Black and White

The A-men: Furnace

Black and White

Genesis 1:4

God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

 

           

 

Washington D.C.

                Gabriel could not get over what he had just witnessed. Goliath a demon had just saved him an angel. Nothing about that situation made any sort of sense. He knew that he needed to get answers and he needed them now. He approached the giant who was still holding the heart in his hand. Gabriel was trying not to be scared. He absolutely hated how unnecessarily brutal the demons were. At the very least, Goliath could get rid of the internal organ. “I must be seeing things because we are definitely not on the same side.” Gabriel said.

                Goliath laughed. “You’re right angel we are not on the same side. However I hate these things as much if not more than you do. So it was only natural that I would take the opportunity to crush it.”

“That isn’t very nice Goliath. You shouldn’t hate yourself so much.” Gabriel retorted. He was proud of himself for such a clever response. It was rather human of him.

Goliath punched him and he hit the ground hard. “You must think you are pretty funny. Don’t confuse the two things angel filth. In your weakened state I could kill you effortlessly so I would watch what you say.” Goliath took a bite out of the heart. “Things are different now in the world. Satan got the Earth already. He’s enjoying his seven years. Now I am enjoying mine. I have to spend eternity with these miscreants so I would like to get all of my anger out on them now.”

Gabriel got back up. “Do you expect me to believe that?” Gabriel drew one of his arrows. “I have watched you serve Satan faithfully for millennia. I hope you don’t expect me to change my mind now just because you are putting on this act do you?”

Serene was up on her feet and standing in front of Gabriel within mere moments of hearing what he had to say. She placed a hand on his shoulder which he took as an indication not to advance with his obvious hostile attempt. “This isn’t the first time we have seen him Gabriel. He has proven to be quite useful in the past.”

“Don’t you know who this is Serene? Do you have any idea who this is? You must not know who this is! Can’t you see who this is!?” Gabriel aimed his arrow at Goliath’s neck.

“Yes I know exactly who it is. Everyone in the world who has ever been involved with this war knows who he is. I don’t like it but I can’t deny that he has gotten us out of a few messes in the past.” Serene lowered Gabriel’s bow.

Gabriel felt a little insulted. When had the world become so backwards that it was ok for a human to show signs of superiority towards the celestial beings? Part of him wanted to smack Serene with his bow but his humble side won out. All that was important at this time was what he left the comfort of their base for.

“How did you even survive Goliath? You were killed by Aban and I was right there to see it.” Gabriel looked scrutinized him.

“Sometimes things are not as they appear. You underestimate the power of deception; maybe you should pay closer attention in the future, assuming you have a future.”

“Is this really a time to bring up the past? We have more important things to deal with right now.” Serene pushed Gabriel backed.

“Explain to me why Goliath would ever help us.”  Then Gabriel took aim again.

Goliath walked up to him. No matter how many times this happened Gabriel would never get used to how much the giant towered over him. “Let me make one thing clear angel boy. I do not save you because I have some desire to relive the days we once served on the same side, you annoyed me then anyway. I only save you because the second all of this ends, that is when my last bit of freedom disappears. I intend to avoid that hellhole for as long as I can.” Goliath clenched his fist. This was usually his threat toward those lesser than him.

Gabriel refused to be afraid. “If that is truly your view of things then fine but let me get one thing clear as well you miserable muck. I live and breathe in the presence of the creator of the universe itself. I go through every moment of everyday knowing that even if grunts like you come through and send me home that it is not the beginning of my imprisonment; it is the beginning of my reward. So while the human may be desperate enough to accept your charity, don’t ever think that I need any help from you and don’t ever think that I will come seeking it. In fact you should watch your back. If I get the chance, your small amount of freedom will be stripped away.” Gabriel eased up. He placed the arrow back in his quiver.

Serene looked on with confusion. She wasn’t sure if what Gabriel said meant that Goliath was going to be allowed to come with them or not. She just went about her business and tried to stay focused on the task at hand. “So Gabriel now that we are clear of the enemy for now, I think we should go find Emma.” She said.

“The only way I would even think about bringing him along is if he was hand tied and leg tied.” Gabriel said.

“Keep talking. I’m not a prisoner.” Goliath responded.

Gabriel looked at Goliath again. He wasn’t at all interested in letting him come along. Unfortunately there was no time for trouble. He decided that he would follow Serene to follow Emma and once he could ensure her safety, he was going to go back to Wisdom Woman and tell her what was going on. “Fine I’ll play along for now but there is no way I trust that behemoth.” Then Gabriel, Serene and Goliath were on their way.    

If you’ve ever sat next to someone that you are not too fond of, then you have most likely experienced about a tenth of what Gabriel and Goliath were going through. The two of them had a hatred for each other that could never be understood fully. Gabriel thought back to the days in Heaven every time he looked at the giant. They hadn’t met back then but Gabriel had met one of Goliath’s old friends. When the angel found out that someone he cared for had been hurt as a result of Goliath’s betrayal, he knew that he would never be able to enjoy his presence again.

Goliath hated Gabriel for more selfish reasons. Gabriel used to be such a pushover and couldn’t be found when the fighting started. Goliath was sure that Gabriel would have turned if Lucifer had approached him before things changed. Goliath was simply angry that Gabriel had Heaven to go back to and that he had only torment waiting for him. He would never show it in any way, but Goliath regretted the choice he made as every demon did. 

It didn’t take long for them to locate the person they were looking for. Gabriel noticed her first hiding in a corner. Upon looking at her he became surprised. She had obviously grown up a lot. The young bubbly child that he had met once had become a warrior just like himself. He noticed that she looked frightened. Unlike Serene, Emma didn’t wear a mask so her identity and her emotions were clearly present. Serene took his hand and pointed. Gabriel saw exactly what Serene was talking about. A horde of demons were walking and engaging in a seek and destroy mission.

Goliath clenched his fist as he was ready to crush more monsters.  Gabriel shot him a dirty look letting him know that they were not going to act. Goliath in turn responded by punching him. Gabriel reacted noisily and the demons heard it. It took them all of three seconds to find Goliath and the angel. They all drew their weapons quickly and growled. Goliath looked unafraid. He knew that his strength alone would be enough to deal with the fools standing in front of him. Gabriel stumbled to his feet and pulled his bow back. Serene held in her hands four projectiles.

“It looks like it’s our lucky day. We can feast on human and angel meat, how delicious.” One of the demons said.

                “And the traitor is with them. We can bring him in as well.” Another answered. “Tonight we get to feast like kings!”

                Goliath shoved Serene and Gabriel out of his way. “Do I look like a prisoner to you?” He knocked the first demon over and crushed his throat under his foot. The second one he grabbed by the face and squished it like a grape. Blood splattered on his hand “I love that kill.” The other six demons charged him at once. As he was about to kill the rest of them (as he no doubt would have) Emma came from the shadows. She was sporting a nice axe and she was quite acrobatic. She violently yet somehow gracefully flipped and skipped and dodged and killed. The rest of the demons were dead in seconds. Gabriel was starting to get tired of all of the surprises.

                “Those were some pretty nice moves Emma. Where did you learn those?” Gabriel asked.

                Emma looked at Gabriel as if he were some distant ambiguous serial killer. “Have we ever met before?” Her axe was gripped firmly and she approached slowly.

                “Actually I don’t think we ever formally met. I am Gabriel. I worked with Rex.”

                Emma tackled Gabriel to the ground. She put the axe to his neck. “Do you think this is a game!? I saw you with the brute. I’m no idiot. How dare you speak of my brother like that? I’ll kill you here demon!”

                Goliath looked on with glee. He couldn’t help but appreciate the irony of the situation that Gabriel was in at this moment. It would have been simple to pull Emma off of the angel but he didn’t feel like saving him twice in one day. Plus Serene was still alive and well so his fun wouldn’t quite be over yet even if Gabriel didn’t make it.

                “Emma calm down. I’m not a demon. I’m an angel, I’m not a threat. I didn’t want Goliath to come along but Serene allowed it.” Gabriel felt the struggle become easier instantly. Before he knew it, Emma was no longer on top of him. She sheathed her weapon and helped him up.

“Serene are you serious?” Emma asked.

Serene was just now walking over to the situation. “He’s been useful to us in the past and you know that. We would be fools to not accept the help that he is offering.”

 “Woman we’re fools now! There is never a situation desperate enough for a demon to want to help its enemy and there is never a time desperate enough for an angel or human to accept such help. Those like Gabriel are the good guys. Goliath is the bad guy and it is that simple.”

“Emma, in these times we can barely think about walking on the street without running the risk of being killed. Goliath has been the reason we have survived all of this time.” Serene said. Goliath turned his back. He didn’t want to be credited for anything involving her, even if it was true.

“Listen to what you are saying Serene. Goliath isn’t the reason we have survived. We are alive because God allowed it. And if we lived because of Goliath then I would rather be dead. We can never be allies. What do you think Wisdom Woman would say?” Emma said.

“We don’t have to be allies. We just have to play the advantages that this situation allows. Think of all the places we can go now that we could never go before simply because we can’t get out of the city right now. With demons patrolling the streets, we could use someone on the inside. I’m sure Wisdom would understand if she knew.” Serene was all into what she was saying.

“Is that really what you think Goliath is? He isn’t someone on the inside. He is someone who is counting on naivety such as yours to move his own schemes along. He’ll probably stab you in the back the first chance he gets. Or in his case he’ll just punch you in the back. That should be enough. You know that there is no reason to leave the city anyway. The trials are not going to be stopped early. We just have to wait it out for the next year.” Emma walked up to Goliath. “Hear that Goliath? You have one year at the most before everything is downhill for you. She might be dumb enough to fall for your ploy but I’m not. So if I were you, I wouldn’t do anything that could cut that year short.”

Goliath spat in her face, “I’ve received many threats child. I can make quick work of you just like I did your brother!” He started to laugh.

Gabriel saw the anger swelling up inside Emma. He knew that she was about to retaliate and if she did that, he wasn’t sure what her chances against Goliath were. He rushed over to her and grabbed her hands. “Don’t react rashly Emma. It is what he wants.” When Emma tackled Gabriel it caught him off guard which is why he had trouble overpowering her at first. But since he was the one holding her, he had no trouble. After a few moments she gave up trying to overpower him.

“Emma you need to stop. What happened to him? What happened to Rex?”

Emma’s eyes filled with tears. It took her a moment to gain her composure so that she could fill the angel in. “It wasn’t long after the merger of the worlds occurred. Once the demons invaded, all of the A-men decided that they needed to come to the world’s aid. They knew they were vastly outnumbered without the full angel attack force but they fought anyway. I was young and weak back then and Rex knew that there was no way I would be able to survive so he came to find me. If he had been a few seconds later I would have been killed. It was the first time I had actually seen the demons of Hell. That whole Halloween experience when I was younger was nothing in comparison to the fear I felt then. But my brother took my fear away. Even in the midst of what was happening I still found myself engaged in watching him fight and to know that he was fighting for me. He picked me up and carried me outside where our father and Serene were waiting for us in a pickup. I was placed in the front with dad while Rex and Serene stayed in the back to fight off the horde. There were way too many for them to handle but that turned out to be the least of our troubles. The small band of angels helped them stay alive but it was clear that they weren’t going to last much longer. I had never seen so much death in my life. Somehow we made it all the way to Washington D.C., but as we found out; things were only worse here. Rex started instructing dad on the specific instructions to wherever it was we were going. I remember him saying that we were about five minutes away and that’s when things went really bad. I didn’t even see it coming but the truck was rammed from the left. If it had been on my side then I would have died before. My body turned into a rag doll as I was tossed around in the large vehicle that was senselessly spinning out of control. I looked over and saw that my dad wasn’t moving. There was so much blood and I couldn’t tell if it was mine or his. I was so shook up but Serene was able to pull me out. That was the first time I had ever seen Goliath.”

“And what was your first thought when you saw this beautiful face?” Goliath asked sarcastically.

Emma flipped him off. “It turns out that the crash killed my father and I could tell just by looking at the giant that there was no remorse inside of him. Rex limped over to Serene and told her the exact location of the place we had been trying to get to. He said that he would join us later after he dealt with the monster. I know now that he only said that to reassure me. He knew that this was going to be the end of him. I wish I had known. Even if there was nothing I could have done to help him, I would have stayed just to make sure that he didn’t have to face this dreadful being alone. Serene grabbed my hand and started to run in the other direction. I found out once we got there that they were trying to reach the base that we would spend the next five years hiding in. Days passed and I did not hear from my brother. As a thirteen year old I couldn’t count the reasons why I would not have wanted to accept what his absence most likely meant. Before I knew it, weeks were gone then months, and finally an entire year had eluded me and Rex had not returned. That was when I came to terms with his fate. Serene spent the next three years training me. The very first time I had ever gone out on a mission with her, I met up with Goliath again. He had no problem admitting that he had indeed killed my brother. He didn’t kill us probably for the same reason he claims that he let you live. That is why I can’t sit by and let him come with us because not only is he the very enemy we fear, he is my family’s murderer!”

“Well technically my dear, I didn’t kill your mother. Someone else was responsible for that tramp’s death.” Goliath smiled and slapped his knee.

Gabriel didn’t usually let his feelings overcome his judgment but the brute had gone too far this time. Emma wasn’t going to have to react this time; Gabriel had beaten her to it. It didn’t matter what Serene said, Goliath had to go. “That’s it Goliath I’ve had enough of you. You get out of here now or else!”

Goliath considered the choice for a moment. “Hm I can honestly say that I haven’t had anything close to a challenge for quite a while. I may be cutting my time away from Hell short by killing you but I can’t resist the urge. I choose or else.”

Gabriel didn’t need to hear anything else. He approached Goliath and punched him twice. Then he swung his bow around Goliath’s neck and pulled back. The demon would have hit the ground but Gabriel followed with a knee to the back and then an additional kick. Goliath fell over from the force. Most attacks from his enemies didn’t have the strength to knock him over. Gabriel knew that the fight wouldn’t end so easily. He drew an arrow and prepared himself.

Goliath dashed at the angel. Gabriel shot arrow after arrow to defend himself as best as he could. Goliath knocked most of them away like they were worthless but two of them stuck in his arms. It hurt him ever so slightly but it wasn’t nearly enough to stop him from moving. If Gabriel hadn’t tried to use his projectiles, then he would have had time to move out of the way. Unfortunately the grueling train that was in front of him tackled him, actually the giant really ran him over. Goliath grabbed his face and shoved it further into the dirt.

“Yeah eat every bit of that angel boy. It’s about all you’re worth anyway.”

The insult just added to the many things Gabriel had to be upset at him about. He pushed off of Goliath then punched him as he got up. Goliath responded by attempting to spin kick the angel. Gabriel was fast enough to dodge it but he was completely left open for the quick second kick Goliath had waited. This one connected with Gabriel’s jaw and he hit the ground. Usually Gabriel could take this punishment but he was particularly weak right now. He forced himself to get back on his feet.

“I’m a little disappointed Goliath. I thought for sure you would be more of a challenge. Now I’m wondering if it was even worth fighting you.” Gabriel punched Goliath repeatedly in the gut and started to push him back. The fiend could profess to feeling a little bit of pain. After a few more consecutive blows, Goliath had enough. He delivered an uppercut that but Gabriel in the air. Then Goliath jumped up to meet him and punched him again. Gabriel fell like a meteor back to the Earth.

“Is that enough of a challenge for you?” Goliath taunted. Gabriel was laying still. “I guess so. I’ll just let you think about your actions for a while. Maybe you’ll be alive when we get back but I doubt it.” Goliath turned his back and walked away.

Gabriel was on his feet yet again. He thought about using an arrow but it was very possible that Goliath would hear it and avoid it. Gabriel instead scuttled in Goliath’s direction ready for more up close action. “It’s time to end this.” Gabriel said as he jumped in the air. It proved to be a shaky idea.

“I agree. I grow tired of fighting you anyway.” Goliath caught Gabriel in the air and slammed him on his back. The impact caused a small crater. “Now all that’s left to do is make sure you don’t get back up.” Goliath took him by the throat and clenched his fist. He pulled his arm back and was mere seconds away from ending everything when Serene stepped in. With her left hand she attempted to block the finisher that was heading Gabriel’s way. She was able to stop it but the bones in her hand were shattered. It took everything she had to stay silent but she didn’t want Goliath to know that he had gotten the best of her.

“That’s enough you two. We don’t have time for this squabble. You can kill each other after we do what we need to do.” Serene picked Gabriel up (which caused her extreme pain) and then pulled a small black circular object from her waist.

Goliath made a comment about how she was in no position to question them while he prepared to slaughter both of them. Serene threw the object on the ground which emitted a bright light that lasted all of one second. It was enough however for Serene to disappear. Goliath looked around and finally found her next to Emma with the angel. “Not that stupid trick again.” He said to himself.

Emma had seen the entire exchange and was sure that this only reaffirmed what she was thinking. “See this is exactly why we don’t need a blood thirsty demon following us around. He doesn’t care at all about us.”

Serene looked at her broken hand and then at Gabriel who was standing on his own now. “You’re right her doesn’t. But look at the damage he can do when he wants to. We could use him for this final confrontation. It’s the only way the three of us are going to stand a chance.”

Emma had an entire list of things that could go wrong; nonetheless she was tired of arguing. She just wanted to move out of this dreary place. “I’m pretty sure the darkness was separated from the light for a reason but fine, let the fool come along.” Emma addressed Gabriel. “How could you have possibly survived so many years watching humanity descend further into darkness?”

“It wasn’t easy. After the war we thought that everything was going to be fine. Once Earth came along however the demons struck back. I guess I was naïve enough to believe that your creation would be enough to resist the powers of temptation and darkness. Even angels were duped by Satan’s talk so of course the humans would be swayed the same way. It’s all of the people like the Pharaoh and Herod, Judas, Hitler, Stalin, Osama, and all of the other evil people humanity has pumped out that makes me want to return home. Sometimes I get the feeling that none of you are worth saving.”

Emma wanted to feel insulted but she couldn’t. His point was perfectly valid. Humanity had brought about plenty of people that gave their species a bad name. Even she had done plenty of things wrong in her life. Then another question entered her mind. “Then what is your reason for fighting for us? This has to be crap to you. Why not just got back to your home?”

“Every story has two sides. Sure there have been Pharaoh’s of the world but there have also been Moses’. There have been Herod’s and there have been Solomon’s. I’ve the seen the people that make me wish I had the power to flood this planet twenty times over. I’ve also seen the people that are worth fighting for. I’ve seen those that I would take on dangers for. I’ve experienced sadness in failing them.”

Emma was surprised by what he said. “But you’re an angel. I thought you all didn’t fail.”

Gabriel looked away. He was thinking about the mission that still haunted his memories. “I wish that were true. We have a lot of power but even we are not God. I have failed before and it is not a good feeling.”

Serene interrupted the conversation. “Not that I don’t care about whatever it is you are talking about but we do have other things that need to be done. Gabriel needs to get out of this and the only way that will happen is if he sees what he is supposed to see. Now that we have found you Emma we should focus on what that is.” Serene thought about what Wisdom Woman had told her. If Goliath showed up, she was supposed to tell her about it. Doing so would only make her tell Serene how wrong she was for letting Goliath hang around. Then again it was a direct order. “We need to move forward. I just don’t know what to do.” Then she heard a voice in her head. ‘You could do what you were supposed to do.’ Serene ignored the thought.

Goliath chimed in at this point. “I think it is pretty clear that whatever Gabriel is looking for is not in this run down city. If you want answers, you must consult the one who controls the world. We need to get him to the citadel.”

“There is no we Goliath! There is us and you. I can get whatever it is I need without your help.” Gabriel said.

“Be my guest. However the citadel is the most heavily fortified station currently. You’ll need someone who can get you in.” Goliath responded.

“Joining up with evil to defeat evil is still evil. I will always stay true to my God.” Then Gabriel felt something. He retrieved the golden stone that he had been hiding in his quiver. It was glowing faintly. Goliath caught it with the corner of his eye.

“So one remained? I don’t believe it. I was quite certain that she had destroyed them all. Then that must mean that she still lives.” Goliath said. He starred at the stone and twitched his fingers.

Gabriel could tell what he was thinking just from his awkward position. “Don’t even think about it Goliath. This is not for you and I don’t plan on letting you get anywhere near it.”

“Don’t pretend that you are so special.” Goliath began. “I have known about these since Wisdom Woman first came to be. Do you really think that because you have one that you are important? She only has you holding on to this because she is afraid of what my finding it means. She is scared to face me. Now it all makes sense.”

Gabriel quickly drew his arrow. “You have to right to talk about fear especially with her. While she did what she could to keep the angels in line, you ran off in fear of the enemy’s advances. So don’t try and speak as though you are so big and bad. Wisdom is more than you will ever be!”

Goliath grew furious. “You think her greater than me? You think her superior!? I will show you superior! I will crush her and I will make you watch!” Goliath pushed Gabriel out of the way and then shouted to the sky. “COME AND FACE ME WISDOM WOMAN! DO YOU HEAR ME!? COME AND FACE ME!!!” There was silence. Nothing occurred and no one moved. After standing idle for a while Goliath was satisfied. “See you fool? Wisdom Woman is nothing special. She is just a coward.” Then Goliath looked at Serene and Emma. “I’m leaving now. The citadel is waiting and my fists grow hungry for more blood. Are you whelps coming or not?”

Serene stood beside him in agreement. She could see the disappointed looks on her teammate’s faces. “I know that this isn’t the best strategy but we have a chance now. We can end this once and for all. It’s not like he thinks he is going to share in our reward. We just need him to get in and then we are fine.

“How many times does one of us have to say it Serene?” Gabriel asked. “Goliath is not an asset and we cannot treat him as such. I realize that there is something I am supposed to do but I will not do anything if he is to be a part of it.”

“You don’t know what it is like Gabriel. Every day I have to wonder if this is the day I am going to die. Every day I have to face the horrors over and over again. Every day I have to wonder if I could have helped prevent them, and every day I have to remember that I was once a part of them. You don’t know the pain I feel. You don’t know the desperation. I’ll turn to anything that might help end all of this. I have been fighting this war for five years and I’m tired of it.”

“You speak to me about being tired? You have been fighting for five years; I have been fighting for five thousand. How could you think that I don’t know the horrors of this war? I am constantly taking up arms against those who used to be my brothers. I have long grown tired of this war. If you want to storm the castle with Goliath by your side as if he is an old friend, be my guest. However you will be doing this alone. I would rather die.” Gabriel turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” Serene asked.

“I need to be in the presence of those who can actually think.” Gabriel started to walk away. It didn’t take long before Emma chased after him. Upon reaching him, she started to beg.

“Please let me come with you. I know Serene is my partner and everything but I can’t fight with Goliath. He is pure evil.” She hugged him as if the very idea frightened her.

“I don’t blame you Emma but I don’t trust Goliath anymore than you do. I can’t honestly leave her alone with him. I need you to go with them and watch Goliath’s every move. I’ll be joining you soon as soon as I go retrieve someone.” Gabriel said.

“Do you really think she is going to come out after all this time?” Emma asked.

“I am certain that she will want to have word with Serene since she can’t seem to get her head right. I would stay with him myself but I feel better knowing that the more experienced of us is the one patrolling the streets alone.” Gabriel responded.

“Alright Gabriel, just remember that if Goliath does decide to turn on us, we won’t stand a chance against his brute strength without you.”

“I will return as quickly as I can Emma.” Gabriel turned and walked away.

Goliath walked up behind Emma. His height once again intimidated her. “Are you coming or not? I’d rather not wait for you anymore.”

Emma reluctantly left with the giant and Serene. The three of them were the most unlikely team ever. Serene didn’t like the arrangement but she was willing to accept it for the greater good. Emma was completely against the idea and she wanted to smack Serene for even considering such a thing. It angered her but she had to accept it if for nothing else that Gabriel was coming back. She looked at him with scorn.

“So where is this citadel Goliath?” Emma asked.

“Weren’t you apart of this when things went to Hell? Shouldn’t you know where it is?” He asked.

“Listen creep; tell me what I asked you now!” Emma’s voice was stern and probably would have scared anyone else. Unfortunately Goliath was well…Goliath.

“Who do you think you are?” Goliath asked as he lifted Emma off the ground effortlessly. “You have nothing you can possibly scare me with.”

Serene rushed to Emma’s aid. “Calm down Goliath. Emma the citadel is in Wyoming. Let’s just go, we won’t stand a chance if we aren’t all fighting together.”

Emma thought to herself. ‘With the allies you choose Serene, we don’t have a chance period.’ Then she spoke out loud. “How are we supposed to get all the way to Wyoming?” She asked.

Goliath laughed to himself. “What makes you think that I have lost all of my resources? I can get us there in mere hours.” Then he made a weird whistle like sound with his mouth. Soon after another large flying beast appeared. It resembled Grotesque except that it was slightly smaller. Once it landed Goliath jumped on. “Let’s go worms; we’re wasting time as it is.”

Emma and Serene got on as well. Emma hated every moment as she had already reiterated several times. “I still think you are a fool Serene.”

“I think you are both fools.” Goliath said. Then he commanded the beast to fly off and it did. Soon the three of them would begin the biggest battle of their existence.

 

Wisdom’s Domain

                Gabriel had to fight quite a few demons to get back to the base. He had to run in circles a few times because there were too many demons for him to go in. They would have found him. Once he confirmed that there were no more following him he retreated back to his safe haven. He would have relied on his senses but since Earth was basically Hell now, they were not accurate enough. He failed to notice the one demon that had kept its distance but was still watching him closely. Once he got back he mimicked everything Serene had done. He used the blood he had gotten on his hands to cover the board. He climbed down the latter and opened the door. Upon his return the people starred at him silently. Then one brave soul came to ask him about Serene and Tranquility. He decided that he needed to avoid panic. He lied and said that they had decided to stay out together in pursuit of one of the major demon generals. The real news had to be given to Wisdom Woman.

                He found the second door and pulled the handle. Once he was inside he drank from the cup and Wisdom soon returned. Her expression told Gabriel that she knew enough about whatever he was about to tell her. She looked away in disappointment for a moment. Then she finally said something. “I’m assuming Serene did not do as I asked.” She said.

                “Did you know it was going to happen that way?” Gabriel asked.

                “I had my suspicions she would do something like that. I know she tried to keep it a secret but that doesn’t really happen when I’m your teammate. This is a very dangerous game she is playing. Goliath is never going to be on our side. So where exactly did they go?” Wisdom asked.

                “Goliath said that there was something in the citadel. They are going to invade Satan’s fortress. I’m not sure if they can survive.” Gabriel said.

                “They most definitely will not survive. We were supposed to wait out the seven years not try to end them early.” Then Wisdom heard a faint growl. She looked upward and then looked at Gabriel again. “Were you followed when you came here?”

                Gabriel thought back to how carefully he had attempted to return. “I don’t think so. But there are so many of them. It is possible that they caught on to me.” He said apologetically.

                “It isn’t your fault. I knew that leaving too often would eventually lead to this. They are right outside and they are preparing to attack. We must warn all of the people out there. I do not believe that a peaceful end awaits them to be perfectly honest.” She said.

                Gabriel followed as Wisdom walked out of her room. When she saw all of the people that had been safe for the past six years, she became a little upset. It was going to be difficult but she knew she had to say what she needed to say. Gabriel saw her and helped get everyone’s attention. It didn’t take much though. None of them had seen Wisdom Woman in a long time so her sudden presence was enough for them all to be silent. She looked at everyone and then spoke.

                “Listen everyone, I have something to say and it is of the highest urgency.” The crowd seemed to get even more silent. “Ever since the Dark Days have begun, you have hid here as your source of survival. I am sorry to say that today that safety has become compromised. The demons have discovered our location and they are currently preparing to strike. I would like to say that we will be able to survive that which is about to befall us but I do not believe we will. Serene, Tranquility, and a third member are on their way to the citadel. They are attempting a final showdown with Satan. They are some of the closest to me but they made their choice today. They will stand alone under darkness and we will stand together in the light.”

                The crowd reacted with cheers. Everyone was afraid of what they knew this meant but they were all happy that Wisdom Woman could have the strength for them. Then someone from the audience spoke up. “Wisdom Woman we have been waiting for the day we would get the chance to prove that our lives were not sparred in vain. Today is that day. We will fight with everything we have and earn our lives. You deserve to fight by the side of your real teammates. All of us will stand together if not in person, then in spirit!” The audience reacted positively to this as well. Wisdom Woman slowly floated into the air.

                “It has been an honor serving God with all of you.” Wisdom said. Gabriel also floated into the air. He was excited that he could finally fly again. Then they all heard more growling but it was getting louder at an exponential rate. Wisdom knew that they had mere moments. “Everyone get ready!”

The humans were unarmed and unprepared for battle. It didn’t mean that they were not going to fight anyway. The demons rushed in and started slaughtering all that they could see. The humans attempted to retaliate. Some of them did better than others. Wisdom and Gabriel flew through the chaos. Neither of them wanted to leave all of these people to die but they both knew that they were really needed where Serene and the others were. Wisdom thought back to the first major decision she had ever made. This seemed far more impossible than that one had been. Gabriel killed a few demons on his way up. Wisdom simply evaded. Once they were out of the base, they were swarmed by more demons. It wasn’t easy but they were able to get through them as well.

“So where are we heading now?” Gabriel asked.

“Wyoming.” Wisdom Woman said.

 

Wyoming: Several hours later

                The trip had been extremely awkward and silent. Goliath didn’t care, all he cared about was all of the fighting he was about to see. When he was approximately five minutes out from his target, he started flying lower and alerted his associates. “We are nearly there. Once we get low enough, I’m sure you will be able to see it.” Sure enough it didn’t take long for Serene and Emma to see the monumental fortress that was waiting for them.

                Emma saw it and a thought came to her. “I suddenly see the irony in Satan setting up shop in Wyoming.”

                “I don’t understand. How is this ironic?” Serene asked.

                Emma pointed to it. “That large mountain that you see in the heart of it was named Devils Tower. Never knew the devil had a sense of humor.” She said.

                “He doesn’t.” Goliath said.

                Suddenly arrows started to fly towards them extremely fast. Goliath was barely able to avoid them. He knew that they had been discovered and that the fighting was about to begin. One of the demons landed on Goliath’s ride. “So look at this, the traitor has returned. I could kill you right now but I have specific instructions. We are to bring you before Satan in chains.”

                Goliath snapped. All of the rage that he had been holding in for many years was boiling quickly to the surface. He absolutely hated repeating himself and he had to do it several times today. This was it and he was ready to release all of his anger. Goliath jumped off of his beast and grabbed the demon by the throat. He crushed it before he hit the ground. A barrage of demons started pouring out of the fortress. Goliath roared and then faced them head on.

Once he was within reach he started painfully killing every single one he saw. His punches were more vicious than they had ever been. His body was becoming blacker and blacker from all of the blood. Emma and Serene took care of the few demons that Goliath actually missed. Goliath made his way to the entrance of the citadel. Waiting for him was a much larger monster that tackled him to the ground. Goliath could feel himself struggling with the demon on top of him. This wasn’t a normal feeling for him.

                “You know, I thought that there was nothing more I would want other than to kill you myself.” The demon said. “I have come to realize that I want to see you squirm before Satan. So I will take you to our master as my prisoner.”

                In that statement, Goliath found the strength he was looking for. “I AM NO ONE’S PRISONER!!!” Goliath kicked his enemy off. Then he was on the demon’s chest. He gripped him tight and then ripped his torso off his lower body. Then with the remaining body, Goliath tore it in half from the head down. Goliath reveled in his brutality. “I feel much better now.”

                Serene walked up behind him. “Thanks for clearing the path.” She said.

                “Do you really think I did this for you? Goliath’s face turned menacing. “I have only one master and now I’m ready to complete my task. My punishment is waiting for me regardless so I should get one last satisfying kill in. It’s all for the best. You wouldn’t have survived much longer with a broken hand anyway.” Goliath picked Serene up who screamed at the top of her lungs. Emma tried to save her but Goliath pushed her to the side. “Those are some powerful lungs Serene. Do you mind if I borrow them?” Then he shoved his hand inside of Serene and pulled her lungs out. “Oh well I guess I won’t be able to return them; now suffocate and die.” It didn’t take long for Serene to follow that order. “And to think, I once called you a teammate.”

                Emma jumped on Goliath’s back and got her hands over his eyes. With her very sharp nails she started digging into his skin. Any normal person would have been in trouble but Emma was doing little to slow the brute. Goliath grabbed her and pulled her off. He threw her down and stepped on her. “I don’t know why but I think I’m in love with the feeling I get from having someone under me. The power is so intoxicating. Now allow me to reacquaint you with your former partner.” Goliath crushed her ribs to make sure Emma wouldn’t move and then walked over to the citadel and pulled a large piece off. He approached Emma again and held the boulder over her. Emma struggled to get out of the way. She knew she had enough strength for one solid motion. She would have to time it perfectly. “I haven’t killed someone like this since the old days.” 

                “Goliath!” A voice said.

Goliath turned around and saw Wisdom Woman. “Ah I was wondering when you would finally show your face again. I must say that you have not aged well.” He said.

                “Put it down Goliath. You’ve taken enough life for one day. Stop now before you force me to take more drastic action.” Wisdom said.

                Goliath was unaffected and he didn’t plan on altering any of his plans. “Hold on Wisdom Woman. I’ll be there in a second.” Goliath slammed the huge stone on top of Emma. She was able to roll far enough so that only her arm was crushed. The debris caused by the boulder provided cover. “OK Wisdom I’m ready for you now.” Goliath hadn’t been this happy in years.

                “Goliath you are a heartless monster. You don’t even deserve death. You deserve something much worse.” Wisdom said.

                “Oh; when did you discover that Wisdom? I’ve known for the last five thousand years. You knew I was pure evil. You knew exactly who I was. I would have thought Allen’s death would have taught you that.”

                “How could you have done that? He was lonely and afraid, he was a boy who looked up to me. You robbed me of that and you had absolutely no regrets. I have long since known what was in you. Maybe I was just foolish enough to ignore it. Maybe somewhere inside I truly did hang on to the old days, when you meant something to me.”

                “Stop with the sentiment woman, it is going to make me vomit. The time for reminiscing is over.”

                “You’re right Goliath. It is time to end this once and for all. It’s a shame really. I don’t really like violence at all.”

                ”That’s unfortunate Wisdom because I love violence, in fact I crave it!”

                Gabriel came up behind Wisdom. “What are you about to do?”

                “Gabriel, you’re target is at the top of this horrific eye sore. You must go there now. I will keep Goliath off of you. Get there quickly.”

                Gabriel wanted to argue but he knew that the severity didn’t allow for such a thing. He ran in. Before he even got to a way up, he had to engage the enemy again. It was going to be a long way up.

                Goliath looked at Wisdom with scorn. “You can’t possibly expect that you are going to defeat me.” He said.

                Wisdom smiled. “I don’t need to defeat you. I only need Gabriel to see what he was sent here to see.” Wisdom charged Goliath and punched him. Her hits were much more powerful than he would have expected. She kicked him twice, clipped him, and elbowed him in the back. She wasn’t an idiot. She knew that once he got up, she was going to get mean punishment.

                Goliath stood up and smacked her. One of Goliath’s smacks could be compared to a wrecking ball. Wisdom was launched and soared uncontrollably through the air. Goliath met her and grabbed her throat. “I never thought you were going to be a victim of one of my gory kills and yet here we are. Adios old friend.” Goliath should have proceeded with the kill instead of talking. Wisdom was able to recover and pulled his hand off of her. She head butted him repeatedly.

                “If you want to get rid of me Goliath, you’ll have to do better than that!” The two were locked in close combat as they started falling to the ground below.

                Elsewhere Gabriel was engaged as battle in well. He was able to fight his way to the top rather quickly. A lot of demons ran past him because they heard about the presence of Wisdom Woman. Once he reached the top he was surprised by what he saw. Satan was sitting on his throne but he looked calm. There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with the fact that his city was under attack. “I really didn’t want to run into you.”

                Satan stood up slowly. “If I were you, I wouldn’t want to run into me either. Why are you even here? You and Wisdom Woman are the only two fighting and if you think that she is going to walk away from Goliath alive then you should reconsider. Then again you are going to die as well.” Satan formed a large flame in his hand and hurled it at Gabriel. The angel took the full force and crashed against a wall.

                Gabriel was barely able to get up. He was covered in burned skin and blue blood. Any chance of victory was disappearing quickly. “I’m not going to surrender to you Satan. I’m not going to let you win. I refuse to let you win!”

                Satan laughed evilly. His laugh was much worse than anything else Gabriel had ever seen. He tried not to be filled with fear but it was difficult. “Don’t you understand? You don’t have a say in whether or not I win. You don’t have the ability to defeat me. You never did.”

                “You walk around with your bow and your team as if any of you are making a difference. You refuse to accept the simple truth.”

Goliath was pounding Wisdom Woman into the ground. She was taking it but it was extremely painful. She was finally able to get from under him but it didn’t do her much good. She was about out of strength but she had to fight on. She knew exactly what Gabriel was here for and the only way he would fully benefit was if she fought to her very last breath.

“The world fell to me; this race of pests fell to me.  I own the Earth and everything in it. Why do you continue to fight the battle that you know you can’t possibly hope to win?”

The demons that had invaded the safe haven were killing everyone in sight. It had become something of a competition to see which could get the most kills. Or you could still win by having the most creative kills. They held an obvious advantage and all of the humans that had managed to survive so long were falling one by one. Some of them were regretting telling Wisdom and Gabriel that they would be fine on their own. The ones among them that knew keeping them would have taken them away from their purpose, maintained a certain contentment. Of course they didn’t want to die but they accepted their fate. The entire area was filling up with both red and black blood, but mostly red.

“My forces have grown in strength over the years while yours have dispersed and weakened. Every second you spend acting like you are making a difference; more and more people are dying. More and more souls are dropping into my kingdom. Do you realize what that means? You are losing!”

Emma removed the rubble and stood on her feet. Her skin was soaking from her own blood, every move she made a reminder of the fractures Goliath had dealt her. She couldn’t explain how she could still move but she knew that she would soon bleed out. She looked up and saw a horde of demons coming toward her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her axe. She limped toward it and got her hand around it. A second later and she would have been finished. She swung just in time to save her from the demon that was behind her. The strain on her arm was almost more than she could bear but she pushed on. As she killed demon after demon she started to realize the futility of her actions. They were going to fail. The thought distracted her for only a moment but it was long enough. An arrow flew through her leg.

“This is the victory that I have been waiting thousands of years for, the victory I should have had from the beginning.”

Emma wanted to fall but she refused. If she was going down, she was going down a dead girl. She killed another demon and an arrow impaled her right arm. She swung and killed again and an arrow landed in her hand. Her weapon fell from her hand. She started punching whatever creature was in front of her. She fought valiantly to the very end but alas it was no use. She was bombarded with sharp weaponry that tore her to shreds. After eighteen years of life, Emma met with death.

“The worst thing is Gabriel, it could have been avoided. The humans never knew. They never believed in the separation of light and darkness, always convinced that they could walk both paths. What happened to the world? There was a time where the sides were clear. One thing was wrong and the other was right. There was the light and there was the dark, black, and white. Then everything changed. They created twilight and gray areas. What was once wrong became justifiable. They made the term, ‘A means to an end.’ The world became backwards. These cretins have lost the ability to define right and wrong. They were told that one day they would learn what was right and what was wrong. Today is that day. As they pay for their terrible choices with their blood and their decisions to align themselves with darkness with their lives, they discover the truth. There is no gray.”

“Why did you have to go against him Wisdom; why couldn’t you have just come with me?” Goliath said as he swung at Wisdom who just barely dodged it.

“Because you chose what was wrong. You chose the tyrant, you chose the power, and you chose to betray us. You abandoned all of us. Malachi looked up to you, Gabriel looked up to you.” Wisdom said. Her focus was split. She was running out of energy fast.

“I don’t care who looked up to me. I made my choice and I care not who it affected.” Goliath felt pretty snug until he saw what it did to Wisdom.

“It affected all of us. It affected me.” Wisdom started to shine a bright gold again. This was everything she had left in her. This was thousands of years of suppressed anger. Emotions were trivial to her and she never took the time to really think about the pain and scars that the war so long ago had done to her. But it had a significant impact. Everyone lost something during that time however Wisdom felt that she lost a bit more. She didn’t just lose a friend, she lost something greater. She lost that which she couldn’t explain now and would not be able to explain any better if she had an eternity to do so. Goliath had taken so much from her. “I hate you!!!” Then Wisdom Woman gathered up all of her energy and blasted the Goliath. The giant was enveloped in the light of Wisdom’s power. He cried out in pain.

Wisdom wanted to believe that it would kill the giant but she knew that it wasn’t meant to happen that way. Although she knew that she had delivered a great blow. Goliath got up slowly. His chest was bleeding, he was missing an eye and his left arm was barely attached to his body. He did himself a favor and ripped it off. Never before had he represented the monster that Wisdom Woman saw inside of him. She could say that the look was an improvement. If only she had been a bit stronger. If only her role in this scheme had been a little different. If only the choice was hers. But she was a servant and she would forever remain that way despite what she knew this meant. “Do your worst Goliath. You already killed Ester.”

“It will be my pleasure.” Goliath clenched his fist.

Up in the citadel Satan grabbed Gabriel and threw him down. He blasted a hole in the side and dragged the angel to it. Then he positioned him to force him to watch the confrontation between Goliath and Wisdom Woman. “Don’t take your eyes off of this Gabriel. We have reached the exciting conclusion and I would hate for you to miss it.”

Gabriel looked down and saw Goliath charging at Wisdom. He wanted to look away but he couldn’t. It looked like Wisdom was winning but what he saw next was close to traumatizing. Goliath punched a hole in the center of Wisdom Woman. Gabriel watched as she fell to the ground. Fury exploded from within. He jumped to his feet and struck Satan with his bow, however he was not fast enough to draw his arrow and shoot. Satan swung and with his sharp claws, sliced the quiver off of the archer’s back. Gabriel was soon on his back again. Satan raised his arms and they formed a fireball much larger than the one Gabriel had taken the first time.

“This is it. This marks the end of the A-men.” Satan said. He detonated his virtual flame bomb on the weak angel.

Gabriel was engulfed in extreme heat and unbearable pain as his body was hurdled through the citadel and thrust against the unforgiving rubble below. He knew his very being was being destroyed. It seemed that he had also failed in his mission. What good was having the vision if he wasn’t going to survive to make a difference? “This can’t be how it ends, not like this. The A-men can’t die!” Then a bright light replaced the fire. The pain that he was feeling seemed to vanish. He heard a familiar voice.

`               “Do not fear Gabriel. This is what you were meant to see. You must go back now. You must remember what you have seen and you must use it to stop all of this. I still believe in a world worth fighting for. I still believe in heroes.” They were the last words spoken by Wisdom Woman.

                Gabriel woke up in the same spot he was just in except it was a calmer Wyoming. He deduced that he had been returned to his time. He looked around to ensure that no giant fortress was waiting for him. All he could think about was Wisdom Woman’s last words. If everything he had seen was really coming, then everyone was in trouble. Gabriel got up and located his quiver that was also in its respective spot. He took out a single arrow and stabbed the ground with it.

                “I don’t know if I can do this Wisdom Woman. I don’t know if I can stop all of this from happening. There are so many questions I have that are going to go unanswered, all of these things that will greatly impact the entire human race. Let this be my mark. Even if I fail and the future I saw does become a reality, let this arrow serve to let others know that I tried.” Gabriel remembered the object that Wisdom had given him. He took it out and buried it. It was of the utmost importance that no one ever found it. Gabriel then flew away leaving this place that now housed horrible memories. He hoped that he would never have to return. If only he had seen the figure that was watching him.

                As soon as Gabriel left the mysterious person found his hiding spot. He retrieved it quickly and held it up. “You should learn to hide things less obviously.” Then a portal opened in front of him and a masked creature was standing before him. “I’m guessing this is the sign we were waiting for. That means our grip will be broken soon. Kill the prisoner before she is able to carry out her goal.”

                “You want me to kill Aubrey? But she is keeping Akita on our side.” The demon said.

                “We have no further use for Akita. I want Aubrey dead by the time I return.”

                “May I ask where you will be?”

                Goliath clenched his fist. “I have a little score to settle with Folly.”

                Gabriel never looked back. If he had, he would have understood the danger everyone was in. The future looked pretty bleak. The thought of watching Wisdom Woman actually die stayed in Gabriel’s mind. He didn’t know how he was going to continue. He wasn’t sure about anything anymore. The lives of all of the A-men seemed to rest in his hands alone. Why would such a huge burden be given to him? Was it even worth fighting anymore? If he failed then there would be nothing left. It made him think about Wisdom’s final words. Was it possible that after all of this time she was actually wrong? When all of this happened, when the dark days began, would there be any heroes left to believe in?