The Dead Syndicate: The Journal of the Archnemeis

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THE JOURNAL OF THE ARCHNEMEIS

My name is Clide. I was born an angel of Virtue and was a major participant in

the war in heaven. I was given an order by the Creator right beforehand to follow Lucifer

and Satan into hell. I was to report everything that I saw that could pose problems on

earth and heaven. Also, to make sure that no rebels escaped to wreak havoc in the world.

But my mission was compromised and things went wrong. My journal entries

below are a small account of what I faced the first few days after I was blessed by the

Father to take on this mission.

ENTRY 1

We fell for nine days. Falling into the depth of the unknown, into the darkness

created for those who committed treason against the Father, I watched so many lose their

grace and free will. Many of them I once called brother but now I wasn’t sure what to call

them anymore. So as not to think about it, I counted the days by the rise and fall of the

sun which I could still see at times.

Sometimes I couldn’t see well at all. The chasm that was opened by the hands of

Abaddon was filled with smoke and ash. At times, it cleared up enough for one to see

another rebel fall either alongside or past me. I spent much of my time falling on my

back; looking up at heaven and watching it get further away from my reach. I did my best

not to cry because if any of them saw me do this, they would have known that I was not

on their side as I had claimed to be.

Somewhere around the forth day, I was able to turn myself over and look down at

my impending fate. I could see the light from the fires of hell slowly approaching. Every

once in awhile I could make out a shape or two of a rebel who was trying desperately to



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try and stop their fall. The effort was always in vain. They did everything from try to fly

to grab on to the side of the chasm but nothing worked. The sad part in all this was that it

was only now when the end was at hand, did they realize the mistake they made.

I continued to fall, looking around to see if there was anyone that I recognized. A

few from my old order went past me, screaming at the top of their lungs for forgiveness.

One even busted into flames and went careening down to the bottom in a fiery ball. I

caught a mouthful of feathers as his wings singed right off his back.

But on the fif th day, that’s when I started to feel the effects of the sweltering heat

coming up from hell. Though the fires were still so far away, I could feel the intense heat

they were destined to become a part of my daily routine.

The heat also caused me to fly off course. I shouldn’t say fly because I really

wasn’t flying but that’s the only way to describe it. I began bouncing off the sides of the

chasms walls as we entered the earth’s solid foundation. The jagged rocks scraped and

cut away at my arms. My head struck the side of an outlet and I blacked out.

When I awoke, I found myself being held by a familiar face. Kane, the female

angel who fought alongside Lucifer and Satan, was holding me in her arms. To be

embraced by her upset me and I pushed her away. Naturally it was on instinct I did this.

But then I remembered the fall and why I was there. I quickly reached out and took her

hand, to reassure her only that I was still with them. She smiled at me and caressed my

face then let go of my hand when she realized that her weight was pulling her faster into

the earth’s core.



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It was right after that when I was seized at the back of the neck of the one

responsible for all this; Satan. He dug his nails into my neck and shook me before

spinning me around so we could look eye to eye.

He was hideous, nothing like his former self. Bat-like wings, horns, sharp canine

teeth and a tail with a spear like tip on the end. He punched me in the face and called me

a traitor. I was surprised by his words seeing as how I did take sides with him. But he

knew something wasn’t right about my performance and expelled his anger against me.

Michael’s prick from his spear had turned him into a demon like creature and he

blamed me for that. Lucifer didn’t get struck with such an awful image though his

punishment, being chained to a rock like island in the center of hell, wasn’t exactly a

change for the better.

Coming into the seventh day, after surviving endless bouts of abuse by the now

Lord of Darkness, he let me go and continued to fall on his own. At this point the smell

of sulfur, brimstone and ash had filled my nostrils. At times it was hard to breathe and

many of the rebels who fell past me were unconscious from lack of fresh air.

My collisions with the wall had become more frequent and I began to feel the

effect of losing so much blood. But through the intense heat waves I saw rebels falling

straight into the lake of fire and burning to death. I could hear their screams and pleas for

help but there was no use. I saw large winged creatures, not rebels, flying by and just

snatching rebels out of the air and bringing them into hell.

Kane and Satan were nowhere to be seen and it was likely that they had perished

just like so many around us. There was no way to stop from falling and the closer to the

bottom I got, the faster I fell.



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On day eight, when I was well into the core and hell was now just a day away, my

feathers began to singe. The intense heat made it impossible to breathe. I somehow was

able to turn my body over so that I was able to look up again. The sun was setting and

there were still more behind me falling. I felt something hard strike my back and I heard a

horrible snapping sound. It was only after my body struck the wall a second time that a

sharp pain shot through my back and I realized I broke my wing.

I began to spiral out of control toward the lake. I could feel chunks of hot

brimstone shooting out of it, hitting me in my lower back and elbows. I cried out in pain

and tried to keep from spiraling but I became so dizzy and weak that my body gave out

and everything went dark.

The bone in my wing snapped in half when I struck the ground. I cried out in

agony and rolled over onto my side. I dug my hands into the dirt and tried effortlessly to

push myself up but nothing happened. I recalled starting to shout out the words “Father,

please help me” but a scaly hand covered my mouth and turned me over slowly. I opened

my eyes and there it was; a creature about three feet tall. It had auburn skin and bright

emerald eyes that sparkled in the light. Long, almost talon like fingernails that grew from

its hand and it had a patch of long wet looking hair growing from the top of its head. Its

mouth filled with tiny fanged teeth and that’s what made him so menacing. It grumbled

something and from sheer weakness and exhaustion I blacked out again.

ENTRY 2

I woke up four days later. I found myself in a cave of some sort where a large

stone blocked the entrance. In the center of the cave was a fire burning bright and here

the air didn’t smell as humid or foul. First thing I did was attempt to move my wings. I



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could feel something sticky holding them together but the feathers did ruffle a little. The

pain in my back wasn’t as bad as before which meant they were healing. There was a

bitter sweet taste in my mouth and I rolled my tongue up against the roof of my mouth

and felt tiny beads of something. I put my finger in my mouth and scooped out a strange

black substance. I looked at the floor before me and there were pits from several different

fruits. Someone had been feeding me.

With my wings on the mend and my strength somewhat restored, I attempted to

get up. But when I did, the cave began to swim so I lay back down. Looking up at the

ceiling I could see strange marking all along it. There were no angelic symbols or

anything I recognized.

I heard a sound; feet shuffling across the ground. I quickly turned my head. I was

surprised to see the creature that had grabbed me when I landed looking over me. In its

arms, it had large fruits that it placed down next to me. It didn’t say anything at first; all it

did was stare at me. I rolled over on my side best as I could and took one of the fruits.

After taking a bite, the creature crossed its legs and sat down.

“Better you feel?” It asked a combination of soft and raspy tone.

“Yes,” I said. “Thank you.” I winced in pain then I asked him, “What are you?”

“Grathen,” It replied. “That’s name for me and my kind. I’m a demon.”

I was a little confused. “You are a Grathen or your name is Grathen?”

“Yes.” It replied then it pushed another fruit to me. “Eat, you need strength. Long

time you fell, long time you been sleep. I fix you; help your wing I tried. Not sure how

wing will heal. Kept you here from others out there.”

“Them who? The other angels?” I asked.



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“Them. . . . And her. Grathen not want to see angel hurt. Good angel not deserve

to be hurt,” It said.

Slowly I sat up, my wings felt heavier on my back. I finished the fruit I was eating

and then tossed the pit.

“What makes you think I’m a good angel? Do you even know why so many of us

are here?”

Grathen nodded then it walked over to me. It leaned in close and started to smell

me. I thought this was very odd behavior, especially since I had heard demons would

rather tear us apart than share space with us. But Grathen walked around me sniffing my

neck, my hair and arms. When it was done it stood back in front of me.

“Grathen can smell the good on you. Angel reeks of it. And aura, Grathen can see

angels’ aura. Grathen knows. That’s why Grathen bring angel here. Your mean leader has

hurt those who still cry for home even here. Grathen don’t want to see same happen to

you.”

Grathen turned and walked toward the cave entrance where a large boulder was. It

put its ear to it and listened. Then it walked back and smiled at me; a very endearing

smile. “Safe,” was all it said.

This was not the behavior I expected from a demon. I wasn’t sure if I could really

trust it. Its actions could have been so it could lull me into a false sense of security. So I

decided to keep my mouth shut about my mission. Grathen went back to the other side of

the cave and curled up into a corner. It tucked its ears in then went to sleep. I leaned back

and ate the fruit and surveyed my new home; thankful to be okay.



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ENTRY 3

Grathen awoke a short time later and put the rest of my food in a corner. It helped

me up and walked me in circles around the cave. I was surprised to find that my legs

were weaker than the rest of me and a few times I fell. But I made sure to fall face first to

keep from breaking my wings again.

Grathen had a strong grip and was quick to keep me from stumbling too much.

When it was sure I was able to walk well enough, it leaned me against the wall and

listened through the rock. I couldn’t hear a thing. When he was sure no one was on the

other side, it grabbed my wrist and the next thing I knew, we were on the other side of the

rock in a narrow passageway.

Grathen smiled at me. “Grathen is a teleport. Can go through anything,” It

scratched its head. “Almost anything Grathen thinks, but very good at teleport. Grathen

can’t teach you to do it. Angel must be born to do.”

Grathen walked pass me and motioned for me to follow. We started down the

passageway which led to an opening. Through it I could see a bright light that seemed to

flicker off the walls. It was also getting hotter and heat waves danced before me. When

we reached the opening, Grathen pulled me down to its level until I was on my knees. It

held up a single finger then teleported away. It was gone only a few seconds then it

reappeared with this sludge in its hands. Without any warning, it smeared it all over me. I

could feel it creeping all over my skin, covering me.

“Must hide your aura before we move on. Must look and smell like the others,” It

said.



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The pungent aroma made me feel queasy but after a moment I got used to it.

Grathen took my hand and we walked to the small wall in front of us. I looked over the

side and gasped.

It was a whole different word, made up of caves, lava pits and fire geysers.

Cascades of molten rock, brimstone and steams of sulfur mixed with the heat and I

started to cough. Demons flew by and then went straight down to what I thought was the

ground.

I saw a great chasm leading all the way down to a lake of fire. The lake exploded

and the fire and lava opened up and poured down another hole. Everywhere I looked

there were demons and rebels flying around while others fell off the sides of the walls on

levels below.

“There are nine levels to hell. Grathen brought you to two. No other angels are

here and very few demons come here. It was the only safe place Grathen could bring

you.” Grathen tapped me on the shoulder. “Will not take you to all but will take you to

where Grathen feels harm might come to you.”

Grathen turned and started back the way we came. I stayed for a moment and

looked up. I could see more creatures flying around and an even greater light. I couldn’t

see what it was so I leaned out further. Grathen grabbed me and dragged me behind it.

We walked through a maze of passageways that led down. The further away from

the pit of hell we got, the cooler it seemed to get. But that didn’t make the situation any

better. Beneath our feet was soft dirt and soot mixed with the relief of demons who had

passed through here. The foulness was so thick in the air I could almost taste it.



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I endured this until we reached a fork in the passageway. Grathen looked back

and pointed to its left and I followed it. We entered into a cavern that had more strange

writings and drawings on the wall. It looked like a drawing of a great battle with winged

creatures being slain by others and a great hand opening a mighty hole below them.

Grathen pointed to the left then followed the markings all the way around.

“History of the demon war against your father. Queen Syclewraith, like her father,

tried and failed. Unlike her father, she did not lose her life.” Grathen frowned. “They got

what they deserved.”

I was surprised at the tone it used; such resentment. I finished looking at the

drawing which looked so much like the fall of the rebels. Grathen tapped me and led me

out the cavern.

We went back to the fork then kept going to the right. We walked deeper through

the caverns and for a moment I thought the walls were closing in on us. But the further

down we went, I realized the space was smaller to accommodate demons like Grathen

who didn’t seem to have a problem walking through. We didn’t have to walk too long but

the closer we got to the end of the passage, I noticed the walls were black and burned. My

hand slipped off the wall and I wiped the black soot off my fingers.

“What is this?” I asked.

Grathen turned and placed a single finger over its mouth. When we got to the

mouth of the passageway, we stood before the opening of a large cave. The smell coming

out of it was disturbing. Grathen pulled me to the side so I wouldn’t be directly in the

way.



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“Must remember, always remember this. Never show care or emotion at anything

shocking. Ignore it. When we go in there, don’t be shocked by what you see. You must

not.” Grathen looked at me with a worried expression on its face.

“Okay,” I said then we moved on in.

In the center of the cavern was a pit surrounded by skulls and bones. Charred

remains of feathers and bodies covered other parts of the floor. We walked carefully by

them and as we did I saw feathers floating down from above. I looked up and there were

at least two dozen charred remains of rebels hanging upside down. I closed my eyes and

looked away, remembering not to make a sound. Grathen reached out and grabbed by

wrist and led me the rest of the way. When we stopped I opened my eyes and we were

standing right across from the pit. I could hear grumblings and hideous sounds coming

from inside. A bone flew out of the pit and landed at my feet. I didn’t flinch.

“This is the pit of two demons.” Grathen whispered. “One called Synge the other

Boogarus Mannen. Synge is the Queens pet.” Grathen looked at me. “Pure fire is essence

of demon here. Boogarus is a nightmare demon. Feeds on fear, that what makes it

bigger.”

“Which one of them ate the rebels?” I asked in a whisper.

Grathen motioned up with its eye. I looked up and there were two glowing eyes

looking down at me. I couldn’t see what kind of demon it was because it had blended in

with the ceiling.

“That a Grazer. It eats anything. Bone probably fell out of its mouth and into the

pit.” Grathen moved me back. “It only eat dead things that why it not attack us. But you

should worry about the two in there. Never come down here without me. Synge is fast



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and kills when he engulfs you in his flame. Boogarus can see into your worst thoughts. I

block that now but if you come alone, it will see into your head. They are minions of

Queen Syclewraith and might turn you over to her if you get caught. Come.”

Grathen led me out the opposite side of the cavern. I looked back and two eyes

surrounded by flame were looking back at me from the edge of the pit. I walked quicker

but Grathen stopped me and made me stand still. It looked back at the mouth of the pit

and saw the eyes too.

Suddenly, a pillar of fire shot up out of the pit. It started to fall in our direction

and before I could scream, we were back in my cave. Grathen picked up a fruit and

handed it to me.

“Rest. There is more later,” It said then Grathen laid down and went to sleep.



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ENTRY 4

Grathen woke me then teleported me to a place far from the others. We were

somewhere on the fifth level Grathen told me, in a great cavernous hall. It was so quiet

that it made me nervous. Light was provided by small rivers of lava flowing on both sides

of the hall and we kept to the center so we could see. When we reached the middle of the

hall, Grathen walked in front of me into a circle of stones. It picked up one, placed it in

the center at his feet then it backed up and rubbed its hands together.

Grathen then extended its arm, opened its hand and closed its eyes. From its hand

came a blue flame and it set the rock on fire. It exploded and swirled up into the air.

Grathen opened its eyes, closed its fingers in a little then opened them wide. The swirling

flame spun in the air and a vortex formed.

“This vortex breaks fabric of space and time. Can take you anywhere out of hell.”

Grathen made circles in the air with its hand and the vortex grew wider. Lightening

crackled through the event horizon then Grathen turned and looked at me. “Few demons

can do this. There are vortex caves all over. The only way you can get to the world

above. That’s how Grathen got you food. Only demons can use these, if you go through

you may be destroyed. But Grathen can take you with him. I must go through first then

you follow. But Grathen will teach you one day how to use it.” It turned and made a fist.

The vortex closed and disappeared.

Grathen started to walk away and I followed.

“Grathen, what are you?” I asked. “Are you…”

“Grathen is not female,” It said then it looked back at me. “What angels name?”

I smiled. “Clide.”



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Grathen smiled back at me then kept walking.

We walked to the end of the hall then through a small opening to another long

passageway that led up. It was through there we talked about the angelic orders and

where I served. Grathen was really taken by the angels. He told me he thought they were

the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen and had helped save him during the war

against the demon king. I told him I didn’t know that angels protected demons but

Grathen explained that it was a kind of “passing help.” One of the angels slew a demon

that was chasing him. Grathen tripped the demon causing it to lose its aim when it was

trying to throw a spear. The angel who saw it came after the demon and killed it when he

saw it running. The angel saw Grathen but let him go. Grathen has adored them ever

since. That was the reason it saved me.

I asked it why there were none of its kind left but it wouldn’t say. He got real

quiet and refused to say anymore to me on the subject. So we walked in silence until we

came out of the passageway on the forth level. A group of demons were together talking

in their language when they spotted us. They spread out and blocked the way. Grathen

froze and sized them up. They took a step forward then it stepped back. They said

something in a language I didn’t understand then charged at Grathen.

Grathen disappeared and reappeared, each time grabbing a demon and

disappearing with it. I heard screams of pain somewhere in the distance then Grathen

returned, covered in dirt. It brushed itself off then continued on ahead. When we reached

the passage way that led back to the cave, he stopped and turned to me. As quick as that,

it teleported away and left me all alone.



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ENTRY 5

I decided to do some exploring of my own. I found a side passageway that led

deep into the walls. I followed it until I reached an outlet overlooking a huge cave. I

couldn’t have been more than a couple of feet up from the ground but I could make out

that the entire floor was littered with bodies. I jumped down onto a clear patch of dirt and

started to walk around the corpses.

They were all piled on top of one another. I took a closer look at them and started

to notice they looked alike. Same kind of hands, feet and scales, even hair. I turned one

over and was shocked to see that it was Grathen. But then I looked at the one below it and

that one too looked like Grathen. They were all Grathen and they were all dead.

“When the angels fell we decided to try and help them all,” Grathen said from the

outlet above. “So many hurt so bad, so many in pain; so many saved from falling into the

Abyss and becoming food or slaves. So many not saved. But those Grathens’ saved made

Syclewraith mad.” Grathen teleported down to me and pointed to the corner. “I was over

there when the Malthasians came. The flesh eaters; they attacked us in our home and

killed them all. Even my parents.”

Grathen walked through the bodies and looked at all the faces.

“Grathen, Queen Syclewraith had your family killed for helping us? Why?” I

asked.

“Not all angels were like your leader. There was a promise made by him to

Syclewraith.” Grathen looked at me. “Grathen doesn’t know exactly what it was but it

didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to. Too many wanted to go back. Grathen’s could

make that happen. Queen Syclewraith would not risk it. Something very evil is brewing.



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Very, very evil.” It turned back to the bodies. “But all Grathen’s didn’t die. This Grathen

was smart and hid. Malthasian tried to attack me but I got in its head. Tricked it into

letting me go and I escaped.” Grathen lowered its head and growled. “Filthy Queen killed

my whole family. Grathen is all that’s left!”

Its ears folded and he looked at me with tear in its eyes. I felt pity on it and

walked over to comfort him. But I remember what it told me and I backed off. Instead I

reached over and pet it across the top of its head. Grathen cried.

“Grathen likes the good angels; the beautiful ones. Grathen hopes that you’re not

the last of your kind like Grathen is the last of his. Evil is angry at the fact that good is so

much stronger than it is. That’s why it fights so hard against it. But it always ends up a

one sided fight; good always prevails.”

I nodded and pet it again. Then we got busy burying the bodies of the Grathens.



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ENTRY 6

For the first time, the remaining rebels were called to gather at the Lake of Fire. I

told Grathen not to come with all that had happened to its kind. I didn’t want anyone to

hurt him.

On my way there I ran into Kane. She was happy to see me and gave me a hug.

“I thought you were gone like the others. Where have you been?” She asked me.

“Around and healing,” I said. “I don’t have time to talk to you. There’s a

meeting!” I tried to sound like I didn’t care but she’s too attracted to that side of me.

“I’m going too. Let’s go.” She took my hand.

She talked about the Great War and how she was impressed by my fighting skill. I

didn’t say much to her, hoping that would turn her away but it didn’t.

The lake shore was packed with rebels, more than I expected to see. Some of

them recognized me right away and whispered to the others who I was. Kane took great

pride in being next to me.

“Look at their faces! They’re jealous! I told them all that you and I were

together!” she said.

I yanked my hand from hers and gave her an ugly look. She smiled and walked

away. As she walked into the crowd, Satan flew over head to a roar of cheers. I moved

back into the crowd so he didn’t see me then I watched and listened.

From behind him came a rebel I knew named Quezal. He announced that after

several days of disorientation, we were all together. He, with Satan and Lucifer, had

spoken to one another and had decided that the time was here for them to begin forming a

new army and make preparations to take back heaven. The idea was to create what they



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called the Dead Syndicate which they considered themselves. Dead to the world they

once knew.

The Syndicate would consist of different armies which would help regulate hell

and be the main force to march into the sky, tear down the gates and march into heaven.

The plan would be to take heaven from all sides, starting from the back and making its

way to the front until they had taken back what is rightfully theirs. The crowd cheered

and applauded the idea. Quezal went on, saying they would hand pick the first seven of

their leaders. They would be named the Archnemesis’ and would not only command the

armies but aid in destroying the world our Father created by manipulating his newest

creation; man. The seven would be hand picked by them in a few hours so we would be

called back when they were ready to name them.

I knew this news could not wait. When everyone began to move, I snuck way.



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ENTRY 7

I found Grathen near the mouth of the Abyss looking down at the seventy million

forms of demons. I could see the anger on its face and from his body language it looked

like it wanted to go down there and pick a fight.

“Her reign is on level thirteen,” It said. “Surrounded by her pets and guards.

Grathen could never get to her. But one day he will try. Clide must never go in there for

the evil is too much for just one angel. Even Grathen won’t go in there unless it had to.”

It shook its head then stood. “Grathen never wants this evil to prevail,” It said.

I looked around. “Grathen, I need to talk to you someplace where we won’t be

bothered. Do you know of a. . . .”

Grathen took my wrist and teleported me back to the cave. I was so anxious I had

forgotten our hiding place. I told it everything; of my being a double agent. How I

switched sides at the last moment to trick Satan and the others into thinking I was on their

side. Then I told it of my secret assignment to follow Satan and Lucifer into hell, and to

be my Fathers eyes and ears in this place.

“The war is not over. It’s still going on and need to warn my Father of what

they’re planning.”

“But the rebels not match for your Father,” It said.

“I know Grathen but many good angels could get hurt because of the rebels. You

don’t want that,” I said. “I need to get to the world above so I can tell them what’s

happening. That’s part of my mission. You’re the only one that can get me out of here.”

Grathen looked at me and smiled. It agreed to help me but we had to be very

careful so no one caught on to what we were doing.



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It took me down to the ninth level and covered me with more dirt and some

crushed brimstone to prepare me for the vortex. It then took me back to the cave and told

me to rest and let the dirt settle while it look for the best place to leave out of.



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ENTRY 8

Satan cornered me just as I was coming out of the third level. Grathen, who was

normally very careful about standing up to other demons and certain rebels, had no

problem standing between us. Its arms folded and a scowl on its face. They stared at each

other for a moment Satan backed down.

“You might be fooling the others around here but you don’t fool me,” he sneered.

“That carefully orchestrated stunt you pulled during the fight may have gained you some

support but none from me.”

“I don’t have a clue to what you’re talking about,” I yelled. “You’re the cause of

all this! Thanks to you, I lost a place in line to becoming an archangel. I listen to you and

your stupid coup, thinking that if I did it I would get a higher rank! Now look at us!”

I could see other rebels looking and listening. They started to gather behind Satan

and watch us. I put my hand on Grathen’s shoulder and smiled. Satan grumbled and

moved closer to me.

“I’m waiting for the very moment you screw up so I can destroy you. You’re

worse than a true rebel; you’re a liar and a manipulator. Thank Lucifer for the fact that I

don’t kill you right now,” he bellowed.

“Touch him and you’ll be sorry!” Grathen said boldly.

Satan shot it a look. “And you. I know all about you. You’re just like him; a

double crossing traitor!”

Grathen lowered its ears. “Where have you been spending your days for you to

know about me?” It leaned over and sniffed. “You smell like the Abyss. Friendly with

something down there?”



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Satan reached out to seize it by the neck. Grathen grabbed his arm and teleported

him away from me. A moment later I heard a scream coming from the pit. The other

rebels ran to see what happened and Grathen teleported back before me. It had teleported

Satan to the middle of the pit and let him go. Caught off guard by the sudden lack of

ground. He went free falling in to the ninth level. Grathen cracked a smile and we

continued with a trip to the level between the first and the world above.

It was on this level Grathen took me around and showed me a large structure that

sat on a cliff over looking the lake of fire. It told me that the structure had been built to

imprison creatures that defied the Queen. All waited there until she decided how she

would dispose of them. Most died waiting; others went mad from the solitude. Grathen

took me around the back of it to where there was a pit with stairs spiraling down. We

walked all the way down, crouched into a room where a circle of stone lay.

Grathen extended its arm and open its palm to open another vortex. It looked at

me, wiped some of the dirt off my arm then threw it into the vortex.

“This vortex is safe for you if your signature is in it. You can pass through okay

and you might feel a little sting. But you will be fine,” It said.

I nodded and walked up to the swirling matter. I stuck my hand into it and I was

pulled violently into it. Everything around me moved extremely fast as I passed through

the earth. At some point everything went dark and something cold hit my face. I closed

my eyes and relaxed and just let myself go.

ENTRY 9

The vortex opened and I stepped out on the side of a mountain where the air was

crisp, clean and cold. Under a grey sky, the powerful wind that was blowing cut my skin



22

and the snow made it almost impossible for me to see. I arched my hand over my eyes.

Lowered my head and started to walk forward. The wet snow washed away all the grime

that Grathen had put on me to keep my aura hidden from the others. When the last of the

filth was off me, the wind died down and the sun came out. Before me a beautiful blanket

of fresh snow whose flakes sparkled in the light. Smiling, I turned around and there was

Michael, his wings folded back and his long black hair matted to his face which he

brushed back.

“Blessings to you; Father has been expecting you, come,” he said.

“Blessing unto you as well Archangel. The storm was your doing?” I asked.

“Father’s doing. You cannot enter heaven with any parts of hell on you. Now that

you are clean, we can move on,” he said then he spread his wings and flew up into the

sky.

I followed him. Along the way, other angels and Archangels surrounded us and

escorted me to the universe above. Once there, Michael presented me to Father and was

dismissed.

Father and I walked along the universe. I told him of the plot that Satan and

Lucifer had devised to create an army to fight against the angels. I also told him of

Lucifer’s back door theory, that the attack would not come from the front at the gates but

from around the sides and rear where there were few angels guarding heaven. Then I told

him of Grathen and how it has been my guide.

“Do you regard it as your friend this Demon?” Father asked me.

“It is, after all, a demon so I do not think of it as my friend; just my guide.” I

replied.



23

“But it saved you and hid you from danger. It has taken you to places that would

be a threat to you to prepare you for your time there. Sounds like this demons’ more like

a protector than anything,” Father said.

“Father, I could not seriously befriend this creature. Yet I pity it and in many

ways, also keep watch over it. Its whole kind was massacred by the Queen. This place is

as dangerous for him as it is for me,” I said.

Father stopped walking and looked at me. “Your alliance with it could do you

well and could be your undoing. Unlike the others, you have retained your free will and

therefore can make choices the others cannot. Whatever you decide, make sure it is in

the best interest of your mission and that is all I will say. Go now and I will see you in a

few days.”

Father leaned over and kissed my cheek then he passed his hand before my face

and I was back standing on the mountain where I found Michael and the other six

Archangels standing in a circle with their spears pointed at someone in the center. When I

approached I saw Grathen standing there hunched over, its big eyes wide with awe. It

looked from one angel to the other a smile on his face. Michael looked at me.

“This demon says it is with you.” He looked back at Grathen. “Does it lie?”

“No Michael. This is Grathen, my guide and sometime protector against the

hordes. It is going to get me back in.” I walked into the circle and scratched the top of its

head.

Raphael retracted his spear. “You have accepted him as your Agathodaimon?”

I looked at him. “My what?”

“Agathodaimon, it’s like a guardian. A good demon,” Michael said.



24

I shook my head. “It is just my guide and looks out for me sometimes while down

there.”

Michael walked up to Grathen and stared at it. Grathen stood as straight as it

could and smiled.

“I know you. I saw you the day of the battle,” Michael said. “You had that same

smile on your face then.” Michael looked at me. “This one likes angels. Watch yourself

Clide for as much as its heart might be in the right place, its desire to do right might hurt

you both.” Then he looked at Grathen. “Do not follow him here. You bring evil with you

and risk his cover.”

Grathen’s ears fell and it hunched back over. It nodded in agreement then turned

and opened the vortex. The wind picked up, sky went grey and the snow began to blow

across the face of the vortex. I looked at the Archangels, clasped my hands together and

bowed to them before I stepped into the vortex and went back into hell.



25

ENRTY 10

I found Grathen lying unconscious on the ground when I returned. I attempted to

wake it but it was no use. I started to pick it up when Beelzebub, Kane, Canus and Satan

all stepped into the chamber and surrounded me. Canus pointed out to the others that

there was an aura around me and that he had seen it before when Grathen and I came in

here. Satan automatically knew I had been home. He called me a traitor in front of

everyone then he order Beelzebub to seize me.

I put Grathen down and seized my staff. I extended it and got into a defensive

stance. I saw Kane smile and she became excited at the prospect of a fight. Canus took

his staff out too and rushed me. I knew it made no sense to hide who I was. I called upon

the strength of my Father and counterattacked Canus. He didn’t stand a chance against

me. Our staffs clashed but he was fueled by pride and anger. I took him down with

several quick and hard blows to his chest and back then I turned to face Beelzebub.

He too met with several critical blows about the face and chest. But Canus was up

before I was done so I was forced to turn and face him as well. I was caught between

them, my staff glowing with the power of the righteous and my hands were swift. The

cavern lit up with all the glory of Heaven and blinded their eyes whenever I turned and

faced them. They could not stand to look upon His power.

I could feel the good coursing through my veins and his power and might guiding

my hand. The end of my staff found Canus’ foot then his ankle and knee. I broke his

bones in four places, the last blow to the side of his hip. Then I turned on Beelzebub, the

staff was glowing bright white and I struck him hard on the collar. He screamed in pain



26

from me dislocating it and he fell to the ground. My back was to the others at that point.

It was my only error in the fight.

Satan snuck up behind me and seized me by my neck. I tried to wiggle free but

he dug his nails into my skin and I dropped my staff. I felt two burning sensations at the

back of my legs and then they went numb. Satan dropped me face first then kicked me

over, grabbed my by the throat and lifted me. From the corner of my eyes, I saw the spear

shaped end of his tail rise alongside me as he aimed at my ear. I realized that what he had

slashed me with. Now that I couldn’t run, he had me and he carried me out of the cavern.

He took both Grathen and me to the lake. Grathen had started to wake but they

kept it pinned down so it couldn’t escape. The rebels were gathered and I could see

Lucifer watching us from his island prison. Satan addressed the crowd, telling of my

double betrayal. I could see the hate in all of their eyes. He went on to announce that they

had discovered the identity of what was in the lake and that I was to be the first to be

given to it.

Grathen screamed and teleported from under their grips and over to me. It got

under me and tried to put me over its shoulder. It wanted to teleport me out but the rebels

were on us and seized it again. It teleported from their grip and placed itself on an outlet

above us.

Satan told them to ignore him and to prepare to throw me into the lake. I couldn’t

fight back because my legs didn’t work. Several of them seized me and dragged me to the

edge of lake. Kane walked over, caressed my face and kissed me. When she broke it she

reared her hand back and slapped me as hard as she could. Then Satan walked up to me,

and sneered that he never trusted me from the beginning. Once the thing in the lake got



27

through with me he said that I was to become the first Archnemesis in their army. I would

be in command of troops and be made to fight for their cause.

I told him that because Father was with me, I would never choose that path. Satan

smiled at me and sized me by my throat. He rose into the air and flew me over the center

of the lake. I could see Grathen watching us and Satan turned to him and screamed that if

he wanted to save me, all he had to do was teleport over and grab me.

I heard the jeers from the rebels and screams from something wicked below me

that had surfaced f rom the lake. I couldn’t see what it was but I could feel its hot breath

and evil eyes looking up at me. Satan laughed and flew higher to the ceiling of the

cavern. I tried to use my wings but he pierced my back with his tail and immobilized

them. Not since the great chasm opening to swallow the rebels had I been so afraid. I

closed my eyes and began to prey.

And I heard Father say to me do not be afraid, for what he graced me with shall

protect me. I began to cry and I begged him not to leave me. Father said that he would

never abandon me. No matter what happens, his love and understanding will remain true

to me.

I looked toward Grathen who looked as though it was going to come for me. I

tried to tell it no but I couldn’t. I felt Satan’s breath against my ear and he said that I

would serve him forever when I returned. I looked him deep in his eyes and said to him

that I only serve my Father and that if he thought that he was so powerful, he wouldn’t

have been reduced to an outcast whose name will forever be associated with a beast.

Then he let me go.



28

I felt the heat all around me. I heard the loud explosion of Grathen teleportation

and a second later it had its arms around me and was trying to save me. But it could not

teleport us both, not over the lake. I told it to forget me and to go. It said that it would

never forget me and that it would forever be my friend, no matter what. Then it was gone

and the lake surrounded my body.

There was a great burning sensation at first and everything went cloudy. I held my

breath as best I could and attempted to swim. The sulfur made it almost impossible to

keep my eyes open and once I closed them, I couldn’t tell which way to go. Then

something grabbed me and made an embrace. I could feel the heat from it but the burning

around me was gone. I called out to Father for help and he answered me for the last time

by saying stay alive in your will.

I opened my eyes and looked into the face of evil itself. Not a demon but pure,

unadulterated evil. It was trying to enter me but the good in me would not allow it. I

could feel the conflict within, like a whole other war was going on in my body. I

struggled against it as it dragged me deeper into the depths of the lake. I felt the floor of

the lake against my wings then the hand of evil covered my face and I blacked out.



29

GRATHENS ENTRY

Clide came out the lake. He was not himself. I could see it on his face. Was evil

there? Consumed he was. Outside he looked the same but he did not look upon me like a

friend. Why evil do such a thing? Sha-tan gave him an army and a wife. The cruel

looking one that kissed him before they threw him in. Grathen thought all was lost for his

friend. But then I saw something. No one else could see it; no one else could smell it. I

had to get close to be sure.

I teleported before him and stared up at him. He looked down at me. I could see

the evil in his eyes. But then he recognized me. I could tell. Grathen can always tell. He

shoved me out the way at first and started to walk away then he stopped and ordered me

to follow him. I got close to him and smelled him. It was there. That which made him

who he really was, was locked deep inside. That would mean evil had his mind not his

body. But he would have evil thoughts all the time.

© Copyright 2011 Marc L Abbott

Documents

The Dead Syndicate: The Journal of the Archnemeis