Stargate BigBang Pt4.1
Title: I Would Like To Meet You All In Heaven
Fandom: Stargate
Series: None
Pairing: pre- John/Cam
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 8,644
Warnings: Slash, Implied M-preg, few dark-ish implications
Summary:AU. Cameron just wants to meet him.
Note: Expansion of this fic
The wind blew around him and the air grew thinner as he flew higher and higher. Fifty years. That's how long the war had been going on, filling his entire life with conflict between the angels and demons. Filling his head with lies and misconceptions only to learn the truth later on.
Cameron twisted around and kicked at the nearest cloud. His dad hadn't exactly lied to him, but he'd never been told the truth either. The truth about his father, the truth about his eyes and his other skills that make him abnormal for an angel.
He'd figured it out though, figured out why his eyes were black, why we could run as fast as he could fly, why sometimes he had fathom pains at the base of his back. His father was a demon, but not just any demon. His father was Lucifer, the Demon King, the one who started the war.
Cameron dropped his altitude. His demonic gains limited his angelic abilities. He couldn't fly as fast, or as high as most angels and he was sure that, if he tested his running and stamina against that of a pure demon, they wouldn't be equal either. He hated it. He hated being a part of both races because he didn't belong with either one. His dad had purposefully hidden him until a way to disguise his black eyes had been found so that his people wouldn't do anything to him. He didn't even what to know what the demons would do to him. Sure, they'd hate him because he was angelic but if they ever found out he was demonic too?
He spiralled down, away from Avalon and towards Tollana. Sam was there, his best friend and someone he always talked to, but so was Daniel. Daniel was the foremost historian and documented everything that happened in the war. He had records from centuries past, details about Cameron's ancestors and the Century Wars that their survival had been virtually impossible, except that they had.
Daniel was old enough to remember the Peace Years, the 150 years between the Century Wars and this one, and was probably one of the few who would answer his questions honestly and without bias. Daniel was funny like that, angel in every way except that if he could, he'd live with the demons as easily as he does with his own people.
His dad's biggest regret was how this war had almost entirely erased how, during the Peace Years, the Angels and Demons had learned to get along and live with one another. Cameron wondered if that was ever possible again.
Tollana was one of two towns closest to the demon border. It was also the safer one, receiving less attacks than Orilla but still its fair share. It was mostly an empty town, those who couldn't defend themselves regularly having moved west to Avalon or a larger town. Only soldiers, scientists and crazy people like Daniel lived in Tollana now.
Cameron landed in the west end town, waving to Zoran, the on duty guard. Daniel's home was unkept, a small two story building that always made Cameron feel like a klutz. He knocked over at least one stack of books every time he visited.
He knocked on the door as he let himself in. Daniel had given him an open invitation when he was a kid so he didn't feel weird about entering virtually unannounced.
He wished he'd waited, deviated from the norm because he didn't expect to walk in on Daniel in an intimate embrace.
"Oh shit," Cameron cursed, eyes going wide.
He turned away to give them some privacy as his face burned with embarrassment. A few decades ago he'd fantasized about being Daniel's lover, but Daniel had only ever seen him as the Prince, someone he couldn't touch.
"You can turn around now Cameron."
Daniel looked surprisingly normal, though normal for him was flustered and a little rumpled, so Cameron wasn't sure what to make of that. It was his companion that threw Cameron for a loop.
"General O'Neill?" he blurted.
General Jack O'Neill was one of his father's oldest friends and in charge of the Angelic Army. Cameron didn't know how old he was. He looked older than his father, greying hair and feathers that frayed faster, but most days he acted much younger.
O'Neill winced, "Hey kiddo."
Cameron grimaced. He was nearly fifty, hardly a child anymore even if he was young for an angel. "General."
He looked at Daniel, "Do you have some time?"
Daniel and O'Neill traded a look, silently communicating and Jack nodded before getting his things ready to go.
Daniel's wing brushed his in a sign of comfort, "What's up Cam?"
Cameron glanced at O'Neill briefly, almost out the door. "I know who my father is."
"Jack wait," Daniel immediately. Cameron looked between the two confused.
O'Neill sighed but he came back in the house and took a seat.
"Jack will have a better insight on some of the matters," Daniel explained, taking a seat beside O'Neill and gestured for Cameron to sit as well.
Cameron frowned, "So you already know Lucifer's my father?"
Daniel nodded, "Though the relationship had never been made a big deal, there are many of us who remember your father and Lucifer were lovers. Some refuse to remember and consider you're Lucifer's son but others, like Jack and I and all the personnel in the palace remember and do not like this conflict with the demons but know that we have to fight back if we want to survive. We don't hate that you're half demon Cam."
Cameron sagged in relief. He didn't think Daniel would change towards him, but hearing it from his own mouth eased some of his fear.
"Why didn't he tell me?"
It was General O'Neill who sighed, "Because of how easily conflicts between the Angels and Demons arose after the attack. It was as if the Peace Years had never happened."
"General-"
"Jack," O'Neill interrupted. "Call me Jack, kiddo. Especially since were discussing such a sensitive subject."
Cameron hesitated. He'd never called the man something other than General even though he'd known him his whole life. "Why did people forget?"
"Because the Century Wars were terrible," O'Neill replied. "There was so much hate between our races stemmed from a conflict blown so far out of proportion that no one could even remember why they were fighting. Your Grandfathers, both Michael's and Lucifer's fathers, died so that the fighting could stop. The entire Angelic and Demonic Kingdoms watched as our Kings stood before each other, made a blood treaty and then killed themselves so that your fathers could start anew. It took time, but eventually we lived in harmony. We still don't know why Lucifer broke the treaty."
Cameron had heard all of this before. Not in exactly the same way, basic Angelic and Demonic history was told to all Angels and he'd never studied their history farther. He'd never been interested in learning all the details, only the basics so that he understood what had happened. He'd never known his Grandfathers had killed themselves.
"What was Lucifer like?"
"Arrogant," O'Neill answered immediately. "Stubborn but compassionate. He loved Michael and Michael loved him. You are as much like him as you are your dad."
"But he never knew about you," Daniel added. "The war broke out before your father could tell him or get an explanation for why the demons attacked."
"I still don't understand why he didn't tell me," Cameron said looking away.
O'Neill leaned forward and his wings stretched out to him, "During the Peace Years I was bonded to a demon. Her name was Sara, and we had a son together."
Cameron's eyes widened. He'd never known this about the General, not that he'd known much to begin with but the raw pain in his voice made Cameron want to tell him to stop. He couldn't get anything out of his mouth.
"Charlie was the first child born to parents of both races. He had a tail, but no wings and silver blue eyes. He was beautiful, an inspiration to other couples that it was possible for our races to breed together."
"What happened?" Cameron whispered.
"He died, from Kirsan Fever," O'Neill leaned into Daniel's embrace and Cameron wished he hadn't asked. "For some reason it hits half breeds harder than it does demons or angels. Sara and I broke the bond not long after, there was just too much hurt between us. You almost died too Cameron, when you were six. I didn't think it was possible for Michael to be more devastated then when the war started."
Cameron frowned. He didn't remember being that sick when he was a kid. He knew he would have gotten Kirsan, everyone did but he hadn't known it'd been that bad. He'd never known it was possible to die from Kirsan.
"Why haven't I been told any of this?" Cameron asked, distressed. He should know this, he's supposed to know this. He's the Angelic Prince, it should never have been kept from him!
"Because Michael feared that you'd be used against him, by the demons and by some of our own people who don't like that we only attack the demons if it's to regain control over Orilla. Because he feared that other common ailments might affect you differently and be used against you.
"But doesn't Lucifer know I'm his son?"
O'Neill shook his head, "Lucifer refuses all contact with Angelic Kingdom. There was no way your father could let him know save by starting a rumour, but there was no guarantee the right information would reach him."
Cameron thought about that. He didn't think it fair that his father not even know he existed. Maybe, if he managed to see his father he could figure out why the demons attacked, why he attacked. But more than that, he wanted to meet his father. He wanted to meet the man dad had loved, no doubt still loved.
"Cameron," Daniel said slowly, as if he suspected what was going on in Cameron's head, "don't do anything rash."
"I just want to go to Orilla," Cameron lied smoothly. "See the Demonic Kingdom."
...............
Orilla was a fortress sitting on top of the only mountain pass between the kingdoms. All the other paths had been destroyed during the Century Wars and there was no other way to enter either kingdom, unless someone was dumb enough to try crossing the Great Dessert. The border town was the primary protection for the Angelic Kingdom, saw ownership change between the angels and demons regularly but gratefully the fighting didn't extend beyond the town. Cameron had never been to Orilla before. He'd read all about it, been allowed to see it from afar but it was considered too great a risk if he entered.
Cameron ignored all that now. He walked through Orilla's streets like he was just another soldier except that he wasn't being treated like just any soldier. As he made his way to Commander Thor's post the oncoming flow of angels parted to let him through. He smiled at them, and while they nodded back they wouldn't meet his eyes. They never met his eyes, as if doing so would get them in trouble and he didn't know how to tell them he hated being so damn revered without sounding like he was throwing a tantrum.
Commander Thor's post was located in the western spire overlooking the training grounds and barracks. Cameron found him in a room decorated with maps of both the Angelic and Demonic Kingdoms, some broad scale, others very specific. He was with two other Commanders. Cameron knocked at the door, but did not enter.
"Your Highness," Commander Thor greeted him with a smile. He was roughly around General O'Neill's age, a tall broad shouldered angel with pristine white tipped brown feathers, and a bald head but a short white beard. His eyes were a rare purple and when he was a child, Cameron had though that meant they were related but Thor, like Cameron, belonged to one of the old bloodlines. "I heard rumours of your approach but I did not expect to actually see you."
Cameron gave him a small shrug, "My apologies. It was a sudden decision."
Commander Thor raised an eyebrows, "Can I assume your father was not part of this decision?"
Cameron scowled, "My father does not dictate every aspect of my life."
"Of course not Sire," Thor amended, backing down. He gestured to his companions, "Have you met Commanders Bra'tac and Selmak of the Jaffa and Tokra Companies?"
Cameron shook his head and greeted the Commanders politely. A Company was comprised of eight hundred soldiers and each Company, instead of numbered, was named. Commander Thor was in charge of the Asgard, Orilla's permanent residents. The Jaffa and Tokra Companies rotated postings every year, like the majority of the Companies. In addition to the Asgard only the Tollan and Terran Companies had permanent postings.
Bra'tac and Selmak excused themselves after receiving a look from Thor. They closed the door behind them, and it sounded to Cameron like a cell door closing on a prisoner.
"Commander-" Cameron started but Thor raised a hand. Cameron felt compelled to stop.
"My Prince, whatever the conflicts are between you and your father I will not disguise your presence here. There are reasons you're not supposed to be in Orilla the least of which involving your safety."
"Commander, I very well understand but I won't be here long. I just want to look out the other side."
Thor stared at him, and Cameron forced himself not to fidget. He wasn't going to leave Orilla, not until he got to look at the Demonic Kingdom, not until he got a good look at the maps and decided whether or not he could enter the Kingdom.
Thor sucked in a breath, and Cameron knew he'd figured it out. "He told you?"
Cameron nodded.
Thor sighed and sat down behind the table, "I always wondered how long he would wait."
Cameron scowled, "And no one else decided to mention it."
"It wasn't our place, despite how much we argued with your father over it." Thor replied. "Just be careful while you're here Sire. I don't want to be the one responsible if anything happens to you."
...............
Cameron sat on the southern edge of the battlement overlooking the Demonic Kingdom. He could see the cropping of a small outpost a mile out from the bottom edge of the mountain and the perimeter of a village several more miles away. He figured that town was the equivalent to their Tollana, though he had no idea what it was called. There was a soft beating of wings and Cameron glanced to his left.
Lieutenant Fryer, an Asgard soldier, had been tasked with shadowing Cameron while he remained in Orilla. He was shorter than Cameron but not by much, wearing the simple uniform of the Army with only the lightweight armour. He had a mop of sandy blond hair that was on the verge of falling down over his eyes which were a stunning gold and his wings were gorgeous midnight blue. Cameron thought his presence was useless, annoying and problematic because if he was going to complete any studying of the Demonic Kingdom he needed to be left alone.
"How old are you Lieutenant?"
"Old enough to know exactly why you stare down there longingly Sire," Fryer replied promptly.
Cameron grimaced. Of course Thor would assign someone who knew, and would be wary of any questions he asked. Still, it was possible he could work that to his advantage, if he went about it carefully.
"Have you been down there?"
Fryer moved closer to him and leaned against the ledge, "When I was a fledge my parents took my sister and I to Atlantis. It's different, not as open as Avalon but it's beautiful. I've always wanted to go back. There's so much to see and experience that I never had to opportunity to or that I can remember."
Cameron nodded thoughtfully. "Can you show me? On a map I mean, tell me about where you went and what you know."
Fryer thought about that for a moment, mulled it over while staring at Cameron and Cameron did his best to keep his face blank, void of anything but plain curiosity.
After a moment, Fryer shrugged, "Sure. I'm not sure how detailed the map of Atlantis is but it should be good enough."
Fryer led Cameron to where he'd spoken with Thor earlier. There was a Tokra soldier pouring over an old map, frowning in concentration and he didn't look up when they entered.
"Malek has been studying the Orilla foundations for some time now. He believes, like Doctor Jackson, that under the city we see now is an older version," Fryer explained when Cameron gave him an inquiring look.
"And one day I'll prove it," Malek countered. "There's still a lot about our histories we don't know, places in the journals of our past kings that we cannot find, places the great Ancestors probably lived and built like Avalon and Atlantis."
Cameron knew the stories. Angles whose wings spanned almost twice the average length and could fly to immeasurable heights and demons who could run and never get tired. They'd lived in Avalon and Atlantis, Castina and Sehal with Heliopolis as the capitol. They had lived in harmony, studied the sciences beyond anything that had ever been replicated now and then...nothing. No one knew what happened, why only Avalon and Atlantis survived or why that harmony had been broken. After so many years people only believed them to be stories made up to explain why Avalon and Atlantis were unlike any other city both Angelic and Demonic.
If the Ancestor Cities exist, shouldn't there be ruins?" Fryer pointed out as he browsed through the shelves of maps and pulled one out. He moved down the central table so they didn't disturb Malek too much.
"Time destroys many things," Malek replied cryptically.
Cameron gazed down at the city, built almost like compass. There was a large central building then a series of small and large buildings at an equal distance at the north, south, east and west points and a sparse scattering of even smaller buildings between those points. It was kind of an odd design, and Cameron wasn't sure of what purpose it served. How could they defend it is someone attacked? Avalon at least had an impenetrable outer wall.
"The city's made up of a series of towers," Fryer began to explain. "We think it was meant to be a center for science as the defensive wall they built is not part of the original structure. It has cobblestone roads, nothing like our own though. They're smaller, a little rougher for better traction and don't ice over like ours during the Freeze. Some of the towers have a bridge between them, usually the small ones that are close together thought I gather that if it was needed, some of the buildings could be easily lept across."
"What's the center tower used for?" Cameron asked.
"It’s the equivalent of your place in Avalon. It’s not only Lucifer's home but its where most of the city and ultimately the kingdom are run. I believe it's also where the Atlantis records are kept, given that it's one of the most secure places in the city. It's the city's tallest tower."
Cameron straightened, frowning to himself, "Why?"
Fryer shrugged, "That's just the way it was built."
"It probably wasn't built to be for a royal family," Malek joined in, looking up from his Orilla map. "We know your place in Avalon was originally a gathering hall, where guests from other cities would stay if they did not have any other accommodations. I can only assume that's why it became the home for your family Sire. During the Peace Years, especially the early ones, Demonic dignitaries would be housed within your father's home. It brought not only security but showed the people that if the King was making an effort, then everyone else had to as well."
Throughout the explanation Cameron casually scanned the shelves of maps, looking for the right notation that would tell him it was a wide spread map, and not one specifically for a town. As he inched closer and closer he could see the little notations made on the wood, etched in both the Ancestor's and their common script, a pale imitation that Cameron had never really liked. He was pleased to see that the maps for the Demonic Kingdom weren't too high up that he would have to raise his and draw attention to himself and as he kept his eyes on both Fryer and Malek he reached over and slid one out quickly but quietly. He tucked it up under his shirt by his left wing where it wouldn't show too much then pressed his wings in close to keep it in place.
"Have you been to Atlantis?" Cameron asked him.
Malek nodded, "Once, as an escort for your father. It's a beautiful city."
Cameron nodded, and they stayed there for a while talking about the city, about things a map didn't tell you and Cameron wondered if, when the time came he would get to see these things first hand too.
...............
Cameron was perched in the trees overlooking a small town labelled Athos on his map. They were a farming village, peaceful and Cameron envied them for how peaceful they were, living so close to the border. Tollana had once been like this.
There were demon children playing near his hiding place and Cameron wondered if they knew what it was like on the other side of the border, if they were taught that Angelic children weren't allowed outside city confines unless they had sufficient protection.
Passing over the mountains might have been impossible, and going around was a death sentence, but somewhere demons were crossing into angelic territory. Not large groups, four at the most and always well trained; assassin like. They attacked at random, large cities or small towns, it didn't matter and if taken alive, they never revealed their point of entry. So many good lives had been lost in the attacks.
Cameron lurked above Athos till nightfall, before taking flight again and heading south. Atlantis was at the heart of the Demonic Kingdom, much like Avalon was the heart of the Angelic Kingdom. It would take him another three days to fly there and hopefully, if his map was correct there would be a few areas he could hide out during the day to avoid any patrols. He would pass by one other town just over half way there called Manaria. He hoped to just pass right over it. The less chance of demons seeing him the better and really, he shouldn't have even stopped in Athos but he'd just been too curious.
He wondered what Lucifer would be like. Was he anything like his father? Cameron wondered if he would even believe him. Sure, he could show him his eyes, the black as night eyes he'd inherited from him, covered by a coloured lens to protect him but he might think that a trick or hate him even, for having grown up as an angel hiding his demonic side. There was just no telling. But Cameron wanted to tell him anyways, no matter what the outcome.
...............
Part 2
Fandom: Stargate
Series: None
Pairing: pre- John/Cam
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 8,644
Warnings: Slash, Implied M-preg, few dark-ish implications
Summary:AU. Cameron just wants to meet him.
Note: Expansion of this fic
The wind blew around him and the air grew thinner as he flew higher and higher. Fifty years. That's how long the war had been going on, filling his entire life with conflict between the angels and demons. Filling his head with lies and misconceptions only to learn the truth later on.
Cameron twisted around and kicked at the nearest cloud. His dad hadn't exactly lied to him, but he'd never been told the truth either. The truth about his father, the truth about his eyes and his other skills that make him abnormal for an angel.
He'd figured it out though, figured out why his eyes were black, why we could run as fast as he could fly, why sometimes he had fathom pains at the base of his back. His father was a demon, but not just any demon. His father was Lucifer, the Demon King, the one who started the war.
Cameron dropped his altitude. His demonic gains limited his angelic abilities. He couldn't fly as fast, or as high as most angels and he was sure that, if he tested his running and stamina against that of a pure demon, they wouldn't be equal either. He hated it. He hated being a part of both races because he didn't belong with either one. His dad had purposefully hidden him until a way to disguise his black eyes had been found so that his people wouldn't do anything to him. He didn't even what to know what the demons would do to him. Sure, they'd hate him because he was angelic but if they ever found out he was demonic too?
He spiralled down, away from Avalon and towards Tollana. Sam was there, his best friend and someone he always talked to, but so was Daniel. Daniel was the foremost historian and documented everything that happened in the war. He had records from centuries past, details about Cameron's ancestors and the Century Wars that their survival had been virtually impossible, except that they had.
Daniel was old enough to remember the Peace Years, the 150 years between the Century Wars and this one, and was probably one of the few who would answer his questions honestly and without bias. Daniel was funny like that, angel in every way except that if he could, he'd live with the demons as easily as he does with his own people.
His dad's biggest regret was how this war had almost entirely erased how, during the Peace Years, the Angels and Demons had learned to get along and live with one another. Cameron wondered if that was ever possible again.
Tollana was one of two towns closest to the demon border. It was also the safer one, receiving less attacks than Orilla but still its fair share. It was mostly an empty town, those who couldn't defend themselves regularly having moved west to Avalon or a larger town. Only soldiers, scientists and crazy people like Daniel lived in Tollana now.
Cameron landed in the west end town, waving to Zoran, the on duty guard. Daniel's home was unkept, a small two story building that always made Cameron feel like a klutz. He knocked over at least one stack of books every time he visited.
He knocked on the door as he let himself in. Daniel had given him an open invitation when he was a kid so he didn't feel weird about entering virtually unannounced.
He wished he'd waited, deviated from the norm because he didn't expect to walk in on Daniel in an intimate embrace.
"Oh shit," Cameron cursed, eyes going wide.
He turned away to give them some privacy as his face burned with embarrassment. A few decades ago he'd fantasized about being Daniel's lover, but Daniel had only ever seen him as the Prince, someone he couldn't touch.
"You can turn around now Cameron."
Daniel looked surprisingly normal, though normal for him was flustered and a little rumpled, so Cameron wasn't sure what to make of that. It was his companion that threw Cameron for a loop.
"General O'Neill?" he blurted.
General Jack O'Neill was one of his father's oldest friends and in charge of the Angelic Army. Cameron didn't know how old he was. He looked older than his father, greying hair and feathers that frayed faster, but most days he acted much younger.
O'Neill winced, "Hey kiddo."
Cameron grimaced. He was nearly fifty, hardly a child anymore even if he was young for an angel. "General."
He looked at Daniel, "Do you have some time?"
Daniel and O'Neill traded a look, silently communicating and Jack nodded before getting his things ready to go.
Daniel's wing brushed his in a sign of comfort, "What's up Cam?"
Cameron glanced at O'Neill briefly, almost out the door. "I know who my father is."
"Jack wait," Daniel immediately. Cameron looked between the two confused.
O'Neill sighed but he came back in the house and took a seat.
"Jack will have a better insight on some of the matters," Daniel explained, taking a seat beside O'Neill and gestured for Cameron to sit as well.
Cameron frowned, "So you already know Lucifer's my father?"
Daniel nodded, "Though the relationship had never been made a big deal, there are many of us who remember your father and Lucifer were lovers. Some refuse to remember and consider you're Lucifer's son but others, like Jack and I and all the personnel in the palace remember and do not like this conflict with the demons but know that we have to fight back if we want to survive. We don't hate that you're half demon Cam."
Cameron sagged in relief. He didn't think Daniel would change towards him, but hearing it from his own mouth eased some of his fear.
"Why didn't he tell me?"
It was General O'Neill who sighed, "Because of how easily conflicts between the Angels and Demons arose after the attack. It was as if the Peace Years had never happened."
"General-"
"Jack," O'Neill interrupted. "Call me Jack, kiddo. Especially since were discussing such a sensitive subject."
Cameron hesitated. He'd never called the man something other than General even though he'd known him his whole life. "Why did people forget?"
"Because the Century Wars were terrible," O'Neill replied. "There was so much hate between our races stemmed from a conflict blown so far out of proportion that no one could even remember why they were fighting. Your Grandfathers, both Michael's and Lucifer's fathers, died so that the fighting could stop. The entire Angelic and Demonic Kingdoms watched as our Kings stood before each other, made a blood treaty and then killed themselves so that your fathers could start anew. It took time, but eventually we lived in harmony. We still don't know why Lucifer broke the treaty."
Cameron had heard all of this before. Not in exactly the same way, basic Angelic and Demonic history was told to all Angels and he'd never studied their history farther. He'd never been interested in learning all the details, only the basics so that he understood what had happened. He'd never known his Grandfathers had killed themselves.
"What was Lucifer like?"
"Arrogant," O'Neill answered immediately. "Stubborn but compassionate. He loved Michael and Michael loved him. You are as much like him as you are your dad."
"But he never knew about you," Daniel added. "The war broke out before your father could tell him or get an explanation for why the demons attacked."
"I still don't understand why he didn't tell me," Cameron said looking away.
O'Neill leaned forward and his wings stretched out to him, "During the Peace Years I was bonded to a demon. Her name was Sara, and we had a son together."
Cameron's eyes widened. He'd never known this about the General, not that he'd known much to begin with but the raw pain in his voice made Cameron want to tell him to stop. He couldn't get anything out of his mouth.
"Charlie was the first child born to parents of both races. He had a tail, but no wings and silver blue eyes. He was beautiful, an inspiration to other couples that it was possible for our races to breed together."
"What happened?" Cameron whispered.
"He died, from Kirsan Fever," O'Neill leaned into Daniel's embrace and Cameron wished he hadn't asked. "For some reason it hits half breeds harder than it does demons or angels. Sara and I broke the bond not long after, there was just too much hurt between us. You almost died too Cameron, when you were six. I didn't think it was possible for Michael to be more devastated then when the war started."
Cameron frowned. He didn't remember being that sick when he was a kid. He knew he would have gotten Kirsan, everyone did but he hadn't known it'd been that bad. He'd never known it was possible to die from Kirsan.
"Why haven't I been told any of this?" Cameron asked, distressed. He should know this, he's supposed to know this. He's the Angelic Prince, it should never have been kept from him!
"Because Michael feared that you'd be used against him, by the demons and by some of our own people who don't like that we only attack the demons if it's to regain control over Orilla. Because he feared that other common ailments might affect you differently and be used against you.
"But doesn't Lucifer know I'm his son?"
O'Neill shook his head, "Lucifer refuses all contact with Angelic Kingdom. There was no way your father could let him know save by starting a rumour, but there was no guarantee the right information would reach him."
Cameron thought about that. He didn't think it fair that his father not even know he existed. Maybe, if he managed to see his father he could figure out why the demons attacked, why he attacked. But more than that, he wanted to meet his father. He wanted to meet the man dad had loved, no doubt still loved.
"Cameron," Daniel said slowly, as if he suspected what was going on in Cameron's head, "don't do anything rash."
"I just want to go to Orilla," Cameron lied smoothly. "See the Demonic Kingdom."
...............
Orilla was a fortress sitting on top of the only mountain pass between the kingdoms. All the other paths had been destroyed during the Century Wars and there was no other way to enter either kingdom, unless someone was dumb enough to try crossing the Great Dessert. The border town was the primary protection for the Angelic Kingdom, saw ownership change between the angels and demons regularly but gratefully the fighting didn't extend beyond the town. Cameron had never been to Orilla before. He'd read all about it, been allowed to see it from afar but it was considered too great a risk if he entered.
Cameron ignored all that now. He walked through Orilla's streets like he was just another soldier except that he wasn't being treated like just any soldier. As he made his way to Commander Thor's post the oncoming flow of angels parted to let him through. He smiled at them, and while they nodded back they wouldn't meet his eyes. They never met his eyes, as if doing so would get them in trouble and he didn't know how to tell them he hated being so damn revered without sounding like he was throwing a tantrum.
Commander Thor's post was located in the western spire overlooking the training grounds and barracks. Cameron found him in a room decorated with maps of both the Angelic and Demonic Kingdoms, some broad scale, others very specific. He was with two other Commanders. Cameron knocked at the door, but did not enter.
"Your Highness," Commander Thor greeted him with a smile. He was roughly around General O'Neill's age, a tall broad shouldered angel with pristine white tipped brown feathers, and a bald head but a short white beard. His eyes were a rare purple and when he was a child, Cameron had though that meant they were related but Thor, like Cameron, belonged to one of the old bloodlines. "I heard rumours of your approach but I did not expect to actually see you."
Cameron gave him a small shrug, "My apologies. It was a sudden decision."
Commander Thor raised an eyebrows, "Can I assume your father was not part of this decision?"
Cameron scowled, "My father does not dictate every aspect of my life."
"Of course not Sire," Thor amended, backing down. He gestured to his companions, "Have you met Commanders Bra'tac and Selmak of the Jaffa and Tokra Companies?"
Cameron shook his head and greeted the Commanders politely. A Company was comprised of eight hundred soldiers and each Company, instead of numbered, was named. Commander Thor was in charge of the Asgard, Orilla's permanent residents. The Jaffa and Tokra Companies rotated postings every year, like the majority of the Companies. In addition to the Asgard only the Tollan and Terran Companies had permanent postings.
Bra'tac and Selmak excused themselves after receiving a look from Thor. They closed the door behind them, and it sounded to Cameron like a cell door closing on a prisoner.
"Commander-" Cameron started but Thor raised a hand. Cameron felt compelled to stop.
"My Prince, whatever the conflicts are between you and your father I will not disguise your presence here. There are reasons you're not supposed to be in Orilla the least of which involving your safety."
"Commander, I very well understand but I won't be here long. I just want to look out the other side."
Thor stared at him, and Cameron forced himself not to fidget. He wasn't going to leave Orilla, not until he got to look at the Demonic Kingdom, not until he got a good look at the maps and decided whether or not he could enter the Kingdom.
Thor sucked in a breath, and Cameron knew he'd figured it out. "He told you?"
Cameron nodded.
Thor sighed and sat down behind the table, "I always wondered how long he would wait."
Cameron scowled, "And no one else decided to mention it."
"It wasn't our place, despite how much we argued with your father over it." Thor replied. "Just be careful while you're here Sire. I don't want to be the one responsible if anything happens to you."
...............
Cameron sat on the southern edge of the battlement overlooking the Demonic Kingdom. He could see the cropping of a small outpost a mile out from the bottom edge of the mountain and the perimeter of a village several more miles away. He figured that town was the equivalent to their Tollana, though he had no idea what it was called. There was a soft beating of wings and Cameron glanced to his left.
Lieutenant Fryer, an Asgard soldier, had been tasked with shadowing Cameron while he remained in Orilla. He was shorter than Cameron but not by much, wearing the simple uniform of the Army with only the lightweight armour. He had a mop of sandy blond hair that was on the verge of falling down over his eyes which were a stunning gold and his wings were gorgeous midnight blue. Cameron thought his presence was useless, annoying and problematic because if he was going to complete any studying of the Demonic Kingdom he needed to be left alone.
"How old are you Lieutenant?"
"Old enough to know exactly why you stare down there longingly Sire," Fryer replied promptly.
Cameron grimaced. Of course Thor would assign someone who knew, and would be wary of any questions he asked. Still, it was possible he could work that to his advantage, if he went about it carefully.
"Have you been down there?"
Fryer moved closer to him and leaned against the ledge, "When I was a fledge my parents took my sister and I to Atlantis. It's different, not as open as Avalon but it's beautiful. I've always wanted to go back. There's so much to see and experience that I never had to opportunity to or that I can remember."
Cameron nodded thoughtfully. "Can you show me? On a map I mean, tell me about where you went and what you know."
Fryer thought about that for a moment, mulled it over while staring at Cameron and Cameron did his best to keep his face blank, void of anything but plain curiosity.
After a moment, Fryer shrugged, "Sure. I'm not sure how detailed the map of Atlantis is but it should be good enough."
Fryer led Cameron to where he'd spoken with Thor earlier. There was a Tokra soldier pouring over an old map, frowning in concentration and he didn't look up when they entered.
"Malek has been studying the Orilla foundations for some time now. He believes, like Doctor Jackson, that under the city we see now is an older version," Fryer explained when Cameron gave him an inquiring look.
"And one day I'll prove it," Malek countered. "There's still a lot about our histories we don't know, places in the journals of our past kings that we cannot find, places the great Ancestors probably lived and built like Avalon and Atlantis."
Cameron knew the stories. Angles whose wings spanned almost twice the average length and could fly to immeasurable heights and demons who could run and never get tired. They'd lived in Avalon and Atlantis, Castina and Sehal with Heliopolis as the capitol. They had lived in harmony, studied the sciences beyond anything that had ever been replicated now and then...nothing. No one knew what happened, why only Avalon and Atlantis survived or why that harmony had been broken. After so many years people only believed them to be stories made up to explain why Avalon and Atlantis were unlike any other city both Angelic and Demonic.
If the Ancestor Cities exist, shouldn't there be ruins?" Fryer pointed out as he browsed through the shelves of maps and pulled one out. He moved down the central table so they didn't disturb Malek too much.
"Time destroys many things," Malek replied cryptically.
Cameron gazed down at the city, built almost like compass. There was a large central building then a series of small and large buildings at an equal distance at the north, south, east and west points and a sparse scattering of even smaller buildings between those points. It was kind of an odd design, and Cameron wasn't sure of what purpose it served. How could they defend it is someone attacked? Avalon at least had an impenetrable outer wall.
"The city's made up of a series of towers," Fryer began to explain. "We think it was meant to be a center for science as the defensive wall they built is not part of the original structure. It has cobblestone roads, nothing like our own though. They're smaller, a little rougher for better traction and don't ice over like ours during the Freeze. Some of the towers have a bridge between them, usually the small ones that are close together thought I gather that if it was needed, some of the buildings could be easily lept across."
"What's the center tower used for?" Cameron asked.
"It’s the equivalent of your place in Avalon. It’s not only Lucifer's home but its where most of the city and ultimately the kingdom are run. I believe it's also where the Atlantis records are kept, given that it's one of the most secure places in the city. It's the city's tallest tower."
Cameron straightened, frowning to himself, "Why?"
Fryer shrugged, "That's just the way it was built."
"It probably wasn't built to be for a royal family," Malek joined in, looking up from his Orilla map. "We know your place in Avalon was originally a gathering hall, where guests from other cities would stay if they did not have any other accommodations. I can only assume that's why it became the home for your family Sire. During the Peace Years, especially the early ones, Demonic dignitaries would be housed within your father's home. It brought not only security but showed the people that if the King was making an effort, then everyone else had to as well."
Throughout the explanation Cameron casually scanned the shelves of maps, looking for the right notation that would tell him it was a wide spread map, and not one specifically for a town. As he inched closer and closer he could see the little notations made on the wood, etched in both the Ancestor's and their common script, a pale imitation that Cameron had never really liked. He was pleased to see that the maps for the Demonic Kingdom weren't too high up that he would have to raise his and draw attention to himself and as he kept his eyes on both Fryer and Malek he reached over and slid one out quickly but quietly. He tucked it up under his shirt by his left wing where it wouldn't show too much then pressed his wings in close to keep it in place.
"Have you been to Atlantis?" Cameron asked him.
Malek nodded, "Once, as an escort for your father. It's a beautiful city."
Cameron nodded, and they stayed there for a while talking about the city, about things a map didn't tell you and Cameron wondered if, when the time came he would get to see these things first hand too.
...............
Cameron was perched in the trees overlooking a small town labelled Athos on his map. They were a farming village, peaceful and Cameron envied them for how peaceful they were, living so close to the border. Tollana had once been like this.
There were demon children playing near his hiding place and Cameron wondered if they knew what it was like on the other side of the border, if they were taught that Angelic children weren't allowed outside city confines unless they had sufficient protection.
Passing over the mountains might have been impossible, and going around was a death sentence, but somewhere demons were crossing into angelic territory. Not large groups, four at the most and always well trained; assassin like. They attacked at random, large cities or small towns, it didn't matter and if taken alive, they never revealed their point of entry. So many good lives had been lost in the attacks.
Cameron lurked above Athos till nightfall, before taking flight again and heading south. Atlantis was at the heart of the Demonic Kingdom, much like Avalon was the heart of the Angelic Kingdom. It would take him another three days to fly there and hopefully, if his map was correct there would be a few areas he could hide out during the day to avoid any patrols. He would pass by one other town just over half way there called Manaria. He hoped to just pass right over it. The less chance of demons seeing him the better and really, he shouldn't have even stopped in Athos but he'd just been too curious.
He wondered what Lucifer would be like. Was he anything like his father? Cameron wondered if he would even believe him. Sure, he could show him his eyes, the black as night eyes he'd inherited from him, covered by a coloured lens to protect him but he might think that a trick or hate him even, for having grown up as an angel hiding his demonic side. There was just no telling. But Cameron wanted to tell him anyways, no matter what the outcome.
...............
Part 2