Angels:
Gabriel- Gabriel is possibly best known as the angel that came to Mary and told her of the child that she was to bare. After acting for thousands of years as God’s messenger, Gabriel grew tired of servitude. Following not much longer after the time on Earth that was the 1600s, there was a second war in Heaven between God and Lucifer. Gabriel, though a strong warrior as well as to being a messenger, wanted no part in this second, ridiculous battle. Convincing his friend, Francis, to also remain neutral, the two were cast from Heaven at the battle’s end. Ever since then, Gabriel has walked the Earth. Now, in the 21st century, Gabriel makes the best of his exile by protecting the humans that reside on Earth. Recently having moved to New York City, Gabriel finds himself surrounded by a gang of joyous neighbors in his new apartment. For the first time since his arrival on Earth, Gabriel allows himself to share in the humans’ joy and befriends his new neighbors. Gabriel is a tall, lean angel that dresses in tight pants and a loose button-up shirt, and keeps his hair long (often it is not well brushed). On his left bicep, Gabriel has a tattoo of a lily (Mary's flower at the annunciation). On his right bicep, Gabriel has a tattoo of a trumpet (which he would blow to announce the second coming). Gabriel has a mastery over all languages spoken by humans and has some experience with animal languages (such as the feline language of Tigrina, which allows Gabriel to communicate with his Russian Blue, Aelurus). Gabriel also has a limited control over fire.
Azrael- For even longer than Gabriel, Azrael has been an exile on Earth. Having failed to fight in the first war in Heaven, Azrael was banished for an eternity (Gabriel’s origins share very closely in this). For the longest time, Azrael remained secluded, stewing in his rage and own self-pity. However, things changed very quickly when Azrael crossed the ocean and came to the land that would become America in the late 12th century. After performing a Sabbath in what would be later named the Appellation Mountains, Azrael came into contact with the demon Zethos. It was in Zethos’s interests to destroy all that existed and claim the Earth for his own. With little persuasion, Azrael became Zethos’s servant and, in turn, lead to Zethos’s rise to power. Azrael is a small, frail being. He wears robes that are the uniform of all of Zethos’s followers. Similarly, Azrael has tattooed markings on his face and his body that represent Zethos. Azrael has become Zethos’s right-hand and will let nothing stop his master’s plans.
Bartleby- Bartleby had little interest to continue his entire existence as a tool for God to use as punishment for the wicked. Leaving Heaven on his own terms, Bartleby came to Earth with intentions to protect the human race from any further genocide. As God’s wrath continued, Bartleby became more and more resentful. Believing himself one to be a better father to the Earth, Bartleby began gathering forces to his side to one day overthrow God. Bartleby is a self-righteous terrorist that sees things in only black and white. He sees no need for the taking of human lives, whether or not it is for the greater good. Bartleby is not evil in any sense, but he is simply misguided.
Loki- Loki is one of few angels that made the mistake of thinking that Earth was greater than Heaven. Having left Heaven to explore Earth’s pleasures (which he found there were few), Loki was outraged to find that he could not return home. Soon shrugging it off, Loki took up residence in New York City, sharing a loft with fellow thrill-seeker Serendipity. Loki is an off-the-wall joker that loves to annoy people and dress in crazy outfits. Deep down, however, Loki is a kind, well-meaning spirit.
Michael- Once the savior of all Heaven, Michael’s story is a tragic one. Michael was the angel that led all other angels in the first war against Lucifer. Thousands of years later, as the protector of Jerusalem Michael had been sent to Earth to aid in the protection of the land. Being struck unsuspected by a missile, Michael dropped from the sky. After being picked up by a team of US soldiers, Michael was taken to a secret facility where he became a guinea pig. Michael managed to escape with his life, but not before his wings had been removed. Having transubstantiated, Michael can not return to Heaven until his death. Now, Michael acts without concern in his vigilante ways, hoping that one of the criminals he faces will end his life so he can return home.
Serendipity- Serendipity is another angel that made the mistake of coming to Earth for pleasure. She soon learned what she had given up. Doing what she can to enjoy it, Serendipity has moved in with fellow angel Loki in a loft in New York City. Serendipity is a seductive woman that sleeps with men mostly so that they will buy her nice things; she makes it a point to get them drunk beforehand so they won’t notice the wings. Other than her blatant use of men as boy-toys, Serendipity has a sweet heart and loves without hesitation.
Francis- Francis was more than willing to fight on the side of God in the second war until Gabriel convinced him to stay neutral. It is for this reason that Francis has hated Gabriel ever since they were both banished from Heaven. There was a time when Francis and Gabriel were like brothers, but now Gabriel is Francis’s true object of hatred. Gabriel doesn’t share Francis’s hatred, but that matters little. Francis has been drifting from place to place ever since his exile. Francis hasn’t gone out of his way to look for injustice as Gabriel has, but he helps where he finds he is needed. This may soon change, as dark forces have their eyes set on Francis as a tool to use against Gabriel.
Demons:
Reaver- Too few would be able to fathom a “good” demon, but Reaver isn’t all that bad. Realizing the mistake he made by joining with Lucifer in the war, Reaver was never all that happy with himself. Finally finding a host that he could reside in permanently, Reaver took over the body of Douglas McGowan and made him into a billionaire. Reaver can’t be considered innocent. Many have been screwed by Reaver’s financial wit and scams. However, Reaver has no objections against God or angels, and has distaste for murderers and rapists. As Douglas McGowan, Reaver enjoys an openly homosexual lifestyle and all of the benefits that come with being a billionaire. Reaver is occasionally discarded from McGowan’s body. Thus, whenever he feels McGowan fighting free, he locks him up until he can regain possession.
Vesuvious- Vesuvious is Lucifer’s greatest tool against Gabriel. Lucifer plans to one day make another attempt at God’s throne. With that in mind, Gabriel would be a very powerful asset. Vesuvious’s objective is to bring Gabriel over to Lucifer’s side using any means necessary. Vesuvious is very intelligent and manipulative. Often using the same body as his host (who little is known about), Vesuvious often lets Gabriel know who he is and what he wants. The two have always been in conflict; even back in the day when they were both angels.
Dante- Dante is an agent of Vesuvious first and a servant of Lucifer second. Dante often picks strong hosts that can accommodate his fighting styles so they can be used against his enemies. Dante also has a knack for scarring his hosts. Whenever he takes possession of a human, he forces them to cut themselves numerous times in numerous places, often making them cut a pentagram into themselves. He enjoys causing pain, which is why he is constantly jumping to a new host.
Beelzebub- Miles Winkle is a young college student that has a strong interest in demonology. Calling forth Beelzebub, Winkle allowed the demon to take over his body. However, Beelzebub showed mercy on the man. The body of Miles Winkle became inhabited by two beings, Winkle’s soul and the demon Beelzebub. The two together work mostly alone, but occasionally will do simple jobs for Vesuvious.
Zethos- After the first war in Heaven, Michael sent all of Lucifer’s angels to Hell. Zethos, possibly being more wicked than Lucifer, was cast into the deepest circle of Hell where he could bother no one. By accident, the exiled angel Azrael released Zethos from his prison. However, Zethos was not complete. The millennia of imprisonment had worn away his power. Azrael, devoting himself wholly to Zethos’s cause, gradually returned Zethos’s power to him over the centuries. So much so that, as of today, Zethos has become powerful enough that he needs no host. With his followers growing and him becoming evermore stronger, Zethos will soon make his move to wipe away existence and take the Earth for his own.
Arethia- Before being cast into Hell after the first war, Arethia was very close to Gabriel. All that kept them apart was Arethia’s liberal views. When Lucifer struck out against God, Arethia had the utmost certainty that he would win and there would be justice in Heaven. As it is known, Lucifer lost. Arethia never joined the war, but her views were known and she too was cast into Hell (this is partly why Gabriel refused to fight in the second war). Now, Arethia aids Vesuvious in his mission to turn Gabriel. Arethia stills harbors loving feelings for Gabriel, but she mostly hates him for not defending her as she was judged. Arethia follows Vesuvious’s example and also uses the same host repeatedly (again, not much is known about the woman). Arethia often feels torn between her love for Gabriel and her mission against him.
Planned Storylines:
Gabriel Reborn- In conclusion to the first saga of The Fallen, Zethos was defeated and was drained of all of his power. Gabriel, being the one to absorb all of that power, was destroyed. Zethos, now having to use hosts as all demons do, tries to deal with the crumbling of his cult. Along with Loki and Serendipity, Gabriel’s neighbors look for a way to bring the angel back from nothingness. Gabriel walks through a realm of blackness and nothing, searching for a way back to Earth. When no other way can be found, Loki offers to the ruler of the nothingness to trade himself for Gabriel. The ruler of the nothingness agrees, but just before Loki is hit by the beam that will destroy him, Max steps in the way. Max, being a human, is wiped completely from existence when sent into the dark realm; thus, no one even remembers him after Gabriel returns (only Gabriel holds the memory, but it’s so far in the back of his mind that he doesn’t realize that Max is missing).
Returns- After many years wandering the realm of nothing, Max finds a way to free himself. Once back on Earth, Max is surprised to find that none of his friends seem to know who he is. After getting back in touch with Gabriel, things start to go back to the way they used to be; Gabriel is the only being in the entire universe that even knows who Max was. Max re-friends all of his former neighbors. Not even Gabriel remembers Max’s old name (he only knows that Max was once his friend), so Max nicknames himself Nobody (a pun on the fact that, to everyone else, he still doesn’t exist).
Son of Michael- Gabriel’s young friend Ian has always wondered about whom his real parents were and where he came from. When Ian begins to develop strange powers around his 15th birthday, the questions about Ian’s past begin to be answered. Through the plot of Vesuvious to use the boy for Lucifer’s plans, Ian learns everything that he always wanted to know. As it turns out, Ian is a result of cloning using DNA taken from Michael after his transubstantiation. After everything settles down, Michael takes Ian away to train him in the use of his new powers and the new wings that are starting to grow from the boy’s back
Future Sons- When a mysterious young man appears from the future, both the fallen angels and the demons are confused. The young man’s name is Dane and, as it turns out, he is the son of Gabriel and the human reincarnation of Arethia. Dane explains how the events leading to his birth will occur: Gabriel will transubstantiate sometime within the next twenty years; Arethia will (as a demon) be destroyed and Gabriel will bring her back as a human ten years before his transubstantiation; Gabriel will marry Arethia and the two will have a child; Gabriel and Arethia’s first son will die within a year of its life, then Dane will be born three years after. Dane’s reason for coming back in time is to wait out and prevent Gabriel’s transubstantiation. Gabriel’s first son will be resurrected and will enslave the world; this is why Dane must stop Gabriel from becoming human. This scares Gabriel, because once outcast no one can return to Heaven. Thus, if Gabriel transubstantiated and died, then he would go to Hell. Dane is not an Angel, but the fact that Gabriel was once an angel gives him some power that he used in the future to protect himself and others.
Zethos Returns- After possessing a human, cutting off Azrael’s wings, and then taking possession of Azrael, Zethos manages to absorb a near-infinite amount of power. Dane is a key asset in defeating Zethos this time around, using his mystical and unexplained powers. However, the defeat comes at a cost. In his first attempt to destroy Zethos, Dane’s blast is redirected by the demon at Arethia, who is destroyed and sent to the nothingness. Arethia, a demon or not, is still Dane’s future mother and her destruction pains him. With his second try, gathering the energy for the attack while Gabriel fights the demon, Dane destroys Zethos, this time for good, sending him into the nothingness. Rules of the nothingness: when a being that belongs in neither Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory, an angel, or a demon is destroyed, they go to the nothingness and cannot be brought back unless they find their own way out, or someone takes their place; when a human is sent to the nothingness, they are wiped from the plain of existence; should the nothingness have no one to rule the realm, the nothingness will collapse and exist no more.
Prophetic (Prelude to Zethos Returns) - Dane’s prophecy of the future begins to play out when he himself accidentally destroys his own mother (this is done while Dane attempts to destroy a once-again-empowered Zethos). Dane begs his father not to bring Arethia back, but Gabriel ignores his son’s wishes. Once brought back, Arethia is a good soul and she can finally be with Gabriel. Dane leaves for a long time after this.
Transubstantiation- The moment comes when Gabriel faces transubstantiation. Dane, having returned a few years before, is present to try to prevent this from happening. Bartleby is the one that turns out to be the perpetrator of the transubstantiation. Bartleby wants Gabriel gone so that he can act on his plan to overthrow God. Dane fails in his attempt stop Bartleby and is impaled by a spear. It is Ian that manages to stop Bartleby. This is done when Ian cuts off Bartleby’s wings with Michael’s blazing sword. Bartleby immediately kills himself, knowing that, as an outcast, he’ll never be able to return to Heaven anyway.
Second Coming- The term “second coming” usually applies to the return of Jesus Christ. However, when Gabriel (as an angel) somehow manages to impregnate Arethia, Dane is born into the world. Vesuvious wants to destroy the baby; this vendetta is inspired by Vesuvious’s vision of Dane killing him in the future. Lucifer wants the boy alive and on his side. For the first time, Vesuvious goes against the will of his master. Alone in his quest to kill Gabriel’s son, Vesuvious must fight off angels and demons.
Brothers- Bending to the will of Vesuvious’s manipulation, Francis sides with Lucifer. Lucifer wants Francis to kill Gabriel and return Arethia to Hell. Instead, Francis goes his own way to hurt Gabriel in the lowest way possible: he kills Dane (who is by this time around five years old). Gabriel must go against the one person he would have considered his brother to avenge his son. Francis, having his long-awaited revenge on Gabriel, leaves New York far behind. Gabriel follows, but fails in his confrontation. Lucifer, making a rare visit to Earth, removes Francis’s wings for his disobedience. Becoming a human with new feelings and emotions, Francis feels guilt over what he has done. Begging God to kill him and bring Dane back, Francis instead gets a reply from the ruler of the nothingness. The nothingness cannot grant new life to the young Dane in Heaven, but it can bring back the adult Dane and take Francis in his place; ever since his death, the adult Dane (no longer belonging in any time or place) has been trapped in the nothingness. Francis is wiped away from existence and Dane is brought back to life. Gabriel, however, with his keen ability to hold onto the memories of those he cares about, will manage to remember Francis’s existence.
The Nothingness- After many years in the nothingness, Francis manages somehow to once again become an angel. As an angel again, Francis’s vengeful attitude returns. Using his angelic powers, Francis overthrows the ruler of the mysterious world, erasing him from existence. Francis then uses the powers of the nothingness to pull Gabriel in. This is done so that Francis and Gabriel can fight without anyone else getting caught in the crossfire. The fight is long and tragic. Gabriel eventually submits, not wanting to kill who was once a brother to him. Francis refuses Gabriel’s surrender. Gabriel has no choice and he kills Francis. Escaping the nothingness, Gabriel finds that no time has gone by since Francis pulled him in. With no one to control the nothingness, the empty realm is destroyed forever.
Metamorphosis- Having sudden realization that Ian was a human that transformed over time into an angelic being, Vesuvious wants to harness the boy’s powers so that he may become an angel. When Ian learns of Vesuvious’s plans he asks for the help of Gabriel and Michael for his protection. Gabriel and Michael decline, both of them wanting Ian to face this task alone as a test of his will. In the end, Ian prevents anything from harming him, but Vesuvious manages to drain enough of his power to become stronger.
The Prince of Darkness- After having taken some of Ian’s power from him, Vesuvious has become a being strong enough to take on Lucifer himself. With the help of Dante, Beelzebub, and, strangely, Reaver, Vesuvious manages to overthrow Lucifer and become the new ruler of Hell. With no where left to turn, Lucifer travels to Earth and rains down Hellfire and brimstone on the surface. Even faced with Gabriel, Ian, Michael, Loki, Serendipity, and Dane together, Lucifer still cannot be defeated. It isn’t until God Himself intercedes that the madness ends. In the form of a young boy, God casts Lucifer back into Hell and, at the same time, returns Ian’s powers to him from Vesuvious, giving Lucifer control of Hell once again. God also uses His power to give Michael back his wings. Michael, having grown close to his friends on Earth, refuses God’s offer to return to Heaven. Gabriel later questions Reaver about why he was involved. Reaver was made to believe by Vesuvious that, under his rule, Hell would be made into a better place and that the demons would be given free will; this did not happen. (This will most likely be the only time that God will make an appearance in the series in any way, shape, or form other than reference.)
Revelation- Following Lucifer’s rampage on Earth, the angels have become exposed to the world. As it is in the nature of humans, the angels are, for one reason or another, seen as a threat. The military begins hunting down the angels, using any means necessary; that includes taking prisoner Max, Amy, Reverend Patrick, and Arethia to draw the angels out. Michael, Serendipity, and Loki won’t expose themselves to save their human friends, but Gabriel, Ian, and Dane care too much to let them suffer. When they find the base at which their friends are being kept, Gabriel, Ian, and Dane are hardly surprised to find that Vesuvious has taken possession of one of the officers at the base. Gabriel and Dane manage to free Max, Amy, Patrick, and Arethia, but Ian is captured. Once an officer involved in the program that produced Ian, a sergeant takes it upon himself to implant a device into Ian’s head. This device turns Ian against his friends and the military uses him to hunt the other angels down. Slowly but surely, the military manages to capture all of the angels. Switching his host from an officer to the sergeant, Vesuvious performs a ritual that drains all of the power from the angels and puts it into Ian. Ian, still under the control of the sergeant (Vesuvious), is sent out to destroy all of the enemies of the United States. This is Vesuvious’s plan: make it appear as if Ian is on the side of America so that Americans will not fear him; after all of America’s enemies have been destroyed, Vesuvious will turn Ian on everyone else. Luckily, Dane, as a human, has been untouched by this entire mess. Using extra power provided to him when Reaver jumps into his body, Dane becomes an even match for Vesuvious’s evil creation. Dane and Ian fight it out. Dane’s objective is to, one-by-one, pull the energies of the angels from Ian’s body and put them back where they belong. Ian has all but defeated Dane until the original demon form of Arethia also jumps into his body. Side story: when Arethia was destroyed by Dane, she was sent to the nothingness; when Gabriel killed Francis in the nothingness, it was thought that the realm had been destroyed forever; however, Arethia’s demon form took control of the nothingness; Max, already nonexistent to the world, traded places with Arethia so that she could give her power to Dane; Max becomes the new ruler of the nothingness. Dane, with the powers of himself, Reaver, and Arethia, defeats the evil Ian, giving the angels back their powers and destroying the device in Ian’s head. Vesuvious gives up possession of the sergeant and returns to his usual host. With it being the sergeant that placed the device in Ian’s head originally, Ian takes some time to rough the guy up a little bit.