The first time I’d thought about killing a man, a friend of mine had been raped, and I’d spent many a night fantasizing how I could extend his misery as much as possible. I’d never been satisfied with my daydreaming.
My friend had never recovered from the attack, and a year after her rape, she’d taken her own life.
I’d learned a lot that bitter day.
“While my brother has fallen, he becomes justice, often unseen and unknown. He is the judge and jury. And, however much he resents his role, he works as much for himself as he does for Him,” Gabriel said, and he gestured to my brother. “This may change your plans, but your brother does not have a place in the heavens as of this moment.”
My brother squeaked at the archangel.
I thought about my childhood and the various things my brother had done, and I could believe my brother had done far more evil than good in his life. “Yeah. We’re not particularly good people.”
Gabriel reached out and stroked a finger over my brother’s furry head. “Humans can change. Your nature is often unpredictable. That is as much of a blessing as it is a curse. Only he can decide what he will do with the rest of his mortal life.”
“He’ll cause me more trouble, that’s what he’ll do,” I muttered.
Both archangels laughed.
My brother squeaked a complaint and waved his tiny rodent fist.
“What’s in the briefcase, and should I take it when I stage my invasion?”
“It has paperwork, a laptop, and some funds to help you with your conquests.”
I blinked, sat down on the couch, put the briefcase on my lap, and opened it up. Several stacks of hundred dollar bills, the promised laptop, and some paperwork filled the briefcase along with several pens. “I don’t understand.”
“The money will aid you in your cause and will close doors for my brother to manipulate you with. With the money, you have no need to bargain with him for it. No is a powerful word. Use it on him often,” Gabriel advised. “The laptop is a new mortal tool, and you can use it for many things, including monitoring baby Kanika’s progress. You will have a login with the CDC, and they will update it monthly so you can track her progress. If you become concerned, you can then act as needed. The cash is sufficient to grease the wheels of your revenge.”
“Shouldn’t you be discouraging me from seeking revenge?”
Michael strolled around my living room, examining the pictures of my mother and father near the television. “You call it revenge. We call it justice. Your motivation is revenge, yes, but you will be doing great good for others in the process. We are merely removing some of the problems that would bar your path. He uses you for the sake of justice. You would be wise to remember that. Your brother is likewise being used. He works in mysterious ways. Do bring our brother down low. He deserves such torment.”
“Do you love or hate your brother?”
“We love him, of course. He deserves everything you will do to him. Do not hold back.” Michael picked up the picture of my father. “These pictures are filled with your love. We could tell you of their fate if you would like.”
“You can? They didn’t just go wherever they were supposed to go after death?”
“Death is merely an ending and a beginning. Not all souls are suited for the heavens or the many hells. Your parents loved each other dearly. Heaven is only one of the many rewards He can grant worthy souls. He felt they were deserving of a second chance of a happy life together, so that is their fate. They grow, already smitten with each other, for their souls find comfort in each other.”
“You can guarantee happiness in a future life?”
“To a certain degree.”
“Why can’t you do that for Kanika?”
“We could give her a kind childhood but rob her of true joy. It would be cruel of us to do such a thing. She will grow in adversity, yes, but her challenges will one day become her greatest triumphs. Allow her to endure life’s discomforts. Only then will you be able to accomplish your long-term goals. This will displease you. Take your temper out on our brother in the meantime. If he cannot handle you at your worst, he does not deserve you at your best.”
I closed the briefcase and rose to my feet, petting my brother with my free hand. Jonas wisely kept his teeth to himself. “Take me to your brother, please. And could you do me a favor?”
“What favor?” Gabriel asked.
“Tell me everything these bastards have done. I want to make sure their punishment fits their crimes.”
“You will be challenged to make them suffer sufficiently. If you wish to learn their crimes, speak to our brother of such matters. You will learn all you need to know.” Gabriel held out his hand. “We will take you straight to his gates, but I recommend you knock before you storm. It will be more entertaining for you should he have time to shore up his defenses. That will make your victory over him all the more satisfying.”
Five
Would anyone believe you?
I held Gabriel’s hand, and a blinding light enveloped me. Spots filled my vision, and when they faded, a dark, barren landscape stretched out to the horizon, and gouts of flame shot towards a brimstone sky. Smoke filled my lungs, but rather than cough and splutter, the burn faded within a few breaths.
“His gift,” Gabriel informed me, giving my hand a squeeze. “Your brother benefits as well. My brother’s residence is behind you, but look closely at this landscape and think long on its existence. What do you see?”
In the brilliant blooms of flame, crystals jutted from the scorched ground, capturing the fire in their clear hearts.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, marveling at how something so desolate could hide so much. “What are those stones?”
“My brother’s many hells are the birthplace of all jewels, for beauty so often requires adversity. You can find every stone throughout the universe here. Some are ugly, some are beautiful. Unlike the heavens, my brother’s many hells touch all places within the universe. That is a secret most do not know.”
“Yet you’re telling me where my brother can hear?”
“Would anyone believe you?” Gabriel replied in an amused tone.
Huh. “Now that you mention it, probably not. Is it all like this?”
“No, not at all. There are many layers to my brother’s many hells. Hell is unique to every soul. Should you earn a punishment from my brother, he will take you to the various options, I am sure.”
“You sound way too happy about the idea of me facing a punishment from your brother there, Gabriel.”
Michael laughed. “It is not much of a punishment if she likes it.”
Oh. Oh. My eyes widened. “Nobody told me archangels were perverts. I feel like I have been deceived.”
While headless, I got the feeling the archangels both smiled.
Freeing my hand from Gabriel’s, I turned to face the Devil’s home. In some ways, the sprawling stone structure reminded me of a gothic cathedral blended with a fairytale castle, with tall spires, looming crenellations, and a startling lack of gargoyles. A stone wall topped with wrought iron surrounded the place, short enough I could see over it but tall enough I’d have to put a little effort to get inside if I didn’t opt to walk through the open gate.