Straight from Heaven (Fallen Kingdoms I.)

Chapter 7- Tainted Angel

Abigail

I followed St. Peter through the gates of Heaven. For a moment the light blinded me but right after, a whole new world appeared in front of my eyes. We were standing in the middle of a square. In front of me was a beautiful snow-white marble fountain, with gilded angels dancing under the waterfall. The houses all radiated warmth, their walls as white as clouds and their roofs as blue as a clear summer sky. The trees and bushes were full of colorful flowers which had a sweet scent as honey. People of all ages and looks walked through the square. It was like a rich city in a dream. All the people wore expensive-looking fancy tunics, and each had a swan-like wing on his back. I could feel my mouth hanging open. Even though I missed my parents and my little sister, what St. Peter had said gave me courage and made me excited to face new challenges. As we made our way up a beautiful hill I noticed more and more people glancing at me and whispering together. At first it didn't bother me, as I was used to people looking at me, but a low whisper caught my attention.

- Who is she?- a beautiful girl with golden blonde hair, who looked about my age, stared at me with emerald green eyes while holding her equally beautiful mother's hand. I've never seen a fairy in my life, probably they didn't exist at first place, but if they were real, this girl would have been one of them. The mother leaned closer to her daughter and something left her pink lips that sealed my time in Heaven avoid her. - the girl's gaze almost pierced me.

- What is she, Mum?- she asked, now in a voice as if I had been an ugly worm on her fresh, crisp apple.

- 'A Tainted Angel...- the mother said with disgust and they disappeared into the crowd. Tainted angel. I didn't know what that term meant at the time. But I soon learned.

Saint Peter smiled at me and then touched me kindly on the shoulder.

- "Are you all right?- he asked as if he had not heard the hurtful phrase before. I nodded and followed him to the palace at the top of the hill. We walked through the breathtaking building, I couldn't help but stare, trying to remember everything in case I was dreaming. We stopped in front of a huge carved oak door and Peter kneeled down in front of me. He straightened my dress and my hair a little, and spoke to me about something, but I'm ashamed to admit I didn't listen to a word he said. I was too busy looking at all the cravings on the door. At the very top of the door, as far as I could see, stood a figure radiating power, arms outstretched. Right next to him was the image of a woman radiating kindness, even as a craved image I could feel the love in her eyes. Below them were many angels, each with their own attributes, some faces I recognized from paintings in our church. But one face caught my eye. He was standing not far below from the tallest figure. He was not standing at all, but leaning sloppily against the edge of the door. All the other figures at the door were smiling with closed eyes and mouths, but this one figure... He looked as if he was looking at me, baring his teeth, grinning like my classmates when they were up to no good. Then a hand covered the view and St Peter turned me away from the door towards him.

- Did you hear me, Abigail?- he asked with a scowl. I averted my eyes and shook my head. Peter sighed.

- 'We don't have any more time, they're waiting for you.

- Who?- I asked, but before Peter could answer the door opened. Accompanied by St Peter, I walked into a room the like of which I have never seen even in paintings. I didn't have time to look around or gasp in amazement, because when I got to the middle of the room St Peter gently pushed my shoulder and knelt down with me in front of the couple. I didn't know who they were and I wanted to sneak a look at them, but Peter lowered my head. St Peter greeted the couple sitting on the clouds.

- Praise be the Almighty Lord and his dear spouse! - The Lord? Before I could form the picture in my mind who I was kneeling before, God spoke.

- Hail Peter!- his voice was to my ears like the roar of a hurricane-force wind. I would have covered my ears to shut the painful sound out of my head, but I gritted my teeth and held on. It was the only way to become a guardian angel.

- Who is this little girl with you, Peter?- she asked. Her voice was as caressing as a light summer breeze. St Peter sighed and said.

- 'Sir, madam, I found this child today at the gates of Heaven. - for a moment the room filled with soft whispers. Only then did I realize that it wasn't just God and the Goddess in the room. I looked around cautiously and recognized most of the figures carved into the doors, but seven were missing, including my favourite, with his mischievous grin. God raised his voice, and demanded silence in the room. This time he moderated the power of his voice and it didn't pierced my ears.

- What is your name child? - God asked and I took a deep breath. Before answering I stood up and looked directly at him. I can't recall his face, all I remembered was the pair of clear eyes and a thick eyebrow frowning at me before St. Peter bowed my head from behind.

- Please apologize for her misbehavior my Lord. The child has been through a lot. - I don't know what happened, but God only repeated his question.

-What is your name child? - I felt a little betrayed. In the church the priest taught us that God loved each of his children equally and that we were all his children... How is it possible that he didn't know my name after he allowed me to have such a horrible fate? But I collected myself and swallowed my pride. I was a mere child standing in front of the creator of everything.

- My name is Abigail my Lord. - I said and my voice sounded loud and clear. The lady sitting next to God asked.

- How did you end up here Abigail? - I felt tears sting my eyes, I sobbed and gathered my strength.

- It is a long story. - I said and laughter echoed in the room. I felt my heart ripped apart. My hands clenched in fists and that moment I wished I was dead instead of being here. The lady shouted and everyone finally shut up.

- Excuse me the rudeness of my children, they didn't laugh on your misfortune, only because human life is so short compared to forever, that they found comical your way of expressing yourself. - silence sat on the room.

- Tell us that long story child. - God ordered.

- I was kidnapped a few years ago, but managed to escape. I was on the edge of death, but managed to get well. Unfortunately not long ago, my kidnapper moved to our town. Before I could've alerted my parents he followed me and my little sister to our home. I sent my sister to our neighbors to save her life and tried to fight him... I wasn't strong enough. He hurt me, he took my innocence and right after my life. - after I finished talking there were no more laughter in the room. I was surprised by my own power, my voice never broke while I was talking and only my tears betrayed me, telling the truth. I was a little girl, who died after being raped. After a brief silence God talked to St. Peter.

- Why did you bring her in front of us? - Peter smiled and pat my head.

- Due to the conditions of her death, the priest in their local church didn't give her the last rites. Her soul couldn't find it's place where she belongs. I brought her here, because she deserves a chance to be someone.

- She is just a human. - one of the angels said and I felt the same hostility from his voice as the lady's on the square.

- She is a brave little girl! - St. Peter argued.

- She is unholy Peter! She is smeared! - another shouted and that was my breaking point. I lifted my head and turned to the direction of the sound.

- Why am I unholy?! I gave up my life protecting the person I loved! I'm her older sister it was and it is my duty to protect her! My death is not my fault nor the way I've died! - no one dared to take a breath after I've finished my monologue.

- Take her to the academy Peter. - God said and St. Peter quickly rushed out of the room with me. I heard the angels argue with God but didn't care anymore. On our way to the place God called academy, I asked St Peter.

- Did they call me a Tainted Angel before because of the way I died? - Peter gave me a sad smile.

- So you heard them. - I nodded and he caressed my face.

- They called you that way because they already knew.

- What? - Peter smiled.

- That you are different. You weren't born here, yet you will be an angel. Some of the angels who were born here don't understand, that you being here is something you deserve it, not your birthright. Show them Abigail, show them the power hiding in you!