Prologue
I watch her pack, selfishly not wanting her to go. For eleven years we have been inseparable. She helped me graduate high school with a surprising 3.7 GPA, and I made sure everyone stayed clear of her. Everyone likes to pick on the little guy. Especially when you are a certified genius with a tiny frame, glasses as thick as coke bottles, and no keen sense in fashion.
We were so opposite growing up. Hell we still are. Katherine Withers, my Kit-Kat, the curly blonde hair blue eyed bookworm. There wasn't a day you didn't see her reading some ancient book from the library. Kat was literally there every day afterschool. It got so bad the librarian eventually allowed her to rearrange a section solely based on her Heaven and Hell obsession. She has a more articulate terminology for the crap, but bottom line I call it her 'Divinci Code' aka her passion.
She has always been obsessed with this stuff. Angels from above, demons from below. The first day I met her we were seven. As I boarded the bus afterschool, I heard arguing in the back. As the curious cat I am, I made my way. This girl was hunched over Kat, pulling her hair. Grabbing her, I pushed her away. She fell, hitting her head on the window causing her to cry as she ran to the front of the bus. Needless to say, I got a referral, but I gained a best friend.
That was the day Kat swore up and down the man upstairs sent me to her. That I was her very own guardian angel. I still laugh, because she is convinced there is something different about me. My pale skin, golden when the summer sun kisses it. My hair has always been dark, long, and thick mess that I hated to tame. Hell it doesn't even hold a curl.
My eyes, Violet… I call it a pigment issue, she calls them unnatural. Kat seems to think because of their unique color I'm apparently some mystical being. That my eyes hold some deep secret. However, my name is what sealed my fate with her and her obsession.
When we were ten, there was a strange moment that took place in the used bookstore that I can't even try to explain. Kat got so excited when she found an old dusty book full of ancient paintings. Literally a book of drawings. As we sat at the table she looked thru it intensely lost within the structure of each painting I had to smile as she consumed herself within the pages. When she abruptly stopped at one of the pages, Kat's whole body went rigid. Immediately her face turned white as a ghost.
It was a painting of a woman, beautiful angel wings wrapped around her body. The wings were a glistening white, painted with black tips. Dark hair dancing behind her, she was beyond beautiful. However, I saw the connection as I looked at Kat.
The angels eyes were violet as she peered over her winged shoulder looking so innocent yet determined. Above her the sun's light bathed her. Below, swirls of black and grays speared up the page around the light of the sun. In the mix of the blended darkness, golden eyes were looking at the angel above.
Underneath the painting all it said was 'Heaven's Secret'. Confused, Kat freaks out saying the painting resembled me so she went on the paranoid train. Talked her mom into cutting my hair into a bob as well as supplied me with green contacts just to 'keep me safe'. Babbling about Heaven is sacred, to hold a secret in God's company is a sin. I entertain her views, but in reality it's a painting, a beautiful painting of a breath taking angel.
We have been thru so much together, and the day has finally come were we actually have to part ways. She wants me to come with her. Begs me even. For a split moment I almost cave, but this isn't my dream this is hers.
Kat looks over at me as I sit on the floor holding my gift to her. I haven't given it to her yet, I'm just not ready to let her go. I see the tears fall from her eyes. I hate that she cries.
"That's it!" She is doing everything to keep herself together as she zips up her suitcase.
"It's not everything!" I hand her the box. The box that holds memories. Our memories. "This will help you not to forget your best friend while you're off learning how to rid the world of monsters."
The tears fall freely now, as she hangs her head. "I can't believe this is it, this is good-bye!"
"Kat, this isn't good-bye. You can't get rid of my ass that easily."
I watch as she pulls out her own little box. "This is for you, so I know you will be safe!"
There is never a moment that goes by where Kat isn't concerned about my safety, yet I'm the one that fights off the bad guys for her. The irony in our relationship is rather funny actually. Kat feels as though this is why I go unharmed, that she is doing her part in protecting me as I protect her. Whatever makes her sleep better at night?
It's a necklace, with a simple white stone attached. I can't hide my amusement. How she believes this little gem will keep me safe is beyond me, but I entertain her idea. "Want to explain what this is, or is it another one of your secret charms?"
She grabs the necklace, and puts it on me. "Don't take it off, do you understand me? Ever."
"What if it breaks?" When I look at her, a saw the fear for the first time. She is afraid of leaving me behind.
"It won't. Just promise you will never take it off."
I smile at the memory as I play with the white stone around my neck. It's been six long years since I've seen my best friend. Six years I've dealt with life alone. Six years of feeling this unknown battle within. "Ms. Divinity Cross!" I reach over and grab my ticket as the tenant checks my bag. Staring at the picture in my hand, six years has been too long and I need answers.
Chapter 1
Stretching in my seat, I look out the window as we descend to the runway. The clouds are thick, but through the haze I see our destination. A landing strip surrounded by water. Interesting concept, considering someone is probably looking out the window having an inner panic attack. Props to the sick bastard who finds humor in toying with ones fear.
As if on cue, a window screen slams followed by, 'oh shit!' Called it or what? Some call it a gift, I call it common sense. I've learned a lot about myself within the past six years. Some things have almost scared the shit outta me, and others I am thankful for.
After Kat left I decided I wanted travel, see the world for the first time outside the walls of Cedar Creek, Virginia. My safe haven. A place I never felt so cared for, even though I had no real family. Abandoned as a newborn wrapped in nothing but a worn woolen blanket with the name Divinity Cross stitched along the hem. I was left on the front steps of the local fire department, where I was entered into the local Child Protective Service System. That's were CPS placed me in random foster homes until the age of 7, almost 8. That's when Kat's family decided to take me in.
I was eighteen the day I pulled out of that small town. The moment I crossed that county line, was the day my mind, my soul woke up for the first time. I could sense everything around me, hear everything. I could even taste the air. The trees, I could hear them drink from their roots. Everything around me was so enchanting.
So of course like any normal eighteen year I freaked the hell out. I literally slammed on the brakes on that dirt road skidding to the bank. Everything just felt, overwhelming. Sounds, feelings, every single one of my senses exploded at once. If I knew what a panic attack felt like, buddy compare it to this moment.
The only person I knew to call, Kat. However, this moment called for face-time, I need to see her. "It hasn't even been a full 3 48 hours, and here you are calling me. Wait, Div, are you sick?"
I look up at her, eyes wide. "Kate, something is wrong?"
"Oh my God, Div, your eyes!" Quickly I adjusted the rearview mirror. My eyes, once a deep violet now a stunning ice blue.
"What the f.."
"Divinity, where are you?" Kat cut me off causing me to focus my attention back to her.
"I literally just past Cedar Creek's welcome sign. I'm on 64 headed towards North Carolina for beach week." I explained looking out the driver's window. "Kat you don't understand, something really strange is going on."
"What do you mean?"
Stepping out of the car, the wind picked up around me, the sun wrapping its rays around me. I felt every kiss it left upon my skin. I could hear the soft whispers drifting in the air. A dove's cry caught my attention from above, and the moment my eyes looked to the clouds something shot thru my body. Feeling my body fall to the ground, unconsciousness takes hold the last thing I heard was Kat screaming my name.
I woke up within a dream. Everything around me felt familiar, yet it seems so strange to me. The beauty that surrounded me, seemed as though God himself allowed his hands to create such artwork. In the distance I could hear voices, whispers. I turned towards the hills in front of me, and followed the light chatter.
"Love is Devine. The strength within will withstand the test of time. Regardless of what is written!" Her voice sang the words. As if she were pleading, "Light created within the darkness. Debet protégé." She must be protected.
Thunder, it came from everywhere. Grabbing ahold of the tree, I steadied myself before peering over the rocky wall. "Everything will come for her. Placing her in a world filled with filth. She will be dead before she awakes on her second day." Thunder came again, as the sky turned gray. "She is protected here."
I was at all lost, my mind questioning what my eyes witnessed. Thru time itself, all the stories you heard growing up. In front of me stood two immaculate creates. The beauty they possessed, remarkable, flawless. I couldn't comprehend fast enough. Her wings, a brilliant white glistening within the light. Deep brown hair cascaded down her back and shoulders, her eyes as blue as ice. He was just the opposite with wings as black as a raven, towering over her fragile form. His body, chiseled like a gladiator ready for combat. His eyes, a resilient violet resembling my own.
Looking around, everything felt as though I had been here before. The sense of knowing came with every breath I took, the feel of this place, comforting. But, what the hell was this place to begin with, and why do I feel I know these two… Whatever they are in front of me.
"Trust in our love for that will protect her until she must protect herself." I watched as his body leaned over, picking up a tiny little frame wrapped in a wool blanket. The dark angel's face fell to hers.
His voice, cried within the blanket. "She is the one thing I have ever done within love. The only thing I have done right thru my ages. I do not want her to be tarnished in a world filled with so much greed, so much… Hate."
The Angel of Light's face softened as she moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his side as she looked at the little baby within the wool. "Greed stops you now from allowing her to be who she chooses to be." Kissing his check, she pulled his eyes towards her. "Trust this love, your love for her. My love for her. God granted you this one gift. You must allow her to choose her destiny."
He fell to his knees, pulling the tiny form closer to his heart in a gentle rock as he brought the baby to his shoulder, its dark hair peeking from the blanket my breath caught in my throat as I heard him say, "Divine she is, a being of light with darkness. Mea Diuinitatis." The baby's violet eyes locked within mine.
Looking out the window I see a whole new world. A foreign land, an unfamiliar territory causing an unsettling feeling within. That memory was the start of years to learn, never disregard any feeling that takes over my senses. Something always makes of it, and right now I don't feel as though it's my excitement to see Kat.
It didn't take long for me to notice the fog thicken as the wheels touched the runway. Or how it swirled around as we slowly came to a stop. Hell, I've always heard there were foggy days in London, but this shit is a blanket covering London City Airport. The weather doesn't change in a blink of an eye just because. Something is in the air, I can sense it.
Turning on my phone, immediately it rings. "Div, listen closely. The terminal is closed so they have to taxi the passengers to the entrance via shuttle?"
I grab my pack. "Aw hey long lost best friend. I'm so excited to see you too."
"Save the sarcasm damn it. I need you to listen carefully. Do not get on that shuttle." I hear the urgency in her voice and suddenly that feeling I got a few moments ago, just intensified.
"Kat, what the hell is going on?" I question as I look out the window for a second time only to find the passengers being ushered to the shuttle bus.
"I don't have time to explain right now just do as I say. To the left of the shuttle there is an unmarked black sedan. This is going to sound absurd, but I need you to not think just react. The moment your feet touch the pavement, if you feel the ground vibrate underneath you RUN."
"Wait, what? Kat, are you fucking kidding me right now? Did you just hear yourself right now? What the hell is going on?"
I heard her sigh in frustration before she continued, "Div the very moment you touch the ground and you feel vibrations RUN! Do you understand? Don't think just react! Hurry up and get off the plane I don't want you to be the last person off. I need you in the crowd. Go, hurry. I'll see you soon." Placing the phone in my backpack, I grab my tattered ball cap. Quickly, I wrap my hair confining it within the hat, pulling the brim low before adjusting my sunglasses as I make my way towards the exit.
Moving in front of an elderly couple, I smile before climbing over the remaining seats towards the exit. I hear the thunder in the background; feel the wind pick up as I hit the first step off the plane. I've had this eerie feeling before and it never turns out good. With each slow step I take, the wind whips, the sky cracks.
Looking ahead, I see two security guards making their way towards the plane. Immediately I sense danger, and it seems to be looking for me. Slowly I tighten the straps to my pack. One more step, and I run. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a shadow moving in the fog. 'Don't think just react' I say to myself as I take a deep breath. "Let's get this over with." I whisper before jumping over the airstep rail.
The ground doesn't vibrate underneath me, the bitch rumbles as the sky opens up in a roar of thunder and lightning. 'What the hell is going on?' I question to myself as I look over my shoulder to see the security guards running, towards me. Figures. Kat has a lot of explaining to do. Standing I focus on the car, I run. My senses are heightening, and I hear the footsteps behind me. The fog touches my skin as my eyes adjust to the darkness that seems to be consuming this airport.
Without warning, a downpour of rain falls. Lighting stabs the ground before me causing it to break away, 'don't think just react', jumping over the whole now in the pavement I fall to my knee. 'What the fuck?' Looking back, the ground turns into a sink hole. The security guards stop suddenly, backing away. Soaring above me, in the fog I see the dark shadow from earlier.
Quickly, I get to my feet just as the wind switches directions, rain stabbing at my flesh. My hat flips off causing my hair to tangle in my glasses blocking my vision. With one flick, the glasses take flight in the whirlwind around me. The darkness wants to consume me. I have had this feeling a few times before, however this time its stronger, more powerful.
As I look above I notice a bright light, parting the fog bathing me in warmth. The light's radiance causes me to shield my eyes as the wind seems to subside. I feel it's strength. 'Run!' I heard a voice in the distance.
Behind me within the darkness, a figure moves grabbing my attention. Pacing back and forth it sniffs the air. Removing my hand, there I stood as my eyes focused on the silhouette. It stops, turning its head in a low growl. The eyes, yellow and glowing are looking directly at me.
"My love!" It spoke before something knocks me off my feet. "Divinity RUN!" 'Don't think just react' so I ran towards the light. "DIVINITY" I heard the deep growl fade away into a siren screech causing me to cover my ears. The sound was deafening.
Pain ripped thru my body tormenting me from the inside. Screaming in agony I fall to the ground. Just like a heartbeat, the pain pulsates. Everything seems so unreal, this has to be dream. A dream that I need to wake up from now. However, my body convulsed as the pain continued to surge. Life was ending within, and there was nothing I could do about it.
A blinding explosion sends my paralyzed body in the air. I beg my body to move, my eyes to open. Something, anything. Warmth… Warmth surrounded my body as a light breeze kissed my check causing the pain to ease. It felt as though I was floating, wrapped in a warm blanket. My eyes flutter before focusing on the outline of his face. The muscle in his jaw flexing as his dark hair danced in the wind. He is my saving grace taking me to the gates of internal life.
"custos angelus" I whisper as his eyes looked down at me, those brilliant blue eyes before I fall into the darkness.