A/N: Greetings! I apologize for my absence, work has started up again for me and I had to get back to the grind. I hope I can make it up to you with a long chapter filled with some backstory on our lovley satanic friend Lilith! I will warn you, at the end of this chapter it gets heavy so if you shy away from emotional turmoil; do not read. As always Replies are at the bottom of the chapter. Review and Enjoy!
Story: Pinky Promise
Rated: T
Parings: BellaxEdward, AlicexOCxJasper (Polyamorous), CarlislexEsme, RosaliexEmmett
Summary: Bella should have asked how to pronounce Santa when she was younger, who would've thought she made a pinkie promise with the devil herself?
Chapter Warning: Language, Violence, Death (This chapter gets pretty heavy at the end. So note the warning.)
"Did you ever notice how in the Bible, whenever God needed to punish someone, or make an example, or whenever God needed a killing, he sent an angel?
Did you ever wonder what a creature like that must be like? A whole existence spent praising your God, but always with one wing dipped in blood.
Would you ever really want to see an angel?"
-Thomas Daggett, the Prophecy
Chapter 13: Sun
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are grey. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."
"You have a pretty voice mama!"
Lilith chuckled and rested her forehead against her child's, who was being held within her arms. "Thank you little one. Your mommy and papa have pretty voices too, you know." Lilith watched Alex's face scrunch up in thought. Lilith laughed as small hands traced her face.
"Yeah, but when you sing you smile a lot. You, mama, and papa haven't been smiling a lot lately. Are you sad?"
With Alex in her arms Lilith began walking back to their home up in Heaven. The two went out for a walk, a rare event with the rebellion of Lucifer right on their doorsteps. She and Daniel had been out fighting numerous battles against demons and the Fallen, while Tonie worked with the council gaining intelligence to somehow get the upper hand in this war.
"No baby," Lilith finally responded "We've just been busy with work."
"Is it about what's happening outside the gates?"
"How do you know about that?" Lilith watched as her daughter frowned and played with the white robes on her body.
"Job's papas never came back from work. He says that when your parents leave the gates they don't come back." The child's eyes quickly welled up with tears. "I-I don't want you and Papa to leave!" she hiccupped. "Then me and Mommy would be alone and she would be really sad! And-"
"Alex! Alex, honey it's okay, shhh." Lilith held the girl close to her body as she sobbed. They had finally made it home and when Lilith entered the abode, the cries of the child reached the other occupants of the house, causing Daniel and Tonie to appear. Lilith sighed as she handed their daughter to Daniel who immediately started his attempt to sooth the child as he walked off to another room.
"What happened?" Tonie asked. Lilith looked into the hazel eyes that Tonie shared with Alex, she rubbed her forehead trying to ease her tension as she responded.
"Alex heard of the deaths beyond the gates through Job. I can't take this anymore love. Dan and I have seen things out there, terrible things."
Lilith felt the arms of her love wrap around her waist, Tonie embraced her in comfort and Lilith felt herself relax at the action.
"She cried herself to exhaustion." Daniel's voice rang through the quiet hallway and the two women broke apart from their hug. The man walked up to take Lilith's and Tonie's hand. "I don't know how long this war can go on," He closed his eyes and Lilith noticed the exhaustion that washed over his features as he let his guard down for his two mates. "The council isn't taking any action, no matter how much sway me and Lilith have on the manner." Opening his eyes he looked at Antoinette. "Has there been any word on your front?"
"Unfortunately not. Other than the poison I created years ago, there has been no advancements in fighting back or information on the demons next move."
"We can only hope our Lord will take the right actions in due time." Daniel stated. Lilith barked out a bitter laugh.
"Our Lord? Daniel, where was our Lord when our cities were razed to the ground by Lucifer's troops? What does he do? Send us to fight his battles. More Angels fall day by day because of their loss of faith!"
"Lilith! Do you not have faith as well? What have you?" Daniel snapped.
Lilith hissed. "I have you both and our child to fight for. That is my reason. There would be no point of living an eternal and happy life if I lose you. Day by day you and I go out and fight, we lead our brothers and sisters to battles where they might never return to their families. I can't stand the fact that one day, you would be one of them!"
"I-"
"Daniel! Lilith!" Antoinette growled. "Unless you want our daughter to wake up even more upset by overhearing your words you will cease this banter." she sighed "We will fight through this war and we will survive. We will endure the trials the demons throw at us and we will keep faith because sometimes that is all we can hold on to."
"Look at you, pathetic." Azza chuckled maliciously at the sitting figure in chains behind the bars before him. The King eyed Lilith in satisfaction as he saw the glazed blackened eyes staring into space.
"What do you want Master?" Lilith hissed out the word as if it was acid on her tongue. "Come to mock me and tell me how 'great and glorious' Hell reins in your presence?"
"Do not mock me! I could kill you right now without question!"
Lilith scoffed weakly and shifted her body. "Why threaten me? Afraid the beatings the guards been giving me isn't enough?"
Azza grunted as he took in Lilith's features, her hair had grown out in the time he had kept her here. In this dungeon, along with Azza's newfound power, he used ancient runes that could make one human day feel like months to Lilith and she would be none the wiser of her reality. He took in the former Queen with disdain written all over his face. A matted afro covered in dirt and blood framed her skull, her face was no better. It was currently healing from the recent beating she received on a daily basis. Regardless of her bruised features, the woman kept her spark and glared at Azza in spite.
"You aren't worth my time."
"Then why are you down here? To make sure I didn't miraculously escape? Not like I could do anything if I did, you've pumped me with enough poison to feed a mess hall filled with Minotaurs. I can barely move with these shackles and because of your fucking cowardice."
"Silence! You will respect your King!"
Lilith turned her head and spat on the ground in front of Azza. "You will never be my King." Before Azza could grab the woman by her neck between the bars a small imp appeared in the dungeon.
"Master! One of your guards requests you!"
Azza narrowed his eyes and scoffed at Lilith in disgust. "You better make yourself comfortable Lilith, because I plan on having the rest of your immortal life spent rotting in this cell." With that the man turned on his heel and walked out leaving Lilith to bask in her silence.
The woman released a harsh breath and ran a hand through her growing hair. Lilith had no clue how long she had been here. She hoped at least, that Bella had moved on with her life with Edward and Alice and Jasper simply forgot about her. The time in this prison had felt like months and Lilith couldn't be sure if it was simply the effects of the cell she was in or the constant beatings she had taken that she had merely lost count.
She sat against the wall and listened for a few more moments, trying to decipher if the guards were slacking off in their duty. Sure of herself that no interruptions would come to her soon, Lilith removed herself from her seated position and began doing exercises. Regardless of the aches and pains she was experiencing throughout her whole body, Lilith moved her body into a plank position and began doing push-ups, chains restricting some of her movements but getting the job done.
There was a solution to this madness, she found that if she exerted herself and got her blood pumping she could try and make herself resistant, or at least tolerable to the poison's effect. The longer she could move and work without getting tired, the better chance of escape. No matter how long it would take. As the soft breaths of exertion filled the silence of her cell, Lilith found her mind working a mile a minute, making a plan to get out and take back her seat of damnation.
"We can't keep sending our Angels into a slaughter! It isn't right!"
"Archangel Lilith! You will watch your tone before the council!"
Before Lilith could retort, a pale hand was placed on her dark skin. She looked at the source to see Daniel, speaking up to speak to the hall of ancient angels.
"With all due respect, I would like permission to speak to the council." Daniel said.
"Granted."
Daniel turned around and paced within the open circle surrounded by the Angels who see over the decisions made in Heaven next to God himself.
"We have been at war with Satan and his troops for centuries now, with no sign of him surrendering or letting up." Daniel gestured to Lilith and then himself "We have seen the atrocious acts committed by demons and the Fallen. They kill and corrupt with no remorse and with each passing day more of our brothers and sisters are gone or have joined Lucifer. Why?"
Lilith crossed her arms and raised a brow at her beloved, wondering where he was going with this speech.
"So far all we have done is go into the fray of battle, no questions asked. Because our Lord told us to. We do not question Him, why should we?"
"You would be wise to choose your next words Archangel."
Daniel raised a facilitating hand in peace, wanting to continue. Lilith couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was Daniel, one of the most faithful Angels she has known, about to question his leadership? Does he know what could happen to him? Lilith made eye contact with Daniel, pleading eyes telling him to rebuke whatever was about to leave his lips. They could argue with the council all they wanted but to go as far as to question their Lord in front of them?
"I simply must ask the council, what has He done for us?"
"You dare question-"
"I dare, because every time Lilith and I leave for battle we lead men and women with their heads held high, confident that with their Lord watching over them and being by their side nothing can go wrong! That they can win! Why hasn't He come down from the throne Himself and put an end to this war immediately!"
"Blashphemy!"
"Truth!" Daniel roars back. He jumps when he feels a warm hand touch the back between his wings. Turning his head he sees the fearful and worried gaze of Lilith and his demeanor softens. Taking a deep breath and shaking his head, he gives a respectful bow before the council. "I-I apologize for my outburst. The stress of battle must be taking a toll."
Silence reigned over the room for what seemed like a decade before a member spoke.
"Archangel Daniel, you of all angels should know that our Lord is merciful and kind, and that for whatever his reason of not interfering with this war He surely has a plan for us. Do not doubt Him. If we ever hear this type of talk from you again we will be sure to strip you of your rank and put you in the front lines with the others."
Daniel stiffened at this and nodded. The two were dismissed and once they were a reasonable distance away, Daniel shot off into the air with Lilith on his tail.
"Daniel!" Lilith caught up to him, now they flew side by side. "What was that about? Out of all people who should be questioning God before the council it should be me! Not you!"
Lilith could tell by the way Daniel was flying he was furious. Wings harshly beating against the air currents and fists clenched at his sides.
"Ever since that day you told me and Tonie about your worries, I couldn't get it out of my head." Daniel rubbed his face out of frustration. "Why hasn't God stopped this war? Is He waiting for the right moment? It's been centuries in human time. Does He have a plan? Thousands of our brothers and sisters have been killed or fallen. Would He allow that? Nothing makes sense to me anymore Lilith!" The yell from his lips seemed to surround the air they were flying in and for once, Lilith had nothing to say.
Daniel was right nothing made sense, but she hoped that soon things eventually would.
"We have to o something."
"Alice-"
"She's been gone for days with no contact-"
"Alice-"
"What if nomads got to her, I'll kill them, I'll-"
"Alice!"
"What?!"
The Cullens reared back as the little vampire snapped at Carlisle. The family had gathered for a meeting to discuss Lilith's whereabouts. Alice was pacing the room, visions useless in this situation because there was nothing to be seen. Her frustration and worry was visible to everyone in the room. As for Jasper, his expression was a stony mask, no doubt his own concern for Lilith amplified by the others and especially his mate. The patriarch of the coven gave Alice a stern look for her attitude before speaking.
"We are all worried for Lilith as much as you are. We understand the circumstances and as you and Jasper's mate this is a serious issue we need to tackle." He inclined his head to Rosalie, Emmett, and Edward. "Have you found anything at all at Lilith's home?"
Rosalie took over as the voice for the three of them. "No, no sign of struggle or anything amiss in the home. It looks like she hasn't been back in a few days." Her tone was even and cautious, not wanting to set off her two irritable and worried siblings a few feet away from her.
"What about scents, did you catch anything?" Carlisle asked.
"Other than the group of nomads we caught whiff of a couple weeks ago, there's nothing there. Lilith's sent is stale and barely lingers."
Carlisle rubbed his jaw as his brow furrowed in thought. "And Bella? Anything from her?"
Edward took over this time. "She won't say, I'm not sure if she knows something. Everytime I ask about Lilith her heart rate spikes for a few beats before returning to normal."
"So she's hiding something." Jasper's voice shocked the family, he had been silent for the past week, deep in thought trying to connect the pieces of Lilith's disappearance.
"Now I didn't say that."
"Edward, when a human lies their heart rate picks up as well as other physical signs. Bella knows Lilith better than any of us, if she does know where she is why would she keep it from us?"
"Maybe she has her reasons and own secrets, just as we have ours." Rosalie snapped. Emmett looked at his wife in surprise.
"Rose, are you alright? It sounds like you're defending Bella."
"That's because I am." Rosalie huffed, she rubbed her polished nails on her jeans before looking at them. "If Bella knows what's up with Lilith and she doesn't want to tell us we should abide to that."
"But what if she's in trouble! Or hurt!" Alice cried. "Bella would at least let us know she was safe!"
"Enough!" Carlisle barked through the banter "We'll keep asking Bella about Lilith's whereabouts, if she knows. For now let's keep looking, if we run into the nomads near here we'll ask questions. We have nothing, no evidence or clues of her departure. All we can do now is adapt."
A deadly growl emitted throughout the room and all heads turned to see Jasper, eyes black and posture stiff. As Alice reached out to calm him, he huffed and sped outside and away from the house.
"We'll be back soon." Alice murmured and with that she ran off to follow her mate. Once the two were gone, Carlisle seemed to collapse in one of the living room chairs. His head was placed into his hands and Esme, rubbed a soothing hand across his back as she spoke.
"Do not fret my love, it will all turn out in the end."
"Daniel! On your right!"
The sound of battle echoed throughout the skies of Heaven. Angels both Fallen and Righteous fought to live and to win for their respective sides. For as long as the war had been going on, fighting had become routine to some. However there were others, new souls who just arrived expecting a new eternal life of peace only to have a weapon placed in their hands and the threat of living being faced upon once more. Lilith hated this, holy beings such as herself shouldn't worry of such things. Devout men and women shouldn't have their faith questioned when arriving at the gates once they see the demons lingering outside of it.
She couldn't muse for long as a wayward strike attempted to disable her. From her bond with Daniel she could feel his aggression and intensity as he fought. This was their most important battle yet. If they lost this nothing could stop the demons and Fallen from breaching the Holy Gates and killing more innocent souls. Gripping her long sword Lilith made sure to be a significant part in this fight. As an Archangel she had a duty to protect and lead. She had already seen the ranks of the opposing side. They were outnumbered but as she and Daniel spoke to their brothers and sisters, they did not let it show that this battle could be their last. As usual before any battle they go into, Daniel and Lilith pray. They pray that casualties would be few or none at all. They pray that their Lord would give them strength to lead this men and women to victory against Hell's spawn. And of course they pray that they would make it home safely to Alex and Tonie, another day of living and surviving.
"Lilith!"
Her head had turned at the cry from Daniel and her blood ran ice cold at the sight before her. Daniel was outnumbered. The surrounding reinforcements that he acquired were either dead or dying. Out of the corner of her eye Lilith could see one of her sisters get on her knees and look up at the ethereal sky as she pledged her allegiance to Satan. She knew she had lost. Lilith looked back, the others that were left were trying to hold off the push the demons were making to the gates.
Daniel roared as he hacked away his aggressors with his battle axe, but as he cut down one demon, two more came in its place. Lilith roared a battle cry as she launched towards him only stopping as he cried out.
"No! Lilith protect the Gates!" Daniel growled as a blow nicked his shoulder, as he gave his all he could see Lilith standing there, ready to charge again.
"Daniel!" He felt his heart break at the anguished cry that left Lilith's lips.
"Go! Protect our people, protect our family!"
Lilith held back tears as she saw him fight, but he was right. They had to guard the gates. 'He'll make it. He'll be alright.' Lilith thought as she turned and charged to the others towards the gates.
"Everyone! To me! Do not let them past the Holy Gates at all costs!" Lilith yelled. She could hear the chorus of affirmations throughout the battlefield. Wave after wave of aggressors tried to push through, but with the fierce determination of her comrades and sheer motivation the Angels held them off. That's when Lilith felt it. A sharp burning pain that coursed throughout her soul. It was agony and terrifying, because Lilith knew what it meant. She couldn't focus on it now the haze of battle clouded her mind. However a few short moments after her internal event, the demons and Fallen calculated assaults began to let up. Lilith noticed that they were making a retreat.
Lilith could feel the tension throughout her troops even as the aggressors disappeared. For a short while all was silent and then at once the surrounding Angels sighed in relief and cheered, their mission successful. The Archangel could not feel the same, Lilith felt a piece of her soul had hollowed out and a barren wasteland was left in its place. She assigned orders to the second highest ranking in the group, to clean up and reinforce their defenses for the next fight. Once a semblance of order was assured, she left.
When she entered her home, she couldn't take two more steps before she collapse at the entrance. A keening cry left her lips and sobs shook her body. Daniel was gone. Just like that, an instant one minute he was in his prime and fighting and the next…
She felt warm hands cup her face and looked up. Tonie's face was grief stricken as well, no doubt feeling the same amount of pain Lilith did when Daniel was taken away. She couldn't look at her face, she failed them. How was she supposed to protect her loved ones if they felt the crippling pain as she did.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm-"
Lilith was silenced as Tonie pulled her into her chest, her own sorrow and grief letting itself known as Lilith felt the warm tears fall on top of her head. They both sat there for what seemed to be an eternity until a small voice interrupted them.
"Mommy, mama? What's wrong?"
The two woman looked up to see the small child rubbing her eyes, a sign of her recent endeavors of rest. The girl wiggled her way in between them and Tonie released a soft breath, bracing herself what was to come next.
"Where's Papa?" Alex whispered the question, and by listening to her voice Tonie deducted that their daughter most likely already knew what happened. She was intelligent, just like Daniel. Tonie swallowed a thick lump that formed in her throat, she had to respond to Alex, Lilith was in no shape to speak. She was still covered in the blood and grime that defiled her white battle robes and Tonie could feel the hilt of Lilith's sword digging into her hip. Tonie in a rare but an intimate and familial gesture, spread her wings and surrounded the family unit now missing a member.
"Oh Alexandra, my darling. You're going to have to help mama and I be strong for a little while. Can you do that? Can you be our rock like papa was?"
"Papa's not coming back, is he?" Alex's meek voice pained Tonie and she could hear the sniffles of oncoming tears. The silence was all Alex needed for her answer and soon fresh tears were shared between all three of them. The family grieved for their lost loved one and together they wallowed in their sorrow.
'This is it.' Lilith thought. She would enact her plan today, sitting in this cell it felt like months have gone by. However her mind was a different story, common sense would tell her it had only been a week due to the state the guards would visit her in or when Azza would come to her cell and brag. Her body on the other hand did not know the difference, her hair had grown to a fuller length, its usual buzz-cut areas now thick with curls. Being an ethereal being, her body didn't need sustenance but the poison the guards had been giving her day in and day out had its toll. She still had muscle due to the exercises she had been doing to keep up her strength and resistance but if one of her friends looked at her they would noticed the sunken black eyes and gaunt face.
As she heard the tell tale signs of the dungeon door opening, Lilith made sure to put up a passive face. Another dose of poison was scheduled. One guard would come in the cell and administer the dreaded concoction while the other would stand outside, that if she was compliant. If not then she would be hurting or knocked out for hours. Heavy boots reverberated on the stone floors and Lilith simply took a fleeting glance at the guard.
He was shorter than most guards assigned to this post, odd, but Lilith did not question it. In the long run it would make it easy to overpower him. The other guard was female, twin whips at the hip ready to be used if necessary. As the male guard entered her cell, she sat in the same position against the wall, waiting. The guard took out a vial from his pouch and crouched down, expecting Lilith to be weak and easy from the last dosage.
He was getting closer and closer, expecting Lilith to comply. That is until with shackled hands she quickly wrapped the connected chain around the guard's neck, catching him by surprise. The female turned quickly assessing the situation, eyes widening behind her helmet as she watched her partner about to be choked out.
"Give me the keys and I'll be on my way. Do it now before I snap his neck." Lilith growled. Her grip tightened and she pulled. The captive guard choked out in pain, unable to speak. What shocked Lilith however was when the female held up her hands in a sign of peace and spoke.
"Easy Lilith, you don't want to choke out your second in command do you?"
Eyes widening at this confession Lilith's hold loosened "Onoskelis?"
The former guard of the second circle took off her helmet and smirked before placing an index finger on her lips, indicating her to speak quietly. Lilith quickly let go of what she assumed to be Tamiel, and he sputter and coughed as he removed his own helmet and glared at Lilith.
"Weakened and you still have a mean grip." From his chest-plate Tamiel received his scholarly glasses and placed them upon his face.
"I knew you were too short to be a guard…what are you two doing here? Why are you here?" Lilith asked.
As Onoskelis explained Tamiel helped Lilith out of her shackles. "After Azza took over the guards and Tamiel were booted out of our duties. It was to be expected really. In a short span of a human week, Hell has been unorganized and becoming more like a war party than a business."
Lilith rubbed her wrists feeling freedom of being unchained. "Wait, a week! That can't be it's been months!"
Tamiel led her out of the cell and shook his head. Tapping on the bars once, glowing runes appeared. "No, a week. Azza enchanted this cell just for you to make your stay here feel longer than it is."
"This are angelic runes. Where in the world did he get those?"
"As it's been revealed, Azza's been working with Ezekiel...Lilith it's looking bad, there's been talk of another war coming. We have to get you out of here." Tamiel spoke quickly and quietly as Onoskelis watched the entrance.
"What? No Tam, I have to challenge Azza again and take back the title of Satan. I can't leave!"
"Yes you can and you will! You're in no state to be fighting, your physical body is weak, you can't handle another fight." Tamiel growled
Lilith's eyebrows rose to her hairline at the sudden backbone of her usually timid friend. Lilith knew he was right, but she couldn't just leave Hell in the hands of Azza.
"This dungeon has runes that doesn't permit Fallen to summon in and out of here. Not only that but I don't even have enough energy let alone power to summon myself out of Hell. So what are we going to do? Hide?"
Onoskelis took this moment to step in speaking quickly. "We'll handle that, what you need to focus on is once getting back to Earth stay low and regain your strength. As the humans say, you may have lost the battle, but not the war. Now, let's go."
With the conversation and questions at a halt, the three made way for their escape. Lilith could see their plan. As long as they left the boundaries of the dungeon one of them could summon her out of the realm on into Earth. Easier said than done. Close calls came one after another and eventually their luck had to run out. The next shift of guards to watch Lilith had come and once seeing no prisoner and no guards the alarm was sounded.
"We're almost there! Come on!"
The resonating sound of whips cracking in the air was loud to Lilith. Onesklis was at the front, powering through guards as they fought their way to the boundary. Lilith was in the middle, relying on excess energy and adrenaline to sprint behind the woman. Tamiel was holding up the rear a mace in his hand and doing his best to knock down pursuers trying to stop them. There was a group of Fallen blocking their path but that didn't stop them.
With tooth and nail the former guard hissed and lashed out with ferocity, trying to make an opening for Lilith. In the midst of fighting Onoskelis cried out.
"Icarus!"
With a large flash of fire on the opposite side of the boundary, the old imp stood crouched ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
"Lilith!" Onseklis shouted "Go! Go now! Get out of here! Before Azza comes!"
Lilith looked behind her and saw Tamiel putting up his own front, he too looked back and nodded in agreement, yelling over the sound of fighting. "She's right! Go! Don't worry about us!"
Reluctantly Lilith nodded and grit her teeth, turning back to an awaiting Icarus, she sprinted towards him hand out ready to grab him. As soon as she felt her fingers brush against the small demons own, Lilith felt a blowing force hit the back of her head. Before her vision darkened she felt the heat of the imps flames surrounding her and when they landed she felt relief as caught sight of the lush greenery of the Washington forest.
Alex had to be a rock for both of her mother's, ever since papa had gone away she had to make sure to put a smile on their faces. In fact that's what she was going to do now! Mama was at some elder meeting but her Mommy was home, maybe if she asked to teach her flying again she'd be happy. As Alex tiptoed throughout her home, she made her way to her mother's study and paused as she heard the familiar sniffing and quiet sobs.
Mommy would always cry when she thought she was alone and it made Alex sad too. Mama had been working more inside the gates but she was barely home. Frowning Alex made her way into the study and saw her mother sitting on the floor clutching what looked to be Papa's robes.
"Mommy?" She called out hesitantly.
"Oh! Alex!" Tonie quickly composed herself as she heard her daughter's voice. "I-I'm sorry darling, did you need something? Mommy was just being silly." She laughed but no emotion was present in the action.
She watched as he little one bit her lip and rubbed her wrist a habit picked up from Lilith.
"C-Can we go flying today?" She asked quietly, unsure and wary.
Tonie smiled and stood up, nodding. "Of course, let me clean up."
"Archangel Lilith, you have not said a word during this meeting. Would you like to add something?"
"No."
"Not even a strategy for the board."
Lilith huffed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I see no need, defences are at a all time high. The new assigned Archangels that I assigned for the front are doing a worthy job, what more could you want?"
"Well you could-"
BOOM
The building shook as if an earthquake had shattered through Heaven. The council tensed and a second later a ragged looking Angel burst through the doors.
"The Holy Gates have been breached!"
Uproar throughout the chamber happened in an instant and Lilith immediately shot up, sword in hand and on her way out the door before she was stopped.
"Archangel Lilith! You will fall back and lead troops near the Holy Throne, you will fight another day!"
A sneer was plastered on Lilith as she turned to look at the elder who spoke. "I will not let innocent souls have their peaceful and eternal lives cut short because I could not do my part. And I will be damned if I leave without protecting my family!" Turning back she took a few more steps before the elder spoke again.
"You will forsake our Lord if you leave this room!"
With that sentence Lilith left as if she didn't hear it being said in the first place.
It was a nightmare outside, the skies turned red and screams of terror and pain filled the plane of Heaven. Lilith fought her way back to her home, stopping and making sure to save others and lead wayward troops to protect families and defend the assault for as long as they can. When she reached her home she was frozen in shock to see it in ruins, no doubt caused by the aggressors.
"Tonie?! Alex?!"
Tonie was still alive, she was sure of it, the soul bond told her so. She still had time. Shooting up into the air, she could see multiple battles taking place airborne. "Tonie?! Alex?!" She called again. Lilith was so distracted that she barely missed a wayward swing from one of the Fallen. Wings beating rapidly, Lilith turned to retaliate. The two fought back and forth, Lilith with desperation and the Fallen with ferocity.
"Lilith!"
Lilith shouldn't have turned her head, she knew that. But hearing the sound of her bonded's voice brought fear and relief to her soul. She felt a stabbing pain in one of her wings and Lilith knew she would've fell if the Fallen's arms didn't wrap around her to hold her in place.
"Oh what's this? Is that your mate?" The Fallen hissed in her ear "Oho? A little girl too, looks like Bathin is going to have fun with this two."
"No!" Lilith struggled and the Fallen tightened his hold onto her.
"None of that now, why don't we just watch the show?"
Lilith screamed and thrashed against her captor. Tonie had Alex clutched to her chest as she maneuvered and dodged out of the way of Bathin's sword.
"Let them go please, I beg of you." Lilith pleaded as she struggled, as if she could do anything something, with her injured wing. She had to get to her family she had to protect them and keep Dan's promise. Another Fallen had joined in the pursuit between Tonie and Bathin and Lilith screamed once again out of frustration and pain.
Her captor cackled and Lilith could feel his glee as he watched the game of cat and mouse. "Ooo, this is the best part!"
Tonie was so distracted by the other Fallen in her wake she didn't notice Bathin behind her, a sadistic grin as his arm was poised ready to strike. Lilith struggle once more crying out.
"Tonie!"
"Oho! Two for one! A little messy there don't ya think?"
A pain she never wanted to feel again engulfed Lilith as she watched the last of her family fall. She went limp in the Fallen's arms and her body trembled. "Kill me."
"What was that?" Lilith could hear the smirk in his voice. She found that she couldn't care, she was weary and tired. She didn't want to exist anymore.
"Kill me, please."
The Fallen chuckled and Lilith could feel his grip loosening as he shook his head. "I think not, you may be useful later...for now it's time for a little free falling don't ya think? Bye bye!"
The fall didn't kill her of course, but hitting the ground and hearing her little girl sob in pain did. Scrambling to her feet Lilith made her way to the source, her dark skin became ashen as she saw Tonie's limp form impaled by the weapon the killed her. Lilith choked back a sob as she fell to her knees next to Alex. She was injured badly as well, only a few feet away from her mother when she fell from the skies.
Small trembling hands clutched the wound on her stomach and Alex cried in fear and pain.
"Alex it's okay, move your hands baby." Lilith's voice was thick with emotion as she looked after her child. Alex whined in pain as Lilith's hands touched the wound. "I know baby, I know." She could feel her arms being gripped like a lifeline by Alex as she applied pressure. She could get her out of here, to the inner city to safety. "Listen to me I know this hurts, you're going to be okay Alex, stay with me," Lilith shifted her arms. "I'm gonna pick you up okay?
Lilith's heart and soul were breaking into pieces hearing Alex cry out. "I know it hurts baby come on." She was halfway gathering her child into her arms when her cries stopped.
'No no no no no.'
"Alex?" Her body was limp. "Baby?" Short gasps released from Lilith as she began rocking herself and Alex back and forth. "Don't do this to me baby, don't do this to me baby girl, come on." A sob escaped her lips. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," Lilith closed her eyes as she sung, wishing and hoping it was all just a dream. "You make me happy when skies are grey. You'll never know dear, how much I love you." Her embrace tighten on her child. "Please don't take my sunshine away."
Codex Entry: I've Seen the Holy Gates by Unknown Scholar
It was amazing, phenomenal! An event that only God himself would bless me with! I have seen the gates of Heaven with my own eyes. Vast cities surround the gates like a kingdom, angelic beings move throughout the grounds. And above! In the multicolored sky I see the beating wings and hear the laughter, what I would not give for such happiness! I have to figure out how to go back! Maybe I could- *The rest of the page is heavily damaged and the following are ripped from the old leather-bound journal*
Replies!
HeartlessVampireGirl: Thank you so much! Looks like you found out what happened this chapter! It will be a while before Lils can get back to tip top shape but don't worry she'll get there!
CrystalVixen93: I'm glad you love it! It's always a joy to see people enjoy my work. I get nervous posting so reviews like this make my day!
To all my guest reviewers you are also appreciated! Love you guys so much!