Angel City Demon

[K Man]

Julian could already tell the next part of the story, but waited patiently as the doctor was doing a good job on his own.

“I stood up, did what I could to help the boy along and looked to the hulking demon in the corner. There, next to him in the space that was empty seconds ago, was a massive angel with wings spread and gleaming armor. He held the demon in the air by the throat one-handed and with his other hand, he had it outstretched towards the operating table…glowing. The angel was helping the boy to recover. As we finished, I kept looking out of my eye towards the two in the corner. I watched the angel force the demon to watch the boy recover while he slowly choked the life from him with his hand.”

Julian looked to the mark on his leg and felt a little prouder to be wearing it, although he did wish that a great being like Ammiel had never been killed in the first place. Nathan placed the glasses back on the bridge of his nose and continued.

“When the boy was stabilized, I sent the team out the door with him on the gurney and walked over to the angel in the corner. The demon hung limply in his hand, slowly dissolving. I assumed the demon was dead, but I was so in awe of the angel before me that I ignored every instinct I had to run from the scene. Ammiel looked to me and introduced himself and thanked me for what I had done. I thanked him for whatever power he had lent to the young boy to allow him to survive.”

“He stayed around to talk?” Ophelia asked, also getting into the tale of a great angels exploit.

“Well, as most humans are, I was so curious that I kept bombarding Ammiel with questions. He was polite and answered all of them. He told me of how the boy had been attacked by bullies that were influenced by the demon he had just killed. He told me of how demons and angels have been warring since their creation and how they take trophies from one another. He told me of many things, things he had seen in both heaven and hell. We covered many topics in the hospital that night and my eyes were opened to countless things I would have never known”

“Why did you two remain friends?” Julian

“Well…” Nathan went on to explain. “… one of the topics we covered was the topic of hobbies. It turned out we had something in common. We both had an affinity for video games, Super Mario Brothers in particular. We would meet every Saturday night after that, for the past five years, and play video games till all hours of the night.”

Julian snickered as he imagined the hulking angel Ammiel hunched over watching a television with a controller in hand and sword slung over his back.

“When did you see him last?” Ophelia interjected, trying to visualize a chain of events.

“Well, for the last few months he had been missing our little ‘game sessions’. He shows up yesterday, saying he couldn’t stay or talk long. He apologized for missing our time together and says that he was headed below to confront a council on a ‘grave issue’. He was covered in blood but unwounded and left before I could ask him anything.”

“The Council of Echoes!” Julian and Ophelia exclaimed simultaneously.

The act of a single thought being voiced by them both at the same time had Julian and Ophelia smiling at each other. Julian noticed that Ophelia looked directly in his black eyes and batted her eyelashes in a manner no less than flirtatious. Julians hearted soared but was suddenly brought back to the ground when the doctor decided the get the two back on track.

“You think The Council of Echoes has something to do with it?”

“It was one of the last things Ammiel said to Julian before dying.” Ophelia responded, taking her eyes from Julians.

“Well then, perhaps you should follow that.” Nathan stated matter-of-factly.

“Can’t.” Julian stated in an identical tone. “They’re too powerful to get close to…and they’d most likely have us killed for even suggesting they had something to with Ammiels death.”

“Well…” Nathan continued. “…when Ammiel arrived on my doorstep that night, covered in blood, I knew he had just returned from a mission in hell of some kind. He also made a slight mention that the blood wasn’t his, but angelic nonetheless. He didn’t give a name.”

“If he was in hell and dealing with angels, he was in Enclave. We could go below, to Devil’s Enclave and ask around about the death of this other angel?”

Ophelias question was directed at Julian, as though to ask for his thoughts on the matter. Julian was still sour over losing a moment with Ophelia and simply nodded in agreement.

“Great! Now we have a lead. Thank you very much doctor Peterson…for believing.” Ophelia spoke as she stood from the bench, apparently anxious to continue on the trail.

“Ophelia? Would you be a dear and throw this paper away for me in that can over there?”

Julian and Ophelia both looked quizzically at Nathan as he asked the question. He was young and in perfect health for his age, more than capable of disposing of his own trash. Ophelia shrugged and took the paper, nearly skipping off towards the trashcan with a newfound enthusiasm. Julian looked back to Nathan as he stood to move closer to the demon. Nathan spoke low and quick, getting his speech out before the angel returned.

“Julian. As evident from my interaction with you two, I see a lot of things. One of the things I noticed is how you feel about Ophelia. I find it intriguing that you feel that way for her, being a demon and all. Normally you two should have killed each other long ago.”

“I know…I can’t understand it either. I can tell you that, lately, I haven’t been your average demon.” Julian whispered.

“I know. You’ve been the most pleasant demon I’ve ever seen. I wanted to tell you…don’t lose that. Do something about your feelings. Tell her how you feel, buy her flowers or whatever demons buy…do something!”

Ophelia returned at that moment, interrupting anything else the doctor might have said.

“Ready to go?”

[K Man]

“As I’ll ever be…” Julian responded, shooting a glance to Nathan that silently proved understanding of his ‘pep talk’.

“Alright. Julian. Ophelia. Do take care. I’d hate to hear about another death…either angel or demon.” Nathan smiled.

“The only ones that will die, are those responsible doctor.” Ophelia retorted.

Ophelia reached into garb and produced the same key used for travel between the planes. Julian rolled his eyes, readying himself for the journey. Nathan smiled and turned, heading deeper into the park area, whistling to himself as he walked away. Ophelia opened the portal just as a human walking a dog on leash walked by. The dog began to bark loudly at the disturbance and its owner puzzled over the act, finally resorting to physically lifting the dog away when it would no longer walk on its own.

Julian looked over to the angel next to him, his eyes still enamored with her beauty. He tried to find the words in his head, deciding now was as good as time as any to take the doctors advice.

“Ophelia?”

“Yes?” Ophelia stopped, a second before taking the step through the portal.

“There’s something I want to say…that I’ve never said…to an…angel before.”

Ophelia turned and looked at Julian, her eyes meeting his with a puzzled, yet somewhat anxious expression. Julian noticed that expression and suddenly lost his courage.

“…you’re going to hell.”

Julian smiled at the end of that statement, attempting to turn it into a joke. It apparently worked as Ophelia rolled her eyes and smiled with him. Julian did note that there was a brief sigh of disappointment from the angel though, as if she was expecting something else. Ophelia turned and headed towards the shimmering barrier to hell.

As they stepped through the recently created portal, Julian silently cursed his lack of courage when it came to members of the opposite sex…or rather species as this case was.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

[Wizard]

K said:

{Official Wiz seal of approval...awesome. }

Don't laugh...flame wars have been started for that prize.

[Zarni]

this is getting better all the time, k-man! i would have guessed ophelia as a stronger character when it came to a potential relationship, the kind of woman who will wear the trousers and have it no other way. would she stand for weakness on julian's part?

[K Man]

would she stand for weakness on julian's part?

{Maybe something is holding her back from her normal repetoire of command in relationships? }
__________________________________________________________________________________________

XI.

Julian allowed his eyes to adjust to the darkness of hell.

It had been a long time since he felt the cold, oppressive weight of the air of hell…but not long enough according to the words fluttering through his mind. Looking around, Julian could tell the duo now stood in the confines of what was referred to as Devil’s Enclave, the sister of Angel City. It was the place where angels were forced to maintain balance on the plane of hell by occupying a small section of it.

It did resemble the whole of heaven where Julian had spent the most recent years of his existence, but it still seemed…different. The spires that would normally gleam ivory and pearl, glistening in the light were tarnished and shadowed by the constant darkness that reigned throughout hell. There was also a massive wall surrounding the city, much like its counterpart above, to keep out the undesirable and opposite species. As this thought ran through Julians mind, he suddenly remembered…he was a demon in Devil’s Enclave.

“Relax…” Ophelia must have noticed the panic on Julians face. “…you’re still wearing the disguise from the box in my room remember?”

Julian clasped his hands around the medallion that, indeed, still hung around his neck. He looked to Ophelia as she was removing the disguise she wore from her pale, shapely neck. Julian thought about everyone he had just interacted with over the course of the day.

“I take it that is doesn’t work on humans?” Julian questioned, politely trying not to stare at the object of his recent affections.

“Nope. Part of the whole ‘belief’ and ‘disbelief’ system. When they can ‘see’ you, they see you for what you are.”

Julian nodded in comprehension and relaxed, knowing that he was safe from whatever prying eyes that may have been about. Ophelia removed her disguise, Julian guessed, as she did not want to appear as a demon to the angels of this city. When she finished, Julian looked to Ophelia for a direction, still finding himself controlling the urge to kiss the thin lips on her face.

“So…how do we go about following the trail of a murdered angel in heaven…by another angel at that?”

Julian looked to his calf as he spoke, remembering every good thing he had heard about Ammiel so far.

“Well.” Ophelia looked over her shoulder, deeper into Devil’s Enclave. “I’ve never been here before, but I have heard mention of a place where the angels go to unwind. The tour of duty down here is tough, and they need a place to relax and do things they wouldn’t normally do…for proprieties’ sake.”

Julian raised an eyebrow as he contemplated the idea of what angels do when they ‘cut loose’.

“And what would this place have to offer us in the way of…anything?”

“I’ve also heard that the more ‘unsavory’ angels congregate there.” Ophelia continued, straightening her wings behind her body. “If anyone here would know about a murder, they would.”

Ophelia turned and began to stride back into the city. Julian stopped her with a question.

“What do you mean…’unsavory’ angels?”

Ophelia looked over her shoulder, not really turning her body to address Julian.

“Not every angel is the essence of purity. Some of them are from the ‘old days’, when they bore vengeance and the fury to bring the primordial world to order. They still exist, full of their rage, power and…lust for killing and smiting. All in good mind you, but volatile nonetheless. They often come down here for the chance to kill demons on raids into hell.”

Julian gulped, hoping that his disguise would fool these angels that Ophelia now spoke of.

“Does this place have a name?” Julian questioned.

“Oddly enough…Eden.”

Ophelia smiled, turned and began to walk into the streets of the city. Julian watched her lithe figure slip away, his mind filled with every piece of information he was absorbing lately. Julian felt he had learned more in the last two days, than in his last century of existence. He had learned of angels that murder other angels. He had learned of angels that lust for death and violence of ages past and angels that play video games on Saturday nights with humans of earth.

Julian thought…maybe angels and demons aren’t that different after all.

***

“Is that it?”

Julian wasn’t sure why he whispered his last statement, as he stood on the street alone with Ophelia, perhaps he just though it necessary as an excuse to lean close to her.

The two stood on a corner, beneath a very large, tarnished spire of Devil’s Enclave, looking at a rusty metal sign that proclaimed the building down the street to be ‘Eden’. From this distance, Julian could hear music blaring from within and multiple, very loud voices in conversation with each other.

“Must be. Come on.”

Ophelia had turned to address Julians question, nearly touching his face with hers. She backed up suddenly, her face flush with red. Julian noted this and smiled, looking away down the street, trying not to press his luck. He knew, inside, that Ophelia had some feelings for him on some level. It was just a matter of getting up the courage.

Before any more awkward moments could slow things down, Julian began to stride to the door of Eden with his chest puffed out triumphantly. That same chest deflated quickly when the door to Eden burst open, spilling two very large, inebriated angels onto the street.

[K Man]

Julian stopped dead in his tracks, watching the angels take flight, nearly colliding with each other as they lifted from the ground. Finally exhaling when he realized the angels hadn’t noticed him for what he truly was, Julian turned and opened the door to their destination. The interior was an assault on Julians senses.

The noise level emanating from within was a deafening mixture of music and voices combined with the occasional clink of glasses. Angels stood, sat and otherwise saturated nearly every available space within the building. These angels were consuming drinks, engaging in acts of debauchery and generally acting in the opposite manner Julian thought an angel should act. Julian could also see several doors and hallways leading out through the back of main area to places unknown.

Ophelia approached Julian from behind and also took a moment to absorb all that she could see through the open door. It was apparently beyond what Ophelia had expected as she gasped slightly at the amount of seduction occurring and lack of morality of Eden’s patrons. Julian could see Ophelia becoming even more flush than their near facial collision moments ago.

“At least they aren’t killing each other…” Julian quipped, adding his usual brand of humor to the situation.

Pushed by Ophelia, Julian made his way into Eden and moved towards the one angel in the bar that didn’t appear to be extraordinarily drunk or surly, the bartender. He was a larger angel with tattered wings and tight fitting black garb that looked well worn and ripped in several locations. Julian guessed from the angels’ appearance that he had probably been in more fights than he could recall. As the two neared the bar, the angel behind the counter looked at them both and Julian noticed a scar ran down his face and through one of his eyes, clouding it beyond usefulness.

“First tour of duty?” The angel barked to be heard above the cacophony of noise.

Julian had thought that Devil’s Enclave would have something similar to the mechanics of the demons serving in Angel City. A ‘tour’ was the time spent in the city and it was often kept as short as possible since neither side, above or below, enjoyed the time spent away from their native plane. However, sometimes, those serving could take a second or more ‘tours’ in exchange for a service or good from those that had something to trade. In Julian’s case, he was on his fifth ‘tour’, simply offering to take them from those that didn’t want them in exchange for remaining in heaven…a place Julian now desperately wanted to call home.

Ophelia stepped in and spoke for Julian, who was still contemplating the similarities between the two cities.

“Yeah. You been here long?”

“This is my fourth tour.” The bartender replied, rubbing a towel in a glass and placing it upside down in a rack.

“Hey.” Ophelia decided to get straight to the point, covertly of course. “We’re looking for someone. A big angel… might have been in recently. Goes by the name of Ammiel.”

The bartender froze in his actions, glancing from one side to the next as if checking to see if Ophelia’s words were heard by anyone. When it seemed as though no angel in bar cast a second glance, he continued.

“Why you askin’ about him?”

“Just curious, you know him?” Ophelia sensed that she hit a sensitive subject, but there was little hope for recovery now.

“I don’t.”

The bartender went back to furiously scrubbing his glasses and placing them in the rack with such fervor that one shattered. The demise of the glass was of little significance to anyone in Eden. Ophelia huffed and turned her head towards the crowd, perhaps looking for someone else to question. Julian sensed that the bartender was hiding something and decided to pursue it.

“Who does?”

The bartender looked up with his one eye that still functioned completely, staring at Julian. Julian imagined his disguised angel face looking very serious.

“Why should I tell you angel?”

This retort led Julian to believe two things. One. This angel knew of Ammiel or at the very least that he knew someone that knew Ammiel and he was covering for him. Two. This angel wasn’t an angel with the emphasis he placed on calling Julian one. Julian lifted an eyebrow and leveled his face at the bartender.

“Because I asked.”

The bartender had probably never been faced with the sincerity he saw in Julian’s disguised eyes for he immediately shifted his look from side to side again, seeing who was paying attention. It was almost as though the bartender was afraid of some intangible retribution for speaking aloud of this subject, furthering Julian’s determination to get the answer out of him.

“Listen.” The bartender spoke, lowering his voice. “The one you need to talk to don’t like to be disturbed by those that…aren’t on the level. You know?”

The bartender nodded his head as he spoke the last words of his statement, a universal sign of an innuendo. Julian comprehended exactly what the bartender was looking for and replied, just as whispered.

“Try me.”

The bartender again, looked around for eavesdroppers and then leaned forward, cupping his hand to whisper in Julian’s ear. After speaking for a second, Julian retracted his head and looked at the bartender in disbelief.

“That’s it?”

The bartender nodded that is was.

“That’s easy.”

Julian leaned back over the counter, cupping his hand around the bartender’s ear in an equally covert action. After Julian spoke, the bartender returned to his duties nonchalantly.

“She’s in the back there, second door to the right. Knock three times, then four times. Her name is Delilah.”

Julian nodded and began to walk towards the rear of Eden, dodging the countless angels that filled the establishment. Just as he reached the entrance to the hallway, he felt Ophelia tapping him on the shoulder. Spinning on his heel, Julian saw her standing with both eyebrows raised, presumably wanting an explanation for what had just occurred.

“Oh.” Julian took a cue and decided to preemptively answer her question. “He just asked me something every demon and a few angels know.”

Ophelia kept her eyebrows up and arms out, apparently not satisfied with the answer she was given. Julian elaborated on his previous statement.

“What hell used to be…before it was hell, before the betrayal.”

Julian referred to the ones that had created hell after their attack on the creator of all. Ophelia spoke lowly, leaning in and expecting an answer.

“And that would be…?”

“Ophelia, if I told you, your whole view of everything would shift. Trust, me, it’s a secret best kept at that.”

Julian smiled his usual coy smile, returning to his trek into the hallway. He could almost hear Ophelia audibly sigh and shuffle along behind him, her usual response to his actions lately. Julian felt they were becoming quite the pair, one feeding on the skills of the other and each seeming to enjoy the quirks and personality of the other… even if it often led to expressions of comical tolerance of each other.

Julian counted to the second door on the right, raised his hand and knocked three times, pausing, and then knocking four times. The bartender was accurate in his directions, for as soon as Julian finished, the door creaked open to expose what lied beyond. Julian felt Ophelia move to glance over the demons shoulder, into the room.

As the both looked beyond, Julian heard Ophelia mutter something in response to what she saw.

“I can’t believe it…”

Julian had to take a moment to mentally agree with Ophelia’s statement.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

[Zarni]

ooh... who is this delilah? hmmm...
let me guess, hell used to be a holiday resort?

[K Man]

let me guess, hell used to be a holiday resort?

{I'll never tell. }
__________________________________________________________________________________________

XII.

“Who are you?”

The…angel in the room questioned the duo in an authoritative tone. Julian hesitated on calling her an angel because she looked different from any other angel he had ever seen. The flesh of her body was barely covered by shiny black cloth and the spots that were covered had no relevance to modesty. The angel might as well have been completely nude. Her body was attractive, as far as angels go, but most of her flesh was covered in tattoos depicting various acts of fornication highlighted by a series of flames and skulls. Her wings, silver as most angels were, somehow seemed darker as though tarnished like the remainder of her appearance. She wore her raven hair in straight locks that hung to either side of her pale face, in stark contrast to the silver piercings in her nose and ears.

Her body was slung over a lounge chair in the center of room surrounded by various other figures. Julian immediately spotted two demons flanking the chair, one fanning the angel, the other handing her small samples of some strange fruit. Julian also spotted four other angels in the room, two of each sex. Each angel was decorated to some degree of darkness, but none as near taboo as the female in the chair. All four of the angels stopped their immediate acts of unmentionable deeds and looked to the pair that had just arrived. Julian could see one of the other female angels in the room lick her lips lustily. Swallowing the lump in his throat and casting fear aside, Julian decided to begin this conversation on a friendly note.

“Delilah?”

“Who sent you here?”

Delilah responded while taking another fruit from the demon at her feet. The demon held the fruit gently over the lips of Delilah, who took it into her mouth with equal delicacy. The demon turned and hissed at Julian like a snake that has just discovered an intruder in their territory. Ignoring the demon, Julian continued.

“The bartender. He said we could talk to you about an angel…Ammiel?”

Delilah paused in chewing her fruit with the mention of the name. She turned and seemed to gaze upon Julian, looking for something.

“He wouldn’t send just anyone back here…”

Delilah looked inquisitively towards Julian, expecting an explanation of just how he and Ophelia found her lair. Julian looked around to those within the room and realized he feared little of the repercussions of showing his true self. Closing his eyes, Julian once again wished that those looking upon him could see him for what he truly was…a demon. It must have worked for Delilah’s face lit up as the illusion faded.

“Ahh…that explains a lot. Very trustworthy to reveal yourself…your kind are not liked here. What’s your name?”

“Julian. She’s Ophelia.”

Julian motioned with a stroke of his hand towards the angel standing behind him who was still standing with mouth open in disgust of the activities in the room. Delilah thoroughly examined Ophelia visually before speaking again.

“She’s not one of your kind is she?”

Julian shook his head before Ophelia could retort with something potentially damaging to his ego.

“Interesting that you two are here, together…” Delilah’s eyes seemed to light up, as though suddenly struck with a perverse curiosity. “…you mentioned Ammiel. Why do you seek him?”

Delilah seemed to shift the topic from the oddity of Ophelia and Julian together to the reason why they had entered.

“We heard a rumor that he killed another angel.” Julian spoke almost embarrassingly, trying to hide the mark on his calf as though suddenly ashamed of it.

“Ammiel killed another angel? He must have had a good reason. Why didn’t you try asking him?” Delilah retorted.

“He’s dead.” Ophelia had finally managed to close her jaw and produce sounds.

“Hmmm. A tragedy…” Delilah responded without concern, care or adjusting the wry smile glued on her face.

“It IS a tragedy.” Ophelia stepped in front of Julian, causing the demons surrounding Delilah to hiss and bare their yellowed teeth. “He was a great angel. Not one in disguise like yourself!”

Delilah put her hand up to calm the demons at her feet, then curled her long fingers into her palm until her first finger remained upright. She then waved this finger back and forth repetitively as sign of miscommunication.

“You think I am not an angel?”

Ophelia responded with a simple nod of agreement.

“Well…” Delilah returned to a lounging position. “…you are wrong. I am an angel, just like Ammiel was.”

“You are nothing like Ammiel…” Ophelia spoke low, the words barely audible above her grinding teeth.

“You know what the difference is between Ammiel and you is?”

Ophelia hesitated, and then finally shook her head, silently saying that she did not know the answer to Delilah’s question.

[K Man]

“Ammiel took a lesson from the sister cities, above and below. He recognized the need for balance, for a little evil with his good. He regularly traded information and goods with demons for information on other demons. He knew he could never wipe out evil completely, but he did know that he could do his best to stem the greater evil.”

“Is that why he killed another angel?” Julian interjected quizzically, trying to focus the conversation.

“If I had to guess, it was more out of imbalance than balance.”

Julian stared, trying to comprehend Delilah’s last statement. Ophelia remained silent and ceased the grinding of her teeth, a sign that she too was confused. As though reading both of their emotions, Delilah went on.

“Although the sister cities were meant to maintain a balance on the planes, their inhabitants were not. Too much time out of one’s element will often ‘change’ them.”

Delilah lounged back, exposing more of her flesh indecently as she let the information sink in.

Julian was stunned.

He felt his mind begin to reel from what Delilah had just said. Julian closed his eyes, ignoring the other angels and demons in the room, and began to ponder the profound statement and faulty design of the planes themselves. Ophelia showed greater control by speaking shortly after Delilah.

“So…you’re saying Ammiel killed another angel because he was evil?”

“No.” Delilah countered. “Ammiel was too strong and did not spend much time down here. He probably uncovered an angel that was evil and slew him. It seems to take much longer with the stronger, older angels…much longer.”

“But…angels don’t spend too much time down here. We abhor the thought of even visiting this place. It is our duties that bring us down here. Even then, the Council of Echoes ensures that no angel spends too long down here…” Ophelia’s words stuttered as she still mentally battled the idea.

“Do they?”

Delilah lifted a single eyebrow egotistically as her words were delivered. Ophelia took a step back as though that act would prevent any more information from ruining her perception of the world. The step did little, only placing more distance between Delilah and herself. Ophelia shook her head.

“No…”

“No what?” Delilah stood, exciting the demons at her feet. “The Council is too strong? …too good? Where do you think they first existed? Their primary task was to oversee construction in hell and ensure Devil’s Enclave wasn’t run over by angry demons…they were the first to turn! There have been countless others!”

Delilah took several lithe steps forward, the demons mocking and leering at her feet behind her. It was obvious she had the upper hand and was playing it well against both Ophelia and Julian. Ophelia reached into her garb and wrapped her fingers around the portal key she still held. Ophelia looked back and noticed Julian still had his eyes closed, his body wavering slightly. She knew he would be of little use in her upcoming event.

With one swift move, Ophelia removed the portal key and activated it. The shimmering barrier came into existence and Ophelia lunged towards it, grabbing Julian’s arm. With a speed she did not think she possessed, Ophelia saw both herself and Julian through the portal, deactivating it behind her.

As the portal closed, Ophelia glanced back and noticed Delilah simply smile, making no attempt to stop the duo or send her demons after her. Even the other angels in the room paid little attention to the exit, continuing their vile acts of physicality. Ophelia looked to Julian.

“Julian?”

It was too late.

Julian had slipped into unconsciousness.

***

Delilah placed her hand on a small gem concealed in her lounge chair. With a sound not unlike a static discharge of electricity, a flat, oval shape came into existence before the chair. The oval shimmered and shook, eventually smoothing out and revealing a portrait that seemed to move.

A large angel could be seen in the portrait resting comfortably on a bed in what appeared to be heaven. Several other angels and demons lay in various states of rest around the bed, apparently, from their lack of clothing, recently done with an act of depravity. The angel stood and walked towards the portrait, wrapping a black cloak around his massive, muscular body and wings as he did so.

The angel was tall, well over seven feet in height with raven hair that fell straight down either side of his face. A large mark denoting his name, Gabriel, framed his right eye with brilliant hues of blue and silver. The angel took a seat on an unseen object and slightly turned the portrait from the mass of drained bodies behind him, as though to hide them from Delilah.

“Yes my love?”

Delilah smirked at the pet name Gabriel called her and responded.

“We have a problem…”

__________________________________________________________________________________________

[K Man]

XIII.

[/center]

“Julian?”

“Julian!”

The world came swimming into view as Julian opened his eyes to the sound of Ophelia calling his name first gently, then abruptly.

Julian knew he was in heaven, immediately evident from the fresh flower smell that wafted to his nose. It was a smell that Julian had become accustomed to but his recent travels on earth and hell had reminded his brain of just how invigorating it was to inhale. It was also very bright, much more than the sun on earth was capable of producing, another sign of being in heaven.

Looking around, Julian could tell he was in Ophelia’s home, lying on the same couch he first rested on. In fact, Ophelia was standing in the same spot she was when she first woke him, although this time, Julian noted, she was smiling.

“Finally. I thought you had decided to die on me.”

“I wish I had.”

Julian sat upright, slumping against the back of the couch. Ophelia took a seat across from him again, on a chair, looking genuinely concerned for Julian’s well being.

“Why do you say that?”

“Because…” Julian answered. “…everything I think I am is just a ‘matter of influence’.”

Ophelia shook her head slightly, not understanding what the crimson-skinned demon before her was trying to say. Julian could easily read this emotion and continued.

“I always thought I was different Ophelia. I always thought that I should never have been born a demon. Now, according to Delilah, who I’m inclined to believe, it’s just because I’ve been here in heaven so long.”

“You mean angels… and demons can turn?” Ophelia tilted her head.

“You heard her, ‘too much time out of one’s element’. I’ve been here, in heaven for over a century. Five tours to be exact…”

Julian let his words trail out. He still was trying to grasp the concept that his recent mental desires of wanting to be an angel were little more than an effect of location. He wanted to believe they were more than an effect. He wanted to believe that his desires were truly the result of the good in him but the ugly words of Delilah continued to creep through his heart. Julian hung his head low and placed his brow in his open palms. For several minutes, silence permeated the air.

“What a minute.” Ophelia muttered. “You said you ‘always thought’.”

“Yes.” Julian responded without lifting his head.

“How could you have always thought that when you haven’t spent your whole existence in heaven?”

Julian thought about Ophelia’s statement for a moment, then despondently retorted.

“I don’t know.”

“You couldn’t have…that’s why you don’t know Julian. Being in heaven for so long must have only increased your already present desires. I knew there was something different about you…”

Julian raised his head from his hands and looked Ophelia in her eyes. She was ready to meet his gaze and did so with a smile.

“What are you talking about?” Julian questioned, hoping for an answer he wanted to hear.

“When I said that I couldn’t kill you because you were innocent, I meant it but I also knew there was something different about you. I couldn’t see an ounce of evil in your eyes Julian…that’s why I trusted you and kept you alive.”

Julian thought back to awakening with razor wire wrapped around his body and how that was trustworthy, but he lacked the energy to retort with his usual wit.

“Again, probably just a side effect of being here so long.”

Julian looked out the window to the bright sky of heaven outside the house. He snapped his head back to view Ophelia when she stood and nearly yelled at him.

“Look Julian, you can sit there and mope all you want, fighting me at every turn or you can pull yourself together. I’m tired of your inability to stick to your decisions and your last-minute cowardice. You’ve been helpful so far but I can only take so much. I know you’re good inside…you need to realize that.”

Ophelia froze on her last statement as though she never expected those words to come out addressed to a demon. Julian moved his head back on his neck in astonishment.

“I’m…sorry.” Julian stumbled out some words, hoping to calm Ophelia down. “I’ll work on it.”

As if sensing his motive, Ophelia took a seat again, neatly folding her wings behind her body. She grasped a small end feather and gently ran it over her fingers in silence. Julian decided to move onto something besides awkward silence.

“So we got some information that is both helpful…and yet very dangerous?”

Ophelia let go of her feather and looked to Julian, her eyes darting back and forth in an attempt to seem occupied in thought.

“Right. According to Delilah, who I am also inclined to believe, The Council of Echoes is evil.”

[K Man]

Julian began to piece together the puzzle in his mind. It took a short amount of time before he blurted out the response.

“So let’s see if this makes sense. Ammiel discovers that if an angel spends too much time in Devil’s Enclave in hell, they become evil. According to Delilah, the stronger the angel, the longer the time it takes for them to turn.”

“Similarly so for demons apparently.” Ophelia interjected, smiling at Julian.

“Right.” Julian went on, smiling in return. “Ammiel probably gets in a fight with this angel and kills him. It sound as though Ammiel then also discovered, according to his last words spoken, that the Council of Echoes is keeping angels in hell too long, purposefully turning them evil. Ammiel then leaves hell, making a quick stop by the doctor’s house before heading somewhere to tell someone about his discovery. He probably never reached his intended target, the killer or killers intercepting him before that.”

Almost instantly, Ophelia added her thoughts.

“If Ammiel stopped to say goodbye to his dear friend Nathan, he must have known that he wouldn’t make it out alive of wherever he was going…or that his time was short. Like he was being hunted or something.”

Julian leaned in, adding more to the duos theory.

“I’ve heard time and time again that Ammiel was a powerful angel and that it must have taken more than a single enemy to take him down.”

“Very powerful.” Ophelia added.

“So he was jumped before he could reach his target. By…?”

“…The Council themselves.” Ophelia had to almost force her statement out. “They are the only ones that would, together, possess enough strength to take Ammiel’s life and, as recently discovered, they would have the malicious intent to do so.”

Almost instantly, Julian and Ophelia sighed, realizing what they would have to do.

“What do you think we should do? Walk up to them and try to expose them for what they are?” Julian spoke softly as though the words themselves were trespass enough.

“We’ll probably have to use force. I heard a term on earth once that best describes The Council…’entrenched senior management’. They will be extremely difficult to get to.” Ophelia dropped her voice to match.

Ophelia then sized up Julian, looking over his lean body from head to toe. Julian had hoped that Ophelia was finally taking a physical interest in him, but her next statement sank his heart again.

“We’ll have to get you some weapons. You aren’t even armed.”

Julian waved both of his limbs followed by his usual brand of wit.

“Sure I am.”

Ophelia stood, rolling her eyes as per the standard response to the demons comments. Placing her hand on her chin, Julian noticed that Ophelia seemed deep in thought.

“What do you have in mind?”

“There’s one person I have in mind…it’s just how to approach him.” Ophelia answered. “He has the largest collections of weapons I’ve ever seen…ever.”

“Who?” Julian tilted his head.

“Achan.”

With a simple one-word name, Ophelia had forced a small measure of fear back into Julian’s heart. Julian felt images flood back into his head of an angel with a sword bigger than he was and muscles to match. Julian feared going to Achan, the protector of all heaven, but knew it was a necessity. He stood and motioned with an open palm to the door exiting Ophelia’s home.

“Shall we? Let’s go see what Achan has.”

Ophelia nodded, took the cue and walked to the door. She paused as Julian called to her from behind.

“Ophelia?”

“Yes?”

The angel turned to find Julian walking towards her, a wry smile spread across his lips.

“About what you said to me… about being good?”

Ophelia looked to Julian with eyes that silently stated she had meant what she said. Julian noticed this and finally felt courage swell within him. He responded before Ophelia could blurt something to the contrary.

“Thanks.” Julian stated simply. “Although the ‘last-minute cowardice’ comment was pretty harsh. I want you to know I’ll work on that…starting now.”

Ophelia had little time or desire to dodge Julian as he lunged forward, a newfound strength and courage in his heart to kiss the object of his recent affections. Julian placed his hands on either side of Ophelia’s neck, pulling her in close to his lips. Ophelia moved with little resistance, a sign that made Julians’ heart soar.

Seconds later, a blast, originating from the touch of their lips, knocked both Julian and Ophelia into the darkness of unconsciousness…

__________________________________________________________________________________________

[Zarni]

hmmm, how romantic?....
kinda like a soap opera for a minute then
little thing:
'Julian also spotted about four other angels in the room, two of each sex. ' - why about if there are then two of each sex? isn't it not just 'four other angels in the room'?
also: 'but none near as taboo as the female in the chair'.
first 'as' and 'near' are the wrong way round.

keep it coming.

[K Man]

{Fixed the suggested corrections Zarni, thanks for watching my back...}
__________________________________________________________________________________________

XIV.

[/b]

Julian tried to sit upright but fell promptly onto his back, his head swimming in pain. Gently reaching up to his still tender lips, Julian could feel the electricity from the blast crackling over them. Julian rolled onto his stomach, as that was the only power he possessed. He slowly opened his eyes and took in the sight of the calf of a large leg standing inches from his face, turned away from him. Julian tried to place his arms to either side of his body and press upwards, only to groan and collapse on his chest. A voice hit his ears and rumbled deep in his chest, unmistakable one Julian had heard before…Achan, the protector of all heaven.

“What happened here?”

Julian looked to see Achan, kneeling gently over the still unconscious body of Ophelia and moving the hair from her face with an outstretched finger. It was gravely apparent that Achan cared little for Julian’s condition.

“I was hoping you could tell me…” Julian finally managed to respond to Achan.

The great angel Achan stood and finally looked away from the limp body of Ophelia towards the other figure lying on the ground. Julian knew that his disguise was still working for if it weren’t, Achan would have surely removed the oversized sword from his scabbard and used it by now. Achan took a heavy step towards Julian and kneeled down, squinting his cold steel-gray eyes.

“You don’t know what occurred here?”

The voice of Achan was so low and deep that Julian reached up and covered his ears thinking they would begin to bleed. With a simple nod, Julian indicated he had no idea why, that when he reached in to finally show his affection for Ophelia, they both wound up nearly dead. Julian kept the source of the accident a secret for now, deciding on only a simple nod.

Achan turned and walked back to Ophelia, picking her limp body up and striding to the couch. The great angel placed Ophelia on the couch with a grace only an angel of his stature could possess, then walked back to Julian offering a hand to assist in his rise from the floor. Julian took the hand, wincing at the power Achan placed into the grasp, and rose to his feet. Achan gingerly walked Julian to the chair opposite the couch and sat him down. The Protector moved behind the couch and rested his hands on the back, staring at Julian.

“I don’t know what I can tell you Julian, only that I received an alarm so ancient we really don’t have a term for it anymore. I came here to investigate, only to find you two as you were.”

Julian looked to Ophelia, his face soured with fear that she was beyond recovery. Achan sensed this and eased his fears.

“She will be fine. She’s an extremely tough angel.”

Julian thought about Achan’s last words and decided he needed clarification.

“An alarm so ancient?”

“Right.” Achan continued. “Every trespass in heaven comes to us, The Protectors, in the form of an alarm. A sort of mental warning.”

Julian sized up Achan and wondered why heaven would need more ‘Protectors’ besides the massive, over-sized sword-carrying angel before him. Shrugging Julian listened as Achan continued.

“When a demon escapes Angel City into heaven, we get an alarm. When an angel commits a sin, we get an alarm. There are countless alarms…it’s just that this particular trespass has not been committed in eons.”

Julian wondered why heaven would have so many ‘trespasses’, as Achan put it, since it was full of the graceful beings known as angels. Heaven was not turning out to be the paradise Julian once believed. Thinking about the irony of the situation before him, Julian chuckled.

“Something amusing?” Achan seemed to take offense.

“No. Well…sort of.” Julian explained. “We were just going to leave to find you before this happened and here you are.”

“Find me? What for? Did someone commit a trespass I wasn’t aware of?”

“That may be the biggest understatement I’ve heard yet.” Julian retorted.

Achan’s face rumpled with confusion. Apparently both tact and humor were beyond the Protectors. Julian decided to help the angel understand.

“Achan, we were coming to you for weapons.”

Achan smiled as though suddenly filled with pride over his weapon collection.

“For an assault…”

The smile faded to a puzzled expression.

“…on The Council of Echoes…”

Julian delivered those words and watched, what he thought, was the fastest change of emotions in history. From pride to anger, Achan was a storm that took seconds to brew. Achan stood and placed his hand on the hilt of his massive sword, pulling it only a few inches from its harness as though threatening to use it.

“You speak of treason angel…explain yourself!”

Julian sighed, knowing this would be a tough thing to explain.

“Achan, the council is evil. They spent too long in hell, during the building of Devil’s Enclave, and they turned evil. They’ve been keeping angels on tours in hell longer than they should, slowly causing other angels to turn evil as well. It’s a plot that’s taking place right under your nose.”

[K Man]

With his last statement, Julian flinched, expecting the sword from Achan’s back to fly from its scabbard and take his head in one clean move. No such attack came. Julian instead saw Achan once again switch emotions from one of anger to one of revelation. For a moment, Achan and Julian stood silently, demon staring at angel.

“How do you know this angel? How do you know the council is evil?” Achan looked confused but eager to learn more.

Julian sighed, knowing it was a proper time to really drive the emphasis on the situation home. The demon closed his eyes, wishing that Achan could see him for what he truly was. Upon opening his eyes and seeing Achan’s response, Julian added to the shock.

“Because I know evil…”

Revelation.

“You! You’re the demon I received the alarm about. The one that escaped the city and flew here!”

More revelation as Achan looked to Ophelia on the couch.

“No! She flew you here…and you two have been together all this time while you wander around heaven masquerading as an angel!”

Still more revelation as Achan noticed Julian’s calf that, in his true form, bore the mark of the dead angel Ammiel. Julian admired the deductive skills of Achan, even if he did lack a sense of humor.

“You killed Ammiel!…and Ophelia did not kill you!”

“No Achan…I didn’t. Because he is innocent. The council is responsible.”

Julian heard the voice of Ophelia, weakly protesting the words of Achan. Ophelia had finally roused from her state and had apparently heard the last portion of Achan’s statement. Achan relaxed his grip on the hilt of his sword, taking a step back shaking his head. Apparently the confusion was overriding the angels’ sense of logic and instruction.

“…How? Why?”

“The council killed Ammiel because he uncovered them for what they truly are. I didn't kill Julian because, Achan, it’s not right to punish those not responsible. Julian is a good demon. The council members are the one that need to pay for Ammiel’s death.”

Julian noticed for the first time, that Ophelia had no hesitation in her words about him. This small detail furthered the palpitating of the demon’s heart. Achan moved to an empty chair in the room and nearly collapsed, placing his head in his hands. Ophelia managed the strength to sit upright, mustering a faint smile towards Julian. Julian returned the favor and glanced at Achan, frowning. Julian felt it was a sad sight to see such a powerful creature reduced to near nothing in a few seconds. Ophelia moved to the end of the couch, near to Achan and spoke in a gentle tone.

“I know it’s a lot Achan, believe me. There are things I have learned lately that have changed the way I feel about…everything.”

Ophelia glanced over to Julian, an indication the last statement referred directly to him.

“You have to be open minded.” Ophelia continued. “Believe it. Even though it doesn’t make sense.”

“I do believe Ophelia…in fact my problem is that it finally makes sense.”

Achan’s words held Julian and Ophelia in anticipation of an explanation.

“I hadn’t told anyone yet, but I was to leave tomorrow for five straight tours in Devil’s Enclave. The council informed that things were getting ‘unruly’ down there and they needed someone they could trust. To keep the peace. I couldn’t understand why it would take five tours in a row to obtain peace…but it is hell, a place of chaos. If what Julian said is true, then I now understand why I was to be sent there for so long. I was to be turned.”

Julian pondered if Achan was strong enough to resist the influence of hell for that long.

“I’m glad we caught you when we did.” Ophelia patted Achan lightly on the back like a human mother would a child. “Otherwise we might have lost you…”

Achan lifted his head from his hands, seemingly renewed with vigor.

“So you two are going to assault the council?”

“I believe they were the only ones strong enough, collectively, to kill Ammiel. It’s a matter of justice. If we don’t stop them…no one will.” Ophelia stated coldly.

Achan looked to Julian, the wiry, crimson-skinned demon that lacked any weaponry or armor…unlike the two angels in the room. Smiling, Achan revealed he had a sense of humor after all.

“You’re right…you do need weapons.”

“A little help wouldn’t hurt either…” Julian responded to Achan’s smirk, pointing to the massive sword in the scabbard on the angels’ back.

“I wish I could…but I can’t. I’m a protector and I have a duty to the citizens of heaven. If you do assault the council there will undoubtedly be supporters…turned angels, here in heaven that will come to their aid or kill others in the chaos. I will handle them and ensure that your fight goes uninterrupted and that no one outside the battle is injured.”

Julian and Ophelia nodded, agreeing it was both a wise choice and a blessing to have Achan at their backs when the fight started. Achan stood and moved towards the door.

“Shall we get you outfitted?” Achan looked over his shoulder, more specifically at Julian.

“Yeah.” Julian responded. “…Achan?”

“Yes?” The large angel boomed.

[K Man]

“It’s great that you’re on board with this plan, it really is…but can we go back to how you got here in the first place, the ancient alarm that you mentioned?”

Ophelia looked quizzically at Julian as she was unconscious during that portion of the conversation. Julian caught this and decided to explain his words.

“Achan said that he came here because of an alarm so ancient that they ‘don’t have a term for it anymore’. He wasn’t sure what it was but personally I think it might have something to do with me ki…” Julian froze mid-sentence before he unveiled anything further. “…with me being here for so long in disguise.”

Julian silently thanked himself for being so quick witted.

Ophelia blushed, leading Julian to believe the kiss had some desirable effect before blasting them both into oblivion, then she looked to Achan.

“Do you have anyway to research the alarm? There has to be some record of what it is right?”

“Well yes…I have never had to do it before, but I have heard there is a way. We can do that while we arm at my place.” Achan responded while stepping through the door into heaven, spreading his huge wings outward.

Julian stepped aside, letting Ophelia take the lead to the outside and then followed, closing the door behind him. Once outside, Julian covered his eyes as Achan thrust himself into the air with a single beat of his great wings. Ophelia stepped towards Julian, gently holding her hand extended.

Julian, eager to fly again but not desiring a repeat of what happened with the disastrous kiss, quickly tapped one finger on Ophelia’s palm several times in rapid succession testing the possibility of a blast occurring again. Once satisfied that it would not, Julian grasped Ophelia’s hand tightly and extended the other for her to grasp. She did so and lifted them both into the air with a few beats of her silver wings.

Julian could feel the air rushing by him as he twisted his body around to watch the scenery of heaven fly by. His heart began to pump quickly, feeling the freedom of flight, something no demon had ever possessed. Julian was unsure if the act of flying was causing his heart to beat so quickly or if feeling himself in the arms of Ophelia had caused the sudden rush. Julian was only sure of one thing…

…He was happy…
__________________________________________________________________________________________

[Zarni]

'Jack in.
Load up.
Kick ass.'

/me senses matrix style raid on the council! will they be wearing leather coats and sporting P90s?

i hope you're going to wrap up that mystery about the kiss sometime soon, taking into account the fact that the demons and angels round gabriel's place must have been doing much worse stuff than that and managing just fine.

also, can we have a bit of relative description? who is more powerful, achan or ammiel? and why? is it age, job, experience? if the council together could only just take down ammiel, couldn't achan, plus ophelia and julian, take out the council in no time and still get back in time for tea? as it were?

are they going to run up walls?

(btw, just watching your back: “No Ammiel…I didn’t. Because he is innocent. The council is responsible.”
Ammiel should be Achan; that confused me for a moment )

[K Man]

{For watching my back Zarni, I answer your questions. ;DEnjoy.}
__________________________________________________________________________________________

XV.

[/center]

“Nope.”

Ophelia giggled slightly as Julian removed the oversized helmet and found another among the rack of countless more. He donned another, slightly smaller yet still ridiculously larger than his head.

“Try again.”

Julian huffed as he removed the helmet and tossed it against the rack, watching it clatter to the floor. He moved to sit next to Ophelia, staring at the pile of armor and weaponry the two had gone through.

“I don’t even know why I’m bothering. I’ve gotten this far without armor or weapons…why worry about it now?”

“Julian…” Ophelia turned, expressing genuine concern. “…we’re not talking about lesser beings here…it’s The Council of Echoes. You can’t just walk up to them and ‘convince’ them to…you know, I’m not even sure what we want them to do.”

“Stop keeping angels in hell to turn them evil.” Julian answered quickly.

“Well, obviously…but if the council itself is evil, how do we resolve that? Can they be turned back?”

“I think not.” Julian looked back to the pile of weapons and armor, spotting a nice whip. “If they have been evil since the building of Devil’s Enclave, they would have had countless options to turn good again.”

Julian stood and walked to the pile, removing the whip and coiling it into a neat circle. Ophelia leaned back, placing her hands behind her and sighed. Julian noticed how this forced her buxom out and blushed, turning away to dig for some armor.

“So I don’t get it.” Julian continued, rummaging around. “What made Ammiel so special? I’ve heard you say that the council is the only ones that collectively could overpower Ammiel…why? I’ve seen Achan and that sword of his, why can’t he take out the council? He is a protector of heaven after all and this seems like a heaven problem.”

Julian sighed, unable to find any armor that wasn’t ridiculously over-sized.

“It’s difficult to explain.” Ophelia started to answer. “Heaven creates angels for certain purposes. I’ve heard it’s the same way below?”

“Right.” Julian responded, knowing exactly what Ophelia was talking about.

“Well, every angel is created with a purpose, some complete their purpose, and others die trying. Either way, once their purpose is complete, for those that don’t have an ongoing task, they are allowed to choose a new purpose or have one given to them. It would be unethical to just destroy angels that no longer have a purpose.”

“Right.” Julian added. “Very similar except that below, demons are often created with the sole purpose to propagate evil…and they usually end up destroying each other.”

“Well, that’s a given drawback of being evil.” Ophelia smiled. “Those angels that have a continual purpose, like Achan and his protection of all heaven, are often given enough power to see that their tasks are upheld…which is forever for someone like Achan.”

“So Achan is one of the most powerful angels in heaven?” Julian tilted his head and returned to sit by Ophelia’s side.

“Achan is very powerful, there is no question about that, but he is not without a superior. ‘There’s always a bigger fish’, to quote an earth phrase.”

“Like the council?” Julian asked.

“Exactly. The council is entirely composed of angels that have existed since before the betrayal and they were created with all the power that could be gathered at the time. They weren’t created with a purpose…they were just created.”

“That explains a lot.” Julian noted.

“That’s why they have existed as long as they have.” Ophelia continued. “They are the most powerful angels…ever. Another benefit of balancing everything after the betrayal was that no more angels were created like the council members. Sadly, that has now become our greatest hurdle because it will be difficult to stand against archaic powerhouses like them.”

Julian leaned back, matching Ophelia’s stance. He thought about the countless plots and assassination attempts that hell’s greatest Arch-demons could produce and how they always failed. It finally made sense now to Julian. Angels like the council members were from a time when there was no purpose, other than to exist, and the rest of heaven was built atop them. It would be hard to shake the foundations of this building indeed.

“Alright, what about Ammiel? Why did it take the entire council to take him down?” Julian asked, thinking back to his original question.

“Ammiel was from the old days too, but he was the first angel created with a purpose.” Ophelia seemed to take delight in relaying heavens internal workings to Julian. “Ammiel was created as the first angel to ever combat evil. He came into existence right after the betrayal. He has stood as a warrior of good since his creation, still made with all the power any council member possesses but the drive and purpose to eradicate evil…an endless purpose for certain.”

Julian tilted his leg, once again admiring the mark of the legendary Ammiel that he heard so much about.

“If I had to guess, which is all I’ve been doing lately.” Ophelia continued, also admiring Ammiel’s mark on Julian’s leg. “Ammiel, being created for combating evil, had an edge on the council. He was made to fight evil and they are evil…that’s why it took all of them, or at least most of them if I’m guessing Ammiel’s power correctly.”

“I have to tell you Ophelia, hearing all this doesn’t make me feel any better about what we’re doing.” Julian smiled weakly, his mind racing with thoughts.

[K Man]

“I know Julian…” Ophelia looked over to the crimson demon next to her. “…but you have to have faith that it will work out. Things may have to be balanced, but good will triumph.”

“It’s something I’m still learning to grasp the concept of.” Julian leaned his head back, gazing at a picture on the wall upside-down.

“You’ll get the hang of it…” Ophelia spoke reassuringly.

Julian brought his head back to look again at the mark of the angel Ammiel as he had done countless times since it was emblazoned on his flesh. Julian wished for Ammiel’s strength in the inevitable battle he would soon be involved in but to his dismay, Julian felt no stronger. It was only when he looked to the graceful and beautiful angel next to him that Julian felt any surge of strength. Ophelia was the only reason that Julian had even considered going into this battle against The Council of Echoes. Julian trusted Ophelia explicitly.

“Alright. I think I’ll just go with this.” Julian tapped the coiled whip at his waist, his favored weapon when he was on duty in heaven. “Forget the armor…too bulky.”

“Alright, let’s go see what Achan has found out…” Ophelia stood and arched backwards, stretching after the lengthy sit.

The two made their way to the door leading back to where they had left the huge angel. Achan had a substantial set of books to pour over to decipher the strange alarm and both Ophelia and Julian were anxious to discover the cause of their accident as well.

As the door was opened, Julian and Ophelia were both startled as Achan nearly ran into them carrying one of the overly large books. Achan looked up and spoke, a puzzling look gracing his face.

“We need to talk…”

***

Gabriel paced around the table running a single outstretched finger along its marble surface. The table sat alone in the large chamber with a few paintings of Arch-angels in flight and battle with sconces holding burned torches on the walls. Gabriel’s footsteps echoed with each frustrated stride. The angel moved around impatiently, waiting for the others to arrive…the remainder of The Council of Echoes. Gabriel had changed into his armor and weaponry, something he had not done in a century or longer but he felt it necessary after speaking with Delilah. Delilah had warned him about the recent events and Gabriel felt it necessary to call upon the other members for an emergency meeting.

Just as Gabriel rounded the marble meeting table for the twentieth time, another angel calmly walked into the chamber. This angel stood about the same height as Gabriel’s seven-foot frame, with stark white hair pulled tightly into a topknot. A light chain mail shirt hung limply from the angel’s shoulders, tied to the waist with a leather belt. A halberd stretched from one end of the massive angel to the other and looked wickedly sharp. The mark around the right eye of pale yellow and hunters green marked this angel to be Michael.

“This had better be worth it Gabriel.” Michael sat on the table, moving his wings and halberd to the side to allow for his bulk to rest on the marble surface.

“You have no idea Michael.” Gabriel moved around the table and stood inches before the other angel in the room. “I’ve just spoken with Delilah.”

“And how is the little angel?” Michael questioned amusingly.

“They’re missing…”

Michael’s face soured with a mix of confusion and fear from Gabriel’s simple statement.

“What do you mean ‘they’re missing’?”

“They’re gone. Delilah can’t find them.” Gabriel responded with equal confusion.

“I knew we should have never trusted that scamp to take care of them, now they’re gone. We should kill her.” Michael slammed his fist on the table, shaking it violently.

“That won’t solve anything.” Gabriel looked towards a painting on the wall. “Look, it’s not that big of a deal right now…we’re safe for the time being.”

“Then why the sword and armor?” Michael thumped the hilt of Gabriel’s long sword with his finger. “And why call all of us here?”

“Make no mistake about my concern for the situation Michael, but I think it best to remain calm until they surface again. I thought it prudent to gather us all so that we know what to expect.”

“And what would that be?”

Gabriel and Michael spun to meet the new comers to the room, two more angels of impressive size and grace. One angel towered over both Gabriel and Michael, his bulk nearly all contained in his massive upper chest, which was incased in platinum armor. Arms of wrapped in immense muscles stretched downward to legs of even larger size. Behind his shaven head, wings that seemed to writhe in flames clung to his back and the mark on his forearm was bore for all to read with authority, Ezechiel.

The other angel was smaller than the other three, only roughly six foot in height. He wore robes of flowing crimson and ruby, his blond hair in a curly pile atop his head that was haphazardly combed in one direction. He carried a simple staff with an overly large gem atop it and his mark identified him as the angel Jeremias. Noticing the tension in the air and the sour faces of both Gabriel and Michael, Jeremias decided to ask the obvious.

“Something wrong?” The smaller of the two recently arrived angels spoke.

“They’re missing…” Gabriel and Michael spoke in unison.

Ezechiel and Jeremias both felt the fear creep into their hearts with those two words…

***

Julian pondered what Achan had just finished explaining and spoke the first thing that came to his mind.

[K Man]

“That’s it? That’s what the alarm was about?”

Achan nodded that it was.

“So what? We kissed. An angel and a demon kissed. I’ve seen far worse.” Julian remembered back to Delilah’s room in Eden.

“You’re missing the caveat Julian.” Achan spoke calmly, reading directly from the massive book he carried with one hand. “An angel and demon, in the bonds of love, may not touch each other affectionately. You and Ophelia love each other, that’s what made it different.”

Julian looked to Ophelia, her expression just as puzzled as his. It did warm Julian’s heart to know that whatever had occurred was due to the fact that they both felt love for each other, but he was frustrated that the only reasoning was an age old, seemingly senseless decree.

“What else is in that book Achan?” Ophelia asked, trying to get more information.

Achan looked down, moving his finger along the text as he read.

“Well, it says here that any angel and demon attempting to show true affection in the bonds of love will be struck down and should be destroyed upon discovery.”

Julian looked to Achan’s massive sword and silently thanked fate for not allowing that to happen. Julian wondered when the last instance of this trespass was and spoke his thoughts aloud.

“Does that huge book tell you when the last time this happened was? I’m curious since you mentioned it was so old that you didn’t even have a term for it anymore.”

Achan glanced down, furling his brow.

“That’s strange. There’s only been one instance…ever.”

Julian and Ophelia looked to each other, somewhat proud that they were the second in history to accomplish the feat of love between demon and angel.

“Does it say who it was Achan?” Ophelia questioned with sincerity.

“Yes, hang on.” Achan stated as he turned the page, looking for the information.

As the page fell limply, a small layer of dust flying from its surface, Achan squinted and read the text, his mouth falling a gape quickly. The massive protector of heaven barely managed to get the next sentence out.

“An angel and demon a long time ago…their names were Adam and Eve…respectively.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________

{And the bomb drops... ;D}

[Japic]

I knew that all women were demons sent to destroy us, thanks for the confirmation KMan.

So who is the snake I wonder..