The Bewitching Hour

Within a vacant void, Zeloph used his dwindling power to reshape the world to his liking. Once a desolate space, it was now full of heavenly clouds, chromatic hues and artistic monoliths. If nothing else, this restored a measure of harmony to his otherwise unstable condition.

The Demiurge’s effects still corroded his mind and body. Feathers continued to molt from his darkened wings, scales itched at his face. No matter how he tried, Zeloph couldn’t scrub off the darkness that stained his very soul. The only method that was effective in slowing down his infection was sleep.

Unfortunately, the Fallen One only found true slumber submerged in sacred water, currently filling up a wide hole he depressed. Zeloph manifested a church bell near the bank, where his assistant would ring it once it was time to enact vengeance against the mare who wronged him.

Sighing, the angel disrobed and unfurled each of his long, beautiful wings. Hovering above the pristine pool, they soon wrapped around Zeloph, forming a protective ball of plumage before he steadily sank towards the bottom. The manifold eyes decorating his plume all closed, the nephilim relaxing his wiry muscles and disturbed thoughts.

Zeloph had recently finished his infiltration of the manor, learning all he needed about Beatrix’s plans. However, he wasn’t aware that he too absorbed some of the cosmic energy leaking through the dimensional tear left by Shadow Scythe. And when the angelic creature drifted off to sleep, memories began to resurface.

Memories of the time shared with the humans he once sought to protect.

*****

Guitar music softly played over a vast field of sunflowers. High on a cliff, two musicians were having a jam session. One, a human male, auburn hair pulled into a messy bun, glasses over his nose and the sweetest smile on his face. His eyes were close, enraptured by the melodies he plucked with each string. Beside him was a younger Zeloph, his complexion a complete contrast to the guitarist’s warmth.

Unlike the more expertized finger playing, the demi-human was having trouble keeping up, notes sound sour or off key in places. When their song ended, Zeloph hissed with frustration.

“How can you play this...bulky thing?” He complained, his fingers denting from how hard he’d been pressing the frets. “I’ve lost feeling in my fingers!”

“Haha! It takes time and practice, kiddo,” the man laughed sheepishly. “Sure, your hand hurts now. But trust me. The music you’ll be able to produce will be well worth it!”

“Hmph!” Was Zeloph’s only response as he placed the instrument down into the grass, tucking his knees to his chest while looking off towards the small valley of sunflowers. A woman clad in a sundress and a wide-brimmed hat was busy watering them. Cherry hair with yellow fades rested past her shoulders. Zeloph didn’t need to see her face to know she was smiling.

The musician began to strum again, his own gaze fixated with the woman, much to Zeloph’s dismay. The man was known as Jonn Brudster. Or, as many people liked to call him, ‘The Man Who Loved the Sun.’ He was a wandering guitarist whose sole joy was sharing his music with all who’d listen. But his days as a vagabond ended the moment he laid eyes on Zeloph’s mother, Celeste.

It was...awkward, to say the least. Especially when one’s child was with an extraterrestrial deity beyond comprehension. But that didn’t seem to frighten Jonn. If anything, it drew him closer to Zeloph, pestering the young lad with questions about his holier heritage.

“Y’know, how come you never show me your wings, Zell?” Jon often asked him, now turning his attention back to the estranged child.

“Why would I?” Zeloph retorted. “You're just a weird man trying to get with my mother. You and I are nothing more than strangers.”

“I suppose,” the guitarist admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “But…you must at least like me to some extent, right? You wouldn’t be playing with me if you didn't.”

Zeloph made a face before looking away, cheeks showing color. “You make…lovely music.”

No, that was only half the truth. Jon was by far the kindest human Zeloph had met, next to his mother. Many people who knew what he was tended to avoid him, either out of caution or respect. But not Jonn. Jonn looked like he enjoyed spending time with him, even if Zeloph didn’t say a single word. Granted, he suspected part of this was to charm his mother, but Celeste greatly valued his company.

And, in truth, Zeloph did too. If they were to get together, he wouldn’t be opposed. In fact, he secretly wanted Jon to be his stepparent. It was the reason why the young demi refused to share anything related to his actual father.

Zeloph’s feathery ears picked up more laughter as Jon finally relinquished his worn guitar, a serene smile crossing his face.

“Well, regardless of whether you like me or not, I hope the music helps you connect with more people,” the guitarist said, resting a hand on Zeloph’s shoulder and affectionately patting him.

The young angel tensed, uncertain how to respond or react. “A-and why’s that?”

“Even though you can fly, heal through touch and other amazing things, you should still try to remain grounded.”

“But what are wings for if I never use them to fly?” Zeloph asked, baffled.

“What are feet for if you never use them to walk?” Jonn retorted.

For once, the young demi-human could not argue against his statement.

“Big, small, weak, strong? None of that should define who we are. Just because I can play or you can fly doesn’t mean we’re any less human. I don’t use my talents to stroke my own ego, kiddo. Instead, I play to forge bonds with as many people as possible, even if it’s for a moment. And you should too.”

Whatever aloofness Zeloph showed, Jonn melted by his words of wisdom. The way the sun’s light highlighted his features only amplified how majestic this man appeared to the young angel. A smile graced his features as both looked back down towards Celeste, who waved up at them.

“Do you know that sunflowers always face where the sun is?” Jonn suggested.

Zeloph snorted. “That’s a myth.”

“Maybe. But I think it's poetic. Now, c’mon. Let’s go help your mother make dinner.”

As they rose up, carrying their instruments on their backs, Zeloph paused to look over the sea of sunflowers that stretched across the horizon.

And from the angle, it certainly looked as if they followed the setting sun.

*****

But such happiness was never meant to last.

The memories shuffled from warm and sunny to cold and cloudy. Instead of Jonn’s smiling face, Zeloph now loomed over the soil that housed his body, a makeshift cross planted into the ground. And right next to it was a similar grave shared with his mother.

Sadness leaked down Zeloph’s face, unable to stand on anything more than his knees. He had failed to protect them from his callous creator, Jonn foolishly thinking he could sway the entity’s heart like he had his. And the young demi-human was forced to watch as his Divine Father reduced both lovers into atoms.

“I caused this,” Zeloph wept, his tears staining the soil. “If I were stronger, I could have stopped him! I should have protected you! And now, you’re dead because of me… I-I... I wish I--”

“STOP!”

The sound of his sister’s voice pulled the nephilim away from that dreadful recollection into a more harrowing event. One that would forever stain his pure-hearted nature.

Darkened clouds blocked out the sun, a melancholy hue highlighting a nearby city. Bits of light shimmered through, where dozens of angelic abominations descended to circle around from the topaz wheels of the Ophanim, to the burning faces of the Seraphim. The entire urban landscape was swarmed by winged creatures not a single being on earth could see.

Zeloph was once again standing near a cliffside, a golden sun-shaped halo crowning his head. Only a pale robe wrapped around his waist kept him from being fully bare. All of his luminous wings were unfurled.

“Ya can’t do this, Zeloph!” Ana cried out desperately, her skin covered in hissing wounds and bruises, bits of her clothing burnt off. Teary magenta eyes locked with his own as she pleaded, “Remember wot your mother wanted! Wot Jonn wanted! Please, ya 'ave ter stop!”

“See how she rightfully grovels?” An all too familiar voice uttered behind him. Dread quickly froze the angel where he stood, eyes dilating as a shadow towered over both Ana and himself.

Behind Zeloph stood the being responsible for this calamity. Pristine white cloth with topaz accents clad his otherworldly body. Extending from his back were two pairs of mechanical wings, the upper pair resembling bat wings, the lower pair resembling birds. Two pairs of arms joined by the elbow, hands folded neatly together. And like Zeloph, eyes decorated his shoulders, torso and each palm of his hand.

But the most alien feature was by far the Divine Father’s face. That is to say, his lack of one. Instead of a mere visage, clouds of cosmic energy flowed out from his neck, with small black patches swirling in the nexus like a Rorschach test. Those who were graced by his presence only knew him by the title. But both demi-humans referred to him by the old Terran term, Deus.

The godly primordial pointed one hand towards Ana when he continued. “That is the true nature of humanity. To tremble in fear when faced with their superiors. But fear is not what you owe me, girl. You…owe me awe!”

“I don’t owe ya shit!” The female demi spat, whatever terror she showed masked by her fury. “I don’t give a rat’s ass if you're the bleedin' deadbeat blook 'oo made him or me. Ya don’t define us!”

Deus chuckled. “And Terrans do? You may share their genetics, but to deny your extraordinary features and gifts would be ignorant. Mortals often fear what they can’t understand. So indulge in their sins all you want, Ana. It’s only a matter of time until they turn on you.”

He paused to direct his attention to Zeloph, who remained frozen with inner conflict. “The same goes for you too, Zeloph. Had I not stepped in, your mother and paramour would eventually cast you out, as well. You should be thankful.”

“Don’t listen ter 'im!” Ana yelled defiantly, struggling to pull herself up. “‘e’s just pissed that 'e can’t control wot 'e didn’t create. We're blessed wif 'uman spirit, Zel! We can make a choice and rebel, stop our father from destroyin' this--”

“That’s enough from you!” Deus seethed, blasting his daughter with a pale light that nearly vaporized her, had she not shielded herself with shadowy wings. Ana wailed in agony, her cries shaking Zeloph as he rushed to her side, hands glowing with rejuvenating light.

“Leave her, Zeloph,” the Divine Father ordered. “This is punishment for refusing my kindness. I have tolerated this planet and its inhabitants for too long.”

“Y-you’re not planning to...”

“I am,” Deus confirmed. “Look what attachment has done to her. What it's doing to you! Any more time spent here and those putrid animals will soil your heavenly glow. Mortals are beneath you, Zeloph. The only mercy they deserve from us is swift annihilation.”

Zeloph could feel his body quiver with panic, unsure what action to take. His relationship with Deus was more master and dog, rather than father and son. If he continued to obey, he would remain safe in the Divine Father’s fold. But by sacrificing both his half-sister and the innocent mortals, the demi-human would be solely responsible for the fall of humanity.

Much like he held himself responsible for Jonn and his mother’s deaths.

Through ragged breaths, he helped his sister back to her feet before taking a stance in front of Ana. The demi summoned his light-forged blade, the Morning Star. He glared at Deus, whose ‘head’ tilted to the side.

“What do you think you’re doing, boy?”

“I…I won’t take part in wiping out mankind!” Zeloph declared, his voice mustering whatever courage he had. “What have humans done to offend you, outside existing?! Can’t you understand how amazing it is that one lone planet managed to conjure life under the right circumstances? We should be guiding them towards a safe-haven! Let them join us an-!”

His statement was cut short as Deus altered gravitation to pull Zeloph into his grasp, the demi-human gasping for air.

“What preposterous beliefs!” The Divine Father scowled in disgust. “You are a mere abomination! Your sole purpose is to carry out your creator’s will! The only reason I allow your existence is because of the potential power you possess. Do not throw that away over the lives of pathetic, inconsequential ants! You dare compare their relevance to that of a god!?”

“And what is a god…without those who believe him?” Zeloph managed to choke out before Deus lifted his child high and slammed him into the cliffside, the ground collapsing from underneath. The demi-human fell with pieces of rock pinning his wings and limbs down. Zeloph groaned in pain as Deus levitated before him.

“I don’t need their beliefs!” The deity boasted. “I am all-powerful! All mighty! And in case you have forgotten that, let this be a firm reminder!”

The Divine Father focused on the city far ahead, his legion of angels quickly returning into the clouds at his silent command. Then, holding his palms out, a brief flash of cosmic light engulfed the entire landscape. Zeloph didn’t understand what he did until he pulled himself from the rubble.

That’s when he heard it. It was faint at first, but it steadily grew louder. The cacophony of screams as citizens began to slowly vector towards the skies, vanishing beyond the clouds.

Zeloph fell to his knees, eyes widened as he helplessly watched every human, animal, and building ascend towards the atmosphere, a terrifying death inevitable.

“No..!!” Ana whimpered, unable to believe the sight happening before her. The earth rumbled, fissures splitting more pieces of the ground to gently float. Strong winds picked up, threatening to form hurricanes as thunder cracked across the clouds.

But the disastrous weather change paled in comparison to the outcry of horrified people involuntarily flying towards their deaths.

And all Zeloph could do was sob loudly, clutching his head in pain.

“Why do you scream, Zeloph?” Deus cruelly asked. “Your precious humans are drifting off towards Heaven! This was what you wanted, after all.”

“N-no! I didn’t want this! Make it stop!” He pleaded, shutting his eyes.

“Impudent Zeloph,” the Divine Father scornfully scolded. “Any being with free will repulses me. If it cannot be controlled, it must be destroyed. Let this be a lesson for defying your lord and master.”

Anger spiked within Zeloph’s soul. He was doing it again. Letting his father get away with murdering those precious to him. The nephilim was aware humans could be vile and cruel, almost to a ludicrous degree.

But he had been around those who offered compassion and understanding to him and his sister, who grew up with morally strong mortal parents. No matter how corrupt humanity might become, there were still those who redeemed it, who deserved to be protected and saved.

And none deserved the merciless fate Deus inflicted out of cold egotism. Then, with a loud cry, light burst from Zeloph when he charged at the Divine Father, who caught his sword between his fingers.

“You…are NO master!!” Zeloph seethed, ushering all his strength to cut through Deus’ arm, causing the deity to emit an inhuman screech. The air pulsed, pushing the demi away, where Zeloph’s wing unfurled to catch himself. The Divine Father's black essence flowed out of his wound.

“I see I’ve made a mistake,” Deus admitted. “I should have killed you two when I had the chance!” Flaring his own metallic plumage and membrane, the godly entity opened the skies as angelic beasts flooded in at his beckoning call.

Zeloph looked around the many-eyed entities he once considered brethren. But in truth, they were nothing more than mindless drones, mere subjects only made to follow the Divine Father’s orders.

Swooping to his side, Anarchia took a battle stand of her own, tail bearing its thin teeth. The demi siblings looked to each other, only knowing of the other’s existence for a few months.

But at that moment, they never felt more united through their desire to defend humanity, and their mutual hatred of Deus.

With a nod, both charged at the swarming legion of angels, fighting with claws, swords, spells and everything they had in their combined arsenal. Feathers fell, celestial blood spilled. Inhuman cries of agony sounded as every last winged amalgamation toppled by Zeloph and Ana. Time seemed to stretch out during this crusade against the Divine Father, who motionlessly watched his children tear all he created apart.

They both possessed strength that far exceeded his expectations. The inherited human spirit, combined with their godly heritage, allowed them to surpass the limits Deus implanted on his divine forces. And when the last Seraphim was cut down, both Ana and Zeloph didn’t hesitate to strike their father, who retaliated in a fury.

Their battle took to the skies, Deus using his primordial powers to launch collapsed buildings at his children. When the demi siblings got in range, he clashed with Zeloph’s sword and deflected Ana’s claws, creating alien-like weapons out of nothing to combat his children. But both proved resilient, breaking through every sword, lance, shield, and instrument Deus conjured.

When all else failed, Deus unleashed his wrath in a wave of pure energy. Zeloph and Ana fused their archaic signatures to slice through the beam, stabbing their Divine Father through the chest and crashing him into the ground.

Against the odds of fighting a limitless being, Zeloph and Ana stood victorious over Deus. More cosmic ooze seeped out his wounds, his clothes tattered, and golden armor cracked. His eyes all blinked rapidly; his ‘face’ was swirling more frantically, unable to keep a constant shape.

“I-Impossible...!” His voice said stubbornly, refusing to admit defeat. “Who do you think you are defying me like this!? I am your creator! I…am your father!”

“No!” Zeloph whispered bitterly, driving his blade further through Deus’ chest as tears flowed down his cheeks. “I had a father…his name was Jonn Brudster.”

“You truly have fallen for mankind. How disgusting,” the Divine Father scoffed, groaning when his daughter used her talons to help her brother split their father apart, light and dark energy flowing out.

“Were done wif ya, feather plucker!” Ana spat. “When we absorb the rest of your energy, you’ll cease ter exist. You’ll be nuffin' but a painful memory!”

“I beg to differ, daughter. Through you, I will always exist! Heed my words, you ingrates. The humans will never accept you as anything but abominations! You will regret this!”

Those were the last words spoken by the Divine Father as his form disintegrated and what remained of his power surged into Zeloph and Ana. Exhausted, both demi-humans held each other, relieved to have survived as the world’s disruption ceased. Yet, though the catastrophe had ended, many lives were lost.

Through their newly achieved Onoma’s, Zeloph light and healing magic increased. Ana’s seduction and disruptive abilities were also enhanced. Free of their Divine Father’s shackles, the two demi-humans could embrace life among mortals, helping those who sought out Zeloph’s alleviation or Ana’s pleasure. Yet, the former couldn’t help but feel distressed about his father’s final message. And if they were true.

*****

As history has shown, they were. Watching the humans Zeloph so valiantly protected succumb to war, corruption, and greed took a toll on the demi-humans psyche. Any who came to his small chapel often told him how deeply they indulged in vicious murders, theft and depravity.

And how much they relished it.

This, alongside the abuse he suffered from Deus, caused the power Zeloph had taken to ultimately work against him, developing a mentality that all of humanity was tainted. And that it was up to him to ‘redeem’ them.

Tragically, Zeloph became the very thing he once opposed, using his Onoma to purge cities of their sinners, twisting any followers into loyal angelic soldiers. It was through this betrayal that earned Zeloph his moniker, The Fallen One.

Whatever goodwill Jonn had instilled within Zeloph was utterly gone. Through his acts of ‘justice,’ entire nations fell before him, basking in their worship and praise. The scattered humans were blinded by the brilliance of his imperial light.

But before Zeloph’s turn to righteous evil could be completed, Ana abandoned her more robust demon form to become the imp known as Moxxi in a desperate plea to end her brother’s madness. Yet, despite the enmity between them, he couldn't conjure the will to slay his half-sister.

That moment proved to be his undoing. Hidden behind the imp's back in her tiny little claws was a book whose cover had been woven from stretched, dried, and scarred flesh, swathed in many faces frozen into terrified screams forever.

She opened the Necronomicon, chanted the forbidden language of old, and assimilated Zeloph into the pages. This betrayal would leave a massive stain on the pair's relationship.

The Fallen One became another entry in the forbidden tome, complete with a stylized depiction and warning of his nature. Just another damned creature trapped inside the abyssal world within, an infinite number of pages enclosed into a tiny space by dark magic.

Years passed, and all had forgotten about the Fallen One, whose fractured mind slowly crumbled further within the Necronomicon. All poor Zeloph could do was watch the world around him pass by, heartbroken and alone.

That was...until the Child of Lightendark appeared by some unexplainable force. At first, Zeloph assumed he had finally snapped, starting to hallucinate after spending years in desolation. But the monochrome mare proved real, or at least real enough to keep him company.

Zeloph and the child, known as Abadonna, began a pseudo father/daughter relationship. They would tell each other stories, rest near one another. So moved was he by Abby’s kindness and innocence, the Fallen One vowed to one day free them of their imprisonment and make her a physical entity, whatever that would entail.

And that goal still rang true as the demi-human slept, his memories fueling his determination to locate and bring home his beloved daughter.

No matter the cost.