Sins

A story about Angels, Demons, and Magic

Sins

Prologue:

In a world much like our own, the powers of Heaven and Hell roam freely. There is a constant war taking place between them leaving humanities’ existence stuck in the middle. Some of the humans take part in this war either choosing the path of light or evil to follow and fight beside.

In the beginning there was only one. He was called by many names, but in this world he was known as simply “God”. He created his angels to keep him company as well as to help him build his universe and the planets within it. The first of these angels was Nathaniel “The Angel of Fire” and he was the most powerful of all the angels. But God was too ambitious to simply stop there. He decided to take on the task of bringing life to these planets. The first of the planets is known as Earth.

One at a time God created man and watched as they evolved far beyond his expectations. He became so intrigued by the humans and how quickly they could adapt. He taught them how to utilize their spirit to perform magic so that they may hunt, build, and protect themselves. However, there was one angel that disagreed with God’s actions, and his name is Lucifer. Threatened by their existence, he saw humans as nothing more than dirt, and he was truly disgusted by how God was so infatuated by them. As one of the original angels God created, Lucifer constantly tried to urge Nathaniel to help him convince God that the humans were not worthy of their grace, and that they needed to be eradicated. Nathaniel disagreed and warned Lucifer that there would be dire consequences for his actions if he should ever choose to go through with them. But Lucifer ignored Nathaniel’s warning and took all the angels loyal to him and began putting his plan into motion. Foreseeing his ignorance, Nathaniel warned God about Lucifer’s plans. In an attempt to stop Lucifer, a battle took place between the angels loyal to God and Lucifer. In the end Lucifer and his angels fell to Gods might. Appalled by his treachery God banished Lucifer and his angels from heaven and locked them away in their own realm known as Hell. Now known as the Fallen Angels or Demons, Lucifer and his disciples are forbidden to leave their realm and idly plan their escape.

“My lord. We stopped Lucifer’s uprising, yet you still seem troubled?”

“It is true Nathaniel, for I am now realizing my own ignorance.”

Nathaniel looks at God Puzzled.

“Where there is light, there shall also be darkness, and where there is good, evil will always arise. I must let the humans decide for themselves which path they wish to follow.”

“Are you suggesting we leave them to fend for themselves?”

“Yes, but not totally without guidance. You will be their Shepard.”

“Pardon my lord, but I fear that I am not yet ready.”

“No one is truly ready for anything. It is just a matter of rising to the occasion, and I trust you can do so. From this point on I am putting up a barrier between Heaven and Earth just like the one I created for Hell, so that an attack by an angel like Lucifer cannot happen again. Only you may come and go as you please, and no one else. But be warned, while you are on earth, though with great power, you are not invulnerable. Find me those worthy of my grace, but do not turn your back on those who disown it, for they may need it the most.”

And Nathaniel did just that. Convincing the humans, Nathaniel showed them the path of light as well as being a messenger relaying the progress of the humans to God and to also seek guidance. He helped build up a colony which would later become the Kingdom of Genesis. The humans shared news of Nathaniel’s teachings spreading light and goodwill to everyone, but there were those who strayed from the path of light, and some who even sought out evil. As Nathaniel continued his teachings, Lucifer observed from Hell. He began to reach out to those who desired evil gaining power as well as sharing it with his followers. Soon evil began to rise and battle struck out all across the land between the two factions. The light striving to protect humanity while evil sought to destroy it.

As the constant war between the two sides began, other forces made their way to the battlefield. No matter which side you’re on or who you follow, there are certain aspects of the humans and angels’ spirit that simply cannot be purged away, for they are not perfect. No matter how strong the influence or how loyal they are to their beliefs, sin is within everyone. Specifically their Seven Deadly Sins; Wrath, Pride, Greed, Envy, Lust, Sloth, and Gluttony. A consequence of bringing light into this world, darkness had spawned seven Demons not loyal to neither God nor Lucifer. Unlike the Fallen Angels who are misinterpreted as Demons, the Seven Deadly Sins are True Demons created by the shadows cast by the light itself and the embodiment of each sin. They hold great powers rivaling that of any angel, Heaven or Hell. Though aware of their presence from the beginning, their true power and purpose remained a mystery to both God and Lucifer. Because of this they were sought out from both sides, so they took on human forms and lived amongst them. After Millenniums of hiding one demon finally made his way out from the shadows, his name is Wrath. With the power of darkness he was the strongest of all seven demons. Seeking war and destruction he ravaged the land laying waste to everything in his path. Being the only one who can, Nathaniel responds to the call for battle, and descends from Heaven once again to end the demons existence. Once arriving on earth, Nathaniel bears witness to the destruction caused by the demon, and for a moment feels a sensation of emotions as if he were human. It does not take long for Nathaniel to sense the demons rage and track him down. With great white wings outstretched as they wave back and forth, the angel flies over the Demon and begins to speak.

            “So you’re the one responsible for all this senseless violence and destruction. I am the messenger and protector of this world, so I cannot allow you to continue your onslaught.”

            Wrath does not answer with words, but instead lets out a blood thirsty screech as he lunges towards Nathaniel hovering in the air. With a quick strike of his hand Nathaniel sends Wrath flying straight into the ground with a force so strong it creates a crater where the Demon lands, but even he knows that will not be enough to pacify this monster. Blow after blow, the two trade punches and magical attacks in a battle that shook the land itself. Nathaniel’s white flames against the demons black flames.  Hours past as the fight starts to slow. Both sides are weak and prepare for their final attack. The angel and demon conjure up the last of their power to end the battle.  With a ray of light and darkness meeting in the middle, an explosion occurs leaving both the Angel and Demon on their backs. Though he had successfully defeated the demon, Nathaniel knows that the end is nigh for him as well. In a final effort to survive, Wrath uses the last of his strength to make his way to the central city within the Kingdom of Genesis. Unclear of the Demons motives, Nathaniel screams as he uses all of his remaining strength to fly after Wrath. When he finally catches up to him he can see Wrath as he makes his way into a hospital.  It suddenly becomes clear to Nathaniel what the demon is trying to do. He frantically smashes his way through the doors as some people scream in shock. He rushes down the hall following his senses to locate Wraths spirit. “This one!” He smashes the door open to only witness that he is too late. Wrath grins at the angel as his spirit enters the body of a baby. Without the energy to use his flames to exorcise the demon, Nathaniel realizes he has one final option before the child is taken over completely. “I’m sorry my lord, the humans will have to guide themselves from this point on.” He lays a hand on the boy’s small forehead has he allows his spirit to enter the child as well. In doing so, Nathaniel provides balance in the child’s spirit prohibiting Wrath from taking over…for now.

 

Chapter 1: Sixteen Years Later

“Nathan….NATHAN! Do you plan to sleep through the entire lesson?”

Everyone turns to see a boy with well-groomed brown hair randomly spiked in one direction, and hazel colored eyes sit up and let out a yawn.

A roar of laughter fills my ears as I arise from my eternal slumber. “Apologies Professor Grim, but to be fair we all know the history of Kingdom Genesis.”

“Really…then you are aware that this is no mere history lesson? Even to this day, the war between Light and Evil still goes on. Though no big plays have been made by either side in quite a long time, little outbursts can very well lead to something greater. Each student at Lion Heart Academy has a place with the Holy Army, and as the most prestigious of these students it is you who will be the leaders as well as the first response should an attack on the Kingdom or the school ever take place.”

As boring of a speech it is, he is right. We are the ones next in line to take the reins from the current generals and elite squads of the kingdom.

“With all this in mind, think of this less as a history lesson and more of a…mission briefing. Class dismissed.”

As the students make their way out into the hall, Nathan is approached by a boy standing at little more than six feet tall( same height as him) with easily sighted muscles piercing through is skin tight t-shirt and low cut pants. The boy is white in complexion with messy blonde hair and blue eyes.

“You always gotta talk back to Grim huh? Man sometimes I wonder if you just enjoy his lectures.”

Jared, my best friend. We’ve known each other since we were kids. I never had any parents growing up. My Mother died at birth and my Father was said to have never been around. Jared never had a family of his own either, so like me he was adopted by the school at a young age and we have lived here our whole lives.

“I hear all our “friends” may be moving in full time at the Academy today. Should be nice to have some new guests our age around here besides just us don’t yuh think?

 I look at him with a sarcastic smile and a slight chuckle. We’ve known our fellow classmates all our lives as well, since kids with an affinity to use magic are inducted into the academy at such a young age. It is only until they reach the age of sixteen that they are given the chance to take up living quarters at the Academy full time to continue their studies. However, I would not exactly call all of us “friends.” Because of the demon I harbor inside, people have always kept an eye on me, especially my fellow classmates. Some look at me in fear others in hate, and they patiently stand by waiting for me to give them a reason for them to put me down. I suspect the only reason the Academy decided to spare my life is because they hope to use my power considering I also have the spirit of the angel dormant inside me as well.

“It’ll be fine. Most of them know better than to get on your…bad side. Besides that, we’re probably two of the strongest here when it comes to raw power, and you know I always got your back.”

“We shouldn’t assume them so weak. They are students here just like us as well as in the same class, so there has to be a reason for it.”

“I suppose you’re right, but I won’t hold my breath. In the end we’ll see for ourselves in a week when the trials begin.”

The trials are a way for the Teachers to examine our physical as well as magical capabilities. They happen regularly at the beginning of each year and are also what ultimately decides who moves up to the more advanced classes. Along with this, students who move up will also be given the chance to go on real missions as well as be able to take up residents at the Academy full time. Since laws of the Kingdom restrict anyone under the age of sixteen to go on missions, this will be mine and Jared’s first time at the trials; as well as some of our fellow classmates. Even though this will be our first year, there is no doubt that we will all likely get through. The class that we are in is for the “potentials.” We’re basically the most prestigious students at Lion Heart Academy, under the age of sixteen of course. Those of us graduated by the trials will move up to the “Elite” class where we will join other top students who are older than us. The only problem with all this is that to go on missions students must be put into teams that they choose themselves. Naturally I’ve already teamed up with Jared, but we need at least three members to be considered an official team. Hopefully these trials will reveal our final member

Jared lets out a yawn as he throws his hands up in the air. “Aaaallllright! I’ve had enough of class today, what say me and you go get some food? I’m starving.”

As the boys make their way out of the academy they are approached by four other students. A muscular boy same height as them with short spiky silver hair steps up to Jared and Nathan and begins to speak.

“Well if it isn’t Jared Gore and Nathan Black, the orphans of the academy. I hope you boys had a nice 16 years, cuz now that I’m here I AM taking over.”

A girl with a slender athletic build and long straight red hair and green eyes walks up from behind the boy pushing him aside.

“Lay off Alexander”

Alexander Steele. His family is one of the richest in the kingdom, his father being one of the ings counsel man that foresees all the Academics in the schools of Genesis. Because of his father’s position he feels entitled and looks to be the best in ALL the Academies. Overall, your typical rich boy looking to please his father.

“I’m really sorry about that guys, SOMEONE is trying WAY too hard at pulling off the whole “alpha-male” vibe.”

His sister Sarah is a lot more level headed. She’s kind of the black sheep of the family having not following in the tradition of learning Steel Magic. That hasn’t stopped her from being a capable magic user and fighter. She’s just as strong if not more powerful than her slightly older brother. The other two are Jericho and Elizabeth, friends of both Alexander and Sarah. Jericho is tall standing at around six feet seven inches with dark skin, a shaved head, and built like a truck. Elizabeth or “Liz” is short with blue hair evenly cut to her neck. She is often flirtatious and outgoing, and always speaking her mind; while Jericho is more quiet and reserved. Together, all four of them are the only other students from our class that will be taking the trials along with us.

Jared glares at Alexander and back at Sarah letting out a short laugh as he begins to speak.

“Ahh it’s no problem Sarah, we both know how hard it is to keep Alex on his leash”

Alexander’s face begins to boil as he lets out a comment trying his best to keep his anger at bay. “It’s AlexANDER!” He mutters.

“Hah! Whatever you say ALEX! One things for sure, and that’s we’ll all get to see each other’s strength and abilities in a week when the trials begin. Until then I suggest you all prepare, because I won’t go easy.”

As Jared and Nathan begin to turn and walk away, Nathan and Sarah lock eyes and let out a gentle smile to one another.

 

Chapter 2:

The Kingdom of Genesis is said to be where the war between light and darkness was first born. It is a place filled with forests, towns, and mythical creatures. There are four major cities located in each area of the compass as well as a fifth one in the center. This is where the King as well as Lion Heart Academy is located. Because people have always used magic as a tool and energy resource, few technological advances have been made. Buildings resemble that of a neat medieval style, and they are filled with necessities such as running water, wood furniture, and gas fueled lighting and heating. Way of travel mostly consists of walking or by carriage, and sometimes even by train. Though very few, there are some vehicles in the major cities, but it is highly unlikely you’ll see any outside of those.

 As the boys sit down at a local diner to eat, Nathan begins to speak as Jared wolfs down his food like a wild animal.

“There was no need to be so…crude about the trials. I get you have something against every magic user besides me, especially Alexander, but being so blunt isn’t gonna attract new members for our team.”

“That rich a*****e. He thinks he’s entitled to everything. But you’re right as always, I’ll try toning it down next time.”

“…Yeah right.”

The boys let out a chuckle as they grin towards each other.

Jared is the only student at Lion Heart Academy that cannot use magic, he just simply lacks the affinity for it. Normally one who cannot use magic would never be allowed into the Academy, but Jared is one of the few exceptions. In the past, rather than waste his time learning magic like everyone else, he focused more on the basics. He uses his spirit to amplify his physical abilities making him much stronger and faster than the average human. This is a technic that all students at the academy learn at a very young age seeing as how it is a stepping stone into learning how to conduct magic itself. The difference is Jared has spent years developing this technic reaching unimaginable levels of power and speed. Pair this with his naturally strong body and spirit, and now he is one of the top students at the Academy when it comes to power. But even though very few can manage to hold their own against him, much less beat him; he still harbors some resentment at the fact that he cannot learn magic like everyone else. Because of this Jared always pushes himself to be better. No matter how much power he gains, it will never be enough.

As the boys make their way out of the diner, a stranger lingers from afar keeping a close eye on them. Nathan stops dead in his tracks to look over only to see that the stranger is gone.

“What’s wrong? You see something?”

There is a long pause before Nathan answers, “No… but something is definitely out there.”

“Probably just other students trying to check out the competition.” Jared laughs and throws his hands behind his head. “I mean you know we have huge targets on our a*s, especially you my friend.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go, we got training to do.

 

Chapter 3: Elsewhere back at the Academy, Alexander and Sarah’s team finish up training in preparation for the trials. Sarah, glistening with sweat, lets out a sigh as she begins to speak.

“Alright! I think that’s enough for today.”

Alexander looks at Sarah in shock as he reaches for his towel. “We can’t call it quits now! We have to push ourselves if we want to make an impression on the professors and headmaster tomorrow!”

Sarah rolls her eyes as if she saw this debate coming. “We’ve been training for hours. If we push ourselves too hard we may be doing more harm than good to our bodies.”

Alexander shakes his head as he glances at the floor. “Look more than likely one of us will be paired with either Gore or Black. The professors use our stats from last year to pair us with our opponents in this year’s trials. From what I remember we were all in the top so it’s pretty much inevitable at this point, and as much as I hate to admit it…they are strong.”

The whole group stare back and forth at each other until Sarah finally says something.

“We’ll be ready, but not if we don’t take care of ourselves. We’ll meet back here same time tomorrow to continue our training.”

“Pff. Fine, whatever.”

“One more thing, stop calling him that; his name is Nathan Heart not Blackheart or Black.”

“He adopted the name himself?”

“Only because you and the others wouldn’t stop beating it into his head ever sense what happened two years ago.”

A long silence fills the room as everyone takes the time to remember the events of what happened that day. Their eyes fill up with terror and their faces turn white as if to be traumatized. After what seemed like forever, Alexander kills the silence.

“…So what? He showed us what he really is that day. A Demon. Whether you like or not we all witnessed it, and it changed us just as much as it changed him. We’ll meet back here tomorrow for training.”

 

Chapter 4:

As students everywhere continue to prepare for the trials, a slim white man with long styled grey hair spiked to the side, stands on a building overlooking the Academy. As he looks out upon the students, he is approached by a shadowy figure who begins to speak.

“The trials will begin soon. Is our boy ready?”

“Oh I wouldn’t worry about it. He grows stronger each day.”

“I don’t doubt the boys powerful, but we need to see just exactly how powerful he really is. If he is to be ready for what we have planned we need to know how far along he is.”

“I understand and he will be ready. I have paired him with a powerful opponent, he has no chance of winning unless he is to put forth his true effort into his match.”

“Good, see to it then, but do not push him too much too fast; the last thing we need is another… incident.”

The man with grey hair looks to the shadowy figure with a stern expressionless face. “Exactly, which is why I am the one that will train him, and why you will stay out of it this time. Just keep your distance for now, when the time is right I will let you know and we will act accordingly.”

“See that you do. I will be watching.” With a gust of wind, the shadowy figure disappears leaving the man alone in silence.

 

Chapter 5:

 It has been a week since the first day of the New Year at Lion Heart Academy. Everyone participating in this year’s trials heads to the Academy’s stadium where they await for their instructors and professors to arrive. The stadium is designed specifically for combat and mimics the looks of a scaled down coliseum. Along with ten feet high stone walls, the coliseum is surrounded by protection magic allowing the students and teachers to observe the combatants while staying protected. Students and other participants meet up in the middle of the arena until the Headmaster arrives. He and the other teachers sit in their own balcony separated from the students as well as sitting a little higher than them.  As Nathan and Jared walk in, all eyes glance over as silence covers the room. Looking to ease the tension, Jared begins to make a comment as he casually strolls by with his hands behind his head.

“Ah good! I guess this means you all know who the REAL competition is.”

The boys walk over to the nearest wall as a crowd of student’s part to allow them passage.

I can feel their eyes piercing through my back, but I don’t dare look up for their sake, not mine. This isn’t anything new for me. It’s a mixture of fear and excitement. Some students hope that they don’t have to face me as their opponent while others pray they do. Those who want to go against me either want to prove themselves, or hate me, and for some it is a little bit of both. As for me, I could care less who I go up against, I just plan on winning. I have no real drive other than to retain my position at the Academy as a student of the “Elite” class. Being a part of this class means I have a better chance of getting higher up in the ranks once we graduate and work for the Kingdom. Maybe then I could find out more information about me, my parents, and these spirits locked away inside mine. But I can’t access that kind of information as a mere soldier, I have to at least get into the second section of the military. To put it simply, the Kingdoms military is split up into three sections. The lowest of the three are the soldiers. They consist of both magic and non-magic users and handle everything from upholding the law and keeping the peace to being on the frontlines of the wars against demons or invading forces alike. This is where a majority of the Academy’s students will be placed upon graduation. The next are the Elite. These mostly consist of magic users and are usually the top in their class. In this section there are many different groups such as the council men, which is what Alexander’s Father is a part of. There is also the Generals who oversee the soldiers, and the Knights who handle the most difficult missions. The last section is the most exclusive obtaining no more than twelve members at any given point in time. They are the Twelve Apostles. These individuals are given the title as the strongest magic users in the Kingdom of Genesis. It is said that they are so powerful that they can only be allowed to enter the battlefield under the direst circumstances. Though they are loyal to the Kingdom and its people, some only come when they are needed. They are scattered all across Genesis either in hiding or working full time for the kingdom. I only know one, which is Headmaster Bishop. He is the overseer and leader of this Academy, and he practically raised Jared and I from when we were adopted at such a young age by the school. Though I’ve known him for years, I know very little about his magical abilities. He’s a tall, dark, muscular man with a stern face, and a shiny balled head. His voice is low and rugged, and sounds like thunder every time he speaks. His hands are more than six inches in diameter yet perfectly proportional with the rest of his body. Standing at seven feet tall and weighing over three hundred pounds, he is by far the most intimidating man I have ever met. With that being said, he’s also very kind and honest, and always tries to see the good in people and guide them to the light. Maybe that’s why I’m still around.

Eyes quickly diverge from Nathan and Jared as the sound of a great door opens above. Onto the Balcony walks in the teachers including Professor Grim and Headmaster Bishop. Jared’s laid back wisecrack attitude quickly shifts to a more serious tone as he pats Nathan on the shoulder.

“Here we go. It’s time to show everyone here what us orphans can do.”

I can see in his eyes that Jared is ready, but rather than be nervous he seems more relaxed…as am I.

Silence once again blankets the room as all the students mindfully listen to what Headmaster Bishop is about to say.

“Hello students, it is honor for us as your teachers to be able to witness you partake in this year’s trials. As you know, this will allow us to gage your knowledge and skill in battle. In doing so, we will be able to decide who is ready for actual missions and advanced training. As always there is no quota of students we have to pass. To put it simply, only those who seem capable will move up, and those who are not will have to try again next year. Keep in mind that just because you may lose your match against your opponent that does not mean that you won’t necessarily get in. We are looking at each of you individually during your fights, so leave everything on the battlefield and do not hold back. If things seem to be getting out of hand one of the instructors will step in to halt the fight. Are there any questions?”

Once again the room is filled with silence

“Alright then. Students make your way to the stands as we prepare to call your names for your matches.”

As I am walking to the stands I notice a boy I’ve never seen before. He has long black hair almost draping over his eyes which are covered by black rimmed, square glasses. He seems a little shorter than I, but is so scrawny in comparison to all the other boys. An awkward moment appears as he begins to make eye contact almost as if he sensed me intruding. No words are said as I continue to stare, instead he keeps walking, hunched over and hands in his pockets.

Though a majority of the one hundred people here are from the Academy, there are some who are not. Many of them have been here before and are trying desperately to pass the trials to become a real soldier of the Kingdom. Because of this there are people of all ages here, and a few have never even received formal training from the academy at all. Even so almost all of them are from the city, but I’m sure there are exceptions.

            Names begin to get called and the battles start. Cheering roars across the stands as the fights rumble the stadium. It is amazing to see all the different types of magic there are, and how people use them when fighting. One student practiced volcano magic and turned a segment of the stadium floor into lava. The instructors of course had to intervene before his opponent was killed, but luckily for all of us that this protection field magic is one of the strongest in the Kingdom. The matches have a time limit of about five minutes so that we’re not here all day. You don’t have to beat your opponent to win, but it obviously strengthens your chances to pass, but even if that is the case most people have the mindset of destroying whoever is in front of them.

Author's Note

This is a VERY rough draft. I was mostly just looking to get the ideas down. It stops abruptly, but this is not intentional.