The Angel Side Read online

  “She’s not here.” I said, lowering my head.

  “She is here. Just not in the way you are expecting. Come.” Father replied as he pulled me to my feet, looping my arm around his.

  In silence, Father led me to the gate. Fear engulfed me as I stared out between the bars at an ominous wall of water standing still in the middle of the desert.

  Outside the gates laid a desolate landscape of dust storms and debris from previous wars. The Wastelands separated the four worlds, making it open territory for any and all souls, Demon or Angel. It had once been full of lush flora and fauna, an oasis where Abihail and I, during our courtship, had many picnics. But after being plagued by centuries of war against Lucifer, the land lost its luster and withered into a barren nothingness. Beyond repair, Father cut it off from our lands.

  When Lucifer attempted to step in and take the Wastelands as his, Lilith, Queen of Purgatory, and her minions rose against him. When the dust settled, Lilith had won and claimed the land as neutral ground, making it a haven for the souls who chose no sides. Father would send search parties for souls who may be convinced to come back home. However, the souls who sought sanctuary from the celestial politics and wars found themselves targeted by rogue Demons in search of favor with Lucifer. With a Demon possibly lurking behind a dune or mound of discarded shields and weaponry, Father declared the Wastelands off limits.

  “I don’t see her, Father.” I said, searching the area for signs of Etta.

  “Look beyond your nose.” Father pointed off in the distance to a wall of water.

  Assuming her soul had been washed out by the tidal wave, I ripped open the gates. For all I knew Lucifer had been playing one of his games and had a horde waiting for me, or worse, was holding Etta’s soul hostage. With no regard to my safety, I took off to save Etta, but with each stride, the wall seemed to move forward as well. Skidding to a halt, I glanced over my shoulder to Father. I was utterly alone, with no ability to flash or defend myself. He saved me from the first wave, but he would be unable to help me out here. Nudging his chin forward, he must have sensed my apprehension.

  I drew in a deep breath and slowly released it, hoping my doubts would leave with it. Closing my eyes, I whispered, “Etta, if you’re here, know I will find you…come Hell or in this case, high water.” as I took another step forward.

  Opening my eyes, the water whooshed as it moved closer. Hesitant, I stopped again. When had I become so fearful? I had already lost what mattered most to me. What more do I have to lose? And at the rate I had been going, this would take all day. Needing the strength to continue, I thought about what Etta would say if she were with me now. I know what she’d say. “Quit yer lollygagging, put your big boy undies on, and get it over with.”

  Swallowing the lump in my throat, I decided the best course of action would be to get whatever may be lurking over with as fast as possible. Without further stalling, I tore off in a sprint. At the halfway mark, a crystal blue orb broke away from the wall, hurdling at me. It had been a set up.

  Flaring out my wing, I released a battle cry as I prepared to battle the orb. Less than a yard away, I came to a full stop, assuming a battle position. The sphere continued at great speed. Bracing for impact, I flapped my wing in front of me when suddenly the ball burst around me.

  “Dang it!” Etta’s voice exclaimed, giving me a start.

  Standing in a puddle, I spun around searching for her but found no physical presence of her.

  “Etta! Where are you?” I called out.

  “I’m right here, silly goose.”

  “Where? I don’t see you!”

  “Hold on. Let me get myself together. Okay?” Etta’s voice echoed behind me. Spinning on my heels, I turned to find a mass of crystal clear, blue water rippling as it started forming a humanoid appearance. Alarmed, I stepped back as Etta’s features took shape in the liquid.

  “Ah, much better.” the vertical puddle spoke in Etta’s tone. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” it continued.

  “It can’t be.” I whispered under my breath. My mind raced with possible explanations for Etta’s current state.

  I had heard of only one time that a soul returned in a form other than demonic or angelic. Tall tales ran wild about when Lilith fell, and her soul shattered. When she reappeared in the celestial world, she did so as stone. Father had tried to make her whole again, but Lucifer had the last piece of her soul locked in a pendant around his neck. Because her soul had been incomplete, she took on a completely different type of being; not quite an Angel but not quite a Demon. She had become what Father called a Wraith. Incomplete, Father had banished her to what is now known as Purgatory. I had assumed the story had simply been that; stories used to scare little ones.

  “Can’t be what?” Etta asked.

  “No. This can’t be you. This isn’t possible.” I said, examining her. All of her features were right; her eyes, hair, her smile, everything right down to the beautiful shape of her long legs, except she had been transparent.

  “Well, it is me, Ra, so it must be possible.” Etta giggled. Unsatisfied with her response, I poked her arm, causing the water to ripple and distort her image.

  “That tickled.” Etta laughed.

  As much as I wanted to believe it to be her, I wouldn’t allow myself to take it at face value. For all I knew, this had been one of Lucifer’s stunts to distract me. I needed proof.

  “Tell me something only you and I would know.” I prodded.

  “Okay. When I first met you, you were wearing a yellow palla that made your eyes pop. You were searching for your sandals. Gabriel had hid them on top of the fountain outside of your mother’s house. As you climbed the fountain, you fell, splashing Ooneimme and me. I’d been wearing my favorite white dress, and you soaked me, making my dress completely see-through. You started stuttering like a fool, apologizing and staring at my breasts. I tried to cover up with my arms when you took off your palla and tried to wrap it around me. There you were in your undies, gawking at me with drool running down your bottom lip. I was so mad and embarrassed I started beating you with my sandal. If memory serves me right, it wouldn’t be the last time I called you a pervert and beat you with my shoes.”

  “You chased me into my house calling me a deviant. I spent four hours at the infirmary with cuts all over my face and head. But everyone knows the story. People still bring it up. I need something more.” I rebuffed.

  “Okay. You’re a horrible singer. I mean when they coined the phrase ‘voice of an angel’ they weren’t talking about you.”

  “So. Everyone who attends Chapel knows that as well.” I replied.

  “You get up every morning from your 'larm clock's warning. Take the 8:15 into the city. There's a whistle up above” Etta sang.

  “People pushin’, people shovin’.” I whispered under my breath.

  I didn’t need any further proof. Since the night we played sleepover, goofing off, it had been our song. After I found my way back to grace, Etta and I would lie in bed cuddling as we talked about our first night. It had been the night everything we thought we knew changed. It had been the night I had fallen in love with her…again.

  “See what I mean. Your voice is much too gruff.” A jovial Etta winked.

  “Etta!” I exclaimed. In my excitement I tried to wrap my arms around her. She popped as if she were a water balloon, splashing me yet again.

  “Whoa, tiger. I don’t have this down enough to be giving hugs just yet.” Etta said as she slowly took shape again.

  “I’m so sorry.” I exclaimed.

  “It’s okay. Sorry about drowning you earlier. I got so excited when I saw you at the gates. Guess I don’t know my own strength yet.”

  “That was you? Man, this just gets weirder.” I rubbed my forehead.

  “Weirder? So I’m weird now?” a defensive Etta asked.

  “Yeah. I mean, I never seen anyone come back in the form of a tidal wave. You got to admit, this is flippin’ weird.”r />
  “I suppose you’re right. Since we got all of that out of the way, can we go inside now? This place gives me the creeps.” Etta said as she turned toward the gates.

  Mesmerized by fact Etta didn’t walk but glided, I stood back, watching her intently. She stopped and turned to me.

  “You coming?” she asked.

  Jogging up to her, I wanted so much to hold her hand as we approached, but the fear of popping her kept me from trying. Dumbfounded by her state, I kept glancing over at her out of the corner of my eye. I half expected her to disappear or me to wake up. But hearing the commotion at the gates, I knew it hadn’t been a dream.

  It seemed the whole population had gathered around the gates and towers, watching Etta and me approach. Poised in front of the assembly, Father grinned from ear to ear. As Etta entered the gate, the crowd roared into anxious whispers.

  “Welcome home, my child.” Father spoke, silencing the congregation behind him.

  “Hello, Father.” Etta replied, lowering her eyes.

  “I know you must be tired, but we have a few things to do before you settle in. Come with me.” Father said, reaching for Etta’s fluid hand.

  Etta gave me a frightened glance, comparable to a child’s on their first day of school. As much as I wanted to stick by her side, I knew Father would have his work cut out for him to make her whole again. It’s all I wanted. If I had to step out of the way in order to finally get back to the way my life was meant to be, it would be a small sacrifice.

  “It’ll be okay.” I said, giving an approving nod.

  “I’m scared. I don’t want to leave you. Can Ra come with me?” Etta pleaded with Father.

  “I am afraid not, my child. This is the last part of your journey; you must travel alone. I promise you, it will be all right.” Father replied with an understanding smile.

  “Go get it over with, and by the time you come home I’ll have a nice meal and warm bed waiting for you.” I said, hoping to comfort her. Etta caressed my cheek down to my chin then turned and followed Father.

  A whirlwind of emotions fluttered through me as I made the long walk home. A pang of anger for Etta’s life on Earth being cut short with a sprinkle of bewilderment due to her present state, and a cup of happiness because she came home to the Heavens. Tonight I would sleep with my wife in the same bed without worrying about the commute between worlds. It also meant her deal with Lucifer had come to a close, and we’d have to be on full alert.

  As much as I wanted to start planning out security and defensive details I had a much bigger problem at hand. I had to figure out how to cook the meal I promised Etta.

  Etta had always taken care of the cooking, since she had usually been home before me. I did attempt to cook once in my whole existence. Unfortunately, Etta hadn’t been happy about her kitchen being set ablaze or the black scrambled eggs I dished out.

  Approaching my house, I noticed a small group gathering outside the door. Holding casserole dishes, pie plates, and pots were the Arches, minus Gabriel, and their significant others. The Arches stood stoically watching the women chatter like a brood of hens at feeding time.

  “We thought we’d give you a hand with dinner.” Liwet, Uriel’s wife snickered.

  “Don’t need you burning down the Heavens, Brother.” Ramiel joked, embracing me.

  “Ha-Ha.” I sarcastically replied. “I appreciate it. Where’s Gabriel?” I asked, hoping to get off the topic of my lack of culinary skills. The women passed nervous glances at one another then entered my home leaving me with the guys.

  “He’s still down on Earth with Amy and John breaking the news of Etta’s death, dealing with police, and planning her funeral.” Michael explained.

  So much had happen I hadn’t thought about the aftermath. Someone had to explain how a girl had been stabbed to death in her home, and then put her body in the ground as if it were her last stop.

  “The funeral? I didn’t think they would be planning it so soon. What’s the story?” I asked.

  As Uriel readied to speak a messenger came rushing up.

  “Beg your pardons for my interruption, but I have a message for Rahovart the Arch.” The messenger huffed as he took to one knee with his head bowed.

  “What is the message?” I said, motioning the messenger to rise.

  “Father requests your immediate presence in the war room.”

  “Thank you. You’re dismissed.” I said, passing a wary glance between the Arches.

  “This can’t be good.” I said to my brothers.

  Not wanting to waste any more time, I rushed to the war room entrance. Placing my hand on the knob of the door, I hesitated. If it were bad news, I didn’t know if I’d be able to handle it. So much had happened since Etta came back into my life. For once I wanted good news and a happy ending. But I wouldn’t get it standing outside. Releasing an exasperated sigh, I pushed open the door and entered the war room. Father had been in His usual position in the center of the round, white space.

  “You needed to see me, Father?”

  “Yes. Please sit down.” Father motioned toward my chair.

  “How is Etta? Is she okay?” I asked, taking my seat.

  “That is why I called you here. It would seem we have a problem, Rahovart.” Father clenched his jaw.

  “What is it, Father?”

  Father paced around the room as if searching for the right words to say. With every thump of his steps, my heart pounded in my chest. My inner voice chided me for thinking anything would be easy, even with Father on my side.

  “Etta has always been a special spirit, but I have underestimated just how special she is. You know we have never had anyone released from Purgatory, much less a spirit manifest in a fluid state. Stone, yes, but not water.”

  Father let it slip that the tales about Lilith had been true. I had a thousand questions but the one more important than the others had been if Etta would meet the same fate as Lilith. Would Father fix her, or would she be banished instead of taking her place here in Heaven?

  “Father?” I gulped.

  “But, we’re not the only ones who have had something special show up at their gates. Come in!” Father called out. My gaze snapped to Father’s left as Lucifer, two of his newly highest ranking officers, Nicor and Astaroth, along with a nameless goon, entered the war room carrying a large bulging sack. Taking the offensive, I leaped in front of Father with my wing spread out before me.

  “Calm yourself, son. I invited him here.” Father said, tucking my wing down.

  “What is he doing here, Father?” I asked, standing back.

  “Rahovart. It’s good to see you, too.” Lucifer nodded with a smug grin as he lowered the sack.

  “You slimy son-of-a—” I snipped, but Father cut me off.

  “Are you quite finished?” Father’s voice thundered. Lucifer and I passed daggered glares then turned our attention back to Father.

  “Yes.” Lucifer and I grumbled in unison.

  “Lucifer, open the bag.” Father ordered.

  Opening the top of the bag, Lucifer jumped back as a burst of bright orange flames shot out. The fire pulsed, flickered, and popped until taking a familiar shape. Staring into the blaze I became transfix as it cast an image of Etta. But it wasn’t the Etta I knew. No, this abomination’s hate-filled eyes and menacing stare was nothing like my Etta’s. Casting her eyes upon me, she released a deafening roar, charging toward me. Flames streaked the room. In disbelief, I flew back to the wall.

  “Lucifer!” Father cried out.

  With lightning speed, Lucifer darted to the pillar of flames, snatched her up in the sack and double knotted the top. With little effort, he tossed the bag to one of his sidekicks who then disappeared.

  “Where is he taking her?” I demanded.

  “One of my spies has also reported another one, made up of rock, has appeared in Purgatory. I haven’t received word from Earth yet, so I don’t know if another piece has manifested.” Lucifer said, ignoring my demand.
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  “This is a trick!” I shouted.

  “Etta’s soul is torn, Rahovart. To make matters worse, each of the fractures are dissipating. I fear if we do not merge her components, Etta may disappear completely.” Father coolly explained.

  “So merge them!” I ordered.

  Father and I had had our disagreements in the past, offering plenty of opportunity for one of us to cross the line. We’d only ever danced around it, until now. With Etta‘s soul at stake and Father failing to take immediate action, he had past the point of no return. Furious with His inaction, I’d no longer been able to hold my temper.

  “It’s not that simple, Ra. Lilith is pretty amused by her new toy. She has refused to release her portion. We must go in and take it.” Lucifer replied.

  Something about the way Lucifer spoke raised the hair on my arms. It had been as if he already knew this day would come, and he had a plan already in motion.

  With everything happening so fast, I hadn’t put much thought into the day’s events. All I knew was Etta had been killed by Lilith, but I didn’t know why. With Lilith’s disdain for men, a strong, independent woman such as Etta had been an inconceivable victim.

  I had sent Abihail’s soul to Purgatory when in an attempt to kill Michael, I accidently plunged my sword into her belly. Though Father and Lucifer had to come to an agreement for a soul to be released, Lilith also had to agree. After all, if a soul had been sent to Purgatory, it rightfully belonged to her. After centuries, Father and Lucifer had gone to Lilith asking for her release. Surprisingly, she agreed. As to not give any side an unfair advantage, Abihail’s soul had been sent to Earth as Etta.

  I knew Father’s and Lucifer’s reasoning for wanting Abihail’s soul released, but why would Lilith release her, only to snuff her out? Only two reasons came to mind. Either Lilith thought she may lose Etta or Lucifer and she had made a deal. Staring Lucifer down as he flashed a smug smirk, I knew the latter had to be the case.

  He had made a deal with Etta preventing him from further attempts on her soul as long as she lived on Earth. But in typical Lucifer style, he found a way around the deal by having Lilith do his dirty work. But what prize had been so great that Lilith might possibly gain for her to align herself with a male? I had to push Lucifer as far out of the equation as possible.