by Reid, Susan
Many of the female Psy’s were also seductive and beautiful, and the bitter rivalry with the dark fallen Succubus’ has gone on since the beginning of the time, like all other wars and conflicts among the fallen.
They all hung out with Morning Star; in and around his domain. I hardly came across any of them, or any other dark fallen and shadows slithering near or around my territory. That was the main reason why I chose to make my home in the neutral zone near the shores of the Eternal Waters, even as a dark fallen. The bit of light I still held in me allowed me the close proximity.
At times, I can still hear the cries and screams of the mortal damned, and the captured souls echoing in the breeze that carried in from the stone forests. It was nearly impossible for one not to hear it, no matter where you were in the spirit realm.
“Then maybe it was Elohim after all.” I finally countered.
Edanai made a noise of disbelief, and then narrowed her eyes at me. “You just don’t want to believe it do you? You’d better be damned careful Cam`ael, or maybe even forget her altogether. Even if that ability will be her essence now, there is absolutely no way she should have been able to invoke or use it while still mortal. You can only imagine how deadly it will be now that she’s a divine warrior. She could kill you, or any one of us simply by…willing it.” Edanai forewarned.
“That’s why I don’t want any of you to approach her…at least for now.” I told her.
“For now? What plans do you have?” Edanai wondered.
“The only plans that I have are to make sure that you guys don’t get hurt, or worse.” I replied.
I morphed smoothly into the IMPD police uniform that I donned the first time that I met Starling at the hospice. It made sense to keep the image. I placed the patent brimmed hat back on my head, adding the weapons belt, gun, medals, jacket, and badge, to complete official ensemble afterwards.
Edanai was checking me out from head to toe with admiring scrutiny. “Let me ask you something,” She then began, seeing me contemplate which direction I wanted to create a temporary portal.
I looked down at her from beneath the shadowed brim of the cap. She was standing close to me this time, with her arms now folded across her chest.
“What is it?” I asked her.
She looked up at me inquisitively. “ She obviously wanted you too, and you could have easily had her either way, though I’m sure you would have taken the physical route. So, why didn’t you?” She asked.
I tensed with a slow exhale. I knew the question would come eventually, but I felt as if it might have been a trap of sorts.
Did she want me to say, because I still loved and felt something for her? Because that wasn’t it at all.
I pretended to brush lint from the sleeve of the black wind jacket nonchalantly. “She knew what I was, but she had no idea of what she was going to become. I didn’t want to ruin that for her.” I said softly. “And I didn’t want to run the risk of impregnating her either.”
A smile reached Edanai’s eyes as she regarded me.
“You wonder why you were allowed to keep some of your light. Well, if you don’t know by now, just know that I and all of the rest of us do.” She smiled.
I smirked. “Well you all can drop that image of me, because now that she’s immortal…” I then began with a devious grin.
Edanai shook her head. “Cut it out. I’m going to go help finish dinner. Rahab is making smoked pheasant. If you need any help, you’d better not hesitate to summon all of us, and I mean that, you got me?” She pointed a long nailed index finger at me.
“Sure.” I said, as I rose and ascended over the staggered outcropping of stone and boulders, near the waterfall, where I would create my portal.
“I mean it Cam`ael.” She warned, “Hopefully after all of this, you’ll let your hair grow back out. I prefer it long like you always keep it. And don’t go too long without checking in either.” She then said.
With hands splayed, my fingers working in a blur, I traced the outline of the familiar ancient, glyphic symbols in the air, and recited the short phrase in a hushed whisper.
“Yes, mother.” I then replied jokingly, once I had finished. A flash of fractal light burst forth, and the portal began to form slowly. Once it expanded into a shimmery, elongated oval, I swiftly ghosted through.
II. Starling:
Death is serene and peaceful.
The sensation of floating, weightless inside a sea of delicate mist and smoky light, without a single care, or worry would be more accurate to describe it.
There’s no longer any fear or pain.
I don’t understand why people are so afraid of it. I suppose it’s because of the unknown, or spending eternity in some place they hoped to avoid…like Hell, or—here in emptiness. Surely, this couldn’t be heaven. Maybe it wasn’t what everyone thought it would be. Maybe this was what it was supposed to be.
Nothing more than silence and peace.
It was soothing, but I was beginning to feel that if I had to drift on and on like this forever, alone—I’d probably go insane.
Apparently, I could still think and indulge in silent self-monologues. However, the one thing that was proving to be a stubborn mental obstacle for me, was remembering how I ended up here in the first place. Stinging pain, agony, and coldness were the only sensations that came to mind.
So, where were the proverbial pearly gates? Angels to greet me, or even ghosts of people that have died to either prepare, welcome, or tell me that I made a wrong turn somewhere? More importantly, where was God? Like everyone else, I wanted to know what he was and what he looked like.
Maybe coasting along in a white void of no return, with nothing to see and no one to talk to, was Hell after all.
The sound of my own thoughts, without having an actual physical voice to match it, was an inexplicable feeling. Though I think I can remember my name, what my own voice sounded like, or even what I physically looked like, everything else was a distant, unconnected memory.
Strangely, I couldn’t remember anything about myself past existing. Faint images, and the movement of shadows and beings with wings, flickered deep in the recesses of my thoughts, but stubbornly lie camouflaged from any recognition.
The feeling of uncertainty and fear didn’t cross my mind, until I saw several powerfully bright orbs of light. They were like sudden flashes from a gigantic camera, going off randomly all around me. They flared soundlessly, or maybe because I had no ears to hear them…but then again, how could I be seeing these lights without eyes?
Moreover, how could I have eyes without a face? A face without a body?
Wait…eyes, a face—I still had a face? I must.
Well, then that means that I still had a body, which meant that...I was still physically alive.
But how is that possible?
Suddenly, a slow state of consciousness began to materialize inside of my brain. Some powerful force was awakening me into full awareness; both guiding and calling my spirit back into a corporeal form.
The physical body that I slowly began to fuse into, felt extraordinary. I felt charged and alive with a dominant and commanding energy, that animatedly began to course wildly throughout every muscle fiber and every cell. Nerves were jumping, and muscles twitched; all surging with thrumming energy, which streamed into each and every vein. The continuous pumping of warm blood began to establish the steady rhythm of my returning heartbeat, sonorous to my now highly sensitive ears.
The transformation was beautifully devastating, as distinct sensations, scents, and sounds, inundated me all at once. The soft echoes of voices drifted towards me from some unknown location, though I wasn’t sure what they were actually saying. A pleasing melody tinkled, sounding like either a piano or a harp in the background of the voices. There were a series of footsteps, as if someone were jumping or dancing, and I keenly picked up on the sound of running water beyond all of that.
My lungs began to fill slowly with sweet, delicious air. It was cool, e
arthy, and laced with hints of smoke and wetness.
I inhaled deeply, further taking in secondary scents beyond the air around me. The crisp scent of fresh, spring water, something herbal and floral, and—food, titillated my senses. Something was cooking and it was rich with indistinguishable spices.
My stomach growled, it was a natural response. I was salivating now, which moistened my mouth considerably, and I felt my teeth along the insides of my lips.
The more feeling I regained, the more I began to realize that I was lying on my back, with a firm surface beneath me. A light, tickling sensation rested over my face, or rather my entire body actually, as warmth and sensitivity to touch began to spread beneath my skin.
My big toe suddenly spasmed involuntarily, followed by my pinky toe on the other foot. I slowly spread them all out, and then wriggled all ten of them freely. I curled my fingers, surprised to find that they flexed with ease.
My eyes rolled around underneath my lids, and I opened them slowly. I blinked rapidly a few times, before my vision came into sharp focus and clarity. Immediate panic and confusion took over, until I realized that I was looking though a thin sheet of material. It was draped over me like some sort of shroud. It was the obvious source of the tickling sensation.
I raised a hand, seeing the delicate cheesecloth looking sheet fall from my arm, and pulled the veil from my face.
It was dim in here. The stone was bone colored and smooth, mixed with sparkling sand in its layers.
Shadows danced against the smooth, flat surface of the ceiling. Turning my head to observe my surroundings, I realized it was because four lit braziers on top of white stone columns, were placed in each corner of the small room.
Across from me, a stairway leading upwards was shadowed in a fire-lit tunnel. That was where the soft music, footsteps, voices, and the smell of delicious food were all filtering down from.
I was confused to say the least. Was this some sort of a hospital? A morgue?
I slowly sat up, pulling the cheesecloth veil completely away from my torso. I glanced down at my body.
I was stark naked.
Though I should have been appalled or even shocked—I wasn’t. Instead, I marveled at myself with a renewed sense of being. It was as if I was seeing myself for the first time.
I sighed.
I didn’t remember what my breasts looked like before, and though they were perfect for my petite frame, they were certainly nothing to gawk at now.
My skin was smooth and soft, a light hue of honey beige.
The muscle definition in my arms, abdomen and thighs were well toned.
For some reason, the urge to run a hand over my chest, and stomach nagged at me. It was as though I had to touch it, because it appeared to be—too perfect. Was I expecting there to be something else there?
I wasn’t sure.
I had been placed on some sort of a stone slab or altar; made of the same kind of stone as the walls and ceiling. Beside me on my left, was a basin made of stone, and it was filled with the water that I was scenting. Next to it, sat a dark wooden bench, occupied by a neatly folded pile of white clothing. On the floor under the bench, were a pair of simple gray looking ballerina shoes. I automatically assumed that they were all meant for me. Where was I? Heaven? An insane asylum in Hell, maybe?
My hair was warm, thick, and soft. It cascaded down to the small of my back, and a few lush curls fell forward over my shoulders. I gathered a fistful of spiral curls in my hand, and brought it up to my face for closer inspection.
My brows furrowed in an attempt to pull up any memories about myself, based on seeing my hair alone. It was light brown with ash blonde highlights, which reflected pale gold in the flickering firelight.
No such luck.
General knowledge was not an issue. I knew of many certain things already. The rest however, was a major struggle…as if I had just awoken from a coma or deep sleep with amnesia, but with a sense of belonging here.
I drew my knees up to my chest and continued to gaze over my surroundings, unsure of what to do next. I was alone in this room, but not in this place…that much I was certain. Who was I hearing up there?
I was getting thirsty and hungry, thanks to the scent of food in the air. I licked my lips, which were surprisingly soft and moist already. I brought a finger up and stroked my bottom lip, running my index finger to the corner of my mouth gently for a brief inspection.
With a sigh, I glanced over at the basin of water, and scooted to edge of the altar slab. I leaned over to observe the sparkling, fresh water, and watched it gently eddy, as if being pumped in from another source.
I stood up. The hard, stone floor was actually warm against my bare feet, and my muscles tingled and spasmed with a supernatural fluidity. Physically, I felt…good.
No, good wasn’t enough of a word.
I felt…extraordinary and invincible.
I cupped my hands together and dipped them into the cool water. I brought them up and sipped graciously. It was delicious. Refreshed, I greedily drank handful after handful, until I could literally feel the water course into, and hydrate each part of my body.
Despite the calming atmosphere, soothing music, the comfort of food being prepared; along with the pleasant sound of voices, I was still wary and anxious.
I didn’t want to waste any more time. I wanted to find out where I was, who else was here, and of course ask the ultimate question to anyone who could answer it.
Was I dead?
I quickly dressed in what ended up being a comfortable, thin, long cotton tunic, and matching pants, which both fit remarkably well on me. The plain shoes with durable tread soles, couldn’t have been a more perfect size either.
That’s odd.
Though the material was thick enough…it was still white. Having the girls exposed beneath such close fitting material, had me uncomfortably embarrassed, without having a bra or tank to wear underneath it. That didn’t counting having to go commando too. Well, wherever I was, I hoped I didn’t end up getting wet.
Cocking my head, I listened for any movement or sound nearby. I stayed pressed against the wall as I crept up each step. I took note of how much more distinct the sound of the voices became, the closer I got to the landing.
My stomach rumbled again, begging to be satiated with whatever was cooking, and I didn’t care what it was at this point.
I was starving.
It was a long staircase. Looking back, once I was near the top, I could no longer see the floor below and beyond at the base. With each step, I went through a ritual of pausing to both listen, and watch for any unusual movement lurking in shadows.
When I finally reached the top landing, I came face to face with a solid door. Instantly, I began to panic. A feeling of claustrophobia washed over me, believing that I was locked in this strange room by unknown captors. There was no handle or window on the door.
Out of instinct, and determination not to become some caged animal, I pushed firmly on the door. I expected it to remain shut, and having to throw myself against it forcefully to try and open it…but that wasn’t the case.
With a quick shove, it opened slowly to a plain white stone wall; bare except for a single sconce of flickering flames.
Okay, not locked in, but that still didn’t mean I wasn’t in any danger.
I listened and took a tentative step out into a passageway. It was big enough for two people to walk side by side.
It suddenly grew quiet. The music stopped, but the voices remained. With curiosity, I peered all the way down to opposite end. There was an open doorway, which gave way to another set of steps, obviously leading up to yet another level.
There were many other doors lining the narrow passageway, each marked with strange looking symbols. No two symbols were the same, each one differed, and I wondered what it all meant.
There was no movement or sound from behind any of the other doors, but I remained guarded anyway, as I slowly began to make my way down the passage. I
looked over each door as I passed them. The symbols were nothing I had ever seen, or remembered ever seeing before as being familiar to me.
Feeling as if I were being watched, I stopped to glance behind me. Did someone else just come out of a room too?
I waited, continuing to watch for any opening doors a bit longer, before finally continuing onward towards the beckoning sounds of life, laughter and food.
There was no restrictive door at the top landing of the second stairway either. Soft shadows cast from the glowing firelight, flickered invitingly. I was anxious to know where I was now.
I slowed once I hit the third to the top step, where I waited again to observe, look, and listen. I felt eyes on me, but that was impossible from this point. A person had to be on the stairs to begin with. Something flickered faintly, like a lighted reflection, but it moved way too fast for me to comprehend its form.
I swallowed.
That was creepy. A ghost?
I scanned every corner from floor to ceiling for that flickering reflection, even in the bottom most crevices, but I saw nothing definitive. Though I still had the feeling of not being alone right now, I moved on; keeping my eyes and senses on high alert.
The smell of food was becoming potent now and my stomach grumbled once again, begging insistently to be fed. The casual sound of conversation and voices were more audible now.
I peered around the wall slowly, gazing out into an immense, wide, open corridor. It was completely bathed in yellow by a line of lit sconces, that were set in either sides of the walls.
I hesitantly stepped out into the expansive corridor. The floor was evenly paved with white, glittering cobbled stones. It was grand, and decorated with braziers, columns and spires that were spaced evenly along each sides of the walls. Several more arched openings lined the right side of the corridor, but I couldn’t see into them from here. At the far opposite end, a huge, ornate set of grand, dark wood, double doors remained closed. Behind it, was where the voices and smells were coming from.
I began to make my way towards the doors, though continuing to play it covertly. I kept my back to the wall, in case something or someone decided to sneak up on me from behind.
