The Stag & The Fallen Prince (RadioApple)

The Fallen Prince

   Within a dark, dense forest, full of unknown magic, a young angel with golden hair, Ivory skin, crimson cheeks, and 6 slowly burning wings, raced through the trees desperately holding a crying baby close to his chest. The angels eyes flowed with tears, and his once beautiful, royal robes hung torn off his perfect body. It was clear the male had been running for a long time, caring not for himself but the child in his arms, trying to escape something that seemingly was no longer there. His pace slowed as exhaustion finally caught up with him. He heaved his breath, looking around the dark wood, realizing he was lost. He held out a hand before his face, trying to conjure golden light. However, the light quickly flittered from existence.

"No. No. No." He whispered, pressing his face into the coddled child in his arms.

   He lifted his head, and the child slowed her cry, meeting his eyes. The moonlight glinted in her gaze, creating a mirror the torn angel could now see. In the reflection, he saw his once golden eyes bleeding into red.

"I'm falling." His heart stopped as he realized what this meant.

   He had only seen a few angels fall before. Being one of the first born Archangels, it was his job, along with his brothers Michael and Gabriel, to eliminate evil in this world. And the fallen were evil. During their fall, their wings would burn, removing their celestial light. Returning eventually, black and powerless. Their minds in the midst of losing gods grasp would also lose all morale, killing mercilessly for months to years until the smoke clears. This was his fate. A fate he could not allow to affect the small child before him.

"Charlie." He brushed the babies short blonde hair from her face. "I'll shelter and adore you. More than anything." He whispered, gently pressing his forhead against his child's.

   He could feel her warmth and calm bring ease to his own mind. He looked up, realizing he was running out of time. He needed to find somewhere to hide the child. Somewhere safe. But not alone. Without his powers, however, he was no more helpful than an average man. So he walked, exhausted and broken, glancing at his burning wings occasionally to see how far along the change was becoming. Suddenly, a flash of red surprised him, and before him stood a tall crimson stag. His eyes widened. He had never seen a red deer before. It almost seemed to him the creature was smiling. He held his daughter closer in feer it maybe dangerous. However, the deer simply flicked an ear and bounded through the woods. The falling angel watched it leave, still weary of its intentions, but as he did, he recognized he had stumbled upon an old hunting trail. Though it looked unused for some time, the possibility of it leading to a road wasn't unreasonable. He followed it cautiously, watching out for traps or signs of other life. The trail began to narrow, and he became concerned that it no longer led to anything. Until through the trees, he saw candle light flowing through the window of a wooden home. His heart began to race, but he was still cautious as he approached. Getting closer, he could see he was coming up to its side. There was a decently large yard, unkempt but charming. Overgrown red tulips and roses were spread randomly throughout the yard. The grass grew tall against the home. To anyone else, it would seem abandoned. But he could sense life and death within the home. A hunter and his wife, he assumed. As he neared the home, he peared into the window. Before him was a lovely study, filled with books, and upon the table, a small cup of tea still steamed. Whoever lived their must have still been nearby. He snuck silently to the front of the home to see many small wooden deer carvings. And down the path was a small private pond. It seemed too good to be true. By the door was a small basket, stained red from what he assumed was berries. He pulled it towards him, gently placing the baby inside.

"I won't leave until I know you're safe." He promised as he began to creep up the steps.

He made it three steps up the five step case before a sudden twinge of pain behind his eyes cause him to fall forward. He slid the basket across the step so he wouldn't fall upon it. As he made contact, he hissed in pain, frustrated by his weakened state. He held his hands over his throbbing eyes, and as he pulled them away, he realized it was too late. Bloody tears were escaping his eyes, his mind pounding and fighting to hold onto reality as he became dizzy.

"Nifty dear." A voice from inside startled the angel. "Can you go check the front porch, I think I heard something fall."

   Lucifer scrambled to his feet, looking to the basket with a broken heart. "I'll come back for you." He whispered before fleeing into the night.

   Just as the brush settled, a young woman with shoulder-length red and blonde hair opened the door. She quickly scurried out, looking around swiftly, then pausing as she saw the basket.

"Ooooh lunch!" She licked her lips, pulling the basket close to her. Before she could peak inside the basket shook and the child within began to cry once more. "Ah! Ghost baby!" She squeeked, jumping back.

   From behind her, another figure came out from the doorway after hearing the commotion. It was a tall, slender, almost deer like man. He was well dressed, in a crimson tail coat, wearing round glasses that framed a long toothy grin.

"Oh ho, what's this?" He stepped onto the porch, leaning over to flip open the basket lid.

The young woman hid behind him, moving quickly. "Becareful, I think it's alive." She warned.

"Hm, how about you run inside and grab this young lady a clean blanket." He reached into the basket, lifting the small baby up into his arms as the woman scurried away. "Well, aren't you precious." He looked her over, continuing to keep that uncanny smile.

   The male slipped his long, thin fingers under the girls face to examine the child but paused when his hand caught a small gold chain. His fingers curled under it, and he pulled the chain out from the swaddle to see a small heart-shaped locket with overlapping wings. He flicked it open, and inside was a tiny note reading, "Mommy & Daddy Loves you, Charlotte." On the back of the locket was a carving of the name "Morningstar." The man's eyes changed, though his smile stayed as he read the name. With a quick tug, the clasp snapped, causing the infant to cry. He slipped the locket into his pocket before cooing the child, rocking her in his arms.

"Come now, Princess, let's get you something to eat." He poked the females nose before carrying her inside.