ILIYA NARA POV
We spoke a lot that night. I still remembered how he insisted to accompany me on my way home. Effortlessly, he slashed lots of low-ranked demons and get rid of human ghosts as we pass by. As far as I can remember, I've never been so thankful as much as I have now for having him on my side. Even though I should admit that Azalel is quite annoying sometimes with his demeanor towards me (that I believe would never change for ages). But as a mentor, he's doing great. He explained how the supernatural world works. Their systems and much more. How they adjust and blend in the human world, undetectable under our nose. As for kindhearted human souls, once they're separated from their physical bodies, they would be directly sent away to heaven.
However, for the wicked, their sinful souls will be hunted down and facing their judgment before thrown into hell's pit. For some pure souls, like unborn babies or some people who accidentally met their misfortunes, their souls will be purified before entering the gate of reincarnation and starting their new life on earth in a new body.
The thing is, most of the time, ghosts often hid from the angels who chase them. This is caused by their inward consciousness. The memories of their past life are still intact, altogether with their vivid feelings and emotions. That's why, when they saw angels, they would think that angels would bring them so they would not be able to see the loving ones anymore.
Azalel also explained that demons also have their own rules. Earth is part of their territory as well. They are allowed to come and go as they wish. The same rules also apply to angels. But demons have one strict rule which is highly prohibited by GOD.
Killing humans.
They are allowed to tempt and manipulate human thought but that's it. GOD always lets humans think and choose their own decisions which would lead them to face the consequences of their acts. Angels, on the other hand, also have their own rules. To not interfere with our life. Except….
One side was trying to break the rules.
"So, those you terminated before…"
"Those things were trying to endanger your life. That's why I made a move…"
I blinked my eyes thrice. These… all these stories, they are still unbelievable but somehow, I know that he is telling me the truth. Mmm… maybe it's better if I ask him how to control my ability? And how did I get this superpower?
"I have questions…"
He looked at me and yawned. Pretty much tired and bored of our conversation, I assumed.
"How to control it? My ability? I mean, what did you say before? Eyes of an Angel? And how did I get this ability?"
Silence. There was an utter quietness between us. Made me uneasy.
"As far as I know, there's no other way to control it except if you accept it as part of yourself..."
"Try to stabilize your thoughts and minds. Do not let fear consume your heart whenever you see them. Demon and ghost are easily attracted by your feelings. The more you are scared of them; their power will rapidly increase in no time..."
His stares changed when he started other stories from his own experiences when he wandered around and observed other humans in ancient times. At that time, he looked so distant and away.
"I have met several people who are also blessed with the same talents as you do and it has never been easy for them. Firstly, they have to deal with their own emotions when they see those creepy creatures when no one can see them. Secondly, they have to learn and regain immense self-control to tame their fear. It requires lots of practice and hard work, for sure..."
"Mentally and physically. Most of them failed up miserably because of the pressure they can't manage…"
"But very few of them who surpassed their training become a demon slayer or shaman, and they use their abilities to help people around…"
I spontaneously remembered some anime and movies that I have watched before. It's about a skillful swordsman who easily hunts and kills demons with his weapons. In my opinion, he's such a cool vigilant warrior. I thought that kind of person only existed in a fantasy world. Turns out, they do exist in the ancient world. Wow! Just wow!!
"What do you think?
"Those are not just rumors and myths, little girl. Those stories were true and people like them do exist until today…."
Geez… this guy!! He's doing it again. Sneaking quietly into my mind and reading it out loud like a bedtime storyteller.
"Sorry… I can't help it…" He said those words playfully with a smirk on his face.
"And for your last questions, I don't know, little girl. Some of them inherited it from their ancestors. Some of them were naturally born with the talent. Which one were you from, I have no idea..."
Honestly speaking, having Eyes of An Angel also gives you a great advantage among spiritual worlds and the human realm….
If you are well-trained and willing to accept it, the evil spirit or weary ghosts would dodge you. Eyes of An Angel was a perfect sign of precaution of the danger which threatens the survival of mankind …."
He stood up and put both of his hands into his pockets. "Reuben is calling me out…
Have a good sleep tonight, little girl. Let's continue our conversation later…"
Then, he disappeared. Just like that. Iliya pulled the blanket and covered herself. In the next couple of minutes, she drifted into a deep slumber.
… . … . … . … … . … . … .
In the next morning, inside the restaurant...
Iliya was washing the dishes when suddenly she heard something.
"I should've killed him!!"
CRASHH!!!
The plate in her grip dropped and crashed on the floor instantly. She was stunned and her body stiffened. Her lips trembled a bit.
"Iliya, are you ok?"
It happens!! Again!! Shit!! She cursed herself inwardly. This morning, she forgot to bring her earphones and that's why…
"Iliya…"
"Um... I'm ok, Janice. Thank you. I'm fine. Really…"
"Uh… oh… ok..."
But after Janice went away, those voices are coming back. Merrier. Louder. Filling her head like million buzzing bees flooding in.
"She has betrayed me..."
"Gosh! I'm so fucking done with this..."
"God! I'm so tired of him!! I want to die…"
"I hope my mom is okay…"
Iliya covered her ears with both hands. "Stop…"
"Please…. stop…"
She crouched down with her hands covering her ears. Her face reddens. Tears welled up in her eyes. An excruciating pain stung her head as if someone has implanted a ticking time bomb inside her brain. Ready to explode at any time. But the voices didn't stop.
"Iliya…"
Janice is seeing that there was something wrong with her colleague right now and she comes closer to soothe her. Worries are written all over her face.
"SHUT UP YA ALL!!!"
She couldn't stand it anymore. Janice is utterly shocked and freeze on the spot. So do everyone else. They stayed confusedly in silence. Having no idea what had happened.
Iliya stood up. Her breath feels heavy. Then, she walked slowly towards the emergency door. She opened it and started to walk down the emergency stairs. The pain is still there. Torturing her head. Her legs wobble. She tried to cling and hold onto the rails but her grip loosed in no time. In the next minute, blood flew out from her nose. Her body collapsed and rolled over several times before darkness engulfed her consciousness.
...............…
Peru, South America
"Reuben!"
"Yes?"
"Do this for me!"
"Huh? What? What are you talking about, Azalel?" Reuben asked him back. Disbelief was written in his face. At that time, they both were assigned to watch and controls the clouds circulation in middle earth territory. Then, pour down the rains in some specific area so the farmers might have their harvest on time. Up until now, not even once, Azalel leaves his duty. As a weather angel, Azalel is always being responsible in this matter until all of his assignments have completely done. But, this time….
"She's in danger, Reuben…"
"She? Who?"
"Iliya…"
In a flash, he disappeared.
........................
AZALEL POV
"ILIYA!!!"
I shouted her name in panic when I saw her lying down on the floor unconsciously. There is blood flowing out from her nose terribly. I tried my best to wake her up but she's not moving at all.
Shit!! What should I do?
Think, Azalel!! Think!
Damn!
I lifted her body and checked all her internal organ systems. Her heartbeats, veins, everything. After I ensure myself that she's fine, I use my telepathy ability to make a connection with her colleagues. Shortly after…
"ILIYA!!"
A woman in her early thirties barged and rushed into our location. She hurriedly walked down the emergency stairs and hold her body. The others are trailing behind her. I sighed in relief and let them do the rest.
"Call the ambulance!! Now!!"
....................................
ILIYA POV
"Ughhh..."
I was trying to move my limbs but sadly, I'm so helplessly weak. My eyes fluttered.
A strong scent of medicine filled my nostrils. I heard a small beep rang periodically next to me. An IV. Then, the next thing I saw was an infusion tube which was injected into my veins.
Where am I? Ok, I got it. I'm in the hospital.
How long have I been here? No idea.
But I can't be here. I can't make Aunty Donna worry about me. I tried to get up but…
"Don't move. You're still weak..."
A hand holds my arm gently. Without seeing the owner, I know whose hand it is...
"Azalel..." I whisper his name softly.
"You're currently having a mild concussion because your head got bumped several times on the stairs before…
What happened, Iliya?" His voice stern and sounds so serious.
"I forgot to bring my earbuds today. I usually bring them to my workplace so I don't have to hear voices…"
He frowned after heard my confession.
"Voices? What kind of voices?"
"Their thoughts and mind, Azalel. From the people around me. I can hear them..."
He gasped while his eyes widened. Trying to recollect and reload what I have just said before. "What did you say?"
"I can hear people's thoughts, Azalel…"
"Impossible!! The Ear of Silencers… do … you… have it too?"
With no doubt, I slightly nodded my head.