Hero’s Curse

By Chris Cerchio

Struggle of power between once bestfriends. The two find themselves caught in the middle of the longest war in existence between Heaven and Hell. Gabriel and Hadriel will decide the fate not just for themselves but of the entire Mortal Realm. Follow Gabriel in his journey to find out if his gifts are in-fact curses set upon him or the greatest gifts given.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728339603

Chris Cerchio

Numerous years in creative writing, I always found that a person should be able to get lost into the story while reading. The characters should touch a part of each reader and character growth should be part of the journey. Not just for the story characters’ themselves but the reader as well.

Book preview

PRELUDE

As Gabriel took his last and final ounce of willpower, he picked up his sword and struck down Hadriel. The heavens were in peace and the hells were in mayhem. The endless war finally ended and Gabriel got his final gift from God. Stripped from his powers Gabriel could live on with free will in the mortal realm and he never has to worry about the past he left behind. Nevertheless, the hells could not let the heavens win. Knowing that Gabriel is now powerless, they soon started planning a revolt against the heavens and without Gabriel, heaven shall fall.

Years have passed since the war. Thousands of souls have been lost in what it seemed to be a never-ending battle. Their cries can still be heard through the lands and a feeling of death taints the air. Nightmares of blood haunt the souls of the living causing disaster in their very own selves. It has been years since Gabriel, the leader of the archangels and the most dominant angel defended the High Heavens.

Chapter 1

THE PAST

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T he moon shines brightly in the sky as if it is on fire, radiating from behind the cold lifeless mist that shields it. Looking up at it is a young man, not a day older than nine. A sparkle in his eye shines as he stares into the brightness of the moon amazed by its unbelievable beauty. The boy then looks down onto the ground and whispers as he takes a breath.

From the gift of him, they shall be reborn. The boy then looks back up and breaths heavily as if he is nervous. Clenching his fists, he uneasily turns his back on the beautiful sight and walks down the path. Walking back to town he knew he was in trouble. No one is permitted out further than the boundaries of town past a certain time, especially a kid such as him. However, the boy does not heed caution. He has always been told about a prophecy of how his friend and himself shall be the two great warriors that will one day be the ones to decide the outcome of the final battle. His friend Hadriel thought the prophecy was amazing. Hadriel loves the fact that he gets attention from everyone. However, unlike his friend, Gabriel hates the feeling that he too will get attention. In fact, the both of them are getting more attention than ever. Training every day, consistently looked at, and never a moments peace.

When Gabriel finally got back into town, a voice was heard screaming.

Gabriel rushed over and immediately dropped to his knees. His heart felt as heavy as a boulder; even in the cold night air, his body began to sweat. Hardly being able to breath, Gabriel got a word out that sounded more like a sobbing cat.

Mom, Please. Gabriel’s father came running out. His father is the general of the Angelic army. He stood tall, proud, and never nervous. He looked down upon his wife and simply closed his eyes and a tear fell. Gabriel then looked at him. Dad is she… Before Gabriel could finish his sentence an explosion was heard and fire lit the sky.

Gabriel, get in the house! His father ordered him to hide. Demons are terrorizing the great city of the high heavens. What once had sky high golden buildings, now had fire and brimstone. Gabriel’s father summoned the entire Angelic Army with one war cry and on they went.

Gabriel! a little boys voice was heard through all the medal of swords clashing. Out from the smoke came Hadriel, the best friend of Gabriel. We have to get inside. Gabriel kept staring at his mothers’ lifeless body. Gabe. Another shadow came from the smoke. This time it was not a friendly shape. A mongrel demon came rushing at the two boys. Gabriel we have to run! Hadriel crying out tried to drag Gabriel, but he couldn’t’t.

They killed my mother. Gabriels’ eyes filled with a white cloudy color, almost as smoke filled his eyes waiting for the demon to get closer. Revenge will be mine. Gabriel started to charge towards the demon and in an instant heartbeat, Gabriel flipped over the mongrel. Gabriel then charged towards the demon dog again, but this time jumped on his back. Gabriel eyes intensified with the white smoke color as he grabbed the demons head. With all the power he had he twisted the mongrels’ neck until the demonic beast collapsed.

Gabriel. Can we please go inside now? Hadriel took his friends hand and started walking towards the house door. A vibration in the ground was felt. When the two turned around, a massive grotesque demon was behind them. This demon resembled pieces of bodies woven together. Gabriel’s eyes lost the cloudy smoke coloring and nearly collapsed to the ground. Gabriel!

As the demon started to slam his arm towards them, an entire horde of Angels came and took the beast down with ease. Out from behind the horde of Angels, Michael, Gabriel’s father, came out in front. Gabriel. I told you to go inside! I can’t lose two of the most important people to me in the same night. Michael picked Gabriel up and carried him inside. The army took Gabriel’s mother to the burial chambers.

Years went by since the battle. Hadriel and Gabriel grew older and they found themselves becoming stronger than all the other angels around them. They can feel this surge of power flow through their veins as if they always have adrenaline in them. Over the years another battle started, Michael and Hadriels father, Demetrious, are never around while a war is going on. However, it was always harder on Hadriel than Gabriel. Hadriel never knew his mother; she died giving birth to him. Whenever their fathers went away to battle, he was always alone. Nevertheless, he says that being alone is what made him strong. Gabriel knew different. He could see every day that Hadriel is always in a tormented state when his father was not around.

Over the years, the friends’ appearances changed greatly. Hadriel loves the black sleek look of armor so much that he constantly wore it; it is as if the armor was fused to his skin. His hair is longer, more blonde and pushed back, skin was light along with fantastic muscle striations along with a scar on his left cheek that he acquired while training during sword combat. Gabriel’s appearance is considerably different. His armor is white with gold trimming, short dark hair, skin is a bit tanner and the only scars he has are the ones that he acquired when being reprimanded for disobeying orders. The only possessions that they have in common are their wings. Archangels’ wings are different from those of regular Angels. Their wings are rock-solid, colossal, and steel like wings. The only variance between their wings is that Hadriel constantly displays his and Gabriel barely ever does.

Years passed and Gabriel met someone, Angela. She has long vibrant red hair and is the daughter of a soldier that is led by Gabriel’s father. She too is an Archangel; however, her exquisiteness and elegance presents her as being a compassionate creature.

So Gabriel, it’s been what four years that you and Angela have been seeing each other and yet no ring? What’s that about man? Hadriel jokingly said as they were training.

Ring? Oh, definitely soon but, not yet. Perhaps when my father returns. Gabriel uneasily answers as his breath was almost gone. He wants to wed Angela, but it does not seem right unless his father is by him.

What are you hotshot boys up to? Angela stands in front of the sun radiating her beauty towards them. Hadriel, you wouldn’t be trying to hurt my little boy, would you? Angela leaps into Gabriel arms and instantaneously starts to kiss him.

Awe how cute, she called you a little boy. Hadriel left the two of them alone. Gabriel and Angela sit down and started to talk. Hadriel yells from the distance. I’m going to go barf now!

Gabriel looks unamused by Hadriel antics. So what do I owe to this surprise visit babe? Angela glared into his eyes, leaped up, and did a twirl. A little energetic are we?

You see Gabriel, baby, love, darling! I got good news from my dad. The battle is over. They will be home by nightfall, just thought you would like to know Gabriel. Angela sat back beside Gabriel. Uh, aren’t you thrilled? Did you not comprehend what I just said? Gabriel was beyond joyful and he knew that this was the moment.

Angela, I wanted to wait for my father to be home for this but, maybe this would be a good welcome home gift. Gabriel then stood up and took Angela by the hand. Angela’s’ face turned red. Gabriel then took out a ring that belonged to his mother. "Angela, the moment I saw you, I thought you were the most sarcastic annoying person ever. You were beyond energetic and you always went for what you wanted. Somewhere down the line I realized that you are the most beautiful and caring person