Loud and heavy footsteps awoke me from my short slumber. Who the hell could that be? I'd be damned if it was another dominion coming to yell at me for sleeping. I rubbed my eyes groggily to adjust my vision and slowly removed my plumy wings from my face to look up at the figure. It was Adona—who much to my dismay was a dominion—towering over me whilst squinting at her leather notebook, the ornate border of her bell sleeve hitting against it. Her focus was on the page, unaware that I was wide awake and gawking at her. Was she just going to stand there and not say anything? My gaze sprung to her hand, noticing that the golden staff she carried around religiously was nowhere in sight. That was surprising. She would never go anywhere without it. Some would even say that it was a bad omen to see Adona without her staff.
"Well, morning to you too Luka." She snapped her leather notebook shut, making the seal of God jammed between her fingers and the book more visible. Well, at least she had that.
"What do you want?" I replied, my voice filled with irritation due to have being woken up.
"I have some news for you, and I don't know whether you're going to like it or not."
My ears perked up. I had a feeling that it was going to be bad, but it piqued my interest. I nodded my head as a signal for her to continue.
"You have been chosen to convert Mammon," she began, "a lower class pride demon residing on earth."
I peered at her in shock, wrapping my arms tightly around my legs. Me, chosen to convert a demon? She must have been joking. I was no guardian angel, so that was utterly impossible.
"Adona, you know it's not right to joke about things like that, especially to a tired person." I faked a yawn just to sell it.
"Do you really think I'd come here to joke with you? I have dignity...and a whole lot of other duties to carry out, Luka."
I frowned. "But that makes absolutely no sense. I'm a throne, I'm no guardian angel."
"Why else do you think you haven't been given duties in a while? Ezekiel most likely wanted you to rest before being assigned."
My confusion contained to my furrowed brows. "What? Ezekiel? Why would he assign me?"
I refused to believe it. My own best friend, choosing me to convert a demon? I knew we hadn't talked in a few seasons, but he wouldn't get back at me for it by doing this.
Adona raked a hand through her blonde hair before letting out an exasperated sigh, the hoop earrings on her horizontal ears swaying. "Look, don't ask me, ask your best friend. I'm just following his orders."
"Maybe it's a mistake? You know, he could have meant someone el-"
"Luka of the Isaac family. A throne in the second sphere." Damn it. The wound was already open and all she did was squeeze lemon juice on it. "If it- makes you feel any better. I can check with him again."
The wound was now clean and started to close. "Please."
"But while I have time, do you have any questions?"
"Well...if what you're saying is true. What am I even supposed to do with him?" I questioned.
"Well to be frank, the only reason we do this is so they don't cause havoc on earth- and in hopes of turning them into a better person so they can enter Heaven."
"What? How can you turn them into a better person? They're demons for a reason," I retorted.
"That may be true but, we don't have a choice."
"But this isn-" Adona shoved a page in my face before strutting to the opening of the marble gazebo, the feathers from her wings brushed against my cheek. The cloak-like dress she wore bounced alongside her wings—that were almost as tall as her, and arced off of her back. She stood there in silence with her fists clenching and unclenching, almost as though she was contemplating something.
"Mammon has had many guardian angels and none managed to convert him. Good luck, you're going to need it."
With that, she was off the ground and away.
"What the- Adona wait!" I called after her but there was no point, she was too damn fast.
I leaned back on the marble pillar, running my fingers through my hair out of perturbation; the realisation that I was belike going to die attempting to convert him finally began to sink. Tears welled up in my eyes, clouding my vision before coursing down my face. Was this really the way I would go out? To die, and leave everything I ever cherished behind just to convert some rogue?
Why had they chosen someone so inexperienced to guide a demon that outmanoeuvred even the strongest of guardian angels? Even if it was for the greater good, I didn't want to leave the place I called home for the past millennia.
The air of melancholy surrounding me was starting to be consumed by fury and frustration. Wiping the seemingly endless tears, I crumpled up the page and stuffed it into my pocket. This had to be a mistake, I just knew it.
I strode over to the eroded edge of the precipice and examined the blue sky, the cloak-like shawl attached to my blazer fluttering. I could see a bird-like figure flying in the distance. It couldn't be Adona, right? She should have been far gone by now, or could it be someone else? Ah, screw it. I outstretched my wings and chased after the figure, following its every move. Each turn, each loop, whether it slowed down or sped up, everything; yet I still couldn't identify who it was. Its wings were covering them, almost in a protective manner, but I had ruled out the possibility of it being Adona.
Whoever it was, should have seen me by now. Angels had keen hearing and eyesight, some could even sense the presence of another being around them—like me—yet they took no notice of me.
The figure slowed down before swooping down into a forest glade, and so did I.
I landed on the overgrown grass as my eyes scanned the area to find the one I was chasing after—I strolled past crystals mushrooms that glimmered, ferns hiding curious critters, painite and green beryl resting on roots. But the area looked vacant. There was no trace of them. That was odd. I could have sworn I saw them come down here. I activated mind's eye—an eye that hovered over my head, capable of seeing things better than my own could. It looked through the gaps of the trees, before stopping on a raven-haired male standing in front of an apple tree.
He was holding something, which I presumed to be an apple. Was he the one I was following? Whoever he was, he definitely felt familiar—oddly familiar.
I walked closer to him, calling out to him. But I stopped halfway, after a long white serpent made its appearance known. It coiled its scaly body around the gnarled tree, slithering down to the boy. The serpent's scales, each a different shade of white, glinted in the sunlight. The boy extended his arm with the apple perched on his hand, like he was offering it to the serpent.
"Hey! What are you doing?"
It went closer to the apple to inspect it before hissing at the boy. But the boy wasn't frightened, instead he had looked up at him with what seemed like adoration. Its fangs sunk deep into the apple, stealing it away from the boy but his arm had remained extended, as if he was expecting something in return.
"Luka!" a voice boomed. Startled, I hastily turned to be met by a familiar redhead. Kallista.
"Sorry, I didn't...mean to scare you, it's just- I saw you come down here and I wanted to talk," she explained.
"It's fine...," I mumbled, glancing at where the boy should have been. Instead, there was just a cluster of branches in its place. I furrowed my brows. There was no sign of the serpent or the apple tree either. I didn't know what to feel. Confused? Sad? Angry? I could have simply made him up in my lethargic state, yet my body yearned for him. It felt as though my body recognised him immediately, like I had known him for years. His presence was somewhat, soothing—I was conflicted.
"By any chance, did you see a boy around here?"
Kallista tilted her head in confusion, light ricochetting off of the jewel-like flowers embedded on her wings, "No, I'm pretty sure we're the only ones here...why?"
I sighed. Why did I even care?
"Nevermind Kal...I'm probably just seeing things. How are you?"
"I'm- okay, Luka. What about you?"
"I'm alright..." I was no where near alright. "Did you finish planting your strawberries?"
"Yes! I did. It took a while, but...I'm sure it'll be worth it."
"Wasn't Silas supposed to help you?" I asked.
"Oh! He tried but...it didn't work out well. It's not his fault though, planting them are hard."
I chuckled, "He's lucky to have you, you know. You're too kind."
Kallista went red, as though planting the strawberries finally took effect. "As if! The prince is still young and just needs compassion. My sister was just as rebellious as him."
"I agree. The...others are always a bit too harsh on him."
"Luka?"
"Uh- Yes?"
"Are you...okay? You seem a bit tense."
I debated myself on whether to tell her. I needed her comfort, but I wasn't sure if that could ease a pain like this.
"I- I was chosen to convert a demon."
She froze. Kallista's cheerful expression rapidly faltered, turning into a frown. I could have sworn that I had even heard her core stop beating. "You're joking right.."
I shook my head.
"W-what? But...you're not even apart of the Bellatores..."
"I know..."
The red-head shifted glances around the wooded area before finally focusing her olive green eyes on mine. I could feel my core drop to my feet; I felt terrible. Her lips began to tremble slightly as she interlinked her fingers with mine, the rose bracelet on her wrist poking at mine. Kallista's hand on mine injected some sort of feeling of warmth and ease into my system; the power of a virtue, I thought—they were able to make anyone feel better with a single touch from their blessed fingers. I was lucky to have her. Her lashes fluttered as she blinked back tears, and a red tint washed over the tip of her sparsely freckled nose. Even in her dejected state, she still looked beautiful.
"I don't want you to go...Luka."
"I don't want to leave you either," I said as I used my free hand to stroke her hair. I grinned. Her hair was getting curlier. "You stopped straightening your hair?"
She sniffled, "Yes...I did."
"I'm glad. I love your curly hair, even if it is untameable."
That way, no other man would be able to run its hands through her hair.
The red head smiled, finally letting her trapped tears fall, but I had immediately wiped them away, my white gloves acting like tissues.
"Don't cry...you'll make me cry." I pushed her head onto my shoulder, using where she wasn't looking to release my gift.
I raised my hand, allowing the eye on my wrist to let out the wheels within wheels. A white lily came out from inside and towards me. Had I known that I was chosen earlier, I would have gotten her something better. But I knew she would cherish it, until I was able to come back and gift her something finer—a ring, made of every gem I could unearth.
"Kallista." I took the white lily and placed the stem carefully behind her ear, "I know...white lilies are your favourite."
The red head's eyes widened as she touched the flower, "How did you...I told you c-centuries ago..."
"Do you really think I could forget? I listen to every word you say...even when you think I'm not paying attention."
She inhaled, "You said those...exact words to me when we were younger."
I pressed my forehead against hers, "Seems like you listen as well."
"I'm going to miss you...so much Luka," the redhead whimpered.
"I'm going to miss you too, Kallista." I placed my hand on her cheek. "I promise...when I come back, I'll cover the ground you walk on with white lilies."
"L-Luka, I-" she paused, her expression dulling as she gawked at whatever was coming behind us. I could feel the presence of two angels, a dominion and a virtue. I looked behind us, removing the hand from her face, and noticed that Adona was staring weirdly at the white flower I had put behind Kallista's ear.
"Well that's one way to greet someone." Adona scowled, walking closer to us. The long scar on her cheek was more visible under the light. She always said that she despised the pinkish-red dash yet, refused to cover it for some reason.
I gave Kallista's hand a comforting squeeze before letting go. Silas was further behind her—kicking a stray pebble as he trailed on. If he were to see me holding her hand, he would go rabid.
He jogged over to me before slinging his arm around my shoulders. Unlike Kallista's hands, his hands infused me with a soft rebellious feeling. Some would even say his fingers had the power to turn you into a rebel.
"Luka, my favvourite angel. How are youu?"
"Silas, are you drunk again?"
"No. Ezekiel banned me from drinking until I get my shi- self together," he replied sadly. "He's no fun. I hate him so-"
"Silas. You know that gossiping counts as misbehaviour and I can write that on your report."
I didn't need Kallista's concerned gaze to say something, "Adona you're being too harsh."
"Yeah, Adona. It's not like I threw holy water balloons at people."
The blonde clicked her tongue. "I didn't come here for your opinion, Luka-"
"W-why don't you have some compassion for him? He was chosen to guide a demon for crying out loud!" Kallista exclaimed, making the blonde go rigid, but she didn't say anything in response.
"Look at them, silently fighting again," Silas whispered into my ear, covering his mouth with his hand. We both stared at the girls, hatred seeping out of the two. I was surprised that Kallista had stuck up for me when she would usually ignore her.
"They really hate each other."
"Ew, girl drama. Adona's probably hormonal aga-"
"You know we can still hear you right?" Adona yelled. Though, that didn't seem to falter the smirk on Silas's face.
"Well no shi-"
"What are you guys even doing here?" Kal questioned timidly as she shuffled away from the blonde.
"I came to tell Luka that I checked with Ezekiel and...he said there was no mistake. He wanted it to be clear that you were chosen by the King, not him."
My mouth went agape. The King? But he knew that I had never done this before, and that I wasn't apart of the Bellatores—hell, he was the one to assign me to the second sphere. Ezekiel must have told him that I wasn't a guardian angel, so why? Why was I still picked?
Silas's grip around my shoulders loosened as he stared at me, a mix of confusion and concern written over his face, "My uncle chose you to guide him? That doesn't even make sense. He...never does that. He's never concerned about the Bellatores."
"I know...but do I really have a choice here?"
"That's not fair! It's like Ezekiel banning me from drinking! You know, I could bribe him and try change his mind." We all stared at Silas, confused. "What?"
"You don't think your brother already did that?"
"But uncle likes me more-"
Adona flicked a small fireball at the virtue's forehead to get him to be quiet. "Since this is the King's decision, it's considered a confidential matter. It's best if none of you tell anyone else."
Kallista and I gave our signatures in the form of a nod as Silas rubbed his forehead.
"Hey but...I'm sure the demon will be easy to convert...right?" Kal looked at the dominion for an answer.
The blonde glanced at me awkwardly before scratching the back of her head, "Not exactly, he got...Mammon."
The atmosphere immediately changed; distress, anger and confusion twirled around as they tried to assimilate what she said. Kallista was on the verge of tears again. Silas was no longer groaning in pain, even though this had burnt him deeper. And Adona was sorrowful. These three people, important figures in my life, were now face-to-face with the possibility of me dying. I didn't want to imagine them crouched over the open casket, tears leaving their eyes, and soaking through my clothes as they begged me to wake up but my mind continued to curse me with those dreadful pictures.
Silas glanced at me, and then at the blonde, "Wasn't he the one...Elise got?"
We nodded in unison. Elise, a name that had jerked tears to my eyes. She was a kind woman; the type to never raise their voice, and treat everyone like they were her equal. I still remembered the day she had told us she was selected. The brunette was so excited and sympathised with him excessively, only to be laid in a coffin because of him.
"This...this can't be possible. Are you sure Ezekiel can't do anything more?" Kallista questioned.
"I doubt it. When the King makes up his mind, you shouldn't expect for him to change i-"
"I can't believe this! He chooses Luka, knowing he's not a guardian angel, but decides that he'll still die if he can't convert him? This is absolute bull!" Silas yelled, smoke radiating from his fingers.
"Silas, calm-"
"No! How do you expect me to calm down after hearing this? He thinks he can just do whatever, just because he's the King? I used to think he was really cool but not any-"
"Your hands!" The red-head exclaimed after seeing that his hands had been entirely engulfed by amber flames. He quickly shook them to get rid of the unwanted fire.
"Silas." He turned to me and I could see how his brown eyes were varnished by an orange tint. "It's alright, truly. I don't want you to curse your uncle or burn your hands because of me."
"You're not going to just...let this happen, are you?..."
"It's fine, honestly," I said, putting all the confidence I had cached into my voice. "I was made to carry out duties, and if the King wishes for me to do this, then I will. I know this sounds worrying, but I'm not weak. I promise I'll come back to all of you."
I wasn't even able to open my arms completely before the two virtues threw themselves on me, one—Silas—stiffer than the other. Kallista's face was embellished with tears whilst Silas released his sadness through his quivering lip. I set my hands on both of their heads, dishevelling Silas's platinum blond hair. I felt bad for him. Sometimes, all you needed to quench a stubborn woe, was a good cry. But, he couldn't do that; that was the problem of being born under the element, Ignis.
I stared at Adona, smiling and beckoning her to join, but she crossed her arms and looked away. The same was with the blonde. I had heard before that if Ignis angels were to cry, it would lead to some catastrophic reaction—or simply vision loss.
Though I had never seen her cry, I noticed that she was always squinting.
"Y-you better come back to us in one piece! Or I'll graffiti your gazebo!"
I laughed, "Calm down with the threats. If you're going to graffiti it, at least do something co-"
A little white dove perched itself gently on my shoulder, making the two virtues move back. I knew immediately that it was Ezekiel's eagle assuming the form of a dove to mix in—the hint was in the golden eyes. It had a tiny note attached to it's leg, secured with a gold ribbon. I carefully untied the note from it's leg, making sure to not hurt it.
"Bye Mercury!" It cooed and flapped its wings before flying away.
"What does it say?" the red-head asked.
I attempted to read the minuscule writing. It didn't make it any better that it was in cursive, "Come...to my office, we need to talk—from Ezekiel."
Silas eyed the note in my hands as Adona walked closer, "Ezekiel wants you in his office? Did you get in trouble like me?"
"Of course he didn't, no one's as bad as you, not even the...devil."
"That's so...mean, Don how could you?" Silas pouted, watching as her lips drew back into a snarl. She hated that nickname and he knew that—though, I never understood why.
"Luka, I'll bring you to the main building, Silas you stay with...her."
"Wai-" Adona grabbed my arm firmly and flew up into the air, not giving Kallista a chance to finish. I dug my nails into the bend of her elbow, trying to hold on.
"Hey wait! I can fly on my own you know," I retorted as I stretched out my wings, and jerked my arm backwards.
"I know. I just needed to get out of there quickly."
"Why do you hate her so much? You two used to be insepa-"
"Goodbye Luka, you better not die!" Silas screamed, waving violently.
How thoughtful he was. Kallista seemed a little surprised by his sudden motion, but was quick to drag him away.
"Things happen Luka," The blonde uttered, paying no attention to Silas's drunken self. I could tell Adona didn't want to talk about it any further, so I didn't ask anything else. I always wished that the two would become friends again. Back in the day, when they were friends, you would see them together everywhere—sneaking around, under the trees or in flower fields. It was somewhat relaxing seeing them together, as though time wasn't going by at all. But now, their hatred for each other grew each day, like we did.
"We're here," Adona announced wearily as I stared at the sky scraping building ahead. It was made with almost every precious metal you could think of, gold being the most prominent one. The shiny spire was enfolded with lacy white clouds whilst the bottom with angels. How was Ezekiel capable of managing such a thing? We descended closer to the crowd. Angels bustled in and out of the establishment, all holding pages or books, and cheerful expressions. I sighed. This was probably the last time I would ever be here—I better make it worth it.
"I trust that you can find his office on your own?"
I nodded, shooing her away dismissively before setting my eyes on the crowd of angels. I planned on going alone but, that was until I caught sight of a certain someone.
Mikkel.
I niftily weaved myself through the mass of angels, giving a soft smile to the ones that greeted me and bowed their heads out of respect.
"Mikkel!"
He spun around on his heel, eyes sparkling with joy as he realised that it was me, his older brother.