Claudius was shocked to see that Gedulah had defeated two powerful foes, one after the other, without breaking a sweat. He nervously looked in Gedulah’s direction to see his next move.
“You got lucky today, child of Sephirot. If all five of the Naraka Knights were here, you wouldn’t have made it out alive. I will see you when Armageddon arrives,” Bolverk growled. He collapsed after his reply and the light in his scales dimmed.
Claudius slowly backed away from Gedulah. He was not sure if he would be next.
“Whoa, kid. I won’t hurt you.”
Claudius ignited a small amount of fire in his palm though he wasn’t sure he was strong enough to challenge the orange-haired warrior. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“I know you’re not. In fact, I have a little gift for you,” Gedulah put his axe in the sheath.
“A gift?” Claudius mumbled, “But … I’m with them.”
“No, you’re not. I can tell you were forced to be here. You are also confused about who you are. Am I wrong?”
Claudius’s mouth dropped open from shock. He wondered how the strange man knew about that.
“Here, catch this.” Gedulah reached behind him and threw a black glove with metallic designs at Claudius.
“What’s this?”
“Put it on and see,” Gedulah said with a smile.
Claudius hesitated a bit. He looked at the man and saw that he was being patient. He then put it on his right hand.
“Now aim it toward the defeated centaur,” Gedulah instructed.
Claudius targeted Bolverk, and a red form of energy was being absorbed into the small orb on the inside of the glove. Bolverk’s body began to burn, and the orb pulled in its energy. Soon, the centaur’s body vanished. Claudius felt a strange energy coming from the glove.
“Each time you defeat a demon, you consume its soul and gain its ability,” Gedulah said.
“But why are you helping me? We are not on the same side. I am—”
“No, you’re not,” Gedulah said. “Change the path you walk on. You should walk and stride in the path of righteousness. This is not you. Your destiny is far greater than being some errand boy for Garrison.”
“Who are you?” Claudius asked.
“I think you already know the answer to that question, kid.” Gedulah looked up and extended his hands. A white light surrounded him, and long angelic wings sprouted from his back.
“You mean you are a—”
“See you later, kid,” Gedulah flapped his beautiful white wings and began to levitate. “Walk in a definite path—and you will learn about your past and future.”
“But wait. Who am I? Where am I from?”
Gedulah smiled and saluted with two fingers. The bright light surrounded him again, and he disappeared with a twinkling sound.
“He was an angel.” Claudius did not believe what he had witnessed. He stood there for a moment to acknowledge it all. “I can’t believe it, he was an angel.” He looked over and saw that Nathan was still unconscious. He had to take him back to the Order to get help. He looked at the glove on his hand and wondered how to use the power he had consumed from Bolverk.
Claudius carried Nathan as he wobbled back to the secretive entrance of the Order of Darkness.
Nathan always thought he was the superior of all the knights. His suit was Tesla 1, and he was told it was the number one antibiosis weapon. He thought Garrison selected him to be the leader because he was the strongest. He was angry that he had lost so pathetically within minutes to the warrior angel.
“Why were you there, Nate? How did you found us?” Claudius asked.
“Wong went after the S-5 weapon also, and I was coming to tell you to return to the Order. I heard the rumbling when I got in the lower part of the sewer.” Nathan never thought Bolverk could be defeated. He was one of the nine Lords of Hades and one of the strongest demons.
“Who was that orange-haired man—his he really an angel?”
Nathan said, “That was Gedulah, the sixth child of Sephirot. He is one of the warrior angels guarding the kingdom of heaven.”
“Warrior angel? What is that?”
The young knight eased himself down from Claudius’s shoulder and leaned against the wall. “There are ten children of Sephirot, and Gedulah is the sixth. He is not the strongest warrior angel, but he is very powerful—as you had seen earlier. There is a rumor that Gevurah—the fifth child of Sephirot—was much stronger. He is a fallen angel living here in New York.”
“Gevurah? I’ve heard my father talking to Celina about him. The one she was supposed to recruit?”
“Yeah, but I heard she failed. He was the one who killed Beruser as well.”
“Oh, so he was the one that saved those two women from the Marriot Eastern Hotel? Why is he here in New York? Is he here to stop the Order?”
“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask your father. All I know is they’re taking our alliances down one after the other.”
They heard footsteps behind and saw a flashlight heading in their direction. The two thought they were being followed. Nathan prepared to activate his armor again though he was not in the condition to fight. Claudius prepared to ignite his hands with fire just in case.
“Claude, use your heightened senses to see who it is.”
Claudius focused his eyesight and said, “It’s Wong.”
Nathan buttoned his uniform, walked in Wong’s direction, and braced his hand against the wall. “Wong, did you get the weapon?”
“Sorry, Nathan-san. I failed to bring back Zack or his weapon. He turned out to be a formidable opponent.”
Claudius then remembered he too had been sent after him twice and failed to bring him back to the Order. It showed that Zack Morris was out of their league on not getting captured.
“Why do you look so diminished, Nathan-san?” Wong asked. “Did you and Claudius-san get into another fight?”
They both looked at each other with mortified expressions.
“No, not this time. I ran into Gedulah after he defeated Bolverk.”
“Nani? Bolverk was defeated by the sixth child of Sephirot?”
“Yes,” Nathan said. “I was defeated easily as well.” Nathan held his head down in embarrassment.
“You should be grateful you two were able to walk away. Though Gedulah is a warrior angel, he seems to have shown mercy.”
“I wonder why he didn’t kill us. Claude, did you face him?” Nathan asked.
“Well … I didn’t get a chance to face him. He took off before we could do battle.”
Something unusual about Claudius got Wong’s attention. “What is that on your hand, Claudius-san?” Wong grabbed the orange-haired lad’s hand and probed the glove.
Claudius pulled his hand away gently. “I found it after the fight between Nathan and Gedulah. I am going to keep it as a souvenir.”
Nathan looked at the black glove. “I’ve seen this before. I read about it in an ancient book. This is the Glove of Xerox. It can rob a defeated beast of its power. Gedulah must’ve dropped it without knowing. You should give it to your father to learn to use it. It may be able to be used against them.”
Claudius wished he had not let them see it.
Nathan attempted to take off the glove, but Claudius said, “I will give it to my father personally. After all, I’m the one who found it.”
“Very well. Let’s head back to the Order,” the leader said.
When they got to the secret entrance, a young lady greeted them “Are you boys okay?” She wore a female version of the knight’s uniform and had long black hair, black lipstick, and mascara. She was twenty-three years of age. Italia “Talia’ Salzmann was Garrison’s niece. She was the second to be recruited to wield the Betta 4 antibiosis armor. Her father was a general in the Order’s army. She was raised by her family to serve the Order of Darkness.
“Talia, escort Nathan to his quarters.” Claudius asked. “Wong, can you inform my father of our fearsome encounter. I have to
take a shower because I had an unfortunate accident.”
Talia helped Nathan through the concrete door. “I was wondering what that foul smell was when you guys walked in.”
Claudius frowned as he walked to his quarters.
Eventually, Claudius washed himself and dried his hair with a towel. Though he had taken a long bath, he could still smell the sewer water on him. He tried to hide it with cologne.
His frumpy room did not contain any windows, and he wished he could get some fresh air inside. A small lamp barely illuminated his room. At times, Claudius had to step on his belongings because he was too tired or lazy to clean it. His father would fuss at him, but it would return to its previous state in a day or two.
The young man puts on a fresh pair of black cargo jeans and lay across his bed. He analyzed the old photo but it was wet from the sewage water he had fallen in earlier. The photo was almost faded and him getting it wet did not help the resolution. He created a small flame that floated on his index finger and he dried the picture carefully, not wanting to burn it. He then reached for the Glove of Xerox that was on his computer table. He wondered why the angel entrusted him with it. The orb in the center of the glove changed color like a mood ring, and Claudius put on the glove. A surge of power rushed through his body momentarily and it made him feel admirable.
But then, someone banged on his door. Bang! Bang!
Claudius swiftly took the glove off and pushed it under his pillow. “Who is it?”
“Open up, mate,” a voice demanded, it sounded Australian.
Claudius grabbed a red sweatshirt from the floor and opened the door. “What’s up, Michael? What brings you down here?”
Michael pushed Claudius out of the doorway and peered in his room. “Your room his filthy. I have a extra pine tree in my room if you need it.”
Claudius shook his head and frowned.
Michael sat down on Claudius' bed and threw his official jacket on one of the chair. The two share similar traits and they got along well.
Michael and Claudius knew each other for many of years because they both grew up at the same orphanage. Michael had a slight tan and he looked more mature than Claudius. When he was a child, Michael looked up to Claudius as a big brother.
Back when Michael was adopted a few years before Claudius was he vowed to come back and see Claudius when he was old enough. Claudius and Michael had kept in touch with each other throughout the back and forth of finding the right parents for them. When Michael came back from Australia nine years later, he joined the Order of Darkness through Claudius referral to his father. Several months later, Michael Johnson was a Naraka Knight, controlling the Zero 2 weapon.
“Where is it?” Michael fell back on the bed and reached for one of the pillows.
“Where what is?”
“The glove I heard you have.”
“I guess Wong spilled the beans, huh?” Claudius pulled the glove out.
“Whoa… So this is the Glove of Xerox…” Michael dangled it above his face. “I can feel a strange power coming from it.”
“Did Wong mention anything to anyone else?”
“Actually, Nate told us. He was going on about the fight with him and Gedulah—and how you ran away.” Michael chuckled.
“What? I did not run away.” Claudius frowned. “But did he say anything to my father about the glove?”
“Relax. I don’t think he said anything… yet.”
Claudius sighed and looked away from his friend. “I don’t think I can hide the glove from him for too long. You know how persistent my father can be.”
“What’s the deal about the glove anyways? Is it gonna help us in the fight against the angels?” Michael sat up and peered at Claudius from his hazel colored eyes.
Claudius looked back in his direction and said, “It’s more than that. I think it can help me understand my past.” Claudius leaned in and whispered, “Gedulah gave it to me. I think he has some kind of connection with my real parents.”
Michael’s eyes widened. He ran his fingers through his spiky blond hair. “Really? Did he say something about your parents?”
“No,” Claudius said. “But he looked like the man in my picture.”
“That could just be a coincidence. It’s probably what you thought at the time.”
“We both have orange hair—and he gave me the glove. Why would the enemy help me when he knows we are against them? That doesn’t seem weird to you?”
“I understand, mate, but your father is gonna have a fit if he finds out the angel gave the glove to you. But you know I won’t say anything to anyone,” Michael sounded trustworthy.
Someone else banged on the door, and Claudius asked who it was before he opened it.
Talia peered in the room and said, “Your father wants you to escort him to the seminar tomorrow. He suggested that you should get some rest.”
Claudius did not mind doing what he was told. The past few days have been rough and he was tired. When Talia and Michael left, Claudius fell asleep.
Chapter 9
The Gathering
Peter stood on top of the Palace Theatre and peered down at the civilians in Times Square. He had not seen so many people in a long time. Winter was approaching, and Peter enjoyed the cool autumn weather. The wind soothed and relaxed him. Though he took the time to enjoy the afternoon, he did not want to let his guard down. He knew he had to pay close attention to what was taking place. He had a strange feeling that something might go wrong.
Peter watched as thousands of New Yorkers gathered in front of the NASDAQ screen. Teens watched for their favorite bands and entertainers at the seminar.
A stage had been set up for the mayor and William Van Crouzer. On the corner of the stage, Peter noticed Ella, Sam, and Commissioner Windslou talking with the deputy mayor.
Though the crowd was cheering and clapping at the sight of their beloved celebrities, he could hear their conversations. He sensed that Ella was anxious, but he did not know why. He wondered if she had a feeling that something violent was going to erupt or she was still affected by her kidnapping. He hadn’t return to see Ella since the hospital, and he wondered if she still had his favorite jacket.
He walked to the south end and noticed a handful of officers on the corner of Forty-Second Street and Seventh Avenue, directing traffic. ‘It’s impossible to get through here.’
He stooped down, brushed the hair back from his face, and tapped a finger on his knee. He was bored, but still, he knew something wasn’t right.
Nathan, Talia, and Claudius accompanied Dabney Garrison as he was heading toward Times Square. Claudius had a MP3 on with the headphones listening to his favorite kind of music, Rap. He did not care much for other music and did not care much about the Pop Stars that were present at the gathering. He had heard that Dawn McCarthy was supposed to perform that afternoon. He was anxious to see her again. He wondered if she would smile at him again. He enjoyed the warm feeling he got from her each time he saw her.
Nathan nudged Claudius to get his attention and showed him a beautiful blonde walking in their direction.
She noticed Nathan was dressed in blue jeans and a tight black fitted shirt to show off his physique, though it was bellow sixty-degree weather. She knew a guy like Nathan would do anything to get a little attention. To his left, she noticed a very interesting looking young man with bright orange hair. Her interest shifted to Claudius instantly. She noticed he was looking at her as well. But as their eyes met, the young man looked away in bashfulness.
Nathan perked up his chest and raised his head as she got closer. Nathan reached out and gently caressed the back of her hand as she walked passed him. Swiftly, he pushed a peace of paper in her hand. He turned to her and walked backwards to watch her figure. He noticed she looked as heavenly as she did from the front. He shook his head in lust.
The young lady turned her head and smiled at Nathan.
Nathan put his hand by his ear and gestured for her to call him.
Claudius shook his head and rolled his eyes.
Garrison looked over his shoulder. “You boys goofing off again?”
Talia shook her head and said, “Boys will be boys.”
“Pay attention, boys. Today, something interesting is going to happen.” Garrison instructed.
Gloria Sanchez was enjoying the entertainment. Her cameraman was recording the concert before them. Local bands were opening up for Green Day; she was a fan of them. But still, Gloria would have preferred to be out trying to get a big story, but her supervisor asked her to cover for another reporter with a family emergency. She looked behind the band and noticed the chief of police sharing a word with two other officers. A very attractive Arabian-looking woman and a blond male in an Armani suit were speaking and laughing. She admired the attractive man’s tasteful style.
In the corner of her eye, Gloria noticed a teenager with orange hair to the left of a grim-looking man. They were about thirty feet away from her. She wondered if the boy dyed his hair, but it looked natural. She thought about the orange-haired slayer, but she knew a boy his age couldn’t be him. In addition, the slayer had a sword and was rumored to be tall. Gloria soon turned her attention back to the band as they closed their set.
The announcer came on stage to introduce the next performer to be Dawn McCarthy.
After the applauds and cheers, Gloria saw a young dark skinned girl walked forth. She noticed that her figure and facial features resembled Halle Berry's. Immediately, she was jealous of the young lady's blessed features. Gloria nudged Charles as he film the concert, but he gave her an annoyed glare and continued his filming. Insulted by him neglecting her, Gloria peered her way to the back of the screaming teens. She forced her way through them and left Charles standing alone.
Hellbound Second Advent Page 8
