Chapter 2

The next morning, we came to a large river which was frozen over from the cold. Mr. Beaver spoke up. "Now, Aslan's camp is just over there by the Stone Table just across the frozen river."

I frowned, not quite sure if I liked the sound of that, but it was Susan who spoke: "River?"

Mrs. Beaver patted her hand reassuringly. "It's been frozen over for 100 years."

Peter sighed. "It seems so far."

Mrs. Beaver shrugged. "It's the world, dear. Did you expect it to be small?"

Susan sighed. "Smaller..." I placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "We'll find another way, chaps."

A few hours later, we were making our way across a large field between a grove of trees, with Mr. Beaver trying to egg us on further.

"If he to tells me to hurry up one more time, I'm going to turn him into a big fluffy hat!" Peter grumbled, and I smiled while the others laughed, as Mister Beaver called, "Hurry up, Son of Adam! We don't have all day!"

Lucy smiled. "He is getting kind of bossy."

Just then, I heard a series of bells ringing, sleigh-bells, by the sound of it. "It's her! Run!" Mr. Beaver called, and we high-tailed it over a long expanse of open ground, and into a grove of tall trees. Mister Beaver pointed to a hiding-spot of a hill, and we piled underneath the nature-made hidey-hole.

A few minutes passed, and Lucy said, "Maybe she's gone."

Peter started to his feet. "I'll go and have a look."

I grabbed his arm, and pulled him back. "No, you bloody well will not. It's time I did my job, and you do yours: I'm guarding you, and you take care of your family."

I made to rise, but Susan grabbed me by the collar, her eyes blazing, hissing like an angry goose. "Don't you bloody dare! Sit back down!"

Mister Beaver interrupted us before an argument broke out. "No! You're no good to Narnia dead, either of you."

He rose, and left after consoling his wife.

A second later, I gasped as a vision formed in my head.

I stood on a small bridge, overlooking a mountainous landscape. In front of me stood a figure, wearing black robes and a hood that hid his identity. "So here we are." The figure said, his voice a serpent-like hiss.

"Yes, Lucifer. Here we are. You know we are not usually supposed to face each other in such human forms." I replied, my voice deep and strong.

Lucifer hissed with laughter. "Since when did I ever care about what we are supposed to do?"

I nodded. "You have always been prideful, Despite the fact that you have nothing to be proud about."

Lucifer snorted. "This coming from God's Lapdog, His Right Hand? You have an ego as well, Michael. You seem to have enjoyed forcing the Israelites to obey you, and you had quite the temper!"

I folded my arms across my chest. "I was caught up in the moment. May I remind you that you are the reason I was chosen: to counter-balance your evil that you introduced to the Most Ancient Church, the Adamic Church? Out of all the churches, they were the first and purest of all. But you introduced the idea that man knew as much as my Father, that they could survive without Him. You were created by man's darker side of their nature, not by my Father."

Lucifer nodded, chuckling. "As truthful as ever, Michael! I always found it amusing that man thinks that I was created by Him, that you raised me, that I was God's favorite! Humans are so easily mislead, aren't they? Egotistical, sinful, hairless little apes! I corrupted the Church of Adam because it was fun watching the destruction and chaos that resulted from the Flood of falsities that accompanied their Fall. Church after church, I have corrupted them all! Then God picked you, and gave you the duty of fighting me for eternity. How many atrocities have the churches committed in the name of their religion? How many lies have been told, lives lost, and untold suffering has humanity caused itself, never realizing that sinning in the name of religion destroys said religion. It's all just games to me, and fun games at that!"

I nodded. "For once, Lucifer the Light-bringer, you speak the truth. Although, you prove how cruel you are when you refer to your atrocities as 'games.' You know as well as I do that evil is your doing, while God is my Father's doing. You have never taken responsibility for your depravities!, but I swear that not a single sin will be met without Father's goodness, and my own counter-actions."

We stared at each other for another moment, and then Lucifer spoke. "So what now, Michael? Do we do battle here?"

I shrugged, drawing my sword. "Your move."

Lucifer hissed in reply. "The next time we meet, it will not be on this earth."

I snorted. "It doesn't matter what earth or time or vessels we use. I will stop you regardless."

With that, I returned to my body, waiting with the Pevensie children. Things were getting out of hand, and I needed to speak to Aslan as soon as bloody possible! They had been talking about things that I didn't know anything about.

As we waited, the girls gasped as a commotion was heard, signaling that Mister Beaver must have been seen.

Lucy screamed as the beaver's head appeared over their hiding spot a moment later, and his face was split into a huge grin. "I hope you've been good, because there is someone here to see you."

As we emerged from the hiding spot, I stared in surprise at the sight of Father Christmas standing with his reindeer-borne sleigh, smiling jovially at all of them.

I shook my head. "Just when I think I've seen everything..." My voice faded as Lucy smiled as if expecting him. "Merry Christmas, Sir!"

The old man beamed at her. "It certainly is, Lucy, thanks to you."

Susan looked about as shocked as I felt. "I thought there was no Christmas in Narnia."

Father Christmas shrugged. "It hasn't been for a hundred years, but now the Witch's power is crumbling."

He went to his bag, and tossed it to the ground.

"Presents!" Lucy chirped, and he nodded. "Lucy, Eve's Daughter, these are for you."

He handed her a golden bottle, a cordial, and a small dagger. "The juice of the fire flower. If you, or one of your friends are wounded, one drop of this cordial will restore them. And though I do not expect to use it, this dagger."

Lucy looked slightly disappointed at the last bit, as she took her gifts. "Well, I think I could be brave enough."

I chuckled. "Leave that stuff to me, luv. But I like your spunk." Father Christmas nodded. "Listen to the Right Hand. Battles are ugly affairs."

He turned to Susan, and gave her a bow and a quiver of arrows. "Susan, Eve's Daughter, trust in this bow, for it does not easily miss."

Susan raised an eyebrow, but took her gift anyway.

"What happened to 'battles are ugly affairs?'"

I chuckled. Susan was as snarky as when I had known her.

Father Christmas gave her a white horn as well. "And, though you don't seem to have trouble making yourself heard, this. When you put this horn to your lips and blow it, wherever you are, help will come."

Susan took the horn, making sure to tread on my toes while doing so, as I was trying to hold back laughter from his deft insult.

"Thanks." She said to Father Christmas, who turned to Peter, handing him a long-sword with a golden hilt, the pommel being shaped in a Lion's head. "And, Peter. These are tools, not toys. The time to use them may be soon at hand. Bare them well."

And finally, the old man turned to me. "John, Aslan's Right Hand, this is for you."

My breath caught in my throat as he pulled a two-handed sword from his bag, and gave it to me. It's hilt was made of gold, and it was enormous, about six feet long, a double-edged sword that I recognized from my visions. This was Michael's sword! Why in blazes was he giving it to me?

"This sword will be your greatest and most important tool, and with it, you will do what Aslan bids you to do. You know what path lies ahead for you, and all of your questions will be answered by Him. You have a mighty but terrible destiny, but you will never be without help."

I nodded, taking the weapon. I was surprised to feel a pulse of energy and warmth that emanated from the sword the instant the hilt of the blade touched my hands. I hefted it, and was even more shocked to discover that the weight of this weapon was not heavy at all. In fact, it felt as though it was an extension of my arm, as if I was born to wield it. What the blazes did this mean?

Father Christmas winked at me, and then turned to the children. "I best be off! Winter is almost over and things do pile up when you've been gone a thousand years. Merry Christmas, and long live Aslan!"

With that, he got in his sleigh, and rode off. After we bade him farewell, Lucy turned to Susan. "Told you he was real!"

I smirked as Peter seemed to realize something. "Did you hear what he said? Winter is almost over!"

I nodded, catching on after a moment. "It means that the ice is going to be melting soon. Let's get to that river before it does!"

A short time later, we were attempted to cross said river, and Susan pulled up short suddenly. "Wait, maybe we should think about this."

I shook my head at her. "Now is really not the time for this, luv."

Susan looked hurt. "I was trying to be realistic."

Peter gave her a look. "No, you're trying to be smart...as usual."

After giving the miffed Susan a shrug, I took a step onto the ice, and it groaned under my weight.

"Bollocks!" I cursed, then yelped as Susan kicked me in the shin for swearing.

"Wait, maybe I should go first." Mr. Beaver suggested, and Peter nodded as he held me back from going any further. "Maybe you should."

As Mr. Beaver did as he suggested, the ice groaned again, though markedly less so than when I had attempted to cross.

As Mrs. Beaver chided him for overeating, Susan turned to Peter. "If Mum knew what we were doing..."

Peter snapped at her. "Mum's not here!" Lucy cried out in fear, as several wolves galloped toward us, quickly surrounding us.

"Run!" I cried, drawing my sword, as one pinned Mr. Beaver to the ground. Another, looked at Peter, who had his sword out as well. "Put that down, boy! Someone might get hurt."

I snorted, pointing my blade at him. "He's not the one you should be worried about!"

Mr. Beaver looked at the two of us, as the girls hid behind Peter and I. "Don't worry about me! Slit his throat!"

I nodded. "My pleasure!"

The wolf, who appeared to be the leader, snarled at me. "You are outnumbered, Right Hand, and you're in no condition to make threats!" I snarled as the wolves inched closer, as the head wolf turned to Peter. "Leave now while you can, and your brother leaves with you."

Susan spoke up suddenly. "Stop Peter! Maybe we should listen to him!"

The wolf chuckled, as I glared at her. "Smart girl!"

I turned to Peter. "Bugger this mutt!."

Susan butted in then. "Look, just because some man gives you two swords doesn't make you heroes! So just drop them!"

I turned to her then, my eyes blazing. "Stow it, Susan! This is a really bad time!"

The wolf interrupted us, looking at me and Peter. "What's it going to be, boys? We're not going to wait forever, and neither will the river."

That seemed to give me Peter an idea, as Lucy called Peter's name in alarm. "Hold onto me!" He yelled, and stabbed his sword into the ice.

I killed the beast with one stroke as we began to float away, keeping a tight hold on Lucy with my other hand. However, the cracked us separated us from the others, and we took longer to get to the shore than the others.

As we bobbed in the current, I found myself having to make a decision: the sword was suddenly very heavy, and if I held on to Lucy, I would have to lose it. Before coming to this freezing place, I would've chosen the sword. But not this time.

I dropped the sword into the icy-cold river, and struck out for shore with Lucy in my arms, reaching the opposite bank in seconds.

As Susan screamed at Peter for losing Lucy, who was holding the youngest Pevensie's coat, I called out as I helped Lucy ashore. "No worries, chaps! She's right here!"

And then I realized that the sword had miraculously appeared again, strapped over my left shoulder. This place just getting wierder!

They looked back, as Lucy spoke up. "Has anyone seen my coat?"

Mr. Beaver smiled at Peter. "There you go, mate! Your sister is well-looked after."

Peter stepped forward, and hugged me tightly. "Steady on, mate." I said, embarrassed, patting the young man on the back before the blonde youth hugged Lucy as well.

Susan grabbed me by the shoulders, pulled me down, and kissed me on both cheeks, before hugging Lucy as well, all of us laughing with relief. I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed. These kids were getting to me. And I found myself no longer caring about the Shadow.

After a moment, as Mrs. Beaver cleared her throat. "I don't think you'll be needing those coats anymore!"

We turned to see that grass was growing as the ice melting, with the temperature heating up at a surprising pace.

The Pevensies left their coats, and we started toward Aslan's Camp.

However, the journey was too long for that day, and we camped in a grove of trees.

The winter air, with its cold and harshness, had been replaced with pleasant warmth and comfort. Everything around us was lush and green, and I could hear the crickets chirping.

As I looked over Michael's sword, I sensed movement behind me. "You should be getting some sleep, Peter." I said, after looking back.

Peter sat down next to me, his face troubled. "I couldn't sleep."

It didn't take a genius to know why. "It wasn't your fault, Peter. Killing is not something for anyone to take lightly, and I would be concerned for you if it was. I was in a situation much the same as yours, that being nervous to having your first kill."

Peter shook his head. "It's not just about that. At home, I treated Edmund badly, which made him surly and rebellious. For all I know, it's my fault that he's betrayed us."

I shook my head. "You don't believe that, and you know that isn't the complete truth. I've had friends that were brothers to me, and this kind of thing that happened between the two of you is not the cause of Edmund's betrayal. It was another family squabble. Stone the crows, you're yattering on about things that you can't change or control. You can cross that bridge when you come to it."

Peter nodded, and I smiled as I regarded him. "I see much bravery and courage in you, Peter. Your dedication in protecting and caring for your family is honestly inspiring. When we have time, I'm going to make a fighter out of you."

Peter blushed, and I clapped him on the shoulder. "Now get some sleep, mate. I have a feeling that things are about to get interesting, and I need you to be ready for anything."

Peter nodded, and did just that.

After I was sure he was asleep, I walked to where Susan was lying, and sat next to her. I could tell by her breathing pace that she was awake. "I'm sorry, Susan, for snapping at you earlier."

After a long moment, Susan's hand met one of my own, and I reciprocated her touch.

"Everything is so mad and confusing, and I'm scared, John."

I lay next her, my arm around her waist. "At least you have a caring and loyal brother, and a sister who seems to be a real firebrand."

Susan's eyes met mine, a smirk on her face. "And we have you, an expert Assassin!"

I snorted at her quiet playfulness. "Yes, and this expert Assassin is telling you to get as much sleep as you can, because we could never get by without your smart mouth!"

Susan giggled, and kissed me on the cheek before doing so.

Shaking my head, I covered her with one of the blankets that the Beavers had brought along, made sure the kids and the owners of said blankets were asleep before quietly settling my back against a tree to stand watch.

Suddenly, a bright figure of astounding brilliance appeared before me. It was in the shape of a man, wearing a white hood and robes, his face obscured by the former. With a cry, I rose to my feet, but the figure raised a hand. "Peace between us. I am not here to hurt you or your charges."

I looked around at my sleeping friends, wondering why they were not awake. "They will wake in the morning, John. No harm has come to them, I swear by my sword, the same which I have given to you to use." The being assured me, and I stared up at the figure.

"So, you're Michael the Archangel?"

The being nodded. "I am. I was chosen millennia ago to combat Lucifer. Would that you could see my true visage, but doing so would kill you instantly, and I do not intend on doing so."

I nodded. "Jolly good. So, is it true? All that I had heard in the dreams with you and Snake-voice?"

Michael chuckled. "Yes, it was one of the very few times he has told the truth."

I nodded. "So that's all there is: good vs. evil?" Michael sighed, then launched into a long explanation. "Only God is good. I'm his Right Hand, the only Archangel. Unlike God, I can get angry, I can punish, I can cause damage on earth and in the spiritual world. All those plagues or punishments you see in church doctrine is my doing, although He insists that He take the credit, to protect the free will of His children, so that they can choose Him freely. In God's case, He cannot feel anger. He cannot even look upon you with a frown. You saw that with the Biblical Christ, who was God's divine Human on earth. He became both Human and Divine after He was resurrected. He had to come onto earth because I failed, no matter how much I didn't want to admit it. In my arrogance, I believed that I was the solution to all evils. He entrusted me with the Earth's care from the beginning, but when I failed, He had to take drastic action. It was so essential that mankind remained in freedom to chose good or evil, but I failed to the extent that no one could choose anything. I became a being of wrath and control, blinded by the terrible power that I wielded. If God had not come down as Christ, no one could have been saved. After God returned, He forgave me instantly, but I have never forgiven myself for my failure."

I waved my hands. "Okay, so you buggered the job. At least you aren't Lucifer. All this aside, what does this have to do with me?"

Michael, seeming to be pleased by the conversation change, folded his arms over his chest. "I have watched you for a very long time, John. You have been a man dedicated to his duties, and you have cared for children whom you did not know only two days hence. But you know what odds you face. The Witch is almost certainly in league with Lucifer, and you will need my knowledge and experience in order to have a hope against Lucifer, and to rescue Edmund. You cannot do any of these without God's or my help. Christ has already chosen you as His Right Hand, so we must work together to face the evil that will come to you and to the Pevensies, as we are both His Right Hands."

I listened, knowing that what he said was true, even though he was manipulating me into his service. "I think I know what you are going to ask of me: to be your vessel."

Michael nodded. "Indeed. I am encouraged by your retentive memory of the dreams that I sent you. That is exactly what I want, and exactly what you need."

I nodded. "Changing the past is very risky, in the case of my kids. Is it worth the risk?"

Michael nodded. "You show promise, and a fearless resolve. Now, do you accept my offer or not?"

I stared up at the Archangel, knowing I had no other choice but to accept. How could I face Lucifer without the help of Heaven's strongest and most capable angel?

"I can't refuse such an offer. Do I have to do some kind of ritual or..." I never finished the sentence, as the palm of the Archangel's hand laid itself on my forehead, and my vision went white.

Michael spoke again, and this time, his voice permeated through my entire mind: "I will inhabit you only at times of great need. Until then, keep them safe. Guard your heart with reason and strength, for your heart is your greatest strength and greatest weakness."

I gasped at the sheer power of his presence, my senses going haywire as he continued to speak. "Look always to God for help, and rely on Him alone. If you do so, you will never fail. If you try to do anything without His help, you will surely fail. Watch over them, child, for they are essential to the future of Narnia. They will need you until they realize who they truly need, but you will need them as well. Use my weapon well, and use it for good."

With that, my vision went black, and I passed out.

And that's another chapter. I know I've thrown all sorts of doctrinal interpretations at you, but it can be said to have some sense. Look at the difference between the Old Testament God (and Allah from the Islamic Church) and the New Testament God from the Holy Bible and the Holy Qur'an. The two characters are so different, one could say that they are completely different. Is it really a stretch to argue that they are different beings? Picture this: from the beginning, the Old Testament God could have actually been a powerful angel (hence Michael becomes said angel) that was placed in charge until Christ was forced to enter the fray.

On another doctrinal discussion, this concerning the origins of Lucifer in Christian and Islamic doctrine, I find it hard to believe that God would have allowed an angel to become so evil, and that God would be responsible for evil at all. Human choice is where good and/or evil is enacted, when humans choose to follow God or Allah or Jehovah, from their respective doctrines, or follow their own ego or pride. Evil is not the province of God, because God is Love, Goodness, and Wisdom, thus He cannot be evil or create evil. Humans screw up, and we pay the price for it, the punishment being from the sin itself, not from God.

As far as Christ is concerned, my ideas concerning His Human is from my own doctrines (PM me if you want to know more), and I am well aware of what the Muslims and Christians believe concerning Christ, but this is my story, and I'm writing on what I see as true. I CANNOT AND WILL NOT persuade and/or force you to believe what I believe, since that is not my job.

The Rewrite continues.