When Angels Fall

WHEN ANGELS FALL

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Lightning streaked across the blackened skies. Rainfall dropped along the rumbling storm and joined the sound of droplets splashing against the ground and the walls of the abandoned cathedral.

Four towers surrounded the dilapidated cathedral on all sides. The domed punctured roof was soaked wet as the storm raged. The huge wooden double doors that were supposed to be standing in the entrance were lying inwards, on the floor. Parts of it were scattered across the nave.

A trail of blood begun from the entrance towards the aisle. Echoes of muffled whimper was heard throughout the domed cathedral, followed by a sucking noise made by an inhuman being. The light of the thunder in the sky permeated through the stained glasses that depicted heroic military Saints in the process of destroying their foes. Among these Saints were Michael, George and Expeditus, and others. There were many more, but none would be of interest to mention.

Bright light glowed in front of the cathedral; so bright that it was blinding in the naked eyes of a mortal. That light slowly dissipated and revealed a winged humanoid form. The illumination disappeared and disclosed more of the figure's distinguishable features. He was covered in pearly white wings that were glowing weakly. The wings slowly spread and returned to the spine of the figure in a resting position. He was armored from chest to toe, the battle plates matched the color of his wings.

On his right shoulder plate, a black cross with three horizontal stylized slash marks was painted to show his Legion, and on his left, were three vertical slash marks that denoted his rank. A scabbard was hanging on his waist, sheathed inside was a sharp curved sword. His humanoid muscular body possessed the head of a Havanese dog with a black and white fur.

He is a Beast of Heaven, a sub-type of Angels created for many functions and purposes. The Beast slowly walked towards the entrance, eyes glued at the trail of blood that led to the nave. His glowing presence pushed the shadow back that enveloped the cathedral. It shed light to the pews that were destroyed long ago by some cause, either calamity or man-made; the Beast never cared as he walked past it. His glowing grey eyes finally settled on the back of a winged figure ahead. His pace still remained despite the disturbance he felt at the horrifying sight. An Angel with a complete human form. Her wings were slowly consumed by corrosion as a sign of falling from grace.

Her long white hair and armor was stained both by rust and crimson liquid. Blood dripped from her mouth and the Beast knew it does not belonged to her, but from the little girl that laid beside her. The Beast glanced at the Fallen One's victim; large part of her neck was missing, as if it was torn off by a savage animal. Blood pooled around her, soaking her dress in her own gore. Her blue eyes were wide open, mouth agape as if a scream has never escaped her throat.

Slowly, the Angel turned at the Beast. He could see the fang that had formed in her teeth as a result of her action. Her golden eyes were became a brown one, still glowing due to the remaining graces. Slowly, she stood up, gauntlets were soaked in blood. One of those armored hands reached to the hilt of her sword hanging on her waist.

"Jimmuel." The Angel greeted.

"Rosuel." The Beast acknowledged as he took a step towards her. "What have you done?"

Jimmuel had known Rosuel when their Legions had served together in numerous battles aeons across the surfaces of many worlds. He watched her back before, and she watched his. Side by side they fought, brother and sister. Jimmuel held her with high regards and even respected her. He was disappointed to see what the trash she had became.

"Enjoying the freedom I have found." She replied with a grin, her eyes locked onto his. There was something unholy behind those grin and Jimmuel could feel it.

"What false promises did he told you?" He asked, referring to the Ancient Enemy. "You have fallen into a trap--"

"I am tired of all of this crap, Jimmuel." She said which shocked the Beast Angel even more. Hearing her curse made his ears stung. "The endless wars and the Fight seemed meaningless." She added as she slowly removed her hands from the hilt of her sword. "What if...you join me? We've fought together, and I am pretty sure that our relationship wouldn't fall into nothing, right?" She asked, her voice was seducing to his ears.

Jimmuel gazed at the ground, lowering his head. He knew that he was being tested. His faith should remain unshaken in times like these. He glanced back at her and said, "Never have I thought of killing my own kin with my own weapon." He said which made her grin, knowing that no blood will be spilled in this cathedral, aside from the kid she slew. He is going to Fall, she was sure of it. "But never will I defy my Father for a traitor like you." He added, causing her grin to fade.

"Are you defying me? You do remember what my rank is, compared to yours."

"Yes, in this particular instance, I am defying you. Let my blood be shed on the ground, the Devil will not taint me by his false graces. If I have to slay you, I will, for my Lord." He said, drawing his sword.

"Then so be it, dog of Heaven!" She yelled, charging at Jimmuel.

Both their swords locked into a cross; sparks flew in the air as both metals collided. Rosuel lifted her sword and struck again, forcing Jimmuel to jump back and avoided her blade by mere inches. He swung the sword over his head and advanced to the left as he thrusts the tip of his blade towards her right breast. She side-stepped to left, completely avoiding Jimmuel's attack. She let out a laugh as she raised her sword to attack again, but she did not expect Jimmuel to spin counter-clockwise; chopping the back-plate of her armor and damaged it. He rotated in a clockwise motion with a horizontal swing and slitted her throat with his attack. She took a step backwards as she dropped her blade to the ground. A rattling sound could be heard throughout the domed cathedral. She clung onto her neck, brown eyes that transformed into demonic one gazed at Jimmuel. He could see the plea in her eyes that was probably trying to ask a question about why he did it. But most importantly, why did he betrayed her? He watched her fall, face first. Blood immediately pooled around her body. Jimmuel could hear her choke in her own blood, oxygen slowly being deprived from her as liquid invaded her throat. After twitching momentarily, she finally died.

When Angels died, one would see them explode in light, followed by their winged incorporeal form ascending to the sky with a roar. But in Rosuel's case, it was differently opposite. She exploded in bright light and her spiritual form slowly ascends, but that light immediately died and was replaced with hellfire, burning at her spirit as gravity dragged her below. He could hear the scream of pain that the form had emitted before it disappeared. It left a burning residue, which Jimmuel simply ignored. He had seen thousands of his brothers fell, and this was just a common sight to him.

Approaching the dead child, he lifted her head before whispering, "Peace, I give you. In the name of the Father, depart from this material world." He made a cross in her forehead with his armored thumb. "Walk to the Light and receive thy Eternal Rest."

The spirit of the child was standing in front of him. Jimmuel glanced at her and smiled as she slowly disappeared in a warm glow. He could hear her distant voice chuckle.

He turned towards the West Door and walked away, not looking back.

[END]