Divine Battle: Chapter 1

It was a bright light that caused Gabriel to awaken. He had no idea where he was, but he did not feel confusion. He did not see anyone around him, and yet he did not feel alone. In fact, Gabriel had the strange sense that he was home.
He looked around. Blue skies were above him, Not a cloud in sight. The grass beneath his shoeless feet wasn't green. It was white. A bit to his right was a golden rode. Some internal instinct told him to follow it. Gabriel stood on his feet, and followed the road North.
After a mile or so, Gabriel caught a glimpse of the most beautiful place he ever saw. Buildings were carved out of the finest white marble known to man. The buildings had statues carved into them. These statues depicted biblical scenes , saints, angels, and crosses. The streets webbing around the marble buildings were golden. There was a golden palace. It had a cross on the top of it, and people seemed to surround it.
Gabriel was drawn toward this city. He decided that he must get in. He had to. Then, his heart sank when he saw the golden gate. What if this was a citadel? What if he were not allowed to enter. He had to try. He had to try to enter. Gabriel could not bear the thought of not entering. Even though he had never seen this place, he knew he belonged in there.
He saw a man standing by the gate. He wore a long white robe, and had kind blue eyes. The man smiled at Gabriel as he approached him.
"Hello, sir, I was wondering if I could enter that city there. Could you please let me through this gate?" Gabriel asked. He masked his desperation to be inside this city quite well. The man chuckled, then grinned.
"Gabriel, you are of good heart and soul. Of course you may enter!' the man responded. The mirth in his voice was welcoming. Gabriel gave the man an astonished look.
"How did you know my name, sir? Have we met?" Gabriel questioned. The man laughed, the mirth growing in his tone. Gabriel wondered if that was even possible.
"It is my job to know your name, my friend! I am the Gatekeeper, and I welcome all new arrivals," the man told him as the gate began to creak. It then slowly opened, revealing the whole massive city, "Gabriel, I present to you, Heaven. Welcome home, my brother."