Chapter XII
In The Name Of Virtue

   Kirveh couldn't stand in place when I got home. Surely he had noticed that something was different, now that his creator was free. I petted him on the head and took a few minutes to relax. I was asking myself whether or not I should tell the Undersky about the Angel-Spirit: on one hand, he could prove more than useful, but on the other, he clearly stated he did not want to be used as a weapon.
   I didn't feel that great. My head was spinning and my body was overly tired. What I needed was a few hours of sleep.
   Unfortunately, my political engagements did not permit that, because as soon as I closed my eyes, I heard a stomp on the roof, followed by a familiar voice.
   --- Hey boss!
   Jeruvehel.
   --- What in Heaven are you doing here? I asked, grouchy.
   He grabbed me by the arm and started pulling me off my chair.
   --- There's a meeting you-know-where, he whispered. It's very important!
   --- Aw, come on, it can wait... There's nothing going on at those meetings. All we do is talk and talk...
   He was an insistent lad and he kept pulling.
   --- It's different this time, boss. We're going to rescue the Virtues!
   I stopped resisting and immediately followed him out, grabbing Kirveh by the tail, just in case...

*****

   --- What's that, asked Cerjevi, pointing Kirveh which I didn't bother hiding anymore.
   I was about to answer but Mikael entered the room and all were quiet. He unrolled a remarkably precise map of Paradise and we gathered around the table.
   --- It's tomorrow or never, he said. Since the soul storing rooms are no longer needed, they aren't guarded. That's the fortress' weak spot. You'll hide yourself and follow this path all the way to the wing where the Virtues are guarded...
   As he was talking, I could feel my heart thumping in my chest faster and faster. The plan was simple, almost too simple, but it had a chance to work. Our only hope was not to be seen by too many guards: if one of them noticed we weren't Principalities, we were done for. If the first squad failed at creating a diversion, the operation would be a failure and we'd have to start over again.
   Ismael.
   Seeing his smile made me clench my fist: it swept away my fear and gave me confidence. I had to get him out, no matter what.
   Mikael formed the two squads: I was in the troop getting the Virtues out because my feeble aura was hardly noticeable, and I had fairly good experience with a bow. Jeruvehel was with me, so was Cerjevi and Carminiel. Malakiel, Mikael and a bunch of other stronger-built Angels were taking care of the diversion and most importantly, they were assuring us a way out. The entire operation depended on them, on their speed and precision. There was absolutely no room for error.
   --- We will free those Virtues, concluded Mikael, a bit too confident to my liking. The attack begins tomorrow night, at dawn. It is imperative that you find yourself an alibi: this group must stay secret and we must be prepared for eventual interrogations. No matter what happens, you must be at work, or back to your normal activities the morning after the operation. Be ready...the Undersky will triumph!
   There were cheers in the room, but I didn't join my partners. Something was telling me things weren't going to be as easy. People were starting to be a little too interested by Kirveh, so I decided it was time to go home.

*****

   The next day felt very awkward at work: the entire gang was very nervous and it was obvious we weren't too thrilled about this suicide mission. Cerjevi hadn't said a word during the morning: she was shaking and almost dropped two souls in ten minutes. I was the witness of a cute romantic scene between her and Jeruvehel, even though their affection was forbidden. I couldn't blame them though... what if we all perished in that ambitious enterprise?
   The end of the day arrived way too quickly. Our usual enthusiasm just wasn't there and it's in silence that we headed back home on our own, trying not to think too much about the inevitable.

*****

   --- On my signal...one two, three!
   Cerjevi went first, as quiet as a mouse. I was next, followed by Carminiel and Jeruvehel. We had just entered by a tiny air vent that led to the top of a vast corridor: way down were lined up several doors, the entrances to the Virtues' cells. Only four Principalities guarded the hallway and from up where we were, they couldn't notice us.
   Hopefully.
   The ceiling was very high and supported by many curved, transversal beams, on which we were moving silently. We had each a bow strapped on our side, along with a few soporific arrows; we weren't murderers and besides, it was useless to kill them since we had more then enough time before the shift change.
   I was led only by adrenaline. As we were settling on our respective beam, I could see the plan, the procedure going by in my head. It was absolutely essential that we followed the instructions.
   There was a guard posted in front of every four doors and once we had each one of them in our aim, it took less than a split second before they collapsed on the floor, unconscious, a short nib stuck in their neck. There wasn't a sound in the great corridor; Jeruvehel was the first to fly down on the floor, taking care of disarming the sentinels. It was almost time for our final escape: Mikael and the others were supposed to unlock an emergency door that would lead us to a safe exit, us and the few Virtues that were kept prisoner here. Of course, getting them out unnoticed was the hard part but since it was night and Paradise was way too huge to be guarded on every side, a few detours in the city's streets would do the trick. After that, it was up to the Jilankev division of the Undersky to escort them to a secret hideout, where they would be told what to do in order to avoid getting caught again.
   Each by one, we unlocked the doors, explaining the situation to the Virtues, who were asleep, most of them.
   --- Have you seen a little brown-haired boy, I asked my companions, feeling my heart dancing the mambo in my chest.
   Jeru shrugged and Cerjevi was busy trying to unlock the last door.
   --- Hey, stay here you, whispered Carminiel, a few doors away. I turned around to see what it was: she was trying to push a kid back inside the cell and I just had the time to take a glimpse at his brown and cream coloured wings.
   Not caring about the noise I was making, I ran up to her and pushed her aside.
   --- Ismael!
   It was him. He turned around and it was like each time I paid him a surprise visit; his face was lit by this special smile, this smile that made my heart melt. It was a good thing he was mute because he would've screamed in joy, judging by his expression. He rushed into my arms and at this moment, I swore I would never let him go again, not by a chance.
   I was literally crying in joy, stuffing my face in his soft hair.
   --- I will never leave you behind again, Ismael, I whispered in his ear. I swear on all Angels that I'll stay with you forever...
   I took him in my arms and it felt like the biggest relief ever.
   There were whispers of impatience and worry in the cells.
   --- It's taking them too long, said Cerjevi, biting her nails. The door should be unlocked by now...
   Jeruvehel was pacing in the room, checking the light above the emergency exit. It was still red.
   Suddenly, shouts and sounds of explosions were heard: the entire hallway shook, the Virtues started panicking. The main door of the corridor opened itself in a swing: I got my bow out, ready to turn anyone who dared entered into a porcupine.
   It was Malakiel.
   He was covered with blood and sweat. Panting, he closed the door behind him, making the lock explode with a bit of magic. He ran up to us, looking absolutely exhausted.
   The light was still red.
   --- It won't open, he shouted, ordering the Virtues to get out of their cell. Cerjevi was on the brink of a nervous breakdown and she asked:
   --- What? How come? Where are the rest?
   --- They won't come. We managed to get in, to blow up a couple of things but I saw that no-good coward Mikael flee before we got to the control room. Most of the guys escaped but there was a battle...
   That was not good. We were stuck inside this wing with over fifty Virtues in pyjamas. Things weren't going as planned anymore. I just knew this Mikael guy had a flaw somewhere...
   The door from which Malakiel had arrived started to shake: a bunch of Principalities would not have any trouble breaking it down. It was only a question of minutes. The air vent we arrived from was too small to let out more than one Angel at a time and led directly to a fairly well guarded face of the fortress. We had no problem getting in thanks to our dark suit and feeble aura. Fifty Virtues on the other hand, would not pass by unnoticed...
   --- We have to find a way out, quickly, I said. We have to blow the emergency door down. It's our only chance.
   --- Easier said than done, said Carminiel. Even if we were a hundred Archangels, this door would still stand. We don't have the fire power.
   There was a brief silence and I had an idea.
   --- We might not have it but they do, I said pointing the group of Virtues, who were holding each other, frightened.
   --- Have you ever tried ordering something to a Virtue, groaned Malakiel. It's like talking to a wall. They won't help us. Don't even think one of them is going to use the Miracle for nothing, just like that. It takes a reason to unleash it, and their own lives are not worth using this power.
   He was right. Virtues were living in their own world, not caring about anything else than the one they were aiding once in a while.
   --- We have to try, said Cerjevi. It can't end up like this!
   She faced the group and shouted, despite the noise the Principalities were making on the other side of the door:
   --- Virtues, we ask for your help. If we don't get out, the government will use your power to wipe away humankind.
   There was barely any reaction but she pursued:
   --- This means your powers will become useless, since the Miracle is meant to beneficent humans! You will lose your purpose! You will become nothing: if fate is altered, your existence will have no more meaning. Think of all the suffering, on Earth...
   Ismael buried his head in my shoulder after hearing those words. Virtues lived for one purpose, to serve humans when we other Angels could not. They were like ticking time-bombs, we never knew if their intervention would result in a marvellous turn of luck or a major holocaust. They were aware of every movement in time and space and knew all of fate's twists. Even we Guardian Angels could never achieve such precise predictions, even after years of experience.
   --- We will not let fate be altered, whispered an old Angel, in the group.
   I felt Ismael's body move against mine: he raised his little chubby hand and the emergency door started rusting... it was ageing at a terrible speed! Unfortunately, he did not find the strength to complete this treatment.
   --- Djimmeh, shouted Jeruvehel, kicking the still solid door.
   At this moment, the door on the other end of the hallway exploded and a group of Principalities entered, howling.
   I dropped Ismael and got out my bow.
   --- Break this fucking door down! I shouted, hitting a guard directly in the chest. He fell and Malakiel joined me. There were too many of them!
   I turned around to see how Cerjevi and Carminiel were doing with the emergency exit: all of the Virtues were staring at me and... they put their hands on their ears?
   A terrible pain struck my chest.
   I was hit...
   It was over.
   I fell on my knees, coughing on blood.
   The room started to shake real bad... pieces of the ceiling were falling. My sight started to go foggy. My ears started to hurt, to sting and in the chaos, I distinguished what was making this awful noise: the hallway seemed to be curving under some tremendous pressure. My friends knelt down, their hands pasted on their ears and the Principalities just collapsed; only the Virtues stood up, staring at Ismael.
   He was howling with all his might.
   The Miracle.
   Under the strength of this energy wave, the room expanded, everything was deformed. The emergency door shattered.
   With a vacuum sound, the dilated air returned to normal and there was silence. I fell on my back, staring at the arrow stuck in my chest. My hands were covered with blood and my shirt was stained. My breath was shaky, my sight blurry. I heard Malakiel come my way, before ordering all of the Virtues to follow Cerjevi's lead. Another group of Principalities arrived, barely held back by Carminiel who was shooting as much arrows as she could.
   --- Hang in there, boss, he said, grabbing the arrow in his hands.
   --- ...hh...no, wai---
   He pulled the wooden stick out and I let go of one last shout. Out of breath, I fainted.

*****

   The only thing I could hear were some muffled sounds. I couldn't open my eyes, my eyelids were too heavy. Was I dead? One thing for sure, I wasn't in Paradise or Heaven...it was too dark. I tried lifting my arm but vainly. Oh well, might as well make the best of this situation and continue napping.
   --- How's he doing?
   --- Okay, I guess. My goodness, look at all this blood! Better get another towel.
   Blood? Oh yeah, the arrow. The arrow, the guards, the Virtues.
   Ismael!
   That's it, enough resting. In an ultimate effort, I commanded all of my muscles to move.
   --- Hey, he's coming back!
   I wanted to say something but it came out all weird. Even if I couldn't see, I knew I was with familiar people. Oh, that was Jeru over there...and Cerjevi. Why couldn't I open my eyes?
   --- Chill out boss, said my friend. You're safe here.
   I started seeing a light... then two faces, very blurry at first but after a few seconds, I could distinguish them well.
   --- Welcome back, said Cerjevi with a smile. Here, don't move, I'll get you a glass of something.
   --- What happened, I asked Jeruvehel. Where are we?
   --- We're still in Heaven, boss. You got hit by an arrow straight on the chest but it didn't reach any organs. We managed to get the Virtues out safely, except a few...
   He lowered his head.
   --- ...And we lost Carminiel too... she sacrificed herself in order to protect the Virtues. A good bunch of the movement didn't come back.
   Cerjevi came back with a very strong liquor, to get me back on my feet. Was the operation a success? We accomplished what we were supposed to, but it had gone terribly bad. It was as deadly as foolish, to attempt such a stunt. It was doomed to begin with. And poor Carminiel...
   --- Djimmeh... I said, pasting my hand on my forehead. Could it get any worse than that?
   --- Well, you could be dead, uttered the short hair girl. And look who wanted to stay with you!
   I turned my head and saw Ismael, who was peeking behind a corner. I told him to come and he rushed up to me, careful not to touch my painful wound.
   --- Little guy saved us all, commented my friend with a smile.
   --- You're one amazing kid, I said, hugging him.
   My two companions left the room, closing the door behind them.
   --- If it hadn't been of your Miracle, I'd be dead right now. I knew you could use your powers for good, Ismael. I love you with all my heart.
   He stared at me with his wide yellow eyes. The clock on the wall stopped ticking.
   --- Me too.

*****

   I found out we were in another run-down building of Heaven, our second hideout. The Virtues were now safe in Jilankev, under close eye. The remaining members of my team got back to work: I gave Malakiel a paper motivating my absence at the factory but we knew this little hiding game couldn't last forever: once Carminiel would be identified, the authorities would surely suspect the rest of us as well. It was only a matter of time.
   My chest didn't hurt that much anymore. I could open my wings but I doubted I was strong enough to fly. I had to see Zhankiel. Papers reported our attack on Paradise, depicting us as blood-thirsty terrorists. But it also mentioned a frightening news: the Nemesis was completed.
   The few other Angels that had no choice but to stay here were looking completely devastated. Their ideal was dead along with Mikael. Without a leader, what would become of the Undersky? Our biggest mission, a failure! I wasn't going to give up hope. I knew there was still time to act.
   I caught a teenager by the sleeve and gave him something to do, now that our minds were only thinking about a dark future.
   --- Here, I said, do some exercise. Deliver this to Zhankiel Ferle and him ONLY. He lives in the upper part of town, in the Xuu district.
   --- Yo, it's like, an hour away from here!
   --- Well, what are you waiting for then? Go on, shoo!
   Cursing, the kid left with an envelope in hand.
   I sat back in the chair, observing Ismael who was sleeping on an old mattress, sucking his thumb. I wouldn't let him live in a world ruled by tyrants. He had spoken to me. I was still under the shock: I was the first person he had talked to since this accident, a few years ago. I was his only family now.
   The day was going by slowly. There was nothing to do... I was thinking about whole sorts of things, about Altacia, Nervanael... Yui, my sweet Yui. I could still taste her lips, feel her heat. She was giving me chills just thinking about her.
   My personal messenger returned, exhausted.
   --- It had better be important, he groaned, handing me another note, quickly folded.
   I read it carefully. It went by like that:

"I knew you wouldn't be able to keep away from this organization, Saelius. You have this spark inside of you, this duty of righteousness that flows in your family's veins. You asked me to tell you what I knew from my side. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have enough ink to tell you everything... come and meet me in the Academy's entrance and we'll discuss. Time's against us, as I feel something terrible is going to happen. Be there at sundown and be discreet.

--- Mister Z."

   --- Watch over Ismael, I said to the kid, getting up.
   --- Great. I'm a messenger AND a nanny. Who said life in a rebel group would be that exciting!
   I exited the hideout and headed up. My first stop was my house: it had been two days since I had not returned. Everything was still there...
   --- Kirveh? Kirveh, where are you?
   I heard a scratching noise and entered my workroom: my little pet was there... chewing on the scroll that took me three hours to write! No wonder, his food bowl was empty and the branch he usually chewed on had been reduced to a mere pile of crumbs.
   --- Oh you little...come here.
   He flew up to me and began licking me vividly. I gave him some food and sat down in my chair, happy to be home. So Zhankiel wanted to see me... what could be so important it could not be told in a letter? Was it safe for me to go to the Academy, since I was absent at work this morning? I had to keep a low profile, obviously. I changed clothes, washed myself and threw my bloodstained shirt in a plastic bag; my wound was healing fast, a good side to being and Angel. It still hurt but it was not bleeding anymore. I grabbed a pair of scissors and looked at myself in the mirror: I tied my hair in a very tight ponytail and click, cut it short so that only a little white brush exceeded the rubber band. That's better, I told myself.
   --- Come on Kirveh, we're going out!
   He jumped in my shirt's pocket and I left the house just as the menacing clouds swallowing the east of the city were turning dark orange.

*****

   The main entrance was deserted and filled with a bright orange light. In the staircase was waiting my old teacher.
   --- I'm glad you're okay, he said. Come, we mustn't stay here. It won't be long before Danërael's goons find you here: the Undersky is wanted all over the realm and I bet they have a pretty good idea who is a part of it...
   We climbed the stairs and entered his office.
   --- The attack on Paradise was stupidly foolish, I sighed, rubbing my chest where it hurt the most. We lost a lot of our friends but we succeeded in rescuing the Virtues. I wonder what's the final issue of that mission, after all...
   --- It's not an easy battle, sighed my friend. The outcome is still very foggy. The Nemesis is finished but still needs some time before it can be activated. On the other hand, Danërael doesn't have Nervanael in his grasp anymore, nor has he the Virtues. From what I've seen, mister the Headmaster could be in a better mood...
   I pondered a bit, caressing Kirveh between the ears: Nervanael was indeed free and he was most likely on our side, but with or without him, or the Virtues, there was hardly anytime to organize anything against Danërael.
   --- What can we do, Zhankiel, I sighed. He has an army, the people's support, the media on his side and all we've got is some Virtues and a run-down hideout.
   --- Well, it's time for some mobilisation. Take all you have and strike! I'm sorry I can't help you more but I'm overly busy here. This snort-nose idiot keeps a close eye on me and all I can do is mess up his folders and lose important letters. But I promise I'll help in the future.
   I smiled and said:
   --- You did more than enough, old friend. You're right, it's time to take a stand, find us a new leader. Now, what's all this stuff you wanted to tell me?
   He leaned back in his chair and took a big breath. It was now night outside.

*****

   I was walking down the corridor and heading towards the stairs leading to the main hall, thinking back at what I had learned from my wise friend: according to his says, the Nemesis was indeed a powerful weapon but consumed so much energy it could not fire twice within a period of about forty hours, which let enough time to humans to counterattack. Of course, they wouldn't be able to hold long against a horde of Angels, but still, they had bombs and could do much damage. It was the Virtues' job to take care of any resistance but now that they were free... Danërael was desperately trying to find another solution. The Jilankev faction of the Undersky had done a wonderful propaganda job and polls showed that the enthusiasm towards the humans' destruction was dropping. The bad news was that with the recent attacks, the police had the right to arrest everyone suspicious enough, without proofs. And that could get very tricky.
   I was about to put my feet on the first step but I spotted a conversation taking place in the middle of the entrance. I took a step back and hid behind a big marble pillar, making sure Kirveh's head didn't exceed my pocket.
   It was Yui and Danërael.
   Since the Academy was deserted, the echo amplified their voice so I had no trouble understanding everything. Also due to the fact Danërael was shouting, looking rather mad.
   --- ...And that what you call a competent job, he shouted at my beloved Yui's face, waving a thick pile of paper. Those notes should've been sent to the papers hours ago!
   Not flinching, the Cherubim girl stated, calmly:
   --- I'm very busy, I can't think of everything at once. Besides, I think your descriptions need a bit of diplomacy in them. Serial killers? Terrorists? Public menace? Come on, Danërael, the Undersky is only a bunch of kids having fun.
   He clenched his fists.
   --- I'm not paying you to think and to correct MY letters, Miss Shaonolii. You are here to do a simple job, but it seems I was asking too much of you.
   The bastard, talking to her like that! If only...
   At my surprise, she lowered her head and apologised.
   --- I'm sorry, it won't happen again.
   --- It better not, Yui. Or I'll start thinking you have the body but not the mind. Now get these delivered or else.
   He threw the papers on the floor and they scattered everywhere: he left and Yui bent down to pick them up.
   I looked around and went down the stairs.
   --- Go away, I don't need help, she said, without looking up.
   Smiling, I knelt down and grabbed her chin softly.
   --- Stubborn, as always, I said.
   --- Saelius, she shouted, getting up promptly. What are you doing here? Still working at the converters?
   She didn't know. That meant I was not on the wanted list for now... what a relief!
   --- Yeah, yeah, I am! And you...
   There was a brief silence.
   --- Yui, does he always treat you like that?
   She stared at me in disbelief and continued picking up here papers. I recognised her pride right away and it made me smile.
   --- I don't know what you're talking about, she mumbled.
   I grabbed her arms and forced her to look at me in the eyes.
   --- Yui, I saw the whole thing. Why are you staying by his side?
   She sighed and turned her head.
   --- I...I don't know. I want him to see I'm worthy to be in the next government... I want to prove him I'm good.
   Her lips were shaking and she looked so tired and weary it broke my heart; she must've been working non-stop for that jerk who gave her no appreciation at all. I opened my arms and she pasted her head against my chest.
   --- Shhh, don't be sad Yui, I whispered, rubbing her back with my hands. You don't need to prove anyone anything. You're a great person, you're kind, you're pretty, you're smart. What does it matter if he doesn't approve everything you're doing? He's a jerk.
   I could feel her sob and I just held her close to me, as if she was my daughter. She wiped her eyes and look at me, a smile on her tear-covered face.
   --- I'm sorry, she said. I... I don't know what took me. You always manage to make me feel awkward... must be that Guardian Angel gift you have.
   I put my lips on hers and wrapped my arms around her waist. I kissed her like I never kissed anyone before. She didn't put up any struggle.
   --- It's because I love you, I said in a whisper, my nose touching hers. I always loved you, Yui, from the moment I laid my eyes on you.
   --- Saelius...
   A clapping sound was heard. It was coming from the top of the stairs.
   --- What a beautiful sight, snickered Danërael, crossing his arms. Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt...it's just that, well... I have to place mister Lalsaria under arrest for terrorism, damaging governmental propriety and buildings as well as plotting against established authority, assault and attempted murder and a whole list of things I unfortunately don't have the time to enumerate.
   Yui looked at me with disbelief.
   --- Please, Yui, I whispered as a gang of Principalities were heading our way, don't believe it all. I work for the Undersky... I never killed anyone. You have to trust me.
   A guard grabbed my arm and dragged me away.
   I was about to comply when I saw her throw her papers away: her eyes started to glow and her hair was waving under the force of a very powerful magic.
   --- Danërael, she shouted with her voice that was not hers, you have gone far enough! Saelius, flee!
   She literally burst into flames, turning the hall in a gigantic inferno: I broke free from the guard's hold and dodged the flames directed towards another policeman and ran off passed her. I'll never forget her wink, the smile of confidence that lit her face, embraced by long orange flames.
   --- Thank you, Yui, I said before exiting the Academy's hall, which was burning fiercely. Kirveh got out of my pocket, frightened. He was flying by my side, utterly nervous.
   The tip of my feathers was burnt but I didn't mind much...

*****

   As it happened when an Angel became too nervous, too emotive, I was making sparks whenever I touched something.
   --- You've got a bad case of spark, said Jeruvehel, chewing on a piece of fish. What happened?
   --- It's a long story... so, how's that wing of yours?
   He, Malakiel and Cerjevi had miraculously escaped a horde of Principalities, after a brief confrontation, at the converters. We were now on the infamous wanted list, and our face appeared in every newspaper of the Realm. We were fugitives, forever bound to hide and flee.
   --- I looked so bad on this pictures, sighed Cerjevi, tossing the "Heaven Times" in the corner. Jeru kissed her in the neck amorously.
   --- Um, don't you have a boyfriend, I demanded, unsure.
   She shrugged and said:
   --- When he found out I was a part of the Undersky, he returned at his parent's house. Frankly, I don't give a shit about that moron.
   --- And neither do I, added her lover with a smile.
   Suddenly, Malakiel entered the room, with the same determined look on his face. He announced a meeting and we all got up, following him to the biggest room of the warehouse.

*****

   --- As you all know, we have been deserted by the one we thought was worthy of the leader title, Mikael. He however paid his fault and now rests in little pieces, somewhere in the Paradise fortress. I'll get to the point, we need a leader.
   There was an uncomfortable silence in the room. We were now about twenty Angels, all wanted for terrorism.
   --- Why not you, Malakiel, suggested a young girl.
He shook his head and answered:
   --- I'm not fit to lead... trust me.
   I smiled: he was right.
   --- How about you, boss, said Jeruvehel, pointing me.
   --- What? Me, no way...
   --- Why not?
   --- Yeah, you've got all sorts of relations in the Realm!
   --- You're a super archer!
   --- Come on, Sal!
   I shook my head in disbelief. Me, a leader? I did NOT have the profile of a leader! What if I failed?
   --- Those in favour raise your hand, ordered Malakiel.
   Twenty hands arose. I was the new leader of Heaven's Undersky faction.

*****

   --- Come in, I said, after hearing three knocks on the door.
   Malakiel and Cerjevi entered and sat down at the table. Kirveh was chewing some piece of orange and Ismael was watching him with amazed eyes, eating the rest of the fruit. They were making no sound but they seemed to have loads of fun.
   --- I won't be able to do it alone, you guys, I sighed.
   --- We know, said Malakiel. And that's why we want to assure you our complete support. I'm the one who dragged you into this group. I was...unaware it would get this serious though. I firmly believe you have what it takes to be a good leader.
   --- Right, added Cerjevi, taking my hand. You'll see, we'll find a way to get this moron one way or another. As we speak, Jilankev, Altacia, Notabalquo and Frasvin are all coming here so we can attempt one last attack before the canon is fired. Do you have any idea what we could do?
   I pondered a bit but I was too tired to think properly.
   --- I'll seek the help of the Angel-Spirit, I thought out loud.
   They both stared at me, unsure.
   --- The...Angel-Spirit?
   I nodded and pointed Kirveh.
   --- Yup. I'm the one, with the help of Mivelris and Zhankiel, who set him free. This little thing is his creation and he has some sort of debt towards me.
   --- You're a surprising lad, snickered Malakiel. Alright, sounds fair enough. We'll think of a plan shortly, if you can, um, contact him somehow.
   Suddenly the door slammed open and a Throne kid entered, looking absolutely panicked.
   --- You guys have to come see this, he shouted.
   We hurried outside the building, where the entire team was gathered. My hair was moving up, which was highly uncommon. We were going down...way too quickly. On the left, we could catch a glimpse of the core, lit by a most unnatural green light; there was some intense activity going on around it.
   --- What in Heaven's name is going on, I shouted to cover the noise our descent was making.
   Suddenly, it clicked in my mind.
   --- Djimmeh. Malakiel, Jeru, and you three, come with me! The rest, stay here and watch over the kids!
   ---Yo boss, hurled Jeru has we were taking off, where are we going?
   It was too late!
   --- Look down, I said, what city are you seeing?
   --- Mexico!
   --- ...One of the most populated cities on Earth...added Malakiel. NO! They're gonna fire! It's too early!
   We hurried the pace, flying through the thick clouds that had started accumulating in the citadel, due to the intense ionisation happening around the Nemesis. It was impossible... they said it was going to be a matter of days, not hours! And there was nothing we could do.
   The sound of the engine roaring was deafening. The thermal shield was failing and draughts of cold air penetrated the now people-filled streets. They were watching the show.
   A green flash lit the city: a large beam of bright energy hit the ground.
   No sound.
   And then, a rumbling more intense than the fiercest thunderstorm shook the entire citadel. Unsure shouts, cries, giggles, yawns. Looking down, I saw the impact, the gigantic ball of fire forming itself on the catastrophe formerly known as Mexico. The noise was sickening. The sight was sickening.
   I was suddenly hit by the most horrible feeling ever: my entire body started aching and my head was spinning so bad I let myself fall on a nearby roof. I was seeing lives! I was assailed by souls, by memories, by visions and painful deaths! And the explosion grew bigger and bigger, gradually turning into what looked like an atomic cloud.
   I tried chasing those souls away from me and buried my head in my hand: I caught a glimpse of my friends as devastated as I was. It was a Guardian Angel thing: if the other had felt the pain, the atrocious suffering I was dealing with, they'd stop laughing, pointing the genocide as if it was only a pretty sunset.
   I took a deep breath and forced myself not to blink, which only resulted in more horrific visions.
   --- ..Forget that plan, I said to Malakiel, who was staring at the column of smoke with terrified eyes.
   A house away from ours, an old lady shook her head.
   --- Terrible, she said, just terrible.
   She entered her house.
   I was trying to resist my urge to throw up. Millions of lives lost. Millions of dreams, of hopes, of joy and pain...
   Angels, ministering spirits, sent forth to serve.
   To kill.
   To destroy.
   To reclaim their land.

© 2004 Cab