Rashid: Aries the Warrior (Trials of the Zodiac Book 3)

ROSE GOLD

QISMAT

As I glided through the air, I couldn't shake off the persistent embarrassment that gnawed at me. The memory of how effortlessly Gadrael had dispatched me during our encounter lingered, casting a shadow of self-doubt. It was a humbling reminder of the immense power that the Archangel of War possessed, and it left me with a gnawing feeling of inadequacy.My thoughts were consumed by concern for Rashid, his overpowering rage a constant presence in my mind. I attempted to reach out to him, but I doubted he even registered my attempts among the boiling emotions within him. Rashid's controlled anger was a potent weapon, and he seemed to harness it how I believe The Universe intended.As the city's glowing lights came into view, the tension in the air became palpable. The fear of the people huddled in bunkers below seeped into my senses. They were in grave danger, and my solemn duty was to warn them. I needed to locate Archangel Michael, our city's voice of reason and leadership. Our world teetered on the precipice of chaos, and I was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure the safety of the innocent, even if it meant putting my own life on the line.As I approached the city, my keen eyes spotted a sight that stirred my concern – a golden figure struggling to rise from the fields below. Squinting, I identified the familiar braids of Major Deja, clearly disoriented from a powerful blow delivered by Kasyade's whip just minutes ago. Without hesitation, I descended toward her and extended a helping hand. Recognition flashed in her eyes as she realized it was me."Deja, there's no time to waste. We must get to the City of Feathers. Kasyade is headed there, and she can summon fallen angels," I urgently conveyed. Deja hesitated momentarily before responding, "I saw her too, and you're right, I can get there ahead of her. She's strong, not a fighter, but if she gets her hands on that gourd."I shook my head firmly, knowing the damage that could happen. I was no match for her either. We needed help."You handled yourself admirably out there, Qismat. The archangels may be enhanced, but so are you. The bond you shared, I've seen the archangels spar, and you aren't far from their level. If this last attempt to get them to fight doesn't work, it will be an honor to fight alongside you," she reassured me.Her words resonated with a calming effect, and I extended my hand towards her. She nodded in agreement, and with a determined expression, she grasped my hand. Her power flowed into me, revitalizing my energy. Together, we propelled ourselves towards the city, leaving the vast fields behind."That should help you maintain your speed while carrying me," she explained. I lifted her into my arms, feeling her warm, radiant form against my skin. With a mighty flap of my wings, we shot through the air.As we streaked forward, the wind sliced through the atmosphere like a barrage of needles. In mere moments, we passed Kasyade and her dark fallen angels. They shouted and loosed arrows in our direction, the projectiles falling short of reaching my wings. Their ominous presence sent a shiver down my spine, but I couldn't afford to waver. Our objective remained crystal clear – reach the city and deliver the crucial warning before it was too late.The City of Feathers drew closer with its gleaming lights, and with each passing moment, the urgency of our mission pressed upon us. I descended near the city gates, where hundreds of warrior angels were assembled. Their trembling hands clutched their weapons, and the armor, a design of my own, rattled in unison with the pounding of their hearts."Fallen angels are en route! Prepare yourselves!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the tense air as Deja and I darted between the assembled warriors. For the first time, the city didn't appear grand and opulent. The atmosphere was heavy with fear, casting a haunting pall over its usually majestic appearance.As we left the city's outskirts behind, my thoughts wandered back to my days as a cherub. Angels were born from the union of Yahweh and a spirit. My mother, a spirit filled with hope and fate, had left me here like all cherubs. It had been the responsibility of the elder cupids to raise us. I had raced down these streets countless times as a carefree cherub, never once suspecting that I would one day return to deliver such dire news.The wind rushed past us, carrying the faint scent of the distant battle in the fields. As we reached the city's heart and approached the grand cathedral, I felt an inexplicable sensation, like a guiding hand on my shoulder, urging me forward.We made a graceful landing before the imposing council chambers. I took a moment to catch my breath and offer a silent thank you to Deja for her invaluable support throughout our journey. However, at the entrance, two burly guards stood sentinel, their spears crossed to block my path as I attempted to enter."We need to find Michael," I declared, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of the Archangel.Deja, her gaze filled with determination, nodded in agreement. "Our city is about to face a serious threat."Before we could further attempt to enter the grand council chambers, one of the guards barked, "No entry!" I knew we couldn't afford to waste time arguing, so I acted swiftly. With all the speed I could muster, I delivered a powerful kick, sending one of the guards crashing through the thick, polished doors. They fell to the marble floor with a resounding crash. In the same instant, Deja seized the other guard by his chest plate and sent him hurtling through the air.Together, we scoured the grand cathedral, our footsteps echoing through its hallowed halls as we moved with purpose. The fate of our realm teetered on the brink, and we knew that every precious moment counted.Our relentless pursuit finally led us to the grand courtroom, where the archangels gathered to deliberate matters of celestial importance. I entered the room with a sense of urgency as if an invisible hand was pushing me onward. We found a few Valkyrie present, and Kazue was floating within the well."We need to send forces towards the battlefields," Kazue's voice resounded throughout the cavernous space. "Brynhild has summoned me from the gates for assistance. The enchantments alone won't hold. Our defenses are insufficient.""We shouldn't need them if your hero wins the fight," Chamuel chided with a hint of bitterness. Annoyed by his remark, I summoned my wings, unfurling them dramatically to catch the attention of my fellow archangels. Despite Chamuel's dismissive gesture, I cast a gust of wind over them with a sweep of my wings."Archangels," I began, my voice resolute and unwavering, "we stand on the precipice of a grave threat. Fallen angels, under the leadership of Gadrael and Kasyade, are descending upon our city with a force of at least twenty fallen. Kasyade possesses the ability to summon even more of them. Rashid is currently engaged with Gadrael to keep him at bay. Our brothers and sisters are fighting bravely on the front lines. Still, they require your aid, guidance, and strength."I paused, my gaze sweeping across the assembly of powerful celestial beings. Sensing Rashid's searing rage through our bond, I pushed it aside and focused on the task."I remember what it was like growing up in this city," I began, my voice carrying the weight of my memories and the urgency of the present. "The wonder and awe of being an angel, the profound duty entrusted to us – to protect the innocent, to uphold honor and justice. It's what I love most about being an angel."My words reverberated through the room, and I could see the gravity of the situation etched on their faces. "We must unite, stand together as one, and confront this threat head-on. Our realm, and perhaps others, depends on us. Let honor and duty be our guiding stars. May the strength of our unity become our shield against the encroaching darkness. Is it just or virtuous to remain ensconced in this ivory tower? While, At the same time, our brethren of peace, love, and knowledge perish in the fields?"I turned my gaze to Archangel Michael, our leader and my dearest brother, my resolve unwavering. "We need you, Michael. As in the past, so now – we cannot afford to lose. Lead us in this dire hour, and together, we will emerge victorious."The archangels absorbed my impassioned speech, their expressions reflecting a mix of contemplation and uncertainty. They were still waiting for some form of commitment or assurance, which I was unwilling to offer.Chamuel, ever the annoyance, rose from his seat and asserted, "You must acknowledge your overstep and swear upon your combined souls to your proposition." "Chamuel," Gabriel interjected with a hint of caution. I glanced at my fellow siblings, searching for signs of agreement. Jophiel, Azrael, Raphael, and Gabriel met my gaze with varying degrees of support. Unsurprisingly, Raziel and Chamuel stood united in their reservations. Yet, the ultimate decision rested with Michael, and none of this would matter unless he concurred."Gadrael is... he's a force of the cosmos. It might be wise to retreat and regroup," Michael voiced his uncertainty, a rare occurrence.The urging sensation that had pushed me forward vanished abruptly, replaced by an overwhelming surge of spiritual energy. It felt like the air had become heavy, and the world stopped vibrating with life.Above, the air seemed to crack open as my father, Yahweh, materialized in a cascade of radiant light. His appearance mirrored the previous one, torn but with one significant change—the gleam in his eyes, now white instead of silver."You were but a child when he defeated you, Michael," Yahweh's words resounded through the room. The assembly of archangels, Valkyrie, and Kazue bowed in reverence before his divine presence."Listen, my children," the divine voice whispered, enveloping the room with its presence. Along with the others, I bowed my head in reverence. At Yahweh's silent encouragement, we slowly raised our heads."I am weak," Yahweh declared, his voice echoing with a profound weight. He cast a discerning gaze upon me, acknowledging my role in uniting his children. "My power has fragmented, like that of many gods. Qismat, your words, and heart have brought many of my children together. For the first time, I can discern light through the lingering shadows."He looked at the assembled archangels, his tone tinged with disappointment. "In this time of darkness, you have faltered in your duties. Many of you would have been stripped of your wings without my forgiving nature. Can you not feel the malevolence that permeates the air? Fear has returned to our realm, and the specter of war looms. I sense a shift in the cosmos that compels me to don armor and stand beside you soon.""Father," Michael cried out, his voice filled with anguish."Michael, you have grown weary in your role," Yahweh proclaimed. "It is time for you to step back." Michael's initial hurt gave way to acceptance as he grappled with the undeniable truth. Chamuel, on the other hand, did a poor job of concealing his smug satisfaction. His posture straightened as his shoulders squared."It is time for the realm to change," Yahweh declared, his voice ringing like a bell. "The existing structure no longer stands as it once did. Warriors have come to believe their positions hold greater significance than they should. No! You require a voice of reason and duty among you, an angel who embodies the ideals of family and hope."A divine serenity washed over me as Yahweh turned his gaze toward me. I felt a surge of power unlike anything I had ever experienced. Yahweh's smile was both warm and approving as he raised his hands. Deja gasped audibly behind me as my body ascended into the air.My wings hummed with newfound energy. I observed in awe as the armor adorning my feathers glowed red-hot, radiating a warmth no more intense than a warm breeze. Gradually, the metal melded into my wings, leaving behind razor-sharp appendages of radiant rose gold. Lower on my back, a vortex of energy swirled beneath my skin, and with a burst of blinding light, pure white wings emerged, shining like diamonds."Qismat," Yahweh's voice resonated, unwavering, "you now hold the esteemed title of the eighth Principality. Your mother embodied the spirit of hope for the future, and thus, you shall be known as Qismat, the Archangel of Fate. Embrace your destiny and let your unwavering sense of duty be your guiding light and lead your brothers and sisters into battle. Also, son, trust in your heart when you find yourself overwhelmed, and you will know what to do."Yahweh then turned his attention to his other children, making a graceful gesture with his hand before his form began to ripple and shake. "Do not further disappoint me. I will not forgive the needless death of my family any longer," he said as his body fragmented into countless doves of radiant light that ascended into the sky, disappearing from view.I turned toward Michael, who stood there in stunned awe, mirroring the reactions of the other archangels. I spun on my heels just as fast and strode toward the grand doors with newfound authority and power coursing through me. With a raised voice, my words carrying, I shouted, "Any angel who can hear my voice, I am Qismat, the new leader of the archangels. I command you to take up arms, harness the power of your spirits, and defend our home!"I turned to Chamuel, who reluctantly dipped his head in recognition begrudgingly. When he eventually met my gaze once more, I continued speaking. "Kasyade is on her way, and I've witnessed her mastery of spiritual energy. If she gets her hands on the gourd—" My words were abruptly interrupted as a surge of energy burst through the air from the roof.Chunks of stone and marble rained down from the sky, and the moon was obscured by four ominous black wings soaring above. A massive stone fragment, nearly the size of a boulder, hurtled dangerously close to me. My metallic wings instinctively moved, slicing it into harmless pieces."Oh, a new archangel," Kasyade's voice rang out, a disturbing blend of sweetness and sinister undertones. She descended gracefully from above, accompanied by three fallen angels."You have no right to be here," Raphael declared, his voice displaying a rare flicker of intensity."Aww, well, you're going to hate my special guest," Kasyade retorted, her words laced with a sinister undertone. Fear rippled through us as she raised her hands in preparation.Kazue launched herself at Kasyade with her fan outstretched. An all-consuming darkness materialized from it, forming into a menacing black hole. Kasyade hesitated momentarily, then seized one of the fallen angels at her side and hurled him into the abyss. He vanished into the void, but not before releasing a pulse of spiritual energy. This intangible force sent Kazue tumbling to the side.The archangels, their powers radiating from their armored forms, stood together, ready to confront the impending threat."Stop her!" Michael's voice reverberated through the chamber. I attempted to rush forward but knew it was too late. Dark blue, tainted spiritual energy surrounded her."Brother Lucifer, I call upon a sliver of your strength. Let my summoning be binding, and the soldier who steps forward scar the face of God," she murmured, her infernal prayer sending shivers down our spines.The very air trembled and grew heavy, pinning me to the floor. I heard Deja grunt in discomfort only a few feet behind me as a deep, inky-green form began to take shape. Armored footsteps resounded from outside the room, drawing my attention. I turned and saw Brynhild I, clad in golden armor with a flowing white cape, sprinting into the room, her spear ready."No!" I screamed as Brynhild propelled herself toward the menacing green figure. In an instant, a hand swiped through the air, and all that followed was the muffled thud of two golden chunks hitting the ground."I despise getting my hands dirty," a deep, feminine voice echoed off the cracked walls.Deja, who had witnessed the Empress's valiant effort, couldn't contain her anguish and cried out. I turned my gaze from her back to the glowing figure, my heart burning with rage. Summoning every ounce of strength, I pushed myself to my knees and lowered my head in solemn prayer. "Father, grant me the strength, and I shall honor you by striking down your enemies."