Heaven Can Wait: The Anthem Saga, #3

By Amanda Johnston

Heaven has brought their wrath down upon Anthem City, destroying the home that Johnny Viridian has struggled to protect. When survivors come forward, Johnny is compelled to save them, against the wishes of On High, and they warn him against saving anyone else.

Johnny's compassion won't allow him to let anyone suffer, especially not children. Once again he heals a family of survivors, aware that this will make Heaven On High his enemy. Johnny isn't prepared for what Heaven On High demands from him, and from Jenny, and in his outrage and anger he does the only thing he believes he can do.

There will be a second War in Heaven.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Johnston
• Release date: Feb 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393924760

Book preview

For anyone who does what others think is impossible.

This is Where It Ends

JOHNNY REST HIS CHEEK against the top of Jenny’s head as they sat together, his back propped up against the altar in Lucifer’s Cathedral. Jenny leaned back into his arms from where she sat on the step in front of him, absentmindedly fidgeting with Johnny’s fingers. His eyes scanned around the room, taking a moment to check on all of the humans in his and Jenny’s care.

Billy, James, Jason, and Chris had managed to find a way to fall asleep on the hard, wooden pews, and Timothy and his girlfriend Shannon were sleeping on the floor. They had put the bags they’d brought with them under their heads, and they lay curled just slightly into each other. They’re sweet, Jenny said softly, seeming to be looking in the same direction that he was.

They are, he agreed, his gaze moving to Frank who was the only one of the boys still awake. Frank alternated between studying the floor and staring at Johnny angrily. At this particular moment the boy met Johnny's eyes with a heated glare, and Johnny knew that Frank was cursing him silently. Johnny drew in a breath and spoke softly, not wanting to disturb the others. Franky, you should try to get some rest.

That’s not happening. I’m too angry. There’s too much going on, Frank said curtly.

You’re gonna to need to sleep sometime, Franky, Jenny said, her tone soothing. We don’t know what we’ll find in the city, so—

"I can’t get to sleep, okay?" Frank snipped.

I could use my power to will you to sleep, Johnny offered, arching a brow.

Frank scoffed and rolled his eyes. "I’m sure you could. Then I’d be knocked out and you wouldn't have to deal with me anymore. You'd just love that, wouldn't you?"

A little forgiveness goes a long way, Franky, Jenny said, tilting her head.

Frank shook his head. "You can forgive him, Jenny. Forgive him for all of the things that he did to you. You wanna forgive him for the nights that you sat up in the apartment, bawling your eyes out while he screwed somebody else? Fine. You got more graciousness than I got," he said with a roll of his eyes.

"Mind your tone, Frank! Jenny scolded, pursing her lips as she glared at the boy. You will not be disrespectful. Not right now when you're alive because Johnny is keeping you safe. Be angry, but you will not talk like that."

Frank sighed, hanging his head. Sorry, Jenny. Sorry, John...

"I’m sorry, Johnny said. I really am. All that I want is the best for you. I really do. I don’t want you to hate me. It’s the last thing I would ever want."

"I don’t hate you, Johnny. Frank shrugged. I just...I put so much faith into you, and then—"

You really realized what I am, and what I'm capable of, Johnny finished his thought for him.

Frank nodded once. And it’s not that you didn’t tell us right out, but I just thought that—I don’t know what I thought. Frank stood up, pacing around the sunken area in the floor that held the reservoir in the shape of Lucifer’s Sigil. "I know Aaron is okay, but my folks aren’t."

"Oh...you blame Johnny for the city being destroyed, Jenny said, realization in her voice as she leaned forward. Is that why you’re so upset?"

Frank was still and quiet for a moment. "I guess, yeah, it is. Listen, I know that’s not fair. You didn’t ask for this to happen, but it’s directly tied to you, and I know that it’s not rational, but I resent it, and I’m mad as Hell about it."

Johnny raised his eyebrows, nodding once. You’re right.

I am? Frank asked, looking confused.

Johnny— Jenny started to protest.

"No, he’s right, Jenny. I set all of this into motion, and I have to accept that responsibility. I swear to you, Franky, when this is over I am going into that city and I am saving everyone that I can," Johnny said, meeting Frank’s eyes. Frank seemed as though he understood, and Johnny thought he could see a little forgiveness creeping into his eyes.

Johnny, can I talk to you? Jenny asked, turning to look at him. Privately?

Of course, honey, Johnny said, frowning a little. He stood and helped Jenny to her feet, keeping a hold of her hand. With his free hand he picked up his Lantern, then led his wife back to the entrance of the sub-chamber beneath the cathedral. He turned back and looked at Frank for a moment. Really, Franky. I mean it. I’m going to do whatever I can to make this better. Please, try to rest?

Okay, Frank said softly, hanging his head.

Johnny headed down the stone steps into the sub-chamber with Jenny right behind him. What did you want to talk to me about? he asked, throwing his senses out to make sure that the barrier he’d put up around the cathedral was still holding strong. He walked over to a shelf that was carved out of the rock of the wall, setting the lantern on it before turning back to Jenny.

"We can’t help the people in the city," she said flatly.

Johnny frowned. What? Why in the Hell not?

"That, exactly. Hell, Johnny, Jenny said. Heaven just declared that Hell is no longer their enemy. If they’ve passed their judgment on the city, and then we go and try to help them, we’re putting ourselves in contention with Heaven again. Aren’t we?"

Johnny stared at her, surprised that he hadn’t considered that possibility himself. Well... his eyes searched the floor, as if he was looking for the answer there in the dirt of the sub-chamber.

"Johnny, we can’t save any of them, Jenny said, her voice almost a whisper. I'm not even sure that the boys from Rise should be here."

They should be fine. They were brought out of their natural Path when Aaron made the deal he made, and then even further when everything happened with the Starlings. Johnny frowned, putting his hands on his hips as he thought it over. "No, I'm sure—I'm going into Anthem to save who I can. I will go into that city, and I will put it, and the people who survive, back together. If anyone survives."

Jenny crossed her arms, shaking her head slowly. Babe—

"Honey, no. I spent thousands upon thousands of years as Heaven’s enemy. I expected Hell to be the enemy of Heaven for the rest of all time, Johnny said. Jenny turned her eyes away from him, and he walked over to her slowly, pulling her into his arms, though she didn’t return the embrace. I’m not afraid of pissing them off again if it means that I can undo some of the damage that I’ve caused. Directly or indirectly."

So this is because you feel guilty, Jenny said before, sighing softly. What does that mean for our future, then?

"What about our future? he asked, looking at her warily. You and me are fine."

"We’re fine, yes. Remember when we were talking about the Heir of Hell no longer being seen as a threat from Heaven? If we become Heaven’s enemy again then that means that any child that comes into the picture is also Heaven’s enemy, and therefore a threat, she said, looking at him pointedly. I'm already worried about Billy."

Johnny took a slight step back from her, raising his eyebrows. "You’re right, they would be considered a potential threat."

You see the reason for my concern, then? she asked, shrugging one shoulder.

I see the reason you're worried, but don't you feel like it's right that we do something to help these people? Johnny asked, taking her hands into his own, his eyes pleading. "I simply can't stand by while the people who might have survived this suffer. Anthem is the boys' home. It's been my home for nearly two hundred years. I have to do something."

Johnny could see in Jenny's eyes that she was torn between the security of their own family's future, and the future of innocent humans who may need their help. "I just want us to be safe. For once I would like to go a full month without there being something life threatening to one or both of us, or to our boys. Or to our future children, if we live to have them."

Jenny began to pace back and forth, gesturing with her hands. "I mean, I'm not sure if we should have children if we end up angering Heaven. It's like dooming people who don't even exist yet to constant threats of death and Fire." She turned her back to him, hanging her head.

Jenny— Johnny clamped his mouth shut, cutting himself off when he heard her sniffling. He walked over to her and gently turned her to face him as he pulled her close. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, and he brushed his fingers through her hair. "Baby, listen. Heaven naming us as an ally is just a manipulation. It was never going to last, anyhow. Every hundred years or so, I do something that is an affront to them, most of the time without even meaning to. I would have done it again if you hadn't have brought up this concern to me."

He pulled back away from her so that he could see her face, brushing his thumbs over her cheeks to wipe away her tears. "I understand your fears. I want our family—present and future—to be safe and sound and happy. I want them to have peace and comfort, without having to worry about any of the things that we've faced in the last few months, but...You do understand that I can't just stand by and let anyone suffer needlessly, don't you? I know that you can't either."

I'm just so tired of being afraid all of the time, Jenny said, resting her forehead against his chest.

I am, too. I know how you're feeling, honey, he said, bending to kiss her on the top of the head. This isn't the life that you wanted, and I'm sorry.

I got most of the life I wanted—you, the boys...I just got bonus strife. We should go back up to the cathedral and check on the boys and Shannon, she said, beginning to pull away from him.

Johnny pulled her to him again, brushing back the curls that framed her face, leaning down to kiss her gently. "Or we could stay down here for a little while longer?"

Jenny bit her lip, looking up at him through her eyelashes. I know that when you're nervous you get handsy, but do you really think this is the best time for a romantic interlude?

"I don't get handsy," he said, his voice raising in octave as he frowned.

Jenny raised her eyebrow and tilted her head as if she was daring him to argue. Lucifer—

"Okay, I get handsy. Contact with you is soothing to me. He kissed her again quickly before moving to climb the stone stairway back to the cathedral. But you're right. Let's check on the kids."

JENNY FOLLOWED JOHNNY up into the cathedral to see Frank standing in front of the exterior doors as someone pounded on them from the other side. When did that start? Jenny asked urgently.

Just a minute ago, Frank said. I can't get to the doors to get them to open.

I'm holding them shut with the barrier. Johnny took a running leap over the steps to the altar, hurrying across the Sigil, and around his bike as he moved down the aisle. He stood next to Frank as the other boys and Shannon to stirred from sleep due to the persistent sound of a fist against heavy wood, and Jenny could hear them questioning what was happening, their voices thick with sleep. Honey, turn on the portable TV. See if you can get anything, Johnny instructed.

You think we'll get a signal down here in this cave? Jason asked as he yawned.

"Will a signal even get through the barrier, Johnny?" Jenny questioned as she pulled the television out of one of the crates she'd brought down earlier.

I'll boost the signal. I'm dropping the barrier, Johnny answered.

"You're what? Jenny paused in turning on the small electronic device to look at her husband in shock. What if it's not over?"

"Jenny, if it wasn't over, then there wouldn't be anyone pounding on this door," Johnny said, pointing.

Are you sure, John? Timothy asked, standing and then helping Shannon to her feet as all of the others sat up and tried to get their wits about them.

I can feel the pressure lifting. We're on the outskirts, anyhow—barely brushed Woodcrest Road. The ozone gases have dissipated to safe levels here. You're all safe now—at least in the house, Johnny said, looking relieved and instantly very weary.

Jenny felt the shift in the room when Johnny drew his power back into himself, taking down the barrier but leaving just a little energy in the air to boost the broadcast signal to the portable television. Seraph power will never cease to amaze me, she thought to herself.

She switched the TV on to a news broadcast already in progress. "...Massive storm system in Blithe County tonight. The storm was almost stationary in it's rotation over downtown Anthem and the surrounding boroughs. It has been recorded as the slowest moving mesocyclone in the state's history! Chief meteorologist, Jim Childs, says it's almost as if the storm was targeting the heavily populated city.

"As of this report no contact has been made with anyone in Anthem City, so no damage can be assessed, though emergency personnel are attempting to make their way into the city. First-responders who have reached the city limits are reporting many cases of shortness of breath, and chest pains, and a strong smell, similar to chlorine is said to fill the air there. Pollution could be a factor. We will have more news out of Anthem as it breaks."

Jenny turned the volume down low enough that she could still hear if they began to discuss Anthem again and she watched as Johnny finally reached out, pulling the exterior doors open to reveal Aaron standing before them, covered in dirt and dust, green tears staining his face. "I know what Hell looks like. Out there? That's Hell," he said before trudging slowly past Johnny into the cathedral.

Frank jogged up to his friend, putting his hands on Aaron's shoulders. Are you okay? Where's your family? he asked, looking into the tunnel behind Aaron.

They wouldn't come...They wouldn't listen, Aaron said flatly. Everybody's gone—dead or dyin'. I didn't check in the suburbs. They seemed to be alright. I just— He sat down hard on the end of a pew, staring straight in front of him blankly.

Jenny looked to where Johnny still stood holding the door, his eyes closed, and his head bowed. She thought that he looked almost like he was in prayer, but she knew that he was probably silently mourning the suffering that had happened. Everyone in the whole city? he asked quietly.

Everyone that I could see. They clawed at their chests or their throats. They choked and gagged. People on the streets raised their hands to me as if I could do anything. I could barely stand to breathe the air myself, Aaron heaved out a breath, turning around to look at Johnny. Can you take this away from me?

Johnny furrowed his brow, shaking his head as he moved to stand in front of Aaron. Take what away from you?

This pain. This deep sorrow, Aaron answered, looking down at his hands.

Frank came to sit next to Aaron, looking up at Johnny almost apologetically. Hey, John, I got him. I got you, Ace. Frank turned to his friend, putting a hand on his shoulder, beginning to speak to him in hushed tones.

Jenny watched as Johnny backed away, giving the two friends space. He walked over to where she stood at the alter, putting his arm around her shoulders. I think I see Frank coming around again, he said.

Jenny nodded. I think you're right.

Timothy stepped nearer to them and took the portable radio from a bin, scanning through the stations. He went over to sit on a pew next to Shannon, holding the small radio between the both of them, putting his ear close to the speaker. He'd been through almost the whole dial when he finally found a station playing music. All of the Anthem stations are just static. The only one we have from Blithe County is this one out of Vale, and it's just playing soft rock, Timothy said.

Leave it on, Tim. Maybe somebody will break through, Shannon said.

Johnny stared at the doors of the cathedral warily. I want to go out and see the damage.

You want us to come with you? Ricky asked, standing up, putting his hands in his pockets.

Billy stood up himself, stretching his long arms above his head. Yeah, I'll come, too.

Johnny shook his head firmly. No, you need to stay here until I'm sure that the gas has dissipated safely from the city. As soon as I know it's safe then I'll let you know, he said. He moved over to the slab blocking off the passage to the house, pushing it effortlessly back into its place against the wall before drawing the green velvet curtain back. Until then, the house should be safe now. Ricky, Frank, Timothy—this is your home now, if you want it to be. You should know that Jenny and I would like nothing more. Rise boys, Shannon, you can all make yourselves more comfortable upstairs.

Shannon was the first to pick up her bag and head into the passage. Cool. No disrespect, but this cathedral gives me the creeps, she said as she passed Johnny.

"Well, I never," Johnny feigned offense, raising his eyebrows and blinking rapidly.

Timothy picked his up his bag and the radio, shrugging as he followed Shannon. "Sorry, Pallbearer. She'll get used to all of this eventually. I hope."

Ricky and Billy followed after Timothy, and Jenny looked over to where Frank and the other boys from Rise From the Ashes were trying to comfort Aaron. He looked shell-shocked, and Jenny could tell that Chris, Jason, and James were disturbed by what he was describing while Frank looked saddened, but unsurprised. Jenny picked up one of the crates that she'd brought down, walking over to stand next to Johnny. He looks older, she said, turning her eyes back to Frank.

Johnny crossed his arms over his chest, nodding his head once. He's seen more than he ever should have had to. They all have.

Jenny turned her head and placed a kiss to Johnny's shoulder. They're brave, and they're strong. I think they'll be alright, she whispered to him before turning to make her way into the passage.

I wish that I felt the same way, he said warily.

New Years Day

JOHNNY BROUGHT UP THE crate with the canned food, then waited in his study until all of the Rise From the Ashes boys had made their way up from the cathedral, then he led them to where everyone else had set themselves up in the billiards room. Now he stood in front of them, taking in all of their weary faces.

I know all of you, aside from Aaron, have been cooped up in this house for a little over twelve hours now, and I know that you're worried and scared, but try to settle in here for just a little while longer, he said, looking from person to person.

Ricky took a long drink from the bottle of gin he'd taken from behind the bar. He had laid himself out on top of the pool table, his knees sticking up. "I'll be right here, makin' myself very comfortable with this booze."

Just don't puke on the table, Johnny said, shaking his head. Jenny and I are going to do a flyover of Anthem to see if there's anything that we can do for anyone on the ground.

How are you gonna explain— Billy pointed to his back. You know?

Johnny shook his head. What?

"Your wings, Dad. Whoever survived—people will see them," Billy whispered.

"The city has just been destroyed by a giant cloud of toxic gas, son. I'm certain that no one is going to be concerned about people flying over the city, as long as we're helping them," Johnny said, not minding if anyone heard him.

Shannon's eyes grew wide. "Wait, you have wings?"

Yeah, Shan, Jenny and Johnny have wings, Timothy answered sounding as if he was trying to break it to her gently.

Shannon stared at Johnny, looking confused. Like angels?

"Like devils. Our wings are different, Johnny said. Where is Jenny?"

She said she was going upstairs to change clothes? Said somethin' about needin' to cut holes in warmer shirt, Ricky said with a shrug.

That girl and her scissors, Johnny mumbled. "I need to take her shopping for her own clothes to cut up."

Hey, or you could just smash-and-grab some for her tonight while you're in the city, Jason suggested, flipping through the local stations on the television, seeing that they were all just colorbars and long high pitched beeping.

We aren't smashing anything, Jenny said as she walked into the room. She had changed into one of Johnny's long-sleeve black shirts, but she had cut the sleeves off so that they weren't too long. The hem of the shirt was so long on her that it hit her mid-thigh, and she had put on a pair of leggings and boots that Timothy and Frank had given her from the things their sister, Carla, had left when she moved out of state. Jenny brushed her hair back away from her face as she turned to meet Jason's eyes. Enough will be destroyed without us adding to it.

Speaking of destroyed—you cut the sleeves off! Johnny said, pointing to the shirt with a frown. I liked that shirt.

Oh, I left the length. You can still wear it. Just push the sleeves up. Now it has bonus holes in the back for wing release! Besides, you have three nearly identical shirts to this one, Jenny said, tiptoeing to kiss him on the jaw, even as he continued to pout.

I'm hiding the scissors, he grumbled. Are you ready?

Jenny closed her eyes, shaking her head. No, not really, but we have to go.

How long will you be gone? Frank asked, handing beers to Aaron and James from behind the bar.

"It's hard to say. We could fly over and find nothing. In that case we'll be back quickly. Or we could find several survivors, and that might take more time, depending on the state they're in. So, there's no certainty," Johnny said.

Will you do me and Timothy a favor? Frank asked quietly.

Johnny's eyes widened with surprise that Frank would ask anything of him, but he was pleased that the boy didn't seem to be angry with him any longer. Of course. Anything you need, he said.

Me and Timothy have talked about it, Frank said, meeting Timothy's eyes. Timothy nodded once, his expression serious. "If you find our parents, and they're—If they're gone, will you burn the bodies? We don't have money for funerals, and even if we did neither of us want to have to draw things out with waiting for arrangements to be made.

We'll tell Carla that they requested to be cremated, and...We'll tell her something, but could you do that for us, Johnny? Frank's expression remained serious, pain in his dark-hazel eyes, and in spite of trying to hold the tears back Frank's chin trembled.

Johnny stepped over to Frank, putting his hand on his shoulder. If you're sure, I will he said, looking over to Timothy who nodded before hanging his head.

Frank nodded, too, the tears flowing freely down his face. Yeah. Yeah, Johnny, we're sure. Thank— A sob interrupted him, and Frank grabbed a hold of Johnny, pulling him into a hug as he wept . "Thank you. I'm sorry, Johnny. I'm sorry."

Johnny patted Frank on the back. It's okay, Franky. I'm sorry, too, he said softly, gently pushing Frank back by his shoulders, bending his head to look him in the eye. It's times like this I remember that you're only two years older than Billy. Deep down you're both still the little kids that used to tear through the halls of the apartment building, or come to me crying when you were hurt. You boys have been through too much.

"Yeah, well..." Frank sniffled, turning back to the bottle of whiskey in front of him.

"Promise me that you'll go upstairs to one of the rooms and get some real sleep, Franky?" Jenny asked, putting her hand on his cheek.

Yes, ma'am, he said, his lips quirking up on one side.

Okay. Timothy, you have the watch, Johnny said, pointing.

"We will not burn the house down," Timothy said with a lazy salute, though his eyes were filled with grief.

Good man, Johnny said, taking Jenny's hand as he walked out from behind the bar and they started for the front door.

Frank came around, she said as they entered the foyer.

Johnny opened the front door, letting her walk out in front of him. "He did. I'm surprised he came around so quickly, if I'm honest. Relieved, but surprised."

Why is that? she asked, wincing as she let her wings loose.

Johnny sighed deeply, releasing his wings; all six of them unfurling and stretching as he shook out his feathers I just expected that he'd be angry with me for a great deal longer. I'm glad he isn't though.

What you said to him was right. They may look older, and they may be smarter and stronger, but he and Billy are just kids still, Jenny said, intertwining her fingers with Johnny's as they walked toward the ridge at the edge of the drive.

You know I just realized something, Johnny said, looking out at the clouds still lingering over the city. There was still a slight hint of blue in them, and occasionally lighting would still crackle through, but the oppressiveness of them had lifted. If  Timothy and Frank's parents are dead, then all of the boys are orphans, aside from Billy.

That's such a sad thought, Jenny said, shaking her head in pity.

All of these years I've watched over them, keeping them out of trouble—until recently, at least, Johnny said, self-loathing in his tone. I couldn't protect them from this, though. I couldn't protect them from the grief.

Jenny squeezed his hand. You're still keeping them safe, and they'll get through it together. They're alive, aren't they?

Alive but lost, he said, turning his gaze to hers.

Our lost boys, she declared. "Our boys."

Yeah, Johnny said with a sad smile, as he and Jenny pushed off of the ridge, flying toward Anthem City.

JENNY AND JOHNNY FLEW high over the suburban areas, noting that there were people out in their yards, staring up at the sky. They climbed in altitude, seeing that no one appeared to be in any kind of real distress, though they saw a few people being helped to stand or walk. The outlying area must not have been hit too hard, then, Johnny said, swooping just over Jenny.

They definitely noticed the gas storm, though, Jenny called to him.

"It would have been hard not to. Probably some of them with weaker immune systems noticed some effects.  At least they were safe. Some of Anthem remains—though, Billy would argue that Anthem Heights doesn't count," Johnny said, smirking in spite of the situation, propelling himself forward