《INKarnation》


 [ 1 ] If I kill her now, itll stop the process

    I should have known that strange bird was a sign of bad luck. Announcing its presence atop the old abandoned building, its beady eyes fixed on me, calling out in such a loud garble it forced me to pull out an ear bud.

    Cast in its shadow as it consumed the afternoon light from behind, I approached the small brick building with a playful coo, "Wow, you''re a big guy, aren''t you?" I paused, smiling at my own joke, but the bird remained silent. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, its long black wings furled out and took flight from its spot. I watched, momentarily taken aback, as the bird soared into the sky, its silhouetted mass taking time to diminish.

    With its presence gone, I started to notice patches of small yellow daisies seemingly out of place, growing without dirt on the solid surface of rough bricks, stone, and glass. Curiously, I snapped some photos with my phone before plucking one out from the cardboard-draped window, surprised to find it rootless.

    I continued to explore, feeling like an adventurer uncovering hidden treasure. As I examined the building further and a new song shuffled in, I imagined myself as a traveling botanist on the hunt for a cure to a magical illness. I followed the warm toned petals from the windows to a nearby dumpster, where something caught my eye. It was a metallic necklace neatly laid in the weeds. Excited by my find, I retrieved it from the ground and admired its incomplete infinity symbol design. The pendant and thick black string were both in pristine condition, untouched by weather or wear. Putting it in my pocket, the music shifted again, its melody whisking me away into a new adventure as I finished my walk home.

    Coming back to my street and shutting off my tunes, reality slowly crept back in. It started with the distant sound of children playing, their laughter blending with the hum of lawnmowers. Each step I took grounded me further into the familiar landscape of my neighborhood, a bittersweet transition from the hero I had imagined to the ordinary girl walking home.

    The moment I walked inside the smell of freshly brewed coffee met me at the door. Mom stood at the counter, pouring a cup and asked me, "Did you finish off the entire pot again?" It was clear she had just woken up still in her pajama pants and hair unbrushed.

    "I was working on some panels," I answered. "And it wasn''t a full pot."

    Mom looked back at me with a dramatic leer. "Always make a full pot," she teased.

    "But then I would drink it all," I said with a smirk.

    "Next time make some more. Get some extra practice before you start work next week," she said and bent down into a laundry basket at the table looking for pieces of her uniform.

    "Where''d you go?"

    "Just went for a walk to the park. I saw these weird-looking flowers while I was out."

    "Oh, yeah? Maybe you should save your money to get a car," she said, ignoring half my sentence with a sip of her mug.

    I pulled up a photo of the flowers on my phone, but mom just barely took a glance to say ''cool'' before mining for a matching set of socks. "Found a necklace, too. And there was a massive bird. I think it was a crow."

    "Crows get pretty big."

    "It was like this," I said, drawing my arms out until they couldn''t stretch anymore.

    "Like the size of Rhode Island?" She said, hinting at one of our jokes about pointing out when anyone used our state as a measurement.

    Though I was being serious, I went along. "It was exactly that dramatically large and small at the same time," I said.

    "Use it as inspiration for your next comic. Crow Man by Arianna Amaris," she laughed, finally sitting down.

    "That''s stupid. No one would read that and comics aren''t just superheroes."

    "I thought you liked superheroes," she defended and she wasn''t wrong. My love for all illustrated stories was rooted in the first heroes that one of mom''s previous boyfriends put into my hands in his attempt to bond with me.

    "I have other things first," I explained.

    "By the way, don''t be mad at me. I can take you to work Monday, but I''m not going to be able to pick you up."

    "It''s fine. I''d rather just walk anyway."

    "I wanted pictures when I picked you up," she jokingly whined. "A before and after with you all cheery going in and another with stains all over your shirt and pulled hair coming out of your visor."

    "I''m definitely not doing that," I said knowing she intended to share it with her friends who''ll make the embarrassing comment, ''aww Catherine, she looks just like you!'' With just the same color hair and eyes I was deemed a shorter version of her.

    With only a weekend left until I started my first job at the cafe, I spent my "final days of freedom" working on the comic I started, knowing my free time would soon diminish. Each panel felt like a fleeting moment slipping away, but also like a piece of solace before the bustle of work consumed my days. Mom laughed and told me I was being dramatic, claiming my hours wouldn''t be that long. I was doubtful about that when during my interview, I was told there would be plenty of shifts to call me in on sunny days.

    Regardless of how I tried to spend those days, Monday still arrived and I let mom take her photos as she reminded me that the next ones were of my first paycheck.

    She casually mentioned names of some of the girls she worked with, as if I were supposed to have remembered them. "Everyone wishes you luck. Let me know when you get to the cafe," she said and lifted up my visor to give me her traditional forehead kiss. "Don''t forget to smile for your customers," mom advised, noting my gloomy expression. "Would you like me to take you? It''s burning out here. You''ll be drenched in sweat by the time you get there."

    I reminded her the walk took ten minutes plus it would ease my nerves by giving me more time to listen to music.

    Mom swore it''d feel like the first day of school, but it didn''t. It lacked the familiar optimism to start the year off right in a new outfit. Instead, my stomach ached from it twisting and stretching as if it were ready for a marathon. Perhaps the rest of my quivering insides could join in. Give me any excuse not to set foot into work. Maybe I could tell them, "Sorry, can''t come in today. Have to chase after my organs and do my first 5K."

    My body tensed even more as I heard the guttural cawing from behind me. I spun around to a large black bird staring back at me. Either these birds were getting pumped at the gym, or it was the same one now creeping around my house. I backed up on the lawn and we watched each other until I was on the street. I was already so nervous that I''d forgotten to put on my music for the entire trip. Each step felt heavy, my mind replaying all the things that could go wrong on my first day.

    Still trying to compose myself, I walked into the building of my workplace with a deep breath. The familiar smell of roasted vanilla greeted me as I walked through the door, and it momentarily lifted my spirits. Though that small comfort evaporated when the manager told me to remove all my jewelry and leave my phone with it in the back room.

    After that, I was led to the front where I was introduced to my trainer, Evie. Her thick eyelashes could touch the top of her visor, and the smell of smoke clung to her like perfume.

    Under her guidance, I attempted to make a coffee for a customer twice, failing miserably both times. My confidence was fading quickly as the customer kept harping on my incompetence while pleading with my trainer to make it herself. Thankfully, Evie finally intervened, but the customer''s angry huff left me embarrassed and defeated, wondering if I would ever get the hang of this job.

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    Evie groaned, exacerbated, shoving the bills into the draw once the door closed. "She doesn''t even know how to order her coffee," she said. "Like, seriously, what kind of person orders that much cream and expects it to be black?"

    Through orders, I spent most of my time cleaning away the coffee doodles I penned with a straw and staring at the clock.

    5:18. That''s close to five-thirty. Which was almost six. And then another three hours. Almost done.

    The bell on the door alerted another customer''s arrival, and I hoped for a simple order. A woman about the same age as my mom smiled, saying, "I keep seeing you around." She pushed her sunglasses up from her freckled copper cheeks to a cloud of curly hair. As her unnatural, vibrant red amber eyes locked onto mine, I admired the golden and rosy hues that highlighted her in the backdrop of the noon sky. My fingers twitched, imagining every pastel blended on paper.

    "I''m sorry. I''m new," I said.

    "Not here," she corrected my assumption about her being a regular. "You were behind that old salon off the main road."

    The sinking feeling in my stomach made me wonder if she had been watching without my knowledge. "Sounds like you''re stalking me," I added, trying to lighten the awkwardness of the moment.

    The woman smirked at my attempt at humor before revealing, "I live close by. Said you just started working here?"

    I confirmed and started, "What can I get you?"

    "Small coffee, please."

    "Regular?"

    "Extra on the cream and sugar, sorry. Got a fresh pot back there?" I told her yes, though it wasn''t true. While I prepared her drink she asked me a question that made me feel uneasy.

    "Can I ask? What did you do with that necklace?"

    "Uh...What?" How had I not noticed this lady before, and yet she knew exactly what I had?

    "I was watching you," she said.

    "Yeah. You said that," I said, keeping my eyes directly down at making her drink.

    "No, I mean- You should wear it. It doesn''t work unless you put it on."

    "Huh?" I had no intention of admitting I wore it all weekend until I got to work, but what was she talking about?

    "Someone gave it to me," she explained, "to give to you. I''m just curious where it is."

    I finally looked up and studied her serious expression, feeling the squirm to look back down from her unusually bright eyes. "OK," was all I could manage as I scrambled to add the cover to her drink.

    "Don''t know how many times I''ve tried to get you to pick that thing up. Figured it''d be weird if I handed it to you, but I didn''t think about what I''d have to do to get you to actually wear it."

    "Would you like anything else?" I stated, my voice strained as I slid over her coffee.

    She tilted her head toward the window, then pulled out a wallet from her bag, answering, "No. I''m Dana, by the way," and handing me her payment. "So, Arianna, do you work the closing shift tonight?" Her question made me feel sick as she used the name off my tag without asking. Had she asked for it I would have told her, ''Ari'' and not the stupid "it needs your full name" crap the manager spewed.

    "Mhmm," I hummed, indicating our conversation was over.

    On her way out, she departed with, "Well, stay safe."

    Her body was finally out of sight from the window and questions started to swirl in my mind. Why was she so insistent on me wearing the necklace and who was the ''someone'' who gave it to her to give to me?

    Dana''s words lingered in my mind, and a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. I was used to making things seem more grander and magical than they really were, but this time I couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something more ominous ready to play along with my daydreams.

    I told Evie about my encounter while she sat in the back room where she''d been on her phone ever since the manager left. She flamed my paranoia by replying. "Yeah, she''s warning you to stay safe from her. You better hope there wasn''t anything on that thing. Do what you want, but I''d throw that out. Wash it or something. Tell me if you see her again tomorrow."

    By the end of the night after everything was cleaned up, I gathered my things, double-checked the lights, locked the office door, and stepped out into the now dark parking lot. I made my way to Evie''s car where we gave our goodbyes before her headlights turned out onto the road and I gave a final look around before starting home.

    As I walked to the front of the building, I spotted a woman standing at the front door, who was as tall as the frame itself and staring in. From the prop equipment on her chest that lit up and another around her neck like a disk, I wondered what convention she could have been at. Her clothing, a blend of flowing skewed fabric and metal components, appeared otherworldly under the streetlight.

    "I''m sorry but we''re closed," I said, attempting to help her.

    The stranger turned in my direction, her face was so strange; pale and almost featureless under the enveloped hues of light casting from her wardrobe.

    "The gas stations are still open," I continued as she started to walk towards me. "Should be coffee there."

    In shock, I watched as the metal around her neck came alive with disorganized blinking eyes as it spun. My voice trembled as I stammered confused, "If you go down and head left at the light..."

    She kept walking towards me, her steps deliberate and unwavering. Fear gripped me as I tried to back away, my heart pounding harder with each step she took. Just as I turned to run, I was brought back by the stranger''s grip on the neck of my apron.

    Her knuckles burned hot against my skin as she choked me into her grip. I swung back, but my attacker chopped at my wrist with the edge of her palm causing me to recoil from the searing sensation.

    At that moment, she grappled my hair to turn me around. Tears stung the corners of my eyes as she wrenched us down to our knees.

    "It''ll be okay," she whispered, the tone deceptively soothing.

    Her voice started to fill the air with a blinding light, casting a hum that imprisoned all my senses. I didn''t know how long I was held in her enchantment, but her release of me wasn''t willingly.

    Freed from her grip, I witnessed an inky black mass taking shape around my attacker. It sprouted tendrils that wrapped around her head, squirming and pulsating until, with a sudden burst, her body transformed into a ball of light that shot upward and dissipated. Breathless and bewildered, still down on the pavement, my surroundings felt darker and more silent under the streetlight.

    I pulled my gaze away from the stars where I had watched the light vanish and was met with a hand outstretched to help me up.

    At first, I instinctively recoiled, looking up at the young man over me. I wanted to accept his help, but my body moved away on instinct as I studied him.

    Black wings, the same color as his hair, rested over his dark almond shoulders. Unlike the mysterious woman who had attacked me, the winged man had no aura. Though he was right there before my eyes, it felt like air. No noise from his movements, no breathing, no presence; like a black hole sucking in the light and sound around him.

    He immediately put his hands up in surrender, but continued to observe me.

    "Who are you?" My voice came out more whispered than I intended.

    "The guy who just saved your life," he said before the dark winged hero''s expression grew confused. "You feeling alright?" he asked.

    I was about to tell him I was fine, but my optimism betrayed me. My skin was burning, and it was growing hotter. I glanced down at my hands and what I saw made my stomach turn.

    A bright light radiated from under my skin, making the darkness around me glow. I glanced at the young man and saw his glossy obsidian eyes widened with shared terror, reflecting not just my fear, but a deeper concern for my fate.

    "What''s happening to me?" I screeched.

    The pain from the heat let go of its hold, but that only led to the tips of my fingers to start disappearing into dust as if turning to embers from the fire under my skin. I wanted to run away from this nightmare, but I found myself rooted in place while I tried to make sense of the situation.

    "Dammit!" the hero cursed under his breath.

    In the distance, the rumble of an approaching car grew louder, breaking the silence. A green car screeched to a halt on the wrong side of the road, and the driver''s side door flew open, revealing a silhouetted figure.

    Dana stepped out, her cellphone pressed to her ear as she ran over. "What do you think you''re doing?" she yelled at the dark winged hero, leaving her car door open.

    "I don''t know what''s going on," he started, "there was an angel here and it did some shit."

    "I''m going to combust!" I cried out in desperation, my hands shaking as I revealed they were becoming almost fingerless.

    Confused and scared, I resisted as Dana tried to guide me toward her car. "Wait, what''s going on?" I stammered, feeling a swell of panic. My head shook, resisting her pull, even as her grip tightened. Dana continued talking on the phone, not even looking at me. I felt my feet growing numb, almost as if they were sinking into the ground.

    "Come on, Arianna, we have to move!" Dana''s voice was urgent, but I couldn''t stop telling her no. It was only when my legs started to buckle that I reluctantly let her lead me. She helped me into the backseat, and I felt my shoes becoming more hollow. Turning to dust wasn''t painful, but the fear gripped me, making it hard to breathe as I struggled to maintain composure.

    The car lurched forward and the speed that she started to drive made me realize how urgent the reality of the situation was. She was still on the phone, but I didn''t have to wonder for long where we were going when she pulled into my moms spot in the driveway.

    I felt myself getting closer to being just a head and torso, and the thought of losing either made me afraid of dying.

    Dana threw her phone at the passenger seat as she rushed out and opened the back door where I was. A large bronze gentleman with half his face covered was waiting as he hobbled with haste accompanied by a little boy who also had wings.

    The man''s presence didn''t quite ease my panic as I saw the scythe under his hand that he used like a cane and the dark cloak covering his body and half his face was concealed with dirty cloth wrappings.

    The man''s deep voice pressed with the weight of the situation as he ran through instructions and handed over the scythe to his curly-haired youthful sidekick. Dana interjected nervously, "What are you going to do to her?"

    The air in my lungs halted as the man''s gaze on Dana made it clear there was no other choice. He was stoic, but his eerie green eye shone with regret. "If she dies like this they''ll be able to get her, but if I kill her now, it''ll stop the process. We have a small window to do this. Adriel, be ready."

    In the silence that followed, I could hear the pounding of my own heartbeat, echoing loudly in my ears. No one was going to argue.

    A yellow glow formed from the scythe growing brighter, in the boy''s hands. My eyes cringed shut as I braced myself for the worst, feeling the last of my time had finally run out.

 [ 2 ] You know, like, X-Men, or something

    I woke up in a terrible mood sweating as light blared through my eyelids to an irritating symphony of noises from the TV, birds, and yard work. And it was my first sign that something was wrong as I tried to piece together my hazy memories.

    It was in the small details: I was on my back with a perfectly spread blanket and still in my uniform. My things were on my side table, but there was also a full cup of water and my phone, which I usually left charging at my desk but couldn''t recall placing any of it there myself.

    I checked the screen; 10:05, no messages, no calls, no notifications, and battery in the red. Well at least that was normal.

    Once I plugged in my phone, I turned on my fan that I used every night. The familiar hum whirred to life and I was immediately relieved from the protruding noises.

    In the mirror I studied my disheveled appearance and confusion gripped my thoughts as I looked at my neck. My fingers traced over the pendant of the infinity necklace and it was then that I remembered talking to that strange woman, Dana. I thought I told myself I wasn''t going to wear this necklace again... But why? What exactly did she say about it?

    Still trying to piece my fragmented thoughts, I made my way down the hall and greeted mom with a strained "good morning" before heading into the kitchen.

    She got up from the couch and followed me to the coffee pot for our daily check-in. "Nice pajamas," she teased for still wearing my clothes from yesterday.

    I poured my cup and as I turned back she had her phone ready in front of her face. There was no time to react before the artificial shutter signaled from her device. "That''s the shot," she said with a wide grin. "Must have been a busy night. You were asleep by the time I got home. I wanted to ask you how your first day went."

    She attempted to fix some strands of hair, but I slapped her hand away and exclaimed in annoyance, "Stop it."

    Mom seemed shocked by my sudden burst while I tried to breath through the sudden fear that overwhelmed me. It wasn''t strange for her to play with my hair, but the sudden memory of being attacked at work seized control of me. My heart pounded, and my hands began to tremble.

    Her eyes locked onto mine, her face tightening with concern. With a gentle grip, she placed her hand on my arm, steadying my trembling arm. "You okay, pumpkin?"

    "Sorry, I''m just tired," I said excusing myself, hoping she wouldn''t notice the panic in my eyes.

    "You''re doing good. I''m proud of you," she said with a warm smile. "Maybe you shouldn''t drink so much coffee while you''re at work."

    "Thanks," I muttered with a small smile back.

    Mom listened to the uninteresting details of my evening before she took her pills and vitamins with the remainder of her beverage. She returned to her room before getting ready for her shift and I knew when she was close to leaving when her perfume splashed out from her room.

    I didn''t want to be alone while I was trying to clean up all my memories, afraid of what other things might suddenly emerge. But I wanted to recognize the faces of strangers who allegedly saved me while trying to ignore that terror I felt almost dying.

    The wait for my shift felt long. I wished I could just stay home, but I couldn''t let my mom down and I wanted to talk to that Dana-lady. I wanted to make mom proud of me for becoming an adult, but an overwhelming sense of danger held me back. Even as I changed into my neutral-colored uniform the uncertainty ate at me. Would going back and facing that woman even bring the clarity I needed?

    As I scrambled to get dressed, my shoes were nowhere to be found, and I frantically tore through my cluttered room and moved on to destroy the rest of the house in my fruitless search. Then when I put on my apron it felt like a noose around my neck, suffocating me as I struggled to put it on.

    Finally, in a fit of frustration, I tore it down, unclasping the buttons as it came down. But in the heat of the moment, I ripped off my necklace along with the apron and hurled them both against the wall, feeling a burning sensation on the back of my neck where the jewelry was.

    I was going to be late by the time I left the house, but instead of taking the direct route to the cafe I paused at the bus stop, my next move still undecided with my hand placed on the brim of my visor.

    Despite the hesitation by my thoughts, my body refused to listen to any suggestions my mind had as I continued to pull off my visor, the last piece of my uniform. The voice in my head was urging me to seek out the truth that awaited me, but I gave in to my aimless legs trying to drag me away, knowing only danger awaited in trying to find the truth.

    I shut off my phone and just walked around until the sun started to beat down on my back. I knew the walk back would be miserable if I waited to go home any longer.

    A short, loud honk pulled me from my thoughts and I watched a green rumbling car slowly roll up to the side of me. It was her; Dana, come to find me again.

    I stared at the freckled woman suspiciously. "Hey," she said with a cheerful demeanor, her eyes twinkling as she adjusted the wide-brimmed hat over her curly hair. "They said you didn''t show up." I watched as she reached into the side seat and dangled my work shoes out the window. "Guess you don''t need these, then? They were in the back seat."

    My eyes looked at the back window, but all I saw was my own reflection watching me as I recalled the fear in her back seat.

    "You okay?" she asked, pulling me back to the present.

    I looked down at my hands, making sure I wasn''t a ghost before scanning out through the neighborhood I walked into.

    "How''d you find me?" I asked, snatching my shoes from her loose fingertips.

    "I was driving around," Dana said.

    "Just driving around? Sounds like you''re stalking me."

    "Are you okay?" the woman asked again as she shifted her car into the park.

    "Guess I''m just wondering what happened last night." There. Said it.

    She bobbed her head. "Get in."

    "I''d rather not," I said.

    "But if you get in, we can talk about it."

    "I...I think you should go then," I replied, frowning. I wanted to know, but my curiosity battled with the knotted caution in my gut. I didn''t want to be tricked and whatever information she had; did I really want to know it? The risk and reward felt unevenly scaled.

    "I see you''re not wearing the necklace again," the woman said.

    "Don''t want it," I replied, walking away.

    "Sure you don''t have any questions?" she said after me.

    "I''m sure," I said, and she started to roll along beside me. "See? This is creepy, and you need to leave me alone before any more weird shit follows you here," I said, glancing over my shoulder.

    Her voice was playful but tinged with urgency. "Well, sorry to tell you this, but it''s you they''re following."

    A cold shiver ran down my spine. I stopped dead in my tracks and turned to face her, my voice barely steady. "Me? Why me?"

    Her eyes turned serious. "There are people who want to get to you, but I promise we''re only keeping you safe."

    "What''s so special about me that I need mysterious super-powered agents to keep me safe?"

    She shrugged and gestured with her hand still hanging from the window towards me. "You''re just a kid."

    "Officially an adult now," I corrected. "What kind of people? Because those guys last night weren''t normal. They were, like, mutants."

    "Mutants?" she questioned with raised brows.

    "You know, like, X-Men, or something. Someone born with superpowers," I said and cleared my throat before almost whispering, "Do I have powers?"

    The loud blare of a truck, too large to maneuver around the parked cars on the narrow street, abruptly grabbed our attention. Dana turned to me once again, "Are you sure you don''t want to come for a ride?" I shook my head firmly, not wanting to take the risk. She gave me an apologetic look and said, "You''ll be fine", before she drove off.

    As I made my way back home, my senses on high alert, I noticed a figure lingering on a light post on the other side of the road. It was my next potential stalker.

    The large crow swooped over to the closest wire making it dip with its weight. It sat silent, only staring at me. I couldn''t help but wonder if it was spying on me for whoever was trying to get me.

    I continued on my way, warily glancing over my shoulder every so often to find the dark bird still perched on the wire and observing my every move. Paranoia clung to me, causing me to jump at every noise and movement until reaching the safety of my front door.

    Once inside, I thought I could relax away from prying eyes, but once I finally walked inside, it was lonely with mom''s perfume still drifting from her room. I glanced up at the clock and counted down when mom would return.

    To keep my mind off any distress, I started cleaning the mess I made earlier trying to find my shoes. While I cleared up the clutter around the house I tested to see if I had any super powers. With a broom in my hand, my focus faded to grander ideas as I swung it around, pretending to be in a battle with monsters. An impossible scenario of bravery for someone cowering in their house waiting for mommy to get home, but for a moment, I held the strength to take out twenty men. And soon the house was clean, but no abilities were acquired in the process.

    By the time mom walked through the door, she found me washing the dishes from reheating one of her prepared meals from the freezer. "How was work?" she said leaning down to greet me with a kiss on my forehead. Her work uniform smelled like the restaurant she worked at, but her floral perfume still lingered.

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    "Fine," I said coolly.

    "Are you working tomorrow?"

    I tensed under her questions. "No. Sunday," I lied.

    "Good, we''ll go get ice cream to celebrate your first week," she said.

    "Sounds fun," I sighed, smiling the best I could at mom.

    She put together a plate to heat up and went into the living room to watch TV, and I wondered what she''d say if I admitted why I was home. If I told her the truth would she think I made it up to get out of work?

    Retiring to my room I shuffled through several playlists to inspire a distinct image of a story that was twitching at my fingers. While I was cleaning up there was a story I couldn''t get my mind off of.

    I eagerly dug through my art supplies, until I found the familiar texture of my charcoal sticks, and slapped down my sketch pad. Each dark line and smudged shadow was a release, channeling my tangled emotions into something tangible. Charcoal danced across white paper to bring to life the dark winged young man from my memories and the crow on his shoulder that took up the rest of the page.

    I smiled as I imagined all the adventures this strange duo would have together. Maybe mom was right, despite Crow Man still being a stupid name, there was a tale in there. A superhero. When I finished, I proudly hung it on the wall among dozens of other character designs and story snippets.

    The pressure I felt to finish the previous story washed away in the inspiration I finally felt. A romance I was cringing through just to produce something people would read and a sunk cost to say I finished something.

    The rest of the night I spent drawing concept art and an outline for a story. Here I had momentary control detach from the insanity creeping into my reality.

    After two cups of coffee, however, my energy began to drop. I decided to squeeze in a power nap at my desk with the lights on to assure I''d wake back up. It was late but still close enough to ''early'' to attempt an all-nighter.

    I drifted into a light doze when I was jolted awake by a loud thud against the house. My heart raced as I tried to make sense of the sudden noise, as my eyes fixed on the open window.

    Once I mustered up the courage to peek outside, a faint rustling sound and an ominous shadow flitting past the window giving me pause.

    The moment I was brave enough to get up and close the window, I leapt back and perched on my desk. Something dark and spider-like broke through the window screen before it scuttled across the floor and smashed into various objects as it struggled to free itself from the mesh frame.

    Black goo oozed from its melting body, and its human-like spidering arms twisted as its head bobbed in two directions, searching for an exit. It was clear that it hadn''t noticed me, but I felt frozen, unable to move or make a sound. I wanted to run away screaming, but maybe if I stayed quiet, like a real spider, it would eventually leave on its own and I could close it out.

    Another dark figure barged through the frame with a familiar human face.The dark winged hero from the other night clumsily swiped down the art on my wall as he stumbled his way down. His wings filled the room, displacing my art supplies and books, like a cascade of dominoes toppling over.

    Taking advantage of the chaos, I leapt off the desk dashing for the hallway. But the strange sight that greeted me caught me off guard.

    "Mom!" I yelled running to her as she stood ready with the same broom I used earlier, looking like she was wielding a weapon.

    "Run, now!" she yelled.

    Before I could open my mouth to say anything, I watched in disbelief as the creature lunged past me towards my mom, who fought it back. The monster became increasingly agitated but its movements were restricted due to the frame it still wore.

    "Get out of here! You''re just getting in the way!" she screamed, and something inside me shifted; I''d never heard her be so angry with me before, but I did as she said.

    I sprinted in the opposite direction, bursting through the front door and into the warm silent night. Reaching the street, I turned back to my house holding my breath as I observed the sky.

    Large radiant orbs hung in the skyscape, glowing like falling stars against the inky darkness. I imagined all the colors needed to recreate the scene and while lost in the marvel of the moment, something hit me hard.

    Pain shot through my body as I was lifted up off the ground. The force crushed down on me, muffling my growing screams. I kicked and thrashed wildly, struggling to see or even breathe. Everything went still and silent until a sudden drop sent terror coursing through my veins. I screamed louder than ever before as I felt myself tumbling through the air.

    A foreign grip tightened around me until finally touching the ground smoothly before I was dropped hard onto the grass. My eyes whipped open to find the black winged young man standing over me shrouded in a smoke that curdled my stomach with its rotten burnt stench. His wing was scorching as he reached back, snarling.

    "Don''t just drop her," an unfamiliar feminine voice said. He took a moment to glare up before returning to his back.

    "What''d you singe me for?" he said.

    "Don''t be a baby, you''ll be fine," her youthful voice replied from under her hood. She was dressed head to toe in leather with metal plates clasped to her shins and forearms and in her gloved hands, she held a bladed disk by its inner handle. "You need to follow Dana." Her eyes were sharp as the winged hero pulled out another disk and, by the blade, smoking in his fingers, threw it in her direction. "Go on, what if something happens to Dana? This one is my job, do yours," she said.

    "Fine. I have someone I need to find, anyway. Don''t go back to the house yet, they''re coming down," he said before taking back off into the sky.

    She huffed and walked over to her weapon while I gazed upward. "That guy has wings," I said. "He flew..."

    "Alright. Let''s go," the metal lady said as she stuffed her blades in her side bag.

    "What?" I said. "I need to go home."

    "I need to get you somewhere safe."

    "What are you guys?" I said. She ignored me and pulled out an outdated cell phone. "Underground superheroes? Government experiments? Come on," I said, and slapped my hand over her phone to prevent her from dialing. "You need to tell me what''s going on."

    "Archons," she said and tugged her phone back. "Please, I need to get a hold of Dana."

    "A what?"

    "Angels," she clearfield with an obvious roll of her eyes, and walked away.

    "That''s..." I breathed in every event, one breath at a time, denouncing each moment to the conclusion. "No. Nope. Really?"

    The metal lady let out an exasperated sigh as she snatched the phone away from her ear.

    "Do you have wings?" I inquired, unable to contain my curiosity.

    Her annoyance was palpable, and she responded, "Would it have been less shocking if I were what, some experiment?" She began to dial again.

    "Honestly, I thought it was more in the realm of possibility. So, like, what? You guys from Heaven?"

    "I''m from here," she said without looking up.

    "And God?"

    She took a deep inhale and said, "Is no one I have ever met."

    Wincing, I impaled my foot into something sharp on the sidewalk and whined, "Could I use your phone? I really need to make sure my mom''s okay. This monster thing came into my house. It was gross and had this black stuff coming off it. My mom was trying to fight it."

    "They''re not interested in your family," she said. "I need to make sure you are safe, and it''d be easier to do if you''d listen."

    I nodded and complied. "Fine. So if you''re the one keeping me "safe", who was that guy?" I asked, and she arched her thick brow, her eyes narrowing in confusion. "That guy that just flew off." I gestured my thumb back over my shoulder. "Is he a bad guy?"

    "That''s Zeekiel," she answered, and turned to me. "He shouldn''t be around here, and shouldn''t look like that."

    "Look like what?"

    "That person. Uriel said he needed to stay as the raven."

    "Why?" I said.

    "Uriel''s say."

    "So you all work for this Uriel guy?" I asked.

    "Uriel is the only reason you''re alive. I''m supposed to protect you, and that''s what I''ll do. Not that bird brain who can''t listen."

    A small stone dug into the back of my heel as we walked down an unfamiliar street. I let out a moan from the sudden pain, wishing for our walk to be over soon. "What about Dana? What does she do?"

    "Her job is to drive around."

    "Yeah, she said that. Why?"

    "She''s responsible for keeping an eye out for anything unusual, while I''m supposed to protect you, they take care of any dangers," the metal lady answered. "He''s supposed to be with Dana and have her back."

    I moaned as another sharp object bit my toe, making me freeze. "Where are we going? I want to go back to bed, where no more glass can plot their revenge on my feet."

    "Dana''s house," she called out without turning back or stopping for me. "I need her to keep you for now. But I''m staying with you until she answers her phone."

    I could have turned back and returned home, but I pursued her anyway and for a few more blocks, she led me to the door of a little ranch-style house. Dana wasn''t lying when she said she lived nearby.

    The paneling was white and there were bricks around the structure. A funny welcome mat sat crooked on the stone stoop, and while the lawn seemed well maintained, the shrubbery appeared overgrown and tangled.

    We walked into a small living room, which appeared neat with minuscule objects and furniture. The metal lady turned on the light and walked into the kitchen. "You can turn the TV on or something," she said, taking down her hood.

    As I peered around, I found myself gliding behind her. "I don''t want to watch anything," I said, "I want to know what''s happening."

    She looked at me sympathetic but said, "I really don''t know anything more than you. None of us do."

    "All I wanted was answers," I said watching her peer out the back window in the kitchen before she closed the curtain.

    "I''m sorry," she said with her eyes softened. "All I know is what Uriel told me, and it was just to protect the girl that Zeek found." I blinked and she bashfully looked away from my stare. "If you have questions then you should probably ask Uriel."

    "Sorry," I muttered, realizing I was making her uncomfortable.

    "Dana''s room is down the hall," she said.

    I looked toward the hall she was pointing at. "I really can''t go home?" I questioned, hoping for a different answer.

    "Not a good idea," she said, and when she continued to say nothing, I turned around and went for the door. "Where are you going?" She called out and rushed after me.

    "I''m leaving. I thought you''d give me some answers," I said. "So I''m just going to go and make sure my mom''s okay."

    She grasped my arm as I latched onto the doorknob. She was quick and her grip was firm. I was amazed by how strong she was when in appearance she was smaller than I was. "Please don''t leave," she begged, losing her hardened composure, and I looked into her insecure dark eyes briefly before looking down at our feet.

    I sighed and relented. In her dark eyes, the same fear and uncertainty I felt was reflected back at me. With a heavy heart, I leaned back on the couch and laid my head on the cushions. I guess we were in this together, then.

    Despite the overwhelming fatigue that kept trying to pull me into sleep, I stayed up nervously waiting to hear anything about my mom. The metal lady sat with me in silence and there were moments when she would gaze off into the distance, and I took the opportunity to study her.

    Every time our eyes accidentally met mine she would quickly avert her gaze, but I couldn''t help but admire her stunning appearance. The way her dark brunette hair fell in a ponytail, brushing against the shoulders of her hood, and the curves of her cheeks, lips, and eyes.

    My fingers twitched at the urge to sketch her, envisioning her in action across panels with her blades and the folds of her leather jacket in motion. She seemed like a character born from the pages of a comic, and I found myself flipping through sheets of glossy colors and inky sketches, musing over which would capture her essence best.

    My resilience to sleep was turning my mind into absentminded jelly and got caught staring at her so I finally mustered the courage to ask, "So, what''s your name, anyway?" My question was blunt and a reflection of my brain already being asleep without me.

    She hesitated for a moment before responding, "Ellie."

    "I''m Ari," I said.

    "I know." Her response was curt, and I sensed her apprehension in engaging with me.

    "I mean...I figured." I turned away feeling a bit disappointed in how our interaction turned out. Despite her reluctance towards me, I couldn''t shake the fascination I felt for her.

    Though I thought our conversation was over, I could hear Ellie moving in her seat. I turned back to her piercing gaze squinting at me.

    "Is that black stuff on your face?" she inquired, leaning in closer to get a better look.

    I lifted up a bit to rub my cheek and shrugged, admitting that I wasn''t sure. It seemed to spark some concern from her as she asked, "Did that monster touch you?"

    She was referring to the strange black gooey creature that I mentioned entering into my house. I reassured her that it didn''t even acknowledge my presence. "It''s probably just charcoal," I concluded.

    Our conversation lapsed into silence once again until Dana arrived home. Ellie told her hi, but Dana expressed her displeasure as she looked down at me and back to Ellie.

    "You shouldn''t have brought her here," Dana said.

    Despite the strained atmosphere, Ellie replied, "She''s safer here. And where have you been? You didn''t call me. I had to follow that idiot to figure out what was going on."

    Dana''s lips went flat before saying, "I''m sorry." She wrapped Ellie in her arms before sternly taking her shoulders. The room''s tension was almost the same as if I''d been invited over to a friend''s house without their mom''s permission. "But just because we need to keep her safe doesn''t mean we need a swarm of archons looking for her all over the neighborhood."

    "Zeek''s the one who took her away," Ellie said. "Didn''t you see him? I thought he was looking for you." Dana shook her head quietly in response before the metal lady continued. "I should go see what''s happening. Are you okay alone?" Ellie asked, her voice tinged with concern.

    Dana looked from Ellie to me, and after a brief moment, she gently told Ellie to go. As the metal lady reluctantly bid farewell to Dana, the room seemed to grow heavier with her departure. Left alone with the older freckled woman, I couldn''t hold back my question any longer.

    "Did you see my mom?" I asked, my voice breaking the thick silence.

    Dana hesitated, glancing away before responding. "It''s late. You shouldn''t worry about it."

 [ 3 ] Ink reminds you how permanent it is

    The unfamiliar smell of Dana''s home felt lonesome to me as I was stuck in her bed all night waiting for Ellie to come back. There were only blinds on a single window and the room was more full than the rest of the house. Personal mementos and knickknacks that I had no connection to made me feel packed in.

    As the morning birds began their songs, my thoughts raced, hoping that my mom would be alright when I finally returned home.

    I listened intently as I heard walking on the floorboards outside and Dana''s crisp words cutting through the silence of the morning. "I don''t think that''s necessary," she declared firmly. I tried to keep quiet on the bed, but she questioned loudly, "Are you awake?" Before I could respond, she swung open the door and announced, "Someone''s here to see you."

    I walked down the hall to the kitchen where Dana sat in a chair and she motioned for me to look towards the living room.

    My heart fluttered hoping to see Ellie with word of what happened at my house. However, my anticipation turned to fear when I laid eyes on the giant, cloaked figure with the scythe clasped in his palm.

    At his side was the young boy with wings, wearing a loose olive green tunic that contrasted starkly with the taller man''s grim black. His brown speckled wings twitched slightly as if sensing my gaze and turned with a small, shy smile. Both their hazel gazes glimmered with an ethereal light, but the giant had half his face wrapped. I assumed they were father and son with how much they looked alike.

    "Good morning. I''m Uriel and that is Adriel," the giant said with a deep voice as he used his scythe like a cane. It was almost comical how small the weapon looked to the man, but it possessed a handle at its side for his young side kick to hold onto.

    "Did you sleep alright?" Uriel asked and I simply nodded. "I apologize for these recent events; I imagine it has been quite unnerving."

    I shrugged and finally replied, "I can rest when I get home."

    His pleasant expression changed to something more serious. "Unfortunately, those who were looking for you turned their attention to your family instead."

    "What do you mean?" I exclaimed, my blood racing in alarm as dread settled in my stomach.

    "That''s all I know," he answered. "I suspect they plan to lure you out."

    "How can they do that if I don''t even know where they are?" I questioned furiously.

    "Arianna, I apologize for this, but it doesn''t seem relevant to give you any more answers," he said.

    Dana intervened more confidently than I would have. "Oh? You''re still going to have him do it?"

    Uriel''s gaze stayed on me as he spoke again. "I apologize once more, but you can''t remain here. Your knowledge of this situation will only complicate matters when I take you back."

    "Let her stay here with me," Dana proposed coming in behind me. "She deserves to know what''s going on."

    He gave me a long, hard look before addressing her. "I understand, but I think it''s too soon for someone so young to be aware of this much," he cautioned us.

    "Please," I pleaded, "I want to stay here with Dana."

    "At least consider coming with me to the police station," he tried to plead. "It would alleviate some stress if you were in the public''s eye," he reasoned solemnly.

    My shoulders slumped under Dana''s hands at his words and I looked away. Regardless of what was best for me, Dana still fought for me saying, "I think it''d be best like this. If her mom''s gone; who else could get hurt if we let her out there with people who don''t know the truth?"

    "They''re throwing consumed ones at us now," he pointed out. "One of you could become infected."

    Dana shook her head. "What if people start seeing what''s happening?"

    He waved her off. "You worry too much about what humans see when they always dismiss it."

    "It''ll be easier to manage things here than when she''s out there."

    Uriel sucked in a deep breath and returned his attention to me. "Fine then, you have a decision to make: go back or stay here where you can''t be seen or venture outside."

    "You act like she''ll be a prisoner here," Dana retorted.

    He nodded. "She''ll be considered missing if she stays here in your care. It''s on you if she''s seen."

    The more weight he put on my decision to stay, it would sink further into my core. As I stared into the giant''s face, all I could manage to force out was, "What about my mom?" I was drowning and unable to lift myself up to the surface to make the choice.

    "I''ll do my best to figure out what we can do," he said.

    My mind raced as a million questions swirled around me. What was I going to do without her? Could I get her back? Was it too late? I had no idea who these people were, and yet I had the potential to just say yes and take Dana''s help. "Should I leave or should I stay?" My voice trembled as I spoke.

    "You could go now if you wish and know there are people looking after you." He paused before saying, "Be sure of your choice."

    Though I was still uncertain, I knew that I needed all the answers this man had to give me. I took a deep breath, nodded and said, "Yes. Just please tell me what''s happening."

    "I''m not sure," he said, echoing Ellie''s words and pushing his lips to the side. "I know that''s not something you want to hear, but you have a connection to our world. You are the reincarnation of an archon," he paused before clarifying as Ellie did, "and angel who was punished alongside several others to reincarnate as humans. Her name was Saniel."

    Saniel, I repeated the name silently to myself. It felt so foreign for something that should have been a part of me. I could feel my heart race as I tried to make sense of what he was saying. "What did she do?" I choked out. "To be punished?"

    His unconcealed eye was distant as he spoke. "They were all considered a threat. I was able to get away before I shared their fate, but we were all given powerful tools known as the Celestial Guards; designed so no one outside of its holder can control it. But a new king provoked paranoia about their powers being used to bring about wars." With every word he uttered, his emotions seemed more detached as if he were retelling a fairytale. His story hung in the air for only a short moment before he continued. "There was a boy taken before you. How long ago now?" Uriel asked Dana.

    She looked up with her expression full of dread. "It''s been a couple of months now," she answered.

    Uriel sighed heavily. "His name was Ken. We were told he was the reincarnation of Michael."

    "And you know he was taken by angels?" I asked.

    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Not personally. The reincarnations of the fallen are like a relic to some. We can recognize them by their eyes." His voice felt heavy, yet hopeful at the same time. "It''s rare to see one. Even rarer, now, to find anyone who can recognize them."

    "Oh," I breathed, feeling uneasy at being seen as an anomaly.

    Uriel tried to be more gentle in his voice. "Someone was looking after him once they saw him communicating with an angel. That''s something we don''t usually do, especially when they''re children."

    "How old was he?" I asked, feeling guilty for being thankful it wasn''t me that had been taken.

    Uriel glanced down at Adriel, his expression pained. "Eleven," he finally said. I shivered despite the summer warmth starting to heat the room. "We have groups actively searching for the rest but we don''t know if he''s the first or if others were taken."

    A question rose inside me. "Was I almost taken?"

    "You almost died," he confirmed with a smile of all things. "But it went well. Better than expected actually." He attempted to lighten the mood by chuckling, though my face barely moved from its unimpressed expression. "The scythe can transport humans through the gates into our Worlds by taking the soul from their body without killing them." He paused and eyed me cautiously before admitting, "Honestly, I had doubts it would work as intended." I attempted to push away the dark thoughts of what could have happened if it hadn''t while Uriel dug around in his cloak. I noticed he wore a single brown leather glove on one hand and offered my necklace back to me. "But that''s why you need to keep this on. It''s so you can''t become attached to an archon."

    "Attached how?" I asked as I took back the necklace.

    "It''s a practice between us and humans," he said and added, "like a guardian angel?" with a question hitched to his voice as he looked over to Dana who nodded. "We share aeons, um, like portions of our souls that align with each other. Anyone can do it, but between an angel and human it''s a symbiotic enhancement to both their powers. It''s not meant to be bad, but what that one from the other night tried to do was much more forceful and dangerous. But if someone were to try it with you wearing this," he gestured to the necklace in my hand, "then the bond can''t be made. I don''t believe they were trying to harm you that night, but to keep track of you until someone else could come.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    After hearing everyone''s side of what happened; I believe Zeekiel stepping in disrupted the merging process, and as well intentioned as that was on his behalf, it may have been the reason your body fragmented the way it did. I''ve never seen something like that before. Really, you should have died when you lit up, but luckily Adriel managed to rescue you in time," he said as he patted the boy''s head, having to lean down to do so. "And everything fit back together perfectly." The way he said that with cheer to uplift me only made me more unsettled.

    My mouth was open, ready to spew out a new set of questions, when a thunderous crash silenced the conversation. Our heads turned towards the kitchen and an eerie stillness descended on us as we wondered what had caused the disruption.

    Dana was the first to reach the kitchen and shrieked, "What did you do to him?"

    I raced after her, nearly colliding with Zeekiel as he stood with his massive wings blocking the view. He looked over to Uriel and said, "Glad you two are here. Your wings are going to flap when I tell you who I found lurking around." The dark winged young man looked down at me briefly before quickly turning back to Dana. "Isn''t this the same guy you went looking for?"

    "I don''t know," Dana said as Zeekiel stepped aside to reveal a man tortured beyond recognition. The stranger''s face was bruised and swollen; a curtain of curly auburn hair shielded him like a wounded lion while four limp wings laid lifelessly across the tiled floor. One set of wings on his back was white and speckled grey while the other under them were a light brown. He seemed conscious and moving, but made no effort to look at anyone.

    Uriel limped closer addressing the man on the floor, "What brings someone like you all the way here?" His tense words hung heavy as he confronted the prisoner.

    The four winged angel looked up with shock in his swollen face, his bloated lips muttering in disbelief, "You know who I am?"

    "The last one I remember having wings like yours was Raziel," Uriel stated, his gaze piercing, and the man nodded slowly in response. "And you''re Sammael''s."

    Raziel''s head dropped down at Uriel''s last remark. "Please, I need someone to believe me." The four-winged angel''s voice was weak until he turned back up towards Zeekiel, "I didn''t come here to hurt anyone."

    Uriel towered over the angel as he questioned, "What''s Sammael''s interest in the reincarnations suddenly?"

    "He plans to revive Mother using the Celestial Guards," Raziel said. I felt the fear in his voice even if I didn''t understand what he ment. "All the holders are needed to summon and activate them."

    "I see," Uriel said, bringing a gloved hand to lips. "I assume that means the reincarnations need to be whole again?"

    Zeekiel kept his venomous glare on his bruised prisoner when his words punched into the conversation as dense as the heat in voice. "That bitch isn''t coming back." He was so angry that I wondered who he meant that set him off like that.

    Uriel waved a hand at him in a motion to calm down while Raziel continued. "There''s a bigger problem if this plan succeeds, the amount of energy needed could rupture The Kingdom from the source, if that happens it will throw the rest of the Worlds into darkness."

    A moment of silence passed in the room and I wanted so badly to attempt to ask about my mom, but as I glanced at everyone in the room they seemed to be in thought. Except Zeekiel who was attempting to throw more punches with his eyes at Raziel. It was scary how dark his gaze was.

    "And what does Sammael intend to do once the Guard holders aren''t needed anymore?" Uriel finally asked. "He accomplished getting rid of them, is he just going to let us all be or does he intend to just send us all back into the cycle?"

    "I can''t tell you for sure, but turning you all into monsters would be a more effective way this time around," Raziel warned.

    The giant released a long grumbled breath. "I agree with Zeekiel that Saniel can''t return, but we can''t be holding off a swarm forever."

    I felt like I stopped breathing for a moment while Zeekiel''s eyes finally shifted away from Raziel to me. It was brief, but I caught it and understood then, Saniel was "that bitch".

    "An army," the beaten four-winged angel corrected. "More will come. Those were still only scouts. They know you have groups just like this protecting the rest of the reincarnations. Let me help."

    "How long do we have until more show up?" Uriel asked.

    "When I left there was no one coming, but when they did I would approximate about twenty of this World''s day rotations."

    This Raziel seemed to have a lot of knowledge about what was happening, especially internally on the other side. So, when the room took a quiet dip in the conversation I took my chance to ask him, "Do you know where they took my mom?"

    Raziel briefly glanced in my direction, responding with a half-hearted apology. "If she''s alive, I advise we not look for her," he warned.

    Zeekiel scoffed, "We?" He cocked his head, his tone dripping with skepticism as he eyed the four-winged angel. "I don''t recommend you stay out here longer than you need to, or one of those things you released last night is going to devour you."

    "I didn''t release it, it was after me," Raziel explained before turning condescending, "but you lunging at me had me losing control of the situation. Had you just let me take care of it wouldn''t have gone inside."

    "How''d you even get that thing on you?" Zeekiel interrogated. "Did you know who it was?"

    "I didn''t. They''re being found to test a cure for the sickness. Either someone knew I was deserting or it was a coincidence."

    "Coincidence," the dark winged young man muttered.

    "What kind of cure?" Uriel rumbled between them.

    Raziel broke his confident eye contact. "It''s to liquify them into containers."

    Zeekiel''s glare turned into cringed disgust. "They''ll throw you in there too the moment you get inked."

    "Inked? Why would you say it like that?" Raziel said.

    "Because when you tell someone they''re "sick" you give them the idea there''s a remedy. Ink reminds you how permanent it is."

    Raziel rolled his focus back on Uriel. "Let me help, please."

    "We don''t need you," Zeekiel tried to say.

    "If he wishes to stay and help, then I''ll take him back to Gibel," Uriel said. "Zeekiel, I''d like you to stay here... And be good." The giant scythe wielder turned to me and said, "You should get more rest."

    Nobody offered a hand while Raziel painfully stood up on his own and stumbled over towards Uriel''s side. The giant nodded at his young companion who grabbed the lower part of the scythe in one hand and with the other gave me a wordless wave farewell before vanishing. I stared at the empty spot filled with an odd mixture of amazement and loneliness.

    Zeekiel grumbled something about going outside while Dana rummaged through her empty cabinets for anything edible. "Usually it''s just me around here," she commented, but I was barely listening, still trying to shake the goosebumps crawling down my body. I felt present, but my mind rejected my surroundings as reality.

    I was too tired to eat but I forced myself through the motions of eating before collapsing onto the couch.

    While I attempted to watch the television it wasn''t long until I slipped into the abyss of a dreamless sleep. When my eyes fluttered open again there was a brief second I was back home. But as I laid in Dana''s bed, the realization that I may not be allowed to return home for a while sent a heavy wave of sadness crashing over me as I shook off the thought.

    I lifted my head up to the window and watched the dimming sunlight through the cracks of the blinds. A memory of mom''s forehead kisses lingered so presently I could almost feel the warmth of her face radiating against my skin. It only heightened my yearning for the familiar comfort of home, but due to the restrictions imposed on me through my agreement with Uriel; I couldn''t leave or be seen.

    I swallowed back my sadness as allowed everything I learned to wash over me while I longed to talk about it with my mom. I missed her comforting presence more than anything, replaying the sound of her voice and the scent of her perfume.

    Wearily making my way into the kitchen I immediately regretted not checking myself in a mirror first. I could smell the food from the room, but I didn''t expect anyone else to be waiting for it.

    The room was quiet as Ellie and Zeekiel sat at the table, neither one of them willing to even face each other at opposite ends of the table with their heads turned. Both of them looked different, off duty from their hero identities. Zeekiel didn''t have his wings and Ellie had her hair down wearing an overly large floral top and jeans. Their subdued demeanor and unspoken tension between them only served to amplify the feeling of isolation I was trying to cope with.

    I slinked over to Dana''s side pretending to be interested in what she was cooking. "Feeling better?" Dana asked, being the first to address me.

    I didn''t remember when I declared I wasn''t well, but said yes, regardless. "Who moved me?" I interrogated, making an accusatory look at Zeekiel.

    "They told me to," he said and nudged his chin towards Ellie. "You were snoring and I was just going to wake you up."

    I was sweating with embarrassment. "I''m sorry," I echoed into my hands while I covered my face. "I didn''t even know I snored."

    Ellie slanted her eyes at Zeekiel before explaining, "Dana said you needed sleep." She reached for the chair next to her and handed me a bag. "I came because she asked me to pick these up for you."

    I recognized it as soon as I took it and assumed she retrieved some of my clothes. However, upon opening it, I found plain t-shirts and a few shorts in my size, complete with tags. "Thank you," I said, attempting to sound appreciative. "Am I not allowed to take anything from my house?"

    "Best not," Dana answered. "Was there something you wanted?"

    "Nothing," I said, though I wished I had my sketchpad.

    "Are you sure? I promised Uriel you''d be comfortable here. If there''s anything you need, let me know."

    "I was just asking. Thank you, though," I repeated. The gesture was sweet and more than thoughtful with even another bag with shoes (though those were a bit too big) and hygiene products. However, the underlying implication of being restricted from retrieving my belongings added to my feeling of being a prisoner of my own making.

    Dana gestured for me to sit down and said food was almost done. I took one of the only other seats between Ellie and Zeekiel and asked out loud, "How long was I asleep for?" Even if it was just Dana talking to me that was better than the heavy blanket of silence.

    "For a while," Dana replied.

    "Where is everyone?" I said.

    "Dealing with the prince," Ellie sighed, giving Zeekiel a pointed look.

    "What should I have done differently?" he asked, shaking his head.

    "You knew who he was and just brought him here!" she replied.

    I hummed in confusion and they both gave me their attention. "I feel like I missed something," I said, but regretted it immediately when both of them looked annoyed at having to explain it.

    Ellie stated everything was fine but Zeekiel moved forward to explain.

    "Ellie''s upset I caught that guy earlier," the dark winged young man clarified.

    I nodded. "So Raziel can''t be trusted?"

    He glanced at Ellie before replying, "I don''t trust him."

    The metal lady rolled her eyes back to him, "You''re the one who told me he was working for the King."

    "Whose that?" I asked, shifting my eyes between the two of them.

    "Sammael," Ellie replied shortly.

    "The guy supposedly hunting down reincarnations," Zeekiel answered.

    My exchanges between Zeekiel and Ellie, with their guarded responses to my inquiries, only deepened my sense of being an outsider in a world I wasn''t a part of. I struggled to comprehend, but I felt aware they struggled to explain.

    At that moment, Dana put down dishes for everyone but Zeekiel and commented, "Tell me how the sauce is."

    It felt so mundane compared to the answers I was seeking, but I accepted the role of taste tester for Dana''s recipe with a fierce critique. That evening, I found myself asking endless questions about cooking, partly out of politeness but mostly out of a desperate need to connect. At least I knew the perfect time to boil pasta, which provided a temporary anchor amidst my overwhelming sense of displacement.

 [ 4 ] Her legacy should die with her

    The days seemed to stretch on endlessly, each one blending seamlessly into the next until it became over a week. I was getting more anxious as the days passed with Zeekiel, keeping watch as the crow outside, while inside, I was trapped in isolation with only Dana for company.

    Each day, Dana brought out a new item from the basement, a worn but charming rug one day, a radio the next, transforming the sparse living room into a cozy haven. They were just old objects, but for Dana, the whole cellar was a memory box with a trove of objects.

    She had everything from old reels to homevideos on tiny VHS tapes, rugs in fancy cases, board games in withered boxes and books so old she herself wouldn''t even dare to touch them out of fear of them turning to dust. More color had come into her space, while she hung pictures and told me every story of every little knickknack.

    One day we listened to some of her old audio recordings. Apparently one of her old friends helped her to become a backup singer for over a decade and there was plenty of evidence of it. Though we laughed together as she retold the events of what led to them, her mood became more quiet as she slid out the cassette. "I always collect these things, but I never look at or listen to them. I just move the boxes from one place to another," she said.

    "Do you know where she is now?" I asked about her friend.

    The curly haired woman shook her head as she dragged a box of plastic covers with faded handwritten labels. "I don''t even remember her name anymore," she admitted. "I''ve known a lot of different people."

    A sadness washed over me. After getting comfortable in her home and feeling some sense of normality thanks to her, there was a relationship between us. I thought we were friends and maybe one day consider her family. Was I going too far to think that way? Would my name be forgotten too?

    "How old are you?" I asked.

    "Thousands of years old," she said without a beat or thought. "I wouldn''t be able to give you an exact age; I have a lot of memories missing."

    I blinked trying to register her words. Of course, she wouldn''t be able to remember me. I was hardly significant enough to be remembered in fifty years. Let alone thousands.

    The dread that dropped into my stomach wasn''t the same as coming to terms with my near death. It was heavy, and hard to push away from my mind.

    It started with a humble daydream. A thought that quickly soured from my work being famous enough that years after I departed she would be reminded of my presence to an existential crisis. Death was a harsh reality, but the idea of everything moving on without me was haunting.

    "No wonder," I choked. "That''s so much time you have to remember."

    She waved her hand and slid back into leaning against the sofa. "It''s not just that," Dana said as she gazed up. "I don''t remember anything from back home; the World I come from. My memories were taken while I was there. I did something that made them feel like I needed to be reset. That''s why I couldn''t let Uriel go through with taking yours. I''m sorry you have to be stuck here with me now."

    "It was my choice," I said, feeling terrible for all the times I may have second guessed telling Uriel I wanted to stay. "And I''m glad I get to remember you." It felt cheesy, but I was willing to say anything to make sure she felt better after everything she''d done to ensure my well being and safety.

    ?????��???��?????

    The next day, as I sat in front of the TV, Dana entered the living room fully dressed and ready to go out. With keys in hand, she asked me, "How are you feeling today?"

    "Fine," I said, finding it normal now the way she would randomly ask how I was feeling.

    "Uriel asked if I could take you to see him today. The drive is pretty long. Figured we could go early so I could do some shopping while you''re there."

    "Oh, yeah, that''s okay," I managed to say, even though internally I was screaming, No! Not okay. Is she leaving me alone?

    Once in the car the drive stretched on, my anxiety mounting with every mile that she wasn''t staying with me.

    She lowered the music to hear her GPS and I took the moment to ask, "Where are you going?"

    "He''s out there. I said it was a far drive."

    "I mean after you drop me off."

    "I need to do some shopping. Get some groceries."

    We were running low on food, having only grilled cheese sandwiches all day yesterday.

    "Ellie can''t get them again? Or Zeekiel?" I asked, a desperate plea to turn the car around. "Won''t everything be bad when we go back?"

    "Ellie''s going to be there with you, Zeek too, and I thought ahead with coolers in the trunk," She was laughing as she tapped her temple until she looked over to me briefly. My misery mirrored in her large black sunglasses before she looked back to the road. She recognized me.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    "Plus," she added, "Uriel wants to see you. Said he has something for you."

    "Ok," I said and looked out the window and that''s all it took for the music to go back up.

    Finally the car stopped by the side of a narrow dirt street, and I had no choice but to exit through the driver''s door while she parked in the overgrown bushes. I allowed her to lead me into the woods, where she left me under a tree claiming that she had to leave.

    As I stood there, confused and alone, I could feel the strange silence dripping over me as if the life of the forest had died in an instant. The jittering of bugs ceased while birds singing felt like long, distant calls.

    A chill spread down my back as I scanned the silent woods, feeling a strange shift in the air, only to find Zeekiel by my side, like a ghost coming to life from thin air.

    "Hi," I squeaked, startled by his sudden presence.

    He looked down at me with eerie violet eyes that definitely weren''t present the last time I saw his dark gaze. I was uncertain how''d he''d react to seeing me again since he''d spent his whole time at Dana''s outside. "Morning," he said as he motioned for me to follow. "We have to go in a bit more to see Uriel."

    I reluctantly trailed behind his black wings when he came to a sudden halt causing me to crash into him. The dark winged void murmured to himself, and I followed his gaze.

    In Zeekiel''s silent void, a different sense of presence had consumed us. I could feel it before I ever saw the four-winged angel, looking very different from the last time I''d seen him. His auburn hair and iridescent amber eyes gave him an almost ethereal and handsome appearance, as if he had stepped out of a painted masterpiece. Under the sun''s rays it was like a dance of colors that highlighted and shaded his features and wings.

    "Why are you out here?" Zeekiel asked, his voice carrying a note of caution.

    "I wanted to try and talk to you," came Raziel''s response, his tone firm and commanding

    "You know what I can do to your face if you try to talk to me," my dark winged escort replied, shooting me a nervous glance and motioning for me to follow.

    Zeekiel began to distance himself and I quickened my pace to keep up, but Raziel persisted in trailing behind us, his expression troubled yet focused.

    "Just ignore him," Zeekiel muttered.

    Despite the tension in the air, I offered a feeble attempt at lightening the mood for a more pleasant walk. "I''m glad you look good," I said awkwardly to the four-winged angel, attempting to break the tension. "I mean... Like, um, feeling better," I explained, waving my hand over my face.

    Raziel nodded politely with a soft smile. "Thank you. Ari, right?" he asked.

    There was something refreshing about not being called my full name for once. I nodded and smiled back feeling my palms growing more sweaty.

    "When are you going to go back home?" Zeekiel called out interrupting any reply I had.

    "I can''t just go back home," the four-winged angel said.

    "Afraid of what daddy will do to his little boy?" Zeekiel mockingly cooed.

    Raziel remained serious. "I plan on taking over as King."

    "Congrats, you should go back and do that then," the dark winged young man replied indifferently.

    "I need your help convincing the others to help fight."

    "You seriously expect people to just follow you into what is pretty much war, so you can take over? That''s literally the most delusional shit I''ve heard in centuries. No demon or angel on this side of the universe is going to hear that. Everyone''s here because no one can fuck shit up as hard as they do it back home. And everythings already shit in a nest on both sides of The Ring here too." Zeekiel started to move faster which seemed to be difficult for Raziel.

    Now that the prince was standing and moving I could see the weight of his wings as he managed to walk. Though he stood tall it was almost unnatural as if he were balancing backwards to keep his weight shifted.

    I wasn''t doing much better. I was right behind him but I could feel myself gasping for quicker breaths.

    "Zeek!" Raziel yelled after him. "I thought you of all people would want to be by my side for this."

    Zeekiel halted, and due to his exuding silence, I again walked into him trying to follow. As he turned his hand clasped my shoulder as he slid me aside as if he were opening a door to stare Raziel down.

    "You don''t even know how to do a coup right," Zeekiel continued, his voice tinged with frustration. "I''m not cracking good eggs for your stupidity."

    "And you don''t understand the influence you still have," the angel retorted.

    "Stop wasting my time," Zeekiel snapped, raising his hands to his chest. "I don''t care. I''ve had the memory of you suppressed until your crested feathered ass came out here."

    "I just wanted to talk to you," Raziel pleaded.

    Before Zeekiel could make another remark I had to interrupt or I was never going to make it to Uriel.

    "You know," I began, "I''m kinda already stressed and was hoping for a relaxing stroll." Both of them looked at me as if they''d forgotten I was there. "What''s really going on between you two? Can''t you just listen to each other so we can move on?"

    "No," Zeekiel responded promptly while Raziel answered, "It''s complicated."

    "Is it really important for you to go through the hassle this guy gives you?" I asked the four-winged prince who definitely had far more patients then I would in his position.

    Raziel peered around as if he just registered why he brought himself here. "Yes. I intend to fix everything back to the way it should be," the angel said and Zeekiel''s eyes rolled back. "It''s partially my fault it''s come to this. Because of me Zeek never became King."

    In the silence that followed, both of them seemed to wrestle with those words in separate ways. Raziel''s golden eyes were remorseful while Zeekiel''s face sank with anger.

    "Zeekiel? A king?" I laughed, glancing back at the dark winged void, but the fierce blaze burned the laugh off my face.

    Raziell nodded earnestly and finally looked past me as the mediator and said, "We promised to do it together."

    "Let''s go," Zeekiel said and started to walk away. He paused, looking back with a mixture of impatience and concern.

    "Wait, I need to know more," I whined playfully, attempting to get him to open up. But, the serious intense focus in his purple eyes made my heart skip a beat.

    "They didn''t tell you her story?" Raziel asked me.

    "What story?" I said.

    "Saniel''s. It''s-" Before the prince could say anything else the dark winged young man snapped.

    "Shut up. Her legacy should die with her," Zeekiel growled.

    Raziel nodded in response, his gaze focused ahead. His lips squeezed troubled by the unspoken words he had left.

    Zeekiel led the way through the dense forest, shadows danced with the relief of a breeze as sunlight filtered through the canopy above. Despite the tense silence, curiosity began to build within me. What was Saniel''s story?

    As we ventured deeper, I stole a glance backward. Raziel stayed close behind us, his expression unreadable, lost in his own thoughts.

    Twisted roots and fallen leaves crunched underfoot as if it were the only sound that couldn''t be drained from reality until finally, we reached a small clearing where a couple of figures stood waiting.

    ?????��???��?????

    Next Chapter Wednesday 3\19

 [ 5 ] Once you find angels meeting your level

    Uriel and Ellie were watching Adriel, who was producing yellow petals to bloom from the bark of a tree. Coming closer, the vibrant flowers sent a sweet scent through the air with the warmth of the sun breaking through to illuminate their vivid colors. It brought back the memory of the first time I encountered Zeekiel in his bird form, and I couldn''t help but marvel at the sight as I did then too.

    Uriel praised his young sidekick before allowing Adriel to take a break from his task. "You may go play now," the giant said, allowing the boy to take the scythe, before turning to us with a smile. "Dana didn''t stay with you?"

    "She had to go out for a bit," Zeekiel answered.

    "Oh well, I was looking forward to seeing her," Uriel said, turning back to me. "I wanted to discuss with Dana about relocating you. I''m worried about keeping you safe without a barrier," he replied. "Archons can do as they please because we don''t use the source the way humans do."

    Confused, I glanced over to Zeekiel and Ellie for clarification, and noticed Raziel was still on the fringe of our grouping.

    "Using magic," my dark winged escort explained, moving purposefully in front of Raziel.

    "Can I do magic?" I asked eagerly, my previous dread fading as I turned back to Uriel.

    "Possibly," Uriel said. "I explained some of it last time we talked when I told you to keep your necklace on."

    "The guardian angel thing?" I asked.

    "Mmm, yes," the giant hummed. "Once you find angels meeting your level who share an aligned aeon, you''ll be able to take a vow with them, swapping those portions of your souls so can gain more power to do magic," Uriel explained. "That reminds me why I wanted you to come, I have something for you." He beckoned us to accompany him further to where he leaned down to reach into the crevice at the bottom of an enormous rock structure.

    My heart pounded with anticipation as I watched Zeekiel and Ellie help Uriel pull out and lower down a long wooden chest from the dirt.

    I caught Zeekiel glancing at me before Uriel said, "It''s yours now." The giant''s voice was gentle despite his deep rumbling voice. "Well, go ahead and open it. You''ll find it interesting," he urged to my hesitation.

    Caked in moist soil, I unlatched the rusted metal clasps securing the battered container and as the lid swung to the side Zeekiel backed away so far that he allowed Raziel to take his place.

    Inside, the wood was still polished and the bubbled-up blue fabric within appeared pristine, although with some small fragments of dried foliage and twigs scattered throughout. Puzzled by its odd shape beneath the cloth, I began to unravel the folds around what seemed like branches.

    "Sorry," the giant said, leaning in and tearing everything away for me. "I''m realizing how long it''s been boxed up. Oh, yeah...That''s a lot of growth."

    He broke off some thick twigs to reveal a metal blade beneath it before he handed it to me. The top blade was a sideways crescent with much of it covered in bark, and the only uncovered part was a smaller upside-down crescent fork at the bottom.

    My face sunk into the leaves as I held onto the warm wood. Fresh white flower petals were everywhere, releasing an inviting scent reminiscent of my mom''s perfume.

    "Should you really be giving her that?" Ellie inquired.

    "This is hers," Uriel said, gesturing to me as he leaned back against the rock.

    "Yeah, but it''s what they''re looking for," she muttered softly.

    He shrugged and calmly asserted, "They''ll get it one way or another if she''s captured. At least this way it''ll be useful to us."

    "What exactly is this?" I asked while examining the notches that appeared to once be carved details.

    "The Moon Staff, it''s one of the ten Celestial Guards just as the scythe is. The archons chosen to hold them were to keep peace and stability to all the Worlds under The Kingdom. Both you and that Guard possess Saniel''s soul, it''s yours."

    My eyes widened in shock as I beheld an object that could only be produced from my dreams. I couldn''t help but imagine what the hero previous to me was like holding such a weapon.

    The weight of responsibility to help them pressed the question, "What can it do?"

    "Its abilities are limited until you find the right teachers to vow with," he said. "For now, Elliel will teach you how to defend yourself. As the holder, you already possess the ability to release consumed ones."

    "No way!" The petite young woman beside him exclaimed in disbelief.

    "It''s a perfect pairing," Uriel argued, turning his attention towards her specifically. "The consumed ones can''t harm Zeekiel; they only crave archons that haven''t been infected yet. You''re not immune. Arianna, on the other hand, is safe from them. Together, you can protect each other."

    Excitement coursed through me at the thought of being able to fight back. "Yes! I want to learn," I asserted eagerly.

    Ellie shook her head adamantly. "You don''t need to," she insisted before turning back to Uriel. "I can protect her. Don''t let his incompetence make me look bad." The metal lady''s eyes slitted in Zeekiel''s direction.

    Zeekiel opened his mouth ready to react, but Uriel physically dismissed their argument by waving his gloved hand between the two of them.

    "That''s not it at all," the giant said. "I just don''t want to see you lose an opportunity to gain more strength."

    "You too?" Ellie said as her fingers tightened into fists at her sides. "I''m strong enough."

    He stepped closer, his eye searching hers. "I know your strength and capabilities. That''s not it at all."

    A flicker of frustration crossed her face before she looked away. "I''m not helpless." Uriel reached out, but she stepped back.

    His hand hovered in the air for a moment before he let it drop. "Alright, but remember I''m here if you need me."

    She threw up her hood and shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket before she spoke. "May I go now?"

    The giant nodded and allowed her to leave without a fuss.

    The metal lady picked up her pace as she walked away, her steps brushing across the grass echoed in the quiet. We watched her leave until Raziel called after her, his voice breaking the stillness. "Ellie, wait!"

    Zeekiel and Uriel shared a glance of surprise, as the four-winged prince attempted to pick up his pace to keep up to her.

    The eye-patched, hobbling giant turned back to Zeekiel with an exasperated sigh. "I need you to keep both Dana and Arianna safe for now."

    Zeekiel''s tanned shoulders lifted to a shrug. "That''s fine. What ruffled Ellie''s feathers?"

    "I was hoping Elliel would train Arianna. I talked to her about when Arianna chose to stay and she''s been distant ever since."

    Uriel and Zeekiel glanced over towards Ellie and the four-winged angel walking off. Raziel was close to her, consuming her petite body behind his wings.

    "She''s distracted," the dark winged void mumbled.

    "Let her be," Uriel advised. "If she''s comfortable talking to him, then so be it. She''ll come around."

    Zeekiel agreed before I bobbed my head towards him. "What about you? Can you show me how to fight?"

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    My escort studied me before saying, "Out of luck there. I can''t teach you what I use. Anyway, if that blade touches me, I''m done for." He pointed to the bottom crescent fork close to his bare foot and urged, "So be careful."

    "What are you, a consumed one?" I said sarcastically, moving it away from him.

    A smirk lifted on his lips and eyed me cheekily. "Did you think I was an angel?"

    "Oh...I just assumed," I said, feeling the heat at the tips of my ears.

    I must have looked as embarrassed as I felt as he offered, "Don''t worry; you''re not wrong. That''s what the Guard does, it kills angels. Remember that monster you saw in your room?" I nodded slowly. "It was an angel once. That''s what the sickness is. It devours their body using their soul to create the beasts they turn into. I''m what happens when someone aligns with the ink; a demon."

    As Zeekiel revealed the truth of what the Guard did, I couldn''t help but feel a mix of emotions. The monsters I was supposed to kill were once angels, the same as those who were helping me.

    The embarrassment of not piecing it together sooner was overshadowed by something else. He said he was a demon, yet he seemed harmless compared to the monster that attacked my mom.

    "Zeekiel," Uriel said, looking at him sharply with his one eye.

    "What?" he said. "I''m not going to hurt anyone."

    "No reason to talk about it, then," Uriel offered. "I need to feel secure you won''t cause problems at Dana''s."

    "Don''t think I''m capable? I saved her twice now." He put up two fingers and puffed up his wings. "That''s two more than Ellie."

    "You''ve been nothing but a headache," the giant admitted, stumbling but accepted Zeekiel''s help for leverage before we began to walk back. "I also don''t like the fact you snatched Arianna before Elliel could take care of it. Surely scared and confused everyone with your stunt. I need to feel absolutely confident I can trust you," Uriel offered.

    "I''m not going to hurt anyone," the demon repeated as his violet eyes flicked quickly from me back to the ground.

    "Dana will let me know if he steps out of line until we can move you," Uriel assured me.

    "Ellie needs to straighten out her feathers then," Zeekiel mumbled. "Because I''m not following you guys back to the Sanctuary."

    Uriel nodded. "I had a feeling you weren''t. We''ll have to take Arianna down to the other Sanctuary south."

    "Sanctuary?" I inquired.

    The giant explained that he had a home back in place they called ''The Ring''. "It''s a realm where the modern dragons live."

    Zeekiel who was now on the opposite side of Uriel kept his eyes ahead and explained, "They have sanctuaries there for angels, it''s easier for them there."

    "What about Dana?" I said.

    "That''s up to her," Uriel explained.

    The pain of separation battled against the excitement of a new magical world. I was already still trying to cope with being separated from my home. Now I had this mystical tree branch thrust into my hands with the task of learning how to slay monsters.

    As we were coming back, the entirety of the field ahead of us was filled with vibrant yellow flowers, so many that I thought for a moment that we were going in the wrong direction until I saw Adriel and Raziel standing together. The petals were larger and brighter than any flowers I''d seen before, stretching out like roads of gold.

    "What''s all this?" Zeekiel asked Raziel as he approached both of them first.

    "Adriel did it," the four-winged angel replied proudly. "He could fill this entire area if he wanted to."

    The petals felt silky under my fingers, their sweet fragrance pulling me in closer as Adriel beamed silently at the praise until Uriel came up behind us.

    "You teach him how to overdo it like this?" the giant asked over to Raziel.

    The prince looked confused, "Well, it was more encouraging than teaching."

    "Try to be more mindful of how much energy he''s using. When he collapses, he''s asleep for days."

    "With wings like he has?" Raziel asked skeptically.

    "He''s not like us," Uriel started. "He''s still very strong, but prone to burn out."

    "I already knew he wasn''t like us, he''s too young, but his wings are incredibly healthy," the angel remarked. "Is he your son? What have you been feeding him? And what was the mother like?"

    Uriel seemed reluctant, but he answered regardless. "Yes, he''s mine. But there is no mother because he wasn''t born, he was created."

    "Ah," Raziel responded, disappointed. "I gather that means there''s not much of you left inside that robe."

    Uriel''s eye widened in surprise before his lips turned up into a smirk. "Still enough left," he said casually.

    "How did you gain the energy to do this?" Raziel asked with an edge of suspicion.

    "Something that''s no longer usable," Uriel replied.

    "Why go through that? You''re lucky you''ve survived."

    Uriel sighed. "I''m sick anyway. There isn''t much more time until I''ll have to be released myself. Someone still needs to be around to help carry on the scythe."

    Zeekiel next to me huffed and began to walk away. Since Dana had left me in his care, I didn''t think much of it to trail after him, so I was confused when he expressed, "Why are you following me?"

    I didn''t know how to respond, so I whispered an apology and attempted to walk away. Before I had the chance, he latched onto my wrist and let go just as quickly. His hand felt like plastic lacking any heat or texture. "Do what you want, it''s just annoying listening to him talk about being sick."

    "Oh. Why?" I asked as I watched him climb up effortlessly into a tree.

    "It''s just irritating listening to people think they''re righteous in sacrificing themselves to become a monster," he said before reaching down and extending his hand towards me. "Coming up?"

    I wouldn''t have reached him even if I stood on my toes. "Yeah that''s not worth breaking my neck for," I mused, craning my neck to look up at him.

    He suddenly tensed and swore under his breath as he looked past me. "Here comes again..."

    Tracking his gaze I noticed Raziel getting closer until something dropped in front of me. I peered down at Zeekiel''s black tank and was about to retrieve it.

    "You don''t need to pick it up." He said while keeping his gaze on the advancing figure while he spoke.

    I turned up to him in surprise. There was shadowing to the tone of his body, but there wasn''t any circular discoloration on his chest or a belly button on his abdomen. "Sorry," I said looking back down awkwardly. "I was just going to leave it off the ground."

    "Too late," he grumbled as Raziel closed in on us.

    Unlike Zeekiel I could feel Raziel''s company approaching. It was more than just hearing his walk, but an energy that radiated off of him that raised the hairs on my skin.

    Raziel pleaded, "Please come down." Neither of us spoke as we waited for a response that never came. My heart sank when Zeekiel''s silence repeated when Raziel called him again.

    I moved around the tree and spotted his shorts hanging in one of the branches. "He''s gone," I said quietly.

    With only Raziel and I now, I felt too intimidated to face him. I focused on the clothes in the tree to avoid any eye take, but instead of leaving, the prince drifted closer to examine my curious gaze.

    My heart raced and I cleared my throat before I asked, "Didn''t believe me?"

    He lifted an eyebrow and replied, "I didn''t take you for a liar. You were just so intent on that tree."

    I pretended not to be embarrassed and lied to offer an explanation, "Um, I was thinking it might be possible to get it down."

    He surveyed the ground and took a moment to pick a rock. "Might want to stand back."

    I chuckled. "You really think you can get that down with a rock?"

    He flashed me a warm smile and my cheeks flushed as we shared a look. "Can''t know if we don''t try," he said.

    He hummed it up and sent the rock flying through the air. It hit the branch perfectly but unfortunately did not dislodge the clothes. I was glad to take his advice in moving back as the rock bounced back and landed with a thud on the ground.

    "Maybe aim at the spot that''s already hanging off?" I said and attempted to demonstrate by throwing another rock which fell far off from the target.

    "I think I understand what you mean," he laughed.

    He used the same rock to target the spot I suggested and as the stone went through, it took the clothes down with it. "Nice shot!" I cheered.

    Raziel picked up the shorts and handed them to me, and for a moment I was confused until I remembered I implied I wanted to get them down. I threw it on top of his shirt and rolled a heavier rock on the pile to weigh it down.

    "So," I said as I looked around for any sign of Zeekiel''s large black bird. "What can you tell me about Saniel?" It felt like everyone, not just Zeekiel, didn''t want to talk about her.

    Raziel suddenly became as shifty as he scanned around us and even went as far as to lower his voice. "Do you know how angels and dragons are born?" he asked and I admitted no before he explained. "Mother used to create all of us until something killed Her and the next King she was carrying. Without a Mother-born King, Saniel tried to claim Zeekiel was some kind of miracle and should be the next king and people believed her."

    My skin prickled with anticipation of what dark secrets he was willing to reveal. "How?"

    "Mother-born angels have stronger wings compared to someone born to two angels. Since his wings looked good and were capable of drawing from the source, he appeared to be one of the last Mother-born," Raziel said hesitantly, as if he didn''t want to tell me more. "If you want more about Saniel, you should really ask Zeekiel."

    "So I''ll never know..." I said, hoping he''d break.

    "He can still hear us," the prince revealed. "I''m trying not to make it worse between us." He gave a light chuckle, but I knew he was serious so I left it alone.

    "Might have to wait until we go back home," I said, looking out towards the other trees to see if I could find the large black bird. "Well, Dana''s home," I corrected.

    "At least you have a place to consider home for now," he said.

    "For now," I emphasized. "Uriel wants to move me again."

    "Oh?"

    "Says there''s a sanctuary and he wants to shield me in a bubble."

    "A bubble?" he questioned. "So it probably wouldn''t be the one Ellie and I are at."

    I shrugged, "You''ve been hanging out with Ellie?"

    "Not really. Doesn''t seem like anyone wants to talk to me. Makes me wish I was home, but I can''t go back. Not yet."

    "Same. I miss my art supplies," was all I could say in console to him.

    "I understand," he nodded. "I miss my books."

    "And my bed," I continued.

    "Yes," he gushed. "None of the beds are comfortable here. My wings don''t fit and I feel like I''m being stabbed through the stomach." I laughed but both of us stood in silence until he announced, "I should get going, I only came to talk to Zeekiel, again. He didn''t beat me up this time, so that''s progress." His smile radiated his face as he bobbed his head. "It was really nice meeting you."

    I nodded back. "Yeah, you too."

    The hours dragged on as I waited for Dana to come back and pick me up. I spent that time with Adriel and though I was more curious about his powers, he swayed me into playing with him and started to teach him some games that I played when I was younger.

    When Dana finally arrived, my anticipation turned to dread when I saw the worried looks on their faces as Uriel pulled her aside for a private conversation. Though I couldn''t hear them, both of them appeared tense with a heated energy in the movements of their hands. I waited expecting Dana to tell me goodbye, but instead she came back and smiled as she said, "Come on, we''re going home."

    ?????��???��?????

    Next Chapter Saturday 3/22

 [ 6 ] Its your job to keep it safe now

    My whole life, I fantasized about larger-than-life scenarios. Like one day, I''d suddenly be able to fly or develop superpowers. But then I experienced it and realized I was afraid of heights and probably too unstable for bravery.

    I kept trying to appear braver, happier, and far more put together than I felt. To attempt easing some of my anxiety I started to work out. It probably wasn''t the training Uriel had in mind when asking Ellie to teach me, but maybe if I managed to gain some strength then I''d feel more confident in defending myself.

    With two milk gallons filled with water that Dana helped put together for me, I would walk around the house lifting them for as long as I could. I didn''t know what I was doing, but starting anywhere gave me some piece of accomplishment.

    Pacing around with my eyes closed listening to what Dana was watching on the television, I collided with Zeekiel yet again. With frustration mirrored in both our faces as I looked up I could tell we were both getting annoyed.

    "Do you just walk around with a blindfold on?" He asked.

    My embarrassment bit back, "You need to get a bell on you or something, because you may as well be a ghost."

    Annoyance pinched his face. "Unfortunately you need me here because your little workouts aren''t going to help you," he remarked, pointing down at my makeshift weights.

    "Oh you''ll see; I''m going to punch an angel right in the face," I declared.

    He huffed out a mocked chuckle. "Look, you can get as much muscle as you want, but you only need your staff."

    "Because you think I''m uncoordinated?" I assumed.

    He lifted one brow, slighted confusion squishing his face. "What? No. Because you''re human. Let everyone else be strong, because you''re the only one who can use the staff."

    I wouldn''t have admitted it, but his rationality gave me a bit of comfort. Still...."Well, I mean, that would be nice, and all, if I knew how to use it."

    "You stab it."

    "Huh?" I hummed, feeling it was explained to me way more complicated than that.

    "Yeah," he said, making a fist and stabbing it through the air as if he had a spear. "Just like that."

    "Even with no magic?"

    "Don''t worry about all that. Where is it, anyway?" I revealed it was in the closet of Dana''s room and he looked displeased. "You should really keep an eye on it. It''s your job to keep it safe now," he said.

    I didn''t expect Zeekiel to be friendly to me by any means, waiting at any moment for him to treat me the way he treated Raziel, but he wasn''t as bad as I anticipated.

    Ever since Uriel asked him to keep watching over Dana and me, he spent more time inside with us, but barely engaged in conversation with Dana and me. Sometimes I couldn''t help but wonder if he was upset that Uriel stuck him here with me.

    There was one late night he engaged me out of nowhere with a bag under his arm. "Need you to do me a favor," the demon said, coming in from the back door. "Keep this with you."

    It wasn''t a question, but somehow I was taking it from him as he handed it over. "I guess," I replied. "Why?"

    "I''ve been going in and out of form, I just want somewhere to put my clothes. Wouldn''t be the worst if you could throw them in there for."

    I gave him a teasing smirk. "You''re pushing it now."

    "I''ve brought some compensation." He rummaged through the sack in my arms, his face was lit with a self-satisfied smile as he handed me what he was looking for.

    It was a used black sketchbook with a wrinkled bind. I flipped through the pages finding the sketches at the beginning were all portraits of birds drawn on thick medium surface paper. But most importantly a majority of it was blank. Surprised, I looked up at him and asked, "Did you draw these?"

    "Nah, my friend does art; she''s really good at drawing birds. That one is me." He pointed to a curly feathered raven on the following page. "I liked yours too, but it was weird seeing myself next to...myself," he laughed. "You can draw in it. I think she''d like to see them."

    I blushed, feeling embarrassed as he reminded me of the sketch of him that I put on my wall. "I''m sorry," I said

    "Don''t be; I liked it," he said.

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    I reluctantly confessed, "It was for a story idea."

    His eyebrows shot up in genuine interest, intrigued by the thought. I couldn''t help but crack a small smile at his reaction. "Glad I could be an inspiration for good this time," he quipped. "What''s it about?"

    My mind raced to come up with an answer to his next question. "I mean it''s not like it''s fleshed out or anything, but I was thinking about some adventures for this guy and his crow companion."

    He nodded along before saying, "It should be the guy turns into a raven."

    "Was thinking maybe he can summon the crow out of the shadows and control it. It''s my idea, it''s whatever I want it to be."

    "Technically it''s my story. Plus you drew a raven," he taunted.

    "I can change it," I threatened.

    Over the next few days, our interactions became more frequent and cordial. The only thing that would agitate me was his insistence to change the channel while I was trying to watch the news. Despite our newfound friendship, he would get frustratingly heated over it. He didn''t understand and I didn''t want to talk about it, but really, I wanted to see if my mom would be found.

    As far as I knew, it didn''t even seem like anyone knew we were missing. It''s not like I had anyone outside my mom to know I was gone.I thought I had friends until I graduated and no one bothered to reach out to me. And after only working a day, they must have just assumed I was a no call-no show.

    Mom, though, she had friends and work that relied on her. Was none of them concerned?

    The days passed and were quickly turning into weeks and I still had no information on what was going on or what I should be doing. The news stations never revealed anything, Uriel was absent and Ellie never showed up to train me.

    My anxiety and agitation was rising with the summer heat. Dana didn''t own an air conditioner, but it didn''t seem like the weather bothered them. I spent most of the days sleeping and quickly I was back into my night owl routine. It was best, anyway, so neither me or Dana were stuck sleeping on the couch.

    Though my new routine was going to be taken away from me soon when Dana announced I had run out of time to stay with her. Some person named Avery was arranging to get me down to Florida without being noticed so I could go to a barriered area in what they called "The Ring". A realm that veiled Earth where supposedly dragons lived. It was hard to be excited when Dana said Zeekiel was the one who was going to escort me in a few days. It meant she wasn''t coming, and the demon expressed he wasn''t crossing over with me.

    Zeekiel often sat outside on the porch and I was too afraid to go out there while Dana was sleeping, but I didn''t have a lot of time left to ask him about Saniel. As I silently sat beside him, the topic lingered in the back of my mind, tugging at my curiosity. With my heart racing I finally whispered, "Can you tell me about Saniel?"

    Zeekiel''s silence lingered as he gazed up at the meager stars above us. His face was impossible to read and when he finally spoke, he said what I obviously already knew, "She held the Moon Staff," he said.

    "I know that..." I replied. "But what was she like?"

    The demon''s expression hardened as he turned to face me. "What do you think you''re going to gain from knowing?" he asked, his tone a heavy warning.

    "I don''t know. I just wanted to know was she, like, a hero?" I muttered.

    His lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes hardening into cold steel. "I guess it depends on who you''re asking," he retorted with a sharp edge to his voice.

    "I was asking you," I replied, as I rose from my seat to go back inside. I wasn''t going to beg or pry the information out of him.

    But Zeekiel''s words followed me as I opened the back door. "She did what she thought was right and started a war in my name." At his words, I turned and paused in the doorway, sensing his stare upon me.

    His eyes, once dark, turned purple with a distant gaze as if he were looking through me. "She was stubborn. Refusing to compromise on her beliefs, even if it meant sacrificing a flock of others in the process. She destroyed everything. A whole world, the Guard holders and herself."

    I stepped back into the house, the weight of his words hitting me like a punch to the gut.

    "And now we''re both stuck here, thousands of years later because of her actions," he muttered.

    I nodded silently still trying to process the information I asked for. Once I thanked him sheepishly I slipped back inside and poured the last cup of cold coffee from the pot.

    Eventually Zeekiel came back in to relax in the living room with me. At first we were both silent when he dropped himself next to me on the couch, but I relented for once and changed the last run of news to a sitcom rerun.

    As Zeekiel and I broke the uncomfortable silence, laughing together over a show there was a thud.

    I wasn''t alarmed at first, believing it came from the TV, but Zeekiel was quick to slap the remote to turn it off. And then it came again clearly from the kitchen, a loud pounding sound as if someone were knocking, but on the window.

    The demon was already running to the noise when he urged, "Wake up Dana and get your staff."

    I hurried past the kitchen and down the hallway to Dana''s room. The lights flicked on as I entered. She stirred in her sleep, shielding her eyes with her arm. "Something''s wrong," I said, grabbing my staff from the corner.

    "What is it?" Dana jolted out of bed and followed me back into the kitchen.

    Zeekiel was leaning into the sink looking out the window into the backyard. We rushed to his side as the pane echoed with desperate pleas for entry.

    Reluctantly, I stepped closer, my chest pounding. Three creatures reflected behind the glare of the kitchen light in the window. The creatures before me were grotesque and unnatural, their limbs bent at impossible angles and twisted into warped, animalistic forms. A thick layer of dark, shivering goo covered their faces, obscuring their features that seemed to pulsate. As a wave of revulsion washed over me, I instinctively stumbled backwards, my body shuddering at the sight.

    "Damn it," Zeekiel muttered, pulling his gaze away. "Once these fuckers realize how to get in, they will."

    Dana''s voice pinched with anxiety. "Fuck, people are going to see this. There''s more this time."

    "Those holes..." Zeekiel muttered before he snarled in Dana''s direction. "They''ve been underground in your backyard this whole time."

    "How would I know? Acting as if I put them there," she yelled back as her words picked up speed.

    "Seriously? You didn''t notice three body sized piles of dirt out there at some point?" he kept accusing.

    "How about you?" Dana charged back. "You''ve been out there far more than I have. How''d you not notice?"

    My insides coiled as the staff trembled in my hand. Both of them were too distracted in their argument to notice what I had.

    "The knocking stopped," I announced.

 [ 7 ] Im a ghost, remember?

    As silence enveloped the house Dana and Zeekiel both turned back to the window, confirming all the monsters disappeared. Zeekiel threw his hands up. "Was no one watching?"

    Their argument continued, oblivious to the trembling back door taken over by dark strings of goo.

    "Guys!" I tried to warn them before I was pushed back without notice. A mound of unrecognizable sludge burst through the unopened back door and lunged towards Dana like a rabid animal. She was quickly overwhelmed and dragged down to the hard, tiled floor, disappearing under the mass of ink. Her screams were muffled by the thick slime that consumed her whole.

    My body filled with horror as I stood paralyzed looking back at the door broken on its hinges as the other two creatures rushed in. Zeekiel''s pressing, raised voice snapped me forward as he urged me to use the staff. "Hurry, we need to get her out," he yelled.

    It was like a dream, I felt like all my movements were in slow motion. But with a determined push from Zeekiel, I forced myself into the battle, attempting to retrieve Dana from the creature''s grasp.

    My trembling hands could barely hold onto the staff as I desperately tried to stab down with the bottom crested blade. I couldn''t keep my aim as the monster thrashed under Zeekiel''s attempt to wrangle it down. With every clumsy strike the rough wood grazed my palms and branches scratched against my face.

    The other two were now already entangling themselves around Zeekiel to get to Dana. He struggled to give her a way to breathe through the consuming beasts as he warned me not to accidentally hit him or Dana. The fear of accidentally harming them only added to my mounting anxiety, causing me to hesitate.

    The dark winged demon ripped me from my paralysis as he reached out to grip my arm. At first I thought he was going to help me position my hands and keep me steady, but I didn''t expect for him to start dissolving. I started to panic believing I did something wrong and accidentally hit him.

    As he slowly dissolved under the weight of his muscle shirt I let out a yelp as I stumbled back. It was a scene that I had never imagined possible, yet there he was in front of me dissolving.

    His arm stretched outwards on mine and started to pool over me. Veiny strings snaked across my skin and my mind raced with confusion as I started becoming consumed by ink.

    Terrified, I exclaimed, "What are you doing?" But he had no way of responding now that he was invisibly melded to my body.

    My skin shivered and all my muscles tensed as I could feel him taking control of all my movements. My hands were the only part of me that remained under my own control and so it was on me to keep hold of the staff as he aimed my arms.

    A rush of adrenaline coursed through me as we poised the bottom crescent blade and struck without harm to Dana. Each opponent was swiftly and effortlessly defeated, their bodies dissolving into radiant light as my blade pierced into them. The thrill of battle coursed through my veins as each foe evaporated into golden dust.

    Zeekiel did the majority of the physical work, but I still felt like the champion taking on the baddies. We could have been like Venom and Spider-Man; but instead of having a kickass sentient alien suit, I felt more possessed.

    Once Dana was free, we helped her up. "Are you okay?" I asked.

    She nodded and appeared disoriented as Zeekiel still worked with me to take her to the couch. She looked around the room before she turned back at us. "You should go to Uriel," she shakily said.

    My arm reached out on its own and she took my hand, but only to press it to her cheek. "I''ll stay here and make sure no one saw anything."

    The murky sludge oozed from my flesh, reshaping Zeekiel back together. He told me to grab the bag as he got dressed.

    I met him at the back door where he plucked the bag out from beneath my arm and draped it across my shoulder before we walked out.

    Then, without a word of preparation, he swept me up and I latched my arms around his neck. Anticipation charged through me as his wings expanded and we ascended, feeling more comfortable than my first ride with him across the sky. Our trip was quiet, other than me asking, "Wouldn''t people see us?"

    "I''m a ghost, remember?" was all he replied.

    When we arrived back at Uriel''s camp, we were met with another fight. Adriel was fiercely defending Uriel near the dimming firepit. The scythe sliced through the night air, its jagged blade leaving behind trails of surreal green light. The scent of freshly turned earth filled the air as Adriel swung the weapon with swift and graceless movements. Despite his speed, he was no match for the weight of the scythe, struggling to lift it back up with each strike as if trying to swing a tree trunk rather than a weapon.

    Uriel''s towering presence approached us as he staggered to walk without the scythe as his cane. "Dana''s too?" His voice echoed boldly in the dark.

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    "They were underground," Zeekiel said. "Here too?"

    Suddenly we were all taken back by a large burst of white light that exploded through the thick foliage. It broke through the darkness as the beacons grew larger and closer to us. Uriel pulled Adriel into him as the young sidekick finished the last intruding monster. Pounding footsteps were drawing near and Zeekiel clasped my wrist. I expected him to start to liquify again, but this time he moved himself in front of me while he held on.

    Uriel finally eased the tension by calling out to the dark figures approaching, "You too?"

    Ellie and Raziel were finally visible and out of breath. The metal lady was the first to get the words out. "Consumed ones...swarmed the Sanctuary," she panted. "Came to check on Uriel...Called Dana to make sure you guys were okay."

    "There were three at Dana''s," Zeek announced and finally let go of me to get closer to Ellie. "Are you okay? Did any of them touch you?" he asked her with genuine concern.

    She shook her head. "No. The forest was crawling with consumed ones, Raziel took them all out."

    "Adriel''s already taken out several here," Uriel added.

    Raziel followed up with his words: "I don''t know the exact amount back in The Ring."

    To that Ellie shrugged. "They were everywhere, but it was quick. Raziel was able to release them without a guard."

    "How''s Dana doing?" Zeekiel asked.

    "She didn''t pick up. Is she not here?" Ellie said with panic in her voice.

    "She wanted to stay. She probably went out patrolling the area when you called," he assured her.

    "So how did they know where we all were?" Uriel asked out loud and looked directly towards the angelic prince.

    "If I knew anything I would have said something," Raziel defended. "I already told you they were finding those who were sick. I didn''t know anything about this."

    "Someone buried them alive," Zeek said, his eyes directly on the angel. "The soil progressed their sickness till they came up monsters."

    "I didn''t even know this was possible," Raziel insisted.

    "I better not find out you did," the demon warned. "And what''s this?" he questioned and pointed between Ellie and Raziel. "You two come here together again?"

    "He helped us," Ellie defended. "So I let him come."

    Zeekiel groaned. "Well if he can take out the monsters then both of you should have stayed back to protect the others. We already have two Guards here. Did you make sure to check the forest around the Sanctuary before you headed here?"

    Both Ellie and Raziel looked at each other in unison before the prince said, "It should be clear. We waited for more to come before we came out here."

    "We just wanted to make sure you all were alright." Ellie crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Though I wouldn''t be too upset if you were a puddle."

    Zeekiel smirked down at her. "You shouldn''t say things you''ll regret."

    "My only regret would not be doing it myself," the petite young woman taunted.

    Uriel interjected the two. "That''s enough. We should get back to the Sanctuary. I''ll need your help, Ari."

    Still lingering behind Zeekiel, I snapped to attention at my name and walked over to Uriel and his sidekick.

    Uriel instructed Raziel to hold onto the staff with me. "I''m not sure if we''ll be able to do this," the giant said, "but we might as well give it a try. One of the abilities of the staff is to make the blade glow. It would be helpful as we go deeper into the woods."

    I nodded eagerly with excitement bubbling in my stomach as I thought about becoming more useful to the group.

    "Now," Uriel started, "place both of your hands firmly on the staff. Think about things that bring you joy and happiness."

    "Happy thoughts?" I repeated, unenthused by the simplistic instructions.

    "Perhaps your family? Or your friends?" Uriel questioned.

    "Um.. okay. And which blade will glow?" I asked, eyeing up and down at the two attached to my staff.

    "The one at the top," the giant replied with a grin, gesturing towards it. Hopefully it would even glow with how much bark and the many branches covering it. Confused by his short explanations I found myself looking around for anyone to help me understand. I needed more, but Uriel seemed incapable despite having taught another Guard user.

    Thankfully someone finally intervened as I awkwardly kept position on the staff. Raziel let go repositioning his palms clasped around my hands and fixed my placement on the shaft.

    His warm smooth grip made my chest explode from his touch. The sound of blood drumming in my ears threatened to drown out his voice.

    "You won''t be able to do it alone," the prince explained. "But, you''ll need to unlock the ability for me to help you. We''ll need more than ''happy thoughts''. The glow emanates from your deepest passions."

    My mind immediately went to my mom, her safety and well-being at the forefront of my thoughts. Surely my passion had to be my will to find her. But as he continued his lesson, I found myself feeling what he was trying to portray.

    "It''s like a blaze raging inside of you. You recognize that it''s not real, but you can still feel its heat as if it engulfs your entire existence"

    As his words sank in, memories flooded my mind, transporting me back to moments when a burning desire to create art overwhelmed me. Like a spark catching onto dry kindling, my thoughts would ignite and engulf me. Like a firepit in my stomach that clouded my mind with smoke as embers sparked at my fingertips.

    His hands warmed, provoking my feelings of the flames. "Look up," he instructed and I followed his command. "The moon. Not much, but we can work with it. Memorize it. See it behind your eyes. Reflect it against the head blade."

    My eyes watered as the skin of my hands under his palms burned, but I stood calmly projecting the image of the moon onto the blade. It was a small sacrifice to feel all other thoughts float weightlessly away, while my body filled with energy and bliss.

    As Uriel intervened and the four-winged angel released me, I felt the power coursing through my nerves dissipate. The cool air rushed in, leaving goosebumps on my skin and pronouncing the burn to my hands.

    The crescent blade casted its light and hung shadows from its branches onto our faces.

    Raziel retreated, as he noted the state of my hands. "I would have stopped," he exclaimed, concern etched into his features.

    My hands were notably discolored and though it wasn''t harsh enough to blister, it was sore and itched. Still, I couldn''t bear to let go of the staff, afraid that it might lose its light.

    "I was trying to focus," I said.

    "You did an incredible job," Raziel praised, his two back wings lifting with admiration. My cheeks flushed at the compliment, unable to meet his gaze.

    Uriel chimed in, "Very good, but because Raziel charged it for you, we have a limited time with that light. So we best all move."

    Despite their flattery, I knew the strength of the light would fade. But for now, it shone bright and I was useful for just a while longer.

    ?????��???��?????

    Next Chapter: Wednesday 3/26

 [ 8 ] I came to bring you home

    Uriel''s low voice reverberated through the air, "We should move now," he declared.

    But while everyone unanimously agreed, I found myself the voice of objection. A nagging worry gnawed at the back of my mind. "Shouldn''t we make sure Dana''s okay," I interjected. "What if she doesn''t know where we are?"

    The group exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of my concern settling over them.

    Ellie took my side and suggested, "Maybe one of us should go back and wait for her and make sure she''s okay."

    Uriel''s eye met mine, and I saw a fleeting trace of regret in his gaze. He understood our apprehension, but before he could respond, Zeekiel interjected. "Dana''s tougher than you think," he assured. "She knows where to find us."

    We trudged through the dense woods, I couldn''t help but feel the portal was farther than Uriel made it seem. With each minute and every step, I became increasingly aware of the distance. The overgrown foliage scratched at my skin and the ground beneath me became more swampy, sinking me into mud. Our path seemed never-ending as the night sky cracked with the first light of dawn.

    In the distance, the sounds of cars grew louder, their presence a reminder of the world I was about to leave. As we pressed forward, those distant noises served as a reminder that reality would still be there and it would go on without me. It was that same dread again I felt thinking about Dana forgetting my name.

    Though, it was easy not to focus on it, this time, as I exerted all my efforts into concealing my discomfort and fatigue to move forward. I maintained a strong facade while feeling the weight of the staff grow heavier and the burns on my hands continued to irritate me. I had been entrusted with the task of illuminating our path, and I was determined not to let the team down.

    When we finally came to a stop, Uriel asked Raziel to offer assistance to Ellie. "I know with wings like yours you can do it yourself," the giant stated to the angelic prince, "but I need you to keep on your feet after releasing consumed ones without a Guard."

    Raziel nodded. "Don''t worry. Keeping up my wings themselves takes more out of me than helping with those sick." His tone was light, joking even. But no one laughed or even broke a smile forcing him to awkwardly chuckle it off as he held his hand out to Ellie.

    "I can do it," she said and slanted her dark eyes at both of them.

    "I''m aware," Uriel said, "but now''s not the time to exert yourself."

    She huffed and slapped one of her circular blades into Raziel''s open palm. He seemed confused by her gesture as she said. "Just do it. You only need this"

    "You can also-" The four-winged angel was interrupted as Ellie insisted again.

    "You don''t need my hand," she expressed. "My chakram is better at reducing the burden, anyway."

    He didn''t argue, instead offered her a grateful smile as he accepted her weapon. "You''re right," he agreed. "Thank you." Ellie''s expression softened, but she remained silent.

    As Raziel raised the metal lady''s weapon up high, a surge of energy pulsed through the air, crackling over the raised hair on my skin. The bladed disk began to glow with a swirl of colorful light, making the air shimmer with a thousand multi-colored fireflies swarming around us.

    I watched in awe, my breath catching in my throat, as the portal began to materialize before us, a vortex of swirling rainbows like a more vibrant version of gasoline on the surface of water. It felt like my bones were humming a melody as I watched everyone break through, still processing the scene before me.

    "Come on," Zeekiel said, pushing my back to get me through.

    I stumbled forward, holding my breath in excitement as I stepped through. The world around me twisted and contorted, colors blending together in a whirlwind of motion.

    Suddenly, the sensation stopped, and I wasn''t even aware of my displacement from standing until I fell onto the sharp blades of grass laying beneath me.

    Above me the portal waved like a mirage over hot sand before fading away into nothingness. Exhilaration bubbled to the surface as I began to laugh up at the rising morning sky. I had just crossed over into a new realm.

    I sat up, the sweet scent of wildflowers filled my lungs, and a gentle breeze danced through my hair. Birds sang in melodious harmony, echoing to a rising sun.

    "Where are we?" I said looking around to the others. We were in an open field with tall grass, a stark difference from the dense, muddy forest we were just in.

    Raziel was the closest to me and extended out his hand to offer me assistance. The pain in my hands rejected his kind gesture, forcing me to carefully hoist myself up using my elbows.

    "This is what they refer to as The Ring," Raziel replied, letting his hand swing back to his side.

    Adriel and Ellie were already with us while Uriel and Zeekiel had to walk over to join.

    My excitement turned to dread when Uriel announced, "We still have a while to keep walking."

    Zeekiel led the way through a mass of colorful orbs and fluttering rods. Almost the same as I saw on the other side, but larger and more bright. I marveled at the spectacle and noticed the flying creatures encircling Raziel''s wings. He gently scooped one into his hands and let Ellie and I peek in to see the orb.

    "They''re just bugs," Ellie said, twirling away gracefully. The lights sparkled with her movements around her chakrams that left trails of rainbow colors. She moved with a fluidity that was almost mesmerizing to watch, dancing with the lights as if she''d practiced this hundreds of times waiting for an audience.

    "They''re more than bugs," Raziel explained as both of us watched her come back to our side. "They''re drawn to the gates feeding on the residual energy."

    "You mean they''re eating the magic?" I inquired.

    The four-winged angel nodded. "It''s a lot of power that isn''t contained, which is natural, just as it is for these little ones to clean it up and scatter it back out. They''ll start to dissipate as we get further away from this area."

    "Do you see these back home too?" I asked him.

    "Sometimes. I''ve never seen this many before, though," he answered, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "The gates and portals back home aren''t all operational, but they would be more advanced than this one and preferably leveled on both sides," he said, referring to our fall in. "Ours are more like actual structures, while this one is held up by someone''s magic and needs to be unlocked to be seen."

    I questioned, "Someone else''s magic?"

    "The Aldraka," Ellie answered. "The portals from your world to The Ring are like borders for a region; the more portals a territory can hold up the more land can be claimed."

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    "So they''re, like, a leader," I said, assuming I understood.

    "Uh, well, not in this territory," she said. "Leaders are elected here while the Aldraka is chosen at birth."

    Zeekiel scoffed from ahead of us. "Chosen? She means bred."

    Unease radiated from Ellie as she glared at Zeekiel''s back, her eyes narrowed in on his back. I noticed the four-winged angel also studying the metal lady''s demeanor.

    Raziel''s piercing amber gaze caught mine before he spoke with a hint of defensiveness, "I personally don''t believe there''s anything wrong with someone being born with a purpose."

    It felt like Zeekiel was the only one who felt as unsettled by the idea as I did, but the demon stayed unusually quiet.

    The heavy silence was suffocating as I desperately tried to escape the awkwardness by slipping into daydreams, but it was only making me feel more tired.The overwhelming weight against my eyelids had me shamelessly considering if Zeekiel would offer to carry me again if I collapsed asleep.

    A shot of adrenaline managed to shake off the exhaustion as everyone froze in their tracks. Before I could utter a word, Raziel swiftly covered my mouth and mimicked the gesture to his own face with his other hand. It was a signaled command to remain silent, and I nodded in understanding.

    I tried to take in my surroundings, searching for the danger they could feel. Uriel began to cautiously move, guiding Adriel behind him, while the others formed a protective ring around the young sidekick and me.

    It was clear that they were preparing for a fight, and a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. Instinctively to be ready myself, I clung closest to Zeekiel.

    The distant sound that the others had noticed first grew louder, gradually reaching my ears as a thunderous force hurtled towards us, accompanied by tendrils of smoke twisting through the tall grass. Fear wrapped me just like the smoke that enveloped our feet before rising to obscure our vision.

    I couldn''t see who came to find us, but Uriel''s voice trembled with genuine horror as he addressed through the dark fog. "How are you here?"

    A smooth voice belonging to a man replied back, "Someone, in their infinite kindness, has released me from my prison. You look so much older now, Uriel. It''s been merely four thousand years, don''t tell me you''re withering already."

    "Why are you stopping us?" Uriel inquired, his voice filled with apprehensive curiosity.

    "Your young companion here is free to go." The voice that spoke was alluring despite the underlying tone of danger as it circled around us, before finally positioning directly in front of me.

    I couldn''t help but stare into the razor-sharp gaze that locked onto mine. The man''s pointed nose gave way to a face framed by neatly groomed jet black hair, his intense orange eyes glowed against his pale skin.

    His horse, similarly adorned with white wings, stood proudly next to him. Every detail of his appearance exuded an air of elegance and power from his layered vest and half sleeve cape to the perfectly asymmetrical tailored cut of his clothes. It was clear this was no ordinary angel grunt standing before me.

    My eyes shot down while Uriel gently nudged Adriel, urging him to leave. "The other two can go once you surrender yourself along with the girl and Prince Raziel," our foe continued.

    Raziel backed into me, causing me to instinctively turn around and escape, but Uriel''s staff prevented me from fleeing.

    "We knew you were in danger when you didn''t return," spoke our sudden foe to Raziel. "I came to bring you home."

    "I...um," Raziel''s words stumbled out incoherently as Uriel shifted his gaze to the four-winged angel before tapping his celestial cane on the ground, directing his attention towards Zeekiel.

    In a blur of motion, Zeekiel scooped me up and flung me onto Raziel''s back without warning. I clung onto the prince tightly as the demon charged into battle alongside Ellie, who was already taking quick swings at the enemy. The air vibrated with energy as their weapons clashed in a chaotic dance of lights.

    While the others fought, Raziel''s outer wings beat against the air, propelling him forward and helping him to leap effortlessly over obstacles in his path as he ran. The rush of wind and the blur of trees passed by us as we entered another dense wooded area. I struggled to maintain my grip while also attempting to keep an eye on my staff and the bag Zeek entrusted me to carry.

    I turned to look behind us and my breath froze as I saw the smoky wave advancing towards us. "Something''s following us," I said, my voice barely audible over the beating of Raziel''s wings.

    Like a miracle, the wall of fog questionably halted its pursuit and as the danger subsided, Raziel sank to his knees, his breath ragged. He rolled me off his back and set me down next to him while he managed to catch his breath.

    "The Sanctuary is close," he said. "I can hear the others... You need to keep going from here. The others there should hear you coming." With a frail, trembling finger, the prince pointed to the path ahead, urging me to continue.

    I nodded, ready to follow his direction, just as I had done with my mom and Dana. But a part of me refused to abandon him, even though they were right about the dangers of staying, I was afraid of losing yet another person. Guilt gripped me knowing everyone was trying to protect me while I couldn''t do much to help them back.

    "You okay?" I asked as a growing sense of helplessness tightened in my chest.

    "I need a moment," he replied, his voice strained. "Carrying extra weight. I hate the gravity on your world," he moaned and my face heated with embarrassment.

    I looked up, curiously noticing a wild commotion above us. Branches cracked and leaves shook before something broke through the canopy of trees. We had no time to react as another inked monster sprang towards Raziel with alarming speed. Without Zeekiel by my side, it was once again difficult to wrestle with the slime.

    More grotesque beings started to slither around my legs, their dark goo inching dangerously close to Raziel''s face. I remembered the sheer terror in Zeekiel''s eyes when he saw Dana in a similar state, barely able to contain his fear. That look alone made me realize the gravity of our situation and the urgency to panic.

    The angel''s struggle ceased, his arms reaching out desperately but to no avail. The surrounding monsters thrashed, their sheer numbers overpowering us. Before I knew it, their movements propelled me down to Raziel and I lost grasp of my staff. I used my hands to claw at the monsters, but as soon as I touched anything solid, it would dissolve through my fingers.

    Both of us were starting to become one inky pile of goo. My vision was completely swallowed by the darkness, until a sudden burst of blinding light engulfed me. The intensity was overwhelming, taking over my entire body in a searing pain that robbed me of breath and sense. My ears rang with deafening noise, amplifying the disorienting chaos around me.

    My body writhed as I instinctively tried to escape from the burning heat. But it was no use, I was trapped and at the mercy of the powerful source of light.

    I could hear Raziel yelling, but I couldn''t make it out over the sound of my own screams. Suddenly, a crushing weight straddled my body, pressing down with an almost unbearable force on my chest. With my head pinned back by hands, it felt like someone was trying to squish me like a bug. Every breath was a struggle under the burden on top of me and every heartbeat a desperate attempt to push back.

    I didn''t know what was happening to me, but a sharp pressure in my eyes felt like someone was digging them out with their fingers. The intense but familiar sensation made it impossible to think or move as I started to realize who was doing this to me. Raziel.

    With all my strength, I struggled and wriggled beneath him, desperate for any chance at escaping from his grasp. A wave of fear crashed over me as he continued to show no signs of relenting. Energy pulsed from the prince''s fingertips, sending a force spiraling around my face, locking me in place. It was as though I had been transported back in time, to that fateful night in the cafe where I first encountered an angel and how I struggled against their power.

    As my consciousness wavered in the midst of excruciating agony, I could hear Zeekiel''s voice calling out my name, desperate for answers. But all I could make out was Raziel''s commanding tone, urgently requesting his assistance. "I need you over here!"

    Blind and disoriented, I felt something slimy slither into my mouth and solidify around my teeth. The putrid taste of blood mixed with goo made me groan in revulsion, adding to the already overwhelming sensations of pain and confusion.

    Amidst the chaos, Zeekiel''s voice cut through sharply as he urgently warned, "There''s consumed ones moving in."

    "Then take care of it," Raziel replied with irritation edging in his voice. "I''m trying to fix this."

    Despite my weakened state, Zeekiel''s cold touch attempted to push my hand into the wood of my staff. My fingers quivered, and my jaw slacked as the trembling seized control of my body. Beyond my control there was no way for me to help him release the consumed ones.

    Suppressing the urge to vomit, I felt Raziel''s hands slowly retreat from my scorched and battered eye sockets. Though I couldn''t see, I could feel a ghostly presence guiding me as I rolled onto my side to release the bile choking me.

    Zeekiel''s lifeless aura lingered around me, his hands a steady source of comfort while he attempted to hold me up as I convulsed violently and gasped for air through my spasms. My body still retched, struggling to expel the torment tearing through me.

    Raziel''s words were distorted, muffled by the numbness that had taken over my senses. Panic surged through me as I felt my body starting to give in, but before I could fall completely, Zeekiel swept me into his chest as his arms shook me in an attempt to keep me conscious.

    ?????��???��?????

    Next Chapter Saturday 3/29

 [ 9 ] They really do look like hers

    I could hear my mom so clearly, her voice finding me through the darkness. "Trust me, pumpkin, you don''t want to know." It was the phrase I became accustomed to when asking her about my father, her childhood, or about family outside of just the two of us. She was trying to shield me, but reflecting on all those moments, I realized it left me apprehensive to dig deeper for answers. I was beginning to understand that not questioning became an unconscious habit that left me unprepared for life without my mom.

    It was another weakness. I already lacked the physical strength to keep myself safe, but my intellect couldn''t be relied on either if I was going to be afraid of seeking knowledge. If I had studied what to do, asked more about everyone''s powers or wondered more about all our possible dangers instead of straining myself right before a battle, then maybe I wouldn''t have woken up shivering in a cold sweat on wet sheets.

    An aggressive shudder jolted me awake, my head pounding, and my body drenched. Every muscle tensed and trembled as I struggled to sit up, fighting the urge to retch. A ready presence offered me a bucket as a violent wave of nausea twisted my stomach, making me gag before I could grasp it. The smell of bile filled my nostrils and I gasped for air between bouts of vomiting. I had never felt so ill and uncomfortable before.

    "Where am I?" I called out, still choking on vomit while I blinked around the darkness.

    "You can''t see, can you?" Ellie''s voice broke through the haze. She brushed back the hair stuck to my face. I could feel the trace burn as her fingers gently glided past my eyes.

    "Should I be able to? Am I blind?" Fear tightened around my chest, and a chill ran across my skin as I grappled with the thought of permanent darkness. As soon as the words left my lips, I felt all hope drain from my body. Without my sight, I wouldn''t be able to sketch or ever read a comic again.

    "You''re fortunate to be alive," Uriel''s voice rumbled in the background. "Hopefully your vision will return by the end of the week, and the sickness will dissipate by tomorrow. Your body is attempting to reject the, uh, ink you ingested."

    "Ingested?" I exclaimed. "How? I thought you said it wouldn''t make me sick."

    "It doesn''t affect you in the same manner as it would us. Nor does it go out of its way to enter your throat. However, should a demon decide to insert their ink into your mouth to keep you from cracking your teeth, then it becomes a different scenario." I shuddered at the remembrance of the taste and texture made my stomach churn.

    "What happened?" I retched again, my back throbbing from the force of the nausea.

    "What do you remember?" Uriel asked. From Uriel''s tone, I wasn''t sure if I should be concerned or alleviate his worries.

    "Raziel was being overpowered by consumed ones, I thought I could help but there were too many, and we both got overwhelmed... I think he was trying to save himself, and I got in the way," I said, my voice wavering with uncertainty.

    "Maybe he''s too dangerous to have around," Ellie said.

    "We need him here," Uriel admitted. "This battle isn''t going to get easier, and he''s agreed to help."

    I closed my eyes and tried to steady my breathing. The memory of Raziel being overwhelmed by the consumed ones and my failed attempt to help him haunted me. Was he truly as dangerous?

    "It was my mistake," I affirmed. "It was hard for me without..."

    "None of this was your fault," Uriel interrupted. "In a way, I understand Ellie''s point. I feared something like this would occur. I''ve advised him numerous times to exercise caution around everyone, not just you."

    "What happened to me?" I asked, bringing a hand up to my throbbing face. I could feel the bruising and burn marks from just the lightest touch.

    "You were hit with the energy he used to release the consumed ones, which would have lit you up...again." The giant sighed. "From his account, to keep you alive, he attempted another forced vow. Thankfully you''ve kept that necklace on, because any aeon exchange with someone at his level would have killed you right there."

    "But I''m alive..." I said, almost doubtful of my own words.

    "Yes, well, I''ve also just learned the necklace doesn''t negate the process, it''s just the wearer doesn''t lose their aeon in the process. Smart designing on Avery''s part. Though I have a feeling it was intended to be a punishment on anyone who attempted to try it," he said, bringing up that name again. The person who was arranging to bring me to a barrier.

    "So, mine wasn''t given up, but does that mean I have his aeon soul thing?" I inquired, feeling a little disturbed by the idea.

    Uriel confirmed my question and explained, "When the exchange occurs, both parties will be incapable of injuring a piece of their own soul at that point. Neither one of their powers can be used on the other. When the vow took place, the energy that was sent through you was reabsorbed back into Raziel through the entry point, which is the eyes. I suppose Avery could possibly reverse the damage, but we won''t be able to get you to the barrier like I had planned."

    "Because I can''t see?" I wondered.

    The metal lady answered, "The next sanctuary was also overrun with consumed ones."

    "Raphael," Uriel continued. "He''s another holder of a Guard that was able to escape. Unfortunately, the barrier is impossibly overwhelmed, he can''t get out to do anything."

    With a confident assumption, I said, "So we''ll have to go help."

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    The giant announced no at the same time Ellie was saying bitterly, "We can''t."

    "Why?" I asked. Was there really such a large horde that three Guard holders couldn''t make a dent?

    "Raphael''s told us not to do so," the giant expressed with a heavy sigh. "Their barrier is possibly the most powerful, and though groups looking for reincarnations may head to the closest barrier, it''d also make sense to try and make it to his."

    "So it''s a trap...?"

    "We can speculate. Consumed ones aren''t rare, but a show of this magnitude hasn''t been seen in a very long time."

    "And what happened then?" Ellie asked, apparently just as unaware.

    Both of them were silent, and I wished I could see their faces.

    "They were controlled," Uriel finally answered vaguely.

    "These ones knew where we were too..."

    "You know who else knew where we all were?" Ellie said with a skeptical tone.

    "Anyone could have been watching us," Uriel''s voice was logical and leveled. "What doesn''t make sense is I know those lost souls weren''t under my feet this whole time. Zeekiel would have felt it as well. If they were just sick and buried, then it would have taken decades for them to be in that state."

    "Is that guy who stopped us still after us?" I asked, mentally shuddering from the memory of his sharp glare on me.

    "That was Michael," Uriel said, his deep voice coming in low.

    "Oh," I huffed, trying to grasp my mind around the idea of one of the reincarnations coming back. Just a couple of months ago, that angel was human; somebody else. It could have been my fate.

    Ellie reassured, "He''s gone for now. Zeek managed to send him back."

    "Back where?"

    "To the last Gate they used to get here," Uriel said. "Zeekiel has knowledge to push an archon''s soul from their body. It scatters their body forcing them to go back."

    "Feels like cheating if they can just respawn," I muttered.

    Uriel hummed with agreement. "There''s nothing that can kill us except for the Guards. But it should give us twice as much time. If we''re really waiting for an army, it won''t move without Michael."

    I detected the familiar sound of Uriel''s scythe hitting the ground as he rose. "For now, Ellie will assist you until you can see." Once the giant left and Ellie and I were alone, she asked me about what happened at Dana''s. The metal lady seemed to drop her stony demeanor to allow the concern in her voice. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before recounting each event, including the part Zeekiel played in melding onto me to help Dana.

    She seemed suspicious of the story, saying, "I''ve never seen him do that."

    I hesitated for a moment, seeking the right words that wouldn''t put her off from being my friend. "Honestly, I felt as impressive as you for a moment," I laughed, breaking the seriousness.

    "Me?" she asked in a raised voice.

    I went off on a tangent of admiration while I took dramatic shots in the air. "Like you. I saw you going after that guy with Zeek. You''re so graceful and brave and beautiful."

    She didn''t reply, and I quickly backtracked with an apology.

    "I-it''s okay," she said. "I didn''t even help you. Doesn''t seem like you need me with what you''re capable of doing with Zeek."

    "We could be a better team," I said, enforcing Uriel''s idea of her training me. I went to playfully elbow her, but missed, potentially making me look more awkward than before.

    "Well, I mean, you all seem to work great together already. I''m just injecting myself into your group."

    "I''m not sure if ''group'' is the right word," she said.

    "Family?"

    "Definitely not."

    "Really? That''s how it felt to me. Dana always shows you affection, and even Uriel seems to worry about you," I explained.

    "They worry because I''m small and can''t do magic. They''re not family. I have real parents somewhere out there."

    "Family is supposed to worry," I insisted, attempting to give friendly advice.

    "I know family and friends come in different shapes," she replied, but still hesitant. "But, I just feel like a burden."

    I understood. "You''re definitely needed. The group, or whatever you want to call it, needs you."

    She was silent, mulling over my words. We shared the same weight of feeling too weak to belong. A flicker of hope ignited that maybe we''d find our place together among the others.

    ?????��???��?????

    In the aftermath of my ordeal, nightmares plagued my mind, filled with grotesque visions of demons and consumed ones. Confined to a room it took three days of boredom, and a diet of only shakes to help heal. With Ellie''s support, I was determined to overcome the setback and get back to, hopefully, convincing her to train me.

    Eventually, I woke up to the symphony of birds, as I did every morning since arriving. Their songs rang out far louder and more abundant than anything back home. Not even a fan could have drowned it out.

    I turned towards the source of noise and noticed the sliver of light through the cracks of the drawn curtains and excitement coursed through me as I realized my sight had finally healed. Curiosity got the best of me, and I flung open the curtains to the ascending dawn.

    My eyes squinted, adjusting to the light after days of darkness. Beyond the confines of the window, I could clearly view the enchanting garden. Inside, however, the room remained scant, with cement walls and floor. All it possessed was a bed, a side table, and a few milk crates with a collection of garments.

    I examined the frilly yellow nightgown Ellie gave me to wear the day before and rummaged through the boxes of clothes, hoping to find anything in my size that wasn''t too outdated or ripped. I only managed to retrieve a slightly oversized short-sleeved buttoned-up shirt and a pair of tattered jeans.

    Without shoes, I stepped barefoot into the warm, gusting air tinged with fading purple hues, creating a tapestry in the sky. Birds of various shapes and sizes took flight, their feathers vibrant against the dawn. In that moment, surrounded by so much beauty, I reminded myself to never take for granted the vividness of colors.

    I turned back to the house, which stood tall and overgrown from its windows to the roof. The door I emerged from was like a small cellar, and was the only way in and out of the room. While I traversed the garden, I took in all the unique flowers adorned in every corner. Their delicate petals in an array of watercolors waved in the breeze, while angelic statues, shrouded in moss, stood watch over the stone paths.

    Lost in my wonder, I turned to find that I had inadvertently attracted a visitor. A tall, long-haired man stood before me, his beard adorned with beads. Flowing garments of blue draped his body, carefully folded around his gray wings. As he examined me, a spark of recognition flickered in his expression.

    "Wow. They really do look like hers," the man said examining me. "Those terrible burns still haven''t healed yet, I see." He paused and frowned. His glowing fiery eyes raised to the chirping around us and his brows lifted as he listened.

    "You should go back to the room for a bit. Ellie will tend to you. For now, the gardens need their peace." Mortified, I hurried away without a word, my face burning.

    As I approached the door leading back to the room, my attention was caught by a long feather lying near the window. It was brown with a black tip. My bad habit of turning things I found on the ground into trinkets and treasure had me fetching it from the ground and deeming it my lucky charm.

    Reclining back on the bed, I reached up to trace the smoother areas of skin around my eyes. The act provided a peculiar satisfaction as I circled it with the feather, until I convinced myself it wasn''t the cleanest thing to be rubbing near my face. Soon, anxiety fluttered in my chest as footsteps descended the stairs. Ellie''s arrival heightened my already tense anticipation to witness my face in a mirror.

    However, the fantasy of feeling pride in seeing my battle scars was swiftly shattered as my reflection finally came into view.

 [ 10 ] Madness at best, death at the worst

    When I first caught my reflection, nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. It wasn''t just normal scars; my face bore distinct handprints branded over my eyes. As I examined myself, I noticed that my eyebrows had been burned away unevenly in the process as well. However, the worst aspect was my eyes.

    "They''re beautiful," Ellie cheered.

    My eyes, glossed over in an unnatural icy gray, looking lifeless or diseased. Her claim felt like a cruel joke. How could she see beauty in such a hideous sight?

    Ellie''s voice seemed distant to me as she asked, "Are you okay?"

    "Yeah... Why are my eyes like this? Why didn''t you say anything?" I was struggling to suppress mourning the loss of my face. "I can''t go out like this. I need sunglasses or something."

    "Um, I''m not sure if we have any sunglasses," she hesitated. "Come on. You''re already dressed; you can''t hide away forever."

    "Where are my clothes? Please tell me this isn''t what I have to wear..." A heavy sense of discontent settled in my core, each concern building the weight in my gut, making me feel like I was on the brink of resembling a monster. Tattered garments, unruly hair, and zombie-like eyes, but Ellie kept urging me forward until eventually, I couldn''t keep pretending to be okay and took refuge under the blankets.

    The metal lady finally left me in peace, returning occasionally to coax me out. "There''s another reincarnation here now," she said, attempting to persuade me, but I remained silent. "Zeek promised to find something for you."

    By the time she returned with the shades, I found myself fully immersed in my own misery. Ellie held onto hope that once she presented the sunglasses to me, I would once again be magically fine. Honestly, it''s what I wished too. She eagerly handed me back the mirror, and I had to admit that Zeekiel''s choice was fitting.

    They were large, dark, and perfectly sized to conceal a good portion of the damage and looked a lot like... "These are Dana''s," I said and pulled them off. "She wouldn''t leave without these."

    Ellie''s eyes watered, and her voice softened. "Zeekiel went back to check..." she couldn''t say anymore before she dropped her face into her hands to try to keep herself composed. At least for that day I had upset her enough to leave me alone.

    But when she came back the next day, she pleaded, "Just come out, we can start training."

    Though I knew those words would have lifted me into action any other time, they only deepened my desire to hide away. "Where is my staff?" I grumbled. I had no intention of using it, but wanted it nearby.

    "Gibel''s been working on it. It''s going to look really nice," she replied.

    "No," I retorted, upset at the idea of having to go out of my way to retrieve my staff.

    Confusion flickered across her face. "No...to what?"

    "I''m tired. I don''t want to train," I murmured.

    Once she left, I drifted to sleep, but only because it felt like the only way I''d be left alone.

    When I woke up, I rose from the pillow with soreness from the glasses twisted against my forehead and the bridge of my nose. I definitely felt more comfortable with something on my face, but took a break by sliding them up.

    I extended my hand over to the side of the bed and reached for the feather. It was still pretty, but my faith in it as my lucky charm was lost. With everything quiet, I brushed it along my face while I looked towards the dark window and realized it was the perfect moment to enjoy the outside in solitude.

    I opened the door only for my stomach to sink as I quietly attempted to reverse back into the room. But it was already too late and I dropped my sunglasses from my head. "Why are you out here?" I asked down at the stirring pile of feathers.

    "Thought you were sleeping," Raziel said. His amber eyes glowed like gold under the shadow of his wings, like metallic gel pen on black paper. It made it easily noticeable that he was avoiding my gaze.

    "Should you be out here?" I asked. I didn''t understand why he was outside instead of resting in bed.

    Raziel gestured upward to indicate Zeekiel''s raven perched above us as if it were his permission. "I''m sorry about your scars. Ellie said you didn''t want to come out today."

    "You don''t have to sit out here waiting to say you''re sorry," I said.

    "If it means anything, I''m paying for my failure," he said.

    I studied him skeptically. "You okay?"

    "For now," Raziel said and peered up at Zeekiel''s spot again but this time missing the presence of the large black bird.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    The four-winged angel got up and stretched. "Have you seen the garden? We should go for a walk," he insisted.

    I trailed behind him, my reluctance apparent in my slow dragging steps. He turned his head to look back at me, shifting his wings to peer past his shoulders. "And what about you? Are you okay?" he inquired.

    I replied, "Eventually."

    "Has anything changed since the incident...?" Raziel asked, his tone laced with concern.

    I shook my head. "Am I supposed to have noticed something?"

    "Uriel spoke to you about what happened, right?" he inquired further.

    "Yeah, I''m sorry you got screwed over trying to save me," I said.

    "Oh, you shouldn''t apologize," he said with a nervous chuckle. "Though I wish I had known in advance that losing a fraction of myself this way would be uncomfortable."

    "How so?"

    He paused, looking around and clutching his chest. "It burns. When I''m with Ellie during the day, I manage to feel alright, but the nights are unbearable. I can''t sleep, but being close to you somehow eases the discomfort."

    "Me?" I squeaked, my eyes widening, surprised by the sudden intimacy of his words.

    "That''s why I was outside your room," he confessed awkwardly. "I''ve tried everything to make it go away, but nothing else has worked."

    "That sucks," I sympathized. His words were a plea for understanding, and I didn''t know how to appropriately reply. We had only met a few times, but this situation forced us closer. "I wouldn''t worry too much about it. I''m fine and Uriel said someone could help fix it all."

    "I don''t think it''s going to be so easy," he said. "The most natural outcome is I''m going to have to wait."

    At first, I wondered why he was so ambiguous with what he was saying until a realization surged through, lighting my mind and striking my heart. "Oh... you mean when I die."

    "Yes," he finally answered. "When you die, that''s when I''ll get it back."

    A wave of sudden fear washed over me, an icy sensation crawling up my spine and settling in the pit of my stomach. If the four-winged prince wanted to end whatever curse I held on him, he could just find a way to get rid of me.

    "Can''t we finish the vow?" My words felt tight. Desperate.

    "Unfortunately, we''re not at the same level. Receiving an ill proportionate aeon is just as dangerous. Madness at best, death at the worst."

    "Then how does someone get on the same level as you?"

    The four-winged angel explained, "You''ll need to start by establishing connections, building a network of vows, and learning from them. This should expand your capabilities. Maybe you could ask Ellie? You two are on the same level."

    A bitter thought entered my mind, reminding me of my inadequacies. Self-doubt whispered in my ear, mocking my abilities. Of course, I was on the same level as an angel who faints whenever they attempt magic.

    It was a cruel thought, not just about myself but about Ellie too. I refused to consume her into my negativity. Instead, I promised myself that we''d both get stronger.

    With newfound determination burning in my chest, I asked, "Will I even be able to find more angels?"

    "That''s part of the process," he replied.

    "Do I always have to keep this on now?" I glanced down at my pendant, wondering if it would impede any future connections. He shook his head.

    "What''s done is done. I suggest keeping it on for now though; it does work..."

    "I''ll work on fixing this then," I affirmed.

    He looked at me, surprised. "What do you mean?"

    "I''ll do what you need to make the vow right. You''ll be fine then, won''t you?"

    He seemed to consider my suggestion for a moment before he explained, "I appreciate that determination, but it''ll take a while and eventually I will have to go home."

    "What''s the harm in trying?"

    "Nothing," he said and smiled. "I can wait."

    "Would you teach me what I need to do?"

    "How do you assume I do that?" He challenged.

    "You don''t even want to leave that room. Are your eyes that bad?" It provoked me to move the shades from my face.

    "You''re right. I''m sorry I saved your life to give you such hideous eyes like mine."

    My stomach knotted at his remark. I assumed my eyes looked the way they did because they were burned with the rest of my face. "Like yours?" I repeated, my voice tinged with disbelief.

    "Yes," he responded with a sigh. "Those are Saniel''s, but they don''t seem to illuminate the same as a real archon''s would. Are you afraid people will recognize you?"

    "Well, I wasn''t until I said something," I admitted.

    "Don''t worry, anyone who had a relationship with her most likely already saw your eyes like that."

    "You didn''t see them like this before, right?" I asked. He accurately recalled the color of my eyes before and said, "I think your eyes now are still beautiful," he said before awkwardly waving his hand in front of his face. "I mean, you know, despite everything." My cheeks burned, remembering doing the same to him.

    "Anyway," he started, quickly changing the subject. "I wouldn''t be able to recognize any of the reincarnations. She had a lot of supporters, but honestly, it''d only be a handful who could pick her out."

    "Like Zeekiel," I said, without question, understanding what Ellie meant when she was supposed to protect "the girl Zeek found." "Gross," I joked, while internally I couldn''t help but think about how every time the demon looked at me I was reminding him of someone he truly despised. Raziel laughed along. "You''d have to ask him that."

    For all the answers Zeekiel had, I was going to have to learn how to talk to him if I wanted any of them. As we continued our walk through the garden, I couldn''t help but feel a sense of determination building within me.

    Despite the challenges ahead, having the others by my side made me believe that maybe I could navigate this new world.

    Flocks of birds flew over, so many you could hear their wings and landing feet.

    "Sun''s coming up," Raziel announced.

    "They''ll be using this place soon."

    "It''s so loud in the morning," I said. "Damn, birds are a wake-up call."

    "I learned they''re summons," the four-winged angel explained. "Apparently, they share bonds with them and act as avatars for those who still have their wings but can''t fly. They take over to travel."

    We approached the front of the house, and it was as charming as I could have imagined. Maintained moss and vines adorned the walls, which felt just as magical as the garden in the back. At the top of the middle arch above the entrance, two wooden birds had been carved and painted.

    As the sun rose, we sat on the steps of the front porch adorned with potted plants, the scent of fresh herbs mingling with the vibrant hues of flowers and the crisp morning air. I listened to all Raziel''s revelations on how the people lived at the sanctuary, and it helped ease my apprehension to meet more people.

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    See you all next chapter Wednesday 4/2  ????(?? ? <)

 [ 11 ] But her roots are strong

    The village unfolded like an impasto painting, heavy with texture and vibrant oil pigments. A kaleidoscope of tents, reclaimed wood, and colorful trailer parts brought the canvas together. Different makeshift posts and baskets, where the birds perched and grouped after their morning ritual of gathering in the gardens, topped each pitched structure.

    I watched everything come to life as the light grew stronger and the activities more bustling. The gentle clinking of glass bottles echoed from deliveries, and the cheerful greetings of neighbors filled the atmosphere with warmth.

    As I took in the scene, I soon spotted Ellie coming up the path, pleased to see I was already out on my own. With Raziel still next to me, Ellie gave both of us a friendly good morning before walking past us up the stoop.

    She knocked and the front door creaked open, drawing my attention to a couple stepping out: the gray-winged man from the day before and beside him a freckled woman. The couple greeted us all warmly, and Ellie pulled me over to introduce me to Gibel and his wife, Meddy.

    Meddy wore her blonde hair in a waist length thick ponytail and a simple long dress under her tan apron. The couple greeted us all warmly, and they ushered us inside.

    Gibel excused himself for a moment before he returned, unwrapping a sheet. Ellie excitedly tugged my arm and my heart raced marveling at what he presented.

    Without acknowledging him, I reached for my staff from his hands. I couldn��t take my eyes away. It felt lighter as my fingers glided over a now smooth and glossed surface up to the gems I didn��t realize laid embedded. He buffed the chips in the metal and intricate carvings concealed fractured parts of the wood. There was noticeable damage, particularly around the black gem in the collection of seven, but it displayed its beauty gleaming in the casting morning light. and used

    ��This is absolutely stunning. You did this?�� I asked in awe, finally meeting his gaze.

    He was almost as tall as Uriel, and beamed proudly. ��It was a lot of work, but it was a pleasure working on it once again. It��s a beautiful piece, isn��t it? I think this one��s one of my favorites. But you should see what I could do with the bow.��

    ��You��ve worked on the other Guards?�� I asked, my interest piqued at the mention of another weapon in the collection.

    Ellie explained, ��Gibel is the one who forged the metals for the Celestial Guards and used to maintain them. He knows all the secrets.��

    ��I wouldn��t go that far,�� the gray-winged angel laughed. The secrets are locked in the wielders. Already, Mia has displayed her powers differently than Gabriel. I��m sure Arianna has some unique tricks.��

    ��Mia?�� I questioned.

    ��You��ll meet her soon,�� Ellie said. ��She��s the reincarnation of Gabriel.��

    ��Where is she?�� I said.

    ��People have swarmed her ever since she arrived, wanting to meet her,�� Ellie said.

    I scanned back over the bustle of the dirt streets, feeling a knot form in my stomach. ��Why?��

    Gibel laughed. ��Sounds mad, but both of you are like living relics.��

    ��It is,�� the metal lady confirmed.

    ��I guess,�� I said.

    ��Don��t let them intimidate you. They��re all good,�� Meddy said coming up to Gibel��s side.

    Meddy invited us to sit at the table when Zeekiel let himself in. Meddy turned from her food prep and her face immediately lit up when she noticed his paused presence waiting for her to notice.

    Ellie got up and approached him with a favor. ��Can you stay here for a while? I already ate and need to try to clean up a bit.��

    Zeekiel��s eyes shifted over to Raziel and glared. ��I suppose.��

    As the front door behind her, I leaned into the table. ��I��m not complaining, but she won��t leave me alone lately. I��m confused.��

    ��Yeah, because she messed up,�� Zeekiel explained, taking her seat, placing himself on the other side of me and across from Raziel. ��Uriel��s first choice to stay with you was Ellie, not me. And now Dana��s missing and you got hurt. Honestly, things would have gone better had she been with us.��

    ��I guess,�� I said.

    ��Well, I know. Maybe if all these feathered fucks didn��t keep putting pressure on her she wouldn��t be over thinking it.�� Zeekiel bobbed his chin in Raziel��s direction.

    The four-winged angel��s outer white wings bristled, defensively asking, ��What do you mean?��

    ��You and Uriel telling her to do the whole vow thing. Both of you need to leave her alone. You too.�� Zeekiel looked back my way. ��Don��t let this guy fill your head with bird shit. He needs that piece back because he can��t be without it. In ancient times, prophets lived for a long time, practicing to obtain an angel like him. It would be faster to just kill you than prolong the pain.��

    He was speaking to me as if no one would have told me, or I wouldn��t have figured it out for myself. His manner insulted me; he clearly thought I was stupid.

    Raziel was steady with his words. ��Nothing��s ever private around you, is it?��

    ��I like to be where the secrets are,�� the demon smirked.

    ��And what secrets did you find?�� Raziel asked cooly. ��Because everyone knows what happened. As for Ellie, she��s the one who approached me for more information, but you should already know that living in every crack of the shadows.��

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    Zeekiel scoffed. ��You know, since you can release the consumed ones, why don��t you go back and help the ones your buddies got injected into jars?��

    The four-winged angel pointed, ��I didn��t even know it was a power I had until I helped Ellie.��

    The morning��s peaceful start was dissolving into another confrontation I never asked to witness. I was also pretty embarrassed by the situation between Raziel and me. I really didn��t want to talk about it, especially in front of these people I just met.

    ��Can you stop, please?�� I asked, turning slightly to Zeekiel.

    ��Look, I know you don��t know our world. No offense,�� Zeekiel said.

    I dramatically rolled my eyes back. Maybe I could have slipped away if I had just let them fight.

    ��No, no,�� he scolded. ��I know both our worlds and I can guarantee that you don��t know shit about shit. I��m not going to watch this guy take advantage of you.��

    ��Okay,�� I muttered, crossing my arms.

    He gestured towards the front door through the archway. ��Ellie needs a friend, not people demanding things from her.��

    I was going to accept Ellie��s offer to teach me finally how to fight, but guilt gnawed at me for not consoling her about Dana.

    "Okay,�� I snapped again. ��I get it. I won��t bring it up to her. I��ll just have to look for someone else.��

    ��Acquire the best partnerships you can,�� Gibel finally spoke up. ��Really, it��s all in their personal power and knowledge. Quality over quantity. It doesn��t have to be Ellie if she doesn��t wish to do it, but it��ll be difficult for you to start anywhere else,�� he advised, as his gaze shifted to the side in thought.

    ��Why?�� I pressed.

    ��There��s not many like Ellie. Those like her, born to two archons, don��t have the strongest wings to make the connection you��re looking for.��

    She��d mentioned she had parents, despite Raziel explaining the one called Mother created the angels and dragons.

    ��She has wings?�� I asked, confused how she could hide such a thing.

    The gray-winged angel nodded. ��She was born pinioned, meaning the outermost wing bone is missing, causing her wings to remain underdeveloped and unable to fully manifest. But her wing roots are strong; if she finds a vow, her wings can be repaired.��

    ��And then she��d be able to do magic���� I said, hoping I was picking up on what he was saying.

    ��Exactly. Now I know there��s different, um, emotions,�� he said looking between Zeekiel and Raziel, ��but this shouldn��t be an opportunity either of you pass up. As you try to find more vows, you��re going to learn the rest of us are going to start at a fairly higher level than you��re at right now.��

    His words left me anxious, but Meddy��s voice cut through the silence, offering a welcome distraction as she shared her stories. Trying to break the tension, Meddy shifted the conversation to telling tales about their life at the Sanctuary.

    She explained how another man resided with them, helping on the field, but he also had knowledge to surgically detach wings. There were apparently roots connecting an outer blade that needed to be removed. Doing it wrong meant eternal suffering or immortal paralysis.

    It wasn��t common for Mother-born angels to remove them. But when the sickness became more prevalent, it was known that the first sign was of the black ink to ooze through balding wings.

    At the time, vows with humans were still a regular occurrence and angels could hold up the extra weight with their vows, but they believed they could avoid getting sick by removing them. Especially when there was no way home after the gates to their home World were closed.

    People moved in for the surgery and stayed to work and recover. Everything started with the farm, which was their only intention: cultivate the land to make food similar to back home, but more came and resided, and it grew.

    The doctor, despite passing on his teachings to have the procedure done on himself, left after realizing he was ill. The dynamic of the Sanctuary changed when Uriel came to live there. ��We have people visiting from all over to stay for their last moments before they are released,�� Meddy said. ��Unfortunately, we do have to separate them. We��re not as put together here and don��t use a barrier like in other places. Everyone comes and goes as they please for as long as they need.��

    I listened as I ate oats bigger than anything back home. It tasted fairly normal, but the fruit was metallic, and I couldn��t swallow it. Others around me had no issue and Gibel even asked if I was full before I gave him the rest. I didn��t have the heart to admit I didn��t like it, though I could have eaten more than my fair share of oatmeal.

    ��Now that my staff is easier to grip, I think defeating those monsters won��t be too much of a problem,�� I said, admiring my staff propped against my lap.

    ��You talk about defeating them as monsters,�� Gibel said, waving his spoon. ��They are still archons. They need to be released, not defeated. Doing so is saving them. Once they are taken over, they can��t do it themselves.��

    I sat with embarrassment for a moment. ��You��re right,�� I whispered

    ��They��re Guards,�� he emphasized. ��You need to be better than those who chose to start a war with them. �� Gibel told me about the wood given by Mother, the ores from their home, and the pieces of the once-powerful celestial souls bound to them. I thought about Thor��s Hammer or the Sword of Superman. Only I wasn��t transformed into an instant god holding it.

    And it wouldn��t until I found an angel, which everyone insisted was Ellie, despite everything Zeekiel warned me of earlier.

    ��Afraid you��re too strong for Ari?�� Gibel teased at Ellie��s hesitation when she came back.

    ��I don��t know,�� she said, looking down. ��I don��t know how to do things like that.��

    ��You��ll feel different. Both of you. You shouldn��t fear it, should look forward to it.��

    I left Gibel��s disappointed, but the fire inside me still kindled. As I walked away, Gibel��s words echoed in my mind, fueling my desire for magic. I yearned to feel magic, as I did when Raziel assisted with lighting the Moon Staff. A burning flared in my chest, needing to reclaim that strength, that sense of being invincible.

    As we approached Ellie��s home, a quaint cottage with an overgrown yard caught my eye. She had a decent yard that was adorned with another small trailer-like home, overgrown and run-down in the back. She explained it was where Zeekiel stayed when he��d ��come around.��

    Ellie sighed, drawing my attention to the garden. ��I haven��t been able to tend to my flower for a while,�� she said, frowning at the disaster of well-intentioned flora that either grew wild or reached petrification around her house. ��It looks bad.��

    ��I can help,�� I said, following her inside.

    The metal lady led me in, where the state of her living space mirrored the wildness outside. She hadn��t yet cleared out the dead pots or the litter their passing made. Leather scrap pieces took up a workspace beside her bedroom and kitchenette, all in a studio layout.

    ��It��s still a mess. I swear it was even worse than this,�� she apologized as she picked up her work station.

    ��It��s cute,�� I said, looking over the small layout. ��So, I guess I��m sleeping here?��

    ��Well, yeah. Zeek��s using the trailer, and it��s broken, anyway. So, you can sleep in bed with me.��

    ��Oh. Sure. I mean, I can just go back to the basement,�� I stumbled through my words nervously. Her bed was big enough for two people, but I��d never shared a room, let alone a bed, with someone before. I wondered if I was going to snore again or if I tossed a lot.

    ��Well, since you��re better now, Raziel will use it. He��s been trying to sleep on the couch at Meddy��s. Really seems like he��s not getting any rest. We can��t be tired while we train.��

    As the conversation eased, I grabbed a straw broom from the wall to help her sweep.

    ��Is he training us?�� I was almost excited.

    ��No, I��m teaching him,�� she explained. ��So he doesn��t have to rely on his magic.��

    ��Imagine having to teach an all-powerful being on how to fight,�� I laughed.

    ��It��s not just about fighting,�� she said. ��It helps build confidence and control.��

    I smirked. ��You should have enough confidence to at least try to make a vow with me.��

    Her demeanor dropped, eyes shifting nervously away from mine. ��I should go find another pillow and blanket for you,�� she said, her voice barely concealing the sudden tension. Dismissing herself from the house and our conversation, she hurried away. I did my best to tidy up, waiting for what felt like an eternity for her to find extra bedding.