Midnight Fire
Rise of the Dark Angel
By Melody Anne
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2012 Melody Anne
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this ebook and did not purchase it or if it was not purchased for your own use, please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Books by Melody Anne
*The Billionaire Wins the Game
*The Billionaire’s Dance
*The Billionaire Falls
*The Billionaire’s Marriage Proposal
*Blackmailing the Billionaire
+The Tycoon’s Revenge
+The Tycoon’s Vacation
+The Tycoon’s Proposal
-Midnight Fire – Rise of the Dark Angel
See Melody on Facebook at facebook.com/authormelodyanne
Melody’s Web Site: www.melodyanne.com
Twitter: @authmelodyanne
Coming Soon:
Midnight Moon – Rise of the Dark angel book two
Prologue
There are worlds within worlds. There are galaxies beyond what we could ever imagine. How did it all come to be? How is there order within the chaos? Is there one master for all the universes, or are there many? We may never know the answers to these questions. All we will know is the story of our own lives.
The gods of our universe are kind and giving, but where there is light, darkness isn’t far behind. Where there is good, evil lurks around the corner. How long until the darkness extinguishes the light?
Can one choice ultimately be the end of all mankind? Could we survive the apocalypse? I know we can because I lived through it. Or at least I’ve lived so far. I’ve learned more in the last few years than any one person should know. I’ve seen real terror, but I’ve also seen pure light. I’m scared. I’m so afraid for the people I love. I’m even more afraid for the world I’ve always known.
The darkness is so overwhelming. It pulses with an unbearable evil I wish I didn’t know existed. How could something so horrible happen? How could mankind turn against each other? Are we that susceptible to the whispering in our ears? Please, don’t forget me. Please, don’t forget we can survive, but only if we ban together.
Chapter One
“You say you have faith in them. You say they’re righteous, yet you don’t believe your own words,” Vyco snarled. Josiah simply smiled at his enemy, even though the demon was affecting him with his words. He wouldn’t give Vyco the satisfaction of knowing it, though.
“You won’t get me to fight you, Vyco. You wouldn’t win, anyway,” Josiah told him.
“I may have believed that ages ago, but you’re growing weaker the longer we exist. You aren’t so strong in your convictions. If you were, you’d have more faith in your children,” Vyco said, taunting Josiah.
“I have complete faith in my children, which is why I give them free will,” Josiah stated in the same calm manner.
“You call it free will, but is it really that, indeed? You still protect them from me. You still won’t let them make up their minds. Each time I’ve stepped in, you’re right there to block me. How is that free will?” Vyco taunted.
Josiah thought about his enemies words. The demon was the epitome of evil but he hadn’t always been that way. They were brothers and had once been closer than any other two beings. They’d battled - neither of them backing down from their beliefs. That’s when they’d fallen on opposite sides. Josiah had chosen the light, while Vyco chose the darkness. Vyco liked having the freedom to do whatever pleased him. Josiah chose to still be held accountable to a higher power than even him.
“I give my children free will, though it hurts me at times to do so,” Josiah said, feeling pain for those he’d lost.
“To truly give them free will, you can’t interfere. You must let them choose their own path, even if that path takes them from you,” Vyco drilled home his point. Josiah knew where the conversation was leading. He could’ve stopped it, but he realized Vyco had a valid point. How much free will was he really giving his children?
He’d created the planet Earth, giving it what it needed in order to thrive. Then, he’d plucked different creatures from many worlds, placing them together on one planet. He’d needed to prove the universe was inherently good and all the worlds could come together as one.
His children, as he considered them to be, had disappointed him many times over but he’d never once given up on them. Or, had he? Was he giving up by not having faith they’d resist Vyco’s evil whispers?
Vyco looked at Josiah as he struggled within himself to find answers. He fought an internal battle. Josiah knew he was giving Vyco exactly what he wanted, but he also knew his children could pull through.
“Why do you feel you need to be here, Vyco? There are so many other worlds and universes where you could go. You could create your own galaxy where you’d have free reign,” Josiah said. He was surprised he’d never asked the question before.
“Because, my dear brother, I can’t leave until I’ve proven you’re wrong,” Vyco stated with another snarl. Josiah looked at the demon he’d once trusted beyond any other being.
“You sadden me, Vyco. You’ve turned into something unimaginable. Why not leave and let us both get on with our existences?” Josiah asked.
“I will make a deal with you, Josiah. I’ve grown quite fond of earth. Many of your children are quite susceptible to my wishes, even though others have been saved by you, one too many times. If you agree to this deal, the winner will get this precious planet,” Vyco stated.
“There’s no deal I’d ever wish to make with you,” Josiah said, sounding more like the true god he was. Vyco cringed from Josiah’s wrath, but still, he didn’t give up.
“If you fully let your children have free will and don’t interfere with their decisions and they still choose goodness, then I will leave, forever,” Vyco said temptingly. “But, if they fall because they don’t have you whispering in their ear, they become mine and you will start over somewhere else,” Vyco stated, salivating at the mouth from just the thought of such a thing.
“How would it be fair for you to have free reign, causing chaos without my Angels stepping in to help?” Josiah questioned.
“I didn’t say your Angels couldn’t step in. I said you couldn’t,” Vyco said. Josiah sat back and pondered what Vyco was asking of him.
“If I weren’t able to step in, then you couldn’t either,” Josiah stated. Vyco cringed once again. Josiah could see the wheels turning in the demon’s head. He was thinking of a way around the stipulation.
“I could agree to that but to make this more fair, only one from each side will know what’s truly going on. You may pick one of your most trusted Angels and I’ll pick one of my Dark Angels to consult with. They won’t get to run interference with the others but they’ll keep an eye on things, making sure you don’t cheat. My demons will whisper in one ear, while your Angels whisper in the other. I guarantee if you aren’t there to guide your people, they’ll choose my way every time,” Vyco said with evil glee.
“Vyco, you have such little faith. You think all humans will take the easy way out. You believe they’ll steal instead of pay, or hate instead of love. You’re wrong. If they have the choice to choose love or hate, they’ll choose love,” Josiah said with confidence.
“I disagree, Josiah, but if you’re so confident bind this agreement and we’ll see what happens to your planet,” Vyco said eagerly, while pulling out the golden rope. If they bound the agreement, it was done and neither of them could break the bind or true death could follow and they’d cease to eternally exist. They would be pulled before the higher council and whatever decision they made would be final. There was no such thing as an appeal in that realm.
“I see you’re hesitating, my brother,” Vyco said once again with glee. Josiah did have faith in his people but to not help when they called would kill him. To have Vyco out of their lives for good would mean a whole new world, though.
“There needs to be a time frame, Vyco. If there’s still a draw in the end, then you depart,” Josiah said. He wouldn’t bend from that condition. Vyco hesitated. He knew the stipulation could end up costing him everything but then again he had nothing to lose. He’d seen what was in the human heart. There was far more evil than good.
“Ten years, Josiah and you’ll watch the fall of your humans, though I’m sure it will take far less time,” Vyco stated viciously. Josiah once again hesitated. He closed his eyes, praying for wisdom. Would it be the right thing to do? Would he be damning his children, or setting them free? He felt warmth spread through him and knew he had his answer.
When Josiah’s eyes opened, Vyco once again took a step back from the power and beauty shining through him. Josiah knew Vyco was rethinking his plan in the face of Josiah’s power. He also knew the demon would never back down, for fear of seeming cowardly in his own eyes.
Josiah extended his arm and waited. The decision was now up to Vyco. He could back down and crawl away, or step up and bind their agreement. Josiah pulled his own binding rope out, shining brighter than earth’s sun.
Vyco finally stepped forward and grasped Josiah’s hand. He withered a bit from the pure light and power shining from Josiah. He couldn’t pull free, though, as the binding had begun. They both wrapped the cords around their joined hands.
“It is bound,” Josiah stated with all the power of the heavens. Vyco nodded his acknowledgement. The ropes tightened, shooting off a ray of light before they loosened, once more. Vyco gave one more vicious snarl before he disappeared in a ring of fire and smoke.
Josiah called in his most trusted Angel, explaining what was done. She immediately asked him how he could possibly make an agreement like that.
“This planet has always been a test for me, Chastity. I needed to see if people from many worlds could live together as one. I wanted to see if they’d be able to get along. It seems as if the test has failed because there are brothers against brothers. Family means nothing to them. They watch as a stranger dies on the street from cold or hunger, or a child starves. I’ve tested them in many ways and yet they reject me so I’ll let them fight this out. I’ll see what becomes of this planet. I won’t step in and stop it,” Josiah told her in his awe inspiring voice.
She knelt before him, tears falling from her eyes. She knew it was going to be a long and hard road but she also believed it had to be done. She honored him by weeping at his feet. Josiah honored his children when he wept with her.
“If you’re going to do this, I must stay on the planet and help them,” she pleaded with Josiah.
“If you make the choice to help them, you will be on your own. I vowed not to step in and I can’t send other Angels with you,” he told her.
“I understand what you’re saying, and I know the choice I’m making,” she said. She in no way wanted to leave her home, but she couldn’t stand by and watch people be slaughtered. She knew if Josiah wasn’t stepping in, Vyco would cause a variety of chaos. “I will leave right away,” she finished speaking. The decision to leave was even harder since she could see the pain in Josiah’s eyes. She knew how much he loved her and the people of Earth, even when they disappointed him.
“Go safely then, my child. Please don’t lose sight of what you’re doing. Please, return home to me,” he pled. She nodded at him and turned to look back at her home. She fell to her knees as her body fought her mind in the decision to leave home. She stumbled to her feet, then looked behind her one last time, threw out her hands and fell. It would be a long while before she woke again.
Josiah watched his bravest and most loyal Angel fall to earth. He’d known Chastity wouldn’t observe people getting tortured and killed. He’d known he could count on her to stand up for mankind. He trusted her beyond any other angel.
He bowed his head and whispered the words Chastity would need. She would keep her powers and he’d make sure she didn’t forget home. She just may be the savior of the world.
“Please don’t lose your way, my daughter. Please, return to me,” Josiah prayed and then sunk to his knees and wept more.
There was a very real chance Chastity would get lost once she lived in the human world. Chastity didn’t realize the power Vyco held within the fragile planet. His whisper could quickly become a scream in your ear, urging you to adapt to the ways of the darkness. If there was any Angel up for the task of defeating Vyco, it was Chastity.
While Josiah knelt, watching the fall, he felt a hand on his shoulder. No words were spoken but he heard his angels weeping. As much as he controlled, even he didn’t know what would happen next.
Chapter Two
One year later
I was eleven years old when it all started. I remember thinking the world would end in a huge explosion from a meteor, or possibly the sun shooting its beams in a super nova. I’d been told in church the Messiah was going to come and strike all the sinners down and only those who were good wouldn’t die.
When I was younger, I stole a piece of bubblegum from the store and was terrified I’d be struck by lightning or a ray from the sun? I must not have been too scared, though, because I stole it anyway and then enjoyed the burst of flavor as I bit down on the soft piece of what I considered heaven.
My parents didn’t let us have candy, gum, or soda, as they said it would rot our teeth. Little did they know, John and I snuck into it every chance we got. Our father is a doctor and our mom is a vet and they’re all about the healthy crap.
I guess I’m getting off track a bit. Like I was saying, I always thought the world would end with a big bang and it would come from the heavens. I was wrong, so very wrong, as were many other people. The world didn’t end that way at all, it ended with a lot of small explosions. They were far deadlier than any meteor could’ve ever been.
There was all this hype about the end of the world happening in the year twenty-twelve, which my parents said was a joke, even though they are pretty religious. Many people said it was a joke but what those people didn’t realize was where there’s a prophecy there are many fanatics determined to make that prophesy come true.
I remember back to those days and how my parents started leaving the house, often. At first they’d be gone for a weekend and then a week. They hired a nanny for the first time in our lives, which was absurd, considering I was eleven and my brother was sixteen. John had a real fit about it but my parents said there were bad people in the world and they didn’t want us home alone.
The nanny pretty much just cooked for us and cleaned the house. She didn’t really tell us what to do. We were good kids, well, as good as could be expected when we had the lay of the house. We went to school, did our homework and always came straight home. We really didn’t even notice the nanny much.
John got in a huge fight with our dad one night. I was paralyzed, listening to them scream at each other in dad’s office. I’d never heard my father raise his voice before but they were really going at it. John told dad he was a terrible parent, always leaving us behind. I know I missed them, but would’ve never confronted them about it.
Dad yelled back at John that he was doing important work and all would be revealed in time. John ended up stomping out of the office, not noticing me as he slammed out of the house. My dad found me crying in the hallway and scooped me into his arms.
He told me he was doing what had to be done to make sure we’d be safe. I trusted him, of course. He was my dad and he’d never lied to me before so why should he start? I’d fallen asleep that night with tears still wet on my cheeks.
Something I found odd in those years was my parents always being glued to the television when they were home. It had rarely even been turned on when I was little. I hated what they’d watch. It was always so depressing. There were buildings being destroyed and people lying dead on the streets. Dad said it was the news, which I decided to never watch when I grew up. I thought there was no way any of it could happen in real life.
My parents were always whispering together as men in suits would stand at podiums and talk about fixing problems and for the people not to panic. It all seemed so far away and my parents never said anything to John or I, so we just went on with our days and never worried much about it.
I wish I could go back to those times of innocence, those times when the world revolved around me. That was when the biggest thing I had to worry about was if I would get a new dress for church, or the pretty back-pack I wanted for school. I wish I could go back to being that spoiled little girl. It would make the endless days and nights of my life now, much easier to bear. Dreams seem the only escape for me anymore.
I’m sure you’re a bit confused right now but I’m not a writer or anything so I apologize. My name’s Phoenix Light and I’m writing all this down so if I die, maybe someday I’ll be remembered. I have an amazing family and I’ve known so many people who should never be forgotten. Things have gotten really bad here lately and I feel it’s all coming to an end.
The thought of simply disappearing is unacceptable, so whoever finds this, please know there was an extraordinary group of people who survived for years, against all the odds.
**********
“Phoenix, snap out of your daydreaming. We have to get this stuff done and get back inside,” John said.
“I wasn’t daydreaming. I was writing. And I know,” Phoenix snapped back at her brother.
They’d been living in a cave in the forest for three years and sometimes the only things that gave Phoenix any sanity were her books and writing her own story. Remembering the times when she was carefree and had nothing more to worry about than getting her homework done was another escape.
She reluctantly put her notebook away and followed her brother along the trail. They were going to the spring to check the water lines. They also had to do some harvesting of fruit from the forest while they were out. There was another group doing some hunting, which she couldn’t stomach, at all.
The forest provided a lot of fruit, herbs and other valuable items they needed. Phoenix had a strange ability to find just about anything so she lucked out on getting to pick more often than others.
She looked around, her eyes searching for Brian. She had a huge crush on him but he didn’t even seem to realize she was a girl. She guessed he’d always think of her as the awkward eleven year old who’d followed him everywhere. He was only a year older than her but now that she was seventeen she had feelings which ran far beyond adolescent fascination.
All the girls were in love with Brian and he seemed to eat up the attention. Brian was eighteen, a few inches above six feet tall, with a body that most guys his age couldn’t possibly achieve. His dark brown hair had a natural wave to it, and his smoky blue eyes finished off his look, making him devastatingly handsome.
She absolutely hated Jessica Smith, who was always so perfect and delicate. She literally hung on Brian like he held the moon in his hands. From his reaction, he seemed to like her doting on him.
“I found the problem. I need you to stand over there and place your hands on that hose. Try not to let the water escape while I patch this spot,” John instructed. She did as he said, her arms starting to ache from the amount of strength it was taking.
“Are you almost finished, John. I don’t think I can hang on much longer,” she warned him.
“One more minute,” he replied. She waited, sweat breaking out on her brow. “Okay, I’ve got it,” he told her, quickly coming over and working his magic. He finished the job, then stood up to his full six foot height.
“We don’t have much time for picking. It looks like you’re stuck with me, now,” she teased him. She knew he’d much rather be hunting, but John was a wiz at fixing things so he’d been put on water line duty and then stuck picking with her for the rest of his allotted time outdoors.
“I can think of worse things than relaxing with my favorite sister,” he said as he ruffled her hair. She hated when he did that. She wasn’t five years old. She sighed to herself because she didn’t think anyone would realize she was no longer a child.
“Well, that’s because I’m the most amazing person ever and your only sister. I’ll race you to the herb patch,” she warned him before taking off in a sprint, with him quickly trailing behind. He may be much bigger than her but she could outrun just about all the guys. She was incredibly fast.
“You cheated,” he gasped when they reached the spot. She was breathing a little heavy but nothing like him. She darted around him and they quickly finished their task, the day slipping away far too soon.
Phoenix and John finished their chores, then made their way back toward home. She’d much rather be out in the forest but it had been drilled into their heads to be quick about their work, then get back inside. There were many dangers in the forest and if their camp was compromised it could be the end of their safety.
She dreaded heading into the cave. There was no doubt you were living in a giant mountain because of the never-ending darkness always surrounding you, but at least it was huge. It wasn’t really all bad but she liked natural light and a breeze on her face.
The elders had done an amazing job of creating their sanctuary. From the outside world you’d never know there was a virtual city through the narrow openings. They’d spent three years creating the perfect hideaway and it was beyond what anyone could ever imagine.
John and Phoenix approached one of the entrances and she looked, still awed, even after three years. She knew she’d never be able to find the place if she didn’t know the way. She also knew there were guards watching them, knowing exactly who entered their home. The enemy had never even come near their borders without being eliminated.
Phoenix walked inside, then went down the long, cold hallway that opened into a huge cavern. There was always a fire burning in that room, to keep the chill away. That was where the people met each day. She actually looked forward to those meetings because the elders tried to make it fun for the kids. There was a lot the elders kept from them, which was most likely a good thing. She didn’t really want to know the realities of the struggling world.
Their camp had grown over the years as more people wandered into the forest, looking for sanctuary. Thousands of them now inhabited their space. There was room for five times more population since the elders had prepared for the worst.
Phoenix sat by the fire and pulled her notebook out of her bag. There would be a meeting in about an hour, giving her time to write down more thoughts from the past. Maybe because it was her birthday she was more sentimental than usual. But also, there were strange things happening and she felt like she was running out of time.
She didn’t know how long she sat alone, next to the fire. Enough time passed that she was startled when Brian interrupted her.
“Seriously, do you even realize other people are around when you have your face in that notebook?” Brian asked as he sat down.
Phoenix’s face flushed with embarrassment. There was no way she wanted Brian to know her most intimate thoughts and she really didn’t want him to know how much he was a part of them.
“I just enjoy reading and writing,” she quickly mumbled. He ruffled her head, which stoked her normally easy going temper. She wanted him to see her as a potential girlfriend, not his adopted little sister.
“Yeah, you’ve always liked to have your head in a book,” he said with a wink.
Phoenix wanted to reach out and plant a kiss on his cocky mouth. Why couldn’t he realize she was a young woman, not the eleven year old he’d met six years earlier? She sighed, knowing she wasn’t brave enough to go through with it.
“There’s nothing wrong with reading or writing,” she finally snapped, making his brows rise at her tone of voice.
“I didn’t say there was anything wrong. You’re just not a typical teenager, worried about your looks or what other people have to say,” he told her.
Phoenix looked at him, not sure whether to cry or laugh. She blew out her breath in frustration realizing he was never going to like her. She needed to get over her crush but it wasn’t like there were a lot of other guys to choose from.
In the last three years there’d been several marriages in their little community. The rules were very strict and if you were caught breaking them, there were consequences. There were too few people living in the small space to have couples jumping into relationships, only to leap back out. You were allowed to date, just not go from one bed to the next. Instead of breaking rules, kids barely out of their teens chose to get married, turning into adults early.
There was a lot that went into maintaining the community but no money exchanged hands. Everyone put in their equal share of work and had the same kind of belongings. No one was a higher or lower class. It was pretty much a utopian society.
Phoenix’s parents were part of the group who’d founded the community. It had taken them, along with some other parents to complete the almost insurmountable task. It originally took millions of dollars to purchase all the materials they needed. It was a good thing they’d thought ahead, as many of them would most likely be dead by now if it weren’t for their pre-planning.
“Did you go off in your own head again?” Brian asked. Phoenix looked at him with wide, startled eyes. She normally didn’t drift for even a moment when she was in his presence.
“I’ve been writing a lot and it’s reminding me so much of the past. I’ll never forget that first drive here and how scary it was, or how cold the cave felt the first time we walked in,” she said with a shudder. Brian placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her tightly against his side.
“I know how you feel. Our lives have really changed, but always remember we’re the lucky ones. If you can remember that, then none of this is so bad. Think about all the people who’ve stumbled in here over the years. They think this place is heaven, especially after trekking through the forest for the past year, dodging gunfire and praying to not be captured,” he reminded her. She snuggled closer, not even caring what he was saying as long as his arm stayed in place. She had to fight the sigh from escaping her lips.
“Well, don’t you two look cozy?” Jessica said as she sat down, way too close to Brian, in Phoenix’s opinion. Phoenix barely managed to cut off the retort she wanted to say to the obnoxious girl.
“Hey Jess, we’re just reliving the past for a moment. Do you know where everyone is? This was supposed to start about ten minutes ago,” Brian asked. Phoenix was relieved she didn’t have to respond to Jessica and even happier Brian’s arm was still wrapped around her.
“Who knows where the elders are. I get so sick of these meetings and all these stupid rules. Seriously, I don’t think they’d even notice if we were gone for a while. Do you want to sneak off to the hot spring?” she asked him, while running her bright red nail up his arm, showing another of her vanity items she’d brought with her. She laughed in what Phoenix assumed was a seductive tone. Brian always seemed to respond to her, though Phoenix couldn’t understand how he didn’t see her true colors.
Phoenix could actually feel the bile rise in her throat and had never wanted to scratch someone’s eyes out as much as she wanted to with Jessica. She hadn’t liked her from the moment they’d met a year ago and her feelings of dislike had only grown stronger.
Jessica had been after Brian from the first day she arrived and any other girl who dared to flirt with him instantly became her enemy. Some girls still braved her wrath to flirt with Brian but most had backed off. Jessica was good at putting on a show in front of the elders but the teens knew who and what she was.
Some were her friend because they feared her and others because she always managed to find something fun for them to do but all the kids knew it was unwise to cross her. She was extremely vindictive. Phoenix and Brian had been friends for so long Jessica hadn’t been able to end it but that didn’t mean she stopped trying.
“You know we have to be here, Jess,” he said as if he was talking to a small child.
“You need to live a little Brian, and I’m just the one to help you do that,” she purred at him, making Phoenix even more nauseous.
“We can go later. You want to join us, kid?” he asked Phoenix. She wanted to glare at him for the kid remark but his arm was still wrapped around her, making her feel relaxed and happy, especially knowing Jessica would be irritated about it.
“That sounds perfect,” she answered before glancing at Jessica, who was glaring daggers at her. She gave her a full-fledged smile and could practically see fire darting from the other girl’s eyes.
“Good, I’ll let a few others know what we’re doing and we can meet at the south tunnel fifteen minutes after the meeting ends,” he said to both girls, then jumped up.
“I’ll come with you,” Jessica said and followed him off like a puppy dog. She turned around to give Phoenix one more glare before disappearing.
Phoenix felt a familiar nose on her leg and smiled as Patches settled beside her with his head on her lap. She ran her hand over his soft fur, really glad to see him. He was so popular in the cave, being the only pet allowed, that his visits to people were greatly appreciated. She sometimes thought he could read their minds because he seemed to show up when he was needed most.
Patches was a beautiful, huge dog that she and Sadie found. He’d barely been alive and only survived because of her mother’s amazing veterinarian abilities. Patches spent a lot of time with her mom, Janet.
There was a commotion in the main entrance hall and Phoenix turned to see what was happening. Someone was yelling out in extreme pain. She sat frozen as some of the elders carried in two stretchers with people lying on them. There was so much blood. She didn’t want to even try to imagine what had happened.
“We need Dr. Light right away. Get these people to the infirmary and get him down there,” one of the men shouted as they passed through the room. By then the cavern was filled with most of the community members and everyone looked around in question at each other.
Phoenix listened as voices rose while people tried to get any information they could. Both of the victims looked extremely messed up, much worse than what a bullet normally did. It looked as if they’d been ripped in pieces and she didn’t know how they were still alive.
After about a half hour, a couple council members came out and the room instantly quieted when they stepped to the podium. Phoenix wished Brian was still next to her, with his arm offering comfort. She could use his reassuring touch right then.
“Thank you for your silence and patience. I know you’re wondering about the people on the stretchers. We don’t know yet what’s happened to them but they’re badly injured and it will be a miracle if they make it through the night. We’ve medicated them and gotten their pain to a manageable level and we’re hopeful to get some information soon. We do pray for their survival but their information is even more important. We’ll keep you updated on their condition. In light of the current situation we’re going to cancel the meeting tonight and have it in the morning, instead. Please do your normal duties as if nothing’s happened,” Greg said to the group.
He and Jeff walked off the stage and disappeared down the tunnel, towards the infirmary. Phoenix remained motionless, wondering what was going on. She prayed the enemy wasn’t coming closer because even though the cave seemed like a prison at times she knew from the stories of people they’d taken in, it could be so much worse outside.
“Phoenix, come on. We’re going to get out of here for a while. There’s no use dwelling on what we have no control over,” Brian called to her. She was relieved to see her brother standing next to him. She climbed to her feet, joining them and decided to shake off her fears.
Chapter Three
“Why do we do nothing but sit here and watch as they destroy each other?” Jayden asked, as he walked through the war ravaged streets with his leader, Vyco. He looked around him in contempt for what the human world was so willing to create. He was unlike the rest of the Dark Angels and Demons. He didn’t thrive on chaos or feed off of human pain. He did what he had to do to survive in the dark world, but he didn’t enjoy it like the others.
He was sick of being in hiding, while the world around him was allowed to do whatever they pleased. He’d learned how to hold his temper hundreds of years ago but at times like this it was still hard for him. He hated he was the one who must reside in the darkest corners, while gun toting heathens were free to walk the streets.
“We’ll sit back and watch. Let them destroy themselves,” Vyco said. Jayden didn’t want to listen to him and didn’t understand his lack of interest. Vyco normally would’ve been in the middle of the violence, leading the troops.
Vyco hadn’t shared the binding agreement he’d made with any of his followers, but he was sure when he did, it would be Jayden. The Dark Angel was more loyal than many of his minions. Vyco was waiting for the right moment before making his final decision. He would make sure to choose to his best interest.
Jayden kicked a huge rock in his path and watched it fly across the street and straight through a window. Vyco was his leader, and he couldn’t cross him. He was the oldest known Demon in existence having seen more in his millions of years than Jayden could comprehend. He was ruler of the dark world and when he commanded something, it was done without question.
Their numbers had dwindled through the years as Josiah and his Angels had battled them. Even as Demons and the few Dark Angels left died, the world would be in terror if they knew the power the darkness still wielded over them. Vyco never had problems creating new Demons, to easily dispose of whenever he felt the need.
Vyco loved bringing evil humans to his side. He promised them immortality and power in exchange for their soul. They didn’t realize they were coming out on the losing end. Dark Angels were fewer in numbers on the mortal planet. When there’d been war between Vyco and Josiah in the stars, Vyco had tricked many into following him to the earth. The Dark Angels had far more power than the demons, which caused battles. When many of the Dark Angels found out how wrong Vyco had been, they’d chosen to destroy themselves, rather than follow him. Jayden’s heart had hardened so much by that point - he simply went along, following orders. What difference did it make if humans lived or died? He did what he needed to for his own survival.
Neither Dark Angels nor Demons were easy to destroy. The human’s certainly couldn’t take them out. Only another creature with at least comparable powers could destroy them. The Demons would quake in when Josiah sent his Angels after them.
The humans loved their superstitions but if they were truly aware of the evil around them, they would behave differently. Monsters hid around every corner. The longer Jayden was on earth the more he forgot the light from above.
Jayden had been one of the first Angels to support Vyco and follow him, forever leaving behind the Light. He’d believed Vyco, at the time. He’d wanted to take free will from humans because they made the wrong choices. After a few hundred years he’d discovered Vyco really just wanted to control the world. It was too late for Jayden, though. He’d made his choice and he lived with it. His heart had certainly blackened the longer he walked at Vyco’s side. He laughed to himself, somewhat mockingly.
“What do you find so amusing, Jayden?” Vyco asked. Vyco could read minds but to his frustration he never knew what Jayden was thinking. Jayden would’ve never been able to stay with Vyco if that weren’t the case. He had too many negative thoughts about his mentor. He was protective of his thoughts, as they were the only things he could truly call his own.
“The human world amuses me. I can’t believe there was ever a time I thought they were worth protecting. They kill each other without a second thought. They have no comprehension how weak they are. We could destroy them without a second thought. Sometimes, I think that would be the more humane thing to do,” he replied.
“Yes, they are not the smartest beings in existence. I don’t know why I got so attached to earth. There are much wiser places to live. I do like how easy they are to control, though. They so easily do my bidding,” Vyco said.
“I’ve never been to any of the other worlds but from your stories they do sound incredible,” Jayden said, a bit enviously. He could never return home but there were other worlds they could explore. He wouldn’t mind leaving earth, especially since they were so set on destroying each other. “What happens when they all destroy each other?” he asked.
“They will never fully destroy each other. Humans are resilient, and there will always be survivors. For thousands of years they’ve tried destroying those they consider lesser than them. They eventually give up. The strong will survive and they will be those who are so much better to rule over. They’ll start from scratch again, as they’ve done hundreds of times. It’s funny for me to hear their stories. I’ve been there to see it all and know what’s real and what is fantasy. They’d never believe how controllable they really are. That’s why they come up with fables and fantasies. They can’t imagine the realities, that monsters really do exist,” he said with glee.
The humans would be surprised by the reality of the many worlds out there and the many types of species in existence. They so easily pass off unexplainable ships as fake, when they travel regularly between the planets.
“How much longer are we hanging out up here?” one of the demons asked, approaching with an orange in her hand. She was eating it, skin and all, and sighing as it squirted into her mouth.
“I don’t see why you eat that garbage,” Jayden grumbled.
“Don’t knock it till you try it,” she snarled. Jayden wanted to swat her but knew she was one of Vyco’s favorite play things.
“Would you two stop bickering?” Vyco said. He loved fighting and anger but he was too busy to deal with the two of them at that moment. “You need to run along for now, I need to speak with Jayden, privately,” Vyco dismissed her, causing her eyes to glow red before she disappeared in a pillar of smoke.
“There’s a rebel camp causing me trouble. I can’t outright destroy them or I risk going before the council,” Vyco said with a shudder. The council was enough to make the strongest immortal tremor.
“What do you need me to do?” Jayden asked.
“I need you to infiltrate this camp and guide them to destroy themselves. You can’t tell them who you are. You can’t destroy them yourself, but you can make them trust and follow you. When you succeed, they will quickly destroy themselves,” Vyco said, smiling at the thought. He loved nothing more than corrupting good humans. That gave him more power than anything else.
“Of course, I’ll do it,” Jayden said without hesitation. He was there to serve.
Jayden heard a noise, and looked down in annoyance at the hole in his clothes. He loved the shirt he had on and wasn’t happy someone had ruined it with their bullet hole. He looked around and quickly spotted the group of rebel soldiers down the street. There were about fifty of them.
He looked pleadingly at Vyco. They’d ruined his favorite shirt, after all. He deserved to get revenge. He normally didn’t go around hunting humans but when they pissed him off, then it was a whole other matter.
Jayden knew he was what human girls considered good-looking. All immortal beings were perfectly created. His skin was a light olive color, never changing in any way. His body was strong and he carried himself with confidence. His eyes were black with a light shining in them still from his time in the heavens. All of the other Angels who’d fallen had lost their light. Their eyes had turned red with a bloodlust in them Jayden hoped he’d never get.
“Wait a few moments, Jayden. I want to see what they’ll do. Their antics amuse me. Jayden wasn’t known for his patience but soon he’d get his revenge for his favorite shirt being ruined.
The men shot off several more rounds at him and Vyco, doing nothing more than destroying their clothes. Jayden could see Vyco was starting to get a bit irritated. He could’ve easily dodged the bullets but he was standing still, watching the men. He wanted to toy with the men who thought they were so strong.
“I’ll give you one last chance to stop shooting at us and turn around and leave,” Vyco shouted to the men. Jayden rarely ever heard him raise his voice, as there was simply no need for him to do so. He was always awed by the power of it when he did.
“Dream on, old man,” one of the men yelled, then shots were fired in earnest. Vyco smiled, pleased they hadn’t backed down. He then nodded his head. Jayden immediately charged forward and in a matter of minutes all the men lay dead at his feet.
They hadn’t even had time to be surprised. It had happened too quickly. Jayden knew he shouldn’t be happy to kill, and normally he wasn’t. With men like them, it was a victory to wipe them from the planet.
“I’ll call in the demons. There’s no use wasting the human bodies while they’re still warm,” Vyco told him. Jayden wanted to get far away. He never liked witnessing the demons eat the humans, whether those humans were good or evil. It was disgusting.
“What would happen to us if they did wipe each other out?” Jayden asked with concern. A lot of the demons depended on the humans as their food source.
“Food will never be a problem, as it’s nearly impossible for any demon to die. We can live off the humans or animals. But, like I told you earlier, no matter what happens they’ll never be able to destroy each other completely, “he said.
“You have a journey to take and I want you to get started now,” Vyco said in a tone that let Jayden know the conversation was over. He knew when he could push, and when he needed to back down, and right then it was time to back down. Vyco didn’t like anyone ever doubting him and Jayden’s questions would look like doubt in the demon’s eyes.
“I will leave now,” Jayden obeyed. He turned and walked away. He wouldn’t mind some time away from Vyco or the other demons.
Chapter Four
I was listening in on a private conversation I knew I had no business hearing. I couldn’t help myself. For the past two years my parents had been away so much and when home, they were always whispering. I didn’t catch a lot of what they said but enough to cause chills to run up and down my spine.
There were several men and women in my dad’s office and they hadn’t come out for hours. John, Brian, Sadie and I planned a recon mission to try and get information. We’d probably get grounded for life if we got caught.
“Okay, I’m really sick of my parents being so secretive. Sadie, you cause the distraction. Phoenix, get inside with the radio and we should be able to hear everything. You’re the only one small enough to fit under Dad’s desk,” John said.
I was shaking but knew I couldn’t let them down. I nodded my head, then we went to work. Sadie took a deep breath and downed a tablespoon of tabasco sauce, which immediately turned her nose red and made her eyes start to water. She let out a loud cry, then went running down the hallway.
It didn’t take long for Dad’s office door to open. He stepped out to see what was wrong. Chaos surrounded him, which was our plan.
“What’s going on out here?” Dad asked Brian and John, the oldest of us kids.
“We don’t know. Sadie started crying and ran down the hallway. She looked like she was hurt but we haven’t caught her yet,” John said in a very convincing performance. I was surprised how easily he managed to lie to our father. I looked up, expecting lightening to strike any moment.
“Jeff, something’s wrong with Sadie,” my dad said and the office cleared out. The adults quickly descended the stairs in search for the howling girl. John looked at me and I took a deep breath, then slipped inside the forbidden room.
I was terrified of getting caught. It wasn’t like my parents would beat me or anything but they’d look at me with those disapproving eyes, which was much worse than a spanking. At least with a spanking, you didn’t have to wonder if your parents would ever trust you again.
When I’d cheated the one and only time in my life, they’d looked at me like I’d destroyed their trust. I wanted them to spank me or yell at me, to do something other than be disappointed. They never did. They just shook their heads and told me to go to my room. I remember lying there for hours, sobbing into my pillow. Mom eventually came in and told me she was so disappointed in me, which made me cry even harder.
She pulled me into her arms and told me she hoped it would never happen again. I promised her there was no way it would. Her comforting me made it somehow worse. I wanted to make her disappointment go away. From that moment forward I never even thought about doing the smallest thing that could be construed as cheating.
I crept into the room and slipped under the desk, scooting myself deep inside the hole. It was really dark under there and I started getting a bit freaked out at the thought of spiders crawling all over me. John forbade me from talking into the radio but I needed to make sure he was there. The adults weren’t back in the room yet.
“John, you’re there, right?” I whispered.
“Yes, now quiet. They’re coming,” he whispered back and was silent. I heard the door open and the adults stepped back inside.
“I hope she’ll be okay,” my mom said.
“She didn’t know what happened. I think she stubbed her toe but I couldn’t find any marks. She couldn’t be faking those tears, though,” Megan said.
“The boys are keeping an eye on her and we’re only a door away,” my dad said.
“Of course. We need to finish this meeting. I know the more we meet like this with the children around, the more suspicious they become,” Greg spoke up.
“Okay, back to where we were. All the animals are in place. The produce is doing much better than I imagined it would. I’ve also scouted the area and the seedlings we scattered throughout the forest are blending in well. One of the reasons for that location is the vast supply of food,” my dad said.
I stayed in my hiding spot, even more confused. What were they talking about? Nothing they said was making any sense. Were they planning a garden? Were we all worried about nothing? It seemed to be the case at that particular moment.
“I have a large shipment to pick up on Friday. Who’s available to come with me?” Jeff asked. Several voices spoke up and said they could go. What could he be picking up? I sat frozen in my hiding spot for an hour. I was getting more freaked out by the minute. At one point I felt something tickling my arm and nearly screamed.
I don’t know how I was able to hold in the cry. I scratched my arm and felt a tear fall down my face. I just wanted them to finish so I could get out of there. The first thing I was going to do was rip off my clothes and shower. I wouldn’t even look in a mirror because if something was on my body or in my hair I would have a serious meltdown.
“Well, this has been a productive meeting. Thank you everyone for coming. Janet and I will walk you out,” dad said. I sighed in relief. I knew I couldn’t climb out until John gave me the okay but I edged towards the opening of the desk, making sure to be extra quiet.
“Phoenix, the coast is clear,” John said over the radio. He didn’t have to tell me twice. I jumped from under the desk and raced from the room. I never wanted to go in there again and I think that’s where I developed a serious case of claustrophobia.
“We heard everything. Great job, sis,” John said.
“I need to shower,” was all I said before racing to the bathroom. I stood under the water until it turned cold. I kept imagining creepy crawlies all over my body and washed one more time. I finally emerged, got dressed, and headed to John’s room.
Everyone was still there. It was summer break and we were having a sleep over. One thing about being good kids is our parents never worried about us all in a room together.
“We waited until you got here, before talking about anything,” Brian said. He was so dreamy I momentarily forgot all about my creepy desk horror for a moment. I finally realized they were waiting for me to say something.
“Thanks,” I managed.
“Did anyone get anything from what they were talking about?” Brian asked. He looked to Sadie and I, then John. We all shook our heads. Nothing they’d been talking about made any sense, whatsoever.
“Me either. I think I’m more confused now than I was before,” Brian said. He stood up and started pacing the room. We all hung out together for a while longer, then Sadie and I decided to go to my room. We weren’t going to figure out anything that night.
“I’m really scared, Phoenix. Mom and Dad have been acting weird,” Sadie said.
“I know. I wish we could’ve learned something tonight. Things have even been different at school,” I added.
“At least we have each other,” she said. I agreed with her and then we fell into an exhausted sleep. It was too much stress for thirteen year olds to deal with.
**********
“What do you think’s going on?” Phoenix asked Brian. He seemed as stressed as the elders, of course he was technically one of them since he’d recently turned eighteen but they hadn’t yet called him up. She wasn’t looking forward to that day because then she wouldn’t get to spend any time with him.
“I have no idea. Dad’s still in there with the other high council but I know he’ll fill me in when he comes out,” he answered.
“It’s so scary. I’m sure glad you’re here to keep us safe,” Jessica purred, then placed her arm through his. Phoenix had to once again keep from gagging at the other girl’s obviousness. She was pleased when Brian pulled his arm free, although she wished he would’ve done it with more force, so Jessica would get a clue.
“We’re all safe as long as we follow the rules. We really shouldn’t be sneaking out with something unknown out here,” John said.
“Oh John, you know if something breaches the parameters the alarms will sound and we’ll have plenty of time to get to safety,” Jessica whined. John was twenty-two and though he came and hung out with them sometimes, he was usually with the elders doing whatever it was they did. Jessica knew though, if John said they had to go in then they’d have to listen.
John only accompanied them on their little side trips to make sure Phoenix was safe. He’d tried stopping them several times until he found it was much easier just to join them. The group was determined to sneak out. He could keep an eye on his sister much easier if he just joined the group.
There were many girls who chased John, with his great looks and amazing personality. He hadn’t settled down with anyone though, something that was unusual in their community. Reaching the age of twenty-two and still remaining single was something of an accomplishment. He dated a lot but hadn’t been able to find the one he wanted to spend forever with. Divorce was unacceptable in their group so you’d better choose wisely when you did marry because you were going to be with the person forever.
“We’ll probably be fine if we aren’t loud and we don’t stay out too late,” John conceded, which Phoenix was grateful for. She didn’t normally get invited out with Brian and she wanted to go to the hot springs. It was a rare treat.
The group finished walking the short distance and of course Jessica was the first one to strip down to her incredibly small bikini. It was obviously something she’d had on her when she arrived because the adults would’ve never stocked the place with something so revealing.
It was freezing out, and her body certainly gave that away. She didn’t seem in a hurry to hide herself. Phoenix was thinking she’d made a mistake in coming with them. The last thing she wanted to see was Jessica crawling all over Brian. She was going to have to put on her happy mask and pretend it didn’t bother her.
“Aren’t you guys going to strip down and join me?” Jessica asked, as she finally couldn’t stand the cold anymore and stepped into the steaming water. “Ooh, the water is really hot tonight,” she said, then let out her annoying giggle.
Phoenix watched as she sank down deeper, grateful her oversized breasts were finally covered up. The rest of them quickly shed their outer clothes and didn’t waste any time getting into the water. It was hot and felt incredible. Phoenix actually sighed out loud, which caused a laugh from Brian and another glare from Jessica, who quickly scooted closer to him. Phoenix was so relaxed, she didn’t care.
One of the other kids, Derek, who’d come with them, started talking about something that happened earlier in the day and the mood lightened. They laughed together and before they knew it, an hour passed.
“This is heavenly and I hate to be a party crasher but we really should get back before we’re busted,” John told the group. They all sighed but listened to what he said. It was so hard to get out of the water. The air was cold and they were all shivering as they slipped their clothes back on.
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