The Tale of Armacon

The Tale of Armacon

Wetness matted his neck length jet black hair; his eyes were those of gold that sparkled with a love and peace for all things. His height was only six feet tall…unusual considering his half-human heritage. On his shoulder was dove…but this dove was no ordinary dove…he was the man’s best friend and many years ago in an intergalactic war…his guardian.

          The shore line was wet from the sea; he had chosen to take a rudimentary form of transportation. One that involved no ancient technology; word had reached him humanity was repopulating and gathering. Gathering in a place and they, a new breed had returned.

          Under his dirty brown hooded cloak was a sword; a sword made of unknown metals. For now it was sheathed. He stared at his reflection in a pool; he appeared to be a mix of modern-day Asian and Native American. The only thing that gave away his half human status was his eyes, but he was not like them.

          He was the only one of his brothers, and being the youngest had decided to go back to his duties. They had been told they need no longer fight…their war was over, but he wanted to.

          His name was Armacon ben Abel Kartoris; the last name was in honor of a friend and powerful ally named Kartor who had given his life in the Great Galactic War. The bird spoke to Armacon.

          “Don’t draw too much attention to yourself. If you do they will worship you as a god,” said the bird.

          “I don’t ask for attention, it usually finds me Lotham…there’s no telling what creatures the Fallen will have roaming. I simply wish to protect, and not usurp Elyon. That has never been my wish. I’m here to stop atrocities. I find it pathetic the Aelcons wish to leave,” replied Armacon…a bit of malice in the last part of his statement was in his voice.

          Lotham the bird just shook his head, and said, “We can still bond if you wish. I don’t know why you still wish to carry that sword.”

          “Because its starlight from the heavens burns bright my friend. I asked if you wanted to stay behind,” replied Armacon as he walked along the shoreline. His eyes seemed to be searching for something.

          “Why can’t you be like your brothers and settle down in peace? I mean after all I am a dove, and together we make the Praedaggeranar of peace. I find it ironic you will not settle in peace when that is your greatest virtue,” Lotham commented as he looked either way…his silver wings glistening with white diamond, marble and regular feathers.

          “I know…it was our deal to be Forgotten except by the Aelcons and Atlanteans. I have a feeling though that abomination Amankar will come this planet one day. Elyon knows this all too well,” said Armacon. “How can I settle in peace when I know the ones I swore to protect are being defiled and sacrificed to blood thirsty Watchers and Fallen Nymphs?”

          “Interesting point. Too bad I agreed to be in this body you know.”

          “Too bad you don’t know when to shut up.”

          “Touché.”

          They kept walking…silence between the two. Nothing needed to be said as Armacon observed the crystal blue skies. It was noon or close to it…as noted by the wandering protector.

          “We could fly if we bonded into the armor,” said Lotham.

          “No thanks, I prefer the exercise and challenges. I am a man after all,” answered Armacon…his fists gripping.

          “So the plan is a go ahead?”

          “Yes, I wish to protect Shem and his line at all costs. I want those giant bastards to try me,” spat Armacon.

          “Oh boy, you and your love for being the great warrior. You know why couldn’t you have been a shepherd like your father?”

          “Why don’t you leave that body and get into your real form again?” questioned Armacon with a small chuckle as he deviated from the shoreline towards the inland parts of the Eastern continent. He took out a small compass. “Shinar should be towards that way. I have heard of a king there…a Naphil warrior tyrant if you will.”

          “Hooray for extra sensitive selective hearing from your mother’s side,” snipped Lotham.

          “Hooray that I just don’t blow your stupid tail away,” Armacon smarted back smiling.

          “Whatever oh great warrior of Atlantis.”

          Said warrior did not reply; the immense strength in his legs kept him trekking forwards to find Uruk.

         

          Nobody seemed to notice the new arrival in the busy city; Armacon had easily scaled the walls using his super human dexterity to avoid the guards. Being an intergalactic pre-Deluge half-human war veteran did have its advantages. He was on a mission…a personal mission of justice to stop Lilitu, the former consort of Helel.

          “You know she’s immortal…right?” whispered Lotham. “What you’re seeking could be revenge. There’s a fine line between revenge and justice as you well know.”

          “She tried to seduce my brothers and me during the wars. I don’t know who’s a more conniving snake, her or her Fallen offspring. Kartor gave his life in hopes of stopping her. From the malakhim archives it seems the tales of the two being one in the same are taking prevalence again,” replied Armacon, his grip on his sword handle was strong.

          It was a good thing he was wearing a hooded robe like the commoners here. He had to stick in the crowd as much as possible if he was to end Lilitu and her three fourth’s Naphil son. Gilgamesh had become well known throughout this place called Mesopotamia, and Armacon knew he was a proud and mighty tyrant.

          He flitted down an alleyway, and heard a small voice in his head.

          We need to meet.

          Yes, I understand sir.

          Gabriel the malakh messenger had telepathically contacted him; he walked into a tavern, and noticed a man with shining blue eyes. It was his old friend, and combat general from the Galactic Conflicts with the Fallen. Armacon sat down across from his former comrade, who looked grim.

          “I’ve come to bring you a message,” said Gabriel

          “Gabe, if it’s about me stopping Gilgamesh and keeping me from it, I won’t follow through with it and you know it,” snapped Armacon.

          Shaking his head with a slight grin, he spoke to Lotham. “Brash as always I suppose? Refuses to settle down I take it?”

          Lotham whispered back, “You could say that, besides why are you here?”

          “Armacon, I just wanted to say, you are blessed. I am not here to discourage you, but to encourage you. Elohim is planning something soon here in Uruk. He does not approve of how mankind has been refusing to disperse. Also, once you defeat Gilgamesh, find Shem; he is the king of a city-state called Salem, and goes by the name of Melchizedek now. He is the king of peace: you are to protect him, and when the time comes, you are to protect his descendant. Also tomorrow at noon, stop the human sacrifices they have planned. Maybe some theatricality would help,” smiled Gabriel.

          The angel got up, and then whispered, “Watch out for Lilitu. But you know that all too well; it takes a man of high caliber and faith such as yourself to resist her temptations. I will be here if you need help. Tell, Esazan hello whenever you return to Atlantis.”

          The warrior nodded, and watched his friend vanish on sight.

          “You know, most people would freak out at that, but then again you’re not most people,” Lotham whispered.

          “Do you have to give commentary on everything? Sheesh, you remind me of when I fought with Kartor and Xelbrius on Marzia,” replied Armacon, after he ordered a mug of beer. “Xelbrius always had to point out the obvious and state the flaws of our enemies. Still, I wouldn’t trade those times for anything else, except if half the time it wasn’t their brothers’ forces trying to slice me into pieces.”

          He took his freshly arrived beer, and gulped half the wooden mug down. It was refreshing to him, and he felt a slight energetic buzz. Armacon knew this would be all he would drink for today; he had to keep his wits and a clear mind for this mission.

          “I suppose you’re thinking of Lilitu, and calling her a bitch in your mind?” whispered Lotham.

          A burp was Armacon’s reply, and he got up. He thought of heading into the palace dungeons and freeing the planned human sacrifices to Lilitu, who had taken up the names Ninsun and Ishtar here. Yet, he knew that would not be smart; in the morning he would hide himself among the priests there.

          “If things get out of hand, we transform. Understand?”

          “Yes, oh mighty master and former protégé,” Lotham answered. “If you don’t mind I’ll scout out the area.”

          “Understood,” replied Armacon walking down an alley. He hid himself between the wall of the tavern and a mud brick house next to it from passing guards. He would rest here for the day. Silently thanking Elohim for His many blessings and grace, Armacon closed his eyes, letting his cloak camouflage him against the dirty walls. This was one of the few times he would be able to relax, and relax he did.

          Several hours later, Armacon opened his eyes to a midnight sky. With a quick shake of his head, he wiped away the last vestiges of sleep in his eyes. He took out a small herb, and swallowed it; it was a plant that had once grown on Marzia called the ginsou plant. New strength and wakefulness surged through the Praedaggeranar.

          On his shoulder was Lotham who had decided to take a nap; he thumped his guardian angel bird and hissed, “Hey, I thought malakhs didn’t sleep.”

          “Hey, and I thought all half-humans would be haters of Elohim,” the bird snarked back.

          “Touché, oh great Lotham,” Armacon smarted back echoing his friend earlier a few hours ago. “I thought earlier about freeing the sacrifices, but then I considered it’d draw too much attention. Any ideas?”

          “Yes, Gilgamesh is nearing completion, and also he has Noah imprisoned.”

          Armacon perked up at that. “How did he get Noah?”

          “Apparently from what Noah told me when I talked to him, Gilgamesh became enraged, and  thought Elohim was some sycophant who grants immortality to a select few.”

          “Noah uh? We both know that’s not true. If he’d believe in the Promise, then he wouldn’t have been dejected.”

          “Gilgamesh thinks since he’s three-fourths angel he should be able to become full immortal. He’s building Babel as a gateway to bring other Watchers, and possibly even Amankar directly to Earth. He believes with his elder half-brother’s guidance he can achieve immortality. Also, he believes in sacrificing Noah, he will be able to please Amankar’s blood thirst once and for all,” explained Lotham; he and Armacon nearly retched at the thought of Noah being sacrificed and eaten to the blood thirsty monster who had ravaged entire worlds.

          He was not just one of the born Fallen Ones, he had become something else entirely. “If that happens, then he’ll also be part human right?” asked Armacon. Gabriel!

          Yes Armacon? Came the telepathic reply.

          Why in the world didn’t you tell me Gilgamesh had Noah and was planning to use him as a sacrifice?

          Because I’m here right now rescuing him from prison. Your job is stop Gilgamesh, understood? Replied Gabriel. There is no need to get frustrated. Elyon will work a great work in you tomorrow. Just trust Him. Do you?

          Struggling for a minute, Armacon answered, Yes, I do trust Him, and I believe He will make all things work out.

          When the sacrificial procession starts at noon tomorrow when the sun is high, challenge him to a contest. He won’t refuse. He’s as arrogant as his brother.

          Understood sir. I’ll give that giant bastard a lesson or two with my gifts from above, smirked Armacon cracking his knuckles.

          That’s the Armacon ben Abel I know of. Now rest, and wait. Lotham will awaken you at the right time, Gabriel communicated.

          Armacon complied, and nestled himself into an alleyway to catch a few more winks until Lotham would wake him.

          Hard pecks hit Armacon’s head; it was Lotham.

          “Damn bird,” Armacon muttered rubbing his head.

          “Damn, smart mouth,” quipped Lotham back. “You can face death on a constant basis, yet if I wake you up it’s the worst pain in the world.”

          “I’m just glad you’re not one of the Talikons’ Morchirkins,” answered Armacon. He looked up at the crystal blue sky; he could tell by the position of the sun it wasn’t noon yet. Still there were commotions in Babylon’s streets.

          The sound of foot soldiers’ running feet could be heard.

          “FIND THAT OLD GEEZER! HE COULDN’T HAVE GONE FAR!” screamed a captain.

          “Let, me guess…Noah?” asked Armacon backing up against a wall, his hand near his sword.

          “Well, it is obvious. They want to sacrifice him,” said Lotham as his head turned from left to right. “It’s safe now. Come. We have to get to the tower and stop Gilgamesh.”

          “You mean that nimrod?”

          “Snarky aren’t you?”

          “Yeah I didn’t need that sleep, but that plant due to my extra sleep has given me almost too much energy. I feel like a turikien could be in order,” grinned Armacon.

          “Ah, yes, that energy heated fist attack.”

          “Let’s go Lotty,” replied Armacon, as he leapt up to a roof. His movements were swift, not only to his half-human heritage, and being a quarter nymph, and a quarter angel, but due to many years of training.

          This feeling was exhilarating; he hadn’t felt this way since the Galactic War several thousand years ago.  Running, Armacon, leapt up and away across to a street; his lithe body glided along the wind, his cloak billowing out like wings. Landing cat-like, he followed a trail of soldiers, and then stopped briefly as Lotham flew above him to guide him to the tower.

          It was like a game between the two old friends as they ran towards the great tower. Today everything would change, and Lilitu would be imprisoned…hopefully.

         

          Gilgamesh was a nine foot tall warrior king giant of pure hardened muscle. On his bare body could be seen numerous scars from quests, and other encounters. Today, he would fulfill his mother’s wish to bring his brother, the great Amankar to Earth. Gilgamesh and his brother would reign side by side; behind him stood Lilitu, and beside her, was another female Fallen that had dubbed herself Ishtar originally to Gilgamesh. The two planned to breed an angelic human together with one another. A new rank of Naphil was what they would be; he smiled at the thought of Noah being a sacrifice.

          He would have if Noah’s guards had done their stupid job in guarding the old geezer; his bearded face showed frustration at their incompetence. “PEOPLE OF URUK! THIS CEREMONY HAS BEEN PUT ON HOLD! Bring the guards that failed in their job!” he ordered.

          A captain of his armies complied, and they rushed off. Unbeknownst to Gilgamesh his every move was being watched by Armacon. The giant king looked up into the sky, and noticed there was still time. Still if he could not sacrifice Noah, he would sacrifice another in his place.

          “BRING ME JAPHETH!” shouted Gilgamesh his eyes full of fire and glee.

          Behind him his mother Lilitu, known as Shamash to the Urukians, appeared behind her son. Her form was stunning, an image of false beauty that would have evoked the lust of any man there. She stood beside her son gleaming.

          Her hair was jet-black, her skin shone with a strange light; her lips were painted red, along with her eyelids. The outfit she wore was very revealing. The false goddess’s gaze flitted across the city, and she grinned.

          “There is one here who seeks to challenge you my son,” she hissed in Gilgamesh’s ear.

          “Indeed mother? Who is this challenger?”

          “COME SON OF ABEL IF YOU DARE!” Lilitu shouted across the city.

          Watching from a distance, Lotham had been communicating to Armacon telepathically about Gilgamesh’s backup plan.

          Um, Gabriel, you didn’t tell me Gilgamesh had Japeth! What is wrong with you? Thought Armacon in sheer frustration, clenching his fists.

          You know Elohim works in mysterious ways. Go and confront that Naphil fool my young friend, was the reply.

          You do realize I’m well over a thousand years old, and a veteran of a galactic war unknown to man right? Armacon quipped to his malak general.

          YES! WE BOTH REALIZE THAT ARMACON! Thought shouted both Gabriel and Lotham at the same time.

          Now go kick that s.o.b’s tail! I’m coming with you! Shouted Lotham.

          At that moment, Lilitu shouted for Armacon whom she had spotted with her supernatural sight and hearing. He gladly complied, and leapt from rooftop to rooftop; below him, the townspeople looked up in amazement at the mysterious leaping figure. He paid no attention to them, and he reached the top of the tower where Japheth was bound, an axe close to the back of his neck.

          Stopping, Armacon threw his cloak off, and glared with anger at Shamash who just grinned.

          “Hello, Armacon. It has been so many years since we met, youngest son of Abel,” she grinned…her lips serpent-like. She flicked her forked tongue out with pleasure. “Ishtar, why don’t you come and greet this Praedaggeranar, this half-breed who identifies himself and protects Elohim’s precious humans?”

          His hand instinctively went to his sword, but a new feminine figure arose, shaking a finger as if she was scolding a child. “Oh my, he is studly. Is this my sister’s son?”

          “What? You and my mother were sisters? Father told me she was alone,” snarked Armacon.

          “Half-sister. Her father was my father, and also mated with an angelas before she came along. That little half nymph bitch, and her mother ruined our plans. You sons of Abel have been thorns in our sides protecting the Seed of Eve for many years now. First Earth then the rest of the planets. My father and her mother wanted her to be raised as a human. I daresay on another subject, how is Kartor doing these days?” grinned Ishtar.

          “You might not want to do that or little Noah’s son here will die,” Ishtar continued as she saw Armacon’s fleeting hand go to his sword.

          “I came here to stop Gilgamesh. Then I’ll take care of both of you bitch fallen! Tell me, how’s Helel and his scars from Jaris doing these days?” answered Armacon, referring to a battle that he, Kartor, Xelbrius, and his eldest brother had fought in on Marzia, when the Prince of the Fallen himself had come to oversee his galactic operations.

          They knew it was not their place to crush him, but that didn’t stop Jaris with the ferocity of a lion, in leaving his mark. That battle had also left Armacon and his two best friends who ironically were Helel’s sons scarred. Helel despite how evil he was and is, refused to kill them because of them being his seed. Now before Armacon, was the first of the two consorts of Helel, also known to some as Belial, and he wanted to imprison them after a good beating.

          Gilgamesh stepped forward, the Necarian king as he was called, a being three-fourths fallen angel, and one quarter human. That meant he could still die, Armacon noted to himself, but not as easily as a Naphil or even Armacon himself. He gulped, but he trusted Elohim to bring him through this ordeal.

          That was the thing, Elohim could use what was intended for great evil to bring justice and truth and love into a world of darkness. He had led Armacon here to stop, the evil tyrant who had a one world rebellion at hand, and not only would attempt to pierce the spiritual part of Earth, but bring Amankar the Hellion into this world. He had to be stopped.

          “Tell me, Praedaggeranar, can you stop me?”

          “Maybe,” was the simple reply.

          “Then it is a challenge,” answered Gilgamesh.

          “Know this, you may have brute strength, but I trust in Elyon the Creator. In my own strength I am nothing, but He’s guided me through worse than you. I trained with His malakhs as a child and young adult, you are but an ant in His sight,” said Armacon as he looked out from the tower and to the city walls.

          “Fine then, say what you will. As of now, I will take your challenge outside the city walls with all watching. No weapons or armor.”

          “Understood,” answered Armacon. “Your hineyest!” He added the last part with sarcasm knowing it’d irk the giant. He leapt from the tower, through the many roofs in a flash, and landed outside waiting for Gilgamesh who proclaimed the challenge loudly to all the citizens.

Dropping his hooded cloak and Aelcon breastplate with his shirt, Armacon's lean muscles rippled as the giant king of Uruk snarled in anger upon his arrival.

"Really midget? Your hineyest? Your mother was a weak whore, who was a goddess but sided with humans and this Elyon you worship," snarled the giant king.

"True immortality lies with Elyon, abomination. I may be small but He is my strength. Now come on you heartless bastard!" The two warriors soared at each other, their fists connecting, but Armacon's caused a sonic boom.

The boom knocked Gilgamesh back; this Praedaggeranar was unlike any foe, including his friend Enkidu he had ever faced.

In a swift motion, Armacon had grabbed Gilgamesh's face and kneed him; the knee kick broke the Necarian’s nose.

Gilgamesh's large muscles rippled in frustration, but Armacon proved too fast. His fighting style was different, like it consisted of mere kicks and punches but very powerful. A simple kick to his back sent Gilgamesh flying into a plateau, the crumbling rocks cutting his skin.

          He shook his head and noticed Armacon's golden eyes were beginning to glow.

          "My mother was a Necangel and not some whore you bastard. She was half nymph half malakh. Her parents saw their folly and wanted her to be raised as a human. My grandparents may have been part of the Fallen but they repented of their mistake, and as an act of faith, let my grandfather Adam rear her. She has left this planet but her love for humanity still resonates with me today. My brothers and I swore to wipe out those of you that would pervert God's chosen creation, and I'm HERE TO FINISH THAT OATH! YOUR TYRANNY ENDS TODAY GILGAMESH OF URUK! NO MORE HUMAN SACRIFICES! NO MORE YOU NIMROD! NO MORE BABEL! I AM ALSO A HUMAN, AND THE GLORY OF ELYON IS WITH ME!"

         This speech infuriated Gilgamesh; he grabbed a huge rock, threw it at his opponent but a gust of wind that Armacon caused with a wave of his hand split it into dust. Gilgamesh gulped. He knew the day of his death was upon him.

                The ground trembled under the Pre-Delugian war veteran; despite his own arrogance and failed quest of immortality, fear like Gilgamesh had never known before swept through him. He realized this man meant business, and by the heavenly powers that were…he would execute justice.

          Babel’s residents were outside the city; the man that Gilgamesh…no the usurper that had defied their practices and spoke against their king…who had been meant for execution, had turned the tables. He had mentioned something about the strength and glory of the One called Elyon being with him. Gilgamesh was nine feet tall, but this tanned young man with blazing pure glowing golden eyes was beating their mighty hunter king.

          “DAMN IT! DON’T JUST STAND THERE! GIVE ME A WEAPON ALREADY YOU USELESS MAGGOTS!” snarled Gilgamesh as he ran to the city walls.

          Two soldiers frighteningly handed their large battle axes over. In the palms of their king’s huge hands, they were like hatchets. A maniacal grin came across the giant king’s face.

          “You little bastard, my father was a Naphil, and my mother one of the goddesses what you call a female Fallen!” grinned Gilgamesh; his eyes were psychotic.

          “Interesting…Lilith’s right hand maiden I believe? The female angel queen who mated with Helel? Well…this makes things more interesting,” replied Armacon his eyes calm yet glowing with their golden shine…his black hair blew in a sudden wind. “I’ll have no regrets in killing you, you cannibalistic tyrant.”

          “HOW DARE YOU INSULT ME!”

          “Whose mother is the whore now?” grinned Armacon.

          The axe blades came spinning at him like a tornado. Dust kicked up and surrounded the two foes as Gilgamesh spun, and stopped just as quickly as he’d started. He smirked, but noticed Armacon was on the other side of him unclenching his fist.

          Blood spurted out of the Naphil’s back, and his weapons fell into small squares. Despite his bleeding back…there was no physical pain…but a psychological one.

          “I thought of using my sword, but decided not to. You may believe you’re a badass nimrod, but I’ll tell you, there will always be one to humble you. I have faced worse…among the stars and planets from this great earthen home of mine. You Nephilim were like cannon fodder in the wars I fought. You’re just practice; I’m going after your mother next,” spoke Armacon his eyes glaring in righteous anger.

          “Gilgamesh you as a king should serve your people; you as a Naphil had a chance to protect them from the Fallen’s hordes, and not follow what others of your blood have done in the past. A real king serves his people looking out for the best of them, you have done nothing but brought fear and tyranny. Your tyranny ends today!”

          “WHY YOU! UGGH!” Gilgamesh threw up blood and more cuts appeared all over his body. He fell into blackness, and knew no more.

          Armacon had been victorious in his mission to execute justice. The last people of Babel were no longer slaves, but Armacon knew he had to take care of that serpentine bitch if he was going to truly free them.

          “Lotham…come! It’s time I settled this with Lilitu! That bitch will pay!” snarled the Praedaggeranar as he strode to the palace.