In the years before the War, everyone thought they knew why architects installed angels on buildings. It was all about decoration. Especially the Victorians, they went mad over cherubs and anything else with wings. Covered their buildings and parks with the buggers. What no one realised is they weren’t just stone copies – they were actual angels. I was there before the War, I heard the stories. My great-great-granddad, he was one of the architects. Knew all about them, how to capture an angel and encase it in stone.
But then there was a decree from somewhere, God knows where. Literally, really. Humanity was too far gone, and the world wasn’t working like it was supposed to, so they broke free and started raining down hellfire and damnation on the evildoers. At first, it was the real wrong ones, the ones that we all agreed needed punishment. But they soon ran out of those, and what do you do with a horde of rampaging angels, all hell bent on retribution and judgment?
We fought back, at first, but how do you fight a heavenly host? They went after anyone who’d had an impure thought, sweeping up kids who’d nicked a chocolate bar from a shop, or husbands who’d looked at their secretary’s bum for more than a second.
That was twenty years ago, and there are hardly any of us left. Of course, we’re all full of anger at what they’ve done, so there’s not a pure one among us. We learned early on that it wasn’t safe in groups – it seemed to amplify any sinful thoughts, and they found us easily. Now we all hide out alone, trying to survive in an empty world.
I’ve been living in an old school for ten years, but I know I’m not alone now. I can hear them downstairs. Even when they’ve shed the stone, they’re not quiet. They don’t need to be. Who needs stealth when you’ve got a flaming sword of justice? The cherubs are the worse – their airborne attacks are a thing of legend now. People got sucked in by the cuteness, and mown down for it.
I don’t know if anyone will ever find this, especially once I’ve blown up this place. It might not kill them but it’ll certainly take the wind out of their sails, and remind them that humanity isn’t going down without a fight.
Wishing you all the best,
Wilfred.
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I wonder if all the hellfire and damnation types who infest my country have ever really considered what it would be like if their letter-of-the-law attitude came to life like this?
That’s a frightening premise, capturing angels and encasing them in stone? Seems like that’s just asking for something like this to happen. But yup, we won’t go down without a fight, and you painted a gorgeously dark scene here.
loved the idea of being in groups radiating impure thoughts & increasing chances of being targeted
marc nash
I knew envy of our privileged station would spread eventually. Pesky angels never handled emotions as well as I’d have designed them to.
I love the dark twist here, turning a symbol of good into a horror movie villain. Nice job!
Yeah, I think modern society would do pretty badly judged on those standards. Best indulge while we can!
Excellent story. This would make a great summer blockbuster movie.
How very creative this is Icy, I love it, especially the angels being hellbent on retribution. Excellent story!
This makes me think of the weeping angels from Doctor Who. Creepy and frightening.
I was just about to say the same thing, Tim. It sure was well done.
Thanks!
A scary story and this too like Tim made me think of the Weeping Angels from Dr. Who too, only yours are more scary because they move whether you’re looking at them or not.
Very imaginative story Icy.
Reading this from my own architectural background, I love it. Never thought of them as being actual angels before.
Great story. Having a sweet little image like a cherub turn violent would be terrifying. I love it!
Who would want to cage up angels like that?! Don’t people know they’re freaking insane? Ha!
This is very creepy indeed, but I sense a bit of dark humor crawling somewhere along the lines. Clever, imaginative, and dark. Good one Icy.
I almost felt like crying at the end of this one. It just so clearly illustrates how impossible the sanctimonious are to please.
Great story Icy — hope he makes it out alive – cherubs on the rampage – danger! curious what that process used to be to convert them into stone in the beginning 🙂
Awesome. The idea of seeking retribution and where exactly to draw the line is something I’ve thought about writing myself. Not sure I’d top this, mind!
What a cool but chilling concept. Real live angels encased in stone. Great piece Icy as always