Fallen

Chapter Six

We both ate in silence. I stayed in the room and kept him company, but was too uncomfortable, too uncertain to make conversation. The tension in the room was palpable, but neither of us spoke on it. The new unease being my fault. I hated that I was making Azrael uncomfortable, but what else could I do? I wouldn’t ask him to leave, not in his condition. But even if he was healed, I wouldn’t ask him to leave.

I was surprised when Azrael stood from the bed and walked his own dishes into the kitchen. The RV was barely big enough for him to get through, but folding his wings close to his back he did in fact make it through. He seemed happy to be moving around again. He was clearly still in pain and I’m sure his muscles were weak and stiff from lack of use, but I am sure that will go away in no time. He is an angel after all.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, following him into the kitchen.

“Sore, in pain. But it is not anything I can not handle. I have felt worse.”

For some reason that angered me. What the hell is wrong with me?

“Are you alright?” Azrael asked.

I looked up from my feet in confusion. “Why do you ask?”

“Your appearance changed. You look angry, upset. Is something the matter?”

A small laugh fell from my lips. Of course, he wouldn’t miss the change. “Yes, I am fine.” I assured him. “Maybe a little angry, but I’ll be alright.”

“Why are you angry?”

“I don’t know.” I furrowed my brow, casting my eyes to my feet. “I...I don’t like the thought of you being in pain. And knowing you have been through worse than what you are feeling now, it made me mad. I don’t know why though. I don’t get close enough to people to care if they are hurt or not. I don’t allow myself to care.” I looked up into Azrael’s silver eyes. “But you.” I shook my head. “I can’t care, but I do. I can’t allow myself to care more than I do already. I care if you are hurt or in pain, but I….I” I shook my head and released a breath of air. “Never mind.” I said reaching into a nearby closet and grabbing my bow and arrows.

I nudged my way past a confused Azrael and made my way outside. My target was set up a good forty yards away and I wasted no time sinking arrow after arrow into the red center. This gave me something to focus on, something to take my mind off of Azrael and whatever the hell was going on with me. This is something I knew, something I could invest myself in. So, I did. Focusing on nothing else as arrows whooshed through the air and into the target.

By the time I felt I could stop, sweat beaded down my face, my hair was plastered to my forehead and I was breathing heavily. Anyone who didn’t know would think I just went through a major workout, when in reality I just spent the last few hours practicing.

“Ma’am?” A deep male voice came from behind me. In seconds flat I had an arrow notched and whipped around to face whomever approached, bow armed.

My shoulders sagged, and I lowered my bow when I saw it was a police officer. I’m glad he didn’t shoot me. “I apologize.” I said, laying the bow on a nearby table. “I do not like people sneaking up on me. Instincts take over and I react. I apologize if I made it seem as if I am a threat. I mean you no harm.” I stated, taking a long drink from my water bottle.

“Are you alright Miss? Is someone after you?” He asked, slowly approaching me, his hand on his gun.

“Not as far as I know. But I am running. Running from my old life. Now please sit.” I offered, motioning to a nearby chair. “And tell me how I can help.”

The officers face scrunched, but he sat down, seeming more at ease. “I am looking into the crater found nearby. Do you know anything about it?”

“Crater?” I asked, playing dumb. I am very good at lying. I had to be being raised in the world I was. “No Officer I don’t. I just arrived here early this morning. I haven’t explored yet.”

“I see. Well, have you seen anything odd or out of the ordinary since you arrived?”

“Like what? I saw a bear. Is that what you mean?”

“No, no. Not wild life. We have an abundance of bears and wolves around here. They are mostly peaceful as long as they are left alone.”

“Then I’m sorry officer. I’m afraid I don’t know what you are looking for. I haven’t seen anything other than local wildlife.”

“Do you plan on staying long?” He asked.

“A few days. I am traveling around the country; this is my first stop.” I smiled brightly, remembering my plans. “I am excited to see what the country has to offer.”

“I urge you to see New Orleans on your travels.” He smiled. “It is a great place to visit.”

“Oh, I plan on it. I’ve wanted to visit there for a very long time.”

The officer stood and reached into his breast pocket. “Here is my card. I am Sheriff Derrick Monroe. If you see or hear anything you think is odd or could be harmful, please give me a call.”

“Thank you.” I smiled, shaking his hand. “Be careful out there.” I called to him. He just smiled and waved as he got into his patrol car and drove away.

I dropped back into my chair and sighed. So, people were already looking into what I guess they thought was some kind of alien. I laughed to myself, if only they knew. I couldn’t let them find out about Azrael though. He would be in danger, he’s vulnerable while he is hurt and I can’t let anything happen to him. I stood and walked back into the RV locking the door behind me.

Azrael was in the room leaned against the headboard with his eyes closed. I guess he fell asleep sitting up. He must have exhausted himself walking around today. I still thought he was too weak to be pushing himself, but what do I know about angels and how they heal. Shaking my head I showered and changed into my pajamas before laying in the living room and watching TV. I had satellite cable since I was traveling and it actually worked very well. I got more channels like this than I did at home. It was amazing what technology could do nowadays.

I was about half way through the movie when someone knocked on my door. My body tensed as I grabbed my gun and made my way to the door. Peeking out I saw four men. Four exceedingly handsome men. They looked like one of the statues of the gods. Blindingly beautiful, and built like marble. They were all very large, much like Azrael and had to stand at least seven foot tall. And these four men displayed marvelous, glowing white wings. Angels.

“Who are you? What do you want?” I asked, cracking the door enough that only my eye could see through. The man in the middle smiled and I swear my insides melted. He had a head of curly blonde hair and blinding blue eyes. Sharp cheekbones and a squared jaw. Dimples made themselves known when he smiled, making my mouth go dry. But I could also tell, the smile was fake, a mask, I wonder what he would have to hide?

“I am Michael. These are my brothers. Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael. We are looking for our lost brother Azrael. He fell to earth nearby.”

“And how did this bring you to me?”

“You are the only mortal within range for Azrael to come to for help.” Michael replied, his smile falling slightly. I could feel him somehow? He was sad and confused. Mad and regretful. But I could also feel a sense of purpose, a feeling of rightness. I didn’t really know how to explain it.

“When did he fall?”

“Three days ago.”

“Well I only just got here this morning. I am sorry to say I don’t know who he is or where he is. Though it is clear he is an angel.” I finished in a whisper, still not believing that four archangels were in front of me. “When you said Michael. Do you mean archangel Michael?” I asked, needing confirmation.

Michael smiled. More genuine this time, but more humorous than anything else. “Yes, I am archangel Michael.”

“Why show yourself to me?” I asked. “Why not disguise who you are? People here are evil, if you show yourself to them, they will hunt you. They’ll stop at nothing to get one of you, to dissect one of you. How could you know I was not one of those people?”

His eyes softened. “Because I could see your soul from heaven. Your soul is bright and pure. It is a beacon for angels. Fallen angels can only return to heaven by means of a pure soul.”

“What does that mean? How could I help a fallen angel?” My words were tight, tinged with hurt. Is that why Azrael was with me? So, I could get him back to heaven? He didn’t want to be my friend; he didn’t want to be near me. He wanted to go back. I understood, but it still hurt. Made me feel betrayed. Even so I couldn’t allow him to be hurt or killed by his brethren.

“When a fallen angel finds a pure soul, he or she can use that person by drawing on their soul's energy. A soul never runs out of energy, it replenishes daily, sometimes even overflowing. Your soul is brighter than any other I’ve seen in a very long time. I had assumed Azrael had found his way to you.”

“May I ask what happened?” I asked, opening the door wider so I could see all of them more clearly.

Michael had a head of curly blonde hair and blinding blue eyes. Sharp cheekbones and a squared jaw. Dimples made themselves known when he smiled. Uriel had blinding snow white hair that seemed to fall to his midback. His eyes were a piercing ice blue, but they were kind, gentle and knowing. His skin looked like ivory, with high cheekbones and a sharp chin. He seemed like the type eho wanted peace instead of fighting or confrontation. Raphael’s hair looked like it had been kissed by the sun. He had matching amber eyes, that seemed to blend with his darkened skin. He looked stern, stoic even. I could tell he was hardened by the years. Last was Gabriel. He has shoulder length black hair, and amazing emerald green eyes. His face was kind of oval shaped and he had pale skin. Gabriel looked more indifferent, like he really didn’t care which way things went. He just wanted them over with.

"By what we were informed, Azrael committed a serious crime. He attacked another angel, fatally injuring him. We could not save him even with our best healers. We were informed Azrael threw himself from heaven in an attempt to join Lucifer, but earth's realm stopped his descent into hell.”

I furrowed my brow. “And if you catch him?”

“He will be put to death. A life for a life.”

“Wait, hold on.” I said, holding my hand up and shaking my head. “You’re telling me you’re just going to kill him. Without even asking him what happened. You just take another's word for what happened? How does that make any sense?”

“Angels don’t abide by the same rules you mortals do.” Michael informed me, his tone hardening.

I narrowed my eyes at him “I can tell.” I scowled. “But maybe you should get your brother's side of the story before you punish him. I can’t say if their stories will match or not, and honestly, I don’t care. But what I do care about, regardless of being a mortal, immortal angel or otherwise, is another person being wrongfully accused and punished. There are always two sides to a story, Michael.”

“Why is it you have such passion for this?” He asked, confusion plastered on his features.

“Because. You said this Azrael is your brother, correct?” Michael nodded. “And this other angel is just a random member of your society?” Again, Michael nodded, his brows creasing. “Then maybe you should ask the angel who has served by your side for I don’t even know how long what happened. Surely you know this angel better than anyone else does. Plus, like I said. It bothers me when people aren’t being fair. You’ve condemned him before you even know if he is guilty. Is this what heaven is about? Condemnation based on one's word?”

Michael and the other stared at me with wide eyes. I don’t know what I said to cause such a reaction but I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. All four of their attention was squarely on me and my skin felt like it was crawling under their watchful eyes.

“You are wise for a mortal.” Gabriel said, c*****g his head to the side as if studying me. His black hair falling to the side with his movements.

“Yes.” Michael agreed, a smile forming on his beautiful face. A genuine smile this time. “You are right, young mortal. We have condemned our brother; one we have served alongside since the beginning. We shall do as you ask.” Michael said, tilting his head towards me. “Once we find him, we shall ask him what happened and get his point of view. We will find the truth.” It sounded like a vow; one I will hold him to.

“I’ll hold you to that promise, archangel Michael.” I stated calmly.

Michael smiled a beaming smile at me that highlighted the dimples. “Until we meet again,” he said, and took off into the sky.

I released a heavy breath when they were out of sight. I just lied to an archangel. And not just one but four. What the hell was I thinking? Nothing good could come from lying to an archangel. Nothing good could come from this whole situation. We need to get out of here, drive far away so no one can find us. I had to keep Azrael safe.