Angel Story - chapter 1
Among the sentient life in the world there are two great divisions. The first and more numerous by far are the beings, mostly ordinary people with mostly ordinary lives. The second, who are called creatures, are few in number, but command great inherent powers. Some of these creatures include the powerful Dragon, Phoenix, Fae, Were, Cubi, Demon, and Angel races.
At times relations between the beings and creatures are strenuous as the beings tend to make easy prey. Other times the two have put aside their differences and live in peace. At this time however, one of the creature races
PROLOGUE:
Snow and ash snaked through the streets of Brightstone. The frigid breeze carried the stench of fresh blood. The sound was deafening with bombs whistling through the air and the echoing of the following explosions. Even when the bombs slowed the noise was replaced by the screams of the terrified and dying. City blocks crumbled one after the other, crushing all those who were unfortunate enough to be caught in the debris, extinguishing their cries and their lives.
Though once of vast numbers, the army of beings who gathered to defend their city dropped in great numbers. Despite their losses, they fought back relentlessly. However, before the night was done, the once great capital was in ruins. Without much left standing, the attacking creatures fled into the night, chased by what was left of the military, leaving what was left of the city to burn into the ground.
On top of the hills, looking down at the burning wreckage stood a figure. Looking down on the scene of destruction, he grinned before flaring out his wings and jumping headlong into the night.
The story of a handful of angels descending to destroy the land would not soon be forgotten.
CHAPTER 1:
Thin rays of light peered out from over the horizon. The chill October air has not yet dissipated from the sleepy town of Lath's Stand.
Two figures ran through the streets in the near freezing mist. Nobody in the town seemed to have risen from their slumbers yet, all still unaware that the capital city was burning hours away. One of the two figures carried a third, a baby who had been carefully wrapped in its blanket. They had been running for hours already and their strength was starting to give out. No yells were heard behind them, but they knew that those who were chasing them weren't far behind. They were intending to escape with the child, but the precious bundle was slowing them down.
As if on cue, a sign of hope appeared. A large building with the sign, "House of Hope - An orphanage for precious children" stood in front of them. Knowing what each other had in mind, the father pounded on the door as the mother bundled the babe up in her cloak, revealing her identity. Her now uncovered wings glistened from the morning dew. She was an angel.
The husband turned suddenly and drew one of his sabers. Their pursuers were close, very close. Without further time to say goodbye to their only child, the husband grabbed his wife's hand and silently urged her to come. They spared only a second to look upon their son and hoped that whatever happened to them, that he would be okay. Against their will, they turned and ran away from the rising sun.
****
Grace HopeBringer woke up with a start as thunderous booms echoed throughout the entire building. Arming herself with her staff, the trim polar bear bolted to the front door. Her long silver hair swished behind her as she weaved through the halls. The children started to wake, their peaceful slumber now interrupted.
"Stay in your rooms!" Grace instructed. She entered the main lobby where the front door was. There didn't appear to be any intrusion, but being cautious anyway, she crept to the door. She dared a peek through the window. Nobody seemed to be outside.
"Prankster kids..." she muttered as she cracked open the door. She almost missed seeing the bundled cloak on the step until something within the garment moved. "What the...?" She bent down and parted the cloak to uncover the blue squirrel babe who slept on despite the recent excitement. Grace gasped and turned her head to look down the surrounding streets. All empty. She looked for a note, identification, or anything else that would solve the mystery of who this young stranger was. Nothing. As she picked up the lone babe, she was shocked yet again. The baby had wings. The shock soon left, replaced by a gentle smile. "Well then, I guess I'm just going to have to take care of you... My little angel."