Chapter III
Painful Pleasure

   It was a week and four days after, and I was getting ready to see Yui again. She had come during the week, as she said, but I was gone to work so she told Mivelris what she would've told me. So now, I was making sure I'd look my best for my first real meeting with her.
   --- Urg, whined Mivelris, you've been in there for hours!
   --- Stop complaining, I shouted from behind the pane, in the bathroom, you'd do the same if you were going out with Dulciane.
   I could hear him gasp and I smiled while he was babbling something like "Idon'tevenlikeherstopmakingfunofme!"
   I was about to wash my face for the tenth time but I was running late so I quickly emptied the used water in a metal barrel and walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my waist. Before I could say anything, I heard Mivelris shout:
   --- And NO, you aren't borrowing my clothes!
   --- I don't need them, Miv! I bought myself some, you'll see!
   While my roommate was yelling at me for spending OUR money (which I had worked so hard to earn while he was at school), I was slipping in a brand new blood red shirt with a fine dark purple pattern and wide sleeves. I usually fled the colour red but now, I felt like showing off. I don't know where that sudden boost of self-confidence came from, but I liked it. I also put on elegant dark-purple pants and got out from behind the curtain.
   --- Tadam!
   Mivelris whistled and I turned around to show him my new looks.
   --- You're ready to score, hey mate!
   --- Yeah well, you don't know how scared I am right now...
   I began playing with my earring, like I always did when I was nervous. My friend laughed at me and he added: "Your glasses are perfectly clean, stop being so... so twitchy!"
   I just couldn't stand in place anymore. I grabbed the box I had filled with my most beautiful bottles and headed towards the exit.
   --- Why is she collecting bottles, anyway? asked Mivelris before I opened my wings. I shrugged, told him that the First Choir's interests were always very mysterious and I took off. The city was now flying over the Pacific Ocean, along the equator, at a fairly low altitude. The sky was of a clear blue and a light breeze ruffled my hair as I was making my way between the white houses to get to the upper city. I could sometimes catch a glimpse of the ocean and the curved horizon in the distance. I was feeling great.
   Yui's house was twice as big as I had imagined it; a dozen flagpoles were standing proudly on the flat roof, holding bright flags; the windows were sometimes decorated by stained glass and I had to go all the way around the building to find the entrance. I landed on the balcony and entered, more nervous and thrilled than ever.
   The ceiling of the wide vestibule was very high and the floor was decorated with a blue and green mosaic. When she entered the room, I almost dropped the box I was holding and it's surprising that my legs didn't just give up on me. She was wearing a white and golden silk top and a long white lint skirt, decorated with sun-like patterns. And to say I thought I was well-dressed...
   --- Ah, malkeb Saelius, she said, right on time! Please, come in, I was waiting for you.
   Just hearing that she was actually doing something that involved thinking about me was enough to put my stomach upside down. I followed her in what seemed to be the biggest house I had ever seen, not to mention the most beautiful one. Very old scrolls were displayed inside glass containers while other, more recent---but as magnificent---were hanging at the walls. The rooms themselves were kept clean and in order, and nothing seemed superfluous, from the discreet hyxémel lamps to the elegant couches and sober decorations. The walls were all white and some inscriptions were written directly on them, around the doors and windows. Fancy carpets gave some colours to the interior but everything seemed rigid and calculated, like the owner. She introduced me in the collection room, which was toped by a dome and filled with shelves and transparent cases, all containing her beloved bottles. She invited me to sit in the corner, on one of the two orange couches around a round table. I dropped my box on it and she started looking through the bottles, with spark in her eyes.
   --- Two hundred and fifty for those two, she concluded after a few minutes of hesitation.
   I lowered my head and accepted her offer. She handed me a whole bunch of bills before getting up to place her newly acquired collection pieces on a well-lit shelf.
   She had hardly said a word since my arrival and it was clear she was only interested by the bottles and not me. For her, I was an opportunity, not a friend. She was polite but not amicable. I sighed heavily at this thought, loudly enough for her to ask me: "Are you alright?"
   Startled by this sudden question, I only babbled I was tired but okay. She almost seemed relieved and offered me something to drink.
   While she was gone to the kitchen, I tried flattening a nasty fold in my shirt and wondered why I felt so... stuck, so empty. I had prepared for that meeting for days and now that I was in her house, I felt like I hit a wall: there was nothing that I could do to leave a good impression. "Get a grip, Sal!" I said to myself, trying to clear my thoughts. "Just keep your calm, stay yourself and try not to mess up."
   I nodded to myself and let my head fall in the soft back of the couch. She came back with a tray on which were put two glasses and an opaque flask. As she poured the white liquid in my glass, I noticed a parrot carved on the bottle and could not help but think of that mysterious Angel I had seen in the forest a few days ago. Being a wise Cherubim, she would surely know who it was! But I also decided to remain cautious for I didn't know much myself about that lunatic with parrot-like wings.
   --- I heard about something interesting a few days ago and that picture on the bottle reminded me of it, I said innocently, like if it was nothing but a random fact.
   She raised her right eyebrow so I continued my story:
   --- Some friends of mine told me a story about an Angel with rainbow-coloured wings and uneven eye colours. Of course, I didn't believe them but still, I wonder where they got that from.
   My strategy worked because she put her glass on the table and stared at me with a grave look. Suddenly, I started to wonder if I had done the right thing by telling her. She took a deep breath and I moved closer to the edge of the couch; I felt that what she was about to tell me was more important than I had imagine.
   --- Not many people know about Nervanael, she said.
   --- Nervanael? Because he actually exists? I asked, faking ignorance.
   --- He's what you could call an error of nature. He was born with tremendous powers and easily obtained the title of the most powerful Angel at that time. But that extreme exposure to magic went to his brain and he started to be arrogant and destructive, almost out of his mind.
   I remembered the wicked way he stared at me back in the forest and I started wondering how I survived a crazy maniac like that.
   --- So, continued she, since he was becoming a threat to the Realm, and that he couldn't be neutralised with conventional treatments, the scholars tried something as smart as foolish: they chained him to the Earth by a powerful spiritual link.
   The look on my face must've been unique because she was quick to pursue her tale.
   --- Surprisingly, he didn't put up any struggle---fortunately I might add because who knows what would be left of the planet right now---and submissively let himself be fusioned to the Earth's core. It was based only on theories and it's a miracle it worked.
   --- So what happened next? Did he try to break free? I asked, amazingly interested by that story.
   She shook her head and took a sip of her drink.
   --- No. He's still stuck on the surface and if he tries flying away from it, he'll feel an unbearable pain. But the downside to this punishment is that not only is he naturally strong, but now that he is one with the planet, he's the single, most powerful creature that has ever existed. Everyone learns in school that the Earth possesses its own reserve of magical powers, slightly different from ours, but still, it's an immense magical battery and that Angel is feeding upon it constantly.
   --- And... you tell me that he hasn't pulled any tricks on Earth yet, he hasn't destroyed any cities or burned down forests?
   --- Quite bizarre, isn't it? From what I heard, he completely lost it and spends his days roaming miserably on the land. The Earth is his prison.
   I started to wonder if it was better being imprisoned on Earth or being free up here. I kept staring at the parrot and from that time, I felt the urge to see him again, even though it was risky. I myself loved the surface and sometimes wished I could just spend more time there, on deserted beaches, mountain tops and endless valleys of flowers.
   We were both staring in the void, our thoughts lost elsewhere. I don't know what she was pondering about, but for a moment she seemed so lonely that I wanted to take her hand and whisper nice things to her. My throat itched for a second and I think that was the weirdest moment of my life.
   --- In any case, Nervanael is considered a criminal and should be avoided at all cost.
   I shrugged and lowered my head. Suddenly, my attention was caught by a piece of white fabric laid down on a shelf: today's news. I got up and brought it at the table, apologising for my impolite gesture and read the headlines out loud: "Negotiations Fail in Paradise". I continued reading, a frown on my face.
   "Yesterday's negotiation session ended with one more question and no solution: should there be a quota for the amount of souls admitted in Paradise? While the Academy hasn't decided its position in this issue, the Paradise Administration Council is urging the representing members of each city in the Realm to take action in the overcrowding problem it is facing."
   I put the paper on the table and sighed.
   --- What is it? asked Yui, who apparently had already read the news.
   --- I have a bad feeling about this, I said. A quota on the number of souls stored in Paradise? That's just unfair! Everyone deserves their rest!
   She smiled at me and realised I must've been the only Angel in the Realm that actually cared about humans.
   --- Don't worry, she eventually answered, we'll find a way. Building other storing rooms in Paradise isn't such a big deal. It's normal we have that sort of problem: we're in two thousand and seventeen, there's more than seven billion mortals down there and only a few millions of us.
   --- Still...
   She shook her head and told me she had to go to the Academy shortly. She then told me that the city of Frasvin was going to stop near Heaven for a few days and that it'd be a good idea to see if they had anything interesting. It seemed I wouldn't be going to work shortly, which wasn't that bad after all.
   She got up and escorted me to the exit. That would've been the prefect time for the goodbye kiss, but the odds of her ever considering me as a person of interest were already so low that it was as improbable as saddening. I simply told her to take care and took off, feeling serene, but at the same time, incredibly heavy. I just wanted to air out my thoughts and since I was near Zhankiel's house, I decided to give him an improvised visit and ask him if he wanted to go out for a drink with me. He was a party guy and never missed an occasion to have fun, even though he took his responsibilities very seriously.
   I made a landing on the balcony and knocked on the door. After a few seconds of waiting, I was welcomed by Zhankiel's girlfriend, Zana, who let me in after a warm hug. She was slightly taller than me and wore a dark dress, matching her wine red hair.
   --- Is Zhankiel here? I asked.
   --- Nope, but he'll be back shortly. You can wait here, it won't be too long. He's gone storm surfing with some friends.
   I smiled as she shook her head, trying to look discouraged. Although she was a very beautiful Dominion Angel, she didn't like to show off her looks; Zhankiel and her were together since four years and she was probably the only one who could withstand his character. Both of them had lost trace of each other after what you could call "elementary school" but when they met later, in a convention at Des'Falso, they immediately fell in love. They liked teasing each other so much that this friendly hate turned into affection. Like my friend, she was a fierce archer and they both competed in tournaments, accumulating medals and trophies.
   I waited for a few minutes in the immense living room, which was far from being as orderly as Yui's. On the wall were hung great bows and many certificates; the previous owner of the house was probably an artist because the edge of the windows were all decorated with magnificent patterns that seemed to change colour depending from which angle you looked at them. There were a dozen more rooms, including a shooting gallery and a very messy work room, where Zhankiel prepared his courses.
   He eventually came back, with holes in his shirt, bruises on his face and arms and a few feathers missing.
   --- Wee!! he yelled, that was a killer one! Must've been a solid F3!
   He greeted me and kissed Zana passionately. His hair was tied---which happened very rarely---and he was wearing thick clothes with gloves and shoes.
   He let himself fall in the couch beside mine and untied his hair, trying to catch back his breath. Storm surfing was a dangerous but thrilling sport which consist into flying straight in the heart of a tornado or an hurricane. Of course, it took a dose of magic powers and practice to avoid the debris and to manoeuvre through vortexes where the wind could reach more than two hundred miles per hour. Some Angels had died trying to take over on a massive F5 that hit Alabama a few years ago and that wild sport had become suddenly less popular. Still, Zhankiel was one of the few that still defied nature and lived to tell about it.
   He removed all of his gear while asking me why I was gracing him with my presence.
   --- I must go to Frasvin but before leaving, I wondered if you wanted to go out for a drink, I asked.
   He stared at me with his piercing green eyes before answering:
   --- Aren't you supposed to work? How will you lodge that fish-eater that lives with you?
   --- Hey, quit talking bad of Mivelris, I retorted. I can't go to work because, well...
   I started playing with the bottom of my shirt and lowered both my head and voice.
   --- Yes...? he demanded, almost amused.
   --- It's for... you know, Yui.
   He leaned back in his couch, visibly trying not to laugh.
   --- I see, he said, faking seriousness. You aren't going to Frasvin as a tourist, I presume.
   I shook my head and he gave me a big slap in the back.
   --- I'm sorry but I can't come with you, he finally said. I have some courses to prepare and work to correct. Not too angry I hope?
   I reassured him and got up, but before leaving, I asked him something I was very worried about. He sighed heavily and answered:
   --- Yeah, I know all about it. I've been following the Paradise's negociations before they were even in the news and I have to say that it worries me as much as you. I feel it's not only a storing problem but something graver, more secret than that. But we'll have to see. Don't make that face, Saelius, you shouldn't worry about those matters. Go have fun and leave those issues to the oldies like me.
   I laughed and wished him and Zana a good day before exiting the house and heading down, in the slums.

*****

   When I arrived home, I was surprised to find Mivelris in a more than agreeable company. Fortunately for me, I hadn't caught them doing anything else than studying. Her name was Dulciane and I felt she was secretly in love with my roommate, although both of them kept it for themselves. She got up and greeted me shyly, as though I was an important person. She had cream-coloured hair tied in a small bun, bright red eyes and cute pink lips. She was a bit chubby but still adorable.
   --- Dulciane's helping me with my chemistry notes, babbled my roommate, blushing a bit. I smiled at him and headed towards the back of the house to change clothes.
   --- Where were you, asked Mivelris, visibly trying to avoid any comments from me. Did you stay with Yui THAT long?
   --- Of course not, silly, I answered, I went over to Zhankiel's for a while. And now, I'm leaving for Frasvin.
   Once inside more casual wear, I sat down for a moment, to relax. I was tired but happy and I knew I spent my time doing something constructive, something I liked, instead of working for the stupid Fate Department. I was about to get up when the entire city started trembling softly and a crushing but familiar feeling forced everyone in the room to hang onto something: the city was slowing down and soon, an oppressing silent announced that all of the motors underneath the citadel had been turned off.
   --- We must be over Frasvin, giggled Dulciane, who was born in this town.
   --- Why don't you two come along, I suggested.
   My roommate and his friend glanced at each other and nodded happily. Outside, shouts and laughter were heard, flags with bright, flashy messages were raised and everyone who had some spare time got ready to have a good time in Frasvin, the capital of illusion and pleasure.
   Mivelris closed his books, put a bandanna over his head and we all exited the house, wondering what we would go see first. I had a pretty good idea myself but I let the two lovers decide anyway.

*****

   Masses of Angels were flowing towards the city of Frasvin, which was smaller than Heaven but much more impressive. The two floatation rings that surrounded the city were decorated with stylish ornaments, wooden docks spread on the borders were filled with bundles of goods wrapped in fabric; Angels came and went, the citadel was bustling with activity and movement. It was the second city in importance after Heaven and lodged about six hundred thousand Angels, more during festivities or important commercial events, like today.
   Downtown Frasvin was unique in its kind: from the top to the bottom of the city was stretched a long spiral---which was called the Endless Alley---on which were built shops and stores. Walking from the first counter all the way in the clouds to the end of the spiral took over an hour, but it was well worth it. With this system, it was easy to switch from one level to another, and quickly access the surrounding attractions, like hotels, bars and clubs.
   --- So, what say you we try the shooting gallery? suggested Mivelris, as we were flying up in the middle of the Endless Alley.
   --- I don't know Miv, I have a thing to take care of and you know me, I couldn't hit something within three feet of my face with a bow. You two go on and have fun and we'll meet... in front of the Cirrus hotel, in an hour. Is that okay with you?
   --- Perfect! laughed Dulciane. Shall we proceed?
   Mivelris took this opportunity to gallantly grab her by the arm and they flew away, surrounded by a little cloud of love. Smiling, I watched them disappear behind the wooden houses. They looked so cute together that I couldn't help but feel a terrible pain in my stomach. I wanted to be with someone, I just felt the urge to love. I hated that impression of hollowness and why did I keep seeing Yui's magnificent golden curls everywhere? Why was she so cruel with me? Why was she so beautiful?
   I shook my head and angry at myself for being such a loser, I started my quest to find the most beautiful bottle in the Realm. I would do such a good work for her, she would have to see I was... I was... just another moron trying to conquer her heart. Damnit! What was I thinking? Even Zhankiel, one of the most popular, good-looking, smartest---and not to mention Seraphim---Angel in the Realm had failed going out with her. There was no way I could even please her, no matter what I did and I'd do anything!
   I searched a few stores but vainly. I was almost at the bottom of the Alley when I spotted what I had been looking for: in the back of a lamp shop, stood a beautiful orange bottle, with an incredibly long neck. The merchant was busy with someone else so I took the time to observe it closely and the more I did so, the more I recognised Yui in it; the grace, the beauty and even the uprightness.
   --- Malkeb, sir, said the salesman, are you interested in one of our fine hyxémel lamps?
   --- No... no, actually, I'd like to know how much you are selling this orange bottle, in the back. Yes, that one.
   The old merchant smiled at me evilly and got back with the bottle.
   --- This one is very rare, stated he, and was originally intended to become a lamp, sir.
   --- How much?
   --- Four hundred fifty.
   I gasped; I didn't even have that much money on me.
   --- Come on, I said, I've seen tons of bottles like that. Humans use them for every occasions. Three hundred fifty.
   --- Mmm, not enough. Four hundred, not less. I know Angels who would be ready to pay twice that price.
   --- Well, I do too, but she is a collector and I'm not. Three hundred and seventy. Last offer.
   The salesman pondered for a good while and finally said:
   --- Deal.
   He headed back in the shop and wrapped the bottle with many layers of fabric. I asked him a receipt and I quickly left, in fear that he might chase me of something. I hated bargaining.
   Once on the lower level, I noticed that I still had fifteen minutes to kill before the rendezvous hour so I decided to do some "window shopping" for a while. I smiled when I passed in front of an Altacian fabric shop; the entire family was there, all wearing the same silver rings. I stopped in front of a gift shop and I suddenly had an idea; displayed on a shelf was a painting kit, probably stolen on Earth and put in another case. It was very cheap so I bought it and thought of the little Virtue Angel to whom I would give it to, Ismael. He was a sweet kid, a little strange, but still, I loved him with all my heart and it had been a while since I visited him, so that little gift should make it up.
   The bottle under my left arm and the wooden packet under the other, I left the Endless Alley and headed towards the top of the city. The traditional white houses were mixed with wooden towers and all sorts of shabby-looking additions had been made to the homes, giving the city an uncertain and ever-changing look. The over-abundance of flags was almost annoying and I wondered how anyone could live in here without going insane.
   I arrived in front of the Cirrus hotel and seated on the stairs leading to the entrance, I found my two friends; only this time, Dulciane was leaning her head on Mivelris' shoulder, the happiest smile on her face. I waved at them and trying not to look too demolished, we left for a restaurant but since I had spent all of my money, it was Dulciane who ended up paying for the three of us.

*****

   --- You love her a lot, don't you? I asked my roommate once we were back home.
   --- Yeah... admitted he, a shy look on his face.
   --- Lucky.
   He stared at me strangely and I realised that I was an asshole, complaining over myself while my friend was all happy and in love.
   --- Sal, stop whining about your love-life! The world is full of girls waiting for a nice guy like you, so come on, get out there and enjoy it! What's so complicated about it?
   --- You wouldn't understand, Miv. I'm not good enough for the world.
   --- Arg, I had it of your ceaseless cries! I try to cheer you up and it never works. If you want to stay alone all your life, fine. Don't say I didn't try. Good night.
   He turned around in his chair and I just stood there, like an idiot.
   --- Miv...
   He waved his left wing which clearly meant he wanted peace and quiet. Completely depressed, I got up on the roof, sat down, buried my face in my knees and waited for the sun to rise.

© 2002 Tsuki