[Sticks]

Episode VII –Ambivalent Guardians

Ever wished you could go back and relive certain events? Maybe change decisions you had made? Not spend money on something that turned out not to be worth it? Spend more time with someone before they died.
The list goes on as long as we have regrets in our lives, and many people live their lives trapped in the regrets of the past. They are haunted by things they cannot change.
But suppose you could, should you?
Should we not let the past be what it was?
This is now the situation the remnants of the IDEC are faced with as the Lord Low Troll is offering the chance to roll back time to before Brameana and Vabalavich successfully conquered Earth.

+ + +

A white space
Location: Unknown

Two figures in white materialised in front of a third one
“You summoned us lord Raguel” one of the figures in white who had just appeared addressed the third figure in white.

“Yes Azrael” the third figure in white replied, “The pair of you have a solemn duty to perform today”
“You wish our services” the first figure in white asked.
“Indeed Azrael” the third figure went on, “Some months ago an artefact from that other world the humans call the Mystical Realms was triggered in the open. This was a talisman of destruction and had the ability to kill all life for an indeterminate radius around it”

“I heard about that” replied the other figure in white who had not yet spoken, “I understand an entity from that world took it to the Moon and it detonated safely. Many lives were saved”

“Indeed it did and indeed they were Rahab” the third figure replied, “But the problem is that the entity who took it there is considered to be one of us on account of her parentage and that means that when she took it to the Moon out of harms way, it was considered interference by us”

“That would not be allowed by the treaty we were forced into” the first figure in white to appear commented

“Exactly Azrael” the third figure in white replied, “So that we are not in violation any longer, you are to rectify this situation”
“How shall we do that lord Raguel” the second figure to appear asked
“You are agents of death who serve HIM” the third figure in white went on, “You must go to the place they call Stormont as that was where this talisman was, and from there in ever widening circles, you must slay every single human you see, even if they belong to HIM”

“Yes lord Raguel” the first figure in white to appeared, said apprehensively, “But how far out must we go?”
“Are we to be limited to one country as we were once in that place they call Egypt?” the second figure in white to appear asked

“I do not know Rahab” the third figure in white replied, “The range of such a talisman in the open is not known, for all we know it could have a range over the entire Earth”

“But that would mean slaying the entire population of the Earth?” the first figure in white to appear replied.
“If that is what it takes to make sure we are compliant with the treaty, then so be it” the third figure in white said back to him, “If the job is too great for you two alone, you may call on the others to assist in this task. But first start with the whole island of Ireland and after that we will see. While you are doing that land mass I will consult with Metatron to see if we are required to slay the whole population of the Earth”

“May I ask one thing lord Raguel?” the second figure in white to appear asked.
“Yes”
“Normally we are delegated such a task by lord Adonael. Why is he not here to pass these orders on from Metatron”
The third figure in white glowered at the figure in white who had asked this question and then slowly and deliberately replied, “Adonael has been confined pending trial into his disloyalty and disobedience”

“We will obey” the first figure to appear, stated in a determined tone, “Rahab and I will be able to handle the island of Ireland but if we have to slay more, up to including the whole of Earth, we will need all of the loyal ones in such a task”
“That is understood” the third figure in white replied.

Then the two figures in white who had appeared faded away as they set off to do the bidding of the third figure in white.

The figure in white chuckled, “I can not believe that they have fallen for this” he said to himself

“Fallen for what” came a voice from behind sounding like thunder

The figure in white turned around to see a fiery figure standing, glowering at him
“Bernael” the figure in white sneered, “As late to the party as ever”

“You are not Raguel are you” the fiery figure spat back

The figure in white then transformed into another fiery figure, “Ok you got me there” he replied.

“Lahash” the first fiery figure replied, “I should have known”
“Indeed Bernael” the now second fiery figure sneered, “While you whined about how you were stopped from wiping out the half breeds, I have actually done something to see to their destruction”
“By impersonating a so called loyal one” the first fiery figure asked
“If that’s what it takes” the second fiery figure hissed, “Did you ever think you were the one to replace Samael?”
“And you think you will” the first fiery figure screamed back.

Who says anything about replacing him” the second fiery figure grinned, “By showing initiative at getting the loyal ones to do what we want them to do in opposition to the will of HIM who we tried to rebel against, I will show my worth to serve at Samael’s right hand”

“Is that so” boomed yet a third voice that sounded like many rushing waters.

+ + +

A wilderness cave
The Walong Mountains
The Mystical Realms

Colonel Samuel Peters followed the Lord Low troll into his cave.

Inside he spotted a small creature sitting next to a teenage girl that was a year or so younger than Celeste.

“I do not believe you two have actually met” The Lord Low Troll said to Samuel, “This is”
Samuel interrupted the Lord Low Troll “This is the former Spirit of Caring” Samuel said to the Lord Low Troll, “Also known as Mazy Schneider, she was an Irish operation if I recall”

Mazy stood up and looked up at the colonel, “Yes that’s correct Madron, but how did he know?”

“This man is Colonel Samuel Peters” The Lord Low Troll replied, “He used to work for the human organisation that liaised with the troll council.”

Mazy walked up to the colonel, “So you’re the one responsible for Rebecca getting her soul and being sent to America to live with her uncle and her family”
“Yes” Samuel confirmed, “She was my first minor spirit of virtue our unit humanely dealt with”

“As opposed to that daughter of the Spirit of True Love who was inhumanely dealt with by your Mr Blue” the Lord Low Troll smirked

“That was under a different management before my time” Samuel retorted, “And anyway, before you start she and her sister are no threat to you or your precious Sacred Law. Given how you went after their mother a few years back, I thought I ought to let you know that”
“Indeed” the Lord Low Troll confirmed, “For most of her life The Spirit of Fidelity was on our world with that drow traitor Yagel Penswift and as for the Spirit of Fancying, I don’t believe she used her power once among the humans before she became of no concern to us”
“Was I ever a concern Madron?” the teenage girl asked
“No my child” The Lord Low Troll said softly, “You never knew until those leprechauns told you, just like your friend the former Spirit of Kindness never knew. You weren’t like the Spirit of Tue Love who deliberately tried to interfere in the affairs of humans”
“I would never have willingly broken any law sir” Mazy insisted.
“We know that” Samuel reassured that, “That was why under our administration we developed the programme to help minor spirits such as you and Rebecca to get rid of those powers and become fully human like you are now”

“Do you need me to do anything for you Madron” Mazy asked
The Lord Low Troll shook his head, and then the Lord Low Troll turned to the small creature sitting by a small cooking pot, “Meetal my old friend”

“Yes master” the small creature replied
“Can you take Mazy outside to meet the other guests while the colonel and I discuss matters?”

“More visitors?” the small creature complained, “But the garden barely feeds the three of us”

“If things go according to plan my old friend” the Lord Low Troll replied, “It will not be a problem”
“We won’t be staying long” Samuel interjected

“As you wish master” the small creature replied as it looked up at the colonel suspiciously and then it took Mazy’s hand and lead her outside
“You just can’t get the staff these days” Samuel remarked as the small creature and the teenager left the cave.

“Meetal’s a kobold Colonel” the Lord Low Troll explained, “Very loyal to me and the Sacred Law, but he does tend to prefer the quiet life now, as do I”
“What about Mr Andrews?” Samuel asked
“Not up for discussion” The Lord Low Troll said abruptly, “I have him and he will be put on trial for his crimes and no Griffin judge is going to make me look like a laughing stock”
“I got that!” Samuel retorted, “You want a conviction in a show trial, we want him back with his family, why…”
“I said it is not open for discussion” The Lord Low Troll interrupted loudly. After a brief pause the Lord Low Troll lowered his voice, “I will now get the artefact which will roll back time to the period my Friend Mr Vee has suggested and then you and whoever you pick will be on their way”

“Tell me one thing” Samuel asked pointedly
“If it is about Mr Andrews” The Lord Low troll went on
“No it’s not” Samuel interrupted
“You mean why did I not use the artefact before do deal with those traitors who murdered my twin brother?”
“You read my mind” Samuel accused
“It was kind if an obvious question Colonel” The Lord Low Troll went on, “I did not need to resort to telepathy of any kind. And to answer the question, by the time I had discovered what they were doing it was too late, plus with the involvement of a major spirit of vice there was always the danger they may have sensed that the timeline had been reset. That plus such magics are dark and not for something so trivial as foiling a coup, even if it was against me”

“Liar” Samuel accused the Lord Low Troll, “You saw the writing on the wall and realised that there was no way you could have stopped the inevitable” Samuel said to the Lord Low Troll with a fair degree of venom
“I suppose there is some truth in that” the Lord Low Troll responded gruffly, “But now I think it is a time to use it. Stay here while I get the artefact”

Samuel stood in the cave while the large troll headed into another part of his cave that he kept private with a large curtain. This was where he kept his supply of magic items and records from the days when he was the most brutal tyrant on the Mystical Realms. Now, even though he was now no longer in power, he still had an aura of menace about him which he could turn on at a whim.

How a young girl like Mazy could tolerate him, Samuel could not fathom, as she had chosen to stay for a while with the Lord Low Troll and Meetal the loyal kobold servant. Maybe because she had been totally subservient to this former tyrant and eager to please, even to the point of attempting to adopt the troll custom for single females, she had not really got on his wrong side.

Commander Mark Johnston wandered in, “Before you say anything Sam, I know you told us to wait outside”
“If you’re wanting to put in a word for Mr Andrews” Samuel began
“He’s not budging then?” Mark asked
Samuel nodded.

+

Outside the cave the others waited. Mr Vee and Major Bolak were admiring the garden that the Lord Low Troll had been tending. Sue-Lim Wang, Pete Smith and Charlene sat down on part of the hill that the cave went into discussing temporal paradoxes and how time travel would not help free Earth from the forces.

The pixies had disappeared, saying that they were going back to their secret enclave on the Mystical Realms to see what help they could get. As they went, Shamus had not been complimentary about them, but then it was well known, leprechauns and pixies did not usually get on with one another, even when they fought on the same side.

Captain Sandra Phillips stood near the entrance to the cave, her automatic rifle ready in case it was needed. Padow, the Lord Low Troll’s estranged son stood with her.

Shamus, Simon and Celeste were near what appeared to be some kind of vine that the Lord Low Troll had been cultivating. Simon and Celeste were holding each other in a lover’s embrace just spending time with each other while they could. Shamus tried to act as gooseberry but was not entirely successful or even trying to be.

As Simon and Celeste held each other in their arms, Celeste spotted the teenage girl being led out of the cave entrance by a kobold.
“Who’s that?” Celeste asked Simon
Simon and Celeste let go of each other and Simon turned to look at who Celeste had spotted. Simon rapidly shook his head, “I don’t know” he replied

“That’s Mazy Schneider, Shamus commented, “With that stupid kobold who insisted I was a blasted gnome”
“Who?” Simon asked
“She was a minor spirit of virtue, caring to be precise” Shamus explained, “We helped her to get her soul and become fully human, she’s from New York”

“She’s quite pretty” Celeste murmured
“But you’re the one for me” Simon said softly as he took her hand and then he turned her to face him, and Celeste let him, “Especially” Simon went on, “As that troll said we were married” And then the two embraced again and kissed passionately and then rested their heads together.

Shamus meanwhile shook his head in disbelief, They were not really married either by Earth law or the laws of the Mystical Realms, s why had the Lord Low Troll told them something that was not true?

Celeste was then distracted as she heard the kobold shout “You!” with some venom in its voice, so Simon and Celeste turned to see what had annoyed this creature

Celeste watched as the kobold let go of Mazy’s hand and march up to Major Bolak.
“You were that drow who wanted to leave me in that dungeon” the kobold accused Major Bolak
“And you were the kobold who was so incompetent” Major Bolak retorted, “We had to get the fairies to bail you out if I remember”

Then the kobold stopped and looked up at Mr Vee and gulped. Then the kobold bowed down and kneeled before Mr Vee, “I owe you a life debt oh Mr Vee” Meetal said with his voice tinged with shame
“I owed you a life debt for Mazy” Mr Vee replied as he squatted down to speak with the kobold, “You took one for her so there was no way I could let you become ash”

“Any idea who that is?” Simon asked as he pointed at the kobold
“Sorry Simon” Celeste apologised, “I don’t know”

“I believe his name is Meetal” Shamus chipped in, “It was him that kept insisting I was some blasted gnome when I met him in that dark space”

Mazy walked over towards Shamus, “Hi long time no see Mr McTuckle” she said as she offered her hand in greeting, then turning to Celeste and Simon added, “This was the leprechaun who got me my human soul and allowed me to be come fully human”
“It must be nice to be fully human” Celeste said wistfully

Shamus took Mazy’s and shook it warmly, “It’s good to see you again Mazy, but I wish it were in other circumstances, but pray tell me, why are you staying with the Lord Low Troll?” Shamus asked

Mazy hesitated for a moment, “You know my human mother and my stepfather were killed in the New York attack”
“I didn’t” Shamus admitted, “I’m sorry to hear that”
“Mr Vee found me there and brought me to stay for a while with Rebecca Sands”
“Did he indeed” Shamus said quizzically
“Well the Sands family were for taking me in and Rebecca thought it was cool me coming to stay with her”
“There’s a but there isn’t there”
Mazy nodded, “That’s her family and they are great lovely people and that’s the best place for that kid”
“But not for you” Shamus replied
Mazy shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know Mr McTuckle, I was not sure and Mr Vee was going to leave me with them anyway, but then you told me about Meetal in that dark-space and when he arrived, he was almost killed saving my life so I had to come here and make sure he got better”

“Well” Shamus went on, “If you wish we can return you to Earth if this time travel stuff doesn’t workout”
“Yeah I suppose”

“I’m sorry to hear about your mother” Simon interrupted and then in a subdued voice, “I lost both my parents in the attack on DC”
“Oh I’m sorry” Mazy said guilt stricken

“For most of my life” Celeste then spoke up as she squeezed Simon’s hand, “I was told my mother had died shortly after I was born. It’s probably not the same”

“Well” Shamus interrupted, “If that time travel thing does work, none of that will need to have happened

“But it won’t work” Simon insisted, “What about the paradoxes”
“I don’t know Master Hargreaves” Shamus replied

“By the way” Mazy asked Simon and Celeste, “You are?”
“I’m Simon Hargreaves and this is my wife Celeste” Simon beamed as he gave Celeste a welcome hug with one arm.
Shamus just rolled his eyes and shook his head

Suddenly out of the clear blue sky came a sound as if of rushing waters over a mighty waterfall.

“Oh no” Celeste whimpered, “He’s found me”
“Who?” Shamus asked suspiciously

“It’s some guy in a white suit Mr McTuckle” a terrified Celeste told him, “He says I don’t belong here and he has tried to grab me twice”

The sound had come from the sky

“Incoming” Captain Sandra Philips yelled and fired a burst of gunfire into the air. Suddenly there was a column of fire heading down to where Sandra had stood. She stood no chance and was incinerated instantly, Padow barely escaped.

“What is that?” Shamus whispered as they saw the bright shining figure of a man coming out of the sky. “I have found you at last Celeste” the figure in white demanded in it’s terrifying voice.

+

“What the hell was that” Samuel swore at the sound of some kind of explosion just outside the cave.
“It’s killed Captain Philips” Mark shouted
“Dragons” Samuel suggested, “its just like at Karam Tag Chou”

The Lord Low Troll stormed out from behind the curtain to his private section carrying a ring like object, “You fools, who have you led here”

Samuel put his hands up in surrender, “I assure you; there was no way we could have been tracked from where we came”
“We took extra care when we came from Earth” Mark told the irate troll.

Both Samuel and Mark pulled out their side arms and crept towards the front of the cave entrance, “Stay back” Samuel yelled at the Lord Low Troll, but the troll had vanished deeper into his cave

Within half a minute they were at the cave mouth where they saw Padow lying on the ground on one side of the cave entrance and the incinerated remains of Sandra on the other side.

“What is that” Mark whispered as he looked up into the sky at the descending figure of a man. The figure was so bright it hurt his eyes, and it was descending near Shamus, Celeste and Simon

The Lord Low troll came up behind them wearing a helm and carrying a repeating cross bow.
“This is your world Madron” Samuel shouted, “What kind of creature is that?”

The Lord Low Troll shook his head, “That is not from our world” he growled, “I have never seen anything like it before”
“If it had wings” Mark remarked, “I would have said it looked like an angel”
“A what?” The Lord Low Troll asked
“Supernatural beings believed by some to carry message from God to man” Samuel explained, “And sometimes they would carry out the will of God by killing the enemies of his people”
“Then why did we not have angels?” the Lord Low Troll asked, “We have every other creature from your myths, fantasies and fables”
“I have no idea” Samuel replied, then he holstered his side arm “I think we better put our weapons away” Samuel suggested, “The captain fired a full clip at it and it didn’t do her any good”

Slowly Samuel and Mark holstered their side arms, but the Lord Low Troll held onto his crossbow for a few moments before dropping it.
“We better go out and talk to it” Samuel suggested
“And let it incinerate us?” The Lord Low Troll said incredulously
“It only killed the captain because she fired on it” Mark told the troll

“Exactly” Samuel remarked as he walked out of the cave mouth with his arms raised, “Mark you stay here and get the others into the cave” he ordered, “No sense in all of us being killed”

+

Simon held on to Celeste as she watched in terror at the brilliant figure in white descending from the sky.
“CELESTE YOU WILL COME WITH ME NOW” the voice of the figure in white boomed out in a sound like many rushing waters over a waterfall.

Simon tried to tighten his grip around Celeste, “She’s my wife” he objected.

The figure in white glared at Simon with eyes like the most brilliant sapphire and started to point at Simon

Having seen what this figure had done to the captain Celeste started pushing her way out of Simon’s arms, “Let me go Simon please, he’ll kill you”

Suddenly a ray of brilliant white light left from the figure in white’s finger directly at Simon, instinctively Celeste lifted a hand and the white ray deflected off of a shield into a distant outcrop of rocks shattering them instantly in a loud explosion

Celeste felt a severe pain run through her body as it seemed all her life force was draining from her and then every thing went black.

+

Simon felt Celeste collapse in his arms and quickly lowered her to the ground

“What is the meaning of this” Shamus shouted at the figure in white as he interposed himself between the figure in white and Simon and Celeste

The figure in white hurled a pillar of flame in the direction of Shamus, but the leprechaun teleported away at the last moment.

“Missed Me” Shamus shouted as he reappeared behind the figure in white.

“I HAVE THE POWER TO SLAY ALL LIVING BEINGS IN THIS AREA” the figure in white’s voice boomed

“Hay Gabriel” the sound of Samuel’s voice came as he arrived on the scene, “What do you want with this girl”

“WHO IS IT, THAT QUESTIONS ME?” the figure in white asked as he flicked his fingers.

Immediately a massive force knocked Samuel to the ground.

“I AM RAGUEL NOT GABRIEL” the figure in white boomed out as he gazed at the others as Mark ushered them into the cave.

The figure in white landed on the ground and approached Simon menacingly, it’s eyes blazing now like burnished brass.

Simon felt like scurrying away, but how could he leave Celeste the love of his life, he had to stay, even if it meant certain death. She was worth it.

“YOU SAY SHE IS YOUR WIFE” the figure in white boomed, “TELL ME MORTAL DID YOU DEFILE HER AND CONSUMATE THIS MAARIAGE?” it demanded to know.

“NO!” Yelled Shamus at the top of his voice “He only gave her a shirt because her top was destroyed”.

The figure in white turned to launch another pillar at flame in the direction of Shamus, but again Shamus was too quick and teleported away just in time.

“That means this couple are married in these parts” Shamus shouted as he reappeared next to Simon. Quickly Shamus grabbed Simon and teleported only just in time as another pillar of flame flew in their direction.

Now the only ones out in the open with this deadly figure in white were the colonel and Celeste.

The figure in white walked towards the unconscious Celeste “AT LAST” the figure in white boomed, “YOU ARE COMING WITH ME”

+ + +

Karam Tag Chou
The Citadel of the Troll Emperor

The trolls led Vabalavich to the erected gallows where he saw the lifeless body of his apprentice hanging by his neck.

“If we must resort to hanging” Brameana went on angrily, “then I prefer it not be done as they do it in the Central City with the drop and the snap of the neck. That is too quick. I want to see you kicking in the air as you strangle to death” she added with venom. Then she spat out, “And I thought you loved me”

Vabalavich was placed under a vacant cross bar and a rope was thrown over by a troll.

“So this is the traitor that tried to frame me for you murder you imperial highness” a voice came from Vabalavich’s left. It was the new Clan Chief of the Manjura
“Those are lies” Vabalavich insisted, “Why do you take the word of this creature over mine?” he protested.

The fiery figure that was standing in the citadel court yard laughed, “You accuse me of falsehood?” he boomed out in a voice that sounded like thunder, “You drow would lie to your own mothers to get what you want”
“Your apprentice was found with poison and the clan chief’s signet ring” Brameana went on, “After this Samael being told us of your treachery”

“If he was going to kill you my lady” Vabalavich retorted, “He was not acting under my command, how can you even think such a thing when I handed you victory over the humans”

“With the replication magic I helped provide” the fiery figure interjected, “Without me you would have been arrested by your own kind long ago”

“You gave him the magic?” Brameana asked the fiery figure
“Yes your imperial highness” the fiery figure replied, “Without me you would have been still at that port town and most likely captured by the trolls if you survived the battle”

Brameana turned back to Vabalavich as a troll placed the noose over his head; “So much for fabled drow superior magic over the elves” she taunted and then spat in his face.

Brameana clapped her hands and an elf came out of one of the buildings and knelt before her, head bowed.
“How may we serve you your imperial highness” the elf asked
“Make sure he can not use his ability to teleport or levitate just like you did with that apprentice of his” Brameana ordered
“Your word is law your imperial highness” the elf replied and then stood up and pulled out an amulet and placed it around Vabalavich’s neck over the noose.

It was then that Vabalavich noticed just such another amulet around the neck of his dead apprentice as he swung in the wind from his gallows. Immediately Vabalavich could feel the dampening effect of the amulet. There was no way he could use any psychic powers or spells.

“Brameana Vabalavich pleaded, “Even if he did do as you say, how can you say he was doing it under my orders”

“Because one of my minions saw you tell him” the fiery figure replied, “And we have the power to show what has happened”

The fiery figure waved his hand and in the air in front of them was an apparition of Vabalavich and his apprentice as he gave him orders to kill Brameana.

“That is trickery” Vabalavich shouted, “You do not know these creatures like I do. They even rebelled against”

“We are wasting time” The fiery figure interupted
“I agree” Brameana then said, “Hoist up the traitor; I want to see his legs kick in the air as he dies!”

Immediately two trolls pulled the rope and Vabalavich was lifted up into the air and began strangling to death while his former lover watched on with hate in her eyes at the drow she had shared a bed with, and a drow who then sought to kill her and blame it on a fellow troll.

“Oh how I wish I could have seen him breathing water” she muttered, “but a slow hanging will have to suffice”

Together the Clan Chief of the Manjura and the Lady High Troll and the fiery figure watched as Vabalavich kicked his feet in the air in the air as he hung by his neck at the end of the rope, while he slowly suffocated.

After a while he kicked no more. Vabalavich was finally declared dead by the elf.

“And what of the other drow of the Hadreth order” The Clan Chief of the Manjura asked Brameana, “Will they not seek revenge for the execution of their leader”

“Fear not you imperial highness” the fiery figure boomed, “They will quickly disown him, but if not, and if they should try to take action, we will deal with them just like we exposed this traitor”

“And I thank you lord Samael” Brameana said to the fiery figure, “I owe you a life debt, so how shall I reward you?”

The fiery figure rubbed his chin, “Give me Earth to do as we wish”
“Why? What would you do with it?” The Clan Chief of the Manjura enquired
“CLEANSE IT” the fiery figure boomed as he raised his fists.
“You mean destroy every living thing on that world” the Clan Chief of the Manjura said in a shocked manner
“Well” Brameana interrupted, “When I went to conquer it so I could rule here, I was prepared to destroy it too.”
“Then we understand one another?” the fiery figure asked.
“It’s conquest was a means to an end lord Samael” Brameana went on, “It has served it’s purpose, I have no need of it, but tell me with your power, why did you not cleanse it before?”
“Because we were prohibited by the one we sought to replace a long time ago” The fiery figure replied, “We were limited to merely whispering in the ears of those half breeds they call mankind, but as you now own it, by right of conquest, you have now given us permission to wipe them from the whole of creation”

The fiery figure gave a fearsome laugh and then vanished.

+ + +

Outside the Lord Low Trolls cave
The Walong Mountains
The Mystical Realms

The figure in white stood over Celeste and held out his hands over her. Samuel managed to roll onto his side as this angel, if that what it was, was distracted by retrieving Celeste for reasons unknown.

Samuel so wanted to pull his side arm and try and take this guy out, but the death of Captain Sandra Philips showed that would be futile.

Suddenly a fireball hit the figure in white full on, only just missing Celeste

The figure in white was totally unharmed by the fireball as it seemed to have no effect; however he was distracted for the moment from Celeste as she lay helpless on the ground.

“Pick on someone your own size” Major Bolak yelled as he put up his hands to produce another fireball to the side of the entrance to the cave.

In the blink of an eye almost, a lightning bolt flew from the hands of the figure in white at the drow and hit him in the chest. Major Bolak was slammed against the cave and sank to the ground.

Celeste came round and saw Major Bolak as he collapsed mortally wounded, and then instinctively she teleported away and ended up by his side. She looked Major Bolak over and placed her hands on him, instantly her eyes glowed green and the drow was healed.

The figure in white looked outraged and lifted into the air and flew to where Celeste was, and grabbed her shoulder “ENOUGH” He boomed, “YOU SHALL COME WITH ME”

Celeste tried to teleport away, but somehow this being in white was powerful enough to stop her. His hand on her shoulder caused a searing pain as it felt like it was on fire.
“AS FOR YOU” the figure in white said in his voice that sounded like rushing waters to Major Bolak as he pointed the finger of his free hand at him.

The figure in white was interrupted by the loudest clap of thunder Celeste had ever heard. The figure in white while still holding onto Celeste’s shoulder turned to look in the direction of the thunder. Major Bolak saw his chance and teleported away, leaving Celeste alone with this powerful entity.

Samuel managed to get to his feet as he saw another figure in white descending from the sky, but this one was not as controlled as the other one, and this figure seemed to have been in some kind of battle as part of his attire was burned black as pitch.

“RAGUEL, RAGUEL” the second figure in white repeated in a similar voice that sounded like rushing waters.
“LAMECHIAL?” The first figure in white asked in his booming voice,

There was a small explosion as the second figure in white hit the ground.

The first figure looked at Celeste with eyes that pierced to her human soul and then at what seemed to be his fallen comrade.

“RAGUEL” the second figure in white called out as it lay on the ground

Samuel went to help the figure up who seemed in the image of man in brilliant white, even with the scorch marks from the battle it had been in, but it wave him away.
“Touch me not mortal” the second figure spoke to Samuel in a quieter voice, “Any mortals touching us for any reason are incinerated”
“I only wanted to help” Samuel replied
“I know” the second figure in white replied, “Which is why I wish you no harm”
Samuel backed off and watched as the first figure forced march Celeste over to the second figure in white.
“Raguel” the second figure in white called out again.

“What is it Lamechial?” the first figure said in a more human voice
“Lahash and Bernael, the fallen ones” the second figure in white replied, “They somehow infiltrated our realm and one of them posed as you my lord”
“WHAT, HOW?” the first figure in white boomed
“I don’t know?” the second figure in white answered, “I caught them there after they had tricked Azrael and Rahab to go and slay man kind starting in a place called Ireland, I tried to confront them, but they both attacked me. I was lucky to get away.”
“I am a fool” The first figure in white admitted as he shook his head, “When I first tried to get this child” he went on as he pointed to a whimpering Celeste, “Bernael, attacked me and I lost her. I should have questioned how a fallen one had got a foothold into our realm, but I was so focused on retrieving this one”

“Oh great” Samuel interrupted “Do I take it that fallen ones are fallen angels?”
“INSOLENCE MORTAL” the first figure in white boomed, “YOU WILL DIE”
“NO!” the second figure in white boomed out as he got up and got between the colonel and the first figure in white, “He came to help me up and I see no deception in this mortal”

The first figure in white glowered at the second figure in white, and then relented

“Well?” Samuel pressed, “Are you going to tell us what is going on”
“This one belongs with us” the first figure in white reiterated
“Why?” Samuel asked
“A MORTAL HAS NO RIGHT TO QUESTION THE OVERSEER OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE ANGELS” the first figure in white boomed out
“And who over sees you” Samuel shouted back

The second figure in white held up his hand to the first figure in white, “My lord Raguel” it went on, “What will it hurt to answer the question?”
“Very well” the first figure in white relented, “Celeste’s parents are death and fate, many mortals believed them to be as us and once worshiped them, so she belongs with us”
“And that is the most dumbest thing I have ever heard” Samuel answered back
“Please” Celeste pleaded, “They’ll kill you”
“Her parents are entities from this world” Samuel pressed, “Celeste here is no angel”
“But Colonel” Celeste whined, “I’ve tried to make amends for what I did, what more can I do?” she asked
Samuel seemed to ignore Celeste’s pleadings, “Before she swapped sides she worked for a scum bag” Samuel went on, “Does that sound like someone who belongs in the throne room of Heaven to you?”
“She gained a human soul” the first figure in white retorted, “That means something”
“Only that she wished for one on a wish crystal from this world” Samuel answered back.

“ENOUGH” boomed the second figure in white, “We are wasting time” it pleaded, “At this moment the angels of death Azrael and Rahab are slaughtering humanity, the very ones we were pledged to protect”
“We cannot intervene” The first figure replied instinctively, “You know the treaty”
“But they broke it” The second figure in white insisted, “Lahash disguised himself as you my lord and ordered the confinement of Bath Kol and Adonael.”

“What treaty is this?” Samuel interrupted
“Samuel” the second figure in white said turning to him, “Many years ago one of the fallen ones, or fallen angels as you say brought Earth to a nuclear war by whispering into the ear of a submarine captain during your Cuban missile crisis, but the drow of the Hadreth order stepped in and said they would stop him if we refrained from assisting mankind, otherwise the fallen ones would be free to actively wipe humanity from the face of the Earth”

“The Hadreth order” Samuel remarked, “That figures”
“And what is more” the second figure in white went on, “The fallen one Lahash in the guise of you, my lord Raguel, has used your belief that this child belongs with us to instruct the angels of death to slay mankind beginning with Ireland”

“Why Ireland?” Celeste spoke up
“Because you saved them by taking that talisman of destruction to the Moon” Samuel interject
“But I was trying to save lives?” Celeste pleaded
“And you did” Samuel answered back, “But this Lahash character has used this stupid belief of our friend here, that you belong with them, to say you shouldn’t have. It’s obvious that these angels of death are undoing what they have been told is a treaty violation”
“You are right Samuel, and they are slaying mankind as we speak” the second figure in white replied.

“I will go and stop them” the first figure in white stated, “Once I have brought this one home” he added referring to Celeste
“Look I know the book of Jude tells us not to slander celestial beings” Samuel burst out, “But you are behaving like an idiot”

The first figure in white began to look indignant and ready to slay the colonel but the second one put up both hands, “My lord Raguel, Bernael was only able to enter our realm when we confined Karael”

“It’s your obsession with Celeste that the fallen angels have used against you?” Samuel said to the first figure in white.
“He speaks truthfully my lord” the second figure in white said, “We have managed somehow to allow the fallen ones to manipulate us into doing what they have wanted to do since the rebellion, the destruction of humanity”

The first figure in white released Celeste from his grasp and then put both his hands on his head, “WHAT HAVE WE DONE” he boomed

“We can try and stop them, but by now thousands or millions may have already perished” the second figure in white said to Samuel.
“Why do the fallen ones want to kill the humans” Celeste asked
“Since the time humanity first began” the second figure in white began
“They could not stomach the existence of mankind because they were an animal with an immortal soul” Samuel interrupted
“Yes you are right again Samuel” the second figure in white said in surprise, “They referred to you as half breeds”
“And one third of the angels rebelled and were cast down” Samuel went on, “So I’m kind of guessing that they have been waiting for an opportunity to wipe us out”
“But sir” Celeste objected, “Even the drow would not want to wipe your people out, they were using them to plunder your world”
“Well its obvious that the drow thought they could control these fallen ones” Samuel answered and then asked the second figure in white, “This treaty you signed up to, what restrictions were placed on the fallen ones”
“If we keep our end then they could only whisper temptations into the ears of individual mortals like before” the second figure in white answered, “The Hadreth drow would not allow them to take direct action against mankind especially as our side has faithfully kept to the agreement since the start of the treaty”.
“And the Hadreth wanted the humans left alone so they could exploit them” Samuel commented

Celeste raised her hand.
“What is it my child?” the second figure in white asked
“What happened before this treaty?”
“The fallen ones were always restricted to whispering in the ears of individuals” the second figure in white explained, “Over the centuries fallen ones would walk the Earth hoping to cause as much slaughter of humans as possible and to draw them away from HIM, just by whispering”
“And given our history” Samuel interrupted, “They did a pretty good job on the slaughtering front”
“But not enough for them” the second figure in white answered back, “They long for total eradication of all humans”
“And what was your side doing?” Celeste asked in all innocence
“Anything we could to stop them” the second figure in white replied, “As well as our other duties as guardians of HIS creation”
“His?” Celeste asked
“I’ll fill you in on that later” Samuel interrupted, “But something’s changed hasn’t it?” Samuel said, “Your fallen ones have gone on the offensive, the Hadreth drow must have over reached them selves and these fallen angels have spotted an opening to take us out”
“If they kill everyone on Earth” Celeste asked, “What’s to stop them coming here and killing us too?”
“I do not think there is anything” the second figure in white answered, “There is no treaty protecting this world”
“I have an idea how to stop this slaughter” Samuel suggested, “But I will need Celeste”
“Agreed” the second figure in white replied, “I believe those fallen ones by this deception have broken their side of the treaty by their actions, and I will take Raguel to report to Metatron himself”
“That’s the chief of the angels isn’t it” Samuel asked, “He used to be Enoch if I recall”
The second figure nodded, “You seem very knowledgeable of us for a mortal”
“Let’s just say I paid attention in Sunday school” Samuel remarked.

“What is your idea, if I may enquire” the second figure in white asked
“One of those trolls in that cave over there has the ability to roll back in time” Samuel explained, “That way we can try and stop the initial fall of Earth, and hopefully the circumstances leading up to this slaughter”
“That may not work” the second figure in white told Samuel, “For we and they are outside of time. Both sides will register that time has been reset; it may not prevent Azrael and Rahab. In fact they may start their slaying of mankind in the past”
“Look” Samuel said pointedly, “You take Raguel and whoever you need to stop your angels of death and tell them you were played for fools by these fallen ones, and then we will we roll back time so we can stop Earth falling in the first place and undo what your angels of death have been tricked into doing, then we can deal with the fallen ones if necessary.”
“I will try mortal” The second figure in white replied, “But first I must return to our realm with Raguel”.
“One more thing” Samuel then said, “I want you lot to can that dumb idea that Celeste here is an angel just because her parents are what we term major spirits of necessity from this world. That is what got you into this mess and gave the fallen angels the excuse they needed.”
“I will put that to them” the second figure in white replied, “You get your device ready to roll back time and I will send word if we can stop our brethren” The second figure in white walked up to the first figure in white who had been sitting down with his head in his hands. He touched his hand upon him, and in a bright flash both were gone.

“Right” Samuel told Celeste, We need to sort out who is going back”
“You want me” Celeste asked
“Yup” Samuel replied as he headed for the cave

As Samuel reached the cave he called out to the rest of the group to let them know that for now it was safe, and then everyone came out of the cave and stood in a semicircle around the colonel.

“Listen up” Samuel shouted, “We have a bigger problem here” He began, “This is not just a war between a troll faction aided by bugbears and the Hadreth drow against Earth. There has been another war between two other realms which has gone on for centuries with Earth as the battle ground and us as their proxies. It seems one of those sides was allied with the drow from the Hadreth”

“That would figure” Major Bolak interrupted, “The Hadreth were always very good at playing one side off against another to get one over on both”

“Yeah” Samuel interrupted back, “Well the drow have under estimated them this time and this other faction has one objective the Hadreth don’t, the extermination of the human race”

At this there was some consternation from the other members of the group.

The Lord Low Troll coughed, “What is the name of this faction, I have never seen them here”

“Some refer to them as fallen angels” Samuel replied, “others call them demons”

“You’re kidding right” Charlene interrupted, “They don’t exist Colonel, they were an invention of state run religions to frighten the masses and every one knows those religions were invented by men to subjugate us women”
“Then what was that we met Doctor Henshaw?” Samuel asked, “What was it that killed Captain Philips there” Samuel pointed to the spot where Sandra had been incinerated by the first figure in white.

“Doctor Henshaw” Mark interrupted, “It doesn’t matter what you believe about religion” he told her, “The mere fact this world exists, formed by the human collective unconsciousness should be a big clue that these angels and demons might just exist”
“OK” Charlene objected, “We saw something but”

“They’re killing everyone on Earth now!” Celeste shouted, “Those beings that tried to grab me, they are slaughtering humans on Earth as we argue”
“What?” Pete asked
“She’s right” Samuel interrupted, “Now I know you scientists and technicians have reservations about time travel”
“Like it won’t work” Charlene interrupted
At this both Pete and Sue-Lim chimed in agreement with Charlene

“Well we don’t have much choice you guys” Samuel rebuked them, “We are going to try this option because that’s the best one on the table at the moment.”

Simon raised his hand

“Yes Mr Hargreaves” Samuel asked
“Who is going back?”

The commander raised his hand, “Count me out this time Sam” he told his long time friend, “They explained how it works and there is no way I would be of any use this time”

Samuel sighed, “I know Mark, but I sure could have used you though”
“I know Sam” Mark replied, “But if our technician friends are right and all we do is create this alternate universe branching off, I can try and lead some resistance in this universe”
“Those Fallen Angels will be hard to fight” Samuel told Mark, “If that is the case there is no way of saying how that will shake out”
“We faced down the Magnus Timor and won Sam” Mark assured Samuel

“Ok Samuel sighed, “As to who is going back, the first two are obvious, myself and Celeste”
“I want Simon as well” Celeste” interjected
“Why?” Samuel asked
“Because I love him” Celeste replied, “And if this works, I don’t want to be separated from him”
“He’s not a field agent Celeste” Samuel told her softly
“I can try” Simon interrupted, “I want to go back, I want to save my mom and pop” he insisted
“If Simon stays, I stay” Celeste insisted
“OK, he can come to” Samuel said in exasperation and then continued, “Major Bolak will go back to take out Vabalavich early, Shamus because he has teleportation ability and can countermand the order that led all the leprechauns to go to Dublin where that particular nuke went off and then they can get our troll friend out of Caracas. Mr Vee of course”

“And Me” The Lord Low Troll interrupted.

Samuel gave the troll a cold hard stare and after an uncomfortable silence agreed. It was his magic device after all

“And me” Charlene interrupted

“But I thought you did not believe this would work” Samuel objected
“Maybe it won’t” Charlene replied, “But if by some chance it does, Simon, no disrespect, does not have the clearance to get hold of the right equipment, I do. You will need a theoretical physicist not just a technician and let’s face it, Sue-Lim was in Bethesda and Pete was kind of distracted. Plus one other thing, I was a complete idiot with regards to Celeste and you don’t want my younger self giving her the grief I did”

“Ok” Samuel said, “You’re in”

“Except” the Lord Low Troll replied, “That is one person too many. One of those people has to drop out”
“I will” Mr Vee volunteered, “I will give the colonel certain information I have, that very few people know and will tell my younger self to believe him”

Mr Vee then walked up to the colonel and whispered into his ear. Celeste tried to listen in, but Mr Vee was too quiet for her. The colonel then gave Mr Vee an incredulous stare.

“We just need the go ahead from our angel friend and then we can go” Samuel then said.

“How long will that take?” Padow asked
“I have no idea” Samuel replied, “They have to find two of their own and stop them”

“I believe they have done so already” Major Bolak remarked, “Turn around slowly”

Samuel turned around to see yet another figure in white, bearing a flaming sword

“What kept you?” Samuel remarked sarcastically

“TAKE HEED HUMAN” the figure in white rebuked in a voice that sounded like many rushing waters, “WHEN YOU SPEAK WITH AZRAEL SHOW RESPECT”
“Sorry you’re right” Samuel responded, “And is it too much to ask the same in return”
“AND WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?” the figure in white replied
“Well first stop shouting” Samuel replied, “And second, even without your help since nineteen sixty two we managed not to destroy ourselves, that has to count for something”

The figure approached Samuel.

“Are you absolutely certain you did that all by yourselves” The figure in white said in a quieter yet menacing tone.
“Did you violate your treaty” Samuel asked in an equally menacing voice
“Let’s just say Samuel Peters” the figure in white went on, “The drow and the fallen ones are not omniscient. Now go and roll back time. See if you can fix that which has taken place, but remember, the fallen ones will know what you have done, and if they come after you, don’t expect us to intervene”
“We’ve seen your interventions” Samuel countered, “We won’t be missing much”
“You may regret what you are about to do mortal” the figure in white said in an intimidating tone, “The rolling back of time has consequences. Are you sure you really want to do this”
“Given what your lot have done to our world” Samuel countered, “I see no other option”

“Remember Mortal” The figure in white growled, “Consequences” he added menacingly. At that he faded away

“What do you think he means by consequences” Celeste nervously asked
“Probably one of those temporal paradoxes” Sue-Lim suggested

“Maybe Earth fell because we tried to go back and stop it falling” Pete added

“Oh you technicians make my head spin” Shamus interrupted, “Thousands, if not millions have died. It now seems we are facing a foe even more powerful than we have faced before, including the Magnus Timor. We have to give this one a shot, and if we just vanish, the commander and Mr Vee can lead whoever is left to sort things out back here”

“Then it is agreed” The Lord Low Troll spoke up.
“Let’s get on with it” Samuel said gruffly

The Lord Low Troll held up the ring like object.

“Those going back must hold onto this device” The Lord Low Troll told the group, “and then I will recite the spell, and time for us will roll back”

Samuel took hold of the ring opposite the Lord Low Troll. Celeste and Simon then took hold of the ring. The four of them then knelt down so Shamus could hold the ring

Then Charlene knelt down and held the ring, last to take hold was Major Bolak.

“Before we go back” Samuel told the group, “We all need to be aware of how this is going to be. It will be our consciousnesses and memories going back. What to everyone may be just a few moments ago will seem to us like another life time ago. We are all going to be disorientated”
“Assuming this works” Charlene interjected
“You still want in?” Major Bolak asked.
“I have to” Charlene responded.

“Can I ask one thing?” Celeste asked
“What?” Samuel asked
“I don’t mean to be selfish” Celeste began
“This is about your human soul” Charlene interrupted
“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have mentioned it” Celeste apologised
“That’s ok” Charlene replied, “It’s precious to you, I understand that”
“Celeste you got that from some wish crystal” Shamus told her, “And as it was your mother’s present to you, and when she sends it, it should still reach you as it did before. Just make sure you wish…”
“But her mother is dead?” the Lord Low Troll interrupted

Suddenly Celeste was terrified that her secret was out, and surprisingly it was the fault of Shamus, not Simon, and the leprechaun should have known better!!

Celeste knew the rules, either one of her parents or she had to be put to death. Major spirits, like her parents, were prohibited from having children together by a law passed by the Lord Low Troll himself.

“I swear my lord” Celeste bleated to the Lord Low Troll, I never knew she was still alive”

The Lord Low Troll shook his head and laughed, “I should never have let that dryad get to me so. I was told a child of two major spirits would destroy my dynasty and separate our two worlds. What with how my son never had any interest in a wife and my daughter being taken in by a drow, I have long given up the idea of a dynasty to last after me even without a creature such as you coming along”
“Er right” Celeste said hesitantly

Then the Lord Low Troll leaned over and growled menacingly, “Although I do expect you to hold up to your side of the deal and not to kill my daughter if that is what the prophecy meant”
Celeste shook her head, “I don’t want to kill any one my lord”
“Then we understand one another Celeste” The Lord Low Troll said icily
“Yes my lord” Celeste whimpered.
“Good, are we ready?” The Lord Low Troll asked the rest of the group.
Samuel nodded, as did every one.
“One last thing before we go” the Lord Low Troll said, “Meetal?” he called out

At this the Lord Low Troll’s former kobold servant came up to his former master.

“Yes Master” the kobold called out as it scurried across

“If these humans are right, and all we do, is start another universe, I am leaving everything to you in this one.”
“But master it should go to your son and heir” Meetal protested

“Meetal, you were more a son to me than my so called own son over there” The Lord Low Troll said nodding in the direction of Padow
“Maybe if you had been a better father” Padow retorted, “and married my mother”
“Enough!” Samuel shouted, “Lets go” he said with irritation

Slowly the Lord Low Troll started an incantation in a strange tongue that nobody else could identify.

The ring started to glow, and to Celeste it seemed to grow warm, and then hot. She wanted to release her hand from it, like they all seemed to want to do, but they were held stuck.

The pain became intense and agonising.

Were these the consequences that angel as the colonel had referred to the strange and wondrous figures that had tried to abduct her, had spoke of?

Then the world around them faded into blackness and there was just the seven of them, floating in empty space.

Now the ring was cold and painfully freezing.

All the while the Lord Low troll was chanting an incantation.

Then the ring began to spin with all of them holding on.

Again Celeste could not let go and the speed of the spinning seemed to be yanking her arm out of its socket.

Suddenly the ring shattered and the all flew apart from one another holding the ring and then everything for Celeste went black.

There was the sound of an alarm clock sounding

“Hey Celeste” Celeste heard Sophie yell as there was also the sound of banging on a door, “It’s time to get up Celeste, and make sure your decent, Kevin is staying with us for a few days” the sound of Sophie’s voice added

Celeste sat up, she looked around.

She was back in Sophie’s apartment, but how far back in time was she?

“I bet I no longer have my human soul” Celeste thought “I wonder what the exercises will feel like without it”. Celeste quickly pulled off the night clothes she was wearing so in case the exercises did not work, she would not destroy them. For a moment Celeste wondered if they would fade away as she had teleported away from that angel to the major instinctively.

After a few moments the night clothes were still there.

Had the last few months been some horrendous nightmare?

Celeste then knelt on the floor and concentrated; just had Major Bolak had taught her in what was either the other timeline or the strange nightmare.

There was that same pain as she had before, and then she realised, she had not been dreaming, she had gone back in time, it was not just her memories and consciousness that had made the trip, her human soul had also travelled back in time as well

+ + +

A Place of Eternal Fire
Location Unknown

The large fiery figure was screaming with rage when three other fiery figures materialised

“Did you feel it?” The large fiery figure demanded to know

“Yes” all three answered in unison”

“All we have accomplished has been undone” the large fiery figure screamed, “What kind of trickery is this from the so called loyal ones. This is so wrong, even for them”

“But my lord Samael” one of the smaller fiery figures spoke up, “I do not believe even they possess such power to roll back time”
“Or the authority” voiced one of the other fiery figures

“Well someone did” the large fiery figure retorted, “And we are going to either make sure time plays out again as it did before, or we destroy them once and for all here in this rolled back time. And as the so called loyal who ones stopped Azrael and Rahab before time was rolled back, I say that under their own interpretation of the treaty and how that Celeste creature fits in, they have violated it by intervening”

“That means we are free to act directly against the half breeds” one of the smaller fiery figures ventured.

The large fiery figure raised his fists, “I suppose it does” he said menacingly.

To be continued