Guardian Angel

by Trebus, David

  “What's happening?” Someone cried.

  “What do we do now?” A woman near the shut door yelled.

  “I don’t belong here.” A teenager pleaded.

  “Please help me!” Many voices cried out.

  They pleaded with each other for help but each was so wrapped up in his or her own torment they just ignored each other's words and kept talking without listening. Several approached Michael, and he felt compassion warring with common sense. There was nothing he could do. It was too late for them.

  “Time to get these shackles off,” said Jazen, trying to ignore the pleas of the damned. Michael could tell he was worried, the angel's own metal control must have been tested to its limits.

  “Is it safe to do that? I mean, wont they notice?” Claire asked, looking around nervously for any demons. For now, it seemed, they had been left alone.

  “They shouldn’t notice; it’s barely even a flare of power to undo them. That’s assuming they don’t already know we are here. This has been far too easy.” Jazen bent down to touch his bonds. They opened with a loud click and fell to the floor.

  Jazen’s words mirrored Michael’s fears; the demons had pointedly avoided challenging them. Something felt wrong, but Michael pushed his misgivings aside. "I'll deal with the future when it happens." He thought. If the demons had seen through their disguises, there must be a good reason why they hadn't attacked. He'd find out their intentions eventually.

  Jazen touched Claire’s bond, releasing it onto the ground, before moving onto Michael. When the metal left his ankle, the shackles oppression lifted, and he felt stronger . He had to catch himself before, in his relief, his concentration slip and his wings reappeared behind him. Claire rubbed her ankle tentatively, where the metal had chafed her.

  The relief was short lived, as a shadow passed over the red light cast from the stormy sky. Two figures landed on the far side of the chapel, behind a debased and corrupted altar. Michael recognised Garamond, although he had only ever seen the demon in human form. The other, took a few moments, and then his heart sank. Jasmine the Fallen.

  ***

  Jasmine’s hair had turned jet black, while her beautiful blue eyes now glowed the red of hot coals at the base of a fire. Her wings, still full of feathers, were now as dark as a ravens, and were now at least double the size they had been when Michael first met her. He pushed down rising nausea when Jasmine turned to look directly at him, blue tinged lips twisting into a smile.

  Michael was transfixed by Jasmine's new form. He couldn't avert his gaze no matter how much it pained him. He had come prepared for the worst, but the truth of Jasmine's transformation hit him like a hammer blow. Claire put her hand on his shoulder to try and comfort him, while Jazen stood motionless, looking similarly affected by Jasmine's new appearance.

  Garamond also looked imposing, his wing span huge and his skin the colour of slate. His eyes, in contrast to Jasmine's, were jet black and pupil less. He radiated malevolence, leering down at the assembled throng, clapping his hands twice he bellowed a word at the crowd of the lost.

  “Scatter.”

  The power of his voice blasted the lost souls in all directions, some flying into the air, others through the broken walls and smashed windows. Some careered into walls, smacking hard against them and slumping to the ground in agony. The spell left only Michael, Claire and Jazen standing in the centre of the room, unaffected but feeling dangerously exposed.

  “Welcome, Michael. I was going to pay you a visit up on Earth, but I see you have saved me the trouble. So good of you to enter the pit of your own accord.” Garamond's voice was like the combined motion of a nest of vipers.

  “Garamond…” Jazen hissed through clenched teeth.

  “That’s my name, angel filth." Garamond pointed a finger at him. "Feel free to repeat it as much as you like, for it will do you no good when you’re my pet footstool.”

  A bolt of dark energy leapt from his outstretched hand and hit Jazen square in the chest. The Guardian doubled over, retching up black bile as he struggled to breath. Claire leant down to help him, stroking his back. Jazen struggled back up to his feet with Claire’s help, letting loose the song to manifesting his wings and armour.

  “Oh, the Angel bares his fangs, for all the good it will do him." Garamond taunted. "How pathetic having your mortal support you, but then it is to be expected from a lowly Guardian."

  During the altercation between Jazen and Garamond, Jasmine never once took her eyes off Michael. He felt the hatred, anger and guilt directed at him through Jasmines gaze and it took an effort of will to keep his eyes fixed on her. He let his concentration slip, and Jasmine's lips twisted into a smile. Realising what had happened, Michael turned. He saw the faint outline of his own Grigori wings behind him.

  “Oh …soo," Garamond said, gesturing theatrically. "That explains why you can tap into the Symphony, young Michael. You have a little of the divine in you. Those horny Grigori! But then, if it weren't for them, I wouldn’t have the precious opportunity to lay the Heavens low once and for all."

  “I won't help you, Garamond. I’m only here for one reason.” Michael's reply was defiant, although inside he felt his guts were about to run away.

  “Such a hero aren't you Michael? But let’s face it…you're not. You're just a normal little man with a little angel blood in him trying to save the world. It’s pathetic, you stand no chance. You only got this far because I allowed you too,” Garamond replied.

  “I won't know until I try.” Michael stared straight into Jasmine’s eyes, as he spoke. She looked away and, for the faintest moment Michael thought her features softened, the red glow dimming just a fraction. The moment passed, though, and she stared back at him again with the same fixed mirthless grin.

  “I don’t want to be saved, Michael. I like it here; I like the freedom I have now. I’m not chained to you or your stupid whims, and I don’t have to listen to that awful, boring music anymore either.” Her voice was harsh yet seductive, a voice that promised ecstasy, but at the price of suffering.

  “I don’t believe that. I know I can save you. I love you.” Michael tried to ignore what she'd said. He knew this wasn't really her. He knew he could get through to her. A faint outline of gleaming silver armour formed over his clothing. That must be all the divine protection his thin angelic blood could muster in such a place.

  “Oh but you can save her, Michael, or at least be with her." Garamond's voice was full of passion. "All I ask in return is that you join me. Think of it. You could help me bring the stagnation and oppression of Heaven’s dominance to an end. Imagine the power you could wield. Think of all you could achieve. And all of it with the woman you love by your side.”

  For a fleeting moment the thought crossed his mind, could he be right, could he really be with Jasmine that way? What did he care about the great battle between good and evil, as long as he could get what he wanted: Jasmine?

  No, siding with Garamond wouldn’t get him what he wanted anyway. He could be with Jasmine, but she wouldn’t be the woman he fell in love with. Besides, in doing so he would serve as a tool to undo all the good he had believed in since he was a kid. Even when he was little Michael had dreamed of being a hero like in the movies, saving the Earth and getting the girl.

  Now finally Michael had his chance, and being the big man didn’t matter to him. He wasn’t interested in power or glory, or anything so naïve. The situation would have made him laugh had it not been so serious, his life turned totally upside down. All he wanted was to somehow save Jasmine, and even if he failed, he was determined at least to try.

  “Don’t listen to him, Michael,” Jazen coughed out the words through his pain.

  “You have free will, little man," Garamond persisted. "So what’s it going to be? Join with me and be with your beloved, or watch her flay your little friends alive before I send her after you?”

  “I do have free will…and there's not a chance in HELL I would ever join you,” Michael bunche
d up his fists and stood his ground; He wasn't prepared to give in to anyone.

  “Harsh words, Michael, but very well. In a way, I was hoping you would need some convincing. It’s always fun to watch.” Garamond nodded to Jasmine, who grinned wickedly.

  She beat her wings once to gain some lift, stepping onto the chapel's altar, and stooped down suggestively to scoop up a long-bladed dagger before standing up to her full height again. The dagger burst into purple flame at her touch, and Jasmine traced her tongue along its edge, the flames having no effect.

  Jazen raised his flaming sword and stepped in front of Claire. “She’s too far gone. The best you can do for her now is put her out of her misery.”

  “Yes, listen to your little friend, Michael." Garamond's taunting voice grated on Michael's nerves. "Your only chance to be with her now is to join me, however I can't have your minions interfering with our fun, now can I?"

  He raised his arm again and uttered a single word “Requiem”

  The word rebounded around the chapel, shaking its foundations, and dust flew from the walls. Jazen looked around urgently, but caught Garamond's attack, a moment too late. A giant hammer slammed into his side, sending him sprawling across the floor to fetch up against the wall.

  Jazen lay prone, his wings losing their glow and his armour vanishing as his will and strength waned. Claire ran to kneel by his side, cradling his head in her lap. He didn't move and Claire shot Michael a worried glance. She began to shake, then cry. She stroked Jazen's brow as tears ran down her cheeks.

  “We shouldn’t have come here," she forced out between sobs. "What were we thinking?”

  Jasmine stepped casually off the altar and walked towards Claire. Her dagger of flame distended, extending and twisting into a long coil of razor-sharp barbed wire. Michael watched in horror as she casually approached Claire. If he didn’t do something, Jasmine would kill her.

  ***

  He looked at Jasmine and again thought he saw that little shimmer in her features. He leapt in front of Claire and Jazen to block Jasmine’s path and turned to face her, grim determination fuelling his actions. It was all or nothing now, there was no way he was going to fail. A certainty spread through his soul; he looked into his former Guardians eyes and didn’t flinch.

  “Don’t think I’m going to stop just because you're in my way, Michael," said Jasmine. "You're nothing to me now. Our life together is over, unless you join that braggart over there.” She tilted her head to indicate Garamond.

  “I know you're still in there, Jasmine." Michael said, pleading with Jasmine in desperation to come back to her senses. "Please just remember and try to fight it.”

  Garamond watched the scene unfolding from behind the altar. He made no move to intervene, deciding to wait and see things play out. He obviously thought he had nothing to worry about; Michael was determined to prove him wrong.

  Jasmine walked slowly towards Michael, coiling the lash and snapping it across the ground, the same fixed grin on her face. She walked so slowly, that time itself seemed to crawl. He stood his ground in front of Claire and straightened his back. It was going to be all or nothing.

  “What are you doing, Michael?" Claire demanded. "We need to get out of here!”

  Michael smiled and glanced round. “What I have to, Claire. Trust me.” Michael put all the conviction he could into his voice to reassure Claire. It seemed to work as Claire's face softened. She managed a weak smile back and nodded, turning back to Jazen.

  Michael took one step towards Jasmine and stopped. She continued to advance on him, coiling and uncoiling her weapon. Her grin was fading, though, turning into a scowl as if she were in pain. The faint shimmer caught Michael’s eye; he could bring her back.

  “Get out of my way, Michael, or I will damn you just as Garamond wishes.” Jasmine lashed her barbed weapon at Michael’s chest, scoring an angry red groove across his body. The pain was excruciating, and he felt his very soul seared from the weapons touch.

  Michael said nothing, taking one slow step at a time. He focused on her eyes to keep himself from crying out in pain or falling down from the ravages of her barbs flames. Jasmine’s features twisted into pure rage as again she lashed the flaming whip at Michael, a searing pain burning across his cheek.

  “Back off, human, you're nothing to me!” Jasmine's voice seemed to carry an edge of desperation.

  Michael kept walking towards her, and Jasmine stopped in her tracks. She hit Michael repeatedly with her weapon, cutting into him again and again as the barbs hit their mark. Michael flinched, but kept on walking despite the agony he was in.

  “Please….just stop…just get out of my way. I don’t want to hurt you.” Jasmine pleaded, letting the whip fall to her side.

  Tears of blood formed around Jasmine's eyes, running down her pallid cheeks as she stood motionless in front of Michael. He staggered towards her, crossing the final few feet between them. He ignored the pain flowing through him and threw his arms around Jasmine to embrace her, his head falling against her ear.

  “How could I walk away from the person I care about most?" He whispered. "I will never give up on you, Jasmine. I love you.” His soul’s strength finally gave out, and he fell against his former love.

  “I…I love you too,” Jasmine whispered.

  Michael felt warmth around him. Not the searing heat of Hell, but the comforting warmth of a lovers embrace. Pure white light almost blinded him, making him against its intensity. When he opened his eyes, the sight made his heart race and his soul sing.

  Jasmine’s feathers turned white from centre to tip in a rolling wave. Her black hair returned to blonde, as armour of polished gold, formed around her body. The red glow faded from her eyes, and they returned to normal as the waves of light flowed around her.

  Jasmine was redeemed. Michael scarcely dared believe it, he had won. All the pain and effort leading up to the moment melted away as he embraced her, nothing else mattered. He laughed, unable to contain his joy and could see from the smile on Jasmine's face she felt the same. He leaned in and kissed her, pouring all his love into the gesture. All his strength spent, Michael collapsed against Jasmine, too weak to even stand.

  Jasmine after a long moment pulled away, supporting him against her. "Thank you, Michael." She breathed. "Now it's my turn to save you."

  Her soul restored, Jasmine leapt over to Jazen and Claire, carrying Michael effortlessly in her arms. She focused her will on returning them to Earth and reversing Jazen’s song. Normally, such a feat would have been impossible but, empowered as she was, Jasmine felt she could do anything.

  “Ascension!” Jasmine yelled as the last of the demonic taint left her.

  A crack of blue and red lighting intertwined hit Jasmine, Michael, Jazen and Claire in a blinding flash. When the light faded, they were gone.

  Garamond stood dumbfounded for a moment before pure rage overtook him. He screamed at the roiling, red sky in impotent fury.

  ***

  Returning to Earth through the elemental planes felt like falling to Michael. His senses were reversed and his soul, battered and bruised as it was, distorted his perceptions. Michael knew that when he returned to Earth, the injuries inflicted upon his spirit would be there waiting for him on his body. His Grigori blood sang in his veins, telling him things he couldn't possibly have known as human.

  But he didn't care. He'd brought Jasmine back. Held in her small but strong arms, he felt carefree. The future didn’t matter, and at this moment he was exactly where he wanted to be, by the side of the woman he loved.

  “You know that was stupid." Jasmine turned her head to Michael. "I gave it all up to keep you safe, and you go and risk it all.

  Jasmine was so beautiful. He had even found the demonic version of her attractive; not that he would ever admit that to Jasmine. But as she was now, Jasmine was divine. She was perfect.

  “Yeah, it was stupid," he agreed, "but being human I’m allowed. I couldn’t leave you down there. I wanted you back, an
d I knew I could do it."

  Jasmine didn't take her eyes of Michael as they flew towards the mortal plane. She leant down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. “Well…stupid as it was, I’m glad you did it, even though it's supposed to be me protecting you.” Was that guild in her expression?

  “Why can't I look out for you as well? You're so used to carrying it all on your own shoulders; why not share the burden with me? We are together now, and together we can do anything, Jasmine.” Michael replied. Was that a bit corny? He didn't care.

  It was funny. For all this talk of his Angelic heritage, special powers and new found abilities. What had saved them both were traits that every single person was capable of: love, hope and determination. He wanted to laugh, not out of irony, but for pure joy. He and every other person had so much potential if they just realised it.

  Jasmine’s serious expression faded as they neared Earth, and for a moment the air-head he had met back in hospital returned. As Michael returned to his body, Jasmine disrupted her perfectly timed landing in Claire’s living room disrupted by tripping on the edge of the carpet. He laughed inside as he opened his living body's eyes to the sight of her trying to right herself.

  Michael still held Claire's hand when she awoke; she released it quickly and looked around for Jazen, who knelt behind them. She stood up and caught him just before he fell.

  “Are you ok, Jazen?”

  “Yes, I don’t know how we did it, but we won. "We got her back.” He gently pushed her away and stood.

  “Welcome back to the light side, Jasmine.”

  Michael looked at Claire, the stress of events finally breaking as he burst out laughing. She stared at him for a moment, before she cracked a smile, and the laughter swept her away too. Jazen gave them an odd looking as if to ask what was so funny, but it only made them laugh even harder. Michael felt a stab of pain, as the small cuts, large bruises and welts, from Jasmine’s demonic lash made themselves apparent. But he still laughed, relieved beyond belief.