Chapter 7: The Game Plan
Ano leaned back on his bed, crossing his arms and looking at Michael, who stood by the window, ever-serious and seemingly unbothered by the fact that he was now part of Ano's everyday life. For a brief moment, Ano marveled at how casual he was starting to feel around an actual angel. A month ago, he wouldn't have believed any of this.
"So, let's get down to business," Ano began, smirking. "What's the plan? How exactly do I prepare for this 'divine game' you keep talking about?"
Michael tilted his head slightly, his expression a mix of patience and a hint of amusement. "Your preparation will require dedication, both physically and spiritually. You'll need to train, learn focus, and understand your connection to the Creator."
"Uh-huh," Ano nodded, his smirk widening. "And what about, you know,
powers? Are we talking supernatural abilities here? Like, say… something epic? Maybe a little Kamehamehaaction?"
Michael's brow furrowed, the tiniest flicker of confusion crossing his usually unreadable face. "Kame…ha?" he echoed slowly, the syllables clearly foreign to him.
Ano couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, you know… a blast of pure energy? Like a huge, show-stopping power move?"
Michael's expression remained blank, but there was a hint of disapproval in his silence.
"Okay, okay," Ano said, still chuckling. "Guess that's a no on the Kamehameha. But seriously, what kind of powers are we talking about? Because, I mean, if I'm supposed to be doing something that involves angels and demons, I'm going to need more than just a pep talk, right?"
Michael took a measured breath, maintaining his usual calm. "The powers you'll access are aligned with divine purpose. Your strength will come from within, and it will reflect the virtues of faith, courage, and endurance."
"Right," Ano replied, nodding slowly. "Faith, courage, and endurance. Got it. But, like, could any of those come with a glowing sword? Or maybe wings?"
Michael's serious gaze softened, but only slightly. "Your abilities will come in due time, Ano. Right now, what matters is building your strength of mind and heart."
Ano raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced. "So… no guarantees on the glowing sword, huh?"
Michael sighed, glancing out the window as if searching for a sign that would make this easier to explain. "What you desire isn't the point of this preparation. Power for the sake of spectacle has no purpose here."
Ano couldn't resist another jab. "So, no spectacle, huh? And let me guess—you don't even know when this whole thing's supposed to kick off?"
Michael hesitated, and Ano immediately pounced on it.
"Oh, you don't know? What, is the angelic league still working out the dates?"
Michael's jaw tightened, clearly unamused by Ano's sarcasm. "Certain details have not yet been disclosed."
Ano burst out laughing. "You're telling me I have an angelic guide who doesn't even have a calendar! This is great! My rugby coach is more organized than Heaven's battle planner!"
Michael gave him a long, steady look, letting the silence hang before he finally responded. "The timing is in the Creator's hands. Such matters are revealed only when it is necessary."
Ano leaned forward, grinning. "So you're saying I could just be going about my day, and boom—it's game time?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes." Michael's tone was dry, but there was a hint of amusement hiding there.
Ano chuckled, rubbing his temples. "Well, at least I'm getting some heads-up. It's not every day you find out you're on some cosmic sports team."
Michael shook his head. "This is not a game, Ano. It's a test, a trial to reveal the strength of your spirit. And every moment you spend preparing will matter."
That sobered Ano a little. He leaned back, eyes thoughtful as he considered Michael's words. "Okay, but… how exactly am I supposed to get ready for something I can't even imagine? Is this all just going to be meditation and self-reflection? Because, no offense, that sounds a little… underwhelming."
A glint appeared in Michael's eye. "There is more to come. Training will require discipline and focus, as well as developing your understanding of virtue."
Ano frowned. "Virtue, huh? Sounds a lot like Sunday school, minus the occasional halo."
Michael raised an eyebrow, giving him a look. "Virtue is the source of your strength, and it is vital. Without it, even the strongest powers become empty."
"Alright, alright," Ano said, holding up his hands in surrender. "Virtue. Got it. So we're starting small, working up from there?"
"Precisely," Michael replied. "Small steps lead to greater things."
"Well, I'll trust you on that," Ano sighed. "But if at any point we get a green light on the Kamehameha, I expect you to let me know immediately."
Michael's expression softened into something that might have been a smile. "If that happens, you will be the first to know."
They sat there for a moment, the initial playfulness now replaced with a sense of mutual understanding. Ano had a lot to learn, and while Michael's answers weren't exactly what he'd hoped for, he was starting to realize that this journey would require more than just flashy abilities. Maybe there was something to this focus on virtue and inner strength, even if it felt a little old-fashioned.
Later That Day: A Hint of the Challenges Ahead
Ano walked through the crowded school halls later that morning, still processing his conversation with Michael. The whole thing felt surreal—preparing for a celestial battle, learning "virtue" as his strength, and somehow trusting that it was all leading up to something meaningful.
As he approached his next class, he caught sight of his best friend, Vivian, who noticed the faraway look on his face.
"Hey, angel boy," she called, nudging him with her elbow. "Still daydreaming about your celestial friends?"
Ano rolled his eyes, smirking. "You know it. Just preparing for the day I get to do something epic."
Vivian laughed, unaware of how close she was to the truth. As he sat down beside her, Ano felt a strange thrill—a sense that everything was on the brink of something incredible, something he couldn't yet define.