The AngelFire Chronicles
"Heaven's Afire"
written by
Tarl N. Telford
Heaven glitters like a diamond against the raw wound that is the swirling infinite cosmos. Heaven is more than a state of being, it is a crossroads.
A gigantic sun flares in the chaos of eternal energy that surrounds Heaven. In man's tongue, this star has no name. The closest approximation is The First. Planets orbit this primary star, but everything in every legend on every world in this cosmos centers on the glittering celestial island beyond the star.
This island is the staging place for every decision Heaven has ever made. When souls become organized and travel to worlds to become mortal, they come here. When souls die and return to the God which gave them life, they come here - Heaven.
Heaven is where one generation passes on, and another generation begins. Where one creation fades into chaos, and another Creator speaks and separates the light from the dark.
It is Heaven that Darien Fire called home.
Darien was nothing special, as angels go. She was of average height, pretty, but not uncommonly so. Her shining blue eyes held a special hope and joy in existence. Perhaps the only thing that separated her from the other angels was the shock of white hair that fell down over the left side of her face.
Even that physical difference didn't draw any attention to her. So it caught Darien by complete surprise when Michael, the Archangel, approached her in study.
"Darien Fire. I need to speak with you. In private." His voice was deep and comforting, but it left no doubt of his urgency.
Darien set the scroll back in its place on the wide shelf and followed Michael without another word.
Kyrie Bronwyn smiled as she studied her reflection in the huge mirror. Her dazzling blue eyes glittered above high cheekbones. Long dark hair framed her perfect face. Her strong arms and statuesque figure well portrayed the Valkyries of legend. She was a legend of sorts, among the angels of Heaven.
Kyrie Bronwyn was the foremost among all the Avenging Angels. It was she who led attacks on sinful and blasphemous mankind. She was referred to in hushed conversation as, "The Angel of Death", an appelation that made her quite proud.
Pride was something that came easy to Kyrie. And why shouldn't it? After all, she was the best Heaven had to offer.
And with the horrid state that mankind was in, another plague should be due any time. And Kyrie would be in command, like all the times before. Milennia had passed, and Kyrie had only increased her fame and her glory.
Mankind needed to be brought to the depths of humility, and there was no one more fit than Kyrie Bronwyn to do the job. She knew with every depth of conviction, that she would be the one to lead Heaven's armies to Earth to smite humanity and humble them, that they might be saved.
Yes. She smiled again at her flawless reflection. Soon.
The whispers and murmurs spread through all of Heaven almost as quickly as the brilliant light that illuminated the divine place. Angel Fire!
Angel Fire was the most powerful weapon that Heaven had at its disposal. It had been used before. The stories surrounding the AngelFire Wars were some of the most colorful that could be imagined. Angels versus mortals. Smiting. Slaying. Destroying the wicked. All in the name of holiness. There was no greater thrill.
The sprawling pavillion held legions of angels, from the smallest toddling cherub to the mightiest Warrior Angels, all awaiting the verification of the rumor. Was Angel Fire to be given? Was it truly time to bring a new era to Earth?
Not just any world, but Earth - where billions had lived and died. Yes, there were many other worlds, but Earth was by far the most important, and the most interesting.
Every other world held spectacular scenery, and alien creatures beyond description. But Earth ... Earth was above comparison. It held both good and evil. How many worlds could boast that?
The Pavillion came to life as Kyrie Bronwyn stepped forth from the Chaos Gate. Her resplendence and glory silenced even the most battle-hardened veterans. She was beautiful. Beautiful in the most striking and awe inspiring way. She was perfect.
Of course she would be the one chosen to wield Angel Fire. Of course. Everyone knew it. Everyone hoped it. Every heart raced in the breast as she raised her hand in greeting.
"My greetings to all of you. The rumors ... are true."
The jubilation in Heaven echoed out through the cosmos, stilling even the chaotic ripples for the briefest moment.
Angel Fire was going to Earth.
"Darien, I want you to bear Angel Fire." Michael studied the younger angel. Her large blue eyes clouded in confusion.
"But why me? I'm not anything special. I just barely made Tenth Class. That's milennia behind someone like Kyrie Bronwyn. I haven't even led a legion yet." Darien's arguments sounded pathetic, even to her.
Michael's face held no sign of relenting. His eyes showed compassion for a moment, then it quickly passed. "Darien, there is no other choice. No more time. Mankind is poised on the brink of self destruction. It is time to move."
"I don't understand." Her lower lip trembled, and she quickly turned her head. She was a Warrior Angel. She wasn't supposed to cry. She wasn't supposed to have feelings. Why can't I just be more like Kyrie? Darien asked herself for the millionth time. She's perfect.
"There isn't time to explain." Michael led Darien to a swirling gate, brimming with a thousand colors. "No one knows of this gate. It is where I forged absolute power - brought together all the forces of chaos and organized them. I created this, Darien. Think about what that means.
"Every time before, the Almighty assigned one of the other Archangels to create Angel Fire. This time, He bestowed upon me the task of organizing mankind for the final battle."
Michael stared deeply into the swirling energies.
"I created Angel Fire."
Darien shook her head slowly. "You've got the wrong angel. I've heard about the AngelFire Wars on Earth. Millions of mortals were destroyed with a single thought. I can't do that."
Michael took her hand in his. "None of the other Archangels knew about this realm of chaos. It was just discovered. It's new energy, Darien. Power beyond anyone's imagination. Power to prepare the Earth for the end."
Darien closed her eyes, silently praying that she was anywhere but here right now. "Why me?" She asked, not opening her eyes. Hoping that this was all just one of her vivid imaginings.
"Because you don't want it."
Darien laughed. It came out so quickly that it surprised her.
Michael smiled tightly. "Truly. Those that desire Angel Fire are exactly the ones that should never lay hold of it. Absolute Power. Every idle wish. Every fanciful hope. Every darkest desire. They become possible with this power.
"I have watched you, Darien. Ever since you were birthed, you have had a special quality that set you apart from the other angels. Hope. You don't take your calling lightly. You work for everything you have. Every honor you have attained, you have earned."
"But so has every other angel."
Michael shook his head sadly. "I wish that it were so. There have always been dissentions. You remember when we fought the Dragon?"
Darien's mind drew back to the soul rending War in Heaven. The Dragon, Lucifer, pulled a third of the angels out of heaven. They chose to follow his proud words and traitorous ambitions. They were cast down to Earth and became demons.
Darien had fought in that war. In fact, she had fought very near to Michael in that battle. He had saved her when the Dragon had tried to pull her away.
Why?
"Not everyone that disagreed was cast out. There were many that listened to Lucifer, but went along with the Plan of Creation that was presented. They silently vowed in their hearts that they would succeed where Lucifer had failed. Pride has been their undoing. Many of them have already been born and died on Earth. Cain was one." Michael's face tightened. "I should have known before ... before he killed Abel. I could have stopped him."
"So some of them are still here?" Darien asked, digging for more information. "Who?"
Michael cut her off before she could ask any more. "That is not for you to know. For if you were to know, you would forever be looking over your shoulder, searching for betrayal. Or worse, you might seek them out and destroy them yourself. Power means responsibility, Darien. The only way that you can use this power is to keep some things hidden."
Within herself, Darien searched for the hidden meaning to Michael's words. Did he mean that because Darien hadn't achieved as much, she was special? No, that couldn't be it. He wouldn't reward lackluster performance. If Angel Fire was a reward ...
Then it struck her with the force of a thousand stars shattering.
The weight of the universe suddenly closed in on her. Her breath caught in her lungs. It was her. Darien Fire. She was the one. She had read in the scrolls of the world being burned before the Second Coming of The Lord to Earth.
That's supposed to be me.
Michael studied Darien's face closely, reading by her expression that she understood. Silently he gave thanks to the spark of inspiration that came from beyond Darien.
"Okay. I'll do it. Just tell me what to do."
Michael reached into the swirling vortex to pull out his creation - Angel Fire.
Kyrie Bronwyn basked in the glories of her supporters. Existence was good. Everyone knew her and loved her. Her performance was unmatched in all the records of Heaven. Only the Archangels had accomplished more. They were in a different league ... but just barely. Soon Kyrie would match their accomplishments. It was a fact that none of the Archangels had borne Angel Fire. That would be Kyrie's crowning achievement.
The world would burn.
Because of Kyrie Bronwyn.
Everyone would remember and worship her.
Everyone.
Michael drew his hand out of the Unknown Chaos Gate. Hanging from a finely wrought gold chain was an amulet. Simple in design, it looked more like an ornamental necklace than a world-shattering weapon.
"That's it?" Darien's eyes caught on the shimmering refractions in the golden pendant. Transfixed by its simplicity, she could only stare as Michael placed the pendant around her neck.
"By small and simple things are great things accomplished, Darien." He took her by the hand and led her out of the hidden room.
Kyrie mused on her current state of affairs. Surely she should have someone close to her to congratulate her on her upcoming glories.
Austin should be here with me.
Kyrie beckoned to a messenger angel, Marcestus. "Marcestus, I need to speak with Austin Lordstrum. Get him for me."
"But - " Marcestus began to protest. At Kyrie's glare, he silenced his argument. He started toward the Chaos Gate. Halfway there, he turned around. "But he's a Guardian Angel."
Kyrie shrugged dismissively. "And I outrank him. So what? Just bring him."
In the space of twelve heartbeats, Austin Lordstrum stood before Kyrie Bronwyn. Austin was tall, handsome, and very irritated about leaving his charge. Wavy brown hair crowned his head. Austin's tan slacks, dress shirt, and overcoat stood out in stark contrast to the golden armor and flowing robes worn by the surrounding angels.
Austin's eyes shone with inner fire as he glared at Kyrie.
"What do you want?" Austin demanded.
Kyrie rose. She was only a handsbreadth shorter than Austin. She met his glare with an even gaze. "I just wanted you to be the latest to hear the news. Angel Fire is going to Earth."
"And that was worth pulling me away from my Guardianship?"
Kyrie brushed her hand to the side as if brushing away the remark. "Oh poo. You were never cut out to be a Guardian Angel. You made a much better Avenging Angel. We were a great team, weren't we?" She glanced down at the ground, briefly drawing his gaze with her. "I miss you."
Austin shifted his feet impatiently, anxious to be on his way.
"She won't even know you're gone." Kyrie took his hand. "Stay with me for a while."
"I can't. I have an assignment. I am supposed to protect Britt Van Tassell. She's my charge. I don't do the battle thing anymore." Austin pulled away and walked back toward the Chaos Gate. "Whatever we may have had ... whatever you think we had ... it's over. It's over, Kyrie. This angel is the one thing you'll never conquer."
* * * * *
Beyond the Pavillion, a small courtyard opened out onto another Chaos Portal. Michael and Darien looked out into the maelstrom of untamed energy. Red and purple clouds swirled and green lightning shattered the seething void.
"How will I know what I should do?" Darien pleaded.
Michael nudged her in the direction of the Portal. "When the time comes, you will know. That's all I can tell you. Go, Darien. Please. There is no more time."
Darien looked back at the Archangel one last time. "I won't let you down. I promise."
Darien checked her sword on her back. Finding it in place, she stepped into the madness.
All Heaven seemed to freeze in eternity. Every breath hung in the air like ice Eyes darted around, searching for the cause of this cosmic calamity. Kyrie's eyes opened in horror. Austin caught her gaze, and a slight smile crossed his face.
"NO!!!" Her scream shattered the frozen moment. Then all was back to normal. No one seemed to notice that Kyrie's entire world had just caved in on her.
Quiet murmurs continued the conversations like they never stopped. Only Kyrie seemed changed. It was as if her entire existence had just been nullified. Every victory. Every foe slain in glorious battle. Every esteemed honor. Every fiber of her being had led her up to this grand honor ... and it was gone. Everything was gone. For the first time in her entire existence, Kyrie Bronwyn felt worthless.
Outside the protection of Heaven, Darien raced through the fury of the cosmic vortex as fast as she could. The lethal chaos of thunder and lightning raged all about, as if searching for order to destroy. Every step threatened destruction, and every pause meant death. Her only hope was forward. Survival depended on movement. But even that was not sure.
A huge shape arose in the maelstrom nearby. Darien's hand instinctively drew her sword. Brooding familiarity nagged at the back of Darien's mind as the shadowy figure passed through the ever-shifting energies. The name caught on her lips as she turned to recognize the face -
As the cosmic lightning struck her.
Her numb fingers slackened their grip on the hilt of her Angel Blade. The dimensions swirled as the Angel fell through existence toward mortality. A disembodied voice seemed to say, "Remember ..."
Then Darien Fire remembered no more.
