Even Angels Fall (Book 3)

Part 2

Tymician

The nymph rings out the towel once more and finally the water is clear. After an hour, she finishes my sponge bath. As deplorable as it is, I could do nothing otherwise, strung up by my arms. What choice did I have? It is the first act of kindness Lucius has shown me. Should I have turned it away?

I attempted to gain information from her but her lips remained sealed throughout the entire process. Her fish gills the only thing to open, breathing in when she would occasionally splash water against her gray skin. There is a chance she did not speak on a human level, in which case, Lucius is malicious even when he is kind.

Did Sheol make God’s son the man he is today?

I blame the Darkness for so much. I can sit here and write a list that would wrap around the world about the Darkness and its prevailing ways but at some point, I will have to look towards Lucius and the choices he’s made.

Where did it all go wrong?

We abandoned Heaven to fight the Darkness. It was a selfless plight. To save God, we had to Fall out of Her arms and stand on our own.

The nymph gathers her bowl and numerous dirty clothes before bowing and exiting the room. The door shuts, echoing in the silence and I am alone again.

I think I know the moment Lucius began to change.

God, in all Her glorious wisdom, opened the Earth. Free reign to us all. It was what Lucius fought for, what he Fell for, and four thousand years later, God decided to grant such a thing. Did it matter to Her that Lucius could never go to the Earth, a world he loved because he was now Satan, the ruler of Hell?

--

I walk toward my quarters, a small hut in the center of town. I refuse to live as Lucius desires me too, in his gaudy mansion on the outskirts of the city. There is enough talk going around that I believe myself superior.

Melek waits for me at my door. “Lucius calls.”

“We have a meeting scheduled later today. Can’t it wait?”

“Something’s happened. I think you should hurry.”

Lucius stands upon the wall, the tallest bank looking out toward the limitless layers of Sheol. He stands here all the time. I couldn’t do it. It would eat away at me, imagining what lives out in the black obscurity.

“Lucius?” I question. “Is there something wrong?”

His wings flex, each layer longer than the one before it. My gaze lands on the small mess of feathers beneath Gerald’s and his own. My denitai seem like an unnatural piece to the puzzle.

Lucius peeks over his shoulder, through the white mess of his bangs. “They’re killing us.”

“Who?”

“Father’s doting children.”

“What are you talking about? They wouldn’t.”

“They are and ruthlessly, I might add.” He turns from the Darkness and approaches me. His once frail figure is now a full and robust stature of a mature adult. “We fight here. This is our war. Earth is supposed to be our safe haven. I need you to make it so. Go to Earth and make it home.”

“Lucius. My job is to fight the Darkness. I have a place here.”

“Make your place there. Tymician, I want you to look out there.” He points over the wall. “What do you see?”

I flicker my green eyes only momentarily. “Endlessness.”

“It is. It is endless. There are eight-thousand Fallen here. Half of them will want to stay, I’m sure. I will lead them. I have Melek to take your place. But they need someone to obey upon the Earth. They love you, Tymician, near as much as they love me. So take them, as they so wish to go.”

I shook my head, “Please, Lucius. Earth is no place for me.”

“It is the same kind of world, brother. Picture the Alu in human skin and the Vetalas as our Angel companions and you will have no problem.” He smiles warmly, slapping a hand upon my shoulder. “I do not want the Darkness spoiling their Souls, Tymician. Get them out now, while they are still of the Light. You see it, as well as I do that they fight and squabble more so than they have ever done. This place is harming them. Father has granted them a rest. Despite my disfavor of Him, He heeds my prayer.”

Confusion overtakes me and I step away to question, “Are you not upset? You fought for our freedom. You strove for Angels to join the human race and Father denied you. You Fell because you thought you’d go to Earth and save people from the Darkness. Instead, we’re here, hunted day and night, afraid of every shadow. Aren’t you angry, Lucius? He chooses now the path you so craved?”

Lucius looks toward the vast lands, the pitch black that is immeasurable in proportion. “I made my point. What is my anger now? I am here and He is there and there will never be a bridge between us.”

“Earth can be your bridge, Lucius.”

“No.” His crystal eyes shine as he meet mine. “Mother will never allow it. I’ve made my choice, Tymician. It is Fate, a role I must play. Will you accept your part?” Chuckling, he pushes, “You may hunt down your Soul Mate. I have a notion she has dire need of you after all these years.”

---

The vibration of the door pulls at my consciousness and I pry apart my eyelids to find Lucius standing before me. The man in my memory, full of reposed light-hearted wisdom is nothing as this creature, impetuous and spiteful. To envision him as he once was, a friend, an enjoyable companion and then to see him in the flesh as a torturer and enslaver: it is too much for my fragile existence.

I drop my eyes, refusing to gaze further.

Doubt springs into my consciousness. Can they be the same man? Or has my brother died? Had he died long ago and I’ve been ignorant to such a horrific event?

“Do not regard me with such contempt.” He orders with a childish disposition.

I feel the quake of my body. The open door brings in frigid air against my clean, newly washed skin and I am accessible now to such fallacies as chills. It’s disgusting.

Lucius steps in further, “You had the power to end this and you have denied it. The blame is not on me.” He attempts to vindicate himself but his words are futile.

If I was not corrupted by the many days of torture under his hand, I would see the guilt and the frustration reflecting in the crystal of his orbs. I would hear the desperation for forgiveness. I would see the twitching of his wings as a sign of aggravation for himself.

But as it stands, all I will allow myself to see is the Devil of Hell and I want nothing more to do with him.

It is over. The relationship between us, the ten thousand years that I spent as a friend and an ally in a never-ending crusade, is over.

I don’t know who he is. I don’t know if he is my enemy. But I know for a fact right now, he is a stranger.

Lucius paces. “Be reasonable for a single moment. The Sins are after your hybrid. They employ my own sister! That treacherous little nymph. If I could, I would confine her for eternity. They are close, Tymician. Do you understand what that would mean?”

I am silent. What does he want me to say?

His wings ruffle. “I wish for your wisdom, Tymician. There is no one that understands Earth and its discrepancies as well as you. I have no contacts upon the Earth that are trustworthy, not with a creature of this caliber. Half the Elders plot to destroy me and lie straight to my face. As if I cannot read through their lies! And the others will have nothing to do with me. They avoid Sheol and refuse me. It is I that grants them their power. Do they acknowledge that? No, they abuse the strength I award them!”

He spins toward me, “You are my last remaining follower. The only one I can confide in. But there is nowhere safe to speak. Nature and her horde are everywhere. Every soldier here is on two sides of every battle. In my own world, I am trapped.”

My eyes lifted to him finally, “You are killing me, Lucius and you wish to speak to me about your tribulations?”

Lucius arches his wings, tucking them snug against his back and moving some of his white hair from his face. “I am not going to kill you, Tymician.”

My brows knit upon that admission.

“But you must recognize the importance of your hybrid. I must get her before the Sins.”

Disgust riddles over me, “I will not help you.”

He flies at me, “The world will end!”

Panting under the pressure I respond, “She’ll be saved.”

Realization quickly dawns on him and his brows rise, “Oh?” He steps back, allowing me to breathe. “You have friends?” He mocks me. “Who, might I inquire?”

I give no reply.

“Allow me to guess. Dion, then?” He goes on in a tease. “Yes, I believe you told him Alexander had the hybrid. You see, Dion has become my Second. Forgive me. I believe the letter of your demotion was lost somewhere between Heaven and Hell. He’s been working for me, Tymician, for decades. Have you never fathomed the depth of his aversion? He Fell to avenge. Yet you saw only a broken heart. He’s lied to you, Tymician. He came to seek any information you could give.” He pauses. “Yes, he’s known you’ve been here since you arrived.”

“Who else might you rely on? Felix? Your own Second? With a little coercion, he searches for her on my behalf. Naïve and young, I’m afraid by keeping him from the Darkness, you failed to show him what the Darkness can do.

“Abida and Hamilton, they desire her Light for their own selfish plights, but I presume you know all about their endeavors. The Ruling seek her out for her blood, which would strengthen the Nephilim cages for eons. There is no one left willing to save her.”

I struggle for breath. His admission to so many friends worse than the pain he physically brings. “She’s an innocent girl, Lucius. She has no part of your war. Leave her alone. For the love you bare me and God. Leave her alone.”

“It’s too late, Tymician. Fate has set out to destroy her long before you have set out to save her.” Sorrow knits in his brows. He leans in close to me, whispering, “Why do you feel for such a creature that is not your own? Let this go. As you have said, it is just a girl. Stop your suffering.”

My lips fall apart. Hope shines yet and I whisper, “Alex. Alexander.”

He fluffs his wings, upset that I’m still clinging. “The Angel did very well.” To Hear such news brings me great relief. “But he’s lost her and now he’s Slipping. You placed too much on a weak Soul.”

I close my eyes and will it all go away.

“Fate cannot be fought, Tymician. Father could not fight it. None of us are capable.”

I feel soiled and empty. I am tired. I am tired of living. I don’t want to see the world after Kyla is gone. I don’t want to be alive knowing I have lost her. Fate will not win in my heart. I will not allow it.

Footsteps echo down the marble steps and catch Lucius’ attention. I am unbothered by the interruption despite it being the first person I’ve seen since Dion’s visit a lifetime ago. Dion, who pretended so well to grieve.

I flicker my eyes over carelessly as the stranger drops down to their knees before their king. They are dressed in a black suit, covering every inch of skin. I can’t even tell if it’s a man or a woman until they speak. A rough baritone reports, “Quardant Six is revolting, my lord. Three Hell Hounds tore through two rows of warriors starting a riot. They require a quick hand before the Princes are alerted.”

Lucius’ wings expand and nearly reach me as I lean to avoid their touch. My own are far from me though I can see them well from here. I notice for the first time stretched out as they are, terrible unhealed damage. There is a tear in its left flank where the feathers have yet to grow back. It must have been from his battle with the Sins.

“Yes, we mustn’t bother the Princes.” He growls low. “Their arrogance will cause only more destruction.” He looks expectant to me, willing me to say my part but my eyes fall to the floor careless of the role he wishes me to play.

Lucius wanted the words I have said for thousands of years. He wanted me to laugh and pat him on the back and say to him ’They are but miniature pieces of you, Lucius.” It would make him smirk and he would bat my hand away in our playful banter before he would descend to the Sixth level of Hell to put an end to whatever uprising the Princes were conducting.

Lucius turns from me to go out the door but he stalls then and his wings shift, “My brother, please accept my apologies. When you are well and when revulsion lingers no longer I would like very much for us to speak with one another again. You are, after all, the only Soul I care for.”

My brows contort as I stare at the floor where he once stood. Even when all my scars are healed and when my strength returns, will I ever be able to see him in the same light again? The sadness that drenches me isn’t for myself. I have witnessed the true essence of Satan. I don’t wish to know this man anymore.

My eyes snap up when I realize the soldier is still by the door. “Look,” He speaks, “At what he’s done to you.” Confusion runs deep before the man hurries to my side and grasps my cheeks in his hands. “Your Grace.”

I’m delusional I’m sure. The door is opened and there is a devoted stranger at my side. “Who are you?”

He retracts his mask up to his forehead, showing the long slash upon his face. My eyes widen as he grins slyly, barring his yellow teeth, “Melek, My Lord.”

Breath comes from my lips in terrible pants. The sight of him brings hope, salvation, and promise. If only I could cry, tears would pour out of my sockets in reprieve. I rest my forehead on his. “Brother.”

His hand lies on my cheek, patting it while he laughs, “You’re alive, Tymician. You’re alive!” A smile stretches and I lean my head back to look at him. I breathe raggedly and he notices quickly. He shoves himself away, his happiness dwindling at the sight of my weak, ragged Light.

How terribly feeble I must be. He is an Erelim Patron of Sheol and I was once his better. What will he say? What will he do?

“I haven’t much time. I will tell you the plan.” He stands firm, a soldier informing his superior. “Lucius has two hundred thousand soldiers ready to bombard the earth and leading them are the Four Princes. If he is capable of opening the Ten Rips and unleashing hell, he plots to enslave the entire human race. But I’ve got a network to stop it. Within the fortnight, there will be an assassination of two Princes. A hundred thousand warriors, will be yours, my Lord.”

The words are jumbled. It’s hard to form thoughts but the last sentence repeats and I force my attention on him. “What?”

“The third Prince, Leviathan, is going to take out Lucius. Prince Mammon, the strongest, cannot be overturned. Grigori soldiers, trusted ones, mix in his ranks and we plan to disrupt his army during the chaos and if applicable, detain and arrest Mammon.”

I stutter on a response but he gives me no time to recover.

“Of Earth, I know little. Ema is our only communication link since you’ve been taken. The Gloria Patri and the Gatekeepers hide. Without you, our trust in each other is nonexistent. I heard what he said about Dion. Dion’s become close with Lucius over the past thousand years, you’ve known this. We’ve sent you the reports. I believe strongly that he desires the annihilation of the human race. He has been seen multiple times speaking to Lady Lilith and has been spending time in the Fourth Level of Sheol. I know he is your friend but Dion shies from Light.” He shifts and looks back up the steps. “I have to go.” He covers his face again and I shift the chains, preparing for them to be unhinged. Melek sadly touches my shoulder, “I cannot take you, Tymician, I am sorry. You are safest here. Let us win you a kingdom.” He slams the door. “And my Lord,” He speaks through the bars, “The moment we have the chance, we are taking out the hybrid. You may not see it but it’s for the best.”

It’s that part I am able to react too and I struggle with the chains wildly, the clink and hammer loud and boisterous, “Please!” I call out but anymore and I would be giving him anyway. A choked sob rushes out of my lungs and I collapse like a beaten down fool unable to support my head, defeated and completely lost.

I have never had a desire to be the ruler of Hell. Why do so many seem prudent to make me king? Lucius is perfect for the rule. Humans have depicted Satan as a vile and desolate creature, one set on destruction and mayhem. Do I fit that category so well? I am a Fallen Angel. I don’t even visit the other levels of Hell, for God’s sakes. I fear them. Is the Lord of Sheol supposed to have family and friends in the thousands? Am I supposed to have an Angel for a Soul Mate? Doesn’t she get a say in this? Don’t I get a say in this? They have decided my fate years ago and I have done everything I can to thwart it.

In my absence, they have worked around me and now they leave me in a dungeon so I can’t sway their rash and impervious actions.

It’s all spiraling out of my control.

How did I get here? I was the strongest, most powerful Fallen in the entire realm. I meticulously controlled every Fallen clan and had infiltrators strategically placed within the Angel hierarchy to do my bidding. For a thousand years, I collaborated with the beauteous Lilith, the most desirable female in each of the three Universes. I killed four Nephilim with my bare hands. I battled against Sins. I clashed against Demons, alu and all terrible creations the Darkness has ever imagined and beaten them back for thousands of years.

Yet I can’t save one girl.