Blood and Brimstone: Rise of the Fallen

By Raymond G Newsome

Humanity is on the brink of extinction. Sullivan Arch and the angels answer the Fallen's declaration of war. Truths unfold as lines between Ally and Enemy blur before them all. How will the war end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raymond G Newsome
• Release date: Sep 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781540124029

Book preview

Deliver Us from Evil

The news declared a special announcement from the National Leader at noon. The television maximized the first information from the government in weeks. The anchor raved with an exciting line of nonsense about the current progress of the Reconstruction. No one muttered a word about the New Gods.

The Fallen dropped out of the spotlight after the battle in Virginia. Furcas healed their wounds following Beelzebub’s orders. While they recovered from their wounds, Furcas approached Tony. They organized the next step of media manipulation together.

Tony waved as he stepped onto the stage in front of a large audience. His news crew planned to broadcast the speech to every working television. Tony closed his eyes. He took a moment collecting his thoughts.

The sun glared off a camera lens into Tony’s left eye. He brought his arm up to the podium in a nonchalant attempt at blocking the light. The crowd grew around him as he began his speech. His infamous smile flashed for a second before the facial features slipped into a look of disappointment.

I am saddened today. In all efforts to recover from our misfortunes, we have found ourselves at a loss. All plea bargains for aid have ended with other countries. Instead, they send hostile messages of invasion. These former allies believe we are weak. With a heavy heart, I announce a call to arms. We must protect our glorious nation. I...

A blinding beam burned into his cornea. Tony shook his head trying to adjust away from the annoying light. No matter which way he moved the ray seemed to find the same spot. He searched for the source thinking the cameras changed positions. No one had moved.

I can only hope that we can resolve this issue before there is any bloodshed. I will do everything in my power... Tony stopped, blinded by the shining reflection again. ...to prevent war.

He saw something reflecting the sun in front of him. He squinted for a better look at the object. It moved again, but he remained puzzled. Tony forgot the crowd and speech trying to figure it out.

Sir, are you alright? Someone called to him from some unknown distance. He ignored the question and stepped around the podium.

It’s about time you came out so we can get a better look at you. Now take a good look in the mirror, Tony. Well, let’s call it by its proper name, the mirror of Judas.

Tony saw his true reflection as a demon. Gasps grew into screams before him. The citizens below him ran for safety. He tried shifting back. The mirror changed him back with every attempt. Tony cursed. A growl vibrated his throat.

It betrays anyone who hides their true image. Sullivan Arch moved to the front of the crowd. How long did you expect to betray these innocent people?

As long as I wanted, Tony replied in a deep, guttural voice. These sad, little sheep swallowed every word I fed them. He gestured to all the humans looking for a way to escape.

Sullivan pulled his twin axes out while Samael held the mirror up behind him. You’re finished.

You wish, growled Tony. He unleashed a terrible shriek that pierced everyone’s ears. A thunderous sound grew from behind the stage. Tony raised his arms as demons jumped into the crowd attacking the humans around the angels.

People scattered to the best of their ability. They collided with one another slowing down their ability to run away. Demons sliced the chests and faces of their victims open. A woman squirted blood from her shredded throat. Severed heads caused a few escapees to trip. The poor souls fell on the ground as panicky feet trampled them to death.

Sullivan dropped the closest demons working toward Tony. He watched Tony turn back into his former disguise before running offstage. Samael and Chamiel helped kill the demons in the crowd. Jophiel managed the borders of the mass. The evil horde caused as much carnage as possible leaving death in their wake. The angels worked through their ranks.

Sullivan chased Tony through a labyrinth of parked cars. Tony mistook a dead end for an alley. He turned the corner too late to realize his error. Tony punched the brick wall. Sullivan kept his distance with the twins poised in his hands, ready to strike if necessary

It’s over Tony. We’ve exposed you to the world. No one is coming to save you. Face me and die with some honor.

Tony spun around. You know, that’s an interesting suggestion. I think I’m going to pass. He walked closer. He watched Sullivan maintain his distance. It’s Sullivan, right? I remember the stories Furcas told me. You have an impressive track record, my friend.

I am not your friend.

Of course not, but I am Furcas’s friend. And despite what you may believe, he has your best interest in mind. Do you think you would still be alive if he didn’t?

What are you talking about?

Furcas has a message for you. The war can’t be stopped at this point, but a way to win might present itself. We’re too few. On a more personal note, Jessica is lost in the desert even after Furcas sent trackers out to search every possible space. We can’t find her. He has narrowed the possibilities to locations between the mountain range and the Mississippi River.

Then why start the war? You lost her and couldn’t find her? You stay the hell away from Jessica.

No matter what you think, Jessica would be dead now if not for Furcas. You would be dead. He has looked out for you since day one. He knows this war can’t be won. Beelzebub won’t listen to reason. He’s bent on world domination.

Is there anything else before I kill you? Sullivan adjusted the grip on his axes.

It’s not my day to die. Do it now, Ornias.

A dog barked as it plowed into Sullivan’s legs knocking him down. He rolled over and jumped to his feet. He expected an attack that never came. Sullivan glanced everywhere. He was alone in the alley.

Damn it, he muttered.

Sam landed next to him. Where’s Tony?

He got away. It’s my fault. I didn’t notice the dog. It was Ornias.

Chamiel and Jophiel arrived a second later. Sullivan looked at them.

What’s the matter, Sullivan?

We have to get back. I have something to tell everyone.

Furcas sat in the empty room staring at a blank screen. His sigh flowed through the quiet space. He leaned back on the couch. His eyes opened with the sound of a closing door. Furcas stared at the ceiling listening to shuffling feet.

I think the proper term for that is ‘that didn’t go as planned.’ Did you at least get to deliver the message to Sullivan?

Yes, he followed me with a little taunting. He didn’t want to believe me at first. Kind of hurt my feelings.

You don’t have any feelings, Tony. Furcas stood up. I need you to disappear for a while. You’re not off the hook, but it’s hard to accomplish anything. You’ll be hunted until Beelzebub starts his strike.

Can I take Bridgette with me?

It’s in her best interest. I’ll need you sooner than you think so find a way to send word.

Tony looked at Ornias staring out a window. Do you think a little bird could deliver the message?

We can work something out. Ornias I need you to go with them as a bird and return as soon as they find a place. Beelzebub expects our attacks to begin tonight. He wants us at the suite first.

Whatever you say, Furcas. What do I have again?

South America.

Okay sweet.

Leave now. You’re going to piss me off.

Sorry. Ornias went out the door.

Tony?

Yeah.

Be careful and don’t let anything happen to that idiot.

I’ve got it handled, boss. Tony followed Ornias.

Furcas returned to his position on the couch. He considered his next move. He waited for the time to meet Beelzebub and the others. The thoughts rolled through like storm clouds.

The sky grew darker. Here we go.

Killing in the Name

Flames rose throughout London as screams fell on deaf ears. Bodies littered cobblestone streets. Blood flowed into sewage drains with the rain. Body parts blocked drains turning the streets into red rivers. The London Eye lay at the bottom of the River Thames. Soldier demons toppled Big Ben onto Westminster Palace. The head of Queen Elizabeth II sat on a spike in Buckingham Palace’s front lawn.

Baal’s horde continued on to France without him. Armies of