The Onyx Awakening The Earthdragons Accord

The summons comes mid-day. Little did Nathanael know; his life would be forever changed. It arrives as the setting sunlight glistens through the reflective amber stones of his home. A tiny trumpet flares to life outside the window before a young cherub swoops in on its little wings, dropping the scroll on the ivory desk before zipping back out through the open doorway. Unrolling the scroll, he reads: Report to the Throne Room.

 Directions, that's all the Lord ever sends. The tone, as always, is immediate and commanding.

 He rises to his feet and heads through the arched entranceway toward the River of Life. His wings spread and slowly they begin their rhythm, bringing him into the air.

 Michael passes, his wings glistening in gold behind him. The Archangel avoids eye contact as he flies straight past. Nathanael's fists clench in response, knowing it's not Michael's fault Nathanael was involuntary relocated into a position within the seven Archangels. If he had his way, he would have stayed a throne. Guarding the Throne of God was all he had ever desired. The water from the River of Life glistens beside him as he forces the thoughts deep down. He needs to right his mind before entering the Throne Room. The Lord can read him like a book. The choir grows increasingly louder as he finally lands atop the endless steps into the columned temple. Raziel meets him at the door, blocking his way with his full wingspan.

"I was summoned," Nathanael responds to Raziel's stern glare.

 "Nathanael, it seems like inly yesterday we were in opposite positions."

 His fists clench once again. Keep it together, Nathanael. He's just trying to rouse you before your audience with the Lord.

 He offers only a nod when he passes Raziel. Nothing is going to ruin his day. He has been nothing less than exceptional since the first demotion. He almost chocked when he heard the announcement of his transfer from the Throne of God to become an Archangel. One of the main things he took pride in while being so close to God, was not being tainted by the filth of the secular world, the Earth. Archangels aren't so lucky. Their entire job is to meddle in secular matters or sec-matters, as the Heavenly community calls them.

 The columns of the altar room spread up all around him, going higher and higher, disappearing into the clouds above. This will be good news. He's been dreaming about this promotion. It's going to happen today. His steps quicken as he draws closer. If it were allowed, he would spread his wings and fly to the throne, his feet never seem to get him anywhere fast enough. Especially, right now. Pausing on the three ivory steps to the Throne Room, he throws his shoulders back and with a deep breath, climbs the steps.

 He only makes it a few strides before the glory of God brings him to one knee. Cherubs fly around with harps and horns playing nothing but praise. His eyes dart everywhere but directly at the light of God. The paintings lining the walls seem brighter than he remembers. How long has it been since he was here? Time is incalculable in the graces of Heaven, but it seems like forever in his soul. This was his favorite place. He was standing in this exact spot when he protected the Lord from the second century invasion. The Throne Room had become his sanctuary, the one place he meant something. Now, he has no place.

 "Nathanael." A booming voice sends the cherubs flying out of the room. The voice echoes in the space between them. He bows. "Yes, Lord."

 "You have an assignment".

 Nathanael attempts to hide the smile in his bow, but it's obviously written across his face. A female Virtue with hair pink as the sunset brings him a scroll. Taking it in his hands, he slowly unrolls it to read his next assignment:    

Notice of Reassignment                                                                                                  Archangel:Nathanael                                                                 Assignment:Guardian to Human                                           Report immediately to Coordinates: 42.3064'N, 78.0164'W

 "I... don't understand."

An Archangel sent to guard a Sec? It's ludicrous and unheard of!

 "Report immediately." The Lord's voice calls his entire body into action; spine straightening in response.