Challenger
Narrated by herself
If someone told me that I would be the queen of all angles one day. I would put them in a one way taxi to be committed to a psych ward.
I served and still serve my wolf god Silver. But I have duties to live up to while I wait for him to call on me. I was on an assignment under Silver's command when I met Michael. He didn't seem to bothered that I looked as young as I do. I was 18 at the time of our meeting. One thing about being an eelkshie is you're frozen in age appearance. From the time you become one. I was 12 when I received immortality. Michael does have a way to make me look older for a short while to be romantic.
I have ambition and drive to better myself as an angel queen. But most of the time I'm hiding in my private stable. Grooming and carring for my horses. Until I am called to a court event by my husband. Which is usually a big dinner party or sometimes I must make an appearance to the public.
I live in a capital heaven city where it is taboo to be anything but an angel. My god is not even supposed to be here. I receive excellent treatment, but I honestly just want to be left alone. Because of my PTSD of former life as a bio weapon and everyone hunting me down.
Michael is good to me, he respects my timidness and wanting to hide. Our seer tells us I'm destined for greatness. To one day rise above Michael's position. I tell my husband we need our own mental health clinic here.
Angels
My Heaven
-Challenger's Stable-
Right after the battle of Weapon's death
By Michael James
Part 1
A Stable For Me
In Saint Michael's castle,
in a heaven city...
“Over my dead body my lord!” Michael told his court man to watch his tone with him. “My lord with all due respect. If you want a wife or even a young wife. We will provide you candidates. Balls could be held with hundreds or beautiful women of all sizes.
In Michael's bedroom...
“Pardon me, lord Michael has asked us to clean you up.” Challenger sat up off the bed and backed into a corner. “I promise I wont hurt you.” Could she just run a bath for her. The girl could bathe herself. “Of course milady, how hot would you like the water.” Not that hot, she didn't like boiling hot water.
The servant ran the bath and left Challenger to wash herself. She was still getting used to her angel wings. Yet she was able to enjoy her thorough wash. As she walked out of the tub room door. Clothes were left for her in angel style. They were more for dressed up cherub angel girls. Challenger looked out into the bedroom. No angels were there, but what was in the room, was a wolf.
“Hello” Challenger said with fear. The wolf told her there was no reason to be scared. “Who are you?” Just a traveler, it seemed she needed a friend right now. “Could I ask a favor?” But of course. “I want to sleep, will you protect me if I close my eyes?” It would be his honor. Challenger felt weird laying in her fiancee's bed. Instead she slept on a rug using the wolf as a pillow.
A while later...
“How is she” asked Michael walking up to the door? His servant was outside exhibiting fear. “Why do you look a fright?!” His bride to be, was using Just Writer as a body pillow! “You are dismissed... wait did you clean her up?” Yes and no, the girl demanded to bathe herself. Michael turned to the door. As he walked in, Challenger was indeed using him like a body pillow.
“You've chosen well Michael.” The Angel froze seeing Eternity's Deity of wisdom. “Poor thing is scared to death. She is shaking even now, in her sleep.” Michael spoke calmly asking what would he have him do? “Build her a place where she can feel safe. Also have words with your council about verbal restraint. Little Challenger here has it in her head she will go to hell. If she is kicked out of heaven.”
“May I take her off your hands?” It was advised that he not lie in bed with the girl just yet. Put her in bed and read a book while she sleeps. “Thank you, your grace.”
Challenger awoke in a very comfortable bed, all snuggled in. Michael was reading up on his paperwork. The bed she slept in at the Den was extremely comfortable. But this bed was much better, it was as if she was sleeping on clouds.
“Would you feel up to dinner?” Challenger looked at him sitting at his desk. She muttered she wasn't hungry. “A reliable source of wisdom asked me to give you a safe place to be. Any suggestions or requests in this matter?”
“I'd like a stable, please.” That wouldn't be a problem. After she was rested he would give her a choice of stables. “Thank you... Why do I have a second set of wings?”
“A gift from the Deity of wisdom. Those little wings will protect you.” Why didn't he wake her up, when such an important figure was here? Michael looked at her in shock. Challenger didn't even know. Why he was looking at her like that? “The wolf you were sleeping with, love.” Terror came from her expression. “You honestly didn't know?”
“No I didn't! I leg locked him, am I going to hell now?!” Michael told her to calm down. Challenger was to busy crying to hear him. Michael walked up her and held her. “I love you Michael, I'll try to be less of a pain from now on!”
Part 2
Challenger Poisoned Him
Down from heaven,
on a small habitual moon...
“Promise me, that if I frame her, we're done.” The sin demon Wrath handed the angel a vial of poison. Telling him that if this plays out the way they want. Infinity would find another angel to torment. Now of course Wrath was lying.
On the outskirts,
of the angel city...
“The horse has wings?” Michael told Challenger that she was a Pegasus. In a month or less, she would be giving birth. A keeper would be needed to help the little ones. Challenger's gaze then went to a giant white horse with antlers. “Is he a Pegasus too?” No, this horse was a Hayrumous. One of the most sacred animals alive. “Their antlers are melted down to make the strongest alloy to knowledge. Challenger walked up to him. Michael was concerned she might spook him, but his head went down. Allowing her to pet him. Following a good rubbing, a baby unicorn walked up to her wanting to be pet. Challenger felt more at home than ever.
After a couple hours of watching her be at peace. Michael's attendant came up to him. He told them it was time for dinner and she needed to be dressed.
“You can come back anytime, this is your stable now.” The unicorn colt tried to keep her master in the hay, as a playful notion. But Challenger still went to the palace and was put in a marvelous dress. With a team of maids making her all pretty for about an hour.
At dinner, Challenger had a rush of pure panic. Angels were everywhere, almost a small army of them. And all of their eyes were on her. Challenger was so unbelievably scared.
“Entering, the new queen of all angel kind...” Everyone but Michael, took the knee to her. If he wasn't at her side, the woman would have passed out. As they sat, a waiter asked what she wanted to eat. Challenger asked for a menu, he told her, it was anything she wanted. A fruit parfait, with ice cream, also some cider. But of course. Michael asked for some cider too, and some garlic roasted chicken.
The evening went off with lots of different kinds of looks. Angry, pleased, concerned, happy, jealous... all these things. On Challenger's third glass of cider, she felt funny. Michael tasted her drink and then collapsed from the poison...
The angel responsible for the incident made his way out of the room. It was a clean get away, because everyone thought she poisoned Michael. Accusations flew out of everyone's mouths. Lock her up, execute her, and many other obscenities. Challenger turned herself into a dagger. It was the only thing she could think to do and she was scared to death. When hundreds of angels rushed her.
2 days later,
in a cell with rats...
“Open the door.” In walked the Arc angel saint Peter. Challenger had her back in the corner of the cell. “I have some questions.” She started to cry out Silver's name. She wanted her wolf god to come save her. “Enough... what poison did you use?”
“Did you say poison?” Yes, which one did she use? “I can cure him, if it was poison, I can heal him.” What do you ask for in return? “I want to see my god.” That was it, not immunity from prosecution or not to be executed? “I didn't try to kill him! I promise that I never wanted to hurt him” she cried. Peter shouted to get a truth seer in here now. Minutes later, the angel of truth confirmed she didn't do this.
“Milady, you can cure him?!” Challenger nodded yes as she cried more. “Get her out of this cell. Kneel all of you right now this is your queen before you!” Peter ended up carrying her out of the cell to Michael's death bed. Using light magic, she cured the illness. Michael was weak, it took a while for him to recover.
His come to reality moment, was one of anger. He saw Challenger clinging to him as she was in prison clothes. Still he kept his cool as he kissed her cheek.
“What in heavens name happened?”
“Someone poisoned you my lord” said his attendant. Michael knew he was poisoned, that was obvious. His question was why did his future queen look like she she crawled out of a gutter? “We all thought that she poisoned you my lord.” If some thought angels couldn't be livid. Michael proved all of them wrong, right then.
“Get her... cleaned up... and summon Peter” he snarled through his teeth.
Part 3
The Accused
On a different planet,
far from the moon...
“You told me I was free of these allegations. You would find another angel to carry out your schemes!” Wrath smiled as if he were really enjoying the moment.
“Oh I'm sorry, you must have misheard me. I still have uses for you and I just don't want to lose you” he laughed. The angel shouted he was done. This was the last straw! “Now listen, I will go kill child after child if you don't comply.”
“You kill children every day. I will no longer serve.” Wrath laughed even harder. As he bound the angel to a metal pentagram. Leaving him to die slowly from touching an evil symbol. Hours later, other angels found him. When he was freed from the bounds, he was arrested. After being treated, he was put in a cell.
In the bath area,
as an adult woman...
“I must say Michael, it feels very off. When I take the form of a 20 year old woman. I mean I've grown breasts and I easily trip over my feet.” Michael had transformed her into an adult for a bit at her request. Challenger was wanting to be romantic with him. “Are you going to sit all the way over there or come join me?”
Michael swam in the hot water over to her. They started to kiss and be lovers. Later that night they moved to the bedroom. Challenger felt like she was safe, and loving it.
Come morning...
“Your majesty's... lord Gabriel wishes a word with both of you.” Michael opened his eyes, with Challenger's arms around his torso. He instructed the servant to wait outside. She bowed and left the room. Challenger asked for a little while longer.
“I'm afraid you need to wake up. Also I need to turn you back into a child body.” Challenger cursed that she became an immortal as a child. Frozen in time looking like a kid.
In Michael's lounge...
“My brother, what can I do for you?”
“Michael, we discovered the one who poisoned you. We have him in a cell and he is requesting your audience.” Gabriel's gaze went to Challenger who was cowering behind Michael. “I mean you no harm, your majesty.” Michael told him to pay her no mind and to take him to this traitor. Challenger asked to come along as well.
In the cells...
“Open the door.” Michael walked in the cell, with Challenger outside in the hall. “You have anything to say?” He asked to not be allowed to live. His actions were far to grave to be given mercy. “Why did you poison me?” The task was to frame his bride as well as kill him. “Why?” Wrath had been tormenting him for decades. Saying he would kill children if his orders were not carried out. Wrath didn't want her majesty to have a spot on the angel royalty line.
“Excuse me.” Challenger walked in asking if it were possible to hunt down this Wrath guy? Michael told her that was quite impossible. Wrath was one of the 7 great sin demons. Killing him would be extremely difficult. “Is this guy a friend of Sloth?”
“Oh yes, his superior to be exact” Gabiel explained. In the battle of Challenger and Michael becoming engaged. Sloth was killed in the fight. It was a tough challenge to best that sin demon. The accused angel asked for death.
“No.” All 3 men looked at her. Michael asked why no. “It is a sin to kill a being that is so pure. I would have him punished, but not killed.” Michael smiled telling them so be it. Gabriel wanted to know what to do with him then? “Put him on a no leave this city policy. This angel will live the rest of eternity in this city.”
“The queen has spoken” said Michael.
A few days later,
in the stable...
“Hey there little one... you are just all about poking me with that horn.” Challenger was petting the unicorn colt when she had a visitor. Her majesty was alone without a bodyguard. “What can I do for you” she asked him trembling.
“This amulet was my mothers. I want you to have it” the accused angel said handing it to her. The amulet was made of eternity gold with blessed silver in the shape of 2 wings.
“Thank you, I will treasure it always.”
My Heaven
-The Baby Pegasus-
By Michael James
Part 1
Awoken At Night
In the bath,
in the early evening...
“Milady...” Yes? “You might want to get out soon. You've been in it for a long time and you may boil.” Challenger asked her to bring her a towel. “But of course.” Challenger got dried off then dressed in her sleeping attire. Michael was away to another white city. His fiancee asked to remain where her stable was.
Once in the bedroom Challenger crawled into bed and enjoyed its comforts. Falling asleep hoping to dream of good things. It wasn't even dawn yet, when an angel came barging in. Challenger thought she was in danger and called for help.
“Milady I am sorry to alarm you. Layi is about to give birth.” Challenger rushed out of bed and flew to the stable. Wearing nothing but underwear, a training bra and boxers. Layi was laying on her side trying not to damage her wing. Layi was a Pegasus and was in pain trying to push her baby out. Challenger rushed to her, as the attendant was helping with the delivery.
“Why is she crying like that?!” It was just labor, the baby was coming out the way he should. No one was in any kind of danger. Challenger massaged Layi's head telling her it was going to be okay. A few minutes later Challenger held the baby in her arms. Everything calmed down in a matter of minutes. Layi was even relaxed. “Hello there, I'm a friend of your mother.” The baby opened his eyes and imprinted on her as the first contact being. He nuzzled her and made adorable noises. Soon after, his mother gave him his first breakfast.
By midday...
“Excuse me your majesty. I brought you some clothing. I never thought the queen of angels would waltz around in her lingerie.” Challenger thanked Pailen and asked him to turn his head. So she could change. She had been in the stable all night, caring for the newborn. She put on her fresh underwear and clothes.
“Have you anything else Pailen?” He snarled that she should have more dignity as a lady. “Thank you for my clothes, please leave.” Pailen turned to her and lectured her in anger. “Please leave” she said with fear when he stopped talking.
“Pailen, our queen told you to leave.” said Andrew. Pailen turned to him and saw the sword in his hand. “You will leave” Andrew told him in a firm manner. Pailen told Andrew he was a Count. “Yeah, and I'm a general, what else you got?” Pailen started to mouth off to Andrew. That was when Challenger screamed... Just go away! “You got two choices, either you walk out of her or I'll carry you out, Count.” Pailen raised his wings and took off into the sky. “Funny thing, I didn't give him the option to fly” Andrew said watching him fly away. When his gaze went back to his queen, She was out of sight. “Your majesty?”
“Just go away.” Her voice came from a stable she was hiding in. Andrew said he would be nearby and walked away. The mama Pegasus saw that Challenger was protecting her baby. Shielding him in her wings. The baby stuck his head up and started nibbling on her hair. “I think I will name you Latter.” Her nuzzled her chest like a loving animal would. Layi walked up to them. She shielded her by laying between her and the pen exit. Challenger took a comb and started to groom Latter. Also the mother got groomed as well.
At Pailen's privet estate...
“Get me lord Gabriel right now!” An hour or more passed until Gabriel arrived. He wanted to know what was so urgent. To which he needed to cancel all of his classes for the day? “The queen Gabriel, we need to do something about the queen.”
Part 2
Latter is Gone
“Pailen, do not summon me like this again for such a reason. I have responsibilities and duties. It will take weeks to make up the progress I lost today. My students...”
“Listen to yourself! Weren't you the one that wanted to be rid of this trailer trash?” Gabriel snapped his fingers warning Pailen to watch his mouth. Talking in that tone to him, and talking that way about her majesty. “I don't understand, the first moment you saw her, you wanted her gone, what has changed?”
“When her majesty saved my brother from death of poisoning. I will admit, I had a change of heart.” Pailen ripped a single feather out of his wing in frustration. “I thought that she was a spoiled brat when I first saw her. Her majesty is a perfect queen for us, very timid I will admit. I've seen her socialize with young angels. I've seen her care for the animals in her small stable. Her majesty is angelic by nature.”
“I would have you leave, lord Gabriel” said Pailen in pure anger. As Gabriel left the estate in the air. He chose to fly to Challenger's stable. On the way he grabbed some fruit bread for his queen. As he arrived, Challenger was asleep with her animals. When she woke up, Gabriel was reading a book. He startled her a bit when she opened her eyes. The first thing he said was he brought her something to eat.
“You are nice to do that for me. I thought you hated me?” He looked at her face of distrust. Only one thing seem certain to do. Gabriel swore in blood right then to always serve her. With both honor and respect as long as he lived. “Where did Andrew go?” He was nearby, pretty sure he was within ear shot as well. “ANDREW!” Gabriel looked around, then saw Andrew come in the doorway. “Do you think Latter will be okay, if I leave to go bathe?”
“His mother knows what to do, your majesty. Personally I think you should spend a day to yourself” Andrew responded. But she wanted to spend time with the baby. “Its your call your majesty, however you haven't left the stable in 2 days. A little rest and relaxation would do you some good.” The queen told Gabriel to come with them.
After a long hot bath...
“Please I can dress myself.” Her servants didn't pay her any mind. Challenger was dressed for court, apparently a ball was to be held. To celebrate an Earth religious holiday. Angels were calling it Christmas and her majesty had many gifts to open.
The next morning,
in the dining hall...
“I got a lot of tiaras and jewelry last night.” Gabriel asked why it sounded like a bad thing? “Look at this ring of brass that I have in my pocket. Growing up I treasured this ring. Now I am surrounded by riches that would make this worthless.”
“I don't think so... Look at this pendant I have under my armor. Its worthless by any judge. Yet it holds more value to me than any other item.” She asked if it had a story?
“Milady!” Gabriel jumped up out of his seat hearing a panic in a girls voice. Challenger asked her what was wrong? “Your Pegasus colt, it is gone and the mother is hurt.” Challenger tried to shoot out of the hall like a rocket. Gabriel grabbed her sensing danger.
“RELEASE ME!”
“Your majesty calm yourself. Let me assemble protection then we will go!” She was screaming her head off trying to get out of his arms. “Lady in waiting, go get my first unit now!” Challenger just caved in the next few moments and she went into a state of shock.
Upon entering the stable...
“The mother is fine. We healed her” said medic angels. Challenger asked where the baby was? “We don't know where he is. Its possible he got scared and ran away.”
“Does that happen often?” Not really, but unless someone stole her baby. This was the only other scenario. “What happened to the mother?” Her side had been cut by a unicorn horn. “I want that baby back” she cried. Gabriel asked for leave. To see if he could find him? “Please bring Latter back to me Gabriel.”
“Andrew keep both eyes on her at all times.” Andrew didn't argue and watched Gabriel jet out of the stable. Challenger asked for some privacy, she wanted to be alone with Layi. Of course Andrew could stay with her. They were his orders after all.
At Pailen's estate,
a little while later...
“My lord we have a very angry arc angel in your day room.” Which one? “It's lord Gabriel, my lord.” Why was he angry? “I don't know to much but he is accusing you of treason.” Pailen stood up in a frant, with a scared look on his face.
Part 3
Motherly Feelings
Off exiting the city...
“What do you mean that was the queens stable?!” One thief said to another. She just told her brother what she learned from gossip. “Well this cant get any worse. We are thieves who broke into a white city to traffic something. I don't think we could be any more screwed.” She told him that they just needed to ditch the baby and flee. “Oh brilliant idea, lets get rid of our one bargaining chip...”
Back to Pailen...
“Lord Gabriel, to what do I owe this pleasure.” Where is it? “In my cellar.” The arc angel had fizz coming out the side of his mouth. “Now just in my defense, I was going to use it in service to our kind. I never intended to betray the king and queen.”
“Who hurt her?” Pailen's skin coloring was growing white. From what he heard from his underlings. She sprang out at them and got hurt in the process. “Do you know what you did to the queens mental state?!” What he had done didn't really affect the queen directly? “You call injuring and abducting, none of her business?!”
“It's lord Michael that should be livid about his gold being gone, not her.” What in heavens name was he talking about?! “I had a great deal of blessed gold lifted from the treasury... What are you talking about?” What gold?! “We had a business transaction that was over budget. My subordinates lifted some treasure to make up the difference. A female angel guard attacked them out of nowhere and...”
“We're done here” Gabriel started to storm out. Pailen was curious about his reason to accuse and asked. “Someone injured the queen's Pegasus and ran off with her baby.” Pailen told him, he would help. “Why?” Because he owed it to lord Michael and also the queen. The other day he was quite cruel to her. “You are a mystery count.”
Back to Challenger,
in the palace...
“I'm going to go find the baby.” Andrew assured his queen she would not be doing that. “Do you not follow my orders?” He followed Michael's before her. Andrews orders were to keep her out of danger. Layi lost her baby, I am responsible for Latter. I was the moment he came into the world and saw me!”
“Your majesty, please just listen to reason. We don't have any idea where the baby is. I understand the motherly feelings you have in your heart. But I cant put you in life threatening danger.” Challenger fell to her knees and started sobbing. Latter was her baby the first true thing she had here of her own. She had become hysterical and put her limbs in the fettle position. Layi walked up to her and started to nuzzle and comfort. Andrew was at a loss for words.
That night,
at a village...
“What do the two of you have for me?” They showed the dealer the baby Pegasus. He was miserable and was crying with a mouth wrapped shut with tape. His wings were bound the same way as well as his feet. “You know that you guys will one day face the gallows right?” How much would he pay for the baby? “Its fresh in the world finding milk and raising it would be a pain.” They'd take anything just to get rid of it. “I'll give you a box of rations, 24 meals.” Done.
As soon as they left, the curious shop owner got on his communication. He asked for lord Michael. When the white city said he wasn't there. He informed them of the bounty promised to be paid for the baby. 2 gold bricks, each equal to 20,000 boxes of rations.
“I'm talking to the guy who has the baby?” Yes. “How did you come across this infant?” Some idiot kids broke into the city and stole it. “What are their names?” Mick and Jole. “Someone will see you soon. Do not stray 10 feet from your radio device” warned Pailen.
Less than an hour later...
“HEY... where is the baby” shouted Gabriel? The shop guy was on the verge of soiling himself. “Where is it” he growled? In a kennel with other animals he bought and planned to sell. Challenger worked her way through her angel guards.
“Where is he” she softly muttered.
“Your majesty... I'll go get him right now.” As Latter was returned to her. A mother couldn't have held her child any tighter, without hurting her baby. “Please pay him.” Latter was nuzzling his mommy as Andrew hurried her out of the shop.
Pailen stepped forth with questions and a dagger in his hand. Who stole the baby? What other stolen good from their city did he have? How exactly the baby come into his possession.
The man was shaking a great deal, scared out of his mind.
Part 4
Thank You Pailen
In the house,
with the 2 thieves...
“Talk about being under paid. That things feathers were worth more than one box.” Jole told her brother at least they got something. Remember they wanted to just kill him and never speak of it again. “Yeah well, I recommend we sneak back in tomorrow. Lets go after jewelry again.” Agreed now they should eat.
The house they lived in was a shack that was half sank in the mud. In the worst part of town. As they slept, angels found and arrested them.
The following day ,
in the court room...
“The court will now commence with the charges of grand larceny. Her majesty is the judge and jury. All arise, all arise her majesty queen of angels, of wolves. The lady of gods and fiancee to lord Michael, king of angels.” Challenger looked at her court man, surprised he rattled all that off. Jole and Mick were not looking good. On Challenger's orders they were not to be hurt. “Now we shall begin, you are charged with the theft of...” His queen silenced him.
“Why did you steel the baby and hurt his mother?” The siblings looked at her. Gabriel shouted to answer. “Enough Gabriel.” Mick told her majesty that a person needed to make a living. “Why did you hurt the mother?” Jole asked to speak. “Granted.”
“We didn't originally come for the baby Pegasus. We received word that a baby Hayumous was born. When we came to the stable and realized our info was wrong. We had to bring something back in order to have food that night.” But why did they hurt the mother? “Your baby was nursing and the mother attacked us. We defended ourselves, that is the truth” Pailen shouted this wasn't just about the baby. They had stolen many things from the city. Such action is only worthy of hell.
“Count Pailen, I will not send horse thieves to hell... I sentence you both to a life of community service. A life where you be fed every day. And have a bed roll not made of dirt.”
“The queen has spoken” court adjourned.
5 days later,
in the stable...
“Servant! You will finish your work after her majesty has departed.” Jole bowed, to her. Challenger told her to wait a moment and asked Andrew to give them a minute.
“How is life treating you Jole?”
“I must have gotten the VIP slave position. I'm not eating rations anymore, I get to enjoy real food. Also I have a bunk with an actual mattress. Do I have you to thank for this, milady?”
“Tell me about your neighborhood.”
“We come from lower humanity, my parents were servants. When they were fired, we had to move to the slums. They died within a year from disease. I worked hard to keep my brother alive. Anything of value is stolen and sold for rations. Awful food is the only true currency in our neighborhood.”
“You've done enough for the day. Go and rest.” Jole bowed again and left the stable. “Andrew, our city is in the sky?” Yes. “The only way up here for their means is hide and stole away in shipment boxes?” That was correct. “Why do we not look after those below us?” The servants neighborhood was a small portion of a grand city. It would be unfair to blame the whole society for the slums behavior. “I want to talk to Count Pailen.” It would be done, when would she like to see him? “Tomorrow.”
The next day,
on her privet terrace...
“Please join me for some tea.” The count sat at her table asking what he could do for her? He had an annoyed tone in his voice for being summoned by her. “I haven't had a chance to thank you.” His attitude changed sightly. “I hear from Gabriel about the gold you took.” His eyes widened in anger. “You were right to take such a small amount. No one who didn't already know wouldn't have notice. In fact you could have taken more and no one would care. Count Pailen, I want more gold to disappear and I want charity given to the slums. Real food and supplies sold only for rations to the people who live there. Because that is all they can afford to pay with.
Pailen still hated her, but his opinion of her dramatically improved that day.
My Heaven
-The Mark of the Elk-
By Michael James
Part 1
Your God is a Pain
In the white city,
with new unicorns...
“Easy there, I have plenty to go around just be patient.” Challenger had a huge bag of vegetable chunks that she was feeding them. Jole ran up to her and helped her with the big bag. “Thank you.” Jole told her no problem. They had 8 new unicorn colts. The original breeder couldn't manage all the new babies, so he sold them to her. More to the point Heaven bought them for her. “You know you are good to have around Jole.”
“Pardon me your majesty, you have a visitor.” Who? “Your gods personal cherub.” Challenger could only think to say, huh? The cherub Layla asked if she could approach?
“Of course. May I ask what brings you to my door?” Layla did a flawless curtsy. Followed by making a prayer for Challenger's life and happiness. “Its nice to meet you too.” She had a present for her queen. “Very well” Challenger uttered being freaked out from such an honorary greeting. Layla told her that she heard the queen liked horses. She had a hair pin made with a Pegasus on it.
“Thank you for receiving me.”
“Wait” Challenger spoke as Layla turned to walk away. Layla asked if anything was wrong? “Come to my quarters in my castle and have some soda with me.” Layla said it would be her honor.
At the castle,
on Challenger's privet terrace...
“I must say this is an interesting drink. I thank you for sharing, but may I ask why you keep looking at me?” Challenger told her it was the way she was sitting. Strait up in the chair with her back center distance from the chairs end. She was rather envious of how classy she behaved. “If I have offended you in some manner. I beg for your pardon” Layla said getting on her knee.
“Even the way you apologize is very lady like. My Fiancee has been asking me if I wanted a tutor. You know, to be more ready for court. If you have the time, I'd like you to be my tutor.”
“But of course your majesty, when shall I begin?” Did she have duties to see too? “Nothing more important than seeing to my queens needs.” She could get up now, it was alright. An apartment in the castle would be drawn for her. Challenger wanted to dine with her tonight. “It would be my greatest honor. Shall I stay or depart from you right now?” Please stay.
That night,
in her bedroom...
“My love I have returned.” Challenger flew to Michael with as much speed as she could muster. “I heard reports about your adventures while I was gone. More importantly, I heard you recently took on a tutor.” Was that wrong of her? “No, personally I would rather you be by my side when I leave the city.” When would he be gone again? “We, not I, have been invited to King Justin's home world. He wishes to honor you as my future queen.” Jole walked in the room carrying a snack on a plate. When she caught a glimpse of Michael. Her face went whiter than an angels wings. “Tell me, are you the woman who stole the baby Pegasus?”
“Jole pay him no mind, I wouldn't hear of it, if he was cruel to you.” Michael kissed Challenger's cheek. Apparently Layla, had given speech training today.
In Layla's new room,
a little bit later...
“Hello Gabriel, what can I do for you?” He told her she had a choice, the queen wouldn't make her stay. “Still got feathers for brains do we. Even if her majesty allowed an insult like that to slide. Michael would come after me so fast. Besides, I don't have any problem with her. My issue is with her god, former god... whatever.”
“For her majesty's sake, you may have to get over it.” Did he really think she didn't know that? Silver was such a royal pain. Always getting into trouble, making her cast blessings between realms non stop. In order to help keep him alive, rarely giving her time to herself!
Part 2
The Past
In the ball room,
3 days later...
“Perhaps we should rest” asked Layla. Who was teaching Challenger proper dance. The queen complained her wings were getting in the way. Trying to keep them still while she danced. As if proper dance wasn't hard enough to learn. “There is a trick to proper dance you might try. Think of a tune with 3 notes. Hum one note with each step. She thought it was 2 notes? “Nope, the 3rd note is the prelude for the first 2. Prediction its a powerful tool for any occasion. Now do you know a 3 note song?” We will rise, she sang. Layla backed away in shock. “You do your god proud. Very well, we will rise, will be our tune.
“We will rise... we will rise...” Layla and Challenger got the steps perfected within a couple hours. Both had very sore feet and went to the privet the study just to soak their feet, in water basins. As they rested their legs in the hot water. Layla discussed her admiration for the queen. “You are too kind, I just got lucky with Michael.”
“I fear you misunderstand, I think considering what you went through. Once Silver came into your life. You took a major turn around. Especially with Gavyn hunting you down and having Oz do the mad mans bidding. Now your latest adventure to date. You helped kill that manifestation named Weapon. I have nothing but admiration for you, your majesty.” Challenger stood up looking scared in fear.
“Gavyn... GAVYN... I NEVER WANT TO HEAR THAT NAME AGAIN! GET OUT!” Layla stood up, bowed and left as ordered. Challenger sat in the hot water until it was cold. Crying her eyes out with an endless amount of tears.
Later, around dinner time...
“Layla was locked in her room in castle. Shortly after Challenger went into a melt down. The door unlocked and Layla was prepared for punishment. Michael himself walked in, he closed the door behind him and locked it. Layla bowed her head as if it were to be cleaved off.
“Get up and stop acting noble. What did you say to her?” Layla told him she mentioned the queens past life. It didn't occur to her, that her majesty would react this way. “Stand up.” Layla stood at half height because she was a cherub. A child like angel. “Your queen is asking for you. Do not do, what you did... ever again!”
“Your Grace...” she said and bowed.
In Challenger's bedroom...
Knock knock... “Layla, your majesty” said a servant.
“Send her in” Challenger whimpered. Layla walked into a dark room and saw her queen sitting in the corner. She was on the floor with a blanket over her. Crying still from what she never thought would come back to her. Layla walked up to her and asked if she could sit beside her. “Go ahead.” As they shared the blanket Challenger gave her an order. “Don't ever breath a word about what you know about my past. Its awkward enough without everyone knowing it. That said, how do you know these things about me? Did Lord Silver tell you?”
“Let me explain what my role in your life is. But I wish to speak freely.” Granted. “Your pain in the butt god, who is consistently putting himself in danger. Is my charge and as my charge I have to watch over him in battle. I saw the whole thing when he saved you from your past life. I even cast blessings for you to ensure you would stay alive. That dip of a god you serve shouldn't have put you in danger at all.”
“You sound like you don't like him.”
“It isn't hate or rage I feel towards him, its anger. Let me put it this way. I'm like a general trying to keep her king alive. While he charges recklessly into battle. I pride him on his accomplishments. But most gods are nowhere near as ambitious as he is and that makes him a royal pain.” Challenger snapped out of her state of mind.
“Servant...” The door opened and she asked for orders. “I want ice cream, we want ice cream. Something interesting, not just a plain treat. Also tell Michael its a girls night.”
Later...
With the ice cream in their hands. Challenger wanted to know all about Silver as a kid. More importantly she wanted to hear his embarrassing stories. Layla felt this was perfect revenge.
“You cant be serious, he had a crush on Silk's eelkshie... ha ha?” Well he walked in on Wool getting changed. His wolf came out of the den when he it all. Silk tried to explain to him no was the answer. “Wait, what did he do then?” He proposed, 4 months old and he proposed. Wool, couldn't make heads or tails of what to do.
Part 3
The King of Gods Party
Several days,
after that night...
“Okay, I fear my circulation is going to be cut off here.” Challenger was being fitted for a dress. To fit in this fine dress, she needed to wear a corset. It was a great honor to receive the dress. A fashionable gown sent from King Justin himself.
“Your majesty. I am to explain this evenings festivities.” He could go ahead. “After the opening of your greeting exchange. You are to have the first dance with King Justin. Followed by your dance with your god Silver.”
“WHAT! You are telling me Silver is going to be there?” Yes, was she just hearing about this now? “No one told me my god there would be present. Wait, who is escorting him?” It was believed that his wife Vixen would be with him, shall he continue? “Sure.”
“You are to join Justin in a ritual of acceptance. This honor is extremely rare for an eelkshie to receive. It must go off flawlessly. Once the ritual is over you are to give a prepared speech.”
“You know I'm liking the idea of hiding in stable more and more.” Majesty! This was not a time to be jest. The honor of this party is worth more to any eelkshie, than her crown. “No pressure though right?” Could his majesty please take this seriously!? “OW, please stop squeezing the life out of me!”
On home planet,
of the king of gods...
“Love, I don't know what's more uncomfortable. This dress or all of the eyes that are on me right now.” Challenger was walking through the city riding a hayrumous. Sitting side saddle and feeling very scared. Hundreds of gods and goddesses had come to witness this. Challenger was to afraid to even tremble.
In Justin's throne room...
Michael walked behind his fiancee through the doors. Challenger walked to the rooms center and pulled off the greeting perfectly. Michael followed by bending the knee then the escorts took their places and bowed. Justin waved his hand for Challenger to rise.
“I see a great being in front of me. A being worthy of the blessing of acceptance, Silver please come forward.” Challenger hadn't seen him in months, though she didn't dare move her head. “You may feel at ease little one.” Silver was dressed in fine armor. As part of the ritual Silver took a wet cloth and washed her hands.
“I'm so happy to see you” she whispered softly. When her hands were washed, Silver kissed her forehead. Justin stood up and everyone took the knee. “Rise little one.” She stood up and handed Justin, her most valuable possession. The charm she received from the angel who was never to leave her city again. Justin took it and sensed its great worth.
“To you little one, I give you this.” Justin took the crown off his head and placed it in her hands. Then put the charm around his neck. The crown was as important to him as her charm to her. But he was not handing his kingdom to her, just his crown. “You and I have a dance this evening. I understand that you haven't seen your god in some time. Please enjoy my palace until tonight.”
In the gardens...
“Lord Michael thank you for watching over her.” Michael responded his bride to be was not a burden. Challenger didn't say anything, she was in shock. Holding the crown tight to her chest. “Challenger?” She looked into Silver's eyes. “Its okay, you can relax, just take a moment and...” She then hugged him tighter than a python squeezing its prey.
“It's okay... its okay...”
“No my lord it is not okay. A king of kings just gave me his crown. A kings most cherished possession. If I screw up tonight, I will...” Michael said she would be alright. The hard part was over. And point of fact, where was the wreath. That was the item she was supposed to give to King Justin? “It didn't feel right giving him something that was nothing to me. When the whole point of the trade. Was to give the thing that mattered most to me. I'm well aware, I was to give him a wreath and he was going to give me a ring on his hand... IT JUST DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT OKAY!”
Looking out at them,
from his balcony...
“Silk, this little angel queen will be a great leader one day” said Justin. As he held the charm tight in his hand.
Part 4
The Play of her Soul
At the time,
of the dance...
Challenger took the form of a grown woman. Justin took the lead and surrounding them were tables in a huge ring. As they danced a similar style to a ballroom aristocrat waltz. Justin began the interview. What did she want in life? What was she willing to fight for? Who was she willing to fight for and to what extent would she go?
“I just try to do what is right, your grace.” Challenger turned into her human form. Her wings were gone and she was in her street clothes. The ones she wore before Silver found her.
“Lets begin...” said Justin.
The center of the room turned in a mist. Challenger looked around and all she saw was mist. Justin was out of sight. All of the audience was not visible. Challenger shouted for Silver's voice. Then she saw a fawn with a hurt leg and her god beside it also hurt. In the distance she heard enemies drawing near.
“Challenger, take the baby and run. I'll be fine, just take her and get out of here.” An arrow hit Silver the back. It was laced with god killing poison. “Why are you just standing there? I told you to take the baby and run!” Challenger rushed to her god. She saw many more arrows falling on all of them. She got between the arrows and the others. Blocking the arrows with magic. The first time it worked, the 2nd time the arrows got through. She grabbed the fawn and covered her and Silver. With as much of her body as she could. She felt the pain arrows piercing her body. She closed her eyes and when they opened, everything was different.
“Sister” said Oz. She saw her brother in the mist. Feeling heart sick she started to walk towards him. Then realized she had her wings back. “Sister, why did you abandon me. And why do you think you deserve to be happy?” Challenger stopped and stood still. She told him that she loved her brother and asked why he said such things?
“Join me in heaven sister. I have a lovely home where we can always be happy together.” She looked down at the ground where he pointed. On the floor was a dagger capable of killing her. “What's wrong, aren't you going to take the easy way out. Which is the only thing you are ever going to do? Just quit already.”
“I wont quit, I have many things to live for Oz.”
As the mist cleared...
“I've seen enough” said King Justin. Challenger looked in every direction. Many of the gods and goddesses were saluting her in their unique fashion. Challenger found some courage that night. She looked at Silver and Michael who were clapping for her. Justin walked up to her and kissed the back of her palm. From that kiss came a mark on the same spot. It was clear as day, and then started to fade. It was the mark of the Elk. Showing she was under the protection of the king of gods. As well the right to command other gods who see the mark.
“Now let the festivities begin...”
Deep into the night,
in Justin's library...
“Why is the guest of honor hiding in a hall, with vast amounts of books? Not to mention, she isn't reading any of them.” Challenger greeted Vixen as a good friend, and asked if she would sit with her. The first thing she complimented Vixen on, was her dress. “Yeah, doesn't leave a whole lot the imagination. But I think your dress is very beautiful on you too. Tell me, why are you being more melancholy than usual?” Challenger started crying and buried her head in Vixen's arm.
“I am a failure, and I've brought such dishonor to lord Silver!” Vixen patted her head asking where she got that idea? “I didn't know it was a test, I should have gotten Silver to safety. But I couldn't leave the baby deer to die either” she cried.
“Love, will you flick her forehead” sighed Silver. He walked up on the two of them. Saying he wondered where they both went. Vixen flicked her forehead as requested. “Little one, you past the test with flying colors. Most would choose the master or the innocent. You didn't run away at all and tried to save both. King Justin holds you in the highest regards.” Challenger bolted into him and hugged him tight again.
“I will always be your servant. If I do become queen of all heaven, I will still serve you till death.” Michael now came around the corner. Saying she was to give a speech. The party was waiting.
A few minutes later,
in the grand hall...
Challenger had a prepared speech memorized, but once again. It just didn't feel right.
“Together we will rise...” she started to say. After that she recited Silver's entire speech which he said. The day he made her his eelkshie, along with all the others. Silver could not have been more honored by her act of using his words.