The Fallen Angel
Chapter 14

After a relaxing shower together they were prepared for the knock on the door from Cyndil and Lucas. They walked in with breakfast plates and juice that they both accepted gratefully. They sat and got comfortable while Lucas delivered the news.

“I was able to pull some favors to get you both plane tickets, but it will only take you so far. After that you are on your own over there.” He explained.

“You both should come with us. Staying here would do nothing to help your case or your people.” Gabriel persuaded.

Cyndil shook her head. “My home is here.” Lucas agreed.

“The base was completely run over only a few survivors including us. We have to go to the embassy and report what happened. Don’t worry though I will be sure to leave out the angel parts. You both have enough to worry about than the US military coming after you again.”

“Thank You, Lucas. That is very kind of you.” Jasmine said, touching his hand. Lucas only nodded.

“It’s the least I can do. Gabriel saved our lives.”

“Well we have to meet at the airport for your boarding passes and ID’s at around twelve so you still have a few hours to get ready.” Cyndil informed. Gabriel stood then feeling the ominous power as he looked out the window placing his cup down on the dresser.

“Gabriel?” Cyndil started to look worried then once Jasmine stood up looking out the window with him. The sky turned black and the clouds started to burst with electricity. The sun started to disappear in a sudden burst of cloud cover and pure evil resonated throughout the hotel.

“Is it the Guild again?” Jasmine asked, wanting the danger to go away. She was completely relaxed with Gabriel as they slept together for the first time. Now reality had set back in that angels and demons were after her.

“No something much worse.” Gabriel started walking the other way to the door.

“No we’re coming too.” Jasmine objected, causing Gabriel to groan, but left with no time to argue as the three of them followed Gabriel to the open courtyard. Dust started to fly towards them causing them to lift their arm over their face. A man started to form in the electric storm.

“Who is that?” Lucas asked, yelling through the loud wind.

“Judas.” Gabriel replied, a bit nervous and fearful.

“Judas? The man who betrayed God three times?” Cyndil asked, holding Jasmine’s arm.

“Yes,” Gabriel replied. “Judas was said to be the first human demon to walk in hell. He gave his soul to Lucifer and he became something far more sinister than the others before him. I would say his skill level is on par with the Guild’s.”

Jasmine grabbed his arm then. “This doesn’t make sense. Why would Lucifer send him? He wants to persuade me that humanity can’t be saved…why would he…”

“It’s me he wants out of the way. As long as you have feelings for me you will never allow him to destroy the human race, Jasmine. It’s not within you no matter how much you lose faith you are such a good person. Lucifer knows this and as long as I am here to remind you of that he will never get his way.” Gabriel started to walk forwards to Judas as he now showed himself, a man yet not as a dark aura formed around him and his teeth seemed to be on the outside of his mouth. His body even looked grey and ominous. There was no way for Gabriel to win against him. Judas emanated pure power, pure evil.

Jasmine held on to Gabriel’s arm. “We should just run. You can’t beat him, Gabriel listen to me.” She jerked his arms towards her to capture his attention. “We can run.”

Gabriel shook his head. “Judas will find us wherever we are. He could try to attack while we are on the plane back to the US. I have to face him now. There isn’t any other way.”

That made Jasmine’s heart drop for him. She wouldn’t leave without him that much she was determined. She stood out in front of Gabriel to shield him once Judas walked up, his head only tilted in question and it was as if he was glitching in and out. Gabriel grabbed her arm then, trying to pull her back.

“Jasmine what are you doing?” he asked furious.

Judas glitched forwards and once she thought he was just taking a step he was in her face causing her to suck in her breath as he stared her dead in her eyes. “Tell your boss if he hurts Gabriel or anyone else I won’t even think about his offer.” She said boldly.

Judas only smiled and back handed Jasmine to the ground as he grabbed Gabriel by his throat, lifting him off the ground. Gabriel powered his angelic being through his human form, holding Judas’s arm in hopes he could burn him with his light, but the smoke in his arm didn’t phase him at all. He only threw Gabriel back to the hotel as he hit the wall with a hard thud.

Lucas took out his gun shooting at Judas calling attention to him and Cyndil. “What are you doing?” Cyndil screamed. “He is a demon you can’t just shoot him.” She turned for a second to Lucas and the next to Judas in her face. He pressed his fingers in her chest turning her skin just as grey and purple as she gasped for air.

“No!” Jasmine yelled running over. Her eyes started to glow as she tried anything, a shot in the dark, but she threw her power in a push as she used her golden palms to knock Judas away from Cyndil as Lucas caught her before she fell. Gabriel ran up attacking Judas as he was still ground sliding from Jasmine’s power, trying to gain the element of surprise to gain the upper hand.

“Jasmine, I will get you close. Heal him!” He demanded, running full speed to Judas ducking back as he dodged a punch from Judas, bending his back avoiding the hit. He rose up faster, grabbing his arm to throw him over his shoulder and into the ground. He placed his foot on him, but the moment he did the force propelled Gabriel into the air. He flipped and landed in a crouch some distance away from Judas who was enjoying himself.

Jasmine ran up beside Gabriel. “I’m not leaving you.” She said surrounding herself with golden aura as he looked at her seeing some semblance of wings. He only could power himself and would get answers later since Judas was coming closer.

“Give me your hand then.” Gabriel grabbed her fist quickly and combined his strength with her power to send Judas falling back. Gabriel ran up while scooping Jasmine bridal style using her as his weapon, twirling her around kicking Judas in his chest. Once Judas was caught off guard, he placed Jasmine’s hand through his chest as it glowed brightly causing Judas to scream, but Judas placed his hands on Gabriel sending him flying away from Jasmine. He grabbed Jasmine’s wrist holding it to his chest as he felt the pain, but the look on his face never changed. Jasmine tried to move her hand, but was somehow stuck touching him, feeling the ickiness of the sludge crawling in her skin.

“You will take Lucifer’s offer.” They looked at each other for a moment as time stilled. The wind started to blow only around them as they had their private conversation. Jasmine noticed the strike of lightning that stood the test of time not moving as she tried to break away from Judas using her other hand to pull.

“Let me go.” Her voice rumbled as the thunder cracked the sky.

Judas smirked. “Do you believe you are better than Jesus himself? I know him and seeing you…” he shook his head. “You don’t even compare…”

“You know what. I never wanted to be like him and I can never be like he was.” Jasmine’s hand started to glow hotly and started to shine through his body. He hissed as he exploded into dust causing Jasmine to scream and turn her head. The world started to turn again and the clouds started to move on to release the sunshine as it became brighter as if a huge storm hadn’t just hit randomly. Gabriel ran over to her, touching her hand that was still frozen as if Judas was still there. She was shaken up, but was fearless nonetheless.

Gabriel slowly placed her hand down as the shock was running through her body as she stared blankly ahead into nothing. “Jasmine, you’re safe now look at me.” Her eyes darted to him then as she felt the warmth of his touch as both of their hands glowed, instead of the dangerous gold aura it glowed warm, soothing and loving. She fell into his arms then, holding him tight.

Cyndil walked over with Lucas’s help, her arms over his shoulder. There was no blood, but a clear wound that would’ve only been explained as supernatural if a doctor was to look her over. “What did he do to her?” Lucas asked, seeing the wound like snakes now decreasing less and less on her chest and the color of her skin started to go back to its peach like color.

“I felt death…” Cyndil said, shivering. “Cold stab of death with nothing but darkness.”

Gabriel went to Cyndil to check on the severity of her wound. Jasmine right behind him as her hands glowed and she placed them on her chest where her collarbone set up right above her breast, healing it causing Cyndil to gasp at the sight. Lucas wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t seen with his own eyes.

“You have to go.” Cyndil rushed, grabbing Jasmine’s hands in a panic. “You must leave now!” She started to push them to the car as she realized the weight they had to carry.

“But…” Jasmine hesitated once Cyndil pushed her and Gabriel around to the front of the hotel.

“You have a greater purpose Jasmine. You need to go fulfill that destiny.” Cyndil explained. “Go now!”

Lucas grabbed Jasmine’s hand leaving Cyndil there as he ran to the van. Jasmine turned back to Cyndil as she had her mouth covered to have met someone who can heal like the Messiah. Tears fell down her eyes as she watched them leave heading to the airport. Her world was forever transformed as she saw and felt death, but it wasn’t a bright light at the end of the tunnel for her, it was darkness and a hand reaching to grab her. Cyndil had no choice now, but to change her life, make it worth something.

Once they received their passports and tickets Lucas hugged them and went back to Cyndil. Jasmine felt so uneasy in leaving them there. Sad even for finding people to help them to just leave them to rot in a war they didn’t start. Gabriel could sense her sadness. He too felt uneasy about leaving them, but knew they had to get back to the states.

“I hate this, Gabriel. The endless wars I mean.” She confessed to him, placing her hand on his knee.

“It isn’t just a human trait. Angels and Demons have been at war for much longer. I suppose it is inevitable.” Gabriel replied, sadly.

Jasmine shook her head. “Lucas and Cyndil are good people. They don’t deserve to be left out to rot for our government. Not like they haven’t fucked shit up even worse. We have always fought for power and know nothing but taking.” Jasmine stood frustrated as she tried to take a deep breath to calm down. “I don’t want Lucifer to be right.” Jasmine said covering her face, ashamed she believed him to be.

Gabriel grabbed her hand to seat her back down. “Let’s worry about the future later.” He said, not wanting to cause a scene if they argued which he knew they would. Gabriel was more so focused on the good things that happened to them, Cyndil and Lucas being one of the many reasons Jasmine should have faith again.

“I can’t Gabriel. What if Lucifer sends someone much stronger this time?” She feared there would be no escaping him next time. “I can’t hold up to Jesus’ standards. I wasn’t born from a virgin. I’m not…”

Gabriel only pulled her to him and kissed her senseless until she kissed him back wrapping her arms around him giving in to the feeling for the first time in a long time. Regardless of her rant of her not being perfect, one she ranted about more than a few times, he couldn’t help but feeling that was exactly why the Almighty chose her. Jasmine never placed herself on a pedestal, never saw herself above anyone else. She lifted up others and humbled herself regardless of the power she now possessed.

“You defeated Judas and the Guild, Jasmine.” He told her truthfully, placing his forehead on top of hers once they were able to pull away. “Demons and Angels all around will speak of your feats you have accomplished and marvel in your strength. How could you be so blind to that? How come you won’t accept you are worthy?”

Jasmine opened her mouth to speak, but the speaker went off announcing their flight was boarding so she just grabbed her things and they walked to their gate. The plane started to board to Gabriel’s discomfort. He fell from the sky, but flying in an enclosed contraption made him nervous. He held the arm seat afraid of the turbulence. Jasmine looked over seeing him squeeze the seat as his eyes closed tight.

“Gabriel?” His eyes only opened a little to glance at her. She placed her hand on his to calm him. “Are you okay?” She only shook her head as she held back her laughter. Gabriel watched her lean over and take over his lips while the plane sort of jumped causing him to grab her to hold her close. It made Jasmine laugh out loud then.

“Humans were made to stay on the ground. If the Almighty wanted you to fly he would’ve given you wings.” Gabriel said, trying to hold back his own laughter watching her amusement.

“You know my mother said the same thing. She was horrified of flying.” Jasmine informed him as she sat back in her chair, taking a deep breath as she looked out to the sky, picturing a gang of angels flying with them. “You shouldn’t be worried Gabriel. I got you.” She encouraged. They shared a smile together before the pilot announced their next stop, Las Vegas.

Gabriel and Jasmine found themselves in a nicer hotel than the last one right above a casino of all things. Gabriel looked around the busy strip. The landscaping and the lights were so beautiful. He turned to look at Jasmine who was also in awe at the scene. Seeing her face relaxed and happy for once was something that he wanted to see more often.

“I suppose the tortuous plane ride here was worth it to see you look like this.” He said, as he stood by her in the window.

“Look like what?”

“Happy.” Gabriel replied with a smirk as she looked away from him back to the busy city below. “I take it you never been here before?” Jasmine shook her head.

“I always wanted to come out here and visit the sights and splurge, but..” She trailed off and there went her happiness. “Once my mom passed I just wanted to stay near her. I started to work with people helping them solve missing person cases before Xavier found me two years ago. The rest is history.”

“Well we are here now, granted involuntarily, but here nonetheless. I have a strange suspicion that Cyndil and Lucas put us up to come here.”

Jasmine scoffed then for laughter as she continued to look out the window. He pulled her into him by her waist. She turned with such grace as he lifted her up his body, placing her against the massive window where the entire city could see her if they looked. While kissing her on her neck arousing until she leaned in to him, she giggled, feeling his erection against her thigh.

“You know they call this place the city of sin.” Jasmine teased, licking his earlobe while unzipping his pants.

Gabriel smiled at her as he pressed his body close to hers causing her moan low. “Oh really? I wouldn’t have ever guessed.” He hurried and took off her underwear and kissed down her sides as he placed her legs on his shoulders. Jasmine tensed but then relaxed as the first lick to her clit caused her to lose all thoughts. His other hand held onto her breast kneading the nipple between his pointy finger and middle finger.

Her moans and the pleasure he was giving her was the most satisfying thing Gabriel had ever done. Of course he wasn’t sure how it was supposed to be done, but he tried several licks from lazy to fast to her clit to her pussy lips. She started to moan louder and that indicated he was doing something right, so he continued until she grabbed his head and cursed out, her head falling to the window as the pressure started to build from her toes all the way up her stomach.

“You sure you don’t remember being human before?” She moaned, arching herself to him more. He only held her ass close to his face giving him better access to eat her out. Gabriel smirked at her comment.

“Perhaps I just know how to please you, Jasmine.” He replied, teasingly.

She smirked then as he kissed his way up her body to her breasts. ”You’re a cocky one.”

She yelped a little startled as he lifted her arms above her head. Then he used the other hand to hold her left butt cheek firmly to his hard erection. “Should I stop?” It was a question he already knew the answer to. She never wanted him to stop. In response she only bit his lip, playfully, right before he took over her mouth.

The hand resting on her butt moved to relieve himself of his pants, placing his dick through the open zipper to give him quick access to his home. Her mouth opened once he entered her, once she could feel him stretching her hitting the wall of her cervix. Gabriel continued to kiss her and look into her eyes in challenge, daring her to let go. His hand kept her hand hostage above her head as he rocked his hips in and out of her, giving her everything he could, every inch, every emotion. Jasmine felt as if she was soaring high back on the plane this time it was sweet ecstasy lifting her further and further beyond.

Her head fell back against the window, her mouth still in an O formation as Gabriel lowered his head now to her inviting breast that bounced up and down as he thrust into her. His tongue repeated the same lazy licks, swirling her dark nipples to hard peaks and then placing his entire mouth over them, using his teeth to scrape oh so gently until she was squirming.

“What are you doing to me?” Making her fall in love was the answer. They both knew it, her heart knew it whether she would admit or not. His free hand replaced his mouth on her as his thumb and pointy finger continued to swirl around the nipple to keep it erect, focusing on one at a time. His mouth now was too busy smiling at what he knew to be true.

“Loving you.” He whispered in her ear, licking her neck now, sending far too many pleasure waves to her body for her to ignore. Her legs gripped him hard, locking her feet around each other to pull him in closer as her walls started to convulse. Gabriel moaned louder in her neck now unable to control himself he thrusted faster, feeling the waves of pleasure rock him, to the point where his hands, the one that was holding her hands and the one that was teasing her nipples were now palmed on the window as if he was doing a pushup while standing. The clenching of his balls tightened to the point of pain and the last thrust caused him to release hot liquid cum inside of her as they both screamed out, leaving each other panting.

Gabriel was the first to move as he lifted his head seeing his hair had fallen in his face. Jasmine was looking into his soul and for the first time he saw the love she tried to hide from him. Her fingers removed the hair from his face so that there was nothing in the way. The simple gestured caused his cock to jerk inside of her and he needed her again.

He exited out of her now feeling cold and needy. She turned around as if reading his mind, her ass poked out, enticing him and daring him to take her again. He more than willing to oblige her placed his hands on his shaft and jerked himself into another erection then felt all over her body, starting from her ass all the way up and around to her breast. She moaned at his exploration as he pressed closer to her.

Gabriel couldn’t control his own moan as he reentered into his safe haven, his home. He bit down on her shoulder as he lifted her hands back up above her head as he thrust inside of her again over and over until she was chanting a slew of curses, feeling the ever so sweet pleasure build inside of her body. Gabriel grabbed her breast with one hand as he continued to make love to her. The sounds of his thighs slapping against her ass echoed throughout the room along with her moans and his groans. Time seemed to fly past them as they were tangled together for some time finishing off in the bed until they fell asleep.

Since they had several days to be in las Vegas Gabriel thought it best they make the most of it. Who knew what pending danger awaited them at home? At least they had this time to unwind and he could Jasmine a good time she deserved. A chance to breathe and be herself. The greatest gift Gabriel could give her.

With the gracious amount of money in her bank account Jasmine was able to access it and pay for them to eat and even gamble a little. They walked down the strip hand in hand as Gabriel was mesmerized by the sights. While they waited in line at a museum Gabriel noticed a baby there smiling at him. It made him smile.

“Children are the purest things in the world.” He said, causing Jasmine to look at him. Jasmine then looked at the child smiling at her and holding her hands to her face so cute it made her heart melt. “You ever thought about having children, Jasmine?”

She shook her head. “After everything I have seen…I couldn’t bear to bring a child into this cold world.” She replied, sadly. And Gabriel had to admit it to himself that he should’ve known that would be her answer.

“As bad as the human kind has become there is beauty to behold here Jasmine. I know for certain over time technology and your architecture has advanced remarkably.” Gabriel touched the building of the museum. “Just look at these beautiful carvings.”

Jasmine smiled at him admiring the building. “When did you die, in the 1800’s?” She teased, folding her arms.

Gabriel frowned at her teasing. “Man made this building from what used to be just dirt on the ground. It’s easy to say what you want negatively, but you cannot deny that humans have taken nothing and made some of the most well-crafted structures.”

Jasmine couldn’t argue with that. “Maybe it’s the small things that should matter.” She said, pulling him as they continued through. Afterwards they went to the aquarium and ate afterwards. Jasmine had a good time as Gabriel made her laugh and they met some new people, who said they were a cute couple. Of course they both blushed and looked at each other and smiled as they didn’t know what to respond to the other couple.

The day sightseeing ended with a night back at the hotel where they planned on going to the casino part to eat dinner and go downstairs. Not before of course one last round on the bed before they both got up to shower. Then again in the shower just when they thought they had enough. Jasmine’s heart was full when he was with her and she couldn’t possible deny the pure chemistry, her need to feel him and be with him in that way.

Gabriel waited for Jasmine to come out the room, tugging at his collar as he dressed properly. Nice button down collared with jeans and some shoes that was weirdly pointy at the toes. She wanted to surprise him with a dress she bought so he waited outside the room, nervously. People walked by looking at him, suspiciously at his posture and his demeanor. It was silly he knew certainly. Wanting to impress Jasmine shouldn’t have been so nerve wrecking.

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t just seen her completely nude just seconds ago, but something was different about this dinner date. Perhaps because it was an actual date. His first date. He ran a hand through his wet hair that was gelled into a ponytail, licking his lips as he stood there, nearly pacing into his eyes caught something at the end of the hallway. His eyes glanced for whatever it was; it slithered flat at first then rose as it caught his attention, the shadow symbolled a snake. Gabriel pierced closer, but was distracted once Jasmine opened the door and revealed her dress.

It was a jaw dropper for sure. It hugged her hips and the silk was worn like a second skin. Her breast sat up perky and her hair was flat ironed straight down her back, shiny and voluminous framing her face very elegantly and beautifully. It made sense to Gabriel now why she took such a long time. This kind of perfection took time that he would gladly wait for.

Without even realizing it, Gabriel was holding his breath as he stared at her. His mouth was slightly opened and Jasmine could tell his eyes scanned her body up and down as he ogled over her frame. She blushed holding her hands together as she did a slight twirl. Gabriel’s expression stayed blank though to her dismay.

“I hope that is a good look not a ’oh you should’ve…” Jasmine was cut off by Gabriel taking her into his arms and giving her a mind blowing kiss that gave her the answer. It was one of those kisses where the man dipped the woman holding her tight from falling to the ground, but the kiss was passionate.

“You look quite…” He paused unsure what words to use to describe her beauty. He only smiled and kissed her again. “I have never known myself to be jealous. But seeing you in this dress makes me want to gouge every man’s eyes out if they dared look at you. I would prefer we go back in that hotel room and never leave, but…” He lifted them back to standing straight.

Jasmine laughed at him. “We can go and eat and look around for a moment.” She placed her hands on his face with a sly grin. “I’m glad you liked the dress. I promise I’m not looking at anyone else, but you.” She grabbed his hands and led him down the hallway, where Gabriel took one last look for the snake, but nothing was there. He ignored it now focusing all his attention on Jasmine.

Gabriel and Jasmine sat at the fancy restaurant away from the casino in a quiet setting, candle lit and romantic décor around the table. Gabriel couldn’t help but stare at his date as she schemed over the menu and every now and then looked up at him with a glint in her eyes that made Gabriel smile and look down at the menu himself. The waiter came by and took their order, Jasmine ordered the lobster dinner while Gabriel ordered the steak, with wine for both and a glass of water to follow up. The wine came first as they thanked the waiter before he left.

Jasmine held up her glass as Gabriel followed suit a bit confused at the gesture. “To us.” She said. “May our journey ahead become easier.”

Gabriel hit her glass slightly to the toast and tasted his first sip of wine for the first time. His lips smacked at the flavor and the bitterness, but the smooth liquid went down his throat with a much more pleasant aftertaste. He nodded as he drunk some more. Jasmine leaned over after her sip to talk to him as privately as possible. “I asked before in the midst of…” Their loving making against the window flashed in both of their minds as she tried not smile. “Do you remember anything about being human before this life?”

Gabriel was quiet for a moment. “Agent Fuller showed me Gabriel, an eighteen year old boy that passed in a tragic car accident with his brother Ezekiel. I saw flashes of people crying and a carrier taking my brother first. A woman who I believe to be their mother crying and breaking down for the loss of her two boys.”

“Gabriel…that’s…”

“It’s nothing. I don’t remember and I’m not that boy anymore. That was over thirty years ago.”

Jasmine eyes widen. “You don’t look at all like a forty something year old man then. It’s true that black does not crack.” They both chuckled.

“Once I tore my wings I suppose the body just aged once I fell. How old do I look to you?”

Jasmine placed her finger on her cheek in a cute innocent way as she thought about it. “Early twenties. Maybe…twenty four…twenty five.” Gabriel rose his eyebrows with a slight nod as he took another gulp of his wine. “Do you wish you could change that? Go back to the day you died and save you and your brother?”

Gabriel placed his glass down, thinking for a moment. The feelings he must’ve had before in the first state of being an angel must’ve been overwhelming. The accepting that you died couldn’t have been an easy task to deal with, perhaps that’s why over time they slowly start to forget, that way the pain of death wouldn’t hurt so badly. “No.” he replied honestly. “I would have never met you if I had.”

That made Jasmine smile as she opened her mouth to respond but the waiter brought up their food and they both went quiet. Jasmine tasted her food before she spoke and moaned as the lobster melted in her mouth with an explosion of flavor. Gabriel saw her reaction and then cut his steak to taste his, and he had the same reaction. His stomach couldn’t remember tasting anything so delicate and so delicious. Everything he experienced was as if he was a newborn baby experiencing it for the first time.

“I can’t remember if I used to eat meat before. Angels don’t have the need to eat so it’s been a while since I had these things. Thank you.” He said to Jasmine. “I’m grateful for everything you have done for me.”

“I just want to make you’re happy while you’re here.”

Gabriel caught that. “While I’m here?”

Jasmine chewed her food before answering. “Yeah. After we stop Lucifer you’re going back right?”

Gabriel slowly placed down his fork. “Jasmine…I sinned there is no way I can go back…”

“The Almighty can’t forgive you after you helped win the holy war?”

Gabriel licked his dry mouth then, not understanding how she didn’t know about him staying. He was planning on staying with her anyways regardless, but she spoke as if she wanted him to leave.

“Do you want me to go, Jasmine?” His voice was low, almost hurt that she was still trying to push him away, but he should’ve known. They were having too much of a good time that he almost forgot how closed off she was.

She sighed sensing she had hurt him. “Earth isn’t where you want to be Gabriel. I told you how bad it is down here and you will trade your life in heavenly peace just to live down here to suffer? I can’t let you do that.”

“That would be only if you decide whether this world is worth saving. Just like you I have a choice too. I’m falling in love with you Jasmine. What part of that you don’t understand.”

“All of it.” Their voices started to rise as she realized that and took a deep breath to calm herself. “Let’s talk about this later.” Gabriel watched her continue to eat as he sat back at the booth, looking around the restaurant suddenly lost his appetite. Straight ahead was that shadow of that snake again, which caused Gabriel’s jaw to clench tight as he knew something was about to happen.

Downstairs the casino was lively and busy with people, having fun and drinking, gambling. The scene was a bit foreign to Gabriel as he tried to relax at a craps table while Jasmine stayed at the poker table. He watched her from across the way as she smiled and talked to the man dealing her the cards. They still hadn’t talked about what happened at the dinner table and dinner from there on was a bit awkward as they tried to get over their feelings and have a good time.

“It’s sad isn’t it?” A woman who was fairly drunk leaned on his shoulder. “Everyone knows who God is, but yet they use his name in vain and even go as far to put his name on the thing people sin for the most.” Even in her drunken state the woman spoke the truth as Gabriel looked at the money being thrown around and worse people praying for God to bless them when they were gambling. She tapped Gabriel’s shoulder to capture his attention. “But you...I know there must be a God because you look like an angel.”

Gabriel turned to the woman who was severely close to his face as she felt on his chest very seductively. Gabriel grabbed her wrist to politely get her away, but he looked over at Jasmine who already saw the exchange and assumed her thoughts. It seems he wasn’t the only one that felt jealous. It pleased him to know that, but he stood to walk over to her feeling the need to explain, the woman stopped him in his tracks.

“That’s your woman?” She asked, placing her hands on her hips.

Gabriel didn’t know how to respond. He was in love with her or he assumed he felt the equivalent of it for her. His heart and soul reached out to her, but there was always this block that kept them from becoming closer. He was a fallen angel and she didn’t know what she was until recently. It was pure fantasy of them being together, happily, but yet he still wished it for them, craved it even.

The woman scoffed as she saw the answer without Gabriel saying it. “It’s fine. I get it. She just seems unavailable you know. She seems sad and confused. Just saying you don’t want to get yourself involved with someone so unavailable.”

Gabriel walked off not wanting to heed the woman’s advice as he went to go find Jasmine who disappeared close by the bathroom. Right when he turned the corner to the ever long hallway a hand grabbed Gabriel by his throat and threw him against the wall, surprising Gabriel as he fought and grabbed the arm who was choking him. His eyes widen at the demon now in front of him.

“Malakith.”

He only smiled and pulled Gabriel from the wall to smash him against it again with a hard thud that made him clenched his teeth in pain. “So you are the angel that has been rumored to be giving my demons final death. Of all angels...A simple worthless carrier.” He punched Gabriel in his stomach until blood shot out his mouth. Gabriel’s eyes glowed gold as he powered his angelic form, but Malakith kicked him in his mouth causing more blood to spill on the ground. “You’re weak. You already sinned. I can smell her on you.” Malakith grabbed Gabriel by his hair, holding him up as he dragged him over to the bathroom.

There Jasmine was kissing on the man that was talking to her, dealing her the cards and her eyes looked directly at Gabriel causing his heart to break. “What did you think was going to happen? She loves Xavier really. Not you, Gabriel. She only tolerates you because you are an Angel. If you were anyone else…”

Gabriel shook his head. “No. you are using my fear against me. I know Jasmine she wouldn’t…” Gabriel was interrupted by Malakith’s punch to his face which caused his head to turn. Anger now was more prominent and started to take over as Gabriel turned his head, eyes glowing deadly at Malakith.

“You can’t take me angel. You are weak and can’t even conjure your wings. You are just as weak as they are.” Malakith kicked Gabriel, thinking him to be defeated, but Gabriel caught his foot to Malakith’s surprise. Gabriel twisted his foot causing Malakith to turn his entire body and once he came back around Gabriel punched him square in the throat, cutting off any air supply with a golden fist.

“You will fall beneath my feet like your demon followers. I am becoming more and more human, but that is my sin to atone for later, no doubt your sin to atone for now.” Gabriel moved faster than his eyes could see as he placed his forearm on Malakith’s neck.

Jasmine came from around the corner, shocked as she covered her mouth. “Gabriel?”

Malakith turned into a snake as Gabriel looked down trying to catch him before he settled unto Jasmine. She tried to step on him as a hand grabbed her from the snakelike form pulling her. Gabriel was there holding her up as he kicked Malakith away from her.

“Who is that?” She asked, while Gabriel helped her up.

“Malakith the ruler of the demons.” Gabriel replied, ready to attack as Malakith turned back to his human form.

“Lucifer’s right hand man.” he bowed courtly as he introduced himself. “And I am here to collect. I can’t have you running around ruining my plans can I?”

He ran to Jasmine fangs in his mouth ready, but Gabriel punched him right in his chin sending him flying back. Gabriel pushed Jasmine to run outside the casino, praying Malakith would follow, but she turned back and he was gone. Everyone in the casino was paused from moving as Judas had done with the weather. Everything stood still. Gabriel pushed Jasmine away from him as a dark aura whip like weapon slammed hard between them.

“How dare you mess with my warriors? My army?” he whipped again this time hitting Gabriel in his arms as he held it up across his chest as it threw him out of the room and down the stairs.

Jasmine’s heart jumped with fear for him. “Gabriel!” She turned to Malakith with a gasp as he slithered his way towards her, head tilted to the side as he transformed to the snake and then back to human form once in her face. She threw her hand back to slap him, her hand glowing gold, but Malakith grabbed her wrist.

“Ohh. You are the Chosen with so many fears, but yet you aren’t like the others so easy to influence, so easy to manipulate, but you. Your powers cover you, your heart covers you.” His hands were sizzling and smoking, but he still didn’t let her go as he gathered information. “Interesting. You fear losing him, but yet you push him away.” With that realization Malakith slithered back into his snake form going towards Gabriel down the stairs.

Jasmine stood rushing to Gabriel. Her biggest fear right now was him being killed or hurt trying to protect her and she couldn’t bare that guilt, she refused to bare that. Which was the real reason she wanted him to go back to heaven. It may have seemed harsh to tell someone who was just dead to go back to being dead, but the risks were so higher on Earth. How could he not see that?

Malakith searched the stairway for Gabriel to be surprised as he jumped down a flight of stairs, stepping on the snake forcing him to turn back to a human form. Gabriel punched Malakith fists lighted and his eyes ready, angelic powers, dominating the demon until Malakith kneed Gabriel in his stomach and punched him to the wall, he grabbed his head and started banging it hard until it cracked.

“You’re weak!” Malakith screamed, but then felt the hit to his head from a fire extinguisher Jasmine picked up. Gabriel took advantage grabbing Malakith hard by the throat with his arm and held him there.

“Jasmine do it!” he said, but Malakith transformed into his snake form again before Jasmine could place her hand through his chest. Instead she touched Gabriel’s chest, his hand ragged her to him, pressing her hard against him as he blocked her from being hit by Malakith’s attack. They were both getting frustrated with how hard this demon was to send back to where he came from.

Jasmine held onto Gabriel’s shirt for strength as she kicked her leg at Malakith, trying to light her entire body as she had with Judas. Gabriel twirled her around after she kicked him in his side then kicked him in his back. He countered using the momentum from the blow to turn himself and used his whip to hit them, but Gabriel caught the whip in his hand as Jasmine helped him hold it as both of their lights started to melt the darkness away from the whip. Malakith released the whip before it was fully converted to a heavenly object, but Gabriel threw the whip around him before he could transform back into a snake.

“We are not done with you.” He said before bursting into flames and just like with Judas everything started to go back to normal as they both sighed taking a breath, Gabriel running a shaky hand through his hair, that was now falling in his face from the fight.

“You’re okay?” He asked, once the whip disappeared out of his hands as he looked at her fix her clothes and hair, moving it out of her face as well. “Yeah.” She panted. “These damn demons are starting to get on my nerves.” She complained as she walked out the stairway back to the hotel room. “So much for our date.” She sat on the bed, exhausted and frustrated.

“Jasmine? I have to ask you.” He sat next to her on the king size bed. “Are you ready to face what happens once you get back home?” He watched her to see her reaction and her expression never changed. “Things will only get worse you know. Judas, then Malakith, the next would be Lucifer. Are you ready for when he makes his move?”

That was a question she wasn’t ready for. They beat his strongest, but there was no defeating or giving Lucifer the final death. For a moment she only wanted to get away from her problems and just relax, but now she had to face her problems head on once she got back home, starting with Xavier.

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