As Jerome walked, he left blood soaked feathers in his wake. They fluttered to the floor in their own silent ballet. It would have been pretty if it wasn’t so tragic. But he wasn’t paying any attention to the feathers, they were just collateral damage in the war, they would grow back eventually. If he lived that long.
The moans of pain and groans of war cries were fading into the background the further he walked. He wanted to be as far away from them as possible. He needed to rest, he needed to heal, and he needed everything to stop for a moment. Just a moment was all he needed.
Finding a wall, Jerome slumped against it gratefully. He sighed and let himself slide to the ground. He was leaving a trail of blood on the grey paint but it wouldn’t matter. In the grand scheme of things, nobody would care about their wall. They were more concerned with staying alive than the décor.
‘Guardian Angels are born to protect others,’ Jerome thought to himself, blinking to get the grit out of his eyes, ‘I wonder: who will protect us?’ He tried to swat away the notion, no matter how many times he asked the question, he never found an answer.
In the distance, he could still see the battle raging on. The overbearing figures of the demons moved quickly. They were accustomed to fighting, having a lifetime to practice their skills. The angels, however, weren’t. They were clumsy, they didn’t defend themselves properly, and there was no chance of them landing a blow to their opponent. The fight was so one-sided that it was almost laughable.
As he caught his breath and braced his wings, Jerome knew he shouldn’t be sticking around. Any moment now the demons would realize he was there and too injured to move. They wouldn’t hesitate to lunge at him with their claws. He was a sitting duck, he had to get up. If only his legs would agree.
“Jerome, we need to get out of here,” the voice was urgent and right by his side. He hadn’t even realized Alexander was there. “Can you walk?”
“I’ll have to,” he replied.
A strong arm slid under his wings to grip his waist. Jerome summoned up the last of his energy, resolve, and strength and hauled himself to his feet. He tested his legs, they could hold up him for now. He leant on Alexander for support and started walking determinedly. It was going to be a painful trip.
They left the battle behind, along with many of their friends. It was no use trying to save them, they could barely save themselves at that point. The demons that fought them didn’t have friends, only fellow soldiers. Even the idea of friendships were a foreign concept to them. Demons weren’t social, they didn’t hang out together and share good times or provide comfort when needed. They were trained to hate, harm, injure, and kill. In a way, their lives were much simpler.
The journey home was long and painful. Jerome hobbled all the way while Alexander tried to shoulder as much of the load as possible. Jerome was lucky to be alive, he had taken a claw to the back leaving a bloodied streak of three lines right across his wings. If another angel hadn’t caught the demon’s attention, he would probably be lying on the battlefield too, just like the one that had saved his life. In ordinary times, Jerome would spend the rest of his life feeling guilty about being spared. But those kinds of thoughts could not be afforded anymore.
Angels weren’t designed to fight, their wings would always get in the way as they moved. Their instincts were to protect and defend, a world away from intentionally inflicting pain upon others. The demons, on the other hand, with their high haunches, long talons, and penchant for blood were designed specifically for battle. They lived and breathed conflict and pain, not giving it a second thought. If it wasn’t for the war they were currently engaged in, their paths would never cross.
Jerome tried to put the war out of his head as they entered the boarding house. It served as their temporary home for now. All the angels had been displaced since the fighting began. What used to be safe was no longer. They had to dwell in whatever was handy – and there was safety in numbers. Apparently.
“I’ll get the first aid kit,” Alexander declared as he lowered Jerome onto the lounge. “Is it just your wings? Or do I need more bandages?”
“It’s just the wings,” Jerome sighed, thankful that was all they had managed to tear apart. The demons knew to go for the wings, they were the most vulnerable and sensitive part of an angel’s body. The Achilles heel of the celestial beings, they would exploit it at any opportunity they got.
Alexander returned with the first aid kit, it seemed so underwhelming in light of the injuries the residents of the boarding house were limping in with. All it could do was make them feel like they were doing something to help the healing. The actual effect was doubtful.
Dabbing at the three talon scratches, Jerome tried not to wince. He told himself over and over again how it could have been so much worse. It was just a scratch, it would heal over time. A life could never be returned.
“How did you get out of it unscathed?” He couldn’t help but ask. His friend was in the same battle, how he had avoided all claws and teeth was a miracle in itself.
“I ducked and ran,” Alexander answered simply, like it should have been obvious. When they had been ambushed walking home from yet another council meeting, they were caught completely unaware. Running should have been the first thing on their ‘to do’ list.
“The demons were waiting for us,” Jerome started, his brow furrowed with both pain and concern. “They’re planning more, getting more cunning.”
“I know. You have to wonder what else they’re planning for us. How long will it be until they start coming into the village?”
Jerome nodded, deep in thought. Only two months ago, they felt so safe in the village. It was a place where the demons could not step foot, they could not penetrate the barrier that surrounded them. However, the longer the war raged on, the less effective was their protection. The Grand Council of Guardian Angels were growing weak with their diminished numbers. All the powers they used to protect their own were constantly tested. Soon, it would require more power than they possessed. It would only be a matter of time.
“Ouch, hey, are you trying to torture me?” Jerome’s wings involuntarily fluttered at the stinging touch.
“Sorry. It’s really deep.”
The wound wasn’t much to worry about. It would hurt for a time and he would have to be careful of getting an infection, but it would heal. Angels were designed to heal. What good would a guardian angel be if they were ill? They had a much bigger purpose for their life.
“There you go, you’ll have to do,” Alexander patted at the last of the blood and shrugged. He wasn’t exactly a surgeon, but at least it wasn’t bleeding all over the lounge anymore.
“Thanks. Do you think I’ll be able to fly?”
“Not for a few days.”
Jerome flexed his wings, trying to prove him wrong. But Alexander was right, his wings were too stiff and sore to be able to flap, let alone hold his own weight in the air. Stuck in the middle of a war and unable to use his one defense mechanism – great. Perhaps he should just sacrifice himself now.
“I can’t believe this war has been going on for eighteen months now,” Alexander sat on the seat next to him. “They’re just going to exterminate us.”
“What’s left of us,” Jerome agreed. “We need to do something. We can’t just keep crossing our fingers and hoping we’ll win. I don’t understand how the council can just sit back and let us all die.”
“At the beginning, we might have had a chance. But now, there’s just not enough of us left. I thought the council might have offered some kind of a plan in the meeting today. But it’s all just the same: keep going.”
Jerome nodded, remembering every detail of the meeting. All the angels from the village had been summoned to attend. They had travelled up to the council’s chambers with hope and anticipation of something spectacular being announced. But it was neither hopeful nor spectacular. The same board members had rattled off the list of the dead and then held a one minute silence for their sacrifice. They had reiterate
d why it was important to keep going and keep fighting for what they believed in. They may as well have been reading a shopping list for all the good it did.
When the war had first broken out, the council held a similar meeting. However, they all believed in every word they said then. When the number of angels almost doubled that of the demons, they were optimistic. They thought they could handle them. What were a few rabid demons when they had the knowledge of good on their side? Surely evil could be overpowered. But it wasn’t. As the days passed by, their numbers dwindled. It quickly became apparent that they weren’t guaranteed a victory.
All these months later, and their situation was only getting worse. Every angel had lost someone close, whether that be a parent, child, brother, or sister. Not one person had been left untouched by the war. Jerome had suffered more than most. Not only had he lost his parents when they were in their own home, but his only sister had also perished. He was now the lone survivor from his family. There was guilt mixed in with his loneliness. Why he had managed to live while so many had died, he couldn’t work out. All he could think of was that he needed to keep going. He didn’t want the demons to win, where was the justice in that? And if they lost, what would happen to all the humans they were born to protect? It was incomprehensible.
“You know what we have to do,” Jerome said, ready to voice the words that everybody had been avoiding for eighteen months.
“What’s that?” Alexander asked, curious now.
“We have to get help from the humans.”
“We can’t, the council isn’t even considering that as an option.”
“They need to.”
Alexander stood, shaking his head. “What they need to do and what they actually do are two completely different things. I’m going to bed, you should get some rest too. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”
“Good night. And thanks for saving my life today,” Jerome added. If it wasn’t for his friend, he would probably still be sitting slumped against the grey wall – dead.
As Jerome stretched out on the lounge, he couldn’t tell whether he was tired or not. The endorphins were still spinning around his body from the fight and his mind was whirling with worry. One thing he knew for sure was they couldn’t go on without a real plan. If the council wouldn’t do something, then somebody had to. Perhaps it should be him.
The words echoed in his head all night, no matter how much he tried to sleep. He checked his wings in the mirror a few times and they had already started healing. Hopefully, it wouldn’t take too long before he was back to normal.
Morning was a relief when it finally arrived. He left the boarding house before anyone else awoke.
“The humans can help us,” Jerome pleaded, even though his words fell on deaf ears. He had immediately charged up to the Grand Council of Guardian Angels. He had spent all day pleading to speak with an elder and begging for the opportunity to state his case. After he had sat alongside the secretary’s desk for five hours straight, she eventually felt sorry for him and let him have his meeting.
“It’s too dangerous involving the humans,” Ambrosia, one of the lower Councilors, refused to budge. He crossed his arms as he sat safely behind his desk in his sterile white office. Of course it would seem too dangerous to him, he didn’t have anything at risk. All members of the council were living in the building so they didn’t have to be put in harm’s way.
“We’re severely outnumbered,” Jerome wasn’t going to give up so easily. “The humans can assist in getting rid of the evil. They can add to our powers.”
“And how do you even suppose we do that? It’s never been done before.”
“I don’t know, but we can work it out. Just give me permission to go to Earth and see what I can do.”
“You know I can’t do that. It would break about two hundred of our laws and ethical codes. You need to stay here.”
Jerome shuffled from foot to foot, trying to think of the perfect words that would convince him to change his mind. They just wouldn’t come. “Please, Councilor. Just let me try.”
Ambrosia shook his head, it wasn’t a good sign. “We are born to protect the human population. We cannot put them in danger, it is too much to ask of them. They don’t even know of our existence. They have their place in this world, and we have ours. What you are proposing is ridiculous to even consider. Now go home and stay safe.”
“But-”
“I’m sorry, Jerome, but you have to accept that this council is doing everything it can to win this war. You have to trust in the process.”
Jerome had lost his trust in the process a long time ago. About eighteen months ago to be precise. However, nothing was going to get through to the man. He was just as likely to win this war as the one raging on outside. “Fine. I’ll trust in the process. Thank you for your time.”
Defeated, but resolving not to give up, Jerome turned and left Ambrosia to toddle off to his dormitory and settle in for a comfortable evening. At least he would be able to sleep soundly that night. For all the other angels, it was a completely different story.
Leaving the council building, it was like stepping out of a snow globe. The world inside was perfect and safe. While the outside was dangerous and chaotic. Still, Jerome was happy to be out of there. It wasn’t real, just a place where the most powerful angels could tell themselves they were doing a good job. Jerome didn’t need that kind of hypocrisy.
The walk back to the boarding house would normally take about twenty minutes if there was no flying involved. Using his wings was out of the question due to the damage they had sustained the previous day so Jerome had to take each step manually. With every soft thud of his footstep, he was reminded of his anger for the demons. If it wasn’t for them, he would have been home in minutes.
No matter how much his world was in turmoil, Jerome still couldn’t believe how beautiful everything was there. On both sides of the pathway was nothing but glittery light. It stretched on for eternity, never having an ending or a true beginning. If you tripped and fell onto it, you would merely be lifted back to your feet to continue on with your journey.
When angels were created, they were allowed to live in a world where they could not be harmed. That had been true for over five thousand years, right up until the demons found their way through.
Jerome walked on, his mind full of memories of how many times he had travelled down that same path. Too many to count. When the world was in balance, the council would often have open days where they would invite the community into their grounds for a celebration. They would put on a concert and have games for the children. They were events to look forward to, something to really rejoice in. The last one had been more than two years ago. The population would probably be lucky to fill the hall now, let alone the grounds too.
While distracted, Jerome didn’t hear the noise behind him. Nor did he anticipate the first blow. Three demons were right at his back, regarding him as prey. They attacked, using their long talons to strike at any surface they could reach.
The pain was unbearable. He took one large swipe to his right wing and another had a hold of his foot. They were trying to get him to the ground to finish him off. Jerome knew if he fell, it would be all over. Once on the path, there would be no way for him to get back up again.
Finding strength he didn’t know he possessed, Jerome turned and lashed out. He shook his wings, trying to dislodge the demon’s grip. He couldn’t move his leg but he could still use his hands. He tried to land blows to the demons but their skin was so thick and hardened that it wasn’t even registering with them. Their red eyes were just glowing with hatred, focused on destroying him and actually enjoying it. The fight was one against three, the odds were never going to be in his favor.
Jerome realized he was losing quickly. It had only been seconds since they had attacked but it had felt like hours. His energy was evaporating into thin air and the ability to even stand was fast becoming a luxury he couldn’t afford. He was going to be
killed, the demons were going to tear him apart and he would no longer be able to go on to live a life of noble protection.
It would all be over and he knew it. That was probably the worst part, knowing what was going on. If they had only struck a strong blow to knock him out at the beginning, he would have been spared the agony of knowing.
He felt a talon ripping his leg to shreds. The claws were digging into his knee and being pulled down towards his ankle. Jerome fell backwards, unable to stand any longer. This would be it, they had overpowered him to the point where he had to give in. He didn’t have a choice, he never really did to begin with.
His wings didn’t cushion the blow of hitting the path. What was left of his feathers wouldn’t provide any protection. Jerome felt the shudder go through his entire body as he hit the pavement. The demons were almost giddy with the excitement of the win as they looked down at him. They started circling, each one vying for the opportunity to finish him off. The screeches escaping from their throats were like a hundred birds squawking all at once. It would have made a human’s ear drums shatter into a thousand pieces.
Jerome was ready for it to be over. He was resolved to the fact this was a fight he would not walk away from. Alexander wasn’t there to help him limp away this time, he would never see his friend again. He was the last in his family to cross over, perhaps he would see them all again soon. That had to be something to look forward to, right? He closed his eyes and waited for the end to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jamie Campbell grew up in the New South Wales town of Port Macquarie as the youngest of six children. A qualified Chartered Accountant, she now resides on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
Writing since she could hold a pencil, Jamie’s passion for storytelling and wild imagination were often a cause for concern with her school teachers. Now that imagination is used for good instead of mischief.
Visit www.jamiecampbell.com.au now!
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