chapter twelve

Chapt. 12
Hidden City
The golden Ambush

Panther, Tacitus and Hadriana moved through the thick trees of the dense Ananias Forest. Panther had been raised here. He knew where the predators hunted and where the prey took shelter. But more importantly to the story he knew where the demon base was. Normally he would have been killed but do to the fact that he was traveling with an immortal he had been granted an audience with Rayner. Tacitus had a history with the demons he was there when they were made and so he was a god to them, for his blood ran in their veins.
Rayner had bought them into the service of Lucifer. No soul trades or wishes for power. This was straight deal: cash for delivery, the best payment method. Pan had not wanted to owe his soul to Hell at the end of his life. And all had gone well enough until that Fallen Cadoc had shown up. After that not only had Tacitus lost a fight, but they had to go to back to Rayner and ask for a raise to deal with the new threat. Rayner had refused. Hadriana and panther wanted to walk away but Tacitus demanded a better price. Rayner had gotten very, very angry. They had to fight their way out of the whole fortress and for a couple of mile after that. Many demons had been killed by their arrows and Tacitus’s axe. But they were alive, even if they did have to find a new contract.
“Why did you have to DEMAND a new price what was wrong with walking away?” Hadriana yelled at Tacitus.
“That was not a fair price and you know it!” he replied. They had been at it for hours. “Will you two please just shut up? You’re giving me a head ache.” Panther pleaded “look we are almost at the village just let me do the talking. Ok?”
“Fine” Hadriana said Tacitus grunted.
They walked in silence for a time. Ten the trees began to thin out, and some huts could be seen. A group of men walked towards them “Welcome to our village. We are the … is that you Pan? And then this must be Hadriana. You did not lie she is beautiful”
Pan smiled “Hello Cox how are you?”
“Good, good. The village has grown since you were last here.” Pan Hadriana and Cox went into a conversation. Tacitus looked at the village maybe twenty huts primitive nothing even worth stealing.
Tacitus stepped forwards “Panther they are gaining only two miles out. I am leaving if this is all the shelter you can provide for us.”
Cox laughed “So he does not have faith in you?”
“Not yet he’s new” Pan said laughing Hadriana turned to him. “Relax friend look up.” Tacitus did as he was told. Looking p he could not see past the dense forests leaves “I see nothing.”
”What do you hear?”
“Again nothing”
“Now then are you satisfied?” Cox asked stepping towards one of the trees he grabbed a branch and turned a section of the bark back and pushed down on a button. The tree gave way to a doorway Tacitus followed Pan and Hadriana into the tree and discovered that it was hollow. A set of stairs had been carved out they climbed for what felt like a hundred feet up. Once at the top they found another door this one the merely pushed open and stepped into a city.
“Tacitus welcome to the city of Ananias Tree Tops or ATT for short. Do you feel safe now?” Panther asked. Tacitus could not even respond with a grunt he was amazed at the technology that the Ananiasians had. Some, obviously a police force, had two handed versions of Panthers weapon. Some had other strange weapons that looked just as dangerous. “How long have your people been up here?” He finally asked.
“Just the last couple thousand years or so” Panther explained. “When the Hieremians began to explore our borders we decided to keep our advancements a secret. Eventually we evacuated the surface all together and moved up here. it is safer, cleaner air and more light. If we need food we bring soil up from the ground and put in special areas. We grow our own food and collect the water from the rain. There is always plenty for all.”
Hadriana started to walk forwards “The city has grown since last time the main hall is finished its repairs. And look you can see the new farms on the second level.”
“So you can.” Pan replied. Tacitus would have stood at the door for days if Pan and Hadri had not pulled him away into the city. They spent the next few days above the ground in the city of ATT. Tacitus soon memorized the basic outline of the city. He would go on walks of his own and then retreat to Panthers home for the night.
“Panther how long will you two stay here?” Tacitus asked as they sat around the table eating supper. Panther looked at Hadriana “A day or two more then I plan to go to the angels and offer them my services.” Hadriana nodded. Panther squeezed her hand. “If we do not find work with the angels then we will join the golden army and do that until we can afford to retire. Or find some steady work.” Tacitus nodded. I am going to find Cadoc. Maybe he can tell me about the situation in hell. I will go tomorrow before dawn. So I say farewell now.” Panther and Hadriana said their good byes then retired to their bed for some… steady work.
Tacitus left soon after that. He hit the forest floor running not wanting to risk being caught. He sped up his heart rate and was soon far beyond the forest borders. After an hour or so he stopped on the plains. Taking out his bow he killed a pair of rabbits. Made a fire and ate an early breakfast. Once again he started to run this time heading farther to the south west. Towards the Golden Generals army if anyone new where Cadoc was it would be the General.

Demon cycle: Hell elite fortress:
“For the last time Krishna will you shut the up!!!” Azar was at her nerves end ever since Cadoc had left his hounds had not stopped barking. All I have to do is kill them then they’d be quite.
“And for the last time azar we can’t kill them.” Krishna laughed he did not mind the hounds he new how they felt. I miss him too boys. But he’ll be back soon. I hope. Krishna stood beside the dogs. They were huge animals reaching five feet tall at the head and six feet long on average. Krishna had an unusual relationship with the dogs Cadoc said it was an animal thing. That they connected on some primal level.
A troop came around the corner to give his report. Upon seeing the dogs unleashed he stopped mid step. “Commander I am here to report the army is ready to go on your orders.”
“Good. Good, how many full squads?”
“Sir two full squads Sir. The numbers total four thousand elite soldiers and four thousand normal soldiers ready to march.”
Krishna looked to him “I can’t hear you come here.” he could hear the soldier perfectly well but he wanted to see if the soldier would go around the dogs or through them. The soldier looked at the dogs then at Krishna. He walked through the dogs and then repeated his message. Krishna looked at one of the dogs then at the soldier
“Do you not fear them?” the soldier looked at the Hounds.
“Elites feel no fear no pain. No pity or remorse. We feel only the need to serve Lord Cadoc and the blood of our enemies on our blades.” Krishna nodded “You are dismissed.” The soldier once again walked through the Hounds. Krishna laughed to himself. Azar turned to him “What is so funny?” Krishna began to laugh all the louder
“He pissed him self when he walked through the Hounds!!” Krishna stopped laughing “Oh that stinks.” He said moving away from a wet spot on the ground.
Azar moved to the head of the army as they marched out of the fortress. Four thousand elites were behind her. Each of them was ready to die at her command, each ready to kill for the cause. As they marched towards the gate way they met up with four thousand normal grunt soldiers. The commander of the battalion stepped forward “Alright even though I was told to report to” Azar cut off his head with her sword.
“I control this army understood?” the grunts all agreed in one form or another. Azar walked through the portal and spread her wings jumping into the air she disappeared into the darkness of the chasm. Krishna signaled the elites to step up the pace. They began a double march up the narrow slopes that lead to the top of the cliff.
Azar hit the night sky at full speed. She surveyed the land for any sign of trouble. Seeing none she flew at a leisurely pace for a time checking the lay of the land for any hidden troops or traps. She heard Krishna and the elites begin the march to the south east. they would march for a few more hour undoubtedly before they stopped for the night.
Krishna was the first to set foot outside the chasm and on to the open plain. He did not stop but slightly increased his pace and turned to the south west. He could run at this pace for the rest of the night. He would meet up with the rest of the Elites five hours from now on this vector. They would stop and rest for one day to re-supply and get new updated reports and plan the attack. Azar landed at a jog beside him “How are we doing commander?”
“We will arrive on time Azar don’t worry.” Azar was worried though. She could feel something going wrong. Something had changed.

Angel cycle: Golden Generals camp
“General I thank you for agreeing to this alliance between our three armies. Now we have a chance of surviving this war.” Calanthe spoke with ease having rehearsed her speech many times. “But I did not expect you the twin keepers of Dardanos to also join us. This is indeed a great day for rejoicing.” She stood in the Golden Generals tent. An alliance had just been signed this allowed her to take over the armies of the twin keepers of Dardanos and the Golden General. Plus her own army they could take on almost any army now. It was only the cloud that would cause them trouble now.
“Calanthe, not that my brother or I doubt you say you are sure that you can free the plains and you are also confident that we are now in charge of an unbeatable army. Are you not setting yourself up for defeat in some way?” this was Fang one of the twin keepers of Dardanos. His brother was named Talon. They were immortals made by God to protect Dardanos. In all of history only one man had ever beaten the twins in combat. But Cadoc was not here he was somewhere in hell. Or so they all hoped. Cadoc re-appearance in this war could ruin everything.
“Calanthe and I both agree that unless Cadoc forgets about revenge and comes to lead his elites that we are now the dominant fighting force in the south west.” Talon stepped forwards. Looking at the map “We should wait with our army here.” he pointed to a valley in the lower east section of the plains. “We could dig caves in the side then cover them up. Let the demons think that your army is at a weak point then have the angel’s and our men attack form all sides.”
Calanthe and the general looked at the map. “It is a good plan.” Calanthe admitted “but how do we get the demon to go there?” the General stepped forwards by sending out a small contingent of men to lead them here. Whenever they go in the direction of the valley they will attack making it seem like we don’t want them to come this way. The demons will follow and then fall into the trap.” And so it was agreed the angels flew ahead to start digging out the caves while the Generals men went to start harassing the Elites into the trap. The twins would bring their army in from the far west side in two days time. Then help dig out the caves until the General arrived.

Demon cycle: on the march
Krishna could see the Elites camp in the distance “Almost there now boys!!” he put on a last burst of speed and ran into the Elites camp. They were welcomed with open arms. Azar found that Cadocs tent had been set up for her and Krishna's tent was beside it.
“I am going to retire for the night Krishna I trust that you have things under control?” Azar asked Krishna saluted and started giving orders for the next day’s events and operations. When Azar awoke the next day Krishna was standing outside her tent. And on her desk were the updated reports of the plains situation. Apparently there was some trouble with the Golden Generals war front. Oh well she would solve that soon enough. She put her armor on and stepped out into the morning light. Krishna stepped aside for her as she spread her wings.
“How are thing this morning Krishna? Is everybody dead yet?” Azar asked this every morning implying that Krishna had somehow made a fatal error.
“Not yet commander Azar, but I see you need more beauty sleep. Maybe you should go get more sleep and I’ll wage the war.” Krishna said. He and Azar were civil at the best of times. He just thought she was jealous of his good looks and she thought he was retarded.
“One of the guards came forward before you got up” Krishna continued “said that three more were dead in a raid last night. Throats slit in their sleep. I guess they don’t want us to go to the south east of here.”
“Why to the south east?” Azar cold not help but know the reason behind that specific direction.
“Because that is the side of the camp they were all killed on. South end on the eastern side.” Krishna finished taking a leg of meat off a nearby fire. He took a bite as he walked back to Azar. She turned back into her tent. Krishna waited outside. “There is a valley to the southeast” she said coming back out with a map. “That could be his base.”
“Why would the Golden General pick a spot like that for a base? It is perfect to be ambushed in.” Said one of the commanders as he walked towards them, Azar had to agree. We have enough troops to encircle the whole valley and they wouldn’t suffer too may losses either due to the high ground advantage. She turned to Krishna “What do you think?”
Krishna shrugged “I think we should strike hard and fast if it is his base. Being able to annihilate the Golden General would put us in a good position over the other armies in reputation alone. The fear we could install would be worth the losses.” Azar did not even think as she looked around the camp. She could tell the soldiers were getting restless, just sitting here. “We will attack from all sides in a circle ten rows deep. We will leave the rest of the army just behind the line of vision in case of an ambush and from there we will block out the sun using the cloud to give us the cover of darkness. Sound good?”
Krishna turned to the troops “Well we all know you heard the Fallen Commander get ready to move out.” The demons began to run off in different direction spreading the word that they were going to fight. Krishna turned to Azar “Well that solves that.” Azar nodded.
The commander cleared his throat “Excuse me Sirs but I am Captain Andrus I have my report to give before I can go and do anything else. So if you could just take this.” He said holding out a note in his hand. Azar took the report and opened it up. Written on the note were three words “We’ve been infiltrated.” Azar turned to the Captain “there seems to be some discrepancy in this report Captain Andrus. Please follow me.” Andrus followed Azar and Krishna into the tent. Krishna turned on the Captain and grabbed his arms putting them behind his back. Azar turned to Andrus. “How do you know about this? And why can you not say it out loud?”
Andrus looked from Azar to the floor then back up again “Because it is my squad that had been infiltrated. And they will kill me if they know. I don’t know how many other squads there are but they claim to have a quarter of the army with them.” Andrus looked ashamed “I do not know how they got turned but now they are part of them.”
Azar could not take anymore “Who is they?” Andrus’s face went white. The blood gone from his face “The reason you fear the light. They are a rebel Fallen who have been trying to deceive us into believing that Lucifer is not a real savior.” Krishna let go of Andrus “I thought they were only in the myths. These are not fallen to be trifled with in haste Azar we should find out who is who before we proceed.” Azar thought for a moment “No let them be the less we think they know the better. Find out about them but do not make a move yet, we will use them as bait for a trap later.” Krishna nodded “And you” Azar said turning to Captain Andrus “you will try t infiltrate this group so that we may find out their intentions.”
“Yes Commander Fallen.” They both said saluting “Dismissed.” azar said returning the salute. Oh great I get stuck with one of the hardest assignments to start off with and now I have to deal with an infiltrator group. Azar lay on her bed wishing that things could be as simple as this had been before the War for the Middle world began.

chapter eleven

Chapter 11
Cadocs attack
Death of the Archangels
Demon cycle: angel’s wall
Cadoc flew over a cloud using it as cover. He looked down through the cloud and saw the wall approaching. Seeing this he dove down through the cloud into sight of the guards. Once the alarm had been raised Cadoc summoned his armor and attacked. Angels rushed to defend the wall. Cadoc summoned his swords and flew faster sixty angels flew to meet him. He dodged the first and sliced through the next ones sword and into his head. Cadoc quickly released then re-summoned his sword freeing it of its victims flesh. He turned his blades into a back hand hold and slit the next two angels open as he flew beneath them spilling their bowls onto the plains below. It was Cadoc stopped in mid air waiting. The last rest of the angels charged him. One from behind the rest the front he switched his katanas back to his normal hold and waited. The enemy was getting closer soon they would be upon him, but Cadoc was not the Fallen Archangel of Vengeance because he played patty cake all day. This was Cadoc favorite part the take down. He would wait until they were all on top of him then release his fury.
Now the angels were about to strike when Cadoc sped up his heart rate suddenly he was a blur as he killed one after the other each with a different stroke Cadocs pattern always changing, never doing the same pattern twice. One by one the angels fell until one soldier remained. He like Cadoc was waiting. This was one of the few and powerful Death Angels, his was Daniel. When a Death Angel is struck down in combat his soul comes back stronger than before. These are among was heavens ultimate weapon and this death Angel had yet to be killed once. So great was his natural talent that he had yet to meet his equal in combat. His soul entered heaven after Cadoc was banished to hell. But he had been trained for this day since he was born. Even in his mortal life God had sent Archangels to teach him the art of war.
And now it was his time to fight, and maybe time for his first death. David waited until Cadoc turned to him. “I am Daniel a Death Angel. Turn back now Cadoc or face certain death.” Cadoc paused
Death Angels are not easy to kill but then again neither am I “If it is all the same to you Daniel I will continue on”
“As you wish.” Daniel drew his sword and took it in both hands. “Now you will die.” Daniel charged, Cadoc flew straight towards him then flew over him cutting down as he did so. He severed Daniel’s spine and kept on flying. As Daniel fell towards the ground he felt no fear only the pain. But soon even that would be gone.
Cadoc flew towards the wall the angels had manned the defensive positions. The ballista’s and catapults fired but they were too slow Cadoc easily maneuvered around them. He flew over the wall at full speed and decapitated two of the wall guards as he went past. He did not stop to fight but de-summoned his weapons and kept on flying up the mountain. Higher and higher he went never stopping to rest. The other angels pursued him for a time then fell behind.
As Cadoc approached the great door he shot forth a Holy Light and blew it off of its hinges. I always thought heavens door should always be open anyhow. He flew through the door frame and into the field. He could just make out the shapes closing heavens gate. He summoned his katanas and threw the hitting two of the guards then re-summoned the katanas back to him he did this again and again. Keeping the doors open.
As Cadoc came closer in he found only a skeleton crew to face him. He slaughtered all of them, he left none alive. He then put away his weapons and walked through heavens walls. The Archangels knew he was here, they would come to him.



Angel cycle: heavens inner circle
Solomon flew to wards Rochelle and Nina his armor flashed in the bright light of heaven. His face showed sings of concern. “Your lesson is cancelled as of now. Nina he is here. You must go to the gate help the wounded then go and find your sister. Tell her to rally more support. Rochelle come with me it is no longer safe for you here.”
“Yes Archangel Solomon” Nina replied. Spreading her wings and taking flight toward the gate. Rochelle new something was wrong “Who is HE?” she asked Solomon turned “One of the fallen has come for you. We do not know which it is as of yet but he broke through the wall and the gate alone. We will take you to the elites building.” Solomon spread his wings and took off Rochelle close behind. What if it is him though? What if he has come for me? She thought.
“Or it could be one of Rayners men here to kill you.” they soon had the elites walls in sight Solomon landed and opened the doors allowing Rochelle in. once inside Rochelle saw Gabriel standing in the court yard.
“What one is it?”
“We don’t know. I’ll keep her hidden inside contact me when it is safe and the Fallen is dead.” Gabriel nodded and drew his weapon
“None shall pass me until my soul had passed on.” Solomon embraced Gabriel.
“Be careful brother. They are powerful and clever.”
Gabriel nodded “Now go. You know what to do and I have my orders.” Rochelle was rushed inside by ten of Heavens Elites. She was taken around many twists and turns. Up and down stairs and passages. When they reached their desired room she no longer knew where she was. There was a window in the room where she was though. Looking out of it she saw smoke and explosions coming from the gate area. She could see Nina and another Angel rush to where the fighting was. Strange… the other angel looked like Sorin.

Sorin and Nina rushed down the streets not daring to fly for fear of being hit from below. They ran in full armor only to come upon a scene of horror. Angels lay dead all across the street and in the middle of the carnage was Cadoc. His swords and armor were out drenched in the silver blood of the angels. A grin was spreading on his face.
“Hello Sorin, Nina. Have you come to die as well?”
“No Sorin said we have come to kill you!!” Sorin charged left Nina right Cadoc stood still not moving until the last second. Sorin jumped and Nina shot a Holy Blast at Cadoc. He leaned to the side the blast hit the building opposite to him. He blocked Sorins first blow but was kicked in the stomach by Nina. He staggered backwards. Then straightened up charging at the sisters he attacked both of them at once. Using one sword for each of them then turning on Sorin. he out maneuvered her and used the hilt of his sword to hit her head then kicked her into a wall. Nina came at him from above swinging her sword down at him. Blocking his counter swing with her shield but as she did so Cadoc flipped over her head when her vision was blocked. He landed noiselessly behind her but Nina was experienced. She turned and used her shield to strike out and her sword to block she hit Cadoc head sending him backwards. Sorin rejoined the fight standing beside her sister.
Cadoc was far from done he stuck his sword in the ground and taunted them. Nina charged over confident with her success. She faked low, and then struck high. But Cadoc was ready he did not go for the fake but used it for his advantage. When Nina struck up he went lo hitting her chest and ribs with his fists and his feet hammering Nina back. Sorin rushed in to help but it was too late. Cadoc used an uppercut to knock off Nina's helmet. Then jumped into the air summoning one of his blades he severed Ninas head clean off. Sorin stopped and fell to her knees.
She had not been fast enough, her sister was dead. Sorin became enraged she charged Cadoc head on he stood waiting and at the last moment before her sword struck he dropped to one knee and stabbed his sword through her heart. Silver blood spattered his face and he withdrew the blade. Again Sorin fell o her knees. Cadoc stood and walked past Sorin leaving her to bleed out.
As he passed her she jammed her sword into his leg sending it right through the bone. Cadoc screamed out in pain. He hit Sorin with the hilt of his sword then pulled her sword out of his leg. It began to heal, but so was Sorin for her angels healing had come back. Cadoc lifted her sword and beheaded her. Putting his palm on her severed head he sent it to hell for Lucifer to see.
Once his leg had mended Cadoc continued on down the road. He met more angels that he slaughtered. But after awhile he tired of these weak excuses for angels and so he called for a greater challenge.
“Gabriel!!! GABREIL FACE ME YOU COWARD!!!” he called out again and again even as he killed other angels he screamed out. And then he came to it the elites building. He opened the door and there at the end of the hall was Gabriel. “There you are coward Come face your death!!” Cadoc challenged.
Gabriel said nothing he simply waved his sword daring Cadoc to enter the tunnel. Cadoc laughed “And why should I have to put in all of the effort.”
Gabriel laughed “Oh so sorry. I wasn’t aware you could feel fear Cadoc. After all you usually rush straight at death.” Cadoc knew something as wrong but he couldn’t determine what it was.
Daniel stepped out of a building behind Cadoc. “Yes you seemed to run straight at me.” Cadoc turned but not fast enough Daniel’s sword was already out, he stabbed lifting Cadoc off the ground. Daniel held Cadoc there watching Cadoc scream. He moved the blade from side to side cutting Cadoc open slowly.
“Enough Daniel. Let him down.” Gabriel said walking out of the tunnel
“Why he deserves to die. After all he” Daniel was cut off by Cadoc voice.
“Well now that we are all here.” Cadoc raised his until it was pointing to the entrance. Then laughed and shot a holy blast at it collapsing the tunnel entrance. Daniel could only watch as Cadoc grabbed the blade and lifted himself off of the blade. “Thank you Daniel I couldn’t have done it without you.” Cadoc put his hand on Daniels shoulder “But now I’m done with you.” he used the base of his hand to uppercut Daniels nose bone into his brain. Daniel fell dead, for the time being. Cadoc took out a chain rope and hog tied Daniel then tossed him through a wall.
From the window Rochelle watched the events unfold. “It is him isn’t is Solomon.” Solomon stood beside Rochelle watching the fight “Yes but soon hell be dead and you will be safe. Gabriel has never been defeated. He has a special advantage.”
Rochelle looked at Solomon “What do you mean?”
Solomon smiled “Just watch.”
Demon cycle:
The impact sent me flying; as I landed I rolled to the left. I kept crouched and watched another fist go to where my head should have been. I hit Gabriel in the gut, it was like hitting an armoroid shield. He looked down at me and smiled.
“What’s the matter Cadoc did you hurt yourself on little old me?” kicked out at me. I grabbed his leg and spun him around a couple of times then threw him threw one of the walls. Into the street as he rolled back I charged when his head was down I jumped. He got to his feet fast enough but I was faster. He looked around and not seeing me spread his wings and crouched. He was using them as a shield. This was wrong I could break through those easily. I went to a building and broke off a piece of the wall then charged him hitting him with the rock first. As I hit the rock shattered and I bounced off. The rubble fell and he stood up looking to the sky. He had expected me to throw the wall not go with it. As he stood I summoned one of my swords and went to cut his calf wide open then the kill. But when my sword was an inch from his leg I could see something beneath his skin. It looked like metal. I rolled back before he could see me and hid on a roof. Gabriel took to the air with amazing speed. Especially for what he was covered in. armoroid it was under his skin a flexible version much like Tacitus’s bow, able to bend and move but just as strong as the solid version used for weapons. How long have the angels known about armoroid. Do all of Gods protectors have armoroid weapons and armor? I’ll have to strike in areas that are not covered. The joints and he head. Now that I had a plan I decided to act. I came up from my hiding place and charged Gabriel using my own suit of armor to keep me from breaking my limbs on his. I punched his stomach. This time I used full force not like the first time. He felt these. He hit back. Hard, each one of his hits was worth two of mine. Luckily I was working with those odds. I was smaller and faster, I used his size to my advantage moving around his slower attacks and hitting him were I could. Both of our armor was getting dented. I decided to end this game I summoned on of my swords and charged. He laughed and went to block one of my swords with his arm. The blade cut through the armor and left a deep gash in his arm. “So you have also discovered the Metal?”
“I call it Armoroid personally.” I said coming around for another attack. Gabriel smiled “Good name for it. Mind if I use it?” he summoned his weapons as I attacked, this threw me off for a couple of reasons. One I didn’t realize they had disappeared and two is arm was completely healed already. Not good.
“Not at all.” I said as I hammered his shield with my sword a couple of times then spun around to slice at his neck. I missed but barely. I was getting closer. I lifted my sword to attack and summoned the other into my left hand. He blocked my right sword while it was still high with his shield and stabbed with his sword. He hit me in the gut. The blade went through my gut, but I had stabbed him in the chest with my left sword. We both fell to the ground. As we fell we drew our weapons out and braced for the impact. I landed on a two story building a few feet from where Gabriel did. He hit the side of the building breaking a huge chunk off with him he fell. The chunk landed on his back. I lat there for a time, the wound was taking longer time to heal. Probably something to do with all of the angels I was killing making me more Demon than angel.
I could hear Gabriel cast the chunk off of himself as he got up. His wound was probably only a scratch by now.
“Are you up there?”
“No” I called down “I’m over to the west. Go get me tiger.” I began to stand up. I fell down when the building began to shake. What the? Is he trying to bring the building down?!

Angel cycle: tower
Rochelle screamed as she saw Gabriel's blade come out of Cadocs back. Solomon gasped as Cadoc put his blade into Gabriel's chest. “Impossible.” He said the other angels looked shocked.
“What is?” Rochelle asked Solomon but he could not answer he was too busy watching. She turned to another on of the angels “What is it?” One stepped forwards. “It is the fact that lord Cadoc could pierce Gabriel's flesh. It is has never been pierced. Not in even the oldest of angel’s memories has Lord Gabriel's flesh been cut or pierced.”
Probably because it was never hit with a weapon forged in armoroid. Rochelle thought. She turned back to the window and the fight.

I blocked high with my shield. I have you know you fallen prick. I stabbed out with my sword hitting him in the chest. But then I felt something pierce my chest. Looking down I saw his sword in my chest. I began to fall his sword had created a divide in my spine. I fell down fast. I hit the buildings wall breaking a piece off of it. I fell again, landing this time on solid ground. I moved my arms to get up then the chunk of wall hit me. I collapsed under its weight I released my sword and shield. Using both hands to straighten up, my spine began to repair its self. That was one of the benefits of being Gods body guard. You could heal from all but a beheading. I turned over letting the hunk off wall fall off of my back. That was going to hurt for awhile. I stood up stretching “Are you up there?” I asked. He told me he wasn’t and to go to the west. I laughed summoning my shield I took a few steps back. Then rushed the wall hitting it at about half speed it shook the building. I moved over a few feet and repeated the process. I did this to two of the walls it would probably collapse soon so I took a extra few steps back and threw my shield through the wall.
“Timber!!” I called up as the building fell down…towards me. OH Shi. all I could see was black.

From up in the tower Solomon stepped back from the window. “Watch her I’m going to help!” he ran to the window and jumped through the glass. It cut his hands and arms but otherwise he was fine. He fell a few feet then spread his wings and took off, making his way to help Gabriel and to kill Cadoc. Only this way can you be safe daughter. Only this way can I be sure.
Rochelle leapt for the window but was held firm by her guards. “No you’ll be killed!!” they cried Fools she thought he won’t kill me he’s here to save me. She struggled but it was no use they were to strong.
Solomon rounded a corner flying as fast as he could. He was taking a back rout to try and get behind Cadoc. He rounded another corner then nothing. He blacked out.
Cadoc waited then used a street pole to swing around a corner kicking with his leg. It made contact with Solomon's head. Solomon crashed down hard, going unconscious. “Well that takes care of you Solomon.” Cadoc turned back to the fallen building and Gabriel. He lay there unconscious. Cadoc went into another building a few doors down and grabbed a pitcher of water. He took it to Gabriel and splashed his face with it. Gabriel jumped up surprised by the water and the generous act.
“Why would you wake? Why not kill me?” he asked. I shrugged this is more fun. I tossed him his sword. “Here I assume you can still fight?” he swung at me it was his answer and the continuation of the fight. He struck again and again but I was ready this time. He went for a down ward strike. I blocked his sword and used my other one to cut his leg open in a turning motion. He fell to one knee and as I completed my turn I raised both of my swords then brought them down. He rolled forwards dodging the strike. Then popped back up “Almost had me Cadoc, your getting closer every time.” He began to laugh ful out. Oh grate he was mocking me. “Eat me Gabriel!” I threw one of my blades at his throat. It hit. It stayed there sticking out of his neck. He stood there not moving. I walked up to him “What’s the matter Gabriel did I sever you spine? Oh well guess it is time to end it then.” I raised my other sword and brought it down on his neck severing his head. It toppled down to the ground, silver blood dribbled out of his neck as I placed my palm on his forehead. I sent it down to hell for Lucifer.
I wonder I went over to Solomon's body and took his head in my palms “History” I said I was given images from Solomon's past. “Stop” the image I had chosen was a very special one. It was of Rochelle in the tower. I released his head and turned to the elites building. I scanned all of the towers looking for the broken window.
“There” I could see it. I released the armor from my body leaving it in the street and flew to the window. What had taken Solomon minutes took me mere seconds. I stood in the window looking at the guards they drew their weapons and attacked. I killed them all so fast even I thought it was in bad taste. I saw Rochelle in the corner I put away my swords and walked to her. I put out my hand she pulled out a knife and stabbed my hand. “Shape shifter. For the sake of your life tell me where she is.” The angel said nothing not even as I cut her throat did she gurgle even the smallest word.
I walked to the door and went left. Up the stair way to escape they should go right, to hide they would go to the left. I soon gained on the back of their party I shook my self clean of all of the blood. Then one by one I knocked them out from the back to the front. Only when I was done the last one did I turn Rochelle around “If you are another shape shifter tell me now and you may live.”

We ran from the room and went left up the stairs. They were hoping Cadoc would think that they would flee the building and go right. We ran up the stairs around and around they went every now and then a door. We heard screaming from down the stairs but only for a moment. I was running when his hand turned me around. I stood there looking at him not daring to believe it was true. The guards were all either dead or unconscious I could not tell. “If you are another shape shifter tell me now and you may live.”
“It is me.” I said.

chapter ten

Chapter 10
Rochelles training
Sorins banishment
Sorins return
Angel’s cycle: heaven
Rochelle looked towards the soldier with the sword and shield “What do you mean testing? Do I have to fight him?” the angels weapons disappeared and he began punching the air warming up.
“No” Solomon said smiling “fight implies you could possibly win. I want you to survive.” With that he left he turned his head “It ends when I return.”
With that the angel charged he punched low hitting her in the gut. She doubled over the angel smashed his elbow into her back she fell to the ground. The angel grabbed her legs and turned while lifting her up her tossed her over his head and threw her down onto the floor. Rochelle landed hard face first, the angel was showing no mercy he released her legs and stepped back. Rochelle’s bones began to heal and she got to her knees. She hurt every where, but she had to keep going, she had to survive. She used her wings to jump up to her feet. The angel charged Rochelle decided to go on the offensive she kicked at her assailant. He nimbly jumped over her head turning around in mid air as he did so. He landed facing Rochelle.
Rochelle turned to defend her self but received a swift kick to her chest. It was not enough to knock her down but it sent her stumbling backwards. As she stumbled the angel jumped up and then flew down dropping his knee into her chest. She fell again.
“You cannot survive unless you learn to dodge and move around your opponent’s attacks.” Rochelle froze not because he was talking to her but because he was actually a girl.
“You’re a woman?”
“Yes.” She replied. “My name is Nina I am your placer. I will select what weapon and job would be best for you.”
“And for this you need to kick the living crap out of me?”
“No but that’s fun and it allows me to see you’re strengths and weaknesses.”
“Oh and how am I doing?”
“Dodge?”
“OK… wait what?” Nina's fist came towards Rochelle face. Then Rochelle’s leg was swept out from under her. “Watch my body not my fist. The body will tell you where I am going.” Nina helped Rochelle up. Rochelle grabbed a rock and used it to hit Nina's helmet. Nina stumbled back wards the rock caused her helmet to fill with vibrations that confused her sense. Rochelle took the opportunity to jump into the air and drop her knee into Nina's shoulder causing her to come off balance. But Nina was experienced and rolled with the blow throwing Rochelle off balance as well. Once she had gotten back up right Nina took her helmet off and shook her head. She looked for Rochelle but did not see her. She turned her eyes to the sky and saw Rochelle diving down at her Nina side stepped, grabbed Rochelle’s wrists and flung her down.
“Nice move with the rock but a true warrior knows how to recover quickly and had I been an enemy you would be dead.” Solomon walked back towards them. He had changed into very regal looking robes but walked towards them waving as if nothing was different.
“Well Nina someone finally got your helmet off eh? And Rochelle is alive I see, interesting. So what now? Is she a warrior?”
Nina looked at Rochelle. “No she is not. But she is graceful. A good messenger maybe.” Solomon nodded.
“Then that is your new place you will deliver my messages around the camp for a time until think that you are able to join the other messengers.”
“Great I get to go play fetch but with words.” Rochelle thought to her self.
“I heard that” Solomon said looking slightly amused. “Nina. Show Rochelle around I must go to the ceremony. Rochelle I will see you later in the week after you have had a proper look around.” With that he spread his wings and took flight.

Hell cycle:
Cadoc’s torture room
Sorin opened her eyes and found that she was in a dark room. The stench was almost unbearable. Her arms and legs were bound. She could not move her chest more than it took to breath.
“So you’re awake. Good now you can be of some use.” Cadoc emerged from the shadows. There was no smile on his face as he spoke. “Krishna go get ready to transport.”
“What did you do too me Cadoc? Why is everything… different?”
“Because I gave you some Holy Spirit and now you can be received in heaven. Lucifer”
“Lucifer is a traitor to god and deserves his sentence.”
“As I was saying Lucifer will cast you out and then I can kill you.” Sorin did not know what Cadoc was talking about but she knew one thing. Something had changed, she had changed and it was apparently for the better. Although she did not what Cadoc was talking about being “Cast out” this was a blessing she would be free to go back to heaven.
Sorin was removed from the table and place in shackles binding her wings and hands and feet. With what movement she had she was brought to Lucifers palace. She remembered every hall way every turn and door. But it all seemed so strange, so foreign now. As they entered the final door Lucifer stood in a rage. He sat upon his throne but at seeing Sorin in chains and with white wings again.
“What have you done Cadoc? What is this treachery?”
“This Lord this is the work of my Holy Spirit potion. And now whenever I say your name she rebels and curses you too hell for eternity. I have made her pure.” Cadoc smiled it was a taunting smile.
Lucifer went to Sorin “Who do you serve?”
Sorin looked at him and said “I serve the only one worth serving I serve God.”
Lucifer dropped his head “This was un-necessary Cadoc. This went to far.” Lucifer began to shake he was trying to contain his rage. Azar stepped forwards from the corner. “That is enough. Cadoc you have obeyed the rules. Lucifer you should have seen this coming. Now Sorin you are once again a full archangel of the Lord, our father, God. Do you wish to remain here in disgrace or to try t return to heaven and beg for mercy?”
Lucifer had regained control of him self and spoke first “Sorin cannot stay here! You are banished from this place you have ten minutes to leave then you will be killed on sight.” Cadoc had had enough of the talking “No. she dies now!” with that he summoned his blades and cut Sorins calves, and chains open she fell to her knees. Cadoc moved to stand in front of her. Azar moved to intercede using her speed to gain control of the situation. She moved in between Cadoc and his prey. But upon entering normal time she found herself caught between two predators.
Sorins berserker rage had been brought forth and Cadoc was enjoying himself so much that he could not distinguish his reason from the madness. Azar barely moved in time as Cadocs swords flashed forwards to his prey and Sorin grabbed Krishna’s sword from his back. Having moved away from her attacker Sorin prepared herself then attacked. Armoroid met armoroid as their blades struck again and again but Cadoc was faster and more in control of himself. He also had two blades and soon disarmed Sorin literally. She went for a down ward strike and Cadoc blocked with his left sword then used the right to cut her arms off at the elbow, then stabbed her through the chest puncturing her lung and heart.
“Now Archangel you die.” He withdrew his swords and let her fall to the floor. Sorin began to bleed out as Azar watched. Azar looked to Lucifer “Master what should I do?” Lucifer looked at Sorin as she bled out “Send her home. She was good to us we will return the favor.” Azar placed her hand on Sorins forehead. A light glowed and Sorin disappeared. She would reappear somewhere in heavens elite quarters. Hopefully they would be able to heal her arms.
“Cadoc” Lucifer said “You have weakened Rayners army greatly. Not only have you removed Sorin from our side in this war but you have attacked one of the main points in Rayners plan. Unless you can prove your self to me as loyal you will also be declared an enemy of hell and there fore you may be attacked by any demon that sees you. What will you do?” Lucifer smiled this had been part of the grand plan this was a key point in the war. Cadocs only option was to go to heaven to kill an archangel to prove his loyalty.
“I will go to heaven and kill both the Archangel Gabriel and the Archangel Sorin.”
“If you do this than you must do it with no help from your men and you cannot return without both of their heads. Do you accept?”
“Silver or gold platter?” Cadoc asked.
Lucifer said “Silver” then turned to Azar “You must also prove your loyalty. You will do this by leading the Dark Cloud to the camp of the Golden General. Once there you will exterminate his army and any other resistance you meet. Do you accept?”
“I accept.” Azar said bowing to Lucifer. Lucifer addressed them both “You have your orders. Carry them out with honor, and may you both return.” Lucifer sat down on his thrown, azar and Cadoc turned to leave Lucifers voice stopped them. “Oh and azar Krishna will be placed under your command until I find Cadoc worthy of such a commander.”
Cadoc nodded and left azar saluted then followed Cadoc out. Once the doors had closed Krishna turned to Cadoc “What do I do?”
Azar laughed “Like you have a choice for now you’re under my command.” Krishna ignored her “Lord?” he asked Cadoc. “Go with her for now I will come for you later. Keep the men under control and tell them what I have been accused of and tell them to be ready to unleash the others.”
“Yes Lord Cadoc.” With that he left. Azar turned to Krishna “What do you think your doing?” she placed her hand on his shoulder Krishna turned and grabbed her throat lifting her up into the air “I do not accept your leader ship. I am only following you because it was ordered by Lord Cadoc and if you ever touch me again I will break you in two. Do you understand?”
Azars palm began to glow and she spread her wings a dark red light shone from her palm sending Krishna flying. But thanks to her wings being spread azar did not move or fall. “If you ever disobey me again I will kill you. Do you understand?” Not waiting for a reply she began to walk away. Krishna stood up his heart racing turning to Cadoc he laughed “What a woman. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.” He grinned and went to go tell azar just what he thought of her remarks. Cadoc just kept walking down the hall way. I will take my armor with me for my fight with Gabriel. I won’t need it for much else unless I run into Michael. His thoughts were interrupted as he opened the door and heard a window break to the left, sounded like third story. He looked to his upper left and caught sight of Krishna on top of azar beating her face in with his fist laughing. Then azar disappeared and Krishna was bombarded from all sides. Cadoc spread his wings and flew toward the dragons bones.
Once he had reached the entrance Cadoc opened the door outside stood two new souls. Upon looking at Cadoc they dropped to their knees. One looked like an old mercenary the other a prick. Cadoc summoned a knife from the air. He gave it to the mercenary “When the demons come at you use this it will kill them temporarily.” The mercenary nodded then walked through the door. Cadoc looked at the prick “Run fast asshole.” Then spread his wings and left. He rose above the chasm and flew towards the wall. This was going to be a long day.

Heavens cycle: Great Hall
Two angels sat eating their dinner. Each sat on a an opposite side of the table. The one on the left was Amar a well built male. The one on the right Rin she was smaller but faster. Rin and Amar were discussing the day’s events when there was a flash and a sharp loud cracking sound. Amar grabbed his knife and jumped back Rin grabbed her dagger from her side and did the same. They waited suspecting an attack. They made no movement or sound. They had been blinded and disoriented by the spectacle. When they could once again see they saw a scene of horror. It was an Archangel but it had been stabbed and its arms had been removed. Amar called for help as Rin put her hands on the stab wounds and bean the healing process. Angels began to pour into the room and help some made a stretcher others began to heal her wounds both internal and external.
When Sorin awoke she was yet again strapped to a table but this time she did not know where she was but she knew why. She was in heaven and this was an operating table. The angels had repaired her wounds and in a few moments there would be some nurse coming in to undo the straps and tell her to get back to work. Wait no there wouldn’t she was probably still considered a Fallen by the others. Only God could change that. A nurse did come in but Sorin was not released and the Archangel Michael was with the nurse so was Nina. “Nina, Michael” she said she had not seen her sister since that day more a dream than a reality for her now.
“Hello sister.” Nina’s voice was warm but harsh. “Brother Michael how long until we reach her appointed release time?” Michael stood looking at Sorin.
“We can release her now. You and I will be enough she is one of us again. She has been purified. Sorin looked up at Michael “Can I come home Brother?”
“You have always been welcome my Daughter.” Sorin looked to her left god stood in the doorway. A tear slid down her cheek she was home.

chapter nine

Chapter 9
Heaven
Cadocs plan for revenge
Heavens Field

Rochelle woke up in a room with white walls. They were bright and spotless not a single bit of dirt, not a single smudge. She sat up from the bed she had been laying on. There was a knock behind her she turned and saw a great marble door swing open an angel walked in. He was just a little above average build and had brown hair.
“Hello Rochelle I am Solomon. How are you feeling?” Solomon looked nice enough so Rochelle decided to trust him.
“I am fine, but confused and a little frightened.” She said sheepishly.
“Well you have nothing to fear for you are in heaven and have already gone through death once. So really the hard part is over.” He laughed and Rochelle's fears melted like butter in the warmth of his smile and laugh. “Come with me I’ll show you around.” He extended his hand to her. Rochelle placed her hand on his and found that upon touching his hand she knew some of the good and bad things that he had done since becoming an angel. But some areas were fuzzy. She retracted her hand quickly. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to!” she said drawing back expecting a reprimand. Solomon moved closer and knelt in front of her “What Rochelle, what happened?” Solomon asked moving his hand on hands which were resting on her knees.
“I saw things parts of your life. I didn’t mean to it just happened. I’m sorry.” Rochelle looked down thinking to herself Great I just got here and I invaded his personal space. But she heard another voice, not with her ears but in her mind. Do not worry about it you just have a special talent that’s all. So you can see the past of a person I read minds. All things will become clear once you have met your teacher.
Rochelles head snapped up as she looked Solomon in the eyes. “Who will my teacher be?”
“That has yet to be decided. But do not worry I’ll make sure that it is a nice teacher.” He winked and held out a pair of gloves “Try these on they might help.”
Rochelle put the gloves on and took Solomon's hand this time nothing happened Rochelle relaxed. She stood up and stretched. She felt her arms and her legs stretch and then her wings… wings I have wings oh this is so cool. Solomon laughed Rochelle told him to shut up with her mind. He stopped laughing and walked in front of her and into a hallway with many doors branching off. Some doors where open and empty, others closed but with voices coming from within. One door had moaning coming from inside. Rochelle giggled as Solomon's face lit up with a grin. “That is Thomas’s room. He has an improved Sex drive ability. It makes almost any woman he want extremely horny. Not the purest of abilities but one of more enjoyment to be sure.” Solomon pointed to the left once they came to the end of the hallway. Rochelle pushed open a door and found herself in a courtyard of what appeared to be a castle. But the stone was not the grey of most castles but a beige shade almost white. She looked around her and saw angels flying above and others walking. “Is this what all of heaven looks like?” She asked Solomon laughed “No. Want to try flying?” Rochelle spread her wings and took off in a leap and landed on a wall looking down at him he flew to her side and turned him around. “No this is heaven.” Rochelle turned to see green grass for miles with mountains in the distance and a lake a mile or so away. The land was so un-corrupted and peaceful she could see birds singing and strange creatures in the fields. They were beautiful and exotic. Angels would stand beside them and walk with them. The animals seemed to feel no fear of the angels. “Are they not afraid of the angels?” Solomon looked at her
“Would you be afraid if an angel appeared to you?” Rochelle thought for a moment and realized that an angel had visited her. But now her guardian angel was gone. She had been ripped from his arms by death. She could still hear his words though she would never forget them “I do love you and I will find you.” she would remember that thought until she saw him again, no matter how long it took.
Solomon looked at Rochelle and invaded her mind reading her thoughts and feelings. He could hear her thought and they disturbed him. She had fallen in love with a Fallen. This was bad, no this was terrible, and his daughter was in love with a fallen. Solomon decided to act “Rochelle you can never see him again. You do realize that don’t you?” Rochelle was quiet for a time then asked a question of her own. “Why did you leave that woman in the village?” Solomon took a step back in surprise. Does she know about me and her mother? Does she know that she is my daughter? Solomon was taken completely off guard. Rochelle continued on answering her own question. “There are thing best left unknown. Fate is one of them and so is the past.”
Solomon recomposed himself. “This is the way to your assigning area Rochelle.” He said taking off through the air avoiding the topic of fate. This was also his judgment day where it would be decided if he were too become and Archangel or not. If he did not then he would return to the Middle world and continue to serve. But if he was promoted then he would lead reinforcements down onto the middle plain and use them to kill all of the demons he could and he would kill Cadoc.
Solomon landed outside of a grand golden building. “This is where new angels are assigned to their post or task. Heaven is a city just like any other we require everyone to help out in order to stay in working condition. This is also where we sentence souls that have become corrupted or just flat out evil.” Rochelle walked past Solomon and opened the door. The building had a single entrance hallway with two more branching off of it. These other hallways lead to the seats that surrounded a circular floor. The floor was solid oak and the seats were some kind of native tree that Rochelle had never seen before.
“Welcome Rochelle.” Said an old man sitting in the front row of the stands his voice was smooth and calming. “How do you like my city so far?” Rochelle looked at the old man and took off one of her gloves as she approached the old man hoped over the railing and landed nimbly on his feet. He shook her hand. Rochelle was hit with a burst of information and the man released quickly. “Careful your mind cannot accept that much information. But soon all will be clear.” Rochelle had fallen down and looked up at the old man.
“Yes Father Almighty. And you city is beautiful the animals are nice the angels are cute and I love the wings.” God laughed at Rochelle eager way of speech and how open she was.
“Well it is as close to perfection as one can get such a shame though that it is never enough to appease everyone as the currant war proves. But that is another matter that we must address. Who do you serve Rochelle? Me or him?” Rochelle looked confused momentarily then decided “I will clarify for you I serve myself. And no other until the day he comes for me.” Solomon looked from Rochelle to god. “She is defiant isn’t she Father.” God nodded his head his eyes showed no sign of concern only weariness “Yes she is but all will unfold as it should in due time I suppose. Rochelle you will be assigned to Solomon as his student if he will take you?” god looked to Solomon. Of course father I live to serve. And about my request Father” god raised his hand “All in due time my son. All in due time, for now do as I say train the girl. Teach her to defend herself for when that day comes and I fear it will come soon.” With that god turned and disappeared.
Rochelle looked to Solomon who motioned her to follow him. Solomon lead her to a square field and on the field stood an angel with a sword and shield. “Now time for you’re testing.”

Demon cycle: Hell
Cadoc flew above the chasms that lead to hells portal. He dove into it folding his wings, and soaring straight into the blackness. His eyes adjusted automatically he was coming up on the bottom so he opened his wings and stopped a foot from the ground then lightly landed. He faced a gigantic door made of the skull of a dragon. In the open mouth of the skull stood a door made of metal, it was red hot and burned the touch. Cadoc grabbed the door and swung it open he barley noticed the smell of the skin burning off of his hand. as the door swung fully open he saw it Hell. And it really was hell it was as far from God as you could get. Bare rock formed the walls and ground, with the occasional fire pit to keep you on you’re toes. The animals here would rip you to pieces if you weren’t careful. Cadoc walked through the door taking a deep breath in through his nose. Burning flesh, horrifying screams and death everywhere yup I’m home.
Some demons began to rush towards him weapons ready to torture a new soul. They stopped a few feet away realizing who it was and bowed. Cadoc ignored them and let out a long menacing whistle. The demons began to run as fast as they could Cadoc was summoning his Hellhounds. Evil creatures loyal only to Cadoc and Lucifer through years of breeding and a life time of servitude to him since the day of their birth. Cadoc heard their howls answer his whistle and barking as he walked through hell. The further in he got the louder they became, but it was always he who was getting closer as if they were not moving.
He spread his wings and launched himself into the air. Looking towards the howls he began to fly towards the Hellhounds cries. He came upon a giant metallic cage that had been covered in an acidic material. Whenever the hellhounds touched the bars the acid would burn them. Cadoc summoned his swords and cut the cage to shreds. “Who out you in there?” he asked the dogs as they licked him their tongues covered in retractable spikes. Cadoc sensed a presence behind him the dogs began to growl. Cadoc stood and turned. There stood Rayner and Lucifer. “Welcome home brother!” Lucifer said embracing Cadoc. Rayner and Sorin stood where they were. The hellhounds started lick Lucifers hand as he ruffled their ears. “Lucifer why were my hounds in a acid coated cage? Was it you Rayner?” Cadoc voice was full of hate. Lucifer looked at Cadoc “Well once you left for the second time they began to get… anxious for your return and started killing demons to get attention. Unfortunately for Rayner here he walked through the portal when your precious hellhounds were ripping apart some new souls and they attacked him. Rayner defended himself until I arrived and as punishment I put them in their kennel.” Rayner smiled as Lucifer defended him. “I would have killed them and you.” Rayner said. Lucifer turned to him “Shall I give you a chance to prove that? I believe that you gave Cadoc a hard time I wouldn’t be surprised if he were up for a sparring match.”
“No, no brother that is not necessary.” Rayner said stepping back a few feet.
Lucifer looked back to Cadoc “Now Cadoc you have been betrayed and you have killed your enemies so let Sorin off the rack.” Cadoc looked Lucifer in the eye and said one word
“No.” Lucifer stepped towards Cadoc. “Do not test me brother. I will use force.” The dragon spear appeared in his hand. Cadoc raised both of his katanas to his sides. “I have been wronged and I will have my revenge. When I am done with Sorin you may have her. If she is still alive.” Lucifer changed in front of Cadoc to a monstrous warrior “You will do as I say Cadoc of Fallen. Or you will suffer the devils wrath!!!” the hellhounds leapt in front of Cadoc. Cadoc yelled HAWOOH once and his elite soldiers came out of hiding. “You didn’t think I would come home alone did you?” Lucifer looked around and summoned troops of his own. “Do you wish to challenge me Cadoc? Will you defy the devil?”
“No but I will defy you Lucifer.” Cadoc dodged a swing from the dragon spear and kicked the devil in the gut Rayner charged. He swung his sword wounding Cadocs shoulder. Cadoc countered by cutting Rayners sword hand. Rayner backed off holding his bloody hand. Cadocs elite moved in and started attacking the Lucifers demons. The elite outmatched out maneuvered and out classed Lucifers demons. Cadoc went for Lucifer as he changed back to his more agile angel form. Lucifer ducked under one of Cadocs blades and then jumped over the other one. He stabbed with the spear using both ends to try and confuse Cadoc. But Cadoc was an experienced warrior and knew Lucifers game.
Lucifer split the spear in two using it to dual wield and to try and out maneuver Cadoc. But Cadoc did something Lucifer did not anticipate he threw his katanas and then charged. As Lucifer blacked the katanas Cadoc grabbed the dragon spear and jumped kneeing Lucifer in the face. Then as Lucifer fell back Cadoc kicked him repeatedly tossing him every which way until something hit him and sent him flying. Cadoc back flipped and landed summoning his swords to him. Azar stood over Lucifer helping him up.
“What is going on here?” she asked turning to Cadoc. “Cadoc is that you? Oh thank our Holy Father in heaven. What could you two be fighting about?” she asked looking from the beaten devil to Cadoc who stood unharmed except for his arm which was already healing.
“His revenge I want full access to Sorin but he refuses to le her go.” Lucifer explained. Raising up his wounds healing “I think he’s just being stubborn.” Azar looked from one to the other and then yelled “HALT!!!” Cadoc had not even realized that the warriors were still fighting. The elites stood atop of a pile of the devils dead men. They were not even breaking a sweat. They looked to Cadoc who nodded. They put their weapons away and started down the pile.
“Good now Lucifer Cadoc is entitled to his revenge and a war with the elites would not leave the army as strong as we need it to be so he gets torture Sorin. Cadoc you will leave Sorin alive, besides that you have no restrictions. Now both of you shut up so I can sleep.” With that azar spread her wings and vanished. So much had her speed increased that soon she would be able to lead Cadocs cloud army. Cadoc gave a signal and the hounds and his men followed him to his training grounds. Here he had his own army twenty thousand elites. He could destroy heaven it’s self if he chose but now was not the time for it. he had other business to attend to first.
As Cadoc walked to ward the training grounds he made a left and walked toward the left wall. The wall opened up into a city of its own. A city hidden inside a city this was Cadocs fortress he had gathered hundreds of thousands of demons here and only twenty-four thousand had lived. He approached the biggest building and walked through the door on the left. Whenever he passed a soldier they would move to the side salute and say “Hail Lord Fallen”. They were drilled soldiers not mindless monsters like the other demons. After a few more turns and stairways going down he came to a door with a lock on it. he took out a key and opened the door there lying face up was Sorin. She was strapped by armoroid ropes so that she could not escape. Cadoc walked to the table his soul filling with hate as he walked towards the fallen that had killed Rochelle. Sorin lay unconscious, so Cadoc walked to a table picked up a knife. He strode back to Sorin and stabbed her arm with the full length of the blade. Sorins eyes opened and she screamed and the knife twisted in her arm.
“Oh good you’re awake just wanted to tell you something. You took Rochelle from me and now I will make suffer as she suffered at you’re hands.” Sorin screamed as Cadoc took weapon after weapon off the table and used all of his vast and horrible knowledge of the dark art to torture Sorin.
Outside the door only Krishna stood guard, the other demons had left unable to bear the sound of Sorins screams. Inside the room Cadoc put down a bloody knife and a flap of Sorins skin. Sorin screamed as Cadoc grabbed the vial of holy water, begging for his forgiveness “Please Cadoc show mercy, have pity on me. I was lead astray by that traitor Rayner!” but her cries fell upon deaf ears. Cadoc continued to walk towards her he pulled out a needle and took some of the water. He put the vial down on a table beside the one that Sorin lay on. He placed the needle above her wound and poured a single drop onto her exposed muscle. Sorin screamed “Stop, stop!!! It burns” then she laughed “I am an angel and that’s Holy Water!!! You can’t hurt me with that!!”
Sorins arm began to itch, then burn slightly, the sensation continued to grow until Sorins arm felt like it had been dipped in burning oil. “What is this? What have you done to me?” Cadoc just stood there smiling “Well now we are getting somewhere I call it the Devils Drink. Demons have holy water but I could never find anything to torture angels with so I made this. The Devils Drink is liquefied hate, evil and general not-goodness. It starts off as an itch then a burn and then it goes all the way to “Just amputate it already!!!” you are about to each that stage in about three, two, one.” Sorins screams cut him off as her arm was hit with the worst kind of pain imaginable. She felt every bit of pain she had ever caused to another being, this was the Devils Drinks true purpose it allowed who ever it touched to feel all of the pain that that person had ever caused anyone else all at once the pain would last for a day. There was no cure; there was no treatment, only pain. Cadoc sat down in a chair and listened to Sorins screams never closing his eyes. He sat there for a day just watching her pain. The second part to the Devils Drink was that it was a mental and physical pain so whenever Sorin fell unconscious she would be haunted in her dreams.
Sorin awoke the next day shaking covered in sweat she had seen many of the people she had killed from their perspective. Her body felt no more pain not even a trace. She found that her leg bonds had been removed and that one of her arms was free. On the bucket was a tray of gruel, and a bucket for her other needs. After she was done eating and using the bucket she stood and waited but no one came in the room, not that day. But later that night when Sorin had collapsed Krishna came in he wore no weapons and had no armor. Cadoc didn’t want any chance of Sorin getting her hands on a weapon.
“Shouldn’t have eaten the food so quickly.” He said picking her up. He dropped her on the table and then re-chained her then left. Cadoc stood outside in the hall way “Did she eat it all?”
“Yes lord she did the whole batch. Even I would have tried it first to see if it was contaminated. What did you slip her anyways?” Cadoc paused for a moment then told him
“I gave her what was left of the Holy Spirit. Do you remember that from your training?”
Holy Spirit that was one thing Krishna would never forget with a single glass it burned all evil from the body. Krishna and all of Cadoc elite had been exposed to allind s of torture but there were two things no demon would ever forget the Devils Drink and Holy Spirit. “Yes” he said.
Cadoc looked at him “Well Sorin is going to have a rough night purifying a soul is not a pleasant process for a human let alone a Fallen Angel.” Cadoc walked back into the room and sat down in his chair. A few minutes passed and Sorins body began to convulse. Twitches at first and just as with the Devils Drink, things only got worse. Krishna walked in after a couple hours had passed to bring Cadoc his dinner. “Lord not to question you but how is this bad for Sorin won’t this mean that she can enter heaven again?”
“Exactly Krishna then she will be my enemy and I will be able to kill her without remorse for her dying soul.”
Krishna laughed “Always with the bigger picture huh Sir? You could have just gone to war against Rayner and the others, not like we couldn’t take his army with all of the elites.”
“I know Krishna but winning is not the point. The point of this war is to establish a dominant class. And right now there isn’t one.” Cadoc dismissed Krishna and decided to enjoy Sorins pain alone for awhile. So I am not allowed to kill you while you are still useful Sorin, that is no problem I will simply make you useless. Then I will have my revenge. I will kill you once lord Lucifer finds out you are pure and then I will go to heaven and kill you there. Double kill, beautiful.

chapter eight

Chapter 8
Cadocs revenge
Calanthes attack
Demon camp: that night
As Krishna ran into camp he was met by sentries who knew him by sight and allowed him to pass. But as he got further in he did not recognize some of the demons and they were not from his army. He put on a burst of speed to Krishna's tent, once there he threw a bucket of water over himself and then walked calmly to Cadocs tent he knocked on the wooden post.
“Enter Krishna.” This was Rayners voice. He entered and noticed two of Rayners guards were on either side of the door drawn swords in their hands. He walked forward towards Rayner and Cadoc who sat around a table.
“So Cadoc I know what you did it is as simple as that. Krishna here did not have a strong enough mind to resist my power. Switch back so that I may speak to you in your own sack of meat.” Cadoc walked forward to his body. Krishna looked up at him “Sir I failed you. I was too weak.”
I looked down on him “It was not your fault my strong right hand. I could not have prepared you for such an attack.” I placed my hand on his forehead and the bright light shone again as I felt the last bit of strength fade from Krishna as our souls traded back.
When I opened my eyes I felt two blades at my throat. I accelerated my heat rate and stood up summoning my swords and killed the two guards. I looked at Krishna's limp form. He did not yet have the energy to move but I was sure he’d be up soon enough I then put my blades to Rayners throat and then calmed my heart rate. “What do you want?” I asked.
Rayner looked at me and then his dead guards. “In want you too consider what you are doing. You have committed high treason against Lucifer you Lord, you killed other fallen angels, and you have sent spies to infiltrate all of the other camps. All of this because of some woman you found? You have passed Sorin and how many other angels over as partners and yet in just over two weeks you have become smitten with this… this girl? You have betrayed your own kind. And I want to understand why?” he looked at me and I could only smile. He knew so much and yet he knew nothing at all. I lowered my swords and sighed.
“Rayner you can never understand because you cannot love. You have lost the emotional connection that allows you too feel love for another living thing. I pity you Rayner because you cannot walk in heaven again.” I looked at him and realized that he did not understand why we were fighting this war. “Why are we fighting?” I asked him. He looked at me like I was stupid.
“So that we can take over heaven and make God and his precious angels pay.”
“No that is why you are fighting. Lucifer and I are fighting because God wanted a war. He wanted one last war to end all wars. He told Lucifer and I to create an army of evil and to bring that army against heaven. This was supposed to destroy all of the evil in the world and give the Middle World a chance to restart. But what god did not count on was there being so much evil for the angels to face. So now his army is going to lose. Simple as that we are here because God underestimated the Fallen and the evil of mankind.” Rayner sat there looking dumbfounded. I put my hand on his head and sent his soul back to hell.
Lucifer would probably yell and scream for awhile but Rayner wasn’t my problem. My problem was Sorin and Rochelle. They are my first priority and I needed to take care of that first.
I walked from my tent into the camp and soared into the air. “ATTENTION ALL SOLDIERS STILL LOYAL TO ME AND TO THE CAUSE!!!!” The demons gave a cheer at seeing me rise up. I guess Krishna had not been giving any speeches.
“We have been betrayed. Rayner has gone against the plan and has just attempted to kill me. His body lies in my tent and his soul lies in hell.” I saw a few demons and fallen angels break their cover and run to the tent. No sooner had the first one entered the tent when she was cut in half by Krishna as he walked out of the tent flap stepping over the body. His sword was drawn and ready, the other soldiers followed his example by starting to surround Rayners men their weapons ready.
“My Fallen brothers and sisters you have two options: join or die. Demons your lives are forfeit. Kill them.” My demons charged killing the enemy in a matter of seconds. Of the ten demons we killed we lost none. The fallen looked at their dead companions, one took his own life, and the others looked at me kneed and bowed their heads. I nodded to Krishna who quickly beheaded all of them but one. The last one tried to move but was not fast enough. Krishna cut his head in two equally sized pieces. He raised his left arm and motioned to three demons they began to clean up the dead.
“Sorin and Faber are also guilty of high treason. They have assisted in the kidnapping of a girl who is important to the plan. They have taken this girl to Sorins mines. We will attack the mines and retrieve the girl. If you are with in this fight me then move to the left side of the camp, if you are against move to the right. If you are not with me you will not be killed or punished. But neither will you be an ally you will have one hour to leave.” Krishna stepped to the left and as he moved the army followed him not a single soldier went to the right side.
“Good now that we are clear. We will come down from the north side of the mines and wipe out their sentries using the cloud as cover. We will enter the mines and kill all of Sorins demons, but Sorin herself is mine. Understood?” their answer was loud and proud “HAWOOH, HAWOOH, HAWOOH.” I landed and walked through my men.

Angel’s cycle: Calanthes camp
Calanthe stood at the entrance to her tent and watched as Alaric and Sieghard approached. Both looked like they had been in one hell of a fight.
“Greeting Alaric, Sieghard. What is the news where is Rochelle?” they looked at each other and smiled. “Have we got a story for you.” Alaric said walking into her tent and sitting down. Calanthe listened intently as Alaric told her of their trip ad the fight and the deal. When he was done she looked to Sieghard
“Will he really join back? Would god really forgive that lying sack of animal shit?”
“If he bowed than yes he would be forgiven and we could win this war in a month. Hell with Cadoc leading us again we could do it in two weeks.”
Alaric was ecstatic about having battle after battle for two weeks straight. “Do you think we could get him to drag it out for a while?” Calanthe shot him a look that said shut up. Sieghard looked at her Calanthe and tried to reason with her “We are not winning this war. Maeve is dead Tahir is gone. We cannot beat that cloud on our own but with Cadoc we could kill all of them in a matter of days not years.” Calanthe could not do it she could not forgive Cadoc for what he had done but maybe she could treaty with him temporarily.
“What is the plan?” she asked not really wanting to know. We will attack as planned tomorrow but from the south. We must get as far in as we can and try to secure Rochelle because the day after tomorrow Cadoc will bring his fury down upon her camp from the north. With both his army and the cloud if we are still here when he arrives then even he would not be able to stop his men from attacking and with that cloud above we would lose. Are you agreed so far?” Calanthe nodded and motioned him to continue.
Alaric began this time “If we cannot secure Rochelle then we must pull the army back call it a strategic retreat to give them false confidence or something like that. After he has taken the mines Cadoc plans on moving his army back to the campaign on the Dardanos pits it is then that he will pledge to us and that he will become an angel again. But no matter what happens Rochelle must live if she dies than Cadocs rage will be turned in one of two directions: one on us for not holding up our end of the bargain or he will turn it on Sorin and hers. In either case I don’t want to be near him in his rage.”
Sieghard nodded “If Rochelle dies he will end the war in two weeks but it won’t be in our favor.” Calanthe sat there “We could wipe out the biggest threat to heaven in one precise blow.” Alaric looked at her. He did not understand.
“What do you mean?”
“We could get Cadoc to kill Lucifer, Rayner, Sorin, Faber all of them. This deal will save heaven. Do it. Order the troops with the new positions then get some rest you two we have a long day tomorrow.” Calanthe saluted them as they left then went to lie in her bed. No sooner had she laid down then Abiel came from her hiding place. Calanthe did not look at her but Calanthe new she was there and so she spoke “What do you think am I doing the right thing?”
Abiel was quiet for a time then spoke “Yes I do our revenge cannot be satisfied at the risk of heaven. We must ally ourselves with Cadoc if only for a short time.” Abiel lay down beside Calanthe “Did I ever tell you what became of my husband?”
“Not the details. I heard both he and you were killed in the same battle but that was all.” Calanthe said. Abiel snickered “Not quite we were killed in the same attack but it was his men who killed me. He was possessed by a crazed “demon” that had decided that humanity was not worthy of the Middle World and so he built up an army and slaughtered everyone he encountered. Both my husband was killed by Raphael but the “demon” escaped. I never found any “demon” but just over two months ago I found my husband. He was at the church.”
Calanthe sat up “What do you mean he was at the church you mean among the dead?” Abiel began to cry and shake “No he was in the demon army. he was the red demon who killed Raphael.” Abiel began to cry uncontrollably and hugged Calanthe. Calanthe was in shock “Your husband was Krishna? The same Krishna who leads Cadocs army?” Abiel nodded. They sat in silence Abiel fell asleep crying but Calanthe received no sleep that night. She was conflicted, on one hand she loved Abiel but on the other if she spared Krishna even the smallest amount of pity then he would kill many before he died.
As the dawn came up over the camp the orange light seemed to give the cold morning more warmth. No animals could be heard as the army marched to the mines in the morning mist. When they were a few miles out Calanthe stopped the army and flew into the air. In the mornings quiet she did not have to raise her voice “I know that we are not all going to survive this encounter. And I know that we will be saying good bye to many a brother and sister so I say good bye to you all know and that I am proud to have served with such great and honorable warriors.” A single HAWOOH was heard as a response. Then there was no noise no armor clanked no weapons made a sound as they were drawn.
In the mist the angels scout’s crept forward and slit the demon sentry’s throats one by one and foot by foot the army moved forward. But then somewhere in the mist one of the scouts was killed and the alarm was sounded. Calanthe gave the signal and the attack began.
As the angels took to the skies they were met by a hail storm of blue and white arrows. The arrows were hard to see and shot with accuracy many of the angels fell their bodies limp never again would they rise in the Middle World. The angel who had supported Calanthe led the ground charge and was the first to kill a demon in the frontal charge. Silver and black blood mixed as demons and angels fell on top of one another but slowly the demons were pushed back. But many lives were lost on the angel’s side and the demons had more in numbers than the angels did. And they were holding their ground. Calanthe and Abiel lead the left flank of the demon resistance. Abiel took a small squadron with her and began to fall back as planned. Calanthe stayed behind to hold off the demons so that the retreat would look real.
Calanthe was about to sound her own retreat when she was hit with a war hammer and her helmet was sent flying. She cleaved the demons skull in half and some of the blood got in her mouth as she screamed her war cry. Her angels began to back off but somewhere deep down inside Calanthes Rage took control and she stood her ground and soon she was decimating all of the demons forces. Her sword found the cracks in the enemy armor and brought down demon after demon, life after life vanished before her blade. A demon came at her she flipped over him and snapped his neck mid flip. She landed and kicked another one in it’s chest breaking it ribs and causing the bones to hit vital organs. The demon fell dead. She was still fighting when the light had faded at the end of the day and Sieghard and Alaric had to come and take her away. Calanthe was so taken by the blood lust that she had only stopped fighting after her body was buried under her enemies. Sieghard, Alaric and Abiel snuck on to the battle field later that night to find Calanthe and to secure Rochelle. Once they had retrieved Calanthe they made their way into the mines using the darkness to hide. They were halfway to where they suspected the prison cells to be when they heard Rochelle crying down a tunnel to the left. The tunnel was almost straight down and was lit by torches showing where the narrow steps were. Alaric went down first then Sieghard Abiel and Calanthe covered the back. When they got to the bottom of the stairs there was a great hall that was well lit and filled with demons. They snuck along one of the back wall into the shadows of the rafters up above the demons. From there they could see Sorin and Rochelle. They were playing troop moral and Rochelle was the victim. But as bad shape as Rochelle was in, she was alive and well enough. Calanthe used her telepathy to allow the angels to carry out a secret conversation. Sorin must be healing her Alaric thought
Yes otherwise Rochelle would probably be dead and Sorins fun gone this was Abiel. Sieghard stayed quiet Calanthe did not want the others to hear his thoughts for they were dark and worried. More demons entered the room cutting off their escape and Cadocs army would soon be here. Calanthe decided that it would be best to wait the situation out. Stay put. We will wait here until Cadoc men arrive then sneak out in the confusion. They all agreed and so the waiting game began. The only questions left were would Rochelle live long enough, would they be found and how would they escape.

Demon cycle: above the mines
Cadoc strode between the rows of demons giving the pre-battle speech. “We will strike hard, we will strike fast and we will strike fear into their worthless treacherous hearts.”
“HAWOOH!” the army replied
“What do they fear?” Cadoc asked one of them
“The dark.” He replied. Cadoc moved forward and asked more questions each answered by a different demon. “Why do they fear the dark?”
“Because that is where we wait.”
“What is our goal?”
“Kill the traitors, save the girl. Almost like heroes. Haha” the demons laughed as did Cadoc as he leapt to the air. “We will take the mines and kill the traitors.”
“HAWOOH”
“They will fear the dark. THEY. WILL. FEAR US. Those that survive will be haunted by our actions for a thousand years and more. We are fear, we are”
The demons finished by yelling out “THE DARK ELITES!!!! HAWOOH, HAWOOH, HAWOOH”
Cadoc flew forward towards the mines. His army followed behind him, some in the air the rest on the ground. Five miles lay between the army and the mines four miles, three miles two miles, one. Cadoc landed not slowing down hitting the ground running. He made no sound as his feet hit the ground with neigh on impossible speed. He stopped behind one of the sentries on the top of the cliff that the mines tunneled into. The torch beside the sentry allowed all of those on the ground far below to see what happened next. Cadoc summoned his swords and yelled the signal every demon new and feared. “WE ARE DARKNESS!!!” as the sentry turned Cadoc sliced his head clean off and kicked the body over the cliff above the mines.
He then raised his swords above his head in a cross and the chant began low “dark elites” it began to grow louder and the ground shook as the Dark Elites marched forwards their feet hitting at the same time causing the ground to shake. Cadoc lowered his swords and spoke his voice was cold as steel and full of hate. “You are traitors and shall pay with your lives. You can run and hide but you cannot run or hide far enough away that I cannot find you.” as his swords pointed down to the mine his army surged over the edge jumping or flying down. As they landed they would draw bows or arrows and fired with skilled precision. The sentries fell before Cadoc men like ants in a storm cloud. Soon the entire court yard was empty of Sorins men. Cadoc men took up ambush position around the yard. The last demon hid as Sorins men began to pour out of the tunnels and into the trap. All they saw was one hundred men in a group standing in the court yard all of them surrounded Cadoc who kneeled before them covered in blood. Sorins men rushed in shouting
“Good job boys now finish him”
Cadoc men turned around as the other troops moved in from hiding to block the entrance to the caves. Sorins men looked around seeing that they had no way out some began to panic but one stepped forwards a battle axe in his hand.
“I don’t suppose we have a chance at going free?” Cadoc stood up. “Not really” he nodded then I challenge you for command of your men. Cadoc threw his sword into the demons head.
“Kill the rest.” Krishna charged into the demons and started killing his daggers wreaking havoc in the small space. Once the demons were dead the elites began their march into the mines. They killed every demon they found Cadoc at their head killing everything in front of him. Krishna came running up to him an hour later.
“Lord we think we found it.”
“Have you moved in yet?”
“No Lord we are waiting for you.”
“Show me.” Krishna directed Cadoc back to a passage that went almost straight down. At the end of the passage Cadoc could see the many shadows of Sorins demon army. This was both a war hall and Rochelles holding area. Cadoc sped up his heart and then walked into the room. He saw a vast army of demons and many of the fallen angels among their ranks. Cadoc stopped right in front of them. He killed one of them then moved a ways down and killed another. He did this too cause panic and chaos in the troops. He then went back up the stairs and calmed himself.
Krishna laughed he heard the demons confusion when two of their ranks fell dead. They could hear Sorin scream out “He is here. Be ready.”
Cadoc turned to Krishna “Want to have some fun?” Krishna grinned. Cadoc and Krishna ran into the room screaming battle cries so horrifying that Sorins demons moved back to escape the two terrors that charged before them.
Cadoc and Krishna split up each taking a side. Cadoc took the right and caused damage with his twin blades. He dodged swords and axes while splitting bones and killing left and right. Somewhere in the back of the room he could hear Rochelle screaming out in pain. Sorin laughed “He is coming for you but he will be too late.” Cadoc ran up a wall and saw Sorin raise one of her hands. In it was a long wicked looking knife with spikes and razor sharp edges. Cadoc threw one of his katanas. It soared across the room but was intercepted by a demon who jumped for a better view. It sent the demon flying and distracted Sorin long enough for Cadoc to grab an axe from one of the demons who lashed out t him. Grabbing the axe he threw it again this time with more speed and accuracy it severed Sorins hand as it came down towards Rochelle's neck. Sorin screamed in pain and collapsed to her knees. Cadoc landed and yelled “Dark Elites!!!” his men began to fill the chamber and kill a path through the middle as they fought to clear a path for Cadoc. But Alaric could not stand so many demons in one place. He jumped down and began to kill demons from both sides. Sieghard joined his brother on the ground but was slowly pushing him into a corner so that he could be contained. Krishna stood in front of the two brothers and kept the Elites from coming close but kept a steady supply of Sorins demons to keep Alaric happy.
Calanthe and Abiel flew down and joined in them in the corner. Abiel did not look at Krishna but focused on Calanthe. Krishna did not look at Abiel he showed no sign of even recognizing her. He killed with a new renewed vigor once he had set an elite guard to keep Alaric in check. He made his way towards the back of the room, his sword clearing a path of it’s own but Sorins army was massive at least twice the size of Cadocs and they were not rookie fighters. Krishna came upon a couple of Fallen. They looked like twin sisters beautiful and deadly. They charged Krishna each one had a dagger in each hand. he sheathed his giant two handed sword.
As the first one went low the other jumped high. Krishna lifted his leg and pinned the bottom fallen to the floor breaking her ribs with his legs. Her sister shrieked and came down upon him her daggers digging fully into his left shoulder. Krishna reached across with his right hand grabbed her head and squeezed. Her skull gave way like paper does to a hammer under his fist. He dropped her lifeless body to the ground then removed the daggers he took them and used them to kill the other Fallen Angel. His body had healed by the time he stood up. He continued on his war path drawing his daggers and killing any demon foolish enough to challenge him. He began to count to himself. When he reached one of the tunnels that Sorins army was coming from he stood at the entrance and plugged the door with the bodies of the demon trying to get out.
Cadoc finally reached the wooden stand at the end of the room Sorin lay bleeding on the floor. He ignored her and went to Rochelle.
“Are you ok Elle?” she looked up at him her eyes had sunken into their sockets and the skin on her face had been cut off.
“You came for me. Why?”
“Because there is no life for me without you anymore.” Rochelle smiled then went limp she had passed out from pain. Cadoc’s fury was visible as he walked to Sorin and kicked her in the gut sending her flying across the room. He cringed as he looked back at Rochelle and put his hand to her head and began the healing process. He stopped only to kill a few demons that got to close but for the most part no demon wanted to have Cadoc vent his fury on them. when Cadoc was almost done he felt a pain in his back. He collapsed to his knees and saw Calanthe standing above him.
“This is for Maeve you fallen bastard.” She raised her sword and was about to kill Cadoc when Sieghard tackled her down pinning her. Krishna calmly walked up the stairs of the platform and helped Cadoc to his feet. Cadoc stood saw a red blur and summoned his swords crossing them in front of his chest. Sorins sword hit his blades and rebounded as she kicked Krishna flying he hit the stone wall and fell unconscious. Alaric and Sieghard rushed her but Sorin had entered her berserker phase and was madder than ever at her defeat in both the war and t Rochelle. She kicked Alaric square in the chest and broke his ribs leaving him crippled until his powers healed him. Sieghard stood a better chance but made a mistake and was stabbed in the gut. Calanthe dragged him away as Sorin turned to Cadoc.
“Why am I not good enough for you? What have I done wrong to deserve this hell I am punished with? To love one who does not love me back. Well now I will have my revenge I am devoting my life to ending both yours and hers.” Sorin rushed Cadoc but even in her fury she could not match Cadoc speed. He moved and blocked her sword with his left hand. Smashing her in the face with right his elbow, he grabbed her by the throat and lifted her off the ground. He released his sword from his left hand and threw Sorin to the ground. He flipped her over he grabbed one of her wings and tore it off. Sorin screamed as Cadoc discarded the wing. He grabbed the other wing and tore it out as well Sorin screamed out in pain and for mercy as Cadoc healed over the bloody holes where her wings had once been. This would make sure that she would never grow them back.
Cadoc went to Rochelle and cut her bonds making sure to be careful as most of her body was now covered in burns cuts and general injuries. Cadoc picked her up and walked off the platform. Giving Rochelle to Krishna to hold he then walked back up to Sorin. “I loved you in heaven when you were pure and good. I stopped because your soul is now tainted and full of hate. You are not worthy of the title angel and so I have taken your wings.” He got up to leave taking his sword from the demon corpse. Bad time to get a better view. He thought as he discarded the sword into his back. he was walking toward Krishna when he heard the blood chilling cry of a angels last stand. Sorin grabbed a fallen sword and jumped over Cadoc throwing the sword at Rochelle. Krishna turned shielding Rochelle with his body, but the blade was too long and it went through him and into Rochelles side.
Cadoc ran to Sorin and smashed his hand onto her face he sent her soul back to hell and straight to the torture rack. He then rushed to Krishna ripping the blade out of his back and out of Rochelle Calanthe ran over and put her hand to the wound to heal it but no light shone forth. Cadoc shoved her out of his way and tried to heal it himself but no amount of power could heal the wound. Sorin had cursed the blade as her act of revenge. As Cadoc kneeled with Rochelle in his arms she woke up. She grimaced as she spoke the sword had pierced her lungs. She began coughing up blood “It was you, it was always you. There watching over me.” She began to cough “You are my guardian angel.”
“But I have failed you.” Cadoc began to cry as he watched helplessly as she bled out in his arms. Her hand touched his cheek.
“Do not cry for me. I am sure we will meet again. After all if you really loved me you will find a way.” Her eyelids flickered and then closed they did not open as her breathing became more and more shallow. “Cadoc pulled her close to his body and whispered into her ear “I do love you and I will find you.” she died moments later Cadoc looked at Sieghard. “You have broken the deal. I will not join you in heaven.”
Cadoc stood up Rochelles limp body in his arms he walked out without another word. The Elites made a path for him as he walked through out the tunnels. Once outside he spread his wings and took off. He went through the dark cloud and into the light above. He stopped there just hovering. Then he turned towards Rochelle's village flying at a easy pace. Once there he went into the village and found a shovel and began to dig a grave in the grassy plains. When he was done he placed her in the grave and stood there unable to place the dirt on top of her. not yet not when it was such a fresh memory. Not when he could still remember her laugh and smile so alive and vibrant not when he could remember that last conversation on fabers fort. She had just told him that she loved him and he her. But then Sorin had come. Sorin this was her fault. Sorin will pay for this with every breath left in me.
Cadoc picked up the shovel and stuck it in the pile of dirt and began to cover Rochelle’s body. His tears mixed with the soil as he wept for his fallen love. He would have his revenge on Sorin, Faber and on Rayner.
They would all pay for his loss. His loss would cost them not only their lives but their very souls.

chapter seven

Chapter 7
Tahirs departure
Rochelle kidnap
Angel cycle: angel’s encampment
Calanthe stood and watched the flap close as Solomon walked out. She felt sorry for anyone who would get in his way. That was one determined angel. She walked out a few minutes after Solomon she could see that some of the angels closest to her had obviously heard. What am I going to do? Sieghard, Alaric, and now Solomon they have all gone. I must attack the mines soon but I don’t know enough about them. I don’t know the inner works, how many there are or how well fortified they are. Nothing this really sucks. Abiel came up to her “What’s up with Solomon he didn’t try to seduce me as I walked by. The one time I might have agreed to too.” She said semi sarcastic.
“The Pure Spirit is his daughter.” Abiel was barley able to stutter out
“H-how is that possible?”
“Well Abiel when a man and a woman get horny they fuck and since humans and Solomon have yet to discover condoms the lady gets pregnant.”
“Wow real mature Calanthe so did you kick the shit out of him or?” she asked. I couldn’t help thinking as I looked at her she looks worried maybe she really would have accepted today. It has been tough on us all “No he went to become an archangel as is his right by family and passage.” Abiel started talking about the mines and how there was some sort of back door. It was a couple days south of here, it was supposedly a runaway door in case the mines were ever invaded. “Good go get the general and well discuss the matter further. And Abiel try and find Tahir first I have a favor to ask of him.” I needed to know something and Tahir could go and find out for me. I need to know what is going on at the village with the spirit child.”
“Sure. No problem Calanthe.” Abiel said spreading her wings and taking off to find Tahir.
When Tahir entered my tent the sun was beginning to set outside. But of course in a camp of pure angels it was never really dark. Angels have a faint glow to them so when four thousand of us gather it never really gets dark. And archangels only glow brighter so my tent never needed a lamp inside it. “Tahir what are you doing here? Abiel came to me hours ago reporting you had disappeared. You look like hell are you OK.” He looked like he had just run from Lucifer himself.
“She is gone the Pure Spirit had been moved. Her village destroyed burnt down to the base boards. Cadocs men destroyed it early today I had to fight my way out of his demented cloud we cannot beat that cloud with these men I barley got out alive Calanthe the wall will fall unless I can go and raise the ancient Aerial Squadron from their slumber.” The squad Tahir spoke of was an ancient army of angels who mastered the art of aerial warfare long ago and finding no challenge to match them they hid themselves somewhere beyond heaven to wait for a time when they were needed. But so many millennia’s had passed that none now knew where they where.
“Are you sure Tahir is there no other way to over come this cloud?”
“No Calanthe I am afraid there is not. Listen if I do not return by the time the demons arrive then hold the wall for as long as you can and pray that I arrive.”
“I will Tahir come back soon.” We hugged well aware that this may be the last time we would ever see each other again. “Hurry back” I said as he left the tent that he looked back then continued walking. And so one by one the angel’s were going down their own paths and as each of the great warriors left the troops became more and more discouraged.
The next day Calanthe called an assembly to speak to the troops. She looked at all their faces and saw that they were saddened by the loss of their leaders.
“I know that I am not the leader or the warrior that Sieghard and Alaric are or that Maeve was” her eyes began to tear up remembering when Maeve would give this speech. “But I am here to the death in the name of heaven. I realize that we are short on our legendary hero’s but we can still make a dent in the enemy. Three days from now we will attack the mines.” The troops did not respond. One of my commanders came forward
“Permission to speak?” he asked his face serious.
“Granted commander. Speak freely” This would be good or bad
He looked at the man to his left and the man to his right. he smiled “I believe that I speak for my squad when I say IT IS ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!!!!” the angels cheered banging their shields. Again the commander spoke “Commander Calanthe permission the lead the frontal attack on the mines.”
Calanthe could not speak. She had not expected all of this support from the angels not after all of their greatest warriors had left. “Granted and commander after this if you’re alive you can have any post you want.” He nodded “I’ll remember that. Miss Calanthe.” He walked back into the crowd. Once again she addressed the angels. “So you are still with me.” The HAWOOH’s started an echo that could probably be heard in the mine. “Well that’s good to know because I plan on dying soon and I want to be surrounded by soldiers not cowards. And I see no cowards here. Tomorrow we begin our march to the mines and the day after we fight. DISMISSED HAWOOH!!!!” she stepped down from the platform. The resounding cheers could still be heard echoing in the mountains that night.
Abiel walked through the camp thinking of the battle to come. She was not afraid for herself but she wondered how many of these angels would be gone from their numbers four days from now after the battle. She heard cheering and the sound of weapons clashing, slowly she crept forward her feet testing the ground with every step to make sure she would not be heard. She came upon a large circle of angels fifty of them a ways off from the camp in a giant circle. She joined the circle and saw two angels fighting in the middle. One was tall and slim; he had brown almost black hair and used two katanas… “Cadoc is that really you?” As she said his name the “angels” looked at her and she realized that these were not her angels. These were the Fallen. Cadoc looked at her “Should have brought an umbrella Abiel. Now you’ll get all wet.” He said as a raindrop hit her face she looked up the cloud. Shapes moved inside it evil creatures with wings they began to descend on the camp. She went to scream but Cadoc held her mouth closed. Soon she heard screaming as the angels were killed in her sleep. She felt one of Cadocs blades pierce her stomach and then the other her throat. The last thing she heard was Cadoc laughing evilly as she watched the camp burn.
Abiel shot up in her bunk covered in sweat she ran out of her tent with only a long shirt to cover her. As she stepped out of the tent she saw no sign of trouble she looked up not a cloud in the sky. She ran to Calanthes tent and walked in. She sat down beside Calanthes bed “Are you awake?” no response. “HEY ARE YOU AWAKE?!” Calanthe jumped up drawing her sword “Who are you I’ll kill you all… wait where am I?” her eyes focused on Abiel they were like a shark that was about to go for the kill “You had better have a good reason for waking me up!!”
“Calanthe can I sleep with you?” Abiel made her self cry a little, her eyes as big and cute as possible. Calanthe instantly forgot her anger.
“Only if you tell me why I am awake at father only knows when in the morning.” Calanthe listened while Abiel explained her nightmare then lay back in bed. She turned over and ignored Abiel.
“Calanthe” Abiel asked. Calanthe lifted up her sheets so that Abiel could get in. “You realize that you owe me big time for this right?” Calanthe asked now wide awake.
“Yes I do. Why do you have something in mind?” Calanthe turned over to Abiel and kissed her. It was a sharp, quick Abiel smiled softly as their lips parted.
“Thank you.” she said “Now I have a surprise for you.” She moved her hand behind her and sat up. Calanthe looked confused Abiel only had on long shirt on. This could only mean one thing. Abiel hit Calanthe with a pillow as hard as she could.
The guards heard giggling whenever they passed by for the rest of the night and could only speculate on what was going on inside their commander’s tent. As the dawn came up on the camp and Abiel walked out of the tent to see a group of twenty angels sitting on chairs or standing up. She froze there was a moment of silence before the angels started to applaud, whistle, hoot and holler. They dispersed into the encampment as Calanthe walked out of the tent in full armor and her sword drawn. Calanthe sheathed her sword nodded to Abiel and then went to make sure everything was being packed properly for the march. Abiel walked to her tent and put on her own armor. Strapping her axes to her belt she walked from her tent. The army was almost all packed and ready to go except for the bigger wagons for the special equipment.
Tahir looked down from the mountain he could see both the mine and the camp. He could make out Cadocs massive dark cloud the Golden General’s army they were about to collide into the final battle for the plains and if they could beat the general then they would suffer only the last resistance from the Dardanosians and the twin keepers there before the pits fell. God keep them safe while I go to find our brothers and sisters of the sky. He prayed silently to himself as turned and opened the old wooden door that lead’s to the green plains of heavens field. And his first step on his journey across the Holy Land.

Demon cycle: fabers castle
Faber paced on the walk way as he scanned the skies watching for any sign of movement. There in the distance he saw what he was looking for a small team of seven Fallen angels he could already make out her red hair leading them. He stared at her beauty as she seemed to take the glory from the sun and hold in her making her glow all the brighter. The team landed and Sorin embraced Faber in a hug. “You have done the right thing my love.” She whispered into his ear. “Cadoc is a traitor even if he does not yet know he is committing treason. But if she is removed then all will become clear to him.” Faber nodded “I understand Sorin. Just take her and leave before his minion realizes you’re here and has time to prepare. They are on the northern point.” Sorin signaled her men to move out.
None of them saw the two black shapes in the shadows on the wall above them. so still were they that even when moving it was like the shadow itself bent to suit their hiding place. As Sorin and her angels left so did the shadows.
Sorin turned the corner to see Krishna and Rochelle on the northern most spike watching the ocean. Her men moved quickly and quietly through the air towards the unsuspecting prey, Sorin walked on the cold bricks she did not want to risk getting hurt before she had to.
Rochelle and I leaned over the wall looking at the wave’s crash against the wall below. “Rochelle when I tell you too get down and crouch in the point of the wall. Do you understand?” she nodded. I had seen the shadows of the angels flying towards them on the ocean when they passed the sun. But even I did not see the two figures in the shadows. “Now” he said turning he felt Rochelle get behind him and crouch. I drew the sword from my back and swung it side ways decapitating two of the angels as they landed. I took the daggers from my bet and got ready. Three of the remaining angels were more cautious they moved to surround me on all side possible sides. Two more took to the air and hovered there. I could see Sorin taking her time as she walked. The angels charged I let my instincts guide me as my blades blocked parried and struck out against bone and shield and steel. I felt the tip of one of the swords pierce my gut I pulled back and defended the follow up blows. I jumped into a roundhouse kick, knocking one of the angels off the edge of the wall.
As I landed I was aware of the last two hovering angels go for the kill but as the first one pulled his sword back three arrows pierced him one in the head one to the chest and the last to the gut. He fell dead instantly. As the other angel turned I could hear Sorin scream in fury and two shapes detach from the wall and charge with incredible speed. They were at the end before I could blink. Sorin charged and I saw Faber fly across the gap in the points his scythe drawn and ready. As the flying angel turned I jumped on his back and cut off his head. I recognized my saviors Sieghard and Alaric. But they had grown and were older in their eyes than before.
Sorin jumped into flight her berserker rage taking hold the last of her angels charged Alaric and Sieghard. Alaric turned to Sieghard “I got this you got her?” Sieghard nodded. Alaric drew his sword and blocked a series of blows from the Fallen and then dispatched the first with a stab through his mouth and pushed the blade all the way down. His blade got stuck in the fallen as the other approached getting cocky due to Alaric’s lack of weapon. The angel went for a stab Alaric turned to the side grabbed the angels wrist, turned the arm and brought his other elbow down. The bone broke like a twig Alaric grabbed his opponents sword and cut off his head then turned as Faber landed. He moved towards him but was torn by Sieghards need of help with the berserker.
I came up behind him “Alaric go and help your brother I will take Faber.” Alaric looked at “Krishna” then nodded. I walked towards Faber and threw down my daggers he put down his scythe. I smiled, Faber had always had me beat in physical strength but now we were the same height and body type so this would be fun. He went to hit my face I caught the fist and kicked his gut still holding his fist so he could not move. He grabbed my foot in his free hand and spun me. I used to momentum to kick him in the face. He staggered backwards as I landed. I stood up only to be tackled to the ground. We rolled and exchanged punches then I got him in a head lock and managed to hold his legs together with mine. He pulled a knife out from his belt and stabbed me in the gut I released him and rolled away landing by my long sword. I picked it up and removed the knife from my gut tossing it away. I looked at Faber who had his scythe in his hands. Fuck I just wanted a couple weeks off that’s all.
Sorin had her sword in one hand the shield in another, she charged Sieghard hitting him with her shield and then stabbing over top with her sword but just as she was about to hit him Alaric’s blade deflected her sword and he jumped using her shield to step on the knee her in the face. He landed as Sorin staggered backwards for a moment then straightened up and readied herself for the next attack. “What yours done already?” he asked Alaric getting up. Alaric nodded and then they walked to wards Sorin who was now royally pissed off. They each attacked from a side but Sorins heart was pumping so fast with all of the adrenaline that she could match them and more. I ducked as her sword swept over me and rolled to the left swing my sword as I got up. She blocked with her shield and kick out at me I moved back.
Alaric flipped over me and took a shot at her his sword was all over but she was there matching him blow for blow. He got inside her shield and head butted her then ripped her shield off. Sorin smiled as she twirled her hand and a half sword expertly between both hands. She was moving in for the attack when she heard a mighty roar from her left she turned to see the recently thrown Faber come flying towards her. “Oh no” she said before he hit her and both of them went into the wall. Faber got up and rushed back to Krishna who was standing at the other end taunting him. Sieghard and Alaric let Faber pass and then re-focused on Sorin but she was not there. Alaric went flying as Sorin kicked him through the thick brick wall. She sliced out at Sieghard cutting his arm. Alaric slumped down the broken wall unconscious. Sieghard looked at Sorin hate filled his eyes as they turned blood red. He charged Sorin and let out a cry just before their blades met. Sorin did the same their blades clashed against one another as they struck over and over. High low, side to side flipping and rolling it seemed more of a dance as the two berserk warriors went out to kill neither one gaining ground, neither giving any up.
Krishna stabbed at Faber but Faber moved in the nick of time and hit Krishna with the butt end of his scythe. Krishna swept his sword side ways slicing Faber in the stomach. Faber grunted in pain and Krishna smiled his head bleeding a bit. Faber rushed him but Krishna threw down his sword and grabbed Fabers arms turned and using all of Krishna’s great strength threw Faber at Sorin. Faber was so surprised that he hit Sorin full on and used her as a brace or himself hitting the wall over fifty pace away. Faber got up and in the dust tossed Sorin out to the right so she could circle round her opponents. Then he charged and went back to his own fight.
He picked up his scythe and waited for Krishna to attack. Krishna grabbed his sword and delivered a flurry of blows to Fabers head and chest. On the last swipe he faked a swing the high kicked Faber in the chin sending him flying. Faber used his wings to control his flight and then circled Krishna for a few moments. Then he charged but Krishna again dropped his sword and grabbed Faber, using his momentum to throw him face first into the ground. Faber was knocked unconscious Krishna looked to Sieghards fight.
Sorin jumped over Sieghards low sweep and kicked him in the face sending him into a backwards flip. Sieghard used the back flip to give a kick of his own Sorin caught his leg and pulled him back towards her. As he straightened up Sorin took her sword and drove it into his gut. She let him fall off her blade and then walked towards Krishna who was so badly beaten and exhausted that she defeated him with a quick flurry of blows.
Rochelle saw Sorin raise her blade and new that even though Krishna was a demon she had become more connected with him over the past few days than anyone in her life. This was a demon she had just met and he was already willing to die for her. And he was about to. Rochelle stood up and went to Sorin screaming “If you spare him then I will go quietly.” Sorin stopped mid swing and nodded to Rochelle. She then leaned down to Krishna’s ear “Hey Cadoc when you get your body back lets try again. Until then I am going to torture this “Pure Spirit” until she joins us and then I going to kill her.” Krishna went to move but Sorins fist knocked him unconscious first.
When Cadoc awoke he was on a small merchant boat heading towards land. He was bound with armoroid chains and could not move.
“So your awake are you?” Alaric asked moving to sit beside Cadoc on the deck. “Well brother I don’t know what to do with you. You were protecting the Pure Spirit but you’re not on our team are you?” he asked I shook my head “Thought not. Well who are you with then obviously not Rayner anymore. And what happened to your old body?”
I told him what had happened since the first night I saw her to earlier that day.
“I love her Alaric and I cannot let her die. Please help me save her from Sorins wrath and I will pledge allegiance with God once again.” Sieghard came up behind me “How can we trust you brother you have been our enemy longer than you have been our brother. And on top of that why should I believe you love that little bitch?” unfortunately for Sieghard the chains were loose and it was very low quality armoroid because I broke the chains and started to choke him with the chain. Alaric pulled me off with great effort “Stop it you two!” he said. Looking from me to Sieghard “Or do I have to tie you up again?” ha asked me.
“She is not a bitch and if you say one more bad word about her brother or not I will kick your ass. And no I’ll be fine once I’m back in my body and I have my powers back.”
Sieghard looked at me “Why should we trust you Cadoc you betrayed us for Lucifer? And now after over ten millennia you want our help?”
I looked at him “I know have no right to ask for help. But I need only for you to help me once and you will have the mines and the war over in a week. I LOVE her and I would rather bow to the most corrupt of man than to see her hurt. Please Alaric, Sieghard I ask you not to forgive me but to help her.”
Alaric looked at me and then at Sieghard “I will do it brother if you will.” Sieghard looked at me and said “Well we have to get her back anyway. But once she is safe you will rejoin heavens army as a loyal member and you will bow to man.” I nodded the ship docked with the wharf and I got off and took off running in the direction of my camp I was making good time better than I had on the horse. I would make camp in roughly five hours. I would then get my body back and tell my troops of Rayners betrayal. Then I would lead my army down Sorins throat and make her suffer as she had never suffered before.
Rochelle woke up on a cold metal board. She was standing but her hands and feet were spread apart and bound. She saw Sorin on the far side of the room a knife in her hand. “I am really going to enjoy getting to know all about you Rochelle” she sliced Rochelles arm. Rochelle was a nice girl but she was getting angry. “What the fuck are you talking about you bitch? I have been with Krishna this whole… oh my god.”
Sorins face became angry and twisted. “Yes that’s right he has known me for over ten millennia and I get the occasional fuck every year or so. But then he meets you and falls in a love so deep he trades bodies with Krishna just so that he can keep an eye on you himself. Well see how long he reacts when you don’t look so pretty anymore.”
Sorin raised he knife, Rochelle braced herself. And up in heaven God cried for his Daughter in the Middle World.