Ascending: Death and Beginnings

By Jazden Mun-Rowe

For some, everything happens for a reason. A tragic childhood left Darcy Sabado a lost soul. After missing the opportunity for closure, she is determined to find a new life. Questions of religion have always steered her away from believing, until a fateful encounter with a guardian angel brings earth shattering revelations. What if all the supernatural beings in religions and mythologies are misconceptions? What if the theory on the history of man is wrong? In every myth, there must be some truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Jul 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9780228829942

Jazden Mun-Rowe

JAZDEN is a retired Paramedic and First Aid Instructor of 24 years. She considers herself blessed to have experienced a wide range of occupations, starting out as a fashion and fitness model, to acting in theatre and dabbling in independent film. She is a globetrotter with a passion for archeology, theology, fashion and food. When at home, she's busy designing fashion, cooking, chilling with her dogs, spending time with her hubby, and her newest passion, writing.

Book preview

Ascending

Death

and

Beginnings

Jazden Mun-Rowe

Ascending

Copyright © 2020 by Jazden Mun-Rowe

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Tellwell Talent

www.tellwell.ca

ISBN

978-0-2288-2993-5 (Hardcover)

978-0-2288-2992-8 (Paperback)

978-0-2288-2994-2 (eBook)

I dedicate this to Jeanne Hall for giving me the best motivation speeches on why to keep writing.

Thank you.

I miss you daily.

CHAPTERS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

PRELUDE

The origins of humans according to ancient Sumerian texts state that the Sumer thrived in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 4500 BCE. Sumerians created an advanced civilization with elaborate language, writing, architecture, arts, mathematics, astronomy and a complex religious system of deities called Anunna or Annunaki. The name Anunna means ‘those of royal blood’ or ‘offspring of An’.

An, (Sumerian for heaven) being the chief god, was the father of Enki and Enlil, who became the main god in the Sumerian pantheon. The Sumerians believed that until Enlil was born, heaven and earth were inseparable. Enlil cleaved heaven earth into two, then carried away the earth, while his father An, carried away the sky.

Ninhursag, aka Inanna, is a Sumerian Mother Goddess, one of the oldest, and most important in the Mesopotamian Pantheon. She was the principal fertility goddess and consort of Enki, the brother of Enlil, who was killed by two other gods. She is also known as Makh, Mamma and Belet-ili, meaning queen of the gods.

The Archangel Michael can be traced back to 1600 BCE (1000 years before being mentioned in Judaism) in Phoenician and Akkadian cultures as a warlike deity called Mikal, an Akkadian word for ‘red’, aka Mars, which the Sumerian god Nergal (with whom Mikal was syncretized) and later, the Babylonian god Marduk were linked to.

The Sumerian creation myth found on a tablet in Nippur, an ancient Mesopotamian city founded in 5000 BCE, claims that in the beginning, human-like gods called Anu ruled the Earth, which was called ‘Ki’ in Sumerian. There was much work to be done to make it habitable, including mining for minerals, and the gods mutinied against their labour. An agreed that their labour was too great and had his son Enki create man to bear it. This first man, Adamo, was created in Eden, a Sumerian word meaning ‘flat terrain’, located in Mesopotamia. Initially, humans were unable to reproduce, but were later modified. Opinions vary on the similarities between this creation story and the much later, biblical story of Adam and Eve.

God, defined as: 1) A supreme being. 2) A supernatural being. 3) A figure or image. 4) Something that dominates. 5) Someone that is admired. 6) An expression of strong feeling.

Angel, defined as: 1) A heavenly being. 2) A depiction of a white-robed human with wings. 3) A kind person. 4) A guardian or guide. 5) The lowest rank in the celestial hierarchy.

PROLOGUE

^Babylon, Mesopotamia (Modern Day - Iraq), 1772 BCE

The sun sat low on the horizon as MIKAL stood on top of a seven layered Ziggurat. Heavily adorned with golden clips, his strawberry-blonde hair and full beard touched his sternum. He walked across the flat top, which was made of fired bricks glazed in bright colours and organized to create intricate patterns. He peered over the edge to observe the sprawling mud-brick buildings of the surrounding city. As Commander-in-Chief, it wasn’t unusual for him to take the highest position for an overview of the city, he loyally protected. He cupped his hands behind his back and the multitude of gold that adorned his long tunic, to the jewellery that embellished his wrists, softly rattled. Accustomed to it, he never heard it as his mulled over his newest orders, along with the possible aftermath.

INANNA joined him. She matched his illusion of being 35 years old, an age considered elderly, when the average life expectancy was under 30. Dressed in a bright coloured robe with a matching sarband on her head, she ran her fingers down a long tendril of black hair that framed her face. She admired how superb Mikal looked in the accustomed tunic and loose fitted pants, called shalvar. I knew I’d find you here, she said in the local Sumerian-Akkadian dialect, though her syntax was highly advanced to that of the local acuity.

"Silimma hemeen, my Anu," he replied, attentive to address her by title.

You have that insightful expression of a planning General, she teased and patted his arm.

I have always welcomed your wisdom, some, I could use now. Hammurabi is a good ruler, the prospering of this empire shows that, but he is human. There’s still much to do here and much that requires a military might.

True, but Enlil wants to leave our creations to see what they do on their own.

And what of Shiva, Atum and Jove? If we leave, they’ll conquer. The draw for the minerals of this world is immense. They’ve no care for the life we’ve designed to thrive upon it.

Enlil has ordered that they too, must leave.

Mikal sighed in frustration. He always wore his truth on his sleeve. I await the day when our technology is no longer ordered to be concealed and we’re seen not as Gods, but the advanced, governing species we truly are. He frowned and affectionately explored, And on that my favourite Anu, why are you here?

I wanted to take one last look. Once we leave, I fear time will erase the architectural and cultural influence we’ve gifted. She sighed, positive the same fate awaited Kemet, which present man relabelled as the Minoans. The things we’ve taught them, may only survive in fragments. When we return there will be much to see—for both of us.

And has that been determined?

No. The Council of Nine is disbanded, and this universe is soon to be banned. We go elsewhere. We will only return here with orders to observe. No contact. No interventions.

CHAPTER 1

^Banff, Alberta, Canada, March 10

As the medical helicopter gained speed, DARCY SABADO placed her foot against the frame of the empty stretcher that was secured to the floor. She rested a clipboard on her raised knee and she listened closely as dispatch spoke from within her helmet, via her headset.

Command centre with details, said a man’s voice. Radio contact is fading. LZ (Landing Zone) is marked at eastern gateway to Bow Valley Parkway and Trans-Canada highway. Please confirm ETA (estimated time of arrival). Wilco.

Without even looking, Darcy cupped the controller that was clipped to her Kevlar vest. She pressed a button and replied, Air Med One, our ETA—she glanced over her shoulder into the cockpit as one of the pilots held his hand in the air with two fingers extended— is 20. Heading to LZ at Bow Valley Parkway and Trans-Canada. Over.

Command Centre. Correct. ETA is 20. Notifying ground. Roger. Waiting for update. Out.

Darcy held the controller on the communication cable and adjusted her mic to an internal setting, which was for crew only. She then returned to the clipboard.

MARCUS LANGE leaned his wide frame over the side of the stretcher and quizzed, Still sure you want this to be your last day? You’ll miss all this.

Is that your way of saying you’re going to miss me?

Probably. The only person who looks better than me in a uniform is you, sunshine.

We’ve made one hell of a team for the last 24 years.

Yeah. You leaving, is a loss to me and air rescue. You’re too young to retire.

Darcy met his stare. I’ll miss you. True, but I’m the perfect age to do something new.

***

Once the helicopter touched down on the highway, Darcy and Marcus exited out the side door. Without saying a word, they worked in unison, organizing packs of supplies and equipment.

A vigorous 25-year-old man ran to them. He adjusted the yellow vest that identified him as a police volunteer, then cheered, Boy, I’m glad to see you guys!

Marcus was the first to greet him, Yeah, we get that a lot.

Well, if I was ever hurt, you’d be the people I’d be wishing for, he praised.

Darcy frowned and criticized, That’s something you shouldn’t wish for. If you see us, it means you’re so damaged that you won’t survive a trip by ground.

Shit. I never thought about it that way before.

Obviously, she retorted, then withdrew an IV pole from a cubbyhole.

Marcus leaned into Darcy and stated, You sure know how to deflate a welcoming party.

Darcy rolled her eyes, while she handed him the IV pole. She donned her medical pack and headed off to do the patient assessments as Marcus prepped the stretcher.

***

Darcy entered an ambulance through the open back doors. Greeted by a sickly-sweet odour of burnt flesh, she remained deadpan as the attending Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) stared at her with wide eyes. On the brink of vomiting, he prayed to be relieved of duty, while Darcy calmly eyed the child that was on the stretcher, covered in burn dressings. What do we know thus far? she asked. She noted how the fog of her exhales could be seen through the plastic oxygen mask that was over her nose and mouth. If you’re screamin’, you’re breathin’, she mused. It was one of a plethora of idioms and acronyms she had memorized.

Broken between mouth breaths, he said, "Eight-year-old female. Based on the rule of nines, over 75 percent is third-degree." He handed Darcy the patient care report (PCR).

Good job. If you want to step out and catch your breath, go.

Thanks. I’ll wait at the back. Relieved, he leapt to his feet, then exited out the side door.

Darcy scanned the PCR and noted the child’s name. She leaned over into her sightline, so that she didn’t move and eased, Hello, Victoria. My name is Darcy. I’m here to help you.

Hurt, she whispered, then whimpered in pain.

I’ll give you something that’ll help. Next, I need to get you ready to fly. She withdrew a vial from the clip on her belt. Have you ever been in a helicopter? It’s pretty cool.

CHAPTER 2

^New York City, New York, USA, March 11

TILLY CAMORRA looked out of place in sweats and a t-shirt as she stood before the grand staircase in the foyer of her ocean-front mansion. She eyed the walls that were covered in expensive art pieces. This isn’t enough to satisfy me anymore, she said. Her worldliness had softened the phonology of her New Yorker accent, meanwhile the expressions and streetwise catchphrases had come back upon returning to the city of her birth. She ran her fingers through her short, unkempt hair, while she eyed the duffle bag and backpack that sat on the floor. And all I need to survive fits in two bags, she grumbled, unreal.

A man entered through the front door. His massive frame filled the entrance. His skin was over tanned and his hair was slicked back with too much product. He straightened his expensive suit, then leaned against the wall and asked, What’s up, boss? He eyed her attire, while he spun one of the several rings that adorned his fat fingers. You goin’ on a trip?

I’m checkin’ out.

The man scowled. What? Goin’ where?

Tilly grinned. There was no reason to lie anymore. To get my life back, she declared, before donning the backpack. It’s all or nothin’, and nothin’s where I’ll start from, again.

If dis is to kick the habits, dere’s a place I know t—

Tilly raised her hand to halt his reply and stated, I’ve got a place already, thanks. She grinned, impressed by how he always had her back. You’ve been a good soldier, Marco. You deserve more than you’ve gotten in the past. She shouldered the duffle bag, then pointed at him and advised, Don’t ever let anyone tell you different. You’re the new boss now. She gave the room one last shufti. All of this is now yours, she ordered, before walking out the door.

—for real? Marco didn’t believe her. He stayed on her heels and followed Tilly to the stoop. Does dat include the Bentley, boss?! he joked.

Tilly was blunt. Yup. She opened the trunk of a Ferrari 488 GTB and tossed in the duffle bag. With the eight cubic feet of storage space, she struggled to fit in the backpack but after a good shove, she was finally able to close the trunk. All the cars are now yours. You can pick this one up at the airport. She took a seat behind the steering wheel, then started the engine.

Marco banged his meaty knuckles against the passenger door window.

Tilly lowered it and stared at him.

Marco rested his heavy frame against the passenger door. He leaned into the cabin and quizzed, Ah … you been drinkin’ this mornin’, boss?

Tilly smiled. If it was a typical day, the answer would’ve been a resounding yes. She shook her head and ruled, Not anymore, Marco. All this money and power means nothin’, once you figure out what really matters. Before putting the car into drive, she looked back at Marco and gave a warm farewell, Take care of yourself.

Tilly took one last drive through the city before heading to the airport, where under an alias, she got on a plane, on route to changing her life.

CHAPTER 3

^Gratz, Austria, March 12

It was after midnight, when a curtain of clouds swallowed the heavens with the threat of rain. SILKE COFFS walked slowly down a back alley. She tucked her unkempt hair behind her ears, while the rest draped to her hips. She hid her hands inside the stretched-out sleeves of her tattered sweater, which matched her worn out, dirty jeans.

You shouldn’t be out here at this hour, grumbled DANEL. He grimaced with ever step. With his straggly hair, overgrown beard and clothes in deep need of replacement, he looked close to a rough 60 years old. It’s dangerous at night. I thought you were staying at the hostel.

Not tonight, she said in broken English, I stay, help you.

With what, rummaging through trash? Though your help’s been great, you need to get off the streets. This is no future. He gave her a long stare before he added, Your English is better.

Silke was flattered. Because of you, she replied, then took his arm to give aid.

We’ve become family in the last six months. His faced warmed. But you can’t stay here.

Neither you. Feels good, be needed. I stay with you.

Danel looked away. The brown in his eyes briefly glowed blue. Not possible, it’s time. His eyes returned to normal as he faced her and ordered, I need you to go to England.

What?

To London. He drew an envelope from his pocket, then handed it to her. To this address.

Silke accepted the envelope. Why?

Because you’re ready. Do you trust me?

Yes.

Then get to London. He turned and stepped out into the street, where a speeding car struck him. Within seconds he slid across the hood and slammed into the windshield.

***

OFFICER RODA looked around at the dingy common area of the shelter. He adjusted his suit jacket and eyed the peeled wallpaper. The building was already ancient when he had joined the force, 20 years prior. He couldn’t believe it was still standing. He turned his attention to Silke as she took a seat on a worn out couch that had several spots of patchwork. He stood before the coffee table that divided them. It was no better for wear, being held up with a stack of bricks. Hello, Silke, he greeted in his native Austro-Bavarian. How have you been?

Silke shrugged, while keeping her gaze to the floor.

You were hard to find, no police record, no complaints.

I don’t bother people, she responded in his native tongue.

Roda had expected her to reply in Native German and praised, You’re Bavarian is superb.

Thank you.

Roda crossed his arms and studied her. You’re like a ghost.

Silke kept ger gaze to the floor. Lots of practice.

Roda sighed. No doubt. I know you’ve been orphaned since you were two. You’ve been in too many foster homes. The charges of physical abuse at the last one, were proven true.

Silke briefly met his gaze. It wasn’t just the one. She dropped her gaze back to the floor.

I won’t criticize your choice to run. He looked around at the room and sighed. All the addicts and menaces, you don’t belong here. "That was a long time ago, your feet must be tired."

Abashed, Silke slowly exhaled, then nodded. 45 years, and I’m still a homeless misfit.

Well, that’s about to change. I’ve good news.

Silke was alarmed and stared at him. That’s never good.

Danel was a wealthy man. He chose to live on the streets. He scanned the room and mumbled, For whatever reason. He frowned, foxed by the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Danel’s body from the morgue. He willed everything to you.

^London, England, United Kingdom, July 10

Silke was seated on a couch in spacious flat. Her face was brightened with makeup. Her hair freshly cut in a stylish pixie. She stared at a letter that had been inside the envelope from Danel, now with tattered edges from being excessively handled. Her attention was captured by a newscast on a TV that was across the room. There it is! she cheered in German. She picked up a remote and turned up the volume as the video footage of a car accident at a busy intersection played on. She eyed how the sidewalks had been filled with onlookers, while uniformed personnel responded. I don’t remember seeing all those people …

Here’s an update, spoke the broadcaster, the investigation of the horrific three-car collision, which occurred April 1, is still ongoing… The footage zoomed in on the extensive damage of the vehicles involved. With the unknown female passenger of the cab still unaccounted for…

Silke grinned and shut off the TV. She melted into the couch, then looked out a wall of windows. The sound of the rain outside filled the flat. Things are totally different now …

The front door opened and Mikal entered. His strawberry-blonde hair was collar length, fitting the current trends, including his fitted shirt and grey slacks. The weather wonders of England, he announced. There were undertones of Aramaic and Hebrew in his speech. He dropped his umbrella in a pail by the door. It’s been two centuries since I’ve stood in the rain. He removed his soaked coat, then hung it in the closet. I forgot how wonderful it is.

Silke feared the briefness of his meeting was a bad sign. Love the sound, she said in broken English. She sat on her hands as Mikal sat on a chair beside her. So?

Mikal leaned back. He enjoyed a chance to rest. I’ve answered all I can. He knew it wasn’t what she wanted to hear and added, For right now. Your orders are to go to Canada.

Silke sat upright. Canada! By myself?!

I knew you’d say that. He stretched out his long legs, then crossed one foot over the other. No, I’ll be with you. We’re heading to Toronto to meet with others.

Relieved, Silke flopped back on the couch. "Gott sei Dank!"

There’s a woman of great importance. She’ll be forever a part of your new life.

Silke’s mind filled with the promise of family.

Mikal watched her face flood with bliss. You’re such a romantic, definitely not a Dominion. But first, I have a meeting in Rome and you’ve lessons to complete. He eyed Silke’s distorted reflection in the blankness of the TV screen. How are you doing with your control? He pointed to the screen and drew her attention to it.

Silke concentrated on her blurred reflection and it became defined. I practice lots.

Mikal was impressed. "That’s good. You must stay aware of it. We must stay undetected."

Yes. She was attentive to the rules she’d agreed to follow. She utilized her newly acquired skill to see one’s life-force and studied the red aura that always encircled him.

You see my truth.

Yes. You, always red.

"As are all Dominions. It explains man’s analysis that it’s the colour of war and fury. Long ago, when we could show more of our true selves, we were branded as the soldiers of the gods. Explain to me why are you now able to see the true self of all lifeforms?"

DNA.

Mikal rested his elbow on the arm of the chair. He stroked his chin with his fingers and studied her, before continuing the discussion in German, Tell me about DNA.

Having witnessed him speak seven languages, she was amazed by his linguistics. She smiled, then replied in German, Is there any language you don’t speak?

Not on this planet. He grinned. Remember, I’m really, really old. Now back to DNA.

"Man uses five percent of the DNA within their genes. The undecipherable DNA, which is referred to as junk DNA, is actually, the most powerful storage device in the universe. It is key to the transference of the soul. Designed by the Anunna, it remains solely under their control."

Yes, it does. He was pleased by the progress of her studies. Governing when and what parts to activate of the genetic code, therefore, maintaining control of mankind’s progression.

And, that is how I’ve acquired a vision of auras, allowing me to see the truth.

Exactly. He sunk into the chair. "You’re DNA has been partially altered. The remaining changes are postponed until completion of your lessons. That, takes us to Canada and your new mission. His irises flickered with hues of red as he eagerly added, Most important, you may witness something extraordinary."

Extraordinary?

Yes, something none of us may ever see again.

CHAPTER 4

^Rome, Italy, July 11

Dressed in a sundress, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, ANJALI sat on a bench and bathed in the sunshine. She crossed her long legs, while she eyed the groomed gardens that were walled by the city’s ancient architecture. This is the one thing I miss, she muttered. Her attention was captured by a group of men playing football in the distance and she added, Men, I stand corrected. Upon spotting Mikal, she stood. Mister perfection, all sun kissed and alluring …

Dressed in jeans and a fitted t-shirt that flattered his athletic frame, Mikal walked towards her. His proud posture was eye-catching, ever elegant, yet natural.

Good morning, she greeted, while removing her shades. She bowed her head in respect, then flirted, I’ve always liked your hair longer.

Is that so? He grinned and motioned with his hand for her to sit.

Anjali sat with him following. "Yes. You’ve been busy. Those two cultures are mulish when compromising. Congratulations. Welcome back to the ever-problematic Ki."

Compromises steered by military execution, leave no room for arguments.

No doubt. She leaned back against the bench and stated with disappointment, That tone always implies, all business—no play. So, enlighten me with why we’re meeting.

Mikal grinned. "I have a Partial joining your mission. Her final death pending. You know an Anu will be present. Not since the fall of the Romans has this happened."

Anjali’s eyes were wide as she concurred, I know.

"Enlil hasn’t decided who but Inanna would fit, for there’s another first, the Fallen will be there." He knew Inanna had been key in swaying Enlil to consider a chance of redemption, something he didn’t believe any fallen angel was worthy of.

A fallen Dominion, plus a Partial-Aware? That’s precarious. As a Dominion, you know what she’s capable of. I was never associated with her. So, she’s a blank slate to me.

She’s powerless. He stretched out his legs, before crossing one foot over the other. However, whether fighting or rescuing, her instincts were precise. On the contrary, when following rules—her fall from grace.

"One that knows enough to be a problem. The other, not enough to deal with it. This sounds taxing. How much does this Partial know?"

She knows that the Anu were mistaken as Gods and us, Angels. He draped an arm over the back of the bench. She’s figured out that we unite all religions and civilizations.

That’s a good start, still a fallen Dominion isn’t something to play with. She’ll be blindsided. She should know to take caution.

Herein lies her weakness, she lacks the confidence to do anything. She’s too careful. She’ll never be a reliable messenger. She needs your guidance.

Anjali’s face brightened. Her DNA is a Retriever?

Yes. He grinned. I knew you’d like that. "Danel was assigned as her beginning, you’re assigned to the ending, that’s if she figures out how to work around the wrath of the Fallen. He winked at her, while he stated, Being that Retrievers are never used in a violent fashion."

Thank goodness. What about the other one? This transformation is a first.

As a potential Anu, that’s true, but don’t forget Noah.

Being born with altered DNA is not the same.

"No, but how Enlil altered him is the reason she has the DNA markers. Though he altered the entire species, she’s the last trace of Noah’s special, enhanced bloodline."

Anjali was intrigued. Noah’s altered DNA had laid dormant, passing from generation to generation, until now. Its too bad man didn’t understand what was happening with Noah.

At that time, how could they grasp the truth of the technology that was being employed? It’s understandable that it got construed as being Godly.

"Every time they’ve been granted genetic advancement, they take it as an act of God or Darwinism at play. She smirked and leaned into him, while she playfully mocked, Which in a roundabout way is correct but still annoying. She then sat back and critiqued, Did you hear their explanation for why they are the only Earthbound species that’s advanced? They’re calling it the big brain event."

In fact, twice, in the history of man, Enlil had activated genes that controlled the size and complexity of the human brain to promote evolution, which placed the humans far ahead of any other mammal. Of the many changes his intervention had produced, and recently