Jasper and the Shelter of Angels

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Table of Contents

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Disclaimer

Dedication

A terrible sight in the doctor’s office

Author’s Testimony

Prologue

Chapter 1 Princeton

Chapter 2 The Seven

Chapter 3 The Insufferable Six

Chapter 4 The Fall of West

Chapter 5 A Bitter Drink

Chapter 6 Tempers Rising

Chapter 7 The Farm

Chapter 8 Struggles in Hell

Chapter 9 Ceramecy

Chapter 10 Off the Grid

Chapter 11 Kingston

Chapter 12 The Passing of Hayolam

Chapter 13 Hoola-Hoola

Chapter 14 Free Fast Food

Chapter 15 Bell’s

Chapter 16 Demonic Rats

Chapter 17 The Citizens of Ceramecy

Chapter 18 Earthquake and Storm Rage

Chapter 19 Meeting Angels

Chapter 20 A Hard Road

Chapter 21 A City in Ruins

Chapter 22 The First Air Scrubber

Chapter 23 Jasper Incarcerated

Chapter 24 Going to Hell

Chapter 25 Outsmarting the Devil

EPILOGUE

A Simple Prayer

Touch an angel or be touched by an angel

Jasper and the Shroud of Death

Sample Chapter

Review

Author’s Notes

About The Author

The Harrison Hot Springs Legend

Grandpa Dave My Hero

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. No attempt to add or subtract from our formal theology has been made. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. This story was written based off the scriptures of the Holy Bible, however, if your interpretation differs, that’s fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but keep in mind the author’s purpose was foremost to entertain within fictional realm and to arouse discussion.

This world of Jasper is set in a fictitious universe so towns and cities might sound like places we know, but geographically they don’t exist. It was not the author’s intent to create real stories for real places, or even for a particular time.

It is not the author’s aim to make anyone upset by what is written in any of the Jasper books or any of his other books, but what he hopes to do is cause people to think.

Dedication;

This novel is dedicated to my Daughter, Cindy. I look at you and I know there is something much bigger than us at work in the universe.

Cindy, only four years of age, you look at the world around you with such intrigue. Everything is new. Looking at the world through your eyes, I realize nothing should be taken for granted. Everything is new and exciting. So, here’s to all things new and exciting, and the little things that mean so much.

A terrible sight in the doctor’s office

~Ugly, isn’t he? West said as he casually pointed his thumb at the stout little demon. This is a scout, a type of childish demon or imp. They find weaknesses in people and report them to larger demons and they also look for opportunities to complicate life for people with annoying distractions from putting an eye lash into someone’s eye to over reacting to someone’s comment. These demons are cunning and they strike when their victims least expected. It’s the only thing they’re clever at, but it’s often more than enough to start a chain reaction that leads to larger consequences.

The demon began to reach its massive claws over the doctor’s head. The long sharp talons phased into the doctor’s skull and slowly raked deep lacerations back through his crown.

The doctor removed his glasses and set them on the desk-top. He then pinched the bridge of his nose, between his eyes.

Jasper was shocked. He looked at Starr, not sure how he should respond. Starr shook her head, ‘No,’ and placed her finger to her lips for him to remain quiet. Coincidentally, she was under attack and locked in a sword fight which rendered her unable to come to the doctor’s aid. Her adversary was a red skinned female demon warrior. The two appeared to be evenly matched.

Nodding to comply with her, Jasper tried not to say a word as the doctor lowered his head in pain and dropped his fist to his solid oak desk-top. This head-ache is relentless. the doctor declared. Please bear with me a moment. Doctor Adam’s slid open a desk drawer and fished out a small medicine vial. He popped the lid off and tapped out three capsules. Tossing the pills into his mouth, he swallowed them without a gulp of water. It will pass shortly. he whispered with constrained vocals. Behind him the demon chuckled and clawed at the doctor’s scalp some more.~

Author’s Testimony

Like Jasper, I felt like a regular person up against substantial odds in this world. To me, my future seemed easy to fail and difficult to succeed and I was right in that assumption. From my perspective, everyone seems quick to tear one another down and slow to build one another up.

Also, like Jasper, There came a time when I shed he idea that I was insignificant. It helped when I was eighteen and first heard that God loves me. It was a new and exciting concept. No longer did I have to feel like I had to go up against the world on my own. I could be connected to someone (God) much bigger than myself. My belief in God gave me a considerable boost to my self-worth. If God could see something special in me then perhaps I could find something special in myself too. This notion was something I tried to convey in the novel as part of Jasper’s journey.

Each of us are capable of accomplishments that are much greater than we think possible. Belief in God is a personal choice we all make in our hearts. God is not fond of those who are on the fence when it comes to their belief. Do your own research. You might surprise yourself like the true story of Lee Strobel, who was an atheist who set out on a personal quest to prove definitively that God wasn’t real. Through his efforts, he unearthed evidence that changed his life forever. (*See the movie; ‘The Case For Christ’)

The belief in God shall remain a personal journey for everyone throughout their lives here on earth. You shouldn’t have to feel you have to prove anything to anyone, but continue to seek answers for yourself. What might await you could be the greatest gift of your life.

May an angel touch you deeply,

May God bless you richly,

-Robert A. Hunt-

PROLOGUE

"THE EYES OF THE DARK CREATURE twitched with the intention to maim. Its sharp teeth were revealed behind curled lips like unsheathed swords. Lunging forward it spread its claws and took hold of the grand angel Shelton. Such a spectacle of awesome magnificence was this towering form. His spiritual shape; vaguely human, was clearly superior.

Shelton was quick to retaliate as he sunk his two swords deep into the demon’s torso, shouting, May your heart know what it is to gleam this day, like all the stars shining as one with such intense brilliance as found only in heaven!"

While the colossal angel Shelton said this, darkness expelled off the dark demon like a festering smoke. Its claws shredded the angel’s armor; its teeth bitten deep into the mighty protector. Now, what happened next? A teacher next to a lake was about to bring his lesson to a close but he expected an answer.

The teacher looked like a young man of Israeli descent. He wore loosely fitting pants with a shirt made of woven cotton.

He stood before his seven students of whom were equally as young.

Teacher Stephen? Called the young boy; Wilson, The Grand Angel Shelton could call for support from his friends, could he not? he tenaciously but carefully tested his instructor.

Very good, Wilson. That is a possibility. Stephen answered kindly.

A young girl with long strawberry blond hair shot her hand up and answered, If I were the grand angel, I’d call on the power of the Lord to send a blast of glorified light at the demon. answered Taila then she lowered her hand.

And with such glorified light, you’d purge yourself of the beast’s venomous bite? the teacher asked her, eyebrows raised.

Of course, teacher Stephen. she smiled sheepishly. Taila’s name meant, Golden Dawn. In the sunlight it was clear by the way her strawberry blond hair lit up along with her young and beautiful complexion, she was flawlessly named.

I’d cast the Holy fires of Shelton’s sword upon the beast while his blade was still within it. came Joel’s outburst of exuberant excitement.

The teacher turned to Joel, And what would you speak, Joel?

I’d say, Behold demon! The sound of your roars and the destruction of your rage will be heard no more!" Joel answered without hesitation. His voice was like quicksilver.

The other students were anxious to tell their teacher what they would do in the grand angel’s place but Stephen told them. I’m sorry to have to cut our lesson short today. I know each one of you have marvelous answers for today’s question but I have to be on my way. Walking by each of his students, teacher Stephen handed each one a golden envelope. Each of the envelopes were marked with the student’s name; Joel, Elana, Charmatrien, Starr, West, Taila and Wilson.

Thank you teacher. each one spoke when they were handed an envelope.

You’ll all have to open them on your own time, I have to get going. Congratulations to you all. You’ve all been brilliant students and good personal friends. Waving his departure, teacher Stephen turned and sauntered away along a path next to the lake.

Before he was too far away, Elana called out to him, Teacher?! Before you go, what did the angel Shelton do to defeat the demon?

Teacher Stephen raised his voice and resolutely said, There has been much speculation concerning grand angel, Shelton. As it stands, he went missing and no one is certain where he is. He gestured, shrugging his transparent shoulders.

With that, the students huddled together and spoke excitedly amongst one another. Walking in the opposite direction from their devout and caring teacher the students also followed the path. Beside the path, the lake drained to a trickling brook for a short distance before it drained over a sheer cliff’s edge to a long waterfall that fell many miles straight down.

The young people stood dangerously close to the edge. Fearlessly they admired the spectacular view. Rolling hills far below basked in the daylight for as far as their eyes could see.

Joel called, Hey, why don’t we crack these envelopes open right now? his cobalt eyes gleamed.

I agree. I’ll go first! answered West, with a voice of melody.

That’s not fair. Joel protested, smiling like the sun.

We do it together then. saluted Wilson as he tore his envelope open.

They all followed suit, unsealing their envelopes.

This news will concern each one of us. Wilson added with a hint of warning in his tone.

The document within each one was identical. It was a certificate that declared they had all been accepted into the service of shepherding humans.

Charmatrien slid out his certificate and read, To your exemplary capabilities, you shall all be rewarded to serve in our contributions to marshalling the people. His deep baritone voice was freed from his wide chest.

Elana’s soft voice rose like the call of a bird. We’ve worked so hard for this and for so long. Remember when it was nothing more than a dream of ours?

A tall young woman enjoyed the wind as it blew through her white-blond hair. She stepped to the edge of the cliff with a white dove perched on her shoulder. Then she said, I’m releasing this dove to commemorate our future. Let the winds guide our freedom as it does this dove. Starr’s bold voice faded out eloquently. Then she released the dove to the sky and it fluttered from their height towards the valley below.

Here, here! came the strong male responses of Joel, West, Charmatrien, and Wilson in unison.

Happy for the news of their certificates, they congratulated each other.

Joel slapped Elana on her back and commemoratively said, What great news! I’m so proud of you!

The slap seemed friendly enough but it almost caused Elana to lose her balance and fall over the edge. She giggled and said, Be careful, Joel, I could’ve fallen.

The others didn’t see any danger, they just laughed in their care-free adolescent manner. So often had they chuckled in the face of danger.

Oh, like this? Joel gave Elana a full arm extension shove.

Elana’s mouth opened and her eyes went wide as she stretched her arms out to be saved, but she just dropped right over.

The five remaining friends gathered together at the ledge and craned their necks to watch their companion as she fell.

Elana giggled and laughed as she shrank into the distance.

Straining their eyes to look closer, wings promptly sprang from their fallen friend’s back and began to flap. Such a majestic spectacle carried Elana safely out past the dove that was set free just moments ago.

Unexpectedly, the large young man, West, came up with a plan even more daring than Joel’s. Stretching out his arms, he tackled the entire group of students over the edge.

They all fell in a mess of sprawling arms and legs. Scrambling vigorously to hold onto something, they grabbed and pushed at one another. Though they intended to prevent themselves from plunging over the edge they soon realized the inevitable was also the unavoidable. One by one, wings exploded from their backs and they began to laugh and fly effortlessly in intersecting circles.

A light shone from the horizon and lit up the sky. The light came not from a sun nor a star, like it might on some other world. The source of this light emanated from the very throne of the living creator of all things. He was surrounded in a rainbow ring of light and colours. A field of light also surrounded Him. Because the origin of the light was the pure energy of love it didn’t hurt their eyes. Radiating from the being who sat in the throne, the energy of love filled the land completely and penetrated every shadow. At their distance and because of the great light, the throne was barely visible. Above the throne were four living creatures; the Seraphim.

Surrounded by a spacious open court, the throne, raised up, had water pouring out from the bottom of it in cascading waterfalls running down each of the four sides. Around the open court were tall walls built at the sides of the temple of pure gold like transparent glass. Beyond the temple were rolling hills of smaller temples and place of worship and even further out from them was the great Holy City.

As striking and powerful as the light was, it remained gentle on their eyes. The group peered around, their faces glowing joyously.

Turning his head to look at Starr with his big brown caring eyes, Joel confirmed the solidarity of their friendship.

Smiling back at him with something of a playfulness in her eyes, Starr couldn’t contain a small giggle. Her stark blond hair was pressed back at the sides with beads that looked like dew drops lining a spider’s web.

Unable to contain his smile, nor his excitement, Joel stretched out his wide, chiseled wingspan and glided upwards. Changing course, he rolled into a lazy turn then gallantly and gracefully punched through the clouds.

With bushy brown hair and side burns, Joel wore the shimmering breast-plate of armor on his chest. Mounted to the center of it was the front half of a golden crown. On his left fore-arm Joel wore a silver gauntlet. His silk tights were a soft green. Dark brown boots rose up above his knees and brimmed with a large fold.

Meanwhile, Starr beamed with a knowing smile as she glided amongst the others. She was tall, staturesc and arrayed in heavenly glory. Then she turned to the others. We’ll be right back! With a bold visage, she dashed into the distance in pursuit of Joel. Her white feathery wings were quite similar to his, only fluffier, feminine, sleek and softer.

The two friends streaked through the sky with no limits to the speed of their desire. Starr came within arm’s reach of Joel.

Smiling at Starr with a mouth of perfect teeth, Joel playfully teased his friend.

Starr, for her part, hadn’t yet stopped smiling. For a moment, they flew in unison. Then Starr surprised Joel, reaching out and slapping him on the shoulder lightly.

Tag! Starr shouted spiritedly, You’re it! she teased him back as her eyes sparkled like light blue diamonds.

Joel laughed as he delved into a bouncy good-natured sport of amusement and tumbled through the air. Jokingly he acted like she used too much strength. Making some distance from Joel, Starr smiled and bolted from him. She knew his sense of humor all too well which made it easier for her to tease him.

Starr, an athletic youth with very light blond wavy locks of hair wore a short skin-tight under-dress. On top of this, Starr’s outfit was primarily a thin see-through fabric that floated over her body loosely and moved as though it had its own realm of gravity. She didn’t wear any other items except for the small white flowers in a couple of thin braids tied back in her hair. Where they came from, it wasn’t popular to wear shoes or jewelry or make-up. Regardless of this her natural beauty was so prominent anything more wasn’t needed.

The smile dropped from Joel’s face as he focused, before launching from his position and darting toward Starr. The both of them picked up enough speed to whistle out of the sky as they streaked toward the ground.

Starr headed for the southern boundary of heaven’s gate.

They descended like missiles, but at the last millisecond, they flared their great wings breaking out of their speedy decline so their feet lightly touched to the ground. It was a beautiful setting with lush green foliage of growth surrounding them. Starr ran to the foundation of the massive gate where she unknowingly disturbed a group of about twenty Cherubim who were lounging there.

The Cherubs looked like small children; every one of them. They wore very little in the way of clothing, but they were the most innocent and perfect children. Each one had many differences by way of hair colour, skin colour and character expression. Despite the small wings at their backs they had no problems fluttering about. This wasn’t more evident than when Joel came blundering out of the forest behind Starr.

The Cherubims lifted from the area and flew off like a flock of birds down the road, back through the valley to the Holy City. They were more precious than rubies or diamonds.

Gotch’a! Joel announced when he came up behind Starr and gripped her shoulders. Starr hardly flinched because she was captivated by the beauty of the southern gate. Joel noticed this and took a step to Starr’s side. Together, they looked on in awe as they tried to drink in the awesome magnificence.

Of course they had visited the gates many times before but seeing the spectacle again was no less as captivating and tranquil as the first time their celestial eyes gazed on its beauty.

The gate itself was a great pearl harnessed in a masterpiece of golden artistry.

When an oyster is wounded, it creates a pearl. In this symbolic way, the wounds inflicted upon the Son of God, are represented in each great gate of heaven.

Embedded in the rich golden designs were gems of many colours. The gems encompassed a power of some sort, causing them to glow with a life of their own.

The gate marked a way through the tall, impenetrable wall that surrounded the entire land of the great city of heaven.

Then Joel broke the silence and uttered, Thousands of years ago, I tried to open some of these big gates, but they are so sturdy and solid, they couldn’t be budged.

Why did you try to open a gate? Starr mediated. Did you want to leave?

Oh, no. I was merely curious and saw it as a challenge.

With an astounding leap, Joel glided away from Starr to the gate. Slowly curling his fingers around the silver and gold workmanship that intricately laced the gems within, he gave a little push.

The sound of a heavy latch clicked and echoed off into the distance. Then the entirety of the enormous gate jarred loose. It was so large the gate looked like a continent on hinges and parted at a vertical angle. Joel let go of the gate immediately and quickly turned back to look at Starr. His eyes grew as wide as halos with amazement.

The bolted brazen gate yawned open slowly on protesting hinges. The sound was a howl alerting all to the breach.

Wonderment and confusion spoke from Joel’s tense eyes. He didn’t expect the gate to react. The gate, now slightly open; ‘this wasn’t supposed to be possible.’ he marveled with amazement.

Simultaneously, Joel and Starr took a deep breath. Anticipation gripped them both. Each of the four gates were supposed to be locked at all times. For this gate to be open was a mystery. Is evil at work here? Joel inquired.

No, it is impossible for any detail to escape the Lord’s notice. Everything has meaning and purpose. All things happen for a reason. Starr answered her friend.

Taking a step away from the gate, Joel couldn’t stop looking at it.

Starr stepped up behind him and placed her gentle luminescent hands on his shoulders. The gate was still closed for the most part. Solid and beautiful, perhaps their eyes deceived them. Perhaps it’s not really open. You and I are mistaken. Starr suggested.

But the gap… Joel shook his head, Yes, you must be right. Laughing, Joel lowered his head as he swung around to look at Starr.

She also laughed at their foolishness.

Joel wanted to confirm their silly misunderstanding as he stepped up to the gate once more and gave it a hardy push. This time the sound of the hinges could not be heard for the baritone horns of heavens defense sounded even louder.

The great gate swung open wide and Joel stood looking out to the wondrous world beyond. Mesmerized by what he could see, Joel found himself petrified. His perfect facial features were framed in the Holy luminescent power of God’s love.

A sound arose from the darkness beyond. It was a shriek of madness followed by deep growlings of demon creatures of unfathomable depravity and utter decadence. Then, like a sudden swarm of locus was upon them, the demons of countless numbers attacked through the open gate.

Double their number arrived to meet them as silver and gold angel s drove them back out the gate. Still this was barely enough. The demons were innumerable and threatened to force their intrusive ways in. Then a flaming sword arrived and was set in place by God at the gate. The massive golden blade struck with such force and speed, the demons could do nothing to drive it back.

Meanwhile, outside the open gate, the battling demons continued to rage on trying numerous tactics to gain entry.

Joel, stay here, I’ll get the others. Wilson will know what to do. With that said, Starr shot away to the sky in a dazzling streak of light.

Like a bolt of white light, Starr returned to the lake only to discover all of her friends had already ventured elsewhere. Tracking where they went, Starr flew to the heart of the great Holy City of Heaven. The aura surrounding Starr was much like the aura of the city, only vastly smaller in scale.

Flying into the heart of the Great City, Starr found everyone was moving quickly to either take up arms and join the fight to drive back the demons or make preparations to fortify the Holy City.

Below her she caught sight of her friends, Elana and Taila. They were busy guiding and directing about fifty of the scared Cherubs to the safety of a nearby sanctuary along the street of gold.

Starr landed in the midst of them and helped to herd them all inside.

After they closed the tall double doors, the three of them stood together. Elana still cradled a Cherub in her arms.

The winged infant wailed and cried with fear. Starr’s two friends were busy tickling him under his chin saying, Kootchey-Kootchey. They were doing all they could to calm the little soul.

Finally, Starr tapped them on their shoulders from behind. Her icy blue eyes were full of urgency and seemed capable of freezing time.

Her friends had never seen Starr so worked up this way before. ‘What could possibly affect her so?’ Elana contemplated.

What is the problem? Taila asked, though she openly didn’t believe there could be a problem at all, least of all here in heaven. It sounds like we are at war! With such a youthful complexion, Taila flipped her, strawberry blond hair.

Dressed in a one-piece leather white-washed outfit, her V-cut at the front of her dress was composed of an aura that surrounded her like a loose second layered dress. This covered her like a cloud in constant motion. Taila was such a comfortable and care-free presence that could put the most callous soul at ease. She also wore leather boots that rose up almost to her knees along with matching fore-arm bands that had tassels dangling off the cuffs.

It’s Joel! Starr told her two friends, He pushed the southern gate and it opened right up!

"He did what?" Elana asked as she pursed her full red lips. A breeze caught her long dark hair, but no matter how her hair fell, each strand returned to a rightful place of perfection. She peered at Starr with a new found intensity in her large green eyes. Wearing white jean shorts with a large shimmering belt buckle and a white sleeve-less T-shirt under a light blue vest, Elana floated weightlessly and ready to counsel her friend. It was all about giving from the goodness of her heart and she did it with style. Her warm gracious presence was as welcoming as her white cowgirl hat and boots. Sparks of light gleamed from the silver bull whip wound at her hip.

Demons are trying desperately to invade our Holy domain. That’s what all the chaos is about! then Starr repeated. Joel opened the southern gate!

Why would he do that?! Taila asked, but she was cut short when Elana countered her question.

Where is he now?!

Starr looked at Taila, then to Elana. An anxious drive to do something twitched in her eyes. He’s still there; at the southern gate! Starr informed her two friends. Immediately, an impressive wingspan sprang from Elana’s shoulder blades as she darted away so fast it looked like she just vanished before their eyes.

The Cherubim, who was nestled warmly in Elana’s arms, remained floating in the air weightlessly for a moment. Soon, it lazily unfolded from its cradled sleep with wings flapping like a humming bird. As it stretched with a sleepy yawn, so too did its wings that were as soft as angora.

Disappearing in much the same way, Taila also flew off to her friend, Joel.

The Cherubim looked at Starr with a sleepy expression and rubbed its drowsy eyes.

Starr reached out and held the Cherub’s small infant hands. You’ve got to send a message to the tri-guardians for me.

The Cherubim became alert, nodding its head to her.

Tell them that the southern gate has been opened. The one who opened the Gate is waiting for them there. Starr released the hands of the Cherubim and in mid-flight, it smiled widely before it flew away in careless, casual arcs.

‘Now,’ Starr thought to herself, ‘Where will I find the rest of the seven?’

* * *

Countless angel s charged in at the multitude of demons. The celestial warriors were clad in shimmering armor. They welded mirrored double edged swords with blades so sharp, even a razor’s edge would seem dull by comparison.

Their shields were weightless and impenetrable. When a demon came in contact with them, they were repelled great distances.

The bows of the angel protectors retaliated the negatively charged black arrows launched by the attacking the demons. Though the angel s proved they could hold off the demon masses equally as well as the gate could, it wasn’t a job they particularly wanted for the rest of eternity.

The horrific demons were dark, shadowy and spikey. Hey were so energetic with such desperation they gnashed at the angels with sharpened pointy teeth.

The weapons of the enemy were forged of blackened bones and they utilized them with such hostility and cruel madness, there seemed to be moments when their fervent fierceness might actually succeed at entering the holy realm of heaven.

* * *

A separate taskforce of angels worked to reseal the southern gate. Amongst these brave heroes were Wilson, West and Charmatrien. They were virtually undetectable behind the open gate. As an added precaution, they dumped buckets of Aurora oil on the massive golden hinges. The three boys wore only white shorts as they had been playing on a beach together just moments before.

In West’s mind, the situation would never be catastrophic, for evil had no power in heaven. It was a rule, or law of their spiritual reality. Emergencies were a rare thing in the Holy City. West’s thoughts never left the beach. He fully believed the situation would correct itself and they would be right back where the sand was soft, white and powdery under his feet. Daydreaming, West presumptuously imagined he was back where other souls also occupied the endless shore and not one of them had a clue about the urgency Starr carried in her heart.

As the angelic boys worked at pushing the enormous gate and beams of heavenly glory penetrated their translucent forms, their gallant white wings flared and fluttered with the speed of a humming bird. The strong young angels pushed the southern gate and it began to close. They barely noticed Starr appear before them.

Waving her arms for the boys to take notice of her and stop, Starr shouted. Hey! she grabbed the attention of her male companions and quickly explained that the south gate had been opened by Joel.

Charmatrien and West began to chuckle. They had grown accustom to all thing being one big joke, but Wilson recognized the seriousness in Starr’s eyes. Looking at how hard the other more experienced angels worked he began to fathom the urgency of the situation. Looking at the others with his short hair and long bangs combed to one side, Wilson snapped his fingers. The smiles instantly disappeared from Charmatrien and West and suddenly they were dressed in their appropriate attire. Instantly and equally, the angelic young men paid attention to Wilson and Starr. In the blink of an eye they were all ready to go and assist their friend, Joel.

The Lord saw Wilson as a leader, so the others simply respected him as such. Contrary to his title, he was quite humbled and thinly framed, but when he called for his armor to collect on him, his stature became much larger. Usually, Wilson was the quiet one; slow to a temper just like he was to laughter.

The tight curls of Charmatrien’s dark hair resembled a young Michael Jackson. None of the angels had skin or any such skin colour, but Charmatrien’s wide nose and full lips gave him an exotic Nigerian complexion. Charmatrien’s bold and chiseled features were usually relaxed but when he heard of such a monumental event happening to one of his friends, he tightened and stood ready to assist. Charmatrien wore a simple muscle revealing white T-shirt with a long leather necklace that had a golden coin dangling from it. His simple attire with light blue pants and dark leather shoes made his wide black belt and huge gold buckle stand out as a focal point. His belt buckle was of an angel with lightning bolts for wings and the design was finished with black, gold and silver.

West was the tallest of the group and well built. His loosely fitted shirt was open at the chest and tucked in tight at the waist. His long blond hair and striking blue eyes carried a sense of warmth and boldness with them.

Starr couldn’t wait knowing her closest friends were at the mysterious open south gate with Joel. She headed off in a streak of speed to join them.

In an instant explosion of white cloud, the boys were fully dressed. Propelling into the sky toward the south gate the boys raced to aid their friend.

* * *

Amongst the striking colours of the garden, sitting on a rock with his elbow to his knee and his fist to his chin, Joel was in deep thought, staring at the chaos of warfare at the open southern gate. One by one, his seven angel companions arrived. As they first began to appear, it looked like they were dressed in striking garments of lightning.

First Elana appeared in an urgent flash of brightness. She looked at Joel and took a step toward him but the sight of the open gate stopped her in mid stride. The battle of good and evil was a complicated mix of violent thralls.

Behind Elana, Taila arrived.

Shortly after, Wilson, Charmatrien and West accompanied them.

When Starr appeared, she immediately noticed Joel on the rock and wen to him.

He was looking away upward at the conflict he was responsible for. The violence was a foreign affair of heaven, yet it continued to pump, filling the wide open space of the gate. The others also gazed at the mayhem with Joel. They all seemed to share his guilt. Such a sight of misery enraptured their hearts like a snare.

Before anyone else muttered a word, Joel said, Wilson, do you think this will anger the Lord?

I-I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation for what’s happening here. Wilson replied calmly, but the shrill distant cries of both angel and demon seemed to seal their doom in the eyes of their creator. Let’s go back to the City and bring this matter before the Lord.

Starr quickly spoke up, I’ve already sent news of this to the tri-guardians. Should we not stay here and wait for them to arrive?

What did you see on the other side of the gate, Joel? West asked, craning his head to get a better view past the fray of fighting and clashing.

It’s not easy to tell. I’ve never seen anything like it before, but there’s definitely, something. Like you I haven’t ever been outside these fortified walls. Wha I did see though was like some other far-off world. Joel answered, though his mind seemed to be so distracted and many miles away.

You were looking through a rift. When a gate is opened, a dimensional gateway to another world is also opened. explained Wilson like this was the lesson of the day. You probably saw earth.

The girls took a step forward in one accord as their curiosity called to them. "Can you see earth? Elana stepped up behind West, elevating on her tip toes and leaning forward to peek through the gate better. With a smile and sparkling green eyes, Elana added, Why don’t we just get close enough to take a look? I mean, the tri-guardians will be here any moment." The friends looked at one another, before they began to smile with delight at the suggestion. They had wanted to see earth for a very long time and such a notion had dominate many of their conversations and dreams. Grouping themselves together with Joel in front, they cautiously took a stealthy step closer, then another. Before they knew it, the seven young angels looked up to find they were under the wrangle of battle blows and quarrelsome strife. The warriors struggling at the boundary of the open gate seemed to stretch upward infinitely.

At the frontline of the gate’s threshold, demons began to swoop down at them. The seven armed themselves.

Wilson took the lead naturally. His hands lit up with bright white flames and he began to throw bleached blazing fireballs which effectively began to drive the demon horde back, but it wasn’t enough. Gracing his efforts, his companions also stepped up with him.

Starr welded her remarkable pearl bladed sword while she called forth a flock of bright pure doves. The Blissful birds seemed to blind the demons and discourage them from further reproach.

Taila had a four foot long sword blade extend out of each of her top wing knuckles. Her wings moved with extraordinary agility and strength which enabled the double edged blades of her swords to slash and reach better than they would if held in the palms of her dainty hands. The great span of her wings doubled as shields to protect her from the incoming arrows of the dark agents. As she fought she showed her love through the golden morning light emitted from every extremity of her striking yet exquisite figure.

West took hold of his long handled sledge hammer. Extending the handle of his condemnatory hammer, he twirled it expertly like it was a heavy ended staff. Each strike he landed against the attacking demons sent them sprawling thousands of miles into the depths of the disparaging darkness beyond.

Charmatrien gripped the hilts of his water bladed swords and twirled them expertly. The Holy water of his swords were like fire to the demons and perhaps the most effective weapon the seven were in possession of against such evil.

Joel let his arrows of light fly from his golden bow.

Elana lashed out with her silver bull whip that always ended with a predominate crack and a slew of spectacular sparks.

Let us not cross the entrance of the gate, agreed? Wilson said, being the voice of caution.

Of course. they agreed, peering to the other side of the open gate, as it became clear that the distant world on the other side was earth. This was a mysterious realm of wonder to them according to the many tales they had studied and dreamt of throughout the years.

Looking harder, one at a time, they used their ability of telescopic vision to see earthlings living their day to day lives. The swirling mouth of the spiritual firmament distorted their vision and made it considerably harder to see.

It doesn’t appear to be as terrible as we were led to believe, does it? Taila asked her friends. The seven worked fervently to protect one another so they could all get the best view possible before the tri-guardians arrived.

I’d like to get a better view. Charmatrien said as he leaned forward straining his eyes.

Look! West said pointing to the ground at the other side of the open gate. The ground ends abruptly at that cliff beyond the opening of the gate’s perimeter. Perhaps if we stand just a little closer, at the cliff’s edge, we will be beyond the firmament’s distortion so we can see better.

Just to there. Starr agreed, cutting a line into the ground with the tip of her pearl bladed sword. We will go no further.

I don’t think so. Wilson protested, crossing his arms, How would we explain what we are doing to the tri-guardians when they show up?

You’re right. Elana agreed with a confident nod, I just need one moment more though and I’ll be satisfied. she pushed past Wilson and Joel and leaned forward. Straining her eyes to focus her telescopic vision, she excitedly remarked. Oh, wow! Y’all’ve got to see this. It’s better than I could’ve ever imagined.

Starr expressed. Oh, look at the dark side of the earth! It glows with speckles of light. When did that start happening?

How long have you been away? Joel asked her.

Starr shrugged.

The rest of the group rushed out to the ledge with Elana where they too were amazed at what their eyes beheld.

Wilson, on the other hand, stayed behind an eerie chill came over him. Tilting his head up to take in the grand sight of the magnificent battle that continued to fill the gate’s frame, he realized they were all in breach of the vow they made to willfully remain within the limits of heaven’s gate. Quickly, Wilson moved to bring his friends back behind the limits again. No, don’t! Come back! Wilson said as he reached out to them, but he realized too late that by doing so, he too was outside and shared a much better view with his friends.

Oh, wow! Elana shouted with excitement, Wilson, don’t you see? Everything is so much clearer from here.

When the others saw Wilson take a moment to focus his telescopic vision, they all leaned out on the ledge and peered out at the surface of planet earth. Wilson stood up and said, All right everyone, that’s enough. Let’s get back now. But before the last word sprang from his lips, the extravagant southern gate of heaven slammed shut behind them and they found themselves trapped on the other side of it.

The group of seven turned around with a start and to their horror they found they had become outcasts of their beloved heavenly home. Upon a small area of ground, an isolated coolness blew over the seven as they found themselves trapped between the great gate of heaven and the firmament barrier that separated it from the earth’s realm. Feeling a sense of severance from the magnificent glory of the Lord, fear gripped their hearts like never before and they charged at the massive pearly gate and beat their fists upon it with all of their strength.

The masses of demons swiftly descended upon them and chewed into their backs.

Ignoring the demon’s assault, the angels hammered their fists against the pearl’s surface more desperately. They pulled to open it and some of the demons assisted them with this effort.

The seven cried and pleaded for someone with authority to hear them and permit them back in.

Finding the gate as solid and unmoveable as it was and locked with no way to re-enter, each of the seven became grief stricken with guilt and sadness. Huddling together, they comforted one another for encouragement.

Demons continued to scratch and tear into them, but the angels had no fight left within them. The demon influence quickly enveloped them and drew away their hope and faith as though they drank and slurped it up. The hope and faith of the angels, when unguarded, was like liquor to the demons and quickly intoxicated them.

We need to make a shield of our wings! Taila told her companions.

Large wings sprang from each of the angels and stretched out over the clustered together group. As the wings interlaced, they became an umbrella of protection over them.

Passing through the pearl of the sealed southern gate, came four gigantic sanctified figures which were composed of hallowed light. Beams of light from these divine individuals repelled the masses of demons away like great arms. From within the halo of light that enwreathed them, a sound became discernible. It was the sound of music and with the melody arose the singing voices of the Cherubim. Their sweet vocals were innocent like children; Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. They repeated this song over and over. The seven friends recognized this song. It was the song that went with and followed the Seraphim.

Realizing they were no longer under demon attack, the snuggled bunch cautiously relaxed their tense wings and parted the dome they had fashioned for themselves. That was when the eyes of the outcast angels beheld the distant outpouring of the heavenly hosts. It was as though the surrounding dark clouds had been punctured and they were bleeding golden treasures out their wound. The massive parade kept coming until the surrounding masses blocked out the four giant guardian seraphims from sight.

The seven angelic friends were tired. Guilt weighed heavily upon each one of them for giving into their curiosities and venturing out through the open gate. They believed they committed a great sin. Shivering in fear with eyes of the multitude upon them, the seven friends pushed in close to one another for security and encouragement.

From amongst the billions of heavenly spectators, the four living creatures emerged and approached the young fearful angels. Each of these creatures had four faces, six wings and moved together as though they were of one mind. Above each of the creatures was a large disk shape that appeared to be covered with eyes. Their prominent face was that of a man and the other faces seemed to be part of a great head-dress. The left side was the face of a lion, the right side was the face of an ox and the top face was of an eagle. They wore garments of pure light and their feet were like burnished bronze. These wondrous Seraphim emanated the great authority that was granted to them under God.

When they spoke they spoke all at once and beyond them the song of the Cherubims never ceased. Angels of God, servants of the mighty Master of Creation. spoke the Seraphim from the base of the gate. Have strength and do not fear. at these words the seven friends were strengthened, replenished and at ease. Don’t feel guilty for what has transgressed for it was pre-ordained by our King of Kings. Rejoice, for you have been selected for a great task. This was both exciting and inspiring news for the seven angelic friends. Long had they yearned for such a calling. It was, to them, an opportunity to serve their Lord and Master, whom they loved.

Then the Seraphim rose up high and their mighty wings merely stretched out and high for this to happen. In place of the Seraphim the tri-guardians gallantly approached. These three giant archangels had wide golden wings that stood like swords from their backs. Each of these angels loomed over the seven. They were three stories high and smiled down at the group. The archangel at the center began to speak, You will all be assessed. One of you will be subdued by the enemy.

Hold true to your faith and hold true to each other, now go! exclaimed the archangel to the left.

Soar through the firmament to the earth. Follow the escort of your brethren. spoke the archangel on the right.

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