not introduce him self so that we might coordinate our efforts?"

  Gionni threw his hands up in the air. "Who knows? Maybe he doesn't need our involvement."

  "Or maybe he doesn't want it," Milan interjected. "You're assuming his intentions are the same as ours. He could just as easily be one of Hell's agents trying to sway the subject to the side of the unrighteous."

  "I suppose anything's possible," Gionni allowed.

  "Well whatever side this Gabriel and the beings associated with him are on, one thing is certain," Tullis declared, pinning each of his fellow Presbyterii with a troubled stare. "Nina Delcielo has the power to see the future. Of more immediate concern is what she plans on doing with it."

  A deathly quiet descended over the patio as the four men considered the ramifications of Nina's abilities.

  Gionni broke the silence first. "Let's just hope we can shake her out of her religious apathy, and instill a bit of Catholicism in her before she makes that decision." The others solemnly agreed.

  A slight frown appeared on Milan's face. "Perhaps the time has come to inform His Imminence of this development."

  Dresden gave a negative shake of his head. "Not just yet. I'd rather wait and see how Miss Delcielo responds to Quinlan's and Sander's revelation of this Order and its purpose. Her subsequent actions following their disclosure will give us insight as to how cooperative she will be."

  Tullis regarded him through hard eyes. "And should she prove unwilling to aid our cause?"

  "Then we will take the proper steps to ensure that she does not become a threat to His Imminence, whether he's aware of her or not." Dresden looked pointedly at Milan. The younger Elder's unswerving loyalty to the Holy Father sometimes interfered with his sense of discretion in matters such at these.

  "I will remain silent," Milan vowed, calmly returning the other's regard. "Let's just pray that such action does not become necessary."

  "Amen to that," Tullis put in quietly, and the meeting was adjourned.

  Chapter 15

  Omen glided purposefully through the central courtyard of the Apex; an immense marble pyramid, several times larger than it's similar counterpart on Earth's Giza plateau, resting at the northern edge of Heaven's borders. He nodded pleasantly to the small group of beings seated at one of the numerous white-granite tables situated throughout the courtyard. The looks of wonder and awe on their faces marked them as New Arrivals to the crystalline city, still adjusting to the Ways of Divinity.

  The Overseer often wondered what the various Mortal races of Mortalia felt upon their transition to the Afterlife. The true Heaven contrasted sharply to the images put forth by many of the Realm's fragmented religious infrastructures.

  Omen had never understood why The Almighty allowed such varied levels of understanding to continue. Why were the amphibian race on the watery world, Cayem, allowed a true disclosure of the nature of the universe while the Humans of Earth, supposedly the race valued most by The Almighty, were left to plod along a spiritual path riddled with half-truths and gross misrepresentations of The Creation.

  The pyramid's entryway cycled open at Omen's approach, and the Overseer pulled his thoughts away from the intriguing riddle to focus on the reason for this visit to the Seat of Authority.

  No member of the Hierarchy, with the notable exception of the Horsemen and the Archangels, had the right to interfere in the execution of a Divine Task. That was why Omen had not come to Gabriel's aid during the fight with Mayhem and the Disciples. As a former Celemor, Caleb, or Dichotomy as he now preferred to be called was well aware of this fact. He also knew the possible consequences for such an infraction, yet he chose to intercede. In Omen's eyes, such blatant disregard for the Tenets could not go unpunished.

  The Overseer moved quickly along the pyramid's vast, granite-lined corridors, coming to a stop at the entryway to an immense, spherical chamber. Inside the chamber floated the fluctuating expanse known simply as The Window; a nexus of time and space created by The Almighty. Through it, the entire Creation could be easily accessed and monitored by the Divine Watch. As usual, the Archangel Michael stood before the Window's rectangular dimensions, observing a confrontation between two opposing Mortal armies on the planet Earth.

  "Hello Omen," Michael acknowledged the Overseer.

  "Michael," Omen responded, inclining his head respectfully toward the Archangel. "I trust I'm not interrupting you?"

  A slight smile creased Michael's lips. "Not at all; I was merely monitoring this latest conflagration within the Land of Abraham."

  Omen's gaze shifted to the Window's contents, and a wave of aggravation emanated from him. "The Mortals of Earth's Middle Eastern region are forever battling one another; usually over the most ridiculous things."

  A regretful sigh escaped Michael's lips. "Such is their nature." He turned away from the Window, and focused hazel eyes on Omen's hooded features. "I take it you're here to discuss the actions of your former protégé?"

  A ripple of surprise flowed through the Overseer. "Then...you're aware of Caleb's transgression?"

  "You of all beings should know that there is little that transpires in Mortalia that I am not aware of; especially on Earth." Michael nodded toward the Window. "Their pronounced curiosity makes them a difficult species to guide."

  "That and their boundless arrogance," Omen noted.

  Michael smiled. "You're starting to sound like Gabriel. The Bringer of Death also finds Humanity's increasing temerity somewhat distasteful."

  "Then his feelings mirror my own. My Task would be so much easier if Mortal minds were structured more along the lines of a Celestial's ordered mentality."

  Michael's wings gave a slight flutter. "They are as the Almighty intended them to be. We all are.

  The Overseer cocked his head slightly to the left. "Including Caleb?"

  A look of uncertainty flickered across Michael's face. "I have to admit Caleb's bizarre reasoning places him in a category of his own."

  A wave of irritation emanated from Omen. "That goes without saying. Still his current behavior is odd even for him. Since his rejection of the Tenets, Caleb rarely concerns himself with Mortalia. His timely appearance suggests that he's been monitoring Nina's Emergence, though for what reason I can not fathom."

  "Caleb's interest lies not with the woman but rather her guardian," the Archangel Gabriel announced as he soared unceremoniously through the Window. "That hapless tangle of Celestial confusion seems to have developed an uncharacteristic fondness for my namesake; prompting him to stick his dual-gendered nose into places it doesn't belong." The Bringer of Death favored Michael with a reproving look. "But such is often the case when a Celestial allows his objectivity to become compromised by personal considerations." His malevolent gaze shifted to Omen. "Or attachments."

  The Overseer bristled at the Archangel's insinuation. "My rapport with Gabriel has in no way interfered with my duties. Nor will I allow it to."

  "So you say," Gabriel drawled. "But I wonder; are you angry with Ca
leb because he rendered aid to the Celemor or because he did so before you?"

  Omen's hooded form trembled with indignation. "Had Caleb not arrived Gabriel would have received no help from me."

  "But your champion was on the verge of defeat," the Bringer of Death cried dramatically. "If not for Caleb's actions he would have surely perished. Are you telling me that you would have calmly stood by and let that happen?"

  "Unlike some Celestials, I strenuously adhere to the Divine Mandates of non-interference in matters of this nature."

  Gabriel's sensitive ears detected the slight inflection in Omen's tone. His ebony eyes narrowed. "Are you implying something, Overseer?"

  "I'm merely reiterating my commitment to Celestial law. Had the situation been one in which the Harbinger were directly in danger then yes, I would have intervened, but in this instance, no." The Overseer's glowing gaze bored hard into Gabriel's. "Even if it meant watching my friend end his Mortal existence."

  Gabriel regarded Omen's hovering form through skeptical eyes then a slight smile creased his lips. "Bold words, Overseer; for your sake I hope you mean them."

  "I can assure you I do," Omen ground out. He turned pointedly away from the Archangel's condescending glare, and focused his attention on Michael. "What are your orders in regards to disciplining Caleb?"

  "For the moment you will do nothing."

  The glow around Omen's eyes intensified. "Nothing…? But he is setting a dangerous precedent here."

  "Of that we are well aware, Omen; just as we are of the fact that his intervention could influence the future actions of other members of the Watch."

  Omen's eyes flared again. "I was unaware of Caleb's continued inclusion on that roster."

  Gabriel's voice became surly. "Despite his current…disillusion with Heaven's politics, your former charge is still held in high regards by The Almighty. As such enjoys a degree of latitude for his behavior."

  Omen couldn't believe what he was hearing. "So because of that, I'm to ignore his disregard for Celestial law?"

  "For the moment: yes."

  The tone of Gabriel's voice prevented Omen from questioning him further. However it did not quell the Overseer's rising concern.

  Why was Caleb being shown such leniency? What role did the former Celemor have to play in this unfolding mystery, and more importantly, how would his meddling affect Gabriel and the Harbinger?

  Clearly this matter needed investigating, but Omen sensed he would learn no more from the Archangels. Fortunately they were not the only sources of pertinent information within The Creation.

  Omen drew his hooded shroud tighter around his bony his shoulders. "My original purpose for coming here was to inform you of Caleb's transgression. Since the situation seems to have already been dealt with I'll take my leave." He inclined his head respectfully and withdrew from the chamber.

  "I think Omen disapproves of Caleb's current Celestial stature," Michael noted, resuming his observation of the battle taking place on Earth.

  "He is not the only one," Gabriel snapped then launched himself back through the Window, leaving the Keeper of Benevolence alone to contemplate the day's events.

  You seem troubled, my child, The Almighty's heavy voice echoed through the Archangel's mind. Do you also disapprove of my consideration for Caleb?

  "It is not my place to question your judgment, my Lord. But I must confess that I am surprised at your tolerance for his erratic behavior, considering the limits you've imposed on the Watch's involvement during this Reclamation."

  Worry not, Michael. The Archangel was surprised by the a hint of sadness in The Almighty's tone. All matters are progressing as I intended; particularly where Caleb is concerned.

  Chapter 16

  A black Doge Ram pickup sped down Detroit's Lodge freeway. Inside two grim Seekers contemplated their current assignment.

  "I'm still not sure if Cardinal Tullis is right about this," Quinlan remarked as he eased his way around the slower moving station wagon in front of them.

  "Nor am I," Sanders replied. "But he does have a valid point. Miss Delcielo might be more receptive to our cause if we simply tell her the truth about our purpose here."

  Quinlan gave his partners face a quick glance. "I suppose. It just feels strange breaking from normal procedures."

  "Trust me," Sanders muttered, a slight shiver running through his body as the events of the previous evening flashed through his mind. "Normal is not a word we'll be associating with this assignment!"

  *

  "Daddy, are you coming home, now?"

  Gabriel gently stroked his daughter's cheek with the back of his hand. "Not just yet, Gaby; I've still got some work to do."

  "But you've been working for a long time already," the five year old protested, her lower lip drooping sadly. "And we really miss you!"

  Gabriel winced as her anguished cry pierced him to the soul. "I'm sorry baby." He took hold of her tiny hands and drew them to his cheek. "I'm so sorry."

  "We know you are," a new voice answered, and Gaby's five-year-old body morphed into that of an adult woman; her cinnamon skin glistening, her brown eyes boring into his. "But it doesn't make it any easier."

  "Clarissa!" Gabriel clutched desperately at her hand. "No," he screamed as she began to fade. "Don't go! Please…!"

  "Don't leave me alone..." The dream ended, and he was thrust back into consciousness. He lay still for a moment, taking a series of deep breaths to reverse the metabolic reaction dreams of his wife and daughter invariably induced within him. His pulse and heartbeat quickly returned to their normal, easy rhythm, and Gabriel breathed a relieved sigh.

  "Feeling better?"

  His eyes snapped open at the sound of that unexpected voice. "Much," he said to Nina sitting on the low table in front of the sofa he was laying on. The Celemor gave his surroundings a quick glance. "I take it Dichotomy delivered me to your door?"

  Nina's left eyebrow arched upward. "Are you talking about that glowing thing that just…appeared in my dining room last night?"

  "Yeah that's them."

  Nina's eyebrow arched upward again. "Them?"

  "Dichotomy has two distinct, fluctuating personalities; one male and one female, hence the name."

  Nina studied his face for a moment then released an amused snort. "You know, there was a time when hearing something like that would have totally freaked me out."

  Gabriel's lips twitched with amusement. "And now?"

  Nina shrugged. "The way my life's been going lately I'm learning to take such things in stride."

  "I'll just bet you are," Gabriel muttered. "So…" he spoke up in the awkward silence that followed. “Did the glowing thing, as you put it fill you in on what's going on?" In answer to his question, Nina pointed to the Journal sitting conspicuously to one side of the table. "Ah. Have read any of it?"

  "Only the first few chapters." Nina's mind was still ablaze from what she had learned about the world around her. "I suppose it's too much for me to hope that this is all just some sort of crazy dream?"

  Gabriel gave her a sympathetic smile. "I'm afraid not."

  "Wonderful." Nina's shoulders sagged with disappointment. A part of her mind still held on to the hope that she was locked in the grip of some overwhelming delusion and would snap out of it at any second. His somber announcement quickly erased all such notions. "Dichotomy said that you were some kind of Celestial something or other, sent here to protect me."

  "Celestial Mortal," Gabriel corrected. "Celemor for short; it's the name given to Mortals chosen by the Archangels to carry out specific Tasks throughout the Realms."

  "Ah. He, or they," she restated with a sardonic grin, "also said that you got hurt fighting someone named Mayhem." Gabriel gave an affirmative nod. "Well who is he and why were you fighting?"

  "She is one of Iblis's people, no doubt assigned by him to monitor you, and fighting is usually the outcome of our meetings."

  "And just who, or what, is Iblis?"

  "The Cele
stial being most Mortals refer to as the ‘Enemy' or ‘Devil'."

  Nina jerked in surprise. "I guess I should've kept reading that journal. I thought his name was Satan, or Lucifer?"

  Gabriel frowned. "Most people do, thanks to a misinterpretation of the original scriptures that's been propagated throughout history. The real ‘Lucifer' was a Babylonian king, mentioned briefly in the biblical book Isaiah, whose arrogance cost him God's favor. The name ‘Satan', roughly translated from ancient Hebrew and Aramaic, means ‘rebel' or ‘outcast'."

  Nina massaged her temples with the tips of her fingers. "This just keeps getting better and better. First that Dicho-thing gives me a holy book that basically tells me everything I thought I knew about the universe is wrong; now this. Is any of that Bible-crap the nuns used to cram down our throat during Sunday-school true?"

  "The passages of the original Bible were taken from the First Journal that Michael gave to Moses following the Exodus. But with so many different authors putting their own spin on the copies handed down over the millennia, the true contents have been lost."

  "What do you mean?"

  Gabriel adjusted his muscular frame to a more comfortable position on the sofa. "Take Iblis, for example. Most mortals who subscribe to the Judeo-Christian belief system are taught that he was an angel who was thrown out of Heaven after staging a revolt against God."

  "Are you're telling me that's not what happened?"

  "Not exactly. The angel part is true. Actually he was an Archangel, but it wasn't a lust for power that got Iblis in trouble. It was his refusal to accept the Divine Tenets God set in place to guide the Realms, particularly the ones pertaining to Mortalia. Iblis believed that the limited understanding of the Creation, as well as the system of Celestial subservience being subtly instilled in our collective subconscious, was wrong."

  Nina stared at him in disbelief. "Wait a minute. Are you telling me that the devil was actually our advocate?"

  "For all intents and purposes, yes. Iblis felt that all beings within the Creation, including Mortals, should be allowed to live their lives based on their own designs instead of being led by the nose down a preordained path."