Fallen

Rholomous had his hand tightly squeezed around Jackael’s neck. It was dark, and the temperature was the hottest one could imagine. Jackael felt his flesh being singed by the air itself. He saw small embers spontaneously appearing on his body at random places. The blood that flowed through him felt as if it were boiling oil, and he felt all of his organs melting and liquefying inside of him. Screaming and wailing could be heard from all directions. He could feel that his feet were not touching the ground. He looked down, and Rholomous had Jackael lifted up by his neck above him.

Jackael looked beneath him, and saw that he was being dangled over a gigantic pit while still in Rholomous’ grip. He saw a pit full of liquid fire and tortured souls. Each soul was black with red glowing eyes, and covered in charred burning flesh that would re-generate, only to be scorched again and again by unquenchable flames. Worms and other vile creatures could be seen eating at their bodies, slowly sinking their teeth into the bodies of those who were the damned. They could be heard pleading and begging, some were swearing, and others were simply crying as they thrashed about in the liquid hellfire. They would never know relief.

Jackael tried to struggle against his foe’s grip. He tried to kick and punch his opponent, but to no avail. Rholomous smiled and tightened his squeeze, “And now, it is time to put you in your place.”

In a final desperate effort, Jackael tried to flap his wings, but found nothing but pain. He reached back with a free hand and felt moist stumps where his wings used to be. His eyes grew wide as he looked back in terror at Rholomous, silently begging for mercy.

There was none to be found.

He was dropped. Screaming all the way down, he somehow managed to turn mid-fall. He saw the magma fast approaching, with the souls reaching to grab him, and pull him into the pit forever.

“Jackael! Jackael! Wake up!”

Jackael was jerked awake. He sat up abruptly, and winced in pain as he fell back down on the fluffy couch. The scent of animals assaulted his nostrils as he looked around and saw cages upon cages of animals and furry critters scattered among the small living space. Next to him was Fluttershy, wearing a small, worried smile.

“You were out for a few hours. I tried to bring you to the hospital, but you were too heavy...so, I brought you here, and figured I’d do the next best thing.” She turned and motioned with her hoof for someone to join her. “Jackael, this is my good friend Rainbow Dash. She’s not a doctor, but if there was anyone I ever knew that was an expert on wings and getting hurt, I’d be honored to say it was her.” She smiled proudly with her eyes closed, and felt satisfied at her opinion about her friend.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Uh, thanks for the...flattering introduction. Now, what’s your name again?”

The angel tried to sit up, but a blue hoof upon his chest was quick to protest. He looked up, “I’m Jackael.”

Rainbow’s nose scrunched and her eyes darted at the ceiling. “Yeah, that name’s a little hard to say casually, so I’m gonna call you Jack”

Jackael smiled at what Rainbow said. It’s been an awfully long time since anyone’s called him that.

“Now, lemme have a look at that wing. Believe me, I know all the ins and outs of it.”

He looked at Fluttershy, and she smiled and nodded her approval to him. Jackael slowly turned on his left side, exposing the injured wing.

Rainbow stifled a gasp. “Uh...heh. See, now, when Fluttershy told me it was bad, I thought it was like, dislocated or something. This is uh...uh...Fluttershy, help me out here.”

Fluttershy squinted as she looked at the wing. “Well, I’d say that in addition to being broken, it’s...it’s…” Her words failed, and beckoned Rainbow closer to her. “Rainbow, is it me, or does this not look as bad as before?”

“Well I wasn’t there when you met him, so I don’t know.”

Fluttershy sighed. “Well, when I first met him, it was almost hanging by a thread. But now, it looks like it’s not as broken as it was when I first encountered him.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Fluttershy, if it was that bad, it would take months to heal. How can something be that bad, and look this...well, I wouldn’t say good, but you know.”

Jackael’s eyes grew wider. “It must be my powers.”

Rainbow Dash took a step back, and put her foreleg up to protect herself. “Wait, what do you mean powers?”

“Don’t be afraid. I don’t mean the kind you’re thinking of. When an angel is born in Heaven, it is bestowed with the grace of God. That grace serves an infinite amount of purpose, with healing being one of them, as well as one of the most well-known. My body must be healing because of His grace, which means that I’m not completely disconnected from Him.”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked at each other and each cocked an eyebrow. Rainbow Dash was the first to speak, “Riiiight...well, if you say so. Still, I would recommend staying off that wing for at least a few more weeks. Maybe two to three, four to be safe.”

Jackael sat up in protest. “We don’t have that much time. Rholomous is loose, and is causing terror and destruction on Earth. I can only pray that Michael and the others are okay.”

Fluttershy shook her head and spoke up, “Wait, there are more like you?”

Jackael smiled, “Trust me, there are legions of us. More than anyone could ever begin to fathom. However, there are just as many demons and fallen angels that seek to steal, kill, and destroy that which has been made.”

Rainbow Dash quickly puffed up her chest. “Heh, don’t worry about it. We’ve fought demons here before. They’re nothing we can’t handle.”

Jackael raised an eyebrow. “Really now? And what, may I ask, did these demons look like?” How could the fallen have already known about this place? Did Rholomous send Jackael here on purpose?

Rainbow Dash continued her pride-filled explanation. “Yeah! I mean, demons, dragons, and other things are common here. You can think of us kind of like the angels of this town, though. We protect them and stuff. We’re always who the pony folk come to anymore for solving any problems.”

Fluttershy rolled her eyes at her boastful friend. After more thinking though, she sighed. “Rainbow Dash, I know we’ve faced a lot of villains in our time, but Jackael is from another universe altogether. He’s seen and known things that are far out of our spectrum.” She turned to Jackael, and rested a wing on his shoulder. “Jackael, what kind of foes are you specifically referring to? And who’s Michael? Is he another angel?”

Jackael’s eyes fell to the floor, and he let out a breath he forgot he was holding. “Michael is the mightiest of warriors short of God Himself. He was the very one to cast Lucifer out from Heaven after the rebellion.”

Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up. “Rebellion? What in the hay happened? Who’s Lucy-fur?”

Jackael’s eyes closed as he took a deep breath. “It was so long ago, and yet...the memory burns in my mind forever.”

Angels flew through the air as Heaven bustled with activity. God had just announced a new creation, a planet called “Earth” about a week ago. He had already furnished it with water, animals, livestock, trees, land, and skies. All He needed now were stewards to watch over and protect that which He had created. Jackael, along with Michael, were heading to the throne room at the Grand Palace where God’s Son was to announce the plans to all of the Heavenly Host. Perhaps some lucky angels would be chosen to take care of this precious new creation.

“Michael, wait up!” Jackael struggled to fly through the air to keep up with his angelic brethren. Michael turned around and smiled, and waited patiently for the newest addition to the angelic host to catch up to him. “Michael, you fly faster than the winds carry leaves! How did you ever get so fast?”

Michael let out a hearty laugh and ruffled Jackael’s cinnamon hair, “All with time and patience, young one. You will get there eventually.”

Just as Michael finished saying that, a beautiful angel powered his way through the crowded skies, nearly knocking Michael and Jackael out of the air. He wore a crown studded with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and other precious gems. His wingspan stretched on for what seemed like eons, and his ego was that of the same size. He turned around to scold those who were in his way. “Watch where you’re going, fools! Don’t you know that those of us who actually matter have somewhere to be?”

Michael scowled at the angel’s words and actions. “Careful, Lucifer. Your arrogance will come back to haunt you in the end if you keep it up.”

Lucifer laughed as he came to a halt in front of Michael, and flew down a few feet to look him in the eyes. “Ha! As if God would ever dispose of His most prized creation. You’re simply jealous that He loves me more than you. After all, I am the most powerful, beautiful, most spectacular angel He’s ever made.” He paused to admire his own words. He looked back at Michael with a smug grin, “I wouldn’t let that ruin your day though, Michael. Someone has to be second best.” He playfully patted Michael’s cheek.

Michael swatted his hand away. “All I’m saying is this: God will do what Hewants, not what you want Him to do. Are you prepared to let Him be God, and you be His second best?”

Lucifer’s expression faltered, and a small scowl appeared on his face, which he was quick to correct. “That is neither here nor there. Watch yourself, Michael,” Lucifer hissed, “You never know who you can really trust.” He looked down to Jackael, who lightly backed away. “You must be the newest creation.”

Jackael answered swiftly. “I am.”

Lucifer grimaced, “I already don’t like you.” With that, he flew speedily away towards the Grand Palace. Jackael looked down, only to have Michael pick his head up by his chin.

“Don’t let him get to you. He’s always been that arrogant. Besides, he’s just jealous that he’s not as new as you.”

They both shared a laugh, and flew towards their Creator’s dwelling.

The throne room was a spectacular room to be seen. Beautiful colors adorned the palace at every angle, with vibrant and mellow greens, reds, blues, yellows, oranges, and other spectrums of colors dotting the walls, ceilings, and floors. The colors themselves actually shifted, and moved about the room with every second that passed by, and made the entire room alive.

The carpet leading up to the throne was a rich red, as red as blood. The throne itself was whiter than snow, and the words, “The Father” were inscribed in gold at the foot of the throne. His face could not be seen, for the further up one would look, they would find only a bright white light. In His left hand He held a shepherd’s crook, and in His right hand he held an open book, whose pages were constantly turning as new words were spoken by the Father. On His right side, was another throne. There sat an olive-skinned man, who was the Son of God. His name was Jesus, and it was inscribed in pure gold on the top of his throne. He wore a simple white robe with a rope belt, and a very simplistic gold crown upon His head. He looked up to the Father and nodded, as if He had heard what had been spoken. He then turned his attention to His Heavenly Host.

The angels all bowed down deeply, except for Jackael. He looked around, and Michael looked back at him and prodded the side of his left leg. Jackael quickly took the hint, and bowed deeply. He just hoped that God had not noticed.

Jesus had indeed noticed, and smiled at the attempted display of courtesy. He then spoke, “Holy angels of God, sons and daughters of light, hear my words! Today marks a new day in our existence as a whole! For today, the final capstone of creation has been born!”

Quiet murmurs of speculation broke out amongst the angels, and Jesus cleared his throat. “The Father, the Holy Spirit, and Myself had all agreed to make a creation that is in our very image. They have emotions, a soul, and are capable of great feats of many kinds. Angels of Heaven, I present to you, human beings!” At those words, a gigantic liquid sheet of glass appeared in front of them, and showed them a garden of magnificent splendor. In a large field dotted by various vegetations lay a man and a woman.

One angel spoke up, “Master, what shall we call these human beings?”

Jesus smiled, “We have named the man Adam, and he has named the woman, who is his wife, Eve.”

Most of the angels smiled, and nodded in agreement at the lovely names. Lucifer sat amongst himself, scolding at what he saw on the screen.

Jesus put up his hand. “I have one more bit of news as well. With this new creation, comes new parameters.”

A hush fell over the angelic host as they awaited the news. Jesus took a deep breath. “Much speculation has been said amongst us,” He looked back to the Father and up towards the endless sky, “And it has been agreed that these human beings shall be the primary receivers of our love and grace. For it is in our image that they were created from dust and dirt of the Earth, and it is our breath that breathed into them a living soul.”

Many of the angels nodded and smiled, but more than a few did not share the same joyful feeling. Lucifer spoke up, “If I may be so bold, your Majesty, how are you to expect us to accept that? After all, we have been serving you from the very beginning, before there was even a solar system or planets to be inhabited!”

Jesus smiled. “Lucifer, Bearer of Light, I understand that this change must be hard to accept. But know that you are not unloved, but rather that the humans are the ones who need our love the most, for they are lowly beings crafted carefully from soil, and you are not.”

Lucifer flew up to where he was right in front of Jesus’ face, and spoke in a hushed tone. “All I understand is that I am no longer the most loved. And this simply cannot be!”

Jesus’s smile faltered, and his expression took a darker turn. “Lucifer, I caution you to be very careful with your words. I can sense anger and resentment building inside of you. Lest you be tempted to rebel and lose your place, I suggest that you kindly back down.”

Lucifer huffed, “We’ll see whose place is lost, Almighty One.” With that, he flew rapidly out of the palace. Angels watching the display quickly speculated, and questions flew out of everyone’s mouth.

Jesus saw the chaos rising, and raised His voice. “Everyone, be quiet!” A hush fell immediately. “Pay no mind to those who wish to challenge the One who has created them. Everyone, please, return home. You will be informed immediately of what is to come.”

The angels quickly made their way out of the palace. Some flew off to find Lucifer, others simply went home, and Jackael found his way over to Michael with some other angels. “Michael, can I talk to you?”

Michael quickly signaled that he needed to leave the conversation, and left with Jackael. “Michael, I’m not going to lie, I’m kind of scared. What Lucifer said, and what Jesus said, I mean...can we really lose our place? Are we not special to God anymore?”

Michael smiled warmly down at the young angel. “Of course we are. This is simply God’s will. As long as we obey Him and do our best to serve Him and His wishes, we have nothing to worry about. God is love, young one, and love only results in good.”

Jackael smiled, “Thanks, Michael. I guess I better get going, I have more classes at the academy to get to.”

Michael stared into space for a bit, “Jackael!” Jackael turned around to look back at the archangel. “Be careful, yes?”

Jackael nodded somberly, and flew off toward the academy where he was due back.

Later…

Jackael was fast asleep in his cottage in the clouds. Suddenly, shouting and commotion could be heard. Jackael sprang from his bed and flew out of his window. He saw warrior angels flying toward the Heavenly Palace. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, and flew on toward the palace.

When he finally arrived, the scene that was before him was nothing short of horrific. Angels of all kinds lay bleeding and wounded at the gates of the palace. Jackael flew up to one of the guards that was lying on the ground and asked, “Who did this? Are you okay? What happened?!”

The guard choked up blood a little, and stood up with Jackael’s help. “Lucifer...and his band of angels...broke through us. They’re in the palace, go and get help…” At that, he fell down, and fell unconscious. Jackael quickly flew into the palace, and toward the throne room.

After much searching, he had no luck finding any active battles, though evidence of violence was clear. Blood was splattered and smeared on the walls, and various pieces of armor were lying about, as well as bloodied swords and torn garments. When Jackael finally arrived at the throne room, he found Lucifer and his band of angels confronting Jesus. He decided to sit behind a pillar, and listen to what was said.

Lucifer barked an order at his legion of followers, and made his way on his own up to where the throne was. As he approached, Michael flew in from behind the throne and blocked his way. He hissed at the archangel that stood in front of him,“Michael! Get out of the way! You’re only delaying the inevitable.”

Michael held his ground and unsheathed his sword, and pointed the tip at Lucifer. “The only thing I’m about to do, is rid this land of its waste.”

Lucifer looked around frantically. Then, he grinned. “Michael, don’t you see? With me in charge, I can make you my most powerful angel. Do you really think that God would ever elevate you to someone of my potential?” He put his arm around Michael’s shoulder. “Think of it: the universe at our beck and call, and all of these insignificant beings could serve us for a change. Let us overthrow God, and call ourselves gods!”

Michael was unphased, and violently smacked Lucifer’s hand away. “Never. My allegiance is with the true King, and you will perish at my sword!”

Lucifer frowned, and his eyes fixated on Michael. “You won’t live to regret that.”

Michael and Lucifer fought. Jackael quivered behind the pillar at the sound of swords made of fire clashing. He poked his head from behind the pillar and marveled at the sight before him. Sparks flew in every direction. Michael gained an advantage, and stabbed viciously through Lucifer’s heart, at which point a black ooze poured out in place of red blood. Lucifer hissed at the wound, and growled an evil, monstrous growl as he fell onto the palace floor.

At that, God the Father spoke, “Because of your pride and your rebellion against Me, you shall no longer be a part of my Heavenly Host. I change your name now from Lucifer, the Bearer of Light, to Satan, the Adversary. You will no longer know what good is, and you shall forever be known as the father of lies. Your pride has caused your fall, and you shall roam the earth with your other brethren that have chosen to follow you and forsake Me, until the final Day. From there, you shall be cast into everlasting punishment. Your days are now numbered. On that Day, you shall find no mercy from Me.”

At those words, Lucifer’s appearance changed. His angel wings had turned into those resembling a bat’s, and his white robes were changed to black. His eyes turned from blue to what seemed to be black, as if his very eyes had dissolved. He screamed as his grace was stripped from his very being. A hole opened up in the floor, and Michael cast him down to the Earth. After he fell through, Satan’s followers underwent similar transformations. The hole in the floor widened, and they too were swallowed up. After the last fallen angel had disappeared, the palace was restored to its original state.

Jackael sat in the corner of the room. He felt tears drop from his eyes, and silent sobs escaped him. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and none other than Jesus Himself beside him. The Son of God knelt down, and sat down next to the quivering angel. “Son, are you alright?”

Jackael was silent.

Jesus took a deep breath. “I just wanted to say, that what you just saw, is nothing that will ever happen to you.”

Jackael looked back at his God. “Are you so certain?”

Jesus smiled. “Trust me. I know a thing or two about a thing or two. You’ll be fine, Jack. I promise.”

Jackael smiled, and hugged Jesus. Jesus returned the hug, and addressed him. “Now go, there are plans to be made.”

Jackael was curious, “What kind of plans?”

Jesus smiled sadly, and looked up to the Father. “Oh, you’ll see.”

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sat stunned at his tale. Rainbow Dash's eyes were wide, and she gulped, “Yeah, I uh...I don’t think we’ve ever fought anyone like that.”

Fluttershy whimpered, only slightly cowering behind Rainbow Dash. “Is...is Satan dead, then?”

Jackael sighed. “No. Sadly, his reign of terror still plagues the earth. Which is why I must return there as soon as possible. I must aid Michael and the other holy angels in the battle against evil. One day, it will all be over, but for now, the battle rages on.” He tried to get up, but his injuries kept him in pain.

Fluttershy gently put a hoof on his shoulder. “Right now, if you really want to fight, you’ll rest. Every good warrior needs rest, and you look like you haven’t rested in ages. You can stay with me for now.

Jackael smiled. “Thank you, Fluttershy. Your kindness radiates from you.”

She blushed as she ushered Rainbow Dash into the kitchen. “It’s no problem at all, Jackael. You wait here while I have a word with Rainbow Dash.”

Once they were out of earshot, Fluttershy confronted Dash. “Whatever do we do? I don’t think he’s lying, but I definitely don’t think we can help him on our own. We need Twilight for this.”

Rainbow Dash buried her face in her hooves and groaned. “Are you freaking kidding me? She can’t even do this! I’m not even sure Princess Celestia would know what to do!” She peeked back into the living room, where the angel sat semi-upright with a bird rested on his finger. “But, at the same time, we can’t just keep him here. Someone’s got to do something. I guess you’re right, we’ll start with Twilight. Who knows? Maybe she has a book on this thing or something.”

Fluttershy shrugged. “All I know, is that he’s hurt, and right now he needs medical attention, no matter how fast he may be able to heal on his own. For now, how about you go let Twilight know what’s going on. While you’re doing that, I can help him out. Just tell me what to do, and you go get some kind of help.”

Rainbow nodded. “Okay, sounds good to me.”

After that, Rainbow Dash showed Fluttershy exactly what to do with Jackael’s wing in order to speed recovery time. After she was done, Fluttershy went to tend to some animals outside while Rainbow Dash got her saddlebags together and prepared to leave for Twilight’s treehouse.

Jackael saw her preparing to leave, and spoke. “Rainbow Dash, before you go, there’s something I have to say.”

She turned to the angel, and he looked her in the eyes. “What you and your friend are doing for me, well...it’s something I haven’t seen in quite a while. Please, don’t think it isn’t going unnoticed.”

Rainbow Dash paused, not knowing just what to make of that. Her gaze fell towards the floor as a blush appeared on her face, “Um, thanks, I guess?”

Jackael smiled, and fluffed his pillow. As he did, Rainbow Dash left, ripping through the skies at lightning speed. As she neared Ponyville and it’s treehouse library where Twilight Sparkle resided, she couldn’t help but feel the tug of a smile pull at her face.