AN: So, I'm not forgetting about Blaze, I just was on a long drive this weekend and realized that I need a new idea for after I finish Blaze. I came up with this and want to know what you guys think. If you'd consider reading it, let me know and I'll continue it when I'm finished with the other story. If you don't like it, then tell me that too, and I'll come up with something else. Also, this story somewhat deals with religious themes, although that's not how I meant it. I'm not specifically religious, so this is more an accumulation of ideas I've read or seen on TV that I like. So, my take is more sci-fi than religious. However, I can easily see how it might offend people to use these concepts in this way, and therefore I realize that this story isn't for everyone, and I'm totally ok with that. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy.
You know they're out there. You may not specifically believe in them, may not have ever seen one, may not have even thought that much about them. But, chances are, you have thought about them and experienced being in the presence of one. That inexplicable feeling that causes you to pause and look around, even though there's nothing specific to look at. That gut reaction to avoid a person you've never met. That feeling of warmth that floods you right as you meet your soul mate. The reason we know that the dead are not gone. That's them.
Thousands of angels appear on Earth everyday to guide, support, and heal humans. Each angel has their own story and strengths, and not a single one is perfect. Want to know why? They used to be human. Every one, with the exception of the rare Archangels. Archangels are specifically designed and brought into existence by the Elders, and those hold the highest ranks up there. All others were converted to angels after their mortal selves died. Usually these were individuals that showed great compassion, kindness, and passion for helping others when on Earth.
I'm one of those individuals.
At least, I was. As a human, I was a doctor, a good doctor. I honestly cherished the gift I possessed to heal others, especially children. Then, about seventy years ago, proving doctors are not above getting sick, I got Yellow Fever and died quickly after. I suppose they chose me because of my selflessness in caring for others. And, that carried into my job/privilege of being an angel. I never regretted dying. Other than my brother, I left no one behind, and helping people the way I can now, far outweighed the loss of my human life.
However, currently, I'm what you would call a fallen angel. I've been banished from the OverWorld. My leave is temporary if I can rid myself of my sin and prove that my heart is as virtuous as it once was. Otherwise, the humanity will gradually take over, and I'll return to being mortal. That sounds a little strange to me, but that's how it works, and I don't question it. Anger was/is my sin. A fury so powerful that it threatens not only my ability, but my will to help others. My mortal brother was murdered and I was ordered to not come to his aid. I wanted to, I tried, but the Elders refused to allow me to help. They claim they believe it was a trap set up by the Triad of the UnderWorld to capture me. I became enraged at the thought of my brother being used to bait me. As an angel, I'm not allowed to keep in touch or even care about any mortal ties, so what made the Triad think that I would take that bait? They must know me better than even the Elders do. I broke those rules all the time, and kept close watch over my brother. If the bounty hunters had creative enough trap set, they most certainly would have caught me trying to help Tim. Guilt soon morphed into anger, as well. Fury consumed me and the Elders noticed immediately. When an angel is suspected of corruption, he/she is sent to Earth to mend their angelic soul or give in to human emotion and return to Earth permanently. It works as a probationary second chance to earn figurative wings. So, here I am, biding my time until I'm ready to clear my soul.
I leaned back, allowing my back to settle against the wicker frame and my feet to come up on the seat across from me. I inhaled deeply, the cool, crisp air invading my lungs and refreshing my spirit, causing my to instantly appreciate the storm from the night before. Tugging my jacket a little tighter around my body, I reached for the small porcelain cup. I brought the steaming mug to my soft lips and sipped just enough to allow the warm liquid to coat my eager tongue. Unable to contain the content grin from pulling at my mouth, I let out a long stream air, watching as the mist swirled from my parted lips. Cappuccinos definitely redeemed humans for some of their less pleasant inventions. The bold flavor of espresso lingered on my taste buds, soothing the anxiety that threatened to over run my body given half a chance.
It seemed that this was the way I now spent my days, finding ways to quell the beast within me. The beast was new, and I had not yet figured out how to overcome the damage it caused me. Rage constantly plagued my recently fragile equilibrium of emotions and strength. Emotions were not something I've really had to deal with in a long time, least of all dangerous emotions. Compassion, empathy, and love were the only emotions permissible for angels. Most others jeopardized our mission on Earth. Well, their mission on Earth. I guess, technically, I'm still an angel, but currently banished to Earth. So, I'm not really sure what that makes me…
Sighing again, this time in frustration, I tipped my head back and let my eyes slide shut. The cold air pricked my skin and the noise of the people walking by provided back ground distractions. My calm moment was interrupted my an unnaturally warm breeze caressing my skin and gently lifting a few golden curls from my shoulders. Without opening my eyes or moving to face the chair next to me, I smiled, "Hello, Theodora."
"Arizona…I can't imagine this is you working hard to earn your wings back." Theodora's voice was soft and melodic, markings of a being of purity, a being I once called herself. "And, stop that, you're still an angel…just temporarily out of commission."
"Get out of my head, I didn't like that even when I was an ang- less human, and now that I am more human, I like it even less." I finally opened my eyes and turned to gaze disapprovingly at her.
Theodora raised her eyebrows, "Wow, you're progressing faster than I thought. Which is why you need to start working at getting back. I've been sent to help you." Theodora leaned forward on her arms, wearing a warm smile that nearly glowed.
Surprised, I grinned at her, "The assigned you to my case? Are they aware of your track record?" I couldn't resist teasing her, she had lost more cases to strange and unpredictable circumstances than any other angel.
She shrugged, "They probably just figured you're a lost cause, so they might as well send me…plus, as your strongest bond up there, it makes sense that I could help you." Her eyes shone with compassion and trust. Her voice was soft as she continued, "I need to ask…why have you not done anything to begin your journey back? You need to prove your virtue and strength to the Elders before being on Earth drains you of your powers."
I considered her words. It was true, I hadn't consciously made any move to earn my wings back. I was unsure why, so at the moment my focus remained on keeping my restless soul calm. "I'm not ready for my wings back, Teddy. I need to figure out how to deal with this wrath inside of me, then I can work on eliminating it and proving my righteousness. Besides…" I gently lifted a finger to the wilting flower in the pot on the tiny table of the café. Tracing the leaf delicately, a subtle glow followed my finger as the flower straightened and blossomed almost immediately. The vibrant red returned to the petals and a deep green flushed the leaves, returning the small plant to it's pre-neglected glory. Smiling softly, I whispered, "…I've got time."
Teddy gazed thoughtfully at me as I scanned the bustling crowd, "I trust you, just don't wait too long."
She didn't say goodbye, but I knew she had left. I took another sip of the cooling beverage. Maybe she was right. It was time to take steps toward my ultimate goal. I needed to identify the specific roots of the anger, then find a way to sooth it. I have no idea where to start just yet, so for now, I'll just drink my coffee.
A few moments of tranquility passed before my new world turned upside down. I don't know what made me look. All I know is that the nanosecond my eyes connected with hers everything I was ceased to matter, and my new goal in life became her. I didn't even notice the rest of her body, my cerulean eyes found her deep chocolate ones and instantly became mesmerized by the fire in them. Her eyes seemed to dance with passionate flames and appeared deeper than the ocean's bottom. I nearly forgot to breath and my heart slammed around in my chest. An unsubtle flush swept over my body as heat spread from deep within me and radiated all the way out to my fingertips. Unintentionally, I leaned forward, unconsciously desperate to eliminate any amount of space between my stunned body and the mysterious creature. She diverted her eyes briefly as she conversed with a waitress I hadn't noticed.
I took this opportunity to appraise the body attached to those eyes. Her long, raven locks cascaded over her shoulders and brushed against her strong back. The dark waves provided an enticing contrast to her tanned and golden skin. Soft curves swayed gracefully as she weaved through the crowd, smiling politely as she passed other bodies. A white v-neck t-shirt hugged her perfect breasts, while dark skinny jeans teased appreciative eyes with her sculpted rear end. I gulped as she threw one last glance and breath-taking grin toward me as she turned the street corner. I'm convinced those eyes retained the power to view every single corner of my soul.
I can't remember the last time I felt like this. My skin tingled with excitement, my knees didn't feel strong enough to support my relatively insignificant weight, my tongue lacked moisture, and my center was overflowing with it. Lust certainly was not a feeling afforded to angels, and neither was romantic attraction, for that matter. Either Teddy was right, and my humanity was returning at a startling rate, or something monumental and fantastically unique just happened. Either way, I couldn't go back to life before her. And, that made my current and future existence extensively complicated.
AN: I know this was fairly short and not very smooth, but it's mostly just to see what kind of feed back I get. The holes will be filled in future chapters and I'll work to iron out the kinks with character development. This isn't my normal style, so I'm not sure if I can do it, but that's why I'm trying. Anyway, I would really appreciate some comments letting me know if I'm on the right track or not. Thanks so much.