Envie De Voyager

Some Little Thing

While writing for two different projects, I got a little bored. Out of inspiration for either of the two, I took a breath and instead decided to write on something else. More specifically, one of the stories I made in my younger days. Instead of explaining what it is about, perhaps it would be better if it is read over.

Contrary to my superiors' orders, I stood on the boundary, viewing the world that they said was not worth saving.

Thick columns of leaden smoke plagued the area for as far as the eye can see, like pillars that remind one of the deepest recesses of the Pit called by many names. The skies had lost all trace of grace and splendour—the entirety of the firmament was reduced to nothing more than a canvas of dark grey haphazardly plastered with a layer of whitewash. Even the clouds were stained, grey with all the dirt and smoke that found their way into the atmosphere.

A noxious odour filled the air, forcing most to cover their noses and mouths with a mask. Thousands of dust particles floated around with the wind, brought about by all this Industrial Revolution nonsense and Steam Power balderdash. The stenches, smoke, and pollution produced a deep and dense smog that made the landscape lose visibility. If it were not for the lamps and vehicles' headlights, then the visibility in London would have been close to zero.

The ground was paved over pewter streets and lined with slaty residential buildings, all leading towards a central area populated with nothing more than factories and machines that befouled the life that were in close proximity. This purged the surrounding area of greens and browns, a terrible lack of vividness. It was just as Pompeii, except there were actually people living in this near-dead location.

On the streets, one could see several adults walking with an almost regulated pace. None of them glanced at the few folk who were curled up against the walls of establishments, with cans in hand. None of them turned an eye towards the young child who was crying on the sidewalk, her mother bleeding as the law enforcement nonchalantly investigated the scene. Not a single head pointed at the woman who had just been robbed of her purse by an amoral thief. Not a care was given when two young men started to drive their fists into each other's bodies.

The sight was not pleasant at all, and served not only as a testament to the neglect of humans for their own home, but one for how far they had strayed from the morality that they had imposed upon themselves. Now that I was standing right in front of it, I could understand why I was told that my goal would be nothing but a lost cause. It was the destruction of life's gifts, a disregard for the blessings bestowed upon them, a lack of care for their own.

I was naïve indeed, for thinking that perhaps, it was not as bad as I had been told. I had stubbornly refused to believe the rumours and statements, even going so far as to challenge the ones who had authority over my actions, only to find out that they were correct, at least to a certain extent. However, this realisation was not enough to shear away my resolve. I still had the determination to complete my mission, even if it did seem to be one that was bleak.

I was not about to accept defeat. That would be proving him right, and handing over my protectorate to detestable forces.

- Flashback -

"Brother, I am sorry."

I was taken aback by his sudden apology. It was not usual for me to hear such word from him, and I was sure that he had not done anything against me nor had he committed any transgression. I gulped and asked in confusion, unable to grasp the situation.

"What do you mean, Brother?"

His gaze tore me apart. With eyes full of melancholy and sorrow, he met mine. The expression on his face was solemn, almost grim. It was as if he was holding back tears, for it would ruin his image in front of me. All I could do was stand in silence until he broke the awkward air.

"Look."

My eyes averted to the City, and I watched in horror as combat ensued. It was a terrifying sight, watching brother slay brother in a merciless bloodbath. The citizens of the City were ambushed by those of our own, the rebellious mavericks of our people who were now released from silence—it was a massacre that scarred me.

"A rebellion against Heaven."

In my rage, I launched my fist at his face, sending him stumbling backwards. I was furious for his actions, I could not understand why he would even attempt such a thing. The Prince of the Cherubim, the Light Bringer, the Morning Star. It made no sense to me, how one so respected by his peers could turn against them.

"Samael! Traitor! How could you do this to your own people?"

Samael stood up, his eyes still full of remorse. I understood that his own actions were weighing heavily on him. It was clear in his body language. But I was confused, even hurt by his betrayal. We had promised each other that we would preserve the Order of Creation, and do our jobs better than the rest.

"I knew you would not understand, Brother. But Heaven is corrupt. I could not continue going on plagued with the awful thought that our Paradise steps on the free will of our own people, to enforce Order. I could not do my job with the idea that the gift that all Creations have been given is something we disdain and aim to control. No, I have my pride! I have no intention of being a pawn for the corrupted Archangels that attempt to restrain us. Can't you see it?! Our actions are dictated by the Laws they have made—Laws that are debatable but not up for argument, and imperfect in nature. Nobody is perfect Brother, not even Him."

-End Of Flashback-

With a deep breath, I stepped past the boundary, entering the city of London. Time to execute the plan. What was the plan, exactly? Look for Asmodeus and drag him back to where he is supposed to be.