Heaven's Rejects
P R O L O G U E
Evangeline
The bench was hard, uncomfortable and smelled strongly of disinfectant but it was a welcome distraction from the tirade that was being spat in Harry and my direction. We'd done it this time; it was unlike any situation I'd ever been in. Usually, misdemeanors resulted in an interoffice meeting with my supervisor and another slap at the wrist, maybe some community service. But ever since Harry and I had been caught returning from Earth a week earlier, we'd been under guard in small cramped cells and formally been brought up on charges.
Curling my wings even tighter around me like it would ward off the stares of the angels that congregated around the balcony I tried my best to keep from flinching at the volume and fury that was being directed at Harry and I by the chief archangel Gabriel. This was our sentencing hearing and from the seemingly unnatural state of red that Gabriel's face had turned, a sharp contrast to his fair hair, it was not boding well for us.
"Lina," Harry's whispered was laced with concern as he grasped the hand closest to him uncurling it from my nervous fist. "We'll be okay."
"We better be," I whispered back trying not to draw too much attention to us, "Especially since you kind of got me into this mess."
With a shrug Harry gave my hand a reassuring speech as Gabriel seemed to calm down slightly, taking a deep breath, before turning towards us.
"And so since this generation has cultivated an utter lack of respect for the code of tradition and honor that has been keeping the entire operation of heaven running smoothly, efficient and most important, secretly for the last several millennia. Both Archangel Styles and Miss Carter have shown an utter disrespect for this code Harold Styles being found guilty of committing a deadly sin and Evangeline Carter being found guilty for aiding and abetting him. So an example should be made of both of them if we want to curb this mentality."
Gabriel paused for a second as if steeling himself for me. I could hear the frantic whispering from the rest of the courtroom behind me, but at that moment I was only conscious of the intense beating of my heart and the panic that had me nearly paralyzed. All I wanted to do was spread my wings and fly far away to somewhere where stupid mistakes didn't have consequences, and I could stick to my books and daydreaming. I clutched Harry's hand hard enough that I was sure that I was cutting off circulation and he just ran his thumb over the back of my hand reassuringly.
"The council has come to a decision. Due to the severity of their crimes and the presence of a previous record the council has recommended banishment to mortal life on earth until death or until they have proven themselves worthy to rejoin the ranks of Heaven."
The sentence knocked the breath out of me as I felt my body involuntarily crumple. I knew that I never have said yes to Harry but because I had, they were taking everything from me. I knew what banishment meant; it meant my freedom, it meant no more nights soaring underneath the night sky on gentle updrafts, it meant leaving everything and everyone I had ever known. I could feel hot tears snaking their way down my cheeks, but I knew there was nothing more I could do.
Behind us, the balcony was in an uproar. It had been centuries since they had banished anyone from heaven. Banging on the table, it took Gabriel three attempts to regain order in the courtroom.
"Archangel Styles, Miss Carter, you have two hours to get your affairs in order. Then you must report to the exit zone."
With that statement, the guards led Harry and I from the room attempting to ward off the chaos of pressing bodies that were all rushing from the room at once. I could see the same stricken look at Harry's face that I knew was reflected on mine as we were led to the side of the courthouse and the light bands around our ankles removed.
"Now be at the exit zone on time, or there will be more severe punishments." The guarded warned with a stern look in his eyes before turning back towards the courthouse.
"Lina," Harry stated softly his tone insistent and worried.
"I don't want to talk about it," I said firmly before taking quick, sure steps away from the courthouse.
I didn't want to talk about it especially not with Harry. I was still struggling to process the information myself, my head spinning like I was on a tilt-a-whirl. I'd always known that actions had consequences, I'd been in trouble enough to understand. But banishment. It was something that had never crossed my mind; it was something that wasn't done.
Not having much in the ways of affairs to settle I made quick works of stuffing all I had in the form of clothes and books in a duffle. Although I supposed that once we got to earth, we'd have to go shopping for new clothes as the slits in the back of our shirts would earn odd looks.
Removing a knife from my dresser drawer, I cut into the edge of my mattress before removing the large stack of cash that was hidden inside. Someone had once told me that my parents had enough money that they wouldn't notice if any went missing. It was a theory that over the years I'd put into an experiment, and it was true they never noticed. They hadn't even bothered to show up to the trial.
With just over an hour left in the time given I stashed my bag close to the exit zone and with a running start launched into the one thing I'd actually miss. Flying had always been my method of escape, the only time I'd ever gotten to process, to think. And it was the one thing that I was furious that they were taking from me. Banishment meant the removal of our wings, probably permanently.
Soaring on the warm updraft that radiated from the town below I closed my eyes and lost myself in the wind. I felt myself fly higher and higher until those below were nothing more ants. Sure that I was alone, I let myself do the one thing that I had been dying to do the entire time, scream. I screamed until my voice was harsh and cracked. And slowly circling, relishing the feeling of the breeze running through my feathers and the strain of my muscles to keep me aloft I heard the clock chime the warning bell below.
I wanted to take my time in my descent, but I knew that I didn't have the luxury, so I hit the ground hard next to Harry.
"Lina?" He asked concerned, and that's when I noticed the hot tears that were streaming down my cheeks.
"I'll be fine," I stated angrily brushing at my face with my sleeves.
He didn't seem to believe me, but the guards approached us stern and almost apologetic. One of them was carrying a large, sharp, hot instrument I didn't even want to look at. I just drew my wings closer to me as if I was somehow able to protect them.
"Alright, once the wing removal process is complete you both will be dropped in a safe albeit out of the way position on earth. You are free to do what you like, but I wouldn't suggest heading towards more heavily populated areas," Gabriel stated as he stood head of the guards.
I just nodded, and I could see Harry do the same from beside me. Gabriel just gave a nod, and the guard with the instrument stepped forward and then behind the both of us. It was over in an instant and before I had the time to brace for it: a white-hot and excruciatingly painful sensation seared across my back. I told myself that I wasn't going to cry, either for the pain or the fact that they had literally and metaphorically just ripped away a piece of me. Beside me, Harry let out a howl of pain, and I clutched his hand in response.
"Your backs will heal cleanly, and without infection, though I can't say they won't scar," Gabriel stated and it was all I could do to keep myself from looking behind me to see my wings once last time, it was an image I didn't want to have.
Forcing myself to steel my composure I stared straight ahead at the bright light of the exit zone keeping Harry's hand in mine. From my peripheral vision, I could see him doing the same, neither one of us wanting to show them weakness.
"Can we go now?" I asked my voice catching slightly.
"You may," Gabriel said his voice firm but with an edge of regret.
The both of us stepped forward and without a glance backward left Heaven possibly forever. There was the usual flash of light and the feeling of my stomach bottoming out that accompanied the descent to earth. When the light faded leaving a ringing in my ears, I was instantly aware of the warm, wet sensation of rain on my skin.
Looking around, I realized that we'd appeared at the edge of some kind of country road. I turned and sent a curious glance at Harry who was stood staring into the distance the steely distraction still on his face.
"So what now?" I asked softly.
The events of the day were starting to drain on me and exhaustion both mentally, physically and emotionally was beginning to settle into my bones. Harry just stared at me for a second like he hadn't heard me before letting out a sigh that seemed to deflate him totally.
"I suppose we should check out our new home," He said pointing to a worn, decrepit sign on the side of the road that I'd nearly missed.
Welcome to Eastlake, Virginia
Population 3,056
The bench was hard, uncomfortable and smelled strongly of disinfectant but it was a welcome distraction from the tirade that was being spat in Harry and my direction. We'd done it this time; it was unlike any situation I'd ever been in. Usually, misdemeanors resulted in an interoffice meeting with my supervisor and another slap at the wrist, maybe some community service. But ever since Harry and I had been caught returning from Earth a week earlier, we'd been under guard in small cramped cells and formally been brought up on charges.
Curling my wings even tighter around me like it would ward off the stares of the angels that congregated around the balcony I tried my best to keep from flinching at the volume and fury that was being directed at Harry and I by the chief archangel Gabriel. This was our sentencing hearing and from the seemingly unnatural state of red that Gabriel's face had turned, a sharp contrast to his fair hair, it was not boding well for us.
"Lina," Harry's whispered was laced with concern as he grasped the hand closest to him uncurling it from my nervous fist. "We'll be okay."
"We better be," I whispered back trying not to draw too much attention to us, "Especially since you kind of got me into this mess."
With a shrug Harry gave my hand a reassuring speech as Gabriel seemed to calm down slightly, taking a deep breath, before turning towards us.
"And so since this generation has cultivated an utter lack of respect for the code of tradition and honor that has been keeping the entire operation of heaven running smoothly, efficient and most important, secretly for the last several millennia. Both Archangel Styles and Miss Carter have shown an utter disrespect for this code Harold Styles being found guilty of committing a deadly sin and Evangeline Carter being found guilty for aiding and abetting him. So an example should be made of both of them if we want to curb this mentality."
Gabriel paused for a second as if steeling himself for me. I could hear the frantic whispering from the rest of the courtroom behind me, but at that moment I was only conscious of the intense beating of my heart and the panic that had me nearly paralyzed. All I wanted to do was spread my wings and fly far away to somewhere where stupid mistakes didn't have consequences, and I could stick to my books and daydreaming. I clutched Harry's hand hard enough that I was sure that I was cutting off circulation and he just ran his thumb over the back of my hand reassuringly.
"The council has come to a decision. Due to the severity of their crimes and the presence of a previous record the council has recommended banishment to mortal life on earth until death or until they have proven themselves worthy to rejoin the ranks of Heaven."
The sentence knocked the breath out of me as I felt my body involuntarily crumple. I knew that I never have said yes to Harry but because I had, they were taking everything from me. I knew what banishment meant; it meant my freedom, it meant no more nights soaring underneath the night sky on gentle updrafts, it meant leaving everything and everyone I had ever known. I could feel hot tears snaking their way down my cheeks, but I knew there was nothing more I could do.
Behind us, the balcony was in an uproar. It had been centuries since they had banished anyone from heaven. Banging on the table, it took Gabriel three attempts to regain order in the courtroom.
"Archangel Styles, Miss Carter, you have two hours to get your affairs in order. Then you must report to the exit zone."
With that statement, the guards led Harry and I from the room attempting to ward off the chaos of pressing bodies that were all rushing from the room at once. I could see the same stricken look at Harry's face that I knew was reflected on mine as we were led to the side of the courthouse and the light bands around our ankles removed.
"Now be at the exit zone on time, or there will be more severe punishments." The guarded warned with a stern look in his eyes before turning back towards the courthouse.
"Lina," Harry stated softly his tone insistent and worried.
"I don't want to talk about it," I said firmly before taking quick, sure steps away from the courthouse.
I didn't want to talk about it especially not with Harry. I was still struggling to process the information myself, my head spinning like I was on a tilt-a-whirl. I'd always known that actions had consequences, I'd been in trouble enough to understand. But banishment. It was something that had never crossed my mind; it was something that wasn't done.
Not having much in the ways of affairs to settle I made quick works of stuffing all I had in the form of clothes and books in a duffle. Although I supposed that once we got to earth, we'd have to go shopping for new clothes as the slits in the back of our shirts would earn odd looks.
Removing a knife from my dresser drawer, I cut into the edge of my mattress before removing the large stack of cash that was hidden inside. Someone had once told me that my parents had enough money that they wouldn't notice if any went missing. It was a theory that over the years I'd put into an experiment, and it was true they never noticed. They hadn't even bothered to show up to the trial.
With just over an hour left in the time given I stashed my bag close to the exit zone and with a running start launched into the one thing I'd actually miss. Flying had always been my method of escape, the only time I'd ever gotten to process, to think. And it was the one thing that I was furious that they were taking from me. Banishment meant the removal of our wings, probably permanently.
Soaring on the warm updraft that radiated from the town below I closed my eyes and lost myself in the wind. I felt myself fly higher and higher until those below were nothing more ants. Sure that I was alone, I let myself do the one thing that I had been dying to do the entire time, scream. I screamed until my voice was harsh and cracked. And slowly circling, relishing the feeling of the breeze running through my feathers and the strain of my muscles to keep me aloft I heard the clock chime the warning bell below.
I wanted to take my time in my descent, but I knew that I didn't have the luxury, so I hit the ground hard next to Harry.
"Lina?" He asked concerned, and that's when I noticed the hot tears that were streaming down my cheeks.
"I'll be fine," I stated angrily brushing at my face with my sleeves.
He didn't seem to believe me, but the guards approached us stern and almost apologetic. One of them was carrying a large, sharp, hot instrument I didn't even want to look at. I just drew my wings closer to me as if I was somehow able to protect them.
"Alright, once the wing removal process is complete you both will be dropped in a safe albeit out of the way position on earth. You are free to do what you like, but I wouldn't suggest heading towards more heavily populated areas," Gabriel stated as he stood head of the guards.
I just nodded, and I could see Harry do the same from beside me. Gabriel just gave a nod, and the guard with the instrument stepped forward and then behind the both of us. It was over in an instant and before I had the time to brace for it: a white-hot and excruciatingly painful sensation seared across my back. I told myself that I wasn't going to cry, either for the pain or the fact that they had literally and metaphorically just ripped away a piece of me. Beside me, Harry let out a howl of pain, and I clutched his hand in response.
"Your backs will heal cleanly, and without infection, though I can't say they won't scar," Gabriel stated and it was all I could do to keep myself from looking behind me to see my wings once last time, it was an image I didn't want to have.
Forcing myself to steel my composure I stared straight ahead at the bright light of the exit zone keeping Harry's hand in mine. From my peripheral vision, I could see him doing the same, neither one of us wanting to show them weakness.
"Can we go now?" I asked my voice catching slightly.
"You may," Gabriel said his voice firm but with an edge of regret.
The both of us stepped forward and without a glance backward left Heaven possibly forever. There was the usual flash of light and the feeling of my stomach bottoming out that accompanied the descent to earth. When the light faded leaving a ringing in my ears, I was instantly aware of the warm, wet sensation of rain on my skin.
Looking around, I realized that we'd appeared at the edge of some kind of country road. I turned and sent a curious glance at Harry who was stood staring into the distance the steely distraction still on his face.
"So what now?" I asked softly.
The events of the day were starting to drain on me and exhaustion both mentally, physically and emotionally was beginning to settle into my bones. Harry just stared at me for a second like he hadn't heard me before letting out a sigh that seemed to deflate him totally.
"I suppose we should check out our new home," He said pointing to a worn, decrepit sign on the side of the road that I'd nearly missed.
Welcome to Eastlake, Virginia
Population 3,056
Notes
Hey everyone!
This is Mona and I's new story. We are very excited to share this with you!
Let us know what you think!
-Lilly
@xRock_Mex
You’re so sweet!!! Thanks so much (: The next chapter should be up soon!!
12/18/18