The Rapture

“Let’s recap what you already know,” Arlo begins, his voice a steady baritone as he gestures toward the colorful map. “There are three factions: Angels, Vampires, and Demons.” He flips the board, revealing a complex diagram. A black cross nested within a large blue circle, smaller circles of various colors dotting its edges.

My eyes follow his finger as he points to a small red circle on the left. "What do you think this circle represents?"

Oh, come on, I think, stifling a yawn. This is basic stuff. But as I look at him, those blue eyes sparkling with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat, my mind wanders to a different kind of lesson altogether. One with less talking and more…practical demonstrations.

"Vampires," I answer, rolling my eyes playfully. "The red circle represents vampires."

Arlo smirks, clearly amused by my nonchalance. "Correct," he says, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine. "And this yellow one?" He points to a circle nestled just below the topmost black circle.

"Angels," I reply, my gaze lingering on the way his shirt stretches across his broad shoulders. I wonder if he’s as strong on top as he looks, I muse, my cheeks flushing at the thought.

He raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his blue eyes. "Not quite, Evie. Angels are at the top. Try again."

I bite back a grin, my cheeks warming with a blush. "Demons," my voice barely a whisper, pointing to the orange circle. My eyes meet his, a silent challenge hanging in the air. Maybe after this lesson, we can explore the…demonic side of things, I think, a mischievous glint in my eye.

Arlo's lips curl into a satisfied smile. "Very good, Evie, indeed the orange represents demons. The yellow circle represents the Knights Templar or just Knights" His hand sweeps across the board, labeling the top black circle 'Angels,' with the names 'Michael' and 'Gabriel' neatly bracketed beneath. He then marks the bottom black circle as 'Lucifer Morningstar.'

"These are the three angels we know of currently residing on Earth," he explains, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "There may be others, but these are the only ones seen since the time of Christ."

My mind, only partially focused on the lesson, snaps to attention. My hand shoots up, as if I were back in school. "Wait, what?" The words tumble out before I can stop them.

"Yes, Evie," Arlo confirms, his blue eyes shimmering with a depth I hadn't noticed before. "These are the same angels referenced in biblical texts. Michael and Gabriel, God's messengers, sent to guide humanity towards the divine."

His words hang in the air, heavy with significance. "You've entered the war of souls, Evie," he continues, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine. "This isn't a battle for land or resources. It's a battle for souls."

He pauses, his gaze piercing mine. "It's believed that our auras are the manifestation of a soul. And it's these souls that are the ultimate prize in this eternal conflict."

As he speaks, my mind drifts, his words blurring into a hazy background hum. I picture Arlo, his strong body hovering over mine, our auras intertwining, merging into a single, blinding light. The heat of his touch, the taste of his lips, the feel of his hands on my skin…

A soft cough snaps me back to reality. Arlo's eyes twinkle with amusement, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Evie," he says, his voice a gentle reprimand, "are you with me?"

I blush, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Yes," I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."

Arlo chuckles, his laughter a warm caress. "Don't worry," he reassures me. "It's a lot to take in. But trust me, you'll get the hang of it."

"Humans?" I blurt out, my voice tinged with incredulity. "Their souls are part of this war too?" I can't help but wonder how I even became a doctor. Sure, I had cute instructors, but I never fantasized about them like this in the middle of class. My cheeks flush at the memory of my recent daydream, a delicious shiver coursing through me.

Arlo nods, his blue eyes serious. "The humans are represented by this circle," he confirms, pointing to the dull green circle with the purple center. "Their souls are indeed a significant part of the conflict."

His finger traces a path to the inner red circle. "These are ghouls," he explains, his voice low and steady. "Angels create Knights," he continues, pointing to the yellow circle and labeling it accordingly. "Vampires can create ghouls," he adds, marking the inner red circle near the vampire circle. "And the Devil creates demons," he concludes, pointing to the orange circle. Finally, he labels the human circle.

"Humans," he elaborates, "some of them, like mediums and witches, have a stronger aura than most. But they all have a dull aura compared to vampires, ghouls, knights, or demons."

His gaze sweeps across the board, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Angels are represented by black circles because they lack a soul. They can still use auras, but when you see an angel, the aura is black, like there's nothing there."

"Ghouls?" I interrupt, my curiosity piqued. "Like zombies?"

"Yes," Arlo confirms, a hint of grimness in his voice, "very much like zombies. Ghouls are created when a vampire completely drains a human and doesn't feed the body human blood within 24 hours. I can't speak for vampires everywhere, but here in Veritas, we are forbidden from creating ghouls."

My mind races, a whirlwind of thoughts and images. Stories of princesses, knights, dragons, pixies, and unicorns—could they be more than just fairy tales? Could the world I've always dismissed as fantasy be far more real than I ever dared to imagine?

"Could a dragon exist, then?" I ask, unable to contain my curiosity.

Arlo pauses, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Not that I'm aware of," he replies slowly. "There's a theory that all of our fantasies did exist at some point, maybe some of them opted not to join Noah on his ark or just became extinct through natural causes. But I'm not aware of any unicorns, dryads, or dragons. Just like werewolves, I don't think they exist today if they ever did."

Arlo's voice takes on a reverent tone as he continues, his gaze fixed on the intricate diagram before us. "Vampires believe that in the beginning, there was God. God created everything, just as in Genesis. But the first man, Adam, was a vampire."

His words hang in the air, a tantalizing blend of the familiar and the fantastical.

"Eve," he continues, "was made from Adam and was a human. The thought behind this is that Adam and his descendants lived for hundreds of years. When Eve fed Adam the apple, it gave her the pains of childbirth, and all her descendants would be humans. Rather than living in ignorant bliss, they would have intelligence."

Intelligence, I muse, my mind wandering to the various ways Arlo could use his intelligence to teach me...other things. Perhaps a more hands-on lesson in anatomy, or a practical demonstration of vampire speed and strength.

Arlo's voice pulls me back, his tone turning grave. "This happened because they disobeyed God. The first and only fallen angel, Lucifer, deceived Eve himself. As Lucifer can never kill what God made, he decided to take what God loved most, his Adam and Eve, from him."

Adam and Eve, I think, picturing Arlo and me in their place, our bodies intertwined, our souls merging in a forbidden dance of pleasure and power.

"As Adam, Eve, and their children populated the earth, Lucifer was losing the war. As he couldn't create souls, only God could, he then started to turn humans and created demons to fight against God's angels."

Demons, I shiver, remembering the monstrous creature Arlo had vanquished the night before. A thrill of fear and excitement courses through me, the memory of Arlo's strength and ferocity igniting a primal fire within.

Arlo continues, his voice a steady rhythm that lulls me into a half-dream state. "Of all the created creatures not of God but of angels or vampires using human souls, demons are the strongest. Vampires still existed, but now, because humans had intelligence and could fight back, they went into hiding and are still hiding. Vampires are caught in the middle of this war, just like humans."

My thoughts drift to the secret world of vampires, hidden in plain sight. The thrill of discovery, the allure of the unknown…it's intoxicating.

Arlo's voice, now a distant echo, barely registers as he speaks of angels, knights, and ghouls. I'm lost in a world of my own, imagining Arlo as my teacher, my protector, my lover. His words become a sensual symphony, weaving a tapestry of desire and forbidden fantasies.

I blink, my cheeks flushed with warmth. I force myself to focus, to pay attention to the rest of Arlo's lecture. But even as I listen, a part of me remains lost in those tantalizing daydreams, eager for the night to fall and the real lessons to begin.

Arlo's voice, now a low rumble, snaps me back to attention. "Demons, Knights, and Angels cannot kill humans. Their creator angels have been forbidden from killing humans, so must those they create follow this law of God's."

My eyes widen in surprise. "So even the most monstrous demon couldn't just walk up and kill someone?"

Arlo shakes his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Not without severe consequences. Violating that law would have repercussions that even the most powerful beings would fear."

"But this isn't a fight for life and death," Arlo continues, his voice taking on a new intensity. "It's a battle for eternity, for the very essence of one's being. A struggle to determine the ultimate allegiance of a soul. To decide whether it will follow the divine path illuminated by God, or be drawn into the shadows cast by the angels." He pauses, his gaze sweeping across the room as if to emphasize the plural.

"Yes, angels," he repeats, his voice a low growl. "Lucifer is open about his desires, turning humans away from God. But the other angels do it without them knowing. When people worship anything other than God, they're turning away from him. This includes angels, good deeds, saints, and even themselves."

His words hang in the air, heavy with the weight of centuries of conflict.

"Angels work to keep humans from doing evil, but they've been without the voice of God for over 2000 years. There are only two angels left, and the knights they create, with this same goal, aren't always focused on God's plan."

Arlo's eyes narrow, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Sometimes, without the ability to see a person's aura, it's impossible to tell the difference between a human being swayed by a demon and a knight."

"So," I begin, my voice hesitant, "when you gave the blessing at my parents' dinner and didn't explode, do you believe in Christ and God? Can you then enter a church?"

"I do," Arlo responds matter-of-factly. "Have my entire life. It's hard to live 200 years and not see God's presence. Even if I cannot see God's aura, you can tell God is over everything, everywhere."

A long pause fills the air, his words echoing in the stillness. I ponder his statement, considering my relationship with the divine. It's not as strong as Arlo's, that's for sure.

My family attended church occasionally, but I rebelled against God as a teenager, cursing his name more often than not. Yet, looking back, I can't deny the blessings in my life. Meeting Arlo on my graduation night, after running away from home, in that wet, rainy alley...was that mere chance or a divine intervention?

"If we have auras, and have a soul," I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, "can we then still be saved? Or are the angels right? Are we damned from heaven?"

Arlo's gaze softens, his blue eyes filled with a warmth that melts away some of my anxieties. "I'm not sure, Evie," he admits, his voice gentle. "But I like to believe that we're not damned, that God still cares for us. I feel He does. I feel that God has a purpose for all of Adam's children, including vampires."

Arlo flips the whiteboard, revealing the colorful map once more. The reds, yellows, dull greens, and oranges create a vibrant patchwork across the continents, punctuated by twelve black dots scattered across the globe.

Maybe Arlo could show me the world, I think, my mind conjuring up images of us exploring hidden corners, his strong arms wrapped around me, guiding me through the shadows. The thought of his touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I find myself blushing under his gaze.

A soft cough snaps me out of my reverie. Arlo's eyes twinkle with amusement, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Evie," he says, his voice a gentle reminder, "are you with me?"

I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. "Yes, of course," I reply, my voice a little breathless. "The map, right? It's fascinating."

Arlo's eyes, a deep sapphire blue, lock onto mine, their intensity almost overwhelming. "Red represents territory under vampire control," he explains, his voice steady and unwavering. "Yellow, angel control. Orange, demon control. And green, human control."

He points to a spot on the map, our home, Veritas. "We are currently in an area under human control," he states.

Human control, I inwardly dream. I'd rather be under your control, I think, imagining Arlo's strong hands guiding me, his touch igniting a fire within me. The thought sends a delicious shiver down my spine.

"The areas are not based on human boundaries," Arlo continues, pulling me back from my daydream. "This is a shadow war, so no side is interested in humans finding out. Don't think of control like who governs the land. None of that is important."

He taps the map with a long, elegant finger. "This map represents areas and who controls a Nexus point. If humans are shown as controlling a Nexus point, as is the case here in Veritas, it means the factions have all agreed to let it be so. This is to keep the peace as much as any can be kept. Each faction has three Nexus points they control, and three are neutral, controlled by the humans so that anyone can use them."

Nexus point, I repeat the words in my head, the concept intriguing. A travel node that allows you to travel to any other Nexus point in the world, Arlo explains.

"If I wanted to use one," he continues, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "I could have traveled to Neo-Edo for your sushi at Mia's house."

My cheeks flush at the memory of our sushi that was so fresh and good that night I sent him away to get Mia and I Asian delicacies. But the thought of Arlo using a Nexus point to surprise me with a culinary delight is even more thrilling. I can't help but imagine the possibilities, the adventures we could have if we could simply teleport to any corner of the globe.

Arlo takes a final sip from his glass, the crimson liquid swirling around the crystal. He places the empty glass on the counter, his eyes meeting mine with an expectant gaze.

"You should review the board and let me know if you have any questions," he says, his voice a gentle invitation to delve deeper into this complex world he's unveiled.

I nod, my mind still buzzing with the information he's shared. The map, the factions, the Nexus points... It's a lot to absorb, but I'm determined to understand it all. I take a deep breath, my gaze sweeping across the board, taking in the vibrant colors and intricate details.

The questions swirl in my mind, each one leading to another, a never-ending chain of curiosity. But for now, I simply need time to process it all, to let the information sink in and take root.

"I will," as I stand up leaving my desk, "Thank you for this, Arlo."

He smiles, a genuine warmth radiating from him. "Anytime, Evie. Anytime."

As I rise from the desk, a shiver of awareness washes over me. Arlo's gaze follows me, lingering on the curve of my hips, the flash of white cotton as my shorts ride up. I can feel the heat of his eyes on my skin, a silent appreciation that sends a thrill through me.

Arlo steps closer, his warmth radiating behind me. A familiar scent washes over me – the same cologne from my dreams, a heady mix of sandalwood and spice. It's intoxicating, sending a shiver down my spine.

I approach the board, my fingers tracing the lines of the map. The cities marked with Nexus points stand out, each one a gateway to a new world, a new adventure:

Vientiane Veil (Asia): A city nestled amidst lush mountains and ancient temples, a blend of serene spirituality and vibrant urban life. The city's historic center is a maze of narrow streets and traditional wooden houses, while the outskirts boast modern developments and bustling night markets.

Shang-Xi'an (Asia): An ancient city steeped in history and tradition, blending its rich cultural heritage with modern advancements. The city is known for its iconic Terracotta Army, a vast underground mausoleum guarding the nexus point.

Cape Hope (Africa): A coastal city nestled between majestic mountains and the vast ocean, a melting pot of cultures and histories. Its vibrant streets blend modern architecture with colonial-era buildings, while the surrounding natural beauty offers a stark contrast to the urban landscape.

Port Jackson (Oceania): A coastal city of stunning natural beauty and modern architecture. The nexus point takes the form of a shimmering shell embedded in the steps of the Port Jackson Opera House, its surface reflecting the colors of the aurora Australis.

Djenné-Djenno (Africa): A city of mudbrick mosques and ancient manuscripts, where scholars and mystics gather to share knowledge and seek enlightenment.

Bucuresti Noir (Europe): A city of contrasts, blending the grandeur of its Belle Époque architecture with the remnants of its communist past. Wide boulevards lined with ornate buildings lead to hidden courtyards and cobblestone streets, where whispers of ancient secrets linger in the air.

Nova Rio (South America): A city of vibrant colors and pulsating rhythms, where music and dance fill the air day and night. The nexus point is hidden beneath the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, its energy pulsing through the city's veins.

Indraprastha (Asia): A vibrant city where ancient temples and modern skyscrapers coexist, a testament to India's rich history and rapid development. The nexus point is said to be located within the labyrinthine Red Fort, its power guarded by centuries-old secrets.

Neo-Edo (Asia): A gleaming cyberpunk metropolis where towering neon skyscrapers pierce the clear night sky, and holographic advertisements dance amidst the ceaseless flow of traffic and pedestrians. The city is impeccably clean, a testament to advanced technology and a societal emphasis on order and efficiency. Beneath the dazzling lights and technological marvels lies a world of cybernetic enhancements, underground markets, and clandestine power struggles.

Al-Qadima (Middle East): A city of ancient stone and sacred sites, where the echoes of history resonate through the narrow streets and bustling markets. The nexus point is rumored to be hidden beneath the Dome of the Rock, its power guarded by centuries of faith and conflict.

Londinium (Europe): A bustling metropolis steeped in history and shrouded in a perpetual fog. The city's iconic landmarks, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, conceal the nexus point, a hidden gateway to a world of shadows and secrets.

Veritas (North America): no description given.

I study the map, my mind racing with the possibilities. Each city holds a new world to explore, a new chapter in my unfolding story.

Arlo's hand gently rests on my hip as he leans over my shoulder, his cool touch a familiar comfort against my chilled skin. The scent of sandalwood and spice intensifies, a heady reminder of his proximity.

"Can humans use a Nexus point?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Arlo's lips brush against my ear as he whispers, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver of both excitement and pleasure down my spine. "Yes," he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin, "anyone can use a nexus point if they have strong control over their auras. If you try to use one and are unsuccessful, you'll end up at a random area on the globe."

A thrill runs through me at the thought of such power, such freedom of movement. But Arlo's words also ignite a spark of determination. I want to master my aura, to be able to harness its full potential.

"Angels are unable to use the nexus points," Arlo continues, his voice a soft caress against my ear. "They don't need them. They can appear and go across the earth at will."

I nod absorbing the information. The world of vampires, angels, and demons is complex and full of hidden rules and ancient powers.

I flip the whiteboard, eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of this shadow war. The factions are neatly listed on the right, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. A wave of embarrassment washes over me as I realize I must have been daydreaming while Arlo went over this section.

I quickly scan the information, trying to catch up.

Vampires:

Strengths: Superhuman strength, speed, agility, senses, accelerated healing, long lifespan.

Weaknesses: Sunlight, must be invited inside private buildings, drinks blood for nourishment, and decapitation

Demons:

Strengths: Immense power, resilience, shapeshifting abilities, lives forever unless vanquished, can move freely among souls with contact.

Weaknesses: Holy objects, angelical weapons, and rituals of banishment. No free will must do the bidding of Lucifer and are momentarily weaker after their host body dies.

Angels:

Strengths: Divine power, flight, healing abilities, shapeshifting abilities, cannot die or be vanquished, Superhuman strength, speed, wielding holy weapons, agility, and senses increased

Weaknesses: Limited by God's laws (cannot murder humans, cannot lie among 8 others), vulnerable to demonic influence, and unable to directly intervene in human affairs, no soul.

Knights:

Strengths: Enhanced strength, speed, and combat skills, as well as the ability to wield holy weapons and items granting them divine power.

Weaknesses: Similar to humans but more resilient, vulnerable to demonic influence, and bound by their oaths to the angels.

Ghouls:

Strengths: Mindless obedience, impervious to pain, and a relentless hunger.

Weaknesses: Slow, unintelligent, vulnerable fire, and easily dispatched with a headshot or decapitation.

Humans:

Strengths: Intelligence, adaptability, creativity, and the potential for great good or evil.

Weaknesses: Physically weak compared to other factions, vulnerable to all forms of attack, easily influenced by both others and short lifespans.

Arlo's hands find my waist, his fingers tracing the curve of my hipbone. A delightful chill spreads through my body, a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement. He leans closer, his breath ghosting across my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. "Can I kiss you?" he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through me.

I turn to face him, my eyes locking with his. A silent "yes" forms on my lips, but before I can speak, another question bubbles up, fueled by the lingering information on the whiteboard. "Angels must follow the Ten Commandments, right?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "Does that mean the Devil can't lie? That none of the angels can lie?"

Arlo's response is a simple nod as he leans in, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that's both tender and possessive. It's not a dream anymore, but a tangible reality. His strong arms encircle me, pulling me close as his teeth gently graze my lower lip. The kiss ends too soon, leaving me breathless and wanting more. His eyes, alight with a mixture of desire and affection, linger on mine as he continues his answer.

"Angels cannot lie," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble against my lips, "but do not mistake that for a weakness. They will not kill a human, but it doesn't mean they won't command a knight to do it. They cannot lie, but they can manipulate the truth to serve their ends."

He pauses, his gaze searching mine. "Remember, Evie," he continues, his voice taking on a serious tone, "every weakness can become a strength, and every strength a weakness. It's all about perspective and how you use what you have."

I nod, my mind still reeling from the kiss, the information, the sheer intensity of the moment. Arlo smiles a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Now," he says, his voice a low purr, "let's go somewhere and see how much you've learned."

He sweeps me off my feet, his strength surprising me. No longer my teacher, he's just Arlo, my vampire companion, my partner in this strange and exhilarating new world. As he carries me out of the apartment, a thrill of anticipation courses through me. The real lesson is about to begin.