After the Fall - L. G. Castillo

After the FallBroken Angel - 2L.G. Castillo 

1

Rachels cloak fluttered as she sped through the dark tunnel. He was there. She could feel him.

Shivering, her fingers fumbled with the heavy material as she drew it closer to her body. Puffs of white drifted from her mouth as she panted, trying to catch her breath. With each step she took, it was as if her angelic powers were being drained away. She stopped and slumped against the damp wall of the cave, unable to take another step. Could she do this? Even if she managed to reach him, would she have any power left to save him?

Gabrielle had warned her it would be like this, but Rachel had dismissed her, especially when she first stepped into Hell. It looked just like home! Lush grass and fragrant flowers lined the landscape as far as she could see. Snowcapped mountains stood as a backdrop against the clear blue skieseven the stream was located in the same exact spot as in Heaven. If it wasnt for the unnerving feeling in the pit of her stomach and the hairs that stood on the back of her neck, she would have sworn she was home.

Considering Lucifer held his captives at the Lake of Fire, she had assumed Hell was a vast empty land of sweltering heat. It wasnt until she found the cave hidden behind a waterfall that she finally understood what Gabrielle meant about not letting her guard down. The cave was frigid. The icy air seemed to seep into her pores and deep into her bones, causing her teeth to chatter uncontrollably.

She wished Gabrielle had given her more information about what to expect. She wouldve dressed warmer. Gabrielle had only gone once, and she had waited on the outer boundaries of the cave. According to her, one time had been enough. It had taken her days to recover from the experience.

Only Raphael knew what Hell was really like. He had made Gabrielle wait for him while he bravely went through the deepest depths of the cave to reach the lake. He was the only person she knew of who had gone down and returnedalive.

If only she could have asked Raphael about what to expect and how to prepare. She sighed. If she had, there was no way she couldve slipped away unnoticed. She wouldve been reported to Michael and more than likely, wouldve been put on watch until it was too late.

A sob escaped her at the thought of his death. She slapped a hand over her mouth, horrified as the sound echoed in the darkness, bouncing off the walls. Her body shook as she wrestled with the thought of losing him. She had to pull herself together. If she were caught, it would be the end for both of them.

She took a resolving breath and pushed herself off the wall. I can do this. I wont lose him.

Her feet scraped across the floor of the cave as she trudged forward in the darkness. As she rounded a corner, she came up to a pair of tunnels.

Which way should I go? Her eyes watered, and she bit down on her lip, frustrated. She was tired. So tired. If she chose the wrong one, she didnt know if she would be able to make it down the second. Time was running out. She had to make a choice, now!

She was about to go down the tunnel to her left when she heard a moan from the right.

Its him!

She raced toward the sound with renewed energy, and within minutes, she came into a large cavern. Heat slammed against her body, making her cringe in pain from the abrupt change in temperature. She stopped suddenly, her arms flailing out as she tried to regain her balance and not fall into the molten lava that appeared right before her eyes threatening to singe the tips of her toes.

The lake!

Immense heat blurred her vision, and she rubbed her eyes. All she could see was a sea of red heat. Where is he?

Searching through the haze, she finally saw a faint figure, motionless. She blinked again and gasped when her eyes finally focused.

No! It cant be him.

Across the lake, chained to the wall, naked, was the one person in her life who she couldnt be without. The one person for whom she would defy the orders of the most high of archangels just so she could save him.

Uriel.

Tears spilled down her heated cheeks as she took in his once magnificent body, scorched by the lava that splashed onto his skin. His beautiful downy-white wings were now a grotesque black. With each movement he made, feathers turned to ash and fluttered lifelessly to the ground.

Uriel, she croaked.

Uriel lifted his head, and pained eyes looked back at her, a startling blue against the black of his charred face. No, he groaned. Leave. Leave now. Hell be here

The cave rumbled, and lava sprouted into the air. A splattering of the searing liquid fell onto his chest. He arched his back and screeched.

Im coming, Uriel! She tore off her cloak and flicked her wings open.

Its too late for me, he rasped. Dont do this.

No, its not. I dont care what the others say. Youve redeemed yourself. You deserve another chance.

He looked deep into her eyes. Forgive me. Im unworthy of you.

There is nothing to forgive. I love you.

Desperate to find a way to get to him, Rachel looked around the cavern. She swallowed hard as she flit her wings and with all the strength she could muster, propelled herself into the air. She was only able to get herself a couple of feet off the ground. It was as if an invisible barrier was holding her down. Frantically, she looked around for another way to get to him and saw a narrow stone path with lava washing across it. There was no other way to him.

With all her might, she pushed herself upward, trying to get distance from the fiery liquid. The cave shook again, and a wave of lava slammed against the walls, sending droplets of lava flying into the air and onto her wings.

She wailed in pain and began to fall.

No, Rachel. Go back, Uriel moaned.

Before Rachel could tell him there was no way she was leaving him, she felt a rush of air on her back. An arm wrapped tightly around her waist and yanked her away from the lake, away from Uriel.

Take her...Gabrielle, Uriel gasped. Keep her...safe.

You have my word, Gabrielle said as she tightened her hold on Rachel.

No! Rachel screamed, struggling against Gabrielles steel-like arms. Let me go. Let. Me. Go!

Rachel stretched out her arms as if just by doing so, she could hold on to him. Uriel! Uriel!

Just as Gabrielle flew out of the cavern, a loud thunderclap rocked the cave, and the sound of his screams ripped through her, mixing with her own.

Then, silence.

Hes gone.

She fell limply into Gabrielles arms as they flew back through the frigid tunnel. The cold spread to her face, her hands, and then crept into her heart and the deepest part of her soul until there was nothing left except a dark numbness. It didnt matter. Nothing mattered anymore.

When they flew out of the waterfall and into the sunlight, she stared lifelessly at the clouds drifting overhead. And though the sun shone down on her face, she couldnt feel its warmth. She doubted if she would ever feel it again. The cold emptiness in her heart would be there forever because Uriel was dead.

* * *

Wait! Uri died? Like died, died? No longer existing, died? Naomi gawked at Rachel and then glanced at Uri. His dimple flashed as he grinned. But, youre...youre here.

Rachel stared off into the distance with a sad expression as if she were still back in the cave.

Rachel? Are you okay? Naomi shook her shoulder, her brow furrowed with worry. She wasnt used to seeing her friend so sad. Out of all the angels shed met during her short time in Heaven, Rachel was the most cheerful, always chirping away about angel gossip. She wished she hadnt asked Rachel about how she and Uri met. Naomi had no idea about their tragic past or that Rachel and Uri were ever apart. Uri, who had shortened his name from Uriel, was always by Rachels side.

When Naomi first met Uri, shed been taken off guard by the way he winked and teased her. And he was a hugger, just like Rachel. Shed thought Lash would be jealous of the way Uri flirted with her. But then she noticed he was that way with everyone, even Gabrielle.

Heaven was not at a loss for drop-dead gorgeous angels. Although Lashs dark, brooding looks were more her type, she had to admit Uri was attractive. His dark blond hair was worn short with long bangs that flopped on his forehead, highlighting teasing blue eyes. His most striking features were his full lips that always seemed to be in a puckered position. Many of the female angels drooled every time Uri kissed their hand hello or melted whenever he flashed a smile at them. And if Uri really wanted to get them going, hed go heavy on his Russian accent.

Despite all the attention he drew, it was clear that his heart belonged to Rachel. Every time she walked into the room, his face would light up and grow even more breathtakingly handsome. It was like all the energy he radiated was because of her.

Rachel blinked a few times, and she shook her head as if bringing herself to the present. Yeah, sorry. I got lost in memories there for a moment. What were you saying?

Ah, my love, allow me to explain to Naomi my miraculous resurrection, Uri said to Rachel.

He leaned over the table and took Naomis hand into his. He paused and then glanced over at Lash. May I?

Lash nodded and leaned back into his seat. As long as you rein in some of the charm.

Naomi rolled her eyes. Hes just holding my hand. Why are you holding my hand, Uri?

Tell me, my beautiful Naomi. What do you feel? Uri gave Rachel a wink.

Naomi blinked, confused. I, uh, well, I feel your hand.

Yes, you feel Uris hand, he said, flipping the r as he spoke. But, who is Uri?

What? She glanced over to Lash, not knowing what to think. He shrugged.

Is this Uri, flesh and bones? He slid her hand up his muscular arm. Or is this Uri? He then placed her hand over his chiseled chest.

Lash bolted up in his seat. Hey there, watch it now.

Shh. Naomi waved a hand. I think Im on to something.

Looks to me like youre feeling Uri up, he mumbled.

Rachel giggled and picked up the cards from the center of the table. Naomis right. Youre cute when youre jealous.

Im not...aw, give me the cards. He snatched the deck from her.

Naomi could feel Lash pouting as he shuffled the cards. She wanted to put his mind at ease, but she was close to figuring out what Uri was trying to explain. It was on the tip of her mind.

Are you saying that it was only your body that changed?

Uri grinned. Very good. Thishe tapped her hand against his chestis a new and improved Uri. You like? He winked.

Yes.

He beamed, and she heard a muffled giggle from Rachel.

Naomi felt her face grow warm as she pulled her hand off his chest. I mean...youre a...a...a good friend, she stammered.

She took a breath and tried to re-focus the conversation back to what they were talking about. So, what youre saying is that the real you, your soul, didnt die. It was still alive.

She is a smart one, no? Uri said to Lash.

He grunted.

Lets take that as a yes. Naomi turned her attention back to the game they were playing. She swiped the pinto beans off the bingo card and looked for another one. Her current one had to be jinxed. She hadnt won one game the entire evening.

She had introduced Mexican bingo to Uri and Rachel a few weeks ago, hoping to have some fun during her time off from training. Rachel loved it so muchprobably because she won most of the timethat she and Uri came over every evening to play.

I learn something new every day. I didnt know it was possible for angels to die, or at least their bodies. It mustve been a relief to know Uri was going to come back, Naomi said.

The room went silent.

Not everyone comes back, Rachel said quietly. Her constant smile disappeared.

Oh, but I did. Uri got up from the table, lifted Rachel from her chair, and placed her on his lap. It took many years, but I came back to you, my love.

Three thousand, three hundred eighty-six years, five months, two days, twelve hours, forty-eight minutes, and twenty-three seconds, Rachel said under her breath.

Naomi gasped. He was gone for that long? Her chest tightened as Uri tenderly brushed a tear off Rachels cheek. If angels could die, then Lash could too, and there was no guarantee hed be resurrected. All this time, she had thought there was nothing that could tear them apart. Shed thought she had forever with him.

When did you die? she asked.

1400 BC. My return wasnt until...hmm, lets see, 1967 or so, when I was born into a human body. Not too much different than when you were born into your human body.

Only he was in Chernobyl instead of Texas, Rachel poked Uri in the chest. I finally saw him again when he turned nineteen.

Chernobyl in the 80s, Lash sighed. I remember that.

Yeah, me too, Rachel said. Id never been so happy and frustrated in my life. Believe me, Lash, I totally understand what you went through when you were assigned to Naomi.

Uri came back human? Naomi turned to him. You didnt know you were an angel before?

Nope. It took much convincing from Rachel. Unlike you, I was not the most, umm, should I say, moral of humans. Uri winked at her. Of course, Rachel changed all that for me, and we were finally together again.

But three thousand years. I could never... She looked over at Lash and took a deep calming breath. I cant even imagine.

Hey, Lash leaned over and kissed her cheek. Everythings okay. Im here, he said as if he could read her thoughts and her fears about living a life without him. How had Rachel done it? All those years without Uri, watching him die the way he did, not knowing if hed ever come back.

Why didnt you tell me?

It didnt come up. He took the bingo card out of her hand and held her hands in his. You dont have anything to worry about. Uris situation is totally unusual. No offense, Uri.

None taken, my friend, Uri said. Naomi, Lash is not the most rebellious angel here, as much as he likes to pretend that he is. He grinned, dimples flashing. There are much worse things one can do than throw a few temper tantrums and mess up assignments.

Lash scowled. I wouldnt call them tantrums.

What did you do? Naomi couldnt imagine Uri doing anything so bad that his punishment was death in Hell. He didnt seem the type. I didnt know angels could be punished like that.

It wasnt the archangels who punished him. Rachel looked down at Uris bingo card, frowned, and reached over to the table to get another. They would never do that.

Oh, I can see Gabrielle ordering something like that, Lash said.

Lash, Naomi warned. Gabrielle was still a sore spot for him. Rachel had told her how Gabrielle and Lash didnt get along. So, when Gabrielle was assigned to be her supervisor, she thought Gabrielle would be difficult to work with. Instead, she was very patient with Naomi and even gave her extra time to complete some of her training. She did notice that Gabrielle was all business and never interacted with any of the angels on a personal level. Naomi could understand that. It must be difficult for her to be second in command next to Michael. She hadnt met him yet, but everyone spoke about him with high reverence, including Lash. The only time Gabrielle appeared to let her guard down was when she was with Raphael. If she didnt know any better, she could swear Gabrielle was in love with him.

What? Lash looked innocently at her. Its true. If it were me, shed do it in a heartbeat.

Gabrielle can be a bit...stiff at times, but she means well. Rachels big brown eyes glistened with tears as she looked into the distance, appearing to remember something. She risked her life, coming after me, and she didnt have to tell me how to get to the Lake of Fire.

Uh, hmm, Lash looked at her skeptically for a moment, then turned his attention to Uri. So, what did you do?

You dont know? Naomi asked, surprised. She figured since Rachel and Lash were such good friends, they wouldve talked about it by now.

Lash knows I was killed and then was brought back. I just havent told anyone why, Uri said, appearing flustered. He looked at Rachel nervously before he continued. You see, I was a very different person back then. In 1400 BC, I went to the City of Ai with Raphael and Luci

Oh, they dont want to know about the boring stuff. Rachel jumped off his lap. She rifled through the stack of bingo cards in the center of the table and looked closely at each one, avoiding eye contact as she spoke. Uri was held captive by Lucifer and Saleos. And due to, uh, special circumstances, the archangels decided to, uh, let himshe sank to her seat and swalloweddie.

Thats cruel. Naomi couldnt imagine what hed done that was so bad to have him and Rachel deserve to suffer like that.  She eyed Rachel carefully, and she squirmed under her scrutiny. There was something she wasnt telling her. Other than Lash, Rachel had grown to be one of her closest friends, like a sister, sharing everything with heruntil now.

The City of Ai, Lash said. That sounds familiar. Where have I heard of that before?

Naomi was caught by surprise at Rachels forced, high-pitched giggle. Look at this card, Naomi. La Muerte, she read and then handed her the card with a picture of a skeleton holding a scythe. It doesnt look at all like Jeremy. Its missing his new crocodile boots. Isnt that right, Uri?

Uri furrowed his brow, confused, then as if picking up on Rachels cue said, Yes, his boots. Very nice.

Naomi saw Lash stiffen and pause mid-shuffle at the mention of Jeremys name. Jeremy had disappeared the day after she was reunited with Lash. She had heard about the fight Lash had with him and felt awful about it. She had asked Raphael about Jeremy, hoping she could do something to help reunite the two best friends. Raphael had merely shaken his head sadly and said Gabrielle had sent him on an extended assignment and that he didnt know when he would return.

So, Jeremys back. Lash resumed shuffling the cards, his voice strained.

Rachel gazed at Lash and then Naomi, her eyes filled with pity. She then turned to Lash with what looked like a forced smile. I saw him this morning. Maybe you, Jeremy, and Uri could start up your poker games again.

Lashs jaw tensed. He stared down at the cards as his thumbs flipped through them. He tapped the deck against the table and shuffled again without a word.

The room grew uncomfortable as he avoided answering the question.

Thats a great idea, Naomi said, forcing her voice to sound cheerful. She glanced at Rachel and Uri, noticed the knowing looks they were giving each other, and sighed. More secrets. What was it with this place and all the secrets? She wasnt used to having people keeping things from her, especially after Lash finally revealed that he was a seraph and Raphael had told her she was the seventh archangel.

Lash had even told her about his conversation with Raphael and how Rebecca, her grandmothers guardian angel, was his mother and Raphael his father. And when he told her Jeremy was his older brother, she had thought they were done with secrets...apparently not. How frustrating! No wonder Lash was moody when she first met him. She didnt blame him one bit.

Explain it to me again: why do we have to use pinto beans? Lash said as he grabbed a handful.

He was obviously trying to change the subject. She sighed. Maybe it was better to stick to playing Mexican bingo.

We dont have to use beans. Bingo chips would work just as well. Welita...Welita liked to use beans. A familiar pang rung through her chest, the same one she felt whenever she thought of her grandmother and her cousin, Chuy.

When Naomi had first arrived in Heaven, she had checked in on them during breaks from her training. But each time she had, it had become harder and harder for her to tear herself away from the bridge over the stream, the only window she had to their world. Gabrielle had picked up on her inability to concentrate after each of her visits and ordered her to avoid the bridge until after her training was complete.

At first, she was appalled that Gabrielle was basically asking her to forget about her family. Lash, of course, was outraged and offered to bring it up to Michael, claiming she was working hard and checking in on her family helped to ease the transition to Heaven. After she had calmed down, she realized Gabrielle was right. Her new life and family were here with him, and the best way she could adjust was to delve into her new role as archangel.

Naomi, Lash gently touched her shoulder. Are you okay?

Yeah, I was just thinking about Welita. I miss her and Chuy.

I miss them too...and Bear, Lash said about her grandmothers Chihuahua. Crazy little fur ball.

Naomi wondered what they were doing at that moment. She wondered if it was late in the evening there like it was up in Heaven. What time zone was Heaven in?

Chuy and his best friend, Lalo, were probably sitting around the dinner table right now, just having gotten off work. Chuy would be on his second helping and Lalo on his third. Lalo was like a member of the family, and even he called her grandmother Welita rather than her given name Anita.

Naomi could actually see, in her mind, Lalo sneaking pieces of Welitas chicken mole to Bear, while Welita was busy cleaning the kitchen.

Rachel gave a loud yawn as she stood up, scraping the chair across the floor. Im pooped. Come on, Uri. Lets go home. Why dont we play at our place tomorrow?

You dont have to leave, Naomi said.

Rachel went to her and gave her a hug. I know that. You and Lash should have some alone time together. Youve been working so hard lately. Besides, Uri says he has a special treat for me tonight.

Every night is special with you. Uri swept her into his arms and flicked out his wings.

Uri! Rachel squealed. What are you doing? I have wings too, you know.

Uri walked around the table, headed to the living room, where a wall of windows overlooked the valley. All the windows were open, letting in a cool breeze.

Lash, youre smart moving out of the commune and into your own home. He stepped to the edge of the center window and looked down. The view from up here is magnificent. But why so far away from everybody?

As much as Naomi loved living with Lash, it had been crowded in his small room. Lash had immediately rectified the situation by building a small cottage on the ridge of a mountain that overlooked the angels living quarters. More importantly, she could see the bridge from their home, a reminder that Welita was only minutes away. She loved it. But, in the back of her mind, she wondered if there was another reason why he wanted to live away from the othersor maybe one person in particular.

Lash wrapped his arms around Naomi and kissed her neck. Oh, lets just say we wanted a little privacy. His hot breath hit against her ear as he whispered, And space for extracurricular activities.

2

Jeremy leaned against the railing of the bridge, sapphire eyes gazing in the direction of the mountain. In the distance, he could see the twinkling of lights on the highest peak.

He closed his eyes for a moment, waiting for the ache to pass. Being away for the past few weeks, he hadnt even realized it was still there, lingering deep in his heart. He had Gabrielle to thank for that. How did she know what he was feeling when he couldnt understand it himself?

Hed thought spending time away from Lash and Naomi would help him get some perspective on what he was feeling. But when he returned and stood alone in Lashs empty room, he questioned who his heart was aching forLash or Naomi.

His hands scrubbed over his face with frustration. He had let himself go since he left, almost as if punishing himself. He didnt bother with shaving. He didnt even bother dressing in his favorite custom suits anymore. Instead, he wore whatever he could throw on, like black slacks and T-shirts. Even his once perfectly coiffed hair was different, with scraggly bangs falling over his eyes and the rest long enough to brush against his collarbone. The only luxury he allowed himself was a black leather jacket that matched his new crocodile boots.

He looked up into the darkening sky, trying to pinpoint the exact moment when everything changed. When had he turned from a loyal best friend to someone who was not to be trusted? Could he blame Lash for not having faith in him when even he didnt know if he could trust himself when it came to Naomi?

Jeremy pushed himself off the rail and paced the length of the bridge, his shiny black boots clicking on the wood. I was doing my job. Thats all.

Watching over Lash and making sure he took Naomi to Shiprockthat was what hed been told to do, and he had done it. Hed followed his orders to a T. So what if he may have checked in on them a little more than what was required of him? There was no harm in that. And he may have felt a little bit of jealousyno, concern. Yes, that was it; he was concerned when he saw the obvious attraction between the two of them. He had to warn Lash to leave her alone. Hed thought it would ruin Lashs chance to return home.

Jeremy froze as he recalled the words he had said to Lash.

Shes not for you.

Why had he said that to him?

You know why, a small voice whispered in his head.

He slammed his hand against the rail. He knew perfectly well why. He wished he could forget all of it and just have a fresh start with Lash and Naomi. But he couldnt.

Fighting against his memories of her, he gripped the railing so hard his knuckles went white. It had been easier before, when his sole focus was accomplishing a mission. Now, he struggled to push from his mind how he felt when he first saw her: long, dark hair falling forward draping her beautiful face as she hovered over a dying Deborah. It had been as if lightning hit his chest and restarted a heart that he hadnt known had stopped. It had only been when Lash appeared obviously threatened by the way he looked at her that hed been able to pull himself away and focus on the task at hand. Ever since then, hed been shaking away growing feelings, feelings hed had no idea where they came from until Raphael had told himhe was his son, and long ago he had been betrothed to Naomi.

Are you ready?

Jeremy whipped around at the sound of the voice. Gabrielle. I thought I was alone.

She stepped from out of the shadows. A breeze blew soft blonde waves around a stern face. Youve been in isolation for weeks. Have you prepared yourself for your new task?

Jeremy was surprised by her tone. Was he dreaming that only a few weeks ago, it had been Gabrielle who suggested he leave to get some space from all that had happened between him and Lash? She had seemed so kind and patient.

He looked back up at the mountain and wondered if Lash was still angry with him, and as much as he tried not to, he thought of Naomi. Couldnt this be given to Lash? Hes better suited.

Michael was adamant that this assignment be overseen by you. Besides, you have your own assignment to attend to on Earth. Her voice was firm as she eyed him carefully. She must have seen something on his face because her face softened. It was the same look shed given him after his fight with Lash. Did the time away not help you to prepare?

Gabrielle, cant you make an exception? Ive always done my duty, and Ive never questioned you or Michael for any of the assignments you two have given me...even when you asked me to strike down my best friend.

It is because of your loyal service all these years that you have risen through the ranks to become an archangel, she pointed out. You know that with this role comes greater responsibility. If Lash had been as obedient as you...well, never mind that. Hes hopeless.