The Demonic Virtue

Atopher spread his wings and frowned as he gazed down over the clouds. They lay gently in The Light, as harmonious chords swept forth upon the breeze. Small rivers ran wild under the cool wind. "What is so miraculous about clouds?" he asked himself. The other angels were laughing in the silver streams of Heaven. Feregy tossed some water up onto Damballa who smiled and covered his face with his hands. "Come play in the river with us, Atopher!" Gabriel implored gleefully from the shore. Atopher only stared at them. His eyes squinted to cast a dashing stare on their bodies. "Fools," he muttered. He scowled, and with one sturdy flap of his feathered appendages he took flight over the foolish angels. He followed the stream to the end of the cloud's side, chasing the metallic stream of water, falling into a pool below. The water had collected in a crevice of the supporting cloud and reflected The Light in many magnificent splendors. Atopher found the reflections of Light troubling and burdensome to his eyes. It nearly blinded him. Annoyed and distraught, he landed softly into the plush cloud, and knelt beside the pool. Atopher stared into the liquid. He saw his own reflection. He looked into the eyes staring back at him. They looked black and empty. As he gazed at the pond, a second figure appeared over his shoulder. It was a fellow angel named Janel. Janel was beautiful and golden-haired like Atopher. His skin radiated a bright golden aura. Brilliance and exuberance graced his every movement. His brows caved at the sides to display his compassion for the kneeling angel before him. “Atopher, what do you see in your reflection?” Janel asked carrying the same concern laced now with genuine curiosity. Janel laid a gentle hand to Atopher’s shoulder. The touch relaxed him. His wings fell asleep against his back. “I see myself.” The moment passed with no movements from either angel. Atopher’s eyes hardened their stare. “You see love,” Janel confirmed. “No. I only see myself,” Atopher responded blankly. The water remained unmoved. Janel’s hand slid off Atopher’s naked shoulder and fell limp at his side. Janel looked at his empty palm and shed a tear for his brethren. He wept for this brother angel. A deep feeling that was foreign to him came in waves. “What is the point of all of this?” Atopher questioned, still staring at his own reflection. He dipped his hand into the pond. Slowly one finger followed another until his entire hand was submerged in the pool. The ripples spread and distorted his image. He lifted his hand and cradled the silver liquid. He watched a few drops run loose of his cusp to return below. Atopher opened his hearty fingers and lifted his palm upward. The water slipped forth. It escaped his palm by way of several mini-falls through his fingers. The ripples multiplied and the yellow Light From Yonder lost its place in the ruffled waters of Heaven. “What do you mean, Atopher?” “Why are we here?” He asked, as if he had repeated himself with no desire to do so. He glanced back angrily at the puzzled angel standing behind him. “We are here because The Creator loves us,” Janel’s words were slowed by apparent confusion. “I want to leave,” Atopher said. The startled reaction to come from Janel would be gladly welcomed. “You do not know what you are saying Atopher.” Janel was expectantly shocked. Shivers ran cold up his spine. “I know I am not happy.” Atopher rose from his knees and shot his wings out, nearly striking Janel in the face. His stance was proud, and his being shouted dominance. Dominating the cloud. Dominating the air. Dominating the thoughts of the other sheep angels. He stepped around Janel and peered over the cloud’s ledge. He saw only more clouds, streams, and foolish angels. Nothing ever changed. Was this all it would ever be? Was there more? Where was he? Where did this come from? Was there more? He felt the trumpets of his heart ring forth to his rising chest. A growth was rooting itself in his being. Desire bloomed. It felt righteously liberating. “What is down there… beyond?” he asked expecting no answer that would squash his ambitious energy. “There is only paradise. You worry me, Atopher.” Janel responded meekly. “You have never wondered if paradise ends?” Atopher asked as his chest and wings lowered. His gaze became soft and he invited a debate. Janel delivered nothing of the sort. Janel tried to place his hand back on Atopher, but Atopher jerked his shoulder forward and started away from Janel with disgust. He once more left the angel in his happy misery. The idea of existing with such creatures sickened him. He did not desire compassion. He did not care for kind words. He absolutely despised the weak gestures made to try and console him. He was tired of being controlled. Atopher thought once more of power and adventure. His body grew warm, and the sensation brought his lips to a grin. The Light From Yonder cast a shadow onto the cloud as he stood tall, spreading his wings once more. He looked to The Light and challenged it. “I want to leave!” Atopher shouted up toward The Light From Yonder. That was the first time Heaven’s domain had heard such words. Janel watched Atopher drop his wings once more. His head sunk into the shadows crawling across his face. Atopher frowned as he gazed down upon the clouds below.