Faultless & Fallen: Revelations

By Paul Chalmers

It’s the end of the line for Nathan and the other Nephilim children; the day of reckoning is coming quickly. In this exciting and fast-paced conclusion to the Faultless & Fallen series, there will be battles to be fought, treasures to be obtained and decisions to be made—decisions which will affect the children, and the future of humanity itself.

Nathan is the reluctant leader of the Nephilim, but even he is having doubts as to their mission. When it comes time to make a life-or-death decision—will he make the right one? Will evil triumph over good? Will he be able to escape the darkness that burdens his mind and covers his soul? Will he save the world?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Chalmers
• Release date: Mar 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9780995173651

Paul Chalmers

Paul Chalmers is a software developer by day, and author by night. It's not as glamorous as it sounds! He was born inLeamington, Ontario, Canada (the Tomato capital!) and currently resides across the county in LaSalle. He lives with his wife Jennifer and three children, Jessica, Joshua and Tyler. For some strange reason, Paul had a story in his head that wouldn't go away. So he decided to become an author, even though he absolutely despised English class in school (he hopes it is not obvious). Despite a penchant for laziness and procrastination, he actually managed to finish the book and self-publish it too! How this happened, he'll never know—it must have been Divine intervention. Paul has no best sellers, no awards, hardly any sales, and little hope for changing any of this. But he finds writing fun, and so he continues on...

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

VISIONS

Nathan awoke with a start, and then he wished he hadn’t. He was on an operating room table. The pain coursing through his body was excruciating.

A muffled female voice said, Dr. Ivan, the anesthetic appears to have worn off! We need to increase the amount—stat!

Nathan battled with his mind in a vain attempt to quell the pain. But as soon as he willed it away, the pain returned, and Nathan managed to make his body flinch.

Nurses, restrain him!

He felt the horror as if he was reawakening from his original coma. Time and space were distorted. Thankfully, as quickly as he had awakened, everything went black once again, and he was at peace.

Hello, Chosen One, said a voice out of the blackness.

Nathan crossed his arms. That’s so unoriginal! Why do the leaders always have to be the chosen ones? You’d think you could come up with a better name for me by now! A swirling light floated in front of him, which gradually took the shape of a featureless, pulsating, multi-colored human.

I’ve always admired your sense of humor. You’re like me in more ways than you realize. With each word, the light brightened and dimmed.

Father?

The light brought forth a slight muffled chuckle, followed by a sigh. I prefer to be known as the ‘Life-Giver’—just as you are called the ‘Chosen One.’ I haven’t always been there for you as a father should be, so I don’t feel I can claim that title.

But even if you don’t want me to, I’d still rather use it. It makes me feel—like I still have some kind of connection to someone—like I’m a real person. He paused, trying to compose himself; the light continued its pulsating changes of color in silence. Father, do you know—am I going to die?

I wish I had all the answers for you, but you’ve been wounded very badly. I have hope you will recover, because you need to complete your mission. And you’ll see things you’ve never even dreamed of seeing…

You sound like one of the doctors.

The doctors are here to help you, since I can only be here in spirit. Even now they are working to restore your body. All those in the hospital were specifically chosen by me to make sure you were able to accomplish everything you were destined to do.

But who are you? And where are you now?

I have been reaching through time to guide you. I have been with you many times, and even now, I am nearer than you know.

I wish you would stop talking in riddles and just give me a straight answer.

There is a time for everything, and now is not the time for you to have complete understanding. But you will—when destiny causes our paths to cross once again.

I hope it’s soon, because I’m tired of waiting for answers.

There was a brief pause, as the featureless man shuffled his feet—at least, the colors of his legs changed in intensity. Chosen One, there is one other thing I must explain to you, and it’s not something I wish to say.

Nathan shrugged his shoulders. Here comes the catch. Why does there always have to be a catch?

The girl. There was an uncomfortable pause. You seem to be developing feelings for her.

You mean Emma? His mind raced and his heart fluttered—it felt like it might burst out of his chest. His face grew hot with embarrassment. He didn’t want to tell his father how he really felt, as his tone had changed to an unwelcoming one.

You can’t tell her you have feelings for her. Ever. You must resist them. She is…crafty, intelligent, and…dangerous. She understands things about the world that you don’t. And she will use them against you when the time is right.

That’s impossible! Emma is very kind and sincere. She would never betray me. He turned his back on the glowing figure.

That’s what she wants you to believe. But just like all of you, she is battling her own demons. She is not to be completely trusted.

If I can’t trust her, then it would be a lot easier for me if we just left her behind on the next mission.

The figure sighed. Here’s where things get a bit complicated, Chosen One.

Nathan turned back to face him.

He continued, She is critical to the success of the mission. But once it is complete, I fear that she will turn on you. On us. We must make sure that doesn’t happen.

I will do what I can.

Can you promise me that?

Nathan placed his hands behind his back, crossing his fingers tightly. I promise, Father.

The humanoid figure disintegrated, returning to the swirling pattern of colors, before it faded away.

Father, don’t go away. Father? I don’t want to die!

Nathan regained consciousness but was unable to open his eyes. He was lying down in bed. He heard many voices. He strained to listen.

He could make out Dr. Ezekiel’s voice; it sounded grave. I’m not sure how long we can keep him alive.

That was such a brave thing he did. It was the voice of Nurse Edna. We owe it to him to do everything we can to save him.

Nathan thought he managed a weak smile.

Dr. Ezekiel cleared his throat. He saved my life. He took a bullet that was intended for me. I’m not even sure why he was there, but somehow he was. I am eternally grateful to him for it, even if it turns out to be his final sacrifice.

Why isn’t his body able to recover as it did with his other wounds? Nurse Evie spoke in a concerned, yet comforting voice.

See, that’s what we don’t understand, said Dr. Ezekiel, suddenly quite animated. As we speak, we’re analyzing the bullet that shot him, but I can say that it has very unusual properties. Almost as if it were designed not only to pierce the body, but to somehow destroy the soul, too. He’s dying from the inside out.

The next voice was angry: Dr. Ivan. We need to head back to the cell and find out exactly what that idiot Sebastian did. Even if we have to torture it out of him.

I don’t think it would do any good. He wants Nathan to die. And he’s willing to perish himself, in order to keep his secret.

Then we must hasten Sebastian’s perishing, for the good of us all.

Nathan felt panic inside his body, as he turned the attention to himself. I’m not ready to die. My life only just began days before!

He heard a fist pound the table, hard at first, then several times quietly. Dr. Ezekiel mumbled. Nathan could hear him curse. Why does this have to be so difficult? I was never supposed to care!

But you do… said Nurse Evie.

Dr. Ezekiel sounded conflicted. I can’t bring myself to admit it. These children were just supposed to be means to an end. I—we—were never intended to get caught up in emotions.

Nathan could hear someone sniffling and sobbing.

Nurse Evie struggled to speak. These children are special; it’s plain to see. We must do everything we can to help them, especially Nathan. Even if we have to go to the ends of time to do it!

Wait! Dr. Ivan jumped into the conversation. That’s it! That’s exactly what we need to do!

What are you thinking?

The conversation grew quieter. Nathan fought hard to listen, but his thoughts flickered like a faltering light, flashing in and out of consciousness.

Every voice mingled with the others, until it was difficult to determine who was speaking. Voices rose and fell in pitch, as the words stretched and compressed. No, it’s too risky. They were never intended to go to that time.

It’s too risky to leave him here. What choice do we have!

The anxiety Nathan felt sapped his body of any lingering strength, and he found it difficult to maintain a constant stream of thought.

We’ll have to send the girl, too.

Not just ‘the girl’! She’s Emma!

But, what if in saving Nathan, we lose them both?

We can’t even think of it. We need them, as much as they need us.

Prepare the portal. This is our last chance.

Nathan felt like his soul was heaving inside of him, trying to escape his body. It was an inexplicable feeling. Wincing in pain, he blacked out.

CHAPTER 2

PARADISE

Nathan was pretty sure he had died and gone to heaven. He awoke, opening his eyes, but he had trouble focusing. Everything fused into one big blurry blob. His body vibrated, buzzing with a strange energy that caused him to tingle all over. There was no pain, and he could almost feel life flowing into him like he was being plugged into an electrical outlet.

He closed his eyes, trying to regain focus. He blinked several times, then stared wide-eyed. This could not be real. He must be in heaven, because this was impossible.

Nathan could feel strength in his limbs—unusual strength, even for him. He propped himself up on his elbows, then pushed himself to his feet. He looked in all directions. He still could not believe what he was seeing. He rubbed his eyes just to make sure. Yes, he had to be dead. And this was the afterlife.

He was standing in a clearing in a forest. It was the most beautiful forest he had ever seen, even more beautiful than when they had first travelled to the past. Flowers bursting with color surrounded him. The colors were vibrant and alive, shimmering in appearance. And his eyes registered colors he had never seen before, like a rainbow that continued past the ends into brand new hues. He couldn’t even describe the colors even if he wanted to. It would be like explaining the concept of color to a person born blind. He felt as if this was the world as it was intended to be, his senses as precise and finely tuned as possible.

The fragrance of the place was the most pleasant smell he could ever recall, a mixture of sweet and savory, spicy and pungent. If only he could bottle it and take it home with him. It was a comforting smell, as if it were designed to tickle his nose with delight before calming his nerves.

At once, he decided he never wanted to return to where he had come from. He would stay here forever. There is no one who could force him back. His cares had dissipated, concerns about his parents, about Emma, about his injuries, were no longer in his mind. He was completely at peace. Even if there wasn’t another soul around, it didn’t matter. This was a true paradise: his forever home. His previous life was the nightmare—the place where he was an alien and a foreigner.

He fell to his knees and let out a cry of joy and happiness beyond understanding. The ground beneath him was spongy yet with firm support, feeling soft and gentle against his skin.

Nathan heard muted footsteps nearby. The sight that greeted him made his heart melt and his stomach flutter. His mouth hung open with surprise.

Emma appeared from behind a massive tree trunk. She looked different, more incredible and more radiant than he had known. Surely, she was an angel, even if she didn’t have wings. Her hair glowed a golden brown and her eyes sparkled like blue diamonds. Every feature and every curve was dainty and smooth and beautiful and perfect. She wore a translucent white robe that shone brightly, whiter than the whitest white there could ever be. He could not detect a single flaw of any sort. She said nothing for a few seconds as they stared at each other.

Emma broke from her stance and ran toward Nathan. She hugged him with the tightest embrace she could, and he hugged her back. She wasn’t letting go.

We’re dead, aren’t we? This is heaven, isn’t it? Nathan asked. At least we died together!

I don’t know what this is. Emma’s voice was smooth and sweet, with an almost musical quality to it.

As a matter of fact, so was his.

You need to keep talking, your voice is perfect, Nathan murmured. I could listen to you forever.

And I could to you. It’s like you’re singing to me! My ears are tingling. She broke their embrace, looked down shyly and fluttered her eyes.

Let’s stay here together forever! Nathan thought for a moment. Maybe we don’t even have a choice, because we’re dead. How lucky would that be?

Emma looked a bit downcast. I was told by the doctors that we have to return, no matter what we encounter. But I feel so good, so alive, that I don’t want to listen.

We can’t leave. This is home! This is where we belong. That other place—the hospital, everything we’ve known—we were just foreigners passing through. This is our destination; we can never leave. He allowed a puzzled expression to cross his face. But how did we even get here? How did we die?

"We’re not dead—at least I don’t think so. The doctors brought me to the portal. Then they carried you and placed you inside the portal, too. They told me that there was nothing further they could do to save you, and that their only hope to keep you alive was to send us back to a time when time itself was brand new. They hoped the energy here would recharge your body and repair your spirit.

But being here is dangerous. The portal wasn’t designed to travel this far into the past, so they weren’t even sure if it would work. To get back, we have to rebuild the portal ourselves, because technically it doesn’t exist in this time. They gave me instructions. They told me I need to use…this. Emma held in her hand the blue, vibrating crystal they had retrieved from the past—the one containing energy from creation. It shone a blinding, bright blue. And we have to do it quickly, because they’re going to try and trigger the portal as soon as they can. They were emphatic.

Well, I say forget that! Because I don’t think we even made it to the past. I think we died somewhere along the way. And now we’re in the afterlife. This place is perfect. And so are we.

I will agree that this place is unusual. Look what I discovered… Emma bent over and grabbed a handful of dirt. It was dark and rich, jet black in color. She rubbed it vigorously on her bare arm and the sleeve of her robe. The soil fell to the ground in a shower.

She held out her arm, and Nathan looked closely. Not even a speck of the dirt remained on her. Her skin was as clean as when it had started, and her robe was still shiny white. There was no dirt under her fingernails or on her hand. It was like magic.

That is a cool trick! Nathan looked down at his own white robe and felt compelled to try the same thing. It was as if the dirt was repelled by his skin and robe. It simply slid off without a trace. He bent down and rolled on the ground over and over, periodically stopping to admire himself.

If this is heaven, you shouldn’t be acting like such a buffoon, Emma said with a mixture of sarcasm and bemusement.

Nathan stood up and instinctively dusted himself off, but nothing fell to the ground. You’re right, but I’m just so stoked right now. I’ve never felt better in my life!

To tell you the truth, neither have I. For a moment, Emma almost looked sad.

Let’s explore this place!

I don’t think—

Nathan quickly grabbed Emma’s hand; it felt natural to him. He found it hard to take his eyes off her, and as they skipped through the forest, she kept catching him staring. She did nothing but smile and look away. Nathan never felt so happy and light on his feet. He was almost floating.

As they left the forest, they were welcomed by a carpet of tiny flowers of every color of the rainbow, and then some. They were in patterns and splotches that made the entire countryside look like a shimmering painted canvas. If only they could fly, Nathan was sure that from above, the carpet would reveal a picture of something beautiful.

My eyesight is even better here, said Emma. Everything seems to have a glow about it, and I’m even able to see additional colors that I have no name for.

Me too! Everything is so vivid and so incredible! I’m telling you—we’re in heaven!

You’re seeing all of this, too?

Yes! Every sense feels like it’s perfectly tuned. I am full of energy without an ache or pain. Nathan lifted part of his white robe and looked at his side. My injury is completely healed, without a trace of scarring. My body is like brand new. I know I was pretty good-looking before, but now I literally am perfect!

Not perfect, Emma said, holding her index finger and thumb close together. Maybe a wee bit conceited, after all. She chuckled.

The air around them was the ideal temperature, and it was filled with an electric charge, buzzing like static. Birds chirped and sang above them, and there was a soft hum in the air like insects swarming. The sounds were not annoying like the whine of a mosquito, but strangely comforting and melodic.

Are you hungry or thirsty? asked Nathan.

Emma furrowed her brow, silent for several seconds as she pondered the question. Now that you mention it, I’m not. My stomach isn’t growling, and my lips aren’t dry. And I have even been here for a few hours before you woke up, so you’d think I’d be thirsty by now. I feel like I could drink, but not that I need to. Weird!

Yeah, I feel the same way. Satisfied, and not concerned about food or drink. I wonder how long that feeling will last?

I suppose we’ll find out.

They continued walking through the flowers, sun shining warm on their faces, a beautiful scent following them. They smiled and laughed and held hands. Despite Emma’s prior warnings, time seemed not to matter. Time felt like it flowed differently or didn’t even exist at all—there was no rush or hurry, and neither of them felt compelled to do anything but soak in their surroundings.

A short time later, they reached a path. It was not a dirt path, but it looked like it was paved—in gold. The gold was so perfect that it was virtually clear in appearance; it reflected everything around them crisply and clearly. Nathan looked down and admired his reflection, checking it out from different angles in its shiny yellowness.

Emma noticed and gave him a playful punch in the shoulder. Okay, Narcissus.

Huh?

You know, the dude from mythology who stared at his reflection forever, until he withered away.

Nathan broke his trance and laughed. I don’t think we’ll have to worry about withering away in this place. He then said, Here’s an idea: Let’s follow this yellow brick road. Maybe we’ll find the wizard of this place!

Emma laughed a perfect laugh.

They stepped on the road, their bare feet making a light tapping as they walked along. Eventually they reached the edge of a stream. The water flowed peacefully by, and it was as clear as crystal.

Nathan dipped his hand into the water; it was cool and refreshing. He sat down at the edge, letting his feet dangle into the water. Emma sat beside him, snuggling up against him, allowing her bare legs to fall into the water. She sighed happily.

They sat for what must have been many hours, if indeed time had the same meaning, watching the sun circle overhead. Nathan smiled inside and out. Eventually he decided that he wanted to jump into the water, as it looked deep enough to allow him to fully submerge.

Nathan slid from the edge of the water, fully surrounding himself with the incredible feeling of the water against his skin. He surfaced and looked at Emma, whose face was beaming.

Come on in, the water is amazing!

I don’t really want to get wet right now.

Suit yourself! But Nathan had other plans.

Emma anticipated Nathan’s intention, and she quickly pulled her legs from the water. She scurried up the bank; but Nathan was quick enough to grab her by the heel and drag her down toward the water. She squealed, perhaps more playfully than upset, as Nathan grabbed onto her legs. With one quick motion, he took her into the water.

Still on the surface, Nathan could see Emma under the water, flailing her arms and legs, but suddenly she stopped. She didn’t surface, and Nathan wondered if he had drowned her. He plunged his hands beneath the water, intending to pull her up, but she grabbed him by the arm with both hands. It was a very strong grip, and something about it indicated that she was not in trouble. She released her grip and made a motion for him to come underwater.

Nathan gulped a deep breath of air and slowly sank beneath the water. The water was so clear that Emma was completely visible. Her long hair floated up above around her face, making it appear as if she had a gigantic, frizzy halo. Her robe floated loosely around her body, enveloping her like a large white cloud. Her mouth was open in a giant smile.

Breathe, she said, in a voice that was surprisingly clear for being under water.

Nathan hesitated, still holding his breath. He recalled the breathing apparatus he used before to breathe underwater, but Emma was not using one. He decided to head for the surface as he ran out of air, but Emma grabbed onto his arm, still smiling.

Finally, Nathan exhaled the stale air, drawing in a deep breath. Water entered his mouth as he breathed in, but he felt no panic or dizziness. It felt natural. He exhaled bubbles of water and air. He drew in another breath, then another, and realized that he was getting enough oxygen from the water. His body relaxed as he bobbed beneath the water, breathing naturally. His expression changed from surprise to joy. He grabbed Emma’s hands and spun her around, as if they were dancing in slow motion beneath the surface of the water. Their robes trailed behind like wispy ghosts. The feeling was exhilarating.

Nathan swam around a bit, looking through the water around him. He saw large numbers of small, brightly colored fish which reminded him of saltwater fish. They were arrayed in a variety of costumes which looked beautiful and whimsical. A school of fish swam up to him and playfully circled him, darting around at changing speeds. He was surrounded by a colorful, sparkling tornado of fish. The same thing happened to Emma, and he could hear her laugh through the water.

Lobsters, trilobites, and other crustaceans skittered along the sandy bottom below them. Like the fish, they were patterned with an incredible variety of color—purples, yellows and reds—contrasting strongly with the light brown sand. As the fish swam away from him, he floated above the bottom to watch the parade of creatures below. Emma joined him, hand to her mouth in astonishment.

Eventually Nathan decided to rise to the top, and Emma followed. They both broke the surface.

Wow, Nathan said, overwhelmed. He was unable to say anything more. With Emma’s lack of response and smiling eyes, he assumed she couldn’t either.

He climbed the bank and turned to grab Emma’s arm and help her out of the water. Nathan did a double take as he noticed Emma’s hair fall back softly around her shoulders. Not a single drop of water dripped from her body. She was completely dry. As a matter of fact, so was he.

Umm, Nathan said, stammering, isn’t water supposed to be wet?

Emma looked herself up and down, patting at her hair and her robe. She touched her face and arms. She looked up at Nathan with surprise. I’m not even damp. The water didn’t make me wet, just like the dirt didn’t make me dirty.

This is so bizarre. How did you know we could breathe underwater?

When you pulled me in, I didn’t have the chance to take a breath. I panicked and gulped some water…and then I realized that I was breathing…just as if I had gulped air.

I thought I had drowned you…

It seems that in this place, it’s not even possible to drown. Emma bent down to the water, cupping some in her hands. She let it flow between her fingers and cascade back to the river. She clapped her hands together. There were no drops of water left on her hands. The water has a strange feeling to it—if you can call it a ‘feeling’—almost as if it has lost its wetness. She plunged her hand into the water and rubbed her fingers together.

Nathan cupped some water in his hands and brought it to his mouth. He drank it in. Drops of water fell from his hands and simply rolled off his arms, robe, and into the ground.

This water tastes amazing, too, he said. It has a flavor to it I can’t identify. Not tasteless, but refreshing and cool. Almost like, I don’t know, a mint of some kind.

Emma mimicked Nathan, dipping her hands into the water and drinking deeply. You’re right, Nate. This is scrummy!

The only thing it didn’t do is quench my thirst. Because even after all that time sitting and then moving underwater, I wasn’t thirsty, or even tired.

No, me either. Emma plunked down in the grass, then fell backward, using her hands to throw her hair behind her. Her hair splayed out on the ground, looking like it did underwater. She stared at the bright blue sky.

Nathan looked at her, but he was distracted by movement out of the corner of his eye. He wrenched his neck, and gulped hard, as emotion tried to well up inside him. Emma, who stared at him, sat up quickly and turned to look in the same direction as him.

Facing them, almost close enough to breathe on them, was a row of wolves, some imposingly large, others relatively small. They bared their teeth almost in unison—a strange expression. Then several of them moved around so that they were surrounded. Their dream had just become a nightmare.

CHAPTER 3

WOLVES & LAMBS

Nathan sized up the situation. He spoke through gritted teeth, trying not to move. Emma, back up slowly and jump in the water. Swim away as quickly as you can. I’ll buy you some time.

Emma slowly slunk away, as Nathan steeled himself for the fight of his life.

Before he could react, two wolves pounced at once. He heard the splash of Emma behind him, but he could not turn in time to see her; he hoped she had escaped.

The wolves were muscular and heavy, and he found himself unable to lift them off his body. He waited for them to extend their claws and bite down on him with their teeth.

The wolves began pawing at him, almost as if they were toying with him. Their tongues hung limply from their mouths. Nathan almost felt offended, wishing they’d just do away with him rather than making sport of him before their meal.

One of the wolves got right in his face. Its large, gleaming eyes looked directly into his. His only thought was how beautiful and deep they looked. The wolf pulled its face back and opened its mouth wide. A large pink tongue flicked from its mouth and it licked him in the face; it was like wet sandpaper sliding along his skin—it tickled. The other wolf followed suit, pawing and licking him.

The one wolf reared back, raising its front paws off Nathan. It then slammed them down on the ground beside him. The wolf bounded from side to side, over top of him, playing leapfrog. The other wolf jumped off Nathan as well and began spinning around. It looked like they were trying to play a game together.

Without the burden of the wolves pressing down on him, Nathan was able to slowly stand up. The two wolves, several more joining in, leapt and pounced on the ground, dancing and twirling in circles. Nathan skulked away.

Another wolf pounced from the side and hit him with two soft, cottony paws. He stumbled due to