Candor Candy

I presented the tired old archangel with a coffee and a sandwich. He sipped the coffee slowly. I sat down across from him on the couch.

“Your daddy was such a nice guy before he tapped that a*s,” Michael mumbled.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“See, your dad and I served in the First Demon War together. We literally were the paragon of brothers. And we shared a womb. We were born together. The All Mother gave birth to us at the same time,” he got this misty look in his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I put my hand on his shoulder.

“See, I loved your mother. We were going to wed. I wanted to be with him for the longest time. And then he tells the entire council that he’s pregnant with Lucifer’s spawn,” Michael let out a strangled sob, “he betrayed me, the both of them did.”

“I can understand your spite for them,” I exhaled nervously, “but don’t brothers, family, whatever you may be have to forgive?”

“I can’t forgive what he did. He stole my beloved,” he stood up quickly.

“And it is clear you can love again. You don't think I know about Alexander? You don't think I know about the child you carry now?” I shouted, standing up and facing him, “you've been sleeping with someone! Fall in love with them and find your own happy ending instead of messing up mine!”

Gabriel left the bedroom in a flurry. He was wearing a pink housecoat, and he looked pissed. Michael and I gave the blonde angel a glance.

“You boys are fighting, huh? Cesario, go to your room. I'll deal with this drunk,” Gabriel smiled at me kindly.

I obeyed this time around. Dad was sitting in my room, looking at what Gabriel had gotten me. I took the chance to hug my father. He and I were always close, so there was no doubt we were both stressed out with the current situation.

“Josh is in the spare bedroom. He's probably asleep,” Dad sighed.

“I want to see what happened, Dad,” I whispered.

“Lay back then, relax. I'll get the crystals and the sage,” Dad turned to his bag.

A Remembrance ritual involved enchanted crystals and spells. Dad had done this before with other angels. It was a way of opening one's mind to view previous events.

“Sit cross legged on the floor,” he ordered, and I did so. He began to recite the spell, “All Mother, allow us to see into my mind for the sake of my child. Let him witness what would make him happy.”

A bright light crossed my vision, and I could feel myself floating. It was always like this, I'd assumed. Anyone sane enough to do a Remembrance ritual had to be strong enough to withstand the emotional strain.

Oh! I sucked in a breath. Soft grass tickled my feet. I looked at the scene before me. Dad and Gabriel were curled up in a field of wildflowers. Dad wore a black band shirt and Gabriel wore a gray v-neck. They were sharing blackberries, feeding them to one another. Off in the distance, I could hear other voices. Other voices so quiet.

“Lucifer, I have to tell you something. The tea, you know what it does, correct?” Gabriel spoke like a startled bird.

“Don't let Saraqael find out you know it gives us the ability to birth,” Dad laughed, then his expression turned dark, “someone stole the formula.”

“Yes. And in conjunction with such an instance, I am proud to announce that we are going to be parents!” Gabriel gushed with excitement, opening his pastel yellow wings and making them twitch.

“Oh, I'm going to be a father? Is that why you snuck me away? Or are you wanting me to make sure I'm going to be one?” Dad laughed softly.

“No, I'm pregnant,” Gabriel put his hand on his stomach, “it's a boy.”

“Excellent!” my father picked up his beloved in his arms, “a baby angel to play with Sam’s.”

“Michael doesn't know,” my mother whispered.

Dad chuckled, “the brat can grow up, dear.”

“But he is your brother. You know we can't hide this,” Gabriel argued, his blonde hair puffing out.

The scene before me morphed into the Grand Council room. Gabriel was wearing his blue robes, Dad in his red ones. The other archangels faced each other in the dimly lit room.

“Tell us, Gabriel, what troubles you,” Saraqael’s deep voice filled the room.

“I am pregnant, and it is Lucifer’s,” my mother’s gentle voice was a mere squeak.

“You w***e!” Michael lashed out in the darkness, smacking Gabriel in the face.

Lucifer standing over Gabriel’s trembling form filled my vision. It was a beautiful sight, him looking much like an avenging demon. Raguel smiled warmly and approached them, hugging Gabriel softly, like a dainty male fairy.

“It’s fine, dear,” Saraqael smiled softly, “we will love you either way.”

“He stole my beloved!” Michael screeched out.

“I was never yours in the first place, Michael,” Gabriel smiled softly.

The vision ended, and I woke up gasping on the floor. Dad looked down at me with caring eyes, his voice calm as he addressed me, telling me that I was safe, that I was fine, that the world wasn’t closing in on me.

“Dad, Michael hit Mom,” I blurted out.

“Yes, he did.”

“If he does it again, I’ll slice his throat and rip out his heart!” I jumped to my feet, rage spilling into my blood.

“For now, go back to your room and try to sleep,” Dad smiled, “you start school tomorrow.”