E I G H T E E N
The End of the World

***

Pandora Claire was a little girl notorious for the mischief she caused both in school and at home. In her fourth grade class it seemed many inexplainable events occurred to the child's poor teacher.

However, many student's felt no pity for the teacher as the older Ms. Greene kept a reputation for being a cold-heart of a teacher. It was no surprise that many student's wished for her demise.

Despite this there was no student Jackie Greene couldn't handle... until Pandora Claire came along.

Pandora didn't like school to begin with, Ms. Greene simply added to her fire of hate. From day one Ms. Greene knew Pandora would be the cause of mischief in her class; however, she just couldn't seem to catch the young girl in the act.

From Ms. Greene's speech Pandora had somehow been making the words she wrote on the whiteboard get erased just after she wrote them. A task which most people deemed as impossible. Therefore the principle was at a loss for words when both the teacher and young girl came up to his office.

"Mr. Bollard, I beg you to do something about her," Ms. Greene pointed to an innocent looking Pandora who sat with a frown on her face across from the principle.

Mr. Bollard quite frankly thought Pandora was incapable of doing anything mischievous, let alone somehow erasing the whiteboard. To put it simple he thought Jackie Greene was beginning to go a bit senile.

Mr. Bollard sighed, placing a comforting hand on the old woman's shoulder. "Jackie please." He said, only to have Ms. Greene rip away from him.

"Oh no, don't you 'Jackie' me." She reeled waving her arms around wildly.

Just as Mr. Bollard was about to soothe her, his office door burst open. In blur of gold and black came the archangel; Gabriel. Golden blonde locks sat atop his head, his bright gold-caramel eyes covered by a pair a dark sunglasses.

Gabriel hadn't aged a day since he first possessed his vessel. His vessel still looked to be in his mid thirties even with the fact it was now hundreds of years old. The archangel waltzed straight in acting as if he owned the place.

"Gabriel, thank you for coming." The principle nodded in appreciation for the parent.

Pandora barely peeked over her chair, catching just a glimpse of her father before paling and turning around quickly. Now, her father was the man of mischief himself, so it wasn't that he would be angry if she messed with her teacher.

It was the fact that she used her powers to do so, Gabriel didn't like when Pandora used her powers in public for the chance of being seen.

She looked down gulping as her father neared her chair. "What's going on?" He questioned, though his tone held the sense of already knowing.

"Your daughter is a major disruption to the learning environment. She openly causes chaos during class, just today she was erasing everything I wrote on the board after I wrote it." Miss. Greene did sound a bit crazy when hearing those words out loud.

"I didn't do anything!" Pandora's high-pitched child voice argued, while she gave a small glare toward her teacher.

"Yes you did!" The teacher sassed back.

"You watched her do this?" Gabriel butt in, a raised brow.

Ms. Greene blushed furiously, rubbing the back of her neck. "Well, not exactly."

"Oh." Gabriel said in mock surprise, glancing at his nine-year-old daughter. "Then how do you know she did it?"

"Because I just do!" Ms. Greene bit back, before continuing. "She's the spawn of Satan I tell you!" She snarled, making the principle gasp.

"Ms. Greene!" The principle yelled, Gabriel only glaring at her.

Satan also known as 'Lucifer' was a sore subject for Gabriel. Lucifer was Gabriel's brother along with Michael, Raphael, and the rest of the angels. However, those four were the only archangels making them a lot closer to each other than they were to the rest of the angels.

Long ago when Lucifer had posed a threat to humanity, God trapped Lucifer in a cage which resided in the deepest depths of Hell.

Lucifer had been locked in that cage for millions of years, and hopefully for the sake of humanity; he would remain that way. Gabriel subconsciously put out an arm drawing his daughter closer, making her eyes widen in surprise.

"I am truly sorry." Mr. Bollard sighed, pinching his nose between his fingers. "You can go."

With that Gabriel wasted no time in sweeping Pandora in his arms and walking out of the office, the sound of the principle scolding the teacher left behind.

~

"Ha, erasing the whiteboard; good one kid." Gabriel ruffled his daughter's hair as they walked inside their apartment. "Your grace is really coming in." Gabriel sighed, as he hung his jacket on the coat rack.

Pandora only smiled in response, happy her father wasn't angry about the whole ordeal. However, the both of them were put into silence by the sound of glass smashing. Turning Pandora was confused on the sight she saw.

A handsome middle-aged man stood behind the bar in their expensive apartment, mouth agape eyes focused on Pandora. His right hand was out, as if he were previously holding something—most likely a glass cup by the sound of shattering.

Gabriel was quick to fly into action, pulling out his archangel blade—a serious look in his eye.

"Brother." Gabriel acknowledged ready to kill if need be.

Balthazar was one of the few angels Gabriel truly did like; however, he hadn't seen Balthazar since he skipped out on Heaven. Gabriel wasn't sure whether or not Balthazar could be trusted with a secret like his Nephilim daughter. He had worked hard to keep his little girl hidden from Heaven's peeking eyes and Hell's wrath.

Gabriel was not worried that Heaven or Hell could kill them, but more on the fact that they would no doubt attempt to weaponize his daughter. She would be on the run for the rest of eternity if Heaven found out.

Balthazar made a noise of shock, before swallowing. Alike to a baby deer, Pandora moved behind her father's legs—clutching onto his pants knowing he'd protect her from anything. It was the love they shared for each other which connected them in way's most parents didn't have with their children.

Balthazar kept eye contact with the little girl in shock, not believing the sight before him. "Well, haven't you been busy brother." He finally got out, moving his eyes to Gabriel—who stood stoned-faced.

"Yes and I am afraid to say that Heaven nor Hell know about her, so you witnessing her is a bit of an issue." Gabriel smiled sarcastically, silently telling Balthazar he would kill to protect me.

Balthazar held his hands up in mock peace. "Peace, brother. I left Heaven, I only came to find the one angel I know on Earth who isn't with the rest of the dick army. Trust me when I say I have no desire to let my tongue slip about this little miracle." Balthazar defended making Gabriel loosen his grip on the blade.

"Very well." Gabriel sighed, his trust for Balthazar high.

"But I should warn you," Balthazar started making Gabriel raise an eyebrow. "The apocalypse has started, Lucifer's cage was just opened." Balthazar stated casually, making Gabriel look as if he finally understood something.

Just a few hours ago, both Gabriel and Pandora had sensed a change in the atmosphere. It was something so ancient and foreign Pandora had not a clue on what it could be and Gabriel simply had forgotten what it felt like to have Lucifer rise.

"What?" Gabriel went white, making Pandora look up in worry at him.

Gabriel grabbed his daughter's hand tightly, making Pandora frown at the scared look settled on her father's face.

"You heard me, Gabe." Balthazar used Gabriel's nickname. "All sixty-six seals have been broken, Lucifer escaped just this morning. Heaven is in panic and Hell in victory. Michael and Raphael are planning to wage war against Lucifer, that sort of a war—it'll destroy the Earth; Gabe." Balthazar ended softly.

Gabriel ran a stressful finger through his hair, shaking his head. "This isn't a war, it's a fight between both my brother's. This—what everyone calls the apocalypse, it was our Sunday dinner." Gabriel sighed. "And I don't know how many could survive our Sunday dinner." He added with a soft chuckle looking to his daughter, who didn't understand what was going on, but knew it was something bad.

Balthazar walked over placing a hand on Gabriel's shoulder. "Dean Winchester is Michael's true vessel and Sam Winchester; well, Sam is Lucifer's." Balthazar said the prophecy of two human brothers' who were destined to become the vessels of angels and fight one another.

"The Winchesters!" Gabriel exclaimed with a groan, not too fond of the history behind them.

He had run into the human monster hunters; Dean and Sam Winchester. They were quite the legend and also quite attracted to the idea of killing Gabriel. Then again Gabriel had tormented the poor souls many times.

"Who are the Winchester's, daddy?" Pandora questioned quietly.

"Idiots you never want to meet." Gabriel scoffed stroking his daughter's hair.

"Castiel, he rebelled against Heaven as well. He's with the Winchester's, the three are trying to stop Lucifer." Balthazar informed, making Gabriel's eyes widen in surprise.

"Castiel?" He said the angel's name in astonishment.

Castiel was a good soldier, not the type you would think to rebel. Balthazar nodded in confirmation.

"Me." Balthazar started. "I'm just trying to stay out of this. This is bigger than anything in history and I'm not trying to choose the loosing side." He said the only option that seemed to make sense.

Gabriel looked down at his daughter. He knew then that she was his world, he would let no harm come to her. However, to do that; he would need to go with Balthazar's plan. Lay low, not choose a side,

"You're right, we can't pick a side not now—it's the fucking end of the world." Gabriel said a sentence that made young Pandora shudder in fear.

Balthazar nodded, his eyes going back to Pandora once more. "An archangel Nephilim? You do realize she is one of the most powerful beings in existence, correct." Balthazar rose a brow.

Of course Gabriel knew. Pandora was his daughter after all. Gabriel rolled his eyes pushing his daughter toward Balthazar slightly. He trusted Balthazar completely at this point, he had no reason not to. Gabriel had warded both Pandora and himself so that the only people who could find them meant no harm.

"Pandora, this is your uncle Balthazar." Gabriel introduced his daughter to his virtual best-friend, trying to make her forget about 'the end of the world'.

Balthazar bent lower, so he was around the same height as Pandora with a rare friendly smile on his face. "Hello sweetheart, I'm your uncle."

~

I was awake with a gasp of annoyance, hating when I was pulled into the dreamscape of memories. With a small groan I looked around my surroundings, furrowing my brows when it was still daylight. I thought I had slept longer.

As I sat up I cracked my neck, feeling groggy. With a small sigh I gingerly placed my feet on the ground forcing myself into a standing position. I was slow to put my shoes on, not even bothering with the tie.

It was just after I got my shoes on, that Lavender burst into the room a wide smile on her face. She grabbed a thick jacket, throwing me one of her spares before swiftly tugging me with her to the door.

"Come on or you're going to miss your first Quidditch match!" Her eyes lit in excitement as she pulled me along Gryffindor tower.

I forgot Lavender was bringing me to some so-called wizarding sport named 'Quidditch'. What a weird name. I struggled to pull on the jacket as we moved quickly throughout the castle.

It wasn't only us, as a large hoard of students shoved their way through the corridors in an attempt to get good seats. Once we got to the Quidditch pitch we saw Walter sitting patiently saving two seats to the right of him.

"Excuse me." Lavender was polite in trying to push through the mass of student's to get to Walter.

She huffed when no one listened, and continued blocking our path. It was mainly Slytherin house and our own fellow Gryffindors whom didn't comply. Of course in the midst of that hoard was Tom fucking Riddle and his little gang, sneering at the younger student's walking to get to their own seats.

I rolled my eyes at Lavender being too polite with all these people, and simply grabbed her hand tightly so she wouldn't be sucked away with the other students.

"Move it people! Either start walking or get pushed to the ground!" I shoved our way through the hoard of students, actually making a few fall to the ground—hilariously enough one of those fallen students was Abraxas Malfoy.

He yelped falling to the ground dramatically making a few of his friends snicker. Tom not noticing me, only rolled his eyes at Abraxas's idiotic dramatic movements. Abraxas; however, knew it was me as he immediately began glaring at me.

He opened his mouth ready to say something smart, until I beat him to the punchline. "Oh be quiet Viserys." What can I say I'm a fan of Game of Thrones.

At my loud comment, Tom and most of his group turned to look at me. Everyone looked confused at my comment, not understanding it. "Who's Viserys?" Abraxas wrinkled his nose.

"The guy who died in season two." I scoffed, earning a look of complete bewilderment from Tom himself.

I continued on walking past them, vaguely hearing Abraxas cuss me out and Tom ordering him to stop. I smirked at that, shaking my head. Lavender noticed my expression giving me a small knowing smile.

Walter watched the two of us take our seats next him, with a small smile. He nodded before the games began. It was Slytherin against Gryffindor, apparently for the first time this year. According to Lavender and Walter, Slytherin generally play dirty.

"Before we start the game, I have one question to ask." The student commentators voice rang out. "Selena Dupoux, will you accompany me to Hogsmeade this weekend?" His question rang out, making all students, including the professors look at him.

Sitting innocently was a older Hufflepuff male student, watching a younger Ravenclaw girl with hopeful expectant eyes. The head of Hufflepuff house glared furiously at the student, angry at him for embarrassing Hufflepuff house like that.

With bright red cheeks little miss Ravenclaw nodded, mouthing 'yes' to him—which he grinned widely at, ignoring all the glares he got for holding up the game.

"Young man, start the game this instant!" The Hufflepuff head, yelled out.

"Oh yeah," He remembered looking back to the awaiting players who were annoyed. "Let the game begin!" His voice cut across the pitch, officially beginning the game.

Immediately the players were off, odd looking balls being thrown around in the air. I had never seen Quidditch before, but I quickly learned that it was quite boring in comparison to other sports. Now football on the other hand, that was a tremendous sport to watch!

Don't get me wrong, obviously the flying on the brooms and such was quite fascinating, yet the sport itself was dis-interesting. Walter and Lavender were having a wonderful time though, considering they were both cheering their voices raw.

Across the pitch sat Tom in the middle of his rowdy group of friends, all of which were encouraging on Slytherin. I noticed his group being a little smaller than normal leading me to believe that some members were on the team themselves.

I snickered at the look of complete boredom and irritation written on Tom's face, it was obvious he wasn't much of a Quidditch fan. Lavender watching my wandering eyes let out a small giggle at me watching Tom.

She bumped my shoulder, making myself meet her eyes once more. "Wondering why a perfect student like Tom isn't playing Quidditch?" She questioned, smirking at the small look of fluster on my face.

I only shrugged, seeing Tom look over in our direction out of the corner of my eye. It was like he knew we were talking about him, actually he probably did know. He was using legilimency on Lavender no doubt.

Lavender smiled cockily, looking back to the game. "It's because he's not very good at it." Her answer caused me to go into a fit of laughter making Walter chuckle at the two of us.

Tom Riddle scowled from across the pitch delivering a harsh glare to the Rowle girl. Lavender didn't notice him in her head at all only laughing with me.

"I remember in first year when we were all learning how to play, Tom kept getting hit by the bludgers." Walter and her both laughed the memory running through their minds.

Tom glared, looking slightly offended at that. I only smiled at his facial expression, feeling a bit guilty.

"But you need to give him credit, he is the smartest in this school. Sorry Lavender." I added after seeing her sour expression.

She opened her mouth to retort, but paused a dark look crossing her features. Walter and I exchanged looks confused by her sudden turn in nature. Lavender began frantically looking around her brow furrowed in concentration.

"I think someone's in my head." She told us, making Walter's eyes widen.

Immediately I looked to Tom, seeing him roll his eyes before obviously pulling out of her mind. Lavender sighed in relief muttering, "They're gone now."

Tom's eyes clashed with mine across the pitch, and I was quick to give him a knowing look. With a small smile I made a locking my lips sort of motion, silently telling him—I wasn't going to be the one to tell.

He smirked back chuckling to himself at my antics, before I looked away. Everything was beginning to fall into place.