"Stories"

"Your moves are sloppy and predictable. Your form is atrocious."

Kenna walked up to the pair. "Here, try this. Lower your center of gravity. This will help you maintain your balance and stay on your feet if you are hit. Keep your body at an angle to your opponent, thus presenting a smaller target."

She demonstrated what she meant. After ensuring they understood, she stepped back to watch the two Helena soldiers spar. They picked up on her tips quickly. Kenna nodded in approval. She made her way around the room, stopping occasionally to help other groups. Johnathan and Bree were doing the same. After thirty minutes, Queen Arika came by to observe. The Archangels were with her. They had a quick discussion and once finished, Michael strode to the front of the room.

"Fall in," he commanded.

The soldiers scurried to stand before him, including Kenna, Bree, and Johnathan. Unlike the others, they weren't afraid to be at the front of the group. They stood in a line at attention, five feet separating them from each other. Helena's soldiers formed and amorphous mass behind them.

Michael's eyes tightened. "Form a block."

They formed lines behind the three Fairmont soldiers. The spacing was tight so that everyone would fit. Michael tapped the hilt of his swords. Gabriel moved from beside Queen Arika and began directing people to other spots. The rectangular block became a square. Just as everyone finished getting into position, a few stragglers hurried into the room. They filled out the last row. Gabriel went to Michael's side. Standing together, they were an imposing sight.

Michael addressed them. "We will begin by determining your skills. You will then be divided into groups based on your skill level. We will assess you by row. First row, step forward."

Kenna, Bree, and Johnathan stepped forward immediately. The other seven in their row were more hesitant.

"You will spar with each other until we order you to stop. Hand-to-hand combat only and pull your blows. Begin."

Kenna tagged the soldier from Helena beside her before the other woman knew what was happening. Bree and Johnathan teamed up to land some hits on three others. The rest of the group finally caught up and began to hit back. Helena's soldiers formed a circle, corralling the other three. They were completely missing the point of the exercise. Kenna decided to show them. She dropped to the ground and swept a leg out, aiming for Bree. As Bree fell, Kenna stood and kneed Johnathan in the side, followed by an uppercut. Bree was already up again. She grabbed Kenna around the waist, knocked her legs out from under her, and pushed her back into the other soldiers. The seven from Helena were shocked.

"There you go. This isn't a team fight. It's each person for themselves," Michael said. He and Gabriel were walking around the fight, watching closely.

Now that everyone understood, it became much harder to defend oneself. Bree was coming for Johnathan from behind and another was running for him in front. He ducked and used his shoulder to leverage the oncoming soldier over his back and hopefully into Bree. She was too good, jumping over the other soldier. She didn't reach Johnathan though, suddenly having to defend herself. A few feet away, Kenna dodged a punch from her opponent. The woman managed a glancing blow to Kenna's right arm. She hadn't been quite fast enough to land a solid hit before Kenna spun away. The woman kicked at her. Just before her foot connected, Kenna blocked it. She hit the other woman's extended leg on the inside, just below the knee. The woman's mouth opened in an "O" and she toppled to the ground.

"Stop."

The fighting ceased upon Michael's order.

"Return to your previous positions while we discuss."

Michael and Gabriel spoke quickly. Once agreed, Michael addressed the room again while Gabriel told each person in the front row what group they were in.

"There will be three groups with Group One being the most advanced. Decisions are final."

Gabriel finished with the first row and they filed off to the side. Kenna, Bree, Johnathan, and the one soldier from Helena who had hit Kenna were in Group One. Four were in Group Two and the rest in Group Three.

"Next row," called Michael.

It took three hours to go through each row and designate every soldier to a group. Group One was the smallest, followed by Group Three.

"Remember your groups. We will reconvene after lunch. You have one hour."

Michael dismissed them, but not everyone left. Kenna parted from Elaine, the one who had hit her, and jogged over to Michael.

"Do you have a moment?"

Michael nodded once.

"Will you please tell me what is really going on?"

"You already know."

"I'm not talking about the Nephilim, Michael. There is something more."

"Pray tell. What has led you to that conclusion?" Michael said coolly.

"For one, your brother is watching and looks like he is contemplating how he will kill me if he suspects I am annoying you. So, if you could look a bit more reassuring, I would appreciate that."

"Your point?"

"You two have been at odds for twenty plus years and now you're all chummy? No, I don't think so. Secondly, I know the Chosen One was in New Delphi. I do not think you would willingly leave Alex Lannon alone after that."

Michael grabbed her and leaned over her. Gabriel was quickly beside him.

"How do you know about Alex?" Michael hissed.

Kenna was unperturbed by Michael's anger. She studied the strong lines of his face. Thick lashes framed sorrowful blue eyes.

"I have spies in New Delphi. We knew about the Chosen One, but not anything to identify him by until recently."

"If that is true, then you should already know what has transpired," said Michael.

"Only a few provide reports and it is too dangerous to communicate frequently. The last report I received detailed your time in New Delphi. Now, I am willing to discuss this further, but I must insist you release me, Michael."

Michael slowly uncurled his fingers from around Kenna's arm. He hadn't realized how tightly he had gripped her. She would have bruises.

"Let's get a bite to eat and we can talk some more," she said.

They kept a watchful eye on her as they got lunch from the cafeteria. Instead of going for a table, she headed toward the door.

"It is better to have Mayor Bell present during the conversation."

They met up with him and Dedrick in an empty courtyard.

"We need to fill them in on how Fairmont operates."

It was a testament to Mayor Bell's trust in Kenna that he didn't question her. He nodded and faced the Archangels.

"Fairmont was founded two years ago after a battle between humans and eight-balls. Both sides decided we didn't want to fight anymore. Together, we built our city and live peacefully side-by-side."

"Just like New Delphi," sneered Gabriel.

Kenna jumped to her feet and stood before him, only a breath separating them. Her sapphire eyes were liquid fire.

"We are nothing like that vile place," she said vehemently.

Dedrick placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and pulled her back.

"As I was saying," Mayor Bell continued. "Humans and angels do live together in Fairmont. However, there are some prominent differences between our city and New Delphi. Everyone votes for the council positions. Kenna holds the only position that is assigned. We do not refer to the possessed as eight-balls, just angels. Two hold positions on the council. Ekatrina is the Superintendent of Education and Edgar is our Museum Curator. I, obviously, hold the Mayoral position and Tom is our City Secretary.

"I apologize," said Gabriel. "From what you have said, Fairmont is certainly different from New Delphi."

It was more Kenna's anger than Mayor Bell's explanation that swayed him.

"What about the spies? How do they fit in?"

"You told them about that?" Mayor Bell looked at Kenna in surprise.

"It was necessary. I feared Michael would rip my arm off if I did not provide a satisfactory answer." She gave Michael a teasing smile before answering Gabriel's questions.

"When we began building Fairmont, we had sought out an alliance with New Delphi, since it was rumored to be like what we were creating. Once we knew what was really going on there, we severed all ties, or at least Julian thinks we did."

Kenna glared at nothing in particular.

"We bribed and bargained until we convinced some eight-balls that they would be better off backing us. We've also sent soldiers in undercover. Our network has now expanded nearly across the country. Most of it is comprised of eight-balls we pay for their services."

Everyone sat quietly for several minutes. Michael spoke first, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Could your network be used to track someone?"

"Yes, I suppose it could," Kenna said cautiously.

Michael nodded, thinking. "What I am going to tell you is confidential. Do you understand?"

After a round of yeses, he continued. "Alex has been taken by the Son of Morning. He must be found."

Kenna, Dedrick, and Mayor Bell shared a worried look.

"We leave for Fairmont tomorrow. Come with us. It will make relaying any information faster," Kenna said.

After lunch, Kenna and the Archangels returned to training.

"Lead them through some stretches," Michael instructed Kenna as she returned to Group One.

"Why does she get to lead?" said a male voice from amid Group Two. When the man stepped forward, Kenna recognized him as the one who had confronted her and Bree previously.

"Perhaps a demonstration," she said, looking to Michael.

He agreed and waited while she retrieved her swords from against the wall where she had laid them after lunch. Having them dangle from her hips while performing solely hand-to-hand combat was cumbersome.

"Are you sure you want to use weapons?" he asked, voice low.

Kenna nodded. Loud enough for everyone to hear, she asked, "Until blood is drawn?"

Michael agreed and the demonstration began. They circled, feinting to test the other's defenses. Michael lunged, one blade extended before him as the other sang through the air. Kenna spun around him and threw an elbow into his back. Michael dropped to the ground and spun. He swung at her legs. She danced back and slammed a foot down on the sword. She brought hers down on Michael. With his other sword, he blocked her attack, released the sword she had pinned under her foot, and stood. It took more effort than Michael thought it would to throw her off. While Kenna righted herself, he picked up his other sword. She was on him again before he straightened. They exchanged a flurry of blows and the metallic ringing echoed around the room. Realizing she was far more skilled than a typical human, Michael stopped holding back. They spun and dodged, dipped and dived. Their blades whirled in flashes of silver. If there was any doubt about their skills, it was gone. Suddenly, Michael and Kenna parted, both breathing heavily. Michael lifted one of his swords triumphantly. A thin line of blood clung to the sharp edge. Kenna lifted one of her swords and smiled lightly. The red stood out in stark contrast against the bright gleaming metal. Michael sucked in a breath and glanced down at the sudden pang of pain. It faded quickly, but the cause was clear. There was a thin cut across his thigh.

"A tie," Michael acquiesced.

Kenna bowed slightly and wiped the blood away on her pants. She put her swords back in their sheaths and returned to her group. They had taken the initiative and stretched during the fight.

"Group One," Michael said. "Pay attention while we work with the other groups. Advanced techniques are pointless without a strong foundation."

Michael waved for Gabriel to work with Group Three while he took Group Two. Gabriel stalked off, displeased he had the weaker soldiers. The man from Group Two shrank back as Michael approached.

After half an hour, Michael finished with his group and instructed them to practice what he had gone over. He turned his attention to Group One. Their training was more intense. He demonstrated some moves and had them practice the moves slowly. He walked among them, correcting any mistakes. He stopped beside Kenna.

"Good," he said. "Try it faster."

She obliged, executing the series of moves flawlessly.

Michael grunted. "You have been trained well."

"I had an excellent teacher. You underestimated me earlier."

"It won't happen again."

"I expect not. Will you be attending Queen Arika's farewell ball this evening?"

"It is expected," Michael said.

"So cryptic," Kenna laughed. "I hope to see you there." She returned to training, movements even faster than before, and still perfect.

The large room was decorated in silver sheets and was awash in soft blue lights. Round tables provided seating along the edges. Michael sat glumly in the corner, sipping a dry red wine. He really hated parties. He should have stayed in his room and let his brother, the social butterfly, do the mingling. Michael snorted. Gabriel might be a butterfly, but his wings were drenched in blood. Michael snorted again. He was full of jokes tonight.

"Something funny?" Kenna asked. She slid into the seat beside him, carefully arranging her white and blue dress so it wouldn't snag on anything.

"It's nothing," Michael said. "Nice dress. Ancient Rome?"

"Yes. I'm quite fond of that era. This was a costume, so it needed a few adjustments, but I think it came out well."

"You look stunning."

"Thank you."

Michael stared across the room at Gabriel, who was twirling Queen Arika around the dancefloor. He mumbled incoherently.

Kenna tapped his wrist. "What troubles you?"

"Why?" Michael asked, gesturing to his brother and the flock of women watching him.

"Simple, my dear. Women like danger. Your brother is undeniably dangerous."

"And I am not?" Michael held his body taut. He may have phrased his words as a question, but he said them as a challenge.

"Oh Michael, you are extremely dangerous." She leaned closer to him and put a manicured hand on his forearm. "I'm going to let you in on a little secret about women. We like danger, but mystery is sexier. Put them together and, mmm, irresistible. You have plenty of both."

"Are you flirting with me?"

"Only a little," Kenna said, laughing. "For someone who has been around since humanity's beginning, you sure don't know much about women."

Michael laughed with her. "Not even Father could understand the convoluted mind of a female."

A new song began to play from the speakers, a tango. Kenna stood and offered a hand to Michael.

"Care to show these women what they are missing? I assume you can dance."

Michael stood too and wrapped his hand around hers. No one noticed as they took to the dancefloor. They bowed to each other and began to move to the music on the start of the next phrase. The song weaved a tale of young love. Michael and Kenna danced joyously, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Next, the song spoke of betrayal, but whose wasn't known. Their dance became aggressive. The harmony between them dissolved into anger. The music was punctuated by their sharp movements. Eyes turned their way. The Queen and Archangel duo was no longer the most interesting pair. Again the song changed, now telling of independence mixed with ardent desire. Kenna stalked away from Michael and he followed, catching her and pulling her back. She melted against him, only to be spun away as he now stalked off. They came together again. She wrapped a leg around him as he dipped her low. He pulled her back up, lips brushing against her collarbone. They ended the dance with a final spin. Applause erupted around them. Michael bowed and kissed her hand. Kenna curtsied. She winked and nodded toward a group of woman who were eyeing Michael with newfound appreciation.

"I don't think you'll be lonely tonight," she said, sliding past him.

Michael chortled. No, he wouldn't be lonely. He would probably have plenty of company to last the night.

Alex hunched against the cave wall and tipped his head back. He didn't want to listen to Lucifer's story, but since he was still chained up, he didn't have much choice. It was just the two of them. Noma was checking the perimeter.

"As you know, Alex, I am the first angel. I came into existence fully formed and aware. As I stood in the Heavenly realm and spread my wings for the first time, Father appeared. I felt no fear, only love. It washed over me, cleansing me of any lingering confusion. Father offered me his hand. We walked together in pleasant company. We did not speak, for I was overcome by the beauty around me. Heaven is much like this realm. It has mountains and seas, deserts and lush forests. But, it is more. Mountains stretch higher and waters flow bluer. The desert dunes shift of their own accord and oh, the forests. Prouder trees and more beautiful flowers you will never find. Even the wind is more, singing such sweet songs. Father told me he needed help. He had a grand plan and needed the support of his beloved son. I was overjoyed. I learned a great many things in, for an angel, a short time. Father taught me to create, and together we made the realm we now dwell in. He made the seas of water and I the seas of magma. He made the rabbit and I the fox. He made the mountains and I the valleys. He made the deserts and I the forests. Balance, Alex. It is the key to creation.

"As we constructed this realm, Father sensed my sadness. I loved Father dearly, but I yearned for the happiness I witnessed between the siblings of our creations. Father gifted me with two brothers and two sisters. And so the next four angels came to be: twins Michael and Gabriel, and twins Raphael and Uriel. Father said we five would be the strongest, the Archangels. We were each given a specific purpose. I was the Son of Morning, the Bringer of Life. Michael the Sword, a Keeper of Order. Gabriel the Heart, the Guardian of Passion. Raphael the Sage, the Seeker of Truth. And Uriel the Artist, the Muse of Expression. I taught them as Father had taught me.

"When the time came for Father to reveal his entire grand plan, we waited with bated breath. He opened a window between Heaven and Earth and we gazed upon a magnificent garden. Our realms were still intertwined back then. There, nestled among the blooms, were a man and a woman. You know them as Adam and Eve. They were perfect. But remember, Alex, there must always be balance. Humanity's antithesis was a being so foul, Father banished it to a realm of its own. It did not go peaceably. The being left a parting gift, torn from its flesh. A snake now roamed the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve had been instructed not to touch the Tree of Knowledge, lest great misfortune befall their kin. The Tree went undisturbed for many years. They did not know what they lacked, so they never sought it. This was not to last, for the snake, once a dumb creature, had partook of Knowledge's fruit, and was now quite cunning. He watched from the shadows. As the years drew on, he learned many things. Speech became an important asset, second only to his wits. One day, he spoke to Adam and Eve. This was the first they had heard from another. He used his sharp tongue to paint a future for them. It was vibrant and alluring. All they had to do was partake in a single fruit. Eve laughed as the snake wove through the threads of her strawberry waves.

"We cannot," Adam told the snake.

"Why is that?" the snake asked. "All the rest of this land is for your use."

"We were told so."

"By whom? Who has denied you?"

"Why, I don't know," Eve interjected. "We have always known to leave that Tree be. I suppose we told ourselves."

"Now isn't that silly? There is no need to deny yourselves."

"But what of our kin?" asked Adam.

"I have tasted Knowledge's fruit and my kin are well. I would very much like for you to meet them, but they can only be seen by those who hold Knowledge."

"Oh yes! I do so very much would like to meet them," Eve said.

"Adam and Eve had only ever spoken the truth, and so did not know the lies that spilled forth from the forked tongue. And so, mankind fell."

Alex sat up straighter. This was not the story he knew. It was very similar, but the talk of balance was new to him.

"What happened next?" he asked.

Lucifer chuckled. He had Alex's attention. The Chosen One would know his story.

"Sin became the norm for Adam and Eve, and their children. Father thought about destroying them all, but every so often, there would be one so good, so pure, he would stay his hand. These were the Chosen Ones, and they were humanity's redemption, though never the same way twice. All angels, we had many siblings now, kept a watchful eye on the humans. We watched them grow and learn, although painfully slowly. Only Uriel could effect change among them. Father would instruct her to go to them and inspire. Her lilting voice sang the first song. Her talented hand drew the first picture. This happened rarely though. Father was content to let his children struggle. Many died, unable to defend themselves against a world they were thrust in. Imagine, Alex, not knowing how to survive. Imagine stumbling through the dark because only the great expanse above gives light. Imagine death from starvation because sustenance leaves on your approach. Imagine sickness rampant because you wish to comfort your loved ones, your family. This is what Father did to his children. They did not just struggle. They suffered. I could not stand it. I could do anything Father could. He had wanted an equal to trust in, yet still he commanded me like a child. I am ashamed to admit, I let him degrade me. I cowered under his foot. Still, I could not let humanity suffer, no matter Father's orders. Unable to bear it, I gifted them with tools and knowledge. Since then, humanity has learned how to use these tools, but is still learning how to benefit from them.

"Father did not appreciate my efforts. He did not see my actions as gifts, but rather curses. His wrath drove me away. There is a realm in which he does not interfere, the Land of the Dead. You call it Hell. Since the first human's death, I have maintained this realm. It is not all fire and brimstone. Like Heaven, it shares many similarities with your realm. The main differences are the sub-levels. All human souls go to the Land of the Dead, but which level you spend eternity in is dependent on behavior. This is the realm to which I fled. Father did not punish me immediately. He waited and watched, gauging how humankind used what I gave them. I spent many years alone, always wondering when my fate would descend. For the first time, I was truly alone. I did still have the ability to create, and eventually used it. Fate did come for me. Because Father refused to guide them, humanity was slow to use my gifts properly. Instead of loving them and helping them, Father would send his Sword to wipe them from Earth when a group had sinned too often. Then, Father turned to me. He blamed me for his failure. He failed to give the humans his love. He failed to teach them. He is the failure, and yet I am the one who has lost everything.

"I knew the moment they, my Archangel siblings, entered my realm. I sent away my creations, the only family I had left. I had to protect them. My most powerful was already on a mission of utmost importance. Gabriel came to me first. We had once been close, not like him and Michael, but still deeply bonded through our love. I think he meant to subdue me alone. He pleaded for me to repent. He said he would speak with Father, try to convince him to forgive me. Let me tell you, Alex, God is not merciful. Even as Gabriel spoke, Father's command came down. I saw Gabriel's face crumple. I saw the pain in his eyes. But, I also saw that he would obey. He would obey Father's orders, no matter how wrong they might be. That is not the power of love, but of fear.

"He attacked swiftly, but I was faster. I had never felt such agony as when I struck him and he fell at my feet. Michael, always vigilant, rushed me. He attacked while Uriel and Raphael pulled Gabriel away from the fight. He recovered quickly and they joined Michael. Survival drove me to defend myself. Love drove me to soften my blows. It was apparent though, they were not doing the same. The harder they fought, the less I could avoid hurting them. Our blades flashed and our wings snapped around us. Like the burning Sun, my fire raged hot and bright, racing across my body and dancing along the length of my sword. Fire promotes life, and so it was mine to command. But, fire can also destroy. My white flames kept my siblings from getting close. Such heat not even they could remain uninjured from. Much to my dismay, it did not deter them. Michael was first to brave my fire. His blow ripped through my right shoulder across to my left hip. My blood crimsoned his swords. Raphael attacked from behind. Her thin blade sliced from wing tip to wing tip. Uriel dashed close, drawing her sword across my thighs. Gabriel came last. I did not miss the tears glistening in his eyes. I also did not miss his sword as it rent a hole in my chest. My once brilliant fire dimmed and spluttered out. My blood slicked the floor. I slumped before them and still I did not repent. I had done nothing wrong. Michael kneeled beside me and spread a flame so hot it burned clear across my body. It was the Hellfire, a gift from Father when he put me in charge of the Land of the Dead. As the flames licked my body, the last thing I saw were my closest brothers and sisters, their bodies scorched and tattered. They did not look like angels. They looked like demons.

"That is my story, Alex. That is why we are here. Oddly enough, we have Michael to thank for that. He did what none other would. He showed me mercy and did not completely destroy me. That debt has since been paid. All I want, Alex, is to help humanity. All I want is for each human to have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Alex, help me. Heal me so that humanity can thrive. Fulfill the role of the Chosen One. Be humanity's redemption."

"What must I do?"

As always, feedback is appreciated! What do you think of Luc's story?