Where I am Needed
Chapter 11, Where Eagles fly
The clear blue sky populated with white puffy clouds and throughout the sky you could see winged beings of the divine nature known as Angels who went about their duties as they soared through the seemingly infinite expanse of sky which was all seen by the awed eyes of Salvatore…to be honest it was a fairly good observation considering he was during a free fall….
Salvatore although falling within a seemingly infinite space was surprisingly calm yet furthermore seemed quite at peace. This peace was disturbed by a sudden and forceful yank at his waist which was in fact the result of Xander was catching him from his content free fall.
"What is all of this Xander?" Salvatore said in a raised voice to make sure the Angel heard him over the powerful beating wings which took them towards the location where the Human would finally meet Him.
"It is Heaven boy. Realm of the Lord and symbol of all which is righteous! Justice, honor, chivalry and selflessness! These are the virtues we uphold for all of creation to see and follow!" Something within Salvatore…..felt warmth from those words.
"I must apologize again for what I did!" Salvatore was desperate to right the wrongs he did…and to apologize to the two Angels he injured.
"Boy…I know it was not your spirit acting. True I did not know this to begin with and I will admit I would of killed you without hesitation yet after what He showed me and reveled to me….I would find it quite the task! There ahead of us!"
Upon a base of clouds stood a mighty structure….it was something like a temple and a fortress. The front of this structure was similar to a Greek structure and was decorated with pillars of white stone which created an entrance into the structure and from what could be seen as they flew closer there were statures within the structure. Leading up to the entrance was a wide set of white stairs which was apparently going to be where Salvatore was being dropped off.
Furthermore neatly and proudly standing where Angels who were clad in armor which differed from other angels he had seen for they had armor which seemed bulkier with patterns, symbols and gems engraved on it. Also their wings were bigger….much bigger than Xander's or any other Angel he had seen.
The Captain descended so that he could release Salvatore to solid ground and he himself could place his feet firmly down. "So what is this place?" The curious human asked.
"Tis a holy place. Tis where Archangel Gabriel commands us all from and where we Angels go for our ascension which is why when we enter you will show absolute respect…is that understood" Xander turned his head to Salvatore hoping they had an understanding. They continued up the stairs and from what it looked like….the walk up would be enough to have chat.
"Perfectly Sir and if you wouldn't mind explaining to me…what is an ascension?" Salvatore was curious as to what this meant….was it a ceremony of sorts or a secluded ritual.
"Tis when we gain our wings or we ascend to a higher rank due to our deeds or one of the Archangels have deemed us worthy. For example an Angel begins life with wings which are big enough to carry them through the sky then when they ascend to the first link in the chain their wings increase in size and so does their power. Ascensions increase both the size of wings and power and these are the only changes until the rank of Anointment which is the stage an Angel takes before becoming an Archangel where they undergo training of mind, body and soul to an extreme degree which is considered life threatening". Salvatore was…intrigued by the Angels and their unique customs. It was at this point he noticed they were moving towards the Anointed Angels who stood as proud protectors of the sanctuary. They did not move or shift from their proud position.
"What makes an Archangel special besides being the highest rank attainable?" He asked as they entered the sanctuary.
"Well it is said that their power knows no limits yet it is possible to estimate their potential power. An Archangel is also granted a special gift from the Lord…..a halo…..a light which is granted to them from the Lord and holds supreme power. It is part of his holy light and that light from his soul…..such power is infinite….furthermore boundless". They had both delved quite far into the sanctuary and they were nearing their destination…..one of them knew that.
"Infinite power…I can't imagine. These Archangels must have earned such trust to be granted…..such a power". It was….inconceivable that any being could be trusted with that kind of power. How someone could have absolute faith that they would never misuse it.
"We are here..." Salvatore inspected his surroundings and was entranced by the beauty of the room they were in. Running along both the left and right walls were stained glass windows depicting stories and tales through gorgeously crafted images upon the glass. What illuminated this section was a small amount of light entering through the windows and the rest was through candles either on stands or mounted upon walls which were lit with a blue flame. Salvatore did not notice at first but a few Angels were kneeling upon the floor with their put together facing the ceiling.
"What are those Angels doing?" Salvatore questioned the senior Angel.
"They are praying". The Angel simply answered.
"Praying?"
"Yes it is something…..you may consider strange Human however it is the Lord who provides us with strength so we thank him for this blessing and only ask that we may serve him eternally and faithfully. He is there". The young Human understood this and it also brought back a sense of déjà vu…..yet he couldn't recall what it reminded him from.
Forgetting it for the present time he turned his attention forward where an altar stood and next to it a marble basin of water which stood at waist height. Upon the altar sat a thick and ancient looking book with some of its leather casing worn around the sides. Suddenly multiple wings sprouted from behind the alter making Salvatore jump back a bit in surprise however he was calmed by an armored hand upon his shoulder. "Archangel Gabriel". Xander gave a bow to the Angel which had emerged from behind the altar. "I have brought the individual you have requested". Salvatore still slightly shocked with wide eyes and slightly paranoid look upon his face was pondering where he came from.
"Ah thank you Captain Xander. I hope you had no trouble on your way here?" The Archangel was a fairy tall man with skin which was neither tanned nor pale but a mix of the two. His hair was curly which formed golden locks upon his head which reflected some of the light which shinned from the halo which hovered above his head.
"None at all Archangel…in fact the journey was quite pleasant. The boy seems…eager to learn". Even though they were speaking about the Human like he wasn't there it did not phase him as he was in awe of the Archangels enormous wings….which were folded up behind his back….'A good thing they are folded' Salvatore thought to himself.
"A good thing he is….would you leave is Captain?"
"Of Course Archangel". Xander walked out of the room leaving Salvatore and Gabriel looking at each other. The Human had not noticed earlier but all the Angels who were praying had now left.
Gabriel beckoned the Human over "Come boy there is no need to be shy here". Salvatore walked over to the Archangel at a fast pace however it held…hesitation.
"Can I ask something?"
"Oh course you can? There is no need for shyness here. We are to ourselves with no ears but those which the walls have and our own". Salvatore shifted on the spot.
"Well I have many questions….why am I here?...What is wrong with me?...and….."
"And?..." The Archangel tried to encourage the Human to speak.
"Could…..Could I be an-No it's a ridiculous idea". Then Salvatore noticed something change upon the Archangels happy face…..it grew a look of sadness. "Have I offended you?"
"Oh no my boy….it is when I see those who believe what they envision to be stupidity. Dreams are not born from stupidity….they are born from hope and will". Salvatore felt…inspired? Driven?...Determined? From those words. 'Maybe it wouldn't be bad- wait how did he know?'
"I can tell you are confused….lets just say I have had an eye on you for quite while and now I wish to help you with your single and most selfless desire. I can welcome you into the leagues of Heavens guardians but first I have a few tasks for you….to be honest it is more to help you. Now your questions I believe? Come light the candles with me". Gabriel started walking down the left side of the room.
"Your infection…it is unknowable if it can be cured but we will teach you how to control it without it controlling you for as evil and malicious as it is you…you may have need of such a thing. There is nothing wrong with you other than being unlucky. As for why you are here….well Xander was going to cut you down a foot shorter and I did not want to see a good soul extinguished because of something out of your control". As they walked down the Archangel let a blue flame slither from his index finger to light the candles.
"What are these tasks to help me? And I cannot be more grateful for your intervention Archangel….if you didn't save me then….I wouldn't be able to do anything to protect my friends". Gabriel smiled at Salvatore as they began walking over to the right side. The Archangel thought very highly of the boy….especially throughout his hardened life of pain and suffering.
"I will send you to train with three of our greatest Martial Artists. For I can tell you were never trained in unarmed combat. After you have completed your training I shall see you again yet until then we shall not see one another". They had come back to where they once stood. Gabriel held out his hand. "Goodbye for now Salvatore. An angel outside shall take you where you need to go". Salvatore took his hand and shook it with a smile upon his face.
"Thank you…..for everything Archangel". Salvatore was serious and without a doubt meant those two words.
"You haven't even been here a day! Now get moving I have a ceremony to undergo!" Gabriel ushered the young Human out.
As they Human left he waved one last time…..Gabriel smiled to himself. He had watched the boy grow and now he was finally playing his part. It then seemed as if a dark cloud had loomed over Gabriel "I fear that you will need every bit of strength for what is to come".