Divinity: The Gathering: Book One (34 page)

“I mean, I know they definitely aren’t staring simply because you’re tall…” She began.

I smiled. I knew what she was going to say.

She blushed, a beet red color this time.

“I suppose they also think I’m some famous ba
sketball player or something too.” I joked, referring to her own remark about it last night, regarding myself and Rahab.

She
chuckled, “Maybe.”

There was a slight pause
, and I wanted to get back to the subject we had begun to talk about.

“I’ll give you a piece of advice that I’ve al
ways known to be true in regard to those dark ones, and that is to never show fear or anger, even if you feel it down to your core. They can hurt your body, but they can never touch or take your soul. It has to either be open and vulnerable, or given to them freely.” I told her carefully, only because it was the exact truth, and if I could offer her any source of a defense, this would be it.

Sh
e seemed confused for a moment, “Never show anger? Why wouldn’t I wanna do that?”

“You’d only be feeding them exactly what they want and need, making them stron
ger, bigger and bolder.” I said.

She nodded
in understanding yet curious as to how I knew all of this.

It wasn’t against any of the rules to tell her any of it, it was something every human being should know and understand
, and she had the benefit of getting the information directly from the source.

“That makes sense. I guess, I always thought that they couldn’t really physically hurt you. I’ve a
lways known and been taught that demons were spirits and entities, like angels.” She then said.

I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit at her statement
, not to make her seem naïve — it wasn’t her fault, most humans were, but she wasn’t a normal human.

She was a chosen, she would become immortal soon.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose and took a moment to think about my words, “That being said then I’d say it’s safe to assume every living being on the face of the earth is an entity. The physical body is only a vessel and your spirit resides inside.” I told her.

She raised a brow and nodded as she bit her lip in thought
, and then cocked her head to eye me inquisitively while taking in my words.

“Well, the spirits of supernatural beings created by God are different than human beings. Angels and demons were meant to be spirits.” She said.

I gave her a meaningful look.

“What do you think a demon is?” I asked her.

“A fallen angel,” She answered.

I hated the term
Demon,
because to me there would always be a difference between us and the others who chose to align themselves with Morning Star.

I nodded affirmation, “Okay, I was curious b
ecause you say that as if both Angels and Demons are two different beings created by God. There were just Angels and Angels became Demons by virtue of disobedience and were cast down. But even so, demons are not just fallen angels, they’re Angels who have fallen and taken allegiance with Satan.” I corrected her.

She paused, “Oh…I didn’t know there was a di
fference. You talk as if you know all that firsthand or studied Theology or Demonology for a long time.” She then said sincerely.

I inhaled a breath, taken aback by her lack of u
nderstanding, but it wasn’t just hers…it was all of mankind.

“Something like that,
I dabble. It’s a hobby. I enjoy any topic that provokes thought. In my opinion, as far as spirits go, humans were given the gift of physical bodies, bodies that used to be perfect.” I did my best to explain in one sentence, and make it sound as if it were something I was simply forming my own theories on based on book knowledge.

If she could read me, I had better pull back a little on too much information, she would begin to get suspicious having already been halfway there in her own b
eliefs and recent experiences.

“But being created to be perfect spirit beings is a big difference from being created in physical form
, and to have free will like we as humans do though.” She then said.

She was very profound and wise for her age, I admired that.

“Not by much. All beings have free will.” I told her.

She stared at me and blinked as if she had a mi
llion more questions based on what I had just said alone, but didn’t know how to ask it.

“I didn’t know that. I mean I belie
ved everything else up until that initial incident in the office of my professor yesterday,” She began, and her expression turned sincere.

I paused and waited for her to go on. I already knew the incident that she referred to. I had been there for the tail end of it.

“What happened?” I asked anyway to add a sense of normal curiosity.

“I knew people could be possessed by dark spirits and demons
, but I don’t think I truly believed just how scary and dangerous it could be until it happened. There were dark shadows around him, and they used him to attack me. He had no clue what happened after it was all over. I tried not to appear scared even though I was, and I thought I had done a good job, but like you said, I guess showing them anger and challenging them made them up the ante at the hospice.” She finally confessed in a low tone to keep between the two of us.

“Possibly,” I agreed
, though I knew better and the why of what was really going on.

“You don’t strike me as religi
ous.” She said.

I smirked, “Religion has nothing to do with it. Religion is man-made and based, which is why there are so many countless denominations and wars fought over it to this day. It will never end, not by man alone.” I replied.

That was another truth.

Her eyes widened for a moment and she studied me again carefully, “So
, which one do you think is the right one?” She then asked.

“That isn’t for me to say.” I gave a half smile.

There was a brief bout of silence.

“You know it’s so strange and don’t take offense
, but I would have never saw us having a conversation on this level about this stuff. You’re the second person that I’ve run into today that’s been this deep since all of this went down. You and Drake are total strangers to each other…supposedly, but you both speak like experienced long time priests or something. You’re two different guys, being that you’re a cop and he’s a teacher, but I guess it doesn’t matter, it’s nice to have others to talk to about this stuff.” She said.

“He’s a teacher?” I raised a brow.

“Yeah why?” she asked.

“Nothing,” I shook my head
, figuring Drakael would pick something like that.

“Well, I don’t blame you for being hesitant to say anything to me about what really happened last night. This is a touchy subject and people don’t tend to believe what they don’t experience or can’t see themselves
, though I’m not one of them. Maybe that’s why you’ve been given your gifts.” I then went on to say.

“Maybe. I’m still trying to understand it all and figure it out. I don’t pra
y often and I’m not religious — not that I don’t believe in God, especially after yesterday. It seems that prayer doesn’t work much though and I found that out the hard way.” She then said.

I paused, “It works. Never lose your faith. That’s really all the power people have in this world.” I said softly.

There was another pause of silence. I had forgotten all about my pie. My focus was completely on her and her mouth while she spoke.

“I think I had you all wrong.” She then said.

I smiled, “What do you mean?” I asked.

She shook her head and laughed, “Nothing. Well, I should get going. I already missed all my mor
ning classes because I overslept and I meant to get some studying done. Thanks for joining me,” She began as she pulled up her purse, and fished out her car keys and wallet.

“No, I thank you for inviting me to stay. I’ve got you though. Plus I suppose your friend Drake has the majority covered anyway,” I motioned a hand for her to put her wallet away
, with a nod to the twenty that still remained on the edge of the mosaic tiled table.

“You paid last night.
I can’t let you pay again. You didn’t even really eat anything anyway.” She smiled.

“I insist and…if you really want to pay
, then maybe we can go Dutch, say tomorrow night? Dinner? What kind of music do you like?” I then asked her.

She seemed surprised and her face lit up.

“Tomorrow? Yeah, okay. I like anything that has a good beat, or lyrics that make sense. Hey speaking of music, there’s this rock concert going on down at the dome in college town. There’s supposed to be a lot of local bands playing tomorrow night if you’re into that kind of music, and wanna check it out afterwards too.” She then suggested.

There’d be
no question, she wasn’t going — I wasn’t going to let her.

“I’m not really into rock music actually. I was thinking something more along the lines of Jazz or R and B.” I replied.

“Oh, that sounds good. Yeah, rock isn’t my kind of scene either.” She then said.

             
I walked her to her car devious and excited, yet somewhat dubious amid what was going on and based on what she revealed to me today regarding her dreams.

Her cell phone chimed just as I returned to the black sports car
, and as I tuned in, I heard her mention her male friend Joel’s name. I saw her eyeing the car, as I opened the door and climbed into the driver’s seat, seeing her expression show genuine and impressed admiration.

I wondered, since she could mask her emotions well despite the physical signals her body gave, if he were more than a friend to her and she was in
denial or something about her true feelings for him.

As soon as I started the engine
, I felt a tension of annoyance and I sighed heavily in aggravation.

I didn’t even have to turn around or look in the rearview mirror
, and if the windows hadn’t been tinted dark, his sudden appearance out of thin air would have been a dead giveaway of himself for those nosy people trying to peer into the car now.

“What the hell do you want?” I seethed, leaving the engine running.

“Always a pleasure speaking to you Cam`ael,”

I looke
d into the rearview mirror to see Drakael’s smug and usual docile expression.

“You ghosted into my car.” I clipped.

“Now it isn’t really your car is it?” He smiled.

“You have three seconds to say something of i
mportance before I physically toss you out of it.” I warned.

He shook his head
, showing no hint of fear or annoyance.

“I’m taking on a big risk even being this close to your vileness in the proximity of this car alone. The least you can do is
to show some respect.”

I shot him a glare in the rearview mirror, “My vileness huh?” I began
, as I raised a hand, allowing the crackle and slither of dark power to come to life and coil around my forearm and fist — waiting for a direction from me.

             
Drakael’s eyes widened for a second as he shifted in his seat, but made no moves to stop, retaliate or ghost back out of the car.

“Is violence and lashing out of your powers all you can think to do
in any situation?” Drakael said calmly.

“Given my patience and my regard for you, it’s fitting.” I replied with a smug smirk
, as I lowered my arm slowly.

Drakael shook his head, “Why are you still li
ngering? Making dates? Your request was to meet her and from what I gathered, you already had last night,” He then went on to say.

I felt my jaw tighten as I clenched the steering wheel to control my growing anger.

“Last night was more of a rescue mission. If I hadn’t arrived when I did, she’d be in Morning Stars hands right now no thanks to you and your kin, so don’t give me that admonishing shit! Regardless, I should ask you the same Drake. I didn’t know having lunch and healing her was allowed on your part.” I replied.

“I had permission.”

“Well, this is the human world. I don’t need permission to roam and do whatever I please here in case you’ve forgotten.” I said in a hard tone.

“Look Cam`ael, despite our vast differences I don’t want to see you lose what little bit of light you still have even if you don’t care.” He then said.

I looked at him incredulously and laughed, “I don’t care? What makes you think I would lose anything by simply being with her? I asked for permission and it was granted, what am I doing wrong?” I said firmly, feeling my blood begin to boil with irritation at his gall.

             
He paused for a moment, “You know what it is that I speak of. I actually find it all compelling that in the many millennia that have passed and among the many other divine warriors and mortal women that you’ve come across, that you seem the most drawn to her. Though I don’t blame you, the main conflict here is the obvious — she’s still human, she will be your enemy soon after her revival, and she won’t even remember you at all in the spiritual realm. Yet, you are still apparently very enamored with, and determined to establish something of meaning with her. Take my advice and leave her alone Cam`ael. We both know that she was chosen for another purpose, none of which are in your favor.” He then said.

My muscles tightened as I gripped the steering wheel even harder to control any…reflexive actions.

I took a deep breath and a moment of pause in thought,

“You know what I find compelling? I don’t think I’m the only one.” I finally retorted.

He narrowed his eyes, examining me in confusion, as to what I was talking about, but I believe he knew.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He replied.

“It means that I have a feeling you’re going to find out just how easy it is to fall from grace if you don’t watch your step.” I then told him.

             
I could see his eyes widen for a moment as he considered my words, and why I was even warning him at all.

“That will never happen.” Drakael flatly replied.

“You know better than to use the word never in vain.” I grinned.

He sighed.

“Let’s not change the subject. I’m sure you will find a way around the rules that you were given, you’re good at that sort of thing. I wouldn’t put it past you, but you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment here and you know it.” He then said.

I laughed then, “And that’s my business! It has nothing to do with you
, so I wonder why you seem so concerned. It doesn’t matter, I’ve lived over a hundred lifetimes of disappointments — a few of my own doing and fault, and many others as part of my punishment. If I can allow myself one ounce or moment of joy where I can find it…I’m going to take it, regardless of the circumstances or consequences.” I smugly replied in the rearview mirror.

He shook his head with an eye roll. I smiled.

“Don’t hate me more than you already do when this turns on you, as it will.” He then said.

“Believe
me; nothing could make me despise you any more than I do now, Drake.” I then said venomously pronouncing his ‘new’ name.

He pursed his lips and sighed disparagingly, “Drive. So much for keeping an inconspicuous profile
, but it doesn’t surprise me that you chose this one,” Drakael then said as he turned to glance out of the window, and then examined the interior of the sports car.

“If anyone drew attention it was you materiali
zing out of nowhere.” I shot back.

             
With that I revved the engine anyway and punched it without warning, purposefully screeching into traffic, and merging with the flow of traffic — heading towards Rahab’s diner.

“What was the purpose in you having lunch with her? You could have healed her easily without even being seen if you were given permission.” I then asked him.

He paused for a moment.

“I have more liberties than you do given the ci
rcumstances. She needed a shoulder so to speak, and it was my duty to comfort her.” He then said.

I was annoyed by that fact though I know what he meant.

“You don’t think that miraculous act was a dead giveaway? And you’re worried about me?” I pointed out.

“Restoration of faith is a common practice in case you have forgotten.” Drakael defended.

I shook my head, “That didn’t mean you had to actually go out with her afterwards and I don’t need you spying on and harassing me.” I then stated, my jaw working when I glimpsed him in the rearview mirror.

“I’m not spying on you. For one who knows there is no purpose of future in something, you seem awfully protective and jealous Cam`ael.” Drakael replied.

“It isn’t jealousy. I’m sorry I must have missed when you told me why you’re bothering me now.” I then said eyeing him in the rearview mirror.

“You know of this musical concert tomorrow and who’s essentially put it together?” Drakael then asked.

“I have more of an idea now than I did when we last spoke, why?” I replied.

“We need you there.” He stated.

“Why? Isn’t that why you guys will be there? Infiltration of something Morning Star is planning, something that has to do with a secret dark divine army perhaps?” I replied.

Drakael was studying me in the
rearview mirror, not saying anything about my assumption, which told me I was right.

“Yeah, I figured it out on my own though I’m not sure why that was such a big secret.” I said.

“Will you be there or not?” Drakael continued ignoring my statement and refusing to confirm what I said.

“Nope.
I have other plans,” I stated, thinking of my date with Star.

Drakael paused for another moment.

“You know that being with her will only make them more aggressive towards her and those in her close circle of acquaintances, right Cam`ael?”

“And I’ll deal swiftly with those then. My only concern is her
, and I’m making sure she won’t be there for starters. Even if I have to remain cloaked, I’m not leaving her out of my sight.” I simply said.

“Cloaked? As if that made a difference before in her being able to see and sense your presence. That does count as interference by the way.” Drakael
chuckled this time.

“No it doesn’t. You said that control over those of my kind were my call
, and that is exactly what I intend to do.” I stated.

“The results of your actions may end up causing more devastation than would have been.” He said.

I laughed at that one, “Then I suggest your side actually steps in for a change beforehand and do some preventative measures before it does. I’m gonna handle this the way I want to. You worry about taking out those dark divine ones like you and the rest of your kin are here to do. I just hope you’re not outnumbered. Don’t look to me to step in and police anyone, weren’t you the one who said I was no longer Chief Angel of all Powers?” I reminded him with sarcasm.

“I don’t expect you to go out of your way to do anything that wasn’t asked of you. Any of our plans are of no business or concern of yours.” He then said turning to look out of the window at the traffic that passed us on the freeway.

“Funny how there is never a hesitation in requesting my help or needing me to do something considered reprehensible to aid your side — even killing, but I am not allowed to know anything else? You trust me enough to ask favors and spy for you, even rescuing these chosen and bringing them to you safely, but not enough to fill me in on plans that involve thwarting Morning Star’s actions; when it’s obvious that despite being fallen, we are on the same side here?” I then said with an agitated raised brow.

Drakael looked at me pointedly and said nothing in response to my stat
ement, probably because he knew damn well that I was right.

“We will never be on the same side.” He replied flatly.

“Then why does your side keep summoning and following me around?” I spat back.

“Because among your brethren, you are a very dangerous, rare,
and highly feared yet venerated demon; being that you can hold both light and dark, and have kept them balanced within you for all this time without abusing it.” Drakael then said.

I eyed him in the rearview mirror and a smile played across my mouth at his words, “Transl
ation, you need me more than I need you. So maybe it’s you who should be showing me a little more respect then. After all of this, find yourself a new informant among the fallen and good luck with that.” I stated and I meant it.

“Considering what you desire, the need goes both ways Cam`ael. Are you telling me or Elohim that?” He raised a brow.

“I don’t owe you a damn thing Drakael so who the hell do you think I’m talking to?” I said with semi-clenched teeth and biting back what I really wanted to say to him personally.