Obadiah: The Return of Hubert Bannion III (Flash Fiction)

 

Obadiah

In Manhattan, New York, Hubert Bannion III, the powerful CEO of Bannion Corp, had sacrificed everything in pursuit of success. But one night, the weight of his corporate duties became too much to bear. Without a single word or explanation, he abandoned his office and his former life behind.

Six months passed with no trace of him. His sister, Delia, tirelessly searched, enlisting the help of the police and private investigators, but Hubert seemed to have vanished into thin air.

One day, Delia found herself among the VIPs in Baylor City, attending a tour at the Arklow Museum led by Obadiah, also known as Director Brian Sessions. She had traveled from New York, where her efforts to get assistance from the police department had hit a dead end. Desperate for answers and driven by relentless determination, she had maneuvered her way into the exclusive event, hoping to seek the help of the enigmatic museum director. As Brian recounted the story of Jeremiah, the prophet who endured tremendous trials but found strength in faith and perseverance, Delia's resolve strengthened. She knew she had to speak to him, convinced that he held the key to the justice she sought.

“Jeremiah’s story reminds us that even in the darkest times, hope and purpose can be found,” Brian concluded, his eyes lingering on the audience before settling on Delia Bannion.

“Your story about Jeremiah touches something deep within me,” Delia said in his office after the tour, her voice tinged with desperation. “My brother, Hubert Bannion III, disappeared six months ago.” She took a seat across from him.

“I heard about Hubert,” Brian said. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m doing as well as can be expected,” Delia sighed, her gaze searching Brian's face for reassurance. “The police have given up, but I haven’t. I’ve scoured the city and even hired private investigators, but Hubert remained a ghost. I’m at my wit's end.”

Delia's eyes bore a tired, determined look from months of fruitless searching. Her fingers twitched with anxiety, the only visible sign of her desperation. “Can you help me?”

Brian's eyebrows shot up as he leaned back in his oversized chair, surprise etched across his face. “How can I help?”

Delia hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain her friend's suggestion without revealing too much. “I don’t know if you can. A friend mentioned you have a unique way of helping people when the police can’t.”

Brian straightened in his chair and met Delia’s gaze. Her plea tugged at something deep within him. “I may have a way to assist you," Brian began slowly, carefully choosing his words.

Delia leaned forward, her eyes wide with hope. "Whatever it is, I'm willing to try. Please, anything that could lead me to my brother."

Brian regarded her with gentle understanding. “Let's start with what Hubert was like before he disappeared.”

Delia sighed, her voice softening as she recalled her brother's demeanor. “He was the epitome of success—driven, ambitious. But underneath it all, he was kind and caring. Lately, though, he seemed overwhelmed, like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I tried to help, but…” she trailed off, her voice choked with emotion.

Brian nodded thoughtfully. “Sometimes, those who seem the strongest are also the most burdened. Delia, let me see what I can find out, and I'll get back to you.”

Delia's shoulders slumped, her posture defeated as she lowered her head. Her eyes, usually full of determination, now held a glimmer of desperation and sadness. She jumped to her feet. “I've heard those words before. They mean you can't help me.”

“It doesn't mean that,” Brian assured her. “I will have news on your brother shortly.”

Several hours later, utilizing his divine abilities, Brian walked through the picturesque village of Saddlebrook in Vermont, feeling a sense of familiarity that surrounded him. The quaint cottages and winding lanes reminded him of a simpler time, a life far removed from the chaos of the city. It was in this tranquil setting that he finally caught a glimpse of Hubert Bannion III.

Hubert was dressed in worn-out clothes, his once impeccable appearance now faded and weathered. Brian watched from a distance as Hubert interacted with the villagers, his smile genuine and his eyes reflecting a newfound peace.

Approaching Hubert cautiously, Brian cleared his throat to announce his presence. Hubert turned, surprise flickering across his face before recognition set in.

"Brian Sessions? What are you doing here?" Hubert's voice held a mix of emotions - relief, apprehension, and a hint of resignation.

Brian said gently. "Your sister Delia has been searching tirelessly for you. She's worried sick.”

“How did you find me?” Hubert said. “I thought I had covered my tracks well.”

Brian smiled kindly. "Fate has a way of guiding us where we need to be." He studied Hubert's worn features, noting the lines of stress that had melted away into a sense of peace. "Your sister loves you deeply, Hubert. She just wants to know that you're safe.”

Hubert's gaze drifted to the ground, a mix of emotions flickering across his face. "I never meant to cause her pain. I just needed to escape... everything.”

Brian nodded understandingly. "We all carry burdens that can become too heavy to bear. But running away doesn't always solve our problems; sometimes, we need to confront them head-on.”

Hubert sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his actions. "I didn't know how to face it all. The pressure, the expectations... I felt like I was suffocating.”

Brian placed a comforting hand on Hubert's shoulder. "You don't have to face it alone. Delia needs you, and there’s something else you must consider. There’s a woman here who has captured your heart, but she doesn’t know who you truly are. It’s time to be honest with her.”

Hubert's mouth gaped. "How do you know all of this?”

Brian's eyes held a glint of knowing wisdom as he replied, “Sometimes, the answers we seek are intertwined with the people who cross our paths. As for the woman in question, she deserves to know the truth. It's time to let go of the facades and embrace your true self.”

A mixture of fear and longing danced in Hubert's eyes as he processed Brian's words. The weight of his decisions bore down on him, but a glimmer of hope sparked within his heart. "I've been living a lie for so long, I don't know where to begin.”

Brian squeezed Hubert's shoulder reassuringly. "Start by being honest with yourself. The rest will follow.” He paused, watching the turmoil play out on Hubert's face before continuing, "Delia is waiting for you, Hubert. It's time to return home and face your fears.”

Hubert took a deep breath, the cool village air filling his lungs as he made a silent resolve to confront his past and embrace his true self. With newfound determination, he turned to Brian with a grateful smile. “Thank you for guiding me back on the right path. I will go back with you to see my sister.”

Brian returned the smile, a sense of peace settling over him. Together, they made their way back to the city, each step bringing Hubert closer to reconciliation with his past and a hopeful reunion with Delia.

As they approached Delia's doorstep, Hubert's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. He had been gone for so long, lost in his own struggles, that facing his sister felt like stepping into the unknown. But he knew it was a necessary step towards healing and moving forward.

Delia opened the door, her eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of her brother standing before her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she rushed forward, enveloping Hubert in a tight embrace. She wept tears of joy at her brother’s return.

In a surprising move, Hubert announced his plan to donate a significant portion of his wealth to the small village that had given him so much.

At a press conference, he spoke openly about his disappearance and newfound perspective. “I found happiness not in wealth or power, but in community and simplicity. I’m giving back to those who showed me true kindness and humility. Let this be a lesson that success is not measured by what we have, but by the impact we make on the lives of others.”

The village received Hubert’s generous gift with gratitude, using it to improve their infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Hubert, now a changed man, balanced his life between the corporate world and the village, ensuring that both thrived under his care.

Hubert's transformation was profound. He became a bridge between two worlds, using his resources and influence to foster a spirit of giving and community. Brian continued to guide him, helping him navigate his dual responsibilities with grace and wisdom.

In the end, Hubert found a sense of fulfillment he had never known. He realized that true happiness lay not in the pursuit of wealth, but in the connections he forged and the lives he touched. His journey had come full circle, bringing him back to the people who loved him and the community that embraced him, forever changed by his experience.

Bible Jumper: Mount Nebo| Part 3 (Flash Fiction)

 

Obadiah: Created By Bing AI

Joshua supported Obadiah as they left the tent under cover of darkness.  As Obadiah gazed upward, the twinkling stars painted the sky in shades of midnight blue. With each step, the guiding star seemed to grow brighter and more determined, leading him toward his destination.

 They climbed for an hour until reaching a plateau. Obadiah directed Joshua and Caleb to wait while he ascended further alone.

"Are you sure you're well enough to climb alone, Obadiah?" Joshua asked with concern. "The path is steep. Caleb and I can accompany you further."

Obadiah placed a reassuring hand on Joshua's shoulder. "No, Joshua. I will manage. Wait here for my return. It won't take long."

He continued his ascent until the Archangel Michael appeared from the bright light.
"Michael," Obadiah began urgently. "Where is the child? Is he safe?"

"There's no need to ask," Michael assured him. "Joshuel is safe."

Obadiah blinked. He hadn't known his nephew's name; Kristiel hadn't had the chance to tell him. "Why was he taken from me? I don't understand."

"The child was taken to ensure his safety," Michael explained, his voice resonating with a deep sense of purpose. "His destiny is intertwined with the fate of the world, and he must be protected at all costs.”

Obadiah's heart clenched with a mixture of fear and determination. "But I made a promise to my sister, to protect him with my life. How can I fulfill that oath if he is taken away from me?”

Michael placed a comforting hand on Obadiah's shoulder, his touch both grounding and ethereal. "Your bond with Joshuel runs deeper than you know. Trust in the divine plan, Obadiah. The threads of fate are intricate and far-reaching, weaving a tapestry beyond mortal comprehension.”

Obadiah bowed his head, struggling to accept this new reality. "I will do whatever it takes to ensure his safety, even if it means facing unimaginable challenges."

"You carry a heavy burden, but you do not walk this path alone."

A mix of emotions surged through him, a tumult of anger and sorrow over his sister's passing. He knew the risks when Kristiel chose to bear a Jumper, but coming to terms with her absence was a different struggle altogether. They were twins, the only brother and sister Nephilim, jumping hand in hand for thousand of years. The thought of facing life without her by his side was daunting, but finding comfort in his nephew meant that Kristiel's essence continued on. He didn't want to raise Joshuel as a Nephilim; demons, death, and destruction had already taken their toll on his family.

"It's better for the child to remain here," Michael said.

"No. Clip my wings. Give me my sister's child," Obadiah pleaded, his voice raw. “Let me leave."

"The child stays," Michael insisted.

Obadiah implored. "He's all I have left of Kristiel."

After a moment's consideration, Michael spoke again. "As you requested, your wings are clipped. Joshuel will be return to you. For the last time, you may Jump wherever you wish. Choose wisely, Obadiah. Where you go is where you will remain."

Obadiah's heart pounded in his chest as he processed Michael's words. The weight of the decision ahead of him felt like a mountain pressing down on his shoulders. He glanced back at the figures waiting below, knowing that this choice would determine not only his own fate but also that of his nephew.

Looking up at the Archangel Michael, Obadiah steeled himself and made his decision. "I choose to go where the child is destined to be," he said with unwavering determination.

A knowing smile played on Michael's lips as he nodded in approval. "So be it," he declared, and with a wave of his hand, a dazzling light enveloped Obadiah, lifting him off the ground. In an instant, they were gone from Mount Nebo, leaving behind only a faint echo of their presence.

When Obadiah opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in a lush meadow bathed in golden sunlight. Before him stood a magnificent tree with shimmering leaves that whispered in the gentle breeze. The air felt charged with an otherworldly energy, and Obadiah knew in his heart that this was a place of great significance.

As he took in his surroundings, he heard the sound of laughter and playful chatter nearby. Walking towards the source of the joyful commotion, Obadiah saw a group of children playing under the shade of the majestic tree. Their faces lit up with delight as they chased each other around, their laughter echoing through the meadow.

Among them, Obadiah spotted a familiar face - a young boy with eyes that sparkled like sapphires, his dark hair tousled by the wind. It was Joshuel, his nephew, playing without a care in the world.

Obadiah's heart swelled with love and relief at the sight of the child he had sworn to protect. Kneeling down beside Joshuel, he enveloped him in a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of their bond as uncle and nephew. Joshuel looked up at him with a smile that mirrored the pure joy and innocence of childhood.

"Uncle Obadiah, you found me!" Joshuel exclaimed, his voice filled with happiness.

Obadiah brushed a stray lock of hair from Joshuel's forehead, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I promised your mother I would always keep you safe. And I intend to keep that promise, no matter what challenges may come our way.”

Joshuel nodded solemnly, as if understanding the weight of his uncle's words. "I know you will protect me, Uncle Obadiah. You're the bravest Nephilim I know.”

A sense of pride swelled in Obadiah's chest at his nephew's unwavering trust in him. As he stood up, a realization dawned upon him - this meadow was more than just a sanctuary for Joshuel. It was a place where they could start anew, free from the burdens of their past and the shadows of fear that had haunted them for so long. Together, uncle and nephew would forge a new path, guided by love, trust, and the unbreakable bond between them.

As they watched the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, Obadiah knew that their journey was far from over. There would be challenges ahead, dangers to face, and sacrifices to make. But he also knew that as long as they were together, they could overcome anything.

With a renewed sense of purpose burning in his heart, Obadiah took Joshuel's hand in his own, the warmth of their touch grounding him in the present moment. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear - they would face it together, as family.

And as they walked hand in hand into the twilight, a feeling of peace settled over Obadiah's soul. For the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to hope for a better tomorrow.

Bible Jumper: Angel In Flight| Part 2 (Flash Fiction)

 

Obadiah: Created By Bing AI

Obadiah clutched the crying baby to his heart as he sprinted through Serenity Forest. The infant's screams echoed in his ears as he ran faster and faster, desperate to reach safety.

"Just a little further," he muttered to himself. His foot caught on a fallen tree, and the infant slipped out of his grasp. Panicked, Obadiah rushed to pick up the baby, checking for any injuries. Aside from a bit of dirt on its face, the child was unharmed. The angel let out a sigh of relief.

Obadiah heard one of the Reapers yell, "There they are!" He quickly snatched up the child and hurried towards their destination. As he ran past a towering Oak tree, he saw the face of the Archangel Michael etched into the bark, a symbol of protection. Obadiah ducked behind the tree with the child in his arms, gazing down at its peaceful face. The baby's bright eyes met his, oblivious to the turmoil its arrival had caused.

"I'll guide them in the opposite direction," Michael's voice resonated from within the tree.

Soon after, the noise of hurried feet and a bawling infant could be heard heading in the opposite direction.

Obadiah carefully peeped from around the tree. The plan worked. The Reapers were searching away from him.

"Go now," Michael instructed.

Obadiah sprinted towards the Jump site with all his might. Suddenly, a searing sensation shot through his back. An angel arrow had pierced him. Being half-human, he knew he only had ten minutes to seek medical treatment before bleeding out.

Fighting through the agony, Obadiah fell to his knees but clutched onto the infant in his arms. He was determined to protect the baby even if it meant sacrificing his own life.

Antioch loomed over Obadiah, a fierce look in his eyes. "I've got you now," he growled, reaching for the child in Obadiah's arms. "Give me the infant!"

Obadiah shifted his position to get a better view, only to realize that he was completely surrounded by Reapers. Their glowing red eyes and ashen forms didn't scare him; after all, they had been engaged in battle for centuries. He was aware of his ability to disintegrate them with a single thought, but his injuries made that option less feasible. Instead, he would have to use his cunning to outsmart them if he wanted to survive this encounter.

The Reapers inched forward, their menacing presence looming over him. He shifted his gaze towards the blindingly white door - the only escape route. "You'll have to pry this child from my dying grasp," Obadiah declared defiantly.

Antioch replied, "That's fine. I'll give you five minutes, if even that." With determination in his eyes, he declared, "I will take the child from you. But I must commend your honor in sacrificing yourself. After a thousand years, I have finally emerged victorious over you. And when you fall, I will ensure that the rest of the chosen ones meet the same fate.”

Obadiah struggled to catch his breath. "Your plan won't succeed. It's far from over." He held onto the baby even tighter.

“But it is,” Antioch said confidently. “I have the names. Death will come for them, starting with you and the child.”

Obadiah took a deep breath before asking, “How did you come by the names of the Chosen Ones?”

"Don’t tell him, nothing," Bolofar, the second in command retorted. "Let him die like the dog that he is. Let me finish him off."

Antioch knelt down next to Obadiah, his voice filled with pride as he spoke. “You see, we Reapers have evolved. We are not the mindless beings you perceive us to be,” he boasted, gesturing towards his ash form that briefly took on a human appearance before returning to its natural state. “Before I end your life, I want you to understand that I will eliminate anyone who stands in my path, starting with the abomination you hold in your arms.”

With what little energy he had left, Obadiah covered the child protectively with one of his wings.

"Finish him off and take the child," Antioch commanded.

The Reapers approached with menacing intent. Obadiah quickly shuffled backwards, pressing his back against the rough bark of a nearby tree. Bolofar sneered and lifted his sword, ready to strike him down. "I have been waiting for this moment.”

Bolofar barely finished speaking when a pair of gigantic, glowing hands emerged from the tree and snatched Obadiah. In an instant, both he and the child disappeared without a trace.

Antioch's voice echoed through the empty forest as he bellowed, "Obadiah! I will find you!"

Obadiah let out a groan, struggling to clear his blurred vision as he looked up at the figures looming over him. Among them were Moses, the man chosen by God to lead the Hebrews, standing alongside Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb.

"How many days was I out of it?" Obadiah asked weakly.

"You were unconscious for three nights," Moses replied. "We took turns watching over you."

"I am grateful," Obadiah said, attempting to sit up but falling back onto the straw mat, his body still weak.

"The Lord sent angels to heal your wounds," Joshua added. "You must rest."

Obadiah's mind was flooded with memories from the past seventy-two hours: the tragic deaths of his beloved brother-in-law and sister, and the near fatal attack on his young nephew by the Reapers. With each memory, his determination grew stronger. He demanded to know, "Where is my sister's child?”

Moses frowned, his thick, white eyebrows arched. "You were near death. Miriam looked after him until the angels came for him.

Moses and the others were aware of the Jumpers and their divine purpose. They had provided refuge when needed most.

Obadiah recalled the moment Bolofar raised his sword to strike, only to be thwarted by God's hands rescuing him and his nephew. The child should be here with him. Safe from Antioch and the Reapers in this sanctuary of time.

Obadiah struggled to rise. "I need to see the child with my own eyes. His parents were killed by Reapers—my sister was his mother. Before she died, she entrusted him to my care. I gave her my word I would protect him, even with my life."

"You speak rightly," Moses affirmed. 

"You have seen him?"

Moses nodded in agreement. "Miriam watched over him until the angels arrived  and took him away."

Obadiah gestured to Joshua. "Help me up. I must speak with Michael."

Bible Jumper: The Beginning| Birth of An Angel| Part 1 (Flash Fiction)

Obadiah: Created By Bing AI

 Baylor City, SC

“Keep pushing, Kristiel,” Alexander Felton urged his wife. The baby was coming two weeks earlier than expected while they were on the run from members of Satan's Army. These Reapers, as they were known, hunted and killed Nephilim - the offspring of Humans and Angels chosen by God to protect and guide the struggling Chosen Ones in their faith. Due to their sudden departure from New York, they were forced to find a safe location for the birth.

According to legend, the union between humans and angels was considered a horrific abomination, and God is said to have lifted the curse by creating special angels known as Nephilims. These beings serve as messengers for God and possess the ability to travel through time, allowing them to transport people back in time before and after his son's crucifixion.

They managed to find an abandoned house on the church ground in Baylor City, South Carolina. Alexander didn't know the first thing about delivering babies. Going to a hospital was out of the question, and there was no one to deliver the baby.

Kristiel fell back on the bed and gave a hard push. The birth was taking a lot out of her. Her face was glistening with sweat. She was moaning in pain.

As Kristiel let out a strangled cry, Alexander felt panic rising within him. He had never felt so helpless before. The walls of the abandoned house seemed to close in on him, and the distant howls of the Reapers only added to his sense of urgency.

But then, as if a sudden calm descended upon the room, Kristiel's expression shifted. Her eyes met Alexander's, and in that moment, he saw a strength and determination that took his breath away. "We can do this," she said, her voice steady despite the pain wracking her body.

Drawing on reserves of courage he never knew he had, Alexander knelt beside his wife and took her hand in his. Together, they faced the impending birth with a unity that transcended their fear and uncertainty. As Kristiel pushed with all her might, a sense of peace settled over them, as if they were being watched over by unseen forces.

And then, in a miraculous rush of joy and relief, their baby boy entered the world with a cry that pierced the tense atmosphere of the room. Alexander's heart swelled with love and awe as he beheld the tiny, squirming new life in Kristiel's arms. Tears welled up in his eyes as he gently touched the soft skin of his newborn son.

Kristiel held their baby close, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as she gazed at the miracle they had created together. The baby had a tuft of dark hair and delicate features that already bore a striking resemblance to both parents. A sense of wonder washed over the couple as they marveled at the new addition to their family.

He carefully flipped the baby over and gently tapped his bottom. Joshuel's cries pierced the air, just as he had seen in those childbirth videos. After cutting and clamping the umbilical cord, he placed the newborn on the warm blanket next to Kristiel. He couldn't help but notice a radiant aura surrounding the little one's body.

Kristiel turned Joshuel over onto his stomach. She looked at the small pouch in the middle of his back, where his wings will develop. God will determine when they will be assigned. He was perfect. She flipped him back onto his back. A moment later, the light around his face became more intense. The room began to shake.

Fear coursed through Alexander's veins as he quickly moved to the opposite side of the room. He looked over at Kristiel, who seemed unfazed by the sudden movement.

“The Angels in heaven are celebrating Joshuel's arrival.” Kristiel said.

The room became quiet again. She picked up the baby and held him close to her chest. She looked over at Alexander. He was still in cowered in the corner. He looked nervous.

Alexander slowly came to his feet. “We have to get moving. We can't stay here.”

“We have time," Kristiel said, looking down in the face of their son. “Don't you want to hold your son?”

“Of course, I do,” Alexander said. Stepping forward with a huge smile on his face. “I don't want to break him.”

As they basked in the joy of their son’s arrival, a sudden noise outside shattered the tranquility of the moment. The unmistakable sound of footsteps crunching on leaves drew closer to the abandoned house, sending a jolt of fear through Alexander and Kristiel.

Without exchanging a word, they knew what they had to do. With practiced efficiency, Alexander cautiously moved to the window and peered outside. Through the overgrown branches, he spotted a group of dark figures making their way towards the house. The Reapers had found them.

"We have to go now," Alexander whispered urgently, his heart pounding in his chest. Kristiel nodded, her gaze never leaving their newborn son cradled in her arms. With swift movements, they gathered what little belongings they had and prepared to flee into the night.

As they made their way to the back door, a sudden crash echoed through the room as the front door burst open, revealing the hooded figures of the Reapers. Without hesitation, Alexander grabbed Kristiel's hand and led her out into the darkness, their baby boy held close to her chest.

They ran through the dense forest, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they dodged trees and bushes in their path. The Reapers were relentless in their pursuit, their unearthly speed gaining on the desperate family.

Alexander came to a halt and abruptly pivoted towards Kristiel. “You and the baby go,” he urged, determination flashing in his eyes. "I'll hold them off.”

Kristiel's eyes widened in fear and determination as she clutched their newborn son tighter against her chest. She could see the resolve in Alexander's eyes, a silent promise to protect them at all costs. "No, we stay together," she insisted, her voice firm despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

But Alexander shook his head, a grim expression on his face. “I won't let them harm you or Joshuel. Go, I'll buy you time.” Without waiting for her response, he turned and faced the approaching Reapers. He quickly searched for a sturdy object to use as a weapon in defense.

With tears streaming down her face, Kristiel pressed a kiss to Alexander's cheek before whispering a fervent prayer for his safety. Then, with a final look of love and gratitude, she turned and ran into the depths of the forest, the echoes of her footsteps mingling with the sounds of the ongoing struggle behind her.

As Alexander sprinted in the opposite direction, a fiery hand of red ash suddenly emerged from the ground and snatched hold of his thin, slender legs. He crumpled to the ground, wailing in agony. In an instant, a gaping hole appeared beneath him and he was forcefully pulled halfway inside. Despite his desperate attempts to resist, the Reapers were too strong for him. Soon, Alexander was buried up to his neck in dirt, desperately clawing and scratching at the suffocating mound. But it was a futile effort; he was completely overpowered by the Reaper's grasp.

Suddenly, silence enveloped everything. It was an unsettling kind of quiet, reminiscent of the stillness before a storm. He glanced around, trying to make sense of it all. Then, he looked up at the sky and saw a dark cloud gathering over the forest. Thunder rumbled in the distance and bolts of lightning lit up the sky. A powerful gust of cold wind followed, bringing with it a thick fog that made it impossible to see just inches in front of him. Alexander struggled even more, his only thought hoping his wife and son were safe.

Alexander was frightened. He knew that he would not escape but no matter the outcome, their son, Joshuel must live. He and Kristiel were prepared for what may happened. His only regret is that he would not live to see his son grow up. But his life destiny was set in motion. It was the only thing that mattered.

He lifted his gaze towards the sky and began to pray. “Dear Lord, you have blessed me with this family for a reason. I have fulfilled all of your requests. My son, Joshuel, is extraordinary and has a purpose in life.” His thoughts were scattered as he continued, “Please keep him safe under your protective care.”

As Alexander finished reciting the prayer, the wind suddenly died down and the fog dispersed. The ground next to him cracked open, revealing a towering twenty-foot-tall demon figure made of ash known as Antioch. Its piercing red eyes glowed from beneath a black cloak as it emerged from the hole, one leg at a time. In its hand was a massive sword, dwarfing Alexander in comparison. It regarded him with disdain, as if he were nothing more than a blade of grass.

Alexander cast a pleading look towards the sky. "Please, God, intervene.”

The demon’s gaze fixated on him, his words dripping with malice. “What can he possibly do? I am Antioch. I will end your life, Kristiel, and then your son's.” With a swift motion, he swung his sword and removed Alexander's head from his body in one clean strike. The severed head was tossed into the depths of the well.

Obadiah:Wings of Redemption (Flash Fiction)

 

Obadiah: Created by Bings AI

In the quaint town of Baylor City, South Carolina, where charming historic streets meet the quiet hum of daily life, an angel walks among humans. Obadiah, continuing to hide his divine origin, lives as a museum director by day and a time-traveler by night.

One evening, as Obadiah strolled through the city's streets, he sensed a disturbance. A young man named Alex, with a heart full of untapped potential, had been wrongfully accused of arson at a local community center. Obadiah observed from a distance as Alex was arrested, the weight of injustice heavy on his shoulders. The boy's eyes, filled with despair, struck a chord deep within the angel's being.

Determined to help, Obadiah began his investigation. He discovered that the key to Alex's innocence lay in a piece of evidence—a security camera footage—that had mysteriously vanished. The evidence was connected to an ancient artifact, the Seal of Solomon, which had the power to reveal hidden truths. This artifact, lost to the sands of time, was now Obadiah's only hope to clear Alex's name.

That night, Obadiah crossed over to the biblical era, his form shimmering with divine light as he stepped into the past. He found himself in the desert of Sinai, the air thick with the scent of ancient history. Guided by an inner celestial force, he sought out the origins of the Seal of Solomon. His journey was fraught with trials, each one testing his resolve and ingenuity.

In the ancient city of Jericho, Obadiah encountered an elder named Eliezer, a wise scribe who spoke of the Seal's power and its last known location. "The Seal was entrusted to me by King Solomon himself," Eliezer revealed. "I hid it in a place where only the pure of heart can find it, to protect its secrets."

Obadiah continued his quest, traversing treacherous paths and deciphering cryptic messages hidden in ancient scrolls. Along the way, he met figures from the past—brave warriors, prophetic seers, and humble villagers—each offering a piece of the puzzle. With every step, Obadiah felt the interconnectedness of past and present, the delicate dance of fate and free will.

After days of searching, Obadiah finally found the Seal of Solomon hidden within the ruins of an ancient temple in the heart of the Sinai Desert. As he held it in his hands, he felt its power resonate through him. The Seal glowed with a soft, ethereal light, a beacon of truth in a world clouded by deception.

Returning to the present, Obadiah knew time was running out. Alex's trial was fast approaching, and the boy's future hung in the balance. Obadiah discreetly began to gather evidence, using the Seal's power to uncover hidden truths. He followed a trail of corruption and deceit that led him to an unexpected mastermind—a powerful city councilman named Marcus Graves, who had framed Alex to divert attention from his own embezzlement schemes.

With meticulous care, Obadiah orchestrated a complex series of events to ensure that the newfound evidence reached Alex's lawyer, Sarah Mitchell, without revealing his celestial origins. He hacked into security systems, left anonymous tips, and planted clues, all while remaining in the shadows.

The day of the trial arrived, and tensions were high. Sarah presented the new evidence, including the recovered security footage showing Marcus Graves planting incriminating evidence against Alex. However, Marcus, not willing to go down without a fight, used his influence to challenge the authenticity of the evidence.

As the trial progressed, it seemed Marcus's power and cunning would prevail. The judge, visibly torn, was on the verge of dismissing the new evidence when Obadiah, hidden among the spectators, felt a surge of urgency. He knew the time had come to reveal his true nature.

During a brief recess, Obadiah approached Sarah and her trusted allies, including a tech expert named Ethan and a local journalist, Maria. "I need to show you something," he said, his voice steady and calm. He led them to a quiet corner outside the courtroom.

"Who are you really?" Sarah asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Obadiah allowed a glimmer of his divine light to shine through. "I am Obadiah, an angel sent to ensure justice prevails. I possess the Seal of Solomon, which has the power to reveal hidden truths."

Ethan and Maria exchanged astonished glances, while Sarah took a step back, her skepticism giving way to awe. "If you can truly prove what you're saying, we need to act now," she said, regaining her composure.

Obadiah nodded, holding out the Seal of Solomon. The ancient artifact began to glow, its light intensifying as Obadiah's celestial aura enveloped it. "We will use the Seal to project the undeniable truth in the courtroom," he explained.

As they returned to the courtroom, Obadiah's celestial light remained subdued but visible, casting a serene glow around him. The judge, jury, and spectators watched in stunned silence as he stepped forward.

"Your Honor," Sarah announced, "we have one final piece of evidence to present. With your permission, we would like to demonstrate the true power of the Seal of Solomon."

The judge, intrigued and unable to deny the strange aura surrounding Obadiah, nodded. "Proceed."

Obadiah held the Seal aloft, its light radiating throughout the room. "Let the truth be revealed," he intoned, his voice resonating with divine authority. The Seal's glow intensified, projecting a vivid holographic image into the air.

Gasps filled the courtroom as the image unfolded before their eyes. The projection replayed the crucial moments: Marcus Graves sneaking into the community center, planting the incriminating evidence, and manipulating the security footage to frame Alex. The clarity and detail of the vision were irrefutable.

Marcus's face turned ashen, his confident facade crumbling. "This... this is impossible!" he stammered, trying to rise from his seat.

"The truth cannot be hidden," Obadiah said, his voice calm but firm. "Justice will prevail."

The judge, eyes wide with disbelief, addressed the court. "The evidence presented by the Seal of Solomon is clear and undeniable. The charges against Alex are hereby dismissed, and an investigation into Mr. Graves's actions will commence immediately."

Relief washed over Alex, who sat beside his mother, tears streaming down their faces. The courtroom erupted in murmurs and exclamations, the air thick with the weight of revealed truths and shattered illusions.

Sarah turned to Obadiah, her eyes filled with gratitude and awe. "Thank you," she whispered. "I don't know how to repay you."

Obadiah smiled gently. "There is no need for repayment. Justice and truth are their own rewards."

As Marcus was escorted out in handcuffs, the reality of his downfall settling in, Obadiah turned to Alex. The boy, once lost and troubled, now stood with a newfound sense of purpose and gratitude.

"You have a second chance now," Obadiah told him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Use it wisely, and remember the strength you have within you to change your destiny."

With his mission accomplished, Obadiah prepared to return to his celestial duties. The courtroom, once a place of despair and doubt, now stood as a beacon of hope and redemption, its people inspired by the divine presence that had walked among them.

Obadiah's journey was far from over. There were other times, other places in need of his guidance. But as he ascended back into the heavens, he knew that his time in New Eden had left an indelible mark on both the city and his own celestial heart.

And so, the angel continued his eternal quest, a guardian of the delicate balance between the realms of time, always watching, always guiding, ever committed to the cause of justice and redemption.